JUL08-09

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Fax Fax a (08) (08 08)) 8671 8671 2843 284 2 8 3 84

$4 million

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edition Work camps for Ro upgrade of RDAS

Barbara’s sports day

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NEWS

SCHOOL holidays FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS The Roxby Downs Library

Open from 6.30 am till 6pm Monday to Friday Call Diane 0417 813 209 for more information

Daily sessions of a range of craft activities Andamooka – Roxby Bible Church Suit children 4 to 13 years of age Esther 0031/2 10.am – 11 am Presented by OAC group from Adelaide Monday to Friday Crafts, Games, Stories, Snacks you don’t need to book Entry by donation Contact .

Mon 13th – Fri 17th July 9.30 am – 12.00 pm O.S.H.C Transport available from Roxby Downs Different activities each day by request Nationally Accredited Program Contact Paul or Janice 8672 7213 Suit children 5 to 12 years

ROAD conditions PUBLIC ACCESS ROUTE (PAR) INFORMATION • Halligan Bay Track (access to Lake Eyre North) - Open only to 4WD with caution. This is a declared PAR. It is a bush track not a road. The track is deteroriating due to increased traffic - be aware of corrugations and bulldust holes. Please drive to track conditions.

Driving on the lake surface is an offence and dangerous. Trailers and caravans are not recommended.

Level Post Bay Track - Open only to 4WD with caution. This is a declared PAR. It is a bush track not a road. The road is deteriorating due to increased traffic - be aware of corrugations and bulldust holes.

Please drive to track conditions. Driving on the lake surface is an offence and dangerous. Trailers and caravans are no recommended. No camping at Level

Post Bay - camping available at Muloorina Campground.

K1 Warburton PAR into the Simpson Desert is flooded and closed to all traffic until further notice.

Walkers Crossing PAR is open with extreme caution at the Innamincka end due to sand drifts.

NATIONAL PARKS INFORMATION • Witjira National Park - Spring Creek Delta - permanently closed - use bypass track located 5km east of Dalhousie Springs.

SPECIAL NOTICES

•Birdsville Inside Track - Closed due to flooding of Goyders Lagoon

WEATHER conditions FROM WED 8 JULY TO SUN 12 JULY

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Family Focus w

Men’s He An Issue International Men’s Health Week has been officially celebrated in Australia since 2003 and we recently celebrated it between the 15th and the 21st of last month.

Males obviously face different health issues than females so the week is an opportunity to acknowledge the differences and look for ways to improve the health and wellbeing of males and to celebrate their contribution to family, work and the community.

There is also an educational aspect to the week because Australian men are STILL reluctant to talk about their health issues and that obviously applies to many men in our region because I’m told by one of our doctors that very few men are having regular men’s health checks.

Australian women are way ahead of Australian men in regards to looking after themselves and according to the experts the apathy and complacency of Australian men in regards to their health and well being is not only denying them quality of life. But it’s also shortening the life of far too many.

Life expectancy for Australian men is now 78.7 years compared to 83.5 years for women and men under 75 years of age are almost three times more likely

to die from coronary hea ease, stroke and vascular d than women.

Men are also over repre in deaths related to HIV lung cancer, emphysem liver disease and Australia have the second highest bowel cancer in the worl On top of that, recent tics have shown that fiv tralian men commit suicid ry day which makes suici second leading cause of amongst Australian male In fact in 2005 more tralian men committed s (1657) then the entire A ian road toll (1636) and m those men were sufferin depression.

But according to an a sador on men’s health, bl male suicide on mental issues and depression simplistic.” He believes factors such as job loss o tionship failures are other reasons why Australian m taking their life.

And no doubt he is rig the harsh reality is Aust men are complacent abou health. Too many are ign the advice of our medic fession or their spouse a failing to have the regular health checks that they s

NEWS

Indecent act at Andam A

family was disturbed at about ing him.

9.30 pm on Sunday night “I don’t want this fellow running when a man entered their around town without anybody knowyard and interfered with one of the ing about it,” she said.

The police were contacted immedifamily dogs.

The mother of two young children told the Monitor she reported the incident to police on Sunday night and spoke to them again on Monday.

She said, “My partner heard the dogs barking and when he got his shoes on and opened the door this fellow had his pants down and my dog was pleasur-

ately after the incident but the call was diverted to Port Augusta.

The lady who reported the incident believes the unidentified man is a local of Andamooka.

“A few months ago this same fellow was walking past our house and I just assumed he was just walking to or from

somewhere and my partner thought he was patting the dog, but he might not have been.

“It could have been going on for a while, I don’t know.”

The family has resided in Andamooka for the past 18 months and is very worried these indecent acts are happening in the small township.

“We’ve got two young children and we are very worried.”

Acting Sergeant at the Roxby Downs Police Station Peta Giles said, “Inves-

tigations are underway and we we can apprehend the person re sible.

“We have no suspect at p but going into our Intel (intellig sources and local knowledge we to find the person quickly. We want someone like this in our ar Police officers will be in Andam this week, having a look aroun asking people if they have any in tion that may help in identifyi man.

Is Baxter Detention Street Centre an option? now a activit

South Australia’s Road Safe Minister, Michael O’Brien, sa new laws will make illegal str racing a criminal activity, rath than just errant behaviour.

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Government has acknowledged that the prison system is inadequate, but has scrapped plans to build a new prison near Murray Bridge.

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n light of the overcrowding of prison in South Australia, the Opposition spokesman for Correctional Services has called for the opening of the Baxter Detention Centre.

According to Mitch Williams the former Immigration Detention Centre near Port Augusta could be a solution to the problems facing Correctional Services.

He said the Government has acknowledged that the prison system is inadequate, but has scrapped plans to build a new prison near Murray Bridge.

Mr Williams says although Baxter

is too far from most prisoners’ families and friends, he would support housing them there in the shortterm.

Baxter is on Federal land so it would need approval from the Department of Defence and the Commonwealth Government.

Mr Williams said Baxter is a secure facility and it could be used in the short-term at least to house some of our prisoners and to relieve pressure on the rest of the prison system,” he said.

The Minister for Correctional Services, Tom Koutsantonis, says the suggestion is crazy and denies SA prisons are overcrowded.

”

He says it would cost millions to suitably upgrade Baxter Detention Centre.

“We’re already investing millions of dollars in our regional prisons in Port Augusta, Port Lincoln and Murray Bridge with over 232 new beds,” he said.

Baxter Detention Centre is only used for the occasional Army manouvres and is maintained at a high standard costing the Federal Government considerable money.

If not suitable for normal prison inmates, it could be a solution to housing the abnormally high number of indigenous prisoners.

The Boys Line Up

Mr O’Brien told ABC radio last w that when criminals are caught un the new legislation, the consequen will scare other drag drivers from illegal activities.

He says drivers will face jail time a possibly have their cars crushed or into the custody of the court.

Videos of illegal racing and driv gloating about their illegal activ

To advertise h

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EDUCATION

$4 million upgrade of RDAS

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oxby Downs Area School is receiving a total of $4 million in funding from the Federal Government to help improve facilities and provide greater education and training opportunities for students.

A $200,000 grant has been given to allow RDAS to refurbish the school.

“All of our blocks will be painted inside so classrooms will be fresh and appealing and we are looking at two more large shade structures,” said Principal Kath Macalister.

“One shade structure will be a veranda type at the back of D Block and the other one will go on the new hard play area.”

The school has also received just under $3 million from the Government to build a new hall for the students.

The hall will be completely owned by the Department of Education and Children Services and run by the school.

As well as this, RDAS has received over $800,000 to construct a Special Education room by the current playground.

The future of RDAS looks strong with Mrs Macalister explaining to The Monitor their plans to partner with local organisations to provide a Trade Training Centre for the town.

“I am investigating partnerships with local industries, the TAFE and

Woomera Area School to look at providing an engineering and construction and hospitality pathways program that the school would deliver to Certificate II and TAFE would continue through to Certificate III,” said Mrs Macalister.

“A school operating on its own can request up to $500,000 for the project but working with partners can provide considerably more so we could be looking in the millions for this.

“Given where we live and given who the main employers are I think we have to go with engineering and construction and I think we also have to go hospitality too because there are a lot of opportunities for business retail here in hospitality.”

operating on its own can request “up Atoschool $500,000 for the project but working with partners can provide considerably more so we could be looking in the millions for this. ”

LEFT: Damage to the school walls certainly warants a new paint job.

ABOVE: The decorative paper outside this classroom masks the destruction done to the walls of RDAS.

The pressures of Year 12 Roxby TAFE

“ It can get really stressful and nights are a big problem...”

By Zak Zeptner

Y

ear 12 is often a stressful year for students, particularly since the direction of their futures can be determined by a simple test score, and many students suffer both physically and mentally throughout the year.

Year 12 at RDAS is slightly different from city schools, with smaller class sizes, limited subject choices and Open Access (over the phone) subjects, which can be both helpful and frustrating for students.

RDAS Year 12 student and Vice School Captain Georgina Chinner told The Monitor she found the many responsibilities placed on her to be the major cause of stress.

“Things like having to do lots of things at once like assignments, being Vice Captain, attending Student Voice meetings and then organising tasks given to you by

the teachers are stressful,” she said.

On top of this, Georgina also manages a life outside of school, including sports, friends and work.

Co-Vice Captain Tristan Warneke also agreed it is difficult to find time to complete all his tasks.

“It can get really stressful and nights are a big problem,” he said.

Sleep is generally a sacrifice many Year 12 students make to gain the upper hand with their studies, however too little sleep can be damaging.

Denise Clark Pope, author of Doing School, wrote many students have extremely hectic schedules.

“Their school days started earlier, a full hour or two before most adults begin their work days, and often ended late at night, after soccer practice, dance rehearsals, student council meetings, paid job responsibilities and homework time.”

Both Georgina and Tristan begin their days early, having to be awake well before morning home group at 8.30am, and do

not get to sleep until 11pm or 12am.

To make the days harder, both Georgina and Tristan are required to be in several places at once, such as Student Voice Meetings during Maths classes, which puts extra pressure on them to catch up with their studies.

Maths tutorials are held during the evenings for the students to catch up on work, often not ending until after 9.30pm.

Ms Pope observed in her book, “These students wished they could get more hours of sleep and improve their health but their busy schedules, including school, family and work obligations, did not allow this change…they recognised that they needed to make a choice, and for them, future success was more important than present happiness.”

Despite the extra pressures of being successful, RDAS Principal Kath Macalister says the Year 12s have been doing well with their studies.

“I just read and signed their reports and they are very pleasing,” she said.

“Some of our students work extraordinary long hours, they participate in community groups and activities, they play sport, probably have a social life and they manage full time study; they are actually managing their lives very well.”

Stressed out students at RDAS have a range of options available to them including speaking with councillors, teachers and raising issues with the School Captains to report back to the staff, which are extremely important to studying students.

Parents can also help their children during Year 12 by talking with them, helping them to study, respecting their space and offering encouragement.

And to those who will undertake Year 12 study next year, both Georgina and Tristan have the following advice: “do your work, don’t procrastinate, don’t gossip too much during class and use your lesson and study time well.”

to upgrade

A collection of TAFE SA campuses, including Roxby Downs, will benefit from a $12.6 million government funding initiative to help upgrade learning facilities, the South Australia Government revealed.

The Roxby Downs Campus will share in $1.68 million to help upgrade its machinery equipment.

TAFE SA Regional Education Manager, Mr Kym Williams told The Monitor the funding will address a priority listing for equipment for a number of TAFE facilities, though admits he does not know exactly how much Roxby will receive.

“Whether it’s $10 or $1.6 million, it’s debatable,” he said.

Mr Williams’ reserves over the funding arise from the changes to the current town master plan due to the expansion.

While it is unknown exactly how much Roxby TAFE will benefit from this funding, Acting Campus Manager Terry Sibenaler believes there are many possibilities.

“It’s obviously excellent that Roxby Downs is being recognised and it’s great that the Government has recognised the importance of TAFE.” Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien said the State Government is committed to meeting skill needs for the future.

“This infrastructure funding will support our increased investment in training announced in the recent State Budget…” he said.

“Our training needs are changing with students and employers demanding more modern, dynamic and flexible approaches to learning and more environmentally sustainable facilities.”

TAFE SA Whyalla and Mount Gambier will share in the Commonwealth’s Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow $10 million fund, while the remaining $2.6 million will be divided between several TAFE SA campuses.

STRESSED OUT: Year 12 students Georgina Chinner and Tristan Warneke are feeling the pressure of their final year.

Page 4 – Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

EDUCATION

TAFE helps job see

J

ob seekers in the Far North region will benefit from 109 higher level training places on offer this year through the Productivity Places Program for Job Seekers.

The $8 million program is said to support the State Government’s push to boost the skills and qualifications of the South Australia workforce.

“The program provides job seekers with the training they need to help them gain employment in a wide range of industry sectors requiring skilled workers in the future,” said Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien.

“Overall, our regions (Far North) have secured $2.05 million this year, representing 645 training qualifications, out of a total funding pool of $8

million for South Australia.”

Roxby TAFE provides a collection of courses that are part of the Productivity Places Program, however there may be some courses that cannot be provided locally.

“There are some courses that are not offered everywhere, we don’t have what the cities have,” said Acting Campus Manager Terry Sibenaler.

“We can link people to places that provide the course people want if we don’t offer them.”

“Some are done online but the study is done where the bulk of the numbers are and that depends on what training people are looking for.”

The main beneficiaries of the Productivity Places Program in South Australia include the building and construction, health, primary industries and retail sectors.

“Industry sectors are demanding highly skilled workers and it is vital that job seekers are able to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to help them enter or re-enter the labour market,” said Mr O’Brien.

“Increasing the skills of job seekers during the global financial downturn will help ensure we have a highlyskilled workforce in SA when the economy turns around.”

The program will fund hundreds of nationally endorsed qualifications at Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma level.

For further information, contact your local TAFE office or TAFE SA Student Services Officer Annette Davies on (08) 8648 9948.

Jody Brind and Terry Sibenaler welco

Dire conseq for cyber b

By Zak Zeptner

S

tate school students will be required to sign a cyber safety agreement and will learn about cyber dangers as the Government ups the ante on cyber bullying and crime.

A new cyber safety guide, Keeping Children Safe in a Connected World, will be distributed to all state schools and preschools this month which urges teachers to educate students about personal safety and behaviour, e-crimes and emerging issues and consequences.

Roxby Downs Area School Principal Kath Macalister agreed cyber bullying is certainly an issue to watch out for.

“It’s a major, major issue everywhere and Roxby is no different to anywhere else,” she told The Monitor.

“We take it really seriously because the damage done by that kind of bullying is often more long lasting and more extreme than maybe the kind of bullying when a couple of kids push each other and name call because the stuff that happens on a phone can be saved, put on the internet and can

Flexible schooling

cause damage for the rest o one’s life.

“There’s no argument we engage with this so we are lo making sure what we put in Roxby suits the clientele he not going to have the same problems a large city schoo we still have them here.”

Roxby Downs Area Schoo cording to Mrs Macalister, o the “tip of the iceberg” in t problems, with no major in occurring at the school.

It is not only in schools, h that teachers have the powe tect children from cyber bul Teachers now have the a confiscate students’ mobile and hand them to police as e if there is a reasonable suspic the phones have been used t a crime.

While the school is attem educated students about the and consequences of cyber there are still those who do derstand exactly what could if they become involved.

“I think even older stude difficulty in understanding,” Macalister.

“They may understand t

NEWS

Police News Downturn in traffic offences

None exceeded PCA

This week has seen a significant downturn in persons reported for traffic related matters.

Ten motorists have received Traffic Infringement Notices for a variety of offences.

These include exceeding the speed limit - the highest recording was 138km/hr in a 110 zone; driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle; drive unlicensed and failing to comply with a registration label. Several Roxby Downs vehicles have also been defected this week.

Roxby Downs Police would like to remind owners of vehicles to ensure they register their vehicles and place the registration label on their vehicle and that their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition.

Remember that Traffic Infringement Notices (on the spot fines) can now be issued for unregistered and uninsured offences.

Drivers of vehicles need to check that the vehicle they are driving is in fact registered and roadworthy. Police in the area will be concentrating on these matters over the next month.

Police have also continued to conduct Mobile Driver Testing for alcohol and drug related offences this week. It is pleasing to note that no persons were reported for exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol whilst driving.

A male was arrested over an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. He was bailed to appear in the Port Lincoln Court at a later date.

Police attended several disturbances this week. Two were in Andamooka and involved the same persons on both occasions.

Alarm at Area School

Andamooka Police also attended an alarm at the Andamooka Area School. Entry was not gained however, new damage to an area of the school was discovered. Police ask that anyone that sees any persons in any of our schools acting suspiciously that they notify Police immediately. This is of particular importance during the school holiday period.

Children were again seen climbing on sails above playgrounds. On this occasion it was at Saint Barbara’s School. This is a very dangerous activity with possible serious injury resulting should a child fall. Parents are asked to pay attention to where their children are and some of the activities the children are participating in particularly over the holiday period.

Trees blown over

The severe dust storm on Wednesday caused several trees to blow over. Police were tasked to a tree across Stuart Road Roxby Downs.

Police would like to thank a nearby resident and worker for their quick actions in assisting to clear the roadway.

They also attended BHP’s main in camp Burgoyne Street for a fire alarm with the CFS. The alarm was false, the cause believed to be as a result of the dust.

A reminder that the Police Station is now open longer hours; 8.30 am to 8 p.m. on weekdays. Administration staff can assist with most enquiries and call an officer in if the need arises.

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OPINION

News In Brief Solar Plant for Coober Pedy in doubt

S

olar Systems plan to build a $7 million solar power plant for Coober Pedy is on hold after the company advised the project was not viable.

The company advised the Cooder Pedy Council that in the current financial climate the project was not economically sound.

Mayor Steve Baines says all levels of government are still committed to the project and their funding is still available. “[We] will take the opportunity along with our funding partners to seek out expressions of interest from other people that are able to build such a facility,” he said.

“We’ll take the opportunity at the moment, while things are a little bit quieter, to try and firm up some of these things.”

EDITORIAL Ray Goldie While politics has been engrosed in the Utegate affair, who has been running the country?

Our distinguished politicians have again demonstrated very poor behaviour and deplorable decision making and conduct unbecoming to a politician.

Meanwhile very serious questions raised by our local member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey seemed to slip by without any comment.

It is a indictment of government that we have enormous energy and resources being spent by our politicians intent on bullying each other over the leaking of treasury information and a fake email which is obviously a political stunt and has little to do with running the country.

Treasury lea more ways Meanwhile the question has been raised that millions of dollars of stimulus money is being leaked in the form of overpriced stimulus projects.

For a second time, Mr Ramsay last week raised the issue of mismanagement and waste surrounding the schools’ funding package during question time in Parliament this week.

Mr Ramsay drew national attention recently when he asked whether the $850 thousand being spent on a multi-purpose building at Wangary Primary School on the Eyre Peninsula represented value, as the school had received a quote for $250 thousand for the same work from a local contractor.

It is alleged that there are multiple cases of gross profiteering and mismanagement being reported from across the country.

It was just five weeks ago Mr Ramsay raised

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Extradition of opal thief

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t is alleged that German tourist Ramona Berninger, 20, was involved in stealing $165,000 worth of opals from Coober Pedy.

Berninger appeared in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court, in south east Queensland charged with bringing stolen goods into the State.

South Australian police are expected to apply for the extradition alleging Berninger was an accomplice to stealing the gems on June 9 from the opal mining town.

Police from several states are still looking for Carlos Kohl who they believe is behind the theft.

Kohl was last seen on Wednesday near Hervey Bay after allegedly threatening a man with a replica gun and stealing his van.

More Mental Health Beds for region

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he State Government has announced a major boost to mental health services for people living in country South Australia.

The newly planned locations for treatment centres are Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Berri and Mount Gambier It’s the first time that dedicated acute care mental health beds have been provided in country South Australia and is significant to Woomera, Roxby and Andamooka because it brings beds for these patients into our region.

This not only reduces the need for people to travel but also reduces the demand on acute care provided in metropolitan hospitals as well as ensuring that patients can remain close to their support networks and homes while receiving care.

Funding boosts regional

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to

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Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843 editor@themonitor.com.au sales@themonitor.com.au info@themonitor.com.au production@themonitor.com.au

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Bu giv and for

NEWS

New Banking option YNew Face N dents have long awaited more banking and financial choices and Bank SA expect a heavy influx of new customers when the branch opens on Monday July 15th.

The Roxby Downs branch will provide a full Situated in the new shopping strip in Tutop range of banking services to the areas rapidly Street the million dollar branch is the first expanding base of customers and businesses. new BankSA to be opened BankSA Managing Director Rob Chapman in 14 years. says, “the branch opening signals our comResimitment to supporting the significant growth predicted for the region and to provide convenient, local banking for South Australians.”

“We’ve grown with the state,” Mr Chapman said.

“Our extensive network, with more than half our branches in regional areas, has enabled us to meet the banking needs of South Australians.”

“But the unprecedented growth in the far north and the predicted further expansion has prompted us to open a branch in a new region for the first time in 14 years.

The new branch will replace the agency operating at the Roxby Newsagent on Richardson Place.

The BankSA ATM in the Roxby Downs BP service station on Olympic Way will continue operating in addition to the ATM at the new branch.

Residents of Roxby Downs and Andamooka will have a new banking option in a few days when Bank SA opens their 120th branch in South Australia.

Long time Roxby resident Carrie Hasse is the manager of the new branch and she invites you to see the new facilities.

$758 million to retail sales The retail sector has grown by close to 4 per cent since the government introduced its first stimulus package, the Australian National Retailers Association said last week.

Retail sales grew by 1 per cent in May, after a 0.3 per cent increase in April, and a2.2% increase in March.

“Without the stimulus packages, the retail sector would be in a much poorer state,” ANRA CEO Margy Osmond said.

ou can hear him most mornings on RoxFM as his spins the music and talks in fast speak all over a “Big Bowl of Muesli.” Of course I speak of musician, entrepreneur and event organiser Jack McGuire.

Jack’s whirlwind approach to life has made quiet an impression during his 5 months in Roxby and as of last week he has been appointed Arts and Major Events Coordinator of the Roxby Leisure Centre.

Jack will be responsible for the hiring of the complexes spaces, developing and managing entertainment events and arts performances. A big part of the role is to support community members and organisations to develop their own presentations, exhibitions and performances.

The role has been recast and is different to previous positions and now includes a stronger development role. One of Jack’s key aims is to create more entertainment opportunities for performers and where possible enhance the experience for the audiences.

“I have many ideas on the white board” said Jack, “but it’s early days yet. I have a lot more consultation and learning to undertake before we finalise a schedule of activities.”

Definitely I plan to create more opportunities for local performers and artists to participate in entertainment events and to present their own productions or events. Hopefully we can also attract more quality touring entertainers and bands to complement and integrate with our local events.

While playing his cards close to his chest, at this stage Jack did reveal a concept to turn the Dunes into a wine bar once a

Jack wearing his held at the club re

month with smoo chance to meet a Without givin inside informatio board listed ideas casion and every a Jack is looking working closely w and Culture For wider arts comm be a very impor what I do.” he said “Budgets are t

Apprentices get the be from Alliance One and A

The close relationship that Alliance One has lliance One Credit Union are always looking for opportunities for getting formed with CEG will ensure the community as a will be able to benefit from youth developinvolved within the community and whole ment in Regional South Australia. assisting local residents.

That’s why they have established a partnership with Career Employment Group (CEG).

The arrangement has strong synergies, with CEG’s focus on youth career development and Alliance One’s support of youth in regional areas.

The package offers Trainees and Apprentices special fee allowances and cash incentives and to be eligible you just need to be either an Apprentice or Trainee through Career Employment Group.

Also applying is easy. Fill out one easy form and have your payroll directed to an Alliance One account, it’s that simple.

Once this has been set up you will receive: • $20 once-off credit to your transaction account2 • Up to 9 free transactions per month with Alliance One ‘Tier 4' loyalty benefits for the duration of your apprenticeship (incorporating 5 free ATM withdrawals & 4 free usage4 withdrawals per month) • Unlimited free Bpay3 and Visa Debit3 transactions and no monthly account keeping fees • $0 establishment fee on all loans approved3 during your apprenticeship saving you up to $500 • $50 voucher for a general insurance policy that you take out during the apprenticeship (one policy only)

But it is not just Trainees and Apprentices that can benefit from the full range of products and services offered by Alliance One. They can provide a full banking solution, including home & investment loans, personal and car finance, general insurance cover, financial planning services, a comprehensive range of access facilities and business services, including merchant banking to all residents of Roxby Downs.

The question that some readers may be asking is “why should I switch my banking to Alliance One Credit Union?”

Apart from offering a full range of financial products and services highlighted earlier, Alliance One re-invests their profits back into the community through their Community Partnership Program, local sponsorships, employment and offering members lower fees and competitive interest rates.

Their focus is not on the ever increasing needs of shareholders or foreign investors, it is on their own local communities, therefore the more people that bank with Alliance One, the more they can re-invest back into the Roxby Downs community.

It is important for residents in Roxby Downs and surrounding areas to drop in and compare their current relationship they have with their bank to ensure they are getting the best possible value.

They do things a little e differently at Alliance One, they are a true alternative rnative to the traditional banks in Roxby Downs with a strong community banking focus and are able ble to provide high quality personal service to alll members.

Why not take up the opportunity pportunity and make an appointment to see how Alliance One can assist you with your financial ncial needs by calling 8671 1755 or visiting the he branch at 26 Richardson Place – next to Subway. ubway.

1. All Package benefits are applicable while pay is being credited to Alliance One. 2. $20 incentive payment ent will be credited upon receipt of first payroll credit redit into your Alliance One account.

3. Normal approval criteria apply for this product. Free Visa Debitt transactions available by selecting ‘credit’’ t’’ when using your Visa Debit Card for purchases. hases.

4. ‘Usage’ withdrawals als include over the counter, EFTPOS & Bank@Post withdrawals. Unlimited d free over the counter cash withdrawals rawals are available where the individual ividual is under 18 years of age and nd using the ‘Young Achiever’ savings avings account.

Talk to Cathy Keller at Roxby Alliance One Credit Union for information about the apprentice partnership.

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Thanks to all the people who have passed on positive comments and thoughts about our new feature page ‘I Am Woman”. Its success rai It seems the blokes didn’t want to miss out, We will cover a range of topics, some serious, many for just good fun or sim Don’t be shy if you have any ideas, give us a call or email the topic you want us to cover. Call 8671 2683 or email edito

Teach ’em young teach ’e W

ith male health a major concern and on the decline, there is considerable concern about the health standards of our next generation of men and beyond.

Chair of the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) Dr Emil Djakic says what is needed are simple programs teaching boys how to access

health when they are at school.

Such programs could make a dramatic difference to their uptake of health services later in life.

In the light of many research projects which have identified that young people learn most of their values, attitudes and basic life skills before they are 10 or 11 years old Dr Djakic’s comment makes sense.

Unfortunately, family and peers also have a huge influence on young men and the formation of their attitudes.

“We know that men are poor users of health services like general practice and we know there are a number of services they could be accessing, and not just when they have an injury or problem, but as a regular part of taking care of their health,” he said.

Poor health management by males may send the message OK or even a sign of strength to children.

Most of our children are going longer than us.

The question is how healthy physically and mentally, will the What their quality of life will b their last two decades of old ag

The Bundy Red vs the jet

Take off as the jet and V8 go head to head.

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Reynolds was pipped at the post n L-39 Fighter Jet has a speed of 750 kilometres when his VE Commodore was out by the fighter jet. per hour; a V8 Super car edged The V8 Supercar reached over can top 250 kilometres per hour. 250 kilometres per hour, with the You would think a race would be no contest, but not if you are David Reynolds and you drive the Bundaberg Red V8 Supercar, In a unique car against jet race last Saturday at the Wide Bay Australian International Airshow, the home of Bundaberg Rum Reynolds took on the fighter jet over the 3 kilometre course.

jet’s speed surpassing 750 kilometres per hour.

Reynolds put the impressive close finish to a lightning-fast start.

He said: “I was quick off the mark and managed to get the Bundy Red Racing V8 Supercar in front early on.

“I knew that once the fighter jet reached its ride height of 1 kilome-

tre it would be a lot fast full advantage at the s end, the L-39 roared ove line mere seconds befor “It’s definitely unlike race I’ve been in. The ad absolutely pumping, I m many V8 Supercar driv they’ve raced against a fi The showdown took week before the Townsv newest race on the V8 Su endar. Reynolds is now re opportunity to take this adrenaline pumping acti

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Three years funding for volunteer programs

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...this funding tells us that the programs are really successful...

By Zak Zeptner

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he Big Warm Welcome and Strengthening Our Families programs have received another three years’ funding courtesy of BHP Billiton.

Volunteers Coordinator Jo Culf said she is extremely grateful for BHP’s generosity.

“It’s really fantastic and this funding tells us that the programs are really successful and worthwhile,” she told The Monitor.

“They are very unique programs; people have commented to me that they loved the Strengthening Our Families program and wished there was one in every town.”

The Strengthening Our Families program was established three years ago to help families with young children take the load off.

Helping out by watching the kids, doing the shopping, aiding with the cleaning and other helpful tasks for exhausted parents, the Strengthening Our Families program has been extremely successful.

Likewise, the Big Warm Welcome program has also had its successes, helping newcomers to the town gather their bearings, connecting people with new friends and providing valuable information about the town and all it has to offer.

Running family oriented barbecues with live music and friendly people, these events have been hugely successful.

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If yo Comm Hales on the day p ings u the m

With over 20 volunteers who graciously donate their time, these programs are sure to continue helping people in the community for years to come.

For more information on these programs or to register as a volunteer, contact Jo Culf at the Community Health Centre on 8671 9038.

Lendriye Borggraaff, Jo Culf, Yvette Mooney were at A Big Warm Welcome event earlier this year.

Last Days for EIS Responses All Community Forums and Partnerships are advised that July 21st is the last day to submit your responses to the EIS to the Community Board for collation into the

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Community response.

“While the last day to submit resources to the Government is August 5th we need some time to collate all the responses in a common easy to follow format”

said Michelle Hales, the Board’s Executive Officer.

“This is a once only opportunity to have an influence over this part of the process making all responses important.

Community members can submit personal responses direct to the Government and forward the same responses to the Community Board to be submitted as part of the joint community response.

The Andamooka Hospital Auxiliary Car Boot Sale last week was a great success, raising $450.00. There were 17 car boots and stalls and plenty of shoppers.

An initiative of the Environment Forum

reen thought of the day

Mem to join you w Forum rum, F Forum teerin any of the M If yo and/o ship p 818 or au to e

If yo of the websi Miche Roxby Mobil Phone Email:

LIFESTYLE

Red Eart

T

he community volunteer eer based Red Earth Festival val is set to launch its second nd event.

The inaugural biannual festival val was held between August 4 to 18 8 2007. g It was deemed an outstanding success both for its program and its high attendances.

The program in 2007 included a range of workshops, music concerts, film screenings and exhibitions.

The program for 2009 has not been released but promises to be equally exciting and inspi-rational.

It is known that an extensive program of workshops will again be included and there are whisperss that Shelia Culf will stage a major or production.

Watch this space in The Monitor or and listen to the airwaves of RoxFM FM 105.5, official media sponsors, for all the latest on the Red Earth Festival.l.

Scenes from Alex Downunder a Re Earth Festival Production in 2007

Roxby is

The number of South Australi taking part in physical activities exercise, recreation or sport topp one million in 2008, according the Exercise, Recreation and Sp Survey (ERASS) Annual Rep released recently.

Minister for Recreation, Sport Racing, Michael Wright, said the est ERASS findings show that So Australians are taking note of the active message, with 1,052,700 peo participating in physical activity some kind during 2008.

While these figures might excite

Zeppy’s Reviews

LIFESTYLE

Movie Review: Ghost Town

Ghoulish gags Hit British comedian Ricky Gervais stars as a rather unlikeable character is his new comedy Ghost Town.

The film is not die-in-your-seat-laughing material but it does have its moments.

Like most American comedies, Ghost Town tries too hard and has that corny ending that makes the humour, well, corny!

The film centres on Dr Bertram Pincus, a dentist who hates his life, dislikes the world and despises the people in it.

Pincus enjoys the quiet, basking in the ability to shove cotton in his patients’ mouths to shut them up.

He avoids all social interaction, blows off parties, ignores his doorman and disregards his neighbours’ constant pleas for assistance when carrying bulky objects.

Pincus books himself into the hospital for a routine appointment – a colonoscopy – and against the advice of the doctors, who are more concerned with their spray on tans than the patients, to not use a general aesthetic.

After the procedure, Pincus is discharged from the hospital and begins to notice a collection of strange people following him.

Concerned, Pincus returns to the hospital to find out if anything went wrong during his procedure and learns he actually died for several minutes, was revived and now has the annoying ability to see ghosts, all needing Pincus’s help to cross over.

One ghost in particular, Frank Herlihy (played

by Greg Kinnear), a sleazy adulterous, convinces Pincus to help him break up his widow and

her new fiancé in exchange for keeping the he other ghosts away.

Pincus agrees and sets out on a plan to make Frank’s widow, Gwen (played by Tėa ėa Leoni), fall in love with him.

What follows is a series of laughable e situations that sees Pincus slowly plant thee seed of doubt in Gwen’s mind and move e in for the kill.

Being the rude and obnoxious man hee is, Pincus finds it difficult to attract Gwen n and is only able to make her give him a chance by helping her discover the death h of a 3,000 year old Egyptian mummy.

As Pincus begins to open up to Gwen, we realise he is not so much of a bad guy, just a guy with a painful past.

His time with Gwen teaches him to open his heart again and hope for happiness in life. But is it too late for Pincus to redeem himself or will Gwen see right through him as a miserable old man?

Self realisations, the ability to trust and d love are all themes presented within Ghost Town, trying to make the audience realise thatt they should all be nice people and nice things will happen to them.

Ghost Town is amusing, yes, but it will not have you clutching your sides with laughter.

Ricky Gervais is funny as always as the morbid Dr Pincus, often throwing in some British humour to liven things up a bit.

His encounters with the ghosts are amusing and his ability to go from the hate filled man to the loving caring friend is portrayed well. ll.

Tėa Leoni plays the emotional Gwen exceptionally well, making her role highly believable and her ability to portray a mixture of love, sadness and confusion at the same time is wonderful.

Greg Kinnear as Frank is simply annoying, however it is probably more his character than the actor himself, which is a credit to his acting to be so convincing.

He plays the self centred adulteror well, causing the audience to want to punch him in the face.

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Movie Review: Bolt

Deluded super dog A family fun comedy that rivals the genius of Disney’s The Incredibles, Bolt is a humorous tale of loyalty, love and reality. The entire film will illicit non stop laughter from all who watch it, no matter the age.

There is something for everyone in Bolt: the kids will love the cartoons and action-packed on-screen excitement and the adults will enjoy the humour that the kids might not get.

The story focuses on a dog named Bolt (voiced

by John Travolta). The film begins on a slightly misleading note, opening with the purchasing of Bolt from the pet store by Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus). We fast forward five years to a scene of that puts all spy films to shame – literally.

Bolt is a super dog, helping Penny to rescue her father from the Green Eye Man. With the awesome ability to shoot laser beams from his eyes, outrun missiles and bark a supersonic boom that destroys everything in its path, Bolt is the coolest pet one could own. That is, until we realise the entire scene is a set up for a television series. The catch, however, is that Bolt is unaware he is part of a fictitious world.

Thinking he is a real super dog makes for some really funny scenes, especially when the other animal actors on the set, who play the villain’s pets, make him believe they truly are after his beloved Penny. But when the producers of the show de-

New York City.

Confused by the real world and without ut powers, which Bolt believes is caused by Styrofoam, he desperately tries to find a way ay home while coming to terms with the fact ct he is powerless.

Along the way he meets a cat named Mitttens, whom he believes to be a villain, and d forces her to take him to Los Angeles.

The journey proves to be as dangerouss and exciting as Bolt’s television show ass he and Mittens are forced to beg for food,, evade the dog catcher and traverse the long distance back to LA. One cannot talk of Bolt without mentioning the character of Rhino, who is in fact a hamster. Rhino is a fan of Bolt’s television show and also believes it to be real, which leads to some incredibly entertaining situations, including the tiny hamster attempting to destroy the enemy soldiers and snap the dog catcher’s neck.

As the story progresses, Bolt must come to o terms with the fact he is not a superhero and learns arns to The best character by far is Rhino, Rhino whose crazy be an ordinary dog. But will his owner Penny, enny a world famous movie star, still want him back after antics prove to be the centre of humour for this to film. his extended absence?

The voices were cast exceptionally well with everyone a The story will have you laughing, crying and exclaiming with excitement as Bolt tries to find bringing to the movie their own personality. From John is

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Taking registrations now. Contact Jennifer CARS: domestic and industrial. Insurance Kelly Spillman on there recent 8671 2168. jhoulden@bigpond.net. Claims. Licensed Tradesmen. Ph 0411 engagement.

QUILTS BY JEN. 215 787 or (08) 8671 1414

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NEWS

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Disappo sports m

ecently the Sports Forum held a special meeting to formulate a sports focussed response to BHP Billiton’s EIS which was attended by 11 members. The group was to reconvene to further work on the submission but only 2 people turned up.

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za Io A w Given the recent articles in the media about re clubs not having their own clubrooms or storage is and their need for more and improved facilities c it was a very poor result.

The lack of sports faculties has been a hot topic b for years.

The town is about to double in size if the expansion proceeds and there is a town plan available p for comment which includes considerable expan- co in sion of sporting facilities for all sports, Yet clubs don’t seem interested in making any b

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Major fishe near Coop

can act on illegal ity in national park areas of the State.

“Some people c legal fishing activ areas of the State m can operate undete important that the The men, aged 64 and 35 of eyes are watchin from Mildura, were reported Fisheries Minist

by PIRSA Fisheries compliance said it was impor officers, in the Coongie Lake National Park, north west of Innamincka.

An extensive amount of equipment was seized, including a boat, trailer, outboard motor, nine bags of gillnets, 63 yabbie nets, a quantity of live yabbies, seven golden perch, waders and camouflage material.

Commercial fishing or use of any nets is not permitted in the Cooper Creek or Coongie Lake National Park.

PIRSA Fisheries Executive Director Will Zacharin said the men were located in a joint operation involving PIRSA Fisheries, SA National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW DPI Fisheries.

“It is a great result because it shows that even in the most remote of locations, there is always someone watching,” he said.

“NPWS officers also have fisheries authorisations, which means they can enforce the Fisheries Management Act and

wo Victorian men have been reported for committing multiple offences after being intercepted illegally fishing in remote outback South Australia in late June.

SPORT

New Basketball Committee s T

he Roxby Downs Junior Wes Knights Coach Coordinator: Jenny Longmire Basketball Association held its Uniform Coordinators: Jenny LongAGM last month, declaring all mire, Ally Christall, Rachel Young positions vacant.

Committee Members: Rachel Smith, Before the selection of the new committee began, the President thanked the existing committee, with special mention to Adele Rhodes for beginning the season.

Thanks also go to Steve Daly, Bev Roberts and Sharlene Vears for their hard work as President, Treasurer and Secretary and to all umpires and scoreboard attendants.

The committee is: President: Peter Ebdell Secretary and Record Keeper: Bev Zeptner Assistant Secretary: Cher Male Treasurer: Linda Evans Patron: Bev Roberts Umpires Coordinator: Linda Evans Assistant Coach and ITC Coordinator:

Klinge Co Stroke MM

Results

Overall Winner Roger Scholefield A Grade Winner Robin Passmore B Grade Winner Xavier Spokes C Grade Winner Dave Turnball Ladies/Junior Winner Uleen Pearce

Tracey King, Ally Christall, Steve Daly, Sara Lynch The Basketball Committee is in need of a Vice President and Sub Minis Coordinator.

All nominations should be sent to Secretary Bev Zeptner on zeppies@bigpond. net.au.

The Committee is also looking for new sponsors, with thanks to last years sponsors Chandler Macleod, Exact Mining Services, MPS and National Pipe and Civil Constructions.

Anyone interested in coaching for the season should contact Jenny Longmire on 0418 848 698.

Team registration forms will be available from August 2009 and any late nomination may not be accepted.

Roxby Sports

ABOVE: Ryan Worby with his radio co BELOW: Stephen Beever and Darren

ABOVE: Jessica Laslo takes a swing for a home run.

Junior

Junior netball victory in Orroroo

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The team achieved the grand final score hree teams of the Roxby Downs Junior Netball Association trav- of 10-5 after some great defence and team that prevented the opposition from elled to Orroroo last fortnight to work scoring at all in the second half. compete in the Orroroo Carnival.

Roxby 2 thanks both Jess and Jenny for

Primary school students from Years 3 to 7 were divided into the teams and fought for the chance to be premiers.

The days saw Roxby 1 decimating the competition, leading fast and strong all day to emerge the victors in every match.

The grand final for Roxby 1 was a tough play against Jamestown but the girls demonstrated exactly how well the team has developed in the last few months, winning the grand final 15-5.

Hannah Rigden was awarded best team player as voted by the opposition coach.

Roxby 2 had a great start to the carnival, winning their first game 13-0 and fighting hard to get to the grand final.

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their assistance on the day.

Parawei Thomas was awarded best team player as voted by the opposition coach.

Roxby 3 consisted of many junior players competing for the first time in their first carnival.

Working hard all day on the field saw Kerry Wild goes up against her opponent in an the team take away one victory however attempt to get the ball to her end of the court. they were unable to win any more.

Alix Moeahy was awarded best team player as voted by the opposition coach.

The Roxby Downs Netball Association would like to thank the umpires, Ann O’Sullivan and Centaine Casserly, and coaches Kerry, Jodie, Theresa and Sharlene.

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Jen Kelly passes off to an open team mate.

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ABOVE: Roxby Downs Division 2 team BELOW: Roxby Downs Division 1 team.

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Best Runn Jess Finzel makes to score as Lousie Moll and Julie McEvoy defend the goals.

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Shattering victo www.themonitor.com.au

Phon

By Zak Zeptner

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aturday’s football match saw the Roxby Miners face off against the Hornridge Magpies in what should have proved to be a close game; the final score, however, was far from it.

Roxby’s Brayden Wray takes the mark over Hornridge’s Luke Wilson and Kade Gill.

The match began with hard playing, displaying some strong fieldwork by both teams but it was Roxby who broke the backlines first to score the opening goal.

The Miners quickly followed this up with a second goal to increase their lead but the Magpies were not having it.

Hornridge picked up with their tackles, proving to Roxby the strength of their team, causing the Miners to lose accuracy with their kicks.

It was a short lived victory for the Magpies as Roxby quickly picked up their game to score their third goal for the match.

The pressure was on for the Magpies, who played on Roxby’s momentary inaccuracy to score their first goal for the game, stealing the ball from Roxby’s forward lines and taking it straight in for a beautiful kick.

Hornridge picked up the play in their backlines, causing it to become difficul for Roxby to score.

The Miners, however, were too strong and managed to break the Magpies’ defence to score again and again to end the quarter in the lead with 7-4 46 to Hornridge’s 1-0 6.

The play intensified as the second quarter commenced, with Roxby opening with another goal to increase their lead.

Much of the second quarter saw the ball trapped in the centre of the field as both teams’ backlines proved to be a match for the opposition.

Arial Ping Pong was indeed the name of the game as the clock ticked on, with each team taking possession only to have it stolen at the back lines and then regained again.

But it was the Magpies who broke the intensity, smashing through Roxby’s backline to score their second goal of the match.

Roxby followed this up with two more goals of their own to end the quarter with 9-4 58 to the Magpies’ 2-0 12.

The third quarter saw the Miners trample all over the Magpies, whose ability to defend their goals was sorely diminished by Roxby’s surging forward line.

Hornridge took possession of the ball to score their third goal of the game, their only score for the remainder of the quarter.

The tackles increased on the field as Roxby took possession to send the ball to goals again and again, mixing the monotony of their winning by throwing a few behinds in the mix.

Hornridge was barely able to take the ball