MAR15-07

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Volume 3, Thursday March 15, 2007

OPAL TOWN BOOM TIME

By Les Rochester

Andamooka is reaping the rewards of the expected boom in population growth ahead of the BHP Billiton expansion to its Olympic Dam operations.

Unique Accommodation Pty Ltd a wholly South Australian, privately owned company has announced multi-million dollar plans for a 200 unit village in the opal mining town.

The first group of 40 units is expected to be completed

by July this year, and they’ll incorporate cutting edge technologies and environmentally friendly systems into their design.

The company has appointed L.J.Hooker in Adelaide as the leasing agents for the units.

Its principal, Peter Coltman said as part of Unique Accommodation’s commitment to service provision to rural Australia, it has undertaken research and development into the provision of minimal environmental footprint, self sustained, mining accommodation solutions.

Work on the first 40 unit village will start within weeks at the site, north of the Andamooka Post Office.

The units are designed in village style pods of 40 units, with each group constructed around a central common area.

The central common area consists of a large communal building containing a commercial grade kitchen, recreational facilities, lounge area and laundry.

Mr. Coltman said the buildings are not pre-fabricated living units created in isolation, but are rather a holistic modular living environment and services package.

“They are specifically designed to operate at full efficiency within the isolated and harsh environments of many Australian mining operations while offering significantly reduced ongoing maintenance costs and tightly controlled consumable expense,” he said.

Units are designed in either single story or double story blocks to suit the available land. Unit design is focused around maximum insulation, ventilation and durability. Unit shell construction is primarily of precast concrete, treated with an additive that enhances insulation capability.

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Continued on page 5

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The

Monitor GENERAL NEWS

Roxby projects urged to nominate

Drought grant for remote SA Community projects to help small rural and regional towns recover from drought could be eligible for up to $10,000 from the Seeds of Renewal grants program.

Applications for this year’s grants are now open until 30 April 2007.

Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations with an ABN in communities within Exceptional Circumstance (EC) declared areas with a population of 15,000 people or less.

The aim of the grants program is to assist rural communities survive and recover from drought.

This may include projects to assist in the creation of community enterprise, enable community growth or develop local tourism, culture or the economy.

Seeds of Renewal is funded by ANZ and independently administered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Commenting on the program,

FRRR Chief Executive Officer, Ms Sylvia Admans said seeds grants are available to help drought affected communities rebuild.

“We know the drought has resulted in many community driven initiatives being put on hold.

“The aim of the program is to help communities get their plans for the longer term back on track.”

ANZ’s Managing Director for Regional, Rural and Small Business Banking, Mr Rob Goudswaard said his support for Seeds of Renewal is part of the bank’s commitment to supporting the communities who have supported his business.

“We know the drought is having a severe impact on many small communities and the cash grants are intended to help them rebuild for the future.”

Seeds of Renewal has granted more than $1.15 million to about 180 community projects in small towns since its inception in 2003, including

the foundations for the Ardrossan Community Hospital helipad in South Australia, and the Coober Pedy Outback Open Air Cinema.

The Seeds of Renewal program provided $6,000 toward the Coober Pedy Outback Open Air Cinema to upgrade one of its two projectors.

The grant also helped the project attract additional funding to complete an upgrade to projection facilities.

This has meant the cinema can now play current release movies, assisting to address community isolation.

The cinema offers locals and visitors public entertainment in Coober Pedy and provides an important focal point for leisure activities in the town.

Communities interested in applying for Seeds of Renewal grants should visit www.frrr.org.au or call FRRR on 1800 170 020.

Applications close 5.00pm, Monday 30 April 2007.

Organisers of the National Drug and Alcohol Awards are calling on people and projects in the Roxby Downs area that help people or work with drug and alcohol issues to nominate for the Awards.

Schools in the Roxby Downs area are also being urged to nominate for a special new award that recognises excellence in school drug education.

Award organisers say it is vital to salute the “silent achievers” doing amazing work.

The National Drug and Alcohol Awards are Australia’s biggest and most prestigious Awards and each year include a special award for excellence from the Prime Minister. All the awards recognise the remarkable work being done to help people with drug and alcohol issues.

It is estimated up to 18,000 people across Australia work with drug and alcohol issues including around 10,000 people working directly in the field itself.

There are 8 major categories for people and projects in the Roxby Downs area to enter. Organisers highlight that the Awards salute remarkable local projects – and this is why they are urging people to enter.

Skinny Models……Major Harm

P

encil slim models could be heavily influenced by models in magaa thing of the past, if the are zines and on TV. Australian Medical Association “The pursuit of the perfect look leads (AMA) gets its way. to a whole range of health threats such as AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal is calling on the federal government to develop healthy weight guidelines for models, saying the waif like images portrayed by the fashion industry are causing low self esteem and eating disorders.

“Body image and self esteem among teenagers and young women in particular

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eating disorders, dangerous dieting habits, smoking and depression,” Dr Haikerwal said.

In his role as Family and Youth Officer, Tom Beever deals with a number of Roxby residents who are suffering from eating disorders.

“It’s on our front doorstep,” Mr Beever said.

“Eating disorders exist even in our small community.

“A young model died recently in America of malnutrition because she was so concerned with the way she looked, but the problem is much closer to home than that.

“Here in Roxby Downs we have boys and girls who are so concerned with their weight they refuse to eat in front of others in an attempt to stay slim, but they never believe they are slim enough.

“And then at the other end of the scale we have a huge problem with obesity NIRVANA and diabetes in Australia.

“If you have an issue FROM about your weight, find someone to talk to, don’t $25 990 keep telling yourself you’re fat and ugly, you’re not, you need to get help right away, it’s too big an issue to fight on your own,” he said.

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You can nominate yourself or a project you know.

Awards spokesperson Mr. Gino Vumbaca said our simple message is if someone or a project you know is making a difference, get them involved and nominate.

It can all be done on-line easily and the potential reward is fantastic” He said the new national school drug education award is open to any school across Australia.

“The judges are looking for schools that can show not just innovation but a successful outcome in educating school children about drug and alcohol issues.

“People that work in the front line are true heroes. They often work under incredibly demanding circumstances where the work never stops. The whole point of these Awards is to celebrate the positives,” he said.

Anyone in the Roxby Downs area wanting to nominate a project should simply visit www.drugawards.org. au or email info@drugawards.org.au to request an information pack from the National Coordinator, Vanessa Ferguson.

Nominations close on Monday April 30th.

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor GENERAL NEWS

Australians Petrol & Gas prices uncomfortable with nuclear power With the use of nuclear power now a topical issue, findings from a Swinburne University of Technology report reveal most Australians are uncomfortable with the idea of nuclear power plants in their own country.

Data collected from 1000 Australian adults in late October 2006 as part of the Swinburne National Technology and Science Monitor suggests substantial discomfort among Australians.

On average, the level of comfort with nuclear power plants was quite low: 69% of Australians were uncomfortable or unsure, with just 31% reporting some degree of comfort.

The Report provides an annual snapshot of public perceptions of technological change.

Respondents were asked how comfortable they felt with a range of current technologies including stem cell research and genetically modified food.

Lead researcher Dr Elizabeth Hardie said the results showed the need for the government to heed public concerns regarding nuclear power.

“Finding clean, sustainable energy sources is a crucial issue, but much more informed debate and discussion is needed before Australia takes the nuclear path,” Dr Hardie said.

Results showed that men were more comfortable with nuclear technology than women.

Greater comfort with nuclear power plants was strongly associated with a high degree of comfort with other controversial technologies: genetically modified foods, stem cell research and cloning human babies.

insights into the value derived from water consumption.

“LCA work will help the minerals industry contribute to this debate.”

“This is how we were able to compare various industries and the value gained from water consumption,” he said.

Mr Norgate said the LCA work shows it is worthwhile to allocate water to the minerals industry.

“By showing the value in water consumption, we can discuss the demands all industries have for water and the ability to meet these needs.”

He said water reforms taking place in Australia aim to address issues such as competition for access, security of supply and increases in cost.

“LCAs can drive the environmental debate by replacing emotion with objectivity and information, allowing groups with different objectives to find common ground in approaching a problem like increasing demand for water,” he said

Going for Gold this year Three new awards, including a new Premier’s Reading Challenge Hall of Fame medal, have been announced as the Challenge enters its fourth year.

Students in Reception to Year 9 have to read a minimum of 12 books to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge and can qualify for a certificate in their first year followed by bronze, silver and gold medals.

Premier Rann says students will get their first chance to achieve a gold medal this year for completing the Challenge for four years running, but that’s not the end of the Challenge.

“I have announced three new awards, to be introduced from 2008, to give students plenty of reasons to keep reading in future years.

“Five years of reading success will earn students a Premier’s Reading Challenge Champion medal, followed by a Legend medal and finally a Hall of Fame medal for seven years of completion,” he said.

The medals will be cast in the State’s colours – yellow for the Champions medal, red for Legends and blue for the Hall of Fame – and will have matching lanyards.

“The Premier’s Reading Challenge, with its ‘Olympics of reading’ theme,

has been an amazing success and I want the Challenge to continue to inspire students to read into the future,” the Premier said.

“Last year, more than 90,000 school students – enough to more than fill the seats at both AAMI Stadium and Adelaide Oval – completed the Challenge to read 12 books.

“At the end-of-year reception we honoured 54 schools with outstanding achievement.

“That success has come from the enthusiasm of students, teachers, teacher-librarians, parents and others in the community and public libraries who have whole-heartedly backed this initiative.

“Let’s get behind the Challenge again this year and encourage even more students to pick up a book and read their way to an award.

“There is nothing better than to see the pride in children’s faces as they accept their awards. These special prizes are in reach of every child.

“The benefit of this Challenge to our State is well-read children who have discovered the sense of joy, adventure and imagination that reading can bring,” he concluded.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

ROXBY DOWNS Mobil BP

PETROL

GAS

137.3 135.9

89.5 87.9

129.9 127.9

58.9 59.9

ADELAIDE Mobil BP

Fuel FUEL Watch

Above: Club employeeAlana Gillings scans Chef Rhianna Penglase.

Minerals a better bang for the buck The CSIRO has found that the economic value per cubic metre of water consumed by the minerals industry exceeds that of the agricultural and industrial sectors, supporting the view that allocating water to the minerals industry has a strong underlying economic basis.

At an average value of $80 per cubic metre, the economic value of water used by the minerals industry is higher than that of the industrial sector (averaging about $40/m³) and the agricultural industry (averaging about $5/m³).

The economic comparisons were calculated using life cycle assessment (LCA), a method of analysing the environmental impacts of a process or product from ‘the cradle to grave’ to optimise environmental performance.

By using LCA methodology, CSIRO Minerals researcher Terry Norgate was able to assess variations in water use associated with different metal production and processing routes and also provide

Each week, The Monitor will run a comparison of petrol and gas prices between Mobil and BP service stations in Adelaide and Roxby Downs, taken on the same day, so we can see the disparity.

Clamp down on weapons

Record for Nuclear power plants The world’s nuclear operators have set a record for total power generation in 2006, according to preliminary data just released by Nucleonics Week, a publication of Platts, the world’s leading energy information provider.

Led by notably improved output in Canada, Japan and Russia and sustained performance in the U.S., South Korea, and France, the world’s nuclear-generated power output is likely to hit 2.8 billion gross megawatt-hours the Platts annual survey shows.

This compares to 2.75 billion MWh in 2005 and is the largest figure on record since Platts began compiling nuclear generation data in the late 1960s.

Final 2006 figures for China and Slovakia are not yet available.

“This is important news for anyone concerned about the environmental impacts of electricity sources,” Margaret Ryan, Platts’ editorial director for nuclear said.

“Nuclear power plants generally run in baseload, 24 hours a day, and emit no carbon.

“The more power an operator can get out of each plant, the less electricity has to come from burning fossil fuels or hydro plants, the only other 24-hour-a-day sources,” she said.

“Also, most operators say nuclear is their cheapest source of electricity, so a larger nuclear share can help to hold costs down.”

The U.S. 2006 output of nearly 823 million gross MWh was above 2005’s 816 million MWh, but fell short of the 2004 US record of 828 million MWh. On average, U.S. nuclear power plants were operating at 90% or near full capacity.

Nuclear power generation accounts for about 16% of the world’s electricity output.

BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam is a major supplier to markets including France, Taiwan and South Korea.

Between May and November last year the number of planned and proposed nuclear power plants increased dramatically, with the total increasing by 70 reactors to 223.

The World Nuclear Association has forecast that demand for uranium could increase from about 65,000 tonnes last year to about 78,000 tonnes in 2015 and 111,000 tonnes in 2030. www.themonitor.com.au

Alcohol and weapons, a cocktail that definitely does not mix.

With that in mind, the Roxby Downs Community Club decided to implement a new security policy which sees patrons being scanned by a metal detector before they are admitted to the premises.

The hand held detectors have been in use for around six months.

Office Manager, Tracey Kynoch was pleased to report that no weapons have been detected.

“The patrons are very understanding about it, which is great,” Ms Kynoch said.

“Patrons and staff feel safer, which makes our job easier,” she said.

Club regular, Chantal Kostrz said it scares her to think that when you are out you need to be aware of what people are carrying.

“You expect to see these detectors in the city, but not in a small community.

“It’s a good thing and a bad thing, it protects people but it is a bit intrusive,” Ms Kostrz said.

Brendan Klever, Operations Manager for Sundown Protection Services, the company which provides security to the Club and the Tavern said the metal detectors are a great idea.

“New laws introduced recently about bringing weapons into a night spot mean offenders can be fined $10,000 or receive a six month jail sentence.

“Weapons are not a good thing in any licensed public place.

“These metal detectors help deter offenders from bringing weapons into nightspots creating a safer environment for all,” Mr Klever said.

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Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 3

The

Monitor GENERAL NEWS

Unlocking remote communities Remote Indigenous communities can apply for funding under the new $36.6 million Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program launched by the federal government.

“Part of the $1.1 billion Connect Australia package, Backing Indigenous Ability will extend essential telecommunications services such as robust public phones, Internet access and videoconferencing facilities, to people living in remote Indigenous communities,” the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, said.

“An important element of the program will be providing funding to develop Indigenous online content,” she said.

More than 110, 000 Indigenous Australians live in communities of up to 3500 inhabitants.

Around 400 of Australia’s approximately 1200 remote Indigenous communities are estimated to be without any access to telecommunications services.

“Under Backing Indigenous Ability, priority will be given to remote communities with limited telecom-

Texting outshines handwriting

Do you need help to stay at home?

In this age of text messaging, emailing and computers, a spotlight is about to be shone on handwriting, thanks to a new resource for South Australian schools.

* Calls from mobile phones are charged at applicable rates

Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra.

CAREER EMPLOYMENT GROUP Field Officer – Roxby Downs Darren Roads Ph: 0429 678 171 Email: darren.roads@ceg.net.au Field Officer – Roxby Downs Phil Lacey Ph: 0427 615 961 Email: phil.lacey@ceg.net.au Administration Assistant –Roxby Downs Ph: 8671 3033 Fax: 8671 3066 Email: cobie.fryer@ceg.net.au

Our office is located at 21 Burgoyne Street ROXBY DOWNS SA 5725 (PO BOX 50) Office Hours Monday - Friday 9.00 am – 1.00 pm

Telephone: 8671 3033 Facsimile: 8671 3066 Page 4 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

hmaCarelink

Commonwealth Carelink Centres Freecall™ 1800 052 222* www.commcarelink.health.gov.au

Would you like information about the wide range of community care programs and services available to help you stay at home?

Call Freecall™ 1800 052 222* or visit one of the Commonwealth Carelink Centres around Australia to get information about services in your local region.

munications facilities or none and that includes those communities in remote outback South Australia,” Senator Coonan said.

“The program will provide up to 150 communities with Internet services, enabling communities to access health, education, legal, employment and welfare services more easily.

“It will also enable entrepreneurial Indigenous communities the opportunity to set up micro-businesses and commercial activities such as tourism and selling art and music.

“Communities will also receive valuable training to ensure the ongoing use and application of basic telecommunications services in Indigenous communities,” the senator said.

A number of regional agents will assist remote Indigenous communities to apply for funding and implement their projects as part of the program.

Applications for the first round of funding close on April 20.

‘Handwriting in the South Australian Curriculum’ was developed with input from schools, preschools and universities to help public schools teach vital handwriting skills.

Department of Education and Children’s Services Policy and Program Officer for English, Guy BaylyJones said it is important for students to be able to write by hand.

“Although there has been huge growth in computer use in recent years – and students are expected to develop and use keyboard skills - students still need to be able to write by hand, a skill used in many aspects of everyday life.

“An individual’s handwriting is unique and helps establish his or her identity, a signature is still widely recognised as the mark of an individual.

“Handwriting is a foundation for communication in all areas of the curriculum.

“Our aim is for children to be able to write legibly and fluently,” Mr Bayly-Jones said.

The resource includes information on handwriting grip, teaching ideas and information on the formation of letters and numerals in the South Australian style.

There is also a brochure for parents that answers frequently asked questions about handwriting skill development.

Most teachers in the South Australian school system teach a handwriting style developed by the Department of Education and Children’s Services over 20 years ago.

This style, which includes a beginner’s alphabet and cursive formation, still meets the needs of students and will continue to be used in conjunction with the new resource.

“Unlike previous resources which targeted school teachers, the updated resource recognises that children want to write from the time they pick up a pen and therefore is also designed for preschool educators,” Mr Bayly-Jones said. www.themonitor.com.au

One in three Australians regularly exercise Around one in three Australians play sport or exercise twice a week or more, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The most popular sport or physical recreation activities during 2005-06 were walking (25%), aerobics (13%), swimming (9%) and cycling (6%).

Nearly half of us - some 10 million people - exercise or play sport at least once a month, with more than half (54%) reporting ‘health and fitness’ as their main reason for exercising.

This was followe d by enjoyment (22%), well-being (7%) and so cial or family re a sons (7%).

‘Insufficient time due to work or study’ was the most common reason for not exercising or exercising infrequently.

Another common reason given was ‘insufficient time due to family reasons’, mentioned by 14% of females and 5% of males.

Males were more likely to report they had insufficient time to exercise due to work while females were more likely to report they were not interested in exercising.

Almost two-thirds of males and females participated in sports and physical recreation activities at least once in the survey period.

More females than males were involved in at least twice-weekly sport or exercise.

The ACT had the highest participation rate (80%), followed by Western Australia (71%), and Queensland (67%).

The drought has its upside

The prolonged nationwide drought has been bad news for the country’s farmers, but new figures from drumMUSTER show they’ve been using their “down time” to clean up their farms. drumMUSTER’s National Business Manager, Mike Goodyer, said drum returns between July last year and February this year show that farmers, pastoralists and contractors returned more than 830,000 drums to the program’s depots.

“This is a terrific result, given that the sale of chemicals was greatly reduced, as farmers waited for improved conditions before getting to work on soil preparation”, Mr. Goodyer said.

“Our analysis of the figures also show that drumMUSTER’s request for triple rinsed drums has been heeded by farmers.

Only 0.9 per cent of drums were rejected by our inspectors across all collection

depots”, he said.

“Anecdotal advice from our Regional Consultants suggest that farmers have been sufficiently encouraged by recent rain in some areas to make a start, and sales of chemicals are rising”.

“Returns for the same period in 2005/06 were 988,810 drums, so the 06/07 f ig ure of 830,474 indicates that farmers are supporting the program and adopting drumMUSTER as a standard farm practice”, Mr. Goodyer said.

“Given reasonable rain and consistent deliveries of used drums, we could conceivably reach the magic 1.5 million figure by the end of this financial year”, he said.

“A return to normal conditions, which may follow the disappearance of the El Nino system, could also help us reach a milestone of 10 million drums collected since the program began in 1999 by July this year”.

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The

Monitor GENERAL NEWS

Rural womens’ agenda

Opal town boom time Continued from page 1

Laminated timber flooring, high ceilings and high level opening windows create optimum air circulation.

Iron roofing with sizalation and internal insulation provide a highly specked climate barrier.

Electronic sensors fitted throughout each unit also provide an automatic management system to monitor and optimise electricity consumption.

When operating as designed, the integrated water management system is able to achieve an 80% recycling rating.

Mr. Coltman said the system utilized is of an approved standard to pass all State Health Regulation requirements throughout Australia.

“There are more innovations planned for the site such as solar heating and wind

powered generation, with up to 50% of electricity for the village generated in this manner,” he said.

The company will not lease the units to individuals.

It wants to lock in long term contracts with mining companies and contractors servicing the expansion project, by offering blocks of 10, 15 and 20 units to each contractor or company.

“In this way the company or contractor has an assured accommodation stream for their workforce.

“They don’t have to go down that expensive route of Fly In, Fly Out,” Mr. Coltman said.

Another four such villages, bringing the total of accommodation units to 200, will be built as demand increases.

Women who live in rural and remote areas are by nature innovative, highly skilled and resourceful, but lack of support, networks and funding can block their ability to participate in decision-making at community, regional and national levels.

Following the recent annual board meeting in Brisbane directors of the Foundation for Australian Agricultural Women (FAAW) will increase their efforts to work for women involved or interested in rural and agricultural industry.

FAAW president Professor Margaret Alston said FAAW has been developing programs and pathways to improve women’s opportunities since 1995 and is in the process of establishing a trust fund.

“While FAAW consults widely and partners both government and non-government organisations to develop projects, a trust fund will significantly increase our ability to undertake the programs so vitally needed – particularly as the devastating impact of drought continues.”

Major projects this year will include the continuing roll out of Creating Progress Through Dialogue workshops, designed to skill participants in leadership and inclusive decision-making processes, and the highly successful Ambassadors on Boards workshops to augment women’s potential to gain board positions.

“We will also follow up on the results of our recent teleworking research to promote the uptake of telework (working from home using telecommunications) for rural and remote based women,” Professor Alston said.

“Our research found that highly skilled and educated women in rural areas are an unused teleworking labour force – it’s time for government and non-government organisations to tap into this vast resource.”

FAAW directors also resolved to record their environmental footprint with an aim to reduce its carbon emission impact as an organisation and to inspire others to similarly take action to help combat climate change.

A national, independent, non-profit organisation, FAAW aims to advance women in rural and regional communities.

For more information visit: www.faaw.org.au or contact FAAW president Margaret Alston on 0418 242856.

New teacher survey Vocation – A divine call to, or sense of fitness for a career or occupation, as defined by the Concise Oxford Dictionary.

When we talk about vocation a number of careers spring to mind, police officer, nurse, teacher…. right?

Wrong! A new survey by the Australian Education Union (AEU) found that almost half of all new teachers predicted they would not be working in the profession in 10 years time.

So what is going wrong?

Why are our teachers losing their vocation?

AEU President, Pat Byrne said issues stemming from a lack of funding are responsible for driving teachers out of the profession.

“The four top concerns for new teachers were workload, behaviour management, pay and class size, all issues directly related to having enough funding to adequately resource schools,” Ms Byrne said.

“The survey showed that even new teachers who have changed professions to enter teaching do not see themselves having long term careers in the industry.

“They are worried about job security, with around half reporting they had been unable to negotiate permanent ongoing employment, and were instead on fixed term contracts.

“They are also worried about professional support, with over thirty per cent stating professional development was a concern, and over forty per cent said they had been asked to teach outside their area of expertise.

“The Federal Government’s new IR laws also came out as a key concern and an overwhelming majority of those surveyed were not comfortable with the idea of negotiating their own pay and conditions,” she said.

Roxby Downs Area School Year 2 teacher, AnneMarie Reschke, who is in her second year of teaching, was surprised to hear the survey results and said she loves the job and wants no other.

“It’s a good job and there is plenty of work out there, they are always going to be looking for teachers.

“I’ll definitely keep teaching,” she said.

Advertisement

DROUGHT ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS & FARMERS Strong and prosperous rural communities are the backbone of our nation. To ensure our country remains in a strong financial position, improved support is being made available to agricultural dependent small businesses and more farmers to help them get through the prolonged drought.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

Agricultural dependent small businesses and farmers are both eligible for the EC interest rate subsidy. The assistance cap has been extended over five years and increased to up to $500,000. Apply through your state rural assistance authority.

Visit www.daff.gov.au/droughtassist

DROUGHT FORCE Drought Force helps drought affected farming properties with their workforce needs. People receiving income support who work 30 hours or more a week on a Drought Force activity do not have to look for work. Eligible Drought Force participants may receive an extra $20.80 a fortnight and access up to $1600 in training credits. Call 1800 004 226 or visit www.workplace.gov.au/droughtforce

MORE RURAL FINANCIAL AND PERSONAL COUNSELLING There are now more Rural Financial Counsellors available in areas of greatest need. Call 1800 026 222 or visit www.rfcs.gov.au. There’s also extra funding for the Family and Relationship Services Program for more face-to-face counselling. Call the Hotline on 13 23 16.

DROUGHT ASSISTANCE BUSES We’re bringing assistance to your community with our Drought Assistance buses visiting rural Australia. Staff on board can help you apply for drought assistance on the spot.

CWA EMERGENCY AID FUND Emergency grants are available to drought-affected families of small business operators, farmers and service providers to help meet immediate household costs.

Community grants are also available. Contact your state CWA at www.cwaa.org.au

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND PLANNING GRANTS FOR FARMERS Grants of up to $5500 for professional advice and planning are available to farm businesses in areas that have been EC-declared for more than three years.

The grants may be used to help you manage the impact of the drought on your business. Call the Hotline on 13 23 16, 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday.

Please don’t self-assess.

Call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16, 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday.

GPY&R MFHS0063/4

If you’re a small business owner who receives 70 per cent of your income from farm business in Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declared areas and have up to 100 full-time employees you may now be eligible for income support and interest rate subsidies. This support is available to businesses inside and outside EC-declared areas.

INTEREST RATE SUBSIDY EXTENDED

CALL 13 23 16 Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 5

The

Monitor OPINION

Monitor l a i r o it The

Ed

It’s great to be in the middle them a monopoly which guarof a boom in a mining town. antees them an income stream Everything seems to flourish without too much downside, or and it gives a great kick start to competition. smaller communities, especially Our front page story could near Roxby Downs. be seen as great news for Andamooka. But it does have Take the boom in our near a downside for the small opal neighbour at Andamooka as a mining town. classic example.

Plans for such developments With daily press coverage go before the State Planning around the nation about the Authority which is supposed big expansion at BHP Billiton’s to ensure all the I’s are dotted Olympic Dam mine, speculators and the T’s are crossed, and one are trying to get an angle or edge would think they’d communicate on how they can best capitalise. with the local entity, in this case They only invest in areas that the Andamooka Progress and deliver a quick return, or gives Opal Miners Association.

The vision of 200 units to accommodate workers for the mine expansion is to be applauded, and there’ll be more such developments planned during the next 2 years.

But what about the vision and knowledge of the town’s infrastructure.

Will it be able to cope? Will it be able to handle this sudden interest, especially without any state government financial injection to upgrade the infrastructure to handle the development?

APOMA is still in the throws of completing its new water pipeline from the Olympic Dam desalination plant. The water will be available from a water station on the outskirts of town, because there’s no direct mains home supply.

Then what about electricity supply?

Currently it is operated by a private business and its capacity to supply such large require-

ments to new building projects must surely be tested, without any upgrading.

The state government must take an appropriate leadership role in the development that is taking place.

If it continues to approve such projects without understanding the need to financially assist organisations like APOMA, so it can not only meet the current demand for water and electricity, but future demands as well, it must live with the consequences.

The state government has had such a big lead-in time to the expansion, so it should be prepared. It should have plans in place so demand is met.

You can’t sit on your hands and let things unfold around you, then open your doors to state treasury so the money flows in, without putting in the infrastructure.

Let’s see some action.

Letters to the Editor Dear Sir / Madam, It’s time for a fair go for rural and regional areas, especially those listed as the most socially disadvantaged across the nation that are situated right here in Grey.

I was dismayed to read in a report by Professor Tony Vinson from the University of Sydney, that these areas listed include Coober Pedy, Ceduna, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Barunga, West, Whyalla, and the Southern Yorke Peninsula.

It is shameful that, in such an era of increased wealth and prosperity in our nation, there are areas such as these where social disadvantage and isolation are endemic. It is a damning reflection on policy and decision making by our governments.

How long will it be before rural and regional communities receive their fair share of the educational opportunities, health services, social support services, and training opportunities that they rightly deserve?

Local Councils, local organisations, and local people are all working hard to support their communities. It is time these deplorable disadvantages are recognised, fixed and funded, before more damage and hurt is done to these people and their communities.

It’s about time both State and Federal Governments and their various agencies recognised that for far too long rural and regional areas have been ignored, and their people un heard and unsupported.

It’s time for more people- based, not party-based, voices in our Parliaments.

After all, isn’t putting our people first far more important?

Wilbur Klein, Nationals SA candidate for Grey To the editor, Hello, my name is Tari Jeffers. Just earlier this day, I was looking through my photo album and I was hit with nostalgia. I lived in Roxby up until I was 7 years old, before my dad, Stephen Jeffers was offered a mining job in Norseman in Western Australia.

My Mum was a teacher at RDAS, her name is Keyla Jeffers. I have nothing but fond memories of Roxby Downs. Spending time with my best friends Chad Nixon and Sally Shepley, whom, sadly, I’ve lost contact with, being looked after by a wonderful lady called Lynn, playing netball on the weekend, in a team called the Red Robins, which my Mum coached.

While I lived in Roxby, I lived in two houses, my first was 11 Wirrda St, and my second was 16 Blanche Court, where Sally Shepley was my neighbour.

My nostalgia is only one reason I am contacting The Monitor, the other is to give my thanks to everyone in Roxby Downs, for looking back on it now, it has made me what I am.

I am 17, turning 18 this August. I currently reside in Perth, Western Australia, and I am in my first year at Edith Cowan University, studying Journalism. So, thank you to all people that influenced me into what I have become, and who had believed in me along the way.

I have a plea to ask of whoever reads this. I have no way of contacting Chad Nixon, who was my best friend from before we even started school. The last time I spoke to him was late in 1998, when I last visited Roxby Downs.

My plea is for him to know that Tari Jeffers, whether he remembers me or not, says hello.

If, by some miracle, he finds out I want to talk to him, please e-mail his contact information to me, I’d very much like to get back in touch.

Thank you for your time, Yours sincerely, Tari Jeffers

The Weather at a glance Minimum & Maximum Temperatures for the period 26th Feb - 4th March 2007

Proudly sponsored by Phone:

8671 2683

Monitor The

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28.40

7/03/07

17.10

32.40

8/03/07

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34.40

9/03/07

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The

Monitor FINANCE & BUSINESS

Gender pay imbalance The Australian Women and Leadership Forum has called for urgent action to address the growing earnings gap between men and women.

Their concerns came following the release last week of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ ‘Average Weekly Earnings’ report.

The report found that, in the twelve months to November 2006, full-time adult ordinary-time earnings rose by 3.4% for males and 2.2% for females.

When analysing the corresponding dollar amount, males earned $1,124.60 and females $940.60.

“Unfortunately, although the level

of average earnings for women in Australia is on the rise, male earnings are rising at a faster rate and remain well ahead,” Emma Harvey from the Forum said.

The results of the report also found that women hold only 12% of executive management positions and 39.5% of companies have no women executive managers.

“Both sets of statistics paint a dismal picture of Australian women in leadership roles,” Ms Harvey said.

To bring this issue into focus, the Australian Women & Leadership Forum will roll out a national Executive Women’s Leadership Symposium program next month.

“The program is based on the premise that executive-level women need executive-level learning experiences,” Ms Harvey said.

“Our female leaders require specific skills, resources and capabilities to deal with the increasing complexities of their work, and they need the validation and affirmation of other women on the leadership path that they are on track with their current strategy and approach to the future.”

“Now is the time to address the imbalance of the number of Australian women in leadership positions and their earnings – we can’t afford to ignore this problem any longer,” Ms Harvey said.

Be carbon smart Landcare Australia is encouraging pastoralists and farmers in the north of South Australia to get involved in its cutting edge Carbon Pooling program to support biodiversity.

The organisation is urging landholders in and around Roxby Downs - particularly those who have undertaken landcare plantings since 1990 - to find out how they can potentially secure ongoing annual income through the project.

Landcare CarbonSMART has been launched by the not-for-profit organisation with the support of long time Landcare supporter – actor, Jack Thompson.

Through Landcare CarbonSMART, landholders can potentially earn money for managing trees and vegetation… with some landholders able to secure a regular income for up to 30 years.

The carbon trading market is already climbing rapidly.

Some estimates suggest the market will be worth US $2.3 trillion in five years time.

The project will help stabilise farmers’ income by providing annual payments for carbon from eligible forests even in drought years.

Landholders can use areas as small as 0.2 hectares - provided it has been planted since 1990 and meets other eligibility criteria.

Revegetated land that cannot yield crops or support viable grazing can also

provide income to farmers and support biodiversity conservation.

It’s estimated that a ten hectare area of trees with mixed species could yield approximately $20,000 over a 30 year period.

Landcare Australia says Australians are becoming more aware and more active about making a difference to the future of the environment, with particular concern around global warming.

Jack Thompson said L andcare CarbonSMART is a truly exciting initiative.

“It is Landcare at its very best, with the Australian community, government and business working together to protect and repair our environment.

“It’s all about good stewardship, Australian landholders can earn money for managing trees and vegetation.

“Through the carbon trading process Australian corporates can offset their emissions. “It’s a simple trade and the environment benefits at a time when global climate change makes it critical that we all do our bit.

“It makes me proud to be a Landcare ambassador,” he said.

Anyone wanting more information and eligibility requirements should simply call 1800 151 105 to request an information pack or visit www.carbonsmart.com.au

Above: Child Health Nurse, Roxanne Frith

Mentoring child health nurse The face of children’s health in Roxby Downs has changed.

Registered midwife and child health nurse, Roxanne Frith, has stepped into the role of Community Child Health Nurse, recently vacated

by Deb Harper.

Ms Frith, a registered midwife and child health nurse, will be in Roxby Downs until the end of June, mentoring student registered nurse,

I

ncandescent light bulbs are set to dim into the history books, thanks to a new plan by the federal government.

The initiative would see the old style, inefficient incandescent bulbs phased out over three years, cutting Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tonnes and reducing our household lighting costs by up to 66 per cent.

“The most effective and immediate way we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by using energy more efficiently,” Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull said.

“Electric lighting is a vital part of our lives; globally it generates emissions equal to 70 per cent of those from all the world’s passenger vehicles.

“But it is still very inefficient. We have been using incandescent light bulbs for 125 years and up to 90 per cent of the energy each light bulb uses is wasted, mainly as heat.”

“More efficient lights, such as the compact fluorescent light bulb, use around 20 per cent of the electricity to produce the same amount of light.

“While they may be more expensive to buy up front, they can pay for themselves in lower power bills within a year,” he said.

Electrical Services Manager for the Roxby Downs Council, David Hallett, is a fan of the fluorescent bulb but said getting rid of all incandescent lighting won’t be as easy as the government is claiming.

“There are places it won’t be possible to fit fluorescent light bulbs.

“Refrigerators, ovens and many outside lights use incandescent bulbs and won’t take a fluorescent bulb.

“You are really only talking domestic, internal lighting that can be easily changed.

“The fluorescent bulbs are definitely better, they are much cheaper to operate and last a lot longer, but you have to be careful to buy ones of reasonable quality, some of the cheaper brands break very easily and may not give good quality light,” Mr Hallett said.

lotteries where people have had to send money to receive their ‘alleged’ winnings; fraudsters contacting consumers by telephone and asking them to ‘confirm’ their security numbers on the backs of their credit cards and illegal investment schemes whereby consumers believe they will earn a substantial amount of money and are encouraged to sign up friends to boost their income.

The Consumer Taskforce advises consumers to never respond to an email asking for your PINs or passwords, never send money to someone you don’t know or trust and only invest with licensed financial service providers.

“There are outrageous schemes that are too good to be true. This should ring alarm bells that these are scams.

Do not give your money to fraudsters,” Ms. Rankine said.

“It’s an insidious and growing crime.

The scammers are out there, and they’re active with new tricks, so keep your money in your pocket.”

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

operating the child health centre at the Community Health Centre, hosting groups for first time mothers, performing kindergarten screening and outreaching to Andamooka and Woomera.

To make an appointment to see Ms Frith, contact Roxby Downs Health Services on 8671 9020.

Bright Ideas….oops….Fluoro Ideas

Don’t be scammed

Residents of Roxby Downs and other remote centres in South Australia have been targeted by fraudsters trying to get money from them for supposed lotteries and pyramid investment schemes.

Following a major push into South Australia by the electronic fraudsters the state’s Consumer Affairs Minister, Jennifer Rankine is warning consumers to be alert to the innovative techniques scammers use to lure unsuspecting victims into handing over their hard earned cash.

“Many South Australians are losing tens of thousands of dollars by sending money to claim winnings from overseas lotteries, or getting caught up in so called investment schemes,” she said.

“The only people making money out of these schemes are the fraudsters themselves.”

The Australasian Consumer Taskforce has built a four week campaign with the overall theme “Scams target you-Protect yourself.”

The types of scams include overseas

Ruth Baillie, who is undertaking studies at Flinders University.

“The main focus of my work is to support families, give them current information and help them make informed choices,” Ms Frith said.

“I’m really looking forward to my four months in Roxby, it will be an adventure.”

Ms Frith will be conducting home visits to new mothers in the area,

www.themonitor.com.au

Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 7

The

Monitor COMMUNITY MATTERS

Above: Residents at the recent public meeting on pet management.

Balanced approach to pet management

Forum to help business prepare for expansion The Business Forum is about to hold its first meeting for the year and it should be a doozy!

“It’s going to be huge,” Executive Officer, Alex Barker said.

“We’re going to have the Department of Trade and Economic Development, the Office of Regional Affairs and the Northern Regional Development Board.

“And representatives from the ANZ bank will be there too, addressing the Forum about banking services.

“We’ll be meeting at the Roxby Downs Club and it’ll be a great chance for people to sample their new dinner menu, while enjoying the free drinks kindly donated by a business sponsor.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for all operators to network with other business owners in the region and discuss issues that affect their businesses,” he said.

The Business Forum had a tough year last year, struggling to find enough members to hold their meetings.

“We are calling for local business people to step up and get involved so we can set projects and goals for 2007,” Mr Barker said.

The Business Forum meeting will begin at 6pm on Thursday, March 22.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Alex Barker at the Roxby Downs Council on 8671 0010.

Roxby Downs residents have voted in favour of introducing new measures to clamp down on stray and unwanted cats in the town.

At a recent public meeting at the ‘Dunes Café’ they voted for to extend existing dog bylaws to cover cats including the same penalties and fees.

They also agreed to have cats contained within the houses and yards of their owners, to have them ‘microchipped’ and to have them desexed if sold or given away.

The public meeting was called by the Roxby Downs Pet Management sub-committee.

It followed a comprehensive survey of residents during the past few months in which more than 180 questionaires were filled out on what to do about cats and dogs in town.

Chairman of the meeting Gavin Ibbett said the decisions reached will be included in a draft management plan that will eventually be presented to the Roxby Downs Council.

“We have canvassed the community, investigated best practise in other regions, and completed a draft list of objectives,” he said.

“We are a sensitive environment in Roxby Downs, so we’ll be looking at an education package to run in conjunction with the introduction of the new bylaws.

“When people first arrived in Roxby Downs almost 20 years ago, they commented on the abundance of lizards and birds in and around town. But now, there

are no comments because the lizards and birds are gone because of the impact of cats,” Mr. Ibbett told the meeting.

One member in the public gallery declared herself a cat owner and suggested it would be difficult to enforce full containment of cats within the owners property.

“I’m against full containment, even though I admit cats do attack fauna, just as dogs do, but you can’t stop them going out,” she said.

Council officer, Peter Keller said the measures being discussed are long term.

They will not happen over-night.

“By June this year, I have to come up with a plan of management, because currently 90% of the Dog and Cat Management Act pertains to dogs, so we have a responsibility to redress that,” he said.

“If these proposals before us, get adopted, then fines will be introduced for cats, just as they are for dogs if they’re caught outside the owners property.

“We’ll look at the fee structure for registration and microchipping, and may introduce an amnesty period and discounts for the new procedures,” he said.

Member of the steering committee, John Read said it’s really important cat owners realise that the committee doesn’t hate cats or dogs, but is purely after a balanced approach.

“Total containment is good for the pet and good for the environment,” he said.

MEETING DATES Family and Youth Forum Sports and Recreation Arts and Culture Forum Alcohol & Substance Abuse Partnership Health Forum Business Forum Community Board Volunteering Partnership

5 March 6 March 7 March 8 March 13 March 22 March 26 March 16 April

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 6.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Dates and times of meetings were correct at time of publication.

For further information and check venue locations please contact Michelle Hales on 0438871153

Ways to have your say Do you have an issue that you want raised at any of the meetings?

Do you have suggestions, ideas or feedback that you want passed on for consideration and action?

Would you like to come along to a meeting and speak about a topic?

Would you like to join a forum or partnership?

Page 8 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

Web Log a question, comment, suggestion at community. roxbydowns.com

www.themonitor.com.au

Email

Mail

community@ Michelle Hales roxbydowns.com Executive Officer or Community Board communitygarden@ PO Box 124 roxbydowns.com Roxby Downs SA 5725

Telephone Mobile: 0438 871 153 Michelle Hales

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor PHOTO

Above: Sunrise on the Oodnadatta Track. Photo submitted by Scott Cheers.

Above left and left: Having fun on Lake Mary. Photos submitted by Mandie Arnold.

Above: Lightning during a storm on Februrary 19. Photo submitted by Danielle Gillies

Above: A touch of pink. Photo submitted by Les Rochester.

Above: Photo submitted by Danielle Gillies, Roxby Downs sunset.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Above: March full moon, photo by Les Rochester.

Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 9

The

Monitor SWIM

Swim carnival action The Roxby Downs Swimming club held its annual swimming championships at the weekend.

16 students from Mimili in the state’s far north also took part in the carnival as part of a rewards program the local school is running in their numeracy and literacy curriculum.

As these photographs show, there was plenty of action and fun at the carnival.

Friends of Arid Recovery Annual General Meeting 2007 Take the opportunity to learn about the Friends of Arid Recovery and see the Arid Recovery Reserve!

Arid Recovery is a non-profit ecosystem restoration initiative dedicated to the restoration of Australia’s arid lands.

How do you get to Arid Recovery?

Head out along Olympic Way towards the mine. Turn right onto the Borefield Road (past Lavricks but before the mine gate). Head along the Borefield Road (gravel) for 15 km. The gate to Arid Recovery is on the left hand side of the road. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Arid Recovery from Roxby Downs.

Date: Sunday, 1 April 2007 Time: 4.00 pm Where: Arid Recovery Reserve Topics of Discussion: > General Overview of Arid Recovery and the role of the Friends Group > The Year Ahead - Friends of Arid Recovery Annual Plan overview > Annual General Meeting (including committee member elections) > General discussion and question/answer time > The meeting will be followed by nibbles and a walk through the Arid Recovery Reserve.

All members of the community welcome New members are always welcome.

Nomination Forms for the Committee can be obtained prior to the AGM by contacting Arid Recovery. Forms will also be available at the AGM.

Call 8671 8282 www.aridrecovery.org.au or email arid.recovery@bhpbilliton.com.

Page 10 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

ALL ABOUT KID IDSS DVD to combat bullying

A

new video that gives teachers techniques to tackle schoolyard bullying will be sent to all State high schools as part of the South Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce bullying in schools.

Above: Karen Russell Presenting Barbara Taylor the Toddler Story Time Package

Toddler time goes to Woomera

From 2005, part of Health Service funding is targeted towards Population Health Initiatives.

In October 2005 Manda Hollins, Speech Pathologist, was appointed to Roxby Downs Health Services to produce a Toddler Story Time Package.

The aim of the project was to produce a package, which focused on early literacy and language of children 0 to 6 years, which could be implemented by Librarians and or playgroups in South Australian Outback areas, like Roxby Downs, Woomera and Andamooka.

Toddler Story Time has been successfully running at the Roxby Downs Community Library on Tuesday mornings since February 2006.

The model has been so successful that

in 2006/07 funding has been provided to roll the program out to remote communities through the North West operations area of Country Health South Australia.

On Wednesday, February 28, Karen Russell, Allied Health Assistant Roxby Downs Health Services, presented the Toddler Story Time package on behalf of Janine Connell, Executive Officer/ Director of Nursing Roxby Downs Health Services/Woomera Community Hospital, to the Woomera Playgroup.

Barbara Taylor has taken on the role as the Coordinator of the playgroup and she is excited about using the Toddler Story Time in the regular Playgroup hours on Wednesday 1pm to 3pm.

The DVD is called– Reducing Bullying: Evidence Based Strategies for Schools.

“Bullying is an all too common part of society and a significant issue in school communities, affecting up to one in six students in a week,” Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said.

“Everyone in a school community, including teachers, principals, classmates and friends, needs to help stop bullying.

“We have progressively rolled out a number of initiatives over the past few years to give our schools a greater ability to address bullying and harassment.

“Importantly, we have involved local experts in schoolyard bullying to make sure our work is at the forefront of efforts around Australia to deal with this age-old issue,” she said.

There has already been interest nationally and internationally in this new video following its preview at various conferences and meetings. It will be available for sale to other jurisdictions.

The work of Flinders University documentary filmmaker Alison Wotherspoon and the academic research of her colleagues are reflected in the video’s strong focus on ‘best practice’ approaches.

Seven short videos are featured, capturing the voices of students, teachers, parents, experts and health professionals and providing schools with anti-bullying information and strategies.

Dr Lomax-Smith says the new DVD will complement a number of other Government initiatives to tackle bullying in schools.

They include a comprehensive information package provided to all schools to reduce bullying and highlighting cyber bullying.

Training programs to give teachers and school counsellors the skills to deal with bullies and their victims, and to take preventative action by creating friendlier school communities.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology, Professor Faith Trent, says the new DVD provides teachers with a valuable resource that is based on research and experience.

“Teachers work extremely hard to ensure that classrooms and schools are places where students are free to learn and play without fear of being bullied,” Professor Trent says.

“This resource has been trialled in schools and found to be effective because of both its form and content, and is now easily accessible to teachers.”

LITTLE RASCALS Childcare Centre

Scouts join memorial service again The Roxby Downs/Andamooka Returned and Services League (RSL) will not be celebrating Anzac Day on their own this April, for the first time in many years the Roxby Downs Scouts will be on hand to lend support.

“The old Roxby Scout troop used to celebrate Anzac Day with the RSL, it’s a tradition in many parts of the country,” Scout Leader, Trent Burton said.

“We want to continue that tradition.”

‘Anzacs’ was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought at Gallipoli in World War I. On Anzac Day, Australians are given the opportunity to honour the men and women who have fought in all wars.

The RSL and the Scouts will be meeting for a dawn service at Olympic Dam and then move on to the memorial plaque in Richardson Place for a commemorative service.

RSL Secretary/Treasurer, Wayne

Morris said he was delighted the Scouts will be participating in the Anzac Day celebrations.

“It’s great that we are getting more participation and that the Scouts and Guides have formed again in Roxby Downs,” Mr Morris said.

“The RSL IS honoured to have the Scouts join us on Anzac Day,” he said.

The scouts now number around 80, but Mr Burton is hoping to expand the troop even further if he can find more leaders.

“We desperately need more lady leaders.

“We have many fathers willing to help, but we really need more ladies,” he said.

The Anzac Day Memorial Service will begin at 10am on Wednesday, April 25.

The dawn service will be held at 6am at the Olympic Dam Memorial on Blinman Way. The RSL would like to encourage all residents to attend.

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Under New Ownership and Management Providing quality Care for children 6 weeks to 12 Years OSHC Pick up Vacation Care available (School Holidays only) Nutritious meals provided by Start Right Eat Right Practices Children’s Services Professionals & Assistants to provide approved quality care Pre Kindy & Toddlers Programs in place New Opening Hours to assist with town workers shifts.

6.30am to 6.00pm as of the Monday the 2nd of April.

SACSA Curriculum based for early learning & social interaction.

Vacancies available enquire now….

See you there.

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Helping to keep their smiles perfect As a parent you can play an important part in your child’s oral health.

Good habits start young, so by teaching your children the easy steps to proper oral care, they will have taken their first steps towards a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Imitation is the best way to teach your child how to brush.

Children as young as two or three can learn to brush by watching you, although you should follow up with a thorough brushing at least once a day.

In Roxby Downs, Dentistry Today provides a service to children from the age of 4 years to the age of 18, as long as the child is at school.

This consultation is a free service which also provides fillings and fissure seals through the South Australian Dental Service.

Dentistry patients who have private medical funds are able to claim their rebate on the day from the surgery with our Hicaps machine and gap payments can be done at the surgery by cash, cheque or eftpos.

DENTISTRY TODAY

ROXBY DOWNS & HEALTH SERVICE Examinations Scaling & cleaning General lings Crown work Dentures

BURGOYNE ST, ROXBY DOWNS Appointments Mon - Friday 8:30 - 5:30

8671 9031 A SPRINKLE OF MAGIC

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER Story telling Face painting Fairy parties - Magical games, wish making with Fairy Dust, Fairy Dancing, Bubble Blowing, Cupcakes & Lemonade, Storytelling Pirate parties – Games, Pirate Treasure, Walk the plank, Face Painting, Storytelling Glitz & Glamour parties Craft parties Fairy & pirate party supplies available for purchase Birthday party packages available Fairy dresses & accessories, pirate & wizard Costumes for sale Home shopping parties A Sprinkle of Magic will be with the Scrap Booking stall on Market Day and back in front of the library in May. For more information on booking a stress free party full of fun and magic, or with any other enquiries please contact

Sarah on 0411 073 100 e: asprinkleofmagic@yahoo.com.au Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 11

REAL ESTATEeview R

Money goes into renovations Spending on major renovations in South Australia continued its resurgence in late 2006 as a lack of affordable land and government-imposed costs continued to weigh down on new home building.

Commenting on the latest release of HIA’s quarterly Renovations Monitor, Australia’s peak building industry body, HIA, said that major renovation activity (jobs carried out by licensed builders and contractors) increased by 4.9 per cent in South Australia in the December 2006 quarter to over $49 million.

HIA’s Executive Director, South Australia, Mr Robert Harding, said that expenditure on major renovations increased by nearly 8 per cent in 2006 following a flat 2005.

“Relatively steady house prices and a strong labour market created a healthy base for major renovations in South Australia in 2006,” Mr Harding said.

“At the same time new housing affordability suffered under the weight of high land prices, large development and regulatory costs, and higher interest rates,” Mr Harding added.

“A renewed deterioration in new housing affordability in South Australia in 2006 pushed many households into embarking on major structural renovations of their existing property rather than building a new home.

“This is positive news for building materials manufacturers and suppliers given that new housing activity is off the boil.

“The average amount households are willing to spend on a major renovation grew by a strong 12 per cent in South Australia in the December quarter.”

In the three months to December major renovations expenditure increased across Australia.

A total of 470 households in South Australia undertook major home renovations over the three months to December at an average value of $104,745 for each job.

This is the first time the average value for a major renovation job in South Australia has exceeded $100,000.

Land Owners need How to get help to manage more out of banks their land Small property owners in South Australia need more training support in good land management practices, with many unequipped to care for the sustainability of their land.

That’s one of the key findings from a report officially launched by FarmBis State Planning Group Chair Laura Fell.

The report ‘Small Property Holdings— Industry Training Plan’, highlights key findings and recommendations from a survey of 350 small property holders from across the state that looked at identifying their existing knowledge, skills and future training needs in Natural Resource Management (NRM).

The research project was funded by the FarmBis Training Industry Initiatives Program and carried out by Horse SA and the Lucas Group.

Ms Fell said the report shows there is a skill and knowledge gap for many small property owners in how to effectively manage soils, pastures and weeds without causing damage to the environment.

“Small property owners are often not from traditional land owning backgrounds, and therefore we need to provide them with the necessary support and skills to help them adopt sustainable farming practices to better manage their properties,” Ms Fell said.

There are approximately 22,000 land

titles in the peri-urban region of Adelaide and 90% are less than 40 Hectares, and the development of small lifestyle properties is increasing, with many families seeking to escape the city.

“We are greatly concerned about the management of our state’s resources, and this report will assist organisations and training providers provide more accessible training support to address this issue,” Ms Fell said.

Project facilitator, Julie Fiedler, Horse SA Executive Officer says many of the property owners surveyed did not understand or even relate to the term NRM. “Further promotion and marketing is required to raise the profile of NRM, so that people understand that NRM is the adoption of “good land management practices” which are essential for all property owners,” Ms Fiedler said.

“Small property owners are often unaware that they are eligible for FarmBis subsidies to undertake NRM training, and are missing out on valuable training readily available to commercial and large scale farming property owners.”

Ms Fielder said more training support tailored to the needs of small property owners was a key recommendation of the report.

REAL ESTATE ROXBY DOWNS

3 POGONA COURT

best offer over $455,000

4 bdrm brick executive home. Formal tiled entrance way leads to large Tasmanian oak kitchen overlooks pool and entertaining area. Large Formal lounge area. Main bdrm has bay window and access to 2 way bathroom. 4th bdrm tiled & has sliding door to entertaining area great as an extra room or office. Tool shed, rear gate access, single carport with access to house via kitchen. Beautifully landscaped gardens.

45 TILIQUA CRESCENT best offer over $480,000

Executive brick home. Main bedroom with bay window, W.I.R.’s & en-suite.

Large formal lounge. Open plan living area with glass sliding doors. Paved entertainment area with green lawns overlooking swimming pool. Modern kitchen with walkin-pantry, gas oven & dishwasher. Kitchen also has bay window. Casual living area opens from kitchen & dining area. Double carport & large shed approx 20x30. Ceiling fans & ducted reverse cycle A/C throughout.

102 STUART ROAD

best offer over $340,000

3 bdrm home with roller shutters, lawn & tropical plants. Large Open plan kitchen/dining. Kitchen has T pantry, gas stove RA&Cdishwasher.

NTdining, Sliding door to opens onto O C R DE entertainment area. Large large under coverU& Npaved backyard with shade sail & sandpit. Lounge leads to 3 bedrooms all with B.I.R.’s. Evap A/C & gas heating in living area. Large 20x30 shed. Tenants moving out in March. Can now be sold to owner occupier.

URGENTLY SEEKING MORE HOMES TO SELL WE HAVE BUYERS WAITING BUT HAVE ALMOST SOLD OUT OF STOCK - OWNER OCCUPIED HOMES IN GREAT DEMAND.

Martin Stringer Real Estate Manager

Ali Webber Property Consultant

Tania Noonan Property Manager

Phone 0417 816 738

Lot 65 Government Road ANDAMOOKA

This 3 bedroom home has been renovated throughout and is located up near the hospital in Andamooka.

It has sensational views in the evening which can be enjoyed from the lounge room, or step outside the sliding door onto the verandah .

This property is situated on a large block of land and there is room for future development for a courtyard home or similar.

This property consists of a generous size

kitchen, gas oven and stove with plenty of cupboard space, the kitchen overlooks the pergola/bbq area.

The lounge has recently been tiled and has a very modern appearance with down lights, ceiling fan and french doors that lead you into the dining area.

The dining area has an immense amount of character with its original solid Andamooka stone feature wall.

There are ceiling fans to 2 of the 3 bedrooms, all rooms have modern curtains.

There is also a study with built in storage space. One bedroom is situated at the opposite end of the house and has a large entrance way to this room that has been tiled with the same tiles in the lounge.

This entrance can also lead you to the retro toilet or modern laundry that has new cupboards & vanity.

This home has the convenience of refrigerated air-conditioning for the hot summer months.

It comes complete with a large shed with sliding doors and side door, shed is fully concreted and has a car pit. There are 2 access roads to this property.

The property is currently leased to a company until the end of Feb 2007 at $220 pw. Suggested rental would be approx $250 pw.

For any further enquiries or to arrange an inspection please contact - Ali Webber - Wardle Co Real Estate 0417 816 738. $185,000

Email: wardle_roxbywestnet.com.au Page 12 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

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Homebuyers and property investors run into a major hurdle when their lender rejects their application for a new home loan.

For investors, this often occurs when they’ve developed a reasonable portfolio but are looking to expand further.

The March issue of Australian Property Investor magazine reveals 20 ways to climb over the serviceability brick wall.

“If you apply for a loan and the bank teller gives the Little Britain-esque response, ‘computer says no’, that doesn’t have to be the end of the story,” says API editor Eynas Brodie.

“There are a number of ways you can fight back and potentially convince a lender to meet your needs.”

Depending on your situation, you might need more income to be able to support more debt, or you might know that you can handle more debt but the bank sees things differently.

“Either way, there are steps you can take to get from ‘no’ to ‘yes’,” Brodie says.

“Sometimes it’s just a matter of tweaking your circumstances in a couple of areas.”

A sample of the strategies API reveals for boosting your borrowing capacity are, asking for a pay rise.

“Any increase in income boosts your loan eligibility,” explains Brodie. “And relatively small amounts of income can produce dramatic changes in your borrowing power.”

If you earn $60,000, a pay jump of $5000 would see your borrowing capacity leap by around $34,000.

A $10,000 rise increases borrowing power by about $67,000.

You can also rent out a room in your home This is a simple way to generate a little extra income, though you may need to provide evidence of a consistent income over 12 or 24 months.

Increase your rents.

“Higher rentals mean more income, meaning improved loan serviceability,” says Brodie.

“Tight rental markets around the country make this a viable proposition today.”

You can also prepare a budget for the lender.

“If your income can support another loan but your lender doesn’t see it that way, providing a budget that sets out your income and expenses can help,” Brodie said.

“If you sell yourself properly to the lender, you may find they’re happy to lend to you even though you don’t strictly meet their criteria.”

So as Brodie suggests, give it a go, you may turn the ‘No’ into a ’Yes’.

Crack down on rental auctions Tough new guidelines will work to prevent rental auctions and strengthen consumer rights to create a fairer playing field for all parties involved in residential leasing.

The guidelines, released by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia, clearly state that property managers must not actively solicit offers for higher than the quoted price.

Announcing the new guidelines, REISA President, Mr Mark Sanderson, said that the guidelines were needed to ensure total transparency in the rental transaction.

“The market is extremely tight at the moment and tenants have been confused about what the process of offer is.

“These new guidelines make it very clear that property managers can only quote a price that the landlord is willing to accept.

“If a potential tenant wishes to make a higher offer then that is entirely their choice. “The important distinction is that property managers must not encourage rental auctions.

Rental auctions or bidding wars have emerged in the eastern States in recent times and the REISA Guidelines on Residential Property Letting will discourage this practice in SA. Other important provisions include property managers must undertake proper checks to ensure anyone making an offer will be suitable as a tenant, should the landlord accept their offer.

These checks should be carried out before offers are referred to the landlord.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor HEALTH MATTERS

Patients More children Binge win under in out-of- drinking Medicare home care ‘

An Australian Government decision to widen access to Medicare rebates for urgent after-hours care and to clarify what type of care the rebates cover will assist rural patients and doctors alike, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia says.

“The ability for doctors to provide urgent after-hours care is critical in all rural and remote areas, and particularly in communities that do not have hospitals” RDAA President, Dr Peter Rischbieth, said.

“It is equally critical that rural patients are able to receive appropriate rebates for that care.

“Under the changes to the Medicare after-hours items, implemented on 1 March 2007, patients who contact their doctor up to two hours before an after-hours period seeking urgent medical care will now receive the higher Medicare after-hours rebate.

“This is provided the care is given by the doctor in the after-hours period and meets the other requirements for an urgent after-hours item,” he said.

“Previously the ‘emergency’ after-hours Medicare rebates were available only to patients if they contacted their doctor within an after-hours period, not before it.

“And the Australian Government has now clarified that the items will be called ‘urgent’ after-hours Medicare items rather than ‘emergency’ after-hours items.”

The old description of the items as being for ‘emergency’ after-hours care was making it unclear as to whether the rebates were available to patients who received urgent (rather than emergency) medical care provided after-hours.

Doctors and clinics that routinely provide services in the after-hours period will also be able to claim the urgent after-hours items for services that are provided outside of consulting rooms, such as in a patient’s home or at a residential aged care facility.

RDAA strongly supported the Australian Medical Association’s call for access to the after-hours Medicare items to be widened and for the definitions regarding the items to be clarified.

Blind drunk’, ‘off your face’, ‘wasted’ – Australians pride themselves on their ability to hold their alcohol, but it may be a tradition our young people are embracing a little too enthusiastically.

Over the past five years, the number of Australian children in out-of-home care has increased by 40%, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The report, Child protection Australia 2005-06, contains data on children in out-of-home care, children on care and protection orders and children subject to child protection notifications, investigations and substantiations.

In 2001 there were 18,241 children in out-of-home care, increasing to 25,454 children in care in 2006.

Similarly, the number of children on care and protection orders has increased significantly, rising by 37% from 19,917 in 2001 to 27,188 in 2006.

Ms Deidre Penhaligon, of the Institute’s Children, Youth and Families Unit, said the increase is due, in part, to a greater community awareness of child abuse and neglect, but also to the cumulative effect of children entering the system at a young age and remaining on care and protection orders for longer periods.

Jurisdictional studies also indicate that children enter care for increasingly complex family situations associated with a range of factors including low income, parental substance abuse, mental health issues and family violence.

According to the report, the majority of children in care were either in foster

At last there’s some good news about cancer.

care (53%) or living with relatives (41%), with only 4% of children in residential care as at 30 June 2006.

The number of substantiated cases, where there was reasonable cause to believe that harm had occurred or would occur, rose from 46,154 cases in 2004-05 to 55,921 in 2005-06, largely due to increases in substantiations in New South Wales.

‘Some of this increase reflects jurisdictional changes in child protection policies and practices but is also an indication of increased public and media awareness of child protection concerns and the willingness to report these to the authorities,’ Ms Penhaligon said.

Emotional abuse was the most common reason for substantiation in most jurisdictions, followed by neglect and physical abuse.

Although the quality of the data on Indigenous status varies between states and territories, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were clearly over-represented in the child protection system.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were nearly five times as likely as other children to be the subject of a substantiated claim, over six times as likely to be on a care and protection order, and more than seven times as likely to be in out-of-home care compared to other children.

National cer vical cancer vaccinations begin April 2007.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide which is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The good news is that a new vaccine, developed in Australia, can protect against HPV, the cause of up to 70% of cervical cancers.

The other good news is that the Australian Government is making the

New research by the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation (AER) found some alarming patterns in the drinking habits of 18 – 24 year olds.

One in three classified themselves as ‘binge drinkers’, people who drink excessively or drink to get drunk.

Forty per cent had drunk so much they had passed out and more than 60 per cent said they were more likely to have a one night stand when drunk.

Roxby Downs Outback Health Screenings’ Ros Netherton found the survey results alarming.

“Binge drinking is definitely occurring within our young population, but also amongst our older and wiser residents,” Ms Netherton said.

“With alcohol being a legal substance there is very little control over how much people drink at any one time, if you have the money or the friends you can get alcohol.

“In Roxby Downs we are seeing a mix of younger and older drinkers.

“People need to be aware that as they grow older their bodies can change and things they could tolerate at one stage, they may no longer be able to,” she said.

AER Director, Cheryl Bart said while the foundation acknowledges that drinking is an accepted part of the Australian culture, binge drinking is a wide-spread community problem.

“Binge drinking is hurting our young people,” Ms Bart said.

“We have understood this anecdotally, and we know this from the alarming statistics in our hospital and health system.

“I don’t think there are many Australians who would consider it acceptable that at least one third of our young people classify themselves as binge drinkers.

“The immediate and future impact of that reality on the lives of those young people in terms of road safety, personal safety, and future health and well being could be catastrophic,” she said.

cervical cancer vaccine available free to all females aged 12 to 26 under the National HPV Vaccination Program.

For girls at school, the program starts in April 2007. A consent form will be sent home shortly for parents to fill in and return.

For women who have left school, and are under 27, the free vaccine will be available from your GP or community immunisation clinic from July.

The vaccine doesn’t prevent all cervical cancers, so regular Pap smears are still essential.

But a free cervical cancer vaccine is still very good news for women.

Help protect your daughter from cervical cancer. Sign the consent form.

For more information: National Immunisation Hotline 1800 671 811 australia.gov.au/cervicalcancer

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 13

RAW dance workshops RAW Dance Company in association with the Roxby Downs Arts and Culture Forum and the Roxby Downs Youth Service present: IMCT: International Master Class Tour A full day of workshops with young people on Monday March 19.

Roxby Downs auditorium Hip-Hop, Body Percussion, Breakdance, Funk Tap. Adults and toddler sessions available after 3:00 PM Register your interest at the Visitors Information Centre in the Cultural Precinct now.

Raw Dance Leisure Centre Company Manager resigns Workshops

Above: Departing Leisure Centre Manager, Karyn Biggs.

The Roxby Downs Cultural and Leisure Precinct is losing its manager.

Karyn Biggs has decided it is time to spread her wings.

Ms Biggs, who has been managing the precinct for around 18 months, has taken a Facilities Management Contract Superintendent’s position with BHP Billiton and leaves her old role this Friday.

Ms Biggs said she is very excited about her new venture, but sad to be leaving the Leisure Precinct.

“I will miss the Precinct, its wonderful and dedicated staff and all the friends I have made during my time there.

“We’ve achieved a lot in the way of community liaison and enhanced the reputation of the centre.

“We’ve worked hard to accommodate all the different sporting groups in town and raised the level of customer service in the centre.

“It has been a wonderful experience and I will be sure to keep in touch via the many friends I have made and wish everyone all the best for the future.

“Roxby Downs is a town with great spirit and potential and I look forward to seeing the community grow in the coming years,” she said.

Monday 19th March Proposed schedule School Based Program 9am-12.45pm

Rave Dancers- workshops on HipHop, Funk Tap and body percussion as per flyers

12.45- 1.25pm Lunch Break. Students to return to school 1.25- 2.50pm

Work with lead Rave dancers (Year 11 & 12’s) on choreography/ movements for Rave Dance competition

Community Program 3pm-4pm

Years Reception –4. Students to register interest at the Visitor Information Centre (VIC)

4pm- 5pm

Years 5 and 6. Students to register interest at the Visitor Information Centre (VIC)

5.30pm- 9pm

Interested community members.

arts matters

By Rodney Mitchell

We are all abuzz with excitement here at the Cultural Precinct this week. We have two dancers from Raw Dance Company here on Monday March 19 to work all day with those 42 teenagers who have put up their hands to be involved in the Rave Dance competition in Port Pirie in August this year.

Thanks go to Rebecca Fisher and the new RDAS Principal Steve Marshall for running with the momentum stirred up during Outback Fringe 06.

Also thanks to the Roxby Downs Youth Service for funding the workshop. They have channelled a little bit of the money they won for a youth new media project into this dance workshop.

They are working on the assumption that if we all pull together in the same direction we will get the youth performing arts workshop we have been asking for.

The Arts and Culture Forum have taken a leadership role again. They identified the opportunity with Raw Dance and have acted decisively.

One can never be sure what will come out of a workshop program.

Last term, in 2006, Sheila Culf volunteered her time to run a regular dance/drama class in the auditorium after school.

She found there was a big demand coming from younger students. When she gets fit again, we will be able to have classes for the younger ones with Sheila Culf and Sarah Collins stepping up to the mark. She is a worker in the Sports Centre and she is keen to run a regular after school dance program with teenagers.

We can continue to work closely with the Area School to provide continuity in training for our young aspiring performers.

We are also determined to reach out for boys to join the on-going workshop. We are talking with Chris Iley from Budgie Lung Theatre Company on a proposal to get him and his expertise up here for a day/night workshop in technical design for new media performance.

He is an expert in mixing sound, colour and video and setting up systems that can provide young people with a vehicle for self expression.

Chris can also give us good advice about how best to animate the Cultural Precinct and the main street during our two week arts festival in August.

This sort of technical take on theatre making isn’t just the preserve of boys, but we are hoping that it will work to hook more boys into the program.

We are looking forward to a return of the Circus workshops in August.

The Arts and Culture Forum have won regional arts money to support that, and in our wildest dreams we might be seeing, and learning from the full strength Raw Dance Company, during the second week of the Red eARTh Festival.

It will take a lot of good luck to win that. It is relying on a major grant from the Department of Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) and one should never hold one’s breathe whilst waiting for a decision from government.

LOCAL, LIVE AND LOVING IT!

Friendly faces of RoxFM

Email: manager@roxfm.com.au or info@roxfm.com.au

Website: www.roxfm.com.au

SMS your request on 0407 979 918 or phone 8671 2545 Page 14 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

WHAT’S

N

ACROSS THE REGION SPORT

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Every Week

Junior basketball training 4.15-5.45pm

Friday, March 16th Junior Basketball Minis 4:00pm Under 10 girls from 5:00pm

Visitor Information Centre 8.30-5.00 Mon-Fri Phone 86712001

Thursday, March 22nd Tae KwonDo Auditorium From 6:30pm Contact Andrew Murdy 0418 804 398

Roxby Downs Bowls Club Night Owls 8pm Saturday, March 17th Junior Basketball Leisure Centre 9:30am – 4:05pm

Leisure & Cultural Centre Movies Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Sunday (see schedule below) Phone 86712001

Indoor Soccer Leisure Centre Social matches from 6pm All welcome Contact Kenton Maloney 0408 797 158

Cricket

Roxby Downs Childcare Monday - Friday 6.30am-5.30pm Phone 8671 0911 for details

Grand final Monday, March 19th Karate Auditorium Colts (Age 5-12) 6pm Juniors/Adults 6:45pm Contact Tracey Fouet 0400 894 429 Tuesday, March 20th A- Grade Mens Basketball Leisure Centre 7pm – 10pm

Senior basketball 7-9pm

HEALTH Roxby Downs Family Practice Phone 8671 0730 Roxby Downs Medical Practice Normal hours 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday morning by appointment only. Phone 8671 1900 Eyebus Woomera April 11th Andamooka April 12th Roxby Downs April 12th

Junior basketball training 3.30-5.45pm Indoor soccer 6-7pm Tae KwonDo - Auditorium from 6.30pm Contact Andrew Murdy 0418 804 398 Wednesday, March 21st Karate Auditorium Colts (Age 5-12) 6pm Juniors/Adults 6:45pm Contact Tracey Fouet 0400 894 429

Visiting Allied Health Service Occupational Therapist Speech Pathologist Dietician Podiatrist Child Adolescent Mental Health Services For appointments phone 8648 5800 Hearing Services March 22 - 9.00am - 2.30pm For an appointment call 1800-006303

Gym Cultural & Leisure Precinct Monday to Friday 6 am-12pm & 4pm - 9 pm Saturday 8-12pm Sunday 11-2pm Phone 86710500 Roxby Downs Community Library Monday to Friday 8.30-5.00pm Saturday 9.00-12pm.

Phone 8671 0660 for more information.

Toddlers Story Time Fun for young children and mums Roxby Downs Library Richardson Place Tuesdays 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Playgroup Roxby Downs Kindergarten Phone 86710455 Every Sunday Tour De Desert Cycling Social Bike riding group from 8am Contact Daryl Wake 0408 188 685

x COMMUNITY MEETINGS Community members welcome to attend any meeting of the Roxby Downs Community Board.

April 9th - 9.30am- 11:00am Normal weight gains Roxby Downs Helath Seminar Room

Education & Workplace Training Forum March 20 - 12.30pm Council Boardroom For further details on Community matters call Michelle Hales on 86710019

GENERAL INFORMATION Mt Dare Hotel is open every day, 8:00am -9:00pm, 7 days.

School Terms 2007 January 29 - April 13, 2007 April 30 - July 6 2007 July 23-September 28 2007 October 15-December 14 2007 Art Gallery Exhibitions

Community Board March 26 - 7.30pm Council boardroom

23 Feb – 25 Mar 2007 Pictures in my Heart Various Afghani Refugees Living in Murray Bridge

Family & Youth Forum April 2 - 7.30pm Council Boardroom

1 – 30 April 2007 Youth Week Photography Expo

Sport & Recreation Forum April 3 - 7.00pm Foyer Cultural & Leisure Precinct

1 – 16 May 2007 Come Out Youth Arts Festival TBA

Arts & Cultural Forum April 4- 7.30pm Foyer Cultural & Leisure Precinct

17 May – 12 Jun 2007 A Tribute to Iris Frame Iris Frame

Health Forum April 10th - 7.30pm Council Boardroom

Playgroup St Barbara’s Parish School Phone 86710925

June 15 – July 29 Art Quilts Heather Carey

Environmental Partnership April 11th - 7.30pm Council Boardroom

Coffee Mornings for Families Meet and chat for all families. New comers especially welcome.

Dunes Café 9:30am – 11am

Performing Arts June 2007 Comedy Festival Country Arts

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Partnership April 12th - 7.30pm Council Boardroom

Every Friday

Looking forward to Easter?

Look for our Easter feature on March 29 for all your home improvement, DIY and easter escape specials

Roxby Downs Cultural and Leisure Precinct Phone: 8671 2001

Regular Schedule

Sports Calendar

Cultural Precinct Visitors Information centre Dunes café Art Gallery Open Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm

This Week March 16 - March 27

Leisure Centre Gymnasium Mon – Fri 6am – 12pm 4pm - 9pm Saturday 8am - 12pm Sunday 11am - 2pm Pool Times January 29 - April 5, 2007

General Public Mon - Fri – 2pm - 7pm (If over 35 degrees - open until 8pm)

Weekends 10am - 8pm Lap Swimming Mon-Fri 6pm - 8:30am Mon-Thurs 7pm - 8pm (2 lanes) Weekends 9am - 10am Swim Club Mon-Thur 5:30pm -8pm (3 lanes) Creche for patrons of the centre Mon –Fri 8.45am-12pm THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Thursday Nippy Gym – Auditorium 9.30am - 11.00am Squash 7pm-9pm Indoor Soccer 6pm -7pm Taekwondo 6.30pm – 8.30pm 12 years and over Basketball 7pm - 9pm

Fax: 8671 2021

Events

Art Gallery Program Now Showing Pictures in my Heart - various Afghani refugees living in Murray Bridge Coming Soon July 2006 Story of the Flinders Ranges by Buck McKenzie Are you interested in playing TOUCH FOOTY?

Monday Volleyball 7pm - 9pm Nippy Gym – Auditorium 9:30am - 10:30am Karate - 6pm - 8.30pm

We have a social mixed competition starting soon… Please register your interest with Bridget at the Leisure Centre. Both new and experienced players welcome!!

Tuesday Squash 7pm - 9pm Indoor Soccer 6pm - 7pm Taekwondo 6.30 – 8.30 12 years and over Basketball 7pm - 9pm

Ph 8671 0500 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR?

Wednesday Women’s & Mixed Netball 7pm - 9pm Karate 6pm - 8.30pm

Please contact Bridget at the Leisure Centre if you are interested in gaining your Austswim Certificate.

Ph. 8671 0500

www.themonitor.com.au

Outback Cinema February

GHOST RIDER Rated M Duration 110 mins. Based on the Marvel character, stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze gives up his soul to become a hell blazing vigilante, to fight against power hungry Blackheart, the son of the devil himself.Starring: Nicholas Cage & Eva Mendes.

Friday 16 9:00pm Saturday 17 3:00pm Sunday 18 12pm & 7pm STRANGER THAN FICTION Rated M Duration 113 mins Harold Crick isn’t ready to go. Period.

An IRS auditor suddenly finds himself the subject of narration only he can hear: narration that begins to affect his entire life, from his work, to his love-interest, to his death.

Starring: Will Ferrell and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Friday 16 Saturday 17 Sunday 18 Tuesday 20

6:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 7:00pm

Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 15

Monitor’s TIME OUT

Page 16 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Employment and

Workplace Training Every Thursday

www.themonitor.com.au

Taking your job and training advertisement where no other media can

New methods in Apprenticeship training

Earthwatch’s 2007 Expedition Guide New venues for volunteers

Above: Phil Lacey, Cobie Fyer and Darren Roads from Career Employment Group getting behind our local youths.

CEG gets behind our youth “We’re basically the employer and The Career Employment Group in Roxby Downs has expanded its we host them out, so we can go into a operations because of the increased company, interchange their apprentices if they need to develop special skills in need for apprenticeship training.

Manager, Darren Roads said the group is experiencing a great demand for its services from companies wanting to put on apprentices.

Mr. Roads, formerly of Port Pirie, left a job with BHP Billiton where he worked for 10 years to take on the new role in November last year.

“I was a boilermaker by trade, but wanted to help young people get into a trade themselves, so this job was ideal for that,” he said.

“I wanted an opportunity to work with and develop young people, to give them a direction and leadership, and to let them know they have a strong support mechanism behind them.

CEG, a not-for-profit organisation provides group training for companies and individuals and supplies apprentices to fit their needs.

“If a company wants apprentices, we take up the offer, do all of the paper work and even the placement,” Mr. Roads said.

“We mentor the apprentices, give them the right training and a tool kit of skills so they are ready to take up an apprenticeship.

another field, so they’re getting a wide range of experience.

“This job is so satisfying,” he said.

The demand for CEG’s services meant they put on an extra field officer who started at the end of January.

Phil Lacey, a former teacher from Port Pirie said he was looking for a career change when the opportunity to move to Roxby Downs was offered.

“I see the job as an extension of what I was doing with teaching, but this is much more hands on, especially at such an important time in a young person’s life,” he said.

“You can direct their careers through good industry placement, giving them direction in life.

“It’s quite easy to do here in Roxby Downs because the young people are very enthusiastic about the potential that lies before them. They want to be here, and they want to do the job.

“Now that’s very satisfying, especially watching them achieve their goals,” he said.

Cobie Fryer keeps the CEG office running smoothly, it needs to as the business has more than 70 apprentices on its books, and more in training.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Volunteers can choose from over 130 conservation research projects in Earthwatch’s 2007 Expedition Guide, including 11 new expeditions in countries as far-flung as Armenia and Iceland.

Ordinary, everyday people can sign up as volunteers to do extraordinary things, such as help with cheetah conservation in Namibia, study elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka, or collect glacial soil in Iceland.

Research projects closer to home include swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia.

Earthwatch expeditions last from three days to three weeks.

During that time, volunteers get involved in all aspects of research and also have some free time to explore the surrounding natural beauty.

And no previous experience is necessary – all research techniques are taught by the scientists on site.

Roxby Downs volunteers are being urged to put their hand up this year.

The Sri L anka’s Elephants and Elusive Leopards project studies wild elephants and leopards and their relationship with local Sri Lankan farmers.

The Sri Lankan elephant population was once around 20,000 but is now down to about 3,500, mainly due to farmers seeing elephants as oversize pests that wreak havoc on their crops, whereupon they poison, trap or shoot them.

Leopards are also seen as a threat as they kill and eat livestock.

Working with conservation biologists, volunteers will conduct human-elephant and human-leopard conflict surveys with local village field scouts on foot or on bicycle. Volunteers will gather information about elephant and leopard populations, and also set up camera traps for leopards, to try to photograph the rare nocturnal animals.

The expedition has departures in June, July, August and December 2007.

The trip cost is $3,500 per person twin share for 12 days, including shared accommodation in a mudwalled research station, meals, greenhouse gas offset costs and a financial contribution to the project.

So if you want to do something different during a holiday break, rather than head for Port Augusta or Adelaide, try one of these expeditions.

LITTLE RASCALS CHILD CARE COOK REQUIRED 15 -20 Hours per week Monday - Friday Must have food handling experience.

Please Fax resume to Little Rascals Child Care Centre on

08 8395 0377 www.themonitor.com.au

South Australia’s largest non-government Registered Training Organisation set new standards and increased employment opportunities for young people with their “Up-Skilling for Trades” Pre-Employment Program, resulting in a successful employment rate 47% higher than industry standard.

Training Prospects, in conjunction with Career Employment Group, recently delivered an extremely successful “Up-Skilling for Trades” Pre-Employment Program over 6 weeks, to prepare unemployed young people for employment in the Engineering and Electrotechnology (Electrical) industries.

79% of the participants graduated in January, with a further 73% entered into apprenticeships with BHP Billiton Olympic Dam or gaining full time employment elsewhere.

Industry standards in 2005-06 for people gaining employment as a result of pre-employment programs as published by South Australia Works were approximately 26%.

Mr Lou Sapio, General Manager Training Prospects, believes the programs are important as they provide participants with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the trades industry before committing to an apprenticeship.

It also gives potential employers the opportunity to view the participants and their work before they offer employment, which will assist in lifting retention rates in apprenticeships in South Australia.

Participants undertook competency training in three Electrotechnology (electrical) units, six Engineering units and Senior First Aid. In addition the participants were involved in a team building day, where they worked together in two teams at a paint-ball exercise.

Upon completion of the program, participants received Statements of Attainment for Engineering units, Certificates of Completion, Senior First Aid Certificates and Transcript of Modules for Electrotechnology (Electrical) units for credit transfer into an apprenticeship.

Mr Darren Roads from Career Employment Group commented that the course was very successful, BHP Billiton was happy to select ten apprentices from this program to work at Olympic Dam. When asked about the outcome and cost of the program Mr Roads said if the program gives young people the opportunity to gain employment he is not too worried about the cost.

“In this case the program was a big success so I am extremely happy.”

The program participants are looking forward to increased career opportunities as a direct result of knowledge and experience gained on the program.

Training Prospects (a division of the Service to Youth Council Inc) is South Australia’s largest non-government Registered Training Organisation, which provides nationally accredited training in various industry sectors across South Australia.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK Garry Baker Building Pty Ltd is a rapidly growing building company located in Roxby Downs. With a strong administrative support base the company thirves on being able to provide an efficient and quality service to it’s clients while maintaining safety as a priority. We are currently seeking a suitable candidate to fulfil the position requirements of Accounts Payable Clerk for an immediate start Duties will include but not limited to : • Data entry • Payment Management • Report Compilation Experience and attributes required • Accounts Experience • Good customer service skills • Ability to prioritise work loads • Problem Solving • Ability to work in a team environment • Initiative and drive to learn Applications in writing are to be submitted to: The Manager Vanessa James Garry Baker Building Pty Ltd PO Box 426 ROXBY DOWNS SA 5725 QCC 747 Or email vjames@gbbuild.com.au Applications close Wednesday 14th March 2007.

Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 17

The

Monitor CLASSIFIEDS TRANSPORT & REMOVALS

REAL ESTATE house for sale – Andamooka.

Lot 749, 2/3 bedrooms. Freehold block 60.9m x 42.6m with possibility of subdivision. Renovated 2007 $210,000 ono. Call Roger 8672 7267 / 0429 672215

Pt Pirie & Adelaide Depots Antique & Household Removals Local, Interstate & Country Storage & Delivery Specialists

Ph: 0427 716 173

Council snippets

FOR SALE

MOTOR VEHICLES For Sale. Hyundai Terracan 4WD 7 seater Reg 056HQY. 2004 model. Black. Auto, A/C. Towbar.

37000km. Excellent cond. 1owner, always garaged.$26,000. Ph 0418 494 775

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ADVERTISING IN THE MONITOR

Church Times Andamooka Catholic Church Sunday 11am first and third Sunday of every month St Barbara’s Catholic Church Roxby Downs Saturday evening 6pm Sunday morning 9am Roxby Downs Lutheran Church Sunday 10.30am and Sunday School – 9.30am St Michael’s Catholic Church, Woomera, Sunday 5pm All denominations welcome Desert Springs Church Sunday 10.00am at the Roxby Downs TAFE College.

Andamooka Community Church. Sunday 2pm Roxby Downs Christian Community Church Sunday 10am

Want to advertise your business in the FAR NORTH REGION? Call Heather Carey on 8671 2683 to discuss a package that will suit your advertising needs.

Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours The Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours are 1pm – 6pm, seven days a week. Residents are encouraged to utilise this FREE service as the dumping of litter in reserves or lands surrounding the town attract an expiation penalty fee of $315.00 as per the Local Government Act. Fire Prevention Please contact the Roxby Downs Council for any questions relating to the fire danger season, fire bans or permits.

Advertising on Council Infrastructure Advertising on Council infrastructure such as light poles can attract expiation notices under the Local Government Act. If you spot any such advertising please notify the Council.

Dog Registration Residents are reminded that you must notify the Council within 72 hours if your dog is moved to different premises, the dog dies or is missing or the ownership of the dog is transferred to another person. Failure to notify the Council of any of these changes can attract an $80.00 Expiation Notice. Please also ensure that all dogs over the age of three months are registered, failure to comply can again result in an $80.00 Expiation Notice being issued.

Rates Third quarterly instalment notices have been issued, and the due date for payment is 16/03/2007. The remaining quarter due date is 18/06/07.

Please contact Bronnie Warren at the Council on 8671 0010 for any payment arrangements or enquiries. Fines will apply to all overdue accounts.

Water

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Visit us in Tutop Street, call 8671 2555 or explore www.bigsky.net.au

ALL AREAS ROOF

REPAIRS AND PAINTING TIN, TILES & COLOUR BOND HIGH UV PROTECTION ALL WORK GUARANTEED GUTTERS & TANKS ALSO FITTED FOR GARDEN UP KEEP PHONE IVAN CONLEY 0429 679 705

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Page 18 – Thursday, March 15, 2007

TWIN STREET BOOK EXCHANGE PHONE 8223 3922

WE EXCHANGE, SELL & BUY Paperback Novels, Comics Selected Magazines

Lawns Mowed

Phone Faye 0407 898 803 or 0448 287 227 8671 0049

Reasonable Rates Free Quotes Honest and Reliable

ROXBY DOWNS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Mon - Thurs 9.00am - 5.00pm Friday 9.00am - 7.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.30pm 22-24 Twin Street Adelaide SA 5000

IT’S AS EASY AS PUTTING THEM ON THE BUS TO YOU

IRONING SERVICE AVAILABLE $30 PER BASKET

AUTOMOTIVE AIR-CONDITIONING SERVICE AND REPAIRS. 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE MOBILE OR WORKSHOP SERVICE

8671 1474

Mob 0438 701 474 58 Stuart Road, Roxby Downs

Creative Trims & Craft

Phone 8671 0153

Shop 5/14 Tutop Street Roxby Downs SA

Reminder Notices have now been issued, please pay by the due date to avoid further action.

Electricity Disconnection Pending Notices have been issued. Please pay by the due date of the 15th March, 2007 to avoid disconnection of power supply without further notice.

Parking Please be aware that there has been an increase in the expiation fee for parking in a bus zone, it has gone up to $73 from $47.

Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace services are available at the Council offices by appointment only. The Justice of the Peace is registered for South Australia only; therefore proof of residency is required. Please contact Council front desk for further details.

Local Website Visit your local updated website. New Forums have now been added. Read what’s new and have your say in the Forums at www.roxbydowns.com.

Rubbish Collection Residents are reminded that there is a limit of one bin per household for weekly rubbish collection and that it is the residents responsibility to ensure that bins are in serviceable condition with closable lids that prevent flies and birds from accessing rubbish. Please be diligent as littering attracts an Expiation Penalty Fee of $315.00 – ie over flowing bins.

Opal Road Landfill Opening Hours 1pm – 6pm seven days a week.

Council Office Hours – General Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY WEBSITE AT: www.roxbydowns.com

24 Curdimurka Street

For all your Quilting needs • Embroidery • Ribbons • Beads • Laces • Haberdashery •PFAFF Machines & accessories Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. 9.30am to 2.30pm Closed Wednesday or phone for an appointment www.themonitor.com.au

THIS INCLUDES A PICK UP & DELIVERY SERVICE. IF YOU WISH NOT TO UTILISE THIS SERVICE, THEN THE AMOUNT IS $25 PER BASKET PLEASE PROVIDE OWN BASKET & COAT HANGERS IF REQUIRED FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR TO MAKE A BOOKING PLEASE CONTACT TAMARA

ON

0408 805 092.

Red Dunes

Scrapbooking & Papercraft WILL BE AT MARKET DAY IN ROXBY DOWNS ON MARCH 17

From the Desert to the Sea We have all your scrapping needs!

Visit our website at www.red-dunes.com Contact Jane on 8688 4252 THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

The

Monitor SPORT

Grand final preview

Previews for the Roxby Districts cricket Grand Finals are beginning to come across like a cracked record as it is somewhere back in the mid 1990’s since any other team besides Wanderers or Olympic Dam has contested the final match of the season.

Minor premiers Olympic Dam who held sway in the 1990’s have had to watch the Swaggies accept the last three flags and their determination to reverse that result is growing all the time.

The Devil’s led by Allan “Kanga” Woolford and vice-captain Charl Botes have a good side but come up against a very strong team fresh from a heady Preliminary Final win over Rogues with Selkirk, Briggs and Humphries to be considered for selection.

The game is set down for a 1030 am start unless the forecast is for extremely hot weather in which case the contest will begin at 9am, the decision being made at 730pm on Friday night.

The Swaggies are favoured to win but are by no means home as it is an undeniable fact that Grand Final

contests are not always played out as expected and it should be another absorbing duel between these two long time protaganists.

Refreshments and food will be available all match with the shield, premiership medallions and Man of the match awards presented at the conclusion of play.

Trophy Night

The decision of the Roxby Districts Cricket Association committee to hold a trophy dinner has been hailed a resounding success by those attending the Roxby Downs Community Club last Friday night.

Association delegates acted up on a suggestion from Brent Harper to move away from presenting the awards at the Grand Final and hold a social event for the players and their families and supporters.

A great representation from all clubs enjoyed the meal and atmosphere created by Steve Ellard and his staff at the Club who also donated all the player awards that were presented the evening’s host, vice-president Graham Warren.

Highlights of the evening were

the annoucement of an inaugural Team of the Year, the awarding of Life Membership to Gerard “Yogi” Secker and the acceptance speeches of Joey (expletive deleted) Blatchford for Woomera players unable to attend.

Award Winners Player of the Year: Charl Botes (Olympic Dam) Batting Aggregate: Wally Broome (Woomera Redbacks) 408 runs Bowling Aggregate: Charl Botes (Olympic Dam) 23 wickets Batting Average: Allan Woolford (Olympic Dam) 65.5 Bowling Average: Jason Carroll (Wanderers) 12.5 Fielding: Luke Budden (Woomera Redbacks) 10 votes Team of the Year: Charl Botes, Allan Woolford, Paul Kemp (Olympic Dam) Paul Trotta, Andy Clafton, Randall Wyatt (Rogues) Brent Harper, Ryan Briggs , Ryan Selkirk (Wanderers) Wally Broome, Chris Pillar, Andy Searle (Woomera Redbacks).

Cricket results Wanderers advanced to yet another Grand Final showdown with Olympic Dam after overcoming a relatively poor batting performance to defeat Rogues by 26 runs in the Preliminary Final at Woomera.

Rogues bowled and fielded (one notable blemish aside) very well to deny their more fancied opponents a large total in balmy conditions at O’Donoghue Oval but fell short in batting expectations.

They bowled out the Swaggies for 145 giving themselves great chance of contesting their first Grand Final but inexperienced batting combined with a determined bowling attack well managed

by Wanderers skipper Brent Harper saw them all out for 119.

Man of the Match Matthew Watkins, given lives at 45 and 57 top scored with 63 backed up by Damien Smith , David Blake and Brad Bennett as left arm opening bowler Sam Nethery took 4/20 in two spells.

Paul Gudger did the most damage for the Wanderers bowling attack dismissing Randall Wyatt, Steven Westlake and Derek James in an opening spell of eight overs while Ryan Paxton and Brett Thompson cleaned up the tail with two wickets each.

Opening batsmen Simon Ballestrin did his part with 33, Andy Clafton well down the order made 25 and Travis Uma compiled a steady 14 but for the most part the Rogues batsmen lacked the experience or patience to build an innings and win the match.

They will live to fight another day and their young side can only improve on that effort next season and really shake up premiership calculations come March next year.

SCORES Wanderers Paxton Rob Harper Smith Watkins Bennett A Blake Bennett B Thompson Carroll Gudger Paxton Ryan Extras

lbw Nethery 0 c James b Trotta 8 c James b Wyatt 23 run out (Trotta) 63 c James b Wyatt 1 c James Clafton 22 b Goldfinch 10 lbw Nethery 0 not out 4 b Nethery 0 b Nethery 0 (4 lb, 9 w, 1nb) 14 Total 145

FOW: 0,17,63,73,110,140,140,144,144,145 Bowling: Nethery 7.5-2-4/20 Uma 8-1-0/22 Trotta 6-1-1/25 Wyatt 8-1-2/37 Clafton 6-0-1/29 Goldfinch 3-0-1/8

Big ‘Pinkies’ Golf season the target to hit off

Rogues Wyatt Ballestrin Westlake Girdham James Trotta Clafton Uma Nethery Goldfinch Geraghty 2 Extras

The Roxby Downs Golf Club is about to kick off what it hopes will be a great 2007 season.

The club will hold its annual opening day on Sunday March 25th to herald in the winter season competition with a 4 person ambrose tournament.

Club spokesman, Robin Passmore said it doesn’t matter if you have a team or not, just attend the opening morning and a team will be found for you.

The club is welcoming new players this year and encourages teams to register on the day by 9am.

Or in a novel new approach you can register online by email to robin.p1@bigpond.net.au.

Nomination fee is $12 per player.

A presentation and membership draw will be held in the evening followed by a bbq.

b Gudger 1 b A Bennett 33 c Harper b Gudger 5 c Thompson b Smith 8 lbw b Gudger 10 lbw b Carroll 2 c Smith b Ryan Paxton 25 c Harper b Thompson 14 lbw b Ryan Paxton 2 not out 1 c Ryan Paxton b Thompson

(6 lb, 10 w) 16 Total 119 FOW: 6,18,41,57,63,63,102,110,114,119 Bowling: Gudger 8-1-3/31 Smith 6-1-1/23 Carroll 8-30-1/19 Bennett 5-1-1/20 Paxton 4-0-2/11 Thompson 3-0-2/9

Sport and Community grants The Coca-Cola Australia Foundation invites applications for its “Community Grants” funding round from which local community youth projects can receive funding of up to $10,000.

The CCAF was established in 2001 to support notfor-profit and charitable organisations making a real difference in the lives of Australia’s youth through sport and other activities.

Open until the 13th April 2007, the “Community Grants” round is looking to fund projects that reflect the Foundation’s mission.

To apply for a grant, certain criteria must be met such as the project must be youth oriented and must specifically address the needs of young people who are socially or economically disadvantaged such as youth from indigenous, rural or remote communities with access limitations.

Projects selected for support will receive a one-off payment for their project, with gifts ranging up to $10,000 according to the needs of the program.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

To see your sports results in The Monitor, phone 8671 2683 or email news@ themonitor. com.au

Launching winter sports Clubs around Roxby Downs are gearing up for their winter competitions.

The football clubs are raring to go and have planned a lightening carnival later this month.

Earlier this week the Indoor Soccer teams started their new season and next week the Autumn pennant season starts for the Squash competition.

The squash season in particular should produce some great competition with teams playing on the refurbished courts.

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Anglers from throughout Australia are again being invited to Whyalla to pit their skills against the big ‘Pinkies” during the 16th annual Australian Amateur Snapper fishing competition during Easter.

Prize money this year totals more than $30,000.

Organisers are expecting hundreds of competitors including one from the United Kingdom and hope to break the 800 mark during the competition between April 6th and 8th whilst generating more than $800,000 in economic benefit for the town and state.

Between 120 and 130 prizes will be on offer including the Top Ten heaviest snapper and 30 prizes for mystery weight snapper.

However, the event is not just about snapper, but caters for families and juniors in either boats or on shore with daily prizes for whiting, garfish, leatherjackets, mullet and tommy ruff.

The championship title for the heaviest snapper includes $3,000 cash, fishing and boating accessories and the much sought after trophy.

The championship starts at 9am on Good Friday, continuing non-stop until 2pm on Easter Sunday.

Championship organiser, Phil Stone, said the event will pro-actively promote ‘catch and release’ techniques to ensure fish returned to the sea are in the best condition to survive, as well as responsible fishing practises which can have a positive impact on the future sustainability of the state’s fisheries.

“Every one of the more than 150 volunteers who will give up a big part of their Easter to ensure the championship is a success, will do their best to make all visitors welcome,” Mr. Stone said.

OPEN 7 DAYS

Post Ofce & Motel

Behind the Famous Bottle House Opal Creek Boulevard, Andamooka & after hours by appointment

Ph: (08) 8672 7007 Fax: (08) 8672 7062 www.andamookaopal.com.au Email: peter@andamooka.au.com Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 19

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A DOGS LIFE

Yep, it’s not what it’s cracked up to be, alright.

‘Cooper’ the Beagle looks to be saying as he takes owner Leanne Houlahan (pictured) around another course at the Dog Obedience Class in Roxby Downs earlier this week.

“They need training not only to teach them how to behave, but how to interact with their owner and develop a relationship,” Leanne said.

“Cooper is only just 2 years old, but he was such a handful six months ago, chewing everything in sight, scratching, jumping, sniffing, creating a bit of havoc around the home.

“He didn’t know he was doing anything wrong. He just needed to be taught the basics, leadership and control,” she said.

The Dog Obedience Class is held every Tuesday night from 6pm with experienced dog handler/trainer, Carolyn Eime, putting both dog and owner through their paces.

The courses are free to dog owners.

“Dogs can’t understand English. They are brilliant at picking up body language, so I teach people how to use body language to train their dogs.

“The use of hand, leg and body skills gives the dogs 4 or 5 triggers to get them to obey a direction without talking to them,” Ms. Eime said.

“Dogs are the best species to read body language, so if we teach good body skills to the owner, the dog becomes much more responsive and alert.

“Just using the basics of Ask, Show, Praise and Reward, you’d be surprised at how quick the dog learns”.

According to Ms. Eime if people spent just a few minutes teaching their dog each day then they’d notice a remarkable change in just 3 weeks, depending on the breed of dog.

“The most intelligent dogs such as Border Collies and Shepherds pick the triggers up very fast, whilst others, like the hunting type breeds, Pit Bulls and Staffies take much longer because they have a one tracked mind,” Ms. Eime said.

Leanne Houlahan said the training has brought peace to her home as Cooper is much more settled.

“It’s taught him control, who’s the boss, the leader of the pack if you like.

“So now he doesn’t do anything he’s not supposed to.

“It’s been good for our relationship and bonding, we’re much closer and more understanding of each other,” she said.

Similar classes are run in Andamooka at the Community Hall every Saturday morning, and if you’d like to join in just call Ms. Eime on 86727578 or 0419964045.

Above: Leanne Houlahan with Cooper at a recent dog obedience class in Roxby Downs.

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Thursday, March 15, 2007 – Page 20

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