oct14-09

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IN THIS

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Volume 5, Wednesday October 14th, 2009

New

Food and

Corellas

Pages 2 and 3

Page 2

Page 5

businesses for Roxby

wine club starts

costing big dollars

Shaft shutdown will affect production

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saying it was too early to determine how much production would t approximately 10.30pm last Tuesday, the haulage vestigating the incident.

Martin O’Malley from the Construction Forestry Mining and be affected because an investigation into the incident was not yet system in the Clark Shaft at Olympic Dam was damEnergy Union says he has been given little information from BHP complete. aged in a mechanical failure.

The haulage system used at Olympic Dam is fully automated, and no-one was injured in the incident.

BHP Billiton announced that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the failure and the extent of the damage.

The main shaft haulage system supplies ore from underground to the surface processing facilities. The secondary haulage system continues to operate.

“The safety of our workforce will take priority in determining any re-start of haulage operations,” stated the company.

The Primary Industries Department and SafeWork SA are in-

Billiton, but union members are keeping him informed.

“They said they felt it was most likely a break in the cable so and as it fell ... the load is about, I think, 800 metres from what they tell me and could be from anywhere from the ground down to 800 metres,” he said.

It was reported by Reuters last week that the world copper market stands to lose 50,000 tonnes of supply this year and tip back into deficit after the mechanical failure at Olympic Dam mine, claiming that production capacity could be cut by 80 percent.

A BHP Billiton spokeswoman could not confirm the predictions

The report indicated the production loss would help swing world copper markets from a current 30,000-tonne surplus into deficit according to the Maquarie Bank.

It claimed a projected loss in the order of 50,000 tonnes of finished copper from Olympic Dam over the next six months (together with an end to destocking in the world ex-China) is set to restore a market balance.

Macquarie said last year Olympic Dam produced 194,000 tonnes of copper and 4,000 tonnes of uranium to the year ended June 30 2009.

Merv Hughes plays golf in Roxby and delivers men’s health message

By Celeste Lustosa Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes was in Roxby this weekend to raise awareness and the importance of men’s health thanks to the Roxby Downs Health Services.

For over four years Mr Hughes has been part of events that aim to bring information about men’s health and also raise money to fund research about men’s healthy issues. In Roxby Downs, he was a special guest of the Men’s Health Golf Day, sponsored by A. Noble & Son Ltd. “I have been in Roxby other times but last time was in 1995, so I was really pleased when they approached me for this event where we celebrate men’s health and well being,” Mr Hughes said.

He has also taken on the role of Ambassador for Andrology Australia to promote men’s health in the community. Merv is challenging the stigma of talking about men’s health by discussing it in public.

Merv has been a strong supporter for managing overall health and well-being, and the importance of keeping a healthy lifestyle for benefits to general health, family and relationships.

“I think Australian men are aware of their health but it is most important to keep good habits and get regular check-

ups.

“We need to keep ourselves in decent health and men need to control their blood pressure, cholesterol and also have prostate check ups,” he said.

Mr Hughes is amazed with the things he’s learned about himself and his health during these years.

“Men die from prostate cancer every year and one in five men over 40 have a health issue. We need to get over the attitude of not talking and ask more questions about our health.”

The A. Noble & Son Ltd Men’s Health Golf Day also raised money that will be used for men’s health in our community.

“The money raised with this event will stay in our community. The Roxby Downs Health Sevices would like to thank the sponsor A. Noble & Son Ltd; BHP Billiton for covering Andrology Australia’s costs; Roxby Downs Golf Club for hosting the day and also everyone that came along and joined us in this event,” said Petra Noble, from the Roxby Health Services.”

The privilege of having Merv Hughes playing golf in their team was auctioned and Robert Charman was the big winner with a $350 bid.

The big message Mr Hughes left in town was that prevention is always better than waiting for something to go wrong to then visit your doctor.

Damiam Condon, Petra and Grant Noble with Merv Hughes and Robert Charman pictured before last week’s hit-off.

NEWS

New restaurant opening soon for Roxby’s delight

By Celeste Lustosa

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new restaurant with a modern European cuisine will be opening in Roxby Downs, at Tutop Plaza.

Joe D’Arrigo is bringing his 30 years of experience in restaurants to Roxby Downs and says he is very excited to have the new business here. The Italian owner has run businesses in Adelaide, Sydney and Darwin over the years.

“Our restaurant will provide good food, good prices and great service,” he guarantees.

The new business will be opened every day for lunch and dinner and Joe intends to have it opened for breakfast on the weekends in the future.

“For now we will be opening every day, including Sundays, for lunch and dinner but I intend to have a breakfast buffet on the weekend later on in the future,” Joe said.

The range of food options for clients is vast, as well as the services provided.

There will be over 130 seats for clients and the restaurant area includes a lounge room to accommodate clients who are waiting for a table and a private area for functions.

“We want our clients to be comfortable and feel this is a family place. People can come with their family and friends to have a coffee, have a meal or celebrate a birthday.”

The menu allows people to either have a light lunch or a nice a la carte four course meal and Chive’s owner says take away and deliveries are also on the menu.

Cakes and a great range of gelatos will also be available.

“I have friends in Roxby who have been asking me what I thought about having a restaurant here and I decided to give it a go.”

One thing is for sure, Joe is not the only one excited about having a new restaurant in town. Roxby residents seem to be very happy with a new meal option.

WEATHER conditions

FROM WED 26 AUGUST TO SUN 30 AUGUST

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ROXBY DOWNS

11/23 12/23 09/23 10/24 11/27

PORT AUGUSTA

10/22 12/21 09/21 09/23 11/28

COOBER PEDY

11/25 12/25 11/26 11/26 13/29

LEIGH CREEK

09/22 10/21 07/22 09/25 11/26

ADELAIDE

11/17 11/18 10/16 09/17 07/22

Page 2 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

RIGHT: Joe Darrigo eagerly awaits the big opening of Chives, bringing over 30 year experience in the restaurant industry to Roxby Downs.

Fine food, wine, Jazz and Blues in town

By Celeste Lustosa Roxby Leisure Centre and Inspirational Foods present Club Vin, an event that combines fine food, wine and the best of Jazz and soft Blues.

The event will take place on October 31 at the Leisure Centre from 6.30pm.

Jack McGuire explains that this is only the beginning of a monthly fine

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wine and food club for all the residents in our region.

“The Club Vin is much more than an event because we will allow people to be part of an exclusive club with monthly different events, where they can taste the best wines and food while listening to relaxing music.”

The first Club Vin in Roxby will have Thomas Hardy as the wine maker, bringing his sumptuous wines for

a tasting at the event.

Adelaide Chef Chris Kinnaired will make a selection of his famous tapas that will also be available at the special night.

To accompany the great food and wine, people will be enchanted with the music as Mr Steven King will perform smooth Jazz and soft Blues.

“We are bringing great professionals from the wine, food and music industry for these events, as we will have different ones each month,” Jack said.

The tickets cost $25 and include tapas and wine tasting and a Club Vin membership entitling you to discounts on premium wines and food at future Club Vin events. Normal bar facilities will also be available.

“The Club Vin is an alternative for people from every age to go and have a different and pleasant evening.

“We need the community support at our events because all the proceeds will go to funding community projects and future events. So by embracing these events people allow us to keep doing bigger and better things in our town.”

Tickets are available at Roxby Hour Glass Jewellers and at the Visitors Information Centre. For more information or to book a table contact Jack McGuire on 0409 888 037 or Bernie on 0429 706168.

And as Jack says, “It’s all about bringing the fun into our town.”

So don’t miss out and support our local events.

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NEWS

New bakery opens its doors

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he term breaking bread in Roxby just bakers from Kadina and more recently from took on a new meaning with the open- Queensland.

“They just wanted to come home (to SA) from ing of the latest business in town, the Queensland, ” said Chad Oldfield.

Roxby Downs Bakery.

The new outlet will be much more than just a After responding to the public’s numerous calls for a stand alone bakery, father and son businessmen, Lyall and Chad Oldfield put their entrepreneurial talents together and established this long awaited new venture.

For Lyall it will be getting back to his roots.

His father was a baker and had his own business in Alice Spring for many years and the Oldfield’s Bakery sign is still there today. But this is a move away from Lyall’s other business in Maree where for the past 30 or more years he has run the Maree Roadhouse and the Caravan Park.

Lyall will have a hands on role in the business and will spend three to four days a week in Roxby, and is looking forward to working with another father and son team Rob and Matt, well known

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bakery and Chad told The Monitor it will cater for a wide range of tastes from traditional bread lines, to smallgoods like pies and pasties, delicious buns, Danishes, chocolate éclairs, matchsticks and donuts.

“Everything will be fresh daily,” he said. “It may take a while to work out the quantities as to demand, but that is our aim to bake fresh every day.

“We’re going to do coffee, and now Wendy’s has gone we are probably going to do soft serve ice-cream, thick shakes, and hotdogs.”

While this is a new business, it is not the first time that Roxby has had a bakery.

Chad recalled, “There was a bakery here in the early days, up where the Post Office and Lin

Andrews are, when Roxby was just under 2000 people.

“Then they moved the bakery down to a café which was originally called the “Witches Kitchen”, and then it went under the name LeFunk Café, Saltbush Café to now Lunch on the Run.” Chad said there was a growing call for the bakery to be established and when it didn’t happen he had a talk with his Dad and after months of planning and design they are now looking forward to seeing how it all goes.

“There is a buzz around town and the feedback we’ve been getting is quite incredible.”

With the new business comes employment, and Chad said they are now starting to look for staff and he encouraged people to put in their resumes.

Soon after the opening week, Chad said another initiative they will trial is opening at 5 a.m. for

people going to work.

“If people want they can put their pre-order in for sandwiches and all that so they can grab their orders and get to work.”

With the opening of the bakery and soon the new fine dining restaurant, the complex in Tutop Street will be abuzz with traffic as people line-up for their daily bread.

ABOVE: Layll, Matt and Chad hard at work at the opening of the Roxby Downs Bakery.

INSERT: Chris, Dylan and Mark give their approval of the delicious pies.

Save the date Olympic Dam Family Day 2009

ne of the highlights of the Roxby Downs/ will be no different – so put Saturday, November 14 in Olympic Dam calendar, BHP Billiton’s annual your diaries and we’ll see you there!”

Family Day, will this year be held on Saturday, November 14.

The company’s chance to thank the community for its support during the year, Family Day is an annual tradition that combines fun activities with the opportunity to find out more about BHP Billiton and Olympic Dam. “The last couple of Family Days have been huge; 2008 saw us celebrate the 20th anniversary of both our operation and Roxby Downs, while 2007 was our local launch of BHP Billiton’s support of the Beijing Olympic Games,” says BHP Billiton Olympic Dam Principal Advisor Public Affairs, Carrie Clark.

“Family Day is always a fantastic event and this year

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2009 Family Day will include free swimming in the town pool, a BBQ lunch, giveaways, activities for the whole family, a very special children’s performer, and much, much more.

“Stay tuned for more information over the coming weeks and don’t forget – BHP Billiton Olympic Dam’s annual Family Day, Saturday, November 14, in the Roxby Downs town centre.”

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 3

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF Unemployment rate records shock drop

The Australian unemployment rate has unexpectedly dipped to 5.7 per cent in September. Unemployment had remained at 5.8 per cent for the previous three months, despite the loss of 27,100 jobs in August.

The official employment survey shows 40,600 more jobs were created in September, with 35,400 of those being full-time positions.

The result was much better than the average economists’ expectations of 10,000 jobs being lost for an unemployment rate of 6 per cent.

The result goes some way to vindicating the Reserve Bank’s surprise decision to raise interest rates on Tuesday, at least a month ahead of when most economists thought it would move.

Pt. Augusta provincial racing centre Thoroughbred Racing South Australia says the Port Augusta Racing Club will become a major player in country racing after $5 million to $7 million is spent upgrading its facilities and giving it provincial status.

The chief executive, Jim Watters, says the wet weather prevents all-year-round racing at Port Lincoln and Port Augusta offers a promising alternative.

“If someone’s going to set themselves up as a fulltime, permanent trainer in Port Lincoln, it doesn’t really suit them if they can only apply their trade for seven months of the year,” he said.

“So we do need to try to tie those two venues together so that anyone who is a full-time racing employee has the ability to actually work in that industry for 12 months of the year.”

Centrex Metals gets go ahead for Pt. Lincoln facility Minister for Urban Development and Planning Paul Holloway said last week Centrex Metals has been granted conditional approval to establish bulkhandling facilities at Port Lincoln.

Mr Holloway says the proposed port facility will export 1.6 million tonnes of iron ore a year sourcedfrom Centrex Metals’ exploration lease at Wilgerup, which is located south east of Lock on the Eyre Peninsula.

“This approval is an important step in the development of South Australia’s mining industry and the State’s re-emergence as a major supplier of iron ore to the world,” Mr Holloway says.

“The approval is based on a recommendation from the independent Development Assessment Commission and is subject to stringent licensing requirements approved by the Environmental Protection Authority.

“This project has been reviewed thoroughly by DAC including a high level of consultation with the community, industry and State and local government agencies and I have accepted their independent expert advice.

“The 12 conditions imposed on the development include a limited life of 10 years for the project, that only material from one lease be brought on site and that unloading of rail cars won’t occur before 6am or after 10pm.

“While this approval marks the further significant step in the emergence of a new mining industry on the Eyre Peninsula, the region’s long-term future will depend on the development of a new port.”

Need for more GPs in the bush “Worrying” rates of rural suicides, homicides and fatal accidents highlight urgent need for governments to get procedural GPs to the bush The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) says a report showing a significantly higher rate of suicides, homicides and fatal accidents in rural and remote Australia, compared with those in the cities, is an urgent reminder to the federal and state governments that they must do more to get and keep in the bush more GPs who have advanced training in emergency, surgical and anaesthetic care.

The report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Injury deaths, Australia 200405, has found that, overall, rates of injury-related death in Australia during 2004-05 increased with the remoteness of the injured person’s residence, with those who resided in very remote areas having a rate more than double that of the national rate.

When considering only deaths resulting from motor vehicle transport accidents, the mortality rate for those who resided in very remote areas was 4 times the national rate. Across Australia, regional, rural and remote areas all showed higher rates of death from homicide, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, falls and some other accident types than the major cities.

Page 4 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Over 100 voice Community Concerns on Expansion

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oncerns regarding the impact of the proposed expansion of Olympic Dam on the wider community have been included in an extensive submission by the Community Board to the State Government.

This response to BHP Billiton’s EIS was the product of several weeks of work recording and collating comments received from the community via the Board’s network of community forums.

The Draft EIS was reviewed and discussed by members of the Community Board and the Forums, with approximately 100 people being involved in this process. The Board also drew on the knowledge of some of its members who are experts/practitioners in various fields.

The collaborative process commented on 76 sections of the EIS providing a very comprehensive view of the community’s concerns.

“The Board‘s submission focused on the issues that could affect the people who live and work in Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam” said Michelle Hales the Board’s Executive Officer.

“With over 100 people contributing to the submission it truly reflects the concerns of the township.

“It is also important to note that some contributors also provided ideas and suggestions on ways to improve Roxby Downs. Where possible and if relevant these comments were also included in the submission. This was a rare opportunity for the community to have a say in their future and I am pleased so many people took advantage of the opportunity.”

Over the coming weeks The Monitor will report on a number of specific issues raised in the Community Board’s submission.

The focus this week is on the community’s environmental concerns.

The submission focused on a broad range of environmental issues and concerns. These included a request to pursue all possible renewable energy options and the need for stormwater harvesting for water conservation. The community’s desire for a recycling plan to tackle the expected increase in residential waste was also raised. The submission also included comments on vegetation, weeds, landscape amenity and the importance of supporting the environmental conservation efforts of Arid Recovery.

Considerable attention was placed on the issue of air quality in relation to dust and noise issues.

The EIS acknowledged that dust will likely cause inconvenience and disturbance to residents during construction and development. It was reported that Roxby Downs is dominated by southerly winds which carry dust north-

Michelle Hales with a copy of the Community Board’s EIS Response

wards away from the township. However, the Board pointed out that during spring and winter winds from the north east and north-north east are more prevalent. This potentially means that dust will be carried south from the open pit over the township. Residents currently have concerns about the impact of any dust on people who suffer with asthma, hay fever or other breathing problems. While the EIS notes that education materials would be provided and corrective actions applied, the Board’s submission strongly recommended that these actions are proactive rather than reactive.

The EIS also predicted that noise levels in Roxby Downs will comply with Environmental Protection Noise Policy 2007 criteria except during inversion conditions. Inversion conditions (such as still nights when sound carries much further) are predicted to occur on average about 95 nights per year. On these occasions the noise level is predicted to increase by 3 dBL(Aeq). The EIS report indicates that

this will affect the northern half of the township. Noise levels are also likely to rise due to the increase in traffic volumes particularly for those properties adjacent to major roads such as Olympic Way. Noise mitigation options to address these issues were not detailed in the EIS and the Board asked that these be explained further and whether house owners will have to bear the cost of implementing these measures?

The Community Board would like to thank all of the people who contributed comments and feedback and particularly Michelle Hales who collated the information and prepared the submission on behalf of the community.

The Community Board has 9 subcommittees which focus on specific aspects of the community. These are: family and youth; sport and recreation; business; arts and culture; volunteering; alcohol and substance abuse; health; environment; and education and workplace training.

Port Augusta’s MRI terminated P

eople in Port Augusta and the region have been dealt a serious blow by the news the Federal Government has terminated the tender process for a Magnetic Resonating Imaging (MRI) unit repeatedly promised to the city.

Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey sent an urgent email to Health Minister Nicola Roxon two weeks ago seeking an explanation after being advised by a tenderer the contract had been cancelled. Mr Ramsey said, “Up until now the minister has not responded”.

“I have raised this issue on a number of occasions, the most recent when I asked a question of the minister through the parliamentary process, I received a reply in August reaffirming the government’s February 12, 2008, commitment. The reply explained the government was dealing with a number of these contacts at the same time and would bring about a positive outcome as soon as possible”.

“Now we are informed that it won’t be happening at all!

“The MRI machine, to have been the first in regional South Australia, would have alleviated the need for hundreds of people, from Port Augusta and from the region generally, to have continually travelled to and from Adelaide for diagnosis and treatment.

“It would have allowed local doctors, allied health professionals and visiting

specialists to provide a larger range of services and provided extra incentives to work in regional communities,” he said.

“Already health practitioners from as far away as Port Lincoln have expressed their frustration with this cancellation.

“This will have a direct impact on the residents and the ability of health professionals to deliver services in Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Roxby Downs and all the surrounding rural communities.

“Having received assurances that the service would go ahead, I am appalled that while every other promised service around Australia has been installed, Port Augusta will miss out.

“This decision, coupled with the intention to slash spending on cataract surgery and the Government’s reluctance to front up in public about the withdrawal of funds to the Australian Technical College, is indicating a withdrawal of support for services in country Australia by the government and an unwillingness to be honest about their intentions.”

Mr. Ramsey said, “I understand tenders were called for the operation of this contract more than 18 months ago, the machine should be on the ground and servicing the public long ago”.

“I am calling on the minister to recommit to the MRI machine for Port Augusta, to fulfil her promise, recall the tenderers to the table and get this machine in place and operating.”

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NEWS

Corellas costing town thousands

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s if the constant noise isn’t enough, the destruction of environment and infrastructure by Corellas is costing the community thousands of dollars.

The so called “rabbit of the skies” is causing problems in several parts of the township, none more so than the main street where the destruction of trees and equipment is taking its toll,.The birds also leave a mess with droppings on footpaths, driveways and on homes.

Roxby Downs Leisure Centre Operations Manager, Michael Esposito said this week, so far this year Corellas have cost the Centre $8,000 after causing damage to Solar heating piping, trees, grass and paving.

“There were more than 250 maybe 300 beak holes in the pipe work for the solar heating,” Michael said.

“Since having it repaired we have noticed an impressive increase in water temperature.”

Leisure Centre Manager Yvonne Klomp said the Corellas are constantly destroying trees and grass.

“We already have three palm trees that have died because the attack any new palm leaves that grow,” she said.

This destruction isn’t unique to Roxby Downs however; across the country there have been problems associated with the birds and in some council areas, culling programs have been put in place to reduce the numbers.

Two species of native Corella that have reached pestilent proportions may soon be exterminated from the Busselton beachfront in WA. Busselton Shire Council says the Corellas have been building up over the past decade and called on the WA Government for a cull.

As with any culling program, particularly of native species, there is much opposition. Only three culling options are available, shooting, poisoning and trapping and each come with their own hazards and therefore councils across Australia are reluctant to consider any of them.

One of the most human ways of controlling numbers is to find nesting sites and deal with the problem at a

fledgling stage.

A Corella cull was held around Bordertown and Mundulla in southeast South Australia a few years ago when Tatiara Council endorsed the idea put forward by its Corella sub-committee and supervised the shooting by landowners. At that time the numbers of long-billed and little Corellas had built up and it was feared many trees would die if the birds continued to damage them.

Like in Roxby attempts to scare the birds away failed.

Animal Liberationist claimed if shotguns are used, some birds will probably be injured rather than killed outright, raising the prospect of them flying off to die slowly or being clubbed if they fall to the ground near shooters.

In terms of environmental impacts, the noise levels generated by Corellas in built-up areas are generally in excess of the levels recommended by the World Health Organisation guidelines to avoid sleep disturbance and annoyance.

Red Cross donations flooding in

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ustralians have generously donated more than $911,000 in relief funds since three separate appeals for the Indonesian Earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami and Typhoon Ketsana were launched by the Australian Red Cross.

So far the Indonesia Earthquake Appeal, which was launched Friday, October 2, has raised from the public $193,000, the Pacific Tsunami Appeal (Samoa and Tonga) has raised $625,000 and the Typhoon Ketsana Appeal (Philippines and Vietnam) has raised $93,000.

The money raised will support relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by the disasters and send specialist aid workers to assist local Red Cross organisations to respond.

In response to specific requests, Australian Red Cross has three specialists on the ground supporting the Samoan Red Cross. They are focusing on water, psychosocial support, reuniting families and assessing where future funding will be required in the weeks to come.

Red Cross water specialists have also arrived in Vietnam and Indonesia, also in response to requests from the Red Cross in each country.

Australian Red Cross Director of Services and Inter-

national Operations, Michael Raper, said the need for assistance was both urgent and massive.

‘The response so far has been steady, enabling Red Cross to commence providing relief and assessing the areas of greatest need,” Mr Raper said.

‘As the scope of these severe disasters is realised, the funds will directly assist individuals and communities affected.”

‘The biggest priority for Red Cross is to ensure that people are safe and that their basic needs are being met.

We would like to thank those who have given generously and encourage people who want to help that the best way they can do that is by donating to the appeals,’ he said.

How to donate (donations are tax deductible): • People can visit www.redcross.org.au to make a secure online donation, or • To make a donation via credit card, phone 1800 811 700, or • Over the counter at any Commonwealth Bank or ANZ Bank • Send a cheque or money order with a note stating which appeal the funds are intended for to: Australian Red Cross Supporter Services, PO Box 2957, Melbourne, Vic 8060.

Great family day at Opal Festival

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he Opal Festival held ple going through a whole in Andamooka was day of different activities. a success among A volleyball tournament families in the region. was a lot of fun and also Children enjoyed a great range of activities and parents had a different fun day out.

Most activities happened at the Andamooka’s cottages and a marketplace was set up in the Community Hall.

A cooked breakfast was also available to keep peo-

raised money for the Andamooka Youth Committee by promoting a barbecue.

Amongst the kid’s action were billycart races, a three-legged race, egg and spoon race and much more.

Stolen hotmail passwords appear online Hotmail users have been advised to change their passwords after thousands of email account details were posted online in a massive security breach.

Microsoft said its email users had become victim to a phishing attack when the account details were posted online.

“Upon learning of the issue, we immediately requested that the credentials be removed and launched an investigation to determine the impact to customers,” Microsoft said in a post on the Windows Live team blog.

Technology blog neowin.net first reported the security breach last week and said more than 10,000 stolen account details had been posted at pastebin.com, a website used to share code.

Neowin said the list detailed mostly Europe-based accounts starting from A through to B, suggesting more lists could exist. The list has since been removed.

Phishing schemes involve sending fraudulent but legitimate-looking emails to dupe people into revealing passwords and security information.

The emails often direct online users to sham websites, which are difficult to spot as fakes.

Microsoft recommends users change their email password every 90 days and keep anti-virus software up to date.

Those affected included email users whose addresses ended with @hotmail. com, @msn.com and @live.com.

Shade sails to be replaced

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he sails over the toddler’s swimming pool in the Leisure Centre were removed last Sunday, October 4th.

They were damaged by the last dust storms we had in Roxby Downs and are going to be replaced.

The Leisure Centre Op-

erational Manager Michael Esposito said they are currently getting quotes from different contractors and the sails will be replaced soon.

Eventually it is hoped to have much more of the pool covered by shade sails, making it much better for swimmers.

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 5

News in brief Community Board

Swimming Pool Opened

At the close of nominations, Woomera’s Community Board received three nominations to fill the three vacant positions. Therefore there will be no elections in October.

Congratulations to Paula Mackenzie, Bernie McCarthy and Vince Berkelaar who will serve a two year term on the Woomera Board.

Woomera Domestic Dump In order to meet Environmental Protection Authority requirements, the opening hours of the dump have changed to 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and 1pm to 4pm on Wednesdays afternoons.

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By Celeste Lustosa

he days are getting warmer but Woomera residents have nothing to worry about as the swimming pool is opened for a new season.

From October 3 until December 1 the pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And from December 2 to March 31 the opening hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Get the family and friends together and freshen up. A season pass for the family costs $140 and single costs $75. You can also get day passes.

The gates will be locked outside these hours and the first opening day was October 3rd.

Woomera Playground The fun in Woomera Playground never stops. A new program for term 4 starts today, October 14.

Last term was a lot of fun and the activities were various, such as number counting, colouring in and singing songs.

Monkeys made out of paper bags became puppets and balloons got a form of ducks. All activities were accompanied by songs.

Everyone is welcome to join in on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Girls get together for a “night in” at Woomera’s theatre

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oomera’s Community Board found the best way to support the Cancer Foundation. They are sponsoring a special night for the girls to watch a movie, enjoy good wine and cheese and help cancer research. It’s the Girls’ Night In that will happen on October 21 starting at 7 p.m.

Community Health Nurse Clinics The Community Health Nurse will be running clinics from the Woomera Community Hospital on Mondays 10am to 3pm, starting October 12th until further notice.

The services available include 0-4-year-old immunisations, H1N1 immunisations and any support or health checks needed.

To make an appointment, contact the Hospital on 8673 7788.

National Space Camp in Woomera

By Celeste Lustosa

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ver the long weekend in October, year 11 students from around Australia participated in the 5th National Space Camp Woomera.

It is a five day residential program held annually which aims to inspire students to pursue a career in science and engineering.

Over the weekend the Space Camp students witnessed the Australian Space Research Institute launch Zuni and Sighter rockets. They also had the chance to launch their own rockets.

Students were able to tour the range, thanks to

By Celeste Lustosa

“The Board is going to provide the movie tickets, wine and cheese and we are asking all the girls to purchase a pink t-shirt to help the Cancer Foundation and donate as much money as they can on the day,” said Nadia Nadia Mienie is the Secretary of Woomera’s Board and invites Mienie, Secretary of the Board.

Nadia also pointed that by taking everyone to come along for the Girls Night In.

the step forward and providing a good night out the Board facilitates for people to donate.

“Any day you go out for a movie and some nibbles you spend at least $50, so why not come and support our Girls Night In and donate the $50 by buying a $30 t-shirt and donating another $20?”

Cheese and wine will be provided at the theatre from 7 p.m. and at 8 p.m. the movie The Ugly Truth with Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler will be on.

“We are inviting the girls to buy the t-shirt in advance and wear it on the day. We want it to be a comfy, fun night for women from Woomera, Roxby and Andamooka.”

For more information contact the Community Centre on 8674 3227 or 8674 3226.

Woomera Marine Centre new open days

By Celeste Lustosa

W

Dr Ian Tuohy of BAE Systems; they were allowed to see the instrumentation building, the launch facility used for hypersonic flight tests by both Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and the University of Queensland.

During their visit, the students also participated in many of the social and cultural activities in Woomera which included exploring the Rocket Park and heritage museum and a tour to the Radio Station where they had a chat with host DJ Michael.

More information about the National Space Camp Woomera can be found by visiting www.spaceschool. com.

oomera Marine Centre is now open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and that’s a lot to see there.

The centre is run by Woomera’s Area School.

“The children come over to feed the fish and learn about the Marine Centre and the older children also learn about sales by looking after the souvenir shop,” said Barb Taylor.

The Marine Centre has 11 cold water tanks; 10 tropical tanks and 15 salt water ones.

There are also a nursery and an infirmary areas for breeding or sick fish.

The variety of fish is enormous and it is certainly good fun for the whole family.

It is always worth it to buy some souvenirs from their shop and take a little bit of the marine environment home.

Adults pay only $4; children $3 and if you’re with a group of more than 10 people, the entry is only $2.50.

For more infor ma tion contact the school in Woomera on 8673 7287.

Bryce Taylor has a blast at with everything to see at the Woomera Marine Centre.

If you have news or information for our Monthly Woomera Page please contact Celeste Lustosa at The Monitor. Anyone who would like to advertise on this page can contact sales@themonitor.com.au Page 6 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

OPINION

TEXT TALK

TEX T Y OUR COMM E N TS T O THE ED ITOR O N

0408 267 358

Last week’s Hot Topic: Daylight Saving – are you in favour or against?

Daylight saving is great but goes too long. Cut it back to four months Nov to end of Feb it would be better.

JK, Roxby Under age drinking is not an issue here. Get off our backs.

CW, RD In regards to kids with energy drinks I think it is good to take the drinks off the children and not give it back, this will teach them to not take them to school in the first place.

B.Wills, RD I am not a fan of daylight saving, it messes up everything including my children’s sleeping routine, and any parent will agree with me when I say a child’s sleeping routine is not something to mess with.

Frustrated Mum, Roxby I think people are starting to drink at too young. I know teenagers who spend hundreds of dollars on alcohol every week and it’s ridiculous that parents allow them to.

Sober Again, RD Can’t believe the Libs are turning on Turnbull. Yet another leader about to be lost and more turmoil for the Party. Lost in the Wilderness could well be the party’s epitaph.

Frustrated ex-Lib.

EDITORIAL

Layoffs unavoidable

Accidents do happen, but the repercussions of the major hiccup at Olympic Dam will be felt for quite a few months to come.

Unfortunately there will be some layoffs, and already there are reports contractors have been let go for the time being. These are unavoidable until things get back to normal.

While no-one wants to see anyone laid-off it is understandable that BHP Billiton will have its production cut dramatically while repairs are made to the damaged shaft and the automatic conveyor system that brings 80 per cent of the ore to the surface.

World markets in both copper and uranium are being braced for shortages and already it has been predicted prices for these commodities will rise at least until Olympic Dam is back in full production, which according to some pundits could be four months or more.

Some say the price increases are a correction in world markets

and in the long term that will benefit BHP and Roxby, when the site resumes full production.

This accident makes it clearer than ever before why BHP Billiton is pushing for an open cut mine in preference to the current, more dangerous mining methods.

Now this has happened it may prompt the company and the Government to fast track the expansion to open cut. It won’t solve the current cut in production, but at least it will put some confidence back into the town which is fearful any cutbacks in employment will have a long lasting, detrimental effect on consumer and business confidence.

What better time to start the expansion when other aspects of the mine are in limbo. It may put contractors to work in other areas and prevent any cutbacks at all.

LETTERS Shake up

to the editor major parties

Nine dollars for a loaf of bread! Now that’s a challenge for the average family budget.

However according to a new report commissioned by the World Bank wheat prices could rise 170% by 2050 and 25 million more children could go to bed hungry.

Food prices will be driven sky high by climate change but that is just one of many threats to our food security.

The others include growing world population, the expansion of cities over agricultural land and declining soil quality as a result of salinity and sodicity.

As a major agricultural producer South Australia could play a major role in feeding the world. Instead all of our policies are leading in the opposite direction The Rann Government should be attacking the Federal Government for its neglect of the Murray Darling Basin but it is silent.

The Rann Government is encouraging the spread of our cities over our most valuable agricultural land and businesses want a higher population. Vital issues like soil quality and even food security are not even on the radar anywhere.

And with farm gate prices so low how much of that $9 will the local farmer see? In fact how can we even hope to keep farmers on the land when farm gate prices are so low?

There’s an election coming up in six months. It’s your best chance to shake up the major parties and get your issues on the agenda.

Don’t waste it. Organise candidates that will put your point of view and vote for them.

David Winderlich MLC Australian Democrats

Keep the education debate focus on our children Ministers for Education from around Australia met last week in Brisbane where they were expected to sign off on a controversial online reporting system designed to change the way resources will be allocated to schools, and to provide parents with data on how schools compare.

Teachers say this so called “new” resources allocation plan is actually one adopted from the USA, and will pave the way for “league tables” that name and shame so called underperforming schools.

Parents and teachers don’t need a “league table” to know that families in disadvantaged communities including most country students do not yet enjoy the same educational

opportunities and successes as do city children. What is happening now is simply not good enough.

Parents already know that quality teachers, quality family support and encouragement, quality physical resources, quality educational choices, combined with continuity in the child’s learning are the basic ingredients for a child’s educational success.

I find it distressing that yet again politics is intervening to restrict the path to success for our children. This “league table” approach to school funding allocation and reporting is a political distraction that needs to take a back seat to the real game of making sure our children receive the best educational resources and opportunities we can provide.

So I say to the Ministers for Education and to their respective departments - don’t be distracted by fancy ideas that in reality will have little positive impact on the learning in the classrooms of our nation. Keep your focus firmly on addressing our children’s educational needs. Nothing is more important to our nation than the next generation.

Wilbur Klein, President of SA Nationals

With the accident at OD last week, fast tracking the open cut may be the best thing all round.

David K, OD

HOT C I TOP

Are you in favour of culling Corellas around the township of Roxby?

LETTERS

to the editor

Your letters are always welcome at

The Monitor.

But please remember to give a name and address and also a phone number for verification purposes.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 7

How does your credit card rate?

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Big Sky offers two Credit Cards for members: people also sign up to store rewards cards that redit Cards can either be a great financial tool or a millstone around a standard card with a low interest rate and no impose exorbitant interest rates. fees, and a second option with a slightly higher Lewis advises making more than the miniyour neck. interest rate that provides a cash reward based

There is no doubt that Australians love them, with Reserve Bank data in July putting the nation’s Credit Card debt at more than $44 billion, equating to average debt of about $3100 for every cardholder in the country.

Vincent Lewis, Manager Member Services at Big Sky, says choosing the right card is crucial and requires weighing up the features on offer from Banks and Credit Unions. This includes interest rates, special discounts, annual charges, rewards and penalties.

“You need to find one that meets your needs,” says Lewis, who points out that some people may even be better off with a Debit Card that restricts spending to funds available in their account.

For Credit Card cardholders who do not pay off their balance from month to month, it is best to select a card with the lowest possible interest rate. For those who diligently pay off the full balance, card benefits such as rewards may be more relevant.

on spending levels.

Lewis urges cardholders to be wary of “sweeteners” from some lenders who offer introductory discounted interest rates or rewards programs that may incur higher long-term fees and charges. A potential catch involves promotions enticing you to switch to a new card with the promise of a zero per cent balance transfer.

“The trick here is that a lot of cards may offer a zero balance or 2 per cent to 3 per cent balance transfer,” he says. “The trouble is that after you start using the card you may be paying interest immediately at a much higher rate for subsequent spending. It’s important to read the fine print.”

Lewis says cardholders must resist the temptation to get ever-higher credit limits.

“If you only need $2000, don’t take the $20,000 if it is offered.”

He also warns against getting too many cards. On average, Australians carry three Credit Cards in their wallets or purses. Many

mum payment on card balances each month.

Any extra repayments will help ease interest rate pain.

“Even if it is only $10 a week more, it all helps reduce that interest at the end of the month,” he says.

If you are stretched financially because of Credit Card debt, immediately contact your financial institution. Lewis says Big Sky, for example, may agree to a debt-reduction plan for cash-strapped members. It may be possible to “crystallise” the Credit Card balance into a personal loan with a fixed payment schedule.

“If you are in genuine financial hardship we’ll always go out of our way to ensure we work out a plan that makes sure you get through the problem.”

For further information on Big Sky’s Credit Cards visit www.bigsky.net.au.

Investors ready to buy

A

90 per cent say now’s the time to buy

survey released today by PRDnationwide shows nearly 90 per cent of investors are eager to purchase property in the next two years.

Seventy per cent of respondents would buy interstate and sixty-six per cent are looking for long-term capital growth.

PRDnationwide national director Jim Midgley said the results were a very positive sign that confidence in residential investment was back.

“Considering the poor sentiment towards property within the past eight months – these results are promising that investors think we have reached the bottom of the market,” he said.

The survey of 764 investors found the majority are seeking a property priced between $300,000 and $450,000 which achieves a rental re-

turn of between 4-5% annually.

The majority of buyers (36.3%) are interested in property in the middle suburban ring, followed by inner city (33.7%), coastal area (14.9%), outer suburban suburbs (7.9%), CBD (4.8%) and rural (2.5%).

“CBD investing rated a lot lower than expected,” said Mr Midgley.

A whopping 70.5 per cent of respondents said they’d buy property interstate.

Mr Midgley said those who would not buy property in another state (29.5%) were not comfortable owning property they could not see or did not like the idea of purchasing in a market they were not familiar with.

The majority of respondents were aged over 35 years of age and earning an average annual income of $80,000.

Two-thirds of investors were seeking a property for long term capital

growth while 22.5 per cent were seeking a rental yield.

When purchasing in an apartment complex – most buyers were looking for a property with a gymnasium (22.2%), followed by a pool (20.6%) and BBQ area (18.9%).

“Staying healthy and being outdoors are key factors in apartment choice,” said Mr Midgley.

The research found most investors seek properties within close proximity to public transport (38.7%), followed closely by retail and entertainment (20.8%) and nearby employment (20.6%).

“Only a relatively small number of people are interested in being close to parks and walkways (6.2%) which was an interesting finding,” said Mr Midgley.

More than half of investors would buy off-the-plan.

Insure rental income impacted by economic downturn More landlords have suffered from loss of rental income during the economic downturn, according to one of Australia’s leading landlord insurers.

Figures from Terri Scheer Insurance show a 21 per cent increase in the number of claims paid for loss of rental

Page 8 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

income over the past year.

The average value of claims paid for loss of rent has increased by 41 per cent.

Terri Scheer Insurance General Manager, Carolyn Majda, said that claims for loss of rent had become more common.

“Not only has there been an increase in the number of landlords making claims for loss of rent, but the size of those claims is also increasing,” she said.

“As weekly rents have increased, so too has landlords’ exposure in loss of rent claims.”

Ms Majda said the increased risk of loss of rental income highlighted the importance of having adequate insurance to safeguard landlords’ earnings from investment properties.

“One of the most common reasons why landlords don’t take out insurance is because they believe that there is little chance of their tenants defaulting,” she said.

“Unfortunately we’ve found that even the best of tenants can suffer a change in their financial circumstances.”

Ms Majda said the definition for “loss of rent” in a landlord insurance policy may vary between insurers, so it was important to check the policy wording carefully.

“Some landlords may wish to ensure their policy covers loss of rent if their tenant defaults, or if the court orders a tenant’s eviction or terminates the rental agreement due to tenant hardship,” she said.

“Landlords should also check whether they are covered for loss of rent if their property is damaged and unable to be re-let while repairs are made.”

Ms Majda said that landlords whose tenants were late in paying their rent needed to raise this with their property manager as soon as possible.

“Identifying this issue early is important, as if you end up making an insurance claim for loss of rent, your insurer will want to see that you have acted quickly to minimise the loss,” she said.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

NEWS

Prisoner partnership working in the outback Workers at Andamooka Station during last week’s historic agreement between government and privatye enterprise.

A

new partnership between Port Augusta Prison and BHP Billiton will see low security prisoners gain valuable work experience and potential employment at Olympic Dam upon their release.

Correctional Services Minister Tom Koutsantonis said prisoners on Mobile Outback Work Camps would gain nationally accredited skills and training through the Prisoner Reintegration Employment Opportunity (PREO) Program.

“The program will deliver tangible outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners as they prepare for life beyond prison,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

Mr Koutsantonis said this was the first time that a private company has linked with the outback work camps.

“Work camps have been operating out of Port Augusta Prison since 1996 and the work they have done in remote areas for the Department of Environment and Heritage equates to millions of dollars and tens of thousands of hours work. “I hope this program encourages other private sector companies to explore similar partnerships that seek to improve prisoner reintegration, reduce reoffending and ultimately help create a safer, stronger community.”

Barry Mitchell, BHP Billiton Vice President of Mining at Olympic Dam, said the camps form part of BHP Billiton’s Indigenous Participation Program at Olympic Dam, which provides training, scholarships and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.

“BHP Billiton is committed to supporting training and employment for Aboriginal people, “ Mr Mitchell said.

“This program is primarily focused on delivering outcomes for Indigenous prisoners, however

some eligible non-Indigenous prisoners are also able to participate in the program.” The current work camp, which includes five Indigenous and four non-Indigenous prisoners has been working at Andamooka Station maintaining, renovating and restoring two homesteads. Some of the work that has been completed thus far includes: • The sanding and painting of timber doors, door frames, fascias and exterior timber surfaces • Cleaning of surrounding garden areas • Preparation of a new dump site utilizing the front end loader to dig new pits.

The remoteness of the locations and the type of work that is undertaken mean that if it weren’t for these programs, it would be difficult to find the contractors of the workers to carry out the projects.

Mr Koutsantonis said the participants in the program will re-enter society equipped with nationally accredited training, new skills and importantly – a number of them will have a job to go to and the support in place to ensure they keep that job.

“For someone leaving prison - having a job to go to – and having the training, skills and support of their potential employers and recruiters means they are already on the front-foot in turning their lives around..

“They can hold their head up high and be proud that they have taken steps to actively change their life and become productive members of their community.

“I’d like to congratulate BHP Billiton, Port Augusta Prison and all those involved in making the Prisoner Reintegration Employment Opportunity Program a reality.”

Construction Industry Training Board visits Roxby

V

isit of the Construction I n d u s t r y Tra i n i n g Board (CITB) to the Northern Region on Thursday 22 October.

The CITB was established to administer the SA Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993. Under this act, the CITB is responsible for collecting a mandatory levy placed on all building and construction work valued at

more than $15,000. The Board administers the funds collected to facilitate training within the SA building and construction industry. It also serves as a principal adviser to both the State and Federal Governments on training and skills development needs of that industry.

The CITB visit to Roxby Downs will allow the Board to familiarise with issues specific to the region, and likewise it

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

acquaints local people with an interest in the Construction Industry with the activities of the CITB. There will be a public forum and reception on the afternoon of their visit and a dinner with discussions concerning how the Board can continue to cooperate to support the uptake of skills training by those building and construction enterprises operating in the Northern region. www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 9

CLEAN-UP

& National Pipe on Civil Constructi team

CLEAN-UP

were Cigarette Butts ue the major iss to s when it come y. litter in Roxb

Another successful clean-up

C

By Krystle Bower

lean-up Roxby Downs Day was another great success with more than 34 people taking part.

Clean-up Event organiser Steve Moss said the day went well.

“This time we saw a lot of different faces, and it was good to have another business involved,” Steve said.

The day saw the crew from National Pipe and Civil constructions turn up to take part in the clean-up.

After coming in for a quick barbecue at 12 Steve said the crew from National Pipe headed back out to continue cleaning up showing incredible spirit for doing the job right the first time.

“This just shows their commitment to helping clean up,” Steve said.

“National Pipe and Civil cleaned the dump road; I would say it was a great success taking into account what they managed to collect.”

The main issue noticed once again was newspapers that had been left in driveways and gutters.

“People need to start collecting the newspapers from their driveways and the people delivering them need to know when they shouldn’t deliver a paper,” Steve said.

“It’s good that we finally managed to get the advertising in the paper, that means they are not left to fly around the town, but something needs to be done about the papers.”

Steve said another major issue was cigarette butts that are littered through parks, gardens, gutters, and almost everywhere

else.

“Cigarette butts are a major issue,” Steve said.

“We couldn’t possibly manage the time to clean them all up, because they are too small and there are too many of them.

“I think if there were more ash trays, or cigarette bins around and at least some people used them we would see an impressive decrease in the amount of cigarette butts polluting Roxby Downs.”

Despite weather broadcasts predicting a cloudy and rainy day for Sunday, Steve said he was confident the weather was on his side.

“We had a perfect day for cleaning,” he said.

Altogether Steve believes the results speak for themselves.

“We are getting better,” he said.

“If you look around town you can notice that we are not a filthy town, we just need to be conscious and constantly remind ourselves to put the rubbish in the bin where it belongs.

“All we can hope for now is that with persistence the issue will become smaller and smaller.”

Steve wanted to thank the Community Board for their sponsorship.

“The Community Board sponsored us this year for more pick up sticks, they are the tools we need, and they work really well,” he said.

“We have the gear, we have the tools to do the job, we just need the help to get out there and do it.

“We are lucky we have great sponsors, but we are continually looking for more.”

Steve said the community needs to remember that’s its still incredibly important to continue recycling.

CLEAN-UP

e& Jessica, Louis s Daniel Staire

CLEAN-UP

Paul Barber

CLEAN-UP

Luli Gime, Grace, Alio & Cherubim Morokai

Roxby’s support measures up!

RECYCLING

a Ruby and Lillian the do their bit for by environment ed dropping off us batteries for recycling

Page 10 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Roxby Downs’ residents and businesses can give themselves a well-earned pat on the back, following the immense support they’ve given local recycling programs in the past six months.

Since February, Community radio station RoxFM, in conjunction with the Roxby Downs Environment Forum and Planet Ark, have implemented a collection program which encourages locals to drop off their printer cartridges and household batteries for recycling.

In the seven months that have followed to date, locals have dropped off 28.2kg of batteries and 55.44kg of printer cartridges – and this amount increases every day.

Radio station manager and Environment Forum co-chairperson Kristina Meredith said the community’s support has been overwhelming.

“We’ve had everything from children dropping off a couple of batteries on their way to school to businesses bringing us their used printer cartridges by the trolley full,” she said.

“It really is encouraging to see that the community really does believe in recycling

and are going out of their way to do their bit – and it’s their enthusiasm over the past few months that should be applauded.”

Kristina said the success of the programs has seen a call for more collection points and the addition of another common item – mobile phones.

Mobile phones and their accessories can now be dropped off for recycling at RoxFM, Roxby Downs Council and Rodda Communications, while printer cartridges can be left at RoxFM and in the Council foyer – outside the Monitor’s office.

All household batteries can still be dropped off at RoxFM. “It just goes to show that every little bit adds up – so even if you’ve only dropped off one small cartridge or a couple of batteries, know that you have contributed to the collection of a substantial amount of otherwise toxic items which, thanks to you, will no longer be hitting our landfill,” Kristina said.

“It really is something that everyone can contribute to and be proud of.”

www.themonitor.com.au

CLEAN-UP

& Graham Ferris Steve Moss

CLEAN-UP

Angus, Pete, Tawni & Bree Paisley

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

th SUZANNE’S 50

nne, Fletcher, Suza ancy, , Cl Maria Griffiths Eliza id, Chloe Re Griffiths, Ruby Griffiths

GOLF DAY

COOKING CLASSES

Grant Noble, Merv Hughes, Robert Paxton & Robert Charman

l Lauren, Rachae and Lyndal

WOOMERA

Barb Taylor works at the in Marine Centre Woomera

GOLF DAY

COOKING CLASSES

Local golfers supporting the charity event

Lauren, Jeff, Lyndal and Bernie

E’S SUZANN 50th

COOKING CLASSES

on Meredith Gorde and Suzann

‘Australia’s Vegetarian Guru’ Kurma

E’S SUZANN 50th

d Laura Gray an Liz Gray

E’S SUZANN 50th

Fletcher and Clancy

COOKING CLASSES

ael Jeff and Rach

WOOMERA

Children in Woomera enjoy a sunny day at the Swimming Pool

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

SUZANNE’S 50th

Jenny Arbon, B-Maria Griffiths,smin Harrison, Jill Ya , are Te Mel Lesley zel, Cheryl Ho, Head, Vicki Fin nnifer Houlden, Condon, M- Je Louise Reid, Anne Gray, F- Suzanne Pat Coombes, Crafter

www.themonitor.com.au

COOKING CLASSES

Rachael, Libby and Lauren

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 11

NEWS

From Finland to the Australian Outback

Juulia from Finland between her Roxby hosts, Sandy and Craig Sumsion.

By Celeste Lustosa

N

ineteen year old Juulia Nieminem has been in Australia for two months as part of the Rotary Long Term Youth Exchange Program. She came all the way from Finland to have a little taste of the best our Outback has to offer.

She has been hosted by the Rotary Club in Port August, for a year long exchange experience but also had the opportunity to spend a week in Roxby Downs, hosted by the Rotary president Sandy and her husband Craig Sumsion.

“We are close friends to the family that is hosting Juulia in Port Augusta, John and Louise Clements, so we offered to host her during some of her school holidays here in Roxby.

Page 12 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

www.themonitor.com.au

“We understand the importance of the students to have as many different experiences as possible,” said Sandy.

Sandy and Craig have hosted two Brazilian students that they proudly call ‘daughters’.

“O ur t wo Brazilian daughters were such a great experience in our lives and motivate us to host other students.”

As a Rotary Exchange student, Juulia will spend one year in Australia, with three or four host families from Port Augusta.

Students like Juulia become part of those families and their community. The Rotary accredited families are volunteers who will welcome and look after the young students, supervise their year and introduce them to their culture and lifestyle.

In the host country the students may have the opportunity to learn another language, experience different foods, study different subjects, enjoy a new culture and a new way of living. In addition they will learn a great deal about themselves and gain confidence and self sufficiency.

“Although our local Rotary Club is more focused in local issues and needs, it is great to have people coming to us from all over the world through other international Rotary Clubs,” said Sandy.

She also said the local Rotary Club will look at getting more involved in seeking applicants for the exchange programs.

“From next year, we will be seeking applicants from Roxby, Andamooka and

Woomera that might want to go overseas through our programs.”

As for Juulia, the student comes from a country where everywhere you look is either filled with green trees or water and couldn’t be more surprised with Andamooka’s landscaping.

“Visiting Andamooka was such a unique experience. I was shocked with the fact that it’s all sand there; no green, no plants at all.

“In Finland we have green and water everywhere so you can’t even compare both places and I am sure my friends will hardly believe when they see the photos,” she said.

Landscaping was a bit of a shock for the Finish girl, but she said the “oz” hospitality also caused a big impression.

“Australians are much more open and easy to get to know. Also the Rotarians are all so nice and welcoming. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Juulia has had a busy schedule in Australia, so she says she hasn’t been homesick.

“I have done so many different things, that I would never be able to do back home and I have been really busy which is good.

Among the unusual things Juulia has done include a visit inside an opal mine and participating in sheep shearing.

“My life in Finland is very different from everything I have been doing here and the thing I miss the most is ice-skating.”

Ice-skating and snow boarding are Juulia’s two favourite activities and definitely not things she

has been able to practice too much around here.

“I have been ice-skating in Adelaide a couple of times, which was really great.”

Juulia says she is still struggling with Australia’s winter temperatures whcih reached 30 degrees in Port Augusta and the one thing she cannot get used to are the flies.

“Flies are amazingly annoying here and you just can’t get away of them.

They are everywhere and attack you from every direction,” she jokingly commented.

Juulia is a sweet young girl who has travelled a long way to go through new adventures, become more independent, and learn new things and a new culture.

“I am glad I came to Australia and will be able to have a feeling of what it is like to be part of another culture. Through the Rotary exchange you experience so many things that not any tourist would. I am probably going to change a lot during this year.”

The Opals, the Outback, the kangaroos and much more from what Australia has to offer to foreigners is part of Juulia’s life but the thing she will always cherish the most is the wonderful hosts she has come across during her journey.

“Sandy and Craig’s hospitality is amazing and I am really happy about this opportunity.”

As for experience I have to say that Australians, Rotarian’s especially know how to make a foreigner feel at home.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

COMMUNITY MATTERS

COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS REVEALED . . .

Parents have their say on childcare services Childcare services in Roxby Down have been the topic of much debate for many years. They were highlighted as an issue during the community consultations associated with the development of the Community Plan during 2004 and 2005 and in previous surveys conducted between 2001 and 2004.

Childcare service providers raised concerns with the Communit y Board at a meeting held in March 2009. The issues raised during this meeting included: • difficulties in attracting qualified staff particularly due to the low award wages and high costs of living • frequently losing staff who are attracted to higher paying jobs particularly in the mining sector • concern that parents are placing children with friends, neighbours, and teenage babysitters. This potentially creates safety risks for children as they are being supervised by untrained people • there is a high level of compliance required for accreditation • high training costs To establish a full picture of the issues the Board decided that a survey of parents was warranted.

The aim of the

survey was to gauge community views on this topic including demand for services. The survey ran from 14 May to 9 June and total of 127 responses were received.

According to the Community Board’s Executive Officer Michelle Hales, “This is an excellent response and represents around 19% of family households in Roxby Downs. 50 surveys alone were collected at market day.”

The childcare services included in the survey covered both the public and private childcare centres, the kindergarten, family and friends (both paid and unpaid), Out of School Hours Care, Family Day Care and nanny services.

Parents were asked to list the three greatest issues affecting childcare services in Roxby Downs.

Sixty-four people answered this question and 33% of these mentioned staff related issues (including lack of qualified staff and staff training) as major factors.

Questions relating to future demand for services revealed that 35% of the parents surveyed had a preference for family and friends. Interest in family day care also featured highly. However, interest in 24 hour childcare was mixed. 57% of parents surveyed

indicated that there was a need, however, most of the responses were based on a perceived need for other people (such as shiftworkers) rather than an actual personal need. Only 26% of the parents surveyed indicated that they would use a weekend service.

The survey process highlighted that parents were equally divided in their opinions. Almost half of those surveyed indicated that they were satisfied with current services and did not make any additional comments. The other half who did make additional comments were quite vocal in their concerns about facilities and services. The responses highlighted that there is a need for two different types of childcare: 1. babysitting style care usually required at short notice so that parents can attend functions, have a break and respite for those parents with children with special needs.

This need is driven by the absence of extended family particularly grandparents who would normally fulfil these roles 2. formalised care required for people particularly shift workers enabling them to participate in the workforce The survey also highlighted that all childcare services have an urgent need for either extra inter-

Marie gives from the heart

By Zak Zeptner

W

ith the recent success of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Auxiliary Golf and Auction Day, it is no surprise July’s recipient of Big Sky’s Community Person of the Month is its president, M arie McCormack.

Having been involved with the RFDS since its inception in the Roxby Downs region in 1991, Marie has been heavily involved with fundraising events, holding the position of president from 1994-1999 and 2005-2009.

“My sister and I sort of got into the RFDS back when it started and I got a bit more passionate about it when it saved my husband Leo’s life and my son’s and brother’s,” Marie told The Monitor.

“I love it; it’s a real buzz to be able to raise

so much money when you do these things.”

Marie has also been involved with other charity organisations and volunteer work, such as working with crippled children; however she is passionate about helping everyone.

“I just support all worthwhile charities like the Cancer Council – I’m not on the committee or anything – I just like to help people out.”

Being named Community Person of the Month was a real shock for Marie, particularly since she did not think people received awards for this type of work.

“You don’t need to be thanked if you’re doing these sorts of things because you do it from the heart.

“I was very humble to receive this; obviously someone thought I was doing a good job.”

Volunteering with a community can be extremely rewarding, not only for yourself but for

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nal or external space.

“With the proposed expansion of the Olympic Dam Mine and the township it is crucial that these issues be addressed before the arrival of even more families. The impact could be immense on future recruitment and retention with potential residents declining job offers or existing residents leaving town due to the inadequacy of childcare facilities,” said Ms Hales.

The report on the survey results prepared by the Community Board includes the following recommendations: • encourage employers like BHP Billiton to undertake more research amongst employees particularly shift-workers to determine actual level of demand for 24 hour childcare • further investigate the expansion of family day care. The more personalised care and flexibility this provides is a preferred option for many parents

• encourage TAFE to implement locally based childcare courses to raise the number of qualified existing and potential childcare workers • consider the consolidation of services as it appears they are competing for same resources particularly labour. Consolidation would only be effective with expanded infrastructure “The Community Board would like to thank all the parents who participated in the survey and particularly those that provided constructive comments,” said Ms Hales.

Copies of the report have been forwarded to Roxby Downs Council, BHP Billiton and to local childcare providers.

An initiative of the Environment Forum

G reen tip

Things you should know about recycling – Paper Most types of paper and cardboard are recyclable including glassy magazines, newspaper, envelopes and egg cartons. Paper and cardboard is accepted at the recycling centre on Gosse St. Thermal fax paper and plastic coated paper bags (i.e. cereal bags) are NOT recyclable.

MEETING DATES

- Community Board 26 October 7pm

GENERAL INFORMATION BOARD MEETINGS

If you would like to do a presentation to the Community Board please contact Michelle Hales to organise a date and time to be placed on the agenda. Requests close on the Wednesday prior to the Board meeting. Board meetings usually take place on the last Monday of the month.

JOINING FORUMS

Members of the community are encouraged to join any of the forums or partnerships. If you would like to join the Arts and Culture Forum, Education and Workplace Training Forum, Family and Youth Forum, Environment Forum, Sport and Recreation Forum or Volunteering Partnership you are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Meeting times appear in The Monitor on a regular basis.

If you would like to join the Health Forum and/or Alcohol and Substance Abuse Partnership please contact Michelle Hales on 0418 833 818 or via email to: halesm@roxbycouncil.com. au to express your interest.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to find out more about any of the forums visit the www.roxbydowns.com website or contact Michelle Hales - Executive Officer Roxby Downs Community Board Inc. Mobile: 0418 833 818 Phone: 8671 0010 Fax: 8671 0452 Email: halesm@roxbycouncil.com.au

those you are helping.

It is for this reason that M ar ie recommends people get involved with volunteer work.

“I think it’s a must; you’ve got to give to receive,” she said.

“Everybody needs the Flying Doctor – as we say it’s our lifeline in the bush.

“The support for it by the community here has been fantastic – just at the auction day we cleared $60 thousand – it just goes to show what people will do.”

As a final thankyou for Marie’s hard work and dedication, Big Sky Credit Union has donated $100 to a charity of her choosing and it is pretty obvious who it went to. “ The Royal Flying Doctor, of course.”

Those interested in lending a hand to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Auxiliary can do so by coming along to their meetings, held every second Tuesday of the month at the Roxby Downs Community Club. www.themonitor.com.au

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 13

LIFESTYLE

HAVE YOUR SAY . . .

What new shop would you like to see open up in Roxby Downs?

“A Butcher would be good. Maybe a fresh fruit and veg shop too.”

Butch Richards with Jackson & Blake Cook

“A fruit and veg shop would be good.

We might need a bakery as well.”

Shauna & Nicole Franks

PHOTO

“I think we need a health shop. There are a lot of fit people up here and we really only have a chemist, that doesn’t provide a wide range of vitamins, health foods etc. It would really take off out here.”

Lewis Morton

“It would be good to have $2 shops, markets, K-Mart or any knick-knack shops.

It makes it easier to shop if you have children, then people won’t have to drive 2.5 hours to find clothes for their kids.”

Gena Kerehi with Zion

Page 14 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

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NEWS

Huge success at cabaret night in Andamooka A

ndamooka’s inaugural Cabaret writer, hope that the event may become Night was a success with over a permanent feature of the October long weekend festivities. fifty people attending. ”We are looking to make this event

It raised more than $300 for the Hospital Auxiliary and it was also able to put some money aside to allow the youth group to maintain the Hall’s projector.

Highlights were the saxophone stylings of the musical director, Shane Sampson, who opened the show.

Local Band Teardrop performed their debut on the night and was very well received by the enthusiastic audience.

There were door prizes which included rare CDs from GT Stringer and prints by Alex Mendelssohn.

Local artist Alex Mendelssohn helped design the show and showed some of his paintings.

Stuart McIntyre, who doubles as the drummer for Teardrop, displayed some of his figurines made from found objects enclosed in glass cabinets.

The show also featured audio-visual elements using projection.

“The Andamooka Hall was done up as a relaxed club with subdued lighting to suit the relaxed mood of much of the music. The sound was controlled and the delivery of the music was superb”, said the organiser of the event Rodney Mitchell.

The audience responded well to the new music presented by Teardrop and that gave Rodney, who is also a song-

Teardrop celebrate their debut night.

Holden gets into law enforcement in US A n Australian-built Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will be offered to join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America.

From the same family of cars as the long wheelbase Holden Caprice, the customised law enforcement car will be available for ordering next year and could hit the streets from early 2011.

Chevrolet executives revealed the car at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention which is being held in Denver, Colorado this year. The event is the biggest of its type in North America.

The show also featured a display by Australia’s National Safety Agency (NSA), which has developed state-of-the-art technology which can be integrated into law enforcement vehicles based on the Holden Commodore and Caprice.

Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, John Elsworth, today described the Chevrolet PPV reveal as an exciting first step which could lead to significant orders.

“We believe that our strategic partnerships with Australia’s enforcement agencies have certainly helped us better anticipate the needs of the North American customer.”

General Manager for GM Fleet and

an annual celebration of Australian music.

“We have already engaged a musical director from Melbourne for next year’s event which will also function as a reunion of the legendary rock band Burgoyne Manner who formed in Burgoyne Street Port Augusta in 1976,” Rodney said.

Phillip Hyde was a foundation member of that group and will direct the music at the 2010 Bohemian Cabaret.

Phillip was born in Port Augusta and was training as a carpenter when he linked up with Trevor Close and Rod Mitchell who had arrived in town as high school teachers in 1976.

“It is going to be fascinating to get that group back together. It was one of the few original groups that emerged from the Iron Triangle in those heady years in the late seventies,” Rodney said.

The group toured to Eyre Peninsula and Adelaide before moving on to Sydney and Melbourne.

The Bohemian Cabaret audience was also treated to a superb karaoke presentation by a young performer called “Roxy”. She sang a beautiful ballad and had the audience on their feet. Local guitarist Denny played a duet with young Jacob on drums and earned the audiences approval.

Commercial Operations, Jim Campbell said the new Chevrolet Caprice police car was the right tool at the right time for law enforcement.

“We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, who helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to its competitors in key areas,” said Mr Campbell. Chevrolet PPV specifications The rear wheel drive sedan will be available as a V6 with Spark Ignition Direct Injection or as a V8 with Active Fuel Management, both E85 capable, plus a host of specialised equipment and features including: - Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety - An additional boot-mounted battery dedicated to powering police equipment - Compatibility with in-dash touchscreen computer technology - Sculpted front seats designed to pocket the equipment belt and for the longterm comfort of officers whose car is their effective office The long wheelbase, rear wheel drive car featuring a four-wheel independent suspension will be promoted to police as a vehicle able to deliver responsive highperformance driving characteristics crucial in some police scenarios.

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 15

EMPLOYMENT/CLASSIFIEDS ACCOMMODATION

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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Page 16 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

ADVERTISE HERE SELLING your unwanted goods! Classified adverts start from $8 for the first 20 words and give a ways will appear for FREE!

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LIFESTYLE

Zeppy’s Reviews

YOUreview

If you’ve read a book or seen a film that you want to share with the community, send in your review to features@themonitor.com.au and have your opinions heard.

Movie Review: Up

Up, up and away T he revolutionary Disney and Pixar have done it again, producing yet another masterpiece the entire family will enjoy. Using state of the art animation and a collection of talented voice actors, Up is the newest, and dare I say the best, film to come from the company. Love, loss, friendship and adventure are all big in this fantastic film that will have you bursting with laughter and gasping with excitement from beginning to end.

We follow the story of Carl Fredricksen, a disgruntled old man who refuses to vacate his home when the construction companies begin their new building project.

Forced to move to a retirement village by the courts, Carl ties a collection of helium filled balloons to the roof of his house and flies off on a journey to Paradise Falls in South America to fulfil the dream of his recently passed wife.

But Carl is not alone on his adventure. Young Wilderness Explorer Russell – 70 years Carl’s junior – has inadvertently found himself on the porch as the house took flight. Extremely naïve but filled with life, Carl is forced to continue his journey with Russell. But it’s not smooth sailing as the two suddenly find themselves caught up in a storm. Off course and battling hurricane winds, they land the house, only to find they are several days from their destination.

The two agree to “walk” the house to Paradise Falls. Lost in the wilderness of South America, Carl and Russell soon find themselves in the company of a rare bird Russell names Kevin. However, Kevin is a hunted species with a pack of trained dog with the ability to talk. Among these chatty canines is social outcast Doug. As naïve as Russell and just as funny, Doug stumbles across Carl’s path and as dogs do, instantly falls in love with him, naming him his new master.

Adventure follows as this band of unlikely companions are forced to work together to not only fulfil Carl’s dream but save the life of Kevin from a fame obsessed explorer. The humour will have you gasping between laughs, the excitement will captivate you and the development of the characters will move you.

Up is without a doubt one of Disney and Pixar’s greatest creations. The advancements in film animation allow for a screen of brilliant colours, well crafted characters and epic possibilities. From the opening scene, viewers will be captivated by the creativity of the filmmakers, finding themselves engrossed in the lives of every character;

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from the innocently adorable Russell to the cranky Carl, viewers will enjoy everyone.

Everything about this film is flawless. The voice actors give a fantastic per formance. Edward Asner is great as the grumpy Carl, Christopher Plummer plays explorer Charles Muntz with frightening conviction and even newcomer Jordan Nagai performs with a talent that is sure to make him famous in Hollywood.

I find it difficult to fault this film, for I was captivated from beginning to end. The jokes work well, the humour is not over the top and the characters are, beyond a doubt, fantastic. Up is a film the entire family can enjoy over and over again.

The script is solid with a captivating storyline but remember, this is a Disney film so the unbelievable does come to pass. So let your imagination run wild as you embark on an adventure up into the realm of the impossible.

The verdict: 8/10

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 17

SPORT

Stadiums get facelift

T

he two indoor stadiums, squash courts and auditorium a t t h e R ox b y D o w n s Leisure Centre received major maintenance last week when the floors were all sanded back and resurfaced.

Adelaide company Specialised Flooring Services resurfaced the floors, in just a couple of days.

The company has been the main contractor for sealing

and resurfacing maintenance for a number of years and Mr. Phil Brow said last week’s resealing with polyurethane was part of the normal maintenance required in sports stadiums.

Specialised Flooring Surfaces did a major resurface at the beginning of 2008. The company comprising father and son Phil and David Brow and Ian Hopkinson finished doing two sealing coats on the playing surfaces and one coat on the auditorium at a time when sports were in recess due to

the holidays and change of seasons.

After the recent dust storms the playing surfaces had a lot of in ground dirt and needed several cleaning before the surfaces could be resealed.

Specialise Flooring Services also did the original line marking of the stadiums and is one of only two companies in SA that is recognised to carry out that type of work.

When sports resume this week, players will notice the extra grip and the shiny look of the floors.

Swim classes back

T

he Roxby Leisure Centre’s popular swimming classes resume on October 19 when children from as young as six months old will be given the opportunity to learn water skills.

Instructor Yvonne Klomp said she will be starting with the five and up school age groups on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with classes beginning at 3.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m.

“Then for the toddlers and preschool ages we are going to do three different age groupings,” said Yvonne.

The toddlers group which was only started at the beginning of this year is expected to grow in numbers, with more interest from young parents who want their babies and toddlers to gain confidence and some basic water survival skills.

She said the under school age group will be split into three classes and be held on Thursdays 10 to 12 noon , Fridays 10 to 12 noon and SatPage 18 – Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

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urdays 10 to 12 noon.

Mums and dads are expected to get into the pool with the babies in the classes which cater for 6 month olds to 15 month olds and together with expert tuition and plenty of encouragement from Yvonne they will see the babies become confident about going under the water and develop their natural skills to tread water.

“I only started the swimming classes at the beginning of term one when the pool was open and just starting a swim school was not as easy as it first seemed,” said Yvonne She said getting classes organised and the instructors took some time, but now they have three qualified people running the after school classes and with the babies it’s only one instructor and the parents in the water.

“Hopefully it will be really good this time; the water is warmer than last season, so that will be a bonus.”

Yvonne said with the babies there will be 10 in the class (with parents) and the same for the toddlers class

(15 months to two and a half years).

The pre-schoolers from the age of two and half to five will be just five children in a class.

“Some kids when they get their confidence, even at six months can start to do lots of things. It doesn’t worry them going under the water and moving in the water they become quite capable and are taught to swim to the side of the pool.

“So if they do happen to fall in the water they know they can just turn around and just go the side. It makes it much easier for parents who have a bit more time to get to them in the case of an accident.”

Yvonne said for the older kids they have training from level one to level seven which includes a lot of water safety skills and they can go on and do their life saving and all the higher awards.

People interested in the classes are asked to contact the Leisure Centre and ask for Yvonne Klomp.

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SPORT

OD PRESENTATIONS Football

Best Under 21 - Dylon Vanzati Runner up Best and Fairest - Ryan Summerton OD Best and Fairest - Daniel Rogers Leading Goal Kicker - Scott Montgomerie

Netball

A1 Best and Fairest - Grace Hollitt Runner up - Ellie Bell Coaches Award -Claire Munyard

OD Life Memebers Sandy Richter, Steven Jacobs, Tony Richter and Kym Clarke.

OD Best and Fairest Daniel Rogers.

OD runner up best and fairest Ryan Summerton presented by new life member Steven Jacobs.

New OD life member Steven Jacobs presented by Life member Tony Richter.

A2 Best & fairest - Kara Edmunds Runner up - Hayley Summerton Coaches Award - Nicole Paige B Grade Best & fiarest - Kylie Dietman Runner up - Chelsea Hull Coaches Award - Emie Mitchell

Summer Splash!

ABOVE LEFT: Boys will be boys: Declan and Jack O’Sullivan relax by the pool.

ABOVE RIGHT: The cooling comfort of the water was enough to satisfy these towo youngsters.

LEFT: Super Slidin’: Jack Ingles.

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 – Page 19

SPORT www.themonitor.com.au

Phone (08) 8671 2683

Fax (08) 8671 2843

Jayden Dawson and Nick Calligaris, both 11, are two of Roxby’s Junior drivers who will make their State Title debuts at the end of this month.

Kart meeting last for the year

T

he Roxby Downs Dirt Kart Club will hold its final meeting of the year on October 17 and it will act as a prelude to the State titles where six members of the club drivers will test their racing skills against the top drivers around all the regions.

Spokesperson for the Club, Kathy Calligaris said the October 17 meeting in Roxby is a night meeting with an action packed program of racing commencing at 7.30 p.m.

On the night there will be four classes of racing with the club’s Rookies, Juniors, KT lights

and heavies and 125cc drivers competing in the heats and finals.

Kathy reported that with an improved numbers in the Rookies and Juniors this year the future of the club looks great.

“We have a lot of families involved and several father and son racing teams. It really is a family orientated club,” she said.

This year the racing season is finishing a little earlier than usual because of the State Titles being held in October instead of the usual March time frame.

Kathy said after competing at Kangaroo Island in October 30, 31 and November 1, the last thing

they will want to do is rush back to Roxby and prepare for a club meeting.

She said with six racing members and their families away, it puts a lot of pressure on everyone.

With four junior drivers and two seniors competing at the State Titles, Kathy said it will be a great opportunity for them to drive against others they would not normally see and gain valuable racing experience.

“The biggest problem everyone is having with the event being on Kangaroo Island is there is no accommodation left and unless you booked at the start of the year it has been very hard. Luckily we

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booked early,” said Kathy.

With the titles hard on the heels of the National event held at Lucindale only two weeks ago, local drivers are all keen to get back into the swing of racing at home and for those off to the Kangaroo Island it is a chance to get some valuable racing practise.

Kathy congratulated Mark Davis, Shane Howard and Carl Hobbs for competing at the National Titles saying they all came away with valuable racing experience at the top level of the sport and will be better for the experience.

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