Barrier Daily Truth, Broken Hill's Daily Newpaper: Read The News

Read The News

News and Sports articles previously featured on the BDT website can be read on this page.

News articles for February, 2012

Breakthrough eludes Magpies

Thursday, 23rd February, 2012

Central fell agonisingly short of winning their first game in the Under 14 cricket competition on Friday in a nail-biting contest with West.

West batted first and were in trouble early at 2/8 after a couple of run outs, with Central’s bowlers applying plenty of pressure.

The Robins rallied and put on some good partnerships to reach 4/65 before the Magpies’ bowlers chipped away to dismiss their opponents with a total of 89.

Get on your bike for fun and fitness

Thursday, 23rd February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

Whether you’re looking for a friendly social outing, a leisurely ride through the scenic outback, or a gruelling physical test the Broken Hill Mountain Bike club has a place for you.

The club is holding a “come and try day” on Saturday to give prospective bikers a taste of the sport, and a chance to meet the members.

Club treasurer, Nick Algate, said the day would have a very relaxed atmosphere, with riding to take place on a modified low-difficulty section of the club’s track.

Race for a place

Thursday, 23rd February, 2012

St Pat’s pleads for accommodation help

By Craig Brealey

A swag under the stars might be the only accommodation available in the city over the Saint Patrick’s race weekend unless locals can throw their doors open to the visitors.

There’s just under a month to go to the St Patrick’s races and already all the accommodation that Broken Hill has to offer has been booked.

The big race day always stretches the city’s capacity to house visitors but this year it’s close to bursting due to a combination of things.

Coffee the social drink of choice

Thursday, 23rd February, 2012

By Kurtis Eichler

More than half of Australians prefer a double-shot espresso to sitting down to a beer at the pub, according to a new poll.

Most are ditching the schooner in favour of a shot of caffeine, polling company Roy Morgan claims in its State of the Nation Report.

The report found 55 per cent of people visited a cafe for tea or coffee in the last three months, rising 6.6 per cent since the last survey in 2003.

Lee to make film debut

Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

He may not yet have the star billing of Jet Li or Jackie Chan, but Lee Hermansson is preparing to make his martial arts film debut.

The Taekwon-Do instructor is set to feature in a Korean documentary that will showcase his life in the sport.

A new look for a good cause

Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

Miles Clothier has been growing a beard for the past seven years and, after much deliberation, has decided to shave it off in the name of the World’s Greatest Shave.

Miles is among about 125,000 Australians who are expected to give himself a new look to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Woman ‘robbed’ and assaulted

Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012

A woman was allegedly assaulted and robbed yesterday morning as she was going to the bank to deposit the takings from a business.

The incident reportedly happened about 11.15am when the 29-year-old woman parked her car in Blende Street between Oxide and Delamore streets.

A man described as thin and of Aboriginal appearance came up and opened the passenger side door and reached for her handbag, police said.

Algate’s finance fears

Tuesday, 21st February, 2012

By Erica Visser

Deputy Mayor Bob Algate has expressed fears that councillors may be sacked if finances do not improve soon.

The comments come after a document on Council’s finances, which was sent by the Division of Local Government on January 18, was leaked to local media outlets last week before all councillors had seen it.

Perilya embraces changing technology

Tuesday, 21st February, 2012

By Paula Doran

They may be plumbing the historic depths in one of Australia’s most historic mine leases, but Perilya’s miners are riding a wave of technological advances which would make their forefathers gasp.

The picture of the miner with pick and shovel, laboring at the face of an ore body must now be relegated to folklore and history, because in the caverns deep underneath Broken Hill there’s a whole new world opening up.

City’s athletes in safe hands

Tuesday, 21st February, 2012

The city’s athletes will be in safe hands after a large group of trainers and volunteers took part in a sports training course at the weekend.

The course was hosted by Daniel Clark of Sports Medicine Australia (SA), and was organised by the North Football Club.

Nineteen trainers took part in a sports taping and strapping session on Saturday night, while 15 completed the full two-day course to attain level one sports training accreditation.

Central confident

Monday, 20th February, 2012

Central will head into next week’s preliminary final full of confidence after an impressive win over a disappointing South at the Jubilee Oval on Saturday.

Captain Cameron Wells yesterday heaped praise his side which reached South’s modest total of 79 all out with the loss of just one wicket.

“It was good to get a win like that going into the semi-finals,” Wells said.

West overcame North

Monday, 20th February, 2012

Minor premiers West did as expected on Saturday and overcame an undermanned North outfit that now heads into an elimination final against Central.

The Robins, who will be waiting for the winner of that game, won by three wickets after the Bulldogs set a modest target of 106 all out.

North were routed by West captain Nick Christos who achieved his third five wicket haul for the season, finishing with 5/14.

Menindee’s mixed reactions

Monday, 20th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

Just how serious the threat from floodwaters coming from the north is in Menindee depends on who you ask in the town.

Maiden’s Hotel licensee, Noelene Ratcliff, has the Darling River near the back door - but she isn’t worried.

“It won’t hit the fence. Before the (levee) bank was put up, the water used to hit the box trees,” Ms Ratcliff said.

Homewares are where the Hart is

Monday, 20th February, 2012

By Gayle Hogan

David Hart doesn’t take offence when his artwork is compared to that of his famous father - he takes it as a compliment.

While the similarities in their work is obvious, David has managed to carve out a name for himself and recently landed a lucrative contract with one of the world’s best known suppliers of homewares.

David speaks matter-of-factly about his success, acknowledging he has inherited the famous Hart name, but wouldn’t be where he is today if he had no talent.

Bikers tackle Kona

Saturday, 18th February, 2012

Members of the Broken Hill Mountain Bike Club will push themselves to the limit tomorrow/today/(Saturday) when they take on the Kona Odyssey mountain bike marathon.

Six riders from the local club will make the journey for the Victorian marathon, which begins in Apollo Bay and winds through the Otway Ranges.

The Kona Odyssey began in 2006 and is one of the premier Mountain Bike marathons in Australia. It is renowned for being one of the toughest mountain bike events as it includes a number of lung-busting hills across the ranges.

Fast track will make for a great night

Saturday, 18th February, 2012

Speedway revs up for its second meeting of the year tonight with a solid program of racing.

Racers will compete in sidecars, stock cars and junior stocks, while the Moto-X Mayhem bikes will also take to the track.

BH Speedway Club Secretary Dion Coulls said racing would be even better than last month’s meeting, with recent light rain helping to ensure the track is in pristine condition.

Have river, will flood

Saturday, 18th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

It will be another three or four weeks before more floodwaters come down to Menindee but some townsfolk are already moving out.

Broken Hill locals, Doug and Chicky Spencer, have a Menindee home right beside the Darling River. Yesterday they moved the last of their belongings to higher ground as the last part of their block filled with water.

Mr Spencer said it had been “creeping in for a fortnight” and was about 35 centimetres deep.

Better wet than dry, says farming family

Saturday, 18th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

Domenic and his nephew Paul D’Ettorre live on neighboring properties outside Menindee where they grow grapes.

The floodwaters coming down won’t hurt Domenic’s crops too severely because most of it was picked in December and grapes can survive in water for a couple of months.

“Crops can be under water as long, as it dries out,” Domenic said.

Life in the fast lane and loving it

Friday, 17th February, 2012

By Andrew Robertson

Motorsports photographer Andrew Gosling is strapping himself in for another year of chasing the racing circuit circus - and he couldn’t be happier.

Gosling heads to the Phillip Island race track this week to cover pre-season testing ahead of the opening round of the World Superbikes next weekend.

It heralds the start of a hectic season of motorsport which will see him criss-cross the country photographing Australia’s best and brightest riders and drivers.

‘All Murray, no Darling’

Friday, 17th February, 2012

By Gayle Hogan

The Darling River Action Group (DRAG) has vowed to take legal action if the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan gets the go-ahead in its current form.

DRAG Secretary Brian (Barney) Stevens said the group would follow the lead of the South Australian Government and fight what was a “poorly designed plan.”

Shooting stars shine in Whyalla

Friday, 17th February, 2012

Young basketball stars Harry Trengove and Angel Simmons have led the Broncos in a competitive showing at Whyalla.

Broken Hill took six teams to the Whyalla Junior Basketball Tournament last weekend and four of the teams made it through to the finals.

BH Basketball Association president Grahame Semmens said the result was especially pleasing given that the local junior competition has not yet started and the players have had little game time.

Drivers vie for Maltese Cup glory

Thursday, 16th February, 2012

By The Pack Horse

The highlight of tonight’s meeting is the running of the time-honoured Maltese Cup.

Six runners will compete for the main prize of a cup and the Sew Eurodrive Maltese rug.

Radium Hill revisited

Thursday, 16th February, 2012

By Paula Doran

Opinion among politicians and the mining fraternity that Broken Hill will host a new wave of uranium exploration is not a surprise to geo-enthusiast Trevor Dart.

The science teacher and geology expert, whose forefathers racked up decades’ worth of underground foraging in the North Mine, says there are known uranium deposits within a 100 kilometre radius of the Silver City - and now that the long-time ban has been lifted on exploration, a new chapter in the region’s history is about to unfold.

He agrees that uranium deposits could further develop the area’s prosperity and says there were known deposits on the surface of hill country to the west of the city in the Thackaringa Hills and in the basement rocks underneath the Mundi Mundi Plains.

Big prospects for BH

Thursday, 16th February, 2012

By Paula Doran

The NSW Government is placing its bets on the uranium industry to boost the State’s dwindling coffers and experts say the overturning of a 26-year ban on uranium exploration this week will have a big impact in the Far West.

The Government yesterday introduced legislation into Parliament overturning the ban on exploration. Premier Barry O’Farrell said it was time for NSW to look at every opportunity to join the mining boom which was delivering enormous profits to the rest of the country.

In a potential boon for Broken Hill, NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher, said expert advice suggested the most valuable deposits might be in the west of the State, given the abundant resources just over the SA border.

Skaters’ show like ‘dancing on wheels’

Thursday, 16th February, 2012

The skill and grace of the city’s roller skaters will be on display to the public this weekend.

The Silver City Roller Skating Club is holding its League Competition on Saturday and is opening the doors to interested onlookers.

Sixteen skaters will compete in a variety of disciplines including figure skating, dance, free skating and pairs dance.

Trainers flock to top-level course

Thursday, 16th February, 2012

One moment it looked like it was all off and after some frantic emailing and phone calls by various sports clubs, locals and Active Broken Hill it’s all on!

The Level 1 Sports Trainer Course being offered locally this weekend by Sports Medicine Australia (SA) has had one of the greatest responses from any country town and the trainers are really looking forward to coming to Broken Hill to deliver the program.

“The Broken Hill Sporting community has shown unprecedented interest,” according to Mr Clark from Sports Medicine (SA).

A special bike for a special girl

Wednesday, 15th February, 2012

By Gayle Hogan

Lara Pascoe’s beautiful smile and happy nature defy the struggles the six-year-old has faced every day of her life.

At just 10 months old she was diagnosed with Angelman’s Syndrome, a neuro-genetic disorder with no known cure or treatment.

It is characterised by severe intellectual and development delay, lack of/or diminished speech, unstable jerky gait, jerky movements (especially hand flapping), sleep disturbance, balance problems and epilepsy, resulting in life long seizures.

Spy cam on the vandals

Wednesday, 15th February, 2012

By Andrew Robertson

City Council is looking at extending CCTV coverage of the BH Regional Aquatic Centre in response to vandalism.

Vandals have attacked the aquatic centre a number of times since it reopened in December, forcing the closure of one or more pools in extreme cases.

In one publicised incident, which happened the day before the centre was to open to the public, three men broke in and threw a table, three bins and a pool cover into the 50m pool. One of them also defecated in the water.

Sam’s on the rise

Wednesday, 15th February, 2012

By Peter Argent

Samantha Betts has continued her cricketing progression with solid performances in the national under 18s championships late last month.

Played in Ballarat, the South Australians collected a pair of victories to finish fifth.

Leading the attack, Betts bowled 39 overs to be among the Scorpions’ most used bowlers. She took seven wickets at 21.57 runs per victim and had a best yield of 3/11 against the ACT.

It’s all go for junior cricket

Wednesday, 15th February, 2012

The junior cricket competition is set to undergo a number of changes after the Broken Hill Primary Cricket Association (BHPCA) held its AGM on Saturday.

This year the Academy, Joey and Lightning games will be held at the Norm Fox Oval along with the hardball competition, with all games starting at 8am.

The age restriction for hardball has also been modified, and high school children who turn 12 this year are now able to keep playing for the Primary School they previously attended.

Thumbs up to a new St Pat’s

Tuesday, 14th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

The official countdown to the city’s biggest race meeting began yesterday with the announcement of new attractions for the 47th St Patrick’s races.

Mayor Wincen Cuy cut the ribbon to open the St Pat’s Race Club office and exhorted people to go to church and pray for a dry Saturday on March 17 after last year’s meeting was washed out.

Coles takes control

Tuesday, 14th February, 2012

By Erica Visser

Coles has bought the city’s new shopping centre site from project developer, Leasecorp.

The company plans to start work at the Gossan Street site in the middle of the year and to have the centre opened by mid 2013.

Magpies hit back

Tuesday, 14th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

Central has proven it has the hitting power to match it with West after winning the 20/20 grand final replay on Sunday afternoon.

The four-wicket victory over the league leaders will provide a welcome confidence boost for the Magpies with the first final of the regular competition just weeks away.

Central in control

Monday, 13th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

Central’s batsmen have bounced back from last week’s defeat to guide their team to a five-wicket win against North.

The Bulldogs opted to bat first on the Jubilee Oval wicket but struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard as the Magpies’ bowlers held sway.

Runway compo on hold

Monday, 13th February, 2012

By Erica Visser

It is too early to seek compensation for faulty material used on the $540,000 resealing of the Broken Hill Airport, says City Council.

Council began the project late last year and it was completed three weeks ago.

Ribbon cut on grand oasis

Monday, 13th February, 2012

By Kurtis Eichler

The Broken Hill Regional Aquatic Centre, the city’s largest public infrastructure project in more than a decade, was officially opened on Saturday.

The curtains were opened on the $11 million complex, marking the end of more than 10 years of work undertaken by three different councils.

Girls’ night out

Saturday, 11th February, 2012

By The Pack Horse

Tonight’s racing will be dominated by the fairer sex, either by drivers or horses.

Another good program of racing will launch the beginning of the second half of the season with plenty of good racing to come in the Maltese Cup, Sew Eurodrive Mile and our TAB meeting on March 16.

Programming has been finalised for this and copies will be available at the secretary’s office or by contacting Tony Camilleri. Hope to see you all on track tonight and happy punting.

Helping hand from Council

Saturday, 11th February, 2012

Several sport and recreation bodies are set to receive a boost after City Council announced the first round of its 2011/2012 Community Development Grants.

The Outback Rugby League Juniors, BH Mountain Bike Club and BH Model Flying Club will share in $7300 worth of funding.

Rugby will receive $3000 to support the establishment of a junior program and to assist with uniforms and equipment, while $1,300 will be provided to the Model Flying Club to build a shelter on Willyama Common for spectators and competitors.

Learners can’t access driver safety program

Saturday, 11th February, 2012

Learner drivers in NSW are being encouraged to join a driver safety program, but not in Broken Hill.

The ‘keys2drive’ program to help the reduce the incidence of road crashes involving young drivers offers free lessons from accredited driving instructors.

Unfortunately for young drivers in the city, there are no accredited instructors to provide this program.

Flood could be largest since ‘76

Saturday, 11th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

For the third time in two years floodwaters have triggered pre-releases from the Menindee Lakes storage, as towns and properties along the Darling brace for what could be the largest flood event in 35 years.

With the lakes’ storage brimming as a result of inflows earlier this summer, authorities have acted in a bid to make room for the impending additional flows which will arrive in two waves.

The first will come from floodwater travelling down the Moonie, Namoi and Gwydir Rivers, and will be followed by flood flows from the Queensland Rivers.

Girls hope to be face of Dodo

Friday, 10th February, 2012

Two local girls are entering a competition that could lead them to a place in the Miss Universe Australia National Final.

Samara Pagano and Lisa Kickett are in the running to become the “Dodo Girl” of 2012.

Dodo is a telecommunications company and it holds the competition to find “the face” for its commercials.

Voices cry for water

Friday, 10th February, 2012

By Gayle Hogan

Aboriginal people in the district have been assured that their input to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan will be taken into account.

Neil Ward, the Director of Indigenous Engagement with the Authority, has been holding meetings in Broken Hill and Menindee this week to consult with Aboriginal people.

The local meetings are being held at the Centre for Community and will finish at lunchtime today.

Sign of respect

Friday, 10th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

The Broken Hill Basketball Association (BHBA) has paid tribute a local icon of the sport with new signage at R.K. Sanderson Stadium.

The sign was erected as a show of respect for the late Bob Sanderson, after whom the stadium was named. Mr Sanderson was a crucial figure in the development of the stadium and the success of the sport in the city.

Mr Sanderson’s name had previously taken pride of place on the front wall of the stadium, but over time the wording had gradually disappeared due to vandalism.

Kindy, here I come

Thursday, 9th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

There were some tears, a few unsettled tummies but most of the children starting their first day of school yesterday were very happy to be there.

Among the first-timers was Sophie Greville who is attending Burke Ward Primary School. She is in class KB with 20 other students and another kindy class of 21 called KJ.

Town bracing for flood

Thursday, 9th February, 2012

With record flows heading south from the floods in Queensland and northern NSW, police are appealing to Menindee residents to let them know if they intend to evacuate their homes.

More water is being released from the lakes at Menindee to make room for the massive inflows and flooding is expected in the township.

“Police ask that any family who relocates from their home in and around the flood-affected area please notify your local police station of this fact,” said BH police spokesman Detective Inspector Mick Stoltenberg yesterday.

Keep cricket alive

Thursday, 9th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

The city’s year 5 and 6 students may have no cricket competition by 2013 unless the sport receives more support, according to BH Primary Cricket Association (BHPCA) president Dale Dwyer.

The warning comes as the BHPCA prepares to combine its registration day, coaching clinics and Annual General Meeting at the Norm Fox Oval on Saturday.

City to host Ministers

Wednesday, 8th February, 2012

Three State Government Ministers will be here at the end of this month when the city hosts the Annual Conference of the Western Division Council of NSW.

Councillors, Mayors and General Managers will be discussing the future of outback NSW and the ministers will be here to address delegates from the 13 member councils.

The conference will be held from February 26 to 28.

Anniversary calls for a song

Wednesday, 8th February, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT: Seven-year-old Taeja Edwards sang for the Silver City Ladies Probus Club’s 20th Anniversary this week. The milestone was recognised with a luncheon and 15 of the club’s founding members were recognised with certificates and badges.

Tennis turned into a match made in heaven

Wednesday, 8th February, 2012

By Kurtis Eichler

Joe Blackwell and Beryl Francis first laid eyes on each other one fateful night in 1946.

They met at the Railwaytown tennis courts, a regular haunt for both, and were married six years later in 1952.

“Every Friday night we went down to the tennis courts,” Mrs Blackwell told the BDT. “We played a lot of tennis in those days.”

Trio bound for Pro-Am

Wednesday, 8th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

Golfing trio Linda Nadge, Jacqueline Walter and Gaynor Holliday will be in esteemed company this week when they tee off in the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Pro-Am.

The event that starts at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club today lets three amateur players team up with a professional.

The local players were originally slated to team up with America’s Brittany Lang but have since been partnered with Japan’s Haru Nomura.

Brave Holly’s a HeartKid

Tuesday, 7th February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

Holly Magookin knows more than most the help the HeartKids foundation provides children struggling with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

Two days after she was born Holly was diagnosed with heart disease, or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (VSD) with collaterals.

Her mother, Kerri Simmons, said Holly has had five open heart operations - the last one being a full repair - and has had 13 cardiac catheterisations.

Pool entry cost ‘right’

Tuesday, 7th February, 2012

By Kurtis Eichler

Councillors have not fully considered the ramifications of a $4 entry fee to the city’s multi-million dollar Aquatic Centre, according to Councillor Tom Kennedy.

Cr Kennedy said he has decided to move a motion at this month's ordinary meeting against Council’s proposed doubling of the complex’s admission fees.

“I am not sure all councillors have considered the full ramifications of the decision to double the entry fee and the impact this will have on our community,” Cr Kennedy told the BDT.

Learner’s costly lesson as car goes up in flames

Tuesday, 7th February, 2012

A learner driver would have had some explaining to do after taking his father’s car for a spin only to watch in horror as it was destroyed by fire.

The 19-year-old local’s misadventure began when he decided to take his father’s Mitsubishi wagon for a drive around South Broken Hill around midday yesterday.

According to police the teenager bogged the vehicle but, as he attempted to drive the wagon out, heat from the motor or exhaust caused grass to ignite.

St Joes looking for new blood

Tuesday, 7th February, 2012

St Joes’ stellar 2011 season proved that the team has plenty of talent on the field, but now it’s looking to bolster its off-field stocks.

The club will hold its Annual General Meeting tonight and will be looking to fill a number of positions such as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, along with a new role of canteen co-ordinator.

The club has been presided over for the past five years by Peter Nash, however time constraints have forced him to relinquish the role.

Key RFDS recruit has bases covered

Monday, 6th February, 2012

By Kurtis Eichler

She’s a self-confessed city slicker who has left the towering skyscrapers of Sydney behind to throw herself into the field of rural medicine.

It’s a field that Professor Jeanette Ward, who holds more post-nominal letters after her name than some of the country’s best doctors, has never before worked in.

It’s all go as our big race day draws near

Monday, 6th February, 2012

By Kurtis Eichler

Organisers of the St Pat’s races meeting are pulling out all the stops with only six weeks to race day.

Preparations for March 17 are gaining momentum with 2000 brochures and 1400 members packs being sent out yesterday.

Robins roll on

Monday, 6th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

West have confirmed their status as the city’s dominant cricket team after crushing second-placed Central by 81 runs at the Jubilee Oval on Saturday.

Curtis Jelbert led the charge for the Robins with a top score of 66, and received good support from vice captain Paul Attard (35) and Brenton Malthouse (17).

World premiere

Saturday, 4th February, 2012

A concert tribute in words and song to the great June Bronhill will have its first ever performance tonight at the Civic Centre.

June Bronhill (June Mary Gough) was an Australian icon of opera, operetta and musical theatre, comedy and television.

Promac Productions, the company behind the tribute concert, “Merry June Bronhill”, has essentially written the June Bronhill story from her early days in Broken Hill to her stellar career in Europe, UK and Australia.

The BDT’s back in town

Saturday, 4th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

It may not have been obvious to all our dedicated readers, but the BDT has been a little different over the last few days.

The last four editions have been printed in Mildura after technical difficulties brought the printing process to a halt on Sunday night, leaving readers throughout the region without their usual morning paper on Monday.

Netball for all ages

Saturday, 4th February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

The Broken Hill Netball Association (BHNA) is looking to kickstart 2012 with a huge gala weekend of netball next week.

Activities will begin on February 11 with a coaching information night to be held at the netball clubrooms in the O’Neill sporting complex.

A miner with the Midas touch

Friday, 3rd February, 2012

By Paula Doran

A journalist has to walk away from an interview with Nick Sheard and think “Whatever that man’s got going with Kharma, I’d like some too!”

The chairman of Carpentaria Exploration Ltd, the company behind the biggest iron ore prospect in NSW and perhaps the nation, just seems to be on a roll.

Derham hits top speed

Friday, 3rd February, 2012

By Peter Argent

Broken Hill fast bowling export Tom Derham’s star is continuing to rise.

He is among four South Australian under 19s cricketers who have been recognised after the national championships and were named for national duties.

Water on the way

Friday, 3rd February, 2012

By Paula Doran

The NSW Office of Water has made urgent water releases from the Menindee Lakes as inland tributaries at the top of the Darling system swell dramatically under massive rain.

While the towns hardest hit in southern Queensland and northern NSW were yesterday evacuating ahead of rapidly rising rivers, the Department of Primary Industries was preparing for huge volumes of water to flow into the Darling River and down to Menindee.

‘Don’t dump beds’

Thursday, 2nd February, 2012

Black calls on Labor councillor to oppose aged care transfer

By Erica Visser

Former Broken Hill mayor, Peter Black, has urged Labor Councillor Darriea Turley to oppose the privatisation of 40 local aged care beds in order to sink the plan.

Mr Black is still to decide whether he will try to return to local politics and run for mayor in the September elections.

His comments came amidst a debate over whether City Council should pass the licenses for 40 Shorty O’Neil beds to a new site which would be run by private organisation, Southern Cross Care.

A decade of commitment

Thursday, 2nd February, 2012

By Darrin Manuel

The dedication of Broken Hill Basketball Association President Grahame Semmens extends well beyond the local competition, and that fact was recognised at the 2012 Australian Country Basketball Championships in Albury.

During the closing ceremony of the Championships, Mr Semmens was presented with an Award of Merit for his work with the SA Country team.

Mr Semmens has attended the Country Championships for the past 12 years and served as SA Country’s coach for the past decade.

Broncos shine at Pacific Slam

Thursday, 2nd February, 2012

Two BH basketballers have enjoyed success while representing SA Country teams at national competitions.

Whitney Smith was part of the SA Country Under-15 team that swept through the Pacific Coast Slam carnival at Port Macquarie winning eight games including the Grand Final against NSW Waratahs.

Maddison O’Dwyer almost matched that effort in the Under-17 competition, with SA Country having to settle for second spot after losing the Grand Final to Southern Districts (Qld) in overtime.

Water on the way

Thursday, 2nd February, 2012

By Paula Doran

The NSW Office of Water has made urgent water releases from the Menindee Lakes as inland tributaries at the top of the Darling system swell dramatically under massive rain.
While the towns hardest hit in southern Queensland and northern NSW were yesterday evacuating ahead of rapidly rising rivers, the Department of Primary Industries was preparing for huge volumes of water to flow into the Darling River and down to Menindee.
The rainfall continued yesterday, causing floods in two major Darling River tributaries, the Gwydir and the Namoi.
The Gwydir region was particularly hard hit, with 150 millimetres of rain in 24 hours.
At one gauging station upstream of Moree on the same river, 300,000 megalitres of water (more than half the volume of Sydney Harbour) was being measured per day.
All around the interior in towns more famous as outbackí than riverfront, the SES and Shire Councils were battening the hatches against floodwaters. In the town of Mitchell, east of Charleville, they were expecting a flood to rival the record flood of 1990.
Further south, St George, a town that made the headlines in last year’s big floods, residents were facing the prospect of two river systems combining in the next two days to create another record watercourse.
And as the list of rain-drenched inland towns continued to mount, water managers began preparing for the fact that much of that water could be in the Menindee Lakes within months.
Brian Graham, Surface Water Manager from the NSW Office of Water, said it was impossible to know how much water would make its way to Menindee.
“Every flood event is unique. The catchment will respond to different flood events differently.
“Our main objective is to begin work now by increasing the release of flows out of Menindee, which will eventually protect the Menindee township from flooding when the big flows do arrive. We will certainly do everything we can to avoid flooding of low lying houses.”
State Water estimates the flood waters from this week’s flow will arrive in Menindee late next month at the earliest.
But with floodwaters already expected from rainfall late last year, water managers will be operating at peak hour to make sure there is enough space in the lakes to accommodate the large flows.
Releases from Weir 32 have been increased from 15,000 megalitres per day to 20,000, effective immediately.
Meanwhile, in the north of the State, more rain is forecast today.

Music dream comes true

Thursday, 2nd February, 2012

By Erica Visser

Former Silverton local Chris Edge-Dodd grew up in the town listening to Slim Dusty and playing a right-handed guitar upside-down, like Jimi Hendrix.

It was there through his mother Nellie’s music he formed his life-long love of country music, but the self-taught guitarist never thought his ultimate dream would come true.

Chris recalled seeing his idol, award-winning lead guitarist for Slim Dusty, Lindsay Butler, play on stage some 30 years ago at the Musicians’ Club.

Outback lifesaver

Wednesday, 1st February, 2012

By Emily Roberts

A local teenage boy is being hailed as an Australia Day hero after he drove 80 kilometres to save a man’s life.

Thirteen-year-old Riley Crampton was on his grandfather’s station, Loch Lilly, on the SA border with NSW, last week where he was working and helping out.