Regional Newspaper South Australia - COOBER PEDY’S 11th GEM … · 2016. 2. 2. · Times...

ISSN 1833-1831

Tel: 08 8672 5920 http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com Thursday 28 January 2016

SERVING THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 1982

COOBER PEDY’S 11th GEM TRADE SHOWHOPES TO ATTRACT MORE OPAL MINERS

1ST Call for entrants in the 2016 COOBER PEDYOPAL QUEEN & BEAUTY PAGEANT

Entry forms for the following categories in the 2016 COOBER PEDY OPALQUEEN & BEAUTY PAGEANT will be available from the Coober Pedy RegionalTimes ([email protected]) on Friday 5th February, along with PageantConditions & Guidelines and entry fees.

2016 OP2016 OP2016 OP2016 OP2016 OPAL QAL QAL QAL QAL QUEEN UEEN UEEN UEEN UEEN - is open to single female residents of Coober Pedy, Mintabie andAndamooka who are between the ages of 16 and 25. Opal Queen entrants birthdays must be

inside the age limit by the date of pageant – Friday 25 March 2016 and have been a permanentresident of respective towns for 6 months.

2016 OP2016 OP2016 OP2016 OP2016 OPAL PRINCESS - AL PRINCESS - AL PRINCESS - AL PRINCESS - AL PRINCESS - is open to single female residents of Coober Pedy, Mintabie andAndamooka who are between the ages of 10 and 15. Entrants birthdays must be inside the agelimit by the date of pageant – Friday 25 March 2016 and have been a permanent resident of

respective towns for 6 months.

2016 MS DIVERSITY2016 MS DIVERSITY2016 MS DIVERSITY2016 MS DIVERSITY2016 MS DIVERSITY- - - - - is open to female residents of Coober Pedy and Regional Towns andStations who are above 21 + and have no connection to the opal or tourism industries. Entrants

must have reached the minimum age specified by the date of the pageant – Friday 25 March 2016and have been a permanent resident of respective towns for 6 months.

Winners in the 2016 COOBER PEDY OPAL QUEEN & BEAUTY PAGEANTwill be announced at the Opal Festival Ball at the Desert Cave Hotel on

Friday night 25th March 2016

Prizes and Sponsors will be announced in the next edition of CPRT

“It's very hard for miners to turn around and pay $1,000for a booth and not sell any opal and be a thousand dollarsout of pocket. So right from the start I made the pointthat when the Miners Association put money in for theGem Trade Show they also get booths available for theminers, free of charge.”

“For the Miners Association booth in 2016, instead ofbuying big display cabinets we are buying smaller cabinetsthat are about 700mm long X 450mm wide. They willhave a lock and key for that cabinet and the miners canlock the cabinet and go away to get a cup of coffeeknowing that their cabinet is locked.”

“Hopefully it will give the exhibitors a sense of pride andif they do better there, then they might decide to get theirown booth eventually. We hope to attract more minersand currently we have a double booth but if we get 4times as many miners then we'll make it 4 times as big, ormake a special section for it in the future.”

“We can only make it bigger and better every year withmore and more participants from the opal mining sector.The Gem Trade Show has always been to try and helpthe miners out.”

The Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show is poised to openit’s doors at Easter for the 11th year in succession,

with excitement mounting, particularly after themassive success of the 2015 Show.

President of the Coober Pedy Miners Association PaulReynolds reflects on the progress that the Gem TradeShow has made and is making as a volunteer run event.

“After deciding to launch our own Gem Trade Show herein Coober Pedy, I knew the only way we could get thisgoing was to get everyone involved. And they did getinvolved, from the Northern Regional Development Board,Council, the Business Association and the MinersAssociation. It has been a community event from thebeginning.”

“I have to admit, that I wasn't happy with the first show,so every year I tried to make it better and better.”

“My whole objective as a President of the MinersAssociation was to help the miners get into this event tosell their rough opal. Because, in the long run once buyersknow there is a big event and a lot of rough opal availablethey're going to come and make it a regular visit.”

It's ok to have sellers there, which you've gotta havebecause they bring people, and they also buy opalthemselves. These sellers want to buy rough opal as well.So if we look at the bigger picture, these sellers say, "Wowdid you see that beautiful parcel of crystal?" And then hebuys it. Then you get another one who deals in all grey.“Did you see the parcel of grey”? And he'll buy it, but ifit's not there, it can't be sold.”

“If you're a buyer in a booth selling cut stones, you needmore rough. You go around the corner and there is roughthere (which 9 times out of the the regular buyers willbuy,) you've created a competitive market. People haveto pay the price otherwise they don't get the opal.

“If you call an individual person in, you talk, you barter -everyone thinks they can do better, but you can only dobetter when people are under pressure with other buyersaround them looking for the same opal.”

“It's not going to work every year because miners can'thold opal for 12 months. But if they can wait a month ortwo for the Show they can certainly do better. One ofthe local miners tried it and he definitely did 30% betterthan what he did before!”

DISCLAIMER: Opinions and letters published in The CooberPedy Regional Times are not necessarily the views of the

Editor, or Publisher. The Coober Pedy Regional Timesreserves the right to edit or omit copy, in accordance with

newspaper policies. Letters to the Editor must be attributed witha name, address and contact phone number - names and town

of origin will be printed, or may be withheld at the Editor’sdiscretion. During the course of any election campaign, letters

to the editor dealing with election issues must contain theauthor’s name and street address (not PO Box) for publication.

Right of reply is always available.

Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 28 January 2016

Bookings by Wednesday priorMaterial must be in Fri prior

Display $6.50 per cm/col Classified $8.00 per cm/col

Colour on ApplicationInserts on Application

Next Newspapers Thursday 11 Feb 2016 Thursday 25 Feb 2016 Thursday 10 Mar 2016 Thursday 24 Mar 2016

Editor - Margaret MackayPO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723

Ph: (08) 8672 5920Email: [email protected]

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laws and may not be reproduced without written authorisation.The owner of the collective work is the Coober Pedy Regional

Times Newspaper.

Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka

1.) Aim for a 300 word story in plain text, if you are sending a NewsArticle after an event.2. If seeking an Editorial - “Advertorial” or “Special Feature”, pleaseenquire about the cost first.3.) Advertisers may be entitled to editorials4.) Sponsorship for material from clubs or community programs is byarrangement5.) Names and Captions must accompany photos + DO NOTREDUCE PHOTOS6.) DO NOT attach photos to MICROSOFT WORD documents.7.) Letters to Editor need to be signed and also may be edited.8) WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY is the LATEST material can be accepted.Discretion may be used by editor under varying circumstances.9.) Deadline dates are on the LHS of this page (check b4 sending)

The Coober Pedy Regional Times - “Your Outback Communities Newspaper”, becamea FREE Newspaper in 2006, increasing its distribution to 4,500 hard copies + digitalonline download, promoting news, events and distributing advertising to our regionaltowns. The CPRT is a small business and receives no external funding.

A feature of the newspaper’s long history is that it maintains its prominence in theregion as a voice for the people; a regular form of communicating opinions for thosein remote areas who may otherwise be overlooked or underestimated.

Letters to Editor should be sent by email where possible and be relevent to thecommunity.

SUBMISSIONS not received by Friday, prior toprinting are unlikely to appear in that edition

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Winter Solstice (Southern)21 June 2016

Spring Solstice (Southern) 23 September 2016

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Autumn Solstice (Southern)20 March 2016

- Coober Pedy - an underground town, builton the back of opal mining

VISIT THE UNDERGROUNDCHURCHES

UNDERGROUND MOTELS ANDACCOMMODATION

AMAZING UNDERGROUNDHOMES (at least 1500 people livingunderground)

During Easter Coober Pedy holds itsannual GEM TRADE SHOW and OPALFESTIVAL PARADE

While in town take an OPALFIELDS tour - you’ll believe you’re on Mars.

Take a tour to the natural landscapesoutside the town (see film locations like MadMax: Beyond Thunderdome and Red Planet)including the PAINTED DESERT, thecolourful BREAKAWAYS and the MOONPLAIN

Join the MAIL RUN out of CooberPedy to deliver outback mail! Take a leisurelyflight over the spectacular LAKE EYRE

Be part of the last frontier mining town and itsliving history 100 years on. For more informationon the Opal Capital of the World, go to:www.cooberpedy.net

AUTUMN SOLSTICE20 MARCH 2016

DU

GO

UT

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DISTRIBUTING to SouthAustralia, NT and the Far

North Communities

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The spectacular Breakaways nearCoober Pedy

Tunnelling an underground dugout

Thursday 28 January 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times

COOBER PEDYCOOBER PEDYCOOBER PEDYCOOBER PEDYCOOBER PEDY

GLASSWORKSGLASSWORKSGLASSWORKSGLASSWORKSGLASSWORKS(ABN: 66 341 152 244)

Qualified Glazier - 25 years experienceFor all your Glass needs call

Dave at Coober Pedy Glassworks on0488 788 294 or alt 0428 204 246

OUTBACK MAILRUN TOURCards & StationaryComputer SuppliesDesert Parks Agent & other toursMaps & Books on the areaLocal Information/Road reportPhone: (08) 8672 5558

UNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDBOOKSBOOKSBOOKSBOOKSBOOKS

Free Quoting, On site repairs & Prompt ServiceCommercial, Domestic & Vehicles

OME OPENING HOURS:Mon-Fri 7.00am - 5.00pmSat 7.00am - 1.00pmSun Closed

•Fuel •Gas Refills •General Engineering and Light Fabrication•Industrial and hardware supplies

•Filters all types •Hydraulic Fittings •Oils•Bearings •V Belts •Hosing •Air Fittings•Trailer Parts •Safety Gear •Dog Food

•Chain blocks, slings, rigging gear •Cigweld AgentSearle Trading Pty Ltd

Opal Miners’ EnterprisesLot 1299 Old Water Tank Rd

Coober Pedy SA 5723 Phone: (08) 8672 5830ABN: 44 761 266 367

CHEAP FUEL

CHEAP FUEL

CHEAP FUEL

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CHEAP FUEL

Local news

On Friday 18th December 2015 police were called toHutchison Street Coober Pedy, where a 27 year oldman from Coober Pedy had been seriously assaulted.

According to police, the man was located laying on theroad unconscious, with serious facial injuries. He wastreated at the Coober Pedy Hospital and subsequentlyflown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he remains ina stable condition.

Police confirmed through CCTV footage, believed to havebeen obtained from the Westpac Bank, that there was onemale committing the assault against the victim.

On Saturday 19th December 2015, police arrested thesole offender for Cause Serious Harm, a major indictableoffence.

The victim, a Coober Pedy resident and the father of twosmall children has suffered serious injuries, but is expectedto make some recovery through rehabilitation.

Police say that CCTV footage confirmed that no otherpersons were involved in the incident, though there wereseveral witnesses.

PN

0460

Have Your Say on NRM Investment in Arid LandsNotice of proposed amendment to the SA Arid Lands Business Plan 2016/17 - 2018/19

The SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board is seeking comment on its amended Business Plan 2016/17 - 2018/19.

The Board is guided by the 10-year strategic direction provided in Volume 1 of the Regional NRM Plan and the Business Plan (Volume 2) sets out how the Board’s own investments will contribute to achieving these goals.

In amending the Business Plan the Board has taken the difficult decision to propose raising NRM levies to meet increasing costs handed down in the 2015/16 State Budget.

It is important for community – including all landholders and water license holders in the region – to understand and to provide their feedback.

Visit www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands for further information.

Written feedback is due by 5pm 8 February 2016.

SERIOUS ASSAULT IN COOBER PEDY27 year old father of two will undergo

rehabilitation after brutal attack outside ATM

Round Three now openRound Three now openRound Three now openRound Three now openRound Three now openfor National Strongerfor National Strongerfor National Strongerfor National Strongerfor National Stronger

Regions FundRegions FundRegions FundRegions FundRegions Fund

More police news on page 6

APPLICATIONS are now open under Round Threeof the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund

for funding priority infrastructure projects indisadvantaged regional communities.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure andRegional Development Warren Truss said Round Threeis open to submissions from local governments and not-for-profits from today until 15 March 2016.

“As in previous rounds, I encourage applicants to putforward projects that demonstrate strong economicoutcomes and address identified disadvantage, to givethemselves the best opportunity for success,” Mr Trusssaid.

“Funding will be targeted to projects which deliver strongoutcomes for local communities.”

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister MichaelMcCormack said applications must be for projectsbetween $20,000 with a limit of commonwealth fundingof $10 million.

“Grant funding must be matched in cash on at least adollar-for-dollar basis, with the exception of applicants inremote and very remote locations who will need tocontribute at least $1 for every $3 of funding sought,”Mr McCormack said.

“We have introduced less stringent requirements forpartner funding in remote and very remote communitiesin Round Three to make the National Stronger RegionsFund more accessible to these applicants.

“Regional Australia has a vital role to play driving economicdevelopment, lifting productivity and fostering innovationand through the support of this programme we areencouraging growth and investment at the local communitylevel.”

Across the first two rounds, the Australian Governmentapproved $505 million to fund 162 projects across thenation.

Further information on the programme, includinginformation sessions about the application process heldaround Australia for potential applicants, is available at:www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf.

Location in Hutchison Street where brutal attack ona 27 year old local man took place

The NRM Boardis proposing:

To change the way the land-based levy is calculatedin out-of-council areas, moving from a fixed charge perrateable property to a tiered rate based on the area ofrateable land in 2016/17. Levy rates will vary from $60to $700, with those

landholders having properties greater than 100,000hectares in size paying the highest levy.

That those with larger landholdings in the region benefitmost from the Board’s investment in NRM programs,and should therefore pay a higher NRM land levy

The total NRM land levy raised by the Board willincrease from $312,000 in 2015/16 to $461,000 in 2016/17 To continue to apply the fixed charge to

ratepayers inside council areas with an increasein the levy from $52 to $60.

To raise the existing NRM water levy forall water licence holders required to pay the levyin the Far North Prescribed Wells Area, by 20 percent in 2016/17.

To set the new NRM water levy on co-produced water at 3.56 cents per kilolitre.


FOODcents®

Easy Baked PotatoesEasy Baked PotatoesEasy Baked PotatoesEasy Baked PotatoesEasy Baked Potatoes

On January 20, 2016, scientists from NASA and the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released

their analyses of surface temperatures for the past year.

The NASA team found that globally averaged temperaturesfrom January through December 2015 were 0.87 degreesCelsius (1.57° Fahrenheit) above the norm (defined as a1951–1980 base period). The previous record—set lastyear—was 0.74°C (1.34°F) above the norm. For theplanet, 2015 was more than a full degree Celsius (1.8°F)warmer than temperatures in 1880, when consistentrecord-keeping began.

Working independently, NOAA researchers found 2015to be 0.90°C (1.62°F) above the 1901–2000 average.According to their analysis, 2015 was the second warmestyear on record for the continental United States, Africa,and Europe. It was the warmest year for Asia and SouthAmerica. Globally, new monthly temperature records wereset in every month except January and April.

The map above depicts global temperature anomalies in2015. It does not show absolute temperatures, but insteadshows how much warmer or cooler the Earth wascompared to a baseline average from 1951 to 1980. Theteam from NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies(GISS) assembles its temperature analysis from publiclyavailable data acquired by roughly 6,300 meteorologicalstations around the world; by ship- and buoy-basedinstruments measuring sea surface temperature; and byAntarctic research stations.

This raw data is analyzed using methods that account forthe varied spacing of temperature stations around the globeand for urban heating effects that could skew thecalculations. For more explanation of how the analysisworks, read World of Change: Global Temperatures.

The 2015 temperature record continues a long-termwarming trend that has largely been driven by increasedcarbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that humanshave emitted into the atmosphere. Most of the warminghas occurred in the past 35 years, with 15 of the 16warmest years on record occurring since 2001.

Phenomena such as El Niño or La Niña, which warm orcool the tropical Pacific Ocean, can contribute to short-term variations in global average temperature. The graphbelow shows temperature trends in relation to El Niñoand La Niña events. Orange bars represent globaltemperature anomalies in El Niño years, with the orangeline showing the trend. Purple bars depict La Niña years,and the purple line shows that trend. Neutral years areshown in gray, and the dashed black line shows the overalltemperature trend since 1950.

Note that while El Niño conditions dominated the PacificOcean for most of 2015, it was not officially an El Niñoyear in strict climatological terms because ocean conditionsdid not manifest themselves until April 2015. In the past,the highest global temperature records were often set inEl Niño years, which suggests that 2016—with El Niñogoing strong as of mid-January—appears likely to beanother very warm year.

“2015 was remarkable even in the context of the ongoingEl Niño,” said NASA GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. “Lastyear’s temperatures had an assist from El Niño, but it isthe cumulative effect of the long-term trend that hasresulted in the record warming that we are seeing.”

“Climate change is the challenge of our generation,” saidNASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “Today’sannouncement not only underscores how critical NASA’sEarth observation program is, it is a key data point thatshould make policymakers stand up and take notice. Nowis the time to act on climate.”

2015 was the warmest yearever recorded on Earth..

Article and Maps reprinted from EARTH OBSERVATORY NASA http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=87359&src=iotdssi

HOT, HOT, HOT

Equipment: Baking dish; Knife

Ingredients: 4 Potatoes with skin on,washed

Method1.Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fanforced).2.Place potatoes in an ovenproof dishand cook for 50 minutes, or until tender.3.Make 2 cuts in an ‘X’ shape, acrossthe top of each potato.4.Carefully open out halfway to the base,flattening slightly to hold open.5.Fill with a filling of your choice.

Try them topped with tuna, corn andricotta or chopped tomato and gratedcheese.

Serves 4

The sun rises behind the Stuart Range TouristResort during one of this summer’s heat waves

Local bearded dragons find a tub of water awelcome relief


Changes to your letters service

To fi nd out more about the letter delivery speeds, pricing, and the new Priority label visit your local Post Off ice or auspost.com.au/letters

There are now three speeds for sending letters within Australia - Express Post, and the new Priority and Regular services.

Letters to the Editor

No fitting recognition for opal pioneers!Dear Editor,

I enclose a photo of the sign that marksthe road named Minnine Berrington Link.This road, which passes the windgenerator, links the Stuart Highway withFlinders Street and Potch Gully Road, iswell used. It was named for MinnieBerrington who came to Coober Pedyin 1926.

Minnie was an opal miner praised by afellow gouger for her skill andindependence: “Only a slip of a girl andyou should see her throw out the stonesat seven and eight feet. Why shes founda good deal more than some men.” (E.Hill The Great Australian Loneliness,1945)

Minnie went on to open Andamooka in1931. She wrote a book Stones of Fire,available in the Coober Pedy Library,which gives an excellent description oflife on the opal fields 89 years ago.

Minnie Berrington Link is one of tenstreets and roads which were named andassigned in 2012.

They are Keady Chase, Burnett By-pass,Litchfield Link, Byrnes Rise, FergusonCrescent, Sparrow Road, Amys Road,Cresp Drive and Williamson Drive. To datenone of these has been signposted.Apparently the Council needs permissionto erect the signs.

I call on the group responsible for the holdup to tell the community why thisrecognition of people who have made acontribution to opal mining and our townis being withheld. A broken stake in awheel with rocks is not fitting recognitionfor Minnie Berrington.

Regards,Sue Britt

You can read more about Minnie on theCPHS computers in the Council and theLibrary or look up articles in the CooberPedy Regional Times 25/9/03, 4/07 and 30/1/14.

A broken stake in a wheel with rocks is not fitting recognition for MinnieBerrington


Police News

The State Government is delivering more supportfor communities impacted by Alinta Energy’s

closure of the Leigh Creek coal mine and the PortAugusta power stations.

A new Regional Manager for the Far North has beenappointed by the Department of State Development towork with Regional Development Australia Far North,Regions SA, and across all levels of government to identifyemployment opportunities for people facing retrenchment.

Higher Education and Skills Minister Susan Close saysbased in Port Augusta, Peter Naughton will work withlocal employers and registered training organisations tofind opportunities for local job seekers.

“Peter’s role extends across the Far North and Outbackregion, and he’ll support Alinta Career Services and assistthe region’s communities to access the StateGovernment’s $7 million economic assistance package,”she says.

“We’re also pleased to announce Kriston Thompson willwork as an Aboriginal mentor, with his position transferredtemporarily to Port Augusta to support the localcommunity.”

Further assisting the region’s communities will be theState Government’s appointment – through the OutbackCommunities Authority – of Courtney Harrington as a newNorthern Flinders Project Officer. Courtney will providea direct link to government for communities includingLeigh Creek, Copley, Lyndhurst, Marree, Nepabunna,Beltana, Parachilna, and Blinman.

Meantime, the commercial sector, businesses, individualsand community groups have until February 1 to submittheir ideas for new business ventures in the Leigh Creekregion.

Manufacturing and Innovation Minister Kyam Maher saysa Request for Information process being overseen byformer State Tourism and Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith is seeking concepts to invest in facilities, products,or services that will support and enhance the region.

“The State Government will consider the viability of allresponses, the extent to which they use and enhance thecommunity’s environmental and cultural values, and theimpact they will have on the local community and region,among other criteria,” he says.

“The Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback region is facingchallenges, but we believe Leigh Creek offers manyopportunities for growth in sectors such as retail,education, health, recreation, tourism, and resourcedevelopment.

“Existing assets and infrastructure, the region’s naturalwonders, significant Aboriginal culture and heritage,ecotourism and accommodation amenities and a friendlycommunity have the potential to turn Leigh Creek into asustainable regional service centre.”

Dr Lomax-Smith says ideas are welcome from interestedparties of any size, including industry, small business,community groups, residents and individuals.

“This is an opportunity for existing businesses andindividuals, including the Adnyamathanha people in theregion and also former Alinta employees, to express interestin continuing to operate in the town into the future,” DrLomax-Smith said.

For more information about the Request for Information,go to: www.usg-outback.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au

BREAK-INS OVER THEHOLIDAY PERIOD

Over the holiday season Police received reports abouta spate of break-ins and persons loitering onresidential and commercial premises around CooberPedy. As a result of this, police implements some highvisibility targeted patrols around the town andtargeted persons of interest known for this type ofoffending. These actions led to one adult male andone juvenile male being arrested between Christmasand New Year’s Day for the offence of being unlawfullyon premises.

On Tuesday 5th January 2016 police further arrestedtwo juvenile males for multiple offences of aggravatedserious criminal trespass and theft. One of the offendersreceived bail while the other was remanded in custody tothe Adelaide Youth Training Centre. Both males will attendcourt at a later date.

Despite these efforts there was further offending,subsequently on Tuesday 19th January 2016 a furtherjuvenile male was arrested for the offences of aggravatedserious criminal trespass and theft. This male receivedbail and will also attend court at a later date.

Police encourage members of the public to review thesecurity of their properties should they be going away forholidays or extended time. Arrange of a neighbour orfriend to keep an eye on the property or have them housesit for you. Further security tips and information areavailable from the Police Station or on the SAPOL website.

DRINKING OFFENCESThe dubious honour of being the first offender of theNew Year was a male resident of Coober Pedy who wasrandomly stopped while driving on New Year’s Day andalco-tested. He returned a positive reading andaccompanied police back to the Police Station for thepurpose of a breath analysis. His alleged blood alcoholconcentration was 0.092 litres of alcohol in 100 millitresof blood. He was issued with a 6 month instant loss oflicence and his car was clamped for 28 days. He will beappearing in court at a later date.

Since this incident, it has been disappointing that furthereight members of the public have been either arrested,reported or received an expiation notice for drink drivingoffences. Seven were charged with driving whileexceeding the prescribed content of alcohol in their blood,(0.05) while one was charged with driving under theinfluence of alcohol. Most of these drivers either instantlylost their licence and/or had their car impounded orclamped. On some occasions both penalties applied.

Over the holiday season Police have also seized extensivequantities of alcohol that has either been consumed in adry zone or has been purchased with the intention to supplyto a prohibited area.

On Thursday 21st January 2016 one hundred litres ofcask wine were seized from a male who had just beenstopped for a random breath tested. He returned a positivereading. The liquor was disposed of and the male wasreported for exceeding the prescribed concentration ofalcohol, unlicensed and state false details. His car wasimpounded for 28 days and he received an instant loss oflicence for 6 months.

Police would like to remind members of the public to abideby liquor restrictions, and not to supply anyone with alcoholwithout fully knowing where the alcohol may end up going.

NEW POLICE OFFICER

Coober Pedy police have recently welcomed a new memberto their ranks; Senior Constable Brett Wilson. Brett waspreviously stationed at East Adelaide patrols and prior tothat in the APY Lands. Many of the locals have alreadyrecognised him while he has been out and about.

More support forFar North and

Outbackcommunities

100 LITRES OF CASKWINE SEIZED

On 23rd December 2015 Father Brian Matthews ofCoober Pedy was presented with a certificate ofappreciation by Senior Sergeant Dawson. Father Brianhas assisted police in his role as Chaplain for five years.

Alongside his regular church duties, Father Brian is avaluable member of the police team and works behind thescenes assisting with the welfare of police, otheremergency services and members of the public.

Father Brian Matthews receiving Certificate ofAppreciation

Police remind members of the public to call 131444 for Police assistance or 000 in the case of emergency.

If anyone has any information of criminal matters in and around Coober Pedy please contact Crime-Stoppers on1800 333 000 or ring the Coober Pedy Police on 86725056.

Unsentenced prisoners at the highestlevel in a decade

Unsentenced prisoners now make up more than a quarterof the total Australian prisoner population - the highestproportion since 2005 - according to figures released bythe Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in December.

William Milne from the ABS said the overall Australianadult prisoner population had increased by 7 per cent(2,345 prisoners) since 30 June 2014, to 36,134 prisoners.

”A large proportion of this increase can be attributed tothe number of unsentenced prisoners in custody, whichincreased by 21 per cent (or 1,685 prisoners) for thisperiod. Unsentenced prisoners are those confined tocustody on remand while awaiting the outcome of theirtrial or awaiting deportation.” said Mr Milne.

accounting for nearly half (46 per cent) of all unsentencedprisoners.”The number of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander and non-Indigenous prisoners both increased by7 per cent, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderprisoners accounting for 27 per cent of the total Australianprisoner population.

Other key findings from the 2015 Prisoner Census:• Just under three in five prisoners (58 per cent) hadserved a sentence in an adult prison prior to the currentepisode.• Overseas born prisoners accounted for 18 per cent ofall prisoners.

• The most common offences for both male and femaleprisoners were acts intended to cause injury (21 per centand 19 per cent respectively) and illicit drug offences (13per cent and 18 per cent respectively).

”The most common charges for unsentenced prisonerswere acts intended to cause injury and illicit drug offences,


BOLAND BACKHOE SERVICESBOLAND BACKHOE SERVICESBOLAND BACKHOE SERVICESBOLAND BACKHOE SERVICESBOLAND BACKHOE SERVICESis a local family run business with a Tip truck, backhoe andbobcat with auger attachment for hire at reasonable rates.

Available for hire to mining companies and pastoral properties

Contact Ken or NolaHome phone (08) 86723451Ken’s Mobile 0417828186 7.30am - 5pm Phone 86725036 OR 86725169

DISTRICT COUNCIL OF COOBER PEDYNew CommunityEngagement and

Connection InitiativeMayor Michelle Provatidis has announced a new com-munity engagement and connection initiative to ensurethe Council hears the views, aspirations and ideas of thecommunity.

On the second Tuesday of each month from 10 am to 1pm community members are able to personally meet withthe Council’s Principal Member. This new initiative isbuilt around a desire for real engagement and connectionwith community.

To get started community members are asked to contactthe Council by telephone on 08 8672 4600 and confirman appointment. This process will ensure everyone andanyone who wishes to meet with the Mayor will have aconfirmed time to discuss any matters.

Initial appointments will be for 30 minutes to once againensure community members have regular and convenienttime to meet with Mayor Provatidis.

2016 Opal Festival and GemTrade Show

The best of Coober Pedy is leading the development of awonderful program this year.

Coober Pedy’s leaders are supporting real collaborationfor a program that reaches all age and social groups thatoffers fun, entertainment, food and hospitality across thewhole Easter Week End.

Friday night will be filled with a desert spectacular at theDrive Inn with food, hospitality and the acclaim PricillaQueen of the Desert feature.

Saturday morning see’s the traditional Coober Pedy pag-eant and then there’s afternoon and evening entertainment,food and hospitality at the OZ Minerals Oval. The nightfinished with the night sky alive with Fire Works In re-sponse to visitor and community requests a new Sundaymorning country Breakfast will be available in the

Hybrid Renewable EnergyProject

Intense negotiations are continuing with theAustralian Government, South AustralianGovernment and with EDL to achieve outcomes thatare in the best interests of the present and futuregenerations of Coober Pedy residents.

At a recent workshop in Adelaide were all the partiesgathered Mayor Provatidis continuously and clearlystated that reliable, regular electricity at the lowestpossible cost is the key aspiration of the Council.

This strong expression to the parties is consistentthe emerging direction of the Council to enhancethe liveability of Coober Pedy and to lower the costof living for every citizen.

Importantly the Council is striving to create a Developfund supported by EDL to ensure the wholecommunity shares equally, fairly and equitably in thefunctions and outcomes of the long term project.

The Council is about to begin developing a long termCommunity Plan and welcomes regular in depth engage-ment and connection with community in the conception,development and execution of strategies that will contrib-ute to the long term sustainability of Coober Pedy.

There will be fresh ideas to revitalise economic develop-ment and build on established Tourism infrastructure,amenities and facilities. Finding ways to retain existingjobs and create new employment opportunities are likelyto feature.

Importantly a safe, clean, proud community that is ap-pealing to residents, visitors and tourists is likely to be thebackbone that supports strong business, industry and re-tail activity.

These functions collectively will create a thriving, pros-perous Coober Pedy that is attractive for investment, newresidents and community development.

Community Supporting theCouncil

Much has been made recently of the Council’s work torecover outstanding Power and Water rates and to someextent outstanding Council rates.

The Council has already held a series of workshops withCommunity leaders and through these meetings hasemerged the opportunity to create a formal communitygroup to better understand the challenges and to con-ceive, develop and activate a suite of solutions and moni-tor progress and outcomes from the work program.

Importantly those who have met understand that one sizedoes not fit with everyone’s individual challenges and thata suite of options will be required.

The commitment of the community leaders supportingthis work is best represented by the desire to engage withthe Australian and South Australian Government to capi-talise on any and every opportunity and experience toensure that what works best for Coober Pedy is availableand accessible for those who are seeking and or in needof support.

Main Street and in the evening will be the newly emergingCoober Pedy Street Party will rapt up a spectacular 2016Festival.

The program is emerging through real community lead-ership with the Miners Association, the Drive Inn Com-mittee, service groups and clubs and passionate individu-als, in community who aspire to see Coober Pedy at itsbest.

The official program is being developed and will be re-leased in coming weeks.

The Council’s FinancialSustainability and a Future

Coober PedyNearly $150,000 has been recovered through negotiationswith insurance and works compensation providers owedto the Council over many years. Formal proceeding havenow commenced to recover a further $80,000.


Ninety-seven years ago AmyLacey was born in Bourke NSW,

on the banks of the DarlingRiver.

After her mother died when shewas only two years old she wentto live with her grandmother untilshe was eight. Amy often spokefondly of her grandmother whomshe loved very much. She was verysad when her grandmother diedafter having lost her mother aswell.

Amy was then taken to live withher extended family on Pine ViewStation about 120 miles north ofBroken Hill. Amy told many storiesof her life and one of her favouriteswas how she had to ride on the topof the wool bales on the truck thather uncle Bert drove to Broken Hill.How she had to climb up and downto open all the gates along the trackinto town wearing her hobnailboots. Amy later attended theCatholic convent in Broken Hillintermittently until she was about13 years old. After this she workedon various sheep and cattle stationsaround the area as a housemaid andcook.

Life went on and she met Reg, thelove of her life when they wereboth working on YalcowinnaStation. They later married andlived in Broken Hill where she gavebirth to John when she was 22. Amywent on to have four more childrenJeff, Roger, Margaret and Ken. Bythis time they were living inSalisbury SA and after losing theirhouse to fire they packed up theirmeagre possessions into a shortwheel- base Landover along withfive kids and a dog. It was a bit ofa tight squeeze as they headed backto Broken Hill once again. Regsecured a job as a boundary rideron the NSW/SA border fence andthey lived in a boundary riders’ hutat broughams gate along the borderfence. Amy taughtcorrespondence lessons to Rogerand Margaret for a number of yearsbefore the family moved back intoBroken Hill along with Ken theiryoungest sibling, to attend school.

In 1966 Amy, Reg and all thefamily moved to Andamookawhere Reg and the boys openedup a mechanical workshop andwent opal mining as well, althoughthey never made their fortune theysoon became part of thecommunity. In 1970 the familymoved again, this time to CooberPedy in search of opal although thebig parcel of opal is still a dream.Reg and the boys opened anothermechanical workshop on ItalianClub Road where the Mud HutMotel now stands.

Amy loved to entertain and thoughtnothing of inviting 20 people forChristmas dinner or New Year’sDay lunch. She would always

Tribute to Amy Boland‘You make the dumplings Amy and we’ll bring the cream’

prepare a hot roast meal featuringlamb or beef for Christmas dinnerwith all the trimmings. She wasfamous for her delicious Christmaspuddings boiled in a calico cloth andthen later hung in a cool place untilready to be reheated for Christmaslunch. Amy loved to cook cakesand made countless lamingtons, rockcakes and feather light spongecakes topped with jelly, bananasand strawberries for everyone toenjoy. Amy was a great cook andpassed on many of her favouriterecipes to her family and friends.

After the garage closed down Regand Amy worked as part timecaretakers on various cattle stationsin northern South Australiaincluding Anna Creek, the Peake,Hamilton, Mt Barry, Copper Hillsand Evelyn Downs. They also madeseveral trips to Ruby Plains Station,via Halls Creek in Western Australiawhere their eldest son John was themanager. Amy was the cook andReg the mechanic/maintenanceman; Amy loved to tell the story ofhow she would cook carameldumplings for the ‘ringers’ and howthey loved her cooking. She saidthey would say to her ‘you makethe dumplings Amy and we’ll bringthe cream’.

Amy and Reg eventually settled inCoober Pedy again as they got olderso they could be close to their familywhere they were living when Regpassed away eleven years ago.Amy was lost without her ‘mate’Reg and she was very lonely as shehad no one to argue with and no oneto cook for. Amy was surroundedby her loving family and theyphoned and visited her regularly,cooking her favourite meals whenshe was could no longer stand forvery long at the stove as her kneesconstantly ached from arthritis. forcompany she had her dog ‘sandy’and the ‘ mad cat’ called ‘kitty’ whowould sleep on Amy’s bed eachnight and on her lap during the day.

Amy was a big fan of the Crow’sfootball team and loved to see theteam win a game. She knew all theplayers names and how many goalsthey kicked.

Amy had a fantastic memory andcould relate conversations almostword for word from years gone by.She could recall things that hadhappened in the past that most ofus had long forgotten.

Amy was a generous loving soulwith a big heart and strongpersonality. She would give awayher last dollar to help someone if theyneeded it. Truly an amazing lady.

Amy is survived by her fivechildren, 11 grandchildren, 19 greatgrandchildren and five great, greatgrandchildren. She is dearly lovedand will be deeply missed by herfamily and friends.

AMY BOLAND (nee LACEY)30/05/1918 TO 11/12/2015

By Margaret Clark (nee Boland)

Above: Amy Lacey as a young girl

Right: Reg and Amy Bolandat home

Amy Boland as the opal mining town ofCoober Pedy will remember her best


Photos: Coober Pedy Regional Times

FRIENDS AND FFRIENDS AND FFRIENDS AND FFRIENDS AND FFRIENDS AND FAMILAMILAMILAMILAMILYYYYYFFFFFAREWELL AREWELL AREWELL AREWELL AREWELL VERVERVERVERVERONIKAONIKAONIKAONIKAONIKA

AND CHRISAND CHRISAND CHRISAND CHRISAND CHRIS

Family and friends of VeronikaHammermeister and Chris Mills spent Friday

evening 8th January at the Italian Clubfarewelling the couple who are moving to

Port Lincoln with Chris’ police work.

Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous meal, drinks anda happy social time.

Chris Mills has worked in Coober Pedy as a policeofficer for the past 4 or so years and has taken atransfer to the Port Lincoln Police Station.

Veronika has resided in Coober Pedy for the pasttwelve years and more recently worked at theDistrict Council of Coober Pedy. Veronika wasalso a member of the Mine Rescue/SES.

The couple left for their new home at Port Lincolnthe following day.

Veronika Hammermeister and Chris Mills leaving for Port Lincoln

Veronika’s Dad Thomas Hammermeister,and partner Donna Dixon

Amongst a large number of friends and family at the ‘farewell’, wereDavid Hammermeister, Julie Knight, Donna Dixon, ThomasHammermeister, Martin and Jayde Grava with their son Archer

Veronika’s Uncle Marcus Hammermeister,and partner Julie Carmichael

Above: Co-workers from Council, Grantand Emily Maxwell

Left: Paul and Erica Kay,Managers at the Italian Club

Right: Donna a Julie have abit of fun with popular Italian

Club barman Robert

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISINGSee page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates


FREIGHT

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

POSITION VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICEPUBLIC NOTICE

POSITION VACANT

CLEANER REQUIREDLEIGH CREEK

Mondays 7am – 9amPolice Clearances Required

For more information and to apply call0883634485 or 0418720500

Ancient Greek, Modern Greek,German, Philosophy, Psychology,

$15 p/h. Phone 0419440694

PRIVATE TUTORING

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0438

Board MeetingsMembers of the community are invited to attend the 2016 meetings of the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board, which are held in Port Augusta on the following dates:

9 - 10 February27 - 28 April7 - 8 June23 - 24 August1 - 2 November13 - 14 December

Meeting details are available from Natural Resources SA Arid Lands on 8648 5300 and are published on the Board’s website www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands

Any changes to meeting dates or locations will be readvertised in local papers.

Janet BrookPRESIDING MEMBERSA ARID LANDS NRM BOARD

Mining Act 1971Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 28 (5) of the Mining Act 1971, that the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy proposes to grant Exploration Licences over the undermentioned areas.

Applicant: Resources Holdings Pty LtdLocation: Evelyn Dam Area - approx. 130

km northwest of Port AugustaPastoral Leases Yalymboo, Nahanewo, Nonning Term: One yearArea in km2: 134Ref: 2015/00132

Applicant: Marmota Energy LimitedLocation: Mulgathing Area - approx.

70 km northwest of TarcoolaPastoral Leases Mulgathing, Commonwealth

Hill, Bulgunnia Term: Two yearsArea in km2: 652Ref: 2015/00175

Applicant: Havilah Resources LimitedLocation: Bumbarlow Area - approx.

180 km east of Leigh CreekPastoral Leases Quinyambie, Frome Downs Term: Two yearsArea in km2: 999Ref: 2015/00187

Plans and co-ordinates can be found on the Department of State Development website: www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/exploration/public_notices or by phoning Mineral Tenements on 08 8463 3103.

J Martin Mining Registrar Department of State Development

www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.auPN0517

PN

0462

Nominations sought - NRM Group MembersThe SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board is seeking people with an interest in natural resource management and understanding of their local area to become NRM Group members.

Vacancies exist within the Gawler Ranges, Kingoonya, Marla-Oodnadatta, Marree-Innamincka, Northern Flinders and the North East Pastoral NRM Groups.

Information, maps of NRM Group areas and nomination forms are available from the NRM Board website www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands or by contacting the Board’s office on 8648 5300.

Applications close 5pm Monday 21 March.

I can work closely with my clients to find the level of treatment, care and team involvement they need to improve their health. With so many opportunities to experience new situations, learn new skills and master new models of care, every day is different. At SA Health, I can finish my shift feeling satisfied my career is on track and I have made an impact in someone’s life.

…provide balanced care to every client

Blaze 084948

Clinical Nurse/MidwifeCommunity HealthCoober Pedy Hospital & Health Services Job Ref: 578751

Administration Services OfficerCountry Health SA Local Health Network Coober Pedy Job Ref: 575953

www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/careers 1300 882 992

Location with viewsOriginally built 1920’s

Featured in a post card, ex showhome. Professionally renovated. 3

bedrooms (hey dig more!) Thissecure family home has too many

features to list. All furniture,electricals etc included.

Asking 135K. Tel 0419032071

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mining Act 1971Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 28 (5) of the Mining Act 1971, that the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy proposes to grant an Exploration Licence over the undermentioned area.

Applicant: Challenger Gold Operations Pty Ltd

Location: Sandstone Area - approx. 140km northwest of Tarcoola

Pastoral Lease Commonwealth Hill Term: Two yearsArea in km2: 42Ref: 2015/00186

Plans and co-ordinates can be found on the Department of State Development website: www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/exploration/public_notices or by phoning Mineral Tenements on 08 8463 3103.

J Martin Mining Registrar Department of State Development

www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.auPN0542

Art & CraftCalling all Coober Pedy

Artists and Crafts people

Put your work on displayat the Croatian Club

over the Opal Festival Easterweekend alongside The Gem

Trade Show

You can mount a displayor set up a table and sell your

workNo stall fees

FREETo book a place or find out

moreRing or email Chris

[email protected]

The Coober Pedy Country Fire Serviceis urgently needing volunteers right now!

If you would like to become a volunteer, or would just like to discuss theidea further, please come down and speak to us.

Coober Pedy Country Fire Service meet for training every secondSaturday at the CFS Station on Hutchison St. beside the Drive-In.

BECOME part of an important emergency response team?RECEIVE training and learn valuable skillsBECOME more accredited and more self-confident.

Call Peter Lane (Admin Officer)0418 807 255

Coober Pedy Regional Timesemail:[email protected]

Tel: 08 86725920

NEED TO ADVERTISE


2016 - What can I say, except it snuck up on me.Somewhere between Christmas lunch and today I

seem to have lost a few weeks. I didn’t make a NewYears Resolution; I would be the first to tell you I’mnot good at resolutions of any type. So to keep my

life simple and true I am going to meet each dayhead on and give it my best shot.

The only help I need is to read my horoscope each day.Even dogs need direction. Galactic guidance works forboth the 2 legged and 4 legged people.

Let me share them with you;

AriesAriesAriesAriesAriesMarch 21 - April 19 Active, Demanding, Determined,

Effective, Ambitious

This is the year to make the changes you have beenthinking about. There are some unusual things happeningaround you this year, don’t worry about them. This yearthere will be great satisfaction in your personal andprofessional life.

There will be more opportunities to meet new people.There is a move or travel in your life in 2016.

As far as you may go, your family are still the mostimportant people in your life. You may need to remindthem of that.

TTTTTaurusaurusaurusaurusaurusApril 20 - May 20 Security, Subtle strength,

Appreciation, Instruction, Patience

This is the year to upgrade your house and your love life.Buy a bigger place or think about redecorating orrenovating. You have been waiting for this change forsome time, to put your own taste on a place that you cancall home and invite friends to.

Your health. Have a good look at yourself. Look downand if you can’t see your toes (stop trying to bend over),it is time to think about a bit (or lot) of exercise.

This is also your year of love; it would be good to be fitand healthy enough to enjoy it.

GeminiGeminiGeminiGeminiGeminiMay 21 - June 20 Communication, Indecisive,

Inquisitive, Intelligent, Changeable

New people around you this year. Not everyone thatcomes into your life is good for you. Trust your instincts,they will see you through. This is the year to take yourselfseriously and analyse what you want with friendships andlove.

This is the year to volunteer; it is a way to meet morepeople that think like you.

Try and avoid conflicts and remember not everything inlife can go your way.

CCCCCHARLIE’S 20HARLIE’S 20HARLIE’S 20HARLIE’S 20HARLIE’S 201111166666PREDICTIONS!PREDICTIONS!PREDICTIONS!PREDICTIONS!PREDICTIONS!

Charlie Paris, Dog Reporter([email protected])

ScorpioScorpioScorpioScorpioScorpioOctober 23 - November 21 Passionate, Self-Willed,

Purposeful, Unyielding

You are not the only star sign to have a tough time of it inthe last few years. 2016 is the year that your spirit is freeto fly high and to grow as a person.

Food tastes better, the sun is brighter and love is goodenough to curl your toes. This is the year to expandyourself, put in the effort and it will be a profitable year.You are a good planner and organizer. This is your valuableasset this year.

Your health will be better this year; it may have somethingto do with that toe curling experience. This is the yearthat you can feel better about yourself and feel respectfor yourself again.

SagittariusSagittariusSagittariusSagittariusSagittariusNovember 22 - December 21 Philosophical, Motion,

Experimentation, Optimism

Don’t let frustrations get to you this year. You have somany good qualities as a person, never doubt yourself. Ifthere is one thing you do well it is that you have theresilience to carry on no matter what happens.

You make goals for yourself and always achieve them.If you are thinking of doing studies of any kind, this is theyear.The New Year means new adventures, after this year youmay need to write a book about your life. Yes 2016 canbe that good for you.

CapricornCapricornCapricornCapricornCapricornDecember 22 - January 19 Determination,

Dominance, Perservering, Practical, Willful

A peaceful year is ahead of you, something to look forwardtoo. The universe is sending positive thoughts your way.If you have a plan for 2016, it will take longer than youthink to set it up, however it will work.

Your need for change could upset your family. In thelong run your family will see that your passion is in theright direction and they will understand what you are tryingto achieve. Look after yourself.

AquariusAquariusAquariusAquariusAquariusJanuary 20 - February 18 Knowledge, Humanitarian,

Serious, Insightful, Duplicitous

Long term results are not something you have ever givenmuch thought to. 2016 will give you a different look atyour life and your affect on family and friends.

There have been difficult problems for you in the past;those problems will disappear this year.This year you are going to commit to a cause that will doyourself and your community proud.

PiscesPiscesPiscesPiscesPiscesFebruary 19 - March 20 Generous, Compassionate,

Intuitive, Indecisive

This is your year; nothing would dare to get in your way.You will find a balance in your life this year. Everything inyour life will seem better; work, family, love.

This year you need to get your health in order and improveyour physical condition. Remember this is your year, re-invent yourself, be brave, a new hair style, new clothesall make a new you.

Wishing you the best for the new year to all myreaders! Charlie Paris and EmDee.

CancerCancerCancerCancerCancerJune 21 - July 22 Emotion, Diplomatic, Intensity,

Impulsive, Selective

It’s been a few years now that you have not been a happyperson. Everyone has been telling you to get over yourpast and move on. This is not working for you. You needto look back and work out just how it has affected you.Then fix it and look bravely into the future.

There is adventure out there and you will never see itstuck in the past.

Your emotional blockages and the restrictions you put onyour own life will disappear and your fun will start.

The road ahead is clearly marked, make 2016 your yearof change.

LeoLeoLeoLeoLeoJuly 23 - August 22 Ruling, Warmth, Generosity,

Faithful, Initiative

This is your lucky year. Nothing is too hard this year; itis your year of accomplishment. Your sense of humourhas seen you through bad times; it is also the way youhelp others get over their problems. There are times thatyou love everyone else more than yourself. Get to knowyourself, and love you more.

You will need to be open minded in 2016 and listen to theideas of others.

Travel will be high on your list. A weekend at Glendambois not the answer. Go far away and make it the mostexotic place you can think of. Think about furthering youreducation or engaging in activities that you have beenthinking about for some time (you know what I mean, Idon’t need to spell it out for you).

You can be abstract in your thinking and we all like thatquality in you.

VirgoVirgoVirgoVirgoVirgoAugust 23 - September 22 Analyzing, Practical,

Reflective, Observation, Thoughtful

This is the year to be looking at real estate. An unexpectedinheritance may be coming your way. Money doesn’tbuy you happiness is to be remembered.

2015 you had a feeling of isolation and there were manythings you could see as impossible. 2016 you are theperson born under a lucky star. You will make changesthis year that will make you a better person, you will be aperson you would like to know.

Extra weight may be an issue that can cause you manyhealth problems, there is only one person that can helpyou and that is you.

LibraLibraLibraLibraLibraSeptember 23 - October 22 Balance, Romantic,

Beauty, Manipulative

Forget 2015 ever existed, 2016 will be like walking onsunshine as a direction change emerges that could seemany Librans migrating to coastal areas.

The new force of energy you have will need to be put togood use. You are an original person; the freedom youwill experience this year will attract a new group of peopleto you. Mutual understanding, respect and independencyare going to be the new you.

This is the year to start building your career, in the nextfew years you will see the benefits.


Investigation intodisappearance of Beaumontchildren continues 50 years on

26 Jan 2016 11:39amSA Police believe there is still a window of opportunity todiscover what happened to the Beaumont children whodisappeared from Glenelg 50 years ago today, but concedethat window is shrinking due to the passage of time.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, the officer in chargeof the SA Police Major Crime Investigation Branch, saidthe police inquiry into the disappearance of Jane, 9, Arnna,7 and Grant, 4, on 26 January 1966 has continued unabatedover the decades and will continue as an activeinvestigation.

“Over the last two years we’ve had more than 160 reportsto Crime Stoppers regarding this matter,” he said. “Plusthere have been letters and emails and calls direct to MajorCrime. In the past seven days there have been 90 calls toCrime Stoppers.

“Each piece of information is reviewed, assessed andfollowed up where appropriate. This is a case which hasnever reached the point where there are no leads to follow,despite the passage of time. There is always somethinghappening.

“We know that the next phone call or fresh piece of credibleinformation could provide us with what we need to bringthese children home to their parents.”

Recent information has led to officers from Major Crimemaking inquiries in country SA in relation to suggestionsof another man, who is now deceased, as having aninvolvement. Whether or not he was involved has yet tobe determined.

Detective Superintendent Bray said the man is simply oneof hundreds nominated over the decades as potentiallybeing responsible for the disappearance of the children.

“In relation to each, police investigate in a bid to definitelyrule the person in, or out, of the inquiry,” he said.

“We have dozens of ‘persons of interest’ in this matter –including some of the country’s most infamouspaedophiles – who we have not been able to conclusivelyrule in or out.

“The person who did this could be any one of those – orsomeone who still has not yet come to our attention. Wehave even had those who have made false confessions toothers.”

He said despite the passage of time, Major Crimeinvestigators had not given up.

“Along with old fashioned police work, we would need alittle bit of luck to solve this,” he said, “but just becausesomething is hard doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it.

“The community and families rightly expect us to solveevery homicide and recover the remains of every victim– and if we don’t that’s completely unacceptable to us.

“I believe there is still an opportunity to get a result in thiscase, but that window of opportunity is shrinking. Aslong as there’s hope, we’ll keep trying very hard.”

A reward of $1 million has been offered by the StateGovernment in connection with the case, and DetectiveSuperintendent Bray said he would love for it to be paidout.

“I would urge anyone with fresh information in connectionwith this matter to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000or report online (https://sa.crimestoppers.com.au/ ).”

“We know that the next phone call or fresh piece of credible information could provide uswith what we need to bring these children home to their parents.”

Recent information has led to officers from Major Crime making inquiries inCountry SA in relation to suggestions of another man, who is now deceased, as having

an involvement. Whether or not he was involved has yet to be determined.

Australia Day Picsby George Russell O.A.M.

Oasis Tourist Park

Peter Lane, Steve Borrett, Wayne Borrett andJeff Squires

Helping with the Aussie Day BBQ are BoroRapaic, Phil Van Poorten, Tony Renshaw andDuncan McLaren

Local resident and volunteer Christel Haurichatting with Mario Pagnon who built the firstBlower in Coober Pedy

Marietta and Ingls Schubert from Germany chatwith Chris Challis at Australia Day


On January 6th this year, our town playedhost to a Japanese Film Crew, C.P. Production. The

crew were in town producing a documentary onunderground living in Coober Pedy.

The filming occurred between the 6th and the 13th ofJanuary and involved 8 personnel including the ‘star ofthe show’, a famous Japanese actor and genuinely niceguy named Hiroki Hasegawa.

The documentary follows Hiroki on his holiday to Australia.Hiroki is so taken by the underground town of CooberPedy, he engages with local identity Duncan McLaren toshow him exactly what is involved in building anunderground home (dugout).

Visitor Information Officer at the Council DuncanMcLaren was more than happy to show Hiroki themakings of his own dugout. After seeing the beginningof an underground home in a bare open cut, Duncanshowed the crew through Rose and Alex Morgan’sspectacular underground B&B.

“Obviously, a 7 day shooting schedule that was precededby a 6 day recon by 3 crew represented a healthycontribution to our local economy through provision ofaccommodation, food, car hire, and fuel, etc.”, saidDuncan.

“The show is expected to air in Japan in mid-Feb to anexpected audience of over 1,000,000 viewers. The long-term benefits of programs like this being made are harderto calculate, but surely represent a considerable boost topromotion of our town’s brand to international audiences,which in turn boosts tourism visitation in the long term.he said.

“Naturally, the documentary familiarised it’s viewers withthe history of the town and opal mining, but it also focusedon the contemporary lifestyle that residents have todayand, in particular, constructing and living in dugouts,”said Duncan.

Duncan is in the process of having a dugout excavatedfor himself at Ryan’s Hill and the Japanese crew weredelighted with the opportunity to film a tunnelling machineat work. Local Mine Rescue Chief Andy Sheils E.S.Mmade himself available on the day to demonstrate how adugout was carved out of the sedimentary sandstone.

1 million + Japanese viewers to “gounderground” in Coober Pedy

Wayne Borrett of Arid Areas Tours shares aninteresting opal/potch find with Andy Sheils E.S.M.

Hiroki and Duncan watch as the tunnellingmachine carves away at the very hard rock face

Front view of the tunnelling machine Close up view of the cutting head as it grindsaway at the face

Tunnelling machine at Ryan’s Hill The wider face of the open cut where a dugout willbe carved out underground

Japanese Film Crew filming a documentary on underground living in Coober Pedy

Photos: Coober Pedy Regional Times

“Get a GlimpseInside Coober

Pedy, Australia'sSpellbindingUnderground

Homes | First toKnow”

See also: CNN Documentary

http://firsttoknow.com/get-a-glimpse-inside-coobe r -pedy -aus t ra l i as -spe l l b i nd ing -underground-homes/


MINE RESCUE Training(Alternate Saturdays)

CFS TRAINING - everysecond Saturday at 2pmNeed new members urgently

CP SHOOTERS CLUBBack in February

CROATION CLUBHappy HourSaturdays 6-7pm

FRIDAYS

TUESDAYS

AA 7pm UndergroundCatholic Church - HutchisonStreetContact DAVE O409349753

FREE TAI CHI CLASSES for over65s Sit or stand for these gentleexercises. 1:15PM at CommunityHealthPlease register: 8672 3299

DISTRICT COUNCILMEETINGS 3nd Tuesday eachmonth at 7pm

AMBULANCE TRAINING7.30pm Umoona Road. EveryTuesday except school holidays

TWIGHLIGHT GOLF with asocial ambrose 3 – 6 holecompetition from 6pm

SERBIAN Church SocialClub, Dinner 6pm Fridays

CP SHOOTERS CLUB8pm Friday night Clay TargetShotgun

GREEK CLUB - Bingo 7.30pm

CP Social Scrabble 7.30pmUnited Club . All skill levelswelcome

The next Stateelection will be heldon 17 March 2018

SUNDAYSGOLF (CP Golf Course)has concluded for 2015.Will resume in March 2016

Waters + YoungerPhone 8331 9477 Adelaide

Phone 8672 5979 Coober PedyFax 8364 4676

Email: [email protected]

What’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s On in COOBER PEDY?& Visiting Services

SCHOOL TERM DATES

CATACOMB Church Serviceand Sunday School 9:30amSunday. Bus pickupavailable. Ph 8672 5038

YOUTH SHED 11-2 ages 8& up

CP SHOOTERS CLUBBack in February

Fire Danger Season dates

Dates for the 2015/16 FireDanger Season have beenannounced with nine regionsbeing brought forward to startearlier than normal

North East Pastoral1st November 2015-31st March 2016

North West Pastoral1st November 2015-31st March 2016

West Coast 1st November 2015-15th April2016

Flinders1st November 2015-15th April2016

For more information onrestrictions during the Fire DangerSeason and how to develop aBushfire Survival Plan, visit theCFS website atwww.cfs.sa.gov.au Flinders1st November 2015-15th April2016

20162016201620162016Term 1: 1 Feb - 15 AprTerm 2: 2 May - 8 Jul

Term 3: 25 Jul -30 SepTerm 4: 17 Oct - 2 Dec

THURSDAYLITTLE MUSICIANS10:30 to 11:15 am at theschool in the Deadly Centre

SATURDAYS

OODNADATTARACE CLUB

NEWS

The AGM of the OodnadattaRacing & Horse Sports Inc washeld at the Pink Roadhouse on

Sunday, December 6th 2015

The following people were re-elected to the executive positions:Races : President – Eddie Nunn

Joint Secretary- GerryNunn and Hayley Nunn

Treasurer- Helen WilliamsPublicity- Hayley Nunn

Bronco Branding: President: TonyWilliams

Secretary- Jackie WilliamsTreasurer- Helen Williams

$20,000 was donated to charitiesincluding The RFDS. The CFSFoundation received a donation fromour Cricket Day- and we also donatedmoney to those affected by the recentPinery Bushfires.

Dates to keep inmind for 2016:

March 5th- Annual Cricket Matchbetween Town and Country atOodnadatta

May 7th- Oodnadatta RacesJuly 16th- Oodnadatta Campdraft andBronco Branding

22 February 20162 May 20164 July 201629 August 201617 October 20165 December 2016

WK LawyersPhone: 08 8361 9148

Email: [email protected]

COOBER PEDY DATES 2016 duringCourt Circuit.

Weeks commencing -

LEGAL SERVICES

Free initial legal advice to anyone -anytime!

Please contact Andrew and makean appointment prior to his arrival.

ACCOUNTING

30-Jan 17/12/2015 Star Wars The Force Awakens

6-Feb 19/11/2015 Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2

13-Feb 1/01/2016 Goosebumps

20-Feb 1/01/2016 The Hateful Eight

27-Feb 26/12/2015 James Bond: Spectre

5-Mar 26/12/2015 The Good Dinosaur

12-Mar 11/02/2016 Zoolander 2

19-Mar 11/02/2016 Deadpool

26-Mar Opal Festival

2-Apr 17/03/2016 Allegiant

9-Apr 18/02/2016 Dad's Army

16-Apr 17/03/2016 Zootopia

23-Apr 24/03/2016 Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice

30-Apr 24/03/2016 Kung fu Panda 3

7-May 10/03/2016 Victor Frankenstein

MOVIES COMING TO THE DRIVEIN 2016

Saturday 23rd April - The 2016 YuntaPicnic Races & Gymkhana will beheld at the Yunta Racecourse.


Murray-DarlingEuropean carpplague requiresurgent action

Nature Foundation SA, along with other environ-mental organisations and national irrigator groups,is calling for urgent government action to controlthe worsening European carp (also common carp,

koi or oriental carp) (Cyprinus carpio) plague in thewaters of the Murray-Darling basin. Numbers ofcarp have exploded since the natural flooding

events in the basin in 2011 and 2012.

The introduced species has well-known detrimentaleffects on native fish, native aquatic plants and otheranimals in and around the river system. Their destructivefeeding habits decrease water quality by uprootingvegetation and stirring up sediments, negatively affectingaquatic plant growth and the feeding habits of native fish.

Carp also compete with native fish, such as Murray codand yellowbelly, and prey on native fish eggs and theiryoung.

Changes to water flows, declining water quality and habitatdegradation along the Murray-Darling river system havefavoured carp but negatively affected native fish and otherspecies. Carp are more capable than many native fish oftolerating a range of environmental conditions such aslow oxygen levels and the presence of pollutants andturbidity. Often associated with degraded habitats, carpare now so dominant in some areas of the Murray-Darlingthat they make up 90% of all fish species.

The CSIRO have been investigating the efficacy of a strainof carp herpes as a potential biological control, whichwould kill only carp. As reported by the ABC earlier thisweek, lead researcher Ken McColl says his team are“getting toward the end of the scientific end of the work”.

The scientists have focused on investigating whether thevirus would have untoward effects on other species bylooking at its effects on about 13 native fish species. Theyhaven’t found any evidence of disease or virusmultiplication in these species. The team also looked athow the virus affects yabbies, mice and chickens andeven looked at cases where humans have come into contactwith the virus. “We’re fairly confident that it’s not goingto cause problems elsewhere,” Dr McColl said.

Nature Foundation SA join calls for funding to furtherdevelop this biological control to the point of its saferelease.

We would like to see it used as part of an integrativepackage of measures including the reintroduction of nativefish species to the waters of the Murray-Darling. NatureFoundation’s Water For Nature Program, that deliversCommonwealth environmental water to privately andcommunity owned land along the Murray River in SouthAustralia, is part of wider environmental watering effortsdesigned to benefit native fish species over carp, providinggreater competition for the dominant carp. Monitoring ofenvironmental watering sites have shown that this is indeedoccurring.

Worrying rise in Mumps,Whooping Cough cases

The state’s Health Minister and clinicians have issued anurgent warning to parents to make sure their child’simmunisations are up-to-date before they return to school.It follows a dramatic rise in the number of preventableinfections contracted by children last year.

“In 2015 we saw notifications of whooping cough morethan double, while there was also a dramatic rise in mumpscases,” Jack Snelling said.

“These diseases are highly infectious, very difficult totreat and can have severe complications particularly inchildren, but they are vaccine preventable.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect children from anumber of preventable diseases.

Mr Snelling said all children are eligible to receive freevaccines as part of the Childhood National ImmunisationProgram.

“The childhood vaccines are given from six weeks of ageand by primary school most children should have had allof their childhood immunisations,” Mr Snelling said.

“However, it can be easy to accidentally miss avaccination, especially if a child has been sick on the dayof their scheduled appointment.

“We are asking all parents to make sure their childrenhave been fully immunised by checking with their GP,consulting their ‘blue book’ or checking the AustralianChildhood Immunisation Register online atwww.humanservices.gov.au

Mr Snelling said the warning also applied to parents ofolder children who, in year eight, receive immunisationsagainst human papillomavirus and chickenpox, as well asa booster shot for diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

“If you find your child is not up to date book anappointment with your GP, visit your local councilimmunisation provider or phone SA Health’s ImmunisationSection on 1300 232 272 for more information.

“Adults who are unsure what vaccinations they havereceived should also check their vaccination status byspeaking with their GP, particularly if you are preparingto travel overseas.”

SA Health Communicable Disease Control BranchDirector, Dr Ann Koehler, said vaccines have beendeveloped after extensive research over many years,helping to save millions of lives across the world.

“Most vaccines are extremely effective at preventing peoplewho receive them from ever getting that disease,” DrKoehler said.

“Some vaccines are less effective at fully protecting againstthe disease, but can significantly reduce the severity ofillness if a person happens to contract the disease, sothey are still extremely valuable.

“Vaccination is one of the most important developmentsin medical history and I urge all parents to check theirchild’s immunisation status to ensure our communityremains protected from many serious and potentially fatalillnesses.”

For more information about immunisation for children,teens and adults, please visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/immunisation

Cases of mumps and whooping coughreported to SA Health

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Mumps 7 7 5 14 39Whooping 2,630 922 820 505 1,265Cough

A full list of the latest notifiable disease numbers can befound on the SA Health website www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

Cabinet to meet on the APY LandsFour regional areas will host South AustralianGovernment Country Cabinet meetings in 2016including the first Cabinet meeting in the APY Landsin more than 20 years.

Premier Jay Weatherill today announced details ofthe first three meetings to be held in 2016:• Leigh Creek, Flinders Ranges and Port Augusta(February 28 – March 1)• The APY Lands (1 May – 4 May)• Tatiara, Southern Mallee and Karoonda (11September – 13 September)

Details of a fourth Country Cabinet meeting will beannounced later in the year.

“Regional South Australia contributes about $25billion to the State’s economy, and these CountryCabinet meetings help give regional areas a strongervoice,” Mr Weatherill said.

“Since Minister Geoff Brock reintroduced CountryCabinets in 2014, we’ve held six successful meetingsin the Riverland, Adelaide Hills, West Coast, Mid-North, Barossa Valley and most recently theLimestone Coast.”

“While a number of Ministers have visited the APYLands while I’ve been Premier, this is the first timein more than two decades that State Cabinet hasmet in the region,” Mr Weatherill said.

“This is a great opportunity to take a holisticapproach to the issues that are confronting the APYLands, by having representatives across allportfolios in the area at the one time.”

Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said theface-to-face meetings with locals during CountryCabinet provided valuable feedback about therange of issues facing their communities.

“Country Cabinet offers the chance for people toask questions directly of Cabinet Ministers and seniorexecutives.

“Ministers and senior executives also tour the area,and meet local business and community leaders ata series of functions held across the region,” MrBrock said.

Find out more about Country Cabinet at http://yoursay.sa.gov.au/initiatives/country-cabinet


AUSTRALIA DAY BOOK LAUNCH“The Coober Pedy Blower”

Ph:08 8672 5561 Fax:08 8672 5537 Email: [email protected]

Follow us on FacebookJohn's Pizza Bar & Restaurant

Open 7 days 9am -10pm 10% Discount for Pensioners

¨ Alfresco dining,TakeawayRelax in air-conditioned comfort or heated elfrescoINTERNET ACCESS for touristsGroup bookings and large functions rooms

NATIONAL WINNER - I LOVE FOOD AWARDS 2010

Best National Pizza

Launched On Australia Day, 26/1/16, Sue Britt’slatest book The Coober Pedy Blower, was launched

by Mario Pagnon, the man who built the firstblower. Mario told about how he first got the idea

of sucking up the dirt.

Mario had come from Andamooka where he had beenmining opal, found Coober Pedy somehow because therewere few signs and he didnt really know where it was,and parked his machinery out at Seven Mile. When hegot up the next morning, he looked around and pickedup the dirt. It was light and chalky, different from theground in Andamooka. He thought, “This could besucked up.”

When Mario went back to Melbourne he built a highpressure vacuum fan powered by a 6-cylinder Ford dieselengine with a V-belt drive, attached some pipes andmounted it on a trailer which he took back to CooberPedy. That fan blew dust everywhere so it was calleda blower. But, the idea worked and it caught on,revolutionising opal mining.

In her introduction, Sue Britt said, “The Coober PedyBlower is probably a world first. No other book, to myknowledge, has been written about the blower.” It tellsthe story of the mining machine from its first experimentalmodels through to its dangerous developmental stagewhen modifications were made to increase outputthrough changes to the fan designs and hopperconfigurations and motor types. There are dozens ofstories about near misses when cast iron fan housingsexploded, shooting shrapnel in all directions.

Sue introduced Edward Radeka who told about anadventure he and his brother Anya had mining with aborrowed blower near 17 Mile. When the hopper filled,it lifted the front of the blower truck off the ground.Edward was underground shovelling mullock into thepipe and Anya was in the cab rolling sausages when hefelt a strange floating sensation. The sky lowered andfilled the view out the front of the truck. Anya jumpedout. The diesel motor ran out of fuel because of theangle and the hopper suddenly emptied.

When the truck crashed back down it just missed thewinded Anya who had quickly rolled out from under thefront wheel.

The Australia Day Breakfast, cooked by Robyn Rapaicand Councillors Boro Rapaic and Albert McCormack,was very popular. They were helped by Phil and Divan Poorten and Duncan who served. The CouncilWorks Department set up and dismantled the marquesvery efficiently.

Mario Pagnon, who travelled from Melbourne, said, “Itwas the highlight of my visit to Coober Pedy, meetingfriends and sharing stories about old times.”

Edward Radeka, Jimmy Nikoloudis and Andy Sheils E.S.M.were among many long-time miners who came to see MarioPagnon launch The Coober Pedy Blower on Australia Day.

STSTSTSTSTOP OP OP OP OP THE PRESS!THE PRESS!THE PRESS!THE PRESS!THE PRESS!AAAAAUSTRALIA DUSTRALIA DUSTRALIA DUSTRALIA DUSTRALIA DAAAAAY NEWSY NEWSY NEWSY NEWSY NEWS

Mario Pagnon shares stories with Joe Carboni and hisdaughter Clydine

Colin Kruger and Robin Rapaic showing off Sue Britt’sBlower book

Author of “The Coober Pedy Blower”, Sue Britt chats wtihKylie Anne Child of the Mine Rescue Squad at the BookLaunch

Photo:George Russell

Mario Pagnon, builder of the first blower

Photo:Chris Challis

Janet Walton, Edward Radeka, Tim Webb and JennyDavison looking at the blower colouring book, alsolaunched on Australia Day

Regional Newspaper South Australia - COOBER PEDY’S 11th GEM … · 2016. 2. 2. · Times...

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