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ISSN 1833-1831
08 8672 5169
Tel: 08 8672 5920
http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com
Phone:
86725036
Thursday 26 February 2015
HALF A CENTURY OF OPAL MINING
AT THE 10 MILE FIELD OF FORTUNE
In 2015 the Opal Mining Town of Coober Pedy turns
100. Opal miners have been making history on the
Stuart Range for a Century now.
To help celebrate opal, opal mining and opal miners this
week we look at the Old Ten Mile Field that is currently
being revisited by partners Tanja Burk and Dale Price half
a century after the some of the biggest opal finds were
recorded.
During the summer amnesty in Coober Pedy, temperatures
reach into the high 40s, but opal miners Tanja and Dale
work early in the morning to escape the heat. We arrived
on the field just as the sun was rising. Before too long the
heat of the day would make it impossible for the miners to
use their machinery.
Dale explained some of the history of the Old 10 Mile
where fortunes were found in the early 60’s. Peter
Christianos Senior was one of those miners noted for
finding his fortune on this particular field.
Peter Christianos, his brother Ross and partner Bill
Antoniadis made an arduous three and a half week journey
to Coober Pedy, through mud and rain with only 20 Pounds
between them, resolved to make their fortune. The trio
made camp and began working in earnest at the Ten Mile
field. Nearly a year later Bill became homesick and returned
to Collarenebri NSW, Ross also went walkabout, as was
his custom.
Tanya Burk and Dale Price rework the old 10 Mile where fortunes were made in the 60s. Pictured are
For almost another year, Peter toiled at opal mining alone Dale and companion Mitzi starting work for the day in the old Christianos mine where Peter Snr found
without success and became increasingly indebted to the 6 levels of top grade crystal
by Margaret Mackay
grocer Bepe Coro to the tune of several hundred Pounds.
He persevered and at the age of twenty made a most “In 1965 I went in with Ross and Ellie Christianos (Ellie In 2015 opal mining machinery has improved. Tanja and
remarkable strike at the Ten Mile with an unheard of then aged 18) and Bill Antoniadis. Peter Christianos had Dale built their own noodling machine together. Dale is
number of opal bearing levels in his claim. SIX LEVELS left just before this.”
very complimentary of Tanja as a partner. “Women in
OF GOOD OPAL!
the industry are undervalued. Tanja is a good welder and
“The main level where we found opal was at 42 ft. There lathe operator”, he said.
Later an open-cut by George Christianos, at his son's mine, was one alluvial level at 7 – 8 feet and another level under
with the first D8 Bulldozer in Coober Pedy revealed there the jasper”, said John.
In the noodling machine, Tanja is the number 1 picker.
were in fact TEN LEVELS OF OPAL - almost unbelievable.
“Mitzi is also part of the family and comes along as the
John Provatidis worked for two years in this claim and supervisor”, said Tanja.
As we toured through the 10 Mile claims Dale showed us left there in 1966 to prospect elsewhere. “The 10 mile
the hand dug mine shafts with wooden supports still intact was by far the best”, he said.
for over half a century to this date, dug by the Christianos
“It has been 51 years now that I have been involved
family and their partners.
with Coober Pedy. It is in my heart and even when
“John Provatidis got his start on the 10 Mile also in the
I’m not there, I am still there.”
mid 60s”, said Dale.
Partners Tanja Burk and Dale Price are mining new areas
John Provatidis left Greece for Coober Pedy in 1964. “I at the 10 Mile as well as processing and noodling dirt
stayed in Adelaide for two weeks and then hit Coober from the runs and extending the old mines.
Pedy. It was the reason that I came to Australia”, he said.
The area is known for its beautiful crystal. We call it
“My first opal mining claim in Coober Pedy was at the 10 Run Country,”said Dale.
Mile Field. There was a big mob working on this field. I’d
say there were at least 10 shacks with miners living on The couple met in 1994 when Tanja was visiting Australia
their claims. There were some with children, and one from Germany on a holiday. “It must be love”, mused
shack that had five people living in it. One claim had three Tanja.
Tanja inside the noodling machine that she and
shacks on it.
Dale built together
Dale has been opal mining for 36 years. He also served
”Jimmy Nikoloudis was working at the 10 mile with his on Council in 1998.
brother as well.”
In our tour of the Old 10 Mile Dale and Tanja pointed out
For the Price/Burk team the work load is distributed an area mined by Steve and Stella Xaridas that was some
“Before I arrived there were five people working my claim evenly. Dale creates loose dirt with the excavator and distance from their own workings. The dumps and all
and I still found very good opal. The others found about Tanja, driving the loader takes the dirt out of the cut to the pathways around the claim were decorated with rock
15 – 20 pounds each and then left but they didn’t work the noodling machine.
gardens. In one spot there was a tree made with rocks.
the claim properly. This claim was one of the best in Coober
Embedded in one of the dumps is a rock sign that reads,
Pedy,” John told us.
“We tend not to lose any opal because if we don’t see it “May 1999”.
in the walls we see it in the noodling machine”said Tanja.
Continued on page 10
SERVING THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 1982
7 DAYS WEATHER
Editor - Margaret Mackay
Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka
PO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723
Ph: (08) 8672 5920
-
Coober Pedy -
an underground town, built
on the back of opal mining
333 days sunshine
Email: cptimes@ozemail.com.au
Coober Pedy is Australia’s real ‘Down
Under’, famous for its fabulous opals and bizarre
subterranean homes. For generations, miners
have dug into the white and orange rock to extract
the valuable, sparkling stone. The tunnels and
chambers were converted into undergrounds
homes in order to escape from the desert heat.
Next Newspapers
Thursday 12 March 2015
Thursday 26 March 2015
Thursday 09 April 2015
Thursday 23 April 2015
Coober Pedy ‘evolved’ as the result of
a massive post war Opal Rush where hardy
pioneers developed a make or break precious
gem industry in the desert terrain.
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CROSSWORD
Opal miners at work in Coober Pedy
See the spacious UNDERGROUND
SERBIAN CHURCH with it’s magnificent
stained glass windows and carvings.
Visitors can stay overnight and
experience underground life as the locals do!
Enjoy LAWN BOWLS, TENNIS and
TABLE TENNIS in the friendly atmosphere
of the United Club Sporting Centre.
Spend a day on the most challenging
GOLF COURSE in the world.
During Easter Coober Pedy holds its
annual OPAL FESTIVAL & GEM TRADE
SHOW
Arrive at COOBER PEDY on the
famous GHAN TRAIN
Visit the OPAL FIELDS - you’ll
believe you’re on Mars. Join tours to local
mines to see how they work and get the
chance to noodle (fossick) for your own opal
Take a tour to the natural landscapes
outside the town (see film locations like Mad
Max: Beyond Thunderdome and Red Planet)
including the PAINTED DESERT, the
colourful BREAKAWAYS and the MOON
PLAIN
Join the MAIL RUN out of Coober
Pedy to deliver outback mail! Take a leisurely
flight over the spectacular LAKE EYRE
Be part of the last frontier mining town and
its living history 100 years on. For more
information on the Opal Capital of the
World, go to: www.cooberpedy.net
Opinions and letters published in The Coober
Pedy Regional Times are not necessarily the
views of the Editor, or Publisher. The Coober
Pedy Regional Times reserves the right to edit or
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advertising agencies and other contributors of this condition.
Page 2
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Thursday 26 February 2015
by Margaret Mackay
Ex Coober Pedy musicians to
perform for our 100 years
Coober Pedy die-hard Barry Lewis is a classic example
of the phrase, “You can take the boy out of Coober
Pedy but you can’t take Coober Pedy out of the boy.”
“I did a Facebook search and found there was no existing
Coober Pedy Group. This seemed like a great opportunity
to connect Coober Pedy people past and present so I
started the Coober Pedy Group. https://
www.facebook.com/groups/284188215006591/
Known to most of the long term residents, Barry Lewis
first visited Coober Pedy with a friend at the age of 14
(1974) “I was offered a job working for George
McCormack,” Barry recalls.
“I moved to Coober late in 1975 and worked for the
McCormack family for 2 years before applying for a job
at the Water Works (as it was known then) E&WS Dept.”
Barry worked at E&WS until just before the Council took
over the water supply. “This saw me leave Coober Pedy
in 1984 to work on a Lock on the River Murray.”he said.
“After working there for several years I returned to Coober
Pedy in 1990 working in one of the Outback Road
Maintenance Gangs and then moved in the the Sealed Road
Maintenance Gang and worked there until about 1995.”
Barry has not strayed too far from his beloved Coober
Pedy. He is still working with the now Department of
Planning Transport & Infrastructure having moved to Port
Augusta to work out of the office.
“These days my job is looking after roads in the APY Lands
in the far north so I am lucky enough to pass through Coober
Pedy a couple of times a month.” said Barry
I was stunned with the response; within 5 days the Coober
Pedy Group had 500 members, and today about 5 years
on it has over 1700.”
The Travelers, John Nemes, David McCormack,
Barry Lewis and Willy Braun
“During my time in Coober Pedy I played in 4 different
Bands”, said Barry.
“The Italian Club gave us our first regular work as a band
(Country Rhythm) back in 1984. That band conmprised
David Crombie, Cecil Betts, David McCormack and
myself.”
“In 2011 a good friend Neil Williams mentioned to me
that he would like to write a book with stories about Coober
Pedy but found it hard to collect the information as he is
deaf so can not communicate over the phone.”
In 2012 it came to my attention that Coober Pedy would
turn 100 years old in 2015 and this got me thinking.
With banter on the Coober Pedy Group and suggestions
of others ideas like having a reunion on the Opal Festival
weekend, doing a book about Coober Pedy full of peoples
short story’s, having a movie night with movies filmed in
Coober Pedy, a cricket match with some of the old-timers
like myself and trying to gather past musician's together
to play at a reunion in the Italian Club over the Opal Festival
Weekend.
In 2012 I approached the Italian Club with a proposal to
play on the Opal Festival weekend and gave them an
undertaking that I would perform even if I had to do it
alone.
With this in mind I thought, “What would be a good way
to collect information,” and thought of Facebook.
Continued on page 4
Coober Pedy 100 Years
And Still Rocking
Photo from
Coober Pedy Times
1984 featuring
Barry Lewis,
David McCormack
and Cecil Betts
Join Coober Pedy musicians past and present as we
celebrate Coober Pedy's 100th Birthday
April 4th.
Easter Saturday 2015.
8.00 pm till late
At the Italian Club
All musicians are donating their time and effort for this concert
UNDERGROUND
BOOKS
„
„
OUTBACK MAILRUN TOUR
Cards & Stationary
„
„
Computer Supplies
Desert Parks Agent & other tours
„
„
Maps & Books on the area
Local Information/Road report
„
Phone: (08) 8672 5558
Thursday 26 February 2015
COOBER PEDY
GLASSWORKS
(ABN: 66 341 152 244)
Free Quoting, On site repairs & Prompt Service
Commercial, Domestic & Vehicles
Qualified Glazier - 25 years experience
For all your Glass needs call
Dave at Coober Pedy Glassworks on
0488 788 294 or alt 0428 204 246
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Page 3
Coober Pedy Police News
On Tuesday 10th February 2015, police saw a vehicle
being driven erratically on Seventeen Mile Road, Coober
Pedy.
They followed the vehicle for a short distance, whereby
it left the road out of control colliding with the road verge.
Police subsequently arrested a 59 year old, male from
Coober Pedy for driving disqualified; driving under the
influence, drive without due care, refuse breath analysis,
unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle. His car was
impounded. He was bailed to appear in the Coober Pedy
Magistrates Court at a later date.
On Thursday 12th February 2015, as a result of
information received, police conducted a search for unsafe
explosives at a property on Ice Cream Hill Road, Coober
Pedy. No explosives where located. A conversation with
the occupant confirmed the information was historical
and the explosives had since been used.
During the evening of Friday 13th February 2015, a
vehicle was broken into on Hutchinson Street, Coober
Pedy, in the vicinity of the bus depot. The ignition of the
vehicle was interfered with. Police are currently reviewing
CCTV footage from the area to identify the offender.
Police are seeking further assistance from the public in
relation to this incident.
Police wish to remind members of the public to secure
their vehicles and not leave valuables in unattended
vehicles.
On Wednesday 18th February 2015, Coober Pedy Police,
SES and CFS attended a road-train roll-over approximately
110 kilometres north of Coober Pedy. The 59 year old
male driver from Northern Territory was uninjured. He
was reported for driving without due care. The Stuart
Highway was shut for most of the day.
Road train rollover north of Coober Pedy
closed Stuart Hwy for most of the day
On Thursday 19th February 2015, Coober Pedy Police,
SES and CFS attended a single vehicle roll-over on the
dog fence access road to the Breakaways. The driver
who was the sole occupant of the vehicle was conveyed
to the Coober Pedy Hospital with minor injuries.
During the week commencing 17th February 2015, the
Coober Pedy Magistrates court heard a number of matters.
A 26 year old Coober Pedy man was sentenced to 35
days imprisonment for driving disqualified and breaches
of his community service order. Eight men from Amata
where remanded in custody to appear at a later date in
relation to an affray at AMATA on the APY Lands.
MINING
MACHINERY IN
CENTENARY
PARADE
Police have received enquires in relation to vehicle
registrations for floats participating in the 100 year
Centenary Parade.
Floats participating in the parade are required to be
registered, roadworthy and comply with road rules.
Unregistered vehicle permits are available for the parade
from Transport SA or Coober Pedy Police.
Police remind members of the public to call 131444 for
Police assistance or 000 in the case of emergency.
Vehicle permits cost $58.00, trailers are $22.00. There
is limited funding available from the Coober Pedy Council
to subsidise permits for the registration for special vehicles
such as blowers and mining equipment.
If anyone has any information of criminal matters in and
around Coober Pedy please contact Crime-Stoppers on
1800 333 000 or ring the Coober Pedy Police on 86725056.
Please contact the Council events co-ordinator for further
information in relation to these subsidies.
Ex Coober Pedy musicians to
perform for our 100 years
from page 3
“Coober Pedy some time later formed a Centenary
Committee and I was contacted to discuss some of the
idea's floating around, I in turn contacted the Council so
as to avoided clashing with local events planned for the
weekend,” said Barry.
CPRT: Can you define what is it about Coober Pedy
that appeals or appealed to you?
Barry: In 1975 I loved the freedom of the place, its
mystery and characters. You could be yourself in
Coober Pedy. Opal, like people no two alike. I am
part of a tribe, the Coober Pedy tribe. I have life
long friends in Coober Pedy, people I have grown
up with.
“From this meeting it was established that there were
events planned for every night and the only opportunity
would be on the Saturday night after the fireworks on the
oval. I agreed to try to work in with this as best as possible
originally thinking if past band members made the effort
to get to Coober Pedy we would play over several nights.”
I have lovely memories of the Lennon Family who
took me in as one of their own.
“Well things don’t always go to plan but I must say I
have had a number of past and current Coober Pedy
Musician's agree to play at the Italian Club on the Saturday
night.”
“This is all being undertaken for free as a gift to Coober
Pedy and I can not thank those who have agreed to help
me enough,” said Barry.
To further celebrate our past residents we thought to delve
a bit more into what it is that binds people to Coober
Pedy. It would be safe to say that Barry’s bond with the
Opal Mining Town came about by providing a skilled
service the the industry.
Following is a record of a few further questions with
Barry that helps describe his passion for Coober Pedy.
CPRT: What sort of work did you do with George
McCormack?
Barry: I learnt how to operate a front loader, drive trucks
and a bulldozer. In fact one of my first jobs on George
McCormacks loader was feeding the concrete batching
Page 4
Photo from Coober Pedy Times 1984 featuring
Barry Lewis, Cecil Betts and David McCormack
I had a passion for rock and fossil collecting; I read
the book White Man in A Hole and this got me in as
a young teenager. Quite funny as I seem to some
how follow in the authors footsteps a few years later
I owned the dugout on Black Flag she had and her
block on Tomcat Hill.
CPRT: How do you see the future of Coober Pedy?
plant when they built the Opal Inn after the original burnt
down. I always like to say I helped build the floor in the
front bar. Joke.
Barry: We all talk about the good old days before
TV, Council, the sealed road and so on. My greatest
memories will be of the rough old days but we had it
easy compared with those who came before us.
CPRT: Did you ever dabble in opal jewellery, opal mining,
noodling or develop any passion for the industry?
I think if we fast forward 30 years from now and
asked a current teenager their opinion of Coober
Pedy ( them being then 45 ) they would say they
wish it was like it was in 2015. Hard to deal with
but we all have great memories. I just like to try and
see the positive things.
Barry: I went up to learn opal cutting and gold smithing,
don’t think I was cut out for that but I still tried my hand
at cutting. Did checking behind a dozer for George and
was sent by him up to a mine near England Hill and
Broken Legg before those fields had much work done,
they put in the first cuts up there. Worked on one of the
first Noodling Machines on the field again for George.
Tried underground but prefer checking behind the dozer.
Coober Pedy Regional Times
CPRT: Thank you Barry and looking forward to a taste
of the Good Ole’Days at the Italian Club once again
and reliving some of those precious memories that you
have spoken about!
Thursday 26 February 2015
Return of the
Drive-In Hailed
as a
“Screening”
Success
CENTENARY EVENTS UPDATE
Street Party & Multicultural Celebrations – Thursday 2 April
The street party will consist of stalls lining a portion of the main street. This section
of the street will be closed to vehicle traffic while the street party is on. The stalls
will showcase the multicultural nature of Coober Pedy through food, music, dress
and dance. If you or your group would like to participate in this inaugural Street
Party, please contact Clair Halkias on (08) 8672 4624.
Centenary 100 Year Ball – Friday 3 April
The major events of Coober Pedy’s Centenary celebrations, occurring this Easter,
are drawing closer with every passing day. With this in mind, it is important that all
residents are aware that tickets to the 100 Year Ball must be purchased by the cutoff date of 13 March. This deadline is necessary so that numbers can be finalised to
enable caterers to order the required amounts of food. It will not be possible to
purchase tickets on the night, so residents must plan ahead. The organisers would
hate to have people missing out, so we strongly encourage everyone to buy their
tickets as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be bought online at
www.cooberpedy.sa.gov.au/centenary2015 or purchased over the counter at Council
Chambers. Tickets cost $75 individuals or $70 per person for tables of 12.
Our 100 Year Ball is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dress up, dine and dance,
surrounded by good friends in a beautiful community-oriented venue.
Coober Pedy Opal Festival & Parade – Saturday 4 April
Parade
The Opal Festival Parade will commence at 11.00am at the R.S.L. car park (floats to
be at marshalling area by 9.30am). The organising committee encourage all residents
and community groups to march, make floats and signs, wear costumes or National
dress, and above all, participate. Any vehicles needing permits or clearances to
participate in the parade as floats, should contact Clair Halkias on (08) 8672 4642 or
the parade co-ordinator, George Russell on (08) 8672 5196.
Stall Holders
The Opal Festival organisers encourage more community groups to hold a stall at
this year’s Festival. Groups interested in participating with a stall or a table can get
details from Event Organiser, Clair Halkias on (08) 8672 4642. Time is running out
so please hurry to avoid missing out.
Drive-in Chairperson Steve Staines with fellow gatekeepers Ishka and
Chloe
The first screening on the new
projector occurred on the 21st of
February.
Around 100 patrons endured the hot
February evening in support of the event.
As our town celebrates its centenary year
in 2015, coincidentally we also celebrate the
50th birthday of our drive-in theatre as it
was built in 1965.
The Chairperson of the Coober Pedy DriveIn Theatre Inc., Mr Stephen Staines gave a
speech thanking the major sponsors and
expressed appreciation of the community’s
support as well as the reciprocated
appreciation of the community for all the
hard work of the committee.
“What we experience here tonight is the
preservation of a piece of living history,”
Steve said.
“There was once over 300 drive-ins around
Australia, 37 of which were in South
Australia. 2 years ago there were 20 left.
Today, there are only 15. Soon there may
only be 13 because 2 other drive-ins are
struggling to raise the funds to go digital
like we have.”
Did you know that The Coober Pedy DriveIn is also one of only two communityowned and operated drive-ins in Australia?
“We could’ve very easily suffered the same
fate as others,” continued Steve,
“Our screen could’ve become just another
tombstone of yesteryear. It could’ve been
cut down and sold for scrap like so many
others. But the Coober Pedy community,
our community, refused to let that happen.“
Thursday 26 February 2015
The major sponsors were thanked
including the South Australia Government
through the Department of Planning,
Transport and Infrastructure as well as
Arts SA. Other major sponsors included
the District Council of Coober Pedy and
the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara
Aboriginal Corporation – the Traditional
Owners of the area. What a great result
made possible by the whole community
contributing time and money!
“There are so many other local businesses
and people that need to be thanked,” Mr
Staines explained. “But there are just too
many to mention here tonight. When we
get used to working our new projector
and start making advertisements to ensure
we remain financially sustainable; you’ll
then see all the names and logos of all the
people and businesses that helped make
today a reality.”
The canteen area is still a construction
zone and the old projector room hasn’t
been renovated yet because all the
volunteers have fulltime jobs and and/or
are small business owners and operators.
The committee is working with the council
to ensure that the remainder of the project
gets greater traction in the weeks and
months ahead.
Mr Staines concluded his speech with
some words intended to communicate the
possibilities of success given the right
attitude. “Some said this day would never
come. Some said that we couldn’t do it.
Some said that almost all drive-ins around
Australia, and indeed the world had closed
down and Coober Pedy would be no
different. But today, we prove all those
doubters wrong.
The Volunteer Incentive Program
The new Volunteer Incentive Program (Volunteer Hours) is now in place and funding
is available to any community group that has volunteer members assisting with the
running of the Opal Festival on the day. Volunteer hours may be served in blocks
from half an hour up to 6 hours. This means that individual volunteers do not have
to work all day, but rather can do a couple of hours to help out and earn some
money for their club or group.
“Welcome Back to Coober Pedy” Reunion Event – Sunday 5 April
The Centenary Committee would like to remind all residents, past and present, that
there will be a reunion function at the Coober Pedy Area School Gymnasium and
Oval at 11.00am (combined Church service at 10.00am). This event will be an
alcohol free, family-friendly occasion with food and cold drinks available on the
day.
Advertisement
Not our drive-in we said! Not in our
community we said! We’ll do what takes
we said! Progress has never been shaped
by commentators, complainers or cynics.
Progress is forged by the courage of the
change-makers; the courage of those willing
to do what needs to be done to make good
things happen.”
“To all those that contributed to the Coober
Pedy Drive-In over the past 50 years; on
behalf of past, present and future generations
of Coober Pedians, we say thank you,”
Steve’s speech concluded.
During and after the movie, Facebook was
awash with excitement due to the the quality
of the new projection equipment.
Good opening night last night. Excellent
picture quality from new projector. – T
Lawton
The new and fancy Coober Pedy Drive-In
projector is absolutely brilliant! The sound
is amazing too! – J Watts
It was great! Can’t wait for all the other
movies!! – N Lewis
Mr Edward Radeka was present at the event.
He was very impressed with the quality of
the new projector.
Coober Pedy Regional Times
“The brightness is great and the sound
is fantastic,” said Mr Radeka. “The
resolution is clear. It is the first time I’ve
been to the drive-in in years but from
now on I’ll be a regular customer,” he
concluded.
Mrs Tina Boyd, drive-in committee
member and chief projectionist for
around 10 years, was very pleased with
the result. Despite the fact that Tina has
probably been to more drive-in movies
than anyone else in 50 year, it was
possibly the first time she ever actually
got to watch a movie! True to character
though, Tina’s primary interest was not
her own enjoyment but that of others.
“I’m just very pleased to see an enjoyable
evening had by all the families,” she said.
Special thanks to Kylie-Anne Child and
Clair Halkias for being the inaugural
projectionists on the new projector,
David Halkias for his technical support
and Sue Radeka and Sandy Williams for
serving a range of refreshments. Also, a
very special thanks to Sue Britt and her
three helpers, Chloe, Ishka and Kasey for
being the gate-keepers.
We look forward to seeing everyone at
the next movie!
Page 5
Closing date
looms for
'Images of the
Outback'
entries
Where funding has been
placed in the region since
Labor re-formed government
Artists from across Australia have just a few weeks to
submit their painted images or three dimensional
interpretations of the Outback, with the pre-selection of
entries in the 2015 John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback
Art Show due on Friday 6 March.
Regional Development Minister, Geoff Brock says
his four year agreement with the Premier to form
stable government is delivering significant
economic benefits and new jobs for the regions.
This long-running national art show and competition
awards $12,500 in prizemoney to talented artists whose
works are judged to best capture the unique character of
the Australian ‘bush’. The competition’s two categories
are Painting (any medium) and Three Dimensional Works.
“The agreement provides for a State Government
commitment of $126 million over four years with every
one of those dollars invested in our regions to stimulate
economic activity and create new jobs,” Mr Brock said.
The show is curated by the Outback Regional Gallery
within the world-class Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton,
far west Queensland. Over the years, the show has
developed into one of the best known art competitions
with an Outback theme, and consistently attracts high
quality entries.
This year’s theme is ‘Images of the Outback’ and the
judge is renowned watercolour and pastel artist, Lyn
Butchart of Grafton, NSW. Like many of the artists who
enter the John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Show,
Lyn draws inspiration from nature. Her unique individual
style ranges from contemporary to abstract, and extends
to extremely large works on paper. Lyn has spent more
than 25 years teaching art in universities and colleges
throughout Australia; and more recently she launched
workshops that offer relaxation therapy for corporate
groups and diversional therapy for residents of retirement
villages. Lyn will host a workshop in Winton on the
weekend of 16 and 17 May following the official opening
of the exhibition and announcement of winners on Friday
15 May.
The John Villiers Waltzing Matilda Outback Art Show is
generously supported by the John Villiers Trust, Winton
Shire Council and Arts Queensland through the Regional
Arts Development Fund. All entries must be for sale, and
works will be exhibited at the gallery from 11 May to 10
July.
For conditions of entry, visit www.matildacentre.com.au/
competitions or contact the gallery on 07 4657 1466 or
Curator@matildacentre.com.au.
“The agreement includes increasing the Regional
Development Fund from $1.6 million a year to $15 million
annually over four years and a $10 million one-off Jobs
Accelerator Fund this financial year.
“The funding has already been flowing to the regions this
financial year and will continue to be allocated as new
projects are approved over the term of this government.
So far this funding has included:
• $6 million to Sundrop Farms expansion at Port Augusta
(100 construction jobs – around a further 200 for plant
operation)
• $2.5 million towards Thomas Foods for a new boning
facility at Murray Bridge creating 200 new jobs and
employing 60-70 contractors during implementation
• $1 million for a new cellar door facility at Jacob’s Creek
in the Barossa Valley (40 construction jobs and 8.5 ongoing
new jobs)
• $500,000 to Day’s Eggs for a new free range production
facility in the Yorke and Mid North region (20 construction
jobs and12 ongoing new jobs)
“The enhanced Regional Development Fund has also
provided $500,000 towards establishing the James
Morrison Academy in Mount Gambier – the newest and
most innovative place to undertake jazz studies in Australia.
“It’s disappointing to see the Opposition continue to
personally attack me again this week and downplay what
we are achieving in the regions,” Mr Brock said.
NEW RESEARCH SHOWS SMOKING
EVEN MORE DEADLY THAN
PREVIOUSLY KNOWN – CALLS FOR
FURTHER ACTION
New landmark research from the Australian
National University and Sax Institute published in
the international journal BMC Medicine shows that
we must intensify our campaigns to reduce
smoking, according to the Australian Council on
Smoking and Health (ACOSH) and the Public
Health Association of Australia (PHAA).
“We need a clear plan from governments to reduce that
toll to an absolute minimum – further tobacco tax
increases, strong mass media campaigns, protection for
non-smokers and support for disadvantaged groups.
ACOSH President Professor Mike Daube said, “This
report, by top Australian and international researchers tells
us that a staggering two thirds of Australian smokers are
likely to die because they smoked – that’s nearly two million
people now alive.
PHAA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Moore said,
“This confirms that smoking is still our single most
preventable cause of death and disease – and kills even
more smokers than we had thought. It also emphasises
the risks of even light smoking.
“If anything else caused that death toll it would be seen as
a national catastrophe. Australia is a global leader, but 1.8
million deaths – 7.5% of the Australian population –
demands a different level of action.
“The conclusion is clear. We must do everything possible
to encourage smokers to quit, and to quit now. We cannot
stand by and see yet more generations of Australians dying,
often painful deaths, because they smoked.
Page 6
Coober Pedy Regional Times
It is also time to ban all tobacco industry promotion –
including lobbying and PR by this lethal industry,” said
Professor Daube.
“I think it’s really is time for them to start making a positive
contribution and stop being negative about the important
contribution our regions make to our economy.
“We’ve still yet to hear any real positive ideas from their
Shadow spokesman, Stephen Griffiths, on how we can
grow economic activity in our regions.
“Mr Griffiths also conveniently overlooks the impact of
the Federal Liberal Government’s Budget cuts resulting
in an $87 million direct impost on South Australian councils
and their ratepayers through:
• Removal of concessions will which cost SA around $30
million a year from July 1 this year
• Loss of Supplementary Local Roads funding ($18 million
a year)
• Freezing indexation of the annual Financial Assistance
Grants to councils (up to $39 million)
“I continue to travel regularly across the State meeting
with locals to personally hear their views on the many
issues that are of interest to them, and I’ve received an
overwhelming positive response to the State Government’s
approach to regional development.
‘People I talk to tell me they’re appreciative of the State
Government’s renewed focus on the regions and they
constantly offer up innovative ideas to me about how we
can stimulate increased regional economic activity.
“We’ve already held three Country Cabinet meetings in
the Riverland, on the West Coast and in the Adelaide Hills
and Cabinet Ministers have been out in the regions on a
weekly basis.
“Today, we’ve announced the first of this year’s country
cabinet meetings will be held in Peterborough next month.
“As well, Regions SA has been formed as part of the
Department of Primary Industries and Resources and a
high powered SA Regional Cabinet Committee meets
regularly to consider regional issues.
“A regional summit will also be held in a major regional
centre later this year,” Mr Brock said.
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to report a missing person or lost property
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(e.g. house breaks, illegal use, property damage, theft)
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Stay on the line and answer the questions
Thursday 26 February 2015
Coober Pedy
airstrip cleared
for take-off after
upgrade
Friday, February 13, 2015
Vital works to secure the future of the Coober Pedy airstrip
have been completed ahead of schedule.
The continuation of commercial flights to the Outback
opal town was contingent on the State Government’s $1.3
million project to widen the runway from 18 metres wide
to 30 metres.
The Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen
Mullighan said the government moved to secure the vital
piece of remote infrastructure because the prospect of
losing the service to the key tourist and mining town was
unacceptable.
“If the government hadn’t stepped in, new CASA
requirements for commercial flights would have had a
severe impact,” Mr Mullighan said.
“The airstrip upgrade secures future commercial flights
into the opal capital of the world, helping to sustain one
of our remote communities.
“Widening the runway will not only increase tourism and
economic opportunities but it will also help to secure the
livelihoods of those who work in this opal mining town.”
Mr Mullighan commended the efforts of the local MP,
Member for Giles Eddie Hughes, in highlighting the issue.
Mr Hughes said the upgrade would help secure the
livelihoods of those who live and work in Coober Pedy.
“We were faced with the prospect of losing flights carrying
miners, business travellers and tourists to this region and
that would have hit the town’s economic prosperity hard,”
he said.
“This upgrade will guarantee the viability of the Coober
Pedy airport and in particular an Adelaide to Coober Pedy
air route for many, many years.”
The new safety regulations were introduced by CASA in
November last year but flights have continued to operate
with an exemption subject to the upgrade.
The District Council of Coober Pedy oversaw the upgrade
works.
The State Government is also planning to fund further
improvements to the runway by adding an extra layer of
sealing later this year.
This work will increase the durability of the runway and
ensure the long-term sustainability of the airport .
Letters
HOMEOWNER SLUG!
Dear Editor, The state government of South
Australia has flagged the idea of charging
homeowners an annual broad based land tax.
Premier Weatherill has announced that such a proposal
is under consideration as one of a raft of proposals to
revamp the tax system in South Australia.
The announcement implies that the state government
may impose a broad based land tax of $1200 per year in
return for abolishing stamp duty on the sale of property.
It is assumed that many householders in South Australia
have a desire to sell. Clearly this is not necessarily the
case.
Many households in South Australia are single person
households occupied by retirees that have no desire to
sell at all. They and their partners have worked hard
and managed to payout a mortgage over many years.
Inevitably one person dies leaving the other alone with
nothing but the house, an old car and the age pension.
Ageing pensioners very seldom enjoy a high standard
of living. In fact they mostly live from pension to pension
If the state government must increase taxes to sort out
the financial mess that South Australia seems to be in
an adjustment to the GST would be more appropriate.
At least the burden would fall evenly on all of us.
Maybe that is the real game and the land tax is just a
distraction. Dutch disease is coming fast. The tax base
is disappearing along with the mining boom. Scary thing
is that most people don't know there's a problem.
Peter the Pensioner
PS: Definition of Dutch Disease?
In economics, the Dutch disease is the apparent
relationship between the increase in the economic
development of natural resources and a decline in the
manufacturing sector (or agriculture).
Characters of the
Outback
Mayor Stephen Staines was recently out at Ingomar
Station and met a character of the outback.
"It was a real pleasure meeting Miss Deborah Bailey
recently, said Steve."She was the most polite, inquisitive,
well spoken little person I've met in a while.
Talking and listening to Deborah reminded me how
differently kids often see the world around them compared
to adults.
I thought I'd ask Deborah what she'd like to say to the
world through our local paper. This is what she said,"
“My name is Deborah Bailey and I'm 4 years old. I live
at Ingomar Station. Sometimes I work at Ingomar with
my Dad. I like it because it never rains here. When it does
rain though I like the frogs. Some are fat and some are
little. I like the horses too because they've got nice manes.
The flies at Ingomar are a bit too nice though. They're
really friendly!”
Pictured right is Miss Deborah Bailey of Ingomar
Station. Deborah likes frogs and horses and
notes that there isn’t much rain there, and that the
flies at Ingomar are really friendly
Opal was proclaimed
Australia’s National
Gemstone by
Governor General
Bill Hayden on the
27th of July 1993.
Thursday 26 February 2015
with nothing to spare after paying out what they must to
keep the car on the road. In most cases paying a land
tax of $1200 each year would be quite unaffordable and
highly stressful.
Coober Pedy Regional Times
OME OPENING HOURS:
Mon-Fri
Sat
Sun
7.00am - 5.00pm
7.00am - 1.00pm
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 Agent
Searle Trading Pty Ltd
Opal Miners’ Enterprises
Lot 1299 Old Water Tank Rd
Coober Pedy SA 5723 Phone: (08) 8672 5830
ABN: 44 761 266 367
Page 7
Community of Coober Pedy
creates Centenary Songbird
The last week has seen a flurry of activity as the
town folk of Coober Pedy gathered to capture the
spirit and history of the last 100 years by creating
amazing pieces of artwork to stich into a giant
inflatable sculpture that will become
Songbird the Magpie.
Beginning with hand drawn images made from the
imagination of the youngest students at Coober Pedy Area
School, to the transformation of the rainbow nylon into
flora and fauna material panels all cut out and pinned by
the primary students. There was a real buzz around the
classes as the children made so many bright images as
well as knowing that they have helped contribute to this
exciting sculpture.
Model of Songbird the Magpie inflatable story
telling tent
Our town has been so fortunate that Bob Daly and Kalyna
Micenko from SpinFX Australia who have been able to
bring their amazing craft to share with our community.
These two talented and award winning Artists have passed
on new skills and experiences from the youngest child to
the most veteran craftsperson. Check out their Facebook
site - SpinFX AustrAliA.
The Coober Pedy Golf Clubroom has emerged as a creative
Studio that has taken on a life of its own. Colourful
materials, pieces of material that have pins sticking out all
over the place, a phenomenal amount of panels that have
already been sewn and trimmed adorned all the windows.
The ladies from the Coober Pedy Multicultural Forum
and many other community members have stitched a storm
and productivity has seen nearly all the panels completed
in only one week!
The enthusiasm and excitement that this enormous art
piece has generated has been incredible as too have been
the wonderful work that all the volunteers who have
offered their time, skill and laughter as we all have fun
creating the Songbird.
Volunteers helping out Monique Harding with the sewing and cutting
Brett Maat helping with the cutting
NATIONAL WINNER - I LOVE FOOD AWARDS 2010
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Open 7 days 9am -10pm
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Large selection of pizzas and a range of new regular
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meals available.
Page 8
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Follow us on Facebook
John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant
Appreciation Group
Thursday 26 February 2015
MAYOR TO BE ‘BLUE FACED’
at OPAL FESTIVAL
Singer, songwriter and media personality
Mark Holden will paint the face of Mayor,
Steve Staines on Easter Saturday as part of
The Queen Of The Desert Festival’‘s
contribution to the Opal Festival.
To join the 720km 4WD event simply go to
www.queenofthedesertfestival.com.au and follow the prompts.
The Queen of the Desert Festival procession
of vehicles, dressed to thrill in Australian
movie themes, will leave Marree on the 1st
of April on a 720km outback 4WD charity
adventure, travelling along the Oodnadatta
Track arriving in time to join the Coober Pedy
Opal Festival parade of floats.
“You don’t get the chance to change the
colour of the Mayor’s face too often“, said
Phil Turner, one of the event sponsors. “But
it’s all for a good cause and the Mayor is a
top sport for agreeing to help promote the
fight against cancer in men in this way.” Mr
Turner concluded.
The Queen of the Desert Festival supports
“Blue September”, the nationwide
awareness and fundraising initiative about
the many cancers that effect men.
Mark Holden is Blue September’s national
Ambassador and will paint the face of Mayor
Staines – bright blue – as the vehicles arrive
at the Opal Festival for its Centenary
celebrations.
The public can be a part of The Queen of
the Desert Festival.
Singer, songwriter and media personality
Mark Holden
Getting involved means participants will have
the opportunity of enjoying a trip to
remember and to raise much needed funds
to help fight men’s cancer.
The Queen of the
Desert
Festival
commences on 1st
April from Marree
and visits William
Creek, The Pink
Roadhouse and the
Painted
Desert
before arriving in
Coober Pedy on
Easter Saturday.
The public is invited
to assemble a team,
decorate their 4WDs
with an Aussie film
theme, and join Mark
Holden on this
exhilarating outback
adventure along the
Oodnadatta Track.
IN AN EMERGENCY, YOUR MOBILE
PHONE MAY BE SENT A WARNING
BASED ON YOUR LOCATION.
If you are travelling, staying or living within an area affected by an emergency, your mobile phone may
be sent an emergency warning message. This enhanced Emergency Alert service is available across all
phone networks, in addition to the existing service which sends warnings to landlines and mobile phones
based on your telephone’s service address.
Do not rely on receiving a warning message on your phone. You still need to prepare for an emergency
and you shouldn’t wait to receive a warning before you act. For details visit www.emergencyalert.gov.au
The Triple Zero (000) service should only be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance in life threatening or emergency situations.
SAF_29688
Thursday 26 February 2015
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Page 9
MINING
HALF A CENTURY OF OPAL
MINING ON THE 10 MILE FIELD
OF FORTUNE
From page 1
We found Steve and Stella Xaridas who worked at
the old 10 mile between 1995 and 2010, now living in
Adelaide with help from Yanni Athanasiadis (Umoona
Opal Mine)
Steve told the Coober Pedy Regional Times that the 10
mile was a wealthy field, but he and Stella found mostly
potch in their 5 years of earnest digging.
“We worked very hard but found mostly potch while
everyone else around us was finding big money,”said Steve.
We kept saying, "Maybe tomorrow, maybe tomorrow”.
There are many levels at the 10 mile, not just one and we
always found plenty of material and managed to cover
our expenses.
Steve said he then uncovered a pocket of material that
was 6mm thick. “It weighed around 200 oz but it was
only potch. My wife Stella was crying, but she took it
home and kept it in a bag. Some time later the house was
broken into and the thieves took the bag of potch, so we
don’t even have that now”, he said.
Steve told us that his wife Stella made decorations with
rocks while he worked below. “Sometimes I was
underground a long time and she needed something to
do,” he said.
To this day remains the evidence of Steve and Stella’s 5
years on the 10 Mile where Stella turned their claim area
into an attractive rock garden in the desert amidst some
of the worlds’ wealthiest opal fields.
Tanja takes an early morning walk through Stella’s Garden out at the 10 Mile - a small section of
Stella’s vast decorative rock gardens
Above: Tanja, Dale and Mitzi are part of
Coober Pedy’s living history, pictured with
the Noodling Plant they built together
Celebrating a Century of Opal Mining and
looking back into time, Dale Price stands inside
a 50 year old hand dug shaft at the 10 mile
Coober Pedy
Page 10
The TADA OPAL excavator
uncovers an old hand dug
shaft on the Christianos Mine
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Thursday 26 February 2015
CPAS NEWS
Counsellors’ Corner
School Values
Congratulations to students who were awarded with
certificates at this week’s assembly for living the
school values. Classroom displays about our school
value of Respect are looking fantastic. The Year 6/
7 class has a wall full of pictures showing how they
demonstrate respect and use their manners.
The school has settled down into our regular routines and
learning has become a focus in the classroom. It is very
pleasing to see students focussed on their work and their
learning. Our Open Night on Monday 23rd February will
give parents a chance to see what is happening in the
classrooms and I encourage you to come along and talk
with your child’s teacher about the learning program.
School Values
As I described in the last newsletter, our aim is to have
our students understand and finally live our school values.
We will be persistent in working on these and so it will
become an expectation that every students can talk about
and understands what it means to live our values. The
first value in focus was the one of RESPECT. I need to
make it very clear that the school will not tolerate any
form of physical violence. We hold a no tolerance policy
to that and our consequences for students who engage in
it to solve problems or conflicts will be severe.
Attendance
At each assembly the RSAS team will be
acknowledging some of the students who have made
a real effort to attend school regularly. This week
Charmaine, Richard, Diandra, Krista, Brad and
Sammy (pictured below) received attendance
awards.
Student Incentive Programs
The Mini Blues reward lesson this week was a movie.
When the weather cools down, we are looking forward to offering a range of fun reward lesson
activities. We have just received the wonderful news
that OzMinerals will be sponsoring the Year 8 –10
Reward Camp to Adelaide again this year.
Please talk with your child/ren and reinforce that physical
violence is not an acceptable way to deal with emotions
or problems that we encounter in our daily lives. We need
to get this message across as quickly as possible to all
students and our school community.
Geri Prizzi and Daniel Botten
School Counsellors
Coober Pedy Preschool
REMINDERS
Hats
As part of the school hat policy students are required
to wear a broadbrim or legionnaires hat at all times
when outside. Hats can be left at school and will be
washed once a week to make it easier for families.
New students will receive their first hat free.
Program
This term we are focusing on ‘construction’ for our
theme due to the new Preschool building being built.
The teaching program may contain different topics
that cover celebrations, magic, Easter, Christmas
etc.
School Uniform/ Shoes
It is encouraged that all students wear school uniform
when attending preschool. Uniforms can be
purchased from the front office. Please ensure that
your child comes to school with suitable footwear.
Sneakers and sandals are acceptable but thongs
are unsafe, especially when playing outdoors.
Please contact Miss Vermeeren in advance if there
are any areas of concern, so arrangements can be
made for your child(ren) to do an alternative
programme.
Literacy and Numeracy
This year we will be having a big literacy and
numeracy focus in the pre-school. Every week we
will have a new letter/sound and number that we will
be working on. Throughout the year we will be
working on basic numeracy and literacy concepts
through intended structured learning and play
based activities.
Healthy Eating
Children are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit or
healthy snack for morning/afternoon tea. Snack time
will be held every session after the main group time.
Some fruit is supplied for group times but it would be
great if your child could bring a piece to share
Sign In/ Sign Out
occasionally.
When you drop your child off or pick them up from
If your child is attending a full day session they are preschool it is important that you sign them in and
required to bring their own lunch. If this needs to be out. Our sign in system encourages students to try
placed in the fridge please find a staff member and writing their name when they arrive every session.
Please support and encourage your child to take
they will place it in there for you.
part in this routine.
If your child needs a lunch order you can fill one out
in the preschool or in the canteen, please let staff Pick Up/ Drop Off
know if you child has a lunch order so it can be Our morning session runs from 8:45am to 11:45am
and our afternoon session runs from 12:00pm till
collected at lunch time.
3:00pm. If your child is attending a full day session
PLEASE REMEMBER we are a nut free school. they attend from 8:45am till 3:00pm.
There are some children attending that have severe
allergic reactions to nuts, especially peanuts. Due It is your responsibility to drop off and pick up your
to this, food containing nuts or labelled ‘may contain child at the correct times. If you arrive early please
nuts’ should not be brought into the preschool. If stay with your child till the session starts.
you need some ideas of what to pack in your child
If you are late to collect your child he/she will be
lunchbox please come and see me.
taken to the front office and you will be contacted.
Water is available at all times for students to drink.
If someone else is picking up your child please let
Miss Vermeeren know.
Notices:
Please check your child’s notice pocket daily, these
are located by the lockers. Important notices, If your child needs to get on the bus to go to childcare
reminders, newsletters etc. will be placed in there please let Miss Vermeeren know and we can arrange
this for you.
regularly.
Thursday 26 February 2015
From the Principal’s Desk…
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Annual General Meeting
The Governing Council Annual General Meeting is to be
held on Monday 2nd March at 5:30pm in the Community
Library Board room. We have pre nomination forms
available from the Front Office and you can indicate your
interest in being on the Governing Council or one of the
sub committees. This is a great way to be involved even
if you are unable to make it to the AGM. In most cases,
people will nominate for a two year tenure on the
Governing Council and so we have continuity across years
with some people staying on and some people completing
their tenure.
Please think seriously about being part of the decision
making structure of the school. We are faced with a range
of challenges as we deliver the best possible education
here at Coober Pedy and your input to that would be
appreciated.
School Reviews
As part of the quality assurance process in DECD, each
school will undergo an external review every 4 years.
The review will be very thorough and will have student
learning and achievement as one of the main areas to be
considered. Following the review a series of
recommendations will be made that will shape the directions
for the school’s improvement agenda.
We are to be one of the first schools in the state to undergo
the new review process. Our review will happen early
next term and the review team will be based here at the
school for a few days as they gather evidence and look at
what and how we do it. This will be a terrific basis for
the next few years as we will have clearly identified areas
we need to work on and what needs to happen for us to
move forward. There will be more details about this review
as we get closer to it.
Attendance at Schools
One of the key areas that affects student learning is
attendance. If you are not here at school and not
participating in a learning program, then you are at a
disadvantage straight away. This disadvantage continues
to grow at a rapid rate if you have frequent absences and
very soon you are finding that school is a real challenge
as you can no longer keep up or understand what is
happening in classes. You then start to feel more isolated
within the classroom and soon you choose not to come
any more and you start to limit your future opportunities
because you are not switched on to formal learning at all.
It is very important that we understand this cycle and are
aware of the severe impact it has on student achievement
at school.
Please make every effort to have students at school each
day so that the absence cycle doesn’t form and
absenteeism doesn’t become a way of life for your child.
Mark Ireland
Principal
Page 11
CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING
See page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates
FREIGHT
PUBLIC NOTICE
Opal Mining
Amnesty
begins 14 December and
concludes 14 March 2015
Due to the extreme summer heat in
Coober Pedy, Opal Miners are not
required to work their claims for
three months.
We thank the Coober Pedy
Mine Rescue Service for their
continued dedication to our
industry.
Coober Pedy Miners Association Inc
POSITION VACANT
CLEANER REQUIRED
Mimili Tuesday & Thursday
8am -9am
Police clearances required
For more information and to
apply call 0418720500
POSITIONS VACANT
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A rare opportunity has arisen for a strategic, decisive CEO with a well-developed
network of contacts to take this progressive regional Council forward. You will be
responsible for the organisational and operational management of Council which will
involve all elements of managing and/or overseeing Governance, Financial
Management, Human Resources, Community Relations and liaison with all tiers of
Government. Of particular importance will be your ability to work with all stakeholders
to deliver economic growth, social cohesion, environmental sustainability and cultural
preservation. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of delivering
organisational change. Your leadership skills will demonstrate your ability to encourage
lateral thinking in setting strategic direction, coupled with a working knowledge of
statutory obligations required in Local Government. Demonstrated experience in
people management, and exceptional interpersonal skills, are critical. Exposure to
local government will be considered advantageous, however, outstanding leaders
from all sectors are encouraged to apply.
POSITION VACANT
A salary in the vicinity of a $190,000 package is on offer which includes accommodation
and a vechicle. Council will consider all reasonable relocation expenses.
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Coober Pedy CFS
requires new members,
particularly those who hold a
MR and above Truck
Licence.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
All welcome to attend
training - every Monday
night at 7pm
*Tyres *Tyre repairs
*Fuel, *Parts
Opening hours 7.30am
- 5pm Phone 86725036
OR 86725169
NEED TO ADVERTISE
Contact CFS 1st Lieutenant
Wayne Borrett 0439881049
or Training Officer Nigel on
0402 003262
CFS Cadets
CFS is now recruiting Cadets.
Anyone from the age of 11 18 may enquire by contacting
the Cadet Coordinator Julie
on
0498 472 519
Mining Act 1971
Mining Act 1971
Notice 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.
Notice 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:
Location:
Applicant:
Straits Exploration (Australia)
Pty Ltd & Kelaray Pty Ltd
Location:
Lake Torrens Area – approx.
180 km north of Port Augusta
Iluka Resources Limited
Eucla Basin Area – approx.
220 km northwest of Tarcoola
Two years
922
2014/00245
Term:
Area in km2:
Ref:
Plan and co-ordinates can be found on the
Department of State Development website:
http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/
public_notices or by phoning Mineral Tenements
on 08 8463 3103.
J Martin
Mining Registrar
4874646
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au
OLD CARS NEEDED
Coober Pedy Regional Times
email:cptimes@ozemail.com.au
Tel: 08 86725920
Page 12
Pastoral Lease: Bosworth
Term:
Five years
Area in km2:
295
Ref:
2014/00101
Plan and co-ordinates can be found on the
Department of State Development website:
http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/
public_notices or by phoning Mineral Tenements
on 08 8463 3103.
M Spikin
A/Mining Registrar
4853185
www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au
Mine Rescue SES is looking for donations (or a small
fee) of sixteen cars with wheels and glass. Engine and
transmission not necessary
Ring Peter for Pickup
0409193269
These cars are needed for an upcoming ROAD CRASH
RESCUE COURSE
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Thursday 26 February 2015
COOBER PEDY SHOOTERS CLUB
Rimfire Rifles 50m 50 Rounds
08,02,15
Scoring
1st Les Hoad 470
2nd Dale Price 465.3
3rd Guy Foley 396
Grouping
1st Dale Price 12.33
2nd Les Hoad 14.96
3rd Guy Foley 17.78
15.02.15
Scoring
1st John DiDonna 464.2
2nd Les Hoad 440.1
3rd James Michie 332
Grouping
1st John DiDonna 15.7
2nd Guy Foley 17.07
3rd Les Hoad 17.63
by Les Pullen
Rapid-fire Pistols
07,02,15
1st with handicap Suzy Chapman 598
Off Pistol
M Dale Price 541.1
A James Michie 512.4
B Suzy Chapman 436
C Guy Foley 262.1
D Steve Marjanovic 310.1
14,02,15
1st with handicap Suzy Chapman 615.1
Off Pistol
A James Michie 527.7
B Suzy Chapman 453.1
C Misty Mance 332.3
D Steve Marjanovic 290.1
Upcoming Shoots
Friday Nights 27th February and 6th March Shotgun Clay
Target (Sponsored by IGA)
Saturday Mornings 28th February and 7th March @ 9am
and 11am Pistols - Rapid-fire (Sponsored by Coober Pedy
Lions)
Sunday Mornings 1st and 8th March @ 10am Rifles 50m Bench-rest (Sponsored by South Cape Photography)
All shoots are for 5 consecutive weeks (long weekends
excepted) with a prize giving at the end of the year.
A full calendar will be available early in the year.
Daily Range Fees (non member) $10 Ammunition extra
All shoots are held under supervision from qualified
instructors and range masters.
For more information, please go to :
www.cooberpedyshootersclub.com.au
or call
Club President : John DiDonna 04 2764 9389
Club Secretary : Les Pullen
04 3523 2029
If there are any businesses out there that is interested in
sponsoring one of our shoots, please contact Les and we
will endeavour to promote your business along with our
shooting program.
Thursday 26 February 2015
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Page
13
What’ s On in COOBER PEDY?
& Visiting Services
MONDAYS
Karate -Golf Club
6 - 7pm General Class
7 - 8pm Teenagers & Adults
karateclub.cp@gmail.com
GREEK HALL
7pm Charcoal BBQ & Salad
Every Thursday night
COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL
FORUM - HACC PROGRAM
LITTLE MUSICIANS
10.00am—10.45am
Coober Pedy Area School
Music Room
Caters for 3 to 5 year olds
FREE SWIMMING for the Over 65s
Pool opening hours.Please
register: 8672 3299
FRIDAYS
Active Boys Group 3:15-5:00
ages 10 & up at the youth shed
TUESDAYS
COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL
FORUM - HACC PROGRAM
FREE TAI CHI CLASSES for over 65s
Sit or stand for these gentle exercises.
1:15PM at Community Health
FREE SWIMMING for the Over 65s
Pool opening hours.Please
register: 8672 3299
DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS
3nd Tuesday each month at 7pm
CFS TRAINING 7pm
New Members Welcome
AMBULANCE TRAINING
7.30pm Umoona Road. Every
Tuesday except school holidays
WEDNESDAYS
MULTICULTURAL FORUM –
HACC Program
Over 65s Gentle exercise class
9 AM at Golf Club
Please register – 8672 3299
FREE SWIMMING for the
over 65s Pool opening
hours.Please register: 8672
3299
All Welcome
Serbian Church Social
Club, Dinner 6pm Fridays
COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL
FORUM - HACC PROGRAM
Registration 12:00 noon
Tee off time 12:30
Email
cptimes@ozemail.com.au
or telephone
PLAY TIME
FREE SWIMMING for the Over
Catering for 0 to 5 year olds
65s Pool opening hours.
2.00pm—3.30pm
Please register: 8672 3299
School Gymnasium
COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL
FORUM - HACC PROGRAM
Over 65s FREE TAI CHI
CLASSES. Sit or stand for these
gentle exercises. 1:15PM at
Community Health
CP SHOOTERS CLUB
Friday night shotgun 8pm till
dark (daylight savings time)
GREEK CLUB - Bingo 7.30 pm
Catacomb Church Service
and Sunday School 9:30am
Sunday. Bus pickup available.
Ph 8672 5038
CRICKET AT OVAL
Saturday 7.00 pm and
Sunday 9.30pm
Ph: Fernando 0437 739 447
CP Social Scrabble 7.30pm
United Club . All skill levels
welcome
AA 7pm Underground Catholic
Church - Hutchison Street
Contact Geoff 0427646963
GOLF: 6pm Twighlight Golf
cooberpedygolfclub@gmail.com
SATURDAYS
COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL
FORUM - HACC PROGRAM
CP SHOOTERS CLUB
9am and 11am Pistol
FREE SWIMMING for the over 65s
Pool opening hours.Please
register: 8672 3299
CFS TRAINING 10PM
Last Saturday each month
MOSIAC at the Italian Club for the
over 65s - 1-4pm Please register:
8672 3299
COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL
FORUM - HACC PROGRAM
FREE SWIMMING for the
over 65s Pool opening
hours.Please register: 8672
3299
86725920
Thank you for
keeping
the community
informed
Youth Shed 11-2 ages 8
& up
THURSDAY
Page 14
Please update your
‘What’s on’ entries for
2015
and help draw an
awareness to
important community
activities and avoid
clashes
SUNDAYS
Golf (CP Golf Course
Mine Rescue Training
(Alternate Saturdays)
KARATE -Golf Club. 6 - 7pm
General Class. 7 - 8pm Teenagers
& Adults. karateclub.cp@gmail.com
The Lions Club
AGM will be held
on 1 March at 4
pm at the Lions
Club Hall in 17
Mile Road
CP SHOOTERS CLUB
Rifle 10am -
50th Gymkhana
William Creek
Sat 28 March
2015
We would like to invite
everyone who has had
anything to do with our
gymkhanas over many years
to come back and spend the
weekend with us. The
weekend with commence
with a “Meet and Greet” at
the Gymkhana Grounds on
the Friday afternoon. Bring
back any old photos or
memorabilia you may havewe would love to display it
on the day.
For further information
contact President Nathan
Keogh, The Peake Station,
0886707996 or Secretary
Chantelle Edmunds or
Treasurer Helen Williams at
Nilpinna Station
0886707975
Coober Pedy Regional Times
SIMPSON
DESERT
CLOSURE
DATES
The whole of the Simpson Desert
Conservation Park and Regional Reserve
will be closed from 30 November 2014 until
15 March 2015.
As from16 March 2014 vehicles are required
to have high visibility safety flags attached
to the front of the vehicle.
Simpson Desert parks in South Australia
and Queensland are closed in summer from
1 December to 15 March.
SCHOOL TERM DATES
2015
Term 1: 27 Jan - 10 Apr
Term 2: 27 Apr - 3 Jul
Term 3: 20 Jul - 25 Sep
Term 4: 12 Oct - 11 Dec
Thursday 26 February 2015
Charlie Paris
Charlie digs the
paws in
My family and I have been away on an extended
holiday. We are back home now and ready
for work.
When I woke up I had a bandage on my foot and leg.
The orders from Uncle Roger were to keep the bandage
on for 2 weeks and cut the stitches back after the bandage
comes off.
As holidays go, it was mostly good. We went to the
beach one day. I think everyone in the free world is aware
of my opinion about large amounts of water. I’m nervous
if my water bowl is overfilled. Anything that looks like a
dog bath brings fear to the toughest outback dog.
I had that bandage off in a week and I wouldn’t let anyone
touch my foot to put another one on. As for the stitches,
I took care of them myself as well. I normally follow
doctor’s advice. But seriously, what bag and shoes go
with a bandage.
So why the beach? Personally I think my mum and dad
had lost the plot. They tried to drag me across the sand;
I dug in with all paws. I anchored myself into the sand
so I couldn’t be moved. “Anchored” that’s something a
sailor would say, see I can talk the talk but there is no
way I am going to walk the walk.
All is well with my world now, I have my high heel
sneakers on and I can dog dance without pain.
Dad tried to carry me to the water, I wriggled and wriggled
until he had to put me down or drop me.
I stayed on top of the cliff face and barked for the whole
time we were there. The only time I stopped was when
I was eating lunch. Mum and dad tried to entice me
down from the cliff with roast chicken. I just barked
louder until they came to me and hand fed me. Who said
you can’t teach old people new tricks?
EmDee has no fear of water. She didn’t go in for a dip.
However, she played in the smelly seaweed she found on
the beach. I fell over laughing when she was chased by
a small crab.
We spent some days in the hills, and went to garage sales.
EmDee spent all of her allowance at Glendambo on the
way out of town. When we got to the first sale, she
borrowed money from dad. They made a deal, I think
she is feeding the cats for a month to pay the money
back. She bought a pair of pink roller-skates. Now, I
ask you. Has she ever counted her feet? 2 roller-skates is
not enough to get her rolling.
I was very discerning with my shopping choice. We had
gone to 3 sales before I found something I could not live
without. I found a new cushion for my comfy lounge.
My cushion is white and black just like me and has writing
I’m off to the Drive in tonight. I can’t wait. It seems to
be so long since it was last on.
Me resting on my comfy lounge after my
tiring extended holiday
The outside world is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t
want to live there.
on it, “Well behaved dogs seldom make history.” Laurel
Thatcher Ulrick said something similar about women, but
my cushion is for dogs.
* HY2015 Group profit of $98 million after tax, down 56
per cent on this time last year, as losses in the letter service
grow
* Australia Post forecasts first full-year loss in over 30
years
* Addressed letter volumes fell 8.2 per cent in first half –
in line with predictions of accelerated decline
* Parcel services revenue and business parcel volume up
four and five per cent respectively, despite an increasingly
competitive market
Australia Post today reported a FY15 first-half profit
after tax of $98 million, down 56 per cent on the
first half result of the previous year.
The fall in profit was driven by growing losses of $151
million in the letters business, which is 57 per cent worse
than the loss recorded by the letters business in the first
half of last financial year.
Letter volume decline accelerated to 8.2 per cent, yearon-year, which is the largest decline recorded since
Australia Post’s letter volumes started falling in 2008.
Thursday 26 February 2015
Woof Woof
Charlie Paris
It was a toss up, there were 2 cushions to choose from,
the other said “nothing is really lost until your mum can’t
find it” Mine looks nice on my lounge, if there was a
program like “the block” for dogs I would win it. I have
style!
There was one sad part to the holiday; there was an
emergency dash to the VET. I had a growth on my foot
and it was bleeding all the time. We talked to Uncle Roger
Absalom, he said get Charlie Paris to me as fast as you
can.
He took one look at it and said, “Get the operating room
ready!” I was given an injection and the last thing I
remember is my dad lifting me up on to a cold metal
table.
Letter losses drive Australia
Post profit decline
Monday 23 February 2015
Just before we go, “EmDee, do you want me to push you
around on the skates? Put your two front legs in one and
your two back legs in the other. Hold on. After that you
can feed the cats. Better you than me.”
Australia Post’s current forecast for the full year is for a
company-wide loss – its first since 1982. Losses in the
letters business are forecast to overwhelm the Parcels
business’ profit in the seasonally quieter second half of
the financial year.
Managing Director & Group CEO Ahmed Fahour said
the half-year result highlighted the urgent need for
regulatory reform of Australia Post’s letters service to
ensure a stabilised mail service for the future.
“We have been carefully managing the real decline in our
letter volumes for the past seven years. But we have now
reached a tipping point where we can no longer manage
that decline, while also maintaining our nationwide
networks, service reliability and profitability,” he said.
Charlie Paris, Dog Reporter
(charlie-paris@hotmail.com)
Bottles & Cans to
help
OUR DRIVE-IN!
Do you have clean 10c bottles or
cans laying around? If so we will
be happy to get rid of them for
you!
All proceeds go towards the
upgrade of the Coober Pedy
Drive-In Canteen. Please contact
either Sue 86723542 or
Sandy 86825792 (leave a message)
to arrange collection
“A government-commissioned external report last year
predicted that – without reform – Australia Post will incur
$12.1 billion cumulative losses in letters, and $6.6 billion
for the enterprise over the next 10 years.
“Many Australians already recognise Australia Post needs
to change and we have found our customers are open to
considering ways we can change and improve in order to
stay relevant,” Mr Fahour said.
Coober Pedy Regional Times
Page 15
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Coober Pedy Regional Times
Thursday 26 February 2015