FREE Tel: 08 86725 920 http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com Thursday 4 - 17 March 2010 PATRICK WILLIAMS MARRIES LONG TIME SWEETHEART STEPHANIE On the 23rd of January As hard as it may sound, the In September 2008 2010 Patrick Williams couple stuck it out and Stephanie packed her bags from Mt Barry Station, relied on the phone and also and left Adelaide to try the Coober Pedy and wrote letters to keep on outback with Patrick at Mt Stephanie Quaini from track with each other. Barry working for Williams Adelaide married at Cattle Co. Immanuel College It wasnt very often that they Chapel. were able to see each other In June 2009 Patrick took but they took any chance Stephanie to Sydney for her Relatives and friends that came their way to visit 22nd birthday and traveled from the outback and catch up. proposed on Sydney to attend the ceremony. The Harbour. couple met at Immanuel Patrick would often drive College where Patrick The wedding reception was down to visit or Stephanie held at the Convention boarded and Stephanie would fly up to Coober attended as a day scholar. Centre in Adelaide where Pedy and spend time with both Patrick and The couple started dating Patrick and his family at Mt Stephanie's family did what when they were 16 and Barry Station or to watch they do best... party! continued to be together Patrick in Bronco after they completed year Brandings. Patrick and Stephanie are 12. They went on to have a now managing Arckaringa distance relationship as As time went on it was Station and Stephanie visits Patrick moved back to Mt becoming difficult to home to see her family Barry to work for the family continue the relationship throughout the year. business and Stephanie living so far away from Patrick Williams from went on to work for her each other which meant one Mt Barry Station, father’s business in of them had to make the marries Stephanie Adelaide. move! So, Quaini from Adelaide UNDERGROUND CHURCH WEDDING FOR JAMIE & SARAH Sunday 28 February saw the The Bride looked stunning in her wedding of Coober Pedy’s Jamie beautiful gown with all her equally Hay and Jessica Sari from lovely attendants looking so special Finland. in their black gowns, carrying red gerberas. Attending the couple were Paige, Raymond, Travis, Lauren, Adam The Groomsmen complimented the and Deidra. ladies with their red button holes and ties. The service was conducted in the Catacomb Church by Rose-Marie A grand reception was held in the Berry, Marriage Celebrant, at Opal Inn lounge where speeches 3.00p.m. Sunday 28th February were made, the cake was cut and 2010. much merriment took place.

Jamie is the grandson of Noel and Approximately 60 locals attended Kylie Hay, 4 year residents of the wedding to wish them well, Coober Pedy and both working at giving them a memorable the Opal Inn. beginning to their future together.

Jamie who recently moved to The Hay family are extremely Coobe Pedy to be near his family proud to welcome Jessica into the met his bride Jessica who has been family. working here as a nurse.

The couple soon became friends and fell in love. Jamie didn’t waste any time popping the question and Jamie Hay, Coober Pedy and Jessica Sari from Finland with bridal attendants Paige, putting plans into place Raymond, Travis, Lauren, Adam and Deidra INNAMINCKA RESIDENT FEAR OPAL FEST - COOBER PEDY LACK OF EFFECTIVE RADIATION EXPOSURE TO CELEBRATES 95 YEARS CONSERVATION IMPACTS SA The COOBER PEDY REGIONAL TIMES available ‘WORLD WIDE’ READ Newspaper FREE online at: http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com PO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723 Editor Coober Pedy Child Care Links Youth & Social Ph: (08) 8672 5920 Margaret Mackay Sue Britt Tanya Lauder Rose Temple Email: [email protected]

DEADLINES + Publishing 10 Mar - 12 Mar - 18 Mar 24 Mar - 26 Mar - 1 April 7 April - 9 April - 15 April Local Scribes ie. 5pm Wednesday - Articles Regional Scribes 5pm Friday - Advertising

Advertising Rates Black & White Display $6.30 per cm/col Classified $8.00 per cm/col Colour on Application Inserts on Application Helen Williams Charlie-Paris Lynnie Plate Veronica Hartnett Nilpinna Stn. Regional Dog Reporter Oodnadatta/Outback Mintabie/Outback DISTRIBUTING 4,500 + to THE COOBER PEDY OPAL IS YOUR STORY SA : ADELAIDE CENTRAL & Suburbs. Also Cavan, Bute, Pt. FESTIVAL COMING UP ON IMPORTANT ?? Pirie, Dublin, Minlaton, Pt. EASTER WEEKEND Simple Tips Broughton, PT. AUGUSTA, Snowtown, Pt. Wakefield, Ceduna/ 1.) WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY is the The Coober Pedy Opal Festival weekend held annually at Easter each LATEST material can be accepted Thevenard, Pt. Lincoln, Woomera, year is a celebration of PRECIOUS OPAL, distinct to this region. Roxby Downs, Hawker, Leigh Creek, Arkaroola, Marree, Copley, The township of Coober Pedy situated on tribal lands is entering it’s 95th 2.) DO NOT send information on year as an OPAL MINING community. Opal was first found by a young MICROSOFT PUBLISHER Parachilna, Nepabunna, Lyndhurst lad named Willie Hutchison accompanying an early gold prospecting and Stations, Innamincka, party traversing these arid lands in search of water, at the time. 3,) DO NOT attach photos to Andamooka, Pimba, Glendambo, The annual Opal Festival is a time of reflection and celebration of our MICROSOFT WORD documents. Kingoonya, Tarcoola, Cook, pioneers, past and present and has drawn world attraction as one of the Prominent Hill Village, COOBER last frontier towns in existence which incorporates many curiosities and much history. 4.) Attach photos to email using PEDY, Cadney Park and Stations, “paperclip” (do not reduce Marla, Mintabie, Oodnadatta, One of many features of Coober Pedy is it’s unique multicultural com- photos) William Creek and Stations, Witjira munity which visitors greatly enjoy along with their once in a lifetime - Dalhousie opportunity to take home a souvenir of our magical product OPAL. 5.) Include a description and names with photos as we do not All Communities: APY LANDS, Coober Pedy is unique in many ways that visitors to the town appreciate have a crystal ball including the underground living experience, born to us of necessity. It is NT : Kulgera, Erldunda, Yulara a town where time has stood still as people go about their daily business content with a simple existence. 6.) Deadline dates are on the Stuart Well, ALICE SPRINGS, RHS of this page (check first) Aileron, Kings Canyon, Tennant We hope you will visit Coober Pedy’s for its 95th Anniversary and Opal Tel: 08 86725 920 Creek, Festival and enjoy our unique celebration with us. Email: [email protected] http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com FAR NORTH - 7 DAY WEATHER COMMENCING 4/3/2010 SUBMISSIONS NOT received Copyright Notice by Friday, prior We’ve been working hard to provide you to printing may with interesting, useful and newsworthy information. Please remember that all of or may not the content published by CPRT, Log on to appear in a including articles, photos, images, future graphics, advertising, layout, printing Elders plate content and related material, is website for edition. owned by CPRT, or by other information up to date providers who have licensed their Coober Pedy Deadline dates content for use in this publication. and and format Additionally, the entire content of the Regional Coober Pedy Regional Times past and requirements present is copyrighted as a collective weather are on page 2 work under Australian copyright laws forecasts. Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka and may not be reproduced without written authorisation. The owner of the Disclaimer: 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 omit copy, in accordance with newspaper policies. collective work is the Coober Pedy Letters to the Editor must be attributed with a name, address and contact phone number - names and town of origin will be Regional Times Newspaper. printed, or may be withheld at the Editor’s discretion. During the course of any election campaign, letters to the editor dealing with election issues or similar material must contain the author’s name and street address (not PO Box) for publication.” Page 2 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 LOCAL NEWS Adventure Tours Australia Group WHITE CARD ACHIEVERS IN proudly supports the Coober Pedy Regional Times & Outback Communities COOBER PEDY We are a small groups tour operator who has the greatest variety of tours catering for the adventurous traveller. As well as many exclusive features we offer tours at different levels of fitness. Accommo- dations from swags under the stars to snug beds and trip lengths from one day to several weeks – the choice is yours! For full details visit our website www.adventuretours.com.au or phone our friendly reservations team (within Australia) on 1300 654 604 Group charters are our speciality For further enquiries please email: [email protected]

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Rest L-R: Ben Michie, Darryl Borrett, “Billy” Bolitho, Dejan Bulovic, Mick Insch, Richard Blobel, Dave Matters, Fuel - Meals - Accommodation Sebastiano Crisa, Ray Mazzone, Rick McCormack, Ken Boland, Peter Rowntree, Colin Rowntree, Dominic Carr, Mick and John from Poly-tech (Total Concrete Protection) Front:Tammy Szabo, Stephen Borrett and Ph/Fax (08) 8670 7001 Kym Gartner

Glendambo Roadhouse TAFESA conducted its first community based Children at Mini Gems Mobil White Card course at the local campus. Lecturer Mick Insch conducted the training with have fun making Pandas Fuel - Meals - Bus Stop Ph: all 16 participants successfully completing the (08) 8672 1092 course. Mum/ volunteer, At the end of training all students were given Claire Hinge their temporary White Cards, and after an onsite shows Spud’s Roadhouse induction, were given a quick tour of the new Coober airport. Pimba Pedy’s “ Pimba Thanks to “Billy” Bolitho, site manager for Mini-Gems” Fuel - Meals - Accommodation Tagara, for making this possible and to Mick for how to always travelling the distance to make it hap- make Ph: (08) 8673 7437 pen. Pandas 23/2/2010 carry the Planning is now in progress for the next course, Coober Pedy Regional Times so register now.

THE MINERS TRANSPORT CO P/L Johns Pizza Bar & Restaurant Servicing the Outback since 1961 Open 7 days 9:am -10pm General Carriers Ph:(08) 8672 5561 Road Trains - Flat Tops - Breakfast 9am-11am Curtain Siders ♦ Alfresco dining,Takeaway Departing Adelaide -Wednes- ♦ Relax in air-conditioned comfort days & Fridays ♦ Internet access - or as required (full loads) ♦ Servicing Coober Pedy - Promi- Group bookings and Functions welcome nent Hill - Surrounding Areas ♦ Extensive, newly prepared menu for breakfast, Depot - Adelaide 12 Myuna Street lunch and dinner. Regency Park Ph: 82681795 ♦ A large selection of pizzas as well as a range of Coober Pedy: C/- Miners Store new regular meals available. ph: 86725051 P.O. Box 69 Coober Pedy SA 5723 We Transport Almost Anything Ph:08 8672 5561 Fax:08 8672 5537 Email: [email protected]

Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 3 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS The Impact of Relationships on Ageing, Longevity and Health By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., Relationships are an essential part of health. Isolation Physical activities and loneliness create responses in the body similar to those of stress. Anti-aging can take the form of exercise. If you exercise enough, you can make your body younger, reverse some ill- The body does not function as well as when we are con- ness and prevent age-related diseases. nected to other people. Invest time with family and friends not only for happiness, but for physical health too. Low fat diet

Claims of longer life have always captivated people. While Healthy foods will supply your body with everything it needs no one knows for sure what might extend life, lifestyle change for healthy aging without any of the "bad stuff." Nutrition for is one of the concepts most discussed relating to longevity. ageing is tricky, you need to make sure you get the right kinds of nutrients without eating foods that will lead to problems in Lifestyle Change the long term (problems like diabetes). • Method: Increase physical activities, eat a low fat diet with Martine Brooks lots of vegetables, be relaxed, be social, and be engaged in Use this list as your basic guide. Health Promotion Officer the world. Community Health Nuts, Fish, Beans, Whole Grains, Fruit & Vegetables • Claim: Making changes in your daily life can extend your Tel 08 8672 5376 Fax 08 8672 3881 healthy years greatly by reducing your chance of getting a Social chronic illness. Relationships can help us to live long and happier in many • Proof: Excellent. Lifestyle change is your best bet to in- ways. crease your life span and give yourself healthy, energetic Reference: http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongrelationships/ years into old age. p/relations_aging.htm COOBER PEDY GEM TRADE SHOW The 2010 Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show will be held The Manager of Meiweibao Group, Shanghai, China - Ms from India – they will join the three Chinese buyers and over the Easter Weekend to coincide with the Coober Zhang Xiaofang - has attended for the past two years and one Indian buyer who have attended previous Shows,” he Pedy Opal Festival. has pledged to attend again this year. said.

TradeStart Export Advisor for the region, Phil Hart, said “Ms Zhang had no knowledge of opals prior to her visit in Brian Cunningham, Chief Executive of the Department the Show Committee and TradeStart had been working 2008. of Trade and Economic Development, said the Gem Show closely together to ensure a good attendance of interna- was a great opportunity for exhibitors to meet with inter- tional buyers. “Now, as a result of her exposure to the industry, she has national buyers. opened an opal outlet in Shanghai and continues to source “This is now the third year of the Coober Pedy Gem Trade opal products from Coober Pedy.” “This year we are anticipating a very successful event, Show and we have seen significant economic benefit to especially as it coincides with the Opal Festival. the town’s miners and traders,” Mr Hart said. Mr Hart says at least nine international buyers are expected “The Coober Pedy Gem Trade Show demonstrates that to attend the 2010 Show. Mr Hart says in the inaugural year of the show, 2008, sustainable export outcomes can be achieved through col- buyers came from China, India, Dubai and Taiwan, and laboration between TradeStart and the State Government’s several returned last year. “There are five new buyers from China and one Representatives offshore,” Mr Cunningham said. ROWAN RAMSEY: PRESSURE BRINGS A NATIONAL ARCHIVES WIN FOR LOCAL HISTORIANS

Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey is very “It is ludicrous to think local historians from this state these are mainly volunteers who give up an inordinate pleased to see the Government bow down to pressure would be expected to go to Brisbane to view our own state amount of time to research local history at their own cost on the relocation of our National Archives from Ad- documents,” Mr Ramsey said. and could ill afford the inconvenience and expense.” elaide to Brisbane. “Local historians have contacted me about this concern Mr Ramsey said he was pleased the government had come and I have pushed the issue in parliament. to its senses and allowed our records to remain accessible to the people of this State. “Member for Mayo Jamie Briggs instigated a private mem- bers bill on this issue which I seconded and supported. I am pleased the Government has taken notice and this is a win for all South Australians.

“The Northern Territory, Tasmanian and South Australian records relating to immigration, war records and many other commonwealth matters were to be stored in Bris- Marla Oodnadatta NRM bane or Sydney in a cost cutting measure announced by District Group the Rudd Labor Government, meaning local historians would have much difficulty in accessing information. Notice of Group “For a Government who is has amassed a huge $150bn of borrowing and spending, it is ridiculous to cut a resource Meeting #12 that would potentially save only $800,000. • William Creek “Under the government move, local historians were told they could nominate documents to be sourced for them • 19 March 2010 out of the archives interstate and have electronic copies For an agenda and inquiries contact the Board on sent at a determined price. ph: (08) 8648 5977 or the Board’s website. “People would have to know specifically what they www.saalnrm.sa.gov.au

wanted, as each time they requested anything they would SALNRM011240 be paying a fee and we know historic research does not The staff at Umoona Tjutaghu Health work like that.“People wanting to view our state records Service welcomed everyone with lunch. would then have to travel to Brisbane to look at originals; Page 4 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS FAREWELL TO MERV RICHARDS by: Sue Britt Youth Case Worker 1 fulltime position based in Coober Pedy UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie Inc.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic energetic and positive person to provide the Youth Connections Program funded by the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Rela- tions. The Youth Connections Program assists young people who are most at risk of disengaging from education or training.

The objective of Youth Connections is to support these young people to attain year 12 or its equivalent. This will be achieved through case management, the provision of training and strengthening services within the region. The successful applicants will need to demonstrate;

* Experience working with young people * Experience working in educational programs * The ability to work independently and as part of a small team * Computer and data entry skills * The ability to work with young people with multiple and com- plex needs * The ability to work in partnership with other agencies * Extensive communication skills * Report writing skills Many friend from Coober Pedy and the regional stations gathered at the Coober Pedy Cemerty (Boot Hill) to farewell their friend and relative. UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie is committed to providing a child safe environment. Later mourners attended the Italian Club where Merv’s family showed a Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory police CD of photograhps of Merv through the ages from kid to hippy to the guy records check. we knew and loved. Fr. CJ conducted the service and family members spoke Salary sacrifice benefits are available. Father CJ in conduc- Fr CJ's To apply applicants must address the essential criteria section tion the service at the conducting the in the job description, attach a current resume including con- funeral of Merv funeral service Richards spoke of of Merv tact details for 4 current referees and email to Merv’s life and Richards [email protected] or fax to 08 8632 6009. Applications achievements as the 24 February close on 15th March 2010. community remem- 2007 bered him. People from diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Father CJ was also Torres Strait Islanders, those who are culturally and linguisti- good friends with Merv cally diverse and people with disability are encouraged to and will most certainly apply. miss his computer friend.

Direct enquiries and requests for position descriptions to R.I.P Merv, from the [email protected] or Brian Martin - community of Coober Phone: 08 8633 8649 Pedy. PAPER PANDA DAY FOR EVERYONE AT MINI-GEMS

Volunteer mum, Claire Hinge shows the Pandas complete, the children are able The staff didn’t miss out on their own mini-gems children how to make paper to play and use them as masks personal Pandas to take home as a Pandas souvenir Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 5 LETTERS - as ANZAC Day approaches Vietnam Enlightened Hi Margaret, had this given to me by a friend when I was visiting Kathy and Russ in Townsville last year after I remarked the only war I was in, we lost. The attached research certainly open my eyes and showed that I should have been paying more attention to current affairs at the time. [aged 19] It is hard to believe I fell for it, but it has certainly lifted a lot of weight from my shoulders that I didn't realise was there.

Special love for your birthday tomorrow, (4th March) Ian [Mackay - Vietnam Veteran]

Vietnam: The True Victory America and Allied forces were complete outclassed by 3.During Stalin’s reign his enforcement of Communism the Viet Cong and PAVN, the Siege of Khe Sanh being in Russia and the remainder of the Soviet Union is esti- By: O. M. Eather (2002) one of the key ‘tragedies’ of the Tet Offensive. mated to have killed more than fifteen million people. Millions more were imprisoned for speaking out against This article is produced with the kind permission The facts are that, for North Vietnam, the Tet Offensive the denial of human rights by the same regime. of Don Dennis, the Webmaster of Fourays and was an unmitigated and wildly overestimated disaster. 4.Subsequent to Stalin, more than ten million Soviet citi- Owen Eather, the author. There was no mass, popular uprising and all that was zens died in political purges. achieved was the exposure of both Viet Cong and Main 5.In China, during Mao’s cultural revolution of the six- With the release of the film ‘We Were Soldiers’, based Force units to the withering destructions of American ties fifteen million died in a purge intended to correct the on the Battle of Ia Drang, the reality of the Vietnam and Allied firepower. thinking of those who dared speak out against the abuse War is finally given a reasonable and un biased depic- and denials of human rights under the Communist Re- tion. The Viet Cong in South Vietnam were effectively wiped gime. out and ceased to play any effective role in the war from 6.Pohl Pot’s Communist rule of Cambodia resulted in This is far removed from the patent, defeatist fantasies of then on. The North Vietnamese mounted an undeniable three million deaths and countless numbers jailed, tor- films such as ‘Platoon‘ and ‘Apocalypse Now’. It also invasion of South Vietnam through neutral Laos and Cam- tured and ‘re-educated’. leads to examination of the persistent myth that America bodia; an act of military amorality equal to Pearl Harbour 7.The Berlin Wall was erected in the early sixties to keep and her Allies were ‘defeated’ in the Vietnam War, a myth and the two invasions of Belgium by the German Army in Soviet Citizens in so they could enjoy the benefits of peddled continuously by journalists, academics and other 1914 and1940. Virtually all their first line combat units Communism. commentators with vested interest in convincing all that it were decimated, suffering over forty thousand killed and 8.Indonesia in the late fifties and early sixties, being funded is reality. The ‘The Big Lie’ of military defeat that, said half that number wounded. and armed by the Soviet Union and Peking, were often and long enough, becomes the ‘reality’. encouraged to take over Malaya, Singapore and Borneo None - absolutely none – of the military aims of the Com- by armed force. News organizations such as the BBC, the ABC, the ‘New munist forees were achieved and it was called off by Vo 9.The reason why Australia, the USA and other nations York Times’ and the ‘Washington Post’ are among those Nguyen Giap when its failure became obvious. It was a resisted Communism was because of the recognition of most strident in the relentless peddling of this falsehood. military defeat of the order the French Army in 1950 or the above facts and more.Saigon fell because the North It is bias and inaccuracy of the highest order, at odds with the Gallipoli Campaign. Yet, ‘conventional wisdom’ by Vietnam broke the Paris Accords, with deliberate and cold- the supposed impartiality and high standards of these re- the apologists and mythmakers hold the Tet Offensive up blooded aggression, waiting long enough after Allied nowned news institutions, but it powerfully imbeds the as a shining victory for the North. forces had left. the Communists attacked with four Ar- myth in the mainstream of accepted truths. To argue moured divisions across the DMZ in a style reminiscent against the American ‘defeat’ now automatically brings a AT Khe Sanh, particularly, an outnumbered US Marine of Hitler’s Blitzkrieg. conditioned response of disbelief and condescension, so garrison inflicted a huge defeat on the Communist forces. pervasive has this campaign been. In this new war, the NVA most certainly defeated the There, a combination of fighting spirit and technology numerically inferior South Vietnamese but this was not One of the most persistent and recognisable motifs of this beat the four NVA divisions arrayed against them and foiled the American fictional defeat posted by revisionist jour- longstanding perspective is the continuous and excessive Giap’s aim to repeat Dien Bien Phu. nalists – the Americans weren’t there! If Present Nixon use of footage of the helicopter evacuation of US citizens had not been emasculated by the ‘Watergate’ scandal, from the US Saigon Embassy, a complete non-military ac- This also destabilised overall Communist strategy for the US Airpower would have been committed to the defence tivity. It gives the impression US forces were driven out Tet Offensive, tying down valuable forces in the North, of South Vietnam, however it was withheld by a hostile of the country in 1975 – all presumably exiting from the hardly a display of the alleged superior military thought US Congress. roof of the Embassy. This is invariably accompanied by of this “master” strategist and his political master, Ho Chi dialogue using the words ‘defeat’ and ‘tragedy’ and other Minh. The Tet Offensive was a military miscalculation of Finally, another myth is the defeat of the technological emotive and fact less commentary to complete the quite the most callous and egregious kind, a complete waste of might by a bare foot army. The small part played by the shameless distortion. the military resources deployed by the North. Viet Cong against the consistent activities of the very well equipped and numerically superior PAVN forces dismisses Most recently, the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ reported on In Phouc Tuy, the Australian Army never lost a battle, no the ‘barefoot’fallacy. the opening of an Australia memorial in Phuoc Tuy Prov- thanks to the absence of our other SEATO ally, Great ince for the Battle of Long Tan. The reporter exhibited all Britain, perhaps the underlying cause of the BBC’s anti If there was any defeat in the Vietnam War, it was that of the results of thirty years of misinformation. Americanism and its particular attempts to rewrite the the political dimension. This was completely ignored, yet result of the Vietnam War. In fact, all American and Allied any elementary student ( or reporter) of war theory Firstly calling the Australian campaign ‘ill fated’, he went forces had left South Vietnam by January, 1973, over knows, as Klauswitz enjoined, “war is an extension of on to describe the battle as an ‘ambush’ of the Australian eighteen months before the fall of Saigon. policy by other means”. To focus on technology as the forces, finishing by only mentioning Viet Cong and North cause of any negative result in that war is a fatal flaw in Vietnamese casualties, not the Australian twenty dead. A peace treaty, the Paris Accord, had been signed by all any argument trying to deduce future direction in war- parties as, to all intent, North Vietnam had been well and fare. By some convoluted logic he managed to imply that Aus- truly defeated militarily in the field, despite what years of tralians were militarily inept by being ambushed, but were misinformation would have us believe. In the Vietnam War, technology was the equaliser for our also callous and brutal in daring to proceed to slaughter forces against a more numerous and well equipped en- the enemy once engaged, while suffering no casualties Concurrently, and most germane, was the fragmenting emy. Helicopters gave flexibility to move less numerous ourselves. and emasculation of Communist aggression in Asia from forces rapidly and productively. Air and artillery support the resolute example of America and Australia in Viet- gave them the firepower equaliser when they met these The facts of the Battle of Long Tan are well known, par- nam. larger enemy numbers. This crucial dynamic of opera- ticularly that it was an encounter battle, not an ambush. tions in South Vietnam, the technology ‘equaliser’, rarely The ‘dominoes’ Of South East Asia were given a price- gets a mention – except as a means of contrasting the It was far from a blundering disaster. In fact, it unbal- less five years to cement their fragile economies and be- combatants in an attempt to reap sympathy for the en- anced a determined and numerically superior attempt to gin to deliver benefits to the people, that evaporated the emy. destroy the newly established Australian Task Force at Nui former appeal of Communism. No less an authority than Dat, precisely what large, armed fighting patrols are in- Lee Kuan Yew has confirmed this crucial fact – Vietnam So, when we see the balance bought, at long last, to the tended to do. bought the rest of South East Asia the time needed to realities of the Vietnam War by ‘We Were Soldiers’, the implement economic and political reform. This was the reality of our own military victory, and its long lasting It also, irrevocably, wrested the initiative from the Viet main game, the defeat of Communist expansion in South effect on the peace of South East Asia, should also be a Cong and the People’s Army of Vietnam in Phouc Prov- East Asia, and we well and truly won it. part of that balance. ince. So much so that, eighteen months later during one of the most dangerous periods of the entire war (the 68 Facts to remember: Owen Eather 7th June 2002 TET Offensive) 1 ATF was able to commit two thirds of its strength outside the province to assist the Americans. 1.There was once a doctrine called Communism. The aim of the Communist Party as openly elaborated by Mos- This article is produced with the However, such factual analysis escaped the ‘Herald’s’ re- cow was to bring the ‘benefits of Communism to all na- kind permission of Don Dennis, porter completely. tions by worldwide armed revolution’. the Webmaster of Fourays and 2.Krusehev once threatened to destroy all non-Commu- Owen Eather, the author. The Tet Offensive is often offered as an example of how nist nations by using nuclear weapons. Page 6 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 LETTERS & COMMUNITY ISSUES

DAVID O’CONNOR COOBER PEDY RECEIVES Gulf & Ranges OPTOMETRIST FUNDING FOR RECREATION Will visit Coober Pedy Public space projects in regional South Australia worth stage 4 of the Ceduna Streetscape project. Medical Centre almost $1 million have received funding in the latest ♦ round of grants. “Stage 4 of this project will complete the business district, Monday 15 March upgrade and establish the link to the CBD foreshore precinct,” ♦ Tuesday 16 March Department of Planning and Local Government Chief Ex- he says. “The grant will help fund street scaping which will ecutive Ian Nightingale says the Open Space and Places 4 transform open spaces, enhance pedestrian walkways, and pro- ♦ Wednesday 17 March People grants will support projects in Ceduna, Coober Pedy vide public seating, better parking, footpaths and lighting.” and Parachilna, providing much-needed amenities for com- for appointment please phone munities in country South Australia. Mr Nightingale says the Outback Areas Community Develop- ment Trust received $23,275 for the $33,275 Parachilna Town 86725 376 “The funding includes an Open Space grant worth $538,100 Square project. Parachilna is famous for its Prairie hotel, the to the District Council of Coober Pedy to help support the dramatic view of the Heysen Range and desert plains leading $811,900 Family Recreation Hub in the area of town known to Lake Torrens as well as the Leigh Creek coal train and pre- as ‘the Triangle’,” he says. Cambrian fossils. “The Family Recreation Hub project includes a BMX track, playgroup equipment, landscaping and irrigation, drinking “This grant will help provide the town with a functional pub- fountains, picnic tables and new toilets. The Hub will pro- lic space for events and to cater for tourists who visit to watch vide the Coober Pedy region and the community with its the Leigh Creek coal train,” Mr Nightingale says. “The town Kingoonya NRM District Group first and only fully accessible playground, which will incor- square will be transformed by a sheltered public space with porate art and design features using the skills of local art- public amenities, sculptures interpreting the nearby fossils and Notice of Group ists.” Mr Nightingale says the District Council of Ceduna an elevated walkway and viewing platform to improve the ex- received a $326,000 Places 4 People grant for the $652,000 perience and safety of watching the Leigh Creek coal train.” Meeting #11 SA Government erosion Letter to the Editor Government • Tuesday March 30th, 2010 of workers’ rights - "An open letter to the • Glendambo Community Hall Minister for Immigration" Start time 10.30am injured are suffering continues RSVP appreciated Senator Chris Evans severe hardship For an agenda and inquiries contact the Board on Minister for Immigration ph: (08) 8672 3648 or the Board’s website. Suffering is being endured by injured work- Parliament House; Canberra to sow ers in South Australia – suffering that is a di- www.saalnrm.sa.gov.au rect result of government policy,” Australian Lawyers Alliance, Tony Kerin, has warned Dear Senator Evans, seeds of SALNRM011239 “The government has systematically stripped The Rudd government's recent in- away the rights for workers to gain adequate com- troduction of "special category visas" Destruction pensation, which means that if someone you care has allowed some foreign residents to buy "used" houses in Australia. It The Invasive Species Council is calling plants promoted for salinity control, and about is injured at work, due to employer negli- for a ban on the sale of tall wheat grass gence, they cannot sue for the recompense needed has been reported that up to fifty the failings in weed laws that are allow- to treat their injuries,” Mr Kerin said. percent of homes in the best sub- (Lophopyrum ponticum), a serious weed ing a worsening of already dire weed urbs of Melbourne, for example, are promoted for salinity control. problems. He said the right to recover damages for injury, now being purchased by people sustained from the negligence of another, was a living overseas. Even worse, many Policy Officer for the Invasive Species “Many of Australia’s most costly and common law right – a cornerstone of our legal of these foreign buyers are leaving Council, Dr Carol Booth says tall wheat damaging weeds are plants that were pro- system. these homes empty in the hope of grass is one of Victoria’s worst emerging duced for pasture under schemes mostly simply making capital gains. Many weeds, but continues to be promoted by the funded by taxpayers.” “South Australia is the only state in Australia of these purchasers are officials of Victorian Government for salinity control. “The salinity program suggests that the where workers have no right to sue their employer the Chinese Communist Party. lessons of the past have not yet been for negligence,” Mr Kerin said. “According to the Government’s own learned,” Dr Booth said. Clearly the effects of these changes modeling tall wheat grass could invade an Why should any worker suffer the stress, hard- include putting even more upward area more than 20 times larger than that af- “These failings have been recognised in ship and indignity of not knowing where his or pressure on rents and home prices. fected by salinity.” a recent review of Federal environment her next meal is coming from, simply because of It seems to me that this is laws, with Dr Allan Hawke finding that a flawed system? outrageous. Government policy Presenting at this week’s Global Biosecurity there had been a ‘substantial failure’ of 2010 Conference, Dr Booth said tall wheat State and Territory laws in regulating This massive injustice must be stopped. should be aimed at making it easier, not harder, for people who are living grass was one of the toughest plants on the potentially invasive plant species.” in Australia, to buy homes. We planet, tolerant of salinity, drought, frost, al- We, at the Australian Lawyers Alliance, promote kalinity and waterlogging. Reforms recommended by the Invasive justice freedom and the rights of the individual should discourage speculation in our homes, which are so central to our Species Council include a requirement for and as such demand a return to every worker of “It is invading many different habitats in their common law rights,” Mr Kerin said. quality of life. risk assessment of all new species and southern Australia after having escaped from cultivars proposed for release or spread He urged the community to take steps to ensure I urge you to do all that you can to cultivation in hundreds of sites, putting at into a new area. the government heard the message of this immediately reverse this misguided risk more than a dozen federally listed marginalized, vulnerable group of people. policy. threatened species as well as many more “Only those species and cultivars as- state-listed species.” sessed as low risk should be permitted.” “Phone or email Mike Rann’s office. Tell him Peter Kavanagh MLC The Invasive Species Council also calls what you think. Phone your local MP. Write a DLP Member for Western Victoria A new report released by Invasive Species for federal controls over nationally sig- letter to the editor. Vote for any candidate who Parliament House, Melbourne Council details the threats of tall wheat grass nificant species threatening biodiversity. promises to stand up against this injustice!” and other invasive pasture ROWAN Est: 1982 UNDERGROUND HYDRAULIC BOOKS RAMSEY HOSE REPAIRS Ph: (08) 8672 5920 Post Office Hill Road Send to: MP at Coober Pedy Tyre Coober Pedy Regional Times Coober Pedy’s Newspaper Books Email:[email protected] Federal Centre Cards & Stationary Souvenirs Representative or: [email protected] Computer Supplies Stationary Tel: Rod 86725 436 Desert Parks Agent & other tours Maps & Books on the area (Whyalla) 1300 301 651 Mob: 043 7167 938 Download Newspaper Local Information/Road report (Port Pirie) 1300 301 742 FREE online at Information [email protected] 7 day service www.cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordrpress.com Phone: (08) 8672 5558 Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 7 Cooper Creek residents fear radiation/

thorium exposure after Innamincka Hot Following the Habanero well- head blow-out, Geodynamics site Manager Mr. Bill Austin Rocks explosion held a series of community briefings to appraise locals and visitors of the ongoing situation at the leaking well.

Many residents believed that the foul-smelling gas which could be smelt close to the site and in the town when the wind blew from the south, was Thorium.

A man with many years experi- ence in oil and gas drilling, who left the company , after Habanero # 1 was spudded, predicted that radio-active gases and Thorium would be found at levels similar to those of the Habanero wells.

Residents of Innamincka were in- formed on 3 March 20/10 of a change in personnel at Geodynamics’ Habanero #3 site near Innamincka.

The role of Habanero Site Man- ager has been made redundant and a new role of Area Manager Cooper Basin has been created.

Current Site Managers, Mr. Bill Austin and Mr. Leonard Spencer were both considered for the new Area Manager role, but were un- successful in their applications and as such are both being re- trenched.

Mr . Austin will be missed by the Innamincka community. Bill al- ways attempted to address com- munity concerns and to answer questions about the Habanero operation.

Mr. Austin ably managed the po- tentially dangerous situation dur- ing the Habanero well-head in- cident in April 2009 and was in- strumental in facilitating the stabilization and evacuation of a critically ill resident from Innamincka on Christmas Day. Public Health Statement for Thorium (part of) Studies of thorium workers have shown that breathing thorium dust may cause an increased chance of develop- ing lung disease and cancer of the lung or pancreas many years after being exposed. Changes in the genetic ma- terial of body cells have also been shown to occur in workers who breathed tho- rium dust. Liver diseases and effects on the blood have been found in people in- jected with thorium .. ...Thorium is radioactive and may be stored in bone for a long time, bone cancer is also a potential concern for people exposed to thorium. Photographs: Rose Wilkins http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ Reprinted from the Cooper Creek Chronicle toxprofiles/phs147.html ARETAS OPALS AND PHOTO SHOP GREEK COMMUNITY

„ CAMERA SPECIAL - 2 for $40 2009 CHARCOAL BBQ & BINGO „ BATTERY 4 PK. - 2 for $11 THURSDAY NIGHTS Charcoal BBQ „ MEDIA CARDS - Buy 2 (get 2nd from 7.30 pm one at 1/2 price) „ Media Card burnt to Disc $5.00 FRIDAY NIGHTS community Bingo „ OPAL cut and polished while-U-wait evenings commencing at 7.30 pm Specials only apply if voucher presented or mentioned Everyone is welcome. Many prizes to win Page 8 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT Pastoralists & Environment Camel cull (Reprint) have no protection from fast By Nicole Lee track mining “ Farmers, environment need better protection “At the moment it’s a totally unfair battle between Camels terrorising from ‘fast track’ mining, says Mark Parnell.” the rights of miners and the rights of farmers. remote communities There needs to be a shift in our law that recog- will be shot in the Premier Rann needs to explain how today’s an- nises the importance of preserving our food desert by trained nouncement to ‘fast track’ mining approval won’t bowl,” he said. marksmen. further erode the rights of farmers and the envi- ronment, says Greens MLC Mark Parnell. Mark Parnell also called for some of the $10 Mil- The remote community lion in ‘fast track’ funds to be sent to the Depart- of Docker River on the “So called ‘fast tracking’ of applications is often ment of Environment and Heritage to keep track Northern Territory and code for less consultation and fewer rights for the of mining applications on public land in national Western Australian community to appeal and amend mining devel- parks and nature reserves. In 2008, DEH con- border is under siege opments,” said Greens MLC Mark Parnell. firmed it had just one ongoing position dedicated from hundreds of to coordinating the administration and assessment thirsty camels desper- “As it is, mining companies can explore pretty of exploration and mining activities in parks and ate for water. much everywhere and the level of compensation reserves. for farmers and other landowners is totally inad- Around a million cam- equate,” he said. “The public would be very surprised to know els roam the Central most of our National Parks are still very much Australian desert, The Greens back the call by the SA Farmers Fed- open to miners,” Mr Parnell said. wrecking communi- eration for a comprehensive overhaul of the 1971 ties, destroying vegeta- Ferrel camels, introduced from the middle Mining Act. Mark Parnell will introduce a re- “With hundreds of mining applications hanging tion and contaminating east pictured roaming unrestrained form Bill when Parliament resumes that increases over our National Parks, the Environment De- fragile waterholes. The throughout Australia, long abandoned by the protection for farming land under threat from partment needs a lot more help to give each and male bull camels can their original owners mining. every one proper scrutiny,” he said. be particularly violent and aggressive. "We classify it as a double tap. The first shot is a killing shot and the second shot is to ensure the European Carp in huge num- Now trained marks- kill is there. We actually go for what we classify men have been hired to as a heart and lung shot so it does massive dam- conduct a mass culling age to the heart and the lung. So the animal is bers demonstrate neglected of three thousand cam- dead within a couple of seconds." els. "There's no glory in what we do. We are trained environment Kim Schwartzkopff is to do a job and that job is to humanely kill an the man heading up the animal." Lake Cargelligo over the border in New South A Deniliquin based company that utilises the fe- culling operation. He's Wales may be a little off the beaten track to ral interlopers turning carp into liquid fertiliser also one of the Territo- Camel destruction many people, but to those in the know it was a are currently responsible for removing in excess ry's most experienced place of unspoilt natural beauty and nice of 200 tonnes of European Carp from Australian camel cullers. “fresh water”. waters each year and never run out of these ferals. Talkback callers rang 783 ABC Alice Springs Local Radio recounting their stories of camel So how do they kill the destruction in the desert. The fertilizer company are able to source carp camels? from most of lakes throughout the Murray- Dar- "I've seen the camels wreck an entire commu- ling Basin, but were unable to access these carp Three thousand camels in Lake Cargelligo as the water had receded too nity. They wrecked the demountable buildings will be shot over four and they've bought down a windmill." far. days. Based on a twelve hour working Lake Cargelligo is now drying off, as the Lachlan "They're a major pest, worse than the rabbits," day, that's 62 camels said Ken. River has been shut off at Condobolin. and hour. Or a camel a minute. Kim will have "The camels damage the fences, they get in wa- Fertilizer companies removing carp from our wa- his job cut out for him. terways by the tonne, seems to be the only cur- ter holes and die and pollute them. People hit them rent form of helping to reduce this environmen- in their cars. They're very destructive of the veg- "Helicopter is the best etation." tal problem. means of moving cam- els because of the “These photos visually highlight what an envi- "As far as I'm concerned the party is over. Just speed and because they shoot the camels," said Barry. ronmental disaster carp have become to our natu- do travel large dis- ral environment. tances over a short pe- Alby worked in the Pitjantjatjara Lands for many riod. You can't really years and saw first-hand the devastation camels Thousands of European Carp lie dead on get vehicles into areas are reaping on the desert. the shoreline of Lake Cargelligo. where the camels are." "I've seen the destruction the camels can do. I've The camels will be even got a photo where we counted 300 hundred Photograph: Ian Fuller, Charlie Carp mustered away from and we just lost count of them. I'm sorry to say Deniliquin the communities, roads but those camels are destroying communities," and waterholes deeper said Alby. into the desert before As recent conditions drastically lowered the lake’s they are shot. water levels a rather alarming problem became MACHINE QUILTING AT visible, that has huge environmental implications Kim is adamant that ***AFFORDABLE RATES*** for all the inland waterways of the Murray-Dar- the camels will be shot ling Basin. humanely. Do you have any unfinished quilts? Two weeks ago, thousands upon thousands of "We actually aim at a large European Carp died in the hot conditions certain point on an ani- mal and we do double Single $70, King Single $80, and shallow water of the drying lake. Their pu- Double $95, Queen $105 & King $120 trefying corpses were obvious for all to see – and check to make sure the smell! animal is dead before The receding water level of Lake they're left. Discounted Patchwork Quilts for sale Enormous numbers of European carp living in Cargelligo reveals just how many Lake Cargelligo, have caused devastation to the European Carp are calling our lakes Part of a series - GWENDA McERVALE lake’s environment and its native fish population and waterways home. Ferrel species and is replicated throughout the country’s inland underming the P: (08) 83915836 M: 0402 473 745 waterways, similar to when Lake Boga dried up natural ecology PO Box 265 MT BARKER SA 5251 in northern Victoria three years ago. Photograph: Ian Fuller, Charlie Carp Deniliquin Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 9 COOBER PEDY CFS OPEN DAY DEMONSTRATIONS

Make sure you stay alert.

During the fi re danger season, you need to keep informed of bushfi re threats. Mobile and landline telephone warnings are just one way that you may be advised of a bushfi re in your area. Other ways are by listening to ABC Local Radio and FIVEaa on a battery powered radio and checking the CFS website. Do not wait for a warning message before you act. Fires may have damaged phone and power lines or the fi re may be moving too fast for you to The Coober Pedy Above: CFS volunteer firemen demonstrate putting out a fire CFS open day went receive a warning. Stay alert and be prepared. www.cfs.sa.gov.au using foam, on Bulls gas tank opposite the CFS headquarters. very well with all of our expectations For the demonstration, correct protocols were explained. WDMALERT met, and more.

The day was successful in recruiting some new members however we are still need of more volunteers.

Testing a variety of fire extinguishers

Voting is about choosing someone to represent you in Parliament, someone who shares your views and opinions and giving them your vote. It is about voting for others, Those who attended the CFS Open day demonstrations were able to participate but in a way, it’s like you’re in putting out fires using a variety of fire extinguishers trying to elect yourself. We’re not asking you to stand for Parliament. Just reminding For more information you of your right to stand for visit ecsa.sa.gov.au I would like to say thank you to all the members who helped with the day and all something by casting your vote. or call 1300 655 232 those who attended and participated in the demonstrations BlackSheep ECS0007/D Sandy Lalic (Captain CFS) Authorised by K. Mousley, Electoral Commissioner Page 10 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 COOBER PEDY FESTIVITIES RAMP UP

Join the Fun at the Coober Pedy Opal Festival 2010

Pamela leads the Coober Pedy Area School Opal Flag Bearers Photo: Sue Britt Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 11 REGIONAL INFORMATION DENTIST DATES PinkPink RRoadoadhousehouse OodnadattaOodnadatta Coober Pedy Tel: Dental Clinic (08) 86 707 822 Freecall: 1800 802 074 www.pinkroadhouse.com.au Caravan beside School

Fax: Email: PROPOSED VISITS 2010 (08) 86 707 831 [email protected] All Monday - Friday 29 March - 1 April 27 - 30 April 24 - 28 May 21 - 25 June 19 - 23 July 16 - 20 August 13 - 17 September 11 - 15 October 8 - 12 November 6 - 10 December Lions Club TRASH & TREASURE

WHAT’S ON in COOBER PEDY ? LIBRARY NEWS MONDAYS FRIDAYS R u a school student who loves spending time at the library? Last Saturday of each Month Ambulance Training Italian Club Fish ‘n Chips 6.30 pm - 7.30pm If you are we would love to c u join YOUTH TUESDAYS Quiz night 2nd Friday night of our library committee!! Just come month at 8pm sharp District Council Meetings and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere 3nd Tuesday each month at 7pm (once a term) and help to make Are your kids SATURDAYS decisions about your library!!! CFS Training asking questions WEDNESDAYS Mine Rescue Training 2010 Celebrations – about Jesus or (Alternate Saturdays) Library Turns 30!! Active Girls Group AFSS HOUSE God? Trash-n-Treasure Lions Club from 3.30 pm until 5pm We need a new 30th birthday LOGO The Catacomb Church runs Last Saturday each Month for the Library bag. Please bring Craft Group 7.30 - 9.30pm at your designs into the library! Children’s Ministries which may help Catacomb Church - Quilting or BYO CP SHOOTERS CLUB Tel: Joy Palmer 8672 5038 or June Pistol Competition We will be celebrating next Easter Maclean 86725029 10am and 12pm with the Coober Pedy Area Schools Rapid Fire 50th Birthday GOLF (CP Golf Course) THURSDAYS New Online Resources Anzac Day – April 25th – www.libraries.sa.gov.au Greek Club: Charcoal Grill & Salads Ring Pastor Peter Palmer at the Coober Pedy RSL Club, Please see library staff for support in Catacomb Church on 86 725 038 Italian Club: Happy Hour 6.00 - 7.00 pm. Dawn Service and street march accessing these websites. Roast/Veg commencing at 6.30 pm. Interesting Fact! ENGINEERING SERVICE FRIDAYS SUNDAYS Borrowing Statistics CP SHOOTERS CLUB have increased from 25066 last year UREN ENGINEERING Greek Club - Bingo 7.30 pm Rifle Competition (30/06/07-30/06/08) to 29040 this United Club Sundays 10am year (30/06/08 -30/06/09). We’re PTY LTD doing something RIGHT!!! Soccer 7pm, Bowls 7pm Disco - Golf (CP Golf Course) Light, Heavy & Structural Fabrication International Women's Day Sat 13 March OUTBACK EVENTS Earthmoving Equipment Where: Italian Club Repairs & Maintenance Time: 1pm to 3.30pm • William Creek Gymkhana - Motor Body Building Acupressure without needles - Saturday 27th March 2010 Semi Trailer Repairs, Aluminium/ Steel group sessions, • The Marla Bronco Branding — Health Checks, Milling Machines Market Stalls, food, 24th April & Dawn ANZAC Service Machining & Repetition Lathes entertainment and a chance to catch up on the 25th at Marla. Quick Turn-around with friends! • Oodnadatta 120th Races & 116-118 WINGFIELD ROAD WINGFIELD 5013 Local Ladies Welcome. Gymkhana—14 & 15th May— Just contact us in regards to your needs For more Information or volunteering Official programme out soon PH: 08-83471119 FAX; 08 83471442 please call Gilli or Julie on 8672 3271 Email: [email protected] Page 12 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 EASTER FESTIVITIES 2010 Opal Festival Sat 3 April

Coober Pedy turns 95

Opal Festival 2007 Opal Festival 1995 Opal Festival 1981

Coober Pedy Area School students march along Hooray for the School Canteen The Tastes of Serbia - where the men cook Hutchison Street ahead of a giant easter egg Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 13 COOBER PEDY VISITOR INFORMATION NEWS c When I first commenced in my position at M ARDLE Coober VIC as the Tourism Officer I visited many of the accommodation, tourist attrac- FREIGHT tions and businesses to see what they offered Provides a Weekly our visitors and to get a visual of the place in order for me to promote all local businesses Coober Pedy Visitor \ Service to better. Information Centre News Coober Pedy & Coober Pedy Visitor Surrounding Areas Everyone I have visited so far has made me feel Information Centre very welcome and have taken the time out of The CP VIC office is open their day to show me around. Monday to Friday’s from 8.30am to 5pm. To show our appreciation and continue the good Weekends & Public Holidays from 10am to Truckin’ Frozen, Perishable and relationship between the VIC and your busi- ness we have presented some Certificates of Ap- 1pm General Freight. Also Specialising in CP VIC STAFF preciation. Livestock, Wool and Bulk Cartage Sandra Harris Tourism Officer Adelaide: (08) 8349 6999 I know there are still more businesses to visit [email protected] so, see you soon. Sandra Harris Sandra Harris John Holdrich Mobile: 0408 859 037 Coober Pedy Visitor Information Tourism Officer (Weekends) Fax: (08) 8349 6066 Officer Sandras ‘getting to know you’ spree - meeting local tourism operators -

BUSH LOGISTICS TRANSPORT Carriers to Outback SA. Adelaide - Woomera plus all Far North Outback Towns and Stations incl APY Lands

email: Mike Crowley [email protected] Tel: 08 82626313 Fax: 08 82625143 COPPER CITY HAULAGE TRANSPORT & Freight Needs

Copper City

Haulage Certificates of Appreciation

General & Heavy Pictured above are:

Carriers 1.Tony (Linda was taking the pic, not easy when you’re on crutches—Tks) The Desert View U/G Apartments Out of Areas 2.Jed, the next generation of Hoteliers—they start ‘em early at the Mud Hut! 3.Noel & Rosie from Tom’s Working Mine 4.Terry, Josephine & friends from Josephine’s Gallery 5.Mike & Mercy from The Underground Locations Motel 6.Bubby from the Look Out Cave Motel 7.Nisar from The Desert Cave 8.Deane & Val from The Coober Pedy Experience Motel 9.Trevor from Old Timers Mine 10.Nilantha from The Opal Inn 11.Mark from The contact: Oasis Caravan Park 12. David from Star Opal 13. George from Opalios 14. Margaret from Opal Cave 15. (08) 8825 3041 Bob from John & Yoka’s (tks Yoka for the pic) Stay tuned for next month’s photo gallery.

Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 14 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PUBLIC NOTICE - NATIVE TITLE POSITION VACANT APPLICATION TRANSMISSION LINES AN AUTHORISATION MEETING FOR A NEW NATIVE TITLE CLAIM Changing OVER THE WESTERN PORTION OF TIEYON PASTORAL LEASE (TJAYIWARA) AND AYERS RANGE SOUTH PASTORAL LEASE the way (UNMURU) “THE CLAIM AREA” we treat Mining Act, 1971 Native Title (South Australia) Act 1994 people Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section is to be held on SATURDAY 27 March 2010 53(2) of the Mining Act, 1971 and Part 5 of the Native Title (South Australia) Act, 1994 and at MARLA (Progress Hall) commencing at 10:00am the Regulations thereunder that 4 applications for miscellaneous purposes licences have With billions committed to transforming health been received. Details of the proposal may be into the sustainable system we all know it inspected at the Department of Primary Industries PURPOSE OF MEETING needs to be, we’re changing the way we do and Resources, Mineral Resources Group, Level 7, 101 Grenfell Street, ADELAIDE 5000: many things. This is a big, revolutionary step for Applicant: OZ Minerals Prominent Hill us, and a meaningful but necessary one for the To authorise a person or persons to make an application for a determination Operations Pty Ltd people we treat. All we need now is you to help Location: Allotment 2041 DP 40325 OH of native title over the Claim Area, as indicated on the attached map, on make it happen. (Billa Kalina & Kingoonya) Mount Eba Station, approximately 135km NW of behalf of all those persons who in accordance with the traditional laws and ABORIGINAL PATIENT PATHWAY OFFICER Roxby Downs customs of the Yankunytjatjara People hold native title rights and interests Country Health SA, various locations Area: 245.18 hectares Indicative Total Remuneration: $70,086 - $72,925 Purpose: Electricity transmission line for the over that land, and who therefore make up the Native Title Claim Group for – Temp F/T (Contract until 30/06/2013) – ASO4 purpose of supplying power to the Prominent Hill Operations that area. This is a great opportunity to help shape a new service in Reference: T02789 country SA to improve the Aboriginal patient journey. In this role you will be a central contact person, coordinating a Applicant: OZ Minerals Prominent Hill Operations Pty Ltd consistent level of support and monitoring the patient journey WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS MEETING? Location: Allotment 2041 DP 40325, Allotment to the health service and then home. Several positions are 2042 DP 40325 and Piece 2 DP available in metropolitan and country areas. Job Ref: 928. 28562, OH (Billa Kalina & Kingoonya) All those persons who in accordance with the traditional laws and customs For more information visit: Mount Eba and Millers Creek Stations, approximately 95km NW of the Yankunytjatjara People hold native title rights and interests in the www.health.sa.gov.au/careers of Roxby Downs claim area. If you cannot attend personally please make sure that you are or phone 1300 882 992 Area: 229.64 hectares Purpose: Electricity transmission line for the represented by a family member with authority to speak on your behalf. purpose of supplying power to the Prominent Hill Operations Please contact Michael Ellul on free call 1800 010 360 to confirm your atten- Reference: T02790 dance or make a request for assistance. Applicant: OZ Minerals Prominent Hill Operations Pty Ltd MINERAL REGISTRATION Location: Allotment 2042 DP 40325, Allotment 2023 DP 35056 & Block 273, OH (Kingoonya and Andamooka) Millers Creek & Billa Kalina Stations Area: 232.39 hectares Purpose: Electricity transmission line for the purpose of supplying power to the Prominent Hill Operations Reference: T02791 Mining Act, 1971 Applicant: OZ Minerals Prominent Hill Notice is hereby given in accordance with Operations Pty Ltd Section 28 (5) of the Mining Act 1971, that the Location: Allotment 2023 DP 35056, Block Minister for Mineral Resources Development 273 OH (Kingoonya) and Piece 1 DP proposes to grant Exploration Licences over the 47722 OH (Andamooka) Billa Kalina, undermentioned areas. Parakylia and Roxby Downs Stations, Applicant: Westernx Pty Ltd approximately 10km NW of Roxby Downs Location: Cootanoorina Hill area – approx 60 km south of Oodnadatta Area: 241.48 hectares Pastoral Leases: Toondina East, Nilpinna, Purpose: Electricity transmission line for the Allandale purpose of supplying power to the Prominent Hill Operations Term: One year Reference: T02792 Area in km²: 710 The Minister for Mineral Resources Development Ref: 2009/00301 is required to have regard to any representations Applicant: Tasman Resources Limited received from owners of the land (including native Location: Warrior area – approx 90 km title holders) to which the applications relate and/or any interested members of the public northwest of Tarcoola in determining the applications or in fixing the Pastoral Lease: Muckanippie conditions to be attached to the licences if granted. Term: One year Written submissions in relation to the granting Area in km²: 435 of 4 miscellaneous purposes licences are invited Ref: 2009/00363 to be received at the Department of Primary Plans and co-ordinates can be Industries and Resources, Mineral Resources found on the PIRSA website: Group, Level 7, 101 Grenfell Street, ADELAIDE http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/minerals/public_notices 5000 or GPO Box 1671, ADELAIDE 5001 no later or by phoning Mineral Tenements on 08 8463 3103. than 18 March 2010. J. Martin Copies of all submissions will be forwarded to the A/Mining Registrar applicant and may be made available for public Department of Primary Industries inspection unless confidentiality is requested. and Resources J. Martin A/Mining Registrar PRIIND012901 www.pir.sa.gov.au Department of Primary Industries and Resources RESUMES PRIIND012913 www.pir.sa.gov.au

Want to apply for a job but need some assistance ADVERTISING with a Resume and written application or just need some guidance on what career you can do?

The Career Development centre in Port Augusta If you need to place an offering a free service to rural and remote clients, confidential career planning to help you how to advertisement in figure out where you want to go with your work life and how to get there. EARLY GENERAL NEWS Situated at 73A Commercial Rd, Port Augusta you or CLASSIFIEDS can give them a call anytime between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday and they can assist you email: either over the phone or make an appointment Keep when you are next visiting port Augusta. [email protected] the Outback Contact Dave McRae on 86423410 to find out more information on the free service funded by Tel: 08 86725920 the Northern Regional Development Board and Beautiful State Government. Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 15 CLASSIFIEDS & ADVERTISING Deadline for Classified Material is Friday 5 pm prior to publishing. See page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates POSITION VACANT WOOMERA RANGE ACTIVITY WARNING

Far North Economic Development Manager Department Defence $90,000 salary package including fully maintained vehicle

Regional Development Australia Far North, formerly NRDB is looking for WOOMERA an individual to drive the economic development of the Far North of South Australia. The role aims to drive maximum benefits from the mining boom PROHIBITED in terms of new jobs and new business in Far North South Australia. AREA We are looking for an enthusiastic hands on economic development manager with a good commercial understanding and an empathy for assisting business in the outback. The role also supports the broader community development for Coober Pedy in particular while reaching out across outback SA.

The job is located in the iconic outback community of Coober Pedy. This RANGE ACTIVITY WARNING NOTICE

is a unique opportunity for an individual keen to play an important role in The Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) are scheduled to conduct the launch of a sounding rocket in the ensuring the region extracts maximum benefits from the mining boom in Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA) during the period 21 - 28 May 2009. The predicted impact point is in a remote area of the South Australia. WPA West of the Tarcoola to Alice Springs railway line. The WPA is declared under Defence Force Regulation 35 as a prohibited area for the purposes of ‘the testing of war material’. From time to time other Defence approved activities, such as sounding rocket launches, are also conducted. For further information contact Claire Wiseman on 08 86411444, email The WPA is located in the North West of the State of South Australia and is approximately 127,000 square kilometres (12.7 million hectares) in area. Its South Eastern corner is located approximately 450 kilometres North West of Adelaide. [email protected] The Job and Person Specification can also be Members of the public traversing the WPA via the Stuart Highway and Coober Pedy to William Creek road are reminded that downloaded from www.rdafn.com.au these roads are part of a prohibited area and that they are not to deviate from them. Other roads and tracks entering the WPA are signposted to the effect that the WPA is a prohibited area and no person shall enter, be or remain therein without proper authorisation. Penalty for unauthorised entry is $2200 fine and/or six months Applications should be sent to: imprisonment under Defence Force Regulation 35. Claire Wiseman Deputy CEO Under Section 82(1) and 82(2) of the Defence Act 1903, it is illegal to photograph, draw, sketch or paint any part of a Defence Installation or enter a defence installation with materials or apparatus for carrying out such activities, without lawful authority. Regional Development Australia Far North Members of the public traversing the Anne Beadell Highway from Coober Pedy to Emu Junction are reminded that in addition PO Box 1762 to a permit being required from the Area Control Officer - Woomera, a permit is required from: Unnamed Conservation Park PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs PO Box 569 CEDUNA SA 5690 Closing date for applications is close of business – 19 March 2010 Phone (08) 8625 3144 Maralinga Tjarutja Lands Administrator Maralinga Tjarutja Lands PO Box 435 CEDUNA SA 5690 FOR SALE BY TENDER Phone (08) 8625 2946 Tallaringa Conservation Park Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs 9 Mackay Street PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone (08) 8648 5300 There may be some items such as cylindrical rocket motor cases and nozzles, flat rectangular pieces of metal, spherical tanks, military projectiles or unexploded ammunition encountered in the WPA. If any unusual item is encountered it must not be handled as it may be extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury or death. Note the description and location of the item and report it to the Pastoral Station Manager or the Area Control Officer Woomera – Telephone (08) 8674 3370. Within the WPA there are sites of significance to indigenous people. These sites are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 with penalties of up to $50,000.00 for causing damage to or removing items from these sites. Inquires in relation to the use of or entry into the WPA should be directed to: Area Control Officer – Woomera Aerospace Operational Support Group Defence Centre PO Box 157 WOOMERA SA 5720 Phone (08) 8674 3370 FREEHOLD COMMERCIAL PROPERTY - FOR SALE BY TENDER adcorp21608 Large corner block of approx 5000sqm, Building approx 490sqm, Retail Fuel license- 3 in ground tanks, Suit variety of uses. Fully equipped mechanical workshop and tyre centre suitable for any business related to the vehicle industry. MEMORIAL NOTICE AGM NOTICE Expressions of Interest close 5pm on 12/4/2010 Judith Harrald 0438 100 810 Merv Richards A friend we will sadly miss, but the memories will never die. FOR SALE - MACHINERY FOR SALE - PROPERTY Thanks Merv. Caterpillar 322B Excavator 1997 BAIRD BAY R.I.P 3 b.r. home, beach front Our deepest sympathy to his family & Reg.OSV288. $46000.00, ONO friends. phone: 0427551985 1215 sqm block, fully furn see www.diysel.com.au for more info Rick & Barbara $360,000. Ph (08) 83885294 Indemnity: COOBER PEDY SAINTS FOR SALE - MACHINERY Advertising agencies and Coober Pedy Saints Football Club, wish to PUBLIC NOTICE VET advertisers accept full responsibility remind players and supporters that mem- for the contents of all D9 H Dozer - in Coober Pedy bership fees are due for the 2010 season… I, Roger Absalom, wish to advise that I am advertisements and agree to Working Order. Fair condition no longer practicing at the Port Augusta indemnify the publishers against Playing membership $100.. This covers Veterinary Services. any claim or proceedings out of the John Ciganek Tel: 86 725896 cost of bus travel to and from games and Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity publication of such advertisements. includes a T shirt to personally relay this to my clients and I Provision of material or copy for Keep the Non Playing membership $60. Includes a would like to thank them for the privilege of publication constitutes acceptance free T shirt. caring for their animals over the last 26 by advertisers and advertising Outback years agencies of this condition. Beautiful Any Enquiries to Greg Burns or Mark Bell. Roger Absalom 0428426619 Page 16 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010 Designer types ! The Sport of Kings Corgis - a righ royal pain Last weekend I caught up with a race horse trainer, called Nugget. He was thrilled to meet me. Nugget has I went around to visit my friend Rocky last week. been in the racing game for 10 years. Dedicated to his Rocky is turning 17 years old this year. That’s a mile- job, he told me that training a horse requires patience, stone in anyone’s life. As a dog it is a lot more because time and a lot of knowledge. He works with the horses 17 in dog years is 119 years old. Rocky is an Austral- while they are exercising, that means he is up before 5am each morning. (Good grief!) ian citizen and he’s lived a good and productive life. Nugget is a horse whisperer, but is the first to let you Rocky knows that when you turn 100 years old the Queen know the horse must trust you. Getting the horses in and of England sends you a telegram, this telegram is special out of the float is a big job. Last weekend the team was because not many receive it. If you reach 105 you get moving 8 horses, everyone working together or it wouldn’t another telegram from the Queen and one for every year be a smooth job. Nugget takes responsibility for the after that. By his calculations, The Queen is now 16 tel- horses, and sleeps at the stable. egrams behind. I asked him do you ever get any good betting tips from Rocky has seen the Queen on TV. She is always sur- the horses? He said they tell him all the time who to back, rounded by Corgis. We have done some research into the but he’s a dog, what can he do about it. life of a Royal Corgi. If I said jealousy, backbiting, un- I asked about the horse names, they seem so funny and wanted pregnancies and even murder, would you think I often hard to say. Nugget agreed, he said he would talk to was talking about a best selling novel, or the latest C.S.I.. his 2 legged boss, and ask about calling their next horse Not at all! I am talking about the Royal Corgis and their Charlie Paris. ( Look for that one at the Melbourne Cup) life in the palace for the last 50 years. Nugget travels from Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin, The Royal Corgis don’t live a real dog’s life, how could Rocky, on his comfy rug thinking about his every 6 months, following the racing circuit. He told me they? For a start they have hot and cold running servants. telegram from the Queen it’s a great life and he has no plans of retiring. I hear the Royal Corgis are not house-trained. The Queen may love them but the servants are the ones running after A servant puts out the silver bowls, arranged in a circle, them with blotting paper and soda water to deal with the so each dog is equal, so it appears there is no favouritism stains on the carpets. among the jealous pack. In the bowls the Queen places Pedigree Chum, adding fresh rabbit, a dry biscuit and tops Princess Diana’s butler was knocked unconscious one day it off with gravy, not to mention the fresh scones and but- when the Royal pack of dogs pulled him down icy steps. ter and for breakfast, toast and marmalade (What? No All of the Royal Land Rovers have chewed leather up- Vegemite?). holstery. The Royal family have made Corgis famous. The breed Princess Michael complained about the Corgis one day, was chosen by Queen Liz, when she was a little girl, be- and the Queen commented that the dogs behaved better cause they are intelligent and easy to train. She loves her than the princess anyway. We think the Queen discusses dogs so much she took one on her honeymoon. There are world affairs with the dogs over lunch. only 8 dogs left now, so it is easier to fit them on the Queen’s bed for an afternoon nap. The Queen feeds the dogs herself, from silver bowls. After the Royal family and guests finish their meal, a silver tray It seems that not everyone in the Royal family shares the of dog biscuits are placed on the table so the Queen can same passion for the pooches that the Queen does. In fact My boyfriend Ralfie hopping in for his chop on feed her little treasures. One guest was confused, a Church Prince Charles prefers Labradors. one of his Valentine's Day presents. He's so cute of England Bishop, had taken one from the tray and al- most finished the biscuit when he realised it was dog food. Me and Rocky were thinking that if we email Prince Charlie he could have a talk to his mum about the tel- Valentine’s Day was good for me, Ralfie gave me egrams. We tried everywhere to get his email address Schmackos and cool chew toys and I gave him a pack of and looked on facebook as well, but we couldn’t find it. meaty bones and a yellow collar – yellow is the colour of Do you think he has an unlisted email address? true love you know.

What we did find is an email address to the royal secre- I’m so over this hot weather. There were times when the ice cubes in my water bowl completely melted! taries of the Queen. www.royal.gov.uk If we all write to them and let them know they have forgotten Rocky, he should get one soon. Just say “Centenarian, Rocky, care Woof Woof of the Coober Pedy Post Office, South Australia 5723, Charlie Paris has missed out for too long. Fix it.”

I think they will get the message. If that doesn’t work and Rocky never gets a telegram for his 100th he has made it clear he won’t send the Queen a birthday card for her 100th.

by: Dog Reporter Nugget the horse whisperer with some of his charges. Nugget sleeps in the stable Charlie Paris [email protected]

Services Available to the Out- back STREAKY BAY

Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 17 FAMILY MATTERS

Tanya Lauder Child Care Links Officer District Council of Coober Pedy “Child Care Links is funded by the Austral- ian Government under the Family Support Program”.

Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 18 Thursday 4 March 2010 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 19 FAR NORTH ACTIVITIES OPAL MINER KEN HALSE TO HOLD WINE TASTING TO ASSIST COOBER PEDY HOSPITAL

Ken Halse, well known Coober Pedy identity has been Ken who has a passion for Coober Pedy and before it is Bowling & Sporting Association on Friday 12th March at an opal miner in South Australia for many years. Re- too late wishes to do some fundraising for the Coober Pedy 6.30 pm. Any money raised will be towards the purchase cently Ken has become quite unwell.. hospital by hosting a Wine tasting Function at the United of specialized chair(s) for the Coober Pedy hospital. Ken’s tickets below

OODNADATTAOODNADATTA && MARLAMARLA

Page 20 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 March 2010