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Tel: 08 8672 5920 http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com Thursday 4 June 2015 “FOCUS ON OUR CORE STRENGTH - OPAL AND TOURISM” SAYS MAYOR The 2015 Far North SA Economic Forum took place in the Conference Room of Desert Cave Hotel on Tuesday 26th May.
Mayor Stephen Staines opened the event with an authoritative speech that drew attention to the continuing importance of the opal industry for Coober Pedy.
He talked about Far North SA and the State of South Australia “riding the wave of optimism” that large scale mineral mining had brought to the region but now, Coober Pedy had to “get back to basics and focus on our fundamental strengths, opal and tourism.”
The Mayor spoke of the opal industry’s strengths such as: - In 1985, opal was adopted as the Gemstone Emblem of South Australia; - In 1995, opal took the mantle as the National Gemstone of Australia; - Australia continues to supply a staggering 95 per cent of the world’s natural gem quality opals; - The highest quality precious opal ranks with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires as the world’s top five most valuable gemstones; - The state's three major opal fields - Coober Pedy, Mintabie, and Andamooka – are all located in Far North South Australia – and the opal from these fields continues to supply an estimated 80% of total world production. Yanni and Christo Pantelis gave a presentation on the transformation of the former Ampol Roadhouse, now Shell His speech implied that, despite our advantages over other opal producing countries, Australia does not capitalise on “Opal mining is an intriguing part of the mining sector Once again, the local businesses at the event were by far our strengths very well. and has a special place in Australian history. That fact the most engaging and relevant. Christo and Yanni Pantelis alone should be sufficient to ensure that the industry is gave a presentation on the history of Ampol Roadhouse preserved and cherished by this state and this country,” and it's transition from an ordinary service station in 2008 Mayor Staines explained. to the impressive world-class dining establishment it is today.
“Opal and tourism in Coober Pedy are inextricably linked. In 2008 a full renovation and upgrade began on the Shell They exist in a symbiotic relationship. Without opal mining, - Coober Pedy. tourism in Coober Pedy loses its authenticity, its realness, its character, and becomes, in my opinion, a little tacky,” "In the past few years we have been known as Caltex Coober he said. Pedy and now Shell Coober Pedy," Chris explained, "but to the locals, we'll always be Ampol," he said. Mayor Staines drew the audience’s attention to the fact that, in 2015, Coober Pedy not only celebrates its100th Since 2008, all components of the petrol station have been birthday but also the 50th birthday of our hospital, our replaced and offer visitors and locals alike a fun and first police station, our first underground church as well relaxing atmosphere to visit and escape the heat. The as our drive-in. “1965 was indeed a boom year!” he renovation included a full new fit out of the petrol station explained, “and that boom was driven not by anything as well as the main attraction, the adjoining Coober Pedy else other than increased opal production.” Outback Bar and Grill. The mini-bar and beer garden is inspired by the small bar revolution that has taken place “Our town’s very existence is a monument to sacrifice, Adelaide over recent years. It offers modern inside and to independence, to hard work, to helping others when outside areas perfect for meeting up with friends to be their luck is down, to using what we have - not what entertained. The Coober Pedy Outback Bar and Grill is we’d like to have - to overcome the odds and, above all the perfect place for self-driver’s to fill up the car with else, a belief in ourselves and in our future. If we continue petrol and enjoy a nice meal and atmosphere. to live by these values, we will continue to overcome the odds, and grow and prosper.” The other local presenter was Colin Northway from IGA Coober Pedy. Tim Carter and family of IGA have invested After the event, the Coober Pedy Regional Times asked a huge amount of time and money into improving and Mayor Staines why his speech focused on the opal industry. expanding the old Lucas' Supermaket in Hutchison St.
“I received a copy of the program in advance,” he explained In May earlier this year at Adelaide Convention Centre, “and noticed that a speaker on opal was conspicuously Coober Pedy IGA Fresh was awarded the IGA Fresh absent so I tailored my speech to address this oversight. Produce Department of the Year Winner 2015. This Opal and tourism are our strengths and that is what I prestigious award is given in recognition of range, variety, think we should focus on from an economic development housekeeping, customer satisfaction and excellence within Mayor Stephen Staines at the RDA’s 2015 Far perspective in the immediate future. That is not to say we the Fruit and Vegetable Department. As part of this award North Economic Development Forum do not keep our eyes open for other opportunities. But Coober Pedy IGA Fresh went on to be Voted 2015 SA addressing an audience of around 30 visitors until we either create those opportunities ourselves or they IGA Retail Store of the Year! They now automatically are presented to us from elsewhere, we need to focus on qualify for the National awards to be held in in Queensland our core strengths,” he said. in July. GO COOBER PEDY! (More on IGA inside) SERVING THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 1982 7 DAYS WEATHER Cold 7c - 20c - Coober Pedy - Editor - Margaret Mackay Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka an underground town, built PO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723 on the back of opal mining Ph: (08) 8672 5920 333 days sunshine Email: [email protected] Coober Pedy is Australia’s real ‘Down Under’, famous for its fabulous opals and bizarre Next Newspapers subterranean homes. For generations, miners have dug into the white and orange rock to extract Thursday 18 June 2015 the valuable, sparkling stone. The tunnels and Thursday 02 July 2015 chambers were converted into undergrounds Thursday 16 July 2015 homes in order to escape from the desert heat. Thursday 30 July 2015 Coober Pedy ‘evolved’ as the result of a massive post war Opal Rush where hardy pioneers developed a make or break precious Advertising Rates gem industry in the desert terrain. Black & White Display $6.50 per cm/col Classified $8.00 per cm/col Colour on Application Inserts on Application Bookings by Wednesday prior Material must be in Fri prior Opal miners at work in Coober Pedy DISTRIBUTING 4,500 + to See the spacious UNDERGROUND SA : ADELAIDE CENTRAL How to send articles SERBIAN CHURCH with it’s magnificent . Also Cavan, Bute, Pt. Pirie, Dublin, Minlaton, Pt. stained glass windows and carvings. Broughton, PT. AUGUSTA, Snowtown, Pt. Wakefield, to CPRT Visitors can stay overnight and * Bute Foodworks 9 High St, Bute, SA * Snowtown IGA 36 Railway Tce, The Coober Pedy Regional Times - “Your Outback Communities Newspaper”, became experience underground life as the locals do! * Port Broughton IGA 27 Harvey St a FREE Newspaper in 2006, increasing its distribution to 4,500 hard copies + digital * Dublin BP Lot 7 Port Wakefield Rd, online download, promoting news, events and distributing advertising to our regional Enjoy LAWN BOWLS, TENNIS and * Port Wakefield BP Truckstop towns. The CPRT is a small business and receives no external funding. TABLE TENNIS in the friendly atmosphere 22 Snowtown Rd Port Wakefield of the United Club Sporting Centre. A feature of the newspaper’s long history is that it maintains its prominence in the Ceduna/Thevenard, Pt. Lincoln, Penong, Fowlers Bay, region as a voice for the people; a regular form of communicating opinions for those Coorabie, Nundroo, Yalata, Jacinth Ambrosia, Nullabor, in remote areas who may otherwise be overlooked or underestimated. Spend a day on the most challenging Eucla and Border Village GOLF COURSE in the world. Woomera, Roxby Downs, Hawker, Leigh Creek, Arkaroola, Letters to Editor should be sent by email where possible and be relevent to the Marree, Copley, Parachilna, Nepabunna, Lyndhurst Quorn community. During Easter Coober Pedy holds its and Stations, Innamincka, Andamooka, Pimba, Glendambo, annual OPAL FESTIVAL & GEM TRADE Kingoonya, Tarcoola, Cook, Prominent Hill Village, SHOW COOBER PEDY, Cadney Park and Stations, Marla, 1.) Aim for a 300 word story in plain text, if you are sending a News Mintabie, Oodnadatta, William Creek and Stations, Witjira - Article after an event. Arrive at COOBER PEDY on the Dalhousie All Communities: APY Lands, 2. If seeking an Editorial - “Advertorial” or “Special Feature”, please famous GHAN TRAIN enquire about the cost first. NT : Kulgera, Erldunda, Yulara Stuart Well, ALICE Visit the OPAL FIELDS - you’ll SPRINGS, Aileron, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek, 3.) Advertisers may be entitled to editorials 4.) Sponsorship for material from clubs or community programs is by believe you’re on Mars. Join tours to local http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com mines to see how they work and get the arrangement chance to noodle (fossick) for your own opal Copyright Notice 5.) Names and Captions must accompany photos + DO NOT All of the content published by CPRT, including REDUCE PHOTOS Take a tour to the natural landscapes articles, photos, images, graphics, advertising, 6.) DO NOT attach photos to MICROSOFT WORD documents. outside the town (see film locations like Mad layout, printing plate content and related material, is Max: Beyond Thunderdome and Red Planet) owned by CPRT, or by other information providers 7.) Letters to Editor need to be signed and also may be edited. who have licensed their content for use in this 8) WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY is the LATEST material can be accepted. including the PAINTED DESERT, the publication. Additionally, the entire content of the Discretion may be used by editor under varying circumstances. colourful BREAKAWAYS and the MOON Coober Pedy Regional Times past and present is 9.) Deadline dates are on the LHS of this page (check b4 sending) PLAIN copyrighted as a collective work under Australian copyright laws and may not be reproduced without SUBMISSIONS not received by Friday, prior to Join the MAIL RUN out of Coober written authorisation. The owner of the collective Pedy to deliver outback mail! Take a leisurely work is the Coober Pedy Regional Times Newspaper. printing are generally unlikely to appear flight over the spectacular LAKE EYRE Be part of the last frontier mining town and CROSSWORD 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 omit copy, in accordance with newspaper policies. Letters to the Editor must be attributed with a name, address and contact phone number - names and town of origin will be 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 must contain the author’s name and street address (not PO Box) for publication.” Right of reply is always available. INDEMNITY Advertising agencies, advertisers and other contributors accept full responsibility for the contents of advertisements and other submitted, signed material and agree to indemnify the publishers against any claim or proceedings out of the publication of such advertisements or material. Provision of material or copy for publication in the Coober Pedy Regional Times Newspaper constitutes acceptance by advertisers, advertising agencies and other contributors of this condition. Page 2 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 AT LAST, DECENT RAIN FOR 38.8 mm rain for COOBER PEDY BUT WHERE Coober Pedy DOES 38.8mm GO? A band of heavy cloud originating near Port Hedland in WA delivered 38.8mm of fresh rain-water to a parched Coober Pedy on it’s way to the east coast.
The rain that fell from Wednesday 27 May to Sunday 31 May was a welcome relief to desert dwellers who look forward to winter wildflowers in a few weeks time. Where does this water go within our town? El Niño strengthens
Issued on 26 May 2015 McArdle’s Freight yard on Flat Hill Road is a regular Overnight campers create a bog at entrances to hot-spot for flooding. A few trees might benefit (?) travellers watering point next to Information Centre The El Niño in the tropical Pacific continues to Could they be diverted to somewhere with facilities (?) strengthen. International climate models surveyed by the Bureau indicate sea surface temperatures will remain well above El Niño thresholds at least into the southern hemisphere spring.
Oceanic and atmospheric indicators show a clear El Niño signal. Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have exceeded El Niño thresholds for nearly two months, supported by warmer-than-average waters below the surface. Trade winds have remained consistently weaker than average since the start of the year, cloudiness at the Date Line has increased, and the 90-day average Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is now below “10.
El Niño is often associated with below-average winter and spring rainfall over eastern Australia, and above- At Shell corner there is nowhere for water to drain off quickly - Could we divert and recycle this average daytime temperatures over the southern half of stormwater to benefit some nearby trees (?) the country. However, the strength of El Niño doesn’t directly relate to the strength of its effects on Australia’s climate.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is currently neutral, with the majority of the Indian Ocean being warmer than average. Of the five international models that monitor the IOD, three suggest a positive IOD event is likely later in 2015. A positive IOD is typically associated with reduced winter and spring rainfall over parts of southern and central Australia.
Issued by Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Next update expected on 9 June 2015 What is El Niño? From St. Nicholas Street looking towards Shell From St. Nicholas Street looking towards Opal Inn Over much of Australia, but particularly eastern Australia, El Niño events are associated with an increased probability of drier conditions.
El Niño is the negative phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. El Niño events are associated with the appearance of a warm ocean current off the South American coast and sustained negative Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) values.
El Niño refers to the extensive warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific that leads to a major shift in weather patterns across the Pacific.
El Niño events are often accompanied by cooler than normal sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the western Residents collected rain-water both inside and A green bin serves as a handy tank to catch some Pacific, and to the north of Australia. outside for future use potential garden water
UNDERGROUND COOBER PEDY OME OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 7.00am - 5.00pm BOOKS Sat 7.00am - 1.00pm GLASSWORKS Sun Closed OUTBACK MAILRUN TOUR (ABN: 66 341 152 244) •Fuel •Gas Refills •General Engineering and Light Fabrication •Industrial and hardware supplies Cards & Stationary Free Quoting, On site repairs & Prompt Service •Filters all types •Hydraulic Fittings •Oils Computer Supplies Commercial, Domestic & Vehicles •Bearings •V Belts •Hosing •Air Fittings •Trailer Parts •Safety Gear •Dog Food Desert Parks Agent & other tours Qualified Glazier - 25 years experience •Chain blocks, slings, rigging gear •Cigweld Agent Maps & Books on the area For all your Glass needs call Searle Trading Pty Ltd Dave at Coober Pedy Glassworks on Opal Miners’ Enterprises Local Information/Road report Lot 1299 Old Water Tank Rd 0488 788 294 or alt 0428 204 246 Coober Pedy SA 5723 Phone: (08) 8672 5830 Phone: (08) 8672 5558 ABN: 44 761 266 367 Thursday 4 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 3 2015 OODNADATTA RACES AND by Helen Williams GYMKHANA 125 years of racing was celebrated in grand style at Oodnadatta on Saturday, May 9th. A good crowd turned out in perfect weather to witness great horsemanship, sportsmanship and skill as competitors participated in the many events held throughout the day
The local Macumba Syndicate took out the honours in the 2015 Oodnadatta Pastoral Cup, when Justin Nunn on Stakhanovite, was first past the post. Second was Nothing Shall Pass, owned by Ronald Boland and ridden by Tereasa Hawkins while third place went to Ring Leader , owned by Stuart Anesbury and ridden by Jacob Biddell RTC Group representative Greg Warren presented Hayley The RTC Group/CMV Foundation Bracelet was also taken Nunn with the Bracelet, after Justin Nunn riding Noir Cooper Wheeler, The Peake participated in all out by the Macumba Syndicate with Noir Rosoir, again Rosoir was first past the post in that event. the events with Justin Nunn aboard.
Happy Ha Ha, owned by Ian Johnson and ridden by Jamey Foster was successful in the Pink Roadhouse Sprint.
Hayley Nunn accepted the Leading Race Horse Trainer award, and Leading Jockey was Justin Nunn.
In the gymkhana events Damo Klembt from Oodnadatta was the 9and Under Champion while Layla Johnson, Nepabunna won the 10-15 group
Jim Wheeler ,The Peake Station and Justin Nunn tied for Adult Champion and Jim’s horse Magic was Champion Horse.
Grace Johnson was Champion 9 and Under Motorcycle Jamie Foster riding Happy ha Ha, owned by Ian Justin Nunn on Stakhanovite winning the Champion and Dallas Johnson took out the 10-15 age Johnson, winning the Pink Roadhouse Sprint Oodnadatta Cup group, Justin Nunn was Senior Motorcycle Champion rider.
Ed Rankin, The Twins, took out the Adam Plate Memorial Mono Competition and the Jack Plate Memorial Men’s Sprint was won by Oodnadatta local Kyle Aitkin, with Bobby Warren Jnr in second and Casey Bailes third.
All in all a great day was enjoyed by everyone. The committee would like to thank everyone who helped out in any way, and all the amazing sponsors for their continued support .
We now look forward to the Oodnadatta Campdraft and Bronco Branding, which will be held on Saturday, July 18th 2015. Oodnadatta will also host the national finals of Bronco Branding at this event, and teams are expected The beautiful birthday cake, (125 years of racing) made from Queensland and Northern Territory, as well as our state. and iced by local nurse Jess O’Dea Right: Layla Johnson, Nepabunna was 10-15 Gymkhana Champion, pictured with Oz Minerals rep Geoff Deans
Above: Jarrod McArdle represented Mc Ardle Freight and gave out trophies to the children’s winners at the races Damo Klembt, Oodnadatta was Under 9 Gymkhana Champion
Page 4 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 HISTORIC FILMS CAPTURE OPAL MINING HISTORY & CULTURE Designed by John & Coober Pedy Historical Society Drive-In Night Yoka Dunstan
On Saturday 23rd May, the Historical Society held a free viewing of 4 historic films about Coober Pedy, as we continue to celebrate Coober Pedy’s Centenary year.
The first short film segment, “The Opal Cave Dwellers” taken in 1942, was sourced from the Lutheran Church Archives in Adelaide and explained by Jenny Davison who by studying old photographs was able to place the old images in today’s setting.
“Opal Vista Boulevard” and “The Boy from Coober Pedy” purchased from the ABC were made in the early 70’s and feature well known identities as Faye Nayler and Peter Carroll while “the boy” was George Naumovic showing the life of kids in those days.
The film gives an accurate snapshot of a boy’s life in George Naumovic as The Boy from Coober George (and Davey) cart mountains of dirt after Coober Pedy in the 1970’s. With his friend Gary Weaver, Pedy helps Mike Davison and his son Davey the shots go off George noodles for pocket money on Mike and Sue who are making their dugout Davison’s mine dump, then helps Peter Rowntree delivering water. After school, George swims with other children in a dozer cut, and slices his noodled opal after starting the generator for his mother so that she can do the laundry. On the weekend he helps Mike Davison who with his son Davey, is making their dugout. George and Davey face a mountain of dirt to shovel after the shots go off.
“The Boy from Coober Pedy” shows life in a simpler time, just one generation ago, but a world away from today.
“Jackpot Town” on loan from the National Film and Sound Archives was made by Jeff and Mare Carter who were in town making the documentary in 1971 and filmed the disastrous fire at Moustrides as well as capturing the spirit and optimism of Coober Pedy people at the time. George noodles opal for his pocket money on In the film George helps Peter Rowntree deliver An enthusiastic crowd of 80-100 people attended the show Mike and Sue Davison’s mine dump water for the Coober Pedy townsfolk in 40 cars and enjoyed the added bonus of tea and coffee with homemade cake and biscuits at intermission, for a gold coin donation. This was made available by the Historical Society members and raised $188.90, which has been donated to the Drive-In Committee.
This quote from Tracey Piggott, who manned the gate welcoming people with a program, sums up the success of the night. “It was so great. I couldn’t believe how clear the sound was. I love that this concept (history film night) attracts people from the past who probably never come to a Blockbuster; the recent people like me who are interested in the past Coober Pedy, and of course the tourists of which there were a number and all excited to be able to attend a Drive-In AND discover more of what the town is about. Soooo when’s the next one?!”
“Thanks to the Drive-In Committee for making the facility available and to Matt Key, the projectionist on the night. Klara Hartl, Virgie and Andrea Gerschwitz At intermission patrons lined up for their hot Thanks to all the Historical Society members, Sue Britt, discuss the films with Jenny Davison during drinks and discussed the movies thus far Judy Harper, Judy Sparrow, Tim Webb and Tracey Piggott intermission who cleaned the canteen area, provided supper and were on hand to help”.
“There will be more History film nights so watch this space and also the notice boards for the next poster”
Jenny Davison, on behalf of the Coober Pedy The Historical Society provided choices of The homemade slices, cakes and biscuits were Historical Society homemade brownies, cake and biscuits at very popular intermission Thursday 4 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 5 POLICE NEWS
On Tuesday 26th May 2015, Senior Community Constable Dean WALKER attended Mabel Creek OPAL DEALERS SHOULD KNOW Station with Ramanth THOMAS (Aboriginal Liaison Officer), from UmoonaTjutagku Health Service along with a group of Aboriginal men from the Men’s Health Group. He provided them with information in relation THE ORIGIN OF GOODS THEY BUY to Drugs, Alcohol and Domestic Violence issues within the community. His participation and that of Coober Pedy Between Monday 25th and 27th May 2015 Police The proprietor was reported for theft and receiving stolen Police was appreciated. attended a local Opal shop in relation to a report goods. He will be attending court at a later date. of the proprietor being in possession of Police remind opal dealers to ensure they know the origin stolen jewellery. of opals and jewellery they purchase, as receiving stolen goods may lead to being charged with theft. If you Police searched the premises and located 20 items of suspect some opals or jewellery being offered to you opal jewellery believed to be stolen, valued at may have been stolen, contact Police on 131444 to attend approximately $30,000. and make an assessment on the items.
On Monday 25th May 2015 Police located a loaded Police have been working with the management of a rifle in the home of a Coober Pedy resident. The rifle local accommodation venue in relation to a series of was situated leaning against a wall behind a door. Police recent thefts from visitors and interference with visitor Senior Community Constable Dean Walker with the Men’s seized the rifle and ammunition. The owner was motor vehicles in the area. Police have been paying Health Group at Mabel Creek. reported for insecure firearm and not holding a firearms particular attention to the area, including foot patrols and licence. This is a seriousoffence and the owner faces overnight patrols. substantial fines and possible imprisonment. The incidents have been predominately opportunistic POLICE OPEN DAY - On Wednesday 27th May 2015 Police, SA ambulance subsequently attention to security by visitors would likely and CFS attended a vehicle rollover on the Stuart alleviate or reduce the incidents.Police have limited lines 50 YEARS OF PERMANENT Highway about 75 kilometres south of Coober Pedy. of enquiry at this stage and request further information Four international tourists were fortunately uninjured from any members of the public who may be able to POLICING IN COOBER PEDY during the crash. Several motorists stopped to check on assist. Please reinforce with visitors the importance of the occupants and contacted Police for assistance. Police securing personal affects and vehicles. On Saturday 6th June 2015, between 10.00 am and thank the public for their assistance. This incident is a 3.00 pm Police will be holding an Open Day at the reminder for everyone to be careful on the roads and Police also encourage business proprietors to contact Police Station, to celebrate 50 years of permanent ensure that regular breaks are taken to avoid fatigue. them for information and assistance when reviewing their security arrangements. Police have a number of guides policing in Coober Pedy. to personal, home and business security. On Sunday 24th May 2015 Police stopped a male This is a great opportunity for anyone who has an interest driver for a random breath test. The driver returned a in having a look inside the Police facilities, particularly for positive reading and attended at the Coober Pedy Police Police remind members of the public to call 131444 families with children. There will be historical display of Station for a breath analysis test. He returned a high for Police assistance or 000 in the case of photographs, uniform and equipment. range blood alcohol reading of0.198. The driver was emergency. reported for exceeding the prescribed concentration of Local uniformed police officers will be available alcohol and driving unlicensed. The driver was issued throughout the day to guide members of the public through an immediate loss of licence for a period of 12 months, If anyone has any information of criminal matters the facility. There will be a ceremony for the unveiling of excluding him from obtaining a driver’s licence. His in and around Coober Pedy please contact Crime- a commemorative plaque at midday. vehicle was clamped for a period of 28 days. He will Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or ring the Coober Pedy face court at a later date. Any enquiries can be made at the Coober Pedy Police Police on 86725056. Station on (08) 8672 5056. Major reform to parole laws to be introduced - ‘no body, no parole’ On World No
The State Government will introduce changes to South Mr Piccolo said that life sentenced prisoners who are Australia’s parole laws that will deny parole to life granted parole will now be on parole for the remainder Tobacco Day sentenced prisoners who fail to help authorities locate of their natural life, meaning an indiscretion may see the remains of their victims. them returned to jail. Quit running out of puff The ‘no body, no parole’ rule will compel the Parole “If you have committed a crime so heinous that you are Board to consider how life sentenced prisoners applying given a life sentence, then the community expects life for release have cooperated with authorities during their to mean life,” he said. With South Australia having the highest rates of investigations. “Currently, life sentenced prisoners remain on parole hospital admissions for asthma in the country, Correctional Services Minister Tony Piccolo said the from three to 10 years but under these changes even if Asthma Foundation SA strongly encourages changes to the Correctional Services Act 1982 deliver the person is afforded parole they will be required to smokers to seriously think about quitting. on the Government’s election commitments and are about serve their life sentence. strengthening victims’ rights. “The changes will also allow the Parole Board to order On World No Tobacco Day smokers across the “I could not think of anything more awful than to have a a life sentenced offender on parole to be subject to GPS globe are encouraged to quit smoking and to stay loved-one missing, whilst their killer serves time in monitoring. quit. prison,” Mr Piccolo said. “This would give peace of mind to victim’s families as “These changes will provide an incentive for the offender often parole conditions forbid the offender from entering Talk to a qualified Asthma Educator about asthma to cooperate with authorities and hopefully bring some particular suburbs or areas of the State. and smoking by calling 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 closure to families of victims whose remains have never 462). been found. “The State Government has a commitment to community safety and the rights of victims and I expect the Quitting smoking is difficult. Help is available “I have sat down with parties from across the criminal Opposition and others to help us deliver these important justice sector to discuss these changes and those reforms to our parole system.” through Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848) discussions have been very productive.” At the election the Government committed to 200 new Think about quitting and give it a go! Further amendments will also be sought to implement GPS monitoring devices which have been funded are ‘parole for life’ for life sentenced prisoners. now being utilised as required. Page 6 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 ROYAL COMMISSION INTO NUCLEAR Statement on Royal Commission into Nuclear Energy and proposal to store high-level nuclear waste at Maralinga, South Australia:
In 1953 I was just ten years old when the bombs The Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Members from the APY, Maralinga-Tjarutja and Australia (1984-85) revealed what happened at Maralinga Arabunna, Kokatha lands say we don’t want nuclear went off at Emu and Maralinga, I didn’t know but it never told what happened to Aboriginal people; the anything about nuclear issues back then, none of findings were left open.Lawyers proved that there was waste on our land. us knew what was happening. I got sick, and went radiation fallout over Walatinna, but because whenever had any doctors records to document what happened to The best thing the government can do is the leave the blind from the fallout from those tests, and lot of us, (the closest clinic was Ernabella, 160km away as the uranium in the ground, stop mining it. our people got sick and died also. crow flys and we didn’t have any transport to get there), we only had our stories and they were never written We ask the South Australian Premier, Jay Weatherill, to Now I’m 73 years old and I know about nuclear issues, down. talk to Aboriginal people on the lands, and to everyone and I have some friends who know about nuclear waste, who has been directly affected by the atomic tests and and they will fight the South Australian Government on A few years ago they cleaned up Maralinga from the waste nuclear industry in Australia before he makes any decisions their plans to put high-level nuclear waste at Maralinga that was leftover from the bomb tests; they spent $1 for South Australia. million, and now they’re going to put more waste back and to develop nuclear energy in South Australia. there? Yami Lester, Yankunytjatjara Why does the government keep bringing back nuclear That’s not fair because it’s Anangu land and they won’t Walatinna Station, South Australia issues when we know the problems last forever? be able to use that land. (08) 8670 5077 Coober Pedy Historical Society Wins Multicultural Grant for Welcome Back to Coober Pedy Project
The Historical Society of Coober Pedy received Don Grund first came in 1954 with his father. One notification on 1 June 2015 of a South Australian highlight he recalls is a special Guy Fawkes Night Multicultural Grant for $3,300 awarded to the CPHS surprise they made for two Irish opal miners. They put for its Welcome Back to Coober Pedy 2015 a couple of sticks of gelignite in a 24-litre drum. The noise was heard for miles around. centenary project. Margaret Halfpenny, originally from England, recalls Treasurer Sue Britt, who applied for the grant in March, is delighted with the news. “Now we can pay the Council passing through and saying, “Funny looking place; I think the money they advanced us for the printing of the I’ll stay.” She was a teacher and she recalled collecting centenary book Images of Coober Pedy 1915 – 2015.” her students in the back of her old ute and bringing them to school. There was a bulldozer cut down the hill from The Historical Society had paid for “Welcome Back” oral the school and when it was full of water after rain she’d histories, filmed by Dave Laslett, with proceeds from take her class down for a swim. In 1969, a couple of Coober Pedy Centenary Cook Book sales. kids were sent out of the room to hold up an aerial. The 32-volt generator powered the radio and they could The people interviewed were asked to talk about why vaguely hear the man walking on the moon. they came to Coober Pedy, what the town was like back Dave Laslett interviewing Jim and Audrey then and any highlights of their time here. Cunningham Jim Cunningham got blown up in 1974. Static electricity Eugene Amorosi came as a child when, in 1966, his dad, (Ali Laslett photo) could build up if nitropril was poured into a sausage with Bob Amorosi, won a dugout in a poker game. He sent for the fuse and it caused a dozen accidents, But, Jim and his family to come join him because he had a place to live. Audrey keep coming back. People say to them, “Coober Eugene, about six at the time, started school not knowing Pedy? There’s nothing there.” Jim relies, “There’s a word of English. They only spoke Italian at home. everything there, everything you want.” Coober Pedy. “They were speaking Italian, Croatian, In 1970 Margo Birnberg and her family, migrants from The past and present residents who were interviewed Poland, were making a film about outback Australia. She French, South American but somehow we all understood each other.” were Eugene Amorosi, Joan & Ron Ayton, Margo recalls the dusty, hot town with no water. When she Birnberg, Peter Carroll, James & Audrey Cunningham, asked where she could get water to wash her two small Gerhard Hoelzer came to Coober Pedy in 1970 from Margaret del Campo (nee Halfpenny), Bill McDougall, boys she was told, “Woman, we haven’t washed for Mario Pagnon, Don Grund, Gerhard Hoelzer, Florika years.” Nevertheless she was fascinated by the town. Andamooka with his drill and other equipment, along “Coober Pedy started my love affair with Australia.” with a lot of other German opal miners. Where they Longin, Malcolm & Janie Lowrey, Kerry Medway, built dugouts is still called German Hill but used to be George & Marion Morella, Kerry Schrapel, Andy Shiels, Frank Titheradge was also making a film when he came referred to as Little Andamooka as well. Nancy Titheradge, Gordon & Rhonda Traeger, Jan & to Coober Pedy in 1956. Nancy remembers when they George van Brugge and Alana Zerjal-Mellor. came here there was nothing. They continued driving to Kerry Medway’s first impression was “DUST DUST a water tank where they asked a man, “Where is Coober DUST.” After they tunnelled out the Catacomb Church Dave Laslett edited the stories and created two Pedy?” They were told, “You’ve been through it.” they were a bit worried about the unsupported height of documentaries which are available for viewing on the room. So they sent a D9 bulldozer over the top. Youtube. These are the links: https://youtu.be/ Peter Carroll arrived on a motor bike. He was like many Kb_yT5jh7f4 and https://youtu.be/xYy0RfbTFBE people who stopped on their way through to another place, No cracks appeared; nothing fell down so they deemed and stayed. He spoke about the many nationalities in it safe for worship.
Thursday 6 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 7 COOBER PEDY’S IGA IS SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S RETAILER OF THE YEAR This year at the annual 2015 Independent Retailer of the Year Gala Dinner, held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and attended by over 900 independent IGA & Foodland retailers, suppliers and staff, Carters Coober Pedy IGA Fresh was honoured with being nominated as a Finalist by its independent peers for 2015.
Colin Northway Operations Manager of Carters IGA in Coober Pedy said, “On the night the Coober Pedy IGA was awarded the title of 2015 IGA SA Retailer of the Year, as well as taking out four department awards for excellence!”
The four awards are:
• IGA Produce Department of the year 2014 & 2015 • IGA Grocery Department of the year 2014 & 2015 • IGA GM Department of the year 2014 & 2015 • IGA Dairy-Freezer Department of the year 2015
“To win this award, given Coober Pedy’s remote location and harsh environment, is a credit to all involved – especially our ever -hanging staff and customers – without you this achievement would not have been possible.”
“Next stop, the National Awards in Queensland in July,” Receiving awards at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre are Elaine Ayers IGA Brand Manager, said Colin. Declan Carter, Colin Northway, Tim Carter and Richard Hinton Metcash General Manager SA
Operations Manager of Carter’s IGA in Coober Pedy, Colin Northway Colin Northway presented the Carter’s IGA Fresh “journey” to an displays the awards with staff from the store auditorium of guests at a recent Regional Development Australia Forum held in Coober Pedy
Colin Northway has nearly 40 experience in grocery sales When Carters retail purchased the local supermarket from In 2013 more walls and more store rooms were and management and is part of the Coober Pedy IGA Mick Lucas & Son in 2011, the store consisted of five reclaimed, to make way to True value hardware and journey. Colin told the RDA forum that Tim and Valerie low profile Aisles with approximately 5,000 product lines. white goods. This provide another -260 bays of hardware Carter started their career in supermarket Retail in 1988 We are proud to announce that currently we are trading and white goods with the purchase of the local Toms Peterborough store with 35,000 product lines. in 1988. In 2007 Carter’s purchased Naracoorte Foodland. Our policy is to stock all products which customers The Store had a total refit on shelving, lighting, require and if we do not stock at least we will try to get The Carter family is proud to be a part of the Coober refrigeration, flooring and new IGA brand logo. Also Our the products within reasonable time. Pedy community. Tim Carter has always had a love for fresh departments were gradually upgradedin to 12 feet outback Australia as well as retail. He always had an Frozen lines to 48 Feet with over 450 varieties; 36 feet Fresh Meat to 72 Feet with over 250 different meat product Our fresh meat department staff are trained by IGA ambition to own a mixture of businesses, much like the supervisors in the latest techniques and new products in old trading companies found in outback towns. and fresh fish; 12 Feet Dairy lines to 48 Feet over 1200 different varieties; 60 feet fruit and veg to 283 feet with the meat industry. over 190 different varieties. In 2011, the Carters purchased the local supermarket from Fruit and veg department training is done by supervisors Mick Lucas & Son, a long-established local family name. Cellarbrations liquor banner was followed shortly after from Adelaide produce market, who visit the store for Tim, Penelope and Declan Carter made a commitment to with a large selection of SA wines and boutique winery seasonal changes and online training is provided by IGA. the Coober Pedy district to provide a shopping centre brands from all over Australia and large selection of beers. that all residents would be proud of. A key factor of any successful business is to have loyal With multicultural background we get many different employees with passion to succeed. We always try to The success of the shopping complex is partially credited tourists all over the year and many different nationalities employ locally. In some instances wetransfer staff from to the many changes the Carter family has implemented. resided in Coober Pedy. In order to cater for demand our other stores by way of promotion who are trained in Coober Pedy always had fresh stock delivered on a weekly with different cultures we introduced many different retail industry. We employee migrants and train them in basis. However, these days, stock is delivered three times international grocery lines. Since Coober Pedy is gateway various department in store and offer all our staff further a week, ensuring enough fresh produce for everyone. to outback Australia we serve all tourists passing Coober education and traineeships. Pedy. The complex has been upgraded to ensure all convenient The end result of our all efforts, have led to the success retail facilities with the top major brands are under one The staff is always focusing on diversification and freshes of winning of awards in retail excellence 2014 and 2015. roof. This includes IGA Fresh Supermarket, Cellarbrations and best quality products while maintaining lower prices. Liquor store, TRUE VALUE hardware store, and café. The store runs all the IGA advertised products at metro See page 11 prices. Page 8 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 Julie and Colin Rowntree head back to Kingston Julie and Colin Rowntree first came to live in Coober Pedy in early February 1992. At that time Colin was opal mining and Julie worked for Dr. Kami. They left in 1996.
They returned to Coober Pedy in 2007 after buying a house the previous year, and Julie went back to work for Dr. Kami
Colin once again went opal mining and in 2012 he went to work for Arium at Peculiar Knob helping to set up the mine.
Colin has also been building dugouts with a bobcat and tunnelling head that he designed and made with his two brothers Terry and Peter.
Dating back even further Colin and his brother Peter had transport trucks in Robe and began delivering to Coober Pedy in the 70’s. “The first trip we brought up a dozer and delivered it to the 25 mile,’ recalled Colin.
“We ended up getting involved in Coober Pedy back then and worked with the dozer on and off for about a year, and then started carting gear for Peter Photo: CPRT Carroll including cement, gas and explosives.” Friends of Julie and Colin Rowntree were on hand on Thursday night at the Greek Club to farewell Julie Colin says they made a reasonable living from opal, not a fortune, but suvived he said. who regularly attends the Greek Club with her girlfriends. (Colin was still at work)
Julie said she has made so many friends it will be hard to leave Coober Pedy. “I'm really going to miss Photo: Ronda Michell my friends here in Coober and working for Dr Kami, he was a great boss and friend,”she said.
Julie with Dr. Kami at Greek Club farewell
Above: Colin Rowntree at home
Julie Rowntree with friend Virgie Gerschwitz together at the Greek Photo: Virgie Gerschwitz Club
Photo: Virgie Gerschwitz
Close friends Julie Rowntree, Ronda Michell, Julie Carmichael, Nikki Pennisi and Yvonne Gieszler have a group shot taken for their photo albums
Coln and Julie returning to Kingston and a life near the coast Thursday 4 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 9 LOCAL SPORTS Coober Pedy Football Club Coober Pedy Shooters Club
Home games for the senior saints football Inc. PO Box 1006, Round 3 25/4/15 vs hornridge magpies 1pm COOBER PEDY, SA 5723 Round 4 2/5/15 vs roxby miners 1pm Round 7 30/4/15 vs east roxby roos 1pm Round 9 13/6/15 vs roxby miners 1pm The Shooters Club AGM Round 13 18/7/15 vs hornridge magpies 1pm was held at their clubrooms on Sunday 31 May and the following were elected to the Executive Board: President & Public Officer : James Michie Far North Football League 2015 Vice President : Harley Staines
COOBER PEDY FOOTBALL CLUB v. EAST ROXBY FOOTBALL CLUB Secretary : Les Pullen Round 7 - 30/05/2015 Treasurer : Jill Wilson East Roxby Football Club 7.4, 9.10, 14.10, 19.11 (125) Administrative Support Officer: Caroline Molnar Coober Pedy Football Club 0.0, 2.4, 4.4, 5.8 (38) Thanks to John DiDonna GOALS, East Roxby Football Club : The members of the Shooters Club would like to thank Toby Ripley 6, Cameron Faulkner 5, Bowde Kelly 4, Stuart Orr 1, Rodney Weetra 1, Jerry Hackett 1, John DiDonna especially, for the many years he kept the Bailey French 1 club running in his various roles. It was acknowledged that without his many efforts, we would probably not Coober Pedy Football Club : have the club we see today Kelvin Henry 2, Ray Stapleton 1, Kyle Aitken 1, Dylan Warren 1 We also thank the outgoing Vice President Chris BEST, East Roxby Football Club : Warrior for his vital role at the club Matthew Schipper, Curtley Dadleh, Toby Ripley, Arron Young, Ty Kirkwood
Coober Pedy Football Club : Ray Stapleton, Corey Edwards, Fabien Kenny, Dylan Warren, Michael Beelitz Upcoming Shoots for June There will be no competitions over Queens Birthday Weekend, so the next bracket will be from Friday 12 June. Friday 12th : Night Shotgun
Far North Football League 2015 Saturday 13th : Mystery Shoot
PositionTeam P W L D B FF For Agst % PTS % Won Sunday 14th : Rimfire Silhouettes
1 Roxby Districts Sporting Club 5 5 0 0 2 0 557 210 265.24 20 100 New Shooters Welcome 2 Olympic Dam Football Club 6 5 1 0 1 0 545 370 147.30 20 83.33 3 East Roxby Football Club 6 3 3 0 1 0 519 528 98.30 12 50 4 Hornridge Sporting Club 5 1 4 0 2 0 287 436 65.83 4 20 5 Coober Pedy Football Club 6 0 6 0 1 0 318 682 46.63 0 0
Far North Football League TOP TEN GOAL KICKERS:
FIRSTNAME SURNAME CLUB THIS RND GOALS Far North Football League 2015
Sean Mcivor Roxby Districts Sporting Club 0 15 Todd Paull East Roxby Football Club 0 14 Kelvin Henry Coober Pedy Football Club 2 10 Dale Summerton Olympic Dam Football Club 0 10 Cameron Faulkner East Roxby Football Club 5 9 Trent Grosser Hornridge Sporting Club 1 8 Troy Mulders East Roxby Football Club 0 8 Ian McBey Olympic Dam Football Club 0 8 Toby Ripley East Roxby Football Club 6 7 Bowde Kelly East Roxby Football Club 4 7
Page 10 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 Carter family estatic over their BIG win
Coober Pedy IGA has been recognised with five awards, the most of any other retailer, including Food and Grocery SA IGA Retailer of the Year at the recent annual Metcash Food & Grocery Awards, further cementing the supermarket as the best in the state.
Run by the local Carter family, who moved to Coober Pedy and redeveloped the Lucas supermarket in 2011, it has fast become a one-stop shop for a vast range of supplies to meet the needs of locals.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on providing a versatile and extensive product offering, beyond that of a standard supermarket, to better cater for the needs of our regional community as well as the tastes of our customers,” explains Tim.
Despite being 850kms from Adelaide, Coober Pedy IGA includes one of the largest international food sections, a hardware offering and freshness that is second to none. It’s no surprise the supermarket has experienced Penelope with the Retailer of the Year Award Produce Manager Rajith remarkable retail success including double digit growth. The awards marks the second consecutive year that the business has been recognised within the categories awarded.
Richard Hinson, Metcash General Manager SA/NT commented on the contribution the Coober Pedy store has made over the past five years.
“Tim, Penelope, Declan and their team consistently outperform in all facets of the supermarket business, they take a personal interest in the individual requirements of each customer, delivering outstanding service and a fantastic overall experience. This win is testament to the team’s excellence in meeting the needs of their local community.” The IGA Coober Pedy team celebrated with a Amrit Grocery Manager & Colin Store Manager “We always strive to exceed the expectations of our special morning tea for customers customers. The local community has been key to our IGA Coober Pedy is an independent retailer servicing the business success and we owe these awards to them and The Carter family will be proceeding to the IGA National community on Hutchinson Street, it was also recognised our staff, without both we wouldn’t have accomplished Retailer Awards being held on the Gold Coast on the 20 July with awards for best Fresh Produce Department of the all we have Coober, a place we are very proud to call our where he will have the chance to win an international retailer Year, Meat Department of the Year, Dairy and Freezer home,” says Penelope Carter. tour across England, Scotland and Ireland later this year. Department of the Year and General Merchandise Department of the Year. TOWNS IN REMOTE SOUTH AUSTRALIA RECEIVE BOOST TO ATTRACT DOCTORS
Towns in remote South Australia are among 450 country "This means bigger incentive payments will go to doctors Other changes include: Doctors will be able to take leave towns which will find it easier to attract doctors under an who choose to work in the areas of greatest need," he from a rural practice for up to five years with no loss of overhauled GP Rural Incentives Program, Federal Member said. incentive status on their return; for Grey Rowan Ramsey announced today. Four existing programs have been streamlined into a single "For decades, Australia's small rural towns have struggled GPRIP retention payment; Under changes announced by Assistant Minister for Health to attract enough doctors. This change is one way we're and doctors will need to stay in a rural or regional area Fiona Nash, some 450 country towns across Australia tackling that. As a proud rural Australian, I'm pleased to longer - two years up from the current six months - before will receive increased subsidies to attract and retain have been able to deliver this important reform." they receive the incentive. doctors. The highest incentive paid to work in remote Australia Doctors in remote areas will receive incentive payments “An overhauled and much fairer GPRIP will mean our will jump from $47,000 a year to $60,000 a year. The after a year. remote communities will be able to more easily attract maximum incentive to work in a town of less than 5,000 and retain GPs,” Mr Ramsey said. in regional Australia will increase from $18,000 to $23,000. The new incentive arrangements will start from 1 July 2015. “I am really pleased with this announcement which includes increases in subsidies for all doctors working in remote South Australia including those in Roxby Downs and Coober Pedy. The modifications will mean these towns and others similar will be able to more easily attract and hold doctors.
"In rural and remote areas, we all know how difficult it can be to attract doctors and in many towns reduced medical services has seen the erosion of populations and other services.
"It made no sense that under the Labor system, some $50 million a year was being used to pay incentives for doctors to live in 14 large regional cities, including Townsville (population 175,000) and Cairns (population 145,000). This money will now be spent attracting doctors to towns where it is really needed.”
Mr Ramsey said it made more sense to use the GPRIP funding to attract doctors to where the greatest shortages are - small rural and remote communities, not big regional cities. Thursday 4 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 11 CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING See page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates FREIGHT AGM - DRIVEIN THANK YOU NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE Roza Farkash
Residents of Ceduna, Port Lincoln NOTICE OF AGM and Roxby Downs are invited to 5.30PM submit articles of e-waste for TUESDAY 9TH JUNE recycling to Reverse E-waste via AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Australia Post free of charge under the NTCRS by visiting IN MEMORIAM www.reverseewaste.com.au PUBLIC NOTICE In loving memory of Robin Dean Walker The Farkash Family would like to 25.07.1952 - 01.06.2014 sincerely thank the community of Coober Pedy for their wonderful Those who walk uprightly support during our difficult time. In Mining Act 1971 particular a huge thank you to the enter into peace; Notice is hereby given in accordance with they find rest as they lie in staff of Coober Pedy Hospital for Section 28 (5) of the Mining Act 1971, that the the dedicated care & nurture they Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy death. proposes to grant Exploration Licences over the provided to our mother during her undermentioned areas. Isaiah 57:2 last stay in the hospital. Applicant: Endeavour Copper Gold Pty Ltd Location: Lake Harris Area – approx. 50 km southeast of Tarcoola I wish I could turn back the Thanks also go to the Coober Pedy Pastoral Leases: Wilgena, North Well clock, Council staff for setting up & Term: Two years Area in km2: 993 I'd find you sooner and love removing the marquees on the Ref: 2015/00038 bleakest day of May. To those who you longer. Applicant: Endeavour Copper Gold Pty Ltd attended the service, we thank you Location: Deception Hill Area – approx. Anon for assisting us to say farewell to 15 km south of Tarcoola Pastoral Leases: Wilgena, Mulgathing the most wonderful and special Term: Two years Forever loved & never lady, Mrs Roza Farkash. Area in km2: 191 forgotten Regards, Ref: 2015/00039 Plans and co-ordinates can be found on the Ann-Marie Zoltan Jnr and the extended family Department of State Development website: http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/ public_notices or by phoning Mineral Tenements POSITION VACANT FOR SALE - DUGOUT on 08 8463 3103. Proposals to reform J Martin Mining Registrar the state’s dog and Location with views 5065832 www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au Originally built 1920’s cat laws Featured in a post card ex show home. Professionally renovated. 3 The South Australian Government is bedrooms (hey dig more!) This seeking public feedback on a range of proposals to reform the state’s dog and secure family home has too many Mining Act 1971 cat laws. features to list. All furniture, Notice is hereby given in accordance with electricals etc included. Section 28 (5) of the Mining Act 1971, that the These include moves to stamp out puppy Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy farms, a new code of practice and Asking 145K. Tel 0419032071 proposes to grant Exploration Licences over the registration for breeders, as well as plans undermentioned areas. to microchip all dogs and cats. These Applicant: Iluka (Eucla Basin) Pty Ltd proposals have attracted considerable public INVITATION Location: Mamungari Area – approx. interest and we’ve been extremely pleased 480 km northwest of Ceduna with the feedback received so far. Centenary Term: Two years Afternoon Tea Area in km2: 1116 Ref: 2013/00006 But, many of you have called for the at the 8 Mile government’s reforms to go further. Applicant: Minotaur Operations Pty Ltd Location: Waurea Area – approx. 165 km In recognition of this, a citizens’ jury will 2pm SUNDAY northeast of Streaky Bay Pastoral Leases: Kokatha, Lake Everard, be convened to debate whether mandatory 5th July Moonaree desexing of all dogs and cats will help us Celebrating Tottie’s Opal Term: Two years prevent the huge number of unwanted Area in km2: 978 litters, sadly, many of which end up being Discovery in 1945 Ref: 2015/00080 euthanized. Soon, the 35 randomly selected Plans and co-ordinates can be found on the South Australians appointed to this jury will Department of State Development website: begin meeting. You can take part in this http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/ process. Visit yoursay.sa.gov.au and join the NEED TO ADVERTISE public_notices or by phoning Mineral Tenements online discussion, the results of which will on 08 8463 3103. be presented to the jury. J Martin Mining Registrar
You can also make a submission on the 5082403 other proposals on the YourSAy site, and www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au I’m pleased to confirm that consultation on the code of practice for breeders has been extended to June 26 from the original date of May 29. I encourage all South Australians to join in this process and help find a better way to manage our beloved cats and dogs. Coober Pedy Regional Times *Tyres *Tyre repairs email:[email protected] Andrew Lamb *Fuel, *Parts Board Secretary Dog and Cat Tel: 08 86725920 Opening hours 7.30am - 5pm Management Board. Phone 86725036 OR 86725169 Page 12 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 NEW YEAR FOR SRI LANKAN On the 11th May the Sri Lankan community in Coober Pedy celebrated their New Year. The festivi- ties were held at the Opal Fields Golf Club COMMUNITY According to Ish Gunasekera who lives locally, the following article best describes the Sri Lankan celebration and custom of New Year Sinhala & Tamil New Year and Traditional Food Culture By. Kusumalatha Lankamulla
In accordance with the Astrology, we the Sri Lankans used to celebrate Sinhala and Tamil New Year annually. As explained in the Astrology, it is believed that the sun moves from the house of Pisces to the house of Aries in the Celestial and the dawn of New Year occurs during this transitional period.
Usually, the New Year is celebrated on 13th and 14th April (Bak) of every year. This month is considered as a Group photo of the Sri Lankan community at the golf club celebrating Sinhala and Tamil New Year prosperous period, since people live leisurely after harvesting. During this period, the climate is so hot since the sun moves straight over the country.
The New Year commences during the first part of the Sinhala month called Bak. Another name for this month is Bhaga.
There is a famous word among the public related to New Year celebration called “Avurudu Kema” (Enjoying food). This is a good evidence to explain the relationship between the Sinhala New Year and enjoying food. Since there is a close relationship between the Sri Lankan food culture and the housewife, she is given a prominent place in the Sinhala-Tamil New Year.
After dawn of the New Year, the first task of the year is lighting the hearth according to the auspicious time and boiling milk. Subsequently, people used to prepare milk rice (Kiri Bath) from the harvest obtained from their paddy fields. Through these rituals, people believe that there won’t be a food shortage in their houses throughout the year. In this task, all family members customary assist the housewife (mother) to do everything in perfect manner.
In the preparation of milk rice, the directions and advices given in Astrology need to be adopted properly. The other main items that mix with the milk rice include sesame, green gram, jaggery and honey.
In some areas “Hath Maluwa” (curry made with seven Children participate in group game where they eat donuts with their hands behind their backs, and vegetables) is mixed with milk rice. The varieties of then run back to the start vegetables used for Hath maluwa are different from area to area. In common, Hath maluwa includes vegetables, cereal, yam and cashew etc.
According to Sri Lankan custom, people are not confined to eat only milk rice. The Avurudu table which comprises a number of sweet items, is a major decorative part of the new year festival. Among the sweet items of the Avurudu table Konda Kevum, Kokis, Asmee, Mun Kevum and Athirasa are prominent. In addition, it can be observed that there are sweet items which are particular to different areas. For example, Unduwel or Pani Walalu and Naran Kevum in Kandy, Kalu Dodol and Mungedi in Dakunu Giruwapattu and Ruhunu Magampattu areas, Kiri Roti and Amara kevum in Sath Koralaya, and Thala or Kaju Aluwa in Nuwara Kalaviya can be especially cited. In Chillaw area, house-wives used to prepare Meegamu Aluwa for the Avurudu table.
Once the Avurudu table is prepared in accordance with the rituals, the food items are consumed by the family members at the auspicious time. The bread winner or father of the family feeds his wife and children, adhering to directions given in the Astrology. Once the consumption by family members is over, spouses mutually exchange money (Ganu-denu) using betel leaves. However, in some areas this ritual is different and family members invite an elite of the village to open the Avurudu table and do monetory transactions or Ganu-denu. The whole objective The winning Tug O War team outside the golf club See page 16 of these New Year rituals is managing the year with good harvest and income, without any economic difficulties.
Thursday 4 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 13 WhatWhat’’’ ss OnOn in COOBER PEDY? & Visiting Services
MONDAYS GREEK HALL SUNDAYS 7pm Charcoal BBQ & Salad Waters + Younger Every Thursday night Karate -Golf Club CRICKET AT OVAL 2015 Visits to 6 - 7pm General Class Saturday 7.00 pm and LITTLE MUSICIANS Coober Pedy 7 - 8pm Teenagers & Adults Sunday 9.30pm 10.00am—10.45am [email protected] Ph: Fernando 0437 739 447 Phone 8331 9477 Adelaide Coober Pedy Area School Phone 8672 5979 Coober Pedy Music Room Fax 8364 4676 Caters for 3 to 5 year olds Active Boys Group 3:15-5:00 Youth Shed 11-2 ages 8 Email: [email protected] ages 10 & up at the youth shed & up 13 - 17 July Richard FRIDAYS CP SHOOTERS CLUB 3 - 7 August Jack TUESDAYS 10am - Centrefire 100m and 7 - 11 September Richard Serbian Church Social Shotgun Clay Target Shoot 12 - 16 October Richard COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL Club, Dinner 6pm Fridays 9 - 13 November Jack FORUM - HACC PROGRAM 7 - 11 December Jack FREE TAI CHI CLASSES for over 65s COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURAL Sit or stand for these gentle exercises. FORUM - HACC PROGRAM Income tax returns lodged 1:15PM at Community Health Outback electronically for a prompt refund Please register: 8672 3299 Over 65s FREE TAI CHI (within 14 days subject to the CLASSES. Sit or stand for these Australian Taxation Office) gentle exercises. 1:15PM at Events Junior Football training 4pm – Community Health 5pm/5:30pm. All 4 teams to train We also specialize in providing together June 2015 sound, practical accounting & CP SHOOTERS CLUB taxation advice to individuals, families, businesses & SMSF’s Senior Football training 6pm 7pm Friday night Clay Target Saturday 6th June 2015, Shotgun between 10.00 am and 3.00 Other services provided – DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS GREEK CLUB - Bingo 7.30 pm pm Police will be holding an 3nd Tuesday each month at 7pm • preparation & lodgment of Open Day at the Police business activity statements (BAS) AMBULANCE TRAINING CP Social Scrabble 7.30pm Station, to celebrate 50 • registration for ABN’s, GST 7.30pm Umoona Road. Every United Club . All skill levels years of permanent policing and Tax File Numbers welcome Tuesday except school holidays in Coober Pedy. • establishing new AA 7pm Underground Catholic companies, superannuation funds Church - Hutchison Street July 2015 (SMSF) and trusts WEDNESDAYS Contact Geoff 0427646963 • superannuation advice Yowah Opal Festival 17th - • tax planning • preparation of budgets MULTICULTURAL FORUM – 19th July 2015 HACC Program SATURDAYS • general business advice Oodnadatta Campdraft and • auditing Over 65s Gentle exercise class Mine Rescue Training Bronco Branding Saturday, • capital gains tax (Alternate Saturdays) 9 AM at Golf Club July 18th 2015 information, advice & record- Please register – 8672 3299 keeping CFS TRAINING - every second Saturday at 2pm August 2015 Need new members urgently THURSDAY Coober Pedy Races & CP SHOOTERS CLUB Gymkhana Saturday 8 THUMBS MULTICULTURAL FORUM – 9am & 11am Saturday August & Sunday 9 August HACC Program Pistol: 20/20 and 2015 UP Dropdown Target Shoot MOSIAC at the Italian Club for the William Creek Campdraft & Thumbs up to Dusty Radio for over 65s - 1-4pm Please register: Bronco Branding Saturday, 8672 3299 SUNDAYS the Celebration of Rain August 22nd 2015 program on Sat 30th of May KARATE -Golf Club. 6 - 7pm featuring weather reports, General Class. 7 - 8pm Teenagers Golf (CP Golf Course) September 2015 statistics, road closure & Adults. [email protected] Registration 12:00 -1.00 updates and songs about rain. Tee off time 1:30 Blinman Art Exhibition Saturday, 12th September Junior Football training 4pm – PLAY TIME 2015 - Saturday 3rd 5pm/5:30pm. All 4 teams to train Catering for 0 to 5 year olds October 2015 SCHOOL TERM DATES together 2.00pm—3.30pm School Gymnasium Senior Football training 6pm October 2015 Catacomb Church Service 2015 Blinman Gymkhana and Sunday School 9:30am Term 1: 27 Jan - 10 Apr Saturday, October 17th Sunday. Bus pickup available. Term 2: 27 Apr - 3 Jul Ph 8672 5038 2015... Term 3: 20 Jul - 25 Sep Term 4: 12 Oct - 11 Dec
Page 14 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 4 June 2015 CharlieCharlie PParisaris It never rains in Sunny Coober Pedy The threat of rain was over us last Wednesday and by Thursday the wet weather had set in. The only things that seem to enjoy the wet weather were the trees and plants in our garden. It may have been my imagination but I think they were smiling.
The first day was OK, but after that I really wanted to go for a dog walk. When it was still raining on Friday I thought I would lose my mind. I had been inside far too long and I needed to stretch my legs.
EmDee was the only one in the family that thinks that jumping in muddy puddles is exciting, so she does it a lot. She’s so short that most of her is covered in mud even in the smallest puddles. Then she runs inside and wants to sit on my lounge. It’s not happening little dog, keep your muddy paws off my lounge. “Or Else.” She has never challenged the “or else” which is good because I don’t know what it means, it just sounds tough.
Friday night and Saturday morning it continued to rain. Mum was sick of us under her feet all day. She decided that we needed something to do to take our mind off the weather.
Mum organised a treasure hunt for us, she hid dog treats throughout the house and she gave us one hour to find them. We ran from room to room sniffing around, looking for the treasure. I had a pile of Lucky Dog biscuits at my feet. I was so proud of my effort. EmDee had been missing for some time. When she came through the front Creature from the Black Lagoon? No, it is EmDee after investigating every puddle in the yard door wet and muddy with an Emu leg bigger then her. Mum start yelling “get that thing out of here, don’t bring We did an incredible job with the Room Tidy Competition Tomorrow is another day and I’m looking forward to it it into my kitchen”. Sadly EmDee had to bury it in the and mum said we were both winners and we deserved even if the sun is still hiding behind a rain cloud. front yard as she had miss-read the rules of the treasure home made pizza. True to her word she made us the Woof Woof hunt and had gone to the neighbour’s house and helped Play-Doh. EmDee thought it was dessert and ate hers Charlie Paris. herself to their dog’s treasure. and mine. Will that little dog ever learn that she is not to touch my things? Mum said it was her fault she made it EmDee laid out in the rain for hours protecting her special strawberry favoured and EmDee loves strawberries. Just treat. I had time to find her Lucky Dog treats. I ate hers a little advice to all the kids out there, never eat Play-Doh, and saved mine for later. What a great morning. it’s not good for you.
We had a toy swapping party. Mum said it sounded better Still raining outside and I needed to burn off some energy. in her head when she thought it up. EmDee and I were to Mum said we are having a dance party. We danced to the swap toys we no longer wanted. I gave her my favourite old music my mum likes and had a great time. stuffed bunny, I changed my mind and before we knew it there was a tug of war and my bunny was in pieces all The last thing we did was write an old fashioned letter, over the floor. I am always surprised at how much white not on the computer. We found a stamp to put on it, and filling can fit into one of those little toys. Mum said I when the rain stops we are going to post it. have another game for you two, it’s called Room Tidy Competition, the rules are clean up the lounge room and I’m laying on my lounge watching a DVD and EmDee is your bedroom and I will make you pizza for lunch. If outside with her Emu leg, mum is making biscuits and Charlie Paris, Dog Reporter you are good I will make you some Play-Doh. the rain is clearing. ([email protected]) Flu Hits The Elderly Hard This Season South Australia’s elderly population is being “I urge all South Australians to take care of elderly friends “Ninety per cent of all flu-related deaths and more than hit hard by the flu with at least 15 local aged and relatives by remembering to practice good hand hygiene half of flu-related hospitalisations occur in people aged when visiting and try to stay away if you’re feeling unwell. 65 and older. care facilities reporting influenza outbreaks so far this year. “The best thing you can do to protect yourself, your “To help protect the elderly in our community we need to friends and your family, is to get a flu vaccination every make sure that vaccination rates are as high as possible People aged 65 and over currently account for more than year.” in this age group. 37 per cent of the 1519 cases of flu reported to SA Health so far this year, compared to 18 per cent in 2014. SA Health has so far distributed 370,000 doses of flu “If someone you know is 65 or over and hasn’t had a flu vaccine this year, the same amount that was sent out for shot yet this year you should encourage them to speak to Health Minister Jack Snelling said there could also be many the whole of last year and 50,000 more than in 2011. their GP as soon as possible to arrange a time to get their other aged care facilities battling the illness as it is not free vaccination.” mandatory to notify SA Health of outbreaks. A further 35,000 doses of flu vaccine have also been provided for health care workers, who look after the most The annual influenza vaccine is also available for free “Influenza is a nasty illness, which can have potentially sick and vulnerable within our community. from GPs for pregnant women, most Aboriginal and Torres fatal consequences for elderly people, who are more Straight Islanders, and those with underlying medical susceptible to the virus,” Mr Snelling said. SA Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips conditions. said it was concerning that so many older people were “So far this year SA Health has been contacted by 15 falling victim to influenza this year, despite the fact they Anyone not in those at risk groups can purchase the aged care facilities which have experienced flu outbreaks. can receive a free flu vaccination from their GP. vaccine for a small cost from GP clinics, pharmacies and local council offices. “While these facilities are well used to looking after people “As we age, the immune system gets weaker making it with the flu, an outbreak often requires a period of easier for flu to take hold and cause serious complications For more information about influenza and how to protect quarantine where visitors are asked to stay away to help such as pneumonia,” Prof Phillips said. yourself, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au stop the disease from spreading further. Thursday 4 June 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 15 SRI LANKANS CELEBRATE NEW YEAR
Charu and Nalin welcoming the guests. This is called Aubowan According to the folk song called “Avurudu Malaya” there was a strong relationship between the Sinhala new year and food culture. After harvesting, the economy of the villagers was prosperous and their homes were full of home grown food items.
As explained in the above folk song, although, the Sinhalese villagers used to consume Sinhala rice, Samba rice was also given a prominent place in the Avurudu table.
The verses of the Avurudu Malaya tell that a wide range of items namely betel, areca, lime, tobacco, salt, chilies, fish, pork flesh, beef, chicken, rabbit flesh, and venison were bought by villagers for new year celebration.
New Year table of the traditional foods with the cake in the middle
Everyone tries very hard for the tug of war
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