ISSN 1833-1831

Tourist Park Coober Pedy 08 86 725 691 BULLS GARAGE On-site Service Centre Phone: 86 725 036 Tel: 08 8672 5920 https://cooberpedytimes.com Thursday 10 October 2019 INTRODUCING DEAN MILLER, NEW CEO AT COOBER PEDY COUNCIL The new CEO at Coober Pedy District Council, Dean Miller says he is thrilled to have been appointed to the position.

Dean Miller rolled into town on Sunday 29 September, just in time to attend a Concerned Resident Group meeting at the Greek Hall, addressing council accountability.

While many may expect such a meeting to be a culture shock for an incoming CEO, Dean said that he has worked in country councils before.

Dean is an experienced leader having been the CEO at Hindmarsh Shire Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council, both in Victoria. He has had an extensive career spanning 30 years predominantly in local government.

His leadership and people skills are his main attributes, along with very strong financial management and strategic planning experience. Dean is a Certified Practising Accountant and grew up in Geelong. When asked his age, he responded with, “46, plus GST”.

“The challenges of the role and the opportunity to help place the Council and community on a more sustainable footing were key factors in my decision to accept the role”, Mr Miller said.

He added, “My focus for the first 100 days will be to engage with as many people as possible to understand their aspirations and priorities for the future. The results of these discussions will, amongst other things, guide my decision-making for the term of my contract.” District Council of Coober Pedy CEO Dean Miller. His career to date spans 30 years, predominantly in local government. Dean is also a Certified Practicing Accountant The Concerned Resident RESIDENT GROUP WANTS FINANCIAL Group ACCOUNTABILITY STRENGTHENED

At a 100 strong town meeting held on Sunday 29 In presenting his case to the councillors Acting CEO Colin Special September at the Greek Hall in Coober Pedy, the Pitman said, "The council has a challenge in that it needs local residents demonstrated that they would not to make a decision on outstanding debt which is tolerate overtones of bureaucracy vs democracy accumulated over a considerable period of time and TOWN MEETING when it came to transparancy and accountability of whether they actually pay some of it, or pay all of it, or community finances. contest it, or ask for some alternative arrangement for GREEK HALL payment. I don't think it's an easy decision... I think it's The gathering of residents at a town meeting was to address important that you have all the facts before you..." deeper concerns than the community believe are not being SUNDAY 13 Oct 2pm addressed adequately “...there are around $6M in drawn down debenture loans outstanding, and monies provided by the state to offset Members of the Concerned Resident Group asked Acting the EDL payments [RAES Subsidy] were being put into Discussion Topics CEO Colin Pitman to explain why he had drawn down general funds and used for other things.” $1,035,000 from a debenture loan, and transfered significant funds from departmental budgets totalling over Councillors discussed key factors including drawing down $1.9M, and where had he applied these funds. more funds from a Debenture Loan to pay the outstanding ♦ POLL Voting questions EDL invoice; how they would pay future accounts; the On the 27 November 2018 new councillors were called Ombudsman's damning report of the previous council, ♦ Town Sewerage system -(new rates) to a Special Council Meeting where they were told by the and the imminent Auditor General’s report. Acting CEO that an Invoice had been received from EDL ♦ Water: asset and increases 69% (Energy supplier) for $1.8M with 7 days notice to pay. Councillors discussed the wisdom in deferring drawing down of any funds until they had received and viewed After lengthy discussions the council resolved not to draw the Auditor General’s report. ♦ Power interruptions 9am - 3pm ? down funds from a Debenture loan / Cash Advance Facility being the LGFA for reasons agreed upon at the Acting CEO Colin Pitman suggested that he speak with ♦ Olive trees at orchard special council meeting. EDL and tell them of the matters that council was discussing. ♦ Class Action - Council’s advice re: From Acting CEO Report [27-11-2018] The following financial report is designed to detail the Mayor Les Hoad asked for a vote, “All in favour of solar panels following deferring it [drawing-down funds] until we get the Auditor General's report.” ♦ Followup on $1.8M debenture 1. The current position as at the date of this meeting. withdrawal 2. Loan Debenture Councillors unanimously resolved to wait until the Auditor General’s Report was in hand. It was later found that The notification is given of the need drawdown the Mr. Pitman drew down and transferred funds the following approved CAD facility to meet a demand letter by EDL to morning 28-11-2018; eight days before the Auditor ALL ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND meet net outstanding debts.... Interest of 6.5% is being General’s Report was presented. charged on this debt. Continued page 5 SERVING THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 1982 The COOBER PEDY REGIONAL TIMES is ‘WORLD WIDE’ READ Newspaper FREE online at: https://cooberpedytimes.com/

ABOUT US 7 DAYS WEATHER Email: [email protected] Coober Pedy is an underground town built on the back of opal mining Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka Roxby Downs The annual rainfall in the area is around 175 mm (5 inches) per annum * The CPRT newspaper first became DIGITAL/ ONLINE in 2006. Although online is now the DUGOUT trend copies are still printed locally. South Editor - Margaret Mackay PO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723 Ph: (08) 8672 5920 Email: [email protected] Autumn Equinox is on https://cooberpedytimes.com/ Friday, 20 March 2020 at 2:49 pm AEDT Next Newspapers December solstice is on Bi Monthly Sunday, 22 December 2019 Thursday 24 Oct 2019 at 2:49 pm Thursday 14 Nov 2019 Thursday 28 Nov 2019 Daylight saving ends in SA Thursday 12 Dec 2019 at 2:00 am on Thursday 07 Feb 2020 Sunday, 5 April 2020 Advertising Rates Display $6.50 per cm/col Classified $8.00 per cm/col Bookings and Material must be in Fri prior to publication EMAILING LIST If you would like to be on a fortnightly email- out send your preferred email address to [email protected]

The Coober Pedy Regional Times “Your Outback Communities Newspaper” CPRT became a FREE Newspaper in 2006 and increased its distribution to 4,500 hard copies + Free Online Newspaper, promoting news, events thus distributing advertising to tourists and to nearby communities and towns. The CPRT receives no external funding. A local newspaper is the voice of the people. A truly free and independent press is a vital component of any healthy democratic society. [...] the prime value of journalism is that it imposes Opalised Shells...Coober Pedy Opal Field (Dean Bulovic) transparency, and thus accountability, on those who wield the greatest governmental and Coober Pedy THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD corporate power. ~ Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras and Jeremy Scahill is an underground town built on the back of opal mining CONTRIBUTORS Things to do in Coober Pedy TOM’S UNDERGROUND working mine, ‘Media releases’ may be submitted however there Take a tour to the natural landscapes outside is no obligation on the newspaper to publish any & THE OLD TIMER’S MINE at Crowder’s the town (see film locations like Mad Max: Beyond part of it. Media releases are generally one sided Gully Thunderdome and Red Planet) including the PAINTED so comments may, (or may not) be extracted and DESERT, the colourful BREAKAWAYS and the While in town take an OPAL FIELDS tour used in a related article. CPRT does not provide MOON PLAIN free space for political or business advertising . - you’ll believe you’re on Mars. Advertising rates are in the column above. Be sure to visit THE UNDERGROUND Join the MAIL RUN out of Coober Pedy to Letters to Editor are sent by email where possible CHURCHES deliver outback mail! Take a leisurely flight over the and must be relevant to the community. Potentially spectacular LAKE EYRE defamatory comments will be edited or deleted. AMAZING UNDERGROUND HOMES 1.) NEWS IS AFTER AN EVENT. (at least 1500 people living underground) During Easter a GEM TRADE SHOW is held You or your group may wish to send a News Article. Aim for a 300 word story in plain text and a suitable DISCLAIMER: Opinions and letters published in The Coober Pedy Regional Times are not necessarily the views of the Editor, or Publisher. The photo/s. 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 2. If seeking an Editorial - “Advertorial” or “Special a name, address and contact phone number - names and town of origin will be printed, or may be withheld at the Editor’s discretion. Material is published with the agreement that the contributor takes full responsibility for their submission. During the course of any election campaign, letters to the Feature”, please enquire about the cost first. 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. 3.) Advertisers may be entitled to editorials INDEMNITY: Advertising agencies, advertisers and other contributors accept full responsibility for the contents of advertisements and other submitted, signed 4.) Sponsorship for clubs or community programs material and agree to indemnify the publishers against any claim or proceedings out of the publication of such advertisements or material. Provision of is by arrangement material or copy for publication in the Coober Pedy Regional Times Newspaper constitutes acceptance by advertisers, advertising agencies and other 5.) Names and Captions must accompany photos contributors of this condition. + DO NOT REDUCE PHOTOS Copyright Notice: All of the content published by CPRT, including articles, photos, images, graphics, advertising, layout, printing plate content and 6.) Letters to Editor need to be signed and also may related material, is owned by CPRT, or by other information providers who have licensed their content for use in this publication. Additionally, the entire content of the Coober Pedy Regional Times past and present is copyrighted as a collective work under Australian copyright laws and may not be be edited. reproduced without written authorisation. The owner of the collective work is Margaret Mackay Page 2 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 Keeping the community informed Q & A at the Concerned Resident Meeting 29-9-2019 When asked at the resident meeting why he drew the funds down autonomously the next day (and where did he apply the funds) Mr. Pitman refused to answer. The only mention of the draw-down was found in the 18 December 2018 Council Agenda at page 56/70 that reads: Note 4 Energy Generation invoice Total 3,466,549 Other information Draw down of CA63 from LGA $1,035,000, with draw down of $765,000 from LGA general fund and with draw down of $104,000 from CWMS reserve. Energy Generation balance after Dec 18 payment is $2,636.327 https://www.cooberpedy.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/ 0030/148908/Agenda-18th-December-2018.pdf

No other details are included and noone can recall dialogue being offered by the Acting CEO regarding his seemingly autonomous actions in reversing the decision of council at a meeting that he himself had called. Financial statements that were published in September 2019 by the local Audit Committee record a draw down of funds the day after the 27-11-2018 Special Council Meeting.

28-11-2018 Page 59 $1,035,000.00 Cash Advance from Local Government Finance Authority Debenture Loan Concerned Resident Meeting 29-9-2019 28-11-2018 Page 62 Withdrawal $104,000 from the Community Wastewater Management System Account

28-11-2018 Page 63 Withdrawal $765.000.00 from Council’s General Funds Continued A number of councillors have said that they were not on made aware that the $1,904.000 (nearly $2M) transaction was about to occur and that some of it might come from internal departments. page 5 RIGHT: MINUTES of the Special Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 27th November 2018 as they appeared the following day.

Page 3 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 PRIMARY INDUSTRY NEWS First steps for Dog Fence rebuild underway Potential contractors for the Dog Fence rebuild have been briefed and a call for tenders will soon be underway.

The process to rebuild South Australia’s Dog Fence has commenced, with the release of the Supply Notification and an industry briefing to potential suppliers already complete.

Announced earlier this year by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone, the project is being funded through a $10 million commitment from the Federal government, $10 million from South Australian government, and $5 million from industry.

On behalf of industry, Livestock SA has welcomed producers’ support for raising funds through an industry contribution. Livestock SA has proposed that the $5 million from industry be collected and remitted over five years through a combination of:

an increase in the Dog Fence rate paid by pastoralists an industry-based levy on the processing of rangeland goats an increase to the Sheep Industry Fund levy Dog Fence tenders will soon be underway More than two thirds of the current fence is over 100 years old, and its degraded state threatens our $4.3 billion livestock industry. Rebuilding the Dog Fence will take about five years, Find out more about the administration, funding and with rebuild works expected to start in autumn 2020. maintenance of the Dog Fence at pir.sa.gov.au/dogfence. A cost benefit analysis on the Dog Fence rebuild, commissioned by the state government, has calculated The Dog Fence Rebuild Committee will work with key For details on the industry contribution, visit the Livestock the positive impact on Gross State Product is expected stakeholders to ensure each section of the new fence is SA website. https://livestocksa.org.au/livestock-sa- to be $1.8 million in the first year, $8.1 million in the best suited for the terrain, substrate and pressure from welcomes-producer-support-for-proposed-sa-dog- third year and $5.3 million in the twentieth year. wild dogs in that area. fence-levy/ Calicivirus release to have Lease feral rabbits on the hop assessments Recent release of calicivirus RHDV1 K5 to target pest rabbits in South Australian. Pest rabbits causing $30 million in damage annually to "Unfortunately rabbits multiply quickly. Two breeding South Australian agricultural production will be targeted rabbits can have 200 descendants in just two years, and More lease assessments scheduled to be as part of an upcoming release of the calicivirus RHDV1 within four years their number of descendants can undertaken this year. K5. explode to 40,000."

The lease assessment program is continuing in the north Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Minister Whetstone reminded people to vaccinate pet of the pastoral region this year. Development Tim Whetstone said release of the virus and domestic rabbits. will combat feral rabbits which continue to have Lease assessments involve a comprehensive land significant impacts on our environment and agricultural "In the lead up to the release of the virus in September, condition assessment of pastoral leases every 14 years, industries. pet rabbit owners and commercial rabbit farmers should undertaken by experienced PIRSA staff from the ensure vaccinations for their animals are up to date," Pastoral Unit and Rural Solutions. "Rabbits are a major burden for farmers, consuming said Minister Whetstone. crops and pastures at the expense of $30 million per Pastoral Officers can spend days assessing a lease, year to our state's agricultural industries and threaten "The government wants to destroy pest rabbits but which involves visiting every stock watering point and the survival of more than 300 plant and animal species," not people's household pet rabbits nor commercial recording data on soil and grazing impacts. said Minister Whetstone. rabbit herds.

Lessees and managers are encouraged to be involved "It is important we continue to control wild rabbits and "The calicivirus vaccine, which is administered by in the process and assist in field work where possible. RHDV1 K5 has already proven to be an effective tool. vets, is effective against the RHDV1 K5 strain and An assessment report is then prepared and presented will help protect domestic rabbits. to the Pastoral Board for endorsement. "The aim of this latest virus release, funded as part of the Morrison Coalition Government's Agricultural The statutory assessment is followed by an extension Competiveness White Paper, is to conduct landscape- Pet rabbits should also be kept enclosed and safely of lease terms, which results in a “topping up” of the scale reductions of rabbit populations. away from contact with wild rabbits and biting lease to a 42 year period. insects following the virus release." "This initiative follows an initial nation-wide release of If your lease has recently undergone an assessment and the virus in March 2017 which led to a sizeable reduction For further information on the forthcoming RHDV1 K5 you would like an update on the current status of your in wild rabbit numbers. release and how to protect domestic rabbits visit lease extension, or would like to know when your lease www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity is scheduled for an assessment, please contact Gavin "The state rabbit control co-ordinator, Mr Josh Rosser, Baird, Senior Pastoral Officer on 8429 0365 or email: will work with landholders to ensure the effectiveness RHDV1 K5 is a variant of the existing virus which is [email protected]. of this virus release and will encourage communities to already widespread in Australia. It only infects the undertake complementary pest rabbit eradication European rabbit and is not detrimental to humans, other activities such as warren ripping. domestic animals or native species. Page 4 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 Finance Resident meeting attempts to address deeper concerns

Facilitor of the Concerned Resident Q. What is the total expenditure A followup meeting is scheduled for Sunday 13-10-2019. Afterwards an assessment of all meeting was (Cr) George for all legal services for the past the questions and answers will be made Naumovic long term resident of three years, and to the present Coober Pedy, who together with moment, including unpaid invoices? other residents had compiled a list (Query $1.5M) of concerns gleaned from the general community. Q. Did the previous council approve legal insurance for Attending the meeting and litigation for then Cr. Freytag, answering questions were ongoing?) Administrator Tim Jackson, and Acting CEO Colin Pitman. Q. How many of the 25 recommendations from the AGENDA & DISCUSSION TOPICS Ombudsman Report have been addressed at this time? – SUNDAY 29 SEPT 2019 at 2PM GREEK HALL Q. How can you prepare a long Q. Poll questions such as voting term financial plan and budget YES/NO to an Administrator being without 2 years of independent appointed until 2022. Where did audits, given the financial this question come from, as this circumstances that we have? Q. lengthy time frame wasn’t an Is the long term financial plan one original request from the of the conditions of more community? borrowings? Residents in attendance at community meeting Greek Hall

We are also being asked to vote on An effectiveness and efficiency giving up our water and electricity review was called a time and assets while hearing at the same motion study and is a highly time that our vote may be specialised audit. overridden by the Administrator. Q. Are council staff qualified to do this audit? Q. What is Administrator going to Ageing Well Community Grants do if it can’t offload water and Q. For what reason are the latest electrical infrastructure to the state minutes and agendas on the DCCP Now Open govt to address the debt issue? website now only photocopies ($9m) instead of text? How can If you’re part of an incorporated, non-profit organisation working together with older residents “search” the public people, you are invited to apply for Grants for Seniors and Positive Ageing Fellowship records for documents that have Grants. Local Governments are invited to apply for Age Friendly SA Grants. 1) Next Agenda now no recognisable characters? includes: Water charges will need Grants for Seniors to increase by 69% on 1 January Q. “Why does council need a Grants of up to $5,000 to purchase goods that stimulate activity and social 2020 to ensure that sufficient glossy, colour newsletter that engagement for older people. income is obtained in the 2020/21 hardly anyone sees or reads? financial year to meet the Upper Grants of up to $10,000 for projects encouraging older South Australians to Bound Revenue target. Q. What is the TOTAL overall cost engage with the community. to the ratepayers? AND Q. Is Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants 2) That the council sponsor council in a position to financially the Opal Symposium to a value of support its own media/publishing One-off community capacity building grants of $20,000 – $40,000 for projects $10,000 department given their dire that support a diverse range of older South Australians to age well and be circumstances? recognised for their valued contributions across their lifetime. Q. Graph of Cash Advance Debenture (CAD): Who has Q. How does council support plan Age Friendly SA Grants authority over the loan, the last to remedy the 9 year old NAIDOC One-off grants of up to $25,000 for local governments. Regional partnerships council, with an Ombudsman’s Trees at the Drive-In? Q. When of three or more local governments may be eligible for up to $45,000. finding of the worst case of will the trees at Keane’s Reserve Projects must align to the Age Friendly SA Strategy key priorities. Maladministration, or the new be replaced? council? Applications for all Grants close 5.00pm Friday 17 January 2020. A followup meeting is Q. Please clarify the interest rate scheduled for Sunday 13-10- Find further information, including guidelines, eligibility and how to apply, at of the CAD, and that of EDL? 2019. After that an assessment www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/communitygrants or contact Office for Ageing Well at of all the questions and answers [email protected] or by phoning 08 8204 2420. W346 Q. What steps are being taken to will be made pay EDL for electricity supplied?

Q. Please supply evidence of BBQ at Hall council approval for the drawdown Friday Nights of all Cash Advance Debentures? Everyone is welcome Q. Please explain why the entire audit committee made up of local Gates open from 6pm residents and business people Food served around 7 pm resigned? Enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere either inside or outside St. Nicholas Street Coober Pedy Thursday 10 October 2019 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 5 Keeping the community informed Savvy Ways to REMOTE AIRSTRIP UPGRADE Sort Your Stuff PROGRAM - NOW OPEN this SPRING

Flying Doctor’s Pilatus PC12 landing on outback airstrip Bulgunnia Station, south of Coober Pedy Top tips for organising clutter Applications for the latest round of the Remote “I urge the owners or operators of remote community Airstrip Upgrade Program opened on 1 October airstrips in need of an upgrade to make an application If you’re drowning in paperwork and overrun with with the guidelines now available. under Round 7 when applications open. clutter at home or work, then now is a good time to “Applications for Round 7 will remain open until 12 clear the decks and press re-set. The program has been hugely popular over recent years with more than $40 million spent on 209 programs since November 2019 to provide communities with the time the Liberals and Nationals came to Government in 2013. needed to make strong proposals.” “Research shows that mental clarity, productivity and endorphins increase when you’re living and working in The 2018–19 Federal Budget allocated a further $28.3 Acting Federation Executive of the Royal Flying Doctor an organised space,” says Erin Boyce, owner of Your Service Malcolm White said today’s announcement Organised Life, a professional organising service for million over four years to fund works designed to improve the safety and capacity of remote airstrips. would provide practical improvements to airstrips giving individuals, families and businesses. Here, Erin shares people living in remote Australia a service they can rely her top tips for sorting and storing your stuff: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, on. Transport and Regional Development Michael 1. Baby steps – often when we think about tackling a “The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program funds big job such as clearing clutter, we can feel McCormack said airstrips in remote areas were crucial pieces of community infrastructure. improvements such as new lighting, navigation systems, overwhelmed. Start with one room – the sense of runway sealing and fencing,” Mr White said. achievement you feel when you have finished it will help “For many communities, air services are essential for you move onto the next. “Kangaroos, emus and other animals can cause providing mail, supplies, transport and medical services,” tremendous damage when airstrips are unfenced. This Mr McCormack said. 2. Sort it out – sort your stuff into piles of store, throw program ensures airstrips are maintained and safe for and recycle. Bag up and remove the throw and recycle staff and passengers.” items so you are left with just with those you want to “Improving the safety and capacity of airstrips will store. Already, you’ve got rid of more than half your provide major benefits to the thousands of Australians Funding approved under Round 6 included $1.8 million clutter! If you haven’t, then take a second look and be who would otherwise have to rely on much slower and for the reconstruction of the Flinders Island aerodrome firm. If you haven’t worn it or used it in a year or more, less reliable road links. in Tasmania; $700,000 for fencing, lighting and apron then it’s time to say goodbye! works at Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory; Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew $778,876 for resealing the runway, taxiway and apron, 3. Storage – choose the right storage for the job. Gee said 31 upgrades were approved for funding in the solar powered lighting and drainage works at Oak Valley Storage containers should always be functional over last round, highlighting the importance of the program to in South Australia; $19,875 for fencing works at pretty. In my opinion, see-through and stackable storage remote communities. Wentworth and $15,000 for Pilot Activated Lighting at will always win. Keep it simple. Windorah at Queensland. “Each of these projects assists people living in those 4. Central Station - create a ‘command’ station communities and their surrounding regions, whether that The Round 7 guidelines and other information is available somewhere in the home full of all those useful items we be through job creation, more reliable transport access from www.business.gov.au/assistance/remote-airstrip- use often like batteries, stationary and sticky tape. Group or improved service delivery,” Mr Gee said. upgrade-program or by calling 13 28 46. items together and store them in storage drawers or plastic takeaway containers. Label each box on the front with a permanent marker (I like Pilot’s new Permanent Markers as they’re long lasting and don’t fade out) so you’ll always know what’s inside and you’ll never have POLICE NEWS: 15 OFFENDERS ARRESTED FOR to rifle through a drawer full of junk again! AGGRAVATED ROBBERIES ON GAMING ROOMS 5. Toy time – give your kids some sticky labels and a fine-tipped marker pen and ask them to draw pictures 27 Sep 2019 3:31pm. The SA Police Serious Crime "The operation was undertaken by over 90 officers from of their toys, e.g. dolls, soft toys, games etc. and stick Task Force are conducting investigations into aggravated the Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Operation them onto the storage containers. They’ll have fun and robberies on gaming rooms in licensed venues. Mandrake, Traffic Services Branch, State Tactical Re- it’s a great way to get them involved in sorting their sponse Group, STAR Dog Operations as well as the stuff from an early age. There are 26 incidents that have occurred since 1 Janu- metropolitan districts," she said. ary 2019 and since that date, detectives have arrested 6. Paper trail - Keep the majority of your paperwork 15 offenders for committing one or more robberies and In addition SAPOL continue to collaborate with exter- virtually to ensure paper clutter doesn’t start taking over one person for assisting an offender to commit a rob- nal partners to reduce the instances of aggravated rob- but with the important documents, store hard copies into bery. beries and provide advice on crime prevention. a space saving expanding file folder, then group and label into categories, e.g. ‘bill’s, ‘receipts’, ‘school’, ‘health’ As part of the investigations, SAPOL proactively tar- "We are working closely with the Australian Hotels etc. geted people of interest as well as searching 58 proper- Association and Community Clubs Association to pro- ties believed to be connected with aggravated robberies vide crime prevention advice and support to their mem- 7. Freezer pleaser - keep track of food that’s stored and other serious offending. Detective Chief Inspector bers." in the freezer and pantry. Use freezer labels or masking Denise Gray said that during today's operation, compli- tape to label the food item and date stored. Store in the ance with bail, parole and home detention conditions "We continue to receive valuable information from the freezer by food type and date to save searching next were checked and numerous searches were conducted. community and I would request anyone with any infor- time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal. mation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000." Page 6 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 Opinions/Questions/Comments/Letters to the Editor SA GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO RE: SA GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT COOBER PEDY GET SERIOUS ABOUT COOBER PEDY “It is not the debt, but the deficit that is the problem” Dear Editor, Original “Dear Editor, It is disappointing to face the future in Coober Pedy with the outlook as presented by the current Council. I would like to respond to Angelo Gountounas’ letter Angelo focuses on the level of debt. With the greatest which appeared in the last edition of the Coober Pedy respect it is not the debt but the deficit that is the We are hearing that we are being confronted with poll Regional Times. problem. We spend more than we raise. questions such as voting YES/NO to an administrator being appointed until 2022 with no alternative. We are Angelo is passionate about the town and is right when The most recent financial result prior to the also being asked to vote on giving up our water and he says the town has experienced significant decline commencement of the period of administration was an electricity assets while hearing at the same time that our vote may be overridden by the Administrator. since its peak. annual loss of approximately $2.4 million. Cost reductions since then of approximately $800k have reduced the This might be alright if we had confidence, but the debt Being realistic it is unlikely that the town will return to deficit by a third for the year ending 30 June 2019. has escalated further out of control since being in the level of activity seen then. Administration and we are not confident that we have The deficit will be further reduced by approximately adequately skilled staff in control. A few aspects of Angelo’s letter require comment. $700k from water charges or a State Government water subsidy. The remaining deficit of $900k will need to be We would like the Minister for Local Government Mr. I have stated publicly on a number of occasions that I Stefan Knoll to come and talk to us and listen to us. eliminated by improved efficiency or the reduction of will be bound by the decisions of voters in the polls with services as municipal rating levels are considered to be In 2014 when Mr. Knoll was campaigning at Coober Pedy the exception of the question regarding extending the about right. with the Liberals many of us visited the RSL to hear the period of administration which obviously should not be Liberal team. Mr. Knoll is now in a position of power made by me and will be made by the Governor. There is no doubt the challenges are significant and after a successful campaign in 2018. complexed but they will be addressed. Angelo talks about out of control debt. The current level In 2014 Rowan Ramsey MP, Federal Member for of debt is about the same as it was when I was appointed Grey opened the Liberal meeting (RSL) at 7.30pm, Tim Jackson welcoming everyone and introducing guest speaker SA and I have not increased the debt level limit set by Administrator” Senator Cory Bernardi along with familiar visitor to previous Councils. Coober Pedy, Terry Stephens MLC and Liberal Party Indigenous Spokesman, and ‘Star of the Future’ Stefan Knoll of the South Australian Seat of Schubert. CONCERNED RESIDENT GROUP Stephan Knoll said, “one of the defining differences Dear Editor, Local knowledge is continually pushed aside and possibly between Labor and Liberal is that the Liberals feared. The go-to person for local knowlege is Mr. encouraged the grass roots people to have their say Thanks to the Concerned Resident Group for holding Pitman these days, I am told. on issues that concerned them.” the council to accountability, and holding town meetings and touching on subjects that many of the locals do not It is my belief that we entered basket case stage when Now, we need Mr. Knoll to show us that he deserved our notice. votes. our water crew of many years standing left their jobs

Mr. Knoll, we expect you to come and listen to the As sensitive as trust issues are, we wouldn’t be in the We now risk losing our pride and joy, our water supply expectations of the long term residents who built this town. predicament that we are in if we had not taken every as the situation becomes more dire and moreso if the Are we any less citizens of the state of South Australia word spoken to us at face value. There were many residents listen to the biased rhetoric of a quck fix before than the constituents closer to Adelaide? topics raised at Sunday’s meeting that were never they vote. When Coober Pedy was at its peak during the 80s, we explained properly to us. This felt concerning. Sincerely, Attendee at the Sunday meeting had 6,000 residents and 4 people running the council. (Name withheld by request) These were locals. We ran our own water, electricity and maintained the services adequately.

In 2019 we have approximately 1700 residents and 67 people running the town. Most of these are total strangers with no local experience and apparently long, healthy contracts. All of the long term, trained locals have sadly disappeared.

The state of the town is a shadow of its former self.

It is not good making us so upset that we want to abandon our town. You have brought strangers here to sell our assets. If the current situation continues and we don’t see any other options we will feel forced to stop paying our bills and this is likely to officially bankrupt the town.

I find it unacceptable that in 2016 I instigated a petition to sack the council, and the government did not act. The reason I took this stand is because of the council’s mismanagement of finances the lack of public information as to their activities in regard to rates reviews, zoning reviews and policy.

The government did nothing until 2018 when for different reasons it instigated an Auditor General’s examination of the council’s books. Despite the very strong suggestion of insolvency during that time, we were sent a retired CEO to try and bail us out.

With all due respect we as a community are watching our debt escalate under a variety of revolving door consultants and teams of lawyers sorting out what appears to be nothing more than bickering and infighting.

Please Mr. Minister we want to be heard. Do not make decisions about us, without us. This is our future.

Sincerely, Angelo Gountounas Thursday 10 October 2019 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 7 HAVE NOODLING MACHINE WILL TRAVEL 0429 331 663

Andy West and Lenny Haynes with their portable Noodling machine

Andy West former Coober Pedy opal In addition to his passion for opal, Andy miner, cutter and classer now living in worked on a number of the movies sets Port Lincoln travelled to Coober Pedy between 1985 and the Millenium. These were Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, recently with his mate Lenny Haynes Stark Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Pitch FRIDAY 1st NOVEMBER to do a bit of noodling while the Black in and Mars the Red Planet temperatures at Coober Pedy were still bearable.. Andy recalls that from the early 70s SATURDAY 2nd NOVEMBER onward he worked with the Brauns on The duo are pictured above with their their noodling machine, with some mining SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER (appt only) thrown in. retirement style noodling machine. Lennie is standing by ready to shovel more mullock “In 1998 I took the Opal Industries Walk-ins welcome. while Andy sorts through the sandstone Practices Tafe Course, but was cutting looking for signs of colour. well before that. I did a short stint Book early to avoid disappointment. teaching cutting at TAFE as well”, said If you cannot attend your appointment please advise early of cancellation . Note the simple tools necessary for this Andy. Your time can then be offered to someone else.. process. “Cutting opal was my main ocupation up Andy became a well-known identity on the here, but I did, a lot of classing and of Coober Pedy opal fields from around 1968. course selling opal as well”, said Andy.

Andy West spent a week noodling for opal at “This is what we are after”, said Andy Lenny Haynes of Port Lincoln packing up the Coober Pedy generator Ph: 08 8672 3340 / Web: http://followme.downunder.global

Light aircraft overturned on the William Creek airstrip on Sunday

If anyone is interested in volunteering for Coober Pedy Mine Rescue/ SES, in any capacity, please call 1300 364 587 or email [email protected] Page 8 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 LOCAL EVENT MINE RESCUE/SES ROAD-CRASH EXERCISE Saturday morning, the Mine Rescue/SES Unit simulated a vehicle accident at the vacant block adjacent to the roundabout at Coober Pedy. The exercise was for training purposes, and held at a location that gave the community easy access.

Unit Manager Michael Beelitz said, “The scenario was a casualty trapped in the drivers seat with suspected spinal injuries after a side impact to their vehicle.”

“We had to stabilise the vehicle, pop the door open using the jaws of life to gain access to the casualty and have a member support and manage them in the vehicle.”

“We then removed the roof to allow the casualty to be removed inline to minimise any damage to the spine. We also executed a dash roll to create more room in the foot well to release the feet and legs more easily and safely.”

“We also had a play and experimented with our new cordless combination Jaws of Life tool which incorporates both a cutter and a spreader in the one tool.”

If you are interested in joining or being involved please call Michael on 0407724966 or visit: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/ Simulated road-crash rescue on Saturday morning in the centre of town using the Jaws of Life

Margaret Mackay © Margaret Mackay ©

Margaret Mackay © Ned, Marty and Matthew removing some of the Daniel packing away the “victim” for another day Ned, Greg and Michael discuss the exercise sharp debris Permanent protection for outback fossil site The Nature Conservancy is proud to announce the planned acquisition and protection of Nilpena West – an internationally significant fossil site and area of high conservation value in outback South Australia.

“The protection of this 60,000 hectare former pastoral property marks a great day for conservation in South Australia,” said Dr James Fitzsimons, Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Australia, speaking from the opening of the 2019 Private Land Conservation Conference in Adelaide this evening. “

The property contains significant biodiversity values including two threatened ecological communities and a number of threatened species.

Most critically, the property also covers extremely important sites that contain the oldest fossilised animals on Earth.”

South Australian Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said Nilpena West will soon be added to the South Australian public protected area estate and managed by the Department for Environment and Water.

“Its inclusion in the conservation estate will link the Ediacara Conservation Park to the Lake Torrens National Park and will support our nomination for the listing of Nilpena West will soon be added to the South Australian public protected area estate and managed by the areas of the Flinders Ranges as a World Heritage Site.” Department for Environment and Water Nilpena West, 600 kilometres north of Adelaide, is What is even more extraordinary is that the Nilpena fossil currently part of Nilpena Pastoral Station. The property beds preserve marine communities with scores of species. includes the Ediacara Fossil Site – Nilpena, listed on the They include evidence of the Earth’s first animals, and National Heritage List. the earliest movement and sexual reproduction.

Nilpena is a research site of international significance with Shearers’ quarters, a blacksmith’s shop and a woolshed part funding from NASA. It is unique in that on the property will be developed as research and visitor palaeontologists have been able to excavate a series of 40 facilities, and an immersive interpretive centre. fossiliferous beds that preserve snapshots of the seafloor as animal life first unfolded around 550 million years ago. The purchase of the property and its transfer to the South Australian Government is being facilitated by The Nature There is no other place on Earth where this has occurred Conservancy with funding provided by an anonymous for fossils of any age. donor. Page 9 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 PUBLIC NOTICES & CLASSIES See page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE

Mining Act 1971 INSPECTION OF POWER Mining Act 1971 Notice pursuant to section 28(5) of the Mining Act 1971 Notice is hereby given in accordance Notice pursuant to section 28(5) of the Mining AND WATER ASSETS with Section 28(5) of the Mining Act 1971 that the Act 1971 Notice is hereby given in accordance delegate of the Minister for Energy and Mining with Section 28(5) of the Mining Act 1971 that Coober Pedy intends to grant Exploration Licences over the As the result of the community poll on the delegate of the Minister for Energy and areas described below. the potential sale of the water and power Mining intends to grant Exploration Licences over the areas described below. Historical Society Applicant: Havilah Resources Limited assets to the State Government, Location: Lake Frome area – members of the community have Applicant: Fe Mines Ltd approximately 170 km expressed a desire to inspect the water Location: Goode Hill area – southeast of Leigh Creek approximately 40 km Pastoral Leases: Frome Downs assets at the Council Depot . south-southeast of Olary Term: Two years 2 Pastoral Leases: Devonborough Downs, Notice of AGM Area in km : 106 Council staff will hold a tour of the water Lilydale, Mutooroo, Oulnina Reference No: 2019/00081 Term: Two years th Applicant: BHP Billiton Olympic Dam assets on Saturday the 19th of October 2 Date: Sunday 27 Area in km : 269 Corporation Pty Ltd at 9.00 am at the Hutchison Street Reference No: 2019/00089 Location: Andamooka Ranges area – Reverse Osmosis Plant October approximately 110 km west Applicant: Heathgate Resources Pty Ltd of Leigh Creek Location: Paralana Creek area – Pastoral Leases: Andamooka, Bosworth approximately 110 km Location: Term: Two years PUBLIC NOTICE east-northeast of Leigh Creek Area in km2: 657 Pastoral Leases: Arkaroola, Woolatana Reference No: 2019/00082 Term: Two years Coober Pedy School Area in km2: 178 Applicant: Ore Detect Pty Ltd Reference No: 2019/00098 Location: Lake Everard area - Library at 2pm approximately 140 km Plans and co-ordinates can be found on the northeast of Streaky Bay Department for Energy and Mining website: Pastoral Leases: Kondoolka, Lake Everard, http://energymining.sa.gov.au/minerals/ Following a brief meeting Moonaree, Yarna “Consultation to inform residents of the exploration/public_notices/exploration_licence_ Term: Two years including a review Area in km2: 901 Draft Planning and Design Code” applications or by contacting Mineral Tenements on 08 8429 2572. of the activities in the past year Reference No: 2019/00115 Applicant: Ore Detect Pty Ltd Community information on mineral exploration Residents are invited to attend a and election of office bearers for Location: Moonaree area – approximately community information session at the licence processes and requirements under the 180 km northeast of Streaky Bay Mining Act 1971 is available from: 2020 Pastoral Leases: Moonaree Coober Pedy Council Chambers at http://energymining.sa.gov.au/minerals/exploration/ Term: Two years st there will be a presentation on the 4:30pm on Thursday 31 October 2019 public_notices/exploration_licence_applications Area in km2: 972 in relation to the proposed changes to the or hard copy on request to Mineral Tenements. history of banking in Coober Pedy Reference No: 2019/00116 State Government’s Planning and Design J Martin followed by afternoon tea Applicant: Ore Detect Pty Ltd Code. Mining Registrar as delegate for the Minister Location: Kokatha area – approximately for Energy and Mining Secretary: Jenny Davison 190 km northeast of Streaky Bay Department for Energy and Mining Pastoral Leases: Kokatha Representatives from the Department of [email protected] Term: Two years Area in km2: 538 Planning, Transport and Infrastructure W464 http://energymining.sa.gov.au will brief residents of the changes that Reference No: 2019/00117 are proposed to come into effect mid- Applicant: Ore Detect Pty Ltd Location: Yardea area – approximately 2020. AGEING WELL COMMUNITY 100 km north of Wudinna Pastoral Leases: Hiltaba, Moonaree, Yardea, th Yarna Residents will have until 29 November Term: Two years 2019 to make submissions to the State GRANTS NOW OPEN Area in km2: 990 Government on the Draft Code. Reference No: 2019/00118 Community grants are now available from the Office for Ageing Well to help local Applicant: Rio Tinto Exploration Pty Copies of the Draft Code may be viewed Limited organisations to improve the lives of older South Australians. Location: Mabel Creek area – at the Council Office during normal approximately 80 km business hours or viewed online at Organisations who seek funding from the Office for Ageing Well’s 2019-20 Commu- southwest of Coober Pedy www.saplanningportal.sa.gov.au Pastoral Leases: Mabel Creek nity Grants program should be supporting older South Australians, including those Term: Two years from diverse cultures and backgrounds, to age well and participate in their commu- Area in km2: 494 If you have any questions on the Code, nity. Reference No: 2019/00120 please contact Applicant: Rio Tinto Exploration Pty [email protected] or phone Director of Office for Ageing Well, Cassie Mason, said grants range from $5,000 up Limited 1800 318 102. Location: Ingomar area – approximately to $45,000 and are available to support community ageing activities or wider pro- 40 km southwest of grams that promote the development of more positive attitudes towards ageing. Coober Pedy Council’s Consultant Planning Pastoral Leases: Ingomar, Mabel Creek, Mount Clarence Officer/Building Surveyor “The Grants for Seniors fund opportunities for older South Australians to participate Term: Two years in group or community activities, which builds social connectedness and wellbeing,” Area in km2: 655 Reference No: 2019/00121 Council’s Consultant Planning Officer/ Ms Mason said. Plans and co-ordinates can be found on the Building Surveyor, Grant Riches, will be Department for Energy and Mining website: in Coober Pedy on Wednesday 30th “Grants of up to $5,000 are available for equipment or materials that stimulate activ- http://energymining.sa.gov.au/minerals/ October until Monday 4th November. ity and social engagement, while grants of up to $10,000 are available to support exploration/public_notices/exploration_licence_ applications or by contacting Mineral Tenements participation in cultural, social, educational or sporting activities. on 08 8429 2572. If you need to meet with Grant, please Community information on mineral exploration contact Council on 8672 4600. “The Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants range between $20,000 and $40,000 and licence processes and requirements under the are available to support projects that promote the development of positive community Mining Act 1971 is available from: http://energymining.sa.gov.au/minerals/exploration/ attitudes towards ageing and older people, while increasing the participation of older public_notices/exploration_licence_applications Coober Pedy South Australians.” or hard copy on request to Mineral Tenements. J Martin Ms Mason said Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant recipients will receive coaching Mining Registrar as delegate for the Minister and mentoring from The Australian Centre for Social Innovation to achieve long- for Energy and Mining Regional Times term, positive outcomes for older people. Department for Energy and Mining email: W498 http://energymining.sa.gov.au “We are also encouraging local government entities to apply for a one-off Age Friendly [email protected] SA Grant for up to $25,000, while regional partnerships involving at least three local government authorities may apply for up to $45,000. Tel: 08 86725920 “These projects must align to the State Government’s Age Friendly SA Strategy key priorities of home, community and environment, making a contribution, making it easier to get around, intergenerational connectedness, and age friendly services.

Applications for all grants close at 5pm, Friday 17 January 2020. For more information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/communitygrants

Page 10 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 TOURISM Caravan and camping visitor expenditure reaches $7.9B, and surpasses 13 million trips We all know caravan and camping is a favourite holiday option and lifestyle amongst Australians, and the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia have proven that the industry is continuing to go from strength to strength!

The data revealed another solid performance from the The BRIDGESTONE WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE Control Stop #3 - Tennant Creek Weighbridge domestic caravan and camping visitor economy through starts in Darwin in the Northern Territory SUNDAY Monday 14 October 11am - 5pm - Tuesday 15 June 2019 – the strongest June quarter in a decade! 13 - 20 OCTOBER and travels the Stuart Highway to Octover 8am - 12pm Port Augusta and then via Highway 1 to finish in Victoria Some of the most notable figures include: Square the City of Adelaide in South Australia A rolling annual increase of 8% in trips to (approximately 3000kms). Control Stop #4 - Barrow Creek Hotel • Monday 14 October 2pm - 5pm - Tuesday 15 October break through 13 million domestic trips for The Start Line Official commences at 8.30am, with the 8am - 4pm the first time. cars leaving one after another until approximately 9.30am. • Nights increased to a record high, reaching 55 million in a 5% annual increase. Nearly 50 solar cars will set off from Darwin to start Control Stop #5 - Alice Springs, Traeger Park their 3,000km journey to Adelaide Tuesday 15 October 9am - 5pm - Wednesday 16 • Total expenditure of caravan and camping October 8am - 12pm visitors increased by 17% to exceed $7.9B! SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER - FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER • All states recorded growth in overnight caravan and camping trips, with South BWSC CONTROL STOPS including COOBER PEDY Control Stop #6 - Kulgera Road House Tuesday 15 October 12pm - 5pm - Wednesday 16 Australia and Northern Territory leading the Along the way from Darwin to Adelaide, each team must October 8am - 5pm ~ way with growth of 23% and 22% stop at the official control stops along the route to record respectively. their time, and to rest their driver. This is a great chance CONTROL STOP #7 - COOBER PEDY, Oz Minerals • 90% of visitor expenditure is in regional for locals to get out and get up close to the cars and Australia teams, see how exciting and quick the arrivals are, and Oval cheer them on as they set off again. Wednesday 16 October 8am-5pm - Thursday 17 For the first time, the young/midlife no kids segment October 8am-3.30pm ~ has overtaken the family demographic as the largest The BWSC goes remote, so if you're nearby one of lifecycle group in terms of caravan/camping trips. This these great Outback communities make sure to get Control Stop #8 - Glendambo Outback Resort group is fuelled by the rapidly increasing 20-29-year brackets who are taking caravan and camping trips. out and see the BWSC pass through your town! Wednesday 16 October 12pm - 5pm - Friday 18 October 8am - 11am~ The 30-54 group also strongly increased in the number Control Stop #1 - Katherine Transport Weighbridge of trips taken to surpass 6M, 46% of all trips. Sunday 13 October 12pm-5pm Control Stop #9 - Port Augusta BP Truck Stop Wednesday 16 October 2pm - 5pm - Friday 18 The older non-working segment spent 17M nights in total, October 8am - 4pm accounting for 31% of all nights spent caravan and Control Stop #2 - Daly Waters Hi-Way Inn camping. Sunday 13 October 3pm - 5pm - Monday 14 October 8am - 2pm ~Times are in Northern Territory time It is important to note that despite these increases, all figures should continue to be taken with a grain of salt as the impact of TRA’s change in methodology continues to provide inflated figures across domestic tourism which SA tourism soars to break new saw growth of 10% by nights and 12% by trips across all record $7.6 billion accommodation types. South Australia’s tourism sector has hit a new record, China again led international growth – with a record high NANOMACHINES ENLISTED with an all-time-high $7.6 billion spent by visitors to the visitation of 66,500, up 19 per cent, and easily surpassing TO FIGHT DIABETES State over the past year. the original 2020 target of 57,000 visitors.

Statistics from the latest International and National Visitor Japanese visits also grew, with 6 per cent more people Anti-diabetic drugs may become cheaper and more Survey results show the total growth in visitor expenditure choosing South Australia. These visitors stayed longer accessible thanks to a breakthrough from CSIRO, is up 12 per cent from last year. and spent more, with nights up 143 per cent and Australia’s national science agency. expenditure up 78 per cent. SA’s country areas, regional visitor expenditure (including Scientists from CSIRO’s Synthetic Biology Future Science international) grew to a record high $3.3 billion, up 19 Mr Whetstone said that the South Australian industry Platform have used advanced biological and chemical per cent - now contributing 44 per cent to the overall continued to report healthy airline loads, rising event engineering to create a simpler, cleaner, and more cost- visitor expenditure in South Australia. numbers and increased demand for rooms. effective process for manufacturing the anti-diabetic drug D-fagomine. Acting Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Tim “We have a very passionate and hard working sector, and Whetstone, said interstate overnight visitation to regional we are working closely with them to identify fresh Type 2 diabetes is one of the greatest global health South Australia had increased 10 per cent to 1.1 million opportunities, new markets and creative campaigns. It is challenges of the 21st century, with more than 350 million overnight visitors – with a 21 percent increase in overall exciting times for us all as we track towards an $8 billion people living with the condition. interstate expenditure to $2.5 billion. visitor economy by 2020,” he said. It occurs as a consequence of the hormone insulin not “South Australians were also on the move within their The tourism sector employs around 38,900 people across being produced in sufficient quantities to convert glucose own state, with intrastate overnight visitors growing 13 18,000 businesses – across accommodation providers, from food into energy. When this process is disrupted, per cent to a record high 3.5 million, spending $2.3 billion tourism experiences, tours and more and I can tell you blood glucose can rise to levels where poor health on their travels”, he said. they are all totally invested in this industry and should be outcomes can follow. rightly proud of what they contribute to South Australia. International visitors increased by 1 per cent, yet the D-fagomine is a chemical compound that can do this job overall expenditure was down 5 per cent as people took Visit the Tourism Research Australia website to in insulin’s place by lowering blood glucose levels. shorter trips, reflecting the economic pressures and view the latest International and National Visitor https://www.csiro.au/en/News/News-releases/2019/ domestic issues experienced by key markets in the United Survey’s www.tra.gov.au Using-nanomachines-to-help-fight-the-war-on- States and United Kingdom. diabetes Page 11 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 WEDNESDAY CFS TRAINING Wednesday each What’sWhat’s OnOn inin COOBERCOOBER PEDYPEDY fortnight 7-9 pm. Call Cpt Wayne Borrett 0439881049 or Matt Meyers 0455682637 Training Coordinator && *Visiting Services* Mine Rescue/SES training weekly at 8:00pm on a PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Wednesday AND every 2nd Saturday of the month training at 8:30am. 2019 1 Jan Tue New Year's Day FRIDAYS CP SHOOTERS CLUB 28 Jan Mon Australia Day Holiday 7.30 pm SHOTGUN 11 Mar Mon March Public Holiday Darts - after SHOTGUN. All welcome 19 Apr Fri Good Friday Greek Charcoal BBQ every 20 Apr Sat Day following Good Friday at the Greek Hall (20th Apr Friday 2018) $18 plate Bar open at 6pm dinner ready around 7pm. Come 22 Apr Mon Easter Monday enjoy a night out. 25 Apr Thu Anzac Day Coober Pedy Scrabble 10 Jun Mon Queen's Birthday 7.30pm United Club . 7 Oct Mon Labour Day All skill levels welcome AA Meeting 24 Dec Tue Christmas Eve * 7 pm Catholic Church 25 Dec Wed Christmas Day Ph no. 1800222222 26 Dec Thu Proclamation Day SATURDAYS 31 Dec Tue New Year's Eve * MINE RESCUE/SES SA schools term Training is weekly at 8:00pm on a Wednesday AND dates 2019 Every 2nd Saturday of the month training at 8:30am. Term 1 29 Jan - 12 April 'Michael Beelitz' Unit Term 2 29 April - 5 July Manager '0407 724 966' http://www.cooberpedydrivein.org.au/ CP SHOOTERS CLUB Term 3 22 July - 27 Sept Pistols (Rapid Fire) Term 4 14 Oct - 13 Dec 9:00 AM And 11:00AM

Ring John DiDonna on 0427649389 ACCOUNTANT

CROATION CLUB INVITATION TO COOBER Arid Areas Accounting Happy Hour Saturdays 6-7pm PEDY RESIDENTS: Audit & Tax Richard Younger Members of the Mine Rescue/SES Unit will be training their SUNDAYS Road Crash Rescue skills this Saturday morning, 12th Oct, in These services include: GOLF the vacant block near the roundabout! • Business Activity . Statements (BAS) CATACOMB Church Service Come past for a look and a chat anytime from 9am • Income tax returns and Sunday School 9:30am • Book-keeping Sunday. Bus pickup available. • Payroll Services Ph 8672 5038 • Business advice • Audit CP SHOOTERS CLUB • Forming partnerships, Starting Time: 10:00 AM trusts and companies • Obtaining Australian Rifle 55 Round Match 50m Business Number (ABN) include grouping bench rest Mob: 0422 428 850 Ring John DiDonna on [email protected] 0427649389 to book a time We specialise in providing practical, sound accounting, auditing & tax COOBER PEDY RSL services & advice to individuals, Open Sunday afternoon from families & businesses 4.00pm, Happy hour and members draw between 5.00pm Office: Business Centre, Hutchison Street (next to Centrelink) and 6.00pm PO Box 711 Coober Pedy

Page 12 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 OCTOBER GRANTS & FUNDING

Contemporary Personal protection Music: Festivals and Regular app for South Venues Australian women facing domestic Category: Arts, sport and leisure Status: 4th round closing date: violence at home 3 November 2014 A life-saving SA Government funded mobile phone app linking at-risk women Government: State directly to police and domestic violence Agency: Arts SA services has been provided to 46 women since it went live in late November. More information: http:// arts.sa.gov.au/grants/audience- The personal protection app’s main safety development-festivals-and-venues/ feature includes a “duress feature”, which links women directly with authorities if Project Eligibility: they are at immediate risk of harm. South Australian based festivals and music venues that are creating audience So far, the duress feature has been used development opportunities for original 11 times by women in danger. Each time Feature the feature is activated, the alarm alerts a South Australian music of all genres are 24/7 monitoring centre to contact SAPOL eligible to apply. for a quick police response.

Project Details: “The app has been accessed by 46 women Festivals and Venues grants are available Grassroots Football, The Community since its launch in November and of those for activities that support live performance women, 18 are women with children caring opportunities for South Australian artists, Cricket, and Netball Swimming Grants for 20 children under the age of 18,” said and audience development for Minister Lensink. contemporary music in South Australia. Facility Program Program Domestic Violence Crisis Line: You can apply for up to 50% of the total Category: Arts, sport and leisure. The Australian Government is investing 1800 800 098 eligible expenses. $28.9M over four years to get the least Program Status: Round 2 Applications active Australians active through the Open. Move It AUS - Participation Grants Program. Economic and Government: State Government. Community SASI Individual Provisioning: 2019-20 $6,000,000 Swimming Australia (SA) has received Agency: Office for Recreation, Sport and funding under the Move It AUS - Participation (ECP) Racing. Participation Grants Program. As part of Athlete Program this SA has committed to providing a Grant Rnd 2019-20 Project Eligibility portion of this funding towards community Category: Arts, sport and leisure, level swimming and aquatics programs Community support, Education, skills and Category Services for People with To be eligible for Grassroots Football, that align with the Move It Aus - Disabilities learning. Cricket, and Netball Facility Program Participation Grants Program objectives. funding, organisations must: Program Status: 2019-20 Round Open. Delivered on behalf of National Disability Eligible organisations may include: Insurance Agency Be a not-for-profit sport club, Government: State Government. association or sports facility manager Learn-to-swim providers The Australian Government is inviting incorporated under the Associations applications via an open competitive Provisioning: 2019-20 $135,000 Incorporations Act 1985; or Aqua fitness providers process to apply to deliver ILC activities Agency: Office for Recreation, Sport and Be a Council; and Aquatics facilities under Outcome 1.2 – Community Inclusion Racing. Be operating for 12 months or longer Swim Clubs and Capacity Development Grants nationally for up to three years from 2019- Organisations can only submit one Other aquatics sport clubs 20. Project Eligibility application. *Councils are the only exception to this. Community organisations The objective of this ECP grant round is to Athletes engaged in a comprehensive Charity organisations improve the economic and community program of intensive training in an The following organisations will be Councils participation of people with disability across Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth considered ineligible for program funding: Games sport and event and comply with Schools Australia. the age and other criteria where applicable. For profit, commercial organisations. Universities There are two streams under the ECP Project Details An organisation that has overdue Office Program within this grant round. for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR), State or Territory Sport High Performance and Paralympic South Australian National Football League Organisations Economic Participation stream Scholarships offer financial and service (SANFL), South Australian Cricket Sector based initiatives to create assistance to individual athletes who have Association (SACA), or Netball South For full details download and read the Grant pathways to employment and drive achieved an elite level of performance in Australia (Netball SA) grant acquittals. their sport at the senior open level. Country Guidelines. inclusive practices for people with disability to contribute to Australia’s economic Athlete Awards aim to assist junior athletes Organisations with less than 5 years prosperity and from rural areas to achieve their sporting tenure of the facility (if leased). potential. Applications Close 8 November 2019 Social and Community Participation stream Project Details Website: https://www.swimming.org.au/ Inclusive practices to create opportunities for people with disability to https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/funding?a=6519 The Grassroots Football, Cricket, and community-swimming-grants participate in community life, with a focus Netball Facility Program is aimed at on arts, culture, sport and recreation. increasing participation and improving gender equity in Australian Rules Football, The specific outcomes for the ECP Cricket and Netball to support healthier, Program include: happier, and safer communities. People with disability participate in and The program will assist eligible benefit from the same community activities organisations to develop core infrastructure as everyone else. that directly impacts participation through People with disability actively contribute rational development of good quality, well to leading, shaping and influencing their designed and utilised facilities. community.

Website: https://www.orsr.sa.gov.au/ https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/ funding/apply_for_funding/gfcnfp grants/ecp2019-20

Page 13 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 GRANTS / FUNDING SEPTEMBER + Commonwealth Bank NEW: Veteran and Domestic & Family Community Grants The Australian Government is inviting organisations Violence Assistance through an open, non-competitive process to apply for Program grant funding under the Veteran and Community Grants Program from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020. If you are an eligible CBA customer you can access our Domestic & Family Violence Assistance Program to The objective of the program is to maintain and improve support you and your family experiencing a domestic or the independence and quality of life for members of the family violence situation. This includes situations of Australian veteran community by providing funding for financial abuse (PDF). projects that sustain or enhance health and wellbeing.

Access the program by calling 1800 222 387 between Applications close at 11:00 pm AEDT on 27 February 8am – 8pm Mon-Fri (Sydney/ Melbourne time). It is a 2020. confidential service run by independent, specialist trauma counsellors. These counsellors are not bank employees For further information about eligibility and how to apply, go to the Grant Round Application page. For further information visit https://www.commbank.com.au/support/dv-assistance https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/veteran- and-community-grants-0

Clubs SA / IGC Sponsorship ON-FARM EMERGENCY Assistance Program WATER REBATE SCHEME GRASSROOTS SPORTS Applications are open for eligible applicants to access the $4.75 million On-farm Emergency Water Rebate Scheme. FUNDING BOOST Together with the Independent Gaming Corporation (IGC), Clubs SA invites non gaming Clubs and community Local sports clubs throughout South Australia will The scheme has been established to provide one-off 25 organisations to apply for Project Grants via its per cent rebate up to $25,0000 (GST exclusive) to primary receive a boost of almost $15 million amid the Sponsorship Assistance Program. producers in drought affected areas for the costs announcement of successful applications through associated with the purchase and installation of on-farm the Grassroots Football, Cricket and Netball In recent years, over $2,000,000 has been directed back water infrastructure. to the wider South Australian community under the Facility Program. auspices of the Sponsorship Assistance Program to The program will close on 31 March 2021, or when the support projects that include resurfacing of sports funding allocation is exhausted. The Office of Sport, Recreation and Racing in collaboration grounds, lighting, charity projects, community awareness with the SACA and the SANFL will provide $6 million, campaigns and many more. while another $9 million will be chipped in by local On-farm water infrastructure can include: councils, sports clubs, the Federal Liberal Government Applications for this Funding Program are accepted each and other agencies. • pipes month and are vetted by Clubs SA’s Board before • water storage devices such as tanks and troughs recommendations are passed on to the IGC Board. “The funding will be used for many different upgrades associated with stock watering including building family-friendly facilities so everyone • water pumps For further information visit: https://www.clubssa.com.au/ • de-silting of existing dams, where you can from the family can be active and upgrading lighting to about/funding/ allow more sports to be played more often. demonstrate that the property does not have access to groundwater • the professional installation costs to install the water Round One of the Grassroots Program is directly injecting Advancing Renewables $6 million into the facilities of the 20 successful applicants. infrastructure Program • and more.... Details on how to apply for Round Two The Advancing Renewables Program aims to fund projects MAKING AN APPLICATION https://ors.sa.gov.au/funding/apply_for_funding that contribute to one Applicants should carefully consider activities against the eligibility criteria before submitting an application. or more of the following outcomes: Reduce costs | Increase value | Improve technology | More information on the scheme including the guidelines Grants SA – Major Round Reduce barriers | Increase skills and application form can be found here: Grants SA is a one-off project funding program that https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/grants_and_assistance/ provides grants to not-for-profit community organisations Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) grants drought_support/financial_assistance/on- to improve community participation, wellbeing and quality are expected to be between $100,000 and $50 million. farm_emergency_water_infrastructure_rebate_scheme?shorturl_onfarm- of life for people living and working in South Australia. water-rebate#toc0 Applicants need to match the funding sought from ARENA. The priority groups for Grants SA funding are people and/ Contact Regional Development Australia Far North or communities experiencing disadvantage, meaning those For further information visit: https://www.business.gov.au/ on (08) 8641 1444 if you require further clarification or with less access to social and economic opportunities. assistance/advancing-renewables-program assistance with your application.

Major Round ($10,001 - $100,000) This round is for: Indigenous Employment • community facility upgrades The Retailer Energy • one-off programs or services and Business • vehicles Efficiency Scheme (REES) Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

For further information visit: https://dhs.sa.gov.au/ A South Australian Government energy efficiency scheme Tailored Assistance Employment Grants are available services/grants-for-organisations/grants-sa that provides incentives for South Australian households to provide funding support to connect working age and businesses to save energy. It does this through Indigenous Australians with real and sustainable jobs, as Applications for Minor Round 2 open on Sunday 1 October establishing energy efficiency and audit targets to be met well as assisting Indigenous school students to transition 2019 and close on Tuesday 19 November 2019 by electricity and gas retailers. from education into sustainable employment.

South Australian households and businesses may be able Eligibility: Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria in to access discounted or free energy efficiency activities Section 7 of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Grant $50 Sport Vouchers from energy retailers participating in the REES. Low- Guidelines. income households may also be able to receive an energy Program audit. Instructions for Lodgement: Applications for funding must be submitted using the online application form. The The program is open for parents and carers who are now To find out what activities energy retailers are currently form is available on the Department’s website. able to claim $50 sport vouchers for their children, to use offering, you can contact any of the obliged energy towards the cost of sport club fees or memberships. retailers in South Australia, not just the retailer currently Other Instructions: The application kit provides key supplying you. information to assist applicants to complete the application Clubs wishing to register for the program and parents or form and should be read in conjunction with the Indigenous guardians wanting to find a participating club in their area For further information visit: Advancement Strategy Grant Guidelines. should go to www.sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au. https://www.escosa.sa.gov.au/industry/rees/overview/ rees-overview http://www.dpmc.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/employment/ The Government of SA has approved the Sports Vouchers jobs-projects-funding-tailored-assistance-employment- program for a further four years until 2021-22 grants Ongoing Page 14 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 CURRENT GRANTS / FUNDING Boots for All Equipment PLAY FOR PURPOSE Grant is an innovative fundraising Boots for All’s vision is to have an active and socially solution, that rewards both clubs inclusive Australia through sport. The organisation exists to break down barriers to sport participation and strengthen and supporters alike! communities by collecting and distributing quality, new and near-new sports equipment to vulnerable Australians OCTOBER and by providing volunteering and training, Local Sporting Champions opportunities via the Sports for All social enterprise sports Grants for 12-18 year olds towards costs associated with store. participating in an eligible competition. https://www.bootsforall.org.au/request-equipment Applications are ongoing The Slater and Gordon Move It AUS - Participation Community Fund Targeting inactive communities to build a more active Grants SA Australia. The Slater and Gordon Community Fund is a philanthropic Move It AUS - Community Sport Infrastructure A new grants program, Grants SA, will provide $3 million fund established in 2001 which offers grants to in grants to improve community participation, wellbeing community groups in three key areas of focus: Supporting small to medium scale projects, particularly and quality of life for South Australians. for improvements to existing sports facilities. •Assisting people with disease and disability and promoting Through Grants SA, four one-off grant programs, the their participation and inclusion Charitable and Social Welfare Fund (Community Benefit •Addressing inequality and disadvantage Move It AUS - Better Ageing SA), Multicultural Grants, Volunteer Training Grants and •Encouraging young people to engage in healthy activity the Volunteer Support Fund, have been combined into a and lifestyles through a project or program Aiming to increase physical activity levels of Australians single application process. Community organisations can aged 65+, to improve their overall health and wellbeing. now apply once to be considered for funding across all The fund is open to any group or organisation, so long as dAIS Athlete Grants four streams, and will also benefit from less restrictive their project fits the criteria and they carry a DGR guidelines and simpler reporting requirements. status. Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes can be nominated by their National Sporting Organisation Minor grants of up to $5,000 will be open all year and https://www.slatergordon.com.au/firm/community/ for a grant. assessed at the end of each month. our-community-fund Applications are ongoing

For further information visit www.dcsi.sa.gov.au Planning and Research Sporting Schools Minor round applications close 5pm on the last working day of every month Program (PRP) Helping schools to increase children's participation in The PRP provides funding for planning and research sport, and to connect them with community sporting initiatives that contribute to the delivery of facilities, opportunities. programs and services that grow participation in active recreation and sport. Eligible applicants are able to apply for up to $100,000 per application. Women Leaders in Sport Planning Projects Providing women with development opportunities to reach Funding is available for strategic, evidence based planning their leadership potential in the sport industry. initiatives that inform future active recreation and sport needs for communities. Research Projects Third party funding opportunities

Funding is available for evidence based research projects As well as Sport Australia grants, the following that supports policies, practices, and/or grows the organisations may also provide funding opportunities for knowledge base for active recreation and sport you. The schemes below are not run by Sport Australia and we take no responsibility for their eligibility criteria. http://ors.sa.gov.au/funding/apply_for_funding/ planning_and_research_program SOUTH AUSTRALIA Applications are open year round allowing SA Government sport grants Fostering Integration Grants applicants to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) SA Local Councils for a project at any time. For further information visit: Now open for applications https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_funding/ play_for_purpose The Australian Government is inviting applications through an open competitive process to apply to deliver services Tackling Tough Times under the Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Program: Fostering Integration Grants in 2019-20. Together

The objective of the grant opportunity is to facilitate the The Tackling Tough Times Together grant program participation, integration and social cohesion of both newly helps communities access the resources they need to arrived migrants and culturally diverse communities in support one another through the ongoing effects of the Australia by: drought.

• encouraging the social and economic participation of This program is designed to provide flexible funding to support community-based activities that both help to migrants by developing skills and cultural competencies relieve current stressors and symptoms, and most Clubs SA/IGC Sponsorship to integrate into Australian social, economic and civic life, importantly, build capacity and resilience for the future. and build community resilience Funds could also support activities that engage your local Assistance Program • promoting and encouraging the uptake of Australian community in being proactive, exploring options and There are streams of funding available through Clubs SA creating something that will stand the test of tough times. for the not-for-profit sector, including clubs. values and liberal democracy and amplifying the value of Australian citizenship Thanks to the generous support of our donor partners, Before applying for any stream of funding it is advised • promoting a greater understanding and acceptance grants of up to $20,000 are now available across drought- that you contact Clubs SA for further details and assistance of racial, religious and cultural diversity affected communities nationally. A smaller number of on the application process. grants valued at up to $60,000 and $150,000 are also addressing issues within Australian communities that • available for larger-scale and multi-year projects that have There is no set dollar value to the program, applications show potential for, or early signs of, low social integration. a broader impact. Applications will be accepted on an for sponsorship are considered by the board on case by ongoing basis and assessed quarterly. case basis. Applications close at 11:00 pm AEDT on 5 November 2019. Visit: https://frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT For further information visit: Information about applying for this round found here: www.clubssa.com.au/about/funding https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/fostering- integration-grants-0 Applications for Round 16 close on Mon16 Dec 2019 Applications are accepted at any time during the year Page 15 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019 Community/Volunteer Event CooberCoober PedyPedy ShootersShooters ClubClub welcomeswelcomes allall newnew Members,Members, VisitorsVisitors andand SponsorsSponsors

If you don’t have a firearm, come along & our members will assist you with all enquiries. Minimum age for shooting at the club is 10 yrs (Rifles and Air Pistol) & 14 yrs (Pistols).

Page 16 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 October 2019