86725036 opal industry gathers for coober · pdf file04.09.2015 · be part of the...

Tel: 08 8672 5920

SERVING THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 1982

http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com Thursday 9 April 2015

Phone:86725036

ISSN 1833-1831

08 8672 5169

OPAL INDUSTRY GATHERS FORCOOBER PEDY’S 100th YEAR

Above: Coober PedyMiners AssociationPresident PaulReynolds; former opalminer George VanBrugge and his wifeJan, with YanniAthanasiadis, VicePresident of theCoober Pedy Retail,Business and TourismAssociation

The Gem Trade Show was the central hubfor the opal industry over the Easter

weekend in Coober Pedy.

Organisers from the Coober Pedy MinersAssociation (CPMAI) and the Business and RetailAssociation were kept busy at the Croation Clubvenue over Easter Saturday and Sunday asindustry players past and present travelled “home”to pay their respects as opal mining at CooberPedy turns 100 years old this year.

Paul Reynolds CPMAI said, "It was good to seethe show was such a great success and as far asI know most of the booth holders were happywith their sales. There was a 90% rebooking andalready we have been asked for more booths.”

See page 9

Bosnian opal miners Jago Jozic and Boro Rapaicmeet up at the Gem Trade Show

Dale Price and Peter Christianos Jnr. Dale with hispartner Tanja are currently revisiting the 10 milefield that the Christianos family mined in the 60s.

The Miners Association Booth was a central focus point

Stojan Todorovic and Doug Ilic looking afterenquiries at the Miners Association booth

John and Sophia Provatidis of Majestic Opalswith Daniel and Mandy Zelenko

James Mougris showing a tray of opal to patronsat Gem Trade Show

Opal buyer Tony Wong with EdwardRadeka and potential buyer

500 hours of work + went into this Centenary Plateby local artist/jeweller Jim Theodorou, of the BigMiner in Coober Pedy

Peter Sherman at the Sherman Opalsbooth

Fleming Jensen, Yanni Athanasiadis, Miner Paul, and theCunninghams

Opinions and letters published in The CooberPedy Regional Times are not necessarily theviews of the Editor, or Publisher. The Coober

Pedy Regional Times reserves the right to edit oromit copy, in accordance with newspaper

policies. Letters to the Editor must be attributedwith a name, address and contact phonenumber - names and town of origin will beprinted, or may be withheld at the Editor’s

discretion. During the course of any electioncampaign, letters to the editor dealing with

election issues must contain the author’s nameand street address (not PO Box) for

publication.” Right of reply is always available.

Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 9 April 2015

Bookings by Wednesday priorMaterial must be in Fri prior

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

Colour on ApplicationInserts on Application

Next Newspapers Thursday 09 April 2015 Thursday 23 April 2015 Thursday 12 May 2015 Thursday 26 May 2015

Editor - Margaret MackayPO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723

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

Advertising Rates

Copyright NoticeAll of the content published by CPRT, including

articles, photos, images, graphics, advertising,layout, printing plate content and related material, isowned by CPRT, or by other information providers

who have licensed their content for use in thispublication. Additionally, the entire content of theCoober Pedy Regional Times past and present iscopyrighted as a collective work under Australian

copyright laws and may not be reproduced withoutwritten authorisation. The owner of the collective

work is the Coober Pedy Regional Times Newspaper.

SA : ADELAIDE CENTRAL. Also Cavan, Bute, Pt. Pirie, Dublin, Minlaton, Pt.

Broughton, PT. AUGUSTA, Snowtown, Pt. Wakefield,

* Bute Foodworks 9 High St, Bute, SA* Snowtown IGA 36 Railway Tce,* Port Broughton IGA 27 Harvey St* Dublin BP Lot 7 Port Wakefield Rd,* Port Wakefield BP Truckstop22 Snowtown Rd Port Wakefield

Ceduna/Thevenard, Pt. Lincoln, Penong, Fowlers Bay,Coorabie, Nundroo, Yalata, Jacinth Ambrosia, Nullabor,

Eucla and Border VillageWoomera, Roxby Downs, Hawker, Leigh Creek, Arkaroola,Marree, Copley, Parachilna, Nepabunna, Lyndhurst Quorn

and Stations, Innamincka, Andamooka, Pimba, Glendambo,Kingoonya, Tarcoola, Cook, Prominent Hill Village,

COOBER PEDY, Cadney Park and Stations, Marla,Mintabie, Oodnadatta, William Creek and Stations, Witjira -

Dalhousie All Communities: APY Lands,

NT : Kulgera, Erldunda, Yulara Stuart Well, ALICESPRINGS, Aileron, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek,

DISTRIBUTING 4,500 + to

Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka

http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com

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

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

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

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

SUBMISSIONS not received by Friday, prior toprinting are generally unlikely to appear

CROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORD

How to send articlesto CPRT

Black & White

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

Coober Pedy is Australia’s real ‘DownUnder’, famous for its fabulous opals and bizarresubterranean homes. For generations, minershave dug into the white and orange rock to extractthe valuable, sparkling stone. The tunnels andchambers were converted into undergroundshomes in order to escape from the desert heat.

Coober Pedy ‘evolved’ as the result ofa massive post war Opal Rush where hardypioneers developed a make or break preciousgem industry in the desert terrain.

333 days sunshine

Enjoy LAWN BOWLS, TENNIS andTABLE TENNIS in the friendly atmosphereof the United Club Sporting Centre.

Spend a day on the most challengingGOLF COURSE in the world.

During Easter Coober Pedy holds itsannual OPAL FESTIVAL & GEM TRADESHOW

Arrive at COOBER PEDY on thefamous GHAN TRAIN

Visit the OPAL FIELDS - you’llbelieve you’re on Mars. Join tours to localmines to see how they work and get thechance to noodle (fossick) for your own opal

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

Join the MAIL RUN out of CooberPedy to deliver outback mail! Take a leisurelyflight over the spectacular LAKE EYREBe part of the last frontier mining town and

its living history 100 years on. For moreinformation on the Opal Capital of the

World, go to: www.cooberpedy.net

See the spacious UNDERGROUNDSERBIAN CHURCH with it’s magnificentstained glass windows and carvings.

Visitors can stay overnight andexperience underground life as the locals do!

Opal miners at work in Coober Pedy

INDEMNITYAdvertising agencies, advertisers and other contributorsaccept full responsibility for the contents of advertisements

and other submitted, signed material and agree to indemnifythe publishers against any claim or proceedings out of thepublication of such advertisements or material. Provision of

material or copy for publication in the Coober Pedy RegionalTimes Newspaper constitutes acceptance by advertisers,

advertising agencies and other contributors of this condition.

Thursday 9 April 2015 Coober Pedy Regional Times

COOBER PEDY

GLASSWORKS(ABN: 66 341 152 244)

Qualified Glazier - 25 years experienceFor all your Glass needs call

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

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

UNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDBOOKSBOOKSBOOKSBOOKSBOOKS

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

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS - MAYOR PAYSTRIBUTE TO PIONEERS

Mayor Stephen Staines delivered three speechesthroughout the weekend’s festivities. Each of the

speeches reflected on the achievements of our opalmining pioneers but also placed equal importanceon the responsibility of today’s generation as the

inheritors of our unique community.

Following is a selection of quotes from the Mayor’sspeeches throughout the weekend.

Opal Ball – Friday 3rd April

Of course, Aboriginal inhabitants have been in the regionfor thousands of years; but a new chapter began in 1915with the arrival of new settlers of the ancient StuartRanges.

There is only one reason they came and that was to searchfor the world’s most spectacular, most vivacious, mostbeautiful gemstone… opal - Australia’s National Gemstone.

It tells a story all of its own. The shimmering, continuouslychanging colour, a priceless gift left behind by the ancientinland sea as it receded. The most beautiful jewel of livinglight. Hidden for millions of years under layer upon layerof sandstone until, one day, an opal miner hears that sweetsound of his pick striking silica. Finally the opal is broughtinto the light and its brilliance revealed for the first time.What an amazing story…

But it is not only the opal that is has an amazing story.The permanent establishment of Coober Pedy by opalminers is a testament to our pioneer’s ability to adapt.

Nature mustered her fiercest forces to resist settlement.There was no timber to build with, howling winds blewdown makeshift shelters, temperatures of up to 50 degrees[in the shade mind you], nights below zero, windswhipping up sand-blinding dust storms. What was thepioneers’ answer? Bore into the hills and go underground.This defied the heat of the day, the cold of the night andmade the settlement impervious to the wind. Today, ourunique style of underground living continues to serve uswell and attracts the wonder and curiosity of the world.

But what is it that links us, in this generation, to those thathave come before us?

It is not only the fact that, for the past 60 years, we havebeen, and continue to be, a multicultural community madeup of immigrants from all over the world.

It is not only our shared inheritance of this town’sincredible history.

It is not only our continuing mission to seek out the elusiveopal, explore new areas and open new fields.

It is true that these things shape our character and defineCoober Pedy’s identity.

Yet beyond all of that there remains one vital factor in theanswer to the question: what makes you a Coober Pedian?

That factor is a love of our unique town and its history, alove of the opal industry and a belief in both of their future.

It is that common characteristic that binds the Australianborn with those of the 50 or more other countries fromwhich our community is drawn.

Welcome Back to Coober Pedy (at the school oval)– Sunday 5th April

History, like culture, is not static; it is being continuouslycreated with each passing moment.

Over the past few days, today’s community has createdyet another chapter in the Coober Pedy story, a chapterwe can all be proud of.

Many things have not changed over the past 100 yearsand Coober Pedy is still the frontier for many. Thestruggles, the hopes, the dreams of our pioneers, they arenow our struggles, our hopes, and our dreams. We arenow the custodians of the Coober Pedy’s legacy. It is upto all of us here to preserve and cherish Coober Pedy, theonly home that many of us have ever known.

All opal miners, both past and present, were and are aremarkable group of men and women… but our pioneersare who we recognise this evening. They faced atremendous challenge of making the vast, strange,unknown land their home. It is their spirit, their ingenuity,their sacrifice for the love of opal. That is why CooberPedy is here today.

Opal Festival – Saturday 4th April

Australia may have well have been built on the back ofthe sheep… but Coober Pedy was built on the back ofopal.

It is the spirit of adventure, of determination, ofpragmatism and a fair serving of luck that led to thediscovery of opal. Since that discovery Coober Pedy’sprosperity has ebbed and flowed with tides of that everelusive gemstone.

2015 will forever remain an important milestone in ourhistory; a celebration of a small, remote town that grewinto the world’s largest supplier of gem quality opal.

Mayor Stephen Staines paystribute to pioneers

NOMA PRESIDENT TRAVELS FROM WINTON FOR OUR 100THPeter Christianos, President of theNational Opal Miners Association

travelled from Winton QLD with hiswife Zoe and their 4 children for the

Gem Trade Show and Reunion inCoober Pedy

Peter was a small boy when his fatherand uncles were opal miners in CooberPedy. He has remained in the opalindustry and is Peter is a director in thefamily company.

Peter is one of Australias mostenthusiastic opal industry supporters,particularly through his website atOpaline.

Peter said he is looking forward to thenext opal symposium.

THUMBS UP

Peter and Zoe Christianos and their children after driving from Winton

To the organisersand particularly the

volunteers at theGem Trade Show

this year. Everyonewas friendly and

very helpful.


Coober Pedy Police News○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

On Wednesday 18th March 2015, Police receivedinformation from members of the public in relation to aperson providing liquor to barred people in the dry area.As a result police seized and destroyed a quantity ofalcohol. Subsequently a 58 year old Coober Pedy manwas issued with a Police barring order for 3 monthsprohibiting him from attending licenced premises in CooberPedy. He is prohibited from buying alcohol in CooberPedy for 3 months. Police appreciate the assistance ofthe public in relation to these matters. Further ongoinginvestigations are being conducted by police in relation tothe sale of alcohol to barred people.

On Friday 20th March, as a result of informationreceived, police attend the Opal Inn Hotel. Police locateda male drinking in the beer garden with large serratedknife in his back pocket. A 56 year old male fromIndulkana was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon.He was bailed to appear in court at a later date. He wasalso issued a barring order for 6 months from all licencedpremises in Coober Pedy. It is an offence to possess aknife in a public place without a lawful excuse, Section21 Summary Offences Act.

On Tuesday 24th March, a 49 year old Coober Pedyman was arrested for breaching his intervention order bycontacting and threatening his ex-partner. He was refusedpolice bail and subsequently attended court where he wasbailed to appear in the Coober Pedy Magistrates court ata later date.

On the 28th March 2015 Police from Oodnadatta,Coober Pedy and Port Augusta attended the William CreekRaces. Throughout the event police paid attention topatrons and traffic in the area. One patron was ejectedfrom the event for disorderly behaviour. A 34 year oldAlice Springs woman was reported for exceeding theprescribed concentration of alcohol, she recorded a BACof 0.085. Notwithstanding these incidents the overallcrowd was well behaved making the event enjoyable forall patrons and police.

Overnight on Tuesday 31st March near the Rotunda onHutchison Street several mosaics where destroyed byvandals.

Senior Sergeant Allan Dawson of the Coober Pedy PoliceStation said, “Community frustrations with this type ofbehaviour are understandable.”

“Hours of painstaking hard work by community memberswent into designing and creating these mosaics especiallyfor the Coober Pedy Centenary celebrations. The artistsare rightly distraught and outraged by the wantonvandalism,” he said.

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

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

Centenary Mosaics destrCentenary Mosaics destrCentenary Mosaics destrCentenary Mosaics destrCentenary Mosaics destroyedoyedoyedoyedoyedby vby vby vby vby vandalsandalsandalsandalsandals

Quantity of alcohol seized and destroyed bypolice

Linc Energy Ltd (SGX:TI6) (OTCQX: LNCGY) wishes toprovide an update on the drilling operations in the ArckaringaBasin. The Eba 1 vertical exploration well (PEL121) reacheda total depth of 2,959 metres on 13 March 2015 terminatingin the Officer Basin equivalent of the Cambrian ReliefSandstone with wireline logs being completed on 18 March.

As reported in previous updates, the initial pre-Permianvelocities used in the seismic interpretation were poorlycontrolled due to the lack of historical well intersections inthe Arckaringa Basin. In light of this, the Eba 1 well totaldepth was extended to 2,959 metres to investigate high energyseismic intervals that were initially believed to be intersectedat shallower depths.

Other than small amounts of gas detectedduring drilling, Eba 1 has not shown

significant hydrocarbons.

The well has provided an extensive suite of geological dataprimarily relating to the deeper under explored pre-Permiansediments.

The data will allow Linc Energy to remap both the OuldburraFormation and the Relief Sandstone within the regionalseismic model to better understand the depositional andhydrocarbon generative history of the pre-Permian section.This will also allow Linc Energy to reassess the geologicalinterpretation and better define the potentially hydrocarbonrich areas of the basin, allowing other opportunities to beexplored.

As a consequence of increasing the total depth at Eba 1, the“Main Hole” 2nd phase of the third vertical exploration well,Fox 1 (PEL123), has been postponed until the next drillingcampaign.

The “Pre Collar” 1st phase works at Fox 1, which involvedsetting 13 3/8” surface casing at a depth of 191 metres, wascompleted earlier in this drilling campaign by a specialistlicensed artesian driller.

Linc Energy considers the contraction of activity in the globaloil and gas sector as an opportunity to commence freshnegotiations for the next phase of the drilling campaign inthe Arckaringa Basin with potential suppliers and serviceproviders based on more favourable commercial terms tothe Company. In addition to the cost savings, this additionaltime will afford Linc Energy the opportunity to assess thenewly acquired data set recently acquired via Eba 1.Thisconsidered approach has the potential to deliver more costeffective and successful outcomes for Linc Energy and itsshareholders in the continued exploration and developmentof the Arckaringa Basin. The rig at Eba 1 is nearing completionof the plugging and abandonment works and subsequent rigrelease is expected shortly.Linc Energy’s CEO & ManagingDirector, Craig Ricato, said “The decision to postpone theFox 1 well is strategically driven by the Company’s need toensure we use our available resources most effectively forour shareholders and take advantage of the changing marketconditions which has the potential to push the operator’sdollar further.”

Planning for the next round of exploration in the ArckaringaBasin has commenced, with seismic reinterpretations beingcompleted for input into developing geological models.Building a clearer picture of the basin is the primary objectivewith the aim of defining potential "sweet spots" to target formore concentrated seismic and follow up drilling in the nearterm.

Further updates for Linc Energy’s Arckaringa Basin drillingprogram will resume at the commencement of the next roundof exploration of this Basin.

Drilling Update No.9

No significanthydrocarbons found

by Linc Energy

Julie and Ronda at the rock near the rotundawhere the mosaics were torn off

Yvonne Geiszler used this outline for her mosaicof a bulldozer. Broken pieces of this mosaicwere found

Julie Rowntree’s native wild flowers were tornfrom the stone and nothing was found

Local resident Ms Ronda Michell, also part of the mosaicgroup said, “You try to do something nice for thecommunity and vandals think it’s ok to destroy someoneelse’s hours of hard work.”

As part of a Multicultural Forum project, the group haveworked for 18 months to have their mosaic artwork readyfor the Centenary this year.

Some of Coober Pedy’s features were made into mosaicart and placed on 7 rocks at the rotunda for locals andvisitors to enjoy. These features were a Galah, two Lizards,the Breakaways, the Inland Sea, Native Flowers, a MiningBulldozer and the Centenary Logo.

Police have made extensive enquiries in relation to thedamage with limited leads. Police are urging anyone withinformation that could assist with the investigation tocontact police.


The Easter weekend (April 3-6,2015) saw CooberPedy celebrating 100 years since the discovery of

opal. The town organised a huge weekend offestival events. The local Catacomb Church headedby BCAs Rev Geoff & Tracey Piggott and membersof the church along with a mission team from theCamden Haven (Laurieton NSW) Anglican Parish

were at the forefront of events.

The church had a float in the street parade (featuring BCA’spast & present involvement in Coober Pedy for almost 70years), craft activities for the children in the festival andorganising a Combined Easter Sunrise service at the BigWinch and a Combined Easter Sunday ThanksgivingService on the School Oval with a former BCA MissionerKerry Medway speaking on WILLIE’S DISCOVERY. Aswell, Geoff & Tracey opened their underground home &the Catacomb Church for visitors to tour & discover someof the stories of BCAs commitment to Coober Pedy forover 69 years.

BCA’s first touch with the frontier opal mining communitywas in 1946, when the BCA Flying Medical Service flewin for evacuations & medical clinics. In the 1960’s twoBCA Nurses came & a Medical Centre was established.Sisters Heather Heaver & Pat Darby were the first nursesand they had to be tactful in recording medical recordswith many miners living in Coober Pedy under assumednames.

One BCA nursing sister won a medal for bravery. SisterAnne Dau went down a mine shaft to examine a minerwho had fallen over 50 metres. She was awarded aCertificate of merit from the Royal Humane Society forher bravery and compassion.

Coober Pedy, 100 Years since thediscovery of opal

The first BCA Missioner was Rev Brian Carter, based atTarcoola & the Trans Line Mission who made frequentpatrol visits to Coober Pedy & held church services. TheRev Barry & Jenny Rainsford were the first BCAMissioners to live in Coober Pedy & establish a church inthe early 1970s the mission that still impacts thecommunity today through the Catacomb Church. Barryalso began to patrol up into the Pitjantjara lands to Ernabella& south to Andamooka, Kingoonya , Tarcoola & west toCook on the Nullabour. Other BCA Missioners to followwere Rev Martin & Vivian Bleby (Vivian has just retiredas BCA rep for South Australia), Rev Capt Rod & ChristineOldfield (now BCA Missioners at Cloncurry Qld), RevPeter & Joy Palmer (now FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) BCAMissioners based in Adelaide), Rev Ian Robinson, RevBill Ostling, Rev Bob Rothwell & Rev Ian Bednall, tomention a few who served in Coober Pedy.

One of the hi-lites of BCA’s history in Coober Pedy, wasthe opening of the Catacomb Church in 1977 by theArchbishop of Sydney & Anglican Primate of Australia,The Most Rev Sir Marcus Loane, assisted by the BCAFederal Secretary the Rev Theo Hayman & the Bishop ofthe Diocese of Willochra, the Rt Rev Bruce Rosier.Members of the church had worked for several yearsdigging, &gouging out the church complex from theground and leaving their blood, sweat & tears in the walls& foundations. What a joyful occasion the opening wasfor locals and visitors.

Children from the Catacomb Church on a float in the 100thAnniversary Street parade ready to ride on a float built byBrian Underwood depicting BCAs involvement in CooberPedy since 1946 with the Flying Medical Service, BCAnurses at the hospital & then BCA missioners for the past40 years from 1970 until today.

Rev Geoff & Tracey Piggott & the team from their oldchurch at Camden Haven Anglican Church who came forthe wknd & blessed the community by cooking at bbqs,providing hot cross buns & childrens craft at the Saturdayfair & Thursday street carnival.

Today, Rev Geoff & Tracey Piggott are still waving theBCA flag in Coober Pedy after 69 years and ministering inthe community. They are greatly appreciated by the localsand are seeking to win many lost opal miners and theirfamilies and tourists for Christ.

The opening of the Catacomb Church in June 1977Pictured l/r… Rev Kerry Medway (BCA Missioner inCoober Pedy (1976-81), Rev Theo Hayman (BCA FederalSecretary), Archdeacon John Meakin (Archdeacan ofDiocese of Willochra from Whyalla), Rev Barry Rainsford(first BCA Missioner in Coober Pedy, 1970-76), BishopBruce Rosier (Bishop of the Diocese of Willochra) & the RtRev Sir Marcus Loane, Archbishop of Sydney & AnglicanPrimate of Australia).

The Medical Centre became a centre of local care andassistance with BCA Sisters Carol Allen & Michelle Blundellassisted by local community nurse Sister VickiMcCormack (a member of the Catacomb Church alongwith her mining husband Albert). The Sisters were granteda special licence to take X-rays and were often calledupon to act as vets &treat wounded pets (outside at theback of the hospital). The Sisters also taught SundaySchool and reached 100s of children for Christ.

Dr Mueller (BCA’s flying doctor) attending a medical clinicwith BCAs nursing sisters Judith Stack & Lillian Morgan in1966.

An evacuation of a wounded patient from Coober Pedy in1953 by the BCA Flying medical Service based at Ceduna

Geoff loves to take these photos, in fact he has becomefamous in Sweden for these picture of visitors looking upthe twin air shafts with what appears to be ‘two big eyes’ inthe Catacomb Church… clockwise…Julie, Steve, Lyn,Tracey, Geoff & Kerry

At the front of the Catacomb Church… Rev Geoff & TraceyPiggott, Kerry & Julie Medway, & Rev Steve & Lyn Davis,BCAs reps in South Australia.

by Rev Kerry Medway(former Editor Opal Chips in the 1970-80s)


Bob’s Oshkosh retires to thetrucking hall of fame!

Bob East brought the Oshkosh back in 1972, the truckwas only 4yrs old and was the second Oshkosh to bebrought over to Australia.

The first job the Oshkosh did was pulling heavy equipmentout of Adelaide Hills back in 1972. During that year theOshkosh transported the extra large pipes to the WestLakes project ( the inlet channel ) that is still used today.

The years in between 1973 – 1988 the Oshkosh did amixture of work that included: Logging out of MountCrawford; Grain work; Transporting equipment in andout of Andamooka as well as The Strezlecky Track andgeneral earthmoving equipment.

1988 The big move to Coober Pedy where the Oshworked moving Opal Mining equipment that is usedthroughout all fields and areas of Opal Mining like CooberPedy, Andamooka and Lambina Opal Fields.

The Oshkosh serviced Coober Pedy Council over manyyears moving equipment and as a Water Truck. It alsohelped start Oz Minerals Prominent Hill Project, using theOshkosh as a Water Truck. The Oshkosh has actuallyworked in all the mine sites surrounding Coober Pedy.

Oshkosh for hire - pulling heavy equipment across the state

The Oshkosh was retired in 2012 after servicingSouth Australia for over 40 years. It is beingput to rest at the Truck Hall Of Fame in AliceSprings in August this year (2015). This willkeep the Oshkosh in prime condition and alsoto keep the history alive of a icon in the truckingindustry of Australia.

Bob has had the Oshkosh fully rebuild to donatethe truck looking it’s best for the museum.

Over the years the Oshkosh has been givenmany names by fellow truckies and local CooberPedy people. Some of the names the truck hasare – The Emu – The Yellow Submarine – TheBanana Boat – Oldie but a Goodie.

Bev ( Bob’s wife) also says ” the name Oldiebut a Goodie is about the Oshkosh and not aboutBob” even though his family thinks that he is agoodie too.

Bob and his beloved Oshkosh took part in the EasterParade on Saturday.

by Raelene Jones

Bob and Bev at home with the Osh

South Australians are encouraged tobecome a ‘spotter’ to help prevent elderlyfriends and relatives from being injured

in a fall, as part of Falls Awareness Monththis April.

SA’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips saida ‘spotter’ plays an important role in looking out for signsof falling and risk factors and assisting their loved one toseek further help.

“People often dismiss falls as just a normal part of gettingolder but they are often a warning sign that somethingisn’t quite right,” Professor Phillips said.

“The chance of having a fall increases as we age, withone in three elderly people over the age of 65 experiencinga fall each year.

“This can be due to a number of factors, including muscleweakness, reduced balance, reduced eyesight, slowedreactions and certain medications or health conditions.

“Last year more than 17,000 people were admitted to apublic hospital because they were injured after a fall.

“This figure is more than ten times the number of peopleadmitted to hospital for motor vehicle injuries.

“Around 64 per cent of these people were aged 65 andover, which is why it is important we look out for andsupport elderly friends and relatives who may be at riskof falling.

Professor Phillips said incorporating strength and balanceexercises into daily routines, eating healthily and havingglasses and medication regularly checked can all help toreduce the risk of falling and getting injured.

“You can also help by suggesting they seek advice from ahealth professional who can help to identify falls riskfactors and suggest ways to manage them,” he said.

“Some older people may be reluctant to admit they arehaving problems or to accept help because they can see afall as a loss of independence and this can have a significanteffect on their confidence and quality of life.

“It’s important to reassure them that getting good adviceearly is the best way to maintain their good health andindependence.”

April is Falls Awareness Month with activities andinformation sessions for staff and the public happeningacross the state.

For more information about how to prevent falls and whereto seek help visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au.

Health: FIGHT FALLS THIS APRIL FirFirFirFirFire deemede deemede deemede deemede deemedsuspicious -suspicious -suspicious -suspicious -suspicious -Coober PCoober PCoober PCoober PCoober Pedyedyedyedyedy

07 Apr 2015 8:54amPolice are investigating a suspicious fire in

the yard of a business premises inCoober Pedy overnight.

At about 1.55am, an off duty police officer noticedflames coming from the yard of a business premiseson Flathill Road. Police and CFS attended anddiscovered a large pile of tyres had been set alight.

Police are treating the fire as deliberate. A CrimeScene Investigation Unit member will be attendingthis morning to examine the scene.

Police ask anyone who may have seen or heardanything suspicious around the time of the fire, tocontact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or onlinehttps://sa.crimestoppers.com.au


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

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

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

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

Opal Miners’ EnterprisesLot 1299 Old Water Tank Rd

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

REAL ESTATE IN

COOBER PEDY!

Letters

Dear Editor,

Real estate values in Coober Pedy comparevery well with values in capital cities

A typical investor purchasing a home unitin an Australian capital city will pay$400,000 and expect to rent the propertyfor $350 per week. This is a yield of4.55% per annum.

A local real estate agent in Coober Pedyclaims that a dugout can be bought for$60,000 and rented for $150 per week.This is a yield of 13% per annum.

Clearly, the rental return on the CooberPedy real estate is three times better thanthat in a capital city.

Consider the circumstances of a workernearing retirement. The family home hasbeen paid for, the super is waiting to beclaimed and the children have left the nest.Time for a change.

Buy into Coober Pedy while historically lowinterest rates remain available and collect thehigh rate of return on the investment. Thedate of retirement arrives and all options areopen. The value of the family home andthe super may well amount to half a milliondollars. The sandstone house in CooberPedy waits to welcome the new residentowners.

Pete the PensionerPS Don’t forget to tell the old neighboursthat you will keep in touch.

To the Editor Coober Pedy Times

What a disappointment the letter fromJonathan James. Especially when he andJudy have such a connection with CooberPedy and have been involved in so muchfor the community.

What a kick in the guts for those peoplewho have spent so much time in setting upthese centenary celebrations. What makesit worse is that some of the criticisms areplainly wrong.

There is a large block of time made availablefor oral history and if Jon would get off hisbackside he could tell some of his stories.

To add to that why isn't Jon getting downand recording either in writing or by mouthall those stories he knows. It is not that heis overextending himself in the years sincehe left Coober Pedy. So quit grizzling andget on with it.

This letter will come out after the EasterFestival but let me congratulate those peoplethat have worked so hard to put thistogether.

I can remember when I ran the CooberPedy Festivals just how frustrating it wasto get everybody in the town to worktogether. You will never please everyonebut I do believe you have got the balanceright. I am sure the Easter festivities willlead to other happenings during 2015.

Let me congratulate the Historical Societyon how far it has progressed since beingnurtured by Anne Johnson. All thosewonderful stories that are the backboneof Coober Pedy are being collected andcollated and are now online to be passedon. It is for the people like Jon Jamesand others to fill in the gaps and help makesure we have as many of these storiesavailable for the future.

So even if Jon James doesn't come let usenjoy the hundred year celebrationsduring this 2015 centenary year.

Kim Kelly

THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to IGA forclear labelling of fruit andveg with country of origin

100 Years of History Celebratedin Style in Coober Pedy

Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and hiswife Teresa were amongst a large crowd whocelebrated Coober Pedy’s historic 100 year

celebrations over the Easter weekend.

“Many people worked hard to make the 100 yearcelebration a great weekend and a good time was had byall,” he said.

“I was fortunate to attend the Centenary Ball and meetsome of the large number of people who returned toCoober Pedy for this historic event.

“Among them author, Rena Briand those book White Manin a Hole, tells a snap shot of life in Coober Pedy around1970.

“Many tales were told and many friendships reformed.”

Mr Ramsey said the parade Saturday morning was thelargest he had seen in Coober Pedy and a fantasticcelebration of Coober Pedy’s unique role in this State’shistory and its multiculturalism.

“I enjoyed talking to the hundreds of locals and visitorswho lined the streets,” he said.

“A standout event of the weekend’s activities was theGem Trade Show. This well-organised event attractsbuyers from all over Australia and around the world; ittruly puts Coober Pedy on the map.

Ramsey said Gem Trade Show has reached new heights.

“Congratulations to Chairperson Paul Reynolds and theMiners’ Association on the new display sets and theprofessional organisation. In the first half hour of openingdeals worth tens of thousands of dollars had already beenmade. Visitors were able to view some of the best roughand cut opals available anywhere in the world.

“Showcasing opals like this shows why Coober Pedy hasearned the title of Opal Capital of the World.”

Rowan Ramsey MP Federal Member for Grey and his wifeTeresa are shown some of the beautiful opal on display byChairperson of the Coober Pedy Opal Miners Association,Paul Reynolds.

Search for new DeputyCommissioner of Police

The search is now on for a new DeputyCommissioner of Police after the promotion of Mr

Grant Stevens to Commissioner.

Police Minister Tony Piccolo said the process for selectingthe next Deputy Commissioner will be similar to that usedto appoint the new Commissioner.

“Members of the South Australian Police are invited toapply for the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police,”Mr Piccolo said.

“I strongly believe that we have an excellent team in SAPoland that it is appropriate that internal candidates for theDeputy Commissioner role be considered first.

“To that end, I have formed an independent panel to assessthe suitability of internal candidates who wish to apply.

“The panel consists of the Commissioner for Public SectorEmployment Erma Ranieri, Tasmanian PoliceCommissioner Darren Hine and Deputy CommissionerGrant Stevens, who will be the new Commissioner from21 July.

“I have emphasised to the panel that any internal candidatemust meet a high standard before a recommendation ismade to me to take to Cabinet and the Governor.

“If the panel feels that no candidate meets the criteria,then external applicants will be sought to fill the position.”Under Section 14 of the Police Act 1998 the appointmentof a Deputy Commissioner is made by the Governor.

“It is proposed that the new Deputy Commissioner willalso commence their role on 21 July, when Mr Stevensbegins his term as Commissioner,” Mr Piccolo said.

An advertisement will appear in the Police Gazette.


Opal Festival Parade

The colourful Coober Pedy Area School “float’ travels throughHutchison Street

Mark Holden (right) is Blue September’snational Ambassador committed to thenationwide awareness and fundraisinginitiative about the many cancers thateffect men. Mark took part in the The

Queen of the Desert Festival arriving atCoober Pedy on Easter weekend.

Mark promised to paint the face of MayorStaines bright blue and on Saturday after

the parade, kept his promiseMayor Stephen Staines with a blue face

The 2015 opal festival parade makes itsway up Hutchison Street

Explosive signs were popular at the parade

Monty Watts and son Jayden with tipperand loader in the parade

A ute full of explosives in the parade

More next edition

Photo: Phil Turner, Marree


COMMITTEE PLEASED WITHCOMMITTEE PLEASED WITHCOMMITTEE PLEASED WITHCOMMITTEE PLEASED WITHCOMMITTEE PLEASED WITHSMOOTH RUNNING OF GTSSMOOTH RUNNING OF GTSSMOOTH RUNNING OF GTSSMOOTH RUNNING OF GTSSMOOTH RUNNING OF GTS

The committee members of this year’s Gem TradeShow are more than delighted at it’s success. Boro

Rapaic of of the Coober Pedy Opal MinersAssociation said, “We are all extremely happy

about the outcome of the show - only Hong Kongcould match it!”

“For weeks and weeks we’ve been working hard, and Icongratulate Paul Reynolds, and thank all of thosevolunteers who worked behind the scenes including, SteveZagar, Robin Rapaic, Chris Durdin and so many others.The new booths and the entire interior was veryprofessional”, said Boro.

Paul Reynolds said, "It was good to see the show was agreat success and as far as I know most of the boothholders were happy with their sales.”

“There was a 90% rebooking and already we have beenasked for more booths.”

“Presentation of the entire show was spectacular.Boothholders were in awe and said they hadn't seen ashow anything like this in Australia.”

“Thanks to Chris my partner who was the second tier ofthe primary organising, helping to organise the food, t/shirts. She fed the workers, took care of doors and ticketsand so much more including organising the cleaners, thelanyards, the printing, and paperwork. Anything that wasn'tcarpentry, Chris did.”

Paul continued, “I thank Robyn Rapaic for being by myside during the last week making sure everything was"perfect". Good enough in cleaning up behind us as weput the booths together”.

Paul will be on the board as an advisor of the OpalSymposium in October this year.

“Thanks to Dale and Tanya who worked extremely hardon the construction of the booths, and thanks to all of themembers of the Croation Club. Without the Croation Clubwe wouldn't have had such a great venue.”

“I’d like to especially thank Yanni Athanasiadis for all ofhis hard work and energy. Behind the scenes Yanni dealtwith the business side of the Gem Trade Show.”

Yanni Athanasiadis said, "This year Coober Pedy Gem TradeShow was at it's best and most certainly the biggest one.

The Centenary celebrations has influenced some peopleto come to Coober Pedy and participate in the Show.

Their comments: “We will come back”.

“Every both holder had some business and some of themdid very well.”

“The Gem Trade Show was a huge success and I wouldlike to give credit and a big thank to Chris Durdin for allthe very hard work and dedication.”

“Also, to Robyn and Boro Rapaic for their hard work andcommitment all these years, and of course to PaulReynolds for believing in the Show and for his countlesshours of work.”

“And a big thank to everyone else that help so much.”

“Next year’s show is almost booked out, if someonewants a booth or table, he really must book early.”

“Our Show is very good for the opal industry, but for theminers is excellent as they can sell directly and in acompetitive atmosphere.”

“Later this year we are going to have the Opal Symposium.The whole of the Australian Opal Industry will get togetheronce again and we will try to come up with ideas that willhelp opal mining and opal promotion.”

“Through this newspaper we will let you know the exactdates and we would like everyone to be part of the OpalSymposium"

Committee pleased the layout and success of Gem Trade Show

BIG MINER CENTENARYPLATE COST MORE THAN

MONEY!Jim Theodorou known to everyone as the Big Miner

decided to make an opal plate to commememorate CooberPedy’s Centenary.

The plate was finished in time, but for Jim it was a lengthyprocess. He said in the two months it took him he smoked70 packets of cigarettes, drank 20 bottles of Jamiesons,used 500+ hours of time, cost $5-6,000 in gold and opals.

If you are in Coober Pedy, look up the Big Miner. TheCentenary plate may not be for sale, but it is a delight. Jim

hopes that others will put some time into design for theupcoming opal symposium


PARENTALThe art of coping with difficult children

By Gillian LongSA businessesurged to

nominate forcorporate

responsibilityaward

South Australian businesses are encouraged to nominatefor the Premier’s Volunteer Award for Corporate SocialResponsibility.

Volunteers Minister Zoe Bettison said the award recognisesSouth Australian businesses that are making a differencein our community.

“Whether it’s providing financial assistance for volunteers,building partnerships with communities or supportingemployees to volunteer, there are a number of waysbusinesses can be socially responsible,” Ms Bettison said.

“The South Australian business community continuallysteps up to support good causes and it’s appropriate thiscontribution is recognised.”

Last year’s award winner was Capgemini, an Adelaidebusiness encouraging staff to get involved in their localcommunity.

In 2013, 29 Capgemini staff spent three days volunteeringwith South Australian environmental organisation, TreesFor Life.

“Capgemini supported staff to participate in this importantvolunteer work, helping to remove weeds and protectvaluable land biodiversity. It was such a success that twomore days of corporate volunteering were held later inthe year,” she said.

“It’s heartening to see businesses supporting staff tovolunteer their time to community projects that build strongand thriving communities.

“I strongly encourage people to nominate a business forthe award to recognise the invaluable contribution of SouthAustralian businesses to making a difference in ourcommunity.”

The Corporate Social Responsibility award is one of threestate volunteer awards now open for nomination alongwith the outstanding individual volunteer and communityproject award.

All nominations can be made online at the Office forVolunteers website www.ofv.sa.gov.au until Friday 1 May2015.

Winners will be announced at the South AustralianVolunteers Day event on Monday 8 June, at the FestivalTheatre.

For more information, including application guidelines,visit www.ofv.sa.gov.au or call 1300 014 712.

In the supermarket the other day, I heard two womenbemoaning the lack of appropriate child rearing practicesnow-a-days.

‘In my day,’ one of the women said, looking withdisapproval at a stranger’s child misbehaving, ‘we werebrought up properly. My mother taught us manners andI instilled them into my kids.’

The other woman said, ‘yes, we would have been beltedif we behaved that way.’

‘Oh you can’t smack kids now. They make you take adiploma in child care instead.’ She laughs at her joke.

Her companion frowns and says, ‘I don’t know what thefuss is about. It’s not as if child rearing is rocket science,it’s just common sense. The way my Mom brought meup was the way she learned from her mother. If it wasgood enough through all those generations, it’s goodenough for me. I blame the kid’s parents.’

‘Oh I don’t. I blame the kid, look how frazzled his poormother looks. He needs a good slap.’

I drove home thinking about child rearing. Everyone hasan antidote to its challenges. I recall my Mum telling methat naughty babies turned into good kids and vice versa.I am one of four children, and I think my mother did afairly good job with us although she was a single parent,struggling to make ends meet. I trained as a psychologist,and I had my mother’s wisdom to fall back on as I raisedmy kids, but even then it’s not easy especially when youhave a difficult child.

Children who are otherwise quite healthy, without theadded complexity of physical or intellectual challenges,can become difficult because of some life event that drivesthem into a pattern of behaviour their parents sometimesfind perplexing. My own experience shows me howdifficult that can be, and the episode left me at my witsend.

When I was divorced, my child turned from an angelicand charming toddler into a nine-year-old Frankenstein.Of course, every one of my friends and family had someadvice to impart.

‘All the child needs is a good smack,’ said one of myadvisors.

So, the next time my child was rude and aggressive Itried the smack. My little darling turned around andslapped me right back. After that, it became the thing. Itwas the way to express anger, and I received a numberof slaps that drove me frothing to a kind of raging despair.Rather than solving the problem, I had created a biggerone.

I know as a professional that psychological studies saythat if you want to change behaviour the best way isintermittent reward, and I wondered what crazy train ofincentive I had instigated by my first slap. I needed tothink my way through this. For all my studies, I knew Ididn’t have the answers. I was rapidly losing my child ina war of attrition.

I sought help and was put in touch with someone whotaught a course in child rearing. There were no coursesrunning at the time, but she gave me the booklets, whichI took home to read. My initial shock at what the booklettold me was driven by indignation.

It’s not my behaviour that’s at fault I thought, althoughit seemed to me to be what the book was implying. Iwanted to toss it in the bin deciding it was a load of oldcods wallop, but my despair drove me back to completereading it. As I did, I began to understand that it is notpossible to change another human being’s behaviour.All you can change is your interaction with them. Changethe way you behave, and the other person will be forcedto change the way they behave, in order to completethe interaction between the two of you.

That’s easier said than done. I began watching my owninteractions, and I saw how wound-up I became whenmy child dawdled in the morning, creating distractionsand refusals to wear things like socks.

Child: ‘the seams prickle, and hurt my feet.’Me: ‘there are no seams.’Child: ‘there, look stupid.’ A small finger jabbed at thesock.Me: ‘but its tiny, the seam is only at the toes, put themon!’Child: ‘no I won’t!’

It drove me to distraction and escalated into a shoutingmatch. In the meantime, I was trying to get everyoneelse off to school and myself to work. By the time wearrived at the school gates, a full-blown cyclone burstfrom the car.

My first task was to stop paying attention to the morningdelays and disruptions, and give my child theresponsibility of getting to school on time. To do thiswas unbelievably difficult. First, I had to contain myown irritation and impulse to urge haste. Second, I hadto take the teachers into my confidence, admitting I wasless than a perfect parent, and third I had to find adifferent conversation to have, one that I could fall backon rather than react to my child.

It was hard and I was scared not believing it wouldwork, but I had to try something so I gritted my teethand the next morning we began. Half an hour into themorning preparations I ran into a wall. My child hadpushed the usual buttons and my brain stopped working.I managed to stop myself from reacting, but I stood stillas a statue staring without a clue what to do next. Inthe middle of a major assault to get a reaction from me,my child waited triumphant.

I excused myself and went into the bathroom. I sat onthe side of the bath fuming and tried to work out whatto do or say next. When I came out five minutes later,my child was dressed and ready for school. I couldn’tbelieve my eyes.

I did nothing except pick up my car keys, and say,‘comeon then,’ and we went to school. My child was neverlate for school, and our mornings turned into a joy.

Now this story while true, is condensed in the interestsof brevity. There is so much more I could tell you, but ifyou take anything from it, I hope you take two things:

1.You can’t change other people’s behaviour bydemanding they change. You can however change theirbehaviour by changing the way you interact with them,including children.

2.Child rearing isn’t easy, and it isn’t common sense—not for every child. If you need help, there is no shamein asking for it. Call someone, but make sure it’ssomeone who really knows what works, and is not justgoing to give you the benefit of their homespun wisdomthat might lead you astray.


CPAS NEWS

FFFFFrrrrrom the Principal’s Desk…om the Principal’s Desk…om the Principal’s Desk…om the Principal’s Desk…om the Principal’s Desk…Mark Ireland - Principal

The term comes to an end next Friday, 10th April andwe will dismiss at 2.00 pm. This is one hour earlier thanour normal dismissal time. Please make arrangementsfor the early dismissal on the day. It has been a busyterm as we have worked hard to set up the routines andconditions for learning for the rest of the year. It hasbeen a reasonably mild summer but we are lookingforward to cooler weather for the next couple of terms.External Review.

In the first month of next term the school will undergoan external review and the review will identify areas thatwe need to work on over the coming years. This is quitea timely thing as it will give us some objective viewsaround what we do well and what we need to work on.We can then set our longer term strategic plans aroundwhat has been identified and work towards addressingthem.Naplan.

Our students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will sit the NAPLANtesting in Week 3 next term. The NAPLAN testing isdone in a way that we as a school do not use very muchat all as part of our teaching. We have been undertakingsome practice testing as we get to know the format ofthe test so that students feel comfortable with the styleand presentation of the testing. The testing regime runsacross 3 days and takes in 5 aspects of literacy andnumeracy. Some students get very nervous and woundup over the testing period as they feel that there aremassive expectations on them to perform. If you feelthat your child will suffer undue pressure from the testingthen please discuss it with your child’s teacher. It ispossible to withdraw your child from the testing if youfeel that nothing will be gained from their participation inthe test or that it will have a negative effect on them.Farewell and thanks.

We say farewell to Ms Megan Winen this week. Meganhas had to leave and return to Adelaide and so we sayfarewell and thank her for her work here at Coober Pedyover a number of years. She has done a terrific job withher classes and made a strong contribution to the schoolover her time here. We are working with DECD to havea replacement for her class to start next term.

Security fencing contractWe are expecting the security fencing contract to go totender shortly and there is likely to be an ‘on site’ meetingof contractors in the first week of next term. By the timethe tender has been released and contractors haveresponded, it is not likely to see any work until the nextschool holidays. We are looking forward to having thefence as we have a number of projects planned to makethe school look more attractive once we can protect workover night and over weekends.

Parent teacher interviewsA big thank you to parents who were able to get to theparent teacher interviews over the last few weeks. Theyare a great way to share information about your child/renand to plan together so that we can address any issues orconcerns around your child’s progress. Please rememberthat we can set up a meeting or interview at any timeduring the year if you have concerns or issues that youwant to raise or just check on progress. It is best to setup an interview time rather than just try and catchteachers, as they are often busy in the mornings and havea duty of care to all students once the school day hasbegun so teacher may not be able to give you the timeyou need to have a complete conversation.

Attendance updateJust a reminder about the importance of your child beingat school and arriving on time to start the day. Ourattendance rate so far this term has been 75%. This meansthat a number of students are missing school regularlyand this has a massive impact on their learning and theirconfidence here at school. It is hard to catch up once youstart to fall behind the others in the class. When you don’tknow or understand what is going on, it is really hard tofeel comfortable at school and so the number of absencesstarts to increase. The RSAS team are available and out inthe community to assist if there are concerns or issuesaround school attendance.

Absenteeism is a nasty cycle that is very hard to break.The best solution is to not let it happen to start with. Let’ssee if we can increase the attendance rate right across theboard here at Coober Pedy next term.Mark Ireland

Counsellors’Corner

Geri Prizzi and Daniel Botten, School CounsellorsGeri Prizzi and Daniel Botten, School CounsellorsGeri Prizzi and Daniel Botten, School CounsellorsGeri Prizzi and Daniel Botten, School CounsellorsGeri Prizzi and Daniel Botten, School Counsellors

The SWAT (Students Working Actively Together)Teams have been working hard this term. The recy-cling team have been collecting the bottles and canseach week from classes. The toilet team have almostcompleted repairs to the student toilets including newlocks, mirrors, toilet seats and painting the doors. TheEvents and Fundraising team prepared food for afundraising stall during Harmony Day and have planneda fun fundraising event for each term this year. Welook forward to starting the Unity Through Diversitymural and mosaic project next term.

Mini BluesThis term we have had many exciting reward lessonsfor Mini Blues including excursions to the townplayground, movies, jewellery making and craft, andgames. This week will be the last reward lesson forthe term and we will be having an Easter hunt aroundthe school.

The Toilet SWAT Team painting the doors.

SWAT

Students making friendship bracelets duringMini Blues Reward Lesson

AAAAAborborborborboriginal Education Wiginal Education Wiginal Education Wiginal Education Wiginal Education Wangkangkangkangkangka (ta (ta (ta (ta (talk)alk)alk)alk)alk)UTHSAC organised an Apology Day on March 13thand students from the DEADLY Centre and MsWinen’s class attended. Students learnt about thesignificance of Apology Day and participated in theactivities organised. The highlight of the day waswhen a group of boys were painted up in ochre andlearnt the emu dance.

Our new SSO Wendy Wilson, brought in her petsnake to show the DEADLY Centre students. Thestudents learnt about how to look after the snakeand were able to handle it. Students then wrote aprocedural text on how to feed a snake.

A parent group meeting will be held in the AboriginalEducation room on Wednesday week 2, term 2 at12.30pm. All parents are welcome to attend themeeting and voice any ideas or concerns in regardsto Aboriginal Education.

Harmony Day fundraising stall.

Sarah Turner—DEADLY Centre Teacher.

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISINGSee page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates

Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 26 March 2015

FREIGHT

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR SALE BY TENDER

POSITIONS VACANT

*Tyres *Tyre repairs*Fuel, *Parts

Opening hours 7.30am - 5pmPhone 86725036 OR 86725169

Looking to buy anALMET MASTERS drill in very

good conditionCall Charlie 0400766445

Coober Pedy CFSrequires new members,

particularly those who holda MR and above Truck

Licence.

All welcome to attendtraining - every Monday

night at 7pm

Contact CFS 1st LieutenantWayne Borrett 0439881049

or Training Officer Nigel on0402 003262

CFS CadetsCFS is now recruiting Cadets.

Anyone from the age of11 - 18 may enquire bycontacting the CadetCoordinator Julie on

0498 472 519

Coober Pedy Regional Timesemail:[email protected]

Tel: 08 86725920

NEED TO ADVERTISE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Applicant: Westernx Pty Ltd

Location: Cootanoorina Hill Area – approx

60 km south of Oodnadatta

Pastoral Leases: Nilpinna, Allandale

Term: Two years

Area in km2: 508

Ref: 2014/00272

Applicant: Tianda Uranium (Australia) Pty

Ltd

Location: Hamilton Creek Area – approx

120 km north of Marla

Pastoral Lease: Tieyon

Term: Two years

Area in km2: 674

Ref: 2015/00042

Applicant: Adavale Minerals Limited

Location: Canegrass Swamp Area –

approx 75 km east of Marree

Pastoral Lease: Murnpeowie

Term: Two years

Area in km2: 137

Ref: 2015/00043

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

J MartinMining Registrar

www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au4945736

WANTED TO BUY FOR SALE - MACHINERY

BULLDOZER D8H Serial number46A32687. Last series of D8H before D8kGood Money making machine, not a lemon.Cheaper than a 4 wheel drive.Location Mintabie.Very good condition including many spareparts.Reason for selling, miner is retiring.Buy now before Tax rise $72,000 withG.S.T. Ring Sam (Slavko) on mobile0417668275 between or email;[email protected]

For Sale surplus to requirements HitachiEX 1100-3 Excavator Serial #17EP002111Machine is very good condition and readyfor an immediate start. Maintenance andservice history is available. Owner canassist with mobilisation costs. POA.Contact Richard on mob # 0408 702 402

FOR SALE - MACHINERY

State Governmentfunding to turn great

ideas into realityThe State Government is encouragingthe next generation of entrepreneursto apply for support of up to $50,000

to help them turn their ideas intoreality.

The Government has created the SouthAustralian Micro Finance Fund (SAMFF),which is making $1.7 million availableduring the next three years to helpentrepreneurs develop their ideas into high-value businesses.

Manufacturing and Innovation MinisterKyam Maher says the funding is availablenow.

“We’re looking for the next Bill Gates orSteve Jobs to take their new ideas throughto production and sales, which will help togenerate export income and jobs for thestate,” he said.

“Encouraging more entrepreneurial activityin South Australia will help us achieve oneof the State Government’s key economicpriorities – Growth through Innovation.

“Anyone locally, around Australia, orthroughout the world who has a great idea

can apply for a grant, so long as theintellectual property is created, developed,and commercialised in South Australia.

“This is a great opportunity for an individualor a company that wants to develop aprototype, test the feasibility of their idea,conduct market research, or to develop anintellectual property strategy to apply forState Government financial support.”

The creation of the South Australian MicroFinance Fund also delivers an importantrecommendation of the AdelaideEntrepreneurial Forum.

The Forum was established in 2013 toreview a range of issues of concern toentrepreneurs, including access to finance.

Funding through the South AustralianMicro Finance Fund will be on a 2-to-1basis –successful applicants will receive $2 fromthe Fund for every $1 they raise, with amaximum grant of $50,000.

The SAMFF is funded through the StateGovernment’s $60 million Our Jobs Plan.For more information, go to:www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/mff

Miners AssociationInvestigator drill for sale

by tender.

Expressions of Interestcan send tender to

PO Box 95 Coober Pedy,or ring 0408845770 for

more information


SOUTH AUSTRALIA POLICE SAYTHANK YOU TO MINE RESCUE

On Tuesday 7th April a delegation of PoliceOfficers from the South Australian Major Crime

Division led by Assistant Commissioner of PolicePaul Dixon, arrived in Coober Pedy to present the

Mine Rescue Squad with a cheque for $5,000 beinga ‘token’ of their appreciation for the volunteer work

done in the past two years.

Coober Pedy teenager Karen Williams went missing in1990 after a night out at a local disco. Karen’sdisappearance has been declared a murder while policecontinue to search for her remains.

On August 19, 2012 Major Crime announced a $200,000reward for information on Karen Williams whereabouts.

After extensive police enquiries, Monday 22 July 2013saw the beginning of a search of disused mineshafts inthe Coober Pedy township area that police were led tobelieve may contain Karen’s body.

The Mine Rescue Squad have excavated many shaftssince July 2013 and enabled the police to eliminate thoselocations as possible burial sites.

It is estimated that the volunteer hours would be in thevicinity of 672 hours on the digging site alone, withoutany background work included.

During his presentation Assistant Commissioner PaulDixon said, “We could not have achieved this muchwithout the assistance of the Mine Rescue Squad. Weappreciate that many of the rescuers left theiremployment to assist us. We haven’t taken thisassistance for granted.”

In accepting the cheque, Mine Rescue chief AndySheils, ESM., said, “I think I can also speak for theWilliams family when I say that we are all happy withthe efforts put into the search by all parties.”

Mr. Sheils took the opportunity to thank the DistrictCouncil of Coober Pedy for assisting with funds andalso with machinery and expertise during some of thesearch operations.

Mayor Stephen Staines who was in attendance said,“There is no greater torment for a parent than to lose achild prematurely. The presentation of the cheque tothe Coober Pedy Mines Rescue/SES was a verythoughtful and fitting gesture of the State Governmentand it is kindly received by all those involved in thesearch. But sadly it does not bring closure for theWilliams family. I have no doubt that the entire communityhopes that justice eventually prevails so that, in a smallway, it will soften the grief of all those effected."

Assistant Commissioner Dixon reassured the CooberPedy community that they had not given up on the searchfor Karen Williams.

“While we’ve done a lot of things to try and find Karen,any information that the community can provide will beappreciated. People may remain anonymous and frommy perspective my investigators will keep looking untilwe find her,” he said.

Following the presentation the delegation travelled tothe Old Police Lockup in Umoona Road Coober Pedy.Police who are currently involved in cases in CooberPedy were able to see primitative police and prisonerfacilities in the earlier days consisting of a shallow tworoomed dugout and a tin shed lockup.

Assistant Commissioner Dixon commented that the OldPolice Lockup could be restored being an anniversaryyear.

Senior Sergeant Allan Dawson had told the grouppreviously that the Coober Pedy Police Station will holdit’s 50 year Anniversary in June this year. Moreinformation will be provided through the Coober PedyRegional Times.

by Margaret Mackay

Delegation of Major Crime including Assistant Commissioner Paul Dixon, Superintendent Des Bray, Detective PaulWard, Detective Mark McKeckon, Detective Peter Stirling, Senior Sergeant Allan Dawson, Mayor Stephen Staines, AndySheils, ESM., Luke Kenny, Deputy Mayor Michelle Provatidis and Kylie-Anne Child

Some of the search efforts with major crime and mine rescue over the past couple of years

The Old Lockup Inspection

Police, Andy Sheils, and Deputy Mayor Michelle leave the“residence” at the old lockup site

Assistant Commissioner Paul Dixon inspects the kitchenstove in the old dugout

Andy Sheils has a look at the lockup shed.


Mine Rescue Training(Alternate Saturdays)

FRIDAYS

TUESDAYS

Golf (CP Golf CourseRegistration 12:00 noonTee off time 12:30

PLAY TIMECatering for 0 to 5 year olds2.00pm—3.30pmSchool Gymnasium

Catacomb Church Serviceand Sunday School 9:30amSunday. Bus pickup available.Ph 8672 5038

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAY

LITTLE MUSICIANS10.00am—10.45amCoober Pedy Area SchoolMusic RoomCaters for 3 to 5 year olds

CP SHOOTERS CLUBFriday night shotgun 8pm tilldark (daylight savings time)

GREEK CLUB - Bingo 7.30 pm

COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURALFORUM - HACC PROGRAMOver 65s FREE TAI CHICLASSES. Sit or stand for thesegentle exercises. 1:15PM atCommunity Health

CP Social Scrabble 7.30pmUnited Club . All skill levelswelcome

AA 7pm Underground CatholicChurch - Hutchison StreetContact Geoff 0427646963

CP SHOOTERS CLUB9am and 11am Pistol

CFS TRAINING 10PMLast Saturday each month

WhatWhatWhatWhatWhat’’’’’ s Ons Ons Ons Ons On in COOBER PEDY?& Visiting Services

MONDAYS

CRICKET AT OVALSaturday 7.00 pm andSunday 9.30pmPh: Fernando 0437 739 447

Active Boys Group 3:15-5:00ages 10 & up at the youth shed

GREEK HALL7pm Charcoal BBQ & SaladEvery Thursday night

Youth Shed 11-2 ages 8& up

CP SHOOTERS CLUBRifle 10am -

FREE SWIMMING for the Over 65sPool opening hours.Pleaseregister: 8672 3299

COOBER PEDY MULTICULTURALFORUM - HACC PROGRAM

GOLF: 6pm Twighlight [email protected]

FREE TAI CHI CLASSES for over 65sSit or stand for these gentle exercises.1:15PM at Community Health

Serbian Church SocialClub, Dinner 6pm Fridays

20152015201520152015Term 1: 27 Jan - 10 AprTerm 2: 27 Apr - 3 JulTerm 3: 20 Jul - 25 SepTerm 4: 12 Oct - 11 Dec

SCHOOL TERM DATES

‘What’s on’ entriesdraw an awareness to

your importantcommunity activityand helps to avoid

diary clashes.

Please ensure thatyour supporters willturn up at the right

time and date


FREE SWIMMING for the Over 65sPool opening hours.Pleaseregister: 8672 3299

DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS3nd Tuesday each month at 7pm

CFS TRAINING 7pmNew Members Welcome

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


FREE SWIMMING for the over 65sPool opening hours.Pleaseregister: 8672 3299

MOSIAC at the Italian Club for theover 65s - 1-4pm Please register:8672 3299

KARATE -Golf Club. 6 - 7pmGeneral Class. 7 - 8pm Teenagers& Adults. [email protected]

FREE SWIMMING for the Over65s Pool opening hours.Please register: 8672 3299



FREE SWIMMING for theover 65s Pool openinghours.Please register: 86723299

Karate -Golf Club6 - 7pm General Class7 - 8pm Teenagers & [email protected]

Thank you forkeeping

the communityinformed

[email protected]

or telephoneor telephoneor telephoneor telephoneor telephone8672592086725920867259208672592086725920

MULTICULTURAL FORUM –HACC ProgramOver 65s Gentle exercise class9 AM at Golf ClubPlease register – 8672 3299

FREE SWIMMING for theover 65s Pool openinghours.Please register: 86723299

Is your“What’s On”listing out of

date?

New ‘RoadSafety Round’for local footy

A new Road Safety Round will be a keyinclusion to this year’s South AustralianCommunity Football League (SACFL)fixture, an initiative of the League’s MajorPartner, the Motor Accident Commission(MAC).

The MAC Road Safety Round will be playedon the weekend of 11 July and help topromote road safety within regional SouthAustralia, where last year 68% of road deathstook place.

MAC General Manager Road Safety MichaelCornish said, “Last year, most road deathsand serious injuries in SA occurred in regionalareas. The new MAC Road Safety Round,part of MAC’s Game Changer program, willprovide opportunities for communities totalk about what action they can take toreduce that trauma.”

“In addition, MAC will introduce a newmedal to be presented to the player judgedto be the ‘Game Changer’ in each SACFLA-grade match over the MAC Road SafetyRound weekend.

“The medal-winner will be awarded to theplayer whose impact, based on the decisionsthey make, most positively affects the matchoutcome. This reflects the type of personalresponsibility and community attitude thatwe see in good drivers.”

As part of the MAC Game Changer program,each SACFL club throughout SA nominatesa Road Safety Ambassador to have roadsafety conversations with players,supporters, and the wider community.Messages focus on sticking to the speedlimit, wearing seatbelts, not drink or drugdriving and the consequences of poordecision making.

“Last year 26% of driver and passengerfatalities were not wearing a seatbelt at thetime of the crash,” Mr Cornish said. “In 28%of fatal crashes, speeding was a contributingfactor.

“In addition, results show 22% of driversor riders killed had an illegal blood alcoholconcentration (BAC) and 24% of drivers orriders killed tested positive for illicit drugs.

For road safety tips including the MAC’snew “Country driving” resource visitwww.mac.sa.gov.au For MAC’s “Countryroads need safer drivers” videos see MAC’sYouTube channel https://w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r /MACSouthAustralia


Charlie PCharlie PCharlie PCharlie PCharlie Parisarisarisarisaris

That elusive bunny!If you listen to the sounds of the night at this time of yearyou can hear Hippity Hop, Hippity Hop. I do have supersonic dog hearing which gives me an advantage. But ifyou are very quiet and listen maybe you can hear theEaster Bunny hopping along and hiding Easter eggs aroundyour house.

I have heard the patter of his little feet, but I have neverseen him. All my life I have tried to catch a glimpse ofhim. I have stayed up late, or got up early and have missedhim every time. All I have as proof that he was in myhouse are the Easter treats he leaves behind. Everyoneknows that chocolate is bad for dogs. Easter Bunnyknows that too. He leaves the most dog friendly treatsyou can imagine.

EmDee scoffed all of her treats before lunch and is nowtrying to steal mine. No chance little dog, “I’ve put themup high so you can’t get to them”

I’m going to enjoy eating them in front of Little MissGreedy EmDee.

To add to the excitement of Easter treats, my family havehad a few visitors in the last few weeks. Ex CooberPedians returning after many years away.

There have been many changes to our town in that time.It was a shock to them to see large buildings no longerthere and the top of the Opal Inn missing.

My family was thrilled to have Rebecca Evans nee;McLucky and her two children Mahli and Riley came tovisit. They only stayed for 24 hrs and we tried to fit in asmuch as possible. We went on a treasure hunt and rescueda gecko and released him back into the wild. We foundsome treasure rocks for show and tell at school. Wedidn’t find any opal, although Riley put in his best effortand great digging skills.

Until we meet again AzulOne of my doggy mates passed away last week. Hisname was Azul, he was 3 years old and his short lifeended under the wheels of a truck. His death was instant.One moment he was running and having fun and the nexthe was gone. He was a dog that enjoyed life, everythingwas a game to him. He loved running, chewing bones,visiting friends, snuggling and playing tug ‘o’ war. He issadly missed by his owner Sue, and by all the friends hemade in Coober Pedy.It’s so hard to say Goodbye, through tears of sadness.

Rest in Peace; until we meet again.Charlie Paris

ChadI had an email from an old chum Chris E. He is worriedfor a friend of his Susan Dann (living in England) whohas just lost her dog Chad. Chad passed away last week.Chad was her absolute world.

Susan has had lots of support and words of comfort withthe many friends that know her and Chad.

I would like to add, the healing time takes forever becausethere are too many great memories that you will neverwant to forget. Chad loved you the only way a dog can;unconditionally. There are no half way measures with adog it is all or nothing. It looks like you had it all. It isyour inspiration that makes a dogs life happy and fulfilled.

Memories are healing.Rest in Peace;

I hope your Easter was full of wonderful family moments.Don’t share your chocolate eggs with the dog and thedog won’t need to share their bone with you.

Woof Woof, Charlie Paris.

Riley, Mahli and EmDee discussing their treasure hunt

Do you have clean 10c bottles or canslaying around? If so we will be happy to

get rid of them for you!All proceeds go towards the upgrade of

the Coober PedyDrive-In Canteen. Please contact either

Sue 86723542 or Sandy 86825792 (leave amessage) to arrange collection

BOBOBOBOBOTTLE DRIVETTLE DRIVETTLE DRIVETTLE DRIVETTLE DRIVEFUNDRAISER FORFUNDRAISER FORFUNDRAISER FORFUNDRAISER FORFUNDRAISER FOR

DRIVEINDRIVEINDRIVEINDRIVEINDRIVEIN

Save your bottlesSave your bottlesSave your bottlesSave your bottlesSave your bottles& cans& cans& cans& cans& cans

to helpto helpto helpto helpto help

OUR DRIVE-IN!OUR DRIVE-IN!OUR DRIVE-IN!OUR DRIVE-IN!OUR DRIVE-IN!

Above: Azul helping with the washingBelow: Chad, never forgotten


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

Follow us on FacebookJohn's Pizza Bar & Restaurant

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

¨ Alfresco dining,TakeawayRelax in air-conditioned comfort or heated elfrescoINTERNET ACCESS for touristsGroup bookings and large functions roomsExtensive menus - breakfast, lunch and dinner .Large selection of pizzas and a range of new regular

NATIONAL WINNER - I LOVE FOOD AWARDS 2010

Best National PizzaBest National PizzaBest National PizzaBest National PizzaBest National Pizza

Opal Festival Ball - a few highlightsOpal Festival Ball - a few highlightsOpal Festival Ball - a few highlightsOpal Festival Ball - a few highlightsOpal Festival Ball - a few highlightsSOCIAL

Guests at the Ball including: Jenny Eleftheriadis, Mrs. Webb-Lloyd andpartner, Mrs and Mr. Bills, Effie Vasiliadis

Jayde and Martin Grava

Table decorations

Effie and George

Greek Hall setting and fairy lights

86725036 opal industry gathers for coober · pdf file04.09.2015 · be part of the...

Documents