mail@lockhart.nsw.gov.au www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au

Lockhart Shire Council

November 2012

Mayoral Report

The next Ordinary Monthly meeting of Lockhart Shire Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Green Street, Lockhart

on Tuesday18 December 2012 commencing at 5pm Members of the community are most welcome to attend

With harvest getting into full steam I would just like to remind residents of this, that there will be an increase in the amount of traffic on our roads within the Shire. There will be many more trucks delivering grain and the possibility of over-sized machinery travelling from farm to farm, so I encourage road users to be alert and drive

carefully to prevent accidents.

Council‘s informative bus tour was very successful with a number of locations within the Shire inspected. Continuing road and culvert works along the Main Road 59 were viewed as well as the damage caused by heavy vehicles within and on the surrounding roads of

Milbrulong.

The Rock netball courts which were damaged by the floods together with the centre median strip and roundabout adjacent to the Cenotaph were all inspected. Potential areas for residential and light industrial

subdivision were also included in our tour of The Rock.

Problem areas concerning flooding at Yerong Creek and possible remedies were detailed along with the inspection of Seeligers Lane and Grubben Roads. A presentation by Jason Webster, President of The Osborne Recreation Ground Committee regarding the planned upgrade of the facility was very encouraging especially for the future of

the Osborne community.

After a delightful lunch at the Pleasant Hills Community Hotel we continued our journey down to Bidgeemia and back onto the MR59 inspecting road restoration works before returning back to Lockhart. An explanation on the progress of the Green Street subdivision was presented and a quick viewing of the Bond Street subdivision was

also included.

An update and viewing of flood damage restoration work was also part of our tour of Lockhart. The installation of

underground electricity throughout the Lockhart Show Grounds by Essential Energy was also inspected. Throughout the tour worthwhile discussion was held with the view of making our Shire a better

place to live.

Council at its last meeting appointed WMA Water as consultants to undertake the Flood Study of both Lockhart and The Rock communities. The two studies have to be completed before any major mitigation work can be undertaken. The Studies will assist Council with the potential to apply for funds to finance the work needed. Both communities have a number of residents on the flood study committees, so don‘t hesitate to contact them and put

your thoughts forward how floods can be curtailed.

With land in the new residential subdivision in Green Street West available for sale there are two unnamed access roads. Council has approved Rockliff Court as the name for the internal roadway and Prichard Place as the external roadway. Both gentlemen are synonymous for

their contributions to the development of Lockhart.

Council is also investigating the possibility of electronically recording and displaying of motions or recommendations at their meetings. At present some councillors have taken the view that every word spoken should be taped. Personally I disagree with that proposal for several reasons. The debate has been deferred to the February meeting so more research can be done before

making a decision.

Due to a number of drownings and near drownings by children in backyard pools throughout NSW the State Government announced a new Swimming Pool Act 2012.

(Continued on page 9)

2

Lockhart Shire Council Annual Report 2012

Mayoral Annual Report

Welcome to my Annual Report of Lockhart Shire Council‘s Financial Year commencing 1 July 2011 and ending on 30

June 2012.

As in previous years rather than provide a separate Annual Report my report is included in this monthly newsletter as the medium reduces the cost to all ratepayers of the Shire. This is a snapshot of some of the major activities during the last 12 months and as such I have not gone into any great detail however if you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact

me.

My report will be highlighting some of the events and

activities during the 2011/2012 Financial Year.

The Official Opening of Council‘s new administration building occurred on Friday 9 September 2011 and the ceremony included the placing of a 50 year time capsule to

commemorate the occasion.

The majority of Councillors voted to abolish Wards for the September 2012 Council elections however this was not supported by members of

the community.

I was re-elected as Mayor on 19 September 2011 and Cr Sylvia Mulholland was elected as Deputy

Mayor.

October 2011 saw the first anniversary of the devastating 2010 floods and Council continued to undertake works in rectifying Council‘s

infrastructure.

The Spirit of the Land Festival and the Lockhart Picnic Races and the Lockhart and The Rock Shows were all held around this time and all

were outstanding successes.

During October 2011 following representations from Council the Member for Wagga Wagga, Mr Daryl Maguire, reported the NSW Government had allocated $2.25 million to the Olympic Way between Wagga Wagga and Albury, this work

certainly being required.

Council commissioned the Lockhart Shire Council promotional film which is available on Council‘s website and also made available to other economical development functions throughout NSW and television commercials on

behalf of Council.

Council‘s Tourism and Economic Development Steering Committee continues to provide an excellent function for Council throughout the year

making recommendations to Council .

Council resolved that the winning sculpture from the 2011 Spirit of the Land Festival be located in the new park adjoining the new Council

administration building.

Council during the year adopted a Rapid Response Plan for Noxious Weeds Incursions throughout the Shire as adopted by other Councils within the Riverina. The adoption of this plan will ensure consistency to the approach of dealing with new incursions of noxious plants in

all Councils areas.

Similar to all Councils in NSW Council was required to complete it‘s Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements and to develop the Community Strategic Plan Council arranged to conduct some 24 community meetings

throughout the Shire.

Australia Day 2012 was hosted by The Rock Progress Association and Recreation Ground Committee with Council‘s Australia Day ambassador being Sarah Mycroft. Citizenship Awards were awarded to Joy Hooper, Tony Yates and Ross Edwards with a special achievement award to Daniel Lieschke. Tony Yates and Ross Edwards were presented with

dual Lockhart Shire Citizen of the Year awards.

Council received a grant of $31,653 from the State Government for the removal of peppercorn

trees along the Bullenbung Road.

Thanks for the involvement of the Lockhart & District Historical Society the Lockhart Visitors Information Centre is now located in the Doris Golder Museum and the Official Opening of this Visitors Information Centre was conducted by Mr

Daryl Maguire on Friday 23 March 2012.

Council was involved in Volunteers Week from 14 – 20 May 2012 and ―thank you‖ barbecues were held in The Rock, Yerong Creek, Pleasant Hills, Urangeline, Milbrulong and Lockhart during July

and August.

For assistance to community organisations Council appointed a Grant Application Writer to

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Lockhart Shire Council Annual Report 2012

assist community groups in submitting grant

applications.

During March this year the Shire area was again inundated with floodwater following unprecedented rainfalls. A total of 52 homes and businesses in Lockhart were inundated with stormwater causing considerable damage and in The Rock 62 homes and businesses were also inundated. Council also suffered infrastructure damage to it‘s roads and sewer plants and other

buildings and structures.

The footbridge over Brookong Creek, Lockhart and The Rock/Lockhart Road bridge at the end

of Urana Street, The Rock were washed away

The swimming pools, The Rock Recreation Ground, the Lockhart Showground, the cabins in Lockhart Caravan Park were all damaged to

varying degrees.

On 28 March the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Prof Marie Bashir visited The Rock and Lockhart townships to talk to affected residents following the March flooding event and this was most appreciated by all members of the

community.

Community meetings in both The Rock and Lockhart were held during April to allow the community to provide information on the damage which had occurred to them personally and I listened to other persons in the same

situation.

Council resolved to arrange meetings with the Murray and Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authorities, Roads and Maritime Services and John Holland Rail to discuss the implications of their infrastructure on the recent

flooding events.

Due to the March flood council agreed to make compensation available to individual residents who had their homes inundated by water in the form of a reduction to service charges and the

waving of interest on overdue rates.

The Official Opening of the Heather Harradine Memorial Skate Park was held on 16 April 2012 and is a compliment to the Lockhart Rural Youth Action Team who instigated this important facility

for the youth of Lockhart.

Council‘s Director of Engineering resigned from Council to accept a position at Indigo Shire in

Victoria.

Council introduced a Disabled Access to premises where by the disabled access could be

constructed on the Councils footpath if need be.

Council contributed $3,000 towards the Pastoral Shadows of Brookong Project and also provided a one off grant to the Lockhart Men‘s Shed to cover insurance issues. It also has assisted with sponsorship for a number of aspiring young

sports children during the year.

Cr Joy Schultz completed 20 years service as a Councillor with Lockhart Shire Council – a most commendable effort – and received an Outstanding Service Award from the Local Government & Shires Association of NSW

during the Annual Conference in June 2012.

Council identified Neighbourhood Safer Places as required by the NSW Rural Fire Service and

these were confirmed by Council as follows:

1. Lockhart Recreation Ground—building and open

space

2. Yerong Creek Recreation Ground—open spa

3. The rRock Urana Street—open space

4. Pleasant Hills Hotel—building

Council received funding under the NSW Government Community Building Partnership

2011 as follows:

1. Cabin at Caravan Park – Lockhart $20,000

2. Upgrade of Walter Day Park toilets $15,000

3. Upgrade of retaining wall Greens Gunyah

Museum $10,000

4. Toilets at cemeteries at Lockhart and The Rock

and disabled toilets at Yerong Creek $20,000

Council appointed members of the community in both Lockhart and The Rock to form the respective Flood Study committees. Prior to the end of the financial year Council received funding from the office of Environment and Heritage to prepare the Flood Studies for Lockhart and The Rock. These two committees will have considerable input into the Flood Studies and the ultimate solutions for both

townships in the following year.

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Lockhart Shire Council Annual Report 2012

Council‘s representatives attended the annual Local Government Shires Association and Conference in Sydney during 2012. At this Conference many motions were considered by the Delegates and those adopted would be submitted to the State Government for

consideration.

On 12 June 2012 Council‘s newly appointed Director of Engineering, Mr David Webb,

commenced work with Council.

Following some 12 months of investigations and community input Council‘s Integrated Planning and Reporting documents were adopted by Council and provides the community with the strategic directions of Council in the next 10 years together with how the projects will be

funded and by what time constraints.

Council‘s administration building opened during 2011/12 was judged the winner of the Best Sustainable Energy Project – Commercial by the NSW Builders Association Southern Central

regional Awards Evening.

The audited Financial Statements for the Lockhart Shire Council have been completed and have reported before Capital Grants and contributions a deficit of $444,000 for the year ended the 30th June 2012. The previous year 2011 a deficit of $6.58 million. Unfortunately major impairment losses from flood damage have again adversely impacted on Council‘s operating result with damage estimated at $3.38 million included as an expense in the

Statements.

Council received Capital Grants and contributions amounting to $8.7 million ( 2011 $5.09 million) when including them into our Financial Statement, Councils operating surplus is $8.26 million compared to the previous Financial 2011/12 year of a deficit of $1.49

million.

At present Council has cash reserves of $4.94 million and real estate that is available for sale

approximately valued at $1.36 million.

In summary Council‘s Financial position is very sound and council will look forward to

strengthening its reserves into the future.

The foregoing indicates many positive outcomes and events have occurred in the Lockhart Shire over 2011/12 financial year. Unfortunately, once again we experienced a massive flood in March which has impacted on Council‘s finances and

Works program.

With the Lockhart Shire being declared a Natural Disaster zone this has enabled us to receive compensation to help restore our infrastructure back to a standard that is acceptable. The staff and individual volunteer organisations who assisted during and after the event thank you very much. It shows true community spirit and human compassion for your fellow human being in times of

hardship.

Overall I believe your Lockhart Shire has been supportive towards your requests and future needs. We look forward as a council to progressing the Shire into an even stronger position financially and

encourage growth in our towns into the future.

Thank you to the Councillors who represent you and for their contribution towards the goals

achieved by council.

To our Council Managers, Clerical staff and Outdoor staff thank you for your dedication and

excellent working in making our Shire successful.

For a sustainable and productive organisation strong leadership is needed and I would like to thank the General Manager Chris Gallagher for his leadership in steering the Council to achieving

those goals.

Personally I would like to thank Chris Gallagher for his help throughout the year and I believe we have worked well as a team to achieve the best outcome

for the Lockhart Shire.

Mayor

Peter Yates

5

Lockhart Shire Council Annual Report 2012

General Managers Annual Report It is a pleasure to report to the community on the performance of the organisation for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2012. This report is required under the Local Government Act 1993. The financial year 1July 2011 to 30 June 2012 has been a challenging year given the devastating floods which affected the entire Shire

during March 2012.

Although this major event impacted, by necessity, on the activities of Council it is still considered the year was productive for the organisation, with the vast majority of performance targets set by Council for the 2011/2012

year in the Management Plan achieved.

It is also pleasing that Council‘s financial position remains sound and the financial results for the year ending 30

June 2012 appear elsewhere in this monthly newsletter.

It is noted in the Audit Report from Council‘s External Auditor that in regard to the 2011/2012 Financial Year he states that ―on balance we consider that Council has reported a sound operating result‖ and this is a

compliment to Council and the administration staff.

Council, when setting the 2011/2012 Management Plan identified some 180 performance targets to be achieved by the organisation during that Financial Year and as stated earlier despite the significant additional works being required by Council due to the March 2012 floods the vast majority of those performance targets were

achieved and this is pleasing.

One of the major highlights for the Shire during last Financial Year was the official opening of Council‘s new administration building in Lockhart, this being a ―statement‖ by Council that it intends to maintain it‘s independence as a Shire in the future and the building provides much needed new accommodation for Council‘s staff and those wishing to do business with Council for

many years in the future.

A number of activities were commenced external to Council during the 2011/2012 Financial Year which might impact on Lockhart Shire Council area as well as other Councils in NSW and Australia. Specifically local Councils throughout Australia are attempting to have local government included in the Australian Constitution which would be of benefit in guaranteeing funding to local councils and the process for a Referendum on this

question at the next Federal Election in 2013 is

continuing.

Within NSW the NSW Government has established a Panel of Review to investigate each local Council in NSW (151 of) to ensure that each of these Councils is financially sustainable in the future. Details of the Panel‘s results will not be available until the end of the 2012/2013 Financial Year however comments on this matter have been sought. The State Government also commenced investigations into establishing a committee to review the

Local Government Act 1993.

These investigations may impact not only on Lockhart

Shire Council in the future but all Councils in NSW.

Council provided financial assistance to the various management committees throughout the Shire during 2011/2012, these committees who contribute so much to make the facilities available to other members of the community which would otherwise not be able to be

provided.

Council appreciates the number of community volunteers who assist throughout the entire Shire, not only with respect to Council‘s facilities but to other facilities which

are available to the community in general.

I would like to congratulate the staff of Lockhart Shire Council on the excellent manner in which they have undertaken their duties during the Financial Year ended 30 June 2012. Without these dedicated staff there is no doubt that what has been achieved would not have been achieved and this is a true reflection on Council‘s

employees.

I also thank Councillors for their support over the period and in particular the Mayor, Cr Peter Yates, for his guidance and support. I also wish to thank Council‘s three Directors, I do rely on them for their expertise and

appreciate their support also.

The 2012/2013 Financial Year will require the organisation‘s staff to once again undertake many performance targets as determined by the Council and achieving these performance targets will ensure continuing excellent facilities and services to the residents

of our Shire.

Chris Gallagher GENERAL MANAGER

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Lockhart Shire Council Annual Report 2012

7

Lockhart Shire Council Annual Report 2012

8

Council Snippets - 19 November 2012

Pedestrian Bridge - Lockhart Council has appointed a construction firm to replace the pedestrian bridge in Lockhart which was demolished during the March 2012 flooding event and this work is due to commence late November 2012. Noxious Weeds Council continues to be mindful of the need to maintain and eradicate the spread of noxious weeds throughout the Shire and routine inspections have been replaced by targeted inspections with particular emphasis on the substantial infestation of St John‘s Wort – particularly towards the east of the Shire at The Rock. Travelling stock reserves and rail corridors are severely infected with noxious weeds including St John‘s Wort and these are being attended to. Property owners have expressed concern at this issue in previous years and it is encouraging that property owners are mindful to ensure the eradication of noxious weeds on their property as well. Lockhart Caravan Park The new amenities block which was required to be replaced following recent flooding events has been completed together with the new camp kitchen facility which will prove to be a popular addition to the Caravan Park. Purchase of New Loaders Following the invitation of tenders Council has resolved to replace two new rollers which were identified for replacement during this financial year. The nett cost of the replacement is an amount of $348,000 which Council has funding for. The Rock and Lockhart Flood Studies Following the invitation of tenders recently Council resolved to appoint a consultant to undertake the Flood Studies for The Rock and Lockhart. The successful tender has been awarded to WMA Water who are experienced in this field of expertise and it is believed will do an excellent job for Council and the community. Once the necessary documentation has been completed the consultants will be required to meet with committee members of the respective The Rock and Lockhart Flood Study Committees who will be working in close association with the consultants to ensure the communities input is included in any of the ultimate recommendations. As previously advised these flood studies are essential to enable Council to access funds from higher levels of government to undertake significant flood mitigation works around the townships.

Stock Movement and Grazing Policy Council has considered a Policy for the Shire in regard to Stock Movement and Grazing and such has been placed on public exhibition seeking comments from the community on this Policy. Accordingly members of the community are invited to provide written comments on the Policy, the details on how to achieve this is contained elsewhere in the newsletter. NSW Swimming Pool Amendment Act Council was advised of amendments to the Swimming Pool Act as stipulated by the NSW Government. The purpose of these amendments is to ensure better safety for backyard swimming pools and details are included elsewhere in the newsletter. Funding for Stage 2 Review of the Lockhart Local Environmental Plan Council has completed the initial template for the conversion of Council‘s former LEP to the new format and this is currently with the Department of Planning in Sydney. Stage 2 of the LEP will require considerable input from members of the community into how the LEP might be altered in the future. In this regard the Department of Planning has engaged an organisation who will work closely with the local community commencing early 2013. Keeping of Livestock in Residential Areas Council has in the past received complaints regarding the keeping of livestock in close proximity to residential homes and has developed a draft Policy for consideration. Members of the community are invited to make written submissions in regard to the Policy, the details of which are included elsewhere in this newsletter. One Association for Local Government Council was advised that following protracted negotiations the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW as well as the Local Government Association have decided to amalgamate to form One Association and it is expected that the final formalities for this amalgamation will be completed by 1 March 2013. What this in effect means is that there will be only one voice for local Councils to the State and Federal Government in the future which is believed to be positive. Australia Day 2013 Following the invitation via Council‘s monthly newsletter in the past the Yerong Creek Bowling Club will be hosting the Australia Day celebrations to be held on Saturday 26 January 2013. Further details in respect to this event are included

9

Council Snippets - 19 November 2012

elsewhere in the newsletter. Presentation of Council’s Financial Statements Council was addressed by it‘s External Auditor, Mr Graham Bradley of Auswild & Co. who provided an overview of the financial results for Council for the Financial Year 2011/2012. In summary Mr Bradley advised Council that it has a relatively sound financial position reflected in the performance ratios in particular the unrestricted current ratio (which is a measure of Council‘s ability to meet it‘s financial obligations) of 6.65, the satisfactory debt service ration (1.67) and the manageable rates outstanding ration

of 5.46%. Overall Mr Bradley advised ―on balance we consider that Council has reported a sound operating result‖ for 2011/2012. Naming of New Roads – Green Street West Subdivision Following community consultation Council has resolved:

that the internal road in the Green Street West sub-division be named Rockliff Court ; and

that the internal roadway in the Green Street West subdivision be named Prichard Place.

At the meeting held on 19 November 2012 Wiradjuri man Mr Mark Saddler presented Council with a Yidaki named ―Lockhart Man‖. This valuable art work was presented by Mr Saddler as a way of saying thank you to the Lockhart Shire community for being involved in Wiradjuri awareness after the recent Spirit of the Land Festival. The Yidaki will be prominently displayed in Council‘s administration building.

The new Act covers all pools within the Lockhart Shire Council area including pools on farm land. The State Government is employing councils to enforce the regulations. Council must undertake a pool safety fence inspection within the near future, so please contact council for details especially if you are considering leasing or selling your place. You must obtain a compliance certificate and register your pool by October

29, 2013.

With a number of complaints about livestock within the residential part of the Shire, Council has developed a policy to alleviate the problems in the future. The draft policy will be on public display for comment before being

adopted.

There seems to be a perception especially in Yerong Creek that council does not want horses in the towns. This is completely incorrect; all we want to do is make living in these country towns comfortable and pleasant for owners of animals and their neighbours. Pushing on

fences making them lean over as well as leaving smelly, fly breeding excrement in large piles next to your neighbours house is not good public relations. Council is trying to remedy the problem by introducing the policy so

we can all live together without a problem.

Recently Council was privileged to be presented with a yidaki (a didgeridoo) in appreciation of our acknowledging the Wiradjuri people who were the previous custodians of

our Shire.

Mark Saddler presented the gift which he made from a piece of wood obtained from the Shire area. The colourful instrument has a face painted on it called the Lockhart Man. The gift with be displayed in the Council

Administration foyer. Thank you Mark.

With the country side drying rapidly please be careful not

to cause fires when you are working or driving.

Thank you

Mayor

Peter Yates

(Continued from page 1)

Sale by Tender

(on-site)

Surplus Items incl. culverts, pavers &

minor equipment

Viewing Days

13 and 14 December

Between 10am and 1pm

Lockhart Shire Depot, Reid St, Lockhart

10

Local Church Services – December

St John’s Presbyterian Church Andrew Carmicheal—0428 297 353

Les Bergmeier—6927 1144

Cnr Hebden & Day St, Lockhart

1st and 3rd Sundays—6pm

2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays—8.45am

All Welcome

Lockhart Catholic Church

8am St Mary's Lockhart on Sunday

7pm Saturday, St Mary's Lockhart

10am Sunday- Urangeline 1st and 3rd & 5th, Galore 2nd and 4th

For further information contact Father D. Howie on 6920 5446

Lockhart Uniting Church

Any inquiries, ring Larraine Hoffmann, 6920 6233

or 0429 206 233.

2nd, 9am Lockhart

9th, 9am Lockhart, Sunday School

11am Woodhaven, Holy Communion

16th 9am Lockhart, Carol Service,

Urana Carol Service

23rd, No Service

25th, Christmas Day, 9am

30th, 9am, Lockhart

Anglican Church of Australia Diocese of Riverina

St Aidan’s Ministering Community Lockhart

Worship Sundays, 9am

Enquiries: Rev Nola Cox – 6920 5549

Harvestlands Church Café Church

At The Old Bank Bakery 9.30am Sunday

All Welcome

Enquiries: Marianne & Steve Train

0427 241 021

The Rock Uniting Church Ford Street, The Rock

Rev. Alan Williams

2ND SUNDAY – 9.30AM

All Welcome

CONTACT: (O2) 69202024 Or (02) 6920 3569

The Rock St Peters Anglican Church

Communion 1st Sunday each month at 9.30am

4th Sunday Morning Prayer

Enquiries: Mrs J Heazlewood 0447 491 560 Mrs M Vennell 6920 1067

St Mary’s Parish, The Rock

6.00pm, Saturday (vigil), Mangoplah

8.30am, Sunday, Yerong Creek

10.00am, Sunday, The Rock.

Enquiries: Fr Steven Ledinich, 6920 2017.

Bethlehem Lutheran

Church Milbrulong

Phone 02-69206226 with enquiries

16 Dec 9am HC with P. Clem Zanker

23 Dec 9am HC with P. John XMAS SERVICE

24 Dec 7pm Xmas Eve Service

6 Jan 9am Lay Reading with S/School

13 Jan HC with P. Clem Zanker

Council News

11

Schedule– December Lockhart

4th, 11th, & 18th Milbrulong

11th Pleasant Hills

3rd & 17th Yerong Creek & The Rock

13th

www.rrl.nsw.gov.au

Rubbish Tip Opening Times

Each TUESDAY Each

WEDNESDAY 1st & 3rd SUNDAY

2nd & 4th SUNDAY

Lockhart 8.30am – 10.30am 12.00pm – 3.00pm

The Rock 1.00pm – 3.00pm 12.00pm-3.00pm

Yerong Creek 1.30pm – 3.30pm

Pleasant Hills 10.00 am – 12.00pm

Milbrulong 8.00am – 9.00am

Roads & Traffic Authority

The RTA visits Lockhart (9 Matthews Street) once a month on a Tuesday.

To book a driving test, or for more information, please phone

Wagga Wagga RTA on 13 2213

BUILDING REPAIRS/RENOVATIONS AFTER FLOOD DAMAGE

Following the recent unfortunate floods, it is likely that significant repairs and/or renovations will be required to flood affected homes in the Shire. In some cases it may be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage to be repaired, to obtain the prior consent of Council before the repairs begin. If you wish to discuss this matter in regard to your house, please contact Council on 6920 5305 to speak with Mrs Birgit Ronnfeldt or Mr R Crawford Director of Environmental Services

All Council Tips are Closed on Public Holidays

12

Employment Opportunities

ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS

High School Scripture Teacher

The Combined Lockhart Urana Christian Board Incorporated is currently seeking applicants for an SRE Teaching position. This

position will involve the successful applicant in teaching SRE at four local Central schools at Lockhart, Urana, Oaklands and The Rock. The position is for 1 (one) day a week spending half a day a fortnight at each school. Commencement date January 2013 Curriculum will be provided and resourced. The above board invites applicants

who have demonstrated experience in building relationships and working with young people, and have a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Teaching qualification preferred but all applicants will be considered. To request application phone 6920 5549 or email: npcox@dragnet.com.au . The

closing date for applications is close of business Friday 7th December 2012. The successful applicant will be required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration and undergo a Working with Children check under the NSW DEC Child Protection Policy.

Employment opportunities exist within our Shire. If you have an employment vacancy or you are looking for employment please contact Council Office on 69205305 for inclusion in the employment page of the Shire

Newsletter.

Russell Barnes has recently moved to Lockhart. He is looking for employment and has had some farm hand experience. Russell can be contacted on 0498 676 029. Russell is settling into his home and will be looking for employment

once settled.

Steven & Lisa Nickel and their two children have recently moved to Lockhart from Sydney and are planning to build a new home in the near future. Lisa had an established booking keeping business in Sydney and has retained some of her Sydney clients. Lisa is hopping to establish a booking keeping (including BAS) business in Lockhart. If you are looking for this type of assistance with your bookwork please contact

Lisa on 0459 814 276

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Lockhart Local Court Services

The Local Court Office has moved from the Council Chambers, Green St, Lockhart, to make room for the new Council Administration Building. Local Court Services can now be found at 9 Matthews Street, Lockhart (Council‘s Medical Centre).

The office is open the first and third Mondays of each month from 9:30am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 3:30pm.

Services available include: Births, Deaths & Marriages enquiries, family law, apprehended violence orders, advice on procedural matters relating to Court appearances, payment of court fines and civil claims matters. Assistance can be given in the making of Wills. Marriages may also be conducted.

As a Government Access Centre you may purchase fishing licences, obtain boating handbooks and many other publications.

Please make use of the services provided by Lockhart Court House. Phone 6920 5533 or call in during opening hours.

Lockhart Lions Club RecyclingLockhart Lions Club RecyclingLockhart Lions Club Recycling Location: Next to Uncle Toby‘s Shed, northern side of railway line. Entry from

Brookong Street.

Opening Times: Daylight Hours, seven days a week

Acceptable Items

Paper/Magazines, Books (incl. phone books) Cardboard, Glass bottles & Jars (rinsed)

Aluminium cans -Scrap aluminium, Plastics of any kind incl. bottles (rinsed), bags and wrapping

Unacceptable Items

Wax-coated cartons, Polystyrene, Light bulbs, Fluorescent tubes, Window glass, Heat-treated

glass, Steel cans or drums

Be a responsible recycler. To make our job easier please use receptacles provided. Thank you

MAGNOLIA LODGE

Magnolia Lodge, located in Green Street, Lockhart, is made up of nine single-bedroom, self-contained units for independent living. Each unit contains a Vital

-Call emergency system, refrigerator and washing machine.

Undercover car parking and storage facilities are also provided.

Council currently has two vacant units available which is subject to the

payment of an in-going contribution.

For further information, or for an application form to

be posted, please contact Council‟s

Director of Environmental Services

Mr Bob Crawford on (02) 6920 5305.

14

Health & Associated Services

OPTOMETRIST

Russell and Chalker EyecarePlus visit

Lockhart regularly for comprehensive

consultations including glaucoma testing,

cataract assessments, macular

degeneration.

Adults and children’s assessments, and

Veteran’s Affairs patients welcome.

Spectacle frames available.

For Appointments Phone:

(02) 6921 8833.

Home Care Service of NSW Lockhart/Urana/The Rock

Enquiries: 6920 5286

Co-ordinator - Robyn Pearse

We provide the following services:

Domestic Assistance

Personal Care

Respite Services

Referral Intake: 1300 881 144

X-RAY SERVICE

X-ray services are available every

second Monday at Lockhart &

District Hospital. A referral from

the doctor is required.

PODIATRIST

Wagga Foot Clinic attends Lockhart

Community Health Centre monthly.

For appointments phone 6921 1783.

WEDNESDAY—Bus to Wagga

Depart for Wagga

Lockhart Post Office 8.30 am

The Rock Post Office 9:00 am

K-Mart Car Park 9.30 am

Depart for Lockhart 2.00 pm

The Rock 2.30 pm

Lockhart 3.00 pm

2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

Bus to Albury

Depart Lockhart 7.30 am

Depart Urana 8.00 am

Depart Oaklands 8.30 am

Arrive Albury 9.45 am

Depart 2.00pm

First preference for Albury service is

given to Urana Shire residents.

We take bookings for Lockhart Shire

residents when seats are available. Please

phone to be placed on the waiting list

We are unable to transport 6 years and

under. 7—18 years require a companion.

COST OF TRANSPORT

Lockhart to Wagga -$15.00

Lockhart to Albury $20.00

The Rock to Wagga - $10.00

Urana to Albury $15.00

Connection for Urana to Wagga available on

request.

Bookings Essential—6920 4162

Lockhart and District Community Services

2012 Bus Timetable

Please note the Monday bus service is no longer available.

15

Health & Associated Services

Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank The Donormobile parks outside the Council Chambers on Green Street, Lockhart, every

three months on a Wednesday and Thursday, and they would love to see some new donors.

Next Visit:

Wednesday 9th& Thursday 10th January

Contact Susan Gooden on 6927 1134 to make an appointment.

Lockhart Community Health

Services

Lockhart Community Health Nurses are

available for self-referral Mon, Tues, Wed,

Fri, ph: 6920 5309

The Rock Community Health Nurses are

available for self-referral Mon, Wed, Fri, ph:

6920 5309 or Mob: 0427 107 897

Early Childhood Clinics—Wed, Lockhart

–Thurs, The Rock

Other services available include:

Physiotherapy—Tues, ph: 6920 5206

Women’s Health—6920 5309 for appt

X-ray, Optometrist, Podiatrist—see ads on

opposite page.

Lockhart and District Community Services

Office at the Medical Centre Lockhart is

open between

9.00am-1.00pm and 1.30pm-3.00pm.

Monday - Friday.

For all enquiries or transport bookings

please ring the office in the mornings, on

02 6920 4162.

If the office is unattended in the

afternoons due to service demands, please

leave a message and we will contact you

as soon as possible.

HEARING TESTS/HEARING AIDS

Terence Ryan Hearing Aids are now visiting

Lockhart every 4th Thursday at Lockhart &

District Community Services.

Hearing tests for all ages—FREE for

eligible pensioners

Hearing aid fittings and prescriptions

Hearing aids to suit all needs and

budgets

Repairs and service

Home visits available by appointment

Employer audios

Custom made swim plugs

Phone 1300 345 667 to make an

appointment.

beyondblue

Council has a limited

supply of books and

DVD’s available for

interested persons to

borrow.

Ask at reception or access the beyondblue

website, www.beyondblue.org.au, or the

beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636

16

The Rock & District Playgroup

Meets Fridays 10am - 12pm

The Rock Preschool King Street

The Rock

For all children from birth—5yrs

and all carers,

mums, dads and grandparents

Bring the kiddos for a play while you enjoy a

coffee…

For more information contact

Connie 0428719576 Naomi 0431203412

Di 0429160381 Emma 0418964114

Toy library

Due to Flood Damage the Toy Library is closed

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL MEGAN DELPHIN

Ph: 0459 2047 84

The Rock & District Meals on Wheels and Friendship Club ‘Serving our Community’

Come and join our Friendship Club Tuesdays 10.00am— 3.00pm & Thursdays 10.00am-3.00pm

Volunteers are always in demand to assist with our programmes to help our older and

disabled citizens Just call (02) 6920 2500 and have a chat with our friendly co-ordinators.

Are you eating regular meals? Is it getting too difficult for you to shop? Do you care for an older or disabled

person? Do you have a short term illness? Are you in a crisis? We may be able to help! For a free confidential assessment call (02) 6920 2500.

The Rock Op-Shop Open

Wed & Sun

11am - 2pm Thurs - Sat

10am - 4pm Contact Lynly Boyle

Ph: 6920 1522 All clothes, shoes and bags

$1.00 only Wanted metal skirt/trouser hangers,

adult and children please. Closed from 24 December 2012

to 2 January 2013

17

―Kengal Krafters Inc‖

The Rock Craft Shop @ the CWA rooms at

128 Urana St The Rock.

Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from

10am to 4pm.

We sell a large variety of locally made items

including:

hand painted gifts, baby wear, children’s

clothing, toys, quilting & patchwork, knitted

and crocheted items, kitchen & bathroom

accessories, ladies bags, jewellery & scarves,

aboriginal artwork. Our association was

formed to provide opportunities, for

crafters within the Riverina area. To connect

with others, grow their home based

businesses and promote handmade, local

products in the community.

If you would like to become a member,

applications can be picked up at the Craft

Shop or at The Rock Op Shop.

All welcome.

For more information call:

Di Fortune…….6920 3380

Ann McCole…..6920 1023

Chris Makeham..6920 1092

Brookong Nook Craft Shop

Green Street Lockhart

Come in and browse you’ll be amazed

Goods for sale: All varieties of home made Jams,

Pickles, Relishes, Lemon Butter, Local Honey, Free

Range Eggs, Olive Oil, Goats Soap.

Cooking: Apple or Apricot Pies, Fruit Rolls, Various

small tarts,

Handcrafts: knitted scarf’s – all lengths & colours

in latest fashion yarns, baby jackets & Children’s

jumpers, bibs & singlet’s, knitted berets/hats,

rugs, dressed dolls and new born baby necessities

in a gift basket. Many other assorted handcrafts

and gifts

Great place for that special gift at reasonable

prices.

Orders taken if unavailable on the day.

Tai Chi classes

are being held on

Monday mornings

at 10am at the

Uniting Church

Hall. For more

information, please contact

Larraine Hoffman on 6920 6233

Grant Applications Assistance for Community Groups

Council has engaged a person who has experience in writing Grant applications and this person is available to assist community groups throughout the Shire who wish to apply for a grant

from any sources.

Council is mindful that some community groups do not have the time and/or expertise to complete grant applications and Council wishes to assist these groups by the provision of an experienced

Grant Application Writer.

The purpose of the Grant Application Writer is not to seek out sources of Grants for community groups but assist groups once they have decided to apply for a specific grant/s following their own

investigations.

Depending on the number of applications received it may be necessary for Council to prioritise the applications with which the Grant Application Writer is able to assist and Council has allocated a specific Budget amount for the

project.

Accordingly if you require assistance with the completion of a Grant application please forward

details to:

The General Manager

Lockhart Shire Council

PO Box 21

LOCKHART NSW 2656

18

LOCKHART MEMORIAL HALLHALL HIRE

FULL DAY $110.00

HALF DAY $66.00

NIGHT $165.00

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR HIRE:

Tables, Chairs, Crockery

Please contact Lockhart Shire Council

Phone: (02) 6920 5305

PLEASANT HILLS PRESCHOOL

Now taking enrolments for 2013

For information please contact Megan on

6929 6134.

Urana Shire Council Newsletter

The Urana Shire Council monthly

newsletter is available from Council’s

office – 65 Green Street, Lockhart, and our

newsletter similarly from Urana Shire

Council.

THE ROCK GOLF CLUB The Rock Golf Club are seeking historical

information from people within the district for inclusion in our Centenary Book to be published

in 2014.

Please contact President John Jarick 6920 2120 or

Sec. Col Stewart 6920 1404.

LOCKHART GOLF CLUB Golf for everyone! Summer Comps

All Welcome Saturday‟s Tee off at 7am—9

Holes

Sunday‟s Tee off 5pm—9 Holes

More Information Ph: Ian 0429 807 285 Or Denis 6920 5169

Lockhart Central Rural Fire Service Brigade

Looking for new members

Phone Peter Wiggins 0428 516 095

Public Information

The Rock Preschool For kids aged 3-6 years

Monday-Thursday

9am-3pm

$16.00 per day The Rock Preschool a great place for

children to play, laugh, grow and learn!

The new preschool building is due for completion mid-

Term 1 2013 which will allow for up to

25 children to attend daily.

We are also considering opening on Fridays in 2013

subject to numbers.

If you are interested in enrolling your child

in 2013 please contact Jess White, Director

on 02 6920 2455 or therockps@gmail.com

The Rock Preschool is a

―Not for Profit‖

Community Based Organisation

19

Lockhart Senior Citizens All gatherings held at the Lockhart

Ex-Servicemen’s Club

1.30pm Monday December 3rd - Cards

11.30am Sunday, December 9th -

Christmas Party

11.30am Monday, December 10th, -

Meeting followed by Bingo and gift exchange

Lockhart Seniors News

All meetings held at the Lockhart

Ex-Servicemen’s Club President Betty welcomed 21 members to the November meeting. Birthdays

for November were Don Hannon, Barbara Doherty, Nita Enders and

Betty Powter. Social secretary Margaret Doherty reminded members

that the Christmas Party is on 9 December 2012. The menu for the

party was discussed and it was decided a choice of turkey or ham

salads followed by plum pudding and custard or fruit salad and ice-cream, the cost to be $10 a head. All names of those attending to be in and paid for by the end of November. Next meeting 10 December followed by Bingo also members to bring a gift

under $5 to be exchanged. Betty Powter Secretary

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

FORMS For some small building jobs and other developments it is possible that no approval is

required from Council. Contact Council for clarification. Otherwise, it is likely that a

completed ―Development Application‖ form would need to be submitted to Council with

drawings.

The Development Application and approval

process, regulated by the State Government through local councils, is aimed to ensure that

the various regulations are complied with and that a detailed, written record is kept for the

future.

Councils are required to obtain certain specific

information so the standard development application form used may in some cases seem

complex. Council staff are able to assist with completion of forms.

Contact Council for clarification of any matter concerning Development Applications

02 6920 5305.

The Rock Central School

please contact

The Rock Central School on

Ph: 6920 2132

Fax: 6920 2023

Email: therock-

c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

to enrol

Public Information

20

LOCKHART SHIRE EVENTS CALENDAR 2012

7 December Christmas under the Verandahs

Christmas is the time for family, friends and fun.

Calling all residents!

Come and join in on the fun when the Lockhart businesses celebrate Christmas with the

community.

-Christmas specials

-Santa and Friends

-Christmas stalls

-Entertainment

This is a Great night to view the Christmas lights

throughout the town.

Event contact details Chris Mackey

24 February 2013 The Rock Markets February

The Avenue

Only a short drive from Wagga, The Rock Markets in Urana Street, 'the avenue' is the perfect venue to

hold street markets.

The Rock Progress Association holds the markets four times a year. The last Sunday in November,

February, May and August.

Perfect Sunday outing and an opportunity to sample

country fair or find that perfect gift.

If you would like to have a stall at one or all of the markets please or contact Leslie Cornish 02

69201443.

9 March 2013 National Historic Truck & Tractor Commercial Vehicle Show

Time: 10:00am

Lockhart Showground

Outstanding display of Trucks Cars and Motorbikes with stalls and exhibits including Quilt Show, and a

working Blacksmith.

Live Entertainment Singer/Songwriter- Ray

Macartney

Cost: $5.00

Event contact details: Shirley Morgan 69295237

9 March 2013 Antiques under the Verandahs

Time: 8:00am

Where: Green Street, Lockhart

Wide range of stalls under the shade of the verandahs. Event contact details Phone: Robyn 0269205229 Your event not listed?

Send details to mail@lockhart.nsw.gov.au

Lockhart Shire Council

Don’t miss Christmas Under The Verandahs 2012 Friday December 7 Late night trading

Christmas is the time for family, friends and fun. Calling all residents! Come and join in on the fun when the Lockhart businesses celebrate Christmas with the community. -Christmas specials -Santa and Friends -Christmas stalls -Entertainment Great night to view the Christmas lights throughout the town.

21

Lockhart Caravan Park

If you know someone looking for just the right place to set up camp with a tent or caravan, or looking to hire an on-site van, then Lockhart Caravan Park is just the place.

Situated in Green Street, the caravan park is just 100 metres from the

shopping area and within easy walking distance to all facilities.

There are 21 sites, three unpowered and eighteen powered sites.

Three Cabins which can accommodate up to 8 people are also available.

A modern camp kitchen is available as well as showers, toilets and a peaceful

location.

Contact the Manager on 0458 205 303

PAYMENT OF RATES & CHARGES

Residents experiencing difficulty in

paying their rates and charges are invited

to discuss their particular circumstances

with Council’s Director of Corporate

Services on (02) 6920 5305

Residents who have made a payment

directly into Council’s bank account are

asked to please notify Council of the

payment they have made.

If you receive a Pension you can apply for

a Pension Rebate on your Rates if the

property on which you are applying for a

Rebate is your principal place of

residence.

To avoid legal action on overdue rates

or long term outstanding debts contact

Council to make an arrangement to pay.

Nominations for Lockhart Shire Council Citizenship

Awards to be presented on 26 January 2013,

Australia Day are now invited.

Council resolved that it will award a maximum of six (6) annual awards as part of the Australia Day Celebrations and one of those recipients will be

named “Lockhart Shire Citizen of the Year”.

It will be necessary for those persons wishing to

nominate another person to obtain the Award Criteria and Guidelines forms from Council. These

forms may be collected from Council‟s

Administration Office, from Council‟s website or telephone (02) 69205305 and a copy will be

forwarded to you.

Nominations close Friday 7 December 2012 and

must be submitted on the forms provided to :

The General Manager

Lockhart Shire Council

PO Box 21

LOCKHART NSW 2656

Australia Day Awards-January 2013

Change of Day

Dr Gordon Saggers wishes to advise that as from January 2013 the Lockhart Dental Practice will be changing the day of opening from Wednesday to Tuesday. The practice will be open on alternate

Tuesdays commencing Tuesday 15 January, 2013.

Please phone 6920 5534 for an appointment, and

6921 5799 for emergencies.

22

Lockhart Drivers Urged To Slow Down! Recent traffic counts on rural roads in Lockhart Shire show many motorists are driving at well above the posted speed limit. Traffic counters on Narrandera Road between 6 October 2012 and 13 November 2012 recorded 4753 vehicles travelling above the 100 km/h speed limit, 37.5% of all vehicles travelling on that road at the time, while on Urana Road 9497 vehicles (51.5%) exceeded the 100 km/h speed limit in the same time period. ―While most of those speeding vehicles were recorded in the speed range 100-110 km/h, a total of 15 vehicles were recorded travelling at 150-160 km/h, which is very worrying‖, said Lockhart Shire Road Safety Officer Shelagh Merlin. ―With the grain harvest now under way there are a lot more heavy vehicles travelling on Lockhart roads so it‘s even more important than ever that motorists slow down, obey the speed limit and drive to the conditions‖, she added. Traffic counter data has been forwarded to the NSW Police Highway Patrol and motorists can expect to see an increased police presence on rural roads.

For information on penalties that apply to

speeding offences go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au

BOREE CREEK HALL OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Prospective hirers please note that owing to lack of numbers the hall

committee will no longer be able to

set up, cater for or clean up after social events.

R Alexander Hon Sec Hall Committee

Anglican Church Christmas Services 2012

St Philip‟s Urana

11am Sunday 23rd December

St Peter‟s The Rock 6pm Monday 24th December

St Aidan‟s Lockhart

8am Tuesday 25th December

23

Backyard Swimming Pools Changes to Regulations

The installation of back yard swimming pools is a highly contentious issue with an increasing level of regulation by the state government (through local councils). This is in response to the number of tragic drowning‘s of young children which are reported each

year.

On 2 November 2012 the state government announced that the new Swimming Pools (Amendment) Act 2012. The new

requirements are summarised as follows:

1. Councils must implement a pool safety fence inspection program in

consultation with their communities.

2. Councils may charge up to $150.00 for a first inspection at a property an up to $100.00 for each subsequent

inspection of that same property.

3. All pool owners must register their pool on a NSW State Government on-line register. A penalty of $220.00 applies

to non-registration.

4. All pool owners must register their pool

by 29 October 2013.

5. Swimming pool owners will be required to provide a valid swimming pool compliance certificate before being able to sell or lease a property with a

pool.

Further details of Council‘s inspection program will be confirmed shortly. Anyone wishing to obtain further information should

contact Council.

Draft Policy—Keeping of Livestock in Residential

Areas Following a series of complaints throughout the Shire, Council is proposing to put in place a policy on the keeping of livestock (horses, cattle, alpacas, sheep, goats, etc)

in residential areas.

The objective of the policy would be to promote guidance to property owners, occupiers and residents of Lockhart Shire who wish to keep livestock on residential land, while maintaining the amenity of the

area for other residents.

A copy of the Policy is available from Council or on Council‘s website:

www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au

The Policy will be considered for adoption

by Council at its December 2012 meeting.

Anyone wishing to comment on the policy is invited to submit written comment to the General Manager, reaching Council no later than Monday 10 December 2012. Anyone wishing to discuss the proposed policy is invited to contact Council‘s

Environmental Services Department.

Chris Gallagher General Manager PO Box 21 Lockhart Shire Council

24

RASF Community Futures Grant

Applications are now open

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation

(RASF) is offering an opportunity for young people

to attract up to $25,000 in funding for a community

project in their local area.

Participating is simple:

• Identify a need or issue in your local community in

NSW which could be addressed with funding of up

to $25,000

• Partner with a community organisation to create a

plan for implementing a project to address this need

To be eligible to apply you must:

• Be aged 35 years or under on 1 May 2013

• Be passionate about rural and regional issues

• Live in the rural NSW community your project idea

is for

What is a Community Partner?

Your Community Partner can be any local

community agency or group in your area, that

delivers a community service, provides community

benefit or whose purpose is charitable in nature.

Some examples could be educational

organisations, health providers, your local show

society or service group e.g. Rotary.

What types of projects are eligible?

As someone who is passionate about rural and

regional NSW, you are already well-connected in

your community – chances are, you have already

got a few good ideas about how to spend $25,000

on a project that could make a real difference in

your local area.

Under the RASF Community Futures Grant

program, the RASF will consider an idea that

delivers strong and broad community benefit and

results in enhanced economic and social outcomes,

especially if the idea involves collaboration between

people in your community and delivers a sustained

benefit over a period of time.

The possibilities for funding are limited only by your

imagination. If it delivers real benefits for your

community, we will consider it.

What projects are not eligible?

• Infrastructure for local shows and show societies

are not eligible for funding from the RASF

• One-off events

How to apply

All applications must be made online at http://

rasf.smartygrants.com.au/cfg2013 to access the

online application form.

The closing date for applications is 6pm on the 11

January 2013.

Judging and selection

Applications will be judged on merit by a panel of

selectors, including representatives from the RASF

board. The application/s judged to be the most

considered, meritorious and achievable will be

awarded up to $25,000 to implement their project.

Selected projects must be implemented through the

local community agency or group nominated by the

entrant as their Community Partner. The successful

applicant/s will be announced at the Sydney Royal

Easter Show in March 2013.

Further information

If you have any queries about the eligibility of your

project idea or any part of RASF Community

Futures Grant initiative, please contact the RAS

Foundation on (02) 9704 1232 or email

foundation@rasf.org.au

25

URANA BRANCH NSW November 2012

Halloween disco held in Lockhart was a great succuss a large amount of children from Urana and Lockhart made the effort and dressed up. Door Prizes of MP4 players drawn by Police Officer S/C Colin Jacobs from Wagga Wagga were: Girls: Tiffany Williams from Lockhart Boys: Bailie Smith from Urana Special Thanks to Snr Sergeant David Cook and assisting officers from Wagga Wagga for making a great effort to attend so that our event is safe for the children. It is good for the children to see Police interacting with fun. Special Thanks to Kylie Hruz Lockhart Shire Council‘s Youth co-ordinator and the Lockhart Shire Council for assistance with the Hall and flyers for advertisement. Special thanks for all the mums and dads from Lockhart who helped out on the night with judging and cleaning up afterwards. Special thanks to all committee members and volunteers who attended the Halloween Disco. Without their help these events could not take place.

Coming Events 1st December 2012 Jindera Pool Party (to be advised) Christmas Raffle $2.00 ticket (contact Lorraine Bourke 0438105585) 1st Prize Wheel burrow, cordless drill (pink for mum), mini spit roast, oscillating

multi tool & garden hands 2nd Prize Pioneer Blue Ray DVD player 3rd Prize Vax steam mop 4th Prize Remington Electric Razor 5th Prize Sedy 44pce Bit Driver Set with light 16th January School Holiday outing more information next newsletter

All money raised from the events subsidies door entry /outings, prizes, canteen stock, lollies, glow sticks & upgrading equipment.

26

School News

St Joseph’s School News On October 30, the students from Years 3-6 participated in a cricket day in Urana. A good day was had by all. On Tuesday, November 6, we held our annual Mission Day. It was a wonderful day with the students all putting so much thought and effort into their stalls and in total, they raised $1174. What a fantastic effort!! Stalls included cafes, a white elephant stall, handball, kicking, target and goal throwing competitions, tug-of-war, a book fair, puppet show, lucky dips, guess the number of lollies, drawing competitions, „fee the shark‟, guess the

baby, make your own cards and various other food stalls. We had lots of visitors during the day and a great time was had by everyone. The book fair was also a great success with $447 worth of books being made available to add to our library stocks. On Remembrance Day, Paige Brown and Millie Flynn represented our school at the cenotaph to lay a wreath and remember those who served in all wars and are currently serving overseas. On Thursday, November 15, we welcomed the Kinders for 2013 to

our school as part of our Transition program. They had a wonderful

time in the Kinder classroom and we look forward to seeing them every Thursday morning until

the end of the year.

Lockhart Central School The school term started early for our students in Year 5 and 6 as they headed to Narrabeen for their excursion on the last Sunday of the holidays. The students engaged in activities such as archery, canoeing, rock climbing and high ropes and finished the excursion with a night spent at Taronga zoo. A highlight for many was being on the set of a “Home and Away” beach filming. The breakfast program continues to be a great success and special thanks to Belinda McTavish for the wonderful work she does helping out every morning. Our K-2 students have been having extra lessons on preparing a nutritious breakfast and learning to use their very best manners at the breakfast table. Roger Orr and John Baker from the NSW Rural Fire Service attended our whole school assembly to present students with certificates for the successful completion of the Rural Fire Service Cadetship program. This was a very proud moment for our school as we are the first school in the Riverina to successfully complete this training. Staff were treated to a delicious luncheon during Melbourne Cup week prepared and served by Year 9 and 10 Food Technology students. We were certainly spoilt for choice with dishes such as Beef Ribs, Moroccan Chicken, and Chilli Prawns on the menu for the Main Course and an

equally varied selection for Entrée and Dessert. With the HSC coming to an end, Year 12 students had their Riverina

Access Partnership Formal on November 9th with students in

attendance from each of the 7 partnership schools. Amelia Farrall

was awarded the School Education Director‟s Award in recognition

of her leadership and commitment to her final year of schooling. The

Lockhart Central School Formal will be held on November 23rd.

27

28

Lockhart Community Bank Celebrates 10th Birthday With $90000 Grant To The District A gala party in Lockhart‘s main street on Friday night attended by over 400 people celebrated the 10th birthday of the Lockhart & District Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank. To mark the occasion grants amounting to $90000 were awarded to many district clubs and organisations including a pledge of $45000 to the Lockhart Football and Netball Club towards a new set of netball courts and $20000 to the Osborne Recreation Ground to complete the final stage of facility improvements. Other successful grant applicants included Boree Creek Mobile Pre School, Lockhart Bowling Club, Urana Camp Draft, Lockhart Central School, Woodhaven Aged Hostel, Lockhart Anglers Club and Lockhart Men‘s Shed. The large crowd was entertained by Wagga‘s Groove Factorie and member for Wagga Mr Darryl McGuire MP and NSW State Manager for Bendigo Bank Phil Jones attended the function .Also in attendance were

representatives of surrounding Community Banks and support staff from Wagga regional office. Chairman Shane Trotter said that this round of grants brought the total amount distributed to the district since the bank opened in 2002 to $600000 with a further $250000 having been paid to local shareholders in the form of dividends. ―To mark our tenth birthday this year the board declared a healthy dividend of 10 %‖ Mr Trotter said The Community Bank has been an outstanding success with most educational, health, sporting and tourism groups in the wider Lockhart area receiving funding enabling them to improve their facilities and services.

Mr Trotter who is standing down as chairman after 10 years thanked the staff, fellow board members, shareholders and customers for the Community Banks success. ―It is the customers of the bank who make it possible for us to support the community the way we have― Mr Trotter said ―The more people support the bank with banking business the more money is available for community projects – it‘s as simple as that‖ he added. Phillip Bouffler will take over as Chairman of Lockhart & District Community Bank at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders to be held at the Lockhart Ex-Servicemen‘s Club at 5.30 pm on Wednesday 31st October. Shane Trotter, Chairman, Phone 0428 694581

Lockhart Fitness & Wellbeing Centre A committee has now been formed which is a huge step forward for this Community Project. Warren Jones President Megan McKenzie Secretary We are taking ideas from the community about „what is important to them if they were to use the facility? eg Kids area, mirrors, safe & accessible, fan etc. They can forward them to Matt Bouffler on 0427 301 086 or email brookongtreeservices@live.com More people required to join the general committee, they can put in as much or as little time as they have available. Meetings to be held on every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Lockhart Ex-Servicemen‟s club at 7.30pm Contact Warren Jones on 0427 052 773 or email dunluce17@bigpond.com for any further information.

29

NSW Health Minister Visit On Tuesday 6 November 2012 the NSW Health Minister Mrs Jillian Skinner and Member for Wagga Wagga Mr Daryl Maguire visited Lockhart to announce the start of the redevelopment of the Lockhart & District Hospital. The $8,000,000 project includes ensuite facilities for all bedrooms, upgrades to acute services, and five additional residential aged-care beds, which take the total to15. It will also have rooms for both private and visiting health services, improved reception and staff station areas. ―This service is going to greatly help Lockhart‘s aged and acute care, also younger residents if they become ill, can be treated close to home‖, Lockhart Shire Mayor Peter Yates said. ―Council is very fortunate we were able to be a part of the process‖. ―The event on Tuesday went really well, the minister was very hospitable and was very happy to help the smaller communities out there including Lockhart‖, said Cr Yates. The re-development work will be completed in stages to allow the hospital to continue functioning with the final stage expected to be complete in October 2013.

LITTLE ATHLETICS RECORD PERFORMANCES Members of the Lockhart & District Little Athletics Centre achieved outstanding performances at the re-cent Kooringal-Wagga Athletics Carnival held at Jubilee Park. Rogan Cronk competed in the Under 17 boys category, where he set new records in each of the four events he entered. In fact, he broke the record for Javelin which had been previously held by a former Lockhart athlete, Nathan Peel. Rogan was joined at the meet by fellow athletes from Lockhart of Brooke Peel, Fraser Matthews, and first time mem-bers Jack Flight and Isabelle Flight. Results Rogan Cronk: 1st in Shot Put, Discus, Javelin and 100 metres. Brooke Peel (Under 15): 1st in Discus and Shot Put and 2nd High Jump. Fraser Matthews (Under 13): 1st in 100 metres and 200 metres, 2nd in Shot Put and Discus. Jack Flight (Under 9): 8th Long Jump, 6th 100 metres, 5th High Jump, 4th Shot Put and 8th Discus. Isabelle Flight (Tiny Tots) – competed in Under 6 events of 50 metres, 70 metres and Long Jump.

Pictured above, left to right: Isabelle Flight, Brooke Peel, Rogan Cronk and Jack Flight.

30

THE ROCK

SWIMMING POOL Opening times

(Closed Monday)

Tuesday to Sunday

6am to 8am and 3pm to 7pm

School Holidays

(Closed Monday)

Tuesday to Sunday

6am to 8am & 11am to 7pm

Weekends & Public Holidays

(except Christmas & Boxing Day)

11am to 7pm

Season Ticket Prices:

Family Season Ticket - $160.00

Single Season Ticket - $80.00

Entry Fee - $3.00

Spectator Fee: - $2.00

Contact Details:

Pool number: 6920 2059

LOCKHART

SWIMMING POOL Opening times

(Closed Monday)

Tuesday to Sunday

6am to 8am and 3pm to 7pm.

School Holidays

(Closed Monday)

Tuesday to Sunday

6am to 8am & 11am to 7pm

Weekends & Public Holidays

(except Christmas & Boxing Day)

11am to 7pm

Season Ticket Prices

Family Season Ticket - $180.00

Single Season Ticket - $70.00

Entry Fee - $3

Rory McKenzie (Lockhart)

Contact Details:

Pool number: 6920 5266

Mobile: 0419 6246 66

31

Boree Creek Tennis Association Inc. President: Stuart Patey Secretary: Kath Flieder Treasurer: Elissa Strong

Official Opening Boree Creek Tennis Courts When: Saturday, 9 February 2013 Where: Boree Creek Tennis Complex, Laurence Street, Boree Creek Boree Creek Tennis Association Inc invites all past and present supporters and players to the official Opening Day of our new courts. The project to replace two synthetic tennis court surfaces was made possible thanks to funding assistance from the Lockhart & District Community Bank and the Urana Shire. The courts will be officially opened by Mr Tim Fischer, former federal member for Farrer. Boree Creek Tennis Association and its past committees have been promoting tennis and coordinating competitions continuously since 1950. The new courts are vital to the continuation of tennis in the area as well as the social and physical well-being of the community. We need your support to help make our opening a special day. Play will commence 11.00am with the Official opening at 3.00pm. A plaque will also be unveiled in memory of Mr Sandy Patey

For further details, please contact Mr Stuart Patey on 02-6927 1459

Standard Iron’s Double standards-who do you

believe?

What are the landholders of the Lockhart District, local

government, state government and project stakeholders

meant to believe when two vastly different messages are

being delivered from Standard Iron, regarding the

prospect of iron ore mining in the Lockhart area?

On July 13, 2012 the Daily Advertiser reported ‗Sigh of

relief for residents‘ where Standard Iron stated ―what we

found was pretty marginal, the estimated amount of iron

ore in the Lockhart Shire was not enough to make mining

in the area viable ―. This is when Standard Iron invested

finances in purchasing land in the Lockhart Industrial

Park and constructed a large storage shed. This appears

to be a considerable investment for a project that is

allegedly unviable.

Then on Friday 28th September 2012 on the ABC 7.30

report, we hear the spokesman from Standard Iron

talking about the rail link which will carry Iron Ore from

Lockhart and Totteham to Port Kembla. ―There‘s 30 to 50

years worth of mining & this is the first NSW iron ore

project. To ramp it up and make it profitable we have to

be talking 10 million tonnes a year, so we need the

railway lines to be functional and 22nd century‖.

On face value it appears locals are being delivered a

message to dispel concerns, as opposed to key large

stakeholders where Standard Iron are painting a large

profitable project of state significance.

The Lockhart and District Mining Task Force, which was

established to obtain the best possible outcome for our

community and environment, question Standard Iron‘s

motivation to deliver conflicting messages of such

extremes as to the prospects of the project. Which story

are we meant to believe?

Katie Day

Secretary

Lockhart & District Mining Taskforce Incorporated

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School Holiday Chocolate factory

Bus trip

Bookings Essential Contact: Kylie Hruz

Youth Development Officer 0260513901, 0417212069

khruz@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au

Bookings Essential Contact: Kylie Hruz

Youth Development Officer 0260513901, 0417212069

khruz@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au

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The Lockhart & District Education Fund was estab-lished to provide much needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post high school education, training and voca-tion aspirations. We recognise that the cost of rural students pursuing their post high school goals is often much greater than those of their metropolitan counterparts and that sometimes these costs can be prohibitive.

With this in mind, the Lockhart and District Educa-

tion Fund fundraises throughout the year and ac-

cepts donations from local residents and business-

es in order to provide financial grants to students

who need an extra helping hand. The funds come

directly from your local community - none of it is

government funded - celebrating the aspirations of

local youth and working to help them achieve these

aspirations. It‘s our way of saying ―we believe in you

and want to support your goals‖.

Grants are not awarded on an academic basis.

Rather, we support a diverse range of education

and career pursuits including apprenticeships, train-

eeships, cadetships, degrees, diplomas and certifi-

cate level studies or entry careers such as Jilleroo-

ing or Jackerooing. We also do not provide cash

grants directly to the recipients – the local founda-

tion reimburses the student for a pre-agreed ex-

pense or pays the goods and services providers

directly.

Grants are available to local youth who have lived

and/or attended school in the region for the majority

of their high school years. Applicants can be school

leavers – years 10, 11 and 12 – or students 21

years or younger. The three selection criteria are:

that you have a realistic goal;

that you have shown commitment to achiev-

ing your goals in the past; and

that you are in need of financial assistance to

achieve your goal.

If you satisfy the above criteria and would like to

apply for a grant, please complete the application

form by logging into:

http://www.cef.org.au/education-foundations-map-of-local-education-foundations-nsw-lockhart.html

(you can download this by clicking on the

―Application Form‖ button in the right hand column

of this page)

All applications must only be submitted on this ap-plication form • Please do not supply original documents with your application form. Copies are sufficient • Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their submission • The closing date for applications for financial assistance in 2013 is 10 December 2012 • Please send completed applications to: Ruth Ernest, Lockhart and District Education Fund c/- Lockhart Central School, Halliday Street, Lockhart NSW 2656 Email: mailto:ruth.ernest@det.nsw.edu.au Phone: (02) 6920 5209

34

Draft Policy – Stock Movement and Grazing Policy

Council, at its meeting on 19 November 2012, gave consideration to altering its policy in respect to stock movement and grazing on Council roadsides. Members of the community are invited to inspect the document and make submissions on the policy to Council, should they so desire, by Friday, 21 December 2012. Submissions should be addressed to the General Manager. The amended policy is available for inspection at Council‘s Administration Office, 65 Green Street, Lockhart or on Council‘s website www.lockhart.nsw.gov.au Chris Gallagher General Manager PO Box 21 Lockhart NSW 2656

Lockhart Drivers Urged To Slow Down!

Recent traffic counts on rural roads in Lockhart Shire show many motorists are driving at well above

the posted speed limit.

Traffic counters on Narrandera Road between 6 October 2012 and 13 November 2012 recorded 4753 vehicles travelling above the 100 km/h speed limit, 37.5% of all vehicles travelling on that road at the time, while on Urana Road 9497 vehicles (51.5%) exceeded the 100 km/h speed limit in the

same time period.

―While most of those speeding vehicles were recorded in the speed range 100-110 km/h, a total of 15 vehicles were recorded travelling at 150-160 km/h, which is very worrying‖, said Lockhart Shire

Road Safety Officer Shelagh Merlin.

―With the grain harvest now under way there are a lot more heavy vehicles travelling on Lockhart roads so it‘s even more important than ever that motorists slow down, obey the speed limit and drive to the

conditions‖, she added.

Traffic counter data has been forwarded to the NSW Police Highway Patrol and motorists can expect to

see an increased police presence on rural roads.

For information on penalties that apply to speeding

offences go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au

Mobile Blood Unit to Visit The Rock In the last Council Newsletter expressions of interest were sought from residents of The Rock and the surrounding area to consider donating blood if the Mobile Unit was to visit The Rock. Over 40 local people have registered indicating they are prepared to give blood and the Red Cross have advised they are overwhelmed with the response. The Bloodbank staff will be contacting those people who have registered to arrange suitable times which will be between 8.30am – 2.30pm on Thursday 13 December. If anyone else is interested in donating blood on this day please contact the National organisation on 131495 or by making an appointment on line donateblood.com.au Congratulations and thanks to The Rock residents for supporting this essential service and it is expected regular visits by the Mobile Unit will now occur given your generosity.

35

Weed of the Month Chilean Needle Grass

Nassella neesiana Declared Noxious Weed Class 3 Weed of National Significance Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) is a perennial tussock-forming grass, native to South America, but is now becoming more widespread through the eastern half of Australia along roadsides, and through pastures and grass/woodlands. Description: Tussock-forming perennial, clumping, and up to 1.5m high when mature. Flowers/Seedhead: seeds with distinctive purple glumes; long, light green awns (40-80mm long), and a distinct corona separating the seed head and the awn. The awn twists when dry and mature. Leaves: easily mistaken for native grasses such as fescue or wallaby grass if not in seed. CNG leaves are between 1-5mm wide, up to 300mm long, and are generally flat with fine hairs along the leaf surface. Chilean Needle Grass Facts:

It is a tall, slumping, spring-summer active perennial

It is distinguished by purple-coloured seeds with

sharp, pointed ends

Chilean Needle Grass grows mostly during the

warmer months, but is known to continue growing throughout the year. Seeds are produced during spring and summer.

CNG is tolerant to grazing, slashing and is very

drought hardy, outcompeting native pastures and grazing land. It has been outcompeted with densely sown grasses such as cocksfoot and tall fescue. The grass is spread mostly by see, of which up to 20,000 can be produced per square meter in dense infestations. Poor vehicle hygiene (while slashing for example), and

contamination from stock (via wool, fur) are common causes. Control Best control is generally achieved through a combination of various methods, including cultivation and grazing, and/or mowing and spraying. Manual control will mostly involve pulling out individual plants and small clumps, to immediately bag and burn. Spot spray new growth from spring to autumn, ensuring a foliar method of spray, saturating the plant particularly around the base. Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label. To promote new growth in mature clumps, remove heads with brush cutter or secateurs. If seeding; gather, bag and burn seed heads. Continue to monitor area after control. Stop the spread Wash down contaminated vehicles/machinery before using in clean areas. Contain infestations (fencing, seed traps and spot spraying) Avoid moving stock, machinery and vehicles through infested areas. Check your property and roadsides for infestations. Chilean Needle Grass is a Class 3 noxious weed. Class 3 weeds are plants that pose a serious threat to primary production or the environment of the area to which an order applies, are not widely distributed in the area and are likely to spread in the area or to another area. As such, the plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed and the plant must not be sold propagated or knowingly distributed. For further information, or if you discover a possible or confirmed infestation, please contact Council‘s Noxious Weeds Inspector Alan Gundrill on (02) 6920 5305.

36

The Lockhart Shire Council Australia Day Celebrations on

Saturday 26 January 2013

will be hosted by the Yerong Creek Bowling

Club Cole Street

Yerong Creek.

Enjoy true Aussie Spirit by attending

Activities will include:

Free BBQ Breakfast from 8.00am

Official Ceremony commencing at 9.30am

Address by the Australia Day Ambassador

Presentation of Lockhart Shire Council Citizenship Awards and

announcement of the Lockhart Shire Citizen of the year 2012

Special events for the children and many activities to do – a great day is

ensured.

Further details will be available on the Yerong Creek Bowling Club Facebook

Page in the near future and/or by contacting Helen McRorie on 0427 293 010

Organised by the Yerong Creek Bowling Club and proudly supported by

Lockhart Shire Council

Australia Day 26 January 2013

As this is the last issue of the Monthly Newsletter

for 2012 Councillors and staff wish all members

of Lockhart Shire Community a

Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year