www.themonitor.com.au Phone (08) 8671 2683 Fax (08) 8671 2843 Volume 6, Wednesday November 11th, 2009www.themonitor.com.au Phone (08) 8671 2683 Fax (08) 8671 2843

IN THIS

editionBoard appointment for Kaye Doyle Page 3

Property Investment Feature

Students get a fresh taste of working lifePage 12Pages 9 - 11

Contractors to BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine are having conflicting outcomes following the Clarke shaft

accident last month. Kym Winter-Dewhirst, Vice President of Gov-

ernment and Community Relations for BHP Bil-liton told The Monitor, “The temporary closure of the Clark Shaft has had an impact on mine production and schedules.

“The company has taken the opportunity of the temporary closure to bring forward significant maintenance work in the smelter and mills,” he said.

Repair work to damaged equipment is well ad-

vanced with the removal of the haulage system’s winder, which this week was sent for repairs to Whyalla.

Asked if there had been any cutbacks in con-tractors used at the mine, Mr. Dewhirst said, “Overall there has been no net reduction of con-tractor numbers at site, although there have been impacts amongst individual contractor compa-nies.

“The company has discussed scope changes with contracting companies and those companies have made their own decisions about contractor numbers.”

The temporary closure of the Clark Shaft has enabled the company to bring forward significant

maintenance work originally scheduled for the 2010 calendar year, including a major smelter reline. The rescheduled maintenance work is set to begin on 16 November and run until mid-Janu-ary.

While the temporary loss of the Clark Shaft will impact contractor numbers at the site, this will be largely offset by new contractors coming on-site for the smelter maintenance work.

One of the major contractors to Olympic Dam, Macmahon Holdings Ltd. said in a statement last week the shaft damage is likely to cut its contract revenue by about $10 million in the current fi-nancial year.

The statement went on to say the reduced

workload isn’t material to the group’s overall earnings.

Repair work to damaged equipment is well ad-vanced with the removal of the haulage system’s winder, which next week will be sent for repairs to Whyalla.

In addition, temporary equipment will be com-missioned on 18 November that will allow repair work to commence inside the Clark Shaft.

Macmahon provides mine development works at Olympic Dam and following the damage to the Clarke shaft it means there will be a temporary reduction in Macmahon’s underground work.

“This has necessitated redeployment of some of the workforce.”

Mine maintenance fast tracked

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 2 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

NEWS

WEATHER conditionsROXBY DOWNS

PORT AUGUSTA

COOBER PEDY

LEIGH CREEK

ADELAIDE

W T F S S

23/38 23/39 25/42 30/43 25/39

25/40 25/40 26/43 27/43 19/40

24/39 24/40 24/41 25/43 28/40

21/37 22/38 23/41 27/41 26/41

25/39 25/39 23/40 25/40 16/36

FROM WED NOVEMBER 11 to SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Head to Richardson Place

this Saturday for the 2009 BHP Billiton Olympic Dam

Family Day.“Family Day is always well sup-

ported by our local community, and we’re looking forward to enjoying this year’s event with everyone,” says BHP Billiton spokesperson Amanda Hudson.

“The day will centre around Roxby’s

town centre (Richardson Place) and will kick off at 10am with free swim-ming in the town pool.

“Richardson Place will be closed to traffic from 8am – 4pm and there will be equipment displays from some of our contractors, Roxby Rocket rides and fun activities by the Life. Be In It team.

“There will also be the Ciractron, a jumping castle, giveaways and a sau-sage sizzle lunch at 12pm.”

A highlight of the day is sure to be a performance by much-loved Aus-tralian kids’ performer Peter Combe, who will play in the auditorium at 11am.

“There will be one show only and seating is limited, so get in early to grab a spot for you and your chil-dren,” Amanda says.

Don’t forget your hat and sun-screen, and we hope to see you at Family Day this Saturday.

Reported by Stephanie C

Last week people around Roxby joined the rest of Australia and were drawn and excited about the races.

It is extra special to me because I was born on Mel-bourne Cup Day.

Melbourne Cup is held on the first Tuesday in No-vember each year.

Fashion is very important to all of the girls who like to dress up especially the ladies who love their fashion. Many people spend a lot of money on clothes for this special day and there is even a competition to see who is best dressed.

There is a lot of work in preparing a horse for a race. You need to groom and exercise the horse regularly, feed it well and train it to run on a track.

A lot of people come to this special event to bet on horses.

Sometimes they win and sometimes they lose....When people lose, they could get angry and some-

times they get very mad and it can get very sticky in friendships and relationships.

The Junior Journos surveyed a group of young children about whether people should bet on horse racing. We have some results and answers and reasons to share with you.

13 out of 30 students said that they should not bet on the horses.

Here is one of the reasons given by a student: “I think that you should save your money and buy something big instead of wasting it.”

The opposite of this is was: “If you win you get a lot of money and you are very happy.”

Melbourne Cup Madness

Fun day on Saturday

Junior Journo’s report

Roxby Central Traders are pleased to announce the annual Show n’ Shine is on again.

Be there on Saturday, November 21 in the car-park outside Autopro Roxby Downs with your beloved 2, 3 or 4 wheeled baby - wash her down and polish her up!

Or just come along for a look and cast your vote in the “people’s choice” award.

A gold coin donation will go to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to enter your car, ute or motor-bike in various categories including:

Best Ford Best HoldenBest Classic car/motor bikeBest 4 x 4 Best Ute…… and many others!

The guys from LMG Performance Port Pirie will have the Dyno machine there to give your car a spin on the spot.

Bring the whole family along with a barbecue lunch available.

Great prizes in all categories, nomi-nation forms available from Autopro and on the day.

Come on Woomera and Anda-mooka….you guys are welcome too!

Kicks off at 9.30 am until approx 1pm.

For more info contact Lesley New-combe 0418 808 668 or Sandy at Au-topro 8671 2200

A proud initiative of “Roxby Central Traders” and “Autopro Roxby Downs”

“Shopping locally- Secures our Serv-ices”

Show n’ Shine on again in Roxby

this month

CORRECTION The commencement date for the OSHC Director at Roxby Downs Area School is 1st December 2009 or as negotiated.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 3

NEWS

Roxby Downs’ resident Kaye Doyle has been appointed The Far North Regional Development Australia

Board.The Far North Regional Board was an-

nounced last week and comprises prominent community leaders representing towns of Why-alla, Port Augusta, the Flinders Ranges, Roxby Downs, Leigh Creek, Woomera, Coober Pedy, Mintabie and all places in the North.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Infra-structure and Regional Development, Maxine McKew together with the South Australian Minister for Regional Development, Paul Caica and Felicity-Ann Lewis from the Local Gov-ernment Association of SA congratulated the appointees.

“Regional Development Australia boards will be a local voice for communities across South Australia,” said Ms McKew.

The new RDA boards replace the former Regional Development Boards and the Area Consultative Committees, and bring together Federal and State governments in a co-opera-

tive approach to regional development.“For the first time, local leaders will give for-

mal input to all governments in South Australia on issues that matter to their region.”

Mr. Caica said the quality and diversity of the RDA board members augurs well for the renewal of South Australia’s regions.

“The new RDA boards are made up of local people with the leadership and commitment to work with government to develop their com-munities,” he said.

Former SA Premier Rob Kerin did a lot of the groundwork to facilitate the transition to RDA boards and the outcomes are expected to provide many benefits to regions like the Far North.

The Far North RDA Board members are:Ms Jennifer Cleary Chair, Mr. Andre Kuys

Deputy Chair, Ms Rose-Marie Berry, Ms Kaye Doyle, Mr. Geoff Hood, Mr. Malcolm McKen-zie, Cr. Tony Mitchell, Mr. Stephen Staines, Mr. Mark Sutton, Mr. Richard Trevena.

Ms Doyle said the appointment means a great deal to her and also for the region and particularly the towns of Roxby, Woomera and

Andamooka which are more specific to her location.

“I’ve come off the Northern Regional Devel-opment Board and we were all asked to apply to go on this new board, I was even more excited because it is a combination of the economic development and what used to be the Area Consultative Committee.

“I used to work for the Flinders Regional Area Consultative Committee as their office manager, so I have background in regional development and what we used to do in this role.”

She said in the past year she has been learn-ing about the Economic Development Board.

“To have a local representative from our area will ensure that when projects come up we are part of that process and we will know what’s going on and can put our hands up. It will be good for Roxby, Woomera, Andamooka and the whole district.”

Ms Doyle said the program in this current format will see a bigger co-operation across all forms of government in relation to regional development.

Board appointment for Kaye Doyle

Supplied by Julie Matthews, The Cooper Creek Chronicle

INNAMINKA: Surveyors in the Simpson Desert have discovered what is believed to be a part of a blue streak rocket launched at Woomera in 1966.

Simon Fanning and his geological survey team were flying over the Simpson Desert when they saw what they believed was part of a satellite in the scrub.

“It turns out this wreck is not in fact a satellite, but a rocket, at least a chunk of one anyway” he said.

“I’d seen ET as a kid, Star Wars and all that stuff, but to actually find something was really different.”

Dr Alice Gorman of Flinders University in Adelaide believes the rocket could be on one of ten blue streak rockets launched at Woomera in South Australia in the 1960s by the European Launcher Development Organi-sation.

“The blue streak’s very distinctive and the location in

the Simpson Desert and the details on the rocket indi-cate it’s most likely from one of the two 1966 launches” she said.

Mr Fanning is reluctant to disclose the precise location of the find, but the ABC has found an Ebay site offering the GPS coordinates for sale.

There is a private collector interest in blue streaks, but Dr Gorman says this discovery belongs in a museum.

“There was only a handful of them launched here in Australia” she commented.

“I think it would be appropriate to put this one in a museum.”

Rocket wreckage found in outback

People with cancer often find it helpful to talk with others who have been through a similar experience.

Now men can join a confidential telephone group and talk from the privacy of their own home. Delivered via teleconference, these groups are professionally facilitated and meet weekly for around an hour over a period of six weeks.

Calls to the group are at the cost of a local call using a standard home phone with no other costs involved. Participants will talk to others who understand what you are going through and discuss living with the impact of cancer, how cancer effects relationships, and coping with treatment and side effects.

For more information, call 13 11 20 or email csg@cancervic.org.au.

Telephone support groups for men with

prostate cancer

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.au

Red Cross is urging people to undertake First Aid training in light of recent research show-ing dangerously low levels of Australians are

capable of performing cardio-pulmonary resuscita-tion (CPR).

The study, conducted by the Australian College for Emergency Medicine, showed alarming rates of CPR skills, with about 1 in 10 people adequately trained to perform the life-saving manoeurve.

Red Cross First Aid General Manager Virginia Leafe, said: “This research is startling and should jump-start a lot of people, particularly parents, to update their First Aid training. It is everyone’s responsibility to learn CPR however for anyone supervising children over the sum-mer period CPR training should be mandatory. In many cases it could be the difference between saving or losing a life.”

As the world’s largest and most respected First Aid training organisation, Red Cross is committed to pro-viding simple, effective and flexible training programs. Red Cross has introduced several internet-based First Aid learning options to complement its popular onsite classes and workbook programs.

Perform CPR online is designed to appeal to people working full time, or busy parents caring for children at home who need to master emergency First Aid. Students can complete the course in their own time, place, and pace. The course is designed to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain breathing and circulation in an adult, child or infant following cardiac arrest.

The online course component takes a little over an hour and is followed by a 20 minute practical skills ses-

sion with a certified Red Cross Trainer – available at locations across Australia. The course costs $55.

Red Cross is also making use of mobile phones to spread the First Aid message, with a CPR animated video available as a download for just $3. This way, First Aid-ers can access basic information about how to deal with common emergencies on their phone.

For more information visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.au/firstaid.

Page 4 – Wednesday,November 11th, 2009

COMMUNITY MATTERS

While waiting for the hot water, catch the cool water to water plants, fill drink bottles or fill the kettle. Keep washing your car to a minimum and consider whether you need to wash it at all. If you do wash your car, use a bucket and do it on the lawn.

An initiative of the Environment Forum

Being water efficient at homereen tipG

By Celeste Lustosa

David Hallett moved to Roxby Downs with his family 20 years ago and since then he’s been part of this community’s growth and

development as manager of Roxby Power.“I moved here for the job with my wife and children

and it’s been 20 years now,” David said.One of the biggest challenges of his move was the fact

that he was in a manager’s role for the first time.“It was the first job where I was the manager and that

was a big challenge for me. I also had never been to the town but knew some people living here, so that was good.

“One of the greatest things about Roxby is how easily you can make friends here because people are very easy-going in this town.”

Apart from making good friends, David is one of these people that you can tell straight away he loves what he’s doing and he is proud of his work.

“There’s always something happening in my job; always new challenges and even though I’ve been in the work force for over 40 years, I am always learning,” he said.

“It is amazing how Roxby has grown. When I arrived

I think we had 2,000 people living here and now this number has gone up to over 5,000.”

Although David, his wife and kids weren’t born in Roxby, they can truly be considered part of this town’s history.

David has always been involved with Council’s work and has watched not only the town but the Council’s office grow.

“It’s been really good working at the Council’s office. We were four people when I started and now we’re 18.

“I also think we have always had good administrators and we have come a long way in regards to managing the town.”

But David isn’t only about work and one of his interest-ing hobbies might ring a bell with some Roxby residents. He loves to play guitar.

David has played in four or five different bands over the past 10 years in town and has played at concerts in Roxby, Andamooka and Woomera.

“Now I only play for fun,” he says. Movies and playing lawn bowls are among David’s

leisure activities and of course also spending time with his wife Fotinai and the many friends he has made over his time here.

20 years in town and loving it

A s part of its submission to BHP Billiton’s EIS the Community Board has raised the issue of lack of accommodation for permanent and

visiting practitioners. Sighting the success of a medical centre in Cobar in

NSW’s outback the Board has called for a locally owned facility as a central place for all medical practitioners.

The Board’s recommendations are detailed in this ar-ticle:

Roxby Downs now has one community based general practice (in addition to the medical practice local opera-tion). The recent threatened closure of the family practice due to problems with facilities, the cost of running a practice in a remote community and the proposed town expansion present an opportunity to re-think how GP services are delivered.

The award winning Primary Health Centre in Cobar is one such example. The local council received a 50:50 Australian Government Grant to build a medical centre where all GPs could be located together. This kept over-heads to a minimum, used a shared receptionist, kept medical records in a central location and provided an incentive for doctors to operate out of a walk-in and walk out centre. The Council leased the centre to the Outback Division of General Practice (ODGP) which agreed to run the centre. The centre also provides a range of allied health services and there are a minimum of two full time doctors at the centre at all times.

This is an example of the council working with commu-nity and partnering with a group such as the ODGP. The centre employs at least five staff and is not for profit so the money generated is put back into improving services and facilities. The community owns the health centre and

a result fundraises and provides other support. There is also an economic aspect to having locally

based services. Less money leaves the community as people no longer have to travel out of town to attend medical services that are not provided locally. Locally based health practitioners (e.g. social workers, psycholo-gists) have also expressed frustration at not being able to find suitable premises to operate private practices in both Roxby Downs and Andamooka.

This makes it very difficult to start up a private practice as they may not wish to or it is not appropriate for them to work from home. A health centre as described above would solve this problem.

Issues of accommodation and over extended services was also mentioned in relation to Mental Health Serv-ices. The EIS notes that mental health services are fully booked and acknowledges that with an expanded popula-tion there will be an increased need for family support services, men’s health and counselling, services to assist people with alcohol and drug problems and gambling ad-dictions, and child and adolescent mental health services. In addition it is that people from overseas will require mental health support to deal with feelings of isolation, emotional stress due to separation from families and cultural adjustments. These are all current issues and priority needs to be given to increasing local medical health services now not just in the future.

The Community Board prepared and presented a sig-nificant submission on behalf of the Roxby Downs Com-munity with over 100 people participating in the process which raised 76 questions.

Community Board calls for central heath centre

After 20 years in Roxby Downs, David still enjoys his time here.

Everyone needs life-saving training this summer

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 5

NEWS

By Celeste Lustosa

SA Great has announced the winners of the 2009 SA Great “Far North” Regional Awards and three of them came home to Roxby Downs and Andamooka.

A cinema, a cultural centre and an employment program for the disabled were just a few of the winners announced at a ceremony held at the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn, Port Augusta last week.

The ceremony was hosted by Southern Cross TV presenter, Lisa Neal, and it was a memorable occasion with much of the Far North commu-nity on show to congratulate all winners and commendations.

SA Great CEO, Nikki Seymour-Smith, said SA Great was thrilled to honour such a talented group of individuals, businesses and community groups.

“All winners and commendations from the Far North region should feel extremely proud of their achievements over the past year,” Ms Seymour-Smith said.

“A fantastic example of this achievement is the innovative Outback Smart program, which was awarded for running community education workshops regarding energy consumption in the region and providing over 60 home energy as-sessments by a team of 40 volunteers.”

Outback Smart has been achieving major out-comes in the field of innovation. It is the first program this type in Roxby and it has trained over 40 volunteer community energy assessors, providing over 60 home assessments in the com-munity.

Outback Smart, which is entirely run by vol-unteers, also just recently held a series of com-munity education workshops.

RoxFM Community Radio from Roxby Downs was also among the winners, taking home a Sus-tainability Award.

For Tim West of Andamooka, to be named the Adelaide Showground sponsored, regional Youth Award winner was a great honour.

The community radio has been developing recycling initiatives, generating ideas around sustainability and raising community awareness about environmental issues.

They also hosted an environmentally aware radio show called ‘Eco-Hour’, which aimed to educate people into leading more sustainable lifestyles.

SA Great Chairman, Nigel McBride, said it was vital for regional communities to continue their support of the SA Great Regional Awards.

“The Awards play a key role in making the wider South Australian community aware of the many achievements that occur in our regions every day,” Mr McBride said.

“This year’s winners from the Far North region epitomise what regional South Australia is all about. It makes me extremely proud to live in this State.”

“Far North” has three winners

Workers in the Far North region of the state will be able to boost their skills and qualifications in areas of high skill and demand thanks to a $929,000

Productivity Places Program.Making the announcement last week, Employment, Training

and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien said the program is an investment with industry for SA and will deliver a total of 8,700 training places across the State. Over the next four years the program will be worth $117 million and provide 39,000 training places for existing workers.

Minister O’Brien said, “The Far North beneficiaries of the indus-try-led program include the mining, health, community services, transport, storage, building and construction sectors.”

He said while there are many interested in the training, only proposals demonstrating a strong partnership between training providers and employers have been recommended for funding.

“The new training places will lead to nationally endorsed quali-fications. The Far North training places include 282 at Certificate III, six at Certificate IV and 48 for diploma level.”

The program follows a successful trial in November last year when 6,000 new training enrolments saw existing workers upgrade their skills.

“It is essential for existing workers to have opportunities to improve their skills to ensure we continue to meet the needs of industry and build the capacity of our workforce as the economic conditions continue to improve,” Mr. O’Brien said.

Of the more than 330 training places allocated in the Far North, 105 were allocated to help workers in Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam.

The top three industry sectors which benefitted from training places in Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam were mining, public administration and safety, and cultural and recreation.

Registered Training Organisations delivering the training for

Productivity Places Program for Existing Workers in Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam include the Australian College of Community Safety, Fire and Rescue Australia Pty Ltd, Radio Adelaide Training, AWC Training Pty Ltd and Transport Training Solutions.

Employers in Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam taking part in the Productivity Places Program for Existing Workers include BHP Bil-liton, State Emergency Services (SES), 105.5 RoxFM Incorporated, United Group and Olympic Dam Transport Australis .

BHP Billiton at Roxby Downs received 80 training places for people to study a Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response and Rescue delivered by Fire and Rescue Australia Pty Ltd.

Olympic Dam Transport Australis received 20 training places for people to study a Certificate III in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport) delivered by Transport Training Solutions.

330 training places for Far North105 go to Roxby Downs

Outback Smart representative Kara Edmonds with Sean Holden from DTED.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 6 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

5RRR BingoWoomera’s Community Radio station is hold-ing a Bingo at Eldo’s Hotel Sunday, November 29 from 2 to 6pm.

Everyone is invited to come along and have a fun night.

For more information call 8673-6197.

Annual Donga BashThe annual Donga Bash made its come back at the Woomera Golf Club. The event attracted a record of 25 players that tackled the single par 21 hole, culminating at the Sports Club.

At the end of the day two teams arrived at the Sports Club on 25 shots a piece. The rules of compe-tition state that in a tie, an extra playoff hole would be required.

The team of Greg Budden, Jaik Bannerman and Wally Broome staved off team Searle and Dew to take out the title.

After the thrilling end of this event a cooking feast of the finest Wirraminna produce was kindly donated by John and Sonia Bayley.

Australia Day AwardsNominations are being invited for the Woomera Australia Day Awards 2010.

To be eligible for the Australia Day Citizen Award the person must be 25 years of age or older by Janu-ary 2010.

And to be eligible for the Australia Day Young Citizen Award the person must be under 25 by Janu-ary 2010.

There will also be Community Event of the Year Award, presented to the person or group of people who has staged the most outstanding event during the year of 2009.

Nomination forms are available at the Woomera Board Office at the Community Centre and nomina-tions close Friday, December 4.

By Celeste Lustosa

The Woomera Scout Group had a life time adventure and had all their skills put to test in a walk-

about and coming across a wombat and red kangaroos. All these were followed by a visit to the scout airfield and camp located between Morgan and Blanchetown.

The next day all Scouts, Cubs and Venturers flew for 30 minutes each, with the opportunity to fly the plane unassisted for 15-20 minutes, with the trainer sitting next to them.

They were able to see where the ad-

ventures went on their walk-about and at night were taken spotlighting to see the night life in the bush, but under controlled conditions with the camp warders as guides, and saw a wild hare, owls and several animals in their natural habitat.

The scout camp also offered orienten-ing courses where people deliberately went into the woods and got lost, to then had to find their way back to the camp.

The scouts were amazed with the ac-tivities that not only taught them what to do if they ever get lost in the Outback, but showed them a view of the Outback that they had never seen before.

Scramjet Project wins Top Prize

By Celeste Lustosa

The scramjet project was launched in October on a Zuni Rocket in Woomera. The External Burning Scramjet team of students was sponsored by BAE

Systems Holden Hill and won top prize at the Wayville Showgrounds Honours Student Project Exhibition taking the award for ‘Best Overall Project’.

This was among a field of 50 student projects in mechanical engineering with various themes.

This is the second year in a row that a Holden Hill sponsored student project has won top prize, following the Supersonic Ramjet project last year.

The team of students and their faculty adviser are happy for the support received by Holden Hill and have a special thank you to Peter Morcom, Gary Adamson and John Stephenson.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Aussies beat English in Cricket

By Celeste Lustosa

Woomera hosted a game of 20-20 cricket between Aussies and English last weekend at the Woomera

Sports Club. The game was watched by a huge crowd and it was a lot of fun for residents from our entire region.

The local Redbacks (Aussies) beat the Poms (English BAE System staff) with a final score of 144 to 89.

A few special rules were devised to even up the playing field. No fast bowling, players couldn’t be out for a duck and a maximum two overs per bowler.

The teams and spectators had a great day and night with the friendly game.

The next day, the Woomera Redbacks travelled to Roxby for a game against The Wanderes.

Woomera Scouts have an adventure in the sky

Scout Jake Bannerman gets a chance to fly.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 7

OPINION

Your letters are always welcome at

The Monitor. But please remember to give a name and address and also a phone number for verification purposes.

LETTERS to the editor

EDITORIAL

Service with a smile – it pays!

Last week’s Hot Topis:

Do you think Australia can sustain more refugees?

TEXT YOUR COMMENTS TO THE EDITOR ON 0408 267 358

HOT

TOPIC

TEXT TALK

There are so many great things going for Roxby Downs, like family services, facilities and catering for the whims and fancies of most, and especially children.

But one disappointing aspect at some places of business is the offhand approach to customer service.

We all have a lesson to learn about this and next week we have the opportunity at a workshop run by the Northern Regional Development Board. On November 17, the Bowls Club will be the venue where business owners, managers and staff can learn some very handy hints.

The age old saying, “first impressions are lasting impressions” still rings true and many a shop owner, sales assistant and office worker should make it their mantra to smile and cre-ate a good impression every day.

Customer relationships are vital to the suc-

cess of any business and sadly there are some lacking in this area. An example of this was experienced recently at a famous roadhouse. That lack of service could only be put down to a lack of competition within hundreds of kilo-metres on the main drag. A captive clientele will tend to do that, although it shouldn’t.

Don’t you just love it, when as the paying customer you strike someone at a checkout that is more intent on talking to the operator next to them rather than serve you! Or the shop assistant having a private conversation on a mobile phone while you are waiting to be served. And that is not unique to Roxby, it happens everywhere.

Then of course there is the obligatory “have a nice day” which means nothing if not genuine. Too many of us are the “invisible customer” - you know the person the shop as-sistant or office worker looks through or past

or are off in another world when they should be working. Government Departments can be notorious for this lack of customer service.

Little things, sure, but none the less creat-ing an impression that some places of busi-ness are not worried about retaining you as a customer.

Another reference in this paper refers to a slow service, perhaps the only blight on an otherwise fine venue.

None of us are above criticism, and all of us can do a little better to improve customer re-lationships and if that means gaining the skills at a three hour session right here in town, what a great investment. Registration for the workshop can made by phoning 8641 1444.

Employers are wise to remember it costs no more to employ people who want to work and do their best. Why pay for mediocrity or for people who just don’t care?

Based on current population predictions by the 2050 we will have 35 million people. We don’t have enough water, electricity costs soaring and food prices are too high. No we can’t sustain any influx of refugees for fear we will become a third world country they are escaping from now.JK, Roxby

Genuine refugees should be cared for by Australia, but no country can have a blanket open door policy. Jane, RD

I think the Australian Government should watch their borders better but at the same time be more supportive to the skilled immigrants that want to move here.Overseas Professional, Roxby Downs

Congratulations ROX-FM and Outback Smart on winning awards in the regional SA Great competition for excellence.Dave, RD

Love the food at the Tav, but the delivery could improve. One and half hour wait for a meal on a slow night is too long.John, RD

I’m disappointed with the service provided on Melbourne Cup day. Where do you go if you want to organise a function in this town without being let down? More competition may shake things up!Excited, RD

Didn’t Amber used to do pet interviews and student profiles once? Copying is said to be a form of flattery but there are limits. Annoyed anonymous

I think the Area School should provide cooling and microwaving services for the students. Especially with the weather we get here. Lunch seems to be getting harder to make everyday.DI, Roxby Downs

Am I the only one or does anyone else get annoyed by out of towners coming to Roxby and haggling us in the mall?PJ, Roxby Downs

How does Roxby rate in customer

service?

Do you think people focus more on the fashion than the racing itself over the Spring Carnival?

HAVE YOUR SAY . . . “No, I think fashion is what gets all the women in. It’s a great occasion to get dressed up.”Brooke Pridgeon

“No, fashion adds to it all. But it is more about the racing for me.”Lawrie Clarke

“I like both the fashion and the racing.”Eva Varbai

“No, I think it gives the people who have no idea about horse racing something to do on the day.”

Lisa Mitchell

Page 8 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.au

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 9

So, you have thought about property as an investment option but don’t know where to

start. Well this week The Monitor and a number of SA’s leading investment property firms have combined to give you a better start.

Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it may first appear but there are some basic principles that should be followed. Firstly, you need to determine what it is that you want to achieve from your investment property.

Do you want it to reduce the amount of tax you are currently paying? Is it wealth you want to build? Are you looking for a better lifestyle in the future? Or is it that you want to retire earlier? Perhaps you want a house to build as a future holiday home. We all have goals or dreams that we would like to achieve and investing in property has consistently proven to be an integral part of any investment solution that can put you on the path to achieving your goals sooner.

Once you have decided what you want your investment property to do for you the next step is to speak to a finance professional who will assist in setting up the right finance options for you.

Once this is established the next step is choosing the area in which to build your investment property. This is a critical step in the process, and considerable research needs to be put in. To achieve the maximum yield from your property it must be where there is an abundance of renters. Areas that are going through a growth phase with strong business and population growth are the key.

Various areas in the state are currently experiencing this type of growth due to unprecedented infrastructure being built as a result of various mining and defence projects. The property should also be near schools, transport and shopping in order to appeal to the widest range of tenants.

The type of home you choose is also vital. It must have rental appeal

and be energy efficient. New homes in particular can

be purpose built to provide the maximum appeal to tenants. They are specifically designed with modern open plan living in mind and fitted out with neutral decor so that tenants can visualise their own furniture design.

Once built, a property manager is typically commissioned to manage the property on your behalf. For a nominal tax-deductible fee they would then manage the day-to-day administration of the property including rent collection, leasing and any maintenance issues.

The final step in the process is to ensure your accountant has all the necessary information so as to maximise your taxation benefits and make your investment property work for you.

The expertise and experience contained in this feature will guide you in making the right decision.

Property Investment doesn’t have to be daunting

Rossdale’s Kingsley Oxford home makes the perfect investment.Industry information supplied by Denny Havriluk, Developments Manager, Rossdale Homes

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 10 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Sensible property investment has many benefits

Rewards of doing your

homeworkWhen people become serious

about investing in property, they need to take the blinkers

off and strip emotion out of their decision-making.

That’s the considered view of Greg Biggin, an experienced property consultant, who has spent a lifetime in the property market.

“People who develop an interest in property investment often confine their attention to areas around where they live,” Mr Biggin said.

“This means they are shutting their eyes to opportunities that could yield much better investment returns.”

Mr Biggin said investors needed to research different areas away from their comfort zone to test whether better investments could be made elsewhere.

“There have been particularly high returns available from investment in properties in mining towns opening up. Our firm, Greg Biggin & Associates, has spent a great deal of time researching the property markets in Queensland towns that are growing rapidly such as Mackay and Townsville.

“Good deals can be done in these places, providing you time your entry well.”

Mr Biggin said there were many phases of property investment and it paid to do the homework at each stage.

“Selecting an area is only the beginning. You then have to decide on a type of property and then hunt for the bargains. Once potential acquisitions have been identified, it is then important to get

the numbers right so that the return on investment is maximised and holding costs are minimised.”

Greg Biggin & Associates specialises in identifying good property investment opportunities for its clients, securing those properties and helping clients build and manage their portfolios.

“A critical factor is that we act only in the interests of our investing clients.

“We try to build long-term relationships with our clients and many of them have been with us for a very long time. During that period these families have seen their property portfolios expand and flourish.

“We provide the advice and specialist knowledge, and help clients manage the risks and maximise returns,” Mr Biggin added.

Sensible investments in property residential or non-residential have many benefits, including capital growth, just ask Perry

Valeondis at Refined Real Estate.Property has been a popular route to wealth for

many Australians for many years. Buying their own home is often the first investment many people make; purchasing another property may well be the second even before shares and other assets.

Your first investment in property needn’t be your home. Indeed, buying a small apartment to rent out can be a good way to accumulate funds so you can eventually buy your own place, in an area where you want to live.

Increasing numbers of young Australians are choosing this route, buying in one suburb while

renting in a more desirable and expensive area or living at home for a while longer.

Still others are diversifying into non-residential property via property trusts and syndicates.

Perry maintains sensible investments in property have many attractions. It has the potential to generate capital growth (an increase in the value of your asset) as well as rental income. Then there’s the tax advantages associated with negative gearing.

Refined Real Estate has some magnificent properties to invest in as well some wonderful new listings in the residential market.

One of the outstanding developments on the market is at Wallaroo on Yorke Peninsula. The Wallaroo Marina Apartments come with a long term lease of 13 years which started in July

2008,with a guaranteed rental return on your investment for the first two years. Another eye catching development for investment or as a holiday home is at Aldinga Beach and situated only 100 metres from the sea.

Perry has a wide variety of other listings from fully established properties, buying off plans and vacant land. There are many other options and incentives available from different vendors, eg, Payment of Stamp Duty by vendor, Vendor finance, Rental Guarantees, Depreciation Schedules prepared.

Call Perry NOW on 0417 842 706 or email to perry@refined.com.au for your inspection, more information or to make an offer. All offers are presented. Perry Valeondis

Greg Biggin

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 11www.themonitor.com.au

A ll the signs are looking positive for the Adelaide property market with the recent QBE lmiHOUSING OUTLOOK 2010-2012

predicting 23% house price growth, stronger than any other capital city.

The report, researched and written by BIS Shrapnel, predicts the market will continue to deliver positive incentives for property investors looking to enter the market or grow their portfolios.

Adelaide remains the most affordable mainland capital city in Australia with a median house value of $387,500. Further good news for investors is that the city’s median weekly rentals continue to grow.

According to Mr. Damon Nagel, Managing Director of property investment specialists Ironfish, there are a number of positive factors likely to influence the Adelaide property market over the next decade and beyond.”

“The state government’s 30-year plan, which will shape how Adelaide is developed, and predict population growth are key.”

“Predicted population growth will see the need for an average 10,100 new dwellings to be constructed every year until 2039.”

“Many of these dwellings are likely to be medium to high density and developed within Transport Orientated Developments (TODs). In their plan, the

government has earmarked Adelaide suburbs where TOD’s will be developed and significant investment made in public transport to connect them to nearby amenities and the city.”

“Population growth though will be the result of a growing economy and the South Australian economy remained resilient in the wake of the global economic meltdown including the retention of its AAA credit rating.

“The state is well placed to grow as the Australian economy bounces back.”

“Growth is likely to be fuelled by mining, defence and education.”

“Historically in Australia, house prices have grown quickly following a major downturn or recession. Markets like Adelaide with positive affordability are likely to benefit the most.”

Ironfish helps clients to understand property trends, influencing factors and their impact on the property investment market.

They employ a team of property strategists that work with clients to identify their investment objectives and help them create a diverse property portfolio.

They help them avoid some of the most common property investment mistakes like being too emotional, taking advice

from people who haven’t built a profitable property portfolio or even worse just doing nothing.

Ironfish’s Property Acquisition team researches and analyses hundreds of properties, selects the best and negotiates great deals to save clients time and money.

They also offer a mortgage broking services through Ironfish Money and Property Management Services.

Recently, they’ve also developed a property investment strategy for people with self-managed super funds called SuperLANDuation. It’s thinking like this that sets them apart.

Ironfish run regular property investment seminars in Adelaide and also offer one on one consultations at their clients convenience.

For more information, contact Ironfish on 08 8110 9888.

OUTLOOK POSITIVE FOR ADELAIDE PROPERTY MARKET23% price growth predicted over the next 3 years

Editorial Comment by Warren Andrews

There are more tenants looking for accommodation in Roxby Downs.

In August 2009 we saw a 17% increase over the same month a year ago of properties being leased. September saw a massive 33% increase over September 2008.

Where did all the tenants come from?As the rental market is now maintaining

more consistent levels of rent values, we are seeing a lot of people move away from the niche markets of Andamooka, Woomera and caravan parks into house, unit, and apartment accommodation in town.

Landlords of Roxby Downs township property are still enjoying relatively low vacancy rates.

Another interesting observation is that we have a number of companies that lease multiple properties from us for their own staff. These companies have retained the leases into 2010 even though the properties are currently unoccupied. It would appear that they don’t want to run the risk of needing accommodation next year and not being able to find anything… Do they know something we don’t?

I have seen times like this before where potential landlords are cautious about investing in Roxby Downs, but when the market inevitably returns (and when it does it is really quick) they regret not acting when investing was affordable.

For specialist advice about investing and what to buy, please call our local team on 8671 2000.

INCREASED DEMAND FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES

The direct Negotiations team are Adelaide’s lead-ing property buyers’ agents. They don’t sell property; they buy it on behalf of local, interstate and overseas clients.

Direct Negotiations act independently on behalf of the purchaser. The team’s background extends across property acquisitions, finance, building and construction, commercial property, development and wealth creation.

With this background the team at DN are in the best position to mitigate risk and assist in ensuring their clients make the right choice on all types of property transactions.

Choosing the right investment property for your individual circumstances and goals requires a thorough understanding of the dynamics and key principles of investment property investment. According to Direct Negotiations an individual strategy is devised for each of their clients to match their unique circumstances.They say South Australia offers some of the most affordable housing and most appreciable assets.

“Adelaide’s median house price is significantly lower than that of Sydney, less than Perth, Melbourne and Darwin. This means you can own your own home or investment property for a lot less – or alternatively buy more property for the same money.”

Again Direct Negotiations advice it is vitally important to be educated and well informed before committing to potentially the biggest financial decision in your life.A buyer’s agent is a valuable ally to first home buyers and property investors.

Who are Direct Negotiations?

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 12 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

NEWS

By India Dix

This week, the Roxby Downs work force has been taken over by year ten students as part of

their work experience this term. 23 students from Roxby Downs Area

School have worked at various places to give them hands on experience in di-verse areas such as hairdressing, retail, catering, engineering and newspapers.

For the past 10 years, students at this year level have had the opportunity to experience the local and surrounding areas work forces through a school program called RITE (Roxby Industry Training and Education). This year stu-dents have been able to complete two work placements as part of their PLP (Personal Learning Plan) and the previ-ous RITE program.

The programs are designed to give students a better understanding on what life will be like and what challenges they will face when they leave school. The placements are 5 days each and students are expected to be involved in the work that the business offers.

RITE teacher Kate Bennie said, “While some of the students have a bit of an idea of what they want to do, it helps to find out whether these jobs are what they think they are because quite often they’re not.”

During their placements, students are able to match their skills to a different work environment to reflect on what they like and didn’t like about their work placement. This year 52 students have broken out into the work force locally and interstate to undertake their work experience.

The school appreciates the help from local businesses that have taken on stu-dents over the past 10 years.

One student, Ian Sharam, is undertak-ing his work placement at Sports Power with Jill Koning. Ian encourages next year’s students to go to Sports Power because “it’s a fun place to be”. He said, “It’s a great place to get retail experi-ence”. He has learnt customer service skills that he believes will help him in the future.

Nikki Pedler is undertaking her work placement this week as well at Zealous Hair and Beauty Salon. “It’s a lot of fun.”

she said. “My boss has been very funny and easy to get along with.”

Some of the jobs she undertook in-cluded sweeping, cutting hair and foiling and styling the mannequin.

Kaile Rhodes who has been helping out at Mensland this week said, “I have enjoyed my placement but retail isn’t something I would get into. It has been a good experience and all but it’s just not my type of thing.”

From my personal point of view I have learnt so much in my work placement at The Monitor. I have learnt so many new things about the paper and how they get it completed each week. Everyone was willing to lend a hand and teach me new skills and it was a great experience because I went knowing nothing and left knowing heaps. The team in the office was friendly and easy to get along with especially when I had never met any of them before.

I recommend next year’s students to do their placement here even if they’re not interested in journalism because there is so much more to do and learn about newspapers.

Students get a taste of working life

Nikki Pedler at Zealous Hair and Beauty.

Ian Sharam Helps out this week in Sports Power.

Kaile Rhodes working through Mensland, Desert Edge and Desert Decor.

In the excitement of organ-ising a holiday or overseas trip, many travellers overlook the seemingly mundane matters of getting the best personal loan or appropriate travel in-surance.

It is an oversight that can come back to haunt you fi-nancially.

Mark Denham, manager personal banking at Big Sky, says for people without suf-ficient savings to cover travel costs a personal loan is often

more cost-effective than lump-ing all expenses on a credit card. He advises using the per-sonal loan for pre-trip booking costs, while a credit card can cover additional expenses dur-ing the holiday.

“Have that clear distinction, so at least at the end of the day the debt to fund the trip is cov-ered off,” Denham says.

Consolidating any spending debt on the personal loan upon your return makes sense rather than leaving it on a credit card

that may incur higher interest rates.

When choosing a personal loan, check factors such as in-terest rates, establishment fees and flexibility around repay-ment options (for example, if penalties are imposed for pay-ing off the loan early).

“Those factors can all add to the overall cost,” says Den-ham, who adds that providing a financial institution with se-curity in the form of a motor vehicle or another asset usually

ensures a lower interest rate.Travel insurance is also cru-

cial. While most people take out insurance for an overseas trip, they often ignore it for domestic travel. That can be costly if, for instance, a family loses all its baggage and has to pay for replacements.

Denham says reading the fine print of travel insurance documents is vital. Under-in-surance is often an issue for those who “begrudge” making higher payments to safeguard expensive items such as cam-eras or jewellery.

Consider your destination when taking out insurance. Risks vary dramatically from region to region. In poorer countries, the chance of being a victim of theft may rise. In a developed country such as the United States, the cost of med-ical bills is notoriously high if an accident or unexpected ill-ness strikes you down.

Big Sky offers four levels of travel insurance cover to factor in varying risks: comprehen-sive international, Australia only, budget cover and fre-quent traveller.

Denham notes that travel agencies like to “up-sell” in-surance when airfares and accommodation are booked. While that is easy, he says most financial institutions also pro-vide travel insurance and can often deliver a better deal.

“Don’t always just take the easy option of taking out the policy through the travel agent just because it’s convenient.”

For any personal loans and travel insurance, please con-tact Big Sky on 1300 654 321 or visit us in Tutop St. Roxby Downs.

Travel smoothly with the right personal loan

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 11www.themonitor.com.au

November 11th - Remembrance DayNovember 13th - Shopaholics Night OutNovember 14th - Olympic Dam Family DayNovember 14th - Nonning Outback Ball

November 19th - Sportsman’s Night with Kevin SheedyNovember 21st - Market Day, November 22nd - Dads & Kids DayDecember 5th - Christmas Pageant

MELBOURNE CUP

Steff Woolford, Fiona

Kerrish, Tanya Sleep, Deb

Bond and Vicky Pianta celebrate Fiona’s

40th birthday

MELBOURNE CUP

Steph Melling and Zak

Saverwald

MELBOURNE CUP

Maria Saxton, Kelly Brougham, Sandy

McCreary and Rachel Rudiger

MELBOURNE CUP WOOMERANadia Mienie, Deb Holland and Paula

Mackenzie

MELBOURNE CUP

Marissa and Chelsea Crack

MELBOURNE CUP

Francesca Nistico and Jody Gow-

Smith

DENISE’S 30TH

Tam Harvie and Matt Schodde

DENISE’S 30TH

Birthday girl Denise Foster and husband

Shaz

DENISE’S 30TH

Rachael and Michael Knowles

DENISE’S 30TH

Gayle Ryan, Julie Doherty and Kerin

Edmonds

HALLOWEEN WOOMERA

Heather Cleland

UPCOMING EVENTS

DENISE’S 30TH

Trent Paxton and Neat Lobasso

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 14 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 15

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 16 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

EMPLOYMENT/CLASSIFIEDS

MATURE person, 3 brm, own bed, own bathroom, spa, large gardens, Gepps Cross. $150 negotiable. Phone: 0424 013 525

THE Olympic Dam Football Club is seeking expressions of interest for the position of Senior Coach for the 2010 season. Please forward your application and contact details to zane-petty@bigpond.com.

ACCOMMODATION

ADELAIDE www.seacroftapartments.com.au. Semaphore $85 per night. Phone: 0412 106 646

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

CHANGE your thoughts and you really do change your life. www.knowforyourself.com Provide this coupon code 147330 for a $5 discount or call 1800 607 012

LIVE a life of freedom and prosperity. Ex Miners legitimate 5 star rated global home business. No selling! Andrew 0408 867 392.

SHARE ACCOMMODATION

POSITION VACANT

THE Olympic Dam Fooball Club AGM to be held on Sunday November 29th at 4pm at the ODFC Club Rooms. All Positions Vacant. AllmMembers welcome.

ANNUAL ENERAL MEETING

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 17

NEWS

To advertise here call SALES on 08 8671 2683By Zak Zeptner

W ith over 30 years experience in the plumbing industry, Neville Goldsmith is the

man to tackle any job within Roxby Downs and Andamooka.

Roxby Plumbing and Gas Fitting was established in July to allow the people of Roxby and Andamooka access to qual-ity plumbing and gas fitting services.

“We offer all facets of plumbing,” said Neville.

Having operated several plumbing businesses in the past, Neville has ex-tensive experience in his trade, coming from a family of plumbers.

“It’s just been passed on from father to son,” said Neville’s partner, Heather Hounslow.

“Roxby Plumbing and Gas Fitting is great for everyone, including out of town builders and contractors who can come up and know there is a plumber in town that they can use, instead of bring up their own and worrying about travel and accommodation costs.”

A new business at heart, Roxby Plumbing and Gas Fitting is in it for the long haul as Neville explains.

“If you want to run a business here you need to let people know that you are obviously going to be here for the long term and not just over night, which we are planning to do.”

Aside from quality service, Neville is an un-obtrusive and trustworthy worker, as Heather explains.

“He is very professional. He is very quiet and unobtrusive and is fully experienced with a wide range of expertise in the commercial, industrial

and domestic fields.”Neville has previously been hard at work on

the Community Club renovations, which he says are progressing smoothly and should be up and ready early next year.

For all your plumbing and gas fitting needs, give Neville or Heather a call anytime to organise a speedy and professional job that will leave you more than satisfied.

Call Neville on 0428 817 166 or Heather on 0418 817 166.

All your plumbing needsBUSINESS PROFILE

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaperwww.themonitor.com.auPage 18 – Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

SPORTSheedy and Shipway here

to talk to sportspeopleFooty season might be over, but that

doesn’t mean the Woomera and District Football Club is sitting on

its hands.On November 19 the Association will be

holding a Sportsman’s Night at the Olympic Dam Football Club when Australian Football legend Kevin Sheedy will be joined by SA Foot-ball Commissioner David Shipway in what promises to be a memorable and informative evening waxing lyrical about the great game of Aussie Rules.

Kevin Sheedy is one of the Australian Football League’s most enduring figures.

A player and coach over five decades, he has an unsurpassed record of involvement in a 1000 games and eight premierships.

He began his career at Prahran Football Club in the Victorian Football Association in 1964. After playing in a premiership with that club, he transferred to Richmond in the Victorian Football League in 1967 and played 251 games before retiring in 1979.

Kevin played in three winning grand final sides for the Tigers - 1969, 1973 and 1974. He was the Skills Coach at Richmond when the club won the 1980 Premiership.

In 1981 he was appointed Senior Coach at the Essendon Football Club, where he coached for a record 635 games during 27 years of continu-ous coaching.

In that time the club competed in 19 finals series. Sheeds was “All Australian” coach in 1984, 1985, 1993 and 2000 and State of Origin coach in 1984 and 1985.

Kevin has also received a number of other

accolades and in 2008 was inducted in to the Australian Football League’s Hall of Fame, made a Legend of the Essendon Football Club and nominated as The Australian Thinker of the Year.

He received the Advance Australia Award in 1993 and in 1998 was admitted as a Mem-ber of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to sport and the community. On the podium with Sheeds will be another well known football identity here in SA, David Shipway.

A former club president of the West Ad-elaide Football Club, Shipway was appointed as a member of the SA Football Commission in 1997 and a year later became the Affiliated League’s Council Chairman.

David Shipway has a strong interest in coun-try football development as well as being the managing director of B L Shipway, a family company that supplies hydraulic equipment to the states’ agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries.

Away from football he has also been involved for 14 years with the Carbine Club of SA, a sporting club that raises money for children’s charities and has served as the club’s President for two terms (2001-2002 and 2007-2008). He is an ambassador for CanDo4Kids, which provides services to blind and deaf children, and also has a long-standing involvement with Bedford Industries.

With two such high calibre speakers, the sporting fraternity of Roxby Downs is sure to have a night to remember.

See the advert on page 3 of this issue to book your seats.

By Jennie Hall

Eighteen girls from years six and seven from Roxby Downs Area School participated in the Super 6 Cricket Carnival, in Whyalla recently.

According to Zane Petty, one of the teachers that accompanied the girls, it was good fun.

“The games were very friendly and the girls had a great time in a boy-free zone for a couple

of days,” Zane said.The event was organised by the South Austral-

ian Cricket Association and had participants from different locations from our region.

Among the eight teams in the competition, three were from Roxby Downs and one of these teams played in the final.

The girls also had a chance to decorate a cricket bat which was a little bit of extra fun.

Super 6 Cricket Carnival

Monique Gobbie, Bec Longmire, Nicole Scholefield, Cheleigh Verrall.

THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper www.themonitor.com.au Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 – Page 19

SPORT

Last weekend saw six Roxby Downs Junior Basketball teams travel to Port Augusta to compete in a regional carnival.

The Under 12, 14 and 16 boys and girls played their hardest in the carnival with the Under 16 girls making it to the semi finals but sadly lost to Port Augusta by a close margin.

The Under 14 boys, however, were undefeated through-out the carnival, winning their way to the grand final where they defeated Whyalla by a heart stopping two points.

“All the players did a fantastic job,” said Junior Basket-ball Association Secretary Bev Zeptner.

Congratulations must go to Bailey Evans who received Most Valued Player for the Under 14 Boys division and to Charlee Dalgleish who was awarded MVP for the Under 14 Girls Division.

“The Junior Basketball Committee would like to thank all coaches, including Wes and Ali Knights for their time and efforts in training and coaching at the carnival,” said Bev.

“We would also like to thank the scorekeepers, time keepers and parents for their support, Joel Young for umpiring and all the players for their sportsmanship and hard work.”

Roxby wins at Port Augusta Basketball Carnival

500 runs were scored in an attacking day’s cricket between Wanderers and OD on Sunday.

In hot and windy conditions Swaggie Captain Craig Wilson, won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first.

Speedster Charl ‘last game’ Botes and evergreen Allan Woolford kept the bowling tight with only nine runs coming off the first four overs. A “yes, wait, no, maybe, sorry” mix up in the running between the wick-ets led to Wilson (8) being dismissed in the sixth over. Fresh from a half century the week before Jason Carroll strode the crease with a swagger and proceeded to plunder the bowling at will.

Charl dismissed the dangerous Selkirk (20), bowled, after playing on. OD were desperate for wickets, miss-ing some of their strike bowlers and bowled both Kanga and Botes out their full spell, taking 1 for 75 between them.

Carroll continued to pour on the runs bringing up his half century before drinks and Swaggies entered the drinks’ break confidently at two for 100. The wicket of Quinn (21) caught on the fence off the bowling of Geraghty in the first over after drinks ended a part-nership of 73, giving OD some hope of strangling the run rate.

Jason continued to hit out pushing the score past 150 and brought up his maiden ton in the 32nd over. Another solid partnership (87) was ended when Luke Dunk (21) was trapped in front LBW by McEvoy.

The final overs flurry saw Jason Carroll bring up his 150 in the 39th over, the Swaggies amassing a stagger-ing five for 260. The final 10 overs were scored at 10 runs per over, Jason Carroll finished unbeaten on 153 including 12 fours and 10 sixes, unconfirmed rumours are that this was the highest individual score in the Roxby District Cricket Association.

The OD openers Kanga Woolford and Wayne Mo-roney were on the front foot early scoring heavily off the new ball. Kanga was dropped behind the wicket off a sharp chance, before deciding in the hot weather that it was easier to stand and swing rather than run between the wickets. Scoring at 10 runs per over the opening and first change bowlers were dispatched to all parts of the ground.

The change of bowlers managed to do the trick with Selkirk having immediate success dismissing Allan Woolford for 78 (12 fours and two sixes), breaking the 104 run opening stand. Selkirk’s medium pacers dismissed Moroney (23) caught at slips and Botes (5) caught at gully, to put a stranglehold on the run rate, having figures three overs three for seven.

OD entered the drinks’ break three for 134, on par with the run rate and confident with the fast outfield they could score at the six an over needed, while Swag-gies were also confident with the hitting power gone they could hold the scoring down.

The runs after drinks continued to flow, with Ni-cholls and Leonard scoring at six an over. Leonard was dismissed for 15, going for one too many big shots. Sixty-five was required off the last 10 overs. Selkirk returned to the crease with the ball and had more suc-cess dismissing both McEvoy (29) and Geraghty (nine), caught behind. Selkirk finished the day with figures eight overs five for 28.

Nicholls continued to anchor the innings before succumbing to a Jason Carroll outswinger LBW for a well made 45. The final few overs petered out with OD finishing with a very respectable eight for 236, falling just short.

Swaggies home as OD run chase fall short ABOVE LEFT: Under 14 Boys - Adam Ryan, Jayden Brind, Bailey Evans, Jack Daly, Darren Smith (Coach), Connor Lynch, Shaun King, Ben Jacobs, Toby Smith.

ABOVE RIGHT: Under 16 Girls - Katica Cockshell (coach), Maddie Evans, Centaine Casserly, Maddie Rhodes, Hannah Rigden, Kirrie Allan, Danielle Weir, Zoey Male, Hannah Wurfel.

RIGHT: Under 14 Girls Most Valued Player Charlee Dalgleish and Under 14 Boys Most Valued Player Bailey Evans.

The Andamooka versus Woomera match was played on Saturday at Roxby Oval.

Woomera won the toss and decided to bat first but suffered an early wicket in the first over with Pillar go-ing for a duck. Willis and Broome steadied however, and put on a solid partnership of 96 before Broome retired hurt on 31. Willis made a solid 64 and Plachta bowled well for Andamooka taking two wickets for 35 runs from eight overs.

Andamooka dropped a number of catches and were sloppy in the field allowing Woomera to post a total of five for 176 after the forty overs.

Andamooka got off to an excellent start with Harris

and Plachta making 70 runs in the opening partner-ship. Harris was out caught after making his 50 and Andamooka were in a strong position at drinks at two for 92.

Woomera fought back well after drinks taking nu-merous wickets with credit to their wicket keeper Staines taking three catches behind the stumps. An-damooka let a good opportunity slip through their fingers with wickets falling steadily and being all out for 149.

In the end the performance in the field went a long way towards the final outcome in a closely fought battle with Andamooka falling short by 28 runs.

Andamooka falls short by 28 runs

SPORTwww.themonitor.com.au Phone (08) 8671 2683 Fax (08) 8671 2843

www.themonitor.com.au THE MONITOR – Your Community Newspaper

Lehmann beats Gillespie in Twenty20

By Celeste Lustosa and Zak Zeptner

Roxby Downs played host to Australian cricketing legends Jason Gillespie and Darren Lehmann last Friday during a

Twenty20 match at the Town Oval. Supported by BHP Billiton, this was the first

Twenty20 match played in Roxby, with all proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Approximately $6,500 was raised for the event, with over 1,000 people in attendance.

“It was probably as big a crowd as it was at our local footy grand final,” said Graham Warren.

The game was a nail biter, with the close ending seeing Darren Lehmann’s side take the victory of Gillespie’s side by three overs.

The event began with a coaching clinic for the youngsters, where Gillespie and Lehmann showed the youth of Roxby what it takes to be a professional player.

While Lehmann has previously visit Roxby, this was Gillespie’s first time, an experience he found extremely enjoyable.

“It’s good to be here at the training session with

the children and just help them with their skills. It is also a great opportunity to promote cricket among the kids,” he told The Monitor.

Lehmann was of a similar opinion. “It is good to promote sports among children so

they keep active and have a great time all together. But this event is also special because we are doing this for a good cause, which is to help fundraise for the Flying Doctors Service,” he said.

The training session was followed by an auction where a place on each team was awarded to the high-est bidder.

Adam Warren payed $170 for a place on Darren Lehmann’s team and Geoff Hiscox payed $60 for a place on Jason Gillespie’s team.

However, tragedy struck for Geoff as seven overs into the match he injured his achilles tendon and had to retire from the game.

Aside from this injury, the match was played well with members of the Roxby Cricket Association filling the teams with Gillespie and Lehmann and BHP Billiton officials such as Dean Della Valle, Barry Mitchell, Justin Bauer, Giles Hellyer, Paul Dunn and Jason Schell were also present at the match, adding their skills to the game.

Former test cricketer, Jason Gillespie

teaching the finer points of bowling to Roxby’s next crop of

young cricketers.