ISSN 1833-1831

Tel: 08 8672 5920 http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com Thursday 10 March 2016

SERVING THE OPAL CAPITAL OF THE WORLD SINCE 1982

FINAL CALL FOR ENTRANTSIN OPAL QUEEN CONTEST!

The final decision will be determined by the Opal Ballaudience with guests voting for their preferred contestant.The winner will be crowned with a spectacular opal andsterling silver perpetual Tiara Trophy, designed andhandmade for the Opal Queen Contest by TheoGountounas of Seven Stones Designer Jewellers.

“I personally would like to see more local input intodesigning the trophies and prizes for this worthy event.In combination with the Gem Trade Show, this event hasthe potential to shine a glitzy spotlight onto our opalindustry,” said Mr. Gountounas.

Calling all young ladies in the South Australianopal mining communities between the ages of

18 and 30!

The 2016 South Australian Opal Queen Contest aims tofind a young, charismatic lady of the outback to highlightthe spectacular beauty of opal, Australia’s NationalGemstone and South Australia’s Gemstone Emblem. The2016 Opal Queen will be given a unique opportunity toshowcase her talents as an ambassador for the opalindustry.

An initiative of Margaret Mackay, owner/editor of theCoober Pedy Regional Times, the competition will bringa new dynamic to this year’s Coober Pedy Opal Festivaland Gem Trade Show. With over $5,000 of prizes to bewon there are plenty of reasons to enter this year’s OpalQueen Contest.

“I have been thinking about putting something like thistogether for a few years,” said Ms Mackay.

“In the past decade it has become clear that our opalindustry needs revitalising. Glamour has a way ofbringing forward new energy, new fashion ideas andnew jewellery designs”.

“We anticipate that the Opal Queen Contest will inspirenew designs in opal jewellery and new opal garmentlines that will rival or compliment the opal dress of somedecades ago. Coober Pedy needs to expand its opalindustry in order to provide local opportunities to ouryoung people,” said Ms Mackay.

‘We have so many amazing young ladies in ourcommunity but they rarely get an opportunity to dress-up in a formal way,” she said.

Contestants will be judged on their dress sense, poise,grace and general deportment as well as the quality oftheir answers to questions on the entry form.

“A number of other local opal shops have jumped on boardby donating opal jewellery valued at over $5,000. Thesestunning pieces will be for the lucky winners to keep,” hesaid.

To receive an entry form email: cptimes@ozemail.com.auor call the Coober Pedy Regional Times on 8672 5920today to enter the contest that might see you crowned asthe 2016 Opal Queen at Coober Pedy’s night-of-nights,The Opal Ball held at the Desert Cave Hotel!

(Note: the 2016 Opal Princess and Ms Diversity have been withdrawn due to lack of enquiries)

Theo Gountounas of Seven Stones Designer Jewellers with the drawings of the Tiara that will be theperpetual trophy for the Opal Queen Contest

FINAL Call for entrants in the 2016OPAL QUEEN CONTEST

Entry forms for the following categories in the 2016 OPAL QUEEN CONTEST areavailable from the Coober Pedy Regional Times (cptimes@ozemail.com.au)

Winners in the 2016 OPAL QUEEN CONTEST will be announced at the OpalBall at the Desert Cave Hotel on Friday night 25th March 2016

Prizes and Sponsors will be announced in the next edition of CPRT

2016 OP2016 OP2016 OP2016 OP2016 OPAL QAL QAL QAL QAL QUEEN UEEN UEEN UEEN UEEN - is open to female residents of all South Australian Opal Fields who are between the ages of 18 and30. Opal Queen entrants birthdays must be inside the age limit by the date of registration– Wednesday 23 March 2016 and

have been a permanent resident of South Australian opal producing community for 6 months.

DISCLAIMER: Opinions and letters published in The CooberPedy Regional Times are not necessarily the views of the

Editor, or Publisher. The Coober Pedy Regional Timesreserves the right to edit or omit copy, in accordance with

newspaper policies. Letters to the Editor must be attributed witha name, address and contact phone number - names and town

of origin will be printed, or may be withheld at the Editor’sdiscretion. During the course of any election campaign, letters

to the editor dealing with election issues must contain theauthor’s name and street address (not PO Box) for publication.

Right of reply is always available.

Page 2 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

Bookings by Wednesday priorMaterial must be in Fri prior

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

Colour on ApplicationInserts on Application

Next Newspapers Thursday 24 Mar 2016 Thursday 07 April 2016 Thursday 21 April 2016 Thursday 05 May 2016

Editor - Margaret MackayPO Box 275 Coober Pedy SA 5723

Ph: (08) 8672 5920Email: cptimes@ozemail.com.au

Advertising Rates

Copyright Notice: All of the content published by CPRT,including articles, photos, images, graphics, advertising, layout,printing plate content and related material, is owned by CPRT,

or by other information providers who have licensed theircontent for use in this publication. Additionally, the entire content

of the Coober Pedy Regional Times past and present iscopyrighted as a collective work under Australian copyright

laws and may not be reproduced without written authorisation.The owner of the collective work is the Coober Pedy Regional

Times Newspaper.

Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Tarcoola Andamooka

CROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORDCROSSWORD

Black & White

7 DAYS WEATHER -

INDEMNITY: Advertising agencies, advertisers and othercontributors accept full responsibility for the contents of advertise-

ments and other submitted, signed material and agree to indemnifythe publishers against any claim or proceedings out of the

publication of such advertisements or material. Provision of materialor copy for publication in the Coober Pedy Regional Times

Newspaper constitutes acceptance by advertisers, advertisingagencies and other contributors of this condition.

Winter Solstice (Southern)21 June 2016

Spring Solstice (Southern) 23 September 2016

SUMMER Solstice 2016 Dec 21 20:44

*

**

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

VISIT THE UNDERGROUNDCHURCHES

UNDERGROUND MOTELS ANDACCOMMODATION

AMAZING UNDERGROUNDHOMES (at least 1500 people livingunderground)

During Easter Coober Pedy holds itsannual GEM TRADE SHOW and OPALFESTIVAL PARADE

While in town take an OPALFIELDS tour - you’ll believe you’re on Mars.

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

Join the MAIL RUN out of CooberPedy to deliver outback mail! Take a leisurelyflight over the spectacular LAKE EYRE

Be part of the last frontier mining town and itsliving history 100 years on. For more informationon the Opal Capital of the World, go to:www.cooberpedy.net

AUTUMN SOLSTICE20 MARCH 2016

DU

GO

UT

*

DISTRIBUTING to SouthAustralia, NT and the Far

North Communities

*

The spectacular Breakaways nearCoober Pedy

Tunnelling an underground dugout

*

OT0150

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 3

Backgammon and Chess Clubexpressions of interest sought

Local opal miner Justin Freytag is calling for ‘Expressionsof Interest” from people who are interested in meetingweekly on a social and friendly basis to play Backgammonand Chess.

Just recently (21 February 2016) Justin won the SouthAustralian State Backgammon Championship held at CafeAmore in Hindmarsh Square Adelaide.

Justin is also an avid chess player having won a statejunior title and runner-up state open title. He feelsmotivated to pass on the skills involved in bothBackgammon and Chess.

“I believe there may be individuals out there in thecommunity who do not have anyone to share this interestwith and would appreciate the friendliness of a club. Thesemay include retirees who would simply like to learn astimulating game that challenges your intellect,” saidJustin.

If there is anyone in the community who is interested inbeing involved in a Backgammon and Chess Club, don’thesitate to contact Justin on 0419847095.

Justin Freytag looking for expressions ofinterest in a Backgammon and ChessClub

At Cafe Amore in Hindmarsh Square Adelaidewhere Justin claims the South Australian StateBackgammon Championship

Photo: Courtesy the South Australian BackgammonAssociation

Close of Roll for Supplementary

ElectionDistrict Council of Coober Pedy

Due to the resignation of a member of the Council, and a previous vacancy following the election of Michelle Provatidis to Mayor, a supplementary election will be necessary to fill two vacancies for Area Councillor.

The voters roll for this supplementary election will close at 5.00pm on Thursday 31 March 2016.

You are entitled to vote in the election if you are on the State electoral roll. If you have recently turned 18 or changed your residential or postal address you must complete an electoral enrolment form, available from post offices or online at www.ecsa.sa.gov.au

If you are not eligible to enrol on the State electoral roll you may still be entitled to enrol to vote if you own or occupy a property. Contact the Council to find out how.

Nominations to fill the vacancy will open on Thursday 28 April 2016 and will be received until 12 noon on Thursday 12 May 2016.

The election will be conducted entirely by post with the return of ballot material to reach the Returning Officer no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 14 June 2016.

D Gully Returning Officer

Coober Pedy people were invited to participate in theopening weekend of Writers’ Week on February 27 and28 through live streaming at the Community Library.Christel Hauri appreciated the political insights of JaneCaro and Annabelle Crabb who spoke about the challengeswomen face in the man’s world of politics.

Sue Britt found listening to new insights and viewpointsexpressed by the different authors quite an intenseexperience. “I came away with a surprising appreciationof Enid Blyton and Paul Keating as well as a long list ofbooks and authors to search out for future reading.”

Writers' Week Live Streaming

Jane Niehus so enjoyed Peter May’s talk that she went onto explore his website where she found diverse delightsincluding Gaelic music and the history of chess. Shehasn’t read his trilogy set in the Hebrides yet but has foundthe research he did for each of his books fascinating.

Pearl Driver went to the talks by Patrick Gale and KateGrenville. She really enjoyed hearing about Kate’s bookOne Life – My Mother’s Story. She further commented,“I liked that the interviews were in the park, very casual.It felt like we were there. I really appreciated the libraryputting in the effort to arrange this special event. It gaveme insight into the lives of the authors and how muchresearch they do to write a novel or biography.”

Librarians Chris Butler and Maria Brellas welcomed Christel Hauri and Jane Niehaus to Writers’Week with coffee & tea, biscuits and live streaming of the opening weekend.

Councillor ResignsTriggering

SupplementaryElection

Cr Peter (Bundi) Pantelis tendered his resignation as an ElectedMember recently which will result in Coober Pedy’s thirdelection in two years.

Supplementary elections are not uncommon in localgovernment with 10 occurring in South Australia in 2015 anda further 2 currently underway at the District Council of Mallalaand the Regional Council of Goyder. However Coober Pedyis the only community that is undergoing their secondsupplementary election since the last general election.

Former Councillor Bundi Pantelis has sent a letter to thecommunity upon his resignation. Thank you Bundi.

After a lot of thought and contemplation, I have come to theconclusion that I can no longer fulfil my position as anelected member of the District Council of Coober Pedy andresign my position forthwith. With added personalresponsibilities of running two businesses and family life,which are my foremost priorities I must make this decision.As much as I love Coober Pedy and our community I simplydo not have any more time and head space to deal withsomething as important as being an elected member in fullcapacity. I feel as though I will be wasting mine andeveryone’s time if I don’t have the time to read, research,converse etc to make an informed decision on behalf of thecommunity and would be arrogant of me to think otherwise.I commend and wish everyone the best who takes the time topursue his or her interests in local council/governmentbelieving that they can help make a positive change.Yours faithfullyPeter (Bundi) Pantelis

The District Council of Coober Pedy has never experiencedthis level of turnover of Elected Members in its 29 year history.Some within the community still feel as though the Councilis lacking transparency. Of particular interest is the releaseof the results of the financial audit that commenced around6 months ago. A preliminary report was released in Novemberlast year but the community continues to wait for the releaseof the final report.

Mr Pantelis’ resignation once again demonstrates the needfor potential candidates to be aware of the commitmentexpected of Councillors in a largely voluntary capacity.

Dear Coober Pedy residents,

Page 4 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

During March, Mayor Provatidis met with Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg (picturedabove) from Onkapringa City Council who has secured Coober Pedy as thelocation for the annual LGA board meeting that will occur in May.

“Mayors and Councillors from all over the state will be coming to Coober Pedyin May’, said Mayor Provatidis. ‘It will provide a boost for Coober Pedy’stourism industry when community leaders from all over South Australia visitus,” she said. (See Council news on page 5)

Community organisations across Far North SA canbenefit from funding of one-off cash payments of upto $10,000 with applications now open for the 2016Our Neighbourhood Community Grants program.

The program recognises the important role smallercharities and community groups play across the countryin building connections for people who are excluded orisolated. Through providing funding of up to $10,000 perproject, the program helps community organisationsworking to build a more inclusive and connected society.

Australia Post, General Manager Community Relations,Andrea Pearman, said Our Neighbourhood CommunityGrants focus on supporting local community groups thatoften get overlooked for funding elsewhere.

“We live in a world that’s more connected than ever, butit’s still the things happening in our streets, in ourneighbourhoods and in our communities that often havethe biggest impact,” Ms Pearman said.

“At Australia Post, we believe in the power of communities.We understand the importance of local projects and weare passionate about supporting local groups that bringpeople together and build lasting connections withincommunities and neighbourhoods,” she said.

Community Organisations in FarNorth SA Encouraged to Apply for

“Our Neighbourhood Grants”

In 2016, Our Neighbourhood Community Grants will beawarded to community organisations and projects thatfocus on the following areas:

* Digital Capability: projects that build digital skills forindividuals and the wider community

“We’re encouraging community organisations in Far NorthSA to head to the website, read through the informationand apply now online,” she said.

To apply for an Our Neighbourhood Community Grantor to find out more about eligibility, criteria and applicationtips visit ourneighbourhood.com.au.

Grants are funded from both Australia Post and OurNeighbourhood Trust. Applications for OurNeighbourhood Community Grants are now open and willclose on Friday, 1 April 2016 at 5.00pm AWST.

“While we recognise the value of the thousands of differentcauses and projects around the country, we focus ourresources on these four key areas where we think wecan make the biggest impact,” Ms Pearman said.

* Employment Pathways: projects that increaseemployment opportunities for marginalised people

* Community Inclusion: projects that build communityspirit and foster inclusion

* Disaster Readiness: projects that help communities betterprepare for natural disasters

Community organisations across Far North South Australiacan benefit from funding of one-off cash payments of up to$10,000 with applications now open for the 2016 OurNeighbourhood Community Grants program.

FAMILY PARKS GENERALMANAGER VISITS COOBER PEDY

Oasis Tourist Park, owned by GeorgeRussell which is a part of the FamilyParks Group, hosted Family ParksGeneral Manager – Karl Heyman,

on 14th February.

It was Karl's first trip to Coober Pedy andwhat an eye opener for him it was! Karl said"I never research much about the destinationof travel to, so I can find things out formyself." And what he found is our uniquenessparticularly the underground living.

"I stayed in George's underground home,Diggers Dream and had a good nights sleep,I needed to set the alarm, otherwise I wouldhave slept in all day, it was so dark!"

George picked Karl up from the Coober Pedyairport and then drove him around the St.Andrews affiliated golf course with it's quirky'Keep Off the Grass' sign, past the horse racingtrack, around the town oval, the CatacombUnderground Church, a tour through theUmoona Musuem, stopping at the RSL forrefreshments and food, Karl said that"everyone was very welcoming."

As Karl approached Coober Pedy from theair, he noticed the drilling for minerals hadmade the landscape one of a kind, like beingon the moon! Despite the landscape out onthe precious stones fields is dotted with holes,the government has put safety fences in placesand signage that adequately alerts travellersto prohibited areas.

Grants for adult education:$2.96m to boost literacy,

numeracy skills

Karl aims to come back with his family andexplore more of what Coober Pedy has to offerand George said that he'll be only to happy tohost him again.

For more information on Family Parks and wheretheir holiday park are in Australia and NewZealand, check out - familyparks.com.au

After Karl’s brief, but enjoyable first visit toCoober Pedy, both George and Karl then travelledto Adelaide to attend the Caravan and CampingLifestyle show at the Adelaide Showgrounds,where an annual opportunity exists for CooberPedy’s George Russell to promote our town totravellers

The Caravan and Camping Lifestyle Show ranfrom Wednesday 17th February - Sunday 21stFebruary with visitors to the show receivingliterature and brochures relevant to the CooberPedy tourism sector.

South Australian education providers areinvited to apply for a share of $2.96million in grants for programs to helpadults boost their skills and improve jobprospects.

Skills Minister Susan Close said thegrants are available to eligible not-for-profit, community-based educationproviders that deliver low or no-costtraining.

“We understand that learning new skillsor brushing up on the basic workplaceessentials of reading, writing, numeracyand computer skills is an importantstarting point to make someoneemployable.

“

Grants of up to $25,000 for non-accredited foundation skills trainingand $50,000 for accreditedfoundation skills training will beavailable for 2016-17.

The successful applicants will deliveraccredited training in partnership withregistered training providers,including TAFE SA.

Applications for the Foundation SkillsGrants close on 4 April 2016. Formore information about AdultCommunity Education visitwww.skills.sa.gov.au/training-learning/adult-community-educationKarl Heyman from Family Parks, underground

at Coober Pedy

MAYOR LORRAINEROSENBURG SECURES

COOBER PEDY AS VENUE FORLGA MEETING IN MAY

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 5

District Council of Coober Pedy

Through the leadership of Mayor MichelleProvatidis the Council is continuing to explore

and develop a local bus service.

The aspiration of the Council is to make it easier foreveryone in Coober Pedy to move about and improveaccess to shopping and medical care and to visitfriends in hospital and aged care.

Possible routes for the local bus service may includecalling at the library, local police station and theswimming pool.

Importantly it is proposed that the local bus servicewill travel to the airport to coincide with the arrivaland departure of REX airlines.

It is proposed that the route calls at all Hotels, Motelsand Caravan Parks.

Local BusService

To help the Council get it right we welcome anysuggestions you may have for possible routes andimportant stopping points.

As the route or maybe a series of different routes isdevelopment will be pleased to publish these alternativesfor the communities comment and feedback.

Importantly local community leaders may also wish toregister their initial interest as a volunteer bus driver withthe Council.

Please send any suggestions you may have for possibleroutes and stopping points and to register your initialinterest as a volunteer driver to the email address ‘localbusservice@cpcouncil.sa.gov.au ’

Alternatively you may write to the Council at P O Box425 Coober Pedy SA 5723.

Mayor Provatidis has been busy representingCoober Pedy at a variety of events in Adelaide and

Port Augusta over the past month.

“In my role as Mayor of Coober Pedy I believe it isimportant to attend these types of events to network withother Mayors and Ministers for the benefit of CooberPedy,’ she said.

On Sunday the 28th February, Ms Provatidis attended thePort Augusta and Northern Flinders Ranges CountryCabinet meeting after receiving a personal invitation fromPremier Jay Wetherill.

Country Cabinet is an initiative that sees the Premier andCabinet Ministers visit three regions per year until 2017.The Government aims to visit all regional council areasacross South Australia during this period.

“Items of discussion at the Country Cabinet meeting werethe future electricity supply of Port Augusta andcommunity concerns of where the windmills would beplaced. Other concerns discussed were education,employment and tourism,” Mayor Provatidis explained.

Whilst in Adelaide Ms Provatidis also spent time at theLocal Government Association (LGA) offices.

“The LGA provides services, support and leadership toSA Councils for the benefit of the community. I met withsome of their representatives for advice and support inmy role as Mayor,” she said.

On Friday 4th March, Mayor Provatidis attended theClipsal 500 event after receiving an invitation from theSouth Australian Tourism Commission.

“I met a lot of other Mayors at the Clipsal 500 and foundthat many communities face the same issues and havethe same questions as Coober Pedy. I also networkedwith a number of opposition Ministers,” she said.

Mayor Provatidis Busy Around the State

Mayor Provatidis also met with Mayor Lorraine Rosenbergfrom Onkapringa City Council who recently securedCoober Pedy as the location for the annual LGA boardmeeting that will occur in May.

“Mayors and Councillors from all over the state willbe coming to Coober Pedy in May’, said Mayor

Provatidis. ‘It will provide a boost for Coober Pedy’stourism industry when community leaders from all

over South Australia visit us,” she said

Finally, Ms Provatidis wished for the community to beaware that that she paid for all of her own travel expensesto attend these meeting and events. “The cost to councilfor these activities has been $NIL. As a further measureof transparancy in my Mayor Reports each month I willbe providing any expenses incurred by me to council”,concluded the Mayor.

Hon John Trainer (Mayor of the City of West Torrens), Mayor ErikaVickery Naracoorte Lucindale Council, Mayor Michelle ProvatidisCoober Pedy Council, Mayor Kevin Knight Tea Tree Gully Council,Mayor Sam Johnson City of Port Augusta, Hon John Dawkins MLCLiberal member of Legislative Council Opposition Whip, Photo takenby Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg Onkapringa Council

Page 6 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

Police News

TRIPLE ZERO (000)What happens when you call Triple Zero

(000)?When you dial 000, your call is connected to

the Telstra Emergency Call service centreYou will be prompted by the Telstra operator

"Police, Fire or Ambulance?"Stay on the line and answer the questions

$470,000 onoffer from

the RegionalCapability

CommunityFund

Individuals and organisations in rural, regional andremote areas across South Australia are

encouraged to apply for grants to boost frontlineemergency response in local communities.

Announcing the opportunity to apply for grants, theEmergency Services Minister Peter Malinauskasacknowledged the level of community support for thisinitiative last year.

“In 2015, the grant scheme delivered 88 mobilefirefighting units, 28 bulk water storage tanks and highvolume water pumps across the State,” Mr Malinauskassaid.

“Funds were also provided for a range of other safetyequipment enabling landholders to better protectthemselves, their families and their livelihoods.

“The overwhelming response last year clearlydemonstrates the community willingness to buildcapability and collectively become more resilient toemergencies.”

While the overwhelming level of interest last year meantthat some people were disappointed not to receive agrant, this year’s round presents another opportunity forrural landholders to better equip themselves to safelyrespond to emergencies.

In 2016, the Fund will reimburse up to half the price ofapproved purchases to a maximum of $2,500.

Assessment of applications will take into account valuefor money, geographic location, existing capability andrisk factors unique to the individual property.

All successful applicants will be required to demonstratethat they have completed appropriate training beforereceiving grant funds.

Guidelines and forms are now available on theSAFECOM website - www.safecom.sa.gov.au.

Applications will be received from 15 to 31 March 2016.

It is anticipated that approvals will be announced in June2016 to enable purchases to be made prior to the onsetof the Fire Danger Season.

On the 24th February 2016 a vehicle caught fire on theStuart Highway south of Coober Pedy. Police attendedwith CFS. It is suspected that the fire was caused by anelectrical fault. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

On 1st March in Coober Pedy a 42-year-old male fromErnabella was stopped for driving a motor vehicle withouta seatbelt. Checks revealed the driver was drivingunregistered, uninsured, driving disqualified andcontravening his mandatory alcohol interlock schemeconditions. The driver has been reported and will appearin court on a later date.

Between 12th of February and 2nd March, a house onKunoth Street, Coober Pedy, was broken into while theowners were in Adelaide. They returned to find theirhouse had been ransacked. Items stolen includedtelevisions, opals and alcohol. Crime Scene Investigatorsconducted an examination of the house. Enquiries arecurrently ongoing.

Between 10th February and 2nd March a house onPierce Street, Coober Pedy, was broken into while theelderly owners where away seeking medical treatment.The house had also been ransacked. Crime SceneInvestigators conducted an examination of the house.Enquiries are currently ongoing.

This is the second time in a few months that this premisehas been broken into in similar circumstances.Investigations by Crime Scene examiners of the initialbreak identified a suspect. As a result on the 3rd Marcha 14 year old male youth from Coober Pedy wasarrested for the being unlawfully on these premises.He was given police bail with an adult guarantor to be inthe company of an adult at all times pending a later courtappearance.

On Monday 28th March, a vacant house on Burke Street,Coober Pedy, was broken into via a rear window. ASamsung television and DVD player was stolen.

Anyone with information about these incidents or the stolenproperty is encouraged to contact Coober Pedy Police.

Police encourage residents to review the security of theirpremises. Arrange for a trusted friend or neighbour tokeep an eye on your property when you are away. Policeare available to assist with advice in relation to personal,vehicle and building security. Further information isavailable via the SAPOL webpage or the following address.https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crime-prevention-and-security

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

If anyone has any information of criminal mattersin and around Coober Pedy please contact Crime-Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or ring the Coober PedyPolice on 86725056.

Shooters Club executive committee for 2016

President and Public Officer : James Michie

Vice President : Susanne Chapman

Secretary : Les Pullen

Treasurer : Jill Wilson

Handicappers : Misty Mance, Les Pullen, JamesMichie, Jeremiah Marjanovic

Licence and Armourer : James Michie

The Shooters Club had a reasonable turnout of 14for the Annual General Meeting and the minuteswill be available in the next 2 weeks at the club.

SHOOTERS CLUB VOTES 2016COMMITTEE IN AT AGM

Shooters Club committee members: Vice PresidentSusanne Chapman, President and Public Officer JamesMichie, Handicapper Misty Mance, Treasurer Jill Wilson,

Secretary Les Pullen

Photos: Harley Staines

Members enjoy a sumptuous meal at theclub rooms

The Shooters club rooms provides acomfortable social atmosphere

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 7

Mixed Messages from the Council

Letters

We have LETTERS...

Coober Pedy

Regional Times

Signed Letters to the Editor can be emailed to cptimes@ozemail.com.au

INDEMNITY: Opinions and letters published in The CooberPedy Regional Times are not necessarily the views of theEditor, or Publisher. Right of reply is always available.

Advertising agencies, advertisers and other contributors accept fullresponsibility for the contents of advertisements and other submitted,

signed material and agree to indemnify the publishers against any claimor proceedings out of the publication of such advertisements or material.

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

agencies and other contributors of this condition.

DDT and its Toxic Effects

RE: GRANT RICHES‘RESIGNATION’

Letter sent to councillors.Dear Councillor,

I was concerned to learn that Grant Riches has resigned asconsultant building inspector, planning officer and general

advisor. I was more particularly concerned about thecircumstances of his resignation.

Apparently the acting DCCP CEO showed up in Grant’soffice to say he was directed by the Councillors and theMayor to ask that he reduce costs and lower his fees.There was little or no opportunity for discussion.

I am wondering if the Councillors did, indeed, pass amotion about reducing costs and how specific that motionmight have been. Did Councillors really intend to cutcosts to the extent that a person who has served thecommunity well for about 20 years would resign?

Grant Riches has a fund of knowledge specific to CooberPedy, community infrastructure and dugouts. He cannotbe replaced, certainly not at reduced cost. How manyother consultants are being approached in a similarmanner? How many consultant services will thecommunity lose through this sort of cost cutting?

Regards,Sue Britt

Dear Editor,

The alleged facts as made known to me.

Recently the DCCP sponsored a drug detection team(DDT) to sample the urine of all DCCP employeesand councillors.

In its nature it was a spot check. Thus, no employee wascognizant of the impending screening, barring the CEOof course (and possibly the Mayor), until confronted bysenior management and DDT officialdom; handed a sterile,yellow specimen container and commanded to enterlatrines, en masse, and deliver a sample into the saidreceptacle.

The amber products of excretion were then sequesteredby the ‘drug busters’ and analysed, inter-alia, forrecreational drugs such as cannabis (THC) and alcohol. Itis rumoured that about nine staff members tested positive(albeit some were later discovered to be false positives)and were, as a consequence ordered off the work siteimmediately, including two from the ‘Town Hall’.

Purportedly the ‘drug busters’ were brought to CooberPedy (CP) at Ratepayers expense; accommodated atRatepayers expense and fed at Ratepayers expense. Atno point were Ratepayers consulted or made aware ofthis operation (sting).

This necessarily costed exercise occurred immediatelyfollowing on from weekend furlough, ie unsuspectingworkers were ambushed on a Monday morning…. Myquestions to council are as follows:

1.) Who authorised this diabolical industrial exercise?

2.) What was the cost to Ratepayers of this physicallyinvasive exercise?

3.) Why is there no Drug & Alcohol Policy on the DCCPwebsite?

4.) Is the DCCP aware that employees feel both legallyand personally violated as a consequence of this exercise?I.e. there is moral outrage.

5.) Does the exercise represent “best practice”?

6.) At what point was the Australian Workers Unionnotified of what was taking place? (In effect a covert,commando –style, para-military exercise executed byindustrial ambush)

7.) Is this information now on the National Data Base?

8.) After the facts, why did the DCCP then allegedly takefright and trash (put to the shredder) all clinical results?

9.) What does the DCCP Enterprise Bargaining Agreements(EBA) with their workers reflect? An agreement to oralswab testing?

10.) Does council accept that their workers civil libertieshave been outrageously violated by an alleged coercion,or some have suggested - bullying tactics, to performurine testing?

11.) Does council still hold to the fiction that theirworkforce consented to be abused in this fashion? If so,where is the evidence?

12.) Is council still maintaining that it has clean hands inrelation to this matter? I concede that the DCCP does nothave blood on its hands, but it may have urine on its hands.

13.) Should these degrading measures be found to beorphaned from any legal basis whatsoever will the DCCPcountenance monetary compensation to the abusedindividuals (victims)?

14.) Does the DCCP also accept that any instances ofPost-Traumatic Stress (PTS) arising out of the allegedevent are subject to special damages, eg. Including butnot limited to ongoing psychiatric treatment in Adelaide insupport of industrially induced nervosas and other abeyantbehaviours?

15.) Is it true that the DCCP has retained a secret copyin order to justify the outlay, as some are maintaining?

Finally to conclude this unedifying saga relevant tomicturition: let it be publicly known that the person/sanswerable for this towering insult against the workforceof the DCCP have crossed a line in the dust which is,frankly, barely forgivable and should have a consequence.

Yours sincerelyBC Trueman

To the Editor,

Not that long ago I learnt that our council is apparently infinancial dire straits and our INTERIM CEO promised toput us back on track. Initially there was a lot of positivetalk around this.

However, asking professionals like Grant Riches to reducehis industry rates in such a manner might be seen asattempting to reduce town services to offset things likethe purchase of an expensive car for the interim CEO.

As much as Councils operating under the LocalGovernment Act in South Australia may have beenlegislated a few special powers, they do not have theauthority to reset professional fees for organisations likethe Building Construction Industry.

I also query the many air-flights that now appear to betaking place on a regular basis. Surely most of these couldbe eliminated by using video tele-conferencing and Skypewhich gives us ‘face-to-face’ dialogue at a very efficientrate!

On top of that, the advertisement for a permanent CEOhad a deadline of 2 weeks. I’m sure it must be legal butdo we really get the best CEO that is available with only 2weeks to submit an application? In February many peopleare still on holiday and might not have been able to respondto this ad in such a sort span of time.

Or is it a foregone conclusion that our councillors willappoint the interim CEO as the permanent CEO despiteany other applications?

Reading the last newspaper i was very surprised to seeGrant Riches resignation, and especially the reasons forit.

I would like to know why council and CEO (interim)have decided to dispose of one off the most needed peopleworking for the CP community. I think that Grant hasdone an incredible job and all my dealings with him overthe years were intelligent and all led to a positive outcomeat the end.

Personally, I have only spent a few of hours talking to theman in my live , yet things got done

In other words- the man knows the uniqueness and therules of CP and without him teaching anyone else we willget nothing but problems and lose all the new info whichis hard enough to decipher as is.

I can see the people we have to deal with from now onnot having any idea and making our lives miserable, notnecessarily because they want to, but they lack anyunderstanding of the uniqueness off our buildings andstructures.

Grant has 20 years of experience in our unique way ofbuilding - how can anyone replace him without havingany experience at all .

Has this council thought about the problems created bythe resignation ?

RE: GRANT RICHES‘RESIGNATION’

Dear Editor,

Michael VenusOpal Miner andBusiness Owner

My faith in the interim CEO has evaporated. Take theOpal Festival. The first meeting was in early December,all that were present wrote down their names and weretold by the interim CEO he will get in touch with usbefore Christmas.

We (5 residents of Coober Pedy) did not hear from him.I was at the meeting on 25 February not because of theinterim CEO but because the Mayor invited me. As far asI could see, nothing had been done between earlyDecember and the end of February. Sorry but that is notgood enough in my opinion! I want to see action!

In my opinion the current interim CEO is not the rightCEO for our town and I hope our councillors talk to thelocals to hear what they want. We were promisedtransparency and community involvement and so far Iam of the opinion that neither have occurred.

Christel HauriResident of Coober Pedy for 21 years

Page 8 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

“

ENTRY FORM

Name: Age (on Wednesday 23rd March 2016):

Phone Number: Email address:

Home address:

What is it you love about opal and the opal industry (max 100 words)?

What is your home town and what do you love about it (max 100 words)?

What volunteer work have you been involved in over the past 12 months (max 50 words)?

What are your interests and hobbies (max 50 word)?

If there was one thing in the world you could change to make the world a better place for all humankind, what would it be and why (max 100 words)?

Signature (of applicant):……………………………………………………… (by signing this Entry Form you agree to be bound by the conditions of entry contained on page 2 of this document)

Date:…………………….

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1. Female entrants only

2. Entrants must be 18-30 years of age as of 23nd March 2016

3. Entrants must be current residents of either Coober Pedy, Andamooka or Mintabie and must have lived inone of these communities continuously since at least 24th September 2015 (i.e. 6 months)

4. Entrants agree to present documentation proving residential status of Coober Pedy, Andamooka orMintabie if requested by the organisers

5. Entrants agree to present proof of age documentation if requested by organisers

6. Prizes are non-transferable or refundable and cannot be redeemed in cash

7. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into in regards to the judge’s decision

8. The organisers of the South Australian Opal Queen accept no liability or responsibility for accident or injuryto any participant that may occur

9. The South Australian Opal Queen Tiara is a perpetual trophy and remains the property of the Coober PedyRegional Times.

10. If selected to be the winner of the Opal Queen then the successful contestant MUST be present at theRehearsal Night and Photo Shoot (7pm Wednesday 23rd March), the Opal Ball (7pm Friday 25th March2016), agree to participate in the Coober Pedy Opal Festival Parade (11am Saturday 26th March 2016) aswell as handing out prizes during the Coober Pedy Opal Festival (Saturday 26th March 2016).

CONTESTANT REQUIREMENTS & ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 1. Contestants must be in attendance by no later than 7pm at the Rehearsal Night and Photo Shoot at the

Desert Cave Hotel (convention room) on Wednesday 23nd March 2016.

2. Contestants must be in attendance by no later than 7pm at the 2016 Opal Ball at the Desert Cave Hotel(convention room) on Friday 25th March 2016.

3. Contestants will be required to enter the stage when introduced and to respond to the questions asked bythe MC. The questions will be identical to those on the entry form. Entrants can read from their entry formif they wish.

4. After the short interview on stage each contestant will be judged by the audience based on their answersto the questions, appearance, stage presence and deportment.

5. Attendees at the Opal Ball will be asked to complete a voting slip. The voting slips will be distributed andcollected by the organisers and the votes will be counted. Towards the end of the Opal Ball, the MC willannounce the winner of the contest and the 2016 South Australian Opal Queen will be crowned.

INFORMATION SHEET

What is the Opal Queen Competition?

The Opal Queen Competition is an initiative of the Coober Pedy Regional Times for thepurposes of highlighting the spectacular beauty of opal – Australia’s National Gemstoneand South Australia’s Gemstone Emblem – and to give a young, charismatic lady aunique opportunity to showcase her talents as an ambassador for the opal industry.

Who can enter?Any lady between the ages of 18 and 30 who has lived in Coober Pedy, Andamooka orMintabie for at least the past 6 months (i.e. 24th September 2015 to 23rd March 2016)and who have a love of opal and the South Australian outback towns that exists becauseof it.

Why should you enter?First and foremost because of your love of opal and the town’s hearts that beat becauseof it. Secondly to take home a share of up to $5,000 in prizes! Also to have theopportunity to act as an ambassador for the opal industry.

When are applications due and when will the winner be announced?Applications are due by Wednesday 23rd March and must be brought with you to therehearsal (see further info below). The winner will be announced at the Opal Ball onFriday 25th March at the Desert Cave Hotel.

How to enter?Simply fill in the application form and be available for a photo shoot on Wednesday23rd March at 7pm as well as be present at the Opal Ball on Friday 25th Marchcommencing at 7pm. All you need to do is bring your completed application form alongwith your $50 entry fee (payable to the Coober Pedy Regional Times) at the rehearsal.

For further information please contact:Ms Margaret Mackay

Coober Pedy Regional TimesPh: 08 8672 5920

E: cptimes@ozemail.com.au

OPAL QUEEN CONTESTUPDATE AND SAMPLE FORMS

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 9

The South Australian Museum’s Opals exhibition,which closed on Sunday 14 February after a fourmonth run, has broken Museum records forexhibition attendance, revenue generation anddonations to the Museum’s collection.

The multi-million dollar, home-grown exhibitioncelebrated the 100th anniversary of Australia’snational gemstone being found at Coober Pedy.It explored the 100 million year history of opalformation that has allowed our state to becomethe producer of 80% of the world’s precious opal.Key successes of the exhibition are that it:

• attracted a record 27,000 visitors - 78% morethan the average number of visitors to temporaryexhibitions at the Museum• generated a record $323,000 in revenue and$277,000 in cash and in-kind support,representing the most successful philanthropicperformance directly associated with an exhibitionat the Museum• resulted in the donation of more than $1 millionworth of opal specimens to the South AustralianMuseum’s collection, including the Candle of Life,an opalised belemnite `pipe’ (the tip of a 100million year old version cuttlefish) valued at$345,000.

Museum director Brian Oldman said the generousdonation of eleven significant opal specimens wasa reflection of the importance of the Museum’scollections and research.

“Few people realise that the Museum employsinternationally-regarded researchers working onworld-class collections. The Museum’sresearchers are annually awarded morecompetitive Australian Research Council grantmoney than those of all other Australian museumsput together,” Mr Oldman said.

“With Opals, the Museum has taken its researchbeyond the scientific community, and shown thepublic that the Museum’s own knowledge baseproduces great exhibitions that bring SouthAustralian stories to life.

“These exhibitions provide local, national andinternational communities with the chance to learnand engage with Australian science and culture.”

Nicholas Kollias, a registered opal dealer who hasbeen instrumental in brokering the donation ofopals said, “One of the most crucial elements inestablishing the exhibition was the ability to locateand secure some of the rarest and indeed culturallysignificant opals, opal specimens and opal fossils".

“Most of the rarest and most valuable opals, opalspecimens and opal fossils are in private collectionsand very difficult to secure for public exhibition.Many of these most rare pieces have never beforebeen available for public display”, said Mr Kollias.

Arts Minister Jack Snelling said the Opalsexhibition marked an ambitious new beginning forthe Museum.

“The South Australian Museum is being revivedunder Director Brian Oldman, and Opalsrepresents his vision for the Museum,” MinisterSnelling said.

“As well as inspiring awe and wonder amongvisitors, the Opals exhibition marks a significantturning point for the South Australian Museumand its contribution to our state’s reputation as aworld leader in science, culture and innovation.”

Opals gave visitors the chance to see the finestcollection of opals ever assembled in one place,and featured many pieces from private collectionsnever shown before to the public. The world’smost valuable single piece of opal, the VirginRainbow, a new part of the Museum’s collection,was displayed for the first time, along with theworld’s first known opalised pearls.

The exhibition also included pieces dating fromthe 19th century, kindly lent to the Museum byHer Majesty the Queen from the Royal Collection.

RECORD-BREAKING EXHIBITIONBRINGS IN $1M IN OPAL DONATIONS

Nick Kollias pointed out, “With the assistance ofthe Federal Government’s Cultural Gifts Programthe SA Museum has been able to permanentlysecure some of these culturally significantopalised specimens.”

“With the number of active opal miners notablydecreasing over the years, the chances of findingany more of these incredibly rare and significantopal specimens and fossils will be virtually non-existent. We have a very small window ofopportunity to secure what few specimensremain,” Mr Kollias concluded

The Candle of LifePhoto Tony Lewis

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISINGSee page 2 for Rates, Deadlines & Publishing Dates

Page 10 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

FREIGHT

PUBLIC NOTICE

POSITION VACANTPOSITION VACANTPUBLIC NOTICE

The Coober Pedy Country Fire Serviceis urgently needing volunteers right now!

If you would like to become a volunteer, or would just like to discuss the ideafurther, please come down and speak to us.

Coober Pedy Country Fire Service meet for training every second Saturday atthe CFS Station on Hutchison St. beside the Drive-In.

BECOME part of an important emergency response team?RECEIVE training and learn valuable skillsBECOME more accredited and more self-confident.

Call Peter Lane (Admin Officer)0418 807 255

PUBLIC NOTICE

Country and Outback HealthAre seeking interested parties for window

cleaning, once per month to maintain windowsin a clean and presentable condition at theiroffice in Hutchison Street. Must have an ABNfor invoicing purposes. Please contact Gail on

(08) 8643 5600for further information.

Opal Festival Street Parade RoadClosure

The 2016 Opal Festival Street Paradewith Coober Pedy’s magical floats gets

started from 11 am on Saturday 26March.

The Council is pleased to advise thatHutchison Street will be closed to alltraffic from 10.45 am to 12 noon.

The road closure will occur from theintersection of Hutchison Street andSeventeen Mile Road through to the

entrance to OZ Minerals Oval.

Hutchison Street will reopen to normaltraffic from 12 noon.

Cleaner RequiredRelief only

Coober PedyVarious days & times

Police Clearances RequiredFor more information and to apply visit

www.zippyclean.com.auor call (08) 8363 4485

Mining Act 1971Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 28(5) of the Mining Act 1971 that the delegate of the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy intends to grant an Exploration Licence over the area described below.

Applicant: Southern Iron Pty LtdLocation: Longs Creek Area - approx.

30 southwest of Coober PedyPastoral Leases Mount Clarence, Mabel Creek Term: Two yearsArea in km2: 348Ref: 2015/00116

Applicant: Signature Resources Pty Ltd Perilya Freehold Mining Pty Ltd

Location: Mount Frome Area - approx. 90 km southeast of Leigh Creek

Pastoral Leases Wertaloona, Mulga View, Wirrealpa

Term: Two yearsArea in km2: 200Ref: 2015/00166

Applicant: Half Moon Pty LtdLocation: Warrior Outstation area -

approximately 75 km WNW of Tarcoola

Pastoral Leases Mulgathing, Wilgena, Mobella Term: Two yearsArea in km2: 346Ref: 2015/00201

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

Community information on mineral exploration licence processes and requirements under the Mining Act 1971 is available from: http://www.minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/land_access/community_information or hard copy on request to Mineral Tenements.

J MartinMining RegistrarDepartment of State DevelopmentDelegate of the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy

www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.auPN0722

Opening hours 7.30am - 5pmPhone 86725036 OR 86725169

Keep the Outbackbeautiful

...choose one employer for a variety of career directions

I can develop a wide range of skills across business services which contribute to great outcomes in the health system. I can gain experience across all areas of health, furthering my knowledge each and every day. I enjoy a diverse and varied career path within one organisation, knowing I am making a real and valued contribution.

Associate Clinical Services CoordinatorCoober Pedy Regional Health Service Job Ref: 580241

www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/careers 1300 882 992

Blaze 088671

PUBLIC NOTICE

Art & CraftCalling all Coober Pedy

Artists and Crafts people

Put your work on displayat the Croatian Club

over the Opal Festival Easterweekend alongside The Gem

Trade Show

You can mount a displayor set up a table and sell your

workNo stall fees

FREETo book a place or find out

moreRing or email Chris

86723905potchgypsy@hotmail.com

POSITION VACANT

Funding now availablefor youth networks

Youth Minister Zoe Bettison sayscouncils, community groups and not-

for-profit organisations can nowapply for up to $5000 under the 2016

Youth Network Grant program.

“Youth networks are a way of bringingorganisations such as not-for-profits andlocal government together to support theneeds of young people,” Ms Bettison said.

Youth Network Grants aim to increase thecapacity of the youth sector by supportingyouth networks to:• collaborate, share and disseminateinformation• identify and respond to the needs ofyoung people in their community• develop the skills of network members.

“Both formal and informal youth networkscan apply for a grant to fund activitiesincluding regular meetings to share ideasand hear from guest speakers about currentissues relevant to the local community,”Ms Bettison said.

“Networks can also apply for funding todevelop the skills and abilities of theirmembers, or to develop resources for theyoung people they work with.

“By encouraging organisations to worktogether and share information, we arecreating collaborative environments thatsupport the best possible outcomes foryoung South Australians.”

Applications for the 2016 Youth NetworkGrants close on Monday 18 March 2016.

To apply online, or for more information,visit the Office for Youth website atwww.officeforyouth.sa.gov.auor call (08) 8207 0452.

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 11

Priscilla Queen of the DessertOpal Festival Dessert Competition

Coober Pedy Drive-in 25/3/16We invite everyone to create a sweet or

healthy dessert and bring it to thespecial screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

on Good Friday 25/3/16.

Register your dessert with Sue Britt8672 3542 sue.britt@westnet.com.au

1. The Priscilla Queen of the Dessert judging will be at 7.15pm soentries for this category should be presented for display between 7

and 7.15. The Priscilla Queen of the Dessert crown will be awarded onX factor criteria - appearance and creativity.

2. Submit your recipe for the recipe competition. (optional) A clevername and photos will impress the judges. A Priscilla Queen of the

Dessert recipe book will be created for future sale at the canteen ifthere are enough entries.

3. Contribute your dessert to the People’s Choice tasting competition(optional). The dessert with the most votes will win this category.

There is no heating or refrigeration at the Drive-in.Please create a dessert that can be safely

displayed without refrigeration for 3 hours.

The celebrated songbird the magpie, storytellingtent designed and built by over 200 Coober Pedians

in 2015 has been invited by His Excellency theGovernor The Honourable Hieu Van Le AO and Mrs.Lan Le to a celebration of South Australia s cultural

diversity and presentation of the 2015 GovernorsMulticultural Awards on tue 22 march at government

house in Adelaide.

Representing the project and volunteers who contributedto the songbird will be Monique Harding from communityhealth and Ishka Maat from the Coober Pedy Area School.The songbird tent is a large inflatable tent featuring amagpie and many story panels representing the last 100years of Coober Pedy. The tent was first used at the lastopal festival and has been set up numerous times sinceincluding at the break away bolt and the town racemeeting.

Multicultural Award for Coober PedyDuring one outing the tent was caught up in a willy willyand blown away. To avoid this the tent now comes tetheredto a food van typically manned by children from the townand built using materials donated by people in theneighborhood.

This is truly a community asset with contributions fromUmoona Aged care, Sue Britt, Jenny Gough, Sue Radeka,Sonja Mazonni, the Coober Pedy Area School, the golfclub, Tina Boyd, Joy Hall, and many more.

This is a good example of a well planned communityproject funded by country arts and executed by skilledartists and community craftspersons.His Excellency the Governor The Honourable Hieu VanLe AO and Mrs. Lan Le were last in Coober pedy lastyear opening the new St Vincent’s store. Another excellentexample of what can be achieved by communityvolunteers.

The songbird tent can next be seen at this yearsopal festival at the town oval at easter time.

Page 12 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

OODNADATTA 20/20 CRICKET:WINNERS ALL ROUND

It was not only the temperature that was sizzling inOodnadatta on the afternoon of Saturday March 5th,but also the skills of the cricketers who had gatheredtogether for the annual Town vs Stations 20/20 cricketchallenge. With the match tally at Stations 2, Town 1,both teams were keen to prove their might, the Townteam hoping to even the ledger, the Stations hoping

to increase their lead.

Both teams came well prepared, with burgeoning numbersof keen cricketers. It certainly made the job of selectingthe first eleven (well 12, 13, whatever) a little difficult forthe captains, Russell Prowse for the Town and MattWilliams for the Stations.

Stations won the toss and went into bat. The newly laidcricket pitch proved to be a much-improved surface forboth batters and bowlers. Cam Williams and Dan Edwardsopened the batting, enjoying a good partnership beforeDan was caught out by Raymond Stapleton in the sixthover off Casey Bailes’ first ball. The Station team went onto amass a total of 207 runs from the 20 overs. CamWilliams top scored with 65 runs, while Dan Edwards 25,Col Greenfield 30 and Ollie Lee 33 contributinghandsomely. Raymond Stapleton took three impressivewickets for the Town team, with Trevor Hannes, CoreyJonas, Casey Bailes, Christopher Stewart and RussellProwse all taking wickets.

After a brief break, the Town team padded up, (well, notreally) with Geoffrey Mack and Cooper Bailes opening.Trent Grayson opened the bowling and took the wicketof Geoffrey Mack with his first ball. The Town team hadbeen in training leading up to the big match, but on thisoccasion, the Station bowling and fielding arsenal provedjust a little too strong. The Town team reached a final tallyof 97 runs. Russell Prowse top scored for the Town teamwith 24. Raymond Stapleton, 16, Richard Stapleton 13and Trevor Hannes 12 contributed well. Matt Williamsclaimed 4 wickets, Jim Wheeler and Trent Grayson eachtook 3, with Ben Powell and Colin Greenfield each taking1 wicket.

Once the main game was over, a second “friendly” tookplace, giving everyone a chance to participate. No officialscoring occurred for the second game, but everyone wasa winner, the sportsmanship, skill and camaraderie a joyto behold.

As the evening drew nigh, the shelters and equipment werepacked away and the crowd reconvened in the racecourseclubrooms. The bar was open, sausages sizzled on theBBQ and players and spectators mingled, reliving the finermoments of the match, and simply enjoying theopportunity to get together.

The committee had selected White Ribbon, Australia’s NoViolence Against Women campaign as the focus for the2016 match. Part proceeds from the day will be donatedto this very important cause. Most people attempted towear something white (although most were tinged with acoating of red dust by the end of proceedings) A PinkRoadhouse voucher was awarded to the best dressed.Christopher Stewart was the recipient of this award, withLelia Kamphorst, the newly appointed NRM CommunityEngagement Officer as runner up.

Music, dancing, conversation and fun saw the night out.ORHS would like to thank Outback Communities Authorityfor their contribution to the success of the game throughtheir sports grants program, the Miners Store for donatingthe sausages, the committee members for theirorganisation and the stations for their donations of saladsand cakes. A special thank you to the cricketers forparticipating so enthusiastically and the community forcontinuing to support the event

At the end of the day, we are all winners. We have seenthis event go from strength to strength each year. Physical,emotional, social and community well-being are thewinners.

If you would like to be part of similar outback events,come to William Creek on Saturday March 19th for theGymkhana, the Opal Festival in Coober Pedy on March26th or the Oodnadatta Races on May 7th.

Tony Williams, as umpire, presented the awards, aTranscontinental Hotel voucher for the best for each team.For the Town team, Raymond Stapleton was selected asbest, with Russell Prowse nominated as runner up.Cameron Williams was best for the Stations team andMatt Williams was runner up.

Jackie WilliamsMt Barry Station

Cricketers: Herbie Klembt, Colin McKeller,Raymond Stapleton

The cricket match drew a crowd of localsupporters

Christopher Stewart bowling

Captains Russell Prowse and Matt Williams

The combined teams line up for a photo of the occasion. Well done!

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 13

GUIDE TO SHOPS AND SERVICESIN COOBER PEDY

BOLAND BACKHOE SERVICESLocal family business with a Tip truck, backhoe and bobcatwith auger attachment for hire at reasonable rates. Availablefor hire to mining companies and pastoral properties

Contact Ken or NolaHome phone (08) 86723451Ken’s Mobile 0417828186

WK LawyersPhone: 08 8361 9148

Email: Admin@wklaw.com.auBusiness Centre Hutchison St.

(Next door to Centrelink)

Waters + YoungerPhone 8331 9477 Adelaide

Phone 8672 5979 Coober PedyFax 8364 4676

Email:richard@watersyounger.com.au

Business Centre Hutchison Street

Est. 1982

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

UNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDUNDERGROUNDBOOKSBOOKSBOOKSBOOKSBOOKS

John’s Pizza Bar& Restaurant

Open 7 days 9am -10pm10% Discount for Pensioners

Ph:08 8672 5561 Fax:08 8672 5537Email: johnpizza@dodo.com

Hutchison Street opposite Desert Cave Hotel

McArMcArMcArMcArMcArdle’dle’dle’dle’dle’s Fs Fs Fs Fs Frrrrreighteighteighteighteight397 Burton Road

Burton SAFlat Hill Road Coober Pedy

Phone (08) 82895033Mobile 0408859037Fax: (08) 82805788

Mik LeeMik LeeMik LeeMik LeeMik LeeO'Conner Road, Coober Pedy,

SA 572304 0286 5264

Coober PedyCoober PedyCoober PedyCoober PedyCoober PedyOpal Capital of the World

The Virgin Rainbow was discoveredin Coober Pedy

65 Million year old opalised pearlsfound at the 12 Mile in Coober Pedy

The Coober Pedy resident buildtheir homes underground - Dugouts

2916 Opal Queen contest inCoober Pedy

Page 14 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016

MINE RESCUE Training(Alternate Saturdays)

CFS TRAINING - everysecond Saturday at 2pmNeed new members urgently

CP SHOOTERS CLUBPistols

CROATION CLUBHappy HourSaturdays 6-7pm

FRIDAYS

TUESDAYS

AA 7pm UndergroundCatholic Church - HutchisonStreetContact DAVE O409349753

FREE TAI CHI CLASSES for over65s Sit or stand for these gentleexercises. 1:15PM at CommunityHealthPlease register: 8672 3299

DISTRICT COUNCILMEETINGS 3nd Tuesday eachmonth at 7pm

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

TWIGHLIGHT GOLF with asocial ambrose 3 – 6 holecompetition from 6pm

SERBIAN Church SocialClub, Dinner 6pm Fridays

CP SHOOTERS CLUB8pm Friday night Clay TargetShotgun

GREEK CLUB - Bingo 7.30pm

CP Social Scrabble 7.30pmUnited Club . All skill levelswelcome

The next Stateelection will be heldon 17 March 2018

SUNDAYSGOLF (CP Golf Course)Will resume in March 2016

Waters + YoungerPhone 8331 9477 Adelaide

Phone 8672 5979 Coober PedyFax 8364 4676

Email: richard@watersyounger.com.au

What’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s OnWhat’s On in COOBER PEDY?& Visiting Services

SCHOOL TERM DATES

CATACOMB Church Serviceand Sunday School 9:30amSunday. Bus pickupavailable. Ph 8672 5038

YOUTH SHED 11-2 ages 8& up

CP SHOOTERS CLUBRim Fire Rifles

Fire Danger Season dates

Dates for the 2015/16 FireDanger Season have beenannounced with nine regionsbeing brought forward to startearlier than normal

North East Pastoral1st November 2015-31st March 2016

North West Pastoral1st November 2015-31st March 2016

West Coast 1st November 2015-15th April2016

Flinders1st November 2015-15th April2016

For more information onrestrictions during the Fire DangerSeason and how to develop aBushfire Survival Plan, visit theCFS website atwww.cfs.sa.gov.au Flinders1st November 2015-15th April2016

20162016201620162016Term 1: 1 Feb - 15 AprTerm 2: 2 May - 8 Jul

Term 3: 25 Jul -30 SepTerm 4: 17 Oct - 2 Dec

THURSDAYLITTLE MUSICIANS10:30 to 11:15 am at theschool in the Deadly Centre

SATURDAYSFriday 25 March - Good FridaySaturday 26 March EasterSunday 26 March EasterOpal Festival ActivitiesGem Trade Show Coober Pedy

Saturday 23rd April - The 2016Yunta Picnic Races & Gymkhanawill be held at the YuntaRacecourse.

May 7th- Oodnadatta RacesJuly 16th- Oodnadatta Campdraftand Bronco Branding

22 February 20162 May 20164 July 201629 August 201617 October 20165 December 2016

WK LawyersPhone: 08 8361 9148

Email: Admin@wklaw.com.au

COOBER PEDY DATES 2016 duringCourt Circuit.

Weeks commencing -

LEGAL SERVICES

Free initial legal advice to anyone -anytime!

Please contact Andrew and makean appointment prior to his arrival.

ACCOUNTING

2016 Visits to Coober Pedy

1 - 5 February Richard

22 - 26 February Jack

11 - 15 April Richard

16 - 20 May Jack

18 - 22 July Richard

1 - 5 August Jack

5 - 9 September Richard

17 - 21October Richard

14 - 18 November Jack

5 - 9 December JackIncome tax returns lodged electronically

for a prompt refund (within 14 days subjectto the Australian Taxation Office)

We also specialize in providing sound,practical accounting & taxation advice toindividuals, families, businesses & SMSF’s

Other services provided –

preparation & lodgment of business activitystatements (BAS); registration for ABN’s,GST and Tax File Numbers; establishing newcompanies, superannuation funds (SMSF)and trusts; superannuation advice; taxplanning; preparation of budgets; generalbusiness advice; auditing; capital gains taxinformation, advice & record-keeping

Dates to keep in mind

for 2016:

MOVIES COMING TOTHE DRIVEIN 2016

12-Mar Zoolander 219-Mar Deadpool25-Mar Priscilla:Queen of The Desert2-Apr 10Cloverfield Lane9-Apr Hail, Caeser16-Apr Zootopia23-Apr Batman vsSuperman: Dawnof Justice30-Apr Kung fuPanda 37-May The Lady InThe Van

What’s OnEnquiries

Emailcptimes@ozemail.com.auor

telephone86725920

Thursday 10 March 2016 Coober Pedy Regional Times Page 15

Charlie Paris, Dog Reporter(charlie-paris@hotmail.com)

Dumpster Dive Diet.Only eat food you find for free or other people’s leftovers.When I was a silly little puppy I pulled the rubbish binover and ate a few things. I am still trying to get over it,I may need to see a psychiatrist, it left a bad taste in mymouth.

The Chocolate DietAs long as you eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables youcan have very small amounts of chocolate, popcorn andpasta a day, sorry no meat.

The Breathing DietTighten your butt, put one foot in front of your body,placing most of your weight on your back foot. Then,breathe in for three seconds raising your hands in the air.As you exhale, use your whole body to push the air out ofyour lungs, getting most of it out in the first part. Yourexhale should last seven seconds. The difficult part iscontinuing to push when you don’t really have air to breatheout. Do this six times. It should take about one minute.

The One Day Diet.Because that as long as most people last on a diet.In one day this is all you are allowed to eat; No Salt, NoSugar1 boiled Egg1 small tin Tuna1 Celery stickSmall piece of boiled skinless Chicken6 pieces of steamed BroccoliBlack Coffee

The Cigarette DietIn 1929 a cigarette company advertised “Light a LuckyStrike and you’ll never miss sweets that will make youfat.” We understand more about the effects of smokingnow.

The Grapefruit DietIn the 1930’s grapefruit was believed to be a miraculousfruit with the ability to burn fat. Luckily you can eatthem for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It’s Diet TimeOver Christmas I put on a few kilos, I was happy toignore it. I may have looked a little rounder. I just put itdown to a general lack of exercise over the hot weather.Just my luck that the weather is still hot and my bodyisn’t sexy hot like it used to be.

I’ve looked into a diet plan. The experts say a balanceddiet and watch the size of your meals; that seems to bethe best advice.

However while looking I did find some diets you shouldavoid at all cost.If you think about trying any of these, ask your doctorfirst, even doctors need a good laugh.

There are a lot of high protein and low carbohydrate dietsout there. They should come with a warning!! There areside effects, bad breath, a dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia,nausea, tiredness, constipation and to add insult to injury- weight gain.

The Vision DietWear dark glasses, the food will not look as appealing andyou will eat less.

Olive Oil DietDrink 1 small glass of olive oil before a meal to suppressyour appetite.

Chew your food DietMy Nanna Joan always told my mum to chew your food40 times before swallowing, I don’t know if your mouthgets tired so you eat less, or your brain thinks you havehad enough after 20mins of hard chewing, so you eatless. Try it and let me know. I scoff my food so EmDeedoesn’t get it first.

Potatoes and Vinegar DietThat’s it, that’s all you eat. However, you can cook thepotatoes first.

Cabbage Soup DietThe most famous of bad for you diets, 2 out of 3 peoplewill still have a copy of it in a drawer somewhere. If youdon’t have a copy, ask a friend.

The Beer and Sausage DietThe American inventor of this diet lost a lot of weight bysticking to this diet. I think the only thing that saved himfrom a heart attack is he kept a strict 1500 calories a day.

Baby Food DietI am talking about the stuff you buy from the supermarket.What is missing is fibre, taste and crunch. What you aregetting is lots of sugar. Baby food is addictive. I crossmy heart, this is a real diet.

Sleeping Beauty DietYou can’t eat while you’re asleep. Elvis was a big fan.Need I say more about how well this diet works.

The Tapeworm DietYears ago you could buy a tablet that contained atapeworm, The parasite eats the food you consume, soyou don’t gain weight. The fact that you have a growingparasite in your body is more of a worry than beingoverweight.

A good start to a dietI found some diets that could be more sensible. I’ve hearda rumour that if you exercise as well it has good results.

If you need to have dessert, share with a friend.Never eat from takeaway containers.One snack a day between 3-4 o’clock. That’s when yourbody needs it.Don’t reward yourself with food.Make evening meals special. Sit down at the table, turnoff the TV and enjoy the company and the meal.

Go Fish DietAs long as it isn’t deep fried in batter and served withchips. Grilled with a fresh salad is the best way to startyour diet.

Roo DietKangaroo is high in protein and low in calories. Servedwith salad or vegetables. For that much needed exerciseyou can hop around.

I’ve included a sexy hot photo of my pre Christmas body.

Paws UpCharlie Paris

My trim figure pre Christmas. Not sayingwhich Christmas

Commonwealth Bank staff support young Australians fortenth year by pledging $2 million in community grants

Monday, 29 February 2016: Applications open today fororganisations that support the health and wellbeing ofAustralian youth to apply for a Community Grant, asCommonwealth Bank continues its annual staff-fundedinitiative for the tenth year.

Commonwealth Bank staff in partnership with the Bankwill invest $2 million in local communities across Australiaby awarding hundreds of individual grants, worth up to$10,000 each.

Since the initiative launched in 2007, $11.7 million in grantshave been awarded to more than 1,400 youth-focusedorganisations to support a range of programs on education,health and social inclusion.

“The grants are made possible by the generosity of morethan 13,000 of our current and retired staff donating alittle from each pay to the fund.

“We look forward to receiving this year’s applicationsand encourage eligible organisations across the countryto apply.”

To be eligible for a 2016 Community Grant, organisationsmust support the health and wellbeing of Australians upto 21 years of age and be endorsed by the Australian TaxOffice with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.Applications open today and close at 5.00 pm AEDT onMonday, 28 March 2016. To apply for a grant or formore information, visit commbank.com.au/grants.

The Community Grants program is an initiative of theCommonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund, Australia’slongest running employee contribution program. Staff cancontribute a nominal amount from each pay towards thefund, which is then matched dollar-for-dollar byCommonwealth Bank.

Kylie Macfarlane, General Manager CorporateResponsibility, Commonwealth Bank, said: “Our staff havea long and proud history of supporting the health andwellbeing of young Australians, and our CommunityGrants are just one of the ways we can help improve thelives of Aussie kids.

Page 16 Coober Pedy Regional Times Thursday 10 March 2016