LEONARD’S STORE Gular Preschool€¦ · Check out our Facebook page! WE’RE OPEN! Take away sales ONLY. MON - TUES: 6PM - 9PM WED - SUN: 12PM - 2PM 6PM - 9PM. CALL (02) 6822 1041

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Locally owned and independent since 1885Locally owned and independent since 1885

WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH 2020 Volume 141 Number 9

Email: [email protected] - [email protected]: (02) 6822 1911 Web: www.coonambletimes.com.au

1300 554 070

“Thankyou for giving us a go!”

LEONARD’S

STORE

• Local services co-operate on Coronavirus p3 • Organised sport grinds to a halt p16

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MON - TUES: 6PM - 9PMWED - SUN: 12PM - 2PM 6PM - 9PM

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BUNDY OP & CAPT MORGAN 6% 10pkCans

JIM BEAM & CANADIAN 4.8% 6pk Cans

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KEEP OUR STAFF SAFE BY USING CARD PAYMENTS

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NO STAFF = NO BEERThank you for your cooperation

during this time.

Coronavirus health concerns?Be sure to seek professional information and medical advice.CAHS clinics can do COVID-19 testing for at-risk clients.

• Call your GP on 6822 0000 or 6822 0077 to make an appointment.• HealthDirect - 1800 022 222• Australian Government, Department of Health have a central patient COVID-19 Triage Hotline 1800 020 080

• Showing their plans for the new Gulargambone Preschool to Deputy Premier John Barilaro last week. [L to R] Kirsty Fisher, Belinda Moeris, Cr Robert Thomas, Amii Marchant (Preschool Director), Jason Sharpe, John Barilaro, Ash Walker (Project Manager) Pip Tindall (Preschool staff member), Milla Banks (Trainee) and Haylee Barry with current and future users.

Gular Preschool wins

playground grant

Page 2 Wednesday 25 March, 2020

Local News

WE'RE STILL OPEN!

Call (02) 6822 1937Takeaways, phone orders & home delivery available

(minimum $20 order)

Coonamble Bowling Club practices the Responsible Service of Alcohol. Think! About your choices

Call Gambling Help 1800 858 858 www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

Due to the Government mandated closure of Clubs across NSW as a measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Coonamble Bowling Club will not be open for trade as of 12 Noon Monday 23 March 2020.We will keep our members and guests updated through social media as things change.We thank you for your support and understanding at this time and look forward to the day we can recommencethe service we provide to the community.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR

MEMBERS AND GUESTS

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES.

DEPUTY PREMIER and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro squeezed in a visit to regional NSW last week amid ongoing crisis talks about the NSW Government's response to Coronavirus.

As well as Bourke, Goodooga and Walgett, Mr Barilaro stopped over on Friday 20 March to congratulate the committee and community of Gulargambone Preschool on securing further funding towards their ambitious project.

"It’s always nice when you come to a town with some money and an announcement," Mr Barilaro said.

"I know the preschool has been at the heart of everything the committee has been behind for a very long time and the local

community got in behind and raised a significant amount of money, which is always wonderful," he said.

Mr Barilaro announced a further $329,804 to build an outdoor learning and play area at the planned Gulargambone preschool on along with a bus storage shed, landscaping, irrigation and fencing.

“I am pleased that the NSW Government is able to deliver this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the preschool,” Mr Barilaro said.

“I congratulate the Gulargambone preschool on securing this funding and thank the staff for their dedication and determination to create a new fun learning environment which I

am sure will benefit kids both today and into the future.”

The funding is in addition to the $1.145 million in funding that was awarded to Gulargambone Preschool in 2017 under the Start Strong Capital Works Grant Program.

With $200,000 of their own funds and $15,000 from Coonamble Shire Council, their brand new Preschool is now approximately a $2 million dollar project.

The new facility will be constructed on a site adjacent to Gulargambone Central School.

Preschool Director Amii Marchant said that after some lengthy delays the organisers are relieved that construction is due to start in July this year.

"We expect it will be

a 30 week build," Ms Marchant said. "So with landscaping and all the approvals in place we hope to be in before February 2021." Further more we would not have got this project off the ground without the support of the current government, they are funding over $1.5 million dollars in total.

Project Coordinator and former Preschool parent Ash Walker says that they are particularly pleased that so much of the work will go to

tradespeople from within the region.

"We drew a circle on the map of 100 kilometres around Gulargambone in the centre and made this area one of our selection priorities," Mr Walker said. "We got a very good response and are proud to say that the winning tender has subcontractors from Gulargambone, Coonamble and Gilgandra."

Gular Preschool wins playground grant

• ??????

Local News

Wednesday 25 March, 2020 Page 3

17 Skuthorpe Street Gulargambone, NSWEmail: [email protected]: 02 6825 1666Mob: 0457 082 098

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A MAN has been charged after police allegedly seized Molotov cocktails from a house in Gilgandra.

About 1am Sunday 22 March, officers from Orana Mid Western Police District attended a house in Farrar Street, Gilgandra, after reports of a man acting suspiciously.

Upon arrival, police located a box – in a car parked in the driveway – allegedly containing four Molotov cocktails.

Police spoke with a 38-year-old man, who was arrested and taken to

Dubbo Police Station.Officers seized the box, which also

contained a knife and lighter, which will undergo forensic examination.

The man was charged with possess dangerous/noxious thing with intent to injure, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, two counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Dubbo Bail Court on Sunday 22 March 2020.

Molotov cocktails seized - man charged at

Gilgandra

Department of Planning, Industry & Environment

Expression of interest: Cape and Pipe free-flowing Great Artesian Basin boresLandholders with Great Artesian Basin bores that have uncontrolled flow, or are failing and were constructed before 1965, can apply for efficient, piped water supply systems for improved drought resilience.

Applications close 27 March 2020. Please note that applying does not guarantee funding.

To learn more and submit an expression of interest form, visit industry.nsw.gov.au/cap-and-pipe-the-bores

BL

Z_S

B11

94

COONAMBLE Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) have advised that they still do not have any positive reported cases of COVID-19, however with the virus still active across the state, they encourage increased vigilance about the signs.

Together with Coonamble Multi Purpose Service (MPS), CAHS have instigated local procedures to respond to the Coronavirus health risks in our community.

The Australian Government requires that anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case, or who has arrived in Australia after midnight on 15 March 2020, needs to be self-quarantined and seek immediate medical advice.

Phil Naden, CEO of CAHS also says that CAHS are now equipped to test clients who identify as being at risk of COVID-19.

"Clients attending our clinics will be triaged by clinical staff and, if necessary, will be tested in consultation with a Doctor," Mr Naden said.

"We are pre-screening all clients who contact our clinic."

This means that people ringing to make an appointment will be asked a series of questions and those

who have relevant symptoms or are assessed as being at risk will be asked to have a nose and throat swab.

"If they consent we can conduct the swab in their car or in an isolation room in our clinic," Mr Naden said.

"Our aim is to protect the community and protect people's health and privacy."

While waiting for the results of their test, Mr Naden says people are expected to self-isolate.

"If the test is negative people can go about their business and if positive we will put the necessary treatments in place," he said.

"There's only two health providers in Coonamble, CAHS and Coonamble MPS, so if someone has concerns they need to take it to a medical professional," said Mr Naden. "We are the lead organisations who can provide that advice."

Health Service Manager at Coonamble MPS, Elizabeth Burnheim, says that it is important for people to ring ahead before visiting their GP.

"For those who are at home and perhaps wondering what to do after hours, they can ring the Health Direct 24 hour health advice line 1800 022 222 and speak to either a doctor or a senior registered nurse," Ms

Burnheim said."It's a really good service so

if you're at home and you've got questions you can ring that or the Covid hotline number on 1800 020 080."

Ms Burnheim says she hopes people will not come direct to Coonamble MPS unless it is an emergency.

"We have 20 residents and 8 acute beds that are all full as well as two palliative patients and others on active chemotherapy," Ms Burnheim said.

"They are all very vulnerable to this virus and thanks to the great relationship between our health service and CAHS they have agreed to take the testing to their clinics."

"We are trying to eliminate the exposure of vulnerable people," she said.

The MPS has also introduced strict visiting procedures with a limit of one visitor per patient and no children under 16 years of age except in emergency situations.

"After hours we have a procedure for people who present with symptoms," Ms Burnheim said. "Anyone with a respiratory illness is seen in an isolation room and full Personal Protective Equipment is used."

Both Mr Naden and Ms Burnheim say the success of virus control measures ultimately depends on the vigilance

of community members and that everyone should be following official government advice to avoid spreading the disease but that their services are preparing for Covid-19 to arrive in the district.

"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when," Ms Burnheim said.

Local services co-operate to address Coronavirus concerns

Due to COVID-19 health concerns and social distancing restrictions we wish to advise the community of our current approach to funeral arrangements.Philpott Funerals will continue to operate as we provide an essential service to our community. However, we will be adhering to social distancing rules set by the NSW Health Department, State and Federal Governments. This will, for the time being, mean that:• Indoor funeral services will be limited to a maximum of 100 people and the social distancing requirement of 1 person per 4 square metre rule will apply; and• Outdoor funeral services will be limited to a maximum of 500 people and the social distancing requirement of 1.5 metres between people will apply.Please understand that these rules are evolving and changing and we will do our best to keep you, our community, informed.We can be contacted by phone on (02) 6822 1219 or email to [email protected]

• ABOVE: CAHS CEO Phil Naden.

• ABOVE: Coonamble MPS Health Service Manager Libby Burnheim.


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COVID-19 UpdateI KNOW that there are people in my electorate who are concerned about COVID-19 and what it means for their communities.

I have been in regular contact with the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, who has been briefing me and other Federal Government Ministers on the very latest expert information about the virus.

As a Government, we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and we’ll continue to do all that we possibly can to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians.

The situation is fluid and we need to remain calm, but of course take all necessary precautions.

Many of my constituents would be closely monitoring the Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s regular media conferences on this matter.

As the Prime Minister said in his address last week – please stop panic buying. We will get through this together if we remain respectful and thoughtful towards the more vulnerable people in our communities.

The information at www.health.gov.au includes daily updates, answering

your questions about the latest news, current facts and figures, travel advice, key contacts and phone numbers.

If you are a constituent of the Parkes electorate and you need assistance with any matter relating to the Federal Government, please contact one of my offices in Dubbo, Moree or Broken Hill – my staff would be happy to assist you wherever possible.

I urge my constituents to remain calm and continue with their daily lives as best they can, while respecting the measures which are in place to keep us safe and well.

ANZAC Day servicesAttending an

ANZAC Day service in my electorate every year has always been a staple in my diary. It is an important commemoration where we demonstrate our respect and admiration for ANZACs past and present.

But the way we commemorate ANZAC Day this year will unfortunately need to change, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Cabinet has agreed that ANZAC Day ceremonies and events should be cancelled due to the high proportion of older Australians who attend such events, and

the increased risk posed to these individuals.

Expert advice within Australia and internationally which says that large public gatherings present an unacceptable risk to the community, could not be ignored.

This decision has not been made lightly and has taken into consideration a number of key factors, primarily concerns about the welfare of Australians and other visitors travelling to services.

The Australian War Memorial is planning to broadcast the national Dawn Service to support individual reflection on this important day. The Government will also be exploring other opportunities to ensure all Australians have the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

As a nation we recognise the importance of ANZAC Day, and on 25 April this year I encourage my constituents to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Backing female entrepreneurs

The Coalition Government is backing female entrepreneurs

to grow their ideas and create jobs, with an $18 million funding program now open.

The Boosting Female Founders Initiative will provide grants to women with start-ups that need support to grow. Competitive grants of between $25,000 and $400,000 are available on a co-contribution basis for projects that are majority owned and led by women.

This is designed to address some of the challenges experienced by women who are trying to take their start-ups to the next level.

I’m hoping that with this support, we can get some great job-creating, economy-boosting projects off the ground in the Parkes electorate.

The Program design follows national consultations with women across Australia, including in rural and regional areas. It also seeks to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with a disability and first-generation migrants.

Applications for Stage 1 – Expression of Interest can be submitted at: business.gov.au/bff before the closing date, 14 April 2020.

DESPITE the widespread upheaval created by the current Coronavirus Pandemic, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana say they will proceed with their Workforce Skills Survey and are asking employers to make time to provide feedback on workforce shortages.

Director of Regional Development Megan Dixon says that even in the present circumstances the survey is an opportunity for employers to make their needs known both in terms of what they are currently facing and with the long view in mind.

"There are about 4000 jobs that we know will be impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak," Ms Dixon said.

"We can model the job losses but it's more important for the businesses to tell us what's happening for them."

"Part of the survey asks where employers see themselves in 12 months and 5 five years' time," she said.

"The survey work is about being in it for the long term and doing the preparation for that."

RDA Orana conducted their last survey two years ago and Ms Dixon says that the results were used to compile the 'Bracing for Change' report which was then taken to government, education and training providers and others.

"We went knocking on doors with that report and I believe it contributed to the Orana becoming the first designated migration area in the state," she said.

"It had an impact on policy."Ms Dixon says 'Bracing for

Change' also led to other positive benefits for communities around the region.

"It triggered some work done by Dubbo, Narromine and Gilgandra Shires through a joint project with Western Research Institute," Ms Dixon said.

"They were able to get funding from the state government for a Local Participation Facilitator."

The 2020 version of the survey provides increased scope for employers to talk about the skills they're looking for in their business.

"It lets us get much more

specific about where the shortages are and letting the employers themselves give us the definition of what a shortage is," Ms Dixon said.

The information is used to create Skilled Occupation Lists.

"We use it with education and training providers, career advisers and we use it with government to get funding for occupational skill development."

Part of it will also help to identify "jobs for the future".

"For example a barista didn't really exist ten years ago," she said. "This time it could be drone operators or something like that, we'll be letting the employers guide us on that as well."

Why should small town employers participate in the survey?

"We are post-coding it so it helps us work out how to help with area-specific shortages and when we need to help promote specific job vacancies," Ms Dixon said.

"It's about providing formal evidence to back up the anecdotal reports we get from around the region."

Workforce skills survey will go ahead

By KEA BROWNING

THE Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has had an impact on not only the events scheduled throughout at least the next six months but also on local facilities themselves.

Quambone Hall was due for a $20,000 renovation, thanks to a grant from the Royal Agricultural Show Society.

But because of the havoc caused by the coronavirus, the Royal Easter Show was cancelled, and so was their Charity Brunch Grant.

"That grant would've done the vinyl on the floor in the kitchen, would've given us a proper, velvet stage curtain, it would've given us stainless steel

preparation tables to go in the kitchen, then there were some sundry linen like tablecloths, knives and forks, some other plates and cutlery, and we were going to do up the steps going up to the stage," said Marg Garnsey, who organised getting the grant for Quambone Hall.

"We've lost all that funding because they didn’t have the Show. We thought that wouldn’t affect our funding but no, it's all gone, just like that."

Ms Garnsey says that losing the grant will have an impact on many people, including the local businesses that she'd quoted to do the renovations, plus all of the people that put in time and energy in securing and planning

for the grant. "And we were to go

down for a presentation of that money at the Royal Easter Show, so we had to book rooms and we can't even get the rooms refunded - that’s $330 for the rooms, that I paid for."

On top of the infrastructure loss for the Hall, the Coronavirus has also seen local events cancelled, impacting the economy in Quambone.

"Marthaguy Races have definitely been cancelled on the 9th of May and now our Polocrosse Carnival has also been canned in July," said Ms Garnsey.

"I'd conservatively put [the economic loss] around $7,000 for Polocrosse and $10,000 for the Marthaguy Races."

Coronavirus causes Quambone Hall

grant lossCOULTON’S catchup

• Megan Dixion, PHOTO SOURCED: rdaorana

Local News


Dear Editor,When I started working with local

businesses, I was shocked to find out just how alone many of our small businesses can feel and how tough they do it. With the ongoing drought, bushfires and now Coronavirus, business owners are particularly feeling the pressure and are unsure of what the future holds.

Most of our jobs in the region, if not all of them outside of government, are created by smaller businesses. Around the country as a whole, one out of every two Australian workers is employed by a small business.

In addition to providing a livelihood for many families, many of the 32,000 businesses in Western NSW, also involve themselves in community building activities, such as kids sports, local charities and events.

That’s why it’s so essential that we all support each other now to ensure our businesses get through this time, sustain employment and keep our local economies as strong as possible.

Many businesses are putting all the necessary precautions in place to look after the safety of their staff and customers.

So, where possible and following #socialdistancing guidelines, keep doing what you normally do like buying your morning coffee, purchasing your meat from the butcher or getting your hair cut.

It is now more important than ever

to purchase our goods and services locally and remember this can be done online or via the phone. I have recently seen lots of local cafes and restaurants offering more take away or delivery options – so it’s well worth looking into!

In particular, we urge the stimulus funding recipients to spend the money with our local businesses.

Cash payments, employee support, and the increase in the instant asset write off to $150,000 will equip many local businesses and consumers with stimulus cash which can go a long way towards helping this situation.

If you are looking for other ways to help a small business, then don’t forget that most of our retailers have gift card options that can be purchased online. I’ve just purchased a gift voucher for a family member’s birthday from the local adventure retailer.

And finally, it’s so important to share your support for our local businesses online via social media and this can be done by liking, sharing or commenting on a post.

The important thing to remember is that we may just have to do things a little differently for the near future, but this will pass and everything we do now as a community will help put Western NSW in the best possible position to move forward on the other side.

Vicki SeccombeRegional ManagerBusiness NSW – Western NSW

Now is the time to work together

To the Editor,

On behalf of the Marthaguy Picnic Race Club I would like to congratulate the Coonamble Jockey Club on the running of the Country Championships race meeting on Sunday 15th March, 2020.

The Race track,

grounds & amenities were presented immaculately.

The way it was organised and run was a credit to the President Ken Waterford and his hard working committee.

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s to everyone who contributed to making it an enjoyable & very

successful day.Well done to all for

showcasing Coonamble, Country Racing and country hospitality at its best.

Doug AndrewsPresidentMarthaguy Picnic Race

Club

MENTAL health, front line services, trust in government and water reform are the top line priority areas for the Federal Government outlined in a report released today by the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt.

A seven member Independent Panel was appointed in mid 2019 to capture the lived experience of individuals, families and businesses across this region and held a stakeholder meeting in Coonamble in October 2019.

The Panel’s report highlights the need for change and immediate action to help alleviate pressure on communities who are really battling and for the need to consider the long term opportunities most likely to assist Basin communities adjust to ensure a positive future.

Chair of the Panel, Robbie Sefton, said “The Draft Report is the result of listening to the families, businesses, First Nation’s communities and experts who not only understand the complexity of the Basin’s conditions but

also recognise the need for a shared vision for change.”

“Our role was to listen, understand and articulate what is happening on the ground and reconcile those lived experiences with the changing political and environmental landscape,” said Ms Sefton.

The Panel also commissioned economic and social research projects which helped to fill identified information gaps.

“Our report’s recommendations cover five key themes starting with a strong partnership between the community and the Government to work together to decide on future deliverables.

“It is clear that water reform has benefited some Basin Communities over the past 15 years and we are not about to strip that away.

However we strongly advocate for the need for flexibility, adaptability and genuine consultation between all groups involved in order to deliver significant and necessary change, particularly when it comes to water policy

and reform,” she said. The Draft Report’s

release launches a call for submissions to provide insights and feedback on the twenty recommendations.

Ms Sefton said, “We are asking the Basin community, whether you represent a local farming family, a community group, a First Nations group or a small business in the Basin, to read the Draft Report and the recommendations and submit your thoughts on the findings to date.”

“Now is the time to contribute to help shape and influence

the conversation with Government on next steps for the Murray-Darling Basin,” she said.

Submissions will close Sunday 5 April, 2020 at 5 pm.

The Final Report will be delivered to the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt, on 30 April, 2020.

To view the report please visit - www.basin-socio-economic.com.au/stay-informed/documents.

To make a submission go to www.basin-socio-economic.com.au/draft-report-submission

Basin Panel report calls for action for Murray-Darling

communities

To the Editor,

Back in the good old days when things were really wet, after the long dry spell, a complaint was made about the lack of mowing at our cemetery.

I felt at the time that this was a bit premature as things were a bit boggy at the time and

mowing would have produced deep wheel tracks creating tripping hazards.

Any way the grounds were mown as soon as practical and all is good.

Our small team of Shire workers are always on the go keeping our town attractive for residents and visitors, they are

always helpful and approachable willing to fix any problems that appear.

Maybe their dedication could be acknowledged now the place is a picture again.

Regards, Will RedingtonGulargambone

To the Editor,

Anonymous letters to the editor are an ethical blindspot at the best of times, surely as it was in relation to my family (the Karanouh’s), in last week’s anonymous letter.

Although unfortunately, this is not a new occurrence. This newspaper is responsible for publishing similar content about my father as well as previous editors and members of the community - yet, where are they now? Who amongst them have stuck around in the community to serve and fulfil duties like my father has term after term, business after business?

However last week’s Letter to the Editor brings with it a new issue, using anonymity when attempting to criticise an individual and more so, their entire family.

My rights have been stripped away from me and not as a daughter, but as a voting, contributing, taxpaying member of society attempting to make an informed decision on the topic at hand.

How are we expected to form an educated opinion on the content provided when we are given no information on where the source has come from? What their motives might be, what their political affiliations are, what their relationship to the person they are criticising was and the history between them?

Made even more complicated by the fact the person concerned is the current serving mayor with elections around the corner – a fact that Mr or Mrs Anonymous conveniently made very clear to remind their readers.

By all means, make sure you do comment, debate, discuss and

object to decisions of council or any public/private body or individual that is currently serving or has served in the past – But why was my family allowed to be mentioned in the letter to the editor? This was, in my view, irresponsible by the Coonamble Times.

I resent that my family was made reference to, without proper evidence or consideration. The insinuation was that my family and not an individual was responsible for an action that we can only describe as a wild accusation.

It’s important to remember that, often times the names of the writer reveal other motives behind a letter, which I believe to be the case in this instance. But make no mistake, my family do not consider ourselves victims of this attack, the only victim here sadly is journalistic integrity, RIP.

When we sign our name to something, is it not a declaration that the information provided is of a true nature? Excluding ownership of information, especially when the information concerns the actions and reputation of an individual, should immediately send warning signs to anyone who values a fair society.

It is the nature of letters to the editor that not everyone agrees with them, as is each person’s right – I am not discrediting the Letters to the Editor section of a newspaper, in fact I believe it to be one of, if not the most important part of a local newspaper as it helps to preserve the right of people in a free society to discuss, question and challenge actions of our government and public institutions, but as leading communication professionals focused on helping restore public trust in the news media will

recommend – anonymous letters to the editor have no place in a fair and balanced community, in fact most newspapers refuse to publish anonymous letters to the editor for this very reason.

If someone has something truthful to reveal, ask yourself why they then would not pen a letter without trying to harm others, state facts and back it up with evidence then let the readers evaluate what they have to say in light of who they are and the subjectivity the individual carries with them in every word written.

Every action has an intention behind it in accordance with the interests and goals of all parties invested in the matter. The same is true in any situation. The same is true in this situation.

If you are confident enough to criticise an individual and their family, you should be confident enough to sign your name, giving the right to the community to assess your character as well so an informed and educated opinion on your content can then be made.

And finally, in relation to the actual accusations of the initial letter, seek the information for yourselves, make educated opinions on the facts presented to you, facts that are easy to find and access for anyone who still values the concept of a fair go.

My father has dispelled rumours on numerous occasions, the proof is in the public service that he has continually put his hand up to fulfil, serving the community term after term.

Signed (proudly),Sana Karanouh Old Bathurst Rd,Woodford, 2778

To the Editor,

I suggest that everyone in Coonamble buy the Coonamble Times, read and recycle by cutting into squares,

supporting a local industry and no need to queue for toilet paper.

Cheers

Don McKenzie“Cresline”, Coonamble

Read and recycle

When the grass grows

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Great idea Don. We were thinking we

might revise our printing format into squares until we realised that newspaper is suitable for long-drop dunnies only.

Championships showcased country racing

Abhoring anonymous letters

We welcome your Letters to the Editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and must include the name, address and telephone number of the author for verification. You may request to have your ‘name withheld’ however the above information is still required. By submitting your letter for publication you agree that we may edit or omit it for legal or space reasons. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not that of the Coonamble Times or its staff. The deadline is 2pm Mondays, however letters may be held over at the editor’s discretion.

Address to: The Editor, Coonamble Times, PO Box 18, Coonamble, 2829Email to: [email protected]

YOUR OPINIONS MATTER

All correspondence received is printed at the discretion of the editor. All correspondence must be signed & include an address & phone number.

Letters to the Editor

Local News


By LIZ CUTTS

A LOCAL community organisation has announced its most successful year yet.

The Baradine & District Progress Association says it is proud of its achievement over the past twelve months contributing more than $1million to the Baradine economy.

A s s o c i a t i o n president, Ted Hayman says this contribution came from over $700,000 generated from commercial activities and more than $350,000 in grants raised for other organisations.

“The association also had a $600,000 grant approved for an infrastructure project, which due to ongoing discussions with State Government has not been drawn on yet; 2019 was a big year for the organisation,” Mr Hayman said.

“I think we have well and truly justified our existence as far as our contribution to the

town’s economy is concerned. But these results could not have been achieved without the involvement and strong support of members.”

Mr. Hayman says that the Baradine & District Progress Association is only one of many community groups across Warrumbungle shire all quietly working and contributing to their town’s welfare.

“It’s unfortunate that many of these groups are not always supported as well as they could be.” Mr Hayman added.

“The Baradine and District Progress Association was established nearly one hundred years ago and over that time the way it operates has changed according to circumstances. With a declining regional economy, the association has moved from a group centred on local fund raising with an inward view, to looking outside its history and its traditional income

sources and aiming for larger projects. In that regard, we have had some success and some disappointment, but even the d i s a p p o i n t m e n t s have helped us move forward.”

One of the groups more recent successes has been the purchase of the Australia Post Franchise and the Baradine Post Office building.

“This gave us the income from the c o m m u n i c a t i o n s tower and secured the operation of Australia Post in the town well into the future,” Mr Hayman explained. “Both these purchases were self-funded by the association.

“The Rural Transaction Centre has continued to operate and once again has delivered a positive service to the community. Our organisation’s strong position is allowing us to move forward and continue to make a difference to the Baradine community.”

$1million boost for Baradine community

By KEA BROWNINGON Monday 23 March, Coonamble's Meals on Wheels started their regular deliveries, but with a surprise added extra – toilet paper.

All Meals on Wheels customers in Coonamble received a free four-pack of toilet paper with their meal order.

"It's an unexpected treat, so they actually don’t know it's coming," said Meals on Wheels Coonamble Joint Service Co-ordinator Julia Taylor.

The toilet paper was donated by Woolworths, who have also organised windows for aged Australians and people with disabilities to shop for their groceries, prompted by the selfish behaviour of shoppers that has seen essential items like toilet paper sold out around the country.

In Coonamble, IGA has recently followed suit, implementing a similar but not enforced shopping window; a welcome measure, as shelves at both supermarkets have been regularly stripped bare of toilet paper for the better part of two weeks.

The toilet paper delivered by Meals on Wheels will be another way to ensure those who need it receive it.

"This has given them - the vulnerable, the elderly and the disadvantaged - an opportunity

to get some toilet paper," said Mrs Taylor

"When they receive their hot meal today or they come in to get their frozen meals, they'll be given a four-pack, so that’s a bit of a bright spot in a dull day."

Mrs Taylor hopes that the toilet

paper will make a difference for existing Meals on Wheels customers, and says they're expecting to do another delivery of toilet paper sometime in the future.

"Hopefully it'll make a difference... I'm sure it will."

Meals on Wheels deliver a precious roll with lunch

• Norm Fulmer is one of the Meals on Wheels volunteers, and got to deliver toilet paper with customer’s meals.

CORONAVIRUS – UPDATE FOR RESIDENTSAs the impact of COVID-19 rapidly unfolds, Council strives to provide residents with information that is current, correct and relevant to its community. Council’s website and Facebook pages will be updated regularly. As challenges and advice will change daily, our staff remains in touch with the right people in order to identify and address priorities. The following simple measures will prevent the spread of the virus – so please adhere to them:• Hand hygiene – regularly clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer.• Cough etiquette – cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or use your elbow, not your hands.• Stay home – avoid close contact with people unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms and stay home if you have these symptoms.• Touching – avoid touching your face and avoid shaking hands with others.• Social distance – maintain a distance from others of 1.5 metres and avoid crowded places.Links to other advice from the Federal and State Governments can be found on Council’s website – www.coonambleshire.nsw.gov.auWHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE FLUSHED DOWN THE TOILETWhile it is tempting to flush nearly anything down the toilet, doing this can cause blockages and damage to the sewer system. In these uncertain times Council cannot guarantee a quick response to system failures and a plumber could be hard to locate.

Here’s what needs to go in the bin NOT THE TOILET:i) Wet wipes Wet wipes are a big no-no. Even the ones that say they’re flushable frequently get caught in pumps and should always be thrown out in a bin instead.ii) Cotton balls, pads and tips

Cotton balls, pads and tips are definitely not safe to flush because they don’t break down the way toilet paper does.iii) Sanitary pads and baby nappies Pads, tampons and baby nappies should also never be flushed down the toilet. They’re products that are meant to absorb water, not break down in it, meaning they’ll only expand when you flush them.iv) Paper towels and tissuesThis one is important as the shortage of toilet paper is leading Australians to rely on tissues or paper towels instead, but they shouldn’t go down the drain. You might think paper towels and tissues aren’t all that different from toilet paper, but they’re simply not designed to break down the way toilet paper does. In the event that you need to use paper towels or tissues in place of toilet paper for any reason, do the right thing and put it in the bin instead.v) Newspaper and phone booksWhile these may be your last resort options they have no place in the toilet!WHAT DOES THAT LEAVE???Not much. Human waste and regular toilet paper are the only things you should flush down your toilet.

OPENING OF COONAMBLE COMMON THIS SATURDAYCommoners are advised that the Common will re-open on SATURDAY 28 MARCH 2020 between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. If you intend to register stock on the Common please ensure that appropriate fees have been paid at Council’s Office so that you can produce your receipt to the Common Manager. Should this not be done Council’s officer cannot accept the stock onto the Common. Fees for the current year are as follows:• Horses & Cattle $ 5.00 per head per week• Levy on Late Payment $12.00 per head per month

CLOSURE OF COUNCIL SWIMMING POOLSThe 2019/2020 swimming season is coming to a close and Council’s swimming pools will close on SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2020.WORKS ON CASTLEREAGH HIGHWAYCouncil would like to inform all travelling members of the public that there will be roadwork on the Castlereagh Highway, 46km north of Coonamble. The work is funded by the NSW Government and will be carried out by Council. Work is scheduled from March to August 2020. Please contact Coonamble Shire Council’s Engineering Department on (02) 6827 1900 or visit livetraffic.com for more information.EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – COONAMBLE RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK Council is inviting expressions of interest for the demolition of the decommissioned ablutions block and the design and construction of one x two-bedroom accessible cabin at the Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park.The scope of works for each project is available from Council’s Office or website: www.coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au. For further information please contact the Project Manager, Wayne Mulholland, on 0419 436 699. Please provide written quotes in envelopes marked: Expression of Interest – Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park – addressed to the General Manager, Coonamble Shire Council, PO Box 249, Coonamble NSW 2829 on or before THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020.WASTE 2 ARTIt’s on again! - Waste 2 Art - watch this space for details.

Coonamble Shire Council

Email: [email protected] Website: www.coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au All correspondence to General Manager - P O Box 249, Coonamble, NSW 2829

Office Hours: 8.30 am - 5 pm General Enquiries: 9.30 am - 4 pm Cashier Ph: (02) 6827 1900 Fax: (02) 6822 1626

TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO REPORT CRIMELocal Police Station 6822 1488Walgett Area Command 6828 6899D.O.C.S 13 21 11

EMERGENCY CONTACTSWater and Sewerage 0428 217 420Council’s Ranger 0427 255 881Other 0458 271 881

HEIN BASSONGeneral Manager


Coronavirus:what is social distancing?

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Keeping a distance of two arms lengths (1.5 metres) from others where you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Including in your home, work and public spaces.

Where it’s not practical to distance (such as on a train or bus) practise good hygiene as always.

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Coonamble TimesCommunity News


Emergency informationEmergency 000

NSW Health contact numbersAlcohol & Drug Information Ser-vice (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599

Mental health 24-hour contactsMental Health Line - 1800 011 511Healthdirect - 1800 022 222COVID-19 Hotline - 1800 020 080

Public Health Units Medical Centre - (02) 6822 0000 or (02) 6822 0077 Coonamble MPS (02) 6827 1100

Other useful numbersChild Protection Helpline - 132 111healthdirect Australia - 1800 022 222Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800Lifeline - 13 11 14National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service - 1800 737 732 NSW Poisons Information Centre - 13 11 26NSW Rape Crisis Centre - (02) 9819 7357 or 24/7 Counselling 1800 424 017Surgery Access Line - 1800 053 456Victims Access Line - 1800 633 063

AMONG the list of names in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List was Pauline James who received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to veterans and their families and to the community.

Although she is now living in the South Western Sydney area, Pauline is no stranger to the Coonamble district and her early connections to local servicemen and women led to a long record of involvement with the RSL and other veteran support services.

Pauline was the eldest of five girls and two boys born in Coonamble to Aileen (Nicol) and Noel Digges. At the time of Pauline's birth Noel was a shearer but he later

went on to own and operate the Billeroy and Wingadee School Bus Runs.

"The last place we lived in Coonamble was up on the Dubbo Road, known as Digges' corner," said Pauline.

"Dad also bred bull terriers at his Coonamble Kennels - he had 56 females and 4 males."

"And he was an SP bookie at Gular," she said.

Her Digges grandparents owned 'Melrose' and her Nicol grandparents were also well-established, with her grandmother related to the district's first Mayor David McCullough.

"I grew up very aware of people's involvement in war," Pauline said. "My grandmother had three uncles in World War I and

only one came home.""In World War II my

grandfather's cousin Charles Richardson DIgges received the Distinguished Flying Cross, so it was always talked about in my family," she said.

"I had a cousin, William Wayne Donnelly from Dubbo who was 19 when he was killed in Vietnam and another Paul Andrew Large who died in the last few minutes of the Battle of Long Tan," said Pauline.

"It was in my life experience and when I was 12 or 13 I'd go down at lunch and help my grandmother on the cake stall for the RSL Women's Auxiliary in the main street outside Easons Store," she said.

"It was my first taste of

community work."In 1969 Pauline was

one of the Coonamble Wool Festival Princesses, with each entrant raising money for various local causes and the winner chosen on the basis of the most money raised.

"Dad and Pat Rogers (then Editor of Coonamble Times) got me into it to raise money for the greyhounds and the weir," she said.

Although Pauline didn't win the Wool Princess title, she learned some useful fundraising and organising skills that would serve her well in the years after she moved with her family to Sydney in 1970.

The OAM was also in recognition of her community work particularly with playgroups and the Returned Services League (RSL) of which her husband Ray, who served in Vietnam with the Australian Navy, is now State President of the RSL. Pauline met Ray in late December 1971 and got married four weeks later in mid-January 1972.

In 1974 Mrs James set up the first Navy playgroup at the Navy Flats at Waterloo and then started another when she and husband Ray and their young daughter, Leah, moved to Lurnea near Liverpool in South West Sydney.

Pauline then became President of 36 playgroups between Liverpool and Campbelltown. Pauline raised her family, now with a son, Paul, whilst her husband Ray was still serving in the Navy.

The family then moved to the Macarthur area of outer South-West Sydney. Ray then left the Navy after 20 years service and joined the Police.

Pauline started working on Labor Party campaigns in the area, whilst raising a family and working

as Manager of Brodie Lighting's Punchbowl and Liverpool stores. Pauline also worked with the local Catholic Parish Church helping young children in local schools.

In 2009 Mrs James became involved in her local RSL Auxiliary, becoming a State Councillor in 2011, Deputy President in 2014 and State President in 2016.

In 2020 she became the State Co-ordinator in charge of all 107 RSL Auxiliaries in NSW.

She also put her fundraising skills to work for ultra marathon runner Pat Farmer.

"Ray trained him for years - not in running but with boxing and how to be mentally tough" she said. "I got a lot of sponsorship for Pat when he ran from Thursday Island to Cradle Mountain."

"My OAM is for Various work which including work with the Labor Party," Pauline said. "In 2007 I stood on the Labour Party ticket for the NSW Upper House - I thought that wasn't bad for a housewife and a girl from Coonamble."

"I'm proud but humble because never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that

anyone would nominate me," she said.

"Getting the OAM is pretty special."

"If it gets my work noticed and someone goes out and buys a token or makes a donation then I'm happy," she said.

Part of this work is for RSL Defence Care which provides assistance for those who served in the Australian Army, Navy or Airforce by providing practical support such as mobility aids, chairs, financial aid and funerals.

"It is for veterans in need," said Pauline. "We won't allow anyone to have a pauper's burial."

To raise funds for this cause Pauline co-ordinates quilting projects with the finished products raffled or auctioned.

"We did our first project in 2014," she said. "I sent out 300 blocks of material and eight quilts were made."

"The first quilt made $37,000 in a raffle."

Other quilts have raised funds for the Invictus Games and Pauline arranged for a quilt to be presented to Prince Harry, his wife Megan and their baby by Governor David and his wife Linda Hurley.

"The baby's quilt was

a wall-hanger of the Gumnut Babies with three little pouches with the Gumnut Baby books in it," she said.

"We also make 'Thank You for the Service quilts to returned servicemen who've done a lot of work for the RSL," she said. "I would love if Coonamble quilters could make one of those."

"I like the quilts because they're made of memories and the stitching is like bringing people together," said Pauline. “I hope to learn how to quilt one day.”

"I don't knit, sew, cook or crochet but I can sell a message and knock on doors," Pauline said.

"I'm a Brigidine girl - I finished all my schooling at the Brigidine Convent School - the nuns created some very strong women.

"But I think I got my cheeky streak from my dad really," she said.

With extended family and friends still in Coonamble, Pauline says she still feels connected to her home town.

"What Coonamble gave me was a community spirit," she said. "I wouldn't have wished to have grown up anywhere else."

Pauline James OAM

• Pauline James OAM (nee Digges) was in Coonamble recently with her husband Ray.

• ABOVE: One of the quilts organised by Pauline James. The quilt is ‘Going Down of the Sun’and was sent to Pozieres in 2016. It was also hung in the War Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney.

The Coonamble Times will continue to be available at our usual outlets and online.

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Tracks @ the ‘Tree 2PM, Saturday 28 March

Armatree Hotel

Improving Farm Business Skills Workshop

8:45AM, Monday 30 March The Hub

Wallabies Out West Match Saturday 18 April

Coonamble SportsgroundPOSTPONED

Coonamble Netball RegistrationsClose 27 March 2020

Coonamble Chamber of Commerce7AM, Thursday 2 April 2020

CJ’s Country Kitchen

POSTPONED

Phone: 02 6822 2427 Fax: 02 6822 2226E: [email protected] Tooloon Street, Coonamble

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Coonamble Times Community News

THE WORD circulated quickly ahead of a St Patrick's Day shindig at the Gulargambone Bowling Club on Tuesday 17 March.

"Peter (Chooky) O'Brien and Trish Phillips came up with the idea," said Gulargambone's leading Irish import Lorna Spora. "He spoke to James Best, who said we've got to get it happening, and away we went."

Mr O'Brien said, "There wasn't much happening, everyone got behind it and it just came together quickly."

Around 60 people, including 8 visitors staying at Gulargambone Caravan Park, were treated to an Irish feast of specially-prepared gourmet Guinness sausages, Guinness beef stew and sides supplied by generous local volunteers and a Gilgandra butchery with the barbeque cooked by

Russell and Cameron Owens.To help create an authentic atmosphere

Mrs Spora also dug into a trove of decorating treasures, "a few bits and pieces" sent by family members over the years for when she might be feeling homesick, that included shamrocks and Irish flags.

"We also used my playlist of Irish music," Mrs Spora said.

It is reported that many a jig was danced, while maintaining a suitable amount of social distancing, and a number of non-Guinness drinkers were seen to be giving the Irish beverage a go.

While one could be forgiven for thinking that the event was sponsored by a certain beer manufacturer, the aim of the night was to bring local residents together, give

the Bowling Club a boost and welcome new Club Manager John and his wife Donna.

"Usually a Tuesday night is very quiet at the Club," said member David Frazier.

"People are asking when's the next one."With licensed clubs asked to close less

than a week later, and any similar events now indefinitely postponed, community members and the Committee of Gulargambone Bowling Club are counting their Irish blessings.

"It was just a great community night," Mr Frazier said.

Peter O'Brien says proceeds from the meal will be donated towards the outdoor furniture at the Gulargambone Multi Purpose Health Service.

Going green in Gulargambone for St Paddy’s Day

• James Best and Mark Zell greet each other in the new style - with elbows.

• [back row] Bernie Frazier, Tom Gadsby, Caitlyn Jubb [front row] Lorna Spora and Cherie Spora.

• [Above] So many Irish connections: Dominic Spora, Brett Lummis and Tim Spora.

• Gary Robson and Steven Colwell seem to be sticking to their usual brew. A few Irish jokes to be told.

• ABOVE: Leanne Lummis and Michelle Charnley.

• RIGHT: Tom Gadsby and Cailyn Jubb. It is rumoured that Tom volunteered to help with the dishes at the end of the night.

Coonamble Roadhousethe hub.Khans SupermarketCoonamble Supa IGACoonamble CellarsWrigley’s General StoreCoonamble Fuel CentreCoonamble NewsagencyCTC CoonambleMcKeown’s Store

Ferguson’s Store, Gulargambone

5 Star Supermarket, GulargamboneEmmy Lou’s Eatery, BaradineTalbragar Street Newsagency, DubboQuambone Store

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Rural News

LIVESTOCK &

PROPERTY SALES

Don Schieb 0428 221 100

Chris Korff0427 005 090

Barley $335/t (feed) Up 5.7%Bids have firmed on the back of the lower AUD and rumoured export sales with buyers becoming more anxious to lock in supply for the coming months.Source: Ag Scientia

Cows 280c/kg (lwt) Down -2.6%Local prices have been supported by renewed restocker demand, however, at this level, the local market is falling out of step with global competitors.Source: MLALamb 941c/kg (NTLI cwt) Down -2%Higher yardings amid producer concerns about price security and future demand, have reduced saleyard competition with heavy lambs the main casualty.Source: Sheep Central

Oilseeds (Canola) $667/t Down -0.9%Australia exported 308,000 tonnes of canola in January, 22% higher than in December. Nearly 75% of this came from Western Australia, however.Source: Grain CentralPulses (Chickpeas) $620/tDown -16.2%Chickpea has switched to new crop pricing, which were approximately $100/t lower. Expectations that growers will favour cereal crops this season.Source: Profarmer

Sorghum $375/t Down -9.6%With late planted sorghum expected to hit the market in June, pricing as a result, is heavily discounted with the market prioritising prompt delivery.Source: Profarmer

Wheat $415/t (H2) SteadyLarge-scale plantings are expected to commence in early April, with estimates of up to 3.5 million hectares of wheat to planted in NSW and Queensland.Source: AWB

Wool 1, 645c/kg (Mel 21mc) Down -5.2%The depreciation of the AUD is effectively masking the heavy price erosion real terms. Price falls exceeded 100ac on much of the Merino offering.Source: AWI

Cattle 742c/kg (EYCI cwt) Down -3.1%Concerns over potential processor shutdowns following a reduction in finished cattle supply and the prices demanded in the current restocker market.Source: Mecardo

Weekly Commodity Report

Report prepared 20 March 2020Source: NSW DPI website

Wool follows other global markets

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FOLLOWING the trend of other global markets, the Australian wool market has suffered prolonged losses in Week 38.

As Melbourne opened the three day sale on Tuesday, it was immediately apparent from the opening lot that buyers had significantly reduced their limits.

By the end of the first day Micron Price Guides (MPGs) had fallen by 29 58 cents, as the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) fell by 19 cents.

The losses continued into the second day, with MPGs across the country falling by another 26 99 cents and the largest losses in Sydney and Fremantle as they came into line with the Melbourne market.

On the back of this, the EMI dropped by 52 cents the largest daily fall in the EMI since January.

The final day saw more of the same, but not at the same rate of the previous two days, as buyers became more confident of the new price levels.

The Eastern MPGs lost a further 3

40 cents, with the EMI falling by 12 cents.

Overall the EMI lost 83 cents to close the week at 1,438 cents per kilogram clean, the largest weekly fall in the EMI since October last year.

The market did at least finish on a positive note, with Fremantle recording increases in its MPGs on the final day of 5 35 cents.

Despite the losses, the national offering increases next week to 49,874 bales, with all three centres in operation.

Results for local wool sold were:AAAM 17.5u 1.0%vm 52.8% yld

$7.40AAALMS 16.3u 0.9%vm 55%yld

$8.20AAAXBLMS 26.5u 1.9%vm 69% yld

$3.70These prices are a reflection of the

lack of confidence in our industry at this time with large offerings and a lack of buyer confidence adding to our woes.

However Willy says it’s still a good time to be in wool.

By KEA BROWNINGON Thursday 12 March, GRDC ran a grains research update workshop at two eight two eight in Gulargambone.

The event started at 8:30 and finished at 3pm, with a half-hour lunch break in between, catered by two eight two eight.

The event drew a crowd of roughly 30 people, and boasted an array of agriculture and environmental expert speakers who provided advice and information.

Andrew Erbacher kicked off the day with a session on cover crops for fallow efficiency, followed by a group discussion with Bill

Burnheim. Strategies for grazing

crops for cash flow and profit was presented by Peter Matthews from NSW DPI, and Kathi Hertel from NSW DPI and Andrew Erbacher then discussed nitrogen, water and disease in the farming system.

Craig Baille from USQ revealed his findings on new technology for the Ag industry, followed by lunch.

One of the more surprising speakers was Dr Steven Crimp, a climate applications scientist with the Climate Change Institute at ANU.

He spoke via teleconference about climate change around the north-west region

and Australia more generally.

He said that the weather in 2019 was record-breaking, and the warmest year on record.

"What was markedly different last year was the maximum temperatures - they were the warmest on record and they smashed the previous records which were established back in 2013," Dr Crimp said.

"Those maximum temperatures averaged across the whole country were almost 2.1 degrees Celsius warmer than the long term maximum temperatures."

He also outlined the climatic shifts in localised weather, not only towards hotter and drier weather, but more extreme weather generally, including extreme cold, frost and rain events.

"We can see is that the number of these extreme temperature events is actually increasing," he said.

At the end of the event, Maurie Street (GOA), Steven Simpfendorfer (NSW DPI) and Graeme Callaghan (Delta Ag) ran a panel answering the questions from the audience.

Alexander Deans, who helped organise the event, says that one of the most important aspects of being in the agricultural industry is being adaptable.

"I think there's certain things we can tweak that we aren't tweaking quick enough," he said.

"Even for the top end guys there's still things we can adapt to; like any industry youre never going to be the best, you just have to keep getting better."

For Mr Deans, the climate change session was a way to get farmers thinking about how to optimise techniques for a changing climate.

"We've just got to manipulate grazing management and farming management," he said. "It basically all comes down to ground cover and moisture capture and fallow efficiency and obviously that inherently affects soil health and wellbeing as well.”

GRDC updates the community on ag-vancements

• Graeme Callaghan from Delta Ag answered questions from the audience.

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Local News

A SMALL group of Carinda residents gathered at the Marthaguy Bridge on Friday 13 March to rally for the Macquarie River in solidarity with other river communities in western NSW and around the world.

"We heard that they were going to do it in Wilcannia and we wanted to show our support for the Macquarie River," said organiser Cheryl Yow.

In Wilcannia, around 100 people participated in a peaceful occupation of the Wilcannia Bridge, where the Barrier Highway crosses the Darling River, stopping traffic until police broke up the protest at about 2pm.

On the same day, a copy of a letter addressed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and written by Indigenous representatives Beryl Carmichael and Barry-Allan Stone, and broadcaster and scientist Ian Sutton, was to be handed to NSW Water CEO David

Harris in Parramatta."We are demanding change in

the way our water systems are managed," the letter said.

"Our primary demand is that water must be taken off the market and water trading ended in Australia. Water is not a commodity."

The letter also called for "an immediate embargo on river diversion, flood-plain harvesting and the pumping of rivers by irrigators upstream."

In Carinda the action was less dramatic and about 20 concerned locals came together from 3.30pm with passers by also stopping for a chat and to join the sausage sizzle.

"Quite a few people have started farming so everyone's busy," Ms Yow said. "It was to let people know that things still aren't right."

"The government and powers that be haven't got it right and it needs to be sorted."

Ms Yow says the Macquarie River at Carinda is maintaining a small flow at the moment, thanks mainly to flows from the Talbragar River, as water from Burrendong Dam is yet to flow the length of the Macquarie.

She says people are nervous about reported plans to build a large water storage at Gin Gin which would catch the flows from the Talbragar.

“That would leave even less water for us," Ms Yow said.

2020 marks the 22nd International Day of Action for Rivers which began in Curibita, Brazil in 1997.

It is promoted as a day 'when diverse communities around the world come together with one voice to say that our rivers matter. That communities having access to clean and flowing water matters and that everyone should have a say in decisions that affect their water and their lives.'

Carinda locals rally for rivers

THE ALLIANCE of service clubs and charities that created Coonamble's Drought Buster Dollars scheme in September 2018 say that there is more than $15,000 in unspent vouchers "still out there".

"This money could be flowing through our local businesses and helping them to keep their doors open and their staff employed," said Rotarian Tracey Harvey.

"If people have received the Drought Buster Dollars we urge them to spend it for the good of the whole community."

N o m i n a t i o n s are received and assessed, with eligible households receiving $300 in Drought Buster Dollars that they can spend in any business in the Coonamble local government area.

Businesses are then reimbursed immediately by Coonamble Shire Council, who manages the account on behalf

of the Alliance.With many already-

strained small businesses now facing a major setback from Covid19, the Alliance members say they want the 'missing' money to start circulating.

"If you have Dollars and are not going to spend it, then please return it so it can be reallocated to someone who needs it," Ms Harvey said. "The main thing is to get it spent."

At their meeting on Tuesday 17 March, Coonamble Shire Council's Director of Community Services Robyn Ryan reported that the fund has received $182,710 in donations since the initiative started.

"So far $145,350 has been dispersed into the local community," said Ms Ryan. "At this stage 60 businesses have been reimbursed for a total of $130,050."

"That means that there is roughly $15,300 out there waiting to be spent."

C h a m b e r of Commerce representative Anita Murray said that a rush of nominations for Drought Buster Dollars had arrived in the lead up to Christmas and that there were still many people who needed assistance.

F o r t u n a t e l y around $20,000 was received in the last couple of months, mainly from Rotary Clubs and generous individuals but little more is expected given the looming economic downturn and competition for donated funds.

"We need to account for the funds we've distributed before we can start sending out the remainder," Mrs Murray said.

The Alliance agreed and plan to set a deadline for spending and claiming the funds "once things settle down."

Contact Coonamble Shire Council for more information.

Drought Buster Dollars missing in action

• ABOVE AND LEFT: Local residents from around Carinda rallied on Friday 13 March to raise awareness of the plight of the Macquarie River.PHOTOS supplied.


Local News

BARADINE NEWS................................................By THE YOWIE

WELL, how things can change in a week and the country is now in almost complete lockdown due to controls to try to keep the Corona Virus – Covid19 - from spreading through the community. The new controls will have a great impact on our community both within the family unit and socially, changing how we do our day to day living and business. It is vitally important that residents comply with the social distancing and strict hand hygiene and cough etiquette recommendations and if you are unwell stay at home. Coonamble and Baradine has a high proportion of “At Risk” residents and to keep the impact of the virus down in the community it is up to everyone to comply with the new controls and keep the community safe and healthy. If you are concerned – ring the GP surgery in the first instance or the Health Direct line. The Hospital and Rest Homes in the district now have strict limitations on patients

and visitors and those who require medical assistance are advised to ring first for advice. Residents are reminded that all children under 16 are not allowed to come to the hospitals unless requiring medical attention.

Corona kills MorrambillaAnother casualty of the

Corona Virus is the cancellation of all Morrambilla events for the foreseeable future and just about every thing has been cancelled including all sporting events for at least 6 months. The country is in a serious situation and will be until this crisis has evolved and lifestyles will have to change- this means if your children are off school they stay at home, otherwise they must practice social distancing when out in the community.

More rain?We have been experiencing

some lovely March weather and with hopefully some rain this week there has been a lot of activity on

the farms getting winter crops in, however there was no rainfall in the district last week.

Birthday GreetingsOn a happier note, greetings go

to Alice Harris, Anna Arndell, Tayla Dunn, Tom Skinner and Regan Siemsen who all have birthdays this week.

William CampbellOur deepest sympathy goes out to

the family of William “Billy” Campbell who passed away aged 75 Monday 23rd at Port Macquarie after a long illness. Billy was born in Baradine in 1944 to Ted and Sylvia Campbell and had lived on the property “Wagga” all of his life farming sheep, cattle and cropping. He was well respected in the community and took a part in all community activities only retiring off the farm last year. He will be sadly missed by his siblings Cecelia Beveridge (Baradine), Kenny & Mary. He will also be very sadly missed by his wife Robyn and his children Kate, Justine, Rachael and James and their

families ,his Mother in Law Moy Lane (Baradine) and his many lifelong friends. At the time of writing no funeral details were available.

Ross MillerWe also extend our sympathy to

the family of Ross “Rosco” Frances Miller who passed away in Dubbo on Sunday morning aged 70. Rosco was born in Baradine and was the son of Norman and Faith Miller and was also a life long resident of the Baradine district. He lived at “Ercourt” in Kenebri where he and his parents farmed . He was the brother to Judith and will also be missed by his extended family and his many friends in Baradine.

CWA Meeting Last Monday the CWA

Castlereagh Group has its meeting at the Baradine Bowlo hosted by the Baradine CWA branch. The meeting was very successful but sadly probably one of the last to be held for a few months. In the handicraft competition Chris Munge and Brenda Croxon from Baradine were winners in their sections and their items were to go on to the State finals to be judged. However the news came through that afternoon that the State conference to be held in Newcastle this year was to be cancelled due to the Corona Virus. With the cancellation of the Sydney Easter Show CWA NSW will be hugely out of pocket severely limiting their drought relief assistance and other charitable activities within the states. The guest speaker was Dez White, Regional fire Controller for the RFS in Coonabarabran who gave an interesting talk on her role and keeping ourselves safe during the fire season.

T h i r d thursday club practice social distancing

On Thursday m o r n i n g , practicing social distancing, the Third Thursday

Club welcomed Coonabarabran author Elizabeth Macintosh to the town. Elizabeth is a published author of children’s books and gave an interesting talk about the writing of these books. She also read some sections of her books set in the Pilliga and Sliding Springs which have been well received. Unfortunately due to the Corona Virus a couple of book launches have been cancelled.

Baradine store saved from new laws

Most businesses in Baradine will not close as they fall under the essential services criteria and the library in Baradine will remain open as usual. The Coonabarabran library announced that customers will be able to borrow up to 40 items at a time for 6 weeks however all other library activities have been suspended.

No show for BaradineSadly the Baradine Show had

to be cancelled and this was disappointing for the committee as it was shaping up to be the best on the circuit. The showground was looking really good with the new cattle yards installed and more good news the committee were informed of a success with a grant which will, mean the construction of a steel framed canteen and bar facility and demolition of an old unused toilet block. The upgrade also includes improvements to the pavilions, stock loading ramps and sheep pavilion and they will be all installed in time for next years show.

• Dez White, RFS Rural Fire Controller with Judy Hayman, Maxine Finlay, Rebecca Middleton and Betty Bunner at the CWA Group meeting last week.

• Elizabeth Macintosh speaking at the Third Thursday Club last week.

Battery theftBetween Friday 20

March and Monday 23 March unknown person/s have gained access to Coonamble Shire Council deport on the Back Gulargambone Road. The person/s broke into two vehicles and stole two batteries.

Smashing it Between Saturday 21

at 9:30pm and Sunday 22 March at 8:00am, unknown person/s have smashed a car windscreen in Simpson Avenue.

Desperate for loo paper

At 2:30am on Thursday 19 March, a 27 year old woman was driven to a local motel and has broken into the laundry room and stolen some items, reportedly including toilet paper and cleaning products.

Battery theft (2)Between Friday 13

and Tuesday 17 March, an unknown person

has gained access to a fire truck parked at Coonamble RFS, taken a battery out of the truck and siphoned fuel.

I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo

At 10:30pm on 17 march, a 31 year old man has followed police up the back driveway of Coonamble Police station. He followed the officers into the back car park where he was confronted by police, who searched him. When they were searching him, he pulled his pants down. He was arrested in Coonabarabran and will appear at Coonabarabran Local Court on 24 April on 13 charges, including trespassing.

Whisky tango foxtrot On Tuesday 17

March at 9pm, a 25 year old male went to a bottle shop of a local hotel. He walked behind the counter and picked up a 700ml bottle of whisky

and walked out of the store without paying. He is still outstanding on these matters.

Kids these daysThree for sale signs

outside a house on Zoccoli Street have been damaged around 2pm on Monday 16 March. It is believed that school children were the perpetrators.

Not toilet paper this time

Between Friday 6 and Sunday 15 March, a house on Yarran Street was broken into. The perpetrator gained access through a window and stole some home entertainment equipment. No suspects have yet been identified.

Bowling Club Bandit

At 2pm on Sunday 8 March, a 27 year old male has gone to the Bowling Club to collect the winnings from a pokies strip. The man had been banned from the club

so staff cashed the strip and then asked him to leave the premises. As he went to leave, he walked past a table, picked up a Keno card holder and threw it towards the staff member working behind the bar. As he walked out, he also punched a hole in the wall by the door. He has been charged with trespass, malicious damage, intimidation and common assault, and will appear at Coonamble Local Court on 21 April.

Bowling Club Bandit (2)

At 8:45pm on Saturday 14 March, a 27 year old man, currently banned from the premises, entered Coonamble Bowling Club. He was asked to leave but started abusing staff members. When he was leaving, he punched a wall in the foyer. He was arrested and charged with trespass, malicious damage and

possess housebreaking implements.

Children can be so creepy

At 2am on Friday 13 March, a young person broke into a house on Wingadee Street. He gained access through the front door and was standing in the house and trying to cover his face. Someone was home at the time and recognised him, calling the police. He's been arrested and charged with break and enter and will appear at Coonamble Children's Court on 22 April.

Candy crimeAt 7:15pm on 10 March,

a 31 year old man was pushing a pram through Wrigley's store. He began to look through a box of confectionary on the counter, before putting one bag in his pocket and two on the counter to pay for them. A worker saw the incident occur on CCTV footage and confronted the man,

who gave the bag of confectionary back. No action was taken.

U n r e s t r a i n e d parenting

On 10 March at 10:30pm, a 27 year old man was stopped on Greene Avenue. There was a child sitting in the backseat without proper restraints and not sitting in a booster seat. He was issued with a traffic infringement notice - drive with passenger four years or older but less than 7 not restrained.

Alarming At 7:20pm on 8 March

at St Brigid's Catholic Primary School, an alarm was activated at the sports shed. The following morning, staff found the gate damaged by bolt cutters. The perpetrator appeared to try to gain access to the sheds but nothing was stolen.

Young people break and they enter

On 8 March, there was

a break and enter on Simpson Street between 7:30 and 8pm. Three young persons smashed the laundry window and climbed in. Someone was home at the time, and the young persons were stopped. A tool was stolen and used to break in but nothing else was stolen or damaged. One young person charged with break and enter, and investigations into the incident are continuing.

Q u e e n s l a n d drivers...

On Monday 17 February at 8pm, a 42 year old man was driving along Castlereagh Street and stopped for an RBT. The checks on his license revealed his Queensland license had been suspended. He was charged with drive whilst suspended and will appear at Coonamble Local Court on 19 May.

POLICE BEAT


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If you love music & have a few hours to spare,

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Phone: 6822 2919

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Last Week’s Answer

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGCoonamble District Chamber

of Commerce7AM (with breakfast),

Thursday 2 April 2020CJs Country Kitchen,

Castlereagh St, CoonambleCoonamble Shire Council will update us on Masterplan and Economic Development

All business owners and managers within the Shire are welcome to attend.

RSVP: [email protected] or call 0428 222517

Saturday Ladies Open (Yr7 and over) Saturday Juniors (5 year olds - Yr 6) Monday Mixed Open (Yr 7 and over)

Cost Senior (18+) $90.14 + $20 per comp

Juniors (11-17) $68.48 + $20 per compNetsetgo 5-10) $66.19 + $20 per comp

Plus $2 online processing feeREGISTRATIONS

mynetball.com.au Regos Close 27 March 2020

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Gift vouchers also available!

On behalf of Coonamble Shire Council

Regional Procurement is calling Tender: SPT181920COO Construction

of DN300 Sewer Rising Main.Tenders are invited and will be received up to

10.00am on Wednesday 15 April 2020.Contact: Mark Kentish on (02) 4978 4017 or

Support Services on 4978 4046. Visit www.tenderlink.com/regionalprocurement

to download the tender documents for a non-refundable fee of $50.00.

St. Brigid’s School Parents and Friends

Invite you to the 2020

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held on

Tuesday the 24th of March

at 6pm

at St Brigid’s School in the Staffroom

New members needed. All Welcome! Nibbles will be provided.

School AssistantPart Time Temporary Position

30 hours per fortnightCommencing : By negotiation - 18th DecemberApplications are invited for the above position from persons who demonstrate a commitment to the aims and philosophy of Catholic

education.An application form for this position can be

obtained from CEDB website at www.bth.catholic.edu.au

Further details of this position, including the selection criteria may be obtained by contacting

the Principal on (02) 68221511 A valid Working with Children Check Number is required for this position and must be provided at the time of application. To obtain a Working with Chidren Check Number visit www.

kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au Completed applications are to be submitted to:

The Principal St Brigid’s Primary School COONAMBLE NSW 2829

Email:[email protected]

Applications close; Thursday 26 March 2020 at 3pm

The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst is an equal opportunity employer.

St. Brigid’s School Parents and Friends

Invite you to the 2020


To be held on

Tuesday the 24th of March

at 6pm

at St Brigid’s School in the Staffroom

New members needed. All Welcome! Nibbles will be provided.

Canteen SupervisorPart Time Temporary Position

15 hours per fortnightCommencing : 30.03.2020 - 19.12.2020

Applications are invited for the above position from persons who demonstrate a commitment to the aims and philosophy of Catholic education.

An application form for this position can be obtained from CEDB website at

www.bth.catholic.edu.auFurther details of this position, including the selection criteria may be obtained by contacting

the Principal on (02) 68221511 A valid Working with Children Check Number is required for this position and must be provided at the time of application. To obtain a Working with Chidren Check Number visit www.kidsguardian.

nsw.gov.au Completed applications are to be submitted to:

The Principal St Brigid’s Primary School COONAMBLE NSW 2829

Email:[email protected]

Applications close; Thursday 26 March 2020 at 3pm

The Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst is an equal opportunity employer.

MEETING NOTICE


5PM, Thursday 2 April 2020

COONAMBLE PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C

CPS Staffroom in office building

Joss Facility Management are looking for cleaning staff to work at local Government

sites across regional NSW.

PPE, Training and Uniforms provided.

Applicants need to provide a valid Working With Children Check upon application and successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical

prior to commencement.

Please contact Joss Facility Management via email on [email protected]

CLEANERS REQUIRED

My first is in bridge, but not in ridge.My second is in awake and in mistake.My third is in danger, but not in ranger.My fourth is in flange and in orange.

My fifth is in spline and in nine.My last is in river and in diver.My whole likes the darkness.

What am I?

Peru

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Local News

By KEA BROWNING

WITH the local gyms closed down until further notice, the health minded in the Coonamble community are inevitably planning their at-home workouts.

However for those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cancer, getting in your daily dose of exercise might prove to be a challenge when confined mostly indoors.

But it's more important than ever - not only does exercise support our immune system, it also serves us by boosting our mental health during these anxious times.

Matthew Hurley, an accredited exercise physiologist, outlined some of the ways in

which people with health conditions can stay fit and healthy.

He says that people with more severe conditions should speak to their GP about the right exercise for them.

"The more chronic the condition is, the more careful you need to be," he said.

"If you do have a chronic condition, you know your limits."

"The best thing to start with is light activity."

Light activity includes cleaning and house work – vacuuming, gardening, household maintenance.

"It's non-structured exercise that has more bang for your buck because we're doing it more regularly," said Mr Hurley.

He also suggests doing modified squats, push-ups using dining room chairs and wall sits for light bodyweight exercise.

It is also recommended that people do 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.

"This could be a brisk walk – not casually strolling, but with a bit of a pace behind you, so you get a little bit puffed but are still able to make small conversation."

However, for those with conditions affecting the lungs or heart, Mr Hurley recommends being more careful about getting puffed.

And for anyone with heart conditions or vertigo, for example, he warns against heavy

and high intensity activity, including any exercise that includes quick lying down to standing motions.

For people generally, working out at home might be new, but it should become a part of your daily routine to keep your body and mind healthy and build immunity.

"It's just about doing some kind of movement, even 10 minutes a day," Mr Hurley said.

"It could just be some star jumps, push ups and squats, but exercise is about building the habit, so something is better than nothing."

Online exercise classes are also a handy way to stay fit and explore the right exercise option for you.

You can also buy

resistance bands, suspension system or gym rings, dung bells, but Mr Hurley says you don’t necessarily need any equipment to get a great workout at home.

“Drink enough water, get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and if you’re finding that you’re starting to feel a little off, exercise can help,” he said.

“In isolation, your mental health can struggle, and exercise can be a great help there.”

Keeping active with chronic conditions

• A wall sit is an example of a light bodyweight exercise. PHOTO: Supplied.

Vale Henry ‘Puss’ Robinson22-12-1955 to 30-11-2019

HENRY Thomas Robinson was born on the 22nd December 1955 in the Bush Nurses home at Quambone to Margaret and Robert ‘Tracker’ Robinson. He was their second eldest son and one of 12 children. They lived in a tin hut with no running water or electricity on the banks of the Merri Merri Creek. Times were tough

in those days but he grew up happy and loved and he always said “I’m tough me mate! I’m a Robbo!”

Henry Thomas R o b i n s o n affectionately known as ‘Puss’ started school in Quambone before heading to Coonamble High School. Little did he know he would end his working career there some 45 years later.

He didn’t like school and Aunty Lucy recalls Nan having to chase him around to get him to go but he made many friends and some friendships would last a lifetime.

Uncle Puss had many careers in his lifetime. He recalls his first job working in the woolsheds for Contractor Max Croxon at the age of 16.

He tried his hand at working on the many sawmills around Coonamble including Ceelnooy, Wooleybah and Gilgooma. It was after a hard day at the sawmill, he packed up and decided it was not for him anymore.

This lead him to an opportunity to work at the local hospital as grounds keeper and general assistant. At first he was only supposed to be there for 12 weeks but that 12 weeks turned into 22 years.

After leaving the hospital in 2000, he was fortunate to pick up a teaching aide job at the high school. He was there from 2001 until he retired in 2016.

Along the way he meets his wife Robyn and fondly recalls picking up his pumpkin from the Coonamble train station in their early days when she would come to Coonamble for work around 1975.

They started a life together living at Gilgooma when he was still working on the sawmill but then moved back into Coonamble and not long after, along came Neil their eldest son in June of 1977 and a few years after Gavin in November of 1980.

Uncle Puss and Aunty Rob’s family didn’t just finish with Neil and Gavin. They

officially became foster parents in 1993 and have had many, many foster children in their home over the years.

They would come and go but some stayed and became family.

Becoming a grandfather was the highlight of his life, he loved each and every one of his grandchildren and would do almost anything to give them what they wanted. Uncle Puss and his family lived in many homes in Coonamble over the years including Nash St, Broad St and King St then finally settling in Hickey St.

Uncle Puss loved his sport! He played many sports over the years including cricket, which we fondly remember the legendary ‘Calypso’ team he played in with his brothers; Touch Football - the mighty Coonamble Hotel team, Darts, Lawn Bowls and Tennis.

He always did say he was a mean doubles player with his sister Brenda, he reckons no one could beat him at the net! and then there is football, he was mad about footy!

He played for many years for Coonamble and Gular and reckons he was a gun prop and centre.

This love of football only deepened when his boys started to play. He coached his son’s junior and senior league teams from 1981 onwards winning a few premierships along the way.

Uncle Puss was not someone to sit idly by when he thought he could help. He was an active community member and became a board member of many local services and organisations here in Coonamble.

Places including the Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Aboriginal Medical Service, Coonamble Bowling Club and the Coonamble Rugby League Club.

In 2017 Uncle Puss and Aunty Rob were presented with Life Memberships for their many years of tireless work for the Rugby League club.

Uncle Puss loved to spend time with his family and close friends, he was always up for having a good yarn.

We recall one time, while sitting around having a yarn, him telling us why he didn’t eat pork. He was about 9 or 10 and he had a little pet pig named ‘Porky’. It uses to follow him everywhere. He loved that little pig.

He came home from school one afternoon

to find porky missing and to discover roast pork for dinner. From that day on, he swore off pork but not bacon!!

Another yarn was how he learnt to ride a horse, but no one can tell it better then Uncle Buck.

Uncle Puss loved nothing better than a good game of cards! We remember many days and nights laughing and playing for money but mostly bragging rights.

He also loved to have a few beers after a long day at the footy and punt at the club on the weekends, He often got a winner by backing number 9 in the last race at Melbourne!

Uncle Puss leaves behind many family and friends both old and new.

We all have fond memories of his happy go lucky ways. He will always be missed but he is forever in our hearts.

Henry was the beloved husband of Robyn, father and father-in-law of Neil and Anthea, Gavin, Barry and Sarah, Grant and Hanna, and Evelyn.

Special foster parent to too many to mention.

May he rest in peace.

• ABOVE: The late Henry (Puss) Robinson, 1955 - 2020.


Sports News

A GLIMPSE of the 2020 Christie and Hood Castlereagh Leaguetag season that could have been was exhibited on Saturday 14 March at the Coonamble sports oval when the Coonamble Bears hosted the annual season opening Leaguetag and Youth League knockout.

Eight of the nine teams in the Castlereagh league competed with Baradine Magpies coming out victors at the end of the day against the Coonabarabran Unicorns.

The Coonamble girls had some success also winning the Repechage final against the Gilgandra Panthers.

The Bears first opponents for the day was a tough Coonabarabran outfit, it was a good hit out for the girls with some new faces and combinations being tested.

It was also the first game under the guidance of new coaches Sam Turnbull and Damien Lee.

The Unicorns proved too good with the hosts defensive errors also aiding in their 10-0 defeat.

Coonamble still had some fight in them to try and prove they are a threat this year and took on the Binnaway Bombshells next, the Bears showed better team effort in both attack and defence.

Tayla Pennell scored after Katie Kelly made a break down the sideline, with a quick play the ball Tayla scooted out of Dummy Half to cross the line for the Bears first try and close the gap on Binnaway who scored first, 4-6 after a missed conversion from Coonamble.

Katie scored next after a solid pass from Sam

Turnbull put her into a hole and ran 50 metres, stepping multiple defenders on her way. Sam’s conversion gave the Bears the win 10-6.

After a long day of play the Coonamble girls came up against the Gilgandra Panthers in the Repechage final.

The Panthers were quick to attack putting first points on the board and converting, leading 6-0. Katie Kelly scored her second try of the day to even the score with a successful conversion by Sam, 6 all.

Newcomer Amie Plunkett scored her first ever try on the wing after some brilliant team effort to send the ball out wide, creating the overlap.

An unsuccessful conversion brought the final score to 10-6, Coonambles way.

Some other standouts from the day were Emily Ryan, Mickayla McEwen, Sally Taylor and Jess Solomon with some big runs throughout all games.

Coaches Sam and Damien were happy with the team’s performance overall, with the girls progressively gelling as a team more throughout the day and the implementations of what’s been practiced at training.

They said it was a good first hit out as a new team and were looking forward to a successful 2020 season.

There will be much disappointment given the abrupt halt to the season for the promising line-up.

By THELMA LEONARD

Social Bowls season cut short

ALL social bowls to cease due to corona virus. Tuesday 17 March was the final game of social bowls for an indefinite period due to Corona Virus restrictions. Once again an excellent field produced some very close games. J.J’s winning streak was finally broken but only by a count back for runner-up.

Overall Winners: Shannon Tandy, Helen Crocker and Jo Lee on 21 points.

Runners-up: Audrey Harris, Charlie Hughes and Ken Moody on 20 points.

Great to see Ken back and in the winners circle.

By Narelle MayohFINALLY, the lady golfers have started their nine hole competition after rain stopped them playing the previous week. The course is slowly recovering after one of the worse droughts.

On Wednesday 17th March the ladies played a nine hole stableford and although Pauline Whites handicap was reduced to 18 on the new world handicapping system it seems it made made no difference because Pauline won with a miraculous 16 stableford blitzing her closest rivals by 6 points.

Donna O’Malley came second on 10 points and that was by a bit of luck because Donna won on a count back

from Pam Goldsmith and Helen Crocker also on 10 points.

The nearest to the pins were A Grade Donna O’Malley, B Grade Helen Crocker and C Grade Lenore Green.

Robyn Newley has sent changes because of the Corona virus. One rule is that you are required to MARK your own score because of other players hand contact on your

card. You are still required to verify your score with the other player or players and it is also not necessary to hand your card in. Other methods of verifying what you have could be by reading your card to the captain.

Orange Ex Services have now officially closed and all members will now play at Wentworth after renovations. The Western Districts Pennants and the Western Districts Open Tournament have been cancelled this year due too the Coronavirus which is striking the world with over 4,000 deaths.

So please read your email on changes to the temporary rules. This is why all these precautions have to be taken such as other players not touching your ball or scorecard and staying a responsible distance from you.

Donna has asked if you want to play could you possibly ring her or text her the night before or very early on the day so she can prepare for the day’s golf. Golf will be on but could be cancelled at anytime due to the virus so good golfing and stay well.

Pauline blitzes the field

Leaguetag’s first hit-out for 2020 - hopefully not the last

COONAMBLE Greyhound Racing Club held a last minute meeting on Sunday 15 March after receiving a late transfer from a cancelled event elsewhere in the region.

Although there were nine races in the program it was very quiet at the track.

Club member Damien Lee says that only Coonamble and Dubbo will continue to race for the foreseeable future with other clubs in the zone, including Coonabarabran, Mudgee and Tamworth, voting to call it quits.

“Only trainers, handlers and track staff will be allowed on course,” Mr Lee said.

“No owners or spectators will be allowed and there will be no canteen and no on-course betting because exchanging cash is not permitted under the new rules.”

At this stage Dubbo will be holding a meeting this coming Friday and local trainers are grateful that they can continue to race their dogs, despite the limited field.

“With just the same small number of people involved it should be safer,” Mr Lee said.

Coonamble Greyhound Racing Club does not have another meeting scheduled until Easter.

Greyhound racing set to carry on

Ph 02 6822 1444 www.halcroftandbennett.com.au

77 CASTLEREAGH ST, COONAMBLE NSW 2829

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

“Newport” Coonamble

DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein has been gained by the vendor. While Halcroft & Bennett Pty Ltd have no cause to doubt its

accuracy, We have not verified it and make no guarantee or representation about it. Images and pictures displayed are indicative representations and

we advise interested parties to verify all information independently.

Best of both worldsCountry living only minutes from town! Opportunities like this don't come often!• Large family home on approx 25 acre block of land• Beautifully manicured gardens and a large 2 storey brick and weatherboard home. • Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and three spacious living areas, kitchen with ample storage. • Reverse cycle air conditioning, plus an open fireplace. • Recently painted throughout and new blinds fitted. The vendor's decided not to put new carpet down, but will replace when a new owner is found.• Paved undercover area's looking out to well-maintained gardens with pop up sprinkler system and an in ground swimming pool and spa.• Ample sheds, 4 Stables, Silo, rainwater tank, you can even spend your nights gazing the stars, planets or galaxies in your very own observatory.• This property has a bore license included in the sale, run a few cattle or sheep on your very own hobby farm.

CALL FIONA 0487 221 100 OR MARY 0408 262 075

NEW LISTING

• Graham Pickering, Bobby Green and Aiden Lee in a field of greyhound handlers during the days when more people could attend the meetings.

• Jay Ewers tries to dodge the Baradine magpies on Saturday 14 March. PHOTO Peter Sherwood

COONAMBLE Wanderers Tennis club has been issued the following guidelines for continued play.

For tennis to remain open, everyone must play their part. Tennis NSW is keen for our outdoor courts to remain open to help ensure people remain active. However strict social distancing measures must be implemented.

Our courts will remain open for court hire with a maximum of 4 persons to a court.

We will continue with our social tennis on Wednesday evenings starting from 6pm.

However only people core to playing should attend tennis activities players, coaches.

Those playing are asked to arrive and

leave as close as possible to when you need to be there.

Tennis has the unique advantage as a sport which requires no direct contact between players and the maintenance of the 1.5metres distance is easily achievable on a tennis court.

If you have been in contact with someone with COVID -19 in the last 14 days or recently returned from overseas and or been in contact with someone who has or is in a high-risk category, stay at home.

Our club has been given clear directives regarding the use of tennis equipment and the facilities. Players will be made aware of these procedures before taking the court.

The clubhouse and toilets will be closed as our venue is run by volunteers and we cannot guarantee the quality control of the indoor surfaces.

As much as possible we want to keep people playing tennis.

These are difficult times and we need to keep active.

Our social tennis is being played on Wednesday evenings from 6pm however if you are looking to play at another time please contact Lisa Wheeler and confirm the court hire arrangements.

By LISA WHEELER

Wanderers Tennis Club News

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CANCELLED -Organised sport grinds to a halt

IT is not just the national football codes that have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The progressive measures designed to restrict the spread of the disease have brought most local team sporting competitions to a halt with all Clubs moving to safeguard their players, supporters and the wider community.

Coonamble Bowling Club was one of the first to take action, cancelling all social and competitive rounds as early as March 17.

Coonamble Junior Cricket Association called off their competition just one week out from the season Grand Final and presentation day which was set for last Friday evening.

Also with only one night's play remaining, Coonamble Touch Football Association President Stephen Glover sent out a message to players on Monday 23 March that the remainder of the Touch season

would be cancelled due to safety concerns for players and spectators.

On March 18 a special meeting of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) Board agreed to postpone all Community Rugby League until at least 1 May 2020, effective immediately. The Coonamble Bears fell into line cancelling all training and games.

Junior Rugby League and Netball received notice that Group 14 had postponed the start of the 2020 season until after the end of school holidays on 2 May when the situation will be reassessed.

Local Group 14 Clubs immediately suspended all training for both Netball and Football until further notice.

Coonamble Rams Rugby Union decided to cancel their 2020 Season Launch involving golf, barbeque and family games that had been set for 28 March and passed

on the recommendation from Rugby Australia to players and supporters that all community rugby would be postponed until the first week of May.

As the recommendation covers Rugby matches, Rugby training and face-to-face Rugby education courses the decision sidelined Coonamble Junior Rugby and also foiled the Coonamble and District Education Foundation's plans for their Classic Wallabies Out West weekend on 18 April. The major community event was to include clinics, masterclasses and matches, and was expected to bring thousands of people to Coonamble. Fortunately the opportunity will still be available in 12 months' time, with CADEF and the Classic Wallabies agreeing on a new date of 17 April 2021.

GulargamboneGulargambone Rugby

Club also announced the cancellation of their Season Launch Lunch set for 22 March which would have marked the beginning of their 40th year. Club members are hopeful for a re-set for the event and the season.

The Gulargambone Bowling Club has also called off all bowling in response to the tightening restrictions.

Horse SportsOn 20 March the Australian

Polocrosse Association contacted all clubs to suspend all Australian polocrosse carnivals due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however, there was a bright spot in that Practices Days and Coaching schools can be held with the required caution and case-by-case consideration recommended by the national association.

Coonamble Pony Club had commenced their 2020 season on 7 March with an afternoon of riding followed by a barbeque and presentation.

"It was a great way to start the year - then we were hit with the Coronavirus," said Fiona Pennell. "We are unable to hold rallies and our mini camp and gymkhana have been cancelled."

Fortunately, Pony Club members are still able to ride in their own time and a few young riders have been seen around Coonamble streets.

Tennis and Clay TargetCoonamble Wanderers

Tennis Club continued their Wednesday night social tennis on 18 March with players keeping a healthy distance including using racquets to shake hands at the end of a match. The plans going forward are still being refined.

Even Coonamble Clay Target Club members enjoyed their last outing at Warren on 14 & 15 March.

On March 20 they announced that due to the uncertain conditions as a result of the Covid 19 virus the Club would be postponing the Coonamble 2020 Golden Grain shoot indefinitely.

NetballCoonamble Netball

Association received advice from Netball NSW on 16 March recommending all community netball be suspended until 2 May.

"Luckily for us that is when we were planning to start our season anyway," said Club President Nicole Jackson. "Therefore we will continue to organise our Saturday and Monday competitions as normal, and be ready to start."

Gyms also closeFollowing the Prime

Minister's restrictions on non-essential gatherings announced on Sunday 22 March, Coonamble F.I.T. Incorporated advised their members that there would be

no general sessions open to members or pass holders at Coonamble Fit from Monday March 23. The Committee are investigating ways to share D-I-Y fitness sessions during the downtime.

Coonamble Gym users also received notice from the CEO and Board of Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service on Monday 23 March that the gym would be closed until further notice and that they were reviewing their options with gym membership payments.

Coming to the business end of a long season in the pool, Swimming NSW advised all clubs that they had cancelled the NSW Junior State Age Championships. With over 2500 competitors and spectators, they stated that it would have been "both impossible and irresponsible to try and go ahead with this event in the current circumstances."

The last bastions of organised local sport at this time is probably golf and greyhound racing due to their capacity to operate within the current social distancing, gathering and hygiene recommendations.

Unfortunately, Ladies' Golf will not proceed today (Wednesday 25 March) due to insufficient numbers and a limit of only one person per golf cart.

The Men's Golf aims to continue if at all possible with players notified on a week to week basis.

They played their Elders-sponsored Monthly Medal on Sunday 15 March, with first prize taken home by Matt Lane with 71 off the stick and 65 nett.

"Yes we are trying to keep golf going," said Club President Josh Wrench. "Stay tuned."

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