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Volume 14, Thursday, October 5, 2017

7/7: a positive change T

he seven days on, seven days off (7/7) roster, along with an increase in employment and production at Olympic Dam, has combined to bring an air of positivity to Roxby Downs and surrounds. That’s the message from a range of local stakeholders The Monitor spoke with for this week’s edition.

After being implemented on 15 August last year, BHP’s 7/7 roster has now been in place for more than a year. Although there were some initial concerns that it would encourage a greater number of staff to commute to Roxby Downs instead of living in the town, the flow-on effects of new people relocating to Roxby Downs are being are being noticed throughout the community.

Local mortgage adviser Joanne Dillon described it as a “breath of life being breathed back into the town”. “People are seeing it as a positive thing and are now deciding to live in Roxby, call it a home, buy a house and call it their own,” she said. Roxby Council Chief Executive Roy Blight said he believed the roster provided more flexibility for employees, enabling them to spend

their days off with their families, studying, or exploring recreational activities within the town. And chair of the Roxby Downs Community Board and Business Forum and local business owner Sandy Sumsion, noted that a range of local businesses and education providers appeared busier.

FULL REPORT – PAGE 3.

Scouts’ own land at last!

Celebrating the Roxby Downs Scout Group’s big step towards ﬁnally building their own hall this week were (back), Roy Blight (Roxby Council), Rebecca Cooke (Roxbylink), local scouts Logan Casserly, Scott Gaskin, (middle) Alex Runge, Adam Malm (Roxby Downs Golf Club), Michelle Casserly, Cherie Gaskin and (front) Joanna and Abigail Runge, with Brock and Brodie Gaskin.

n a major breakthrough, the Roxby Downs Scouts Group (RDSG) looks to be one step closer to building their very own hall – at last. Roxby Council last week approved a proposal for land to be allocated to Scouts SA on the Roxby Downs Golf Club lease, next to the Country Fire Service shed on Olympic Way. The land is council-owned and currently leased to the golf club,

and the new agreement will pave the way for the local scouts to move forward with their longheld dream of constructing their own facility. After fire destroyed the original Roxby Downs Scout Group hall around 20 years ago, the group has not had its own space and has been meeting in the Roxby Downs Community Church building in recent years. While it’s still early days, with

the finer details now to be worked out, it’s great news according to RDSG leader Scott “Yak” Gaskin. “It still needs to have all of the final legalities sorted, but it looks to be going through,” he said. “It’s excellent news, we have been trying for years to find a suitable piece of land.” The scouts would look to build a hall with facilities including a kitchen, toilets, meeting rooms and storage, as well as a

much-needed outdoor area with a fire pit and barbecue. Mr Gaskin said the new hall would enable his group to grow its identity and presence locally, as well as having somewhere to display memorabilia. Roxby Downs Scout Group secretary Michelle Casserly said the group had been trying to find a home of its own since reforming in 2006. “It is with relief that we have

reached a tangible first step in the process of achieving our own hall,” she said. “The RDSG is grateful and acknowledges the community church for allowing us the use of their hall for the past 11 years.” Roxby Downs Golf Club President Adam Malm said he was very pleased the council had approved the lease of the land to the scouts. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Monitor NEWS The

Scouts one step closer to hall CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

tum and establish a long-term base. We are very positive about it. “The scout movement has been very active in Roxby Downs for a number of years and it’s nice to see us working towards a resolution – it will be a great outcome for the community.” Roxby Downs Starclub Field Officer/ Sport and Recreation Officer Rebecca Cooke added that it was “very exciting times” for the RDSG. “It is great to see our local community groups working together to achieve this and a big thanks to the Roxby Downs Golf Club who have been very supportive,” she said. The next step in the process will be for Roxby Council and Scouts SA to finalise lease details for the land, and the project would then go through a community consultation process which would include seeking feedback from Olympic Way residents in proximity to the proposed hall location.

“It’s not land that we will ever use, it’s part of our lease but not viable land for us, so it makes sense,” he said. “There’s no point being selfish.” Roxby Council Chief Executive Roy Blight said he was pleased to support the proposal. “Council has been working with the scouts for some time to find a site that would work for them, and it was very pleasing to see it go through on Wednesday and council to agree in principal to granting the lease,” he said. “It does provide a great opportunity for the scout movement in Roxby Downs to move forward with confidence, and I know that they are very keen to see the new facility established. “I think it will be a great opportunity for the scouts to develop more momen-

Representatives from the Roxby Downs council, scouts and golf club at the site - on land currently leased to the golf club - that a scout hall is planned to be built on. The next steps in the process will be to conﬁrm the lease arrangements, and then a community consultation process will take place.

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POLICE BRIEFS

Drink drivers caught our drivers were booked for drink driving in Roxby Downs over the October long weekend.

On Saturday night, two male P-plate drivers were caught with alcohol in their system. One returned a reading of less than 0.5 in a random breath test, while the other blew between 0.5-0.79. Meanwhile on Sunday afternoon, two male drivers were stopped by police. At around 2pm, a driver returned a reading of 0.152 in a random breath test. Not long after another driver refused a breath test, and was arrested and issued a 12 month instant licence disqualification. Steve Griggs, Senior Sergeant First Class, said these were the only major incidents over the weekend. He noted that it had been busy around Roxby Downs recently, but he expected it to quieten down after school holidays. “Our normal message for people is to pay attention to any unusual activity in terms of theft and burglary that is suspicious and report it to police,” Snr Sgt Griggs said. OPEN 7 DAYS

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Monitor NEWS The

New roster brings positive change

FROM PAGE 1

Dam.

ugust 15 marked 12 months since BHP introduced its seven days on, seven days off (7/7) roster at Olympic

More than 1,000 operational employees moved to the new roster, which BHP said at the time was “the right work arrangements to take Olympic Dam into our next period of

Combination of factors

ocal business owner and chairperson of the Roxby Downs Community Board and Business Forum Sandy Sumsion says there is “no doubt” that there are more people in Roxby Downs now than at the same time 12 months ago.

“I believe there are many factors involved,” Mrs Sumsion said. “High housing vacancy rates in 2016 resulted in people moving to the area because of the low rents on offer. The BHP 7/7 roster seems to have bought additional families to the area. “However at the same time, there has been the southern expansion at the mine site, more positive media about the OD mine and the Roxby Downs community, and BHP has pushed their equal employer policy which is focussing on female and indigenous employees. “On the other hand, BHP has moved some of their people to their Adelaide office, which results in people leaving the community.” As the owner of Raine and Horne Roxby Downs, Mrs Sumsion has seen first-hand how the local real estate market has changed in the last 12 months or so. “This time last year there were well over 100 properties across Roxby Downs being advertised on the web as available for rent. It was a tenants’ market,” she said. “This is the complete opposite currently, with multiple applicants for any single vacancy when it is advertised, and several properties in Andamooka being rented. There have been healthy enquiries relating to property sales.” Although the community was anxious at the time of the roster change, Mrs Sumsion does not believe it has brought any negative effect to Roxby Downs and surrounding communities. She noted that local cafes, restau-

development and operation”. In the lead-up and at the time of the roster change, it was a much-discussed issue in Roxby Downs, with BHP’s own consultation revealing that 70 per cent of affected employees supported the move. A survey run by The Monitor in April 2016 showed that there was some local community caution about the change, with around two thirds of respondents (60 in total) con-

rants, childcare, kindergarten and schools all appeared busier. With mining communities such as Roxby Downs traditionally experiencing fluctuations – “highs and lows”, Mrs Sumsion hoped that there would be a “levelling out of population and healthy income” for local businesses. She added that “a vibrant community enables children and adults to have healthy friendships, clubs (sporting or otherwise) to flourish, businesses to have customers and make a living, profitability in the real estate market and employers to have an employee base.”

A climate of positivity – council

oxby Downs Chief Executive Roy Blight, believes the 7/7 roster has particular benefit for young families.

“We’ve seen particularly (that) workers with young families and children at school age are tending to stay in town,” he said. “One person commented to me that they’ve seen more fathers dropping their kids to school than they’ve seen previously, which is a good outcome.” The new roster also provided more flexibility for people without “school ties”, Mr Blight said. “Those extended breaks do provide people with more opportunity to pursue options (within the town). “We’ve looked to cater for increased recreation requirements through Roxbylink by having more variety in the programs there, and also looking at the cinema programs and just what might be available.” From an economic point of v i e w, M r • Roy Blight

Monitor

cerned about negative impacts the change could bring. According to anecdotal feedback from its employees, BHP said “the change has been a positive one for team members and has provided better work/life balance”. “We appreciate that any change, including rosters changes, can have large impacts on employees and their families,” a BHP spokesperson said.

Blight believed Roxby Downs had improved. “There’s been a range of outcomes, but I think it’s been accompanied by an uptake of business activity in the town in terms of BHP’s recruitment plan and we’ve seen a decreased number of rentals,” he said. “By the looks of the eating establishments and other venues, and the number of people in the supermarket, there’s certainly an increased level of activity. “We’ve also seen caravans around town where I think people are utilising caravans as a spare room or to provide accommodation for family and friends visiting. “Talking to traders, they are certainly seeing an increased level of activity – I think generally, there’s been some really good business being transacted in the town and there’s a good climate of positivity.”

RDAS trending upwards

oxby Downs Area School has seen an increase in enrolments over the last 12 months, which appears to be a continuing trend according to Acting Principal Ann O’Sullivan.

However, it is difficult to pinpoint whether that is a direct result of the 7/7 roster change or a combination of BHP also employing more people. Mrs O’Sullivan said there had been an increase of around 80 students over the last year. “We did create more classes this year in primary to cater for the increased numbers ensuring effective class sizes,” she said. “The numbers seemed to have increased more in the primary area of the school rather than the secondary.” While some initial community concerns were that the 7/7 roster would lead to more people leaving Roxby Downs, or taking their children out of school for periods of up to three weeks while parent/s were on leave, Mrs O’Sullivan had not no-

“However, regardless of the issue, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to employees and their families. It’s a free, confidential service that can be accessed 24/7. The EAP can be contacted by calling 1300 361 008.” More than 12 months after the roster change, The Monitor revisited the issue with a range of local stakeholders, asking them what impact they thought the roster change had had on the community. Here are their responses ...

ticed this from a school perspective. “(It is) always an issue that one week’s leave means that students may be away from school for three weeks, which means there is a possibility of big gaps in student’ learning. “At this stage we don’t have a lot of data on this though.” Meanwhile, St Barbara’s Parish School Principal Bernadette Lacey said her school had not noticed any great impact from the roster change, with student numbers remaining steady.

“Breath of life” back in town

ong-time Roxby Downs local and personal mortgage adviser Joanne Dillon says the 7/7 roster has brought a

number of new families relocating to the area. “There’s a breath of life being breathed back into the town, definitely by way of new families, new positivity, and people electing to call this home instead of commuting – that’s the big difference,” she said. “They’re coming in with three to five year plans, they’re looking at it as ‘we’re going to settle our family here, our kids will be here until high school’ – long term plans.” The new roster had also given people the opportunity to leave Roxby Downs if they wished. “I believe it has made people really look closely at the differences between the commuting lifestyle and living locally, and they’re weighing up their options,” Ms Dillon said. “It’s probably an even spread, a lot of people are buying property elsewhere within a commutable distance and that tends to be the families that were already living here and have taken the 7/7 option to start commuting, but the newer families to town and second generation ‘Roxbians’ are buying in town and calling it home. “There’s a large component of second generation, they were born and raised here as kids but now they’re

starting families of their own, they’re moving out of camp or rentals and they’ve got married or got a part• Jo Dillon ner and starting their families – it’s that genre of people that are stepping out to be self-sufficient and deciding to stay in Roxby. “That’s what I’ve noticed from a lending perspective.” Importantly, Ms Dillon also believes the roster change - combined with increased employment generally at Olympic Dam – was also contributing positively to the lives of long-term Roxby Downs residents. “Everybody is exhaling because Roxby is showing signs of recovery and people are excited and the long termers are relieved,” she said. “It’s a sigh of relief, it’s a really positive thing for the town. There hasn’t been this kind of vibe around for a long time and it’s really nice to see that as a local who has seen it go from fantastic to devastation in some people’s cases.” YOUR SAY: Has the 7/7 roster had any impact on your life and your community? Let us know your view – write us a Letter to the Editor by emailing editor@ themonitor.com.au

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Monitor NEWS The

Marriage survey updates to be published

rom this week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will provide weekly national estimates of the total number of Australian Marriage Postal Survey forms it has received.

The information will be available before 5pm each Tuesday on the marriage law postal survey website until the survey closes on 7 November, 2017. However the ABS said statistics including participation rates would not be available until 15 November, when the survey results are released on 15 November. “The ABS recognises there is great public interest in the survey as it progresses. These updates may encourage participation by those who have not yet responded and will inform reasonable public expectations about

the likely final level of response,” ABS Deputy Australian Statisican and Taskforce Lead, Jonathon Palmer said. Australia Post will provide estimates of the number of containers of sorted envelopes, rather than counts of individual forms. The ABS will then apply some adjustments based on factors like responses received through other channels. “The estimation method and the anonymous return envelopes means the ABS can’t provide any further detail,” Mr Palmer said. More information about the weekly update and the statistics that will be published is available in the Survey Results section on the Marriage Law Postal Survey website marriagesurvey.abs.gov.au

Snakes slither into spring

nakes are well and truly making their presence being known around Roxby Downs, with a number sighted in recent weeks as the weather warms up.

The Roxby Downs Wildlife Hotline – 0497 808 315 – is a volunteer emergency response for local residents to receive assistance with injured or distressed wildlife, or snake handling. An initiative of the Roxby Downs Environment Forum, supported by BHP, the hotline is staffed by volunteers who can assist residents in catching and relo-

cating snakes found at their homes, backyards or in other public spaces. The volunteers are trained in safe snake handling, and a hotline spokesperson said it was very important that residents did not attempt to catch snakes themselves. “Recently we had a local person who was bitten by a snake and had to be flown to Adelaide for treatment,” the spokesperson said. “If you find a snake in your backyard, it’s important to keep an eye on it so that you know where it is, and call the hotline so a volunteer

can come and assist you. “If the hotline is unanswered, leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as they can. “In the meantime, do not attempt to catch the snake yourself – this is how a number of snake bites occur every year. “Remove pets and children from the vicinity and keep yourself safe.” The Roxby Downs Wildlife Hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an emergency – if you or someone you know are bitten by a snake – call 000.

Take electrical and gas safety seriously. It could save a life. Regularly check & service appliances every 2 years. Using a faulty appliance is an unnecessary risk. For more information, visit www.sa.gov.au/safety/appliances Page 4 -- Thursday, October 5, 2017

Blooming good start for community garden S

tudents from Andamooka Primary School got their hands dirty and planted the first seedlings in the first stage of their town’s new community garden last week.

The new garden bed is an extension of the existing community garden at the rear of the Andamooka Yacht Club (AYC), and is phase one in a project spearheaded by the AYC’s Pip Stafford in conjunction with the Andamooka Progress and Opal Miners’ Association (APOMA), the Andamooka Primary School and local youth group. Miss Stafford said the new garden was an “exact replica” of the existing garden. “The community can utilize it to come and plant vegetables … and it’s now ready for use,” she said. “The idea was to create a bigger space so that the different community groups like the youth group, the seniors, the school and any community member could use it.” Works also included building stairs and a gate between the garden and the primary school so that students could more easily utilize it. “We’re still in consultation with the school, (but) Trish (Williams, principal) has had a lot to do with this project because it’s been built to be a resource for the school,” Miss Stafford said. “It looks seamless, like it’s been sitting there the whole time, which is great.” The second stage of the community garden project will be the construction of an arid garden which will showcase plants native to the area and also provide a natural play space for children. “We’ve done a lot of consultation with the community and the design is ready to go,” Miss Stafford said. “We’re at the stage of getting the design drawn on to the ground so that community members can come in and get their heads around what is actually happening and see it in front of them.” A key feature of the arid garden will be its low-water needs, which is hoped will educate and inspire locals and visitors alike. “It’s going to be a knowledge-building sort of thing, with each plant having its own sign to say what it is, how it grows, what the indigenous people of this area used it, either for medicines or cooking,” Miss Stafford explained. “People will be able to take a cutting home to their own garden. “Some people come here and think it’s the desert, nothing grows here, you can’t have a garden, but in fact you can – so it’s about educating locals and visitors, and also getting the kids interested in our native environment and the area around them, and also teaching them about Aboriginal stories and keeping that knowledge alive for this area.” A red sand sandpit and natural www.themonitor.com.au

Jennifer Renshaw and Jasmine Marcelo helped plant the ﬁrst seedlings in the new Andamooka community garden last week.

Sam Petkovic helped out in the new community garden last week. PHOTOS: Pip Stafford.

balancing beams made of fallen logs will also feature in the garden. “We’re really focusing on natural things that don’t need a lot of maintenance and also look quite beautiful,” Miss Stafford said. “The design is currently up in the hall and in the APOMA office but consultation will be ongoing as the project develops and through the whole project so that

people are kept in the loop.” The arid garden will be located along the side entrance to the yacht club and will include a gate entrance so that it can be accessed even when the yacht club is closed. Andamooka’s Community Development Program (CDP) group will complete much of the work in the new arid garden, which is hoped to begin soon.

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Monitor NEWS The

Road trafﬁc increases for shutdown

Make your A own special leather piece

s BHP’s major smelter maintenance project – the largest ever undertaken by the company in South Australia – continues, the company has asked for patience on local roads.

Hugh McGregor radio tracking at Arid Recovery, wearing a leather pouch he created.

f you’re looking to create a very special Christmas gift for someone special – or maybe a keepsake for yourself – Arid Recovery’s upcoming leatherwork workshops might be just the thing for you.

To be held over two consecutive weekends; Sunday October 29 and Sunday 5 November from 10am – midday, the workshops will be run by local leather worker Hugh McGregor. “We were given a grant for five workshops by Inspiring South Australia, who are trying to encourage people to combine science and art together,” Arid Recovery’s Nathan Beerkens said.

“It’s about using different art forms to express the sciences, nature and the environment.” The leatherwork workshops will be Arid Recovery’s third made possible by the grant, with the first a smartphone photography session with Travis Hague earlier this year. The second workshop saw students from Roxby Downs Area School visit the reserve for workshops with local indigenous women. At the leatherwork workshop, Mr McGregor will teach attendees how to make either their own belt, gun sling, sheath or pouch. “It would really make an excellent Christmas

present,” Mr Beerkens said. The leatherwork workshop will be run in two parts over the consecutive Sundays at the Arid Recovery reserve. “Because it’s supported by Inspiring SA, it will only cost $10 per person with all equipment and materials provided – so there is very little cost to participants,” Mr Beerkens said. “We’re hoping we can get lots of people out there to give it a go.” To secure your place in the leatherwork workshops, email admin@aridrecovery.org.au or call the Arid Recovery office.

A spokesperson said BHP anticipated “an increase in traffic in Roxby Downs as we transport our team members to and from site”. “There will be extra buses and cars on the road to support the major shut down at Olympic Dam, so please be mindful of the increase in traffic and stay safe.” Local roads have also been used to transport equipment being used for the maintenance project, with a 1350 tonne crane bought to Olympic Dam last week. The BHP Olympic Dam Facebook page said it took an “incredible” 78 truck loads to transport the crane to the site.

A big thanks to the communities surrounding Olympic Dam. We couldn’t do it without your support and understanding. Thank you to the people of Roxby Downs, Andamooka and Woomera for your ongoing support during our biggest planned shutdown at Olympic Dam. It's greatly appreciated. To stay up to date with what’s happening at Olympic Dam please ‘like’ the BHP Olympic Dam Community Facebook page. @bhpbilliton

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Thursday, October 5, 2017 -- Page 5

Monitor OPINION The

Tackling Australia’s suicide rate will require the same long-term, whole-ofcommunity commitment that has seen a decades-long fall in the national road toll, beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman says. The highest number of road deaths recorded in a single year was 3,798 in 1970, leading to the introduction of compulsory seatbelt legislation, blood-alcohol limits, tighter speed controls, safer cars, advertising campaigns and better roads. The measures have resulted in reducing the road toll by almost two-thirds, down to

“All of this has improved public awareness and promoted an understanding that by changing behaviour, we can reduce road deaths,” Ms Harman said. “Addressing suicide can be complicated, but now is the time to think big, keep the momentum rolling and embrace new ideas.” Ms Harman said openly discussing suicide and its risk factors was an important step. “beyondblue knows that people are unsure how to raise the subject and that those who think about taking their lives often can’t find a way through the pain to ask for help,” she said. “Equally, there is uncertainty about how to support those affected by suicide

COMMUNITY CARTOON

r edito

— those who have lost a to th loved one, have attempted suicide themselves or have expressed suicidal thoughts. “The facts are, all signs and talk of suicide should be taken seriously. Asking direct questions and raising concerns can help. It won’t make things worse.” The beyondblue website carries practical advice about how to have a conversation about suicide. Mental health professionals are available at the beyondblue support service via phone 24/7 on 1300 224 636 or via www. beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm - 12am AEST) or email responses (within 24 hours).

Whole community effort needed to reduce suicide rates

1,293 last year. With Australia’s official suicide rate at 3,027 in 2015, Ms Harman said a similar approach involving governments, a range of organisations, and people from all corners of the community was required to prevent those at risk taking their own lives. “We need to start tackling suicide in the same way we have the national road toll,” Ms Harman said. “On average eight Australians take their own lives each day. As a community, we need to get serious about addressing that issue.” Ms Harman pointed to the effectiveness of summits, plans and national forums that continue to reduce road deaths each year.

TTERS

If you would like to share your opinions in The Monitor, send us an email (editor@themonitor. com.au) or a letter to PO Box 72, Roxby Downs SA 5725

Community Calendar OCTOBER 10 - SAPOL Far North Facebook community forum, 6.30-7.30pm via www.facebook.com/ sapolicenews 14 - ‘Think Pink’ Golf Day 14 - A21 Walk for Freedom 28 - RFDS Bogan Bingo fundraiser, 7pm at the Roxby Downs Tavern. 28 - RDAS Parents & Friends Halloween Disco (over 18s), 7.30pm, RDAS school hall 29 - Arid Recovery leatherwork workshop (session 1 of 2), bookings essential to admin@ aridrecovery.org.au NOVEMBER 5 - Arid Recovery leatherwork workshop (session 2 of 2) 18 - RDAS Twilight Market (ﬁnal market for 2017) 25 - Roxby Downs Community Christmas Carols DECEMBER 2 - Roxby Downs Community Christmas Pageant.

To add your event to the calendar, email editor@themonitor.com.au or phone 8671 2683. The Community Calendar is restricted to the basic details of an event (what, where, when).

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Monitor NEWS The

Police Facebook F forum next week

Locals show their footy colours

ootball mania swept Roxby Downs last week, as locals donned their team colours ahead of the Australian Football League (AFL) grand final on Saturday.

outh Australia Police and the Far North Local Service Area are holding a community Facebook forum next week.

The online Police and Community Engagement (PACE) Forum gives residents the opportunity to share their views on crime and community safety in the region with police. The forum will also provide information on the current policing issues in the area, and what police are doing in response. Senior Sergeant First Class Steve Griggs from the Roxby Downs Police Station said Facebook has improved the way police communicate with residents. “It’s an instant way of accessing and giving information to the community,” he said. “There’s such a large audience and time-wise it’s instant which has been very beneficial.” The PACE forum will be held on the SA Police News Facebook page on Tuesday 10 October from 6.30-7.30pm. Participants will need to have an active Facebook account to take part in the event. Members of the community can ask questions during the forum, or submit them prior to the event. To send in your questions early, email SAPOL.FarNorthLSA@police.sa.gov.au

Adelaide Crows supporters were out in force during the week, with passionate young Crows’ fans (and the odd Richmond supporter) wearing their team colours with pride. On Saturday, football fans headed to a number of local establishments to watch the grand final, but Crows’ fans were silenced early as Richmond streaked away to a strong lead in the second quarter. The second half of the match was all about the Tigers, who eventually ran away with the game – and the 2017 AFL Premiership – 16 12 (108) to the Crows’ 8 12 (60).

Henry, William and Malis donned their team colours at Roxby Downs Kindergarten last week. PHOTO: Mikaela Wedding.

WE’RE POWERING FORWARD MAKING ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE

As Australia’s energy system transitions, the Australian Government is making energy more affordable. We’ve already secured agreements from retailers to offer consumers a better deal, and some households could save up to $1,500 per year on their power bills. We’re also ensuring there is enough gas for Australians before it’s shipped offshore. To find out more search ‘POWERING FORWARD’. It’s actions like this today that are powering a more affordable energy future.

Senior Sergeant First Class Steve Griggs, of the Roxby Downs Police, ahead of next week’s Facebook forum.

DEADLINES All editorial and advertising requests must be submitted by 12 noon on Fridays. POWERING FORWARD Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra.

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Thursday, October 5, 2017 -- Page 7

Monitor NEWS The

Tasmania thrills Woomera students

asmania did not disappoint an intrepid group of Woomera A r e a S c h o o l ( WA S ) students, teachers and support staff who visited the island State from 16 to 24 September.

“With much help from Mike French at Roxby Travel and Cruise, WAS has been preparing for this trip since the beginning of the school year,” school services officer Carol Strawbridge said. “We learned lots of things and had to make many changes through the ‘planning stages’ but eventually the day for departure arrived and off we went.” School principal Tony Holden drove the group to Adelaide in the school bus, where they stayed overnight before flying to Melbourne the next day. “Mike was waiting for us in Launceston with two 12-seater buses that were ours to use for the next six days - Mike drove one and Tony the other,” Mrs Strawbridge said. “Tony’s group was The Tasmanian Devils and Mike’s The Tasmanian Tigers – this was the beginning of what was to become a very strong rivalry.” The group covered many kilometers during the trip, as they travelled to the north coast and then down to the west coast to see many of the sites and experiences Tasmania had to offer. “The highlights of the trip included a trip up Cradle Mountain to play in the snow and take in the amazing scenery – Dove Lake was spectacular, although very cold and wet!” Mrs Strawbridge said. “There was lots of wildlife to see and special trips to see Tasmanian Devils, platypus, seahorses and echidnas were real thrills for all of us. “We spent time looking at murals painted on the sides of buildings and admiring the work of skilled bridge and dam builders – amazing feats of engineering and architecture. “We encountered more snow on our way to Bronte Park, before heading to the Gordon River Cruise com-

mencing at Strachan. The cruise took us through ‘Hell’s Gate’ so named by convicts because not all of them made it through there in their long boats – Hell’s Gate is where the sea and the river meet and can be extremely rough to travel through.” The group also visited Sarah Island where convicts were sent if they were considered unable to be rehabilitated, and established ship-building as an industry. A visit to Port Arthur was a “real highlight” for the Woomera group. “The place has such an eerie feel to it – the history and stories seemed quite real as we explored the ruins and buildings,” Mrs Strawbridge said. “Our older students returned to Pt Arthur later that night to take part in the ‘Ghost Tour’ – apparently they had a lot of fun scaring each other - and their supervisor! “Pt Arthur is well laid out and looked after and one cannot help but walk around, feeling part of the history of the place and feeling for the convicts who endured such hardship and isolation.” The WAS tour finished with a trip to Salamanca Markets, where it unfortunately rained the entire time, and the group then made its way to the airport for the flights home. In all, it was an “amazing” trip for the Woomera group. “Tasmania is a beautiful place with many unique sights, attractions and things to see and do,” Mrs Strawbridge said. “We would highly recommend this trip to any school and I would strongly suggest you take Mike with you – he was a fountain of knowledge, knew his way around the entire island-State and was a great travelling companion. Mike was usually first up and one of the last into bed every day. “Mike went out of his way to ensure our children and staff had a great time and nothing was too much for him.”

The group of students, teachers and support staff who recently travelled from Woomera to Tasmania.

Woomera Area School students Karley and Chavaun Kowald-Brown with Lachlan Gough at Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain.

Applications open for PIRSA issues reminder rural women’s award for school holiday anglers

outh Australian rural women are urged to apply for the 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, which recognises emerging leaders in primary industries and regional communities.

Applications are open until 29 October, with the South Australian winner to be announced at a ceremony as part of the Thriving Women Conference on 19 February, 2018. Applications for 2018 no longer need a specific project to be considered eligible, and can be submitted based on an idea, identified problem or opportunity. Commercially focused projects and initiatives will also be considered. Each State and territory winner will rePage 8 -- Thursday, October 5, 2017

ceive a $10,000 bursary from Westpac to bring their idea or project to life as well as access to professional development opportunities. They will also represent their state at the national awards in September 2018, where the winner and runner-up will receive a further $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. “The Rural Women’s Award is a terrific platform to recognise the significant contribution women make to primary industries and rural communities. It creates opportunities and empowers a new generation of female leaders,” said SA Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister, Leon Bignell. Applications close at 8.30pm on Sunday 29 October 2017. For more information or to apply, visit www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa

ar north residents planning to go fishing these school holidays are being reminded to make themselves, and their families, aware of fishing rules and regulations. “October school holidays are traditionally a popular time to participate in fishing,” Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) Fisheries and Aquaculture Operations Peter Dietman said. “Whether you are an experienced angler or giving it a go for the first time, now is the perfect opportunity to acquaint yourself with size, bag and boat limits. “It’s also valuable to involve your children in conversations about why we have these rules, and how important it is to look after our fish

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populations.” Mr Dietman said PIRSA Fisheries Officers and Fishcare volunteers would be at a range of locations across the holidays to provide the public with information and assistance. Fishing rules regarding bag, boat and size limits are in place to ensure that South Australia’s fish stocks are sustainable for now, and generations to come. This is particularly significant with an increase in the number of 5 – 14 year olds, particularly girls, participating in recreational fishing. To keep up to date with fishing rules, download the free SA Recreational Fishing App at www.pir.sa.gov.au/recfishingapp. Information is also available on the 24 hour Fishwatch number 1800 065 522 or at www.pir.sa.gov. au/fishing THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Roxby Council

www.roxbydowns.sa.gov.au

Waste Services Cats & Dogs Parking Parks & Playgrounds Development By-Laws Health Services Youth Services Bushﬁre Prevention Citizenship Community Calendar & more

COUNCIL MEETING

The next Roxby Council meeting is 25 October, 2017 at 4pm in the Council boardroom.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Customer Service Officer - Job Share – Part-Time .5FTE Contact Michelle Hales on 8671 0010 for further information. Applications close 5pm, Friday 6 October.

Council Services

Richardson Place Open: 9am - 5pm Weekdays Ph: 8671 0010 roxby@roxbycouncil.com.au

'Don't Flush It' Roxby Water would like to remind

Ph: 8671 0500 WWW.ROXBYLINK.COM.AU

residents that you should only flush the three P's - pee, poo and paper! Other

products can take a long time to break down or may not breakdown at all. Some items that are flushed down the Ph: 8671 0010 in the Council Ofﬁces Open: 9am - 4.30pm Weekdays

toilet may not even make it off your property - you will then be liable for the cost of removing the blockage.

Visitor Information Centre Ph: 8671 5941or visit roxbylink @RoxbyCouncil @RoxbyLink @VisitRoxbyDowns

Get Involved... ...join a Forum ENVIRONMENT

Holli Hahn 0448 168 167 Thursday, October 5 @ 6.30pm Community Hub

ROXBY ROADSAFE MEETING Michelle Hales 0418 833 818 Tuesday, October 10 @ 7pm Council Boardroom

WOMEN’S NETWORK

Hayley Scrivens 0459 824 026 TBA

BUSINESS

Sandy Sumsion 0400 366 619 Tuesday, October 10 @ 6.15pm Community Youth Centre

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Community Board and Forums www.roxbydowns.com/community-board

Mascot Costume Hire

Mascot Costume Hire Guaranteed to make your party or event a memorable one! Hire any of our fantastic costumes for only $50 each: • Bob the Builder • Dora the Explorer • Elmo • Santa • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

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Book one of our Yout Advisory Committee Want for entertaining? Members any event and choose your character! Guaranteed to keep your guests smiling! Book one of our Youth Advisory Committee

(YAC) members for any event and choose your character! Guaranteed to keep your guests For further information or to book contact Sasha or Innes atsmiling! roxbylink on 8671 0500 or 0428 727 583.

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Vicki Mason 0418 526 608

Thursday, October 5 @ 6.30pm Community Hub

MULTICULTURAL

Theresa Bunyon 0413 609 102 Wednesday, October 18 @ 5.30pm Community Youth Centre

SPORT AND REC

Mel O’Donnell 0412 019 841 Tuesday, October 31 @ 6.30 Library Meeting Space

FAMILY

Sasha Yantewo 0428 727 583 Thursday, October 12 @ 4.45pm Community Youth Centre

COMMUNITY BOARD CONTACT Michelle Hales - Executive Ofﬁcer 0418 833 818 communityboard@roxbydowns.com Thursday, October 5, 2017 -- Page 9

& ABOUT

OUT

PHOTOS: Harry Jay

Amanda Rees, Kate Burton and Leah Mattner were at the Roxby Club on Saturday for the AFL grand ﬁnal.

Anne Gray and Mel Condon enjoyed a game of golf on Saturday.

Yerin Seidel and Elle Yates.

Jakob and Kris Young, with Darryl Bitmeid, were at the Roxby Downs Tavern for the AFL grand ﬁnal.

Paul and Cheyenn Demarchi, with Pete Cassidy, at the Roxby Downs Tavern for the AFL grand ﬁnal.

Crows supporters Shannon and Ricky Ellbourn cheered on their side on Saturday.

Christopher Watkins, Jeff Kuykhoven, Cameron Wrate and Ricky Lang caught up on Saturday.

EVERY FRIDAY 1-2pm with INES, ANNI, DAMO and SASHA

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& ABOUT

OUT

PHOTOS: Harry Jay, Amanda Astri

Sophie Parker did some school holiday crafts at the library.

Darren Brazel.

Jet Campbell at the Roxby Club.

Jessica and Kaylee O’Neill at the Roxbylink library.

Sebastian Griggs, Glenn Mungur and Andy Highet waiting to tee off at the Roxby Downs Golf Club on Saturday morning. Nathan Smith wore his Adelaide Crows colours with pride at the Roxby Club on Saturday.

Libby Walsh, baby Otis Giles and Anni Giles at the Roxby Club for the AFL grand final.

Belle and Andrew Campbell.

THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

Lena and her “squad” got some fresh air on Saturday.

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Thursday, October 5, 2017 -- Page 11

Monitor Classifieds The

P: 8671 2683 E: sales@themonitor.com.au

CHURCH NOTICES

PUBLIC

NEW Life Church Roxby Downs is a family friendly Multicultural Pentecostal church with a heart for the community. Our Sunday Worship Service is at 3pm meeting at the Christian Community Church Hall located on the corner of Burgoyne St. & Stuart Rd. We would love to have you join us, you are very welcome! New Life is a member of the Australian Christian Churches Association and have sister churches of the same name in Port Augusta and in Port Pirie. For more details don’t hesitate to call Ps Dave Bunyon on mobile No. 0403 058 050 or Theresa Bunyon on 0413 609 102 and leave a message. Email: roxbydowns@newlifeccc.org.au

NOTICES

SAINT BARBARA’S PARISH. Mass 6.00pm Saturday, Lutheran Church, Pioneer Drive. For information or emergency please contact Sr Pat 8671 0499. Please leave a message if not answered.

To place an ad in our classiﬁeds section, call one of The Monitor’s friendly staff on 8671 2683.

DUBLIN-GERRY’S Meats. $100 pack$20 lamb roast, 2kg chicken, 1kg pork chops, 1kg lamb chops, 1kg beef sausages, 1kg beef mince, 1kg BBQ steak, 1kg PKT of bacon and 10 patties. Ph: 8529 2229.

FOR SALE WEEROONA ISLAND. 28 Mount Ferguson Drive. Private Sale. Vacant residential land approx 1012 sqmt. YOUR ISLAND GETAWAY 3 hours drive from Roxby Downs. $69,000 ono Phone 0422283009 or 0401421464. More details on Gumtree

SITUATIONS VACANT

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Monitor

Weekend Photographer Are you interested in photography? Do you like getting out and about in the community, attending events and interacting with people? Are you looking to build a portfolio of images across news, sport and community styles? The Monitor seeks people to join our casual WEEKEND PHOTOGRAPHER roster! You must be available to work weekends (Friday nights, Saturday and Sundays), have a flair for all types of photography and be able to accurately caption photos. We offer great remuneration, support and the opportunity to see your work published both in our weekly newspaper and online.

SITUATIONS VACANT I can be part of a friendly country community health service which means that I am part of the big picture, serving my clients as a nurse or midwife, as well as being an important member of the community myself. I benefit from diverse experiences across multiple disciplines, specialities and geography.

Registered Nurse

Roxby Downs Health Service Job Refs: 634267 & 634102 www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/careers 1300 882 992

...enjoy diverse work experiences and shape my community for the better

Applications to Jody Gow-Smith sales@themonitor.com.au Enquiries during business hours to 8671 2683 or via email as above.

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Olympic Dam Apprenticeships Electrical

ROXBY DOWNS About Us

Discovery Parks is Australia's largest owner operator of holiday and accommodation parks located in more than 60 of Australia's most beautiful locations. With a vision to become the best accommodation provider in Australia we deliver a consistent, distinctly local, welcoming experience and create a sense of community by making it personal every time.

Looking for a career that pays you, while you learn? Want to work on a world class mining operation? And learn invaluable skills from a team of highly experienced tradespeople?

HOUSEKEEPER (Casual)

MEGT (Australia) Ltd are currently recruiting 1st year Electrical Apprentices to join the on-going operations at Olympic Dam.

You will have proven and demonstrated experience in a commercial housekeeping role, fantastic customer service and a flexible approach to working hours. Great time management and a strong team orientation will see you succeed in this role.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a genuine interest in completing a 4 year apprenticeship on-site. Applicants will also need to be physically fit, have a proficient level within Maths, Physics and English, a strong work ethic, be comfortable working underground and in confined spaces and have the ability to pass a preemployment medical.

We are looking for a great person to join our team as a casual Housekeeper. You will provide housekeeping and cleaning for our various accommodation types including cleaning common areas to ensure the presentation of the property is in accordance with the high standards of our Discovery brand.

HOW TO APPLY

Discover what matters - APPLY NOW! Email a brief cover letter and resume to roxby. managers@discoveryparks.com.au Prior to an offer of employment being made, candidates must provide authority for a Federal Police Clearance to disclose any criminal offences or charges.

Busi n e ss G u i d e t o s e r v i ce s i n

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Times to accommodate shift workers Instant health fund rebates - Manual adjusting & Activator techniques

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Are you well connected in your community and have strong leadership skills? Do you have a drive to improve how the precious soils, water, plants and animals are managed in your region? Do you want to become part of a dynamic and strategic team to ensure your region’s natural resources support prosperous businesses, strong communities and a healthy environment? You can join one of eight regional NRM boards, established under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 that are responsible for: • leading management of natural resources in their region • connecting local and regional communities to government decision making • preparing and implementing a plan for the region to achieve sustainable farming practices, pest plant and animal control, biodiversity protection and sustainable water use. Women and Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply. For further information on board membership or to obtain an application form please visit the following website www.environment.sa.gov.au/vacancies Alternatively, you may contact Joyce Osborne on telephone (08) 8463 6074 or by email at joyce.osborne@sa.gov.au Applications close on Monday 30 October 2017

HIROPRACTIC

Consults at 97 PIONEER DRIVE, ROXBY DOWNS

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Glendambo gymkhana on again

undreds of people are expected to travel to Glendambo for the upcoming Glendambo Gymkhana.

Held next Saturday, 14 October, the event promises family fun and entertainment over the whole weekend. Gy mk hana s e c re t ar y Becky Casanova said the annual event had been held at Glendambo for “a number of years, a long time” after originally beginning at Kingoonya. “It moved to Glendambo when the Stuart Highway was built, around 30 years ago I think” she said. Held at the Glendambo racecourse approximately 500m north of the town’s hotel, the event will kick off on the Friday night prior. “The bar will be open on the Friday night and there will be a barbecue too,” Ms Casanova said.

“We’ll also have some fun games like whip cracking, tilting the ring (which is like javelin on horseback) and a kids’ ‘go slow’ motorbike event.” On the Saturday, both motorbike and horse events will be held, as well as novelty events guaranteed to get everyone involved. Ms Casanova said there were events for children nine and under, as well as adult categories. “There will be under nine events both for motorbikes and led horse events, where the riders will be led by an adult,” she said. “And then the junior events for children under 13, and (aged) 14 and above are for the adults.” This year’s gymkhana will have a motorbike auction “mono” race dedicated to Jacob Austin, a much-loved far north community member who sadly lost his life late last year.

The sand ﬂies as motorbike riders compete at a previous Glendambo Gymkhana. SOURCE Facebook.

“Jacob was a very good up and coming bike rider,” Ms Casanova said. “That will be the biggest event of the day.” The race will have prizemoney for placegetters, while the riders will also be auctioned off. “A group of people might

pool together to ‘buy’ a rider, and some go really high like $1,000,” Ms Casanova said. “Then they see how far they can go on their back wheels without putting them down.” After the race events have finished for the day, a roast

dinner, live music and bar will keep race-goers entertained until the early hours of Sunday morning. An auction of donated items will also be held as a fundraiser on the night, with all monies raised from the gymkhana donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Ser-

vice and other community organisations. Registrations for events can be taken on the Friday or Saturday morning before the gymkhana officially begins. For more information, visit the Glendambo Gymkhana page on Facebook.

Preparation for senior basketball season underway

he Roxby Downs Senior B asketball Association (RDSBA) is gearing up for its 2017/18 summer competition. Nominations are now open for sporting clubs to enter their teams.

Association president Caleb Grohs has been pleased with the interest so far. “Our ideal average number of teams is ten or 13,” he said. “It’s mostly men, but we do have quite a bit of interest from females

so we are looking at getting A and B grade teams for women again.” Grohs said the RDSBA is looking at trying a few different things this season. “We are looking at re-evaluating our in-game rules, and we might be

adopting some of South Australia Country Basketball’s rules,” he said. “That’s all under the vote of the committee.” He hopes clubs will submit their nomination forms soon so the competition can get underway in the

coming weeks. “We are aiming for 12 rounds and are looking at starting around the school holidays,” he said. “There’ll be a good committee and teams so hopefully we can work well together and have a great season.”

Leadership award for Hombsch

CONTINUED FROM BACK PAGE

Port Adelaide Football Club’s Jack Hombsch at the 2017 Brownlow Medal count last week. THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

“The best way to describe Jack is that he’s not only made those guys that might be Crows people love Port Adelaide, but he’s made me like Port Adelaide and I grew up Sturt and Crows, so I think he has a lot to answer for!” Having Hombsch involved in his organisation had the opportunity to make a huge impact to people’s lives, Cranwell added. “For someone who’s living with a disability, who might only go to work in a sheltered workshop, (and) might live in a group home with other people with an intellectual disability, when they get to meet a footy player and that footy player treats them firstly as a person and then as a friend, and talks to them about their life (etc), that’s just amazing what that can do for someone’s self-esteem.” Cranwell said his phone “lit up” once Hombsch was announced as the winner. “We are very proud, three years running we’ve been sitting there crossing our fingers hoping that he gets the recognition that he deserves. “It was a very proud moment www.themonitor.com.au

for us.” Cranwell added that the entire Hombsch family was hugely supportive of Inclusive Sport SA. “The best example of who he is as a person is that I asked him one day if he could help our State SANFL football team raise some money,” he said. “I asked him if he knew anyone who might sponsor the team and he said he’d look into it. The next day he gave me a call and said ‘we couldn’t find sponsors, but my aunties and my mum have booked you in for a Bunnings barbecue’. “He said, ‘we’ve sorted the whole thing, we’ve got the sausages and the drinks and my whole family is on a roster to cook sausages – leave it to us’. “So their whole family went to Bunnings for the day and raised over $2,500 for the State team and apparently he was cooking sausages for a few hours himself. “That was all done as the Hombsch family, not a Port Adelaide thing, he didn’t represent the club, it was just him and his family being great people.” Hombsch also works with Bedford and Kickstart for Kids, volunteers with Salisbury Coun-

cil’s inclusion programs and has been highly involved in leading the Power playing group’s charity initiatives. At the time of his nomination, Hombsch said he didn’t believe in the “idea of ‘disability’.” “To me, five years spent working with various groups has shown me that everyone in our community has talents and skills that have meaning and value,” he said. “The men, women and children that many groups serve in the community are deserving of dignity, respect and a chance to participate fully in activities and programs many of us take for granted. “Having the chance to play AFL football is a rare privilege offered to just a few, and I believe that players have a chance to make a real contribution to their community beyond their feats on the field. “I hope the small impact I can have working with these groups can enrich the experience of some of the most remarkable people I’ve had the honour of meeting over these past five years.”

Thursday, October 5, 2017 -- Page 13

Roxby Downs Cricket Association 2017/18

Devils predict closer ﬁnish O lympic Dam Sporting Club cr icket co-c aptain B en Vandeleur is predicting a much closer, more even competition this season.

Although the OD Devils take a seven-year reign of the 40-over competition into the new season, Vandeleur says an eighth title isn’t necessarily guaranteed this summer. “We will be trying to keep the momentum going and defend our title, but I wouldn’t say we have necessarily been dominant in the last couple of years,” he said. “I think this will probably be the most challenging year because there’s a lot of new people in town and to the teams. “There’s a lot more even spread between the teams this year, which is

good for the competition.” The Devils are co-captained by Brendan Hill who, along with Vandeleur, leads a Devils side sporting a few changes from the 2016/17 season. Former co-captain and two-time Roxby Downs Cricket Association (RDCA) cricketer of the year, Patrick Glover, is one key loss after leaving for a UK cricket contract earlier this year. “We do have Patrick Glover overseas which leaves a big hole,” Vandeleur said. “However, we also have picked up three or four guys new to town who I would say are at Glover’s level (who have come here for work). “We haven’t seen our full quota at training yet so we don’t really have an idea of what the team will look like.” Vandeleur described the upcoming season as a bit of a “rebuilding” year

SEASON PREVIEW OD captain Ben Vandeleur sends down a delivery last cricket season.

for the Devils, who were also looking forward to taking advantage of some new rules the RDCA has introduced – one of which includes an opportunity for sides to play a junior as a “thirteenth man”. “There are some really talented kids in that age group,” Vandeleur said. “That rule was introduced so that teams can start attracting some of the kids (15 and over) into their team. “OD has some young ‘blood’, Zac and Brock, who we will be looking to play.” Although the Devils will be contesting this season with their usual passion and vigor, Vandeleur tips Hornridge as the “team to watch”. “They won the T20 last year and I hear they have had 20 guys out to training,” he said.

Roos playing the numbers game

uggling player availability and locking in 11 confirmed players each week will be a key priority for the East Roxby Roos in the 2017/18 cricket season.

Although captain Troy Mulders is feeling positive about the season ahead, he said working commitments had always been an issue for the Roos. “We have a good group of players, but shift work impacts (us), especially night shift,” he said. “We’re not looking too bad, we have a few new recruits coming in and we have the numbers, but we just need to find 11 definite starters each week.”

East Roxby captain Troy Mulders plays a defensive shot last season.

The current major shutdown underway at Olympic Dam would add an extra layer of impact this year, with some Roos’ players currently working from Adelaide for the duration of the outage. “Once the season starts we’ll have a better idea (of numbers),” Mulders said. “We’ll put our team together this week. “I’m feeling pretty positive.” While the Roxby Downs Cricket Association has shortened games this year from 40 to 35 overs, Mulders was unsure of the impact it will have on his side. “It might make a bit of a difference in hopefully that we won’t finish as late, but it

remains to be seen how that goes,” he said. Similarly, although he supports the new “thirteenth man” rule designed to foster upand-coming junior players into the senior competition, Mulders doesn’t currently have any youngsters in his sights. “Maybe once the junior competition gets up and running there might be some who can come up,” he said. Some recruits the Roos picked up last year will continue into the 2017/18, including the Hann brothers who have made a positive impact on the team. “They are here fulltime now, (so) that will be good,” Mulders said.

Hornridge optimistic heading into new season

hey might be the team others are predicting as the one to watch, but Hornridge Wanderers’ captain Jamie Way is cautiously optimistic about his side’s chances early in the season.

“The Hornridge Wanderers Cricket Club is optimistic about the upcoming season,” Way said. “Although losing some great players, we have recruited well over the off season and are hoping to build on the minor success of last year.” Hornridge was strong through-

out the 2016/17 season, taking the T20 series after defeating the Olympic Dam Devils by six runs. Way hopes to continue that success in the 2017/18 season, and says so far player numbers are looking promising. “We have had really good numbers at training and a positive fun vibe around the group,” he said. “This year also welcomes the introduction of a couple of female players in the team. “Our sole focus early on in the season is to ensure the new players feel welcome and part of our club.

“We believe if you’re getting along as a team that generally flows onto the field, so we are hoping to apply the ‘Swaggies Squeeze’ and have a few beers afterwards.” With the Olympic Dam Devils heading into the new season with seven consecutive grand final wins to their name, Way says they will again be the team to beat. “OD’s record speaks for itself as the ones to beat again,” he said. “And with the Miners losing the last two grand finals in close ones, its shaping up to be a cracking season of cricket.”

Hornridge captain Jamie Way on his way to a man of the match performance in a February RDCA game.

Miners look to go one better this year

he Roxby Districts Sporting Club – the Miners – is hoping some new faces will bring a new edge to their team in this year’s Roxby Downs Cricket Association (RDCA) 2017/18 competition.

Miners’ captain Mick Nelson bowling against Hornridge last season.

Page 14 -- Thursday, October 5, 2017

After good support from within the club, the Miners have recruited well and although have lost some players from last year, have carried over many existing players into the new season. “The team is shaping up nicely and will be poised to be very competitive,” captain Mick Nelson said. “We have lost a couple of players this season due to work commitments and a couple of players who are looking for greener pastures. “However, we have some excit-

ing new inclusions who have been training hard and will make an impact on the competition, like Jack Humphries and Nick Hart, and still a couple of others who will start training this week. “We also have Sean McIvor returning to the squad after a year’s break, which will add another element to the team.” The 2017/18 season will be the third since the Roxby Rogues merged with the Miners, and Nelson said players newer to the side like Telfer, Ford and O’Hara now had a couple of seasons “under their belts”. “We also have some great depth within the team and guys who can turn a game on its head like Allard, Greenbank and Capper. Add the new faces and the stalwarts like www.themonitor.com.au

Aitchison and Trotta and I am confident we will be competitive again this season,” he said. After finishing runner-up in the 40-over competition both in the 2016/17 and 2015/16 seasons, Nelson says his side will be looking to go one better this season. “We have come agonizingly close the last two seasons and there is definitely a passion to go one better this season,” he said. “The preparation to the season has not been great, with many key players involved with shutdown maintenance, however the guys who have been turning out are looking good and keen for the start of the season.” Nelson predicts a close season, with new faces to the competition being “fairly evenly spread around

the teams”. “Olympic Dam has won seven in a row and will be in the mix come finals time, however Hornridge has recruited well in the off season and will be a well-rounded team and possibly an early favorite.” Nelson tipped changes the RDCA has made this season – including power plays and “free hits” for no balls – as adding a new level of excitement. “This should see some big hitting over the season,” he said. “Additionally, the junior cricket will be held on Friday nights prior to the seniors’ games. Hopefully this will encourage families to hang around after the game, grab something from the canteen and cheer on their clubs in what should be a bumper season.”

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Telfer joins Miners’ life member ranks

ark Telfer is the Roxby District Sporting Club’s newest life member.

The club’s current president, Telfer’s life membership was announced at the Miners’ 2017 presentation night held last weekend. Telfer has been associated with the club since the middle of 2009, after moving to Roxby Downs for work in October of the year before. The entire Telfer family – including Mark, wife Maryanne, their four children and now two grandchildren – are or have all been involved with the Miners. Telfer himself has taken on roles including manager, coach and now three years in total as president. He also coached the Far North Football League representative side in the Miners’ Cup in Adelaide for two years. Admitting his life membership was

a total surprise, Telfer said he had no idea his name would be called on the night. “It was a bit sneaky … I didn’t think I really deserved it, I was a bit shocked by it I suppose,” he said. Although the Miners have been highly successful in both the football and netball arenas in recent years, Telfer said he was also proud of the club’s achievements off the field. “The record shows that we are doing well, (but) we are also trying to make sure that we are more of a sporting club rather than just a football club, and I think we’ve really grown with the netball and the cricket now,” he said. Telfer said he had originally become involved with the Miners after following son James there when he first started playing football for the club. “In a town like this, if you don’t get involved in something like that what else do you do – sit at the pub or work

Codey Napper C grade netball best & fairest, and Luke Godfrey, Miners’ football most improved player.

James Telfer - Miners’ football most consistent, and best representative player.

Joice Takaidza, Miners’ netball A grade best & fairest, with Millie Cordy (A grade runner up best & fairest).

Jared Greenbank - best & fairest.

Jenna Price, D grade best & fairest, with Jasmine Oakley, D grade runner up best & fairest. THE MONITOR - Your Community Newspaper

yourself to death?” he said “You’ve got to do something apart from work. “Being involved in the club has been good because you create new friends - it’s been good for us that’s for sure. “You get to know people pretty well and as they disperse around the country you’ve got a lot of people you can go and visit, we have some good friends scattered around.” Telfer paid tribute to all of the other volunteers who helped keep the Miners running, saying that they had helped him in his role as president. “We’ve got a good committee and it helps if you can delegate a fair bit,” he said. “There are some great young ones that have come into the club over the last five years that we’ve managed to keep and they do a massive amount of work, that’s for sure.”

Jack Humphries - best team man.

Stevie Lane, C grade netball coaches award recipient, with Max Renfrey, best backman. www.themonitor.com.au

Maryanne and Mark Telfer at the Miners’ football and netball presentations, where he was named the club’s newest life member.

Abby Telfer, B grade netball runner up best & fairest, with Hayley Wurfel, B grade best & fairest and best under-21 player.

Todd Nisbett - Zeptner Club Award recipent.

Jordy Mandemaker - runner up best & fairest.

Craig Hall (most determined) and Britt Hall, A grade coaches’ award (netball). Thursday, October 5, 2017 -- Page 15

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Brownlow nod for Hombsch S

ome extra loud cheers rang out around Roxby Downs last Monday night, with former local Jack Hombsch awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award at the 2017 Brownlow Medal count.

Hombsch, who grew up in Roxby Downs, plays in the Australian Football League (AFL) for the Port Adelaide Football Club (Power). He had been nominated for the last three years for the Jim Stynes award, which recognises outstanding community work and leadership displayed by a player from within the AFL – and included the AFL Women’s league (AFLW) for the first time this year. For more than five years, Hombsch has worked with numerous organisations and acts as an ambassador for bodies dedicated to engaging people living with intellectual disabilities. His work has been inspired by Hombsch’s younger brother, Todd, who lives with Down Syndrome. While The Monitor wasn’t able to catch up with Hombsch after his award win, John Cranwell, Chief Executive Officer of Inclusive Sport SA was thrilled to speak about the young defender, who he described as “very humble, a good bloke – a great bloke”. Inclusive Sport SA works to build an inclusive culture in sport and recreation through working with individuals to find a sport of their choice, and also helping the sport and recreation sector be ready for disabled, marginalised or

disadvantaged players. “Jack’s little brother Todd played in the C7 division that we helped support as part of the Adelaide football league - so Todd came along and Jack came along too,” Cranwell said. “He (Jack) started coming to games and grand finals and handing out medals and helping out the State team and giving those guys a bit of a ‘rev up’ using his profile, which was great. “It turned out that everything he was doing was off his own back, and then the club (Port Adelaide) rang us one day and asked if he was helping us out, and if we could legitimatise it for his community work. “So we appointed him as an ambassador for our organisation and he also had a bit of a role as team patron for our State SANFL football team for players with an intellectual disability.” Cranwell said Hombsch was “really community-minded” and did not set out to seek the limelight. “He understands that using his profile as an AFL player might bring someone a good laugh or a smile to their face – they can go home and say they’ve met a Port player – that makes it up for him I think,” he said. “I’ve said a few times lately that the first thing our footballers that we support want to know is, do you barrack for the Crows or Power, and as soon as they know who you barrack for is basically how they treat you. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Former Roxby Downs resident Jack Hombsch was announced as the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recipient at the AFL Browlow Medal count last week.

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