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echonews
pilbaraecho www.pilbaraecho.com.au
The Pilbara Poet
by Elise Batchelor
New year, back to school, working hard, loving clouds and waiting for more rain about sums it up at the moment. Meanwhile, far, far away, the rest of the world goes on and, much like last year’s, loopy domestic and international happenings, I wonder what craziness we’ll see this year…
Year of the Dog OUTBACK BUTCHER YOUR LOCAL BUTCHER
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‘Twas the year of the rabbit In twenty eleven When Molly bumped his noggin ‘fore the party got revvin’ And in Pakistan a man went In an octopuses gar-den In the sea, yes finally, Osama he bin Laden
And in other posh news came the marriage of the year between two bottom cheeks on a pertly rear whilst the second in line smooth as Marlon Brando whisperered into Pippa’s ear “You going commando?”
Headfirst sunk And wearing a frown just like Georgie Dubbya reading upside down And talking of displays, how ‘bout Hurley burley, With Shane and Elizabeth Dubbed as “Shurley”
And the cast of Glee and Libya Both won the people’s choice With our good PM responding Something like, “Unusual, noice”. But back here in Awstulya in political sphoires Came the hottest debate that we’ve seen in yoirs.
But surely you’d agree that sounds a little bit corny A Hurley and a Warne Reckon they gotta be Horney, cause they’re Tweetin’ all the time In cyberspace Yes, their love’s spit polished like Warney’s face
In the red corner Julia kept banging on and on that she’s not afraid of gays But Penny is Wong. Said, “marriage is sacred For the straight, you see And for true inspiration Look at Moi, look at moi.”
FINAL STAGE ONE LOTS NOW SELLING READY FOR OCCUPATION Gap Ridge Industrial Estate in Karratha is strategically located in the Pilbara where increased investment and strong demand for iron ore and gas processing continues.
STAGE ONE - 90% SOLD • • • • •
Only 6 light industrial lots remain Sized from 3,600sqm to 2ha Serviced with power, water, sewer and connection to NBN Join 28 prominent businesses which have bought within the estate Estate benefits from multiple access points to the recently upgraded 4-lane Dampier Highway
For more information contact Rob Sleator at First National Karratha on 0488 772 777 or Warick Irving at CBRE on 0413 863 335 Port Hedland 240km
Signalised intersection
K
LAND2529EPE
Onslow 206km
landcorp.com.au/gapridge
And as Aussie dollars ploughed the yanks, their fiscal skills at zero We rose up to hold a cup And toast our national hero – He came from the land of salt and ore where the big bulk carriers float to China galore. He’s in spirit here Where the money is spent Where two grand a week Gets you one week’s rent Cause at the end of eleven, yup. Australia was agog That our pride is the Pilbara and a beaut red dog.
Free Weekly 4 - 5 February 2012
POLICEWATCH Boat trailers By Senior Constable Jason Geikie If you’re a small boat owner like I am you will understand that most of your headaches with repairs are usually the boat trailer. The trailer is typically the forgotten piece of equipment for maintenance, but in most instances the most important when you need to get somewhere. I was standing at the Dampier boat ramp one weekend checking boats when a vehicle towing a boat pulled into the ramp. As it turned to line up the ramp, one of its trailer wheels fell off and rolled away. Lucky enough the trailer was a dual axel trailer so no damage was caused to the boat or trailer. This vehicle had driven 20km to the boat ramp down a busy 100kph highway. If the wheel came off while travelling at that speed it may have hit and killed somebody. As we all know, after the big weekend out fishing, diving, sun and surf we all drive home, fillet the fish, clean the boat and get the kids showered. All while having that well deserved beer and watching the last few overs of the cricket. The trailer usually gets the old once over and is forgotten. As the driver of the vehicle it’s your responsibility to have a roadworthy trailer. The trailer must be registered and a licence plate affixed. The brake lights and indicators must be working and visible. If the combined weight of the trailer and boat exceeds 750kg then brakes must be fitted. For your own benefit: Carry a spare tyre if you get a flat. Have a jack in the car large enough to lift the boat and trailer if need be. Tools and an air compressor always comes in handy. Check and remove rust and corrosion and repaint if necessary. Regularly check the wheel bearings and apply grease. You should conduct regular maintenance on your boat trailer as you paid the money for it.