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Vol. 8 Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Pokies decision delayed By Millie Thomas
Andamooka residents have been left waiting, after the submission hearing that will decide on whether poker machines will be installed in Andamooka was pushed forward. The hearing, which was originally scheduled for Monday, August 29, was pushed out to Thursday, September 8. The hearing will be attended by Andamooka Progress Opal Miner’s Association Chairperson, Peter Allen, who will be opposing The Matthews Group’s application to install up to 20 poker Machines at local pub, The Opal Hotel. Mr Allen told The Monitor that submissions against the poker machines were ‘well in excess of 200’. Local Labor MP Hon Lyn Breuer, who was previously unavailable for comment on this matter, has pledged her support to the Andamooka community. Ms Breuer stated that she had written a letter to the ‘licensing board’ expressing her concerns about the poker machines, but could not object formally as she is not an Andamooka resident. Unfortunately, Ms Breuer could not remember which board it was that she addressed. Nonetheless, she went on to say that; “I think it would be a disaster towards the town and I don’t think they need the pokies there. “I am very supportive of Peter Allen and the community and I hope it will be resolved shortly.” Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey said the decision for the poker machines should be an easy one. “For the record my opinion is that the residents don’t want it, they shouldn’t have it,” he said. “It seems to be pretty solid opposition for Andamooka so I think that they should be given a fair say in this situation.” He went on to say that while some people can play the poker machines responsibly, others cannot. It was recently reported in The Monitor that the closest gambling support service is based in Port Pirie. Is it worth gambling on an addiction? Mr Ramsey stated that he had visited Roxby Downs and Andamooka recently and spoken to numerous locals, and the decision was ‘clear cut’. “The message I’m getting loud and clear from the community is that they don’t want them,” he said. “That makes it any easy decision in my eyes. If you’ve got 90% resistance that’s overwhelming.”
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Joe D'Arrigo does not want to leave Roxby Downs, but at the moment has no choice.
Chives future uncertain By Millie Thomas
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uccessful local restaurant, Chives, may have to close its doors due to lack of housing, Manager Joe D’Arrigo says. The Mediterranean style restaurant, which has been operating for two years now, has become a favourite among many locals, and its tentative closure will undoubtedly create a void in the community. According to Chives employees, Chives is full with customers almost every night. Joe D’Arrigo, his wife Silvia, and their three children Daniel, Bobby and Mikey have settled in Roxby Downs from Adelaide, and due to a recent change in rental management in their current house, have been given two months to find alternative accommodation.
They now have five weeks to go, with no relief in sight. “I’ve got no grudge against them at all,” said Mr D’Arrigo. “It’s just it’s at a crucial time for us and there’s nothing else for us to live in.” If there is no solution by October 22, the D’Arrigo family will have to move back to Adelaide. The family needs a four bedroom house to accommodate not only their needs, but also storage needs for the restaurant. “We need a house that’s big enough for us,” said Mr D’Arrigo. “Where do I put my stuff, let alone equipment and supplies for the restaurant? I’m going to have to pay for storage as well. So you may be getting a three bedroom home but there’s no storage space.” The three children, who attend school at St Barbara’s Parish School are the D’Arrigo’s main concern. “The kids have settled here I don’t want to have to move
them, the kids are so happy here,” said Mrs D’Arrigo. “We don’t have any choice, seriously, we don’t have any choice,” she said. “It’s getting to desperate measures now. We’ve still got five weeks, in which people are saying something might happen, but we can’t rely on that.” The family, which has been working with numerous realtors, have been told to remain hopeful that a property will come on the market in the next five weeks. But what they can’t understand, is how BHP Billiton can hold empty houses, when there are valuable families and essential services having to leave town because they have no where to live. “What about us? If you want Chives to stay in Roxby Downs, I need some help. That’s how it should be,” said Mr D’Arrigo. “I don’t want to create friction with BHP, but I’m asking for help.” With an estimated 35 per cent
of Chives’ customer base BHP Billiton executives, the D’Arrigo’s are appealing to them to support the service that supports them. “We feel privileged that they come to us for dinner, but at the end of the day, help us as well,” said Mrs D’Arrigo. “If they don’t help find a solution, Chives might have to close down, because I will not send my family away and just stay here on my own,” added Mr D’Arrigo. “It’s just getting beyond a joke. It’s ridiculous.” BHP Billiton was contacted by The Monitor to see if they could help keep them in town, but a BHP Billiton spokesperson stated that all housing is being utilised. “While we sympathise with the D’Arrigo family, unfortunately BHP Billiton housing is only for BHP Billiton employees,” the spokesperson said. Continued on page 13
5/09/2011 2:30:57 PM