SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATIVE TITLE SERVICES APPOINTS INAUGURAL BOARD

The first board of directors has been appointed to South Australian Native Title Services.

The inaugural chairperson is Tauto Sansbury who has worked as a consultant with the State Government’s Social Inclusion Unit

LYN BREUER MP BACKS SCHOOL MANAGEMENT PROBE

According to ABC news, State MP for Giles Lyn Breuer says she welcomes the independent review into the management of the Coober Pedy Area School, amid claims of discrimination and harsh policies.

IMX & OZ MINERALS FORM JOINT AGREEMENT ON COPPER-GOLD EXPLORATION IN FAR NORTH

OZ Minerals Limited and IMX Resources Limited have signed a binding Heads of Agreement with the intention of forming a Joint Venture Agreement to explore for and develop copper-gold projects on IMX’s Mt Woods tenements in South Australia. These tenements are largely contiguous with OZ Minerals tenements, which include its Prominent Hill mine. IMX will retain the rights to any predominantly iron ore discoveries.

PRESENTATION DAY AT COOBER PEDY AREA SCHOOL

Year 12 students graduating receive their certificates

On Tuesday the 24th of November 2009, Coober Pedy Area School held their annual presentation day. The ceremony is an acknowledgement of the achievements the school, the students and involved community members have accomplished throughout the year.

*The Year 2/3 students gave us a sneak peak of their musical.
*The choir gave us a brilliant performance.
*And, the Dance Group performed for their very first time at the end of the ceremony.

COOBER PEDY AREA SCHOOL COMMUNITY “CHAT ROOM” – EDITION TWO

OUR SCHOOL – OUR COMMUNITY

Welcome to the second edition of the Coober Pedy Area School Community Chat Room.
 
This is an exiting new forum which aims to provide the latest news on activities, achievements and issues within our school for the benefit of Students, Parents and the Community of Coober Pedy.

HACKERS UNLEASH DOCUMENTS SAYING CLIMATE SCIENTISTS CONSPIRED TO OVERSTATE HUMAN INFLUENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Hackers leak climate change e-mails from key research unit, stoke debate on global warming.  The furor over the leaked data comes weeks before the U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen, when 192 nations will seek to reach a binding treaty to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping greenhouse gases worldwide.

By DAVID STRINGER 
Associated Press

LONDON – Computer hackers have broken into a server at a well-respected climate change research center in Britain and posted hundreds of private e-mails and documents online — stoking debate over whether some scientists have overstated the case for man-made climate change.

DIERI DESCENDANT QUERIES NATIVE TITLE LAWYER & LAND COUNCIL – “CITING SHABBY TREATMENT”

Dieri Aboriginal Corporation
PO Box 467. Broken Hill
NSW 2880  Fax: 08 80885138

Open letter to the following people

To: Steven Kenny – Lawyer
Shayne Kemp – Chairperson of Dieri Aboriginal Corporation

The Adelaide Advertiser
The Transcontinental News Paper
The Coober Regional Times
And others.

Dear Sirs, I am writing to you for a fair go. My mother is the full blood daughter of a full blood Dieri man and you want to use our Land.  In fact you are already using our Land.

FIRE BAN ADVICE FOR MID – FAR NORTH – CATASTROPHIC – EXTREME

The CFA in South Australia is advising the public that TOTAL FIRE BANS have been declared for Wednesday, 18 November 2009 in the following Fire Ban Districts:

COOBER PEDY’S JUNIOR FOOTY KIDS VISIT BAIRD BAY FOR FOOTBALL PRESENTATIONS

Coober Pedy kids Stevie Chamberlain, Kiethie O'toole, Dylan Roach & Roy Murray Posing for the camera ( good one boys)

by: Garry Orvad and Chris Butler

On the 6th November 18 children and 5 adults of the Coober Pedy Junior Football Club headed out of town to Baird Bay to hold our football presentations. All Children were excited and turned up well before the departure time.

Enroute we stopped 120km’s out of Kingoonya for lunch then off to Wirrulla for ice cream and other treats before arriving at Baird Bay late afternoon.

COOBER PEDY AREA SCHOOL PARENTS THREATEN A WALK OUT IF STUDENT SUSPENSIONS AND COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS AREN’T RESOLVED

Gwenda Forman parent of current school children Lyn Breuer MP, member for Giles Yoka Dunstan past parent and local business owner at the Community Meeting held in Coober Pedy

Following the second  meeting in one week in a bid to resolve parental complaints at the Coober Pedy Area School, Member for Giles, Lyn Breuer MP has called for a ministerial enquiry into an ongoing, inflammatory situation at the school. 

The second, an advertised public meeting was held on Thursday 12 November  with Coober Pedy Area School parents and students and included members from the greater Coober Pedy community.   

Thursday night’s meeting was the second meeting attended by Ms Breuer within of a week, after parents threatened a walkout if student suspensions and communication issues between school and parents weren’t resolved. 

MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR DONNA DUNSTAN AT COOBER PEDY AREA SCHOOL – TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

Reprinted with permission from the ABC

Proposed commemorative plaque for past student Donna Dunstan hoping to be placed at Coober Pedy Area School

A Coober Pedy family whose daughter drowned in the local school swimming pool earlier this year has been refused permission to mount a memorial artwork inside the pool grounds due to school council concerns it might make children and staff uncomfortable.

John Dunstan’s daughter Donna, 29, drowned at the Coober Pedy Area School swimming pool on March 11.

The facility is jointly operated in the school grounds by the school and the Coober Pedy Regional Council as a public pool.

Mr Dunstan, a well-known miner and local business operator, told ABC Local Radio he had been negotiating with the school council for more than six months to have a simple memorial placed in the grounds of the pool. He was happy to bear the financial costs.

NEW SHOPPING GUIDE CD AIMED AT ANANGU IN SA

“People from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyjatjara Lands will be more empowered to protect their rights as consumers”,  says Minister for Consumer Affairs Gail Gago  following yesterday’s launch of an informative CD called Talk About Shopping, in Coober Pedy.  Ms Gago was accompanied by member for Giles Lyn Breuer.

SOLAR CHALLENGE CARS – LOOKING FOR SUN, NOT PETROL AT CHECK POINT COOBER PEDY

By Ken Williams
Without so much as a rattling tappet or a noisy exhaust, the Global Green Challenge cars came silently into Coober Pedy looking for sun and not petrol on their way from Darwin to Adelaide.

The U-M car Infinium finished third in the Global Green Challenge, formerly called the World Solar Challenge. Photo: Ken Williams

They slipped in so quietly that most of the locals didn’t hear them let alone see them.

The Opal Inn Hotel Car Park was cordoned off as a checkpoint for 3 days where teams could be timed, catch some rays on the solar panels, take a nature break then head off south to Adelaide. 

NUCLEAR NIGHTMARE FOR FAMILIES – STRONTIUM-90 IN BABIES TEETH NEAR REACTORS

To the Editor,

Joseph Mangano holds a baby tooth dating back to 1953. By Todd Plitt, USA TODAY

A study on childhood cancer near nuclear power plants in Florida, U.S., was released in April. According to the study by the Radiation and Public Health Project, levels of fission product strontium-90 in the teeth of children living in southeast Florida had increased with 37% from 1986-1989 to 1994-1997. The highest levels were found near the Turkey Point and St. Lucie reactors.

The amount of radioactive strontium-90 appeared to be 85% higher in the teeth of children with cancer than those without. The results might suggest a link between cancer and exposures to radioactivity from the reactors, but further studies are still needed to confirm this.

MINISTER PATRICK CONLON DISPUTE – “IMPROVE SERVICES TO OODNADATTA”

Dear Sir, [Open letter to Mr. Conlon]

In Oodnadatta our electricity is supplied by Energy SA diesel / Lpg generators with distribution and accounts by ETSA. We experience an increasing number of failures despite various upgrades over time.

Your Energy SA Dept refuses to pay rent on our property, which cripples our ability to maintain our services and facilities, but this is a separate matter.

COOBER PEDY A CARING COMMUNITY – A STRENGTH TO BE PROUD OF

Letter to Editor  – Coober Pedy Regional Times

During Carers Week (which occurs in October each year), I was reminded of the “contrast” between the Australian approach to people with physical health problems compared to our approach to those with emotional or mental health issues. If a friend is ill with a medical condition, caring people feel comfortable about sending cards or flowers, providing meals, making phone calls or providing other support for the stressed family.

MARATHON RESOURCES ACCEPTS S.A. GOVERNMENT OFFER OF NEW EXPLORATION LICENCE FOR FLINDERS RANGES

The Directors of Marathon Resources Limited hereby advise that, on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary Bonanza Gold Pty Ltd, Marathon Resources Limited has accepted the offer from the Government of South Australia to grant an Exploration Licence over the area previously registered as EL 3258.

The Directors will continue dialogue with the relevant authorities to clarify the new conditions in the Exploration Licence offer and the timing of the amendments to the Mining Act.

IS ‘GANG OF 49′ STUNT A TACTICAL & POLITICAL TURF WAR?

Dear Editor

RE:  “PROTEST AGAINST THE MEDIA REPORTING ON THE “GANG OF 49″ 
I bring to all your Coober Pedy Regional Times Readers attention that the referred to alleged “crimes” have all occured on Kaurna Yerta
 
All the general and Murdoch Media “suspected”, “alleged”, “so-called” aboriginal “Gang of 49″ have not really adequately reported Crown Sworn SAPOL [police] “Operation Mandrake”

PROTEST AGAINST THE MEDIA REPORTING ON THE “GANG OF 49″

Rally Organisers of "Media tell the Truth" are Chantell Wanganneen, Natasha Wanganeen and Janette Milera

“I acknowledge this Land of the Adelaide Region is the Traditional Lands for Kaurna People & that I respect their spiritual relationship with their Country.

I also acknowledge the Kaurna People as the custodians of the Adelaide Region & that their cultural & heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna People today.” 

UPDATE: On Sunday 18th October a rally on the steps of Parliament house was called to allow the Wider Community to raise their concerns on the media and governments handling of the so called GANG of 49 issue.

Speakers for the day included: Commissioner,  Klynton Wanganeen National NAIDOC Elder 2009; Frank Lampard OAM; Aboriginal Legal Rights Director Neil Gillespie; State manager of reconciliation SA: Rosslyn Cox; Mark M Aldridge INDEPENDENT of Penfield Gardens and several prominent Aboriginal community members including our Kaurna Grandmothers.

MARATHON RESOURCES SHAREHOLDER & ARKAROOLA URANIUM HUNTER ON BRIBERY CHARGES

Independent Weekly
HENDRIK GOUT
17/10/2009 4:00:00 AM

The owner and director of the largest shareholder in the company which the state government allows to explore the Arkaroola wilderness for uranium, Marathon Resources, is awaiting trial on charges of having bribed a government minister.

JOHN’S PIZZA BAR, OLD TIMERS MINE & INNAMINCKA HOTEL FINALISTS IN FLINDERS & OUTBACK SA AWARDS

Local businesses from Coober Pedy and the Far North of South Australia ranging from tourist attractions and tour operators to wineries and accommodation will all compete in their respective categories for the opportunity to be named one of the State’s best tourism operators.

Coober Pedy finalists John's Pizza Bar not only catering for the region but active in employing local staff

John’s Pizza Bar Manager, Peter Ikonomopoulis said, 

A SMOOTHER RIDE FOR OODNADATTA ROAD IN THE FAR NORTH?

Rain has continually washed out roadwork attempts on the Hamilton to Oodnadatta Road

After years of lobbying by Far north communities around Oodnadatta, roadworks to mitigate flood damage and increased tourist use have finally commenced  between Oodnadatta and Hamilton Cattle station – works to realign and resheet  a 28 km section have re-commenced and are expected to be completed by February 2010.

Increased accident levels and Tourist numbers, as well as cattle road train movements have prompted Pastoralists’ call for attention. The road accesses the world-renowned Witjira National Park and Dalhousie thermal ponds and is known for low level guttered out sections with dangerous square grader-cut “batters“ which can cause a sliding 4×4 vehicle to roll on impact.

 Witjira visitors enjoyed an improvement in conditions for the first half of the rough Pedirka Track lately as Transport SA employed “Hamilton” station to upgrade the Public Access Route (PAR) earlier in the year. This leaves the last 40 kms of National Park track for the poor traveller to stumble over.   It has NO annual maintenance at all- and visitors’ pay an entry fee to travel on it!

 The total cost of Hamilton Roadwork is $2.13million of which $130,000 is contributed by the Australian Governments Roads to Recovery Program added to SA Govt’s Rural Roads funds.

DTEI (the states roads authority -Transport SA) wishes to thank motorists for their patience and apologises for any inconvenience while these important safety upgrades are carried out.

Oodnadatta Progress Association Chair, Adam Plate says, “We’re happy with any upgrade but we are applying  to Minister Conlon for a change in policy to include the sealing, even if in short sections over time, of the main area supply route, now known as the Kempe Road, from Coober Pedy  to Oodnadatta, as a priority” “All our food, fuel ,services and cattle travel on this unsealed road and it is especially subject to deterioration, corrugation and wet weather closure. Its poor condition is causing an increase in road accidents “- he said today.

Tony Williams of Mt.Barry Station, 100 kms north of Coober Pedy, now host to a big mineral exploration drilling camp, agrees. “The road spending in the north is not keeping up to demands of our industries—we’re slipping back “ said Tony.

NEW COIN WEBSITE DESIGNED TO MARKET OPAL

Wayne Sedawie says opals and coins go together very well

Founder of website business opalauctions.com Wayne Sedawie has started a new auction website online called coins-auctioned.com  which is a combined website aimed at helping to promote natures miracle, opals worldwide.

Wayne a seasoned opal seller believes that 99.9% of the world population has not had the pleasure of beholding an opal. “Traditional marketing has only targeted less than 1% of the world’s population”, said Wayne.

MARALINGA NUCLEAR VETERANS DISAPPOINTED AS THEIR WEBSITE IS CLOSED DOWN

Totem 1 and Totem, at Emu Field near Coober Pedy were the first two of the 12 atomic bombs to be detonated in South Australian from 1953 - 1963

UPDATE:  The Nuclear Veterans have a new website as of 28 November 2009 as per comment below. 

The Australian Nuclear Veterans website has been closed down – it’s former web hoster TELSTRA REFUSED to allow it as they have decided not to allow users to have a Telstra hosted website anymore and wanted to start charging fees for hosting it.
It can now be found at http://www.sandersonsite.com/anva/
We (at sandersonsite) will be hosting it free of charge.

Read the events leading up to the Nuclear Veterans website being reinstated……………………

Maralinga Anniversary October 15, 1953 – 1963 and nuclear veteran’s website is closed down.

Only a few weeks ago, the Australian veterans of the atomic tests launched a class action against the Australian Federal Government on the basis that at the time of exposing Australian troops to nuclear blasts the Government knew that the exposed troops were placed in danger from internalisation of fission products. 

Australian Nuclear Veterans Association’s had an information website until last week at www.users.bigpond.net.au/anva/, however the website has suddenly been closed down without explanation.

The ANVAR Web Site is normally maintained by Australian Nuclear Veterans who were involved in nuclear testing.

BHP ACCIDENT COULD DISRUPT MINE OPERATIONS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS

Matt Chambers | October 09, 2009
The Australian

Update: 

“BHP Billiton’s giant Olympic Dam underground mine could be running at just 20 per cent capacity for up to six months, analysts say, after a loaded iron skip plummeted to the bottom of the 800m-deep main shaft.

CLASS ACTION PENDING FOR OZ MINERALS – Statement of Claim lodged

Work in progress at the Prominent Hill Mine Site

OZ Minerals Limited notes that a Class Action claim against it has been lodged in the Federal Court of Australia today by listed legal group IMF (Australia) Ltd. The action is on behalf of clients who purchased shares  from Aug. 21, 2008 and to the end of November 2008.

OZ Minerals shareholders have been raising funds for a class action alleging that the miner failed to disclose the details of its debt.

HAULAGE SYSTEM FAILURE AT OLYMPIC DAM MINE

At approximately 10.30pm yesterday, the haulage system in the Clark Shaft at Olympic Dam was damaged in a mechanical failure. The haulage system used at Olympic Dam is fully automated, and no-one was injured in the incident.

SA COURT CLOSURES RILE REGIONAL LAWYERS

30 September 2009 | by Olivia Collings   (The New Lawyer)

REGIONAL South Australian lawyers are concerned that changes to country court offices will prevent access to justice for locals. 

In recent weeks the Courts Administration Authority has begun closing court offices in the towns of Kadina, Coober Pedy and Ceduna when the court is not sitting. 

DERAILED: LEIGH CREEK COAL TRAIN – ENROUTE TO PORT AUGUSTA POWER STATION

Is this the coal train that didn’t run?  
by: Nellie Malseed – Coober Pedy Regional Times (South Australia)

“As a result of Operation Climate Camp SA 2009 emissions protest at Port Augusta, Flinders Power agreed that the longest coal train in the world would not run on Saturday 26th or Sunday 27th September”!

Police media release Friday 25 September 2009 TIME 3.30 pm 
“Operation Climate Camp 2009: Leigh Creek Coal train suspended”.    “…..it has been decided that the Leigh Creek coal train will be suspended over the coming weekend [26th and 27th September]…..”   AUTHORISED BY Assistant Commissioner Graeme Barton, Northern Operations Service. [SAPOL]  

However, at  approximately 10am Sunday morning 27th September, the “long coal train” from Leigh Creek  traveling to the Port Augusta power station laden with coal, derailed at the safety crossing in Copley, due to a technical fault.

The Leigh Creek coal train traveling from Leigh Creek toward Port Augusta today, Sunday, derailed at Copley in the Flinders Ranges. Photo: Nellie Malseed

MINTABIE: IMPENDING LEGISLATION TO STOP OPAL MINERS HAVING A DRINK IN THEIR HOMES

CIVIL LIBERTIES:  PRECEDENT SOUGHT BY STATE GOVERNMENT

To the Editor,

Impending SA State Legislation will see entry to Mintabie (an existing community settled prior to land grants), by ordinary Australians drastically restricted, if not totally closed off!!

The draconian Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (Mintabie) Amendment Bill 2008 (and related Amendments to the Opal Mining Act 1995) is supposedly designed to put a simple town lease into State Legislation. WHY?

FILMMAKER DAVID BRADBURY: RED DUST DUMP ORIGINATING AT WOOMERA IS GRAVE CONCERN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Round two of fierce dust from the Woomera-Roxby Downs area hits Coober Pedy on its way to the east coast of Australia again today

“70 million tonnes of radioactive tailings to be dumped at the Roxby mine site each year without evidence of dust control is cause for concern”, says David Bradbury

A vigorous front moving across South Australia for the second day this week, with west to southwest winds averaging 60-70 km/h are with damaging wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h are causing grave concerns for public health.  

KILOMETRE LONG GOLD-CALCRETE ANOMALY FOUND NEAR CHALLENGER GOLD MINE IN SA DESERT

Southern Gold's Challenger Nemesis discovery

• Large 1km long x 400m wide gold-in-calcrete anomaly identified at wholly-owned Nemesis Prospect directly north of producing Challenger gold mine

• Immediate infill sampling program scheduled to define drill-ready targets at Nemesis

• Exploration to commence on  large 5km x 5km regional calcrete anomaly at Brickies Prospect, SW of mine

• New RAB and RC drill programs planned early 2010 for advanced regional prospects to north and south of mine

WESTERN PLAINS RESOURCES NEAR COOBER PEDY SUFFERS INVESTOR BLOW FROM DEFENCE DEPARTMENT

Western Plains Resources near Coober Pedy

abn newswire report

Western Plains Resources Ltd (ASX:WPG) signed a A$45 million deal with the Australian subsidiary of Wugang Iron & Steel (Group) Corp (WISCO) to sell a 50 per cent participating interest in the Hawks Nest project located within the Woomera Prohibited Area.

Western Plains said today it received a letter from the Department of Defence saying that it will not support an application by a subsidiary of Wugang Iron & Steel (Group) Corp (WISCO) to the Foreign Investment Review Board for approval of the WISCO investment.

FAR NORTH SA: SEVERE WEATHER WARNING FOR DAMAGING DUST & WIND

A violent dust storm converges on Coober Pedy and the outback with gale force winds estimated at around 95km

The second day of high velocity winds for the Far North of South Australia turned the Australian skies into a cloud of orange dust from coast to coast.

On the second day of gale force winds a massive dust storm gathered moment with strong westerly winds scooping up sand and dust from the Maralinga direction  in the Western Desert and spreading it across the country.

AUSTRALIA – AUTHORITIES MUST BETTER PREPARE FOR “OVERDUE” VOLCANO RISK

Night-time view of Big Ben erupting on 3 February 2001, viewed from Atlas Cove. Photo: Australian Antarctic Division - Stu Fitch

A significant volcano eruption in Australia is ‘well overdue’ and emergency authorities must better prepare themselves and the wider community to respond to it, Associate Professor Joyce the recipient of the prestigious Geological Society of Australia (Victoria Division) Selwyn Medal for 2009 has warned.

“We can’t say with 100% certainty that a significant volcano will strike tomorrow, next week, next year, or even 100 years down the track—but these geo-hazards are real and they must be given much more focus by emergency management authorities” Associate Professor Joyce said.

MINTABIE – OUTBACK HEALTH SERVICES: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The residents of Mintabie are becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of health care available to them. Early in the year Clinic services in the town were withdrawn with no community consultation.  The RFDS who had flown into town once a month, ceased this operation.

15 YEAR OLD COOBER PEDY GIRL BRUTALLY ATTACKED AT FAR NORTH FUNERAL

Damages sustained to family vehicle

Members of Coober Pedy family received medical treatment after experiencing a violent assault while attending the funeral of a relative in a Far North Community on Thursday 27th August 2009.  Allegations are:

*That the  family’s 15 year old child was viciously attacked by a number of adults in the carpark of the remote cemetery.  

*Family members who came to the girl’s  aid were assailed upon by adults wielding a baseball bat, large sticks and a wheel brace.

COOBER PEDY – THE 2009 GREAT BREAKAWAYS’ BOLT BEGINS

Coober Pedy community unite for THE GREAT BREAKAWAYS’ BOLT  and to make Fathers Day a GIANT event, raising funds on the way to upgrade the Coober Pedy community playground.  

The Great Breakaway Bolt begins with enthusiastic Coober Pedians celebrating Father’s Day in September 2009

The Great Breakaways Bolt  began as a casual conversation between two local Coober Pedy girls, Jayde Frew and Melissa Rosewarne. 

COOBER PEDY AREA SCHOOL COMMUNITY “CHAT ROOM” – EDITION ONE

Arthur, Giordan and Peter helping out at the working bee (photo: Sue Britt)

Welcome to the first edition of the Coober Pedy Area School Community Chat Room. This is an exiting new forum which aims to provide the latest news on activities, achievements and issues within our school for the benefit of Students, Parents and the Community of Coober Pedy.

Catch up
July 2009:
• 12th – The third term school Busy Bee was held. Tasks completed included
o Pruning, reticulation and mulching of the front garden beds.
o Reticulation of the newly constructed Kitchen Garden beds at the rear of the school.
o Continued grounds clean up.
Many thanks to all those who attended, especially to Year 9/10 for the delicious morning tea.

OZ MINERALS ANNOUNCE MANAGEMENT CHANGES

OZ Minerals is pleased to announce management appointments in the areas of Exploration and Business Development following the announcement of the departure of Tony Manini as Executive General Manager Exploration and Business Development

2009 SA Great “FAR NORTH” REGIONAL AWARDS – VENUE ANNOUNCED

Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Far North Regional Awards ceremony. The event will be held on 3rd November at the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn in Port Augusta.   The event promises to be a spectacular affair with all nominees and entrants invited to attend as well as key figures from the Far North region.

INDUSTRY PLAYER UNVEILS NEW OPAL TECHNOLOGY

 Grading opal based on colour, clarity, carat, character and cut.

The Gemmological Digital Analyser (GDA) is the world's first automated device to grade opals using image analysis

Opal Producers of Australia Limited (O.P.A.L.), have just unveiled their new GDA technology, which will help revolutionise the way we look at opals. The GDA, Gemmological Digital Analyser, is the world’s first device to objectively analyse and grade the opal gemstone based on a number of factors including colour, clarity, carat, character and cut.
     
The groundbreaking news was presented to over 70 delegates and members of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers and the inaugural NCJV forum in Darling Harbour on the 30th August 2009 by Dr Leanne Bischof, Mathematical Sciences, CSIRO and Kayt Primmer, Director O.P.A.L..

NORTHERN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD NEWSLETTER SA

NRDB Newsletter September 2009 (PDF)

 

Jerry Johnson, CEO of the Northern Regional Development Board

“The Northern Regional Development Board would like to retract a statement made in the recently distributed ‘Northern News’ in relation to sale of the William Creek Hotel.   

The William Creek Hotel, whilst for sale, has not been sold as indicated within the newsletter, and the Northern Regional Development Board would like to apologise unreservedly to anyone who has been adversely impacted upon by the publication of this information.”
 
Hope you enjoy reading the September edition of the NRDB Newsletter.

OZ MINERALS TO OFFER SHAREHOLDER SALE FACILITIES

OZ Minerals has initiated two share sale facilities designed to allow shareholders with less than 5000 shares to sell their shares cost effectively and simply and to assist the company in reducing costs associated with servicing smaller holdings.

COOBER PEDY AREA SCHOOL STUDENTS ENCOURAGED BY REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL SUCCESS

Coober Pedy Area School girls - winning volleyball team

In week 6 of term 3, fourteen Coober Pedy Area School students travelled to Whyalla to compete in the regional Volleyball tournament.  Host school, Stuart High arranged for the students to stay in the school library to sleep over and rest up for heats the following day.

The Volleyball tournament was held on the Thursday with each of the teams playing the two opposing teams in the heats in their pool.

The Coober Pedy boys lost their first game 2-1 to Whyalla High, and lost their second game 2-1 to Samaritan College.  However Coober Pedy boys won their play off for 5th against Port Augusta High 3-0.

SA COUNCILS SHARE IN $131 MILLION IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

 The Rudd Labor Government has today announced the funding that each and every local governing body in South Australia will receive this financial year through the Financial Assistance Grants program. 

RANKINE: ANANGU ON APY LAND TO TAKE OUT HOMESTART LOANS FOR NEW HOUSING

According to Ms Jennifer Rankine the Minister for Families and Communities, in Coober Pedy on Tuesday (today), Anangu on the APY Lands will be able to apply for home loans through a HomeStart program to purchase  homes being built on their homelands on APY Lands in the far north of South Australia. 

MENTAL STEALTH: SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN AT RISK

Dear Editor,

Mum, Lillian Reekie deeply concerned over SA Mental Health Act

As a Mum, I am writing to you out of concern for South Australian children. Recently I discovered that the new Mental Health Act in South Australia had been passed through Parliament and will be in use next year. This new bill can only lead to a huge increase of children on dangerous psychiatric drugs. Parental consent will not even be needed in all cases for children to be given these drugs.

My son, who is now 16, was diagnosed with ADHD/ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and Childhood Depression when he was in preschool and we were told that he needed antidepressants and amphetamines. We chose not to medicate after researching how dangerous these drugs can be. No antidepressant is authorised for use in any child under 18 in Australia for depression and antidepressants have warnings for suicidal behaviour in Australia and overseas. We discovered that the two main ADHD drugs including Ritalin are in the same class as cocaine, morphine and opium in Australia. We were horrified!

WILL AUSTRALIA ALLOW ANOTHER BALIBO AT FREEPORT?

By Nick Chesterfield (SA)

 The Freeport mine is the cause of most West Papuan grievances due to the massive plunder of wealth, human rights and environmental abuses, and the effect of acts of genocide on the indigenous population.

MILK OR NO MILK? LOWER MURRAY DARLING BASIN FARMERS

A Dairy Australia survey has confirmed that half the dairy farmers in the Lower Murray Darling Basin are expecting to make a decision regarding continuing in the dairy industry before the end of the year.