Barrier Daily Truth

Desert downpour delights dashers

Monday, 2nd April, 2012

SAFE AND SNUG: Julian Mann with daughters Evelyn (3) and Audrey (1) take shelter while waiting for mum Serenity to finish the Living Desert Dash.

A sudden and unexpected shower of rain yesterday morning did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the good crowd of entrants who showed up for the Living Desert Dash.

In fact, with the prospect of a 10-kilometre run before the fittest of them, the cool shower was more than welcome after the heat and humidity of the previous few days.

Brushman of the Bush, Jack Absalom, officiated at the start of the race at 8.30am in the car park of the Living Desert which meant that all the runners and walkers were immediately faced with their toughest obstacle - the Sculptures hill.

Countdown to Agfair

Saturday, 31st March, 2012

COUNTDOWN: Agfair, the state's biggest outback field day, opens on May 4.

By Paula Doran 

With just five weeks until the State’s biggest outback field day, the countdown to Agfair has begun.

It’s been a bumper season on the land around Broken Hill, so no doubt this year’s Agfair, the 12th biennial event of its kind in the Silver City, will reflect the rising fortunes of the Far West when it opens on May 4.

For two days an estimated 8000-plus visitors to the racecourse will feast on pastoral information, including a guest appearance from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), craft, clothing and gourmet advice from star chef, Tobie Puttock, as well as a raft of other attractions.

Lead level review

Saturday, 31st March, 2012

By Andrew Robertson

Almost half of all Broken Hill children who had their blood lead level tested last year would be above anticipated new national guidelines which could come into effect this year.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is considering lowering the blood lead level considered acceptable in people to below five micrograms per decilitre, or half the current level of 10.

According to Far West Local Health District data, 87 per cent of Broken Hill children who were tested last year had a blood lead level below 10 micrograms per decilitre.