News archive
This is an archive containing every news story ever posted on the BDT website. If you’re looking for a specific article, try the search box at the top right hand side of this page. Otherwise you can just browse the archive by selecting a year and month below.
July, 2011
From the Big Apple to the Broken Hill
Originally published: Saturday, 30th July, 2011
Close to 20 school students from New York have arrived in Broken Hill as part of a YMCA camp aimed at promoting leadership.
The 15-year-olds all selected Australia as their destination of choice for the travel and service program offered by US camp operator, Becket Chimney Corners, and the New York YMCA.
The aim is to educate teenagers on the value of community service and teen leadership.
Trip leader, Aliza Travis, told the BDT yesterday during their visit to the Lifeline shop that the teenagers had been to Melbourne and Sydney and wanted to see an outback town such as Broken Hill.
The campers spent the day helping at Lifeline by cutting rags, sorting toys and bagging clothes.
“We’ve been to Meals on Wheels, Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul and did some AFL training yesterday,” Ms Travis said.
“We’re going to an AFL game (today) and the sculptures.
“We have pretty full days.”
One of the visitors, who would only give her name as Mackenzie, said she liked Broken Hill, describing it as a “cute town.”
“It’s just because it’s a little town and we’re getting away from the city,”
The youngsters are in Australia for eight weeks and their eight-day stay in the city will come to an end on Tuesday.
Perilya powers ahead
Originally published: Saturday, 30th July, 2011
BH mining giant Perilya has posted another bumper report that has fuelled its appetite for further acquisitions.
Young chefs delight in new kitchen
Originally published: Saturday, 30th July, 2011
Broken Hill High School has unveiled its new million dollar kitchen.
Grand final prelude
Originally published: Saturday, 30th July, 2011
Today’s big clash could well be a prelude to the 2011 grand final and it doesn’t come any bigger than a Bulldogs and Roos match.
Aged care crisis hope
Originally published: Friday, 29th July, 2011
City Council and Southern Cross Care (SCC) have put forward a brand new aged care facility as a possible solution to the city’s aged care crisis.
‘Goodbye, Mrs Sparklison’
Originally published: Friday, 29th July, 2011
A favourite preschool teacher is finishing up after 26 years of teaching and nurturing generations of children.
Blessings counted
Originally published: Friday, 29th July, 2011
She might only be a few days old but gorgeous little Isla Staker will be included in the Census.
Louth the place for punters
Originally published: Friday, 29th July, 2011
Next month’s Louth races could well be one of the biggest and best of recent years.
Pies not done yet
Originally published: Thursday, 28th July, 2011
Central young gun Ben Camilleri says the Magpies are determined to salvage something from the 2011 season which has so far been ruined by a wretched run with injury and absenteeism.
Quick as a flash
Originally published: Thursday, 28th July, 2011
Federal Parliament’s joint committee of the National Broadband Network, led by Rob Oakeshott, talked super fast-speed internet and film studios when they spent the day in the city yesterday.
Opening hours plan hits a snag
Originally published: Thursday, 28th July, 2011
The opening hours at the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) will stay the same for the time being.
Doubt cast on NBN’s security
Originally published: Thursday, 28th July, 2011
The Federal Shadow Minister for Communications, Malcolm Turnbull, says the new National Broadband Network (NBN) was bound to come under attack by hackers and that it should explain how its security was breached.
All stops out for a musical feast
Originally published: Wednesday, 27th July, 2011
Locals can treat themselves to good food, music and a nice afternoon out at two concerts by the Civic Orchestra this weekend.
West milestone
Originally published: Wednesday, 27th July, 2011
The West Football Club is hoping to draw more than 200 attendees to next month’s reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of its famed Mosquito Fleet program.
Netballers signal for helping hand
Originally published: Tuesday, 26th July, 2011
The new netball season is set to start in a few weeks, and the Broken Hill Netball Association is hoping for a little extra help to make the competition as successful as possible.
Turn fantasy into reality TV
Originally published: Tuesday, 26th July, 2011
Have you ever daydreamed about swapping your wife or changing families? Soon it might become a reality.
‘Bring on the broadband’
Originally published: Tuesday, 26th July, 2011
City Council, health services, schools and other organisations will tell the public hearing by the joint committee of the National Broadband Network tomorrow that the NBN can’t come soon enough.
YMCA wants debt waived
Originally published: Tuesday, 26th July, 2011
City Council looks set to knock back a request from the YMCA of Sydney to waive its claim on the local YMCA building.
Brave officer the one that got away from SA
Originally published: Monday, 25th July, 2011
A certain policeman in South Australia - if he ever reads this story - might regret telling Todd Halliday that he did not look like real cop material.
Model put to test
Originally published: Monday, 25th July, 2011
The new method of funding the local hospital will be given a trial to see if it works.
James Gleeson
Originally published: Monday, 25th July, 2011
James Gleeson has been an important Australian artist since, as a young man in the 1930s, he started investigating Surrealism. His is the most important body of surrealist work to be done by an Australian artist.
Man, 25, ‘moons police’
Originally published: Monday, 25th July, 2011
A 25-year-old man who allegedly exposed himself to two police officers faces a string of charges including assaulting police.
House damaged by fire
Originally published: Monday, 25th July, 2011
A fire that started from a combustion wood heater caused about $30,000 damage to a house in Oxide Street yesterday morning.
Roos hammer young Magpies
Originally published: Monday, 25th July, 2011
A ruthless South taught their younger, less experienced Central opponents a lesson on Saturday with a 94-point thrashing at the Alma Oval.
Our legend
Originally published: Saturday, 23rd July, 2011
BH identity, the late Tom Austen Brown, has been likened to fictional movie adventurer Indiana Jones after gifting almost $9 million to the University of Sydney for the study of Australian prehistory.
Capture that special moment
Originally published: Saturday, 23rd July, 2011
We all have some great photos that have captured a special moment between a child and a special man in their lives. They could be their dad, granddad, uncle, foster dad or even older brother.
Workers chill out
Originally published: Saturday, 23rd July, 2011
Workers across the city gave themselves a break yesterday.
Pies must win
Originally published: Saturday, 23rd July, 2011
As we head towards the pointy end of the 2011 season, round 13 shapes as an important one for all clubs as the finals are getting closer and positions are still up for grabs.
Big pay win
Originally published: Friday, 22nd July, 2011
There is no dispute that hospital nurses have been underpaid but working out how to reimburse them will be a very hard job indeed, according to the hospital’s chief executive.
Road to nowhere
Originally published: Friday, 22nd July, 2011
Yesterday Broken Hill was cloaked in fog for the third consecutive day while the rest of Australia has also been dealing with some severe weather extremes.
National exposure for city
Originally published: Friday, 22nd July, 2011
Broken Hill and some of the region’s key tourist attractions have been grabbing more national exposure this week with Channel 7’s prolific weatherman Grant Denyer broadcasting his weather reports on morning program “Sunrise” from the area.
The soccer’s hotting up
Originally published: Friday, 22nd July, 2011
After nine rounds of local soccer 963 goals have been scored across all the competing grades (under 12s to A grade).
Last gasp win
Originally published: Thursday, 21st July, 2011
Trevor Henderson has won the Broken Hill Open A-Grade golf championship for the third time, and he’s done it in spectacular style.
Haulage road funding bid
Originally published: Thursday, 21st July, 2011
Mayor Wincen Cuy is quietly confident both state and federal governments will come up with the millions of dollars still required to fund the city’s eastern haulage road.
Blanketing fog delays flights
Originally published: Thursday, 21st July, 2011
Aircraft scheduled to fly in from Adelaide were held up for a second day in a row yesterday after more fog blanketed the city.
Power upgrades
Originally published: Thursday, 21st July, 2011
The replacement of a major substation in Blende Street and an overhaul of the powerlines to Tibooburra have been named as priorities for Essential Energy.
Company steps up
Originally published: Wednesday, 20th July, 2011
A local tour company has come to the rescue after the cancellation of a bus service for disabled school children.
School’s special guest
Originally published: Wednesday, 20th July, 2011
It was the first day back in class for the majority of Broken Hill’s school students yesterday - including children with the School of the Air - who entertained a special guest from the United States.
New manager for Central Darling
Originally published: Wednesday, 20th July, 2011
Tim Drew, who spent four years as Chief Executive Officer of the largest rural council in South Australia, is the new general manager of the Central Darling Shire Council.
Our kids on big stage
Originally published: Wednesday, 20th July, 2011
Carlton has finally scored a much-needed win against Collingwood - and it took a team of local kids to make it happen.
National Park reopened
Originally published: Tuesday, 19th July, 2011
The Mutawintji National Park has been reopened to the public after heavy rainfall forced its closure in January.
Mayor’s well wishes
Originally published: Tuesday, 19th July, 2011
Mayor Wincen Cuy has urged the newly formed Far West Tourism and Industry Alliance to “be inclusive, be open, be transparent”.
Clipped wings
Originally published: Tuesday, 19th July, 2011
If a week is a long time in football, then the last ten months must feel like an eternity for the Central faithful.
Quoit a show
Originally published: Tuesday, 19th July, 2011
Residents at Harold Williams Home had some special visitors last week when a few of the city’s rope quoits champions dropped in.
River report “redundant”
Originally published: Tuesday, 19th July, 2011
A recent report into the social impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan has been dismissed as “redundant” by the Darling River Action Group (DRAG).
Pubs fight back
Originally published: Monday, 18th July, 2011
It seems that every Monday morning the BDT has another report of drunk, violent or disorderly behaviour over the weekend.
Kaitlyn’s Masterchef call-up
Originally published: Monday, 18th July, 2011
One young local girl with a passion for cooking is working hard to be on the next season of Junior Masterchef.
The Roos are back
Originally published: Monday, 18th July, 2011
The Roos are back in the 2011 premiership race after defeating West by 65 points at Jubilee Oval on Saturday.
Tourism given a boost
Originally published: Saturday, 16th July, 2011
The major shakeup underway within regional tourism has taken another twist with the establishment of an ambitious new alliance in Broken Hill.
Caught in mid-air
Originally published: Saturday, 16th July, 2011
The creative work of Broken Hill photographers featured in the “Portrait of a Stranger” exhibition now showing at the Regional Art Gallery has drawn a very positive response. Gallery Manager Bruce Tindale says the exhibition has been a great partnership with ABC Open and had engaged some of the local community who aren’t necessarily regular visitors to the gallery. The show runs until Sunday, August 21.
All good things must come to an end
Originally published: Saturday, 16th July, 2011
After two weeks of holidays it is almost time for children to go back to school.
Expert trainer returns
Originally published: Saturday, 16th July, 2011
Members of the Broken Hill Gymnastics and Kindergym Club have been receiving expert instruction over the last two weeks from visiting specialist coach and ex-local Patrick Walden.
Power bills the killer: Vinnies
Originally published: Friday, 15th July, 2011
The St Vincent de Paul Society has called on the Federal Government to provide more relief from the rising cost of electricity when distributing its carbon tax compensation.
Benefit for stricken mums
Originally published: Friday, 15th July, 2011
Entertainers are being asked to donate their time for a concert to raise money for two local mothers who have been struck by tragedy.
City shivers through a very cold snap
Originally published: Friday, 15th July, 2011
If you think it’s been a lot chiller than normal lately, you’re right. In fact, Wednesday was the city’s coldest day in eight years.
Magpies homeward bound
Originally published: Friday, 15th July, 2011
Central’s players and supporters will be back on their home turf next month with recent upgrades to the Memorial Oval ensuring that football will return to the ground.
Carbon plan ‘brilliant’
Originally published: Thursday, 14th July, 2011
Barrier Industrial Council President Danny O’Connor yesterday railed against the “unfair criticism” being leveled at Prime Minister Julia Gillard over the proposed carbon tax.
Ancient link gives fillip to explorers
Originally published: Thursday, 14th July, 2011
A newly-discovered link between Mt Isa and Broken Hill could influence mineral exploration in the region.
Company spends big on local prospects
Originally published: Thursday, 14th July, 2011
A nickel project north of Broken Hill will be a major focus for Carpentaria Exploration Limited which plans to spend $3.5 million on exploration this year.
Change was a blessing
Originally published: Thursday, 14th July, 2011
At the end of the 1998 season changes were in the wind in local football. At that stage there were Under 15 and Under 17 competitions with the older grade playing on a Friday night under lights at the Jubilee Oval.
Big jolt an earthquake
Originally published: Wednesday, 13th July, 2011
There was not one, but two, earthquakes on Monday night, although the city would have only felt one tremor, according to Geoscience Australia.
Felled fence a rude shock
Originally published: Wednesday, 13th July, 2011
A 43-year-old fence fell victim to Monday night’s earthquake, according to Morish Street resident, Kym Hunter.
Symbolic work takes top prize
Originally published: Wednesday, 13th July, 2011
An artist who uses materials she finds around her home for her pictures has won this year’s Outback Open Art Prize.
Family plays on
Originally published: Wednesday, 13th July, 2011
Playing alongside greats of the Double Blues in their stellar era during the 1970s, Geoff Leonard was an accomplished on-baller who played 154 SANFL games.
City may benefit, says ALP
Originally published: Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
Local Labor Party president Darriea Turley says the carbon tax would be good for the future of the city and the nation and it was only fair that the biggest polluters should pay.
Winter chill sets in
Originally published: Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
There are still six weeks of winter to come and the local weather man says it’s not going to get much warmer very soon.
Local mines slam carbon tax
Originally published: Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
Perilya and CBH have claimed that the carbon tax will reduce their competitiveness with overseas traders.
Windfarm company gains confidence
Originally published: Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
Epuron’s proposed wind farm near Silverton looks set to receive an indirect boost from the Federal Government’s carbon tax.
Outback Open arrives
Originally published: Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
The greens of the Broken Hill Golf and Country Club will be littered with some of the best players from the region this weekend as the Broken Hill Outback Open gets underway.
The Open is the biggest event on the local golfing calendar, and attracts the city’s top players along with a number of visitors from across South Australia and Victoria.
The 36-hole competition commences on Saturday and will be split over two days, with play consisting of a stroke round with open tees.
Players can select their own partner on both days, and the competition will be open to all golfers that are financial members of a registered golf club and hold a current Golf Australia handicap.
Around $1,600 in trophies will be awarded to winners of various categories in A, B and C grades, including gross winner and runner up, nett and nett runner up, along with the novelty of nearest the pins on each of the par three hole.
Players can nominate on the day, however participants are advised to register their interest with the Club on 8087 9099 prior to the competition. A $40 nomination fee applies.
All players are reminded that their cards must be handed into the Captain no later than 4.30pm on each day of the event for recording of scores and to cater for play offs if required on the final day. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
A barbecue, refreshments and nibbles will be available on the course across both days.
Local profiles:
A Grade:
Jamie Greeney will be going for back to back wins and is one of the local talents that will be trying to hold this title in the Hill.
Jamie has been searching for the form that put him on the dais last year. He has struggled a little with his swing but you can never put this talented golfer out of contention. Shooting under par in his last outing should give him the confidence to take out this year’s title.
Trevor Henderson: A talented and determined golfer that certainly puts in the hard yards of practise to keep his game at a high level.
He too is no stranger to the winners list, but like Jamie he is also struggling a bit with his driving - something that both players should overcome given their talents.
Timothy O’Neill: Timothy who you may ask? Well, Tim is a one of our low handicappers that has produced some very good scores this year and has been very consistent in all aspects of his game.
Put attitude in his bag and we just may see a new face holding the title come Sunday.
Mark Johns: Mark just brims with talent, but work commitments have kept him out of contention in past events. If given the chance to play he will certainly be finishing strong on the home turn.
Nick Millsteed: Our answer to Adam Scott. Has the talent to add this title to his resume. He has come so close at times but the title still eludes him.
If Nick can put all his game into one neat package then just maybe this will be his year.
The best of our visitors would be Adelaide’s Rauri McDonald, who came so close last year only to fail on the 36th hole.
Rauri will not forget that round in a hurry, and will be determined more than ever to make this title his own for the second time.
B Grade:
This grade is wide open and there is a lot of talent just waiting to emerge. Included is some of our members that have just fallen out of the A grade division.
If we look back over the past months competitions, names just keep popping up.
Wayne Van Kemenade: A strong driver of the ball but does at times let the short game slip away from him. Rectify this problem and he is a definite chance.
John Bennett: Can put it all together, but at times lets other matters interfere with his game. If he can concentrate on his game he may just pull this off.
Cameron MacKay: Has a tendency to let small things get in his way but if he holds that explosive nature in control he comes under the radar as a definite chance.
Josh Jeffery: Quite the opposite of Cameron - tending to relax just a little too much. Has a great attitude and a bag full of shots that hold him in good stead in any situation.
C Grade:
This grade is a punter’s nightmare. There are so many in this division that could win this title if they can hold it together for both days of the competition.
Looking at previous results this grade has many winners, but a few stand out that just may surprise us all.
Rather than pick an individual as a winner, I would rather select a list that I believe will be featuring at the end of days play come Sunday: Alex Lyall, Dave Henderson Wilson, Andrew Hunter, Stan Goodman, Ken Stanley,Trevor Paul and Trevor Picken. This is no easy grade to predict and any number of C Grade members can take out this title.
Ladies:
It would be foolish not to give Michelle Fumberger the nod to take out this event again this year.
Jenny Stephenson is another local hope to hold the title in the town, and has been in great form over the past months and is our current A Grade Ladies Club Champion.
Judy Edgecumbe should give the B Grade a good shake, whilst Christine Rogers may just put her hands on the C Grade title.
Breeana sets sail
Originally published: Monday, 11th July, 2011
The prospect of sailing on a boat for the first time with twenty strangers would scare anyone. However next month Breanna Meatheringham will do just that on the Young Endeavor.
Families $515 worse off: MP
Originally published: Monday, 11th July, 2011
The Federal Government’s carbon tax will hit families hard, with a projected $515 per year increase in their cost-of-living, according to local MP, Sussan Ley.
Bright future for rubgy
Originally published: Saturday, 9th July, 2011
An inter-league competition between the four local clubs and Sunraysia teams is not the beginning of a merger between Sunraysia and Outback Rugby League, according to Country Rugby League.
Robins can smell finals football
Originally published: Saturday, 9th July, 2011
Today’s game at the Alma Oval looms as an important one for Central and West, with the Robins holding on to a half a game gap over the Magpies.
Plimer poses for a stranger
Originally published: Saturday, 9th July, 2011
Controversial climate change skeptic Professor Ian Plimer is grabbing headlines again, this time as the subject of a stunning portrait captured by local photographer Glen Ravo.
Childcare shortage
Originally published: Saturday, 9th July, 2011
Shadow Minister for Child Care and Early Childhood Learning, Sussan Ley said the closure of the Lilliput Early Learning Centre leaves the city with a shortage of long-day care options.
Trainee of the year
Originally published: Saturday, 9th July, 2011
Anthony Hayward has been named Broken Hill’s Trainee of the Year for 2011.
Centre closes
Originally published: Friday, 8th July, 2011
The struggling Lilliput Early Learning Centre was handed over to the liquidators on Wednesday following months of uncertainty about its future.
Three exhibitions opening
Originally published: Friday, 8th July, 2011
The Regional Art Gallery is opening three different exhibitions tonight, including works short-listed for the annual Outback Open Art Prize.
Searching for silver
Originally published: Friday, 8th July, 2011
With $10 million in the bank fledgling explorer Silver City Minerals will shortly begin its search for a silver-rich deposit close to the city it is named after.
Pride on the line
Originally published: Friday, 8th July, 2011
Rugby teams from the Outback and Sunraysia leagues will face off in Menindee tomorrow as clubs strive to be crowned the best team in the region.
Forced to close
Originally published: Thursday, 7th July, 2011
The hospital kiosk will be forced to close for the day tomorrow as there are not enough members to run it.
Giant ambitions
Originally published: Thursday, 7th July, 2011
A visit from the Greater Western Sydney Giants has lifted the spirits of the city’s elite junior footballers.
Tourism finalists
Originally published: Thursday, 7th July, 2011
Broken Hill will boast three finalists in the 2011 CountryLink Inland Tourism Awards with Bells Milk Bar, Eldee Station and The Lodge Motel all making it through to the competition's final round.
Sister City relationship flourishing
Originally published: Wednesday, 6th July, 2011
The town square was alive yesterday with a showcasing of the performers from the Bankstown Talent Advancement Program (TAP) and some of our local talent, who were out to celebrate National Sister Cities Day.
New health boards
Originally published: Wednesday, 6th July, 2011
The chairman of the local health district is “delighted” with the appointment of Professor David Lyle and Clyde Thomson to the new district board, saying they would help foster “vital strategic partnerships”.
Davies had it all
Originally published: Wednesday, 6th July, 2011
Blessed with unbridled natural talent, former Central BH player Neil Davies enjoyed a diverse and success football career across the nation.
Preventing theft
Originally published: Wednesday, 6th July, 2011
Police are warning tourists to lock up their caravans after a number of thefts in the city recently.
AFL legend toasts local icon
Originally published: Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
Australian sporting royalty came face to face with an icon of Broken Hill yesterday when AFL legend Kevin Sheedy dropped in to help celebrate the 94th birthday of local art pioneer Joyce Condon.
Diocese decision
Originally published: Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
Catholic parishioners in Broken Hill will have a chance to have their say on the future of the Wilcannia-Forbes diocese later this month.
Decision “by the book”
Originally published: Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
BH Mayor Wincen Cuy has leapt to the defence of his fellow councillors, claiming they have been unfairly criticised for their role in approving a health clinic in Morgan Street.
Smoke alarm saves woman
Originally published: Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
Firefighters say a smoke alarm helped save a woman’s life after neighbours heard the alarm and rushed to her aid yesterday.
Giants a hit with kids
Originally published: Tuesday, 5th July, 2011
Getting players out to training can be a struggle for some football coaches, but Paul Kelly and Kevin Sheedy made it look easy yesterday.
Petrol won’t be taxed: PM
Originally published: Monday, 4th July, 2011
CANBERRA - Motorists have escaped the pain of a carbon tax but it may come at a greater cost down the road with a higher excise on petrol.
Students rock out
Originally published: Monday, 4th July, 2011
A group of Year 12 students from Melbourne have treated local schoolkids to a concert.
Weed fire guts sheds
Originally published: Monday, 4th July, 2011
A resident who was burning weeds in his yard accidentally destroyed his neighbour’s two sheds after they caught fire on Saturday.
John Olsen
Originally published: Monday, 4th July, 2011
John Henry Olsen was born in Newcastle in 1928 and his family moved to Sydney when he was still a child.
West burst back
Originally published: Monday, 4th July, 2011
The Robins have burst back into finals contention with a convincing 41 point win over League Leaders North on Saturday.
Local oil a world-quality drop
Originally published: Saturday, 2nd July, 2011
The city’s Gourmet Co-Operative has won another prize for their locally-produced olive oil.
YWCA market has it all
Originally published: Saturday, 2nd July, 2011
One of the YWCA’s major fundraisers of the year - the craft market - is on today.
Police houses “no attraction”
Originally published: Saturday, 2nd July, 2011
Country towns like Broken Hill that find it hard to attract and retain police officers are being let down by the “disgraceful” state of police housing, according to the Police Association of NSW.
Spirit of the South
Originally published: Saturday, 2nd July, 2011
Dustin Stephens is quite simply one of the most revered and well-liked members of the Broken Hill footballing community.
Giant opportunity
Originally published: Friday, 1st July, 2011
Football tyros from the city’s four clubs will have the chance to learn from some of the best in the business on Monday at a training session hosted by legends Paul Kelly and Kevin Sheedy.
‘Bitza’ trades cars for fishing
Originally published: Friday, 1st July, 2011
After 39 years of serving the people of Broken Hill, car salesman Ray Bitmead is ready to relax and enjoy the good life.
Aquifer abandoned
Originally published: Friday, 1st July, 2011
A deal struck between the Prime Minister and the former Premier of NSW to take water from the Menindee Lakes for the Murray River is now “dead in the water”, says the new State Government.
