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.
October, 2011
War-time nurse wins top honour
Originally published: Monday, 31st October, 2011
An ex-Broken Hill nurse who spent six months on deployment to Afghanistan has won the prestigious ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award.
Council in push for NBN
Originally published: Monday, 31st October, 2011
City Council has asked the Government to include the region in the next National Broadband Network rollout.
Love and kisses for that someone special
Originally published: Monday, 31st October, 2011
She’s known simply as ‘Gran’ by her two biggest fans and yesterday Pauline Marrone celebrated the State’s first ever Grandparents Day with them - her grandchildren Ben and Gabriella Marrone-Sadauskas.
Reform ‘to cost parents’
Originally published: Saturday, 29th October, 2011
Parents will be left struggling as changes to childcare reform force one in three centres in NSW to consider closing, according to Child Care NSW.
Good oral hygiene begins in the cot
Originally published: Saturday, 29th October, 2011
Oral hygiene among local children has been described as “not too good’ by the new dental therapist at the Morgan Street Child Dental Service.
Farewell to Arms
Originally published: Saturday, 29th October, 2011
Marjorie and Michael Raetz leave Broken Hill today in what Michael describes as a “Clayton’s move”.
Get your skates on
Originally published: Saturday, 29th October, 2011
Fun, fitness, friends and frivolity are just some of the attractions the Silver City Roller Skating Club wants to share with more adult members at a free ‘Come ‘n’ Try’ session tomorrow afternoon.
Ken gets back in the saddle
Originally published: Friday, 28th October, 2011
Having just shaken the dust off his boots after a record-breaking 15,000 kilometres trip around Australia on a quad bike, Ken Tuckey is on a new adventure.
Road ‘is priority’
Originally published: Friday, 28th October, 2011
City Council will pursue funding options for a haulage road from the Potosi Mine as a priority, according to Mayor Wincen Cuy.
Risk all too real
Originally published: Friday, 28th October, 2011
Weather forecasters are predicting a wetter than average end to 2011, but firefighters warn that doesn’t mean properties in the far west are off the hook for fire risk.
Last ditch pitch
Originally published: Friday, 28th October, 2011
Despite a proud local heritage, softball is in danger of joining baseball as an extinct sport in Broken Hill.
National golf hopes dashed
Originally published: Thursday, 27th October, 2011
Four BH golfers have narrowly missed the opportunity of competing in the largest amateur tournament in Australia.
Who let the kids out? Children hit the park
Originally published: Thursday, 27th October, 2011
National Children’s Week was celebrated yesterday with a day in Sturt Park for parents and children.
Hard task
Originally published: Thursday, 27th October, 2011
Working out how to best break 3000 cubic metres of rock on the new multi-million dollar shopping centre site could result in the project failing to meet next year’s deadline.
Results cap busy year
Originally published: Thursday, 27th October, 2011
The Democratic Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday following a financial report which showed better results than in past few years.
Plan to hit aquifers
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th October, 2011
The Darling River Action Group (DRAG) says it is worried by rumours that large groundwater extraction will be part of the coming Murray-Darling Basin (MDBA) Plan.
Tuck in to an evening of jazz
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th October, 2011
Locals in search of some cool jazz and live dance entertainment are in for a treat next month.
Cooking up a sensory storm
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th October, 2011
The hospital’s occupational therapists will help children discover and use their many senses today.
On course for a royal treat
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th October, 2011
It’s the chance of a lifetime for any amateur golfer - and three ladies of the local competition have it.
Shoppers urged to give the local a go
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th October, 2011
Broken Hill is squandering as much as $30 million in consumer and business spending because local shoppers are too quick to source goods and services outside of the city.
Young mum’s cruel blow
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th October, 2011
The last thing 18-year-old single mother, Monique Biggs, expected on her weekend away was a phone call to say she’d lost everything.
Survivors celebrate life
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th October, 2011
Understandably, the biggest fear Linda Williams had upon being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 48 was for her life.
Cup runneth over
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th October, 2011
Leading racing identities in the region believe the success of Saturday’s Silver City Cup meeting will have a lasting impact on the sport’s future for years to come.
Winners are grinners
Originally published: Monday, 24th October, 2011
Some close competition on and off the track has ensured this year’s Silver City Races will long be remembered by many of the punters and fashionistas who turned out on Saturday.
Call goes out for more volunteers
Originally published: Monday, 24th October, 2011
As the 10th anniversary of the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) rolls around, co-ordinators from New School of Arts Neighbourhood House Inc in South Grafton have arrived to meet local volunteers.
Lester's Cup joy
Originally published: Monday, 24th October, 2011
A teenage jockey just two months into his racing career will never forget his first ever winner after producing a stunning ride aboard Let Him Loose in Saturday’s Silver City Cup.
One down but HSC pain not over yet
Originally published: Monday, 24th October, 2011
Local year 12 students have finished the first week of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams.
Boy’s life ‘best reward’
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd October, 2011
Ron Butcher isn’t the type of bloke who would consider himself a hero, but it’s hard to describe him in any other way after he helped save the life of a drowning child.
For Grace this race is one to remember
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd October, 2011
Proud grandmother Grace Hawes is hoping for an early 90th birthday gift today when her grand-daughter Eleanor Webster-Hawes attempts to win the prestigious Silver City Cup.
Moves to fix ‘free call’ discrepancy
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd October, 2011
Mobile users may soon no longer be charged for calling freephone and local rate numbers under changes proposed by the communications regulator.
Cup is family dream for Eleanor
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd October, 2011
The feel-good story at today’s Silver City Cup races will be provided by apprentice jockey Eleanor Webster-Hawes who will ride in front of a cast of family members for the first time.
Basin plan ‘hijacked’
Originally published: Friday, 21st October, 2011
The impending Murray-Darling Basin Plan could allocate less water than ever to the environment and has been hijacked by irrigation interests, according to Barney Stevens.
Quilters inspired by show’s success
Originally published: Friday, 21st October, 2011
The curtain has only just come down on this year’s event but the careful art of quilt-making ensures that some practitioners are already preparing for the 2013 Silver City Quilters Exhibition.
‘Drug lab’ found in shed
Originally published: Friday, 21st October, 2011
A suspected drug laboratory was allegedly found by police when they conducted a search of a home in Lane Lane on Wednesday.
BH clubs urged to chase the cash
Originally published: Friday, 21st October, 2011
BH sporting clubs have just 10 days to take advantage of a new funding scheme offering up to $1000 in grants.
Yes, I’ll have those bananas
Originally published: Thursday, 20th October, 2011
Bananas are back and can be enjoyed this summer as prices continue to drop.
Cup Day right in fashion
Originally published: Thursday, 20th October, 2011
With the countdown to Saturday’s Silver City Cup on in earnest, anyone stuck for last minute fashion ideas should visit the city traders in Argent Street.
High Tea is icing on the cake
Originally published: Thursday, 20th October, 2011
Anyone looking for a way to wind down after the Silver City Cup is invited to “High Tea” on Sunday.
Golfers set for Scramble
Originally published: Thursday, 20th October, 2011
A foursome of golfers is taking a shot at the biggest amateur golf prize in the country as they look to progress through the ranks of the Holden Scramble.
Brenton brews bowling bonanza
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th October, 2011
The 2011-2012 cricket season has sprung to life with the opening round highlighted by two standout individual performances.
Stage set for director’s debut
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th October, 2011
Young local director, Ethan Mercer, will present his first play at Theatre 44 this weekend.
Security camera call for city
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th October, 2011
Police have asked City Council to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) in crime hotspots.
Devotion brings a right reward
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th October, 2011
Monday was judgment day for rose gardeners all over the city.
Jake leaps up a level
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th October, 2011
Burke Ward schoolboy Jake Bennett will travel to Sydney to compete in the NSW Primary School Sports Association State Carnival this week.
Lisa’s man wins PM honour
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th October, 2011
Breast Cancer Network Australia was stumped when former BH local Scott Hopkins applied for the position as their Liaison Officer - a role that had been reserved for female breast cancer survivors.
Planting the seeds for a healthy life
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th October, 2011
Alma Public School has become one of 50 schools around Australia to receive funding to grow a garden and expand their kitchen.
The BDT signs up to Community Foundation
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th October, 2011
The Barrier Daily Truth has become a Gold Supporter of the Broken Hill Community Foundation with a commitment to provide $25,000 in marketing assistance over the next five years.
Students on their marks
Originally published: Monday, 17th October, 2011
The end of school is near for year 12 students who will begin to sit their Higher School Certificate exams today.
Clinic ‘super’ for city
Originally published: Monday, 17th October, 2011
The positive impacts of the GP Super Clinic are already unfolding for Broken Hill even though the $7 million facility will not open its doors until late next year.
Record entries for country art prize
Originally published: Monday, 17th October, 2011
The Countryscapes art competition continues to grow in popularity and this year it has attracted the most entries in its history.
Lizards show their mastery
Originally published: Monday, 17th October, 2011
The National AFL Masters Carnival finished yesterday with SA - boosted by the talent of the local Shingebacks players - winning three of the five grand finals they played.
City left its mark
Originally published: Saturday, 15th October, 2011
Broken Hill’s nationally acclaimed Sculpture Symposium will be used as a model for a similar tourist attraction to be established in Spain.
Doctor who gave his all
Originally published: Saturday, 15th October, 2011
By Kurtis Eichler
Dr Graham Fisk, who practiced in the city for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 88.
The retired gynaecologist, paediatrician and general practitioner passed away on Wednesday and is survived by sons David, Cameron and Peter.
Peter remembered his father as a “sharp fellow” who “didn’t suffer fools well.”
“His job was his life,” he said, “He was a doctor and everything else came second.
“He did a lot of free work that people didn’t really know about.”
Mr Fisk recalled nights at the drive-in where the family would have to leave unexpectedly after the announcement: “Dr Fisk, you’re needed at the hospital,” drowned out the movie.
“I used to think: ‘Well, that’s another movie we’ve missed’.”
But one story stood out amongst the rest, he said.
“In the 70s they had a sort of cave-in at the North Mine,” he recalled.
“They couldn’t get any other doctor to get in with them so he had to crawl through this sort of caved-in area to service who was hurt.”
Pharmacist Conrad Peoples had both a social and working relationship with the doctor that endured for 25 years.
Dr Fisk’s practice was close to Mr People’s chemists in Argent Street.
He said the doctor would be missed and remembered for the “thousands” of babies he delivered.
“I don’t think anyone knows,” Mr Peoples said. “We had five children and he delivered all of them.
“He was just one of those approachable and easy-going people to deal with.”
Owner of Argent Street cafe, Charlotte’s, Wayne Walker, recalls Dr Fisk’s daily visits over the last 11 years.
“I just think he’s been an icon of Broken Hill,” Mr Walker told the BDT.
“He was a true gentleman who had his own perky, dry wit.
“He really was a guy that’s done so much for Broken Hill.
“It was really sad and he’ll be sorely missed by the community.”
Dr Fisk was also a charter member of community group, the Lions Club. He was at the first meeting in 1961 and continued on as a paid member until his death.
Graham Fisk arrived in the city in 1950 having served in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupational Forces after WWII.
Here he met his Helen Jones who would become his wife. Helen passed away several years ago.
Cricket returns
Originally published: Saturday, 15th October, 2011
The 2011/12 Broken Hill cricket season opens today promising plenty of highlights, competitive matches and thrilling finishes.
Escape to Nanua
Originally published: Friday, 14th October, 2011
The forecast is for blue skies and stiff competition at the 66th annual Nanua Picnic Races this weekend.
Despite being cancelled last year due to the rain, the races on Kimberley Station, south of Broken Hill, are back and there’s a full dance card of events planned from tonight onwards.
Council wages ‘threat’
Originally published: Friday, 14th October, 2011
By Craig Brealey
Local councils would gain from new laws introduced to the NSW Parliament, the government says, but a council workers’ union suspects they are intended to cut wages and conditions.
The laws were introduced on Wednesday night and redefine councils as “corporations”, meaning their employees can be transferred to the “inferior” federal industrial relations system, the United Services Union said yesterday.
The NSW Minister for Local Government, Don Page, said the amendments to the law were intended to allow councils on the east coast to amalgamate and to make it easier for councils to win grants from the Commonwealth.
No councils in the far west would be amalgamated because of the distance between them, Mr Page said yesterday.
But the United Services Union’s General Secretary, Graeme Kelly, told the BDT that he suspected a different motive.
“They have a long-term plan for a change of government federally,” Mr Kelly said.
“If the Liberals win government, the State Government can refer its industrial relations powers to the federal government.
“This will result in the stripping of award conditions that we have had for a hundred years.”
Mr Kelly said the corporatisation of councils will not have an immediate effect on workers “but by the application of these amendments they have put in place steps for this to happen.”
A wage freeze would be felt most severely in country towns, he said, and National Party MPs, as representatives of country electorates, should “do the decent thing” and stand up to their coalition partners.
“Your MP, John Williams, should come out and guarantee that, under these amendments the State will not refer industrial relations to the federal system and that council workers won’t lose wages and conditions,” he said.
The federal system was “vastly inferior” to the state and there would be at least a four-year freeze on conditions until the federal system caught up with the NSW system, Mr Kelly said.
Being defined as “corporations” would also make it easier for councils to privatise and outsource jobs, he said.
“We want the Upper House to reject this unfair attack on the rights and conditions of council workers,” Mr Kelly said.
But Mr Williams said that Mr Kelly was “drawing a long bow” and that the changes to the law had nothing to do with industrial relations.
Councils had always been corporations until the previous State Government changed them to body politics so that council employees would not be affected by the Howard Government’s WorkChoices, he said.
But that caused problems for councils because it also stopped them from being eligible for federal government grants, Mr Williams said.
“The councils came to the Minister (Don Page) and asked to be changed back to corporations because they were not able to get federal government grants available for building and traineeships. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
“The request makes sense and it has nothing to do with playing around with industrial relations.”
The Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Local Government, Sophie Cotsis, said the legislation would cut protection for workers affected by amalgamations.
Now, if councils are amalgamated, they must honour the industrial award previously negotiated with their employees for three years, but Ms Costis said that with the changes this would be cut to one year.
This would make it easier for the Government to force amalgamations, she said.
“The O’Farrell Government announced a review of the Local Government Act to look at these very issues but has introduced legislation that could freeze the wages and conditions of 50,000 workers before the review has even been completed,” she said.
“The review was simply a way to buy time before they announced these cuts.”
New kits for a new season
Originally published: Friday, 14th October, 2011
Budding Michael Clarkes or Mitchell Johnsons have an extra incentive to sign up to another season of junior cricket tomorrow morning - brand new equipment.
Water plan ‘vital’
Originally published: Thursday, 13th October, 2011
A new water sharing plan for the Barwon-Darling river system will give “security and certainty” for water users and the environment, according to NSW Water Commissioner David Harriss.
Take a break from stress
Originally published: Thursday, 13th October, 2011
Workers across the city were invited to take a breather yesterday.
Pain and plenty of gain
Originally published: Thursday, 13th October, 2011
Teenager Elliot Mallon said that three weeks of hiking up the Line of Lode did nothing to prepare him for the intensity of the 96-kilometre Kokoda Track.
Masters taste glory
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011
A handful of the city’s Shinglebacks footballers will today aim to build on their promising start to the AFL Masters National Carnival.
Super news - $7m GP clinic on the way
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011
A key platform to help guarantee the future of Broken Hill has been chartered with news that a new, state of the art $7m GP Super Clinic will opens its doors in a little over 12 months.
Battle of the blooms looms
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011
The war of the roses is in full bloom.
Papers doctored
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011
A woman who ran Tibooburra’s child care service falsified income and expenditure statements to keep funding coming in, according to government investigators.
Expansion starts - $1.8m upgrade of BH University Department
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th October, 2011
Yesterday construction work began on the $1.8 million expansion of the Broken Hill University of Sydney Department of Rural Health (USDRH).
Rio looks to BHP’s birthplace
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th October, 2011
Rio Tinto Mayor Rosa Caballero has arrived in Broken Hill as part of a cultural exchange program planned between the two mining cities.
Club’s flying high
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th October, 2011
The BH Model Flying Club is enjoying a resurgence in interest, illustrated when some 150 people turned their attention to the sky during a “Show ‘n’ Fly” event on Saturday.
Tom inspires win
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th October, 2011
Broken Hill’s Tom Derham played a pivotal role in Port Adelaide’S victory in the SANFL Macca’s Cup Grand Final at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
Colin Lanceley
Originally published: Monday, 10th October, 2011
Colin Lanceley was born in New Zealand in 1938 and moved to Australia with his family when he was still a baby.
No Murray-Darling ‘magic number’
Originally published: Monday, 10th October, 2011
CANBERRA - Water Minister Tony Burke has again urged people not to focus on the “magic number” of the Murray-Darling Basin draft plan, but on the outcomes it aims to provide.
Blockbuster - 250 turn out to help cinema
Originally published: Monday, 10th October, 2011
In the space of less than a week businessman John Wren has seen some of the best and worst in people.
Left launches push to reform ALP
Originally published: Saturday, 8th October, 2011
CANBERRA - Labor’s left will open a campaign this weekend to give grassroots members a greater say in the party, as speculation continues over the federal leadership.
Walk a mile in my shoes
Originally published: Saturday, 8th October, 2011
Nursing students this week discovered what it felt like to encounter the limitations of old age.
Young champ kicks up a level
Originally published: Saturday, 8th October, 2011
The football season may be over for another year in Broken Hill, but former local Tom Derham still has his eye on the game’s ultimate prize.
Action to combat wild dog outbreak
Originally published: Friday, 7th October, 2011
Wild dog numbers in the west are getting out of hand, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Couple steps in to fill childcare gap
Originally published: Friday, 7th October, 2011
A new childcare centre is due to open soon following the closure of the Lilliput Early Learning centre in July.
Skaters win national honour
Originally published: Friday, 7th October, 2011
Three local roller skaters have qualified to represent Australia against New Zealand next year.
Pudding ladies flat out like Santa’s helpers
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
For 20 special ladies, the next few days all boils down to one thing - Christmas puddings.
Emus on the greens again
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
The city’s junior sport fundraisers, the Outback Emus, will be hosting golfing pros and novices game at the Broken Hill Golf and Country Club this month.
Last chance to see art show
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
Mental Health month has opened with an art exhibition but you had better be quick if you want to catch it.
Kids learn a yummy lesson
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
Yesterday’s rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the children attending the YMCA school holiday program - they were safe and warm in a kitchen.
Junior beats senior to claim title
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
Broken Hill dominated the Australian Rope Quoits Championships played on the weekend, winning both the major singles and teams titles.
Clare Valley summer inspires novelist
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
SYDNEY - Monica McInerney is like a magpie - she picks up shiny bits of life and uses them in her novels.
Misfortune awakens a talent
Originally published: Thursday, 6th October, 2011
Three years after a work accident left him confined to a wheelchair, ex-local Rodney Flight is about to hold an exhibition of paintings he has completed without the use of his arms.
How the freebies flowed
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th October, 2011
SYDNEY - Whiskey, coats, camcorders, holidays and iPods were just the tip of the iceberg when it came the slew of gifts on offer to council officials, the NSW corruption watchdog has heard.
Beautiful bangles made in a day
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th October, 2011
A jewellery-making workshop is returning by popular demand to the Regional Art Gallery on Saturday.
Name our racing greats
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th October, 2011
The search is on for a worthy nominee to be inducted into the Silver City Cup’s ‘Wall of Fame’ at this year’s race meeting.
Plea to save sports link
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th October, 2011
BH has been challenged to “raise the bar” and ensure that significant funding for the Sister City Exchange with Bankstown continues in the future.
Flying ladies float into town
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th October, 2011
Members of that most exclusive of car clubs - the Rolls Royce Owners’ Club of Australia - glided into the city for the weekend.
Sir Sidney Nolan
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th October, 2011
This is the 14th in the series of articles by Catherine Farry, art education officer with the Regional Art Gallery, about the artists who painted the pictures in the city’s collection.
Councillor 'honoured' by United Nations call
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th October, 2011
Councillor Darriea Turley has been invited to attend the United Nation’s 56th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
On footy day make safety your goal
Originally published: Saturday, 1st October, 2011
Football fans be warned: Police will be out in force on our roads to catch law-breaking motorists this long weekend.
Shire sued over wages
Originally published: Saturday, 1st October, 2011
The Central Darling Shire Council is being accused of underpaying staff at a women’s safe house in Wilcannia by thousands of dollars.
Quilt show has kids rapt
Originally published: Saturday, 1st October, 2011
Handicraft enthusiasts are in for a treat today when the Silver City Quilters’ exhibition opens at the Trades Hall.
Mick’s Cup target
Originally published: Saturday, 1st October, 2011
It won’t be the end of the world for leading BH horse trainer Mick Wayman if his galloper Dealers doesn’t win today’s Pooncarie Cup because his main focus is landing the Silver City Cup in BH on October 22.
