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.
December, 2011
Bright future beckons
Originally published: Saturday, 31st December, 2011
Today we gather some of the Far West’s leaders - the movers and shakers if you like - to look ahead to the New Year.
‘Tis the season to be careful
Originally published: Saturday, 31st December, 2011
Australians are more likely to wind up in hospital emergency departments (ED) at Christmas and New Year, according to the experts.
Here’s cheers to a great night
Originally published: Saturday, 31st December, 2011
Pubs and clubs will be buzzing with excitement tonight as people celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
‘Bell lap’ for Kerry
Originally published: Saturday, 31st December, 2011
When the curtain rises on the new BH harness racing season at Memorial Oval Paceway tonight a key member of the cast will sadly be absent from the stage.
Drawn game a win for family
Originally published: Friday, 30th December, 2011
A pair of over 50-year-old novices recruited from the grandstand at the last minute have helped Penguins maintain a strong position in the race for the BH Softball Association premiership.
Mosquito virus warning
Originally published: Friday, 30th December, 2011
People are being advised to protect themselves against mosquitoes following an outbreak of Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE).
New comet's bold showing
Originally published: Friday, 30th December, 2011
The stars and planets combined to bring a little love and joy this Christmas, literally! Paula Doran caught up with Broken Hill’s resident astro-expert to find out more.
Rob’s dash for cash
Originally published: Thursday, 29th December, 2011
BH horse trainer Rob Wayman is looking to land one of the most significant wins of his career when Montana Madge tackles the Kaye Kilgour Memorial Pace Final at Mildura tonight.
Chopper crew plumbs depths for riches
Originally published: Thursday, 29th December, 2011
It’s the perfect formula for an adventure, and the kind of random mining magic that makes a journalist’s day - all you need is a chopper, a tanker and a very large hoop, plus a dash of the ever-evolving technology - and you have a tale to tell. Cover me, I’m going in.
Wind farm veto plan
Originally published: Thursday, 29th December, 2011
Newly proposed rules for NSW wind farms might jeopardise an approved windmill project for Silverton.
Sports answer Bankstown call
Originally published: Wednesday, 28th December, 2011
More sports have come on board for Broken Hill’s Sister City trip to Bankstown next year.
My first Christmas
Originally published: Wednesday, 28th December, 2011
Ava Sinclair (11 months old) has celebrated her first Christmas.
Floodplain favour
Originally published: Wednesday, 28th December, 2011
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has received a Christmas bonus from landholders in NSW.
Council’s new recruit a real asset
Originally published: Wednesday, 28th December, 2011
City Council has created a new job after a recent organisation review revealed a greater focus was needed on corporate services and management.
Boys to face sentencing
Originally published: Saturday, 24th December, 2011
Two boys charged in relation to the alleged murder of a man in Buronga will be sentenced next year.
Double the presents
Originally published: Saturday, 24th December, 2011
It’s not often people get to celebrate their birthday and Christmas on the same day; and it isn’t always fun, but the parents try and make the most of it.
Flights may be diverted
Originally published: Saturday, 24th December, 2011
A leaked report has revealed that Rex flights may be forced to land at Bankstown Airport because Sydney’s main airport is filled to capacity.
Derham key to SA hopes
Originally published: Saturday, 24th December, 2011
Former Broken Hill quick Tom Derham has made the final SA under 19s squad for the National Cricket Championships in Adelaide during early January.
Rain means more water for irrigators
Originally published: Friday, 23rd December, 2011
Irrigators have been given access to more water in the Darling downstream of the Menindee Lakes, including the Anabranch.
Graziers fleeced
Originally published: Friday, 23rd December, 2011
The theft of 70 sheep from a Wilcannia station is just the latest in a wave of thefts in the bush, according to police
Steer's shield appeal
Originally published: Friday, 23rd December, 2011
Artist Howard Steer has contributed his talents to help raise money for a police officer whose son has leukaemia.
A stroll down memory lane
Originally published: Thursday, 22nd December, 2011
Today the BDT begins a special series looking back at the events and stories that made headlines in Broken Hill throughout 2011.
Community gives Council thumbs up
Originally published: Thursday, 22nd December, 2011
A recent community survey has shown that people are generally satisfied with its City Council.
Merry Christmas, Gran
Originally published: Thursday, 22nd December, 2011
Chelsie Brown visited her grandmother, Margaret Adams, at Aruma Lodge this week. Chelsie took along her dog, Beau Jacker, who was dressed up in Christmas attire to give her gran and the residents of the lodge a treat.
A bolt from the Blue
Originally published: Thursday, 22nd December, 2011
For a greyhound that was expected to live in the shadow of his sister, Keith is Blue has certainly been hogging the limelight.
Auf Wiedersehen, Sasha
Originally published: Wednesday, 21st December, 2011
A young local girl is about to have the experience of a lifetime when she travels to Germany to spend three months on an student exchange.
‘Don’t write us off’
Originally published: Wednesday, 21st December, 2011
There has been widespread opposition to claims that small towns will not survive future challenges.
Clear skies ahead
Originally published: Wednesday, 21st December, 2011
We can expect a warm, dry Christmas this year despite the heavy downpour last weekend.
Rain may prompt 20/20 final replay
Originally published: Tuesday, 20th December, 2011
The Barrier District Cricket League will decide next month whether or not to replay Saturday’s washed-out 20/20 grand final between West and Central.
Slow internet hurting businesses
Originally published: Tuesday, 20th December, 2011
Local businesses and education services have been left struggling due to poor broadband infrastructure, acccording to artist John Hart who said that the Pro Hart Gallery had lost business due to the service.
Small town struggle
Originally published: Tuesday, 20th December, 2011
The future of towns like Wilcannia, Menindee and Ivanhoe is under the spotlight, following a federal investigation into the changing landscape of country Australia.
New manager to keep hospital shipshape
Originally published: Monday, 19th December, 2011
As an old Navy man, Broken Hill Hospital’s new General Manager knows a bit about the value of having a good crew.
Fears for river
Originally published: Monday, 19th December, 2011
Scientists study chemical contamination in waterways
Give our troops a special gift
Originally published: Monday, 19th December, 2011
Whether you support the war in Afghanistan or not, spare a thought for the Australian soldiers over there this Christmas.
Let your lights shine for all to see
Originally published: Saturday, 17th December, 2011
With the BDT Christmas light competition coming to a close, organisers have expressed surprise that more people have not entered this year.
The competition has only received a relative handful of nominations, and BDT Advertising Representative, Kristy Tucker, said considering the prize available she thought a lot more people would have entered.
The competition has changed this year and is no longer about who has the best display. Now the winners - two families of four - will be picked from a draw to win a ride in a limousine to see all the light displays on Wednesday, December 21.
“People might not think they have a large display but for us it is just about getting a listing of the lights,” said Ms Tucker. “It’s not who has the best display.
“People should just put an entry in and we can list homes for people to see. It is an added bonus to enter your house.”
Nominations close on Monday and the winners will be announced in the paper on Tuesday.
The homes listed below are among those who have put up the Christmas lights.
Council tightens belt
Originally published: Saturday, 17th December, 2011
By Erica Visser
Some City Council projects may be put off to save three per cent of total expenditure.
With finances restricted, Council formed a cost-cutting committee at its monthly meeting on Wednesday night and in another measure to save money, has decided to not fill two vacant management positions.
The committee has eight members who will cut back and prioritise projects that have been on the agenda.
Mayor Wincen Cuy said that while there was no danger to current projects, those planned for the near future might be set back.
Mayor Cuy said that the committee would make recommendations to Council after looking into how to cut costs.
“The aim is to review all projects already started and complete looking at ones that haven’t been started,” he said.
He said projects will be judged on the basis of urgency.
“It’s looking at do they really need to be started this year or can they wait until next financial year?.
“My personal opinion is that anything that wasn’t budgeted for in this year should be looked at next financial year.”
Committee member Councillor Neville Gasmier, who put the idea to Council, said that having committees in place was always beneficial.
“It will look at a range of options, I would hope, a range of cost-saving measures and look at our finances in general,” he said.
Clr Gasmier said that he wanted the best for Broken Hill and that meant being realistic about finances.
“Our intention is not to go in and say ‘no, no, no’. But we’ve got to get the best result so we’ll need to look at all the options.”
He said he hoped that recommendations would be put to Council before the end of the financial year.
“Already we’ve asked for a full pricing structure on the entrance to the pool,” Clr Gasmier said.
“I hope we will make some recommendations but it’s really hard to anticipate.”
Generosity most welcome
Originally published: Saturday, 17th December, 2011
By Kurtis Eichler
Soaring living costs have made this year’s BDT Christmas Appeal more important than ever, the Salvation Army says.
“This year’s been a doozy with electricity prices going up and rent getting hard,” the Salvation Army’s Major Brenda Stace told the BDT.
“It will alleviate some of the pressure.”
Lifeline, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army joined forces yesterday to tackle the task of collecting all the gifts donated to the BDT Christmas Appeal.
Hundreds of presents, carefully organised and stacked by the BDT’s own Holly Brennan, had been donated in the 24th year of the newspaper’s appeal.
Ms Stace said that Christmas not only hit families financially but in the form of peer pressure.
“The way it hits families hard is when kids get back to school and their friends ask ‘what did you get for Christmas?”
Children were under peer pressure to get the “latest phone or latest iPod,” she said.
The presents donated by the public since the appeal began on November 17 will be divided among the organisations and delivered to children before Christmas Day.
“The amount of food and toys I’ve seen in the last fortnight is overwhelming,” Ms Stace said.
Flood warning for Menindee
Originally published: Saturday, 17th December, 2011
Menindee residents are being told to prepare for flooding in the New Year as daily releases from the lakes scheme are being dramatically increased to make room for floodwaters.
NSW Water Commissioner, David Harriss, said the releases would allow the lakes to store inflows and reduce the potential for flooding in the Menindee area.
But he warned that with wet catchments, the lakes near full and high rainfall forecast in the Northern Basin, the chance of floods on the Darling River was high.
It is less than 12 months since a number of Menindee properties were inundated or cut off by floods.
Daily releases from Menindee were to increase to 9000 megalitres per day by tomorrow, and yesterday the NSW Office of Water said this would rise to 16,000 ML a day by December 24.
Releases from Lake Cawndilla to the Great Darling Anabranch will begin at 250 ML per day this weekend and rise to 1,800 ML a day by December 24.
At 16,000 megalitres per day in the Lower Darling, flows will pass naturally into the Great Darling Anabranch.
Flows further downstream will continue to rise and will reach about 12,000 ML per day or 5.65m in gauge height at Burtundy early next month.
The Officer of Water said landholders with stock, and river users with pumps, should take account of the changed flow rates along the Lower Darling and Anabranch and make adjustments to their operations.
Campers also need to be aware of the potential for rapidly rising river levels as areas of the floodplain and creeks will start to be inundated between Christmas and New Year.
More information will be provided by the Office of Water before Christmas.
Rice to share Olympic secrets
Originally published: Saturday, 17th December, 2011
Triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice is looking to share her secrets to success with young Broken Hill swimmers via a new online program.
Swimmers are welcome to join her new “Swim Squad”, an online program designed to inspire our next generation of elite swimmers.
Stephanie’s swimming training videos, nutritional information and squad updates will be released monthly vis the program throughout next year.
As part of the program Steph will also personally select 10 young participants who she will mentor over the next six months.
Swimmers from Broken Hill under the age of 18 wanting to learn from the triple Olympic Gold Medallist are encouraged to apply at the specially designed Steph’s Swim Squad application on the SunRiceFoods Facebook page.
Those kids under the age of 13 wanting to win the opportunity to be a part of the squad can also do so via their parents’ Facebook page.
“It’s very exciting to be the front of a mentoring program like this which will hopefully encourage young kids from Broken Hill to strive to become accomplished swimmers and possibly even represent their country at the highest level,” Stephanie said.
“This is an opportunity for me to share my swimming experiences with my new Squad members and the rest of Australia in a format which has never been done before.”
Applications close on January 20. The program is open to all those under the age of 18 who are residents of Australia.
Silver City’s Hero of Heritage
Originally published: Friday, 16th December, 2011
A BH volunteer has been honoured for her contribution to keeping the city’s history alive.
Basin boss puts case to angry irrigators
Originally published: Friday, 16th December, 2011
The Chairman of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), Craig Knowles, has appealed to thousands of people in Griffith to think hard about their decisions on water reform.
Gallery manager bids a fond farewell
Originally published: Thursday, 15th December, 2011
After spending four years as manager of the city’s art gallery, Bruce Tindale’s fond connection to Broken Hill and its people is coming to an end.
Basin fight heats up
Originally published: Thursday, 15th December, 2011
The stoush over the long-term economic impact of the Murray Darling-Basin Authority (MDBA) Plan is intensifying, with major lobby groups ramping up their arguments on just who will be hit hardest.
Adam spins win
Originally published: Thursday, 15th December, 2011
The famous catch-cry of former Australian cricket captain Bill Lawry that; “it’s all happening”, is a perfect summary of the recent events for Central spin bowler Adam Armstrong.
Electricity company honours loyal workers
Originally published: Wednesday, 14th December, 2011
Essential Energy has recognised staff that have served the company for more than 10 years throughout NSW.
Sing along with Mrs Santa Claus
Originally published: Wednesday, 14th December, 2011
The BH Philharmonic Choir will this weekend present its Christmas concert and carols sing-along at the Musicians’ Club.
Every good child deserves a dip
Originally published: Tuesday, 13th December, 2011
Vandalism at the Regional Aquatic Centre has not stopped school children from enjoying all the new amenities.
$2 entry ‘costs Council’
Originally published: Tuesday, 13th December, 2011
A decision to cap entry fees to the city’s new aquatic centre at $2 could see City Council suffer an $84,000 budget blowout.
‘Busy Kids’ lives up to its name
Originally published: Tuesday, 13th December, 2011
After several months of repainting, remodelling and redesigning, the ribbon has been cut on the city’s newest childcare centre, “Busy Kids”.
Keenan a cut above
Originally published: Tuesday, 13th December, 2011
Keenan Hywood has slashed his way into the SA Country Red team after starring for Barrier at the recent SA Country Cup cricket carnival.
Carols night a true delight
Originally published: Monday, 12th December, 2011
Sounds of Christmas carols echoed across Sturt Park yesterday evening as thousands turned out for Carols by Candlelight.
The law’s on our side
Originally published: Monday, 12th December, 2011
The local Greater Western Sydney football academy has been given a welcome kick along with law firm Slater and Gordon coming on board as a major sponsor.
Climate sceptic takes on teachers
Originally published: Monday, 12th December, 2011
Former Prime Minister, John Howard, will today launch the latest book by Broken Hill’s “own”, Professor Ian Plimer.
Cup of cheer for Silver City
Originally published: Saturday, 10th December, 2011
The Silver City Cup Committee is looking forward to their 2012 race meeting with renewed enthusiasm following the success of this year’s event in October.
‘Logies’ comes to BH
Originally published: Saturday, 10th December, 2011
The Silver Dance Academy is holding its Gala Presentation at the Civic Centre this evening.
Hats off to Nick
Originally published: Friday, 9th December, 2011
A rare hat-trick from West captain Nick Christos was the highlight of round eight of the Barrier District Cricket League where the Robins reaffirmed their status as the team to beat this season.
Poster harks back to funny old days
Originally published: Friday, 9th December, 2011
As anticipation builds for the 47th St Patrick’s Day race meeting, noted BH artist Howard Steer has been revealed as the man behind the 2012 poster.
Students ‘relive’ the ‘70s
Originally published: Friday, 9th December, 2011
Channeling the era of John Travolta and the Bee Gees, Morgan Street boogied the day away in the Town Square yesterday.
Bikers to the rescue
Originally published: Thursday, 8th December, 2011
A donation from the Harley Riders’ Association will help injured native animals right now.
We’re on the way up: ALP
Originally published: Thursday, 8th December, 2011
The president of the local ALP, Darriea Turley, says that the city is well on the way to attracting its share of the 8000 new members per year requested by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
$5000 raised for fight
Originally published: Thursday, 8th December, 2011
A local woman and her father have raised about $5000 to try and “D’Feet” Motor Neuron Disease.
Penguins to take flight
Originally published: Thursday, 8th December, 2011
A photographic memory could prove the difference for Penguins as they look to break their BH Softball Association premiership drought this season.
Call for help answered
Originally published: Wednesday, 7th December, 2011
People came out in force on Saturday to help a young girl who has suffered severe burns to her body.
Council feeling taxed
Originally published: Wednesday, 7th December, 2011
A tiny increase in residential rates to help councils with the cost of the new carbon price was not enough, given the size of electricity bills these days, according to Mayor Wincen Cuy.
High hopes for new school
Originally published: Wednesday, 7th December, 2011
Young people disengaged from their high school education now have another alternative.
NBN ‘alternative’
Originally published: Wednesday, 7th December, 2011
A NSW town has claimed to have found a cost-effective alternative to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Jesters no joke
Originally published: Wednesday, 7th December, 2011
She has been at the forefront of BH netball for 30 years and tonight Rosemary Anderson hopes to farewell the A Grade competition with another premiership success with Jesters.
Toy Run delivered
Originally published: Tuesday, 6th December, 2011
Organisers have declared this year’s Toy Run, which saw over 100 motorbikes take to the streets on Saturday morning, a great success.
Let’s light up the Hill
Originally published: Tuesday, 6th December, 2011
Kerry Murray admits getting a “buzz” out of putting on her prize-winning Christmas lights display.
Operator may cut services
Originally published: Tuesday, 6th December, 2011
Buses R Us points finger at Council
Lizards endangered as women step up
Originally published: Tuesday, 6th December, 2011
By Darrin Manuel
Pageant proves a hit
Originally published: Monday, 5th December, 2011
Locals turned out in their thousands to support the city’s Christmas pageant and ‘Party in the Park’ on Saturday.
Union slams club offer
Originally published: Monday, 5th December, 2011
A local union has criticised the Barrier Social Democratic Club for a new award offer which it says will leave employees worse off, despite the club enjoying a profitable year.
Heath to lead Magpies
Originally published: Monday, 5th December, 2011
Already renowned for his leadership at the Central Football Club, 200-gamer Justin Heath has upped the ante by taking on the coaching duties for the Magpies in 2012 as well.
Toy Run kids win a treat
Originally published: Saturday, 3rd December, 2011
The Broken Hill Ulysses Club visited primary schools yesterday to pick up their presents for its Toy Run today.
A city on the move
Originally published: Saturday, 3rd December, 2011
Broken Hill is slowly regaining economic momentum after the global financial crisis (GFC), fuelled largely by a strengthening mining sector.
Planets align for the city
Originally published: Saturday, 3rd December, 2011
By John Casey - BDT Managing Editor
Grand finals beckon
Originally published: Saturday, 3rd December, 2011
Basketball’s Spring competition is about to reach its climax with the grand finals being played tomorrow at the RK Sanderson Stadium.
Tigers set to roar
Originally published: Friday, 2nd December, 2011
Reigning champions recover their form
Meet Katelyn, our Pageant Princess
Originally published: Friday, 2nd December, 2011
For 2011 Pageant Princess, Katelyn Rudd, the annual Christmas procession is all about the children.
‘Video psych’ system slammed
Originally published: Friday, 2nd December, 2011
People who go to the hospital after hours for mental health emergency care are having to be assessed via video from Orange before they can be admitted.
Triple bill tonight at city art gallery
Originally published: Friday, 2nd December, 2011
Three exhibitions of the work of art students and a printmaker will open tonight at the BH Regional Gallery.
Brent keeps eye on the long-term goal
Originally published: Thursday, 1st December, 2011
For many young footballers the game is an all-consuming passion, but Brent Rose knows there’s more to life than Aussie Rules.
Red letter day for Flying Doctor nurse
Originally published: Thursday, 1st December, 2011
Jo Beven’s first day at work at the Flying Doctor Base was one she will never forget.
