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.
February, 2012
Creek rescues
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
Emergency services had their work cut out for them yesterday with 36 call-outs and three rescues after the city received almost 50 millimetres of rain.
Councils unite on roads funding
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
The Western Division Councils Conference this week touched on an huge range of issues from mining subsidies to aged care, but perhaps the one that united the 13 shires most of all was that of road funding.
A lifetime of fun
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
Aspiring golfers will have a chance to take to the greens on Sunday at the Broken Hill Golf Club’s junior registration day.
Renmark swim success
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th February, 2012
Twenty young swimmers from the Silver City Swim Club (SCSC) achieved outstanding success at the Renmark Open Two Day Swim Meet held on the weekend. In scorching conditions, the team won 19 medals - 10 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze. They also attained 34 Australian Junior Excellence (JX) times right up to the highest level of gold star, 3 Australian Youth Performance Squad (YPS) standards, and 5 national qualifying times. Despite the extreme weather and tough competition from Adelaide based swimming clubs, SCSC rose to the challenge, recording 41 personal best times (PBs).
Parents get new ‘tool’
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th February, 2012
A booklet for Aboriginal parents with young children was launched yesterday in the town square.
World Game weekend
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th February, 2012
The BH Soccer Association (BHSA) is looking for more people to take control on game day, with referee courses to be held in the city this weekend.
Talk of the town
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th February, 2012
Western Division conference draws Ministers
Xavier Jack does it easy
Originally published: Monday, 27th February, 2012
Mildura-trained Xavier Jack proved too strong in the feature event at the trots on Saturday night.
Central into final
Originally published: Monday, 27th February, 2012
Magpies prove too strong for North
High and rising
Originally published: Monday, 27th February, 2012
As the water rises at Menindee, authorities are preparing to deal with what they say could be the biggest floods in 36 years.
Hopes up for conference
Originally published: Monday, 27th February, 2012
Road funding and the Destination 2036 Action Plan are a couple of the hot topics on the agenda for the two-day Western Division Councils conference starting in the city today.
Aboriginal voices heard
Originally published: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
Yesterday members of the NSW Government hosted a consultation in Broken Hill which gave Indigenous locals the chance to voice their ideas on improving Aboriginal affairs.
Some drivers are slippery customers
Originally published: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
Motorists could have been in for a slippery ride yesterday after a drum full of vegetable oil was spilt at the Bromide and Beryl street roundabout.
Beware the sleeping dog
Originally published: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
Central, on face value, look to be warm favourites to advance to the Barrier District Cricket League Final after today’s Elimination Final at the Alma Oval.
Interstate rivalry hots up
Originally published: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
The running of The Sew Eurodrive Mile is the highlight of tonight’s meeting. It will see three locals go head to head with three Mildura visitors - and may the best horse win!
Kellie’s legacy lives on through her family
Originally published: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
Kellie Shepherd died with a plea to do all she could for those touched by cancer.
Aboriginal voices heard
Originally published: Saturday, 25th February, 2012
Government hosts consultation in city
Room to shine at basketball
Originally published: Friday, 24th February, 2012
The city’s basketballers bounced into action for the first round of the 2012 season last weekend, but the junior ranks were a little thinner than usual.
Junior tennis aces get back in the swing
Originally published: Friday, 24th February, 2012
The off season has come to an end for the city’s junior tennis players who will hit the courts this Saturday night at O’Neill Park.
Step back in time, see sporting rivalry
Originally published: Friday, 24th February, 2012
When it comes to sport, Broken Hill has always loved the contest.
Voters voice disdain
Originally published: Friday, 24th February, 2012
Locals unhappy about leadership row
Breakthrough eludes Magpies
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd February, 2012
Central fell agonisingly short of winning their first game in the Under 14 cricket competition on Friday in a nail-biting contest with West.
Get on your bike for fun and fitness
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd February, 2012
Whether you’re looking for a friendly social outing, a leisurely ride through the scenic outback, or a gruelling physical test the Broken Hill Mountain Bike club has a place for you.
Race for a place
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd February, 2012
St Pat’s pleads for accommodation help
Coffee the social drink of choice
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd February, 2012
More than half of Australians prefer a double-shot espresso to sitting down to a beer at the pub, according to a new poll.
Lee to make film debut
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
He may not yet have the star billing of Jet Li or Jackie Chan, but Lee Hermansson is preparing to make his martial arts film debut.
A new look for a good cause
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
Miles Clothier has been growing a beard for the past seven years and, after much deliberation, has decided to shave it off in the name of the World’s Greatest Shave.
Woman ‘robbed’ and assaulted
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd February, 2012
A woman was allegedly assaulted and robbed yesterday morning as she was going to the bank to deposit the takings from a business.
Algate’s finance fears
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st February, 2012
Deputy Mayor Bob Algate has expressed fears that councillors may be sacked if finances do not improve soon.
Perilya embraces changing technology
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st February, 2012
They may be plumbing the historic depths in one of Australia’s most historic mine leases, but Perilya’s miners are riding a wave of technological advances which would make their forefathers gasp.
City’s athletes in safe hands
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st February, 2012
The city’s athletes will be in safe hands after a large group of trainers and volunteers took part in a sports training course at the weekend.
Central confident
Originally published: Monday, 20th February, 2012
Central will head into next week’s preliminary final full of confidence after an impressive win over a disappointing South at the Jubilee Oval on Saturday.
West overcame North
Originally published: Monday, 20th February, 2012
Minor premiers West did as expected on Saturday and overcame an undermanned North outfit that now heads into an elimination final against Central.
Menindee’s mixed reactions
Originally published: Monday, 20th February, 2012
Just how serious the threat from floodwaters coming from the north is in Menindee depends on who you ask in the town.
Homewares are where the Hart is
Originally published: Monday, 20th February, 2012
David Hart doesn’t take offence when his artwork is compared to that of his famous father - he takes it as a compliment.
Bikers tackle Kona
Originally published: Saturday, 18th February, 2012
Members of the Broken Hill Mountain Bike Club will push themselves to the limit tomorrow/today/(Saturday) when they take on the Kona Odyssey mountain bike marathon.
Fast track will make for a great night
Originally published: Saturday, 18th February, 2012
Speedway revs up for its second meeting of the year tonight with a solid program of racing.
Have river, will flood
Originally published: Saturday, 18th February, 2012
It will be another three or four weeks before more floodwaters come down to Menindee but some townsfolk are already moving out.
Better wet than dry, says farming family
Originally published: Saturday, 18th February, 2012
Domenic and his nephew Paul D’Ettorre live on neighboring properties outside Menindee where they grow grapes.
Life in the fast lane and loving it
Originally published: Friday, 17th February, 2012
Motorsports photographer Andrew Gosling is strapping himself in for another year of chasing the racing circuit circus - and he couldn’t be happier.
‘All Murray, no Darling’
Originally published: Friday, 17th February, 2012
The Darling River Action Group (DRAG) has vowed to take legal action if the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan gets the go-ahead in its current form.
Shooting stars shine in Whyalla
Originally published: Friday, 17th February, 2012
Young basketball stars Harry Trengove and Angel Simmons have led the Broncos in a competitive showing at Whyalla.
Drivers vie for Maltese Cup glory
Originally published: Thursday, 16th February, 2012
The highlight of tonight’s meeting is the running of the time-honoured Maltese Cup.
Radium Hill revisited
Originally published: Thursday, 16th February, 2012
Opinion among politicians and the mining fraternity that Broken Hill will host a new wave of uranium exploration is not a surprise to geo-enthusiast Trevor Dart.
Big prospects for BH
Originally published: Thursday, 16th February, 2012
The NSW Government is placing its bets on the uranium industry to boost the State’s dwindling coffers and experts say the overturning of a 26-year ban on uranium exploration this week will have a big impact in the Far West.
Skaters’ show like ‘dancing on wheels’
Originally published: Thursday, 16th February, 2012
The skill and grace of the city’s roller skaters will be on display to the public this weekend.
Trainers flock to top-level course
Originally published: Thursday, 16th February, 2012
One moment it looked like it was all off and after some frantic emailing and phone calls by various sports clubs, locals and Active Broken Hill it’s all on!
A special bike for a special girl
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th February, 2012
Lara Pascoe’s beautiful smile and happy nature defy the struggles the six-year-old has faced every day of her life.
Spy cam on the vandals
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th February, 2012
City Council is looking at extending CCTV coverage of the BH Regional Aquatic Centre in response to vandalism.
Sam’s on the rise
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th February, 2012
Samantha Betts has continued her cricketing progression with solid performances in the national under 18s championships late last month.
It’s all go for junior cricket
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th February, 2012
The junior cricket competition is set to undergo a number of changes after the Broken Hill Primary Cricket Association (BHPCA) held its AGM on Saturday.
Thumbs up to a new St Pat’s
Originally published: Tuesday, 14th February, 2012
The official countdown to the city’s biggest race meeting began yesterday with the announcement of new attractions for the 47th St Patrick’s races.
Magpies hit back
Originally published: Tuesday, 14th February, 2012
Central has proven it has the hitting power to match it with West after winning the 20/20 grand final replay on Sunday afternoon.
Central in control
Originally published: Monday, 13th February, 2012
Central’s batsmen have bounced back from last week’s defeat to guide their team to a five-wicket win against North.
Runway compo on hold
Originally published: Monday, 13th February, 2012
It is too early to seek compensation for faulty material used on the $540,000 resealing of the Broken Hill Airport, says City Council.
Ribbon cut on grand oasis
Originally published: Monday, 13th February, 2012
The Broken Hill Regional Aquatic Centre, the city’s largest public infrastructure project in more than a decade, was officially opened on Saturday.
Girls’ night out
Originally published: Saturday, 11th February, 2012
Tonight’s racing will be dominated by the fairer sex, either by drivers or horses.
Helping hand from Council
Originally published: Saturday, 11th February, 2012
Several sport and recreation bodies are set to receive a boost after City Council announced the first round of its 2011/2012 Community Development Grants.
Learners can’t access driver safety program
Originally published: Saturday, 11th February, 2012
Learner drivers in NSW are being encouraged to join a driver safety program, but not in Broken Hill.
Flood could be largest since ‘76
Originally published: Saturday, 11th February, 2012
For the third time in two years floodwaters have triggered pre-releases from the Menindee Lakes storage, as towns and properties along the Darling brace for what could be the largest flood event in 35 years.
Girls hope to be face of Dodo
Originally published: Friday, 10th February, 2012
Two local girls are entering a competition that could lead them to a place in the Miss Universe Australia National Final.
Voices cry for water
Originally published: Friday, 10th February, 2012
Aboriginal people in the district have been assured that their input to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Draft Plan will be taken into account.
Sign of respect
Originally published: Friday, 10th February, 2012
The Broken Hill Basketball Association (BHBA) has paid tribute a local icon of the sport with new signage at R.K. Sanderson Stadium.
Kindy, here I come
Originally published: Thursday, 9th February, 2012
There were some tears, a few unsettled tummies but most of the children starting their first day of school yesterday were very happy to be there.
Town bracing for flood
Originally published: Thursday, 9th February, 2012
With record flows heading south from the floods in Queensland and northern NSW, police are appealing to Menindee residents to let them know if they intend to evacuate their homes.
Keep cricket alive
Originally published: Thursday, 9th February, 2012
The city’s year 5 and 6 students may have no cricket competition by 2013 unless the sport receives more support, according to BH Primary Cricket Association (BHPCA) president Dale Dwyer.
City to host Ministers
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th February, 2012
Three State Government Ministers will be here at the end of this month when the city hosts the Annual Conference of the Western Division Council of NSW.
Anniversary calls for a song
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th February, 2012
ENTERTAINMENT: Seven-year-old Taeja Edwards sang for the Silver City Ladies Probus Club’s 20th Anniversary this week. The milestone was recognised with a luncheon and 15 of the club’s founding members were recognised with certificates and badges.
Tennis turned into a match made in heaven
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th February, 2012
By Kurtis Eichler
Trio bound for Pro-Am
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th February, 2012
Golfing trio Linda Nadge, Jacqueline Walter and Gaynor Holliday will be in esteemed company this week when they tee off in the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Pro-Am.
Brave Holly’s a HeartKid
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th February, 2012
Holly Magookin knows more than most the help the HeartKids foundation provides children struggling with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
Pool entry cost ‘right’
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th February, 2012
Councillors have not fully considered the ramifications of a $4 entry fee to the city’s multi-million dollar Aquatic Centre, according to Councillor Tom Kennedy.
Learner’s costly lesson as car goes up in flames
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th February, 2012
A learner driver would have had some explaining to do after taking his father’s car for a spin only to watch in horror as it was destroyed by fire.
St Joes looking for new blood
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th February, 2012
St Joes’ stellar 2011 season proved that the team has plenty of talent on the field, but now it’s looking to bolster its off-field stocks.
Key RFDS recruit has bases covered
Originally published: Monday, 6th February, 2012
She’s a self-confessed city slicker who has left the towering skyscrapers of Sydney behind to throw herself into the field of rural medicine.
It’s all go as our big race day draws near
Originally published: Monday, 6th February, 2012
Organisers of the St Pat’s races meeting are pulling out all the stops with only six weeks to race day.
Robins roll on
Originally published: Monday, 6th February, 2012
West have confirmed their status as the city’s dominant cricket team after crushing second-placed Central by 81 runs at the Jubilee Oval on Saturday.
World premiere
Originally published: Saturday, 4th February, 2012
A concert tribute in words and song to the great June Bronhill will have its first ever performance tonight at the Civic Centre.
The BDT’s back in town
Originally published: Saturday, 4th February, 2012
It may not have been obvious to all our dedicated readers, but the BDT has been a little different over the last few days.
Netball for all ages
Originally published: Saturday, 4th February, 2012
The Broken Hill Netball Association (BHNA) is looking to kickstart 2012 with a huge gala weekend of netball next week.
‘Don’t dump beds’
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd February, 2012
Black calls on Labor councillor to oppose aged care transfer
A decade of commitment
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd February, 2012
The dedication of Broken Hill Basketball Association President Grahame Semmens extends well beyond the local competition, and that fact was recognised at the 2012 Australian Country Basketball Championships in Albury.
Broncos shine at Pacific Slam
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd February, 2012
Two BH basketballers have enjoyed success while representing SA Country teams at national competitions.
Water on the way
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd February, 2012
By Paula Doran
The NSW Office of Water has made urgent water releases from the Menindee Lakes as inland tributaries at the top of the Darling system swell dramatically under massive rain.
While the towns hardest hit in southern Queensland and northern NSW were yesterday evacuating ahead of rapidly rising rivers, the Department of Primary Industries was preparing for huge volumes of water to flow into the Darling River and down to Menindee.
The rainfall continued yesterday, causing floods in two major Darling River tributaries, the Gwydir and the Namoi.
The Gwydir region was particularly hard hit, with 150 millimetres of rain in 24 hours.
At one gauging station upstream of Moree on the same river, 300,000 megalitres of water (more than half the volume of Sydney Harbour) was being measured per day.
All around the interior in towns more famous as outbackí than riverfront, the SES and Shire Councils were battening the hatches against floodwaters. In the town of Mitchell, east of Charleville, they were expecting a flood to rival the record flood of 1990.
Further south, St George, a town that made the headlines in last year’s big floods, residents were facing the prospect of two river systems combining in the next two days to create another record watercourse.
And as the list of rain-drenched inland towns continued to mount, water managers began preparing for the fact that much of that water could be in the Menindee Lakes within months.
Brian Graham, Surface Water Manager from the NSW Office of Water, said it was impossible to know how much water would make its way to Menindee.
“Every flood event is unique. The catchment will respond to different flood events differently.
“Our main objective is to begin work now by increasing the release of flows out of Menindee, which will eventually protect the Menindee township from flooding when the big flows do arrive. We will certainly do everything we can to avoid flooding of low lying houses.”
State Water estimates the flood waters from this week’s flow will arrive in Menindee late next month at the earliest.
But with floodwaters already expected from rainfall late last year, water managers will be operating at peak hour to make sure there is enough space in the lakes to accommodate the large flows.
Releases from Weir 32 have been increased from 15,000 megalitres per day to 20,000, effective immediately.
Meanwhile, in the north of the State, more rain is forecast today.
Music dream comes true
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd February, 2012
Former Silverton local Chris Edge-Dodd grew up in the town listening to Slim Dusty and playing a right-handed guitar upside-down, like Jimi Hendrix.
Outback lifesaver
Originally published: Wednesday, 1st February, 2012
A local teenage boy is being hailed as an Australia Day hero after he drove 80 kilometres to save a man’s life.
Raise a hand if you can help
Originally published: Wednesday, 1st February, 2012
An auction is being held on Friday to raise money for a baby girl who was recently diagnosed with heart disease.
A Giant challenge
Originally published: Wednesday, 1st February, 2012
Talented Under 16 footballers can get a taste of life in an AFL team next month when the Giants Zone series of carnivals begin.