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, 2014
AFL star supports youngsters
Originally published: Friday, 28th February, 2014
AFL star Taylor Walker has thrown his support behind a pair of local jet-setting basketballers.
Cold and calculated
Originally published: Friday, 28th February, 2014
A callous act of robbery has shocked staff the Red Robin Deli on Gypsum Street.
Drop of rain saves the day
Originally published: Friday, 28th February, 2014
A nice drop of rain has saved Tibooburra from running dry.
Newspaper loses a dear friend
Originally published: Friday, 28th February, 2014
The Barrier Daily Truth has lost a dear friend and work colleague with the passing of former editor, David Pearce.
Tourism more important than spin: Black
Originally published: Friday, 28th February, 2014
If City Council could budget $120,000 for a “spin doctor”, it should employ a fulltime tourism officer, according to one councillor.
Share your passion for theatre
Originally published: Thursday, 27th February, 2014
For anyone interested in live drama or music, tonight’s Annual General Meeting of the Broken Hill Repertory Society is the ideal occasion to meet people who share your passion.
Drought assistance package
Originally published: Thursday, 27th February, 2014
Drought-hit graziers in the Far West will be able to get help sooner as part of a new $320 million assistance package, the Federal Government said yesterday.
Shooting for the stars
Originally published: Thursday, 27th February, 2014
The secrets of the universe are about to get a whole lot clearer for local girl Stephanie Warhurst.
Lucy makes a sea change
Originally published: Thursday, 27th February, 2014
Ask popular personal trainer and group instructor Lucy Netherwood about her approach to fitness and she’ll happily tell you it’s “go hard or go home”.
Shorty’s rapid loss
Originally published: Thursday, 27th February, 2014
Staff at Shorty O’Neil Village may lose their jobs before the facility’s two years are up as residents rapidly move out, costing City Council hundreds of thousands of dollars.
High demand for water and electricity
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th February, 2014
Broken Hill consumed one billion litres of treated water in the first 40 days of this year, enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Tip top shape
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th February, 2014
The caretaker of the Memorial Oval says the ground is in “good shape” in the aftermath of the monster truck spectacular earlier this month.
Guides catch cleaning bug
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th February, 2014
More than 20 Girl Guides will gather at Block 10 on Sunday morning to give a helping hand to the environment.
Struggling graziers offered help
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th February, 2014
Around 280 bales of hay arrived in Broken Hill last night and it’s now on offer to graziers struggling with the drought.
Jail confession solves 2012 case
Originally published: Wednesday, 26th February, 2014
Two men wanted by police over the violent mugging of an 81-year-old woman nearly two years ago have finally been brought to justice after one of them confessed.
School of the Air sets up for success
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th February, 2014
Broken Hill School of the Air students are enjoying getting to know their class mates face to face this week with a range of activities planned before the distance format returns.
Your chance to join a real orchestra
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th February, 2014
Break open the wardrobes; check under the beds; dig through the stuff in the shed and find that old instrument you played in high school! The Broken Hill Civic Orchestra is looking for more players.
Volunteers thanked for hard work
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th February, 2014
The hospital’s most loyal fundraisers will, for the first time, donate a massive $160,000 to a single project.
Musicians’ Club collapse
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th February, 2014
The Musicians’ Club has entered into voluntary administration after losing $2 million in less than two years.
Help thank city’s volunteers
Originally published: Tuesday, 25th February, 2014
Three hundred volunteers will be thanked for their generosity with a large-scale celebration in May.
Basketball boot camp
Originally published: Monday, 24th February, 2014
Broken Hill’s brightest young basketball players got the chance to hone their skills at a boot camp at the weekend.
True colours
Originally published: Monday, 24th February, 2014
Upwards of 20 rainbow-coloured cars passed through the streets on Saturday afternoon to spread a message of acceptance and harmony.
Staff to cut waiting times
Originally published: Monday, 24th February, 2014
The addition of two new graduates to the Far West Local Health District’s dental service will mean a more accessible public dental system and reduced waiting times.
Takeaway booze ban begins
Originally published: Monday, 24th February, 2014
Broken Hill Police have reminded residents to plan ahead as new legislation preventing late night trade of alcohol takes effect today.
Motorcade with a message
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd February, 2014
A convoy of colourful cars will be travelling around the city today on a “rainbow” tour.
Pink Pies join cancer fight
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd February, 2014
Central Cricket Club players are going pink from head to toe to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.
Carnival atmosphere
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd February, 2014
Willyama High School combined novelty action with some more serious races at their annual swimming carnival yesterday.
Council predicts budget benefits from tough decisions
Originally published: Saturday, 22nd February, 2014
City Council’s finances are forecasted to be “extremely unsatisfactory” at the end of the financial year, despite a recent raft of unpopular decisions aimed at reining in the budget.
Ladies, start your engines
Originally published: Friday, 21st February, 2014
Don’t do a double take if you notice the cars driving a little more cautiously than usual at the speedway track tomorrow night.
More to music than making it big: Brook
Originally published: Friday, 21st February, 2014
A satisfying career in the music industry is possible without having to go on a talent show.
Marcos’ bold outback adventure
Originally published: Friday, 21st February, 2014
Aspiring filmmaker Marcos Garcia describes coming to Broken Hill as a “big adventure”.
Uncertain future for village residents
Originally published: Friday, 21st February, 2014
The city will have to wait a little longer for City Council’s exit strategy for Shorty O’Neil Village.
Tourism taskforce ready to tackle industry ‘crisis’
Originally published: Friday, 21st February, 2014
Tourism stakeholders have come together to discuss an industry that was recently described as being “in crisis”.
Joeys keen for 2014
Originally published: Thursday, 20th February, 2014
The preparations are already underway for St Joseph’s tilt at a fourth consecutive Broken Hill soccer premiership.
Sunset Strip seeks support
Originally published: Thursday, 20th February, 2014
Interstate politics are partly to blame for the state of the Menindee Lake system, according to the president of the Sunset Strip Progress Association Barry Stone.
Excitement builds for Agfair 2014
Originally published: Thursday, 20th February, 2014
Organisers of the highly-anticipated Agfair are gearing up for the looming 13th biennial event that will feature a famous chef and other entertainment.
No bail after wild chase
Originally published: Thursday, 20th February, 2014
Two people who allegedly stole a front end loader and drove it wildly along the Mildura road on Tuesday did not apply for bail when they appeared in court yesterday.
Shop owners disgusted by dirty deluge
Originally published: Thursday, 20th February, 2014
A smelly, unwelcomed visitor washed away the smiles the faces of the Gypsum Street traders yesterday.
Setback for Ashleigh
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th February, 2014
For someone used to flying around the track in a gig behind a horse, life in a moonboot has understandably felt a little confined for Ashleigh Camilleri.
Unique project on display
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th February, 2014
The fruits of a nine-month Artist in Residence project at the Broken Hill Hospital were unveiled yesterday by local artist Ian Howarth.
Shots fired in frantic day of theft
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th February, 2014
An investigation is underway after a man and a woman were arrested following a road pursuit during which shots were fired at a stolen front-end loader near Broken Hill yesterday morning.
Four generations join fight against cancer
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th February, 2014
Four generations of one family will be joining in the World’s Greatest Shave next month.
Water secure at last
Originally published: Wednesday, 19th February, 2014
The controversial draining of the Menindee Lakes has ended for now.
Marching girls seek recruits
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th February, 2014
Dancing teacher, Joy Baldwin is looking to bring back a piece of Broken Hill history by starting up a marching team.
Racing loses a true friend in “Rocky”
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th February, 2014
Horse racing in Broken Hill has lost a good and valued friend with the passing of Ray Baker last weekend.
Splendid artworks brighten hospital
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th February, 2014
Paintings of Broken Hill will soon adorn the walls of the hospital’s Oncology and Ambulatory Care Unit thanks to a generous donation from the Outback Publicans.
Tough times
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th February, 2014
The Prime Minister capped off his tour of drought-hit regions of NSW and Queensland yesterday with a visit to Mount Gipps Station, 40km east of the city.
Shorty heartache
Originally published: Tuesday, 18th February, 2014
An organisation proposing to take over Shorty O’Neill Village is “playing with the residents’ heartstrings”, according to a family member.
Wet weather warriors
Originally published: Monday, 17th February, 2014
Although all Barrier District Cricket League fixtures were called off on the weekend, the wet weather didn’t deter some of Broken Hill’s youngest players from getting out on the field.
‘Tens of thousands’ to die in drought
Originally published: Monday, 17th February, 2014
An outback property owner who was severely lashed by a kangaroo after pulling it out of a bog last week says tens of thousands would die a “horrendous” death before the drought is over.
Great water divide
Originally published: Monday, 17th February, 2014
A local businessman says he’s disgusted by the mass of water in the Murray River while Menindee Lakes continues to be drained, devastating the local economy.
Rain and a rumble
Originally published: Monday, 17th February, 2014
Many Broken Hill streets were turned into cascading rivers following 14 millimetres of rain on Saturday, and then, that night, the earth moved.
PM discusses drought assistance during visit to city
Originally published: Monday, 17th February, 2014
The announcement of a Federal drought assistance package is likely within the next week, however exactly what support will be offered remains unclear.
Final preview at Jubilee Oval?
Originally published: Saturday, 15th February, 2014
The clash between top two sides Central and West at the Jubilee Oval today shapes as potentially a preview of this season’s final as it will take a minor miracle for North to overcome West in the preliminary final in a fortnight’s time.
Roos a chance to make it two
Originally published: Saturday, 15th February, 2014
South get their opportunity to make it back to back wins against North at the Alma today in what would be the Roos’ best result for some five seasons, if this was to happen.
Fee locked in
Originally published: Saturday, 15th February, 2014
The ongoing debate over football player registration fees appears to have been resolved.
Students hit the pool
Originally published: Saturday, 15th February, 2014
The prospect of rain didn’t deter Broken Hill High School students from jumping in the pool at the school’s annual swimming carnival yesterday.
POWER PLAYS
Originally published: Saturday, 15th February, 2014
Musicians’ Club board facing backlash
Off the beer, muscles
Originally published: Friday, 14th February, 2014
It’s customary for many to relax with a cold beverage in hand after sweating it out on a sports field.
Apology anniversary a mark of respect
Originally published: Friday, 14th February, 2014
The anniversary of the historic 2008 apology from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was marked at a ceremony in the town square yesterday as part of the “Festival of Respect”.
Uni students given head start
Originally published: Friday, 14th February, 2014
Two local students will feel a little less pressure when starting university, thanks to scholarships awarded by the Y’s Men’s Club with support from the Silver City Workingmen’s Club.
Legion still serving
Originally published: Friday, 14th February, 2014
If you’re heading out for a well-earned beer or a quiet meal in the near future, there’s a few old soldiers who would deeply appreciate your company.
Exploration company looks to Thackaringa Hills
Originally published: Friday, 14th February, 2014
A mineral exploration company that holds rich cobalt deposits in the Thackaringa hills is looking into using the resource to create a sulphuric acid production plant to supply eastern Australia.
Country Cup cred
Originally published: Thursday, 13th February, 2014
The West Broken Hill trio of Max Everuss, Curtis Jelbert and leg-spinning all rounder Matthew Handberg and Central’s Jarred Paull helped the Murray Districts/Barrier side to a commendable fifth sport in the annual country cricket championships earlier this month.
A piece of history
Originally published: Thursday, 13th February, 2014
A piece of history that captures the light bulb moment RFDS founder John Flynn developed the blueprint for the ground-breaking organisation has arrived in Broken Hill.
Response to water crisis poor
Originally published: Thursday, 13th February, 2014
The NSW government is spruiking its decision to extend drought support to the Far West, but Labor and the Greens aren’t buying the hype.
Helping hand for graziers’ plight
Originally published: Thursday, 13th February, 2014
Graziers are set to receive a helping hand after the NSW government’s Emergency Drought Package was extended to include Broken Hill and its surrounds.
Fight to survive
Originally published: Thursday, 13th February, 2014
The Legion Club is fighting for survival after going into voluntary administration.
Greyhound cap might cut euthanasia rates
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th February, 2014
Broken Hill greyhound trainer Clint Trengrove says placing a cap on the number of greyhounds a trainer can own could help reduce the number of dogs been euthanased in the state.
Turley joins Monster Truck Rumble
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th February, 2014
Most people get a little nervous about the prospect of getting in the driver’s seat of a new car for the first time.
New machine to benefit hospital
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th February, 2014
The Broken Hill Hospital’s physiotherapy department have welcomed a valuable new piece of technology, thanks to support from local fundraisers and the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Brave Cohan’s hair-raising endeavour
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th February, 2014
A brave eight-year-old local will be shaving his hair for the World’s Greatest Shave.
Plaza brings 200 jobs
Originally published: Wednesday, 12th February, 2014
More than 200 local jobs will be created when the Coles Broken Hill Plaza development opens in late April, a spokesperson for the supermarket chain has confirmed.
Tourism award will boost the whole region
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th February, 2014
Tourism awards are nothing new to Tri State Safaris, but the tour operators are hoping their latest win serves as a reminder that Broken Hill remains a prime destination for travellers.
First day of school
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th February, 2014
The first day of kindergarten can provide a mixture of excitement and trepidation for new students, but it was smooth sailing at Railwaytown yesterday.
A Y’s man is a generous man
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th February, 2014
The heat of the afternoon sun will no longer prevent children enjoying the playground at the Broken Hill Child and Family Health Centre thanks to a generous donation from the local Y’s Men’s Club.
Countdown is on
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th February, 2014
The countdown to the city’s biggest weekend of the year has officially started with the opening of the St Pats office for 2014 yesterday.
John Williams set for change as electorate splits
Originally published: Tuesday, 11th February, 2014
For Member for Murray Darling John Williams, the only way is up.
United are in
Originally published: Monday, 10th February, 2014
The Outback Rugby League will expand to seven sides this season after it was announced that United have been granted entry into the 2014 competition.
Police target grog offences
Originally published: Monday, 10th February, 2014
Police were kept busy with a few alcohol-related incidents on the weekend, with one man copping $800 in fines after failing to leave a licensed premises.
Drivers urged to take care
Originally published: Monday, 10th February, 2014
Broken Hill Police have issued a timely reminder to slow down and stay off mobile phones as school resumes for 2014.
Calling new recruits
Originally published: Monday, 10th February, 2014
St John Ambulance Broken Hill Cadet Division is a fun way to volunteer and meet new people.
Values drop
Originally published: Monday, 10th February, 2014
The total land value of the Broken Hill Local Government area has decreased by $24 million in three years, according to NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
Westies have the edge
Originally published: Saturday, 8th February, 2014
West has held the ascendancy over South in all their games this season and this appears unlikely to change in the BDCL 45-over game at the Jubilee Oval today.
Pies machine rolls on
Originally published: Saturday, 8th February, 2014
With finals time looming on the not-too-distant horizon, Central continue to build towards what could be another premiership season and a season that could see them go through the minor round undefeated in both the short and longer format of the competition.
Heat takes its toll
Originally published: Saturday, 8th February, 2014
Barrier District Cricket League President Peter Johnston says the league is planning to revisit its heat policy later this month.
University enjoys a privileged view
Originally published: Saturday, 8th February, 2014
Charles Sturt University staff have participated in an annual four-day camp in Menindee which aims to produce a higher level of cultural awareness.
‘No-one forced out’
Originally published: Saturday, 8th February, 2014
Council rejects union’s claims on Shorty
Legend status bestowed on ‘unsung hero’ Angela
Originally published: Friday, 7th February, 2014
Silver City Swim Club’s Angela Oldsen has been named Swimming Australia’s Local Legend Volunteer of the Year for 2013.
Netball aims for a new high
Originally published: Friday, 7th February, 2014
The Broken Hill Netball Association is hoping to build on the success of last season for a bigger and better 2014.
Real jazz and fine food for you and your sweetheart
Originally published: Friday, 7th February, 2014
The Adelaide Jazz Trio will be back to play for loving couples at the Royal Exchange Hotel this Valentine’s Day.
Pictures of the past proving popular
Originally published: Friday, 7th February, 2014
Locals browsed though the photo collection in the archive room at the Broken Hill City Library yesterday.
Villagers moving out
Originally published: Friday, 7th February, 2014
Nearly a quarter of Shorty O’Neil Village residents have moved out since City Council announced it would close the aged care facility in early 2016.
Living on the dregs
Originally published: Thursday, 6th February, 2014
There is perhaps no better illustration of the Darling River’s decline than in the town of Wilcannia.
Slow start to SA cricket carnival
Originally published: Thursday, 6th February, 2014
The Murray District/Barrier side has started its South Australian Country Cricket carnival campaign in shaky fashion, dropping their opening two games.
Algae poisons shrinking lakes
Originally published: Thursday, 6th February, 2014
The bad news continues for Menindee residents with blue-green algae confirmed in the lakes system.
Algae poisons shrinking lakes
Originally published: Thursday, 6th February, 2014
The Miners’ Memorial at the Line of Lode has reopened, but there’s been a few changes.
Southern Cross takes on Irymple aged care
Originally published: Thursday, 6th February, 2014
Southern Cross Care (SCC) has taken over a 40-bed aged care home in Irymple, near Mildura.
Cut the chances of getting cancer
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th February, 2014
The multi-pronged approach of sensible lifestyle choices, regular checkups and high vaccination rates is the best way to manage increased rates of cancer, says Director of Cancer Services, Innovation and Palliative Care for the Far West Local Health District, Melissa Cumming.
A sauna no longer, time for a spar
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th February, 2014
The PCYC is gearing up for Boxing for Fitness classes after its shed was insulated.
Car park empty as Argent St fills
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th February, 2014
Angry Argent Street traders say no one is using an off-street parking lot since City Council slapped a time limit on it a fortnight ago.
Our Peoples amongst nation’s best
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th February, 2014
CP Peoples Chemist is in the top 10 finalists for Australian Pharmacy of the Year.
Shorty fightback
Originally published: Wednesday, 5th February, 2014
A group heading a rally to save Shorty O’Neil Village from closure has accused City Council of mismanagement, hiding figures and exaggerating costs.
School independence a red herring: union
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
A federal government plan to help a quarter of schools become independent will broaden the gap between metropolitan areas and the Far West, according to the teachers union.
New nurses ready to hit the wards
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
Local nursing and midwifery ranks have been significantly boosted with 21 recent graduates preparing to begin their careers in Broken Hill.
Cool-hand Brian wants a full house
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
Local resident Brian Fenton has come up with a unique idea for those missing their usual sporting opportunities because of the terrible heat.
Life’s blood lost
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
The fortunes of Menindee are inextricably linked to its surrounding waterways, and the decision to drain the lakes has left the township shattered.
Latest pet campaign an ‘uphill battle’
Originally published: Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
A NSW government announcement of a $900,000 council grant program to promote microchipping, registration and desexing would most likely fail, according to a local vet.
Monster crowd
Originally published: Monday, 3rd February, 2014
A huge crowd packed the Memorial Oval on Saturday night to catch a glimpse of the monster truck spectacular.
The crazy case of the exploding table
Originally published: Monday, 3rd February, 2014
Imagine sitting in your lounge room relaxing after dinner, when your glass kitchen table suddenly explodes and large chunks fly past you and hit the wall.
Active minds shine
Originally published: Monday, 3rd February, 2014
The number of dementia sufferers in the Murray Darling electorate is expected to rise by 300 over the next six years according to predictions from leading forecaster Deloitte Access Economics.
Gone with the water
Originally published: Monday, 3rd February, 2014
The sad decline of the Menindee Lakes system was on display yesterday as the BDT took a tour of the lakes and township.
War widows waiting for ‘exit strategy’
Originally published: Monday, 3rd February, 2014
By Erica Visser
No relief in sight for weary graziers
Originally published: Saturday, 1st February, 2014
Pressure is building on graziers and landholders after another month of hot, dry weather.
Monster Madness
Originally published: Saturday, 1st February, 2014
American monster truck driver Kreg Christensen is planning to unleash the freak at the Memorial Oval.
Menindee Lakes drained
Originally published: Saturday, 1st February, 2014
Water from lakes going to South Australia and Victoria
An Italian love story
Originally published: Saturday, 1st February, 2014
The secret to a long lasting, happy marriage is remarkably simple according to Jim and Anna Nardelli, who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this week.