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.
January, 2019
Hayden rolls back into city
Originally published: Thursday, 31st January, 2019
New company to Broken Hill, HJS Painting and Decorating, are currently on the lookout for an apprentice.
Businesses donate something cool
Originally published: Thursday, 31st January, 2019
A new freezer has been generously donated to the PCYC by the local McDonald’s and Harvey Norman.
Art chief position wide open
Originally published: Thursday, 31st January, 2019
West Darling Arts are currently looking for a new Executive Director, a position that involves a lot of community interaction and experience running a small or not-for-profit business.
Memorial concert: Can you help?
Originally published: Thursday, 31st January, 2019
Over the last few months a small but dedicated committee has been working hard behind the scenes to plan a memorial concert for Nessie Osten OA, who passed away in September last year.
Senator flies over Queensland dams
Originally published: Thursday, 31st January, 2019
While the Darling River is left to die, water flows in its tributaries in Queensland and the vast dams of the cotton farms are full, according to federal senator Rex Patrick.
Hopes high for good year
Originally published: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019
Numbers are low but spirits are definitely high in hopes of another successful year in the Broken Hill housing market.
Ready for new challenge
Originally published: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019
Fourteen years of memories will last Steve and Kyla Vine a lifetime, they say, after they made a decision to close their business Baker’s Delight.
PCYC water balloon fundraiser
Originally published: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019
A local PCYC fundraiser to support youths who’ve left school early or are disengaged from it has begun this week, and it involves a fair few water bombs.
Minister speaks with the locals
Originally published: Wednesday, 30th January, 2019
It was distressing to see thousands upon thousands of dead fish carpeting the Darling River at Menindee but the only solution was a big fresh flow and none was available, NSW Regional Water Minister Niall Blair said yesterday.
More fish die as drinking water delivered
Originally published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2019
An emotional and moving Australia Day Ceremony took place at the Civic Centre on Saturday as locals gathered for an early morning barbecue and flag-raising, followed by speeches and award announcements.
Robbers on the loose
Originally published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2019
Two daring robberies - one involving a child - and an aggravated burglary were three major incidents during a mini crime spree in Broken Hill over the Australia Day long weekend.
Hay train hits Cobar
Originally published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2019
Mateship is well and truly alive with much-needed hay delivered to drought-stricken farmers near Cobar this weekend.
Better to win than be lucky
Originally published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2019
A small but vocal crowd was on hand to see veteran local trotter Bettatobelucky take out the Paewai Shearing Mile Sprint on a warm and windy night at the Memorial Oval Paceway on Saturday.
Intense backyard fire
Originally published: Saturday, 26th January, 2019
A fire during yesterday’s scorching heat claimed two caravans, a truck, a sidecar and a heap of spare parts in the backyard of a Wilson Street home.
Ella is the best
Originally published: Saturday, 26th January, 2019
Eight-year-old Ella Lee will be taking part in the World’s Greatest Shave this year, and as she gears up for the fundraising event she and her family are asking community members to help out if they can.
Loves BH, will travel
Originally published: Saturday, 26th January, 2019
The Liverpool Shire Council will be treated to an address by local Josephine Peter for their Australia Day Ceremony today.
Hinton, Butcher set for national stage
Originally published: Saturday, 26th January, 2019
Local basketballers Ava Hinton and Meg Butcher have been rewarded with representative selection following a strong showing for South Australia in the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup last week.
Volunteers rally to help thirsty townships
Originally published: Saturday, 26th January, 2019
Three trucks and a ute pulling a trailer will arrive in Menindee this weekend with a cargo of something that government seems incapable of providing - fresh water.
The Family ‘Doughie’
Originally published: Friday, 25th January, 2019
Three generations of the local Visser family, who all worked on the Zinc Mine, can thank McLeod’s Bakery for a nickname that’s stuck with them for years.
Reverse pumping working
Originally published: Friday, 25th January, 2019
Fish are gathering in their thousands to breathe aerated water from reversed pumps in the Darling River at Menindee but more of the breathing points were needed, according to the Darling River Action Group (DRAG).
Lord Humungus, we salute you
Originally published: Friday, 25th January, 2019
In a few weeks, Mad Max fans from all around the wasteland will descend on Broken Hill for the 2019 Mad Max Silverton Collective. Jim ‘The Tank’ Dorsey, aka The Lord Humungus, tells the BDT what it means to be a true Mad Max Fan.
United in making our city better
Originally published: Friday, 25th January, 2019
State MP Kevin Humphries was in the city to announce over $900,000 of funding.
Water meeting fail
Originally published: Thursday, 24th January, 2019
A Sydney meeting between Far West mayors has left them discouraged after the Regional Water Minister didn’t attend, even though he stated he wouldn’t be available.
Earth joins water fight
Originally published: Thursday, 24th January, 2019
A campaigner for the grassroots environmental organisation Friends of the Earth has called the water situation in Menindee and along the Darling River an “absolute catastrophe” following her trip out to Far West communities during the past week.
Rental pain
Originally published: Thursday, 24th January, 2019
Landlord Jennifer Carter has returned to Broken Hill to fix up her rental property after it was completely trashed by a Broken Hill tenant.
Pool is cool for the hot and bothered
Originally published: Thursday, 24th January, 2019
At this point in summer, it’s possible that we Australians have forgotten what winter even feels like, thanks to the relentless heat.
Masked mates having ball
Originally published: Thursday, 24th January, 2019
Usually, emergency service workers are easily recognisable in their uniforms but at this year’s Emergency Services Charity Ball they won’t be as easy to identify, because they’ll all be wearing masks.
A good plan already exists, so let’s get on with it
Originally published: Wednesday, 23rd January, 2019
THE recent catastrophic collapse of Darling River fish communities is truly heartbreaking. As fingers continue to be pointed in all directions, two questions bubble to the top of my mind: can this system recover? And, if so, how?
Message for us all
Originally published: Wednesday, 23rd January, 2019
After travelling in an electric car for 1000 days and relying on the kindness of others, Wiebe Wakker isn’t homesick but is loving all the adventures.
Candidates tour river
Originally published: Wednesday, 23rd January, 2019
Barwon candidate Roy Butler is travelling out with MDBA whistle-blower Bill Johnson to look into the science around the Darling River.
Final days for Nachiappan Surgery mural
Originally published: Wednesday, 23rd January, 2019
The ill-fated mural on the wall of Nachiappan’s Surgery in the Town Square is due to be painted over this weekend.
OAM milestone
Originally published: Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019
Ray Mitchell, understood to be the first Hillite awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), is this year celebrating 40 years since he received the prestigious honour.
Bookmaker goes distance
Originally published: Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019
Doug Carroll is continuing to make history as NSW’s oldest bookmaker after 67 years on the books.
Apprenticeship up for grabs
Originally published: Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019
Those who love tinkering with cars and are ready to make a career out of it are being urged to apply for the apprentice spray painter position at Far West Auto.
Mildura backs Lakes
Originally published: Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019
“Close Cubbie not Menindee”, those are the words from Mildura Independent MP Ali Cupper who has taken on the fight to rescue the Menindee Lakes and river system.
Lake Cawndilla turns into death trap
Originally published: Monday, 21st January, 2019
Golden perch and cod aren’t the only animals dying out at Menindee, with muddy patches near Lake Cawndilla trapping and killing kangaroos, sheep and goats.
BH tourism ‘won’t take hit’
Originally published: Monday, 21st January, 2019
Tourism in Broken Hill would largely remain unaffected after the decimation of Menindee’s native fishing population, a local tourism operator says.
Two more in saddle for sick kids’ ride
Originally published: Monday, 21st January, 2019
Two more locals are joining an elite group to take part in a 1000-kilometre ride for charity.
Robins hold on
Originally published: Monday, 21st January, 2019
The Robins were first to bat on an Alma pitch that had improved considerably to bat on from the early game but the early loss of Daniel Milne (0) put them under pressure.
North T20 champs
Originally published: Monday, 21st January, 2019
In what turned out to be an unofficial T20 final, a strong bowling effort set up a hard-fought four-wicket win for the North Bulldogs at the Alma Oval on Saturday morning.
Labor plan to save the Darling River
Originally published: Saturday, 19th January, 2019
NSW Opposition Leader Michael Daley announced his party would not decommission the Menindee Lakes, if elected, and says they have developed a plan to save the Barwon-Darling river system.
New report points finger at management
Originally published: Saturday, 19th January, 2019
A report released today by the Australia Institute says further questions need to be asked about why the Menindee Lakes were drained.
Roos take on top Dogs
Originally published: Saturday, 19th January, 2019
After an extended break over the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as last week being called off due to the extreme heat, local cricket gets back underway today at the Alma Oval.
Central and West in fight for finals spot
Originally published: Saturday, 19th January, 2019
West and Central are locked in a battle for third spot and today’s T20 match up at the Alma Oval is of utmost importance as finals draw closer.
Media ‘disappointing’
Originally published: Saturday, 19th January, 2019
Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries isn’t into the “blame game” but was disappointed with the media coverage on the recent fish kills in Menindee.
Records tumble
Originally published: Friday, 18th January, 2019
With summer in full swing, the days of heat are endless with hardly any relief at night.
Staff rally to provide fresh water to drink
Originally published: Friday, 18th January, 2019
Coles Broken Hill have started a water drive to assist those in the Darling River region without access to fresh drinking water.
Vicki celebrates 40 years
Originally published: Friday, 18th January, 2019
Vicki McCoy, Administration Manager at Broken Hill Toyota, celebrated 40 years at the company yesterday.
HEAT IS ON
Originally published: Thursday, 17th January, 2019
Packsaddle is getting water trucked in and Tibooburra is getting good use of their main pool as temperatures continue to skyrocket in the Far West.
Woman’s body found
Originally published: Thursday, 17th January, 2019
Heartbreak for the family of missing grandmother Marilyn Grubb after a body was found yesterday about 40km north of Broken Hill.
Menindee lads jump to save the fish
Originally published: Thursday, 17th January, 2019
Two of Menindee’s youngsters were more than willing to get their hands dirty and do their part to help with the deteriorating state of the Darling River.
Helping hand
Originally published: Thursday, 17th January, 2019
Caring for animals that are sick, injured or orphaned is no easy task, just ask volunteers of a local animal welfare group.
Community gutted
Originally published: Wednesday, 16th January, 2019
A day of action will be held on March 3 after the NSW Aboriginal Land Council travelled to Menindee.
Moving forward
Originally published: Wednesday, 16th January, 2019
The Menindee Regional Tourist Association is floating ideas to help the township recover from devastating mass fish deaths in the Darling River.
No clues in search for mum
Originally published: Wednesday, 16th January, 2019
Police called off land and air search operations for missing grandmother Marilyn Grubb on Monday.
Talk to the animals
Originally published: Wednesday, 16th January, 2019
Puppies, kittens and new friends; oh my, with all that who wouldn’t want to volunteer at the Broken Hill RSPCA?
Aerator plan
Originally published: Wednesday, 16th January, 2019
The NSW Government will support aeration work to minimise the risk of further fish kills across the state, but for some it is “too little, too late”.
Science probe call
Originally published: Tuesday, 15th January, 2019
An independent scientific investigation is needed into the devastation of the Darling River and how it can be restored, a Federal Labor MP said yesterday.
Fisheries issued warning in 2012
Originally published: Tuesday, 15th January, 2019
Confidential documents show the NSW State Government was warned about an environmental catastrophe, such as the one now happening in the Darling River at Menindee.
Massive journey
Originally published: Tuesday, 15th January, 2019
Shane Mann has returned home after spending 432 days working as an expedition mechanic on Casey Station in Antarctica.
Massive clean-up
Originally published: Monday, 14th January, 2019
A contractor will begin cleaning up the putrid Darling River of hundreds of thousands of dead native fish tomorrow.
Menindee wants action
Originally published: Monday, 14th January, 2019
Now is the time for politicians to prove they are ready to be in power and take charge of the Menindee Lakes system to ensure its survival, say Menindee locals.
Species under threat
Originally published: Monday, 14th January, 2019
The recent fish kills could see species of native fish wiped out of local populations, according to a Melbourne University specialist in fish ecology.
Youth space ready for action
Originally published: Monday, 14th January, 2019
The YMCA Young Leaders group has moved into the Youth Hub and spent a busy morning setting up the new space last week.
Despair as pipeline test justifies flows
Originally published: Saturday, 12th January, 2019
The Menindee Lakes system’s heart only beats once a day, a local advocate has said, adding that WaterNSW is now “robbing Peter to pay Paul” by releasing what little flows are left from Lake Wetherell.
Broken Hill, prepare to bake
Originally published: Saturday, 12th January, 2019
Another heatwave will roll into the city today, the second of the summer.
Touring pollies not sincere: MP
Originally published: Saturday, 12th January, 2019
The Far West’s Federal Member Mark Coulton praised the NSW Water Minister for touring the Menindee fish kill disaster zone this week, but suggested other politicians who made the effort were not sincere.
Triple title winner
Originally published: Saturday, 12th January, 2019
Brian Casey completed a stellar year in target shooting last year, picking up three A grade titles in three different disciplines.
Candidate out of race
Originally published: Friday, 11th January, 2019
The Greens candidate for the Federal seat of Parkes, local Ability Links worker Natasha Bearman, has decided to drop out of the electoral race.
River advocates rise
Originally published: Friday, 11th January, 2019
More politicians have hit Menindee after hundreds of thousands of native fish perished in a toxic Darling River last weekend.
Labor inquiry pledge
Originally published: Friday, 11th January, 2019
The NSW opposition wants a special commission of inquiry into the state’s water management after a mass fish death event in the Darling River system.
Former council worker blasts roadwork crew
Originally published: Thursday, 10th January, 2019
A former City Council road supervisor says he was shocked by poor road works along the pipeline route in Broken Hill, but the contractors say they are coming back to fix it.
Cool runnings
Originally published: Thursday, 10th January, 2019
In this Broken Hill heat, it’s safe to assume that there are many air conditioning units around town doing some hard work over the summer months, much like those that sell and install them.
Girls beat boys
Originally published: Thursday, 10th January, 2019
Babies are regularly quite a popular topic of conversation, especially when it includes how many have been born in Broken Hill in previous years, including the most popular names among them.
Hunt for oil and gas
Originally published: Wednesday, 9th January, 2019
Gas and oil seems to be fool’s gold in the Far West, but only because of a lack of exploration.
Water use worry
Originally published: Wednesday, 9th January, 2019
The death toll of fish continues to climb in Menindee and now locals are concerned with the quality of water.
FISH KILL ANGER
Originally published: Wednesday, 9th January, 2019
Independent NSW MP Jeremy Buckingham labelled the continued demise of the river system “utter bullshit” and added that national media attention about it was insubstantial.
Phyllis flies to 90
Originally published: Wednesday, 9th January, 2019
Phyllis Files celebrated her 90th birthday with friends and family yesterday as she recalled memories of growing up in Broken Hill, of working on the family property in Hazel Dell as an adult, and a childhood that highlighted plenty of athletic ability and promise.
Search continues for missing mum
Originally published: Tuesday, 8th January, 2019
The search for Marilyn Grubb continues as more family members travel to Broken Hill to look for her.
Fish death toll rises
Originally published: Tuesday, 8th January, 2019
Hundreds of thousands of native fish are now dead in the Darling River after the weekend’s fish kill, according to the NSW Regional Water Minister’s office.
Old river beauties perish
Originally published: Tuesday, 8th January, 2019
Murray Cod more than 100 centimetres in length will be given to the Department of Fisheries after Sunday’s fish kill at the Menindee weir pool.
Living Desert vision
Originally published: Tuesday, 8th January, 2019
A former city councillor believes the city should redevelop the Living Desert into an eco-village, and create an artist Hall of Fame.
Silver City experience
Originally published: Monday, 7th January, 2019
Tourists Casa Rinaldi and Isaac Astill decided to swing past Broken Hill last week on their way back to Sydney from Yankalilla, SA.
Graziers want share of record-breaking rains
Originally published: Monday, 7th January, 2019
Water is making its way into a major tributary of the Darling River from the record-breaking rainfall in northern Queensland and a local grazier says irrigators should not be allowed to take it all.
Massive kill up the river
Originally published: Monday, 7th January, 2019
Menindee woke to another massive fish kill along the Darling River yesterday morning, the second environmental disaster in the “womb” of the Murray-Darling Basin in less than a month.
Driver smashes through fence
Originally published: Monday, 7th January, 2019
A learner driver accidentally ploughed through a fence and hit the house next to Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lane Street just after 6pm yesterday.
Anyone But Nats
Originally published: Saturday, 5th January, 2019
By their actions shall you judge them, and the Nationals stand condemned for what they have done to the Darling River, says a former candidate for the local seat of Barwon.
Jim retires, but still has plenty to do
Originally published: Saturday, 5th January, 2019
LEHMAN Brothers was started by Jim’s uncle Fred Lehman and has been running since 1937, remaining in the Lehman family for over several generations.
How to beat the heat
Originally published: Saturday, 5th January, 2019
A local doctor is encouraging residents to take it easy to avoid getting sick.
Missing mum’s family unites
Originally published: Saturday, 5th January, 2019
The children of missing local Marilyn Grubb united at the Broken Hill airport yesterday evening to continue the search for their mother.
McLeod’s delves into past-ies
Originally published: Friday, 4th January, 2019
A mixture of the old and new will soon be on display at Old McLeod’s Bakery on Chapple Street, with work currently underway to provide the well-known establishment some extra character.
Ten days above 100°F
Originally published: Friday, 4th January, 2019
Broken Hill has had maximum temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 days straight.
Baldwin’s in big fuel price drop
Originally published: Friday, 4th January, 2019
Petrol prices at one local petrol station have plummeted to the lowest price Broken Hill has seen for months.
Trenaman stars on debut
Originally published: Friday, 4th January, 2019
Former local Rachel Trenaman made a successful Women’s Big Bash League debut when her team Sydney Thunder knocked off the ladder-leading Sixers on Wednesday.
Help find Mum
Originally published: Thursday, 3rd January, 2019
The distraught family of a missing local woman believe she has been to her home in Broken Hill, but hasn’t been heard from or seen since.
Community centre well connected
Originally published: Thursday, 3rd January, 2019
Finding a computer to work, study or play games on just got a lot easier at the South Community Centre, thanks a donation from the W2BH Pipeline delivery team.
Rain crucial in 2019
Originally published: Thursday, 3rd January, 2019
The New Year has brought a hopeful sign to the north west of the state after Tibooburra received 2.2mm of rain in two days.
When milk went to pigs, and pubs to the dogs
Originally published: Thursday, 3rd January, 2019
We’re having a heatwave, but imagine it without air-conditioners and not being able to get a milkshake or a beer, even a hot one.
Cool hotspots
Originally published: Wednesday, 2nd January, 2019
The prolonged heat has kept people indoors in the city during the festive season, but there are still a few places to visit.
Labor could take Barwon: Candidate
Originally published: Wednesday, 2nd January, 2019
Labor Barwon candidate Darriea Turley has been listening to the electorate’s concerns and aims to utilise that feedback to secure a seat in NSW parliament.
Holiday life
Originally published: Wednesday, 2nd January, 2019
Eight-year-old Jhy Johnstone is making the most of his school holidays, enjoying them while they last.
Fears for welfare of missing woman
Originally published: Wednesday, 2nd January, 2019
A missing woman has not been sighted since she left an outback property near Broken Hill on Sunday morning, despite a widespread social media campaign to locate her.
