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, 2020
Outback gem
Originally published: Friday, 31st January, 2020
The secretary of a group that preserves the historic White Cliffs Solar Thermal Power Station has won the main prize in an international engineering photo competition.
Louis meets our ‘Louis’
Originally published: Friday, 31st January, 2020
Legend has it that if you come face to face with your doppelganger, or double, it is an omen of bad luck or impending death.
Charity born from original gin
Originally published: Friday, 31st January, 2020
The Tydvil Hotel plans to donate every cent made from Fossey’s new gin ‘Aussie Spirit’ purchases to bushfire relief.
As seen on TV
Originally published: Friday, 31st January, 2020
Broken Hill’s Colby Stenhouse had his first date this week on national television.
Country women’s big hearts with “Little Women” fundraiser
Originally published: Thursday, 30th January, 2020
The Broken Hill Country Women’s Association is hosting two movie fundraisers of “Little Women” for the CWA Disaster Relief Fund.
Tayla awarded Lions scholarship
Originally published: Thursday, 30th January, 2020
Tayla Hoysted has been awarded the Broken Hill Lions Club Scholarship for 2020, providing her financial assistance across a four year double degree.
Menindee “quite happy” with ABC ‘Back Roads’ coverage
Originally published: Thursday, 30th January, 2020
The Menindee Tourist Association was happy with the way the township was portrayed on ABC TV this week, but said there was still a long way to go to get tourism back.
Local netball ‘gets’ big change
Originally published: Thursday, 30th January, 2020
The Broken Hill Netball Association has made a big change to the local netball competition.
Let’s save the trees: local Landcare President
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th January, 2020
Broken Hill is known as an oasis in the desert but the drought is threatening that reputation and we must do what we can to save our trees, according to Landcare Broken Hill’s president, Simon Molesworth.
Vaughan plays a strategic role in Tasmanian cricket
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th January, 2020
Broken Hill greatest cricketing export, Jeff Vaughan, played an important role behind the scenes for the Hobart Hurricanes, as they grabbed a pivotal late season victory on Australia Day to propel the team into the new-look finals series of the Big Bash League (BBL) version number nine.
Murrumbidgee irrigators’ generous water donation
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th January, 2020
Murrumbidgee farmers have given graziers in the Far West a generous donation of previous water.
Lions lends a hand
Originally published: Wednesday, 29th January, 2020
The Broken Hill Lions Club has joined its fellow clubs from around the world who are providing practical help to people affected by the bushfires.
Federal MP happy to talk nuclear
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th January, 2020
Parkes MP Mark Coulton has said he’s “more than happy to have the discussion” around support for more uranium production in the country.
In the fire zone
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th January, 2020
Firefighters from the Silverton Brigade have been doing their part to help combat the current bushfire crisis, with members recalling their intense firefighting experiences and the generosity of communities they’ve assisted.
Top citizen
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th January, 2020
This year’s Australia Day theme was Everyone, Every Story and that was well reflected in the local Australia Day Ceremony.
Underground hell
Originally published: Tuesday, 28th January, 2020
A former Broken Hill mineworker trapped underground during a terrifying fire has shared his experience on the 30th anniversary of that fateful day.
Footy stars’ T20 showdown
Originally published: Saturday, 25th January, 2020
Former Crows’ skipper and Silver City export Taylor Walker is among the eight Adelaide senior players who will form part of the Bushfire Twenty20 Showdown side for a game against Port Adelaide on February 2 at Adelaide Oval.
Make the Jube great again
Originally published: Saturday, 25th January, 2020
The help of those in the local football community is being requested to lay the third and final section of grass on the Jubilee Oval, ahead of the 2020 football season.
A time for unity
Originally published: Saturday, 25th January, 2020
Locals will stand in solidarity with people from all across the country this weekend as the city celebrates Australia Day, says Broken Hill’s Mayor Darriea Turley AM.
The town behind the headlines
Originally published: Saturday, 25th January, 2020
A year ago Menindee made world news when millions of fish died in the Darling River but on Monday the town will be shown for the good place it is on one of the nation’s most popular TV series.
Trees down in fierce winds
Originally published: Friday, 24th January, 2020
A dozen State Emergency Service volunteers were kept busy during the height Wednesday’s intense dust storm, and the aftermath yesterday.
Grants for arts projects
Originally published: Friday, 24th January, 2020
Five community organisations in the Far West have been awarded cash grants for art projects this year.
MP lauds volunteers
Originally published: Friday, 24th January, 2020
Barwon MP Roy Butler says he will approach the NSW Government about subsidising volunteers who are putting their own time and money into saving native fish in the dwindling Darling River near Menindee.
No ‘sports rorts’ in my electorate
Originally published: Friday, 24th January, 2020
Federal MP Mark Coulton has defended his under-fire Nationals party colleague Bridget McKenzie over the “sports rorts” affair and said he’s confident there’s nothing wrong with grants handed out in his electorate.
Bushfire fundraiser
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd January, 2020
Fresh Pizza Broken Hill and the Broken Hill Aquatic Stingrays are hosting a bushfire relief fundraiser this weekend, once again highlighting the generosity of the local community.
Dirty day in the Hill
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd January, 2020
An intense dust storm fuelled by gusty winds hit the Silver City just after noon yesterday, and continued into the night.
NDIS funding boost for Maari Ma Health
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd January, 2020
Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation has received $20,000 from the federal government to employ a consultant to help it transition into the “complex” National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
A great ambassador
Originally published: Thursday, 23rd January, 2020
Josephine Peter will be heading east this weekend as Camden Council’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2020.
Honeymoon Mine restarts
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd January, 2020
A positive feasibility study for Boss Resources’ Honeymoon mine has boosted confidence that uranium production could restart at the site within 12 months.
Labor takes aim at Seniors Card promise
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd January, 2020
A stoush between NSW Nationals and Labor over a $250 seniors travel card has emerged, with Labor criticising the Nationals timing of its rollout.
Expensive at half the price: report
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd January, 2020
The Federal Government paid nearly twice the original asking price for water entitlements owned by a company with links to the Federal Energy Minister, according to a new report on the controversy.
Baaka, however it’s spelt, has a very long history
Originally published: Wednesday, 22nd January, 2020
The Aboriginal name for the Darling River, “Baaka”, was first recorded by white people almost 150 years ago.
Dust storms here to stay
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st January, 2020
With dust storms sweeping across the Central and Far West, a soil scientist at the University of Sydney has warned that they will become more episodic and less predictable during periods of short, sharp erratic droughts.
Distilery approved
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st January, 2020
The Broken Hill Distillery has gained development approval and the Tydvil Hotel’s dream might soon be realised.
Drained of a future
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st January, 2020
The volume of water that the NSW Government proposes to keep in the Menindee lakes showed it had no regard for their importance as wetlands of world significance, local State MP Roy Butler said yesterday.
Roy backs Ombudsman hospital investigation
Originally published: Tuesday, 21st January, 2020
The opening of an investigation into allegations of a cover-up at a NSW country hospital was good news, according to MP Roy Butler.
YMCA in good shape
Originally published: Monday, 20th January, 2020
The first year of the YMCA Broken Hill’s Integrated Wellness Centre has been an outstanding success.
Young mum makes a move
Originally published: Monday, 20th January, 2020
An enterprising young mother is creating one business to make and save enough money to fund her dream business.
Giving continues to ease suffering
Originally published: Monday, 20th January, 2020
People from around the world continue to open up their hearts and wallets to those impacted by the Australian bushfires.
Wilson clips Pies early
Originally published: Monday, 20th January, 2020
North bowler Austin Wilson struck a devastating blow to the Magpie battling line-up, ripping the heart out of their top-order early in the T20 Barrier District grand final at the Alma Oval on Saturday.
Dogs v Pies in T20 final
Originally published: Saturday, 18th January, 2020
Round eleven of the BDCL will see North take on Central in the T20 Final today at the Alma Oval.
It’s a dog's life
Originally published: Saturday, 18th January, 2020
Lacey and Gizmo are two of more than 30 dogs in the Broken Hill pound, which is experiencing a perpetual influx of homeless hounds.
Cake fundraiser for the animals
Originally published: Saturday, 18th January, 2020
Chris Smith and friends will hold a cake stall today at Coles Supermarket to raise money to help save native animals affected by the bushfires.
Council has power to release report
Originally published: Saturday, 18th January, 2020
The NSW Ombudsman’s office says a final report about an investigation into the Civic Centre could be released publicly by City Council.
Scholarships up for grabs
Originally published: Friday, 17th January, 2020
The Far West Local Health District is encouraging all aspiring nurses across NSW to apply for the 2020 Enrolled Nurse Scholarships, which cover course fees and a guarantee of a job offer upon completion.
Stormy weather in Far West
Originally published: Friday, 17th January, 2020
Wild weather hit the Far West on Wednesday afternoon and night as residents dealt with heavy winds, thunder, lightning and much needed rain.
Supplies for injured wildlife
Originally published: Friday, 17th January, 2020
The Broken Hill Health Service has teamed up with RRANA in donating expired medical supplies to bushfire-affected animals.
Cover-up claims under scrutiny
Originally published: Friday, 17th January, 2020
The NSW Ombudsman is investigating allegations that the former Chief Executive of the Far West Health District was involved in covering up the circumstances relating to the death of a patient at the Coffs Harbour Hospital in 2014.
Lightning hits motel
Originally published: Thursday, 16th January, 2020
A terrific thunderstorm in Wilcannia yesterday dropped some welcome rain on the river township, but a lightning bolt caused grief for Graham’s Motel.
The butter man
Originally published: Thursday, 16th January, 2020
Ernst Fromen, who was born in Sweden, came to Broken Hill in 1886 and set up a Produce Store on the corner of Argent and Oxide streets (later J P Martin’s store site, now ANZ Bank).
Little ray of HOPE
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th January, 2020
Broken Hill is an iconic outback town known for it’s history in mining, and rough and tumble ways, but among the dust and flies and summer heat, there is a little gem called Hope.
Magpies working to strengthen their wings
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th January, 2020
Jarred Paull has resumed his role as the Central Football Club’s Senior Coach for a second season and he’ll be joined by some new faces as the club looks to rebuild their culture.
Hill’s have your back
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th January, 2020
Far West graziers Bodie and Rachel Hill have been announced as the new champions for the ‘We’ve Got Your Back’ program.
Darling-Baaka wins council’s backing
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th January, 2020
City Council has supported a move by the Barkindji Native Title Group Aboriginal Corporation to recognise the Darling River’s traditional name of ‘Baaka.’
Sen Patrick focuses on Lower Darling
Originally published: Wednesday, 15th January, 2020
Senator Rex Patrick has conducted another tour of the Lower Darling during which he helped rescue fish and gained yet more perspectives from the locals.
Local jail like family
Originally published: Tuesday, 14th January, 2020
Randall and Paula Pace have lived in Broken Hill all their lives, so when they decided on a new career with Corrective Services NSW they were pleased they could stay in their home town.
Locals send donations for bushfire relief
Originally published: Tuesday, 14th January, 2020
Twelve palettes of bushfire relief donations have been loaded up and shipped out of the Old Willyama Hotel for people in need.
Imperial Lakes meeting will go ahead
Originally published: Tuesday, 14th January, 2020
An upcoming meeting to discuss ways to reopen Imperial Lake will not be affected by one of its biggest advocates stepping down from public advocacy, said Councillor Tom Kennedy.
Choir treasurer on song for a record time
Originally published: Tuesday, 14th January, 2020
Just after Christmas, the Broken Hill Philharmonic Choir presented outgoing Treasurer Yvonne Lehman with flowers, a certificate of thanks and letter of appreciation as a small “thank you” for her 28 years as Treasurer.
Menindee weir removal ‘botched’
Originally published: Monday, 13th January, 2020
Proposed works to remove the old Menindee Town Weir has been described as a “botch job” by a resident after three quarters of the weir remains.
Cakes rake in dosh at Plaza
Originally published: Monday, 13th January, 2020
Broken Hill residents continued to support Australian bushfire victims at the weekend, raising more than $3000 through a cake stall at Westside Plaza.
Catches win matches
Originally published: Monday, 13th January, 2020
Outstanding catches punctuated the Barrier District Cricket League’s T20 double-header at the Alma Oval on Saturday.
Betts hits first-class 50
Originally published: Monday, 13th January, 2020
Batting brilliantly, Samantha Betts displayed her all-round cricket skills making 59 and propelling the SA Scorpions to a score of 242 in Thursday’s Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) match against the Tasmanian Tigers at Karen Rolton Oval.
T20 ALMA ACTION
Originally published: Saturday, 11th January, 2020
The BDCL season returns today after a few weeks off over Christmas. Round ten sees the short format return with a double header at the Alma.
FIRE SUPPORT
Originally published: Saturday, 11th January, 2020
A team of Broken Hill St John’s ambulance volunteers has returned home after providing support during the devastating NSW bushfires.
Police chief moves on
Originally published: Saturday, 11th January, 2020
The Barrier Police District will be saying goodbye to their commander, Superintendent Paul Smith, as he transfers into a new police district.
Fire chief praises BH girl’s kindness
Originally published: Saturday, 11th January, 2020
The generosity of the Broken Hill community has been further highlighted by local Tamsyn Gillett, who has just sent across 32 toiletry packs to the RFS to help people affected by the bushfires.
Projects miss out
Originally published: Saturday, 11th January, 2020
Broken Hill projects have missed out on funding through the My Community Project initiative.
Broken Hill supplies for devastated koalas
Originally published: Friday, 10th January, 2020
A former Broken Hillite is helping to organise medical supplies for injured koalas on bushfire-ravaged Kangaroo Island.
HELPING HAND
Originally published: Friday, 10th January, 2020
Broken Hillites are doing what we do best and fundraising for those who need it most.
Miners’ Memorial not a ‘sad mess’
Originally published: Friday, 10th January, 2020
An article has sparked outrage over the apparent neglect of the Miners’ Memorial, however those who’ve just been there say it’s fine.
Library cooler fails
Originally published: Thursday, 9th January, 2020
The adult section of Broken Hill’s library was temporarily closed after an air conditioner failed yesterday.
Jenny’s fab fake
Originally published: Thursday, 9th January, 2020
Broken Hill artist Jenny Cattonar has taken out second prize in the ‘Fab Fakes’ art competition with a stunning copy of French painter Francois-Auguste Biard’s 1839 piece ‘Fight with Polar Bears’.
Copi rumour not true
Originally published: Thursday, 9th January, 2020
Rumours have been flying about the lack of water in Copi Hollow, which are all untrue, according to the Copi Hollow Caravan Park manager.
Beloved bass stolen
Originally published: Thursday, 9th January, 2020
The bass player of Broken Hill’s most popular band The Figs has been robbed of his brand new bass guitar.
Have you checked your kid’s phone?
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th January, 2020
Police have reminded parents across the Far West to check their children’s mobile applications.
Write on, Seniors
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th January, 2020
As part of a short story competition for Senior Cardholders, a writing workshop will be held at the start of next month.
Woolies raising money for fire victims
Originally published: Wednesday, 8th January, 2020
Woolworths staff are hosting fundraisers to help those impacted by the Australian bushfires, including a goods donation bin and a cake stall.
Musos show generosity
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th January, 2020
The Musicians Club announced yesterday that they are donating $10,000 to the Club’s NSW Bushfire Relief.
Horror bushfire ordeal for Heidi
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th January, 2020
Local Heidi Drenkhahn has spent a harrowing weekend preparing for the moment the bushfire would finally engulf her hometown.
Old Royal Hotel sticking around
Originally published: Tuesday, 7th January, 2020
The Old Royal Hotel will stay open after owner Steve Sliwka back flipped on closing up the pub last month.
Overwhelming support for bushfire victims
Originally published: Monday, 6th January, 2020
The horrific toll of Australian bushfires has touched the hearts of people all around the world.
It’s our shout
Originally published: Monday, 6th January, 2020
RRANA have put buckets of water out and about in a few local parks for the animals to drink from during the harsh drought conditions and hot days.
Broken Hill’s mini baby boom
Originally published: Monday, 6th January, 2020
As we enter the new decade it’s only natural to reminisce about the previous one, and that decade saw a lot of babies born locally.
Outbacks winless after Twenty20 round
Originally published: Monday, 6th January, 2020
Across the five Twenty20 Games, North Broken Hill cricketer Tobias Hack has been restricted to just cameo appearances with the bat as the South Australian Outbacks have struggled, unable to grab their first victory of the tournament.
Volunteers in fire fight
Originally published: Saturday, 4th January, 2020
Local Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service volunteers continue to help battle bushfires in NSW.
Police hunt crash driver
Originally published: Saturday, 4th January, 2020
Police are still on the hunt for a dangerous driver who fled after crashing a stolen car on the corner of Rakow and Nicholls streets.
Fleeing the fires
Originally published: Saturday, 4th January, 2020
A former local caught up in the south-eastern Australia bushfire crisis has fled to Sydney.
Top talent to hit road
Originally published: Friday, 3rd January, 2020
Six local basketball talents are heading to Albury and Melbourne in mid-January to represent South Australia Country in state carnivals.
Sheryl celebrates a great career
Originally published: Friday, 3rd January, 2020
Sheryl Rowlands saw in the New Year by celebrating her retirement from the hospital after three decades working as a nurse.
Musos renos begin
Originally published: Friday, 3rd January, 2020
The first stage of the Musicians Club’s improvements has started with new carpet installed in the Twilight and Ivory function rooms.
Charity bins popular
Originally published: Friday, 3rd January, 2020
St Vincent de Paul Society Broken Hill has received many generous donations over the holiday period, so much so that the donation bins have been overflowing.
Big test for Hack
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd January, 2020
Presented his baggy red cap by new captain Dion Stratford, North Broken Hill cricketer Tobias Hack will become a SA Outback cricketer on Friday, January 3, when the South Australian countryside plays its opening day’s cricket at the 20/20 Australian country cricket Championships in Toowoomba, Queensland.
Make a healthy change
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd January, 2020
Broken Hillites are being encouraged to set realistic New Year’s resolutions and start 2020 with small, healthy lifestyle changes that are more likely to last.
The Hill has eyes
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd January, 2020
The wonderful variety of geckos in the district has been highlighted by RRANA President Aaron Grieve who, along with a couple of his friends, has taken some great photos of them.
Top butcher heading North
Originally published: Thursday, 2nd January, 2020
Nathan Brown has been an employee at Top End Meat for fifteen-and-a-half years, and is about to embark on a new adventure with his family, by relocating to Queensland.