99 Coonamble Races · of Sydney-based representatives of Racing NSW, the Australian Turf Club and TAB Corp, along with corporate and community sponsors. Former Coonamble resident

$2.00 incl.GST

Locally owned and independent since 1885Locally owned and independent since 1885

WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH 2020 Volume 141 Number 8

Email: [email protected] - [email protected]: (02) 6822 1911 Web: www.coonambletimes.com.au

1300 554 070

“Thankyou for giving us a go!”

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• Supermarket shelved and public toilets on the move p3 • CAHS & Coronavirus p7

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FOR INFORMATION VISIT: CLASSICWALLABIES.COM.AU

SUPPORTING COONAMBLE AND DISTRICT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Saturday 18 April, 2020 Coonamble Sports Ground

AVOID THE QUEUES and purchase your tickets ONLINE!https://www.123tix.com.au

• Coaching clinics - registration 9AM• First game: 11AM • Main game: 3PM

POSTPONED until 17 April 2021

• Coonamble Jockey Club members celebrate a massive win by pulling off their Country Championships Qualifier event on Sunday 15 March ahead of the Coronavirus shutdown the next day.

BAR

Drawn Saturday 8.30pmJOKER DRAW $1100

MON - THURS: 10.00am - till lateFRI: 10.00am - 12.00amSAT: 10.00am - 12.00amSUN: 10.00am - 10.00pm

OPEN 7 DAYS!12.00pm - 2.00PM6.00pm - 9.00PM

Functions & Catering

BISTROLUNCH: 7 Days 12.00pm - 2.00pm DINNER: 7 Days 6.00pm - 9.00pm

RESTAURANT

Check out our Facebook page!

Coonamble Races beat Coronavirus

by a nose

Page 2 Wednesday 18 March, 2020

Local News

HAPP

Y

GO

DN

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S T

O Y

OU

EAST

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MONDAY NIGHT Pizza & Plain Garlic Bread$16

TUESDAY NIGHT$13 Chicken schnitzel | $15 Chicken Parmi

For all Courtesy Bus or Bistro bookings call 6822 1144

Monday Membership Draw

Coonamble Bowling Club practices the Responsible Service of Alcohol. Think! About your choices

Call Gambling Help 1800 858 858 www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

bistroLUNCH MON-SAT:12:00pm-2:00pm DINNER 7 DAYS: 6:00pm-8:30pm

NEW D I N N E R SPECIALS

Friday Nights: Blackboard specials

THURSDAY NIGHTT-BONE $20

Daily $10 Lunch specials check our Facebook page

$1350

Friday Night Membership Draw

Jackpotting by $200 a week.

$1200

WEDNESDAY “WHERE WE LIVE SPECIAL” Burgers for $12 if your street is selectedWednesday 18/03 - Warrena & Nash St

Weekly draws

New Bistro Night Specials

Entertainment

Weekly Specials available Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nights check our Facebook page

Rello’s Trivia Night 6:30pm, Thursday 26 March

Monday Night Bingo & Meat Raffles

Friday Night Meat Raffles

Thursday Morning Bingo

Monday 6th April

Coonamble Pre-School Cash Bingo

7:30PM, Wednesday 1 April

Members Easter Hamper draws Saturday 4 April Meat & Seafood raffles Kids craft from 4:30PM

Easter egg hunt & jumping CastleMusic Duncan Ferguson

HAPPY

GODNESS TO YOU

EASTER

Easter Egg Bingo

COONAMBLE Jockey Club's bold move to be the first small town club within the Western Districts Racing Association area - and in NSW - to host a Country Championship Racing Qualifier paid off in spades with the event exceeding expectations.

Around 2000 people poured through the gates on Sunday 15 March to enjoy the convivial carnival atmosphere with large numbers of out-of-town travellers among them in what must be one of the last large gatherings of people in NSW ahead of the Coronavirus restrictions which started the following day.

Along with the loyal returnees from the east coast, there were busloads of racing enthusiasts from around the Western Districts, a strong contingent of Sydney-based representatives of Racing NSW, the Australian Turf Club and TAB Corp, along with corporate and community sponsors.

Former Coonamble resident and now CEO of Nutrien (formerly Landmark), Rob Clayton probably took the prize for the longest distance travelled, having caught an almost-empty commercial flight from Perth.

The fastest trip most likely went to jockey Hugh Bowman and his fellow travellers on the 35 minute flight by private jet from Sydney booked by Peter Vlandys, CEO of Racing NSW, who unfortunately was ill and unable to attend.

Mr Vlandys missed some great entertainment, with full fields of first rate racing and relaxed crowds enjoying the magnificent autumn weather along with the outstanding VIP Luncheon hosted by his organisation which saw 100 state and country racing representatives join sponsors, media and local politicians upstairs in the newly-airconditioned and revamped Brian Fletcher Stand.

The Luncheon featured heart-felt speeches from CJC President Ken

Waterford, sponsor and former Come-by-Chance resident Butch Colless, and Panthers CEO and former Coonamble resident Brian Fletcher, who all spoke about their connections to the region and the importance of giving back.

In their speeches Racing NSW Board Member Anne Cook and Sky Racing's Greg Radley congratulated Mr Waterford and his committee for their tireless work and success in hosting the Country Championship Qualifier.

Scott Kennedy, General Manager - Industry & Analysis with Racing NSW, was back in Coonamble for the event and praised both the committee and the community for their hospitality over the weekend.

"Everyone was so

welcoming of the visitors that were in town, the feedback has been tremendous," Mr Kennedy said.

"I have only some of the picture of what lengths you went to over many months to deliver the Calcutta/dinner the night before and Country Championships meeting, both of which were truly outstanding."

"The feedback I received regarding the race meeting was glowing and obviously I could see it for myself," he said.

"The faith put in your Club by Racing NSW has been richly rewarded."

"One sometimes has high hopes but on this occasion they’ve well and truly been delivered on," Mr Kennedy said.

[story continues on page 16]

Coonamble Races beat Coronavirus by a nose

• Rob Clayton from sponsors Nutrien Ag Solutions and Coonamble Jockey Club President Ken Waterford after Race 1 on Sunday 15 March.

• WRA secretary Bek McKay (far left) and Andrew Schier (far right) with the winners of the Western Racing Association's trophies for the 2018/19 season.

Local News

Wednesday 18 March, 2020 Page 3

17 Skuthorpe Street Gulargambone, NSWEmail: [email protected]: 02 6825 1666Mob: 0457 082 098

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Department of Planning, Industry & Environment

Expression of interest: Cape and Pipe free-flowing Great Artesian Basin boresLandholders with Great Artesian Basin bores that have uncontrolled flow, or are failing and were constructed before 1965, can apply for efficient, piped water supply systems for improved drought resilience.

Applications close 27 March 2020. Please note that applying does not guarantee funding.

To learn more and submit an expression of interest form, visit industry.nsw.gov.au/cap-and-pipe-the-bores

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Supermarket plans shelved and public toilets to be relocated

THE challenges kept coming for Councillors at the monthly meeting of Coonamble Shire Council, which was held in Gulargambone on Wednesday 11 March.

C o u n c i l l o r s received last minute notification that the proposed purchaser of the former Mac's Drycleaning building at 40 Castlereagh Street had withdrawn his offer, effectively shelving the proposal for a main street supermarket.

Proponent Brian Sommerville told the Coonamble Times that he had decided not to proceed with the supermarket because "there were too many obstacles put in front of me" and due to personal reasons.

Mr Sommerville said he was particularly concerned about the condition attached to purchasing the Mac's building which could have seen him left with a building he could do nothing with if he found himself in a position of not being able to finalise a deal with supermarket operators.

“I put the letter in so that they could go ahead and do something with that building if they were going to do it,” Mr Sommerville said.

Despite Council retaining ownership of the Mac's building, councillors voted to relocate the proposed public amenities for which they hold a NSW Government grant with a fast-expiring deadline.

At least some councillors believe that this may leave the door open for a future supermarket proposal, no matter how faint the hopes might be at present.

They considered a report by Economic Development Officer

Pip Goldsmith which presented four alternative sites for the public amenities.

Councillors were asked to choose between the Skillmans Lane Carpark on the western side of the main street; the former RSL Club at 18 Castlereagh Street; a vacant retail premises at 69 Castlereagh Street and a vacant block where all structures were demolished and removed after being destroyed by fire in 2018.

Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor declared a pecuniary interest in the agenda item and excused themselves from all discussion and decision-making.

Council staff had prepared an estimate of associated costs for each option, which Councillors reviewed during a confidential discussion in a closed session as per the Local

Government Act.Following the closed

session, two of the options were discarded - being the former RSL Club and 69 Castlereagh Street.

Councillors voted for 79 Castlereagh Street ahead of the Skillmans Lane site which had been recommended by Masterplan consultants Sala4D.

Objections raised by Cr Churchill about the lack of information available - including block sizes, available parking and independent property valuations - were noted with the three other councillors agreeing to make an offer of $50,000 on the 164 square metre block adjacent to Halcroft & Bennett.

Cr Churchill asked that her name be recorded against the motion and that her reasons be included in the record of the

meeting. Council's offer was

$10,000 below the asking price provided through a Gilgandra-based real estate agency.

"There were not really further options considered," Mr Basson said, citing the limited time available for investigations.

Mr Basson said the cost of the land purchase will come from the pool of funds already made available for the project and that he expects the build to be far more straightforward than building the amenities within the footprint of an existing building.

"The cost estimates at this point in time appear that we shouldn't use the full amount budgeted with the grant funding and the amount council had already set aside," he said. "Constructing something new usually has a lot less risk involved."

Mr Basson said that Council will now discuss

with Sala4D how best to place the new toilet facilities on the vacant block but that the amenities will still include disabled access and parent facilities.

The proposal is for a prefabricated structure which can include images such as artistic or historic depictions on the external wall.

"We are leaning towards that at this point," he said.

"Part and parcel of it will also be how to pretty-up the area around it."

"The wall behind it is currently quite ugly but will become a blank canvas so we will look at how to do that so it works in with the facilities," Mr Basson said.

"Let's hope that will be a catalyst for good things to happen around it."

With the grant deadline fast approaching the new plans for the public amenities will not be placed on public display.

• Ready for a new loo: Shire Councillors voted last week to relocate the public amenities to an alternate site in the main street.

The Coonamble Times is bound by the Standards of Practice of the

Australian Press Council.

If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the council by emailing [email protected] or by phoning (02) 9261 1930.

For further information visit www.presscouncil.org.au

Local News


FORMER rugby league and boxing star Anthony Mundine was a feature of the latest family fun day held in Gulargambone on Wednesday 4 March.

The event was the latest in an ongoing series of highly successful Family Fun Days. hosted by the Tenant Support and Education Program (TSEP).

About 100 people turned out for the festivities in Lions Park, taking advantage of the opportunity to connect face to face with eleven different service providers such as Legal Aid, housing providers like Murdi Paaki Housing and Mid Lachlan Aboriginal Housing Corp, State Debt Recovery, and

Western NSW Local Health Network.

The TSEP recipe for a successful day includes a program of entertainment and Gulargambone's day was no different.

Milan Dhiiyaan traditional dancers kicked off proceedings.

C o o n a m b l e band Castlereagh Connections performed and comedian Sean Choolburra was Master of Ceremonies, making sure that all services were introduced to the community.

Children enjoyed the jumping castle and a treasure hunt for prizes.

Gulargambone Lions Mark Morris, Willy Redington and Kay Clark cooked up a storm to feed the hungry crowd.

As guest speaker on the day, Anthony Mundine talked about his football and boxing career and the importance of staying in school and keeping away from negative things in life like drugs and alcohol.

"We aim to give

awareness around local and outreach organisations," said event organiser Isabel Orcher. "It's an easy way for people to find out who's around, what they do and how to contact them."

"The day also gives us feedback on what people are chasing in the communities," she said.

There are three more TSEP days scheduled for the western area in 2020 including Brewarrina, Bourke and Goodooga.

THE challenge of confirming sites for new facilities in the town continues for Coonamble Shire Councillors.

Just a month after deciding the location of the town's second skateboarding site, councillors voted at their March 2020 meeting to support a rescission motion from Crs Wheelhouse and shifted the skate bowl to be front and centre of Macdonald Park beside the existing playground.

Cr Wheelhouse said he had been approached by a concerned mother with five children, who told him that the distance between the playground and skate bowl would make supervision difficult.

At their February meeting, Council had considered three options for layout to Macdonald Park supplied by Shire Masterplan consultants Sala4D, and the revised location will send the overall layout for the park back to the drawing board.

The relocation of the skate bowl roughly 24 metres to the east will mean that the large octagonal rotunda which has a table and

bench seats and has been a feature of Macdonald Park for many decades, will be demolished.

"That layout plan will need to be changed," said General Manager Hein Basson.

"Both options initially favoured by council made provision for the skate bowl to be in the south west corner."

While the overall plans for Macdonald Park will go on public display with the rest of the Shire Masterplan, the construction of the skate bowl will commence soon.

"We are locked in with grant funding for that to be spent by the end of May," Mr Basson said.

After incorporating the changes resulting from Councillor input, the Shire Masterplan will be presented as a draft to Council at their April meeting before being placed on

public display.Mr Basson says that they plan to

actively seek further community comment on the Masterplan.

"We are thinking of pop-up

shops or making it available somewhere where people can walk in and ask questions," Mr Basson said.

"When we get feedback we will

definitely try to incorporate that," he said.

"Then I expect the final plan will be put to Council in June or July."

‘The Man’ on hand for Gulargambone family day

• ABOVE LEFT: Comedian Sean Choolburra, Housing Officer Cindie Riley and special guest Anthony Mundine in Gulargambone. PHOTO supplied.

• RIGHT: the Milan Dhiiyaan dancers provided a traditional welcome to the event. PHOTO Kay Clark.

• BELOW LEFT: Scott Fox, Maureen Bates-McKay from Legal Aid NSW and jumping castle operator Timothy Little-Hales. PHOTO Kay Clark.

Skate Bowl on the move

• The location for the new skatebowl will mean the octagonal rotunda in Macdonald Park will be demolished.

Local News


Local Land Services

Improving Farm Business Skills Central West Local Land Services invites you to their Improving Farm Business Skills Workshop The Hub CoonambleMonday 30 March 20208.45am – 3.15pmThis is a free event with lunch and light refreshments provided.

Please RSVP by Thursday, 26 March 2020 to:Rohan Leach E: [email protected] M: 0417 021 795

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Council out of control?To the Editor,

Our Council is out of control.

At last week’s Council meeting it was approved to purchase of a block of land in the main street owned by the Mayor Allan Karanouh or his family for $50,000 to build the public toilets on.

There were no independent valuations or other market appraisals obtained.

I have advice that similar blocks are worth only $10,000.

A simple online search of the property shows it was previously purchased for $60,000 which included the shop and the land. Property prices in Coonamble have decreased by approximately 7% in 5 years so it’s not hard to work out that $50,000 is a high price for the block of land.

If it was two private individuals making the deal I would say good luck to you but when it’s rate payers’ money then you can understand my concern.

Council spent considerable time on the Macs Dry Cleaning site where they purchased the building yet without any consultation turned around and purchased a second block belong to the Karanouhs.

Although I did not agree with the toilet block, Macs block is in the middle of the CBD and has more than enough parking and is much more suitable location than this block of land.

There is no benefit in changing sites from Macs to the Mayors block.

In the past Council has spent considerable time on due process for everything they do, not on this occasion, it was a rushed decision.

Council putting money into the pocket of the Mayor or his family in this way does not meet the pub test.

What happened to the money that is owed to Council for the cleanup of the block which he has been disputing? Will ratepayers be slogged with this expense?

Council should be putting more effort into bringing people and business back to the main street let alone building the toilet block and spending money in this manner.

The Mayor says that the toilet block is grant funding as if it is a freebie.

Mr. Mayor I am a taxpayer and that is my money you are playing

games with. I have operated many

successful businesses in town and employed many local people over a very long period.

I have never found it so hard to deal with council than it is now to get the town to go forward.

This council is working against the betterment of the town and will be to our detriment.

Thank god the elections are this year.

I urge everyone to stand up for the town and get rid of most of these underperforming rabbits, and elect people who can take Coonamble forward.

In the meantime, Council should rescind the decision to buy the mayors block of land and make him pay the money he owes Council out of his own pocket not ours.

Name and address supplied.

MINISTER for Planning Rob Stokes has referred the Narrabri Gas Project to the Independent Planning Commission.

The request was signed by the Minister on 3 March - just a week after the release of the Final Report of the Independent Review of Coal Seam Gas Activities in NSW - and received by the IPC on Wednesday 11 March.

The Minister has asked the IPC to conduct a public hearing into the carrying out of the Narrabri Gas Project prior to making a decision on the development application for the project.

It will be up to the IPC to consider the Department of

Planning, Industry and Environment's assessment report; key issues raised in public submissions during the public hearing and other relevant documents and information.

Minister Stokes has asked the IPC to hold the public hearing and make its determination on the development application within 12 weeks of receiving the Department's assessment report.

The report has not yet been made available and the Chair and other IPC Panel members are yet to be announced.

Labor Leader in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Adam Searle

MLC has come out in vocal opposition, calling the referral to the IPC “a shocking act of disregard for due process.”

“The Berejiklian Government should at least respond to the Parliamentary Committee’s report before the IPC makes its final determination,” Mr Searle said.

“The Chief Scientist laid out a clear path to determine whether CSG can be safely developed in NSW,” Mr Searle said.

“It is very disappointing that the Liberals and Nationals have done almost nothing to deliver these recommendations over the last five years.”

Narrabri Gas Project passes next approval milestone

All correspondence received is printed at the discretion of the editor. All correspondence must be signed & include an address & phone number.

Letters to the Editor

Inland Rail reveal N2N rail plan

By LIZ CUTTS

INLAND Rail have hosted a community drop-in session with the aim of reducing landholder uncertainty over the proposed Narromine to Narrabri (N2N) section of the fast freight Melbourne to Brisbane track.

Representatives from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail and the Department of infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications were at the Baradine Bowling Club on Tuesday, 10 March to provide updates and detailed information.

ARTC Inland Rail project director, Duncan Mitchell said the session was a great opportunity for local community members, landowners, and local businesses to learn more about the work being done to refine the proposed N2N route.

“Staff have been giving information on alignment, flood modelling, level crossings and

enhancing the connection at Baradine’s grain silo to facilitate better connections between the local community and Inland Rail,” Mr Duncan said.

“We are now in a position to give answers; it has taken a while, but it is important to get it right for generations to come. We realise that this is a sensitive issue for landholders and we are doing extensive consultations with them.

“We are now down to 140 properties from the original 330 that may be impacted by the rail corridor and we have had a positive response so far with an 85% take-up rate.

“The rail corridor width has been reduced to between 40 to 6o metres wide, which gives sufficient access for roads.

“We estimate that the decision on land acquisitions and compensation will be made around mid-year. Then we have to submit an environmental impact statement; this is a formal approval request and will take

about twelve months.” Mr Duncan said there is still a

lot of planning to be done and issues to work through.

“We will use the experience of major contractors to come up with a solution for workers camps and maintenance crews,” added Mr Duncan. “The Narromine to Narrabri construction phase is planned for commencement in 2022.

“60% of the inland rail line is being constructed on existing line and we are trying to maximise this where we can. However, Coonamble would be a significant detour, so we are providing an interface connection as a base scope plan to connect the town to inland rail using a separate operator. There has been a lot of misunderstanding about this.

“In the meantime, we will keep working with the communities, informing and obtaining information to deliver the best rail line for the area.”

• ARTC Inland Rail consultants presented the latest data from the N2N rail corridor study at the Baradine drop-in session. (Angela Stewart, Kyle Giggacher, Duncan Mitchell, Elisa Bailey, Roanna Dawson and Jane Judd (Community Consultative Committee member).

THE Coonamble and District Education Foundation (CADEF) committee in conjunction with the Classic Wallabies has made the decision to postpone “Classics Out West” which was to be held on 18 April 2020.

Following advice from the Government to cancel all gatherings of over 500 people, the committee felt that it was necessary to act on this advice for the safety of the community.

All tickets that were purchased on 123Tix will be refunded in full, even the service fee, a fact that the organisers are very appreciative of.

Countless hours have been spent by the committee, volunteers and the wider community to get to within

the last month of staging this spectacular day of Rugby.

"The Global Corona Pandemic is like nothing we have seen in our lifetime," said CADEF President Ben Markey.

"Please understand, this decision was not made lightly."

On the back of a prolonged drought, this virus is going to test the strength of our community, however the committee is excited that the Classic Wallabies have committed to a new date on 17 April 2021.

"It's a pity for the town that the event won't happen this year," Mr Markey said. "We are very fortunate that our two major sponsors Geronimo Farm Equipment and Nutrien Ag Solutions are continuing their

support for next year and we're confident others will do the same."

"Obviously we'll be back in touch with all the volunteers, service clubs, food and bar suppliers and everyone involved in the lead-up to next year's event," he said.

"We look forward to working with them this time next year."

It is hoped that Council will be able to complete the upgrade of the grounds, lighting and amenities within the 12 months.

Rugby union players from all the participating teams will have another 12 months to work on their style and stamina ready to meet up with the Classic Wallabies in 2021.

Covid19 delays Classics Out West by 12 months

Local News


LAST Wednesday, 11 March 2020, Council held its ordinary meeting at Gulargambone and I would like to thank the Memorial Hall Committee for providing morning tea for us - as always it was delicious!

I would like to congratulate all groups and individuals who were involved in organising another very successful Welcome to Coonamble Dinner at the Golf Club on Saturday evening 29 February. The new residents were keen to get to know the locals who gave them first-hand answers to their questions. This event has become a tradition here in Coonamble – with some of the new arrivals saying they have not experienced

this sort of welcome anywhere else and were very impressed with Coonamble’s special style of hospitality!

In promotion of the Country Racing Championships which were held on Sunday 15 March I was involved in a film commercial. A representative from Racing NSW was in Coonamble with a film crew and I had the opportunity to promote our area. Congratulations to all concerned – it was a wonderful weekend. The influx of visitors boosted not only our economy, but also our spirits with their very positive comments. The racing was great and I’ll bet a lot of first-time visitors will return to Coonamble in October to experience our Gold Cup!

Councillors held their pre-meeting session prior to the ordinary meeting commencing. I’m pleased to be able to report to our residents some of the outcomes.

Supermarket and Public Amenities Update

I do realize that this has been an ongoing issue, however Council is now negotiating to buy a suitable option to erect the public amenities in Castlereagh Street. Hopefully we can get this sorted in the short term so that work can start. Unfortunately it appears, at this stage, that a supermarket in the main street will not go ahead, Council having been advised that the proponents are not proceeding due to personal reasons. I will keep our residents updated on progress of the public amenities.

Roads Committee RepsA further three

expressions of interest to participate on Council’s Roads Committee were endorsed at the meeting. Finally Council has four local landowners who have put their hands up to be part of this extremely important Committee. The four appointed delegates are Allan

Deans, Don Schieb, Paul Fisher, Paul Underwood and Alana McHugh. I’d like to thank these people for agreeing to give their time to provide an advisory role to Council. Their tenure will expire in September 2020 when the next general election of local government occurs.

Financial Assistance Funding

Applications for funding under the second round of Council’s Financial Assistance Policy closed on 21 February. The Donations Committee met prior to Council’s March Meeting and provided r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s for consideration. The following is a determination of the requests received:

1. Marthaguy Picnic Race Club - $2,500. Free community luncheon at the Marthaguy Picnic Races.

2 . Q u a m b o n e Polocrosse Club Inc - $1,500. Assist with expenses in conducting the annual carnival in Quambone.

3 . Q u a m b o n e Resources Committee - $550. Fund accommodation for a member in Sydney to attend the 2020 Charity Brunch event.

4 . C o o n a m b l e Community Radio Inc - $5,000. Towards cost of moving transmitter and maintenance of radio station.

5 . C o o n a m b l e Women’s Shed Inc - $150. Morning/afternoon tea for a social get-together and ‘yarn up’.

6 . G u l a r g a m b o n e Bowling Club Ltd - $2,000. Maintain and beautify greens and grounds.

7 . C o o n a m b l e Show Society - $5,000. Community entertainment at the 2020 annual show.

8. Let’s Dance Carinda Tribute Committee - $3,000. Sponsor an additional band at the Festival.

Requests from the Coonamble Rotary Club (to conduct a free fun day in November) and the Campbelltown Art Centre (for increased sponsorship) were pre-approved from the 2020/2021 Donations Budget. The next round of funding will be open in late May / early June.

Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement

Council noted progress with the development of its Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) under

the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP and A Act), and was pleased to have received two (2) submissions.

Taking comments in the submissions into account, Council will prepare a final LSPS which will be presented to Council on 13 May 2020 – the final document will then be submitted to the Department.

This document will bring together and build on the planning work found in Council’s other plans, studies and strategies and will be used to update key components of these plans to present a consistent strategic direction for Coonamble Shire.

General Revaluation Council was

presented with information on the outcome of the recent revaluation of land within the Shire. This exercise is carried out by the Valuer General who supplies land values to Council for use in calculation and levying of rates and the process occurs every three (3) years. The new land values will become effective in the 2020/21 financial year – Council

has been advised by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). For the 2020-21 financial year Council has been advised that it will be able to increase the revenue collected from rates by a maximum of 2.6%.

In summary, the unimproved capital value of land within Coonamble Shire has increased from $1,026,781,256 as at 1 July 2016 to $1,388,929,370 as at 1 July 2019.

Overall this represents an increase of 35.3% over the past three years and I suggest that if any of our ratepayers are not happy with the new land values they write to the Valuer General requesting a review of the valuation.

It is important to note that Council cannot change the land values supplied by the Valuer General.

Should anyone wish to contact me to discuss issues or concerns, please phone 0427 887 666 – I look forward to representing all our residents and encourage your phone calls.

Ahmad Karanouh Mayor

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK

OPENING OF COONAMBLE COMMONCommoners are advised that the Common will re-open on SATURDAY 28 MARCH 2020 between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. If you intend to register stock on the Common please ensure that appropriate fees have been paid at Council’s Office so that you can produce your receipt to the Common Manager. Should this not be done Council’s officer cannot accept the stock onto the Common. Fees for the current year are as follows:• Horses & Cattle $ 5.00 per head per week• Levy on Late Payment $12.00 per head per month

CLOSURE OF COUNCIL SWIMMING POOLSThe 2019/2020 swimming season is coming to a close and Council’s swimming pools will close on SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2020.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY – SECOND DAY OF COONAMBLE SHOW – 2020 AND 2021Public holidays have been gazetted for the Coonamble Shire Council area, being the second day of Coonamble Show for the years 2020 and 2021. This year the holiday is Wednesday 27 May and in 2021 will be Wednesday 19 May. Gazettal of the holidays is under the Public Holidays Act 2010 and notification was published in the Government Gazette dated 16 December 2019. A copy of the gazettal notice is available upon request – please phone Jill on 68 271 912.

TECH SAVVY FOR SENIORSThe Library will be hosting a number of Tech Savvy workshops to assist our Seniors to better utilise their smartphones and tablets. The sessions will be delivered on the following Wednesdays from 10.30am – 12.30pm.• Introduction to Tablets 25 March and 1 April.Each session will cover the same material. Please bring your own device and any questions you have. This is a great opportunity, so reserve your place now by calling 02 6827 1925. Numbers are limited. This is a NSW Government initiative in partnership with Telstra.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – COONAMBLE RIVERSIDE CARAVAN PARK Council is inviting expressions of interest for the demolition of the decommissioned ablutions block and the design and construction of one x two-bedroom accessible cabin at the Coonamble Caravan Riverside Caravan Park.

The scope of works for each project is available from Council’s Office or website: www.coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au For further information please contact the Project Manager, Wayne Mulholland, on 0419 436 699. Please provide written quotes in envelopes marked: Expression of Interest – Coonamble Riverside Caravan Park – addressed to the General Manager, Coonamble Shire Council, PO Box 249, Coonamble NSW 2829 on or before THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2020.

WASTE 2 ARTIt’s on again! NetWaste, Council and Outback Arts are collaborating to host the annual Waste 2 Art Competition and Exhibition. The theme for 2020 is aluminium and steel cans, however entries using any material normally considered waste are very welcome. The Competition is open to young and old, amateurs and professionals, groups and individuals. Each category carries a financial prize with the winners going onto the Regional Exhibition, which this year, is being hosted by Coonamble.

Entry is free and entry forms can be collected from Outback Arts or downloaded from the website: www.outbackarts.com.au Entries are now open and close on Friday 10 April 2020. Official Opening and Announcement of Winners – Thursday 23 April 2020. Exhibition Dates – Monday 20 April 2020 – Friday 16 May 2020.

Come on, we dare you to engage your imagination and showcase our community’s artistic and creative people. Past entries have run the gamut from incredibly elegant to fantastically wild, utterly ridiculous and stunningly simply. There has never been a better time to enter keeping in mind the motto “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”!

COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (DONATIONS) POLICYCouncil has just finalised funding in the second round of its Donations Policy. The next round will be considered at the July 2020 meeting and applications will open at the end of April. Appropriate advertisements will be placed in the newspaper, Council’s Facebook page and website.

Coonamble Shire Council

Email: [email protected] Website: www.coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au All correspondence to General Manager - P O Box 249, Coonamble, NSW 2829

Office Hours: 8.30 am - 5 pm General Enquiries: 9.30 am - 4 pm Cashier Ph: (02) 6827 1900 Fax: (02) 6822 1626

TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO REPORT CRIMELocal Police Station 6822 1488Walgett Area Command 6828 6899D.O.C.S 13 21 11

EMERGENCY CONTACTSWater and Sewerage 0428 217 420Council’s Ranger 0427 255 881Other 0458 271 881

HEIN BASSONGeneral Manager


Local News

By KEA BROWNING

THE CEO of Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) Phil Naden has called for calm in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

"I don’t think there's need for panic," he said. "There's no concern at the moment, we haven't had any cases present and/or positive cases in Coonamble."

CAHS owns and manages both General Practice clinics in Coonamble.

"We're making sure people understand the symptoms related to the COVID virus and we also want the community to understand the implications of showing symptoms and what they need to do."

As coronavirus has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are certain procedures and plans in place for the inevitable

spread of the virus to Coonamble.

"Our healthcare professionals are working around the clock to ensure risk is minimised around the community," said Mr Naden.

"We're ensuring there's a triage process whereby our community and people that have appointments with CAHS are triaged in a way that if they're showing symptoms we can support them with how they get screened and provide preliminary advice on what to do if they’ve been exposed, and who they need to talk to in the healthcare field."

With the early flu season upcoming, many of the symptoms of the flu can be mistaken for coronavirus.

"We still encourage people who have those symptoms - such as coughing, sore throat and shortness of

breath - to contact our clinics to ensure we can provide the best possible treatment to them."

Although the coronavirus is yet to reach Coonamble, there have been confirmed cases in areas nearby.

"With a lot of events being closed in areas like Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange, we need to be proactive in how we deal with it," Mr Naden said.

"Each case will present differently and we will assess each case as they come in," he said.

"We don’t offer any swabbing or treatment for COVID-19 at CAHS but we will triage it through NSW Local Health District and make sure they get the best possible care if they're infected.

"Our doors are open for business, but we will be screening anyone who comes to our

clinics through social media, direct contact with clients and we'll be putting it out there on all our networks so people know what's going on.

Mr Naden says he also acknowledges all of the CAHS staff who are at the coal face of working with clients and communities in this time of global pandemic.

CAHS outlines local response to coronavirus

THE NSW Department of Education has introduced proactive measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 in our schools.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education on Monday 16 March announced that schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.

Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

“Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally,” Mr Scott said.

“From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.

“The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff.”

“These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events.

All major Arts, Sports and Initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

“Local inter-school sport and other activities, can proceed but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken,” Mr Scott said.

“I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time.”

Mr Scott says schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day to day activities with minimal disruption.

Locally, schools have already cancelled or postponed a number of excursions, inter-school sporting competitions and assemblies, as well as implementing the necessary 'social distancing' measures.

The Department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.

Schools implement ‘social distancing’

AS THE numbers of people diagnosed with Coronavirus (Covid19) continue to mount across the globe, pressure mounts on businesses struggling to maintain their operations and care for their staff.

Even locally, where so far there are no diagnosed cases of Covid19, the knock-on effect of event cancellations, travel restrictions and choking supply chains is beginning to impact businesses in diverse range of sectors.

As business owners begin to grapple with what the unprecedented Coronavirus Pandemic might mean for their customers, their staff and their bottom lines, the federal government has taken initial action with a package of assistance to support business and households.

Last week the Coalition Government announced its $17.6 billion economic plan to keep Australians in jobs, keep businesses in business, and support households and the Australian economy.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said, "We’ve been in the thick of drought right for some time now, so the extra stimulus will be most welcome right around the Parkes electorate."

"This is about keeping workers in jobs and helping small and medium sized businesses to stay in business."

"It’s also about providing stimulus payments to households to support growth, including a one-off $750 payment to pensioners and other income support recipients," Mr Coulton said.

Payments will be from 31 March 2020 on a progressive basis, with over 90 per cent of

payments expected to be made by mid-April.

Mr Coulton also welcomed the increase in the instant asset write off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000, although the capacity and attitude of drought-battered businesses to invest in major assets at this time is yet to be tested.

Other assistance includes accelerating depreciation deductions allowing businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million to deduct an additional per cent of an asset cost in the year of purchase.

More immediately, businesses who employ staff will receive a payment of between $2000 and $25,000 as a refund calculated at 50 per cent of their regular Business Activity Statement or Instalment Activity Statement from 28 April 2020.

The refunds are set to be paid within 14 days.

Eligible employers who have apprentices or trainees on their payroll can also apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice or trainee's wage for up to 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.

As is always the case, there are those who will miss out on this direct financial assistance.

Notably, sole traders and owner/operators will not be eligible and in areas like Coonamble, where the most recent figures in June 2018 showed that more than half of local registered and actively-trading businesses are non-employing, the flow-on benefits from the government's assistance will be more limited.

A new Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit has also been created by the government and began operations on Monday 16

March.The role of the Unit will be

to engage with peak business groups on systemic issues relating to Coronavirus to ensure these are being addressed by Government.

It will be staffed by experienced officials drawn from agencies across the Australian Public Service and will work closely with the private sector.

It will also be a source of information for business groups on the Australian Government’s response to Coronavirus and the actions that agencies are taking to support business at this difficult time.

The aim is for information to be disseminated quickly and effectively across the business community.

Local businesses should be able to access this information through their peak industry bodies or groups like Chambers of Commerce.

The Australian Government has also committed to targeted support for the most severely affected industry sectors, regions and communities.

This includes $1 billion to support areas heavily reliant on industries such as tourism, agriculture and education.

So far the intention to help businesses identify alternative export markets or supply chains has been announced along with yet-to-be developed targeted measures to further promote domestic tourism.

Prime Minister Morrison said further plans and measures to support recovery will be designed and delivered in partnership with the affected industries and communities.

Economic stimulus package first treatment for pandemic panemonium

• LEFT: CAHS healthcare workers Wendy Copelin and Ruth Luppino.

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Local News

By KEA BROWNING

IT’S not your grandmother’s bingo.

On the evening of Friday 13 March, Newcastle-based drag queen Timberlina graced the Coonamble Bowling Club with her hilarious bingo performance.

The Club was packed, and the 105 attendees got to enjoy three rounds of bingo interspersed with various audience-engaging activities, such as a dance-off and a lip-syncing battle between audience members.

Timberlina was born and raised in Gulgong, but now lives in Newcastle and makes regular trips out west for drag performances.

“I’ve never been to Coonamble before,” she said.

“I love coming into communities where I can one: do shock factor and entertain, and two: show everybody that you can do whatever you want, no matter who you are.”

Her style of bingo calling had the crowd in hysterics, including inappropriate number call outs and raunchy jokes.

“It’s not like your typical bowling club bingo at all, obviously,” Timberlina said.

“I’m a drag queen, I’m a man dressed up as a girl, although my tuck is so tight you’d never know.”

As a man, his name is Tim, which is how the Timberlina persona came about.

Tim used to be a wedding planner but now does drag performances, as well as managing five other drag queens and producing queer and drag events around the state.

Although Timberlina fell into drag by accident, she now sees it as a way to promote drag in regional areas.

“Walking in to the bowling club today I saw my face everywhere, so kids might come to the bowling club and say ‘what’s that?’ and then their parents have to tell them

what I am,” she said.“Kids have gotta grow up

with drag queens or queer performers around them, and it means the world to me because I never had that growing up, so coming out west is the best thing.”

“I believe that in coming out west, you’re only going to build the community even stronger,” said Timberlina.

Tessa Pennell, Manager of Coonamble Bowling Club, said bringing Timberlina out was a way to get younger people involved, and although

she initially wasn’t sure how people would feel about it, the event’s success with the audience showed it was the right call.

She says she’s hoping to bring Timberlina back to Coonamble later in the year.

“Thank you for Tessa for booking me,” Timberlina said.

“I don’t know what you all would’ve done tonight otherwise.”

Timberlina drags Coonamble

• Annette Chapman, Tessa Pennell and Pheobe Nixon with Timberlina.

• Angela Hanigan, Alex Solari, Sophie Cullen, Lucy Moss, Lucy Fisher, Tarni Cullen, Jess Solomon and Elle Hanigan.

• ABOVE: Cindy Delaney and Timberlina, who handed out prizes to the audience for participating in activities.

• ABOVE: Imogen Pawley, Anne Pawley, Julianne Smith, Donna O’Malley, Grace Andrews, Fiona O’Malley, Melissa Curtis, Jacinta Murray and Jemma Murray.

• Rach Swansborough, Jamie-Lea Trindall, Shannon Mason, Mandy Hodgson and Tessa Pennell.

• Keith Ryan, Patrick Kennedy, Jenny Driscoll and Kirsty Stanfield dressed up for the occasion.

• LEFT: Timberlina had multiple costume changes throughout the night; this rainbow outfit was the second.

Our lives, our times.

Put it on the public record!

Coonamble Times Community News


THE PARTY LINE

IT IS ON again! NetWaste, Coonamble Shire Council and Outback Arts are collaborating to host the annual Waste 2 Art Competition and Exhibition. This regular event attracts a wide range of artists and is open to all residents in the Coonamble Shire. It engages the imagination and showcases our community’s artistic and creative endeavours using items that are traditionally considered waste.

“Looking at a lump of rubbish and seeing the beauty and the possibility of what it could become is an amazing talent and one that the people of our community are well able to do,” said Coonamble Shire Librarian Raquel Pickering. “In the current climate of reduce, reuse and recycle, encouraging people to look beyond that single-use item is a worthwhile undertaking. To use art and crafts to do this – to create something beautiful from what is essentially rubbish – will, we hope, challenge people’s perceptions of what rubbish truly is.” The Exhibition will be held at the Outback Arts Creative Centre with the support of Outback Arts staff who are themselves, passionate advocates of art and recycling.

The theme for 2020, is aluminium and steel cans however entries using any material normally considered waste are very welcome. The Competition is open to young and old, amateurs and professionals, groups

and individuals. Each category carries a financial prize with the winners going onto the Regional Exhibition and Competition which this year, is hosted by Coonamble! All involved are very excited to be drawing visitors to our region and the opportunity to showcase the Shires art and culture scene. Past entries have run the gamut from incredibly elegant and moving to fantastically wild, utterly ridiculous and stunningly simple. The 2019 Regional Competition saw five entrants from Coonamble receiving awards. There has never been a better time to enter.

Outback Art’s Executive Director, Jamie-Lea Trindall has said; “With so much uncertainty in the world right now, toilet paper madness and the threat of social isolation there is no better time to think about reducing, reusing and recycling waste for either functional or non-functional purposes. We are really hoping to see some incredible imagination and ingenuity in this year's competition, especially with the added pressure on Coonamble locals to win their categories for a second chance at even more prizes in the Regional Waste 2 Art Exhibition being held right

here later this year!”Entry is free and entry forms

can be collected from the Outback Arts or download from their website www.outbackarts.com.au Entries Open: now Entries Close: Friday 10th April 2020Artwork Delivery: 9 am-4 pm, Monday 6th April – Friday 10th April 2020Artwork Collection: 9 am-4 pm, Monday 18th May – Friday 29th May 2020Official Opening/Announcement of winners: Thursday 23rd April 2020Exhibition dates: Monday 20th

April – Friday 16th May 2020

KEY DATESEntries open: now Entries close: Friday 10th AprilArtwork delivery: Monday 6th April – Friday 10th April to Outback Arts Official opening: Announcement of winners: Thursday 23rd AprilExhibition dates: Monday 20th April – Friday 16th MayArtwork collection: 9 am-4 pm, Monday 18th May – Friday 29th May

YEAR OF ALUMINUM & STEEL CANSCOMMUNITY ART COMPETITION

Celebrating the re-use and recycling of waste across the NetWaste region.

2020 PLUS, Regional

Competition & Exhibition to be

hosted by Coonamble!

Entry forms available at www.outbackarts.com.au

More than a tin can

Royal Far West Auction6:30pm, Saturday 21 March

Coonamble Bowling Club

St Brigid’s School AGM6PM, Tuesday 24 March St Brigids staff romm

Tracks @ the ‘Tree 2PM, Saturday 28 March

Armatree Hotel

Ag Seasonal Climate Update9:30AM, Wednesday 18 March

Quambone Hall

Improving Farm Business Skills Workshop

8:45AM, Monday 30 March The Hub

Baradine ShowSaturday 21 March 2020

Baradine Showground

Wallabies Out West Match Saturday 18 April

Coonamble SportsgroundPOSTPONED

POSTPONED

Coonamble Netball RegistrationsClose 27 March 2020

Coonamble Chamber of Commerce7AM, Thursday 2 April 2020

CJ’s Country Kitchen

CANCELED

POSTPONED

Birth Announcements

Daughter of Jane & Toby Semmler of Gilgandra.

Sister to Duncan (2.5 years)Grandparents: Lorraine &

Michael McKeown, Lynne & Greg Semmler of Gilgandra.

Sophie Maree Semmler Born 30 December 2019.

POSTPONED

Phone: 02 6822 2427 Fax: 02 6822 2226E: [email protected] Tooloon Street, Coonamble

ZANETTI’S VIEWBrought to you by:

• BELOW: Ruth Esterbauer thought she was going for a simple camping trip with partner Rob Starreveld went for simple camping weekend only to her surprise, Rob popped the big question.

•LEFT: Paul Cleary and Shane Swansborough at the Terminus Hotel for the Country C h a m p i o n s h i p s Calcutta.

• RIGHT: Payal and Lavenia Flick at the Bowling Club for Drag Queen Bingo.

• LEFT: Birthday girl Judy Sheppard, Brian Fletcher and Renae

• BELOW: Douglas Shields with his Coonamble Jockey Club cap signed by Hugh Bowman and Greg Ryan.


Local News

Classic country racing at Coonamble

• The crowds gathered from far and wide to watch the renowned race meet.

• Peter O’Connor, Peter French and Brendan O’Connor. • Member for Barwon Roy Butler and Jenny Butler.

• Josh Wrench and Jay Ewers.

• ABOVE: Caleb, Hannah and Loretta Tandy. Caleb enjoyed his last weekend in Coonamble before heading to Far North Queensland for a new adventure.• RIGHT: Louise Fisher (nee Waterford) and husband Stuart travelled from the Central Coast to enjoy the day at Coonamble Racecourse.

• Ken and Lynne Waterford.

• Len Scott and John Brien.

• ABOVE: Lucy Lovell, Hannah Hesse and Kea Browning. • BELOW: Sally and Jim Renshaw were back in town for the races and managed to catch a photo opportunity with CJC President Ken Waterford.

• Malcolm Webb from Gulargambone and Randal Thomas from Dubbo.

• Brett Madden and Julie Hawkins from Baradine and Jeffery Matthews from Bugaldie.

• ABOVE: Kiarna Smith, Sarah and Sophie Albert.


Local News

Classic country racing at Coonamble

• Robert Thomas, Ewen and Margaret McLeish were enthusiastic observers of the Fashions on the Field on Sunday.

• Well-matched Tim and Lynda Williams.

• Laura Gray and Ashleigh Ledden.

• Well dressed ladies were plentiful at Coonamble Racecourse on Sunday. The Judges had their work cut out to select the winner of the Best Dressed Lady competition.

• Winner of Best Dressed Junior Girl was Brooke Hertel.

• Best Dressed Couple Sharon Edmonds (Newcastle) and John Seville (Tamworth).

• Jillian Kelly, Ashleigh Mills and Katrina Shelton.

• Lenore Green and Chandra Raja on the grandstand for the next big race.

• LEFT: A bevy of beautiful girls entered the Best Dressed Junior Girls category of Fashions on the Field.

• RIGHT: Winner of Best Dressed Gent John Hutton.

• Entrants in the Best Dressed Gents chatted while waiting for the Judges’ verdict. The man in the middle took home the prize. • Anita Murray and Rick Murray’s day got

even better when Anita’s horse made the cut for the Country Championships.


Rural News

LIVESTOCK &

PROPERTY SALES

Don Schieb 0428 221 100

Chris Korff0427 005 090

Barley $327/t (feed) Down -2.4%Barley eased again as rain across NSW has reduced feedgrain demand from graziers, with suggestions there is now an exportable surplus of barley.Source: Grain Central

Cows 281c/kg (lwt) Up 2.7%With the US beef herd shifting toward higher end product and US demand for ground meat strong, Australian lean cow beef will be key for the US market.Source: MLA

Lamb 961c/kg (NTLI cwt) Up 3%Lamb supply fell well below 5 year average levels, with just over 100,000 yarded on the east coast. Prices jumped in response to the drop in supply.Source: MLA

Oilseeds (Canola) $640/t SteadyEast coast canola supplies are tight as growers have already sold a high proportion of harvest. Buyers have kept bids high to attract new supply.Source: Profarmer

Pulses (Chickpeas) $750/t SteadyChickpea prices have remained steady for an extended period of time. Faba beans at Wagga Wagga are trading at $658/tonne, at historically high levels.Source: Weekly Times

Sorghum $415/t SteadySorghum in northern markets are currently offering a premium for early season grain, with a $60 premium for March/April delivery over May/June.Source: Agmark

Wheat $415/t (H2) Down -1.2%Coronavirus has weighed on global grain markets, with CBOT and ASX wheat futures edging lower. This was based on demand-side concerns from the virus.Source: Weekly Times

Wool 1,766c/kg (Mel 21mc) Down -0.7% The wool market suffered a cyberattack last week, but rebounded with the second largest offering in over 10 years. Prices eased across most grades.Source: AWI

Cattle 744c/kg (EYCI cwt) Up 3.7%The EYCI reached a new record, 11.75c above the previous record in 2016. Young cattle yardings were 30% lower this week compared to last year.Source: Mercado

Weekly Commodity Report

Report prepared 13 March 2020Source: NSW DPI website

Geronimo FarmEquipment

Walgett 0268281500Dubbo 0268268600

Geronimo Farm Equipment

RED HOT DEALS ON ACROSS THE ENTIRE NEW HOLLAND RANGE OF TRACTORS,

HEADERS AND BALERS.

AUTUMN SALE!

Call Lex on 0417 488 197 in Walgett or Wayne on 0429 423 369 in Dubbo for

free no obligation quote.

David Thompson - Ph 0428 214 465Steven Colwell - Ph 0428 480 117

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Ovine Bovine GrapevineDream weather for worms

MISS VET: Jillian Kelly

THE wet weather, lush grass and lovely warm days that the Coonamble district has been experiencing is a Barber’s Pole Worm dream, and we expect burdens inside the bellies of sheep to rise over the coming weeks.

Signs of worms in sheep are anaemia, seen as pale gums or insides of the eyelids, lethargy and willingness to lay down when mustered or moved in a paddock.

While the drought probably did a great job of killing any larvae on the ground, there will be small numbers of adult Barbers Pole Worm living in the fourth stomach of the sheep in your mob. Each of these adult worms

can lay 10,000 eggs per day! They are built to withstand a drought and multiply rapidly when conditions are ideal.

It takes about 21 days for the lifecycle of the worm, so about 3-6 weeks after the rain event is when we expect to see clinical signs in sheep.

But please don’t reach straight for the drench gun.

Drenching is not preventative, it is a treatment, meant to kill worms inside the animal.

There is no point drenching if your worm burdens are not high enough.

So do a worm test first – you can pick up a

worm test kit from the LLS office, collect some sheep poo and send it to the lab. In a few days, you’ll know if your sheep are wormy.

In 2012, a number of drench trials were done on farms in the Coonamble district, to look at our levels of drench resistance.

The results were surprising – there was worm resistance to the white drenches ( b e n z i m i d a z o l e s ) , ivermectin and abamectin on every single farm we tested.

There was moxidectin resistance on 56% of farms and closantal resistance on 25% of farms.

So the moral of the story is only drench if absolutely necessary and you’ve done a worm test to make sure.

Use a suitable combination drench that has multiple active ingredients to kill as many worms as possible, and rotate drench families regularly to delay the development of further resistance.

We are looking at doing some more drench resistance trials this year to see if resistance in the district has changed.

I’ll keep you posted.By Dr Jillian Kelly BVSc

WHAT a great day for Coonamble on Sunday with the Jockey Club able to sneak their race meeting in before all major events were closed.

It was estimated to be one of the biggest crowds for many years.

The very relaxed Ken Waterford and committee had the track and surrounds picture perfect.

It’s great to see country towns put on events like this to keep everyone’s spirits up and help the local economy.

The biggest conversation piece at the moment, yep that’s right coranavirus.

To this stage it hasn’t had an effect on the sheep and cattle market.

Fortunately the season has broken in most areas and supply has tightened up otherwise things could have gone further south.

Talking to an agent before writing this column this morning who was at Gunnedah sale and he quoted the market very solid, especially cows who

were mostly purchased by a major supermarket.

This would lead you to think they will all end up as mince to be put on the shelves as the panic buying continues.

Domestic retail beef is booming mainly due to two main factors - the first one is people are cooking at home instead of going out in fear of catching the virus.

The other is panic

buying as consumers stockpile frozen foods.

Electrical retailer Harvey Norman has reported a run on home freezers last week so perhaps they’ll be filled

with meat. Let’s hope a

Coronavirus vaccine is found very quickly so the world can return to some normality.

David E Thompson

Talk to usabout our postal

and online subscriptions.

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Deadline for news, sports

& ads is 2pm on Mondays

• Shane Swansborough and David Thompson making themselves useful at the races on Sunday.


School News

Group TimeThis week for group

time, Miss Leslie followed up on some more yoga for the children.

She used the YouTube channel ‘cosmic kids’ yoga.’ The presenter takes the children on an adventure as they use different yoga poses.

Milla has also been focusing on correct hand washing techniques with the children at morning

group time. All children received

a sticker after showing Milla what they had learnt.

This week the children have thoroughly enjoyed the obstacle course and bike track.

George T and George M dug the biggest hole in the sandpit, they found the bottom.

Amii, Sharon, Reanne, Leslie and Milla

Gular Prechool experience Yoga and obstacle courses

• ABOVE: Dr Maggie and Dr Isobel looking after their patient Tom. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

• RIGHT: Bridie, Mckenzie and Madeleine exploring the Japanese food table.PHOTO SUPPLIED.

ON Wednesday, March 11 the Coonamble Public School assembly hall was buzzing with parents/carers, teachers and students setting learning goals for the year ahead.

Every student at Coonamble Public School completes a Personalised Learning Pathway Plan (PLP) with their teacher and a family member.

PLPs are an effective tool for increasing student engagement.

They have the potential to support improved learning outcomes and educational aspirations when they are developed in genuine partnership with the students, their parents or carers and teachers.

The PLP document is used in

Coonamble Public School to ensure all students and their parents/carers are actively engaged in meaningful planning and decision-making in education.

The conversations that take place at these meetings are of great importance as they identify and strengthen shared understandings of goals, expectations and responsibilities.

These respectful and genuine conversations that focus on the learning of the student set an exciting tone for the year. Now it’s time to put the plans into action and celebrate successes.

CPS plan for success

• Mrs Fletcher planning for future success with families. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

ON Thursday 5 March, the staff and students at Coonamble High School enthusiastically acknowledged the outstanding achievements of Amy Ibbott, who was awarded 2019 DUX of the school.

Deputy Principal Naomi Wrench spoke highly of Amy’s positive contribution to the school and presented her with this prestigious award.

During her six years at the school, Amy has been a diligent student who has always strived to do her best, displayed great

leadership skills as school captain and represented the school with pride in sporting and extracurricular events.

Amy was an excellent role model to many students and always made the most of any opportunities offered.

In spite of being a “stress head” her hard work and dedication to her studies paid off and she achieved five band 5’s in her HSC.

These results enabled her to successfully gain entry into Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga and Canberra University

to study Occupational Therapy. At the moment, Amy is

favouring Canberra uni “for new experiences, to meet new people and to do things which are not available in smaller country towns like rowing”.

In 2020, Amy is taking a 'gap year' and has secured a position on staff at Coonamble High as a Support and Learning Officer.

Congratulations Amy and all the best for your next adventure in 2021.

• 2019 Dux of Coonamble High School Amy Ibbott (centre) with a couple of her support crew: School to Work Officer Lyndy Regan (left) and Senior Advisor Jaqueline Strudwick (right).

Amy is 2019 Dux of School

CWA scholarships awarded

By KEA BROWNING

COONAMBLE CWA have awarded three local students with scholarship grants through the Phillip Group Education Grant.

On Friday 13 March, Felicity Dodd received her scholarship, and local students Lleyton Fernando and Zahlee Fernando also received one, but declined to be published.

“I’m very grateful that I got it,” said

Felicity, who is in Year 7 at Coonamble High School.

Two of the grants came from George’s River and the other from the Eastwood branch, and can start at $250 for primary school children to $1000 for high school leavers going into tertiary education.

Beverly Ault from Coonamble CWA Day Branch says the scholarships are not always based on academic achievement,

but can also be based on sporting achievements and character.

Felicity’s parents, Phil and Jess, say that the grant is a big help.

“We’re very grateful as well, it has helped us to purchase a laptop for her to do her studies at home, which is just something else we don’t have to worry about,” said Jess.

“It does make us feel very proud.”

• ABOVE: Anne Kennedy, Amanda Secombe, Phil Dodd, scholarship recipient Felicity Dodd, Jess Dodd, Beverly Ault, Jean Colwell and June Day.


Local News

BARADINE NEWS................................................By THE YOWIE

WELL, the country is in turmoil with the Corona Virus marching through all states with severe limitations on all public events and gatherings and travel. This is going to affect all residents in the country in ways we haven’t seen before in our lifetime. The best advice is to listen to the experts, take the usual precautions you would anyway and make sure you look after those not so able in our community. On the weather front, we had another 2 mm during the week and the district is humming with the sounds of agricultural machinery working. Weather or not the Baradine Show will go ahead was decided on Monday night and residents will be well notified of the committees decision which was made after this column was written. Luckily the Coonamble Races weren’t affected on Sunday.

Birthday GreetingsGreetings go to Bronwyn

Masman, Emily Hoffman and Taylah Dunn who all had birthdays this past week.

Proposed inland rail construction

On Tuesday an Agronomist was at the Baradine Bowlo discussing with residents aspects that will affect land owners with the proposed Rail Alignment with the construction of the Inland rail through the district. It was a drop in session held at the Baradine Bowlo and a number of residents took the opportunity to drop in to get information.

Community consult meetingTuesday night saw about 15

residents attend the Community Consultation meeting held by the Warrumbungle Council at the Baradine Memorial hall. A number of residents who had items on the agenda did not turn up to the meeting but the main topics discussed were the Budget

2020 update, annual donations applications , update on Clarifier for the water Treatment Plant, roadside hazards, roadside rubbish. The subject of illegal dumping in the Shire is being addressed and residents are encouraged to photograph illegal rubbish found and upload the photos to the council website, particularly if there is any identifying material.

Baradine Sports NewsIts been another busy week

sports wise in the town starting with the Business House Bowls on Wednesday night which is nearing the end of the competition and the Cricketers were out again enjoying the late summer evening on Saturday with the third round of the local competition which has proved to be very popular. In Junior Sports, Baradine is fielding stand alone teams in the under 8’s football, under 6’s and 8’s netball and a under 14’s netball team. The League Tag Knock out was held in Coonamble on Saturday with the Baradine Magpies winning their 3 games and the tournament honours and the Under 18’s won their first game but lost their next by only a couple of points and the Bowlers had a bye this week but will be out next week for their next round of the Pennants.

Coonabarabran ShowThe Coonabarabran

show was held in perfect conditions on Friday and Saturday and there was a good roll up in most sections. The sheep had 2 breeders exhibit- the St Lawrences School showed their Poll and Dorset Horns and Denis Todd exhibited his Loch Lomond Border Leicester Stud. The

Poll Dorset’s won the major prizes - they were getting ready for the Sydney Easter Show which has now been cancelled for this year and the sheep were in excellent condition. Special thanks go to the St Lawrences School students who led the Borders and did a sterling job. The sheep were judged by Jenny Bradley of New Armitree. The cattle this year had good entries and they were also in great condition. The highlight event was the “Rev For Kev” in memory of the late Kevin Hadfield .

FundraisingA raffle and stall were held

in Baradine over Thursday and Friday last week to raise funds for Inala Residential House in Tamworth. This house is very important to locals as it is attached to the Tamworth Base Hospital and although it was built with government funds it is completely run by volunteers and dependant on donations for its running costs. Several residents have had to use its facilities while receiving

treatment there in recent times and speak highly of the people who run it and the services they provide. The stall raised $2604.60 which will all go to the house. The organisers sincerely wish to thank all of those who contributed goods to sell or for the raffles and the locals for their financial support.

Technology DayLast week was busy at St John’s

School and the students had a wonderful opportunity attending a Technology @Tooraweenah day. Divided into groups with students from Tooraweenah and Gwabegar, they engaged with Beebots, Handheld Virtual Reality, Ozobots, Micro:bits and Drones. Artie Pennell and Cameron Rogers had a great time at the Terry McGoldrick Rugby day in Coonabarabran Tuesday week ago. Artie played with St Lawrence’s in the under 12’s and Cameron played with Mullaley in the under 10’s.

• Paul and Kay Wangman were busy fundraising for Inala House last week. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

• Regan Evans, Peter Evans & Ritchie Milgate display the new Refs uniforms for the 2020 footy season. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

By KEA BROWNING

On Thursday 12 March, a group of musically-gifted Salvation Army members travelled to Coonamble to play at Koonambil Aged Care.

The 50-odd members of the band's regional tour come from mostly coastal areas, including the Gold Coast, Grafton and Newcastle.

The band are travelling inland to drought and bushfire affected towns, playing music and spending money to boost local economies.

"We had actually planned a full weekend program here but you've got the races on, the swearing in of the new Catholic

Priest, and other things on," said northern NSW Rural Chaplain Rusty Lawson.

"So there was a lot more activity on and we wouldn’t have got the crowds and we like to have the crowds and bless the people."

Because of Coonamble's bustling weekend agenda, their only stop was at Koonambil, but they made the most of their time there, entertaining the crowd with classic tunes such as Amazing Grace.

"We kept the visit to Koonambil on the program because we thought that was a wonderful thing to do for the community," said Mr Lawson.

"We're off to Coonabarabran

next, so we had to drive right through Coonamble anyway."

"Some of us will go out to lunch here and bolster the economy in some way, some of us have already bought fuel and coffees and things, and that's what we like to do."

In a blast from the past, another member, Ken Druery, had been to Coonamble with the Salvos band 15 years prior.

"I was here about 15 years ago, and they had a march on," he said.

"Of course [the band] are all old farts and they can't march so we stayed on the side of the road near the hamburger shop and played as the march went past."

Salvos bring the music to Koonambil

• ABOVE: Peter MacIntyre, Judith Moody and Marie McLellan.• BELOW: Val Hooper and Phillip Ayoub.

• The Salvation Army band entertained the crowd at Koonambil with some classic sing-along songs.


Local News

A SMALL flock of magpie geese are touring the district with occasional pairs spotted separately from the group.

Last week they could be seen paddling around the water on the South Common just east of Coonamble off the Baradine Road.

Although the magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) is most commonly found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea, they are known to be tourists to many other areas outside of breeding season.

In Queensland and the Northern Territory the magpie goose is considered secure, and still congregates in huge flocks which breed late in the wet season. The biggest breeding colony recorded covered an area of 46 square kilometres at Daly River in the Northern Territory.

The magpie goose is a picky eater and one can only speculate that

some of its preferred diet of wild rice, Oryza, Paspalum, Panicum or spike-rush, Eleocharis, must have survived the drought to appear in the water-filled depressions in paddocks around Coonamble.

The Magpie Goose has a black neck and head, with a characteristic knob on the crown (larger in males), which increases in size with age.

The underparts are white, with contrasting black edges on the underwing. The bill, legs and feet are orange.

The difference between Magpie Goose and most waterfowl is their strongly clawed toes that are only partly webbed.

Juveniles are similar to adults but have black backs and lack knobs on the head.

There have been no reports from residents in east Coonamble of hearing the geese but apparently both sexes honk loudly, males at a higher pitch

than females. The male's call is answered immediately by females.

Pairs of geese mate for life, but a male may have two females who will occasionally use the same nest to lay their eggs, with the incubation and care for the young shared among all the adults.

This is not the first time magpie geese have visited the district.

They are known to frequent the Macquarie Marshes and were spotted some years ago by local 'twitcher' Mick Abrahall at 'the cutting' - the pool in the Castlereagh River at the western end of Tooloon Street.

Mr Abrahall says Tommy Doolan, who lives nearby, can verify his sighting.

The recent wetter and cooler weather has brought a boom for bird watchers with brolgas, black swans and other relatively rare avian visitors being spotted around the district.

Visitors from the north

• Magpie geese have been touring the district in recent weeks. PHOTO: Luke Crawford.

By KEA BROWNING

The Country Championships being held in Coonamble was a big win for Coonamble Jockey Club and the town, and so the Calcutta auction on Saturday 14 March was an event that drew crowds and highlighted the effort of local volunteers.

The Terminus Hotel was bustling with more than 200 people attending the Calcutta, travelling from as far and wide as Alice Springs to be there and to empty their pockets for a good cause.

The Hotel was decorated with an assortment of horse owner's colours from around the region.

"As you patrons sit here tonight in this magnificent area decorated in racing memorabilia and colours, it’s a tribute to the past and present owners and trainers of the Coonamble history," said the Terminus Publican Damian Gordon.

The funds raised at the Calcutta will support the 11 junior sporting clubs in Coonamble shire of up to $2000 per club in much-needed equipment.

Auctioneers David Thompson, Noel Ledden and Peter O’Connor got the audience reaching into

their pockets for the various items up for grabs, including signed sports jerseys, framed photos, paddle boards, lawn mowers and fridges.

Coonamble High School Bovine Appreciation Club donated a dressed ½ beast valued at $1,500, and TAB & Racing NSW donated a private suite at BankWest Stadium for any NRL game in 2020.

Other sporting events were also donated, including two tickets for behind the scenes with Brad Fittler at the 2020 State of Origin at ANZ

Stadium, donated by Brad Fittler and valued at $10,000 and a private suite at the Longines Golden Slipper day valued at $14,000.

One of the event's sponsors, Piers Thompson, EGM Infrastructure & Strategic Projects at the Australian Turf Club also made generous donations: 12 tickets to Australian Turf Club's Everest Cup in October 2020, including a reserve tour of the grounds.

Mr Thompson also handed a $5000 cheque to Coonamble Jockey Club.

"I know how hard and challenging it is to put together not only tonight but a race meet like tomorrow, it takes a whole community and we're very privileged to be involved," he said.

"The industry is facing a few headwinds with horse equine welfare and coronavirus but this just shows what a community can do and how everyone can come together to deliver a product, whether it's in racing or tonight's event, so well done to everyone involved."

Calcutta proceeds to boost Junior Sporting Club coffers

• BELOW: Carol Hayton, Natalie Davis, Karen Churchill and Nicole Barrett showed their enthusiasm for the new location of the Country Championships with matching t-shirts.

• Piers Thompson from the Australian Turf Club presented a $5,000 cheque to Ken Waterford and Mick Heaney for the Coonamble Jockey Club.

• LEFT: Mary and Phil Skuthorpe and Angie Thompson.

BELOW: Nicole and Jaymn Cleary and Zac Buckley.


Local News

THE DEVASTATION of drought over the past three or more years has seen an influx of programs, services and care workers to our region to help us deal with the 'doom and gloom'.

The team from NALAG (the National Association for Loss & Grief) have been regular visitors and their 'Our Shout' program has brought a number of programs and events to Coonamble and other towns, most recently family business succession planning.

Author, writer and volunteer Jennifer Cowley was in Coonamble last week pinning down people to be part of a new project called 'That's the Spirit' that they hope will change perceptions about small country towns.

"NALAG is part of the Western Rural Support Network and through that network it was identified that the overwhelming tone and nature of coverage and discussion and ongoing media attention about the ravages of drought has been deeply and persistently negative," said Jen Cowley, who has worked as both a volunteer and contractor for NALAG.

"We acknowledge that this drought is certainly devastating but all the negativity has itself had a very damaging impact on communities that need not only rain and water, but hope."

Determined to address the need for positivity, NALAG developed a project which they say is designed to "give voice to the positive people and groups and work being done in communities to keep the 'bush spirit' alive."

Mrs Cowley says that this spirit underpins community wellbeing both in and out of drought.

"We are identifying people in small towns and rural localities across the western region to talk about their experiences and efforts in helping keep communities strong and hopeful and socially connected - not

just in times of drought but all the time," she said.

"It is not a project about drought but about that indefinable thing we call the 'spirit of the bush'."

With help from some funds from NSW Health, the stories collected will be used to promote positivity and resilience through the NALAG website, mainstream and social media, and in a book to be published later this year containing a collection of the stories and photographs.

"We hope this will be a bit of a morale boost not only to those taking part but for the communities they live in," Mrs Cowley said.

"It will remind communities of what they DO have, rather than what they don't have or have lost."

Since she began about 18 months ago Mrs Cowley has interviewed more than 50 people in small towns across an area from Coonabarabran to Hermidale.

She says that, rather than being a rarity, positive proactive people can be found in abundance in small communities and her work has snowballed as one person refers her to another.

"There are definitely common themes," she said.

"Everyone I talk to basically says the strength of regional communities are the people in them and how they interact."

"There is also a frustration people feel that wider perceptions about the bush are that we are all a bunch of hicks," she said.

The 'That's the Spirit' project should go some way to offsetting that view.

Mrs Cowley says it will become a record of positivity and empowerment that will serve as a reminder to the rest of Australia that the 'can do' spirit of community is still very much alive in reginal areas, despite times of adversity.

That’s the spirit!

by LIZ CUTTS Following on from recent grant

success, another development boost has been announced for the Baradine showground.

Baradine is among the first of seventeen rural showgrounds that have been chosen by the NSW Government to undergo safety upgrade works as part of a $9.2million state-wide improvements program.

The works, including the construction of a new steel framed canteen and bar building

to replace the old building, which has termite damage, and the demolition of an old dilapidated and unused toilet block have been approved by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment; Crown Lands.

“This is some more great news for the future of the showground,” said Lauren Harris, president Baradine Pastoral, Agricultural & Horticultural Association. “We were recently notified by the Baradine Showground & Racecourse Land

Manager that an application for $93,097 to the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund Program (CRIFP) had been successful for new stockyards, stock loading ramps and pavilion upgrade.

“Now we can look forward to a completely new bar area, which will be an asset to our annual event and can be utilised by other showground user groups.

“Our annual agricultural show is at the heart of our town; it brings the community together and contributes to our national identity.”

More upgrades for Baradine showground

• Members of the Baradine P.A & H Association will be delighted to have the old dilapidated bar at the Baradine showground replaced with a new structure. Lauren and Nathan Harris, Rob Harris, Sam Harris and Leon and Linda Buckley. PHOTO supplied.

"I’ve worked out that I have attended 38 of the 47 Country Championships meetings held thus far," he said.

"Comparisons can be difficult but reflecting on yesterday, it was right up there with the best few - Let’s say it is in a photo finish - a magnificent feat by your Club," said Mr Kennedy.

It was a red letter day for Dubbo-based trainer Kody Nestor at Coonamble on Sunday as Sneak Preview and Fast Talking booked their spots in the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships final to be held at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Day 1 of The Championships, Saturday 4 April 2020.

The Fashions on the Field attracted record nominations perhaps in response to the record prize pool on offer.

"I'm not one of the judges," Master of Ceremonies David Taylor repeated throughout the proceedings.

"They've got a tough job and I wouldn't want to have to choose."

Between races the judges narrowed the field choosing local artist Jillian Kelly for the Best Hat category, with her hand-painted swirling creation constructed by Broome-based Hats by Felicity.

Best Dressed Lady went to Quambone's Katrina Shelton in a lush green ankle length dress while Best Dressed Gent went to John Hutton, who also took the title at the Coonabarabran Cup.

Miss Coonamble Country Championships (35 years and under) was awarded to Ashleigh Mills and Best Dressed Man (under 35) was snapped up by Tyler Cleary.

The Best Dressed Couple were Sharon Edmonds of Newcastle and John Seville of Tamworth.

Up and coming fashionista Brooke Hertel and a sleepy Billy Buckley took out the Best Dressed Junior Girl and Boy sections.

Among the many highlights on Sunday was the announcement of Western District Racing's annual awards for 2019.

The Greg Ryan award for Leading Apprentice Jockey went to Wendy Peel; The NSW Picnic Association's Leading Approved Rider was awarded to Maddison Wright and Jake Pracey-Holmes won the title of Leading Jockey.

Leading Trainer went to Nyngan's Rodney Robb and Horse of the Year to 'Thermosa' trained by Mr Robb.

The awards were presented by Mr Andrew Schier and Mrs Bek McKay from Western District

Racing Association.The presentations culminated

in a win to the Coonamble Jockey Club as Western District Racing Association's Race Club of the Year for their 2019 racing activities as nominated by members from across the vast western racing zone, a cherry on top of a highly successful Country Championship Qualifier event.

Coonamble Races beat Coronavirus by a nose

Continued from page 2

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at 6pm

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St. Brigid’s School Parents and FriendsInvite you to the 2020

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGTo be held on

Tuesday the 24th of March at 6pmat St Brigid’s School in the Staffroom

New members needed. All Welcome!Nibbles will be provided.

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Finland.Last Week’s Answer

The local habitat around a railway track can be very interesting. For example, supporting the track is a sleeper, under which you can find the lesser spotted great weevil.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGCoonamble District Chamber

of Commerce7AM (with breakfast),

Thursday 2 April 2020CJs Country Kitchen,

Castlereagh St, CoonambleCoonamble Shire Council will update us on Masterplan and Economic Development

All business owners and managers within the Shire are welcome to attend.

RSVP: [email protected] or call 0428 222517

Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) are seeking an enthusiastic and committed person to fill the position of Aboriginal Family Health Worker. This position will actively work with the local Aboriginal community and relevant government and non-government agencies to reduce the incidences and prevalence of family violence.

Note: This is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Identified Position authorised by Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, NSW

The Aboriginal Family Health Worker is responsible directly to the Health Services Coordinator.

Essential:• Experience working with and for Aboriginal

communities.• Knowledge of working within violence

prevention frameworks.• Experience in collecting and collating data.• Knowledge and understanding of the impact

of family violence.

Skills and ability:• Strong listening skills and the ability to empathise with and refer people seeking assistance • Demonstrated ability to work independently and to work within a team and to relate respectfully to colleagues• Good written and verbal communication skills• Agreement to undertake relevant training and other on the job professional development.Additional Factors:• Possession of a current ‘C’ Class Open Driver’s Licence valid in NSW is required;• Qualifications in or working towards a welfare, health, community development or related field• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate• Current NSW Working with Children’s Check; • Current Criminal History check; and • Proof of vaccination must be provided upon acceptance of appointment.

Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.

All applications must include a current resume and contact details of 2 referees and be received by no later than 4pm on Friday 27th March 2020. Please email your application to [email protected]

Further information can be obtained from Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service by contacting Beau Ewers on (02) 688 220 000.

Aboriginal Family Health Worker

Saturday Ladies Open (Yr7 and over) Saturday Juniors (5 year olds - Yr 6) Monday Mixed Open (Yr 7 and over)

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B GradeCoonamble Roadhouse 2/59 defeated

Coonamble Bowling Club 4/17.Batting figures: Aaron 0, Archie 9,

Alexander 22, Dean 6 and Toby 5Bowling figures: Dean H 1/4, Toby

0/8, Archie 2/1, Aaron 1/1 and Alexander DNB

Coonamble Bowling Club’s Batting figures were: Oscar 2, Thomas 1, Jack 1, Cooper 0 and Juliannah 0

Bowling figures: Jack 2/13, Oscar 0/4, Thomas 0/15, Juliannah 0/10 and Cooper

0/8. C GradeCoonamble Roadhouse 9/26 were the

winners ahead of JW Jackson & Sons.Roadhouse Batting figures: Declan 4,

Charlie M 0, Momoka 1, Henry F 4, Ashton 3, Isobel 5, Ned 2 and Lachlan 7.

Their Bowling figures: Lachlan 1/3, Ned 2/5, Isobel 2/4, Henry F 1/7, Momoka 0/2, Ashton 1/2 , Declan 0/2 and Charlie M 2/1

For J W Jackson & Sons the Batting results were: George 0, Digby 5, Charlie D

1, Kai 0, Angus 5 and Thomas F 5.

Bowling figures for JW Jackson: Thomas F 2/8, Angus 2/4, Kai 0/4, Lachlan DNB, Charlie 1/9, Digby 0/4 and George 0/5.

The Grandfinal is due to be held this Friday, 20 March at 5pm with Presentation to follow the games, we invite family and friends to come along and support the children.

Junior Cricket nears end of season

• It’s always fun at Coonamble Junior Cricket. Cricket NSW rep Matt Ellis with C Grade players. PHOTO supplied.

Castlereagh Cougars celebrate 2019 season

ON Saturday night 14 March, the Castlereagh Cougars women’s rugby league players, coaching staff and their families gathered at the Baradine Hotel to celebrate their last two seasons and present awards to some very deserving girls.

The turn out was a lot more than anticipated given that the teams are drawn from a wide area including Coonabarabran, Coonamble and even Cobar.

Bryson Luff, Secretary of the Castlereagh Rugby League Inc welcomed the crowd and mentioned that 2019 had been an historic season, with the Castlereagh Cougars growing to include four teams in the two part season, with games held prior to and following the 2019 rugby league winter season.

Under 13’s were the first to receive their awards and their very own Castlereagh Cougar’s Jerseys.

The under 13s awards, presented by coach Sam Turnbull, went to Marley Michael for ‘Most Improved’, Bonnii Porter for ‘Players Player’ (chosen by the rest of the team), Adda Craig and Eden Allen sharing the title of ‘Best and Fairest’ and Chelsea Woodham receiving ‘Club woman of the year’.

The under 15s awards were then presented by Thelma Leonard, who delivered a speech from the girl’s coach Nathan Walker, who couldn’t make it to the presentation but sent his best. Sarah Morley and Ebony Aumua shared the award for ‘Most Improved’, Tarwarna Welsh receiving ‘Players

Player’ and Shakaye Walker and Asha Tancred getting ‘Best and Fairest’.

The under 18s came out in fine form, clearly making it difficult for their coach Steven Burgess and assistant Ian Barker to choose a single recipient for many of the awards.

Zoe Gardner and Emily Fernando getting ‘Most Improved’, Meg Walton, Hayley Andrews and Killara Darcy each received ‘Players Player’, Chloe Pennell and Jami Roberts awarded ‘Best and Fairest’ and Jami Roberts taking home ‘Club Woman of the Year’ for the under 18s.

The opens were then presented their awards by coach Angela Howe. ‘Most Improved’ went to Shianne Gale and Sally Taylor, Maria Campbell Nagy and Caitlin James received ‘Players Player’, while Jay Ewers and Emily Ryan were awarded ‘Best and Fairest’. ‘Club Women of the Year’ was split between Jay Ewers, Shianne Gale, Lucy Lane and Charly Brookson, each well-deserved for their sportsmanship and commitment to the team.

Jay Ewers and Adda Craig also took out ‘Biggest Tackle’, recognising their hard-hitting efforts during the two-part 2019 season.

All players and their families thanked Angela Howe, Jay Ewers, Bryson Luff and the coaches for their work in making the competition happen for the Castlereagh Cougars despite the many challenges created by distance.

• So much up and coming talent in the Castlereagh Cougars Under 13s with coach Samantha Turnbull and assistant Josh Forgione. (PHOTO: Peter Sherwood Photograghy)

• The Under 15s were a welcome addition to the Castlereagh Cougars line-up. (PHOTO: Peter Sherwood Photograghy)

• Under 18s were a force in the competition. Pictured in Coonamble in 2019 with Ian Barker (left) and Steven Burgess (right). (PHOTO: Peter Sherwood Photograghy)

• The Opens Women Rugby League team for the Castlereagh Cougars with coach Angela Howe (back row, far right). (PHOTO: Peter Sherwood Photograghy)

ON SATURDAY 14 March, the ladies set off at 6am on a beautiful autumn morning for what proved to be a challenging day against Nyngan.

Nyngan is the present leader in the competition, and once again showed they well deserved

this position. It was an enjoyable day, played in a friendly spirit and a few laughs thrown in. Needless to say, Nyngan were the winners on the day. However, the girls put in a great effort and will be back with full enthusiasm to tackle Dubbo City in Coonamble on

Saturday 21 March.TUESDAY nights social

bowls saw a fantastic 24 bowlers turn up to play with some keen competition and very close results. Great to see the number of men playing nearly equal the number of women . we may have to organise a “battle of the sexes night”=

Overall winners: A combination of the “J’s”: J.J Justin Fernando and Justine Powell

Runners Up - Dennis Firth, Helen Crocker, Sally Canham

Ladies bowls team to Nyngan for third round of district pennant competition


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AN INSPECTION

NEW LISTING

THE wait for rugby league season for fans of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League competition is all but over with the official season starting on Saturday 14 March when both the League Tag and Youth League knockouts were played at Coonamble.

Castlereagh League Vice President, and Coonamble stalwart, Joe Bellgardt, said having the season opener played in Coonamble with the running of the Western Region qualifiers of the Country Championships taking place on Sunday at the Coonamble Race Course was a great result for town.

“These two events attracted large numbers to our town over the weekend and were a great boost to our local economy after what has been a long and harrowing drought,” said Bellgardt.

“Initially the two knockouts were allocated to Gilgandra, but their ground was tied up with cricket and so luckily for us, it was shifted here, and it is fantastic for the local community to be given the hosting rights.”

The knockouts featured almost 20 games of rugby league and league tag with the first games kicking off at 11.30am.

Results from the Youth League Preliminary Games:

Coonamble 12 drew with Binnaway 12.

Baradine 24 defeated Gilgandra 6.Macquarie 20 defeated Binnaway 0.Cobar 36 defeated Gilgandra 4.Macquarie 14 defeated Coonamble 0.

Cobar 10 defeated Baradine 8.In the Final Macquarie 22 defeated

Cobar 4.Coach Jason Dewson said his team

did very well on the day with only 14 players available to take the field. While Dewson said he didn't have a bad player, he was most impressed with Drew Wrigley, Mitch Nalder and Germaine Thurston and says that new recruit Chris Peters played very well for someone who hasn't played much in recent years.

In the second round, Dewson said the only downside was a lack of discipline which resulted in a few errors and a few penalties but that this should improve with training and competition as the season progresses.

"We had five players away on Far West Academy duties," said Dewson. "So we've got some pretty handy kids to come back in."

In Round 1 of the League Tag:Baradine 20 defeated Gilgandra 0.

Cobar 16 defeated Gulgong 12.

Trangie 20 defeated Binnaway 0.

Coonabarabran 10 defeated Coonamble 0.

In the Semi Finals:Baradine 20 defeated Cobar 4.Coonabarabran 16 defeated Trangie 0.In the Finals Baradine 7 defeated Coonabarabran 6.

The results of the Repechage games were:

Gilgandra 10 defeated Gulgong 4.Coonamble 10 defeated Binnaway 6.In the Repechage Final Coonamble

10 defeated Gilgandra 6.The Christie and Hood Castlereagh

League first grade rugby league knockout is set for Cobar on Saturday March 21 with the first round of the 18 round 2020 competition being played on March 28.

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AN impressive display by the A-Team has them primed and ready for a great run towards the grandfinal.

In this, their last game against Moes Plumbing before the semi finals they dominated from start to finish in every aspect of the game. Shakaye Walker had a brilliant game in both attack and defence posting the 1st try for the A-team after a “huuuuge”cross field pass to lead 2-0 after 10 minutes of play. Wylie Waterford for Moes clawed one back to make it 2-1 with only a couple of minutes left on the clock, however as the seconds ticked away Derek Robinson scored and Nathan “twinkle toes” Walker who also scored on the half time hooter took the A-Team to the break 4-1 up.

The second half saw Moes Plumbing post a couple of tries to bring the score back to within 1 point, 4-3 in favour of the A-Team and a comeback

was on the cards until Shakaye Walker, who was in the action for entire game stepped up and put the shoulder into Justin Fernando who folded like a cheap lawn chair along with Moes Plumbing’s chances of winning as the A-Team continued to pile on more tries to take the game 8-3.

North West Vets defeated Touch’n’go 10-7 after a tight 1st half which North West Vets lead 2-1 at the break. Hornets posted a 6-4 win against

Tin Town despite which will see the Hornets miss this years semis. The remaining match on Monday night saw Termo edge out AG’N”vet 7 points to 6 in a very tight tussle.

The A-grade major semi next week will be Tin Town V Moes Plumbing and the A-grade minor semi will be the A-Team v North West Vets.

The B-Grade semi finals make up will be decided during the week.

A-Team Set For Touch Football Finals

• Junior Coonamble Bears work together to tackle the Macquarie’s forward.

• Coonamble Ladies league show their passing skills, keeping the op-position guessing.

• Sally Taylor sneaks up behind the opposition to grab the ball.


Sport News

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By COLIN HODGES.

KODY Nestor during his time as a jockey, over the day before and again on raceday, often survived on some lettuce leaf, a cup of black coffee and a couple of teaspoons of bird seed as he fought the battle to make the handicap weight for his upcoming mounts.

Extremely talented, Nestor rode 574 winners before it all became too much and he retired after winning at his final ride, on Noel’s Gift at Dubbo, in November 2017.

The transition to being a trainer at Dubbo has been remarkably successful and on Sunday before a very big crowd at Coonamble, Kody Nestor supplied the first two placegetters, Sneak Preview and Fast Talking in the $150,000 Western Racing Association Country Championship Qualifier over 1400 metres.

Cowra jockey Mathew Cahill was aboard Sneak Preview ( $5.50 ) which came from well back to reach the lead in the straight and then held on to beat the strong finishing Fast Talking ( Greg Ryan,$2.80 favourite ) by threequarters of a length.

California Fox ( $26 ) trained at Dubbo by Allan Gibson and ridden by Ken Dunbar was a brave third after racing near the lead while the Rodney Robb, Nyngan trained Supreme Attraction ( Clayton Gallagher ) set the pace and was a creditable fourth, in the prestigious race sponsored by Dad &

Dave’s Turf & Evergreen Turf Australia.Both raced by big syndicates from the

central west, Sneak Preview and Fast Talking have now qualified for the $500,000 Country Championship Final at Royal Randwick on Easter Saturday.

Hugh Bowman, rated by some as the best jockey in the world, was a big attraction when riding at the Coonamble meeting and to the delight of his many fans he booted home a winner, the Mack Griffith, Mudgee trained Royal Monarch in the 1400 metres Showcase Maiden Plate.

Given a charmed run close to the

leaders, Royal Monarch ( $3.50 ) took control in the straight and won by over three lengths from Mudgegonga ( Michael Heagney,$14 ) and Now Or Never ( Grant Buckley,$3.10 favourite ).

Hugh Bowman later stated he had ridden at many good tracks around the world and Coonamble was up there with the best of them.

Overall, the Championship day was a tremendous success and a well deserved reward for the untiring work from the Coonamble Jockey Club committee to host the prestigious event.

Nestor nabs two spots in Country Championships

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• An excited Kody Nestor receives his Country Championships Qualifier sash at the Coonamble Racecourse on Sunday 15 March.

• Award winning jockey Hugh Bowman seemed to enjoy his day of country racing and was a drawcard for the event.

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• Pam, Tina, Wendy and Brian Fletcher with Betty Edwards strike a pose in front of the stand named in Brian’s honour.

www.coonambletimes.com.au

• A younger racegoer enjoying the lovely lawn finds a bit of space away from the crowds at the Country Championship Qualifiers at Coonamble Racecourse on Sunday 15 March.

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99 Coonamble Races · of Sydney-based representatives of Racing NSW, the Australian Turf Club and TAB Corp, along with corporate and community sponsors. Former Coonamble resident