Flood peak at Condobolin
Water encroaches on the Showground. MB
Diggers Avenue was closed to light traffic yesterday.MB
The Raceground is inundated. MB
The Condobolin SES with the assistance of the Lachlan Shire Council and RFS have been busy preparing their town for the effect of a peak higher than what was seen in the 2012 floods.
The Condobolin SES and council are monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement property protection to the low lying business that may be effected. Local SES controller Keith Dawe said
“We are constantly watching the river and are ready to act if necessary when the river peaks at 6.7m today (Tuesday).”
The wet weather and flooding also resulted in the closure of the North Forbes Road with evacuation warnings sent to residents who would become potentially isolated. Other residents in low lying areas should now be prepared for possible isolation and inundation. For more information on road closures please refer to the Lachlan Shire Council website
http://www.lachlan.nsw.gov.au/.
A number of flood warnings remain current for the Lachlan River, which is expected to peak near 6.7 metres at Condobolin on Tuesday 20th August. The peak of the flood waters will continue to move down the catchment to Euabalong where the river is then expected to peak at 6.8 metres around Friday.
NSW SES Controller for the Lachlan Region, Nichole Richardson said,” we have had great support from the local community during this event, however we have a small number of people continuing to risk their lives and the safety of NSW SES flood rescue volunteers by driving into flood waters.”
Ms Richardson continued by saying, “The dangers of driving through flood waters are not always apparent but you can’t tell the condition of the road surface under the flood water and people often under estimate the power of water. Make safe decisions. It’s not worth risking the life of yourself and your family, as well as risking the lives of the NSW SES flood rescue volunteers.”
The Condobolin council depot is open during business hours at the end of Bathurst Street for people wanting to collect sand bags to protect their property.
For more information on how to prepare for and respond to floods residents can visit the NSW SES flood website www.floodsafe.com.au. For emergency assistance in floods and storms call NSW SES on 132 500, in life threatening situations dial triple zero.
Contributed by SES Operations Centre Lachlan Region
Rural Crime Roadshow
To address regular rural crime issues NSW Farmer local branches are hosting 3 Rural Crime Workshops. At Lake Cargelligo on Wed 28th September at the Lake Cargelligo Bowling Club 4.30 to 6.30pm, At Condobolin on Thursday 29th September, at the Condobolin Sports Club from 9.30 to 11.30am and at Tottenham Golf Club from 3-5pm. Light Refreshments supplied-pleas RSVP for catering purposes; Lake– Mal Williams ph; 0403 591 727 E: malvanw@bigpond.com; Condobolin, Anne Coffey ph: 02 68 962260 or E: sancof@ipstarmail.com.au; Tottenham – Peter Baldwinson ph: 0427 924 994 E: pandcbaldy@hotmail.com.
Four new faces on council
• Bianca Levy handed out How to Vote Cards for her mother, Elizabeth on Election Day. Dave Carter was elected as Councillor for C Ward after the final count. KP • Peter Harris (C Ward), Melissa Rees (B Ward), and Melissa Blewitt (B Ward) have all been elected as Lachlan Shire Councillors after voters had their say on 10 September. The first Council meeting will be held in Condobolin next Wednesday, where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be chosen. KP
Four new faces have become Lachlan Shire Councillors. Melissa Rees and Melissa Blewitt were elected in B Ward, while Dave Carter and Peter Harris were elected in C Ward. B Ward was a very close contest, with the count going to the Distribution of Preferences before a final result was announced. Incumbents Graham Scott (C Ward), Dennis Brady (C Ward), and Les Saunders (B Ward) lost their bid to be re-elected. Des Manwaring did not re-contest.
Returning Councillors are John Medcalf and Brian Nelson in A Ward, Mark Hall and Paul Phillips in E Ward, and John Ridley and Max Frankel in D Ward.
Lachlan Shire Councillors by Ward are: A Ward, John Medcalf and Brian Nelson; B Ward, Melissa Rees and Melissa Blewitt; C Ward Dave Carter and Peter Harris; D Ward, Max Frankel and John Ridley; E Ward, Mark Hall and Paul Phillips.
Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service celebrate NAIDOC
CAHS March for NAIDOC
Marching with Pride down William Street.
Tanya and Emma lead the way.
- Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) held a March and Community Event at Memorial Park to celebrate NAIDOC last Thursday. CAHS Aboriginal Health Workers Emma Dargin and Tanya Sloane said the event was a great success. “We want to thank all of those who took part in the March,” they said. “It was great to see such communuty spirit. The March has not been part of our celebrations for some time, but was embraced with such enthusiasm by everyone.” Emma and Tanya said they wanted to thank Central West Community Support, Liz from Centacare, Steve Karatiarna (jumping castle), Lachlan Shire Council, Mayor John Medcalf, Yawarra, Currajong, Condobolin HIgh School, Condobolin Public School, Lachlan River Community Fellowship, Googars Dancers, all of the volunteers, CAHS staff, Board and CEO Cecil Lester for making the event the success it was. Photographs by MB and Dakotah Haworth
River is rising
The Lachlan River is bursting its banks-the peak is expected by the 16th September. MB
Kenny Sloane from Condobolin High School helps fill sandbags. MB
The Condobolin Weir disappears under the rising river. MB
The river is close to breaking its banks along Lachlan Street.MB
By Melissa Blewitt
A flood is moving through the Lachlan River, with moderate flooding expected in the Condobolin area.
The Bureau of Meterology (BOM) currently predicts the peak to reach near 6.4m at Condobolin around Friday, 16 September with moderate flooding. For comparison, the river at Condobolin peaked at 6.67m in March 2012. Condobolin gauge was 6.27m at 7:30am on Tuesday, 13 September and rising slowly with only 40mm rise since Monday (12 September) morning.
Another smaller peak is still heading towards Forbes, so Condobolin will most likely see that a week later.
In anticipation of rising water levels, the Condobolin SES requires urgent help with sandbagging. Sandbagging is taking place between the Lachlan Shire Council Depot (end of Bathurst Street) and the Truck/Equipment Yard. If you can lend a hand, go to the Depot or contact Judy Price on 0427 953 170. Some 6,000 sandbags have already been prepared (some already distributed and in place). The SES would like to have at least another 7,000 completed to form a sandbag stockpile.
BOM is still expecting 6.7m around 21 September at Euabalong with moderate flooding – this will be reviewed when Condobolin peaks. Land holders near the river may lose access in some areas – consider moving pumps and stock. If access will be affected and unable to remain in place, please consider moving out to a higher location.
Several roads are impacted by flooding. Lachlan Shire Council provides daily or twice daily updates of road conditions on their website http://www.lachlan.nsw.gov.au/.
Significant road impacts include:
- SR85 North Forbes Road is closed toward Shire boundary, deep water over road. Not expecting impacts on houses with the current height prediction.
- MR377 Lachlan Valley Way, Condobolin to Forbes, is closed in Forbes Shire, with water over the road. Current access Condobolin to Forbes is via Bogan Gate or Parkes but conditions may change. See Forbes Shire or RMS live traffic website.
- MR7521 Kiacatoo Road west of Condobolin is open with caution, with water rising over the road, and is closed at 4km west of Kiacatoo Hall due to flooding and road damage. For Euabalong detour at Kiacatoo hall via the bridge and Lachlan Valley Way (river road).
- The southern access to the new Farm Chapel Christ the King at Bolo for this weekend’s function is muddy and the recommended alternate access is via SR230 Lachlan Valley Way (river road) and SR409 Delladale Lane west of bridge.
There are also two minor floods passing slowly through Humbug Creek between Girral and Condobolin. This is affecting a few local roads south of Condobolin.
Lily loves her new role
• Sarah Thorpe and Doctor Lily Ward at the friendly faces are the Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service.You can find them at 86 Bathurst Street, Condobolin or phone them on 02 6895 4344. MB
By Melissa Blewitt
Lily Ward is more than happy to be back in Condobolin.
She is the dentist at the Condobolin Aboriginal Dental Health Service, and is settling into her new role with support from her colleagues and the community.
“I just love working in Condobolin,” Dr Ward said.
She is passionate and dedicated to ensuring locals have access to great dental care and promoting good dental health.
“This is such a modern facility with two full equipped treatment rooms and state-of-the-art amenities,” she explained.
The entire Condobolin community is able to access the Condobolin Aboriginal Dental Health Service.
“The service is for everybody in the community.
“Sometimes there is a misconception that the service is not available to all, and that is simply not true.
“The staff here have been absolutely fantastic. They are a really relaxed and friendly team.”
Dr Ward spent five years training to become a dentist, and is relishing being back in her home town.
“I always wanted to do something in health, and I had a great dentist growing up, so that was a positive argument for me to go into the profession,” she said.
Dr Ward is the daughter of Mark and Danni Ward. She lives on a property with her fiancé, which is between Condobolin and Forbes.
Easy care Woodpark Merinos
Just some of the quality rams available at the Woodpark Auction on the 19th September at Jerilderie Racecourse. Cont
Advertorial
When the Woodpark Stud started breeding Poll Merinos more than two decades ago, they were in a minority. The Merino rams and commercial flocks were highly regarded, sought after in sale yards and the wools were known for their softness, quality and style.
Owen Huggins had a vision of an easy care flock which would carry on the wool quality and lambing percentages of the highly fertile Woodpark Merinos. He aimed to breed a poll which would be low maintenance and low cost to run, and would repay its producers with less hassle, a streamlined frame, which delivered high fertility, and a productive balanced animal with options.
The breeding program to achieve these objectives has been a measured process of gradually developing an uncomplicated skin type. Today the sheep have a very mobile skin on a body with depth and carcase. The transition to this plainer body has been made without sacrificing the crucial fleece attributes of weight and quality. The Woodpark sheep have a mobile, high fibre population skin, and these characteristics deliver soft, good processing wools with excellent fleece weight.
The Poll Merino Stud‘s breeding program uses a mix of visual appraisal and objective measurement in making selection decisions. Wood[ark have a long- standing commitment to breeding the sheep for a modern market — soft, fine/medium, well nourished wool on a productive sheep with a fertile mother.
The 4000 head stud and commercial flock is run on 28,000 acres of native Riverina grasses and bush country at the Huggins’ family’s “Eurolie” Hay.
Woodpark’s continuing emphasis is to maintain a medium wool flock producing sheep with excellent commercial characteristics of; a big square frame, plain bodies, high yielding, low micron wool, high fertility as well as outstanding wool and meat capacity.The sheep are run under natural conditions on the Riverina Plains, allowing Woodpark clients to select from sheep displaying strong constitutions and sound performance.
Etiwanda rams, ready to go
Just some of the rangeland ready rams on offer at the Etiwanda sale on the 30th September. Cont
Advertorial
Rangeland Ready
Hardy, profitable, unpampered White Dorpers that have never been shorn, grain fed or hoof trimmed. Grass raised on the Rangelands of Cobar and performance recorded on LAMBPLAN. Rangeland Ready to go – bred like they ought to be!
Rangeland Ready Rules
We use LAMPLAN to provide practical information on the genetic potential of our animals & monitor our breeding program – objectively.
By running the animals extensively we apply sufficient pressure on the ewe flock to force out the unadapted and infertile animals.
The natural resources placed under our stewardship are managed in a regenerative manner.
In addition to growth and performance, we select for other vital economic traits like fertility, lambing ease, moderate ewe size, muscling ability, structural correctness, disposition and longevity.
Sheep are run in a real-world environment, as tough as, or tougher, than the environment most commercial ewes are run in.
Replacement ewes are developed on a low-cost, rangeland based diet with minimum supplements. We only want the most efficient and most adapted ewes to make it into the breeding flock.
We let the environment sort out the profitable ones; we show no sympathy for empty or dry ewes.
A ram lamb must be born unassisted to make it into one of our ram sales.
A ewe must produce and wean at least one lamb every year to remain in the flock.
Our honesty & integrity will not be compromised.
Further Sale information and Catalogue coming soon.
Enquiries always welcome.
Andrew & Megan Mosely
Etiwanda White Dorpers
Etiwanda Station, Cobar NSW
Office – 02 68 373797
Andrew – 0419 477 983
Megan – 0429 477 930
email: info@etiwanda.com.au www.etiwanda.com.au
Burrawang Stud moves sale
Burranwang Dorper and White Dorper Stud are moving their sale to the 30th January 2017. The Rams will be ready and willing for the autumn joining.
Advertorial
After nine consecutive spring season on-farm sales, Burrawang Dorper and White Dorper Stud owners, Graham and Jana Pickles, have elected to hold their next on-farm sale on Monday, January 30th 2017. Inspections will be held at Burrawang West Station, Ootha from 9am and the sale starts at 11am on the day.
Since 2004, the Pickles have developed their stud’s genetics to ensure they offer animals for sale that can help their customers fully realise the whole array of benefits that dorpers and white dorpers offer to the commercial meat sheep industry, particularly in areas of variable and or, relatively low rainfall. Burrawang’s sheep are now well recognised across the country and overseas for their sound and well balanced conformation and the longevity of their productive life.
“Running an efficient and profitable commercial meat sheep operation of 6,0000 to 8,000 breeding ewes, gives us the opportunity to test how well our stud rams and their ewe offspring perform in ‘the real world’. There’s no special feed or handling in the real world and they have to perform under the harsh and often widely varying conditions that prevail across vast areas of the country, including in our area” explains Graham.
“We’re very impressed with the quality of the rams to be offered for sale in January. They are magnificently structured, well-muscled rams and they’ll be well and truly ready to go to work in autumn”.
For additional information, contact Graham Pickles 0418 112 888
Depth and Quality bring success for Kurralea clients
• The depth of quality and performance in Kurralea rams is renowned and is clearly evident in these Poll Dorsets. Over 350 rams will be on offer at their late September sale. Cont.
Advertorial.
The continued sales successes at the Prentice family’s Kurralea Poll Dorset and White Suffolk ram sale are the headline news stories, but it is the success of their clients that is their focus and the reason why the headlines continue.
Last year 356 rams from the two breeds achieved a total clearance to buyers from three states at a wonderful $1785 average.
The question could be asked as to why they have continually achieved nation leading sales successes.
From a breeding perspective, Kurralea has always strived to produce sheep that combine elite performance and structural excellence; bigger framed rams that do the job for clients in wide ranging environments to meet multiple markets. It is this latter point that enables different clients the flexibility to successfully and efficiently target different carcase weights and grid specifications. The fact that commercial producers are willing to travel to Ariah Park from many areas of NSW and interstate to purchase the rams that can increase their bottom line, is a strong endorsement of the Kurralea quality.
James Baldry, Wallendbeen, NSW endorsed that quality when he said, “One of the benefits of Kurralea is the obvious genetic depth within the stud which assures consistency of performance and robustness of rams, giving us even lines of marketable lambs that can be sold in the 18 to 28 kilogram carcase weight range.”
Other producers readily endorse the Kurralea qualities and their comments, plus up to date sale information, can be viewed on the Kurralea website (www.kurralea.com).
Their 2016 annual sale will see another 350 rams on offer on Tuesday 27th September, commencing at 12:30 EST, with Suffolks also added to the mix this year. This stud was commenced by Ben’s wife Lucy while she was in the successful treatment process for cancer.
If you are looking for depth, quality and performance, this sale is not to be missed.
Popular Quality Wool ‘Wool Drive’ on again
Advertorial
The popular Quality Wool ‘Wool Drive’ is on again this year to raise much needed funds for Ronald McDonald House Westmead during the 2016 season and the company is calling on all woolgrowers to contribute to this great cause.
The charity wool auction has raised more than $150,000 for Ronald McDonald House Westmead over the past three years.
Ronald McDonald House Westmead provides a “home away from home’’ for families with seriously ill children who require medical attention and attend appointments at The Children’s Hospital Westmead. It relies heavily on community fundraising and volunteers to help keep it operating.
Quality Wool is encouraging all growers to donate wool oddments or any type of wool towards the ‘Wool Drive’. The company has committed to press, test and auction the wool free of charge, with all proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Westmead.
Growers can deliver wool to the company’s Condobolin, Parkes, Orange and Wagga Wagga stores, or Quality Wool can visit farms to pick up wool and clean out sheds.
Quality Wool is collecting wool through until December 16, 2016, with the auction set to be held in February 2017, and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to Ronald McDonald House Westmead.
Pooginook offers fertility, wool cut and support
Pooginook ram sale Top of the Drop Auction is at 12.30pm Tuesday the 27th September at Pooginok Jerilderie. 1200 flock rams available from mid September.
By Anne Coffey
When Wade Death wanted to lift the fertility and wool cut on his 3,000 breeding ewes four years ago, he shopped around and selected Pooginook Merino Stud to buy his rams from.
Wade, along with his semi-retired Dad, runs 3,000 acres of mixed farming at Caragabal 45kms southeast of Forbes. He was keen to maximise the potential of his sheep production and improve the percentage of lambs weaned, which was at 85% to ewes joined. Four years on, his lambing percentage has increased to between 103 and 105%. He is aiming for an average of 110% and hopes to be there within a few years.
“Not only did we want to lift fertility, but we wanted to grow more wool. I knew there was more potential so decided ‘Why not go to the best’?” Wade said. “We are really happy with the improvement so far and we are only into the first cross. We have already lifted our kilograms per head yield by 1 to 1.5 kg. I am confident that by the second cross we will see bigger gains to 7.5 to 8 kg. This has been achieved with no increase in micron and we are fairly fine, around 17 to 18 micron.” he said.
Wade is also keen to learn all that Pooginook experience and education can offer. “I’ve been farming for 20 years and thought I knew it all, but I didn’t. One of the best things I have done through Pooginook is the “Bred Well Fed Well” workshop.” he said. “They give great support. I get their flock classer, Pat Brown, to class my ewes. Low grade merino ewes are then taken out of the main ewe flock and joined to a dorset ram. The service from Pooginook is the thing. They are always there with helpful advice.” Wade commented.
“The other thing I have noticed is the ewes are great mothers. Their mothering and protection of their lambs is really good. I am happy I have made the change to Pooginook blood” he continued.
Pooginook is part of the Paraway Pastoral group. The stud is based in Jerilderie, and one of their properties, “Borambil”, is based at Condobolin.
Borambil is now managed by Matt Browning, who has managed to achieve 110% lambs weaned from ewes joined for the last 10 years. He runs 11,000 ewes with 1.5 labour units.
This year Matt was invited to speak at the prestigious bi-annual Lambex conference to share his management techniques and successes. Matt scans and separates his ewes into twin bearing and single management groups and supplements them differently to maintain appropriate condition score throughout their pregnancy. At lamb marking, the ewes are recorded as wet or dry – no ewes are culled until they do not raise a lamb a second time. He separates the lambs into weight ranges at 12 weeks and improves the trajectory of the lightest lambs by targeted feeding of pasture or supplementation.
These techniques, combined with choosing the appropriate rams for his ewe flock, serve to produce sought after top quality merinos.
Preschool visit Yawarra
• Students from the Wombat Room at Condobolin Preschool visited Yawarra Aboriginal Corporation recently. They made colourful artwork, played games, talked and then had a delicious morning tea. Everyone had a great time and there were lots of smiles and laughter. MB
Trundle Bush Tucker Saturday September 3
Trundle Bush Tucker Day is set to entertain and delight on Saturday Sept 3rd. A great family day out.
Showtime shines
• The 2016 Condobolin Show was an outstanding success. Showgoers basked in brilliant sunshine, and enjoyed everything the event had on offer. Exhibitors showcased their talents in the Pavillion, children discovered Side Show Alley, the Grand Parade enthralled, and the stunning fireworks display delighted all. ABOVE: The 2015 Condobolin Showgirl Jaimi-Lea Deeves, 2016 Condobolin Showgirl Runner-Up Lesley-Jean McKenzie, 2016 Condobolin Showgirl Second Runner-Up Tori Whiley, 2016 Condobolin Showgirl Rachel Brasnett, Penrith City Council Mayor Karen McKeown and Condobolin Show Society President David McDonald were all smiles at the Show last Saturday. MB
Safety first for Condo children
• CAHS held a car seat information session and barbecue earlier this month. Senior Aboriginal Health Workers, Emma Dargin and Tanya Sloane said while a lot of people were conscious about using child restraints these days, it was still important to get information out there on tips for usage, such as the importance of attaching the restraint to a proper anchorage point. MB
By Melissa Blewitt
Australian Aboriginal children are approximately three times more likely to be involved in road related fatalities and hospitalisations compared to that of non-Aboriginal children. Research shows that with the correct use of child seat restraints, these injuries can be greatly prevented, however, the use of correct child seat restraints still remains low.
Condobolin Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) Senior Aboriginal Health Workers, Emma Dargin and Tanya Sloane said while a lot of people were conscious about using child restraints these days, it was still important to get information out there on tips for usage, such as the importance of attaching the restraint to a proper anchorage point.
They said that while some families might not even have a car, when it came to having their children travel with family, it was important to have a child restraint available. The pair hosted a child restraint safety and information barbecue for local residents at CAHS earlier this month.
“We want to promote, facilitate and support the effective use of motor vehicle child restraints by our Aboriginal families in Condobolin,” they explained.
“The information session and barbecue helped to raise awareness about road safety benefits of the appropriate use and fitting of child restraints in motor vehicles.
“This event enabled us to show families how to fit a car seat properly, talk about what child restraints are appropriate for certain age groups and make them aware of the dangers of not protecting children through the correct car seat.”
Local resident Natarsha Blair was presented with a child seat at the event, and said she was “happy” to receive such a generous gift that would protect her child.
Up for the challenge
Condobolin Show Secretary Carol-Ann Malouf took time out to inspect tractor tyres similar to those that will be used in the Young Ag Challenge, a new event, at the 2016 Condobolin Show.
By Melissa Blewitt
A Young Ag Challenge is coming to the Condobolin Show.
New for 2016, the relay will take place on Saturday, 27 August at 6pm.
A total of $800 in prizemoney will be up for grabs – First gets $500, Second $200 and Third $100.
There will be four stages – Egg Find Challenge, Tyre and ATV Challenge, Whip Crack Challenge and Tyre Roll Challenge.
It is open to teams of four, aged between 18 and 35 years. Each team must have at least one female and one male member.
Organise your team and nominate at the Showground Office before 5pm on Friday, 26 August.
Waivers must be signed by all team members.
Phone 0499 597 844 or call into the Showground Office for more information.
If you are interested in entering, here’s what you have to do:
Relay Stages
TASK 1 Egg Find Challenge
Team members sift through straw to find their carton of eggs. Members must throw the eggs to other team members to fill their cartons.
TASK 2 Tyre & ATV Challenge
Put tyre on ATV and then steer ATV through course. Take tyre off at end.
TASK 3 Whip Crack Challenge
Use the whip to crack an apple from the top of a pedestal.
TASK 4 Tyre Roll Challenge
Roll tractor tyre down challenge course.
TK takes on new role
• Tekohi Rivera, who is fine with being known as TK, is the new Director of Infrastructure Services at Lachlan Shire Council. MB
By Melissa Blewitt
Lachlan Shire Council (LSC) has a new Director of Infrastructure Services.
He has replaced Phil King, who left in June this year.
Tekohi Rivera, is no stranger to Condobolin, having previously worked for the LSC in 2009 in a temporary role (maternity relief) as acting operations manager.
Tekohi, who is fine with being known as TK, is excited to be back in a place where he formed fond memories and friendships.
“I remember many people from my time here and they remember me, so I am very happy to be back,” he said.
Prior to commencing work in his new position, TK worked as Project Manager for the Roads and Maritime Services at Parkes in their Infrastructure Development and Delivery section.
Before that he had an overseas posting on the island nation of Nauru, working for their government leading its phosphate mining and land rehabilitation operations.
TK said he has worked in various parts of Australia, including five years in the Pilbara region during the recent resource sector boom. There he gained valuable experience in the project management of a range of engineering works in remote locations. However, TK was quick to add, that he has always kept a close eye on the Lachlan Shire.
“I have been watching the Lachlan Shire for the past eight years, as to how it has been travelling through the drought and most recently the NSW Government amalgamation process,” he explained.
“They [LSC] have faced significant challenges. They have always proved themselves to be resilient in the tough times.
“I am very grateful that the opportunity has come up now and that I was in the area where I could take up the position.
“My wife and three children are also looking forward to living in Condobolin.” As soon as he finds suitable accommodation in the Shire, TK said he will relocate his family.
TK believes LSC has a strong future, and he is looking forward to being part of a leadership team that grows and develops with the community.