Converging on Condo
• Charles Gauci (Cowra High School), Neryle Smurthwaite (Canowindra High School), Michael Sloan (Kelso High School), David Lloyd (Orange High School), Melanie Meers (Anson Street School); second row: : Ann Caro (Lithgow High School), Michelle Barrett (Molong Central School), and Sandra Parker (Parkes High School); front row: Jeff Ward (Principal, Condobolin High School), Kate Wootten (Canobolas Hight School), and John Browett (Blayney High School) took part in the Central West Principal’s Council that was held in Condobolin last week. MB
Principals from across the Central West converged on Condobolin last week.
The Central West Principals’ Council met in the town last Thursday and Friday to undertake new learning opportunities and share information.
“This is an annual event which occurs early in each term where the Principals’ from the High Schools and Central Schools from Lithgow, Kandos, Grenfell, Condobolin and everywhere in between meet to discuss the latest trends and reforms in education, undertake professional learning, share best practice in leadership and management and most importantly network and showcase the excellent work schools are doing in rural and remote education and within their communities,” Condobolin High School Principal Jeff Ward explained.
“The two days were shared between the Wiradjuri Centre and the High School with a network dinner on the Thursday evening. A highlight for most Principals was the boomerang throwing led by local Aboriginal Elder Dick Richards.
“The Principals’ enjoyed his instruction and passion for throwing the boomerang with many of the Principals taking turns to throw with mixed success.”
Mr Ward added the two days was a major success with many of the Principals enjoying the town’s hospitality.
“For those Principals who had been to the Wiradjuri Centre they were amazed at its beauty and grandeur, they also passed comment on how good the High School is looking,” he said.
Mr Ward wanted to thank the Year 11 hospitality class for providing the excellent lunches and morning/afternoon tea’s and the staff for assisting in getting the school ready for the event.
The Principals also discussed the upcoming State Conference to be held in Sydney where over 500 Principals from NSW Department of Education schools will be in attendance.
The next Central West meeting will be hosted by Parkes High School.
Condobolin Drivers get positive results
The Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire area has recorded a combined 99.1 per cent seatbelt wearing rate and a 0.8 per cent mobile phone usage rate according to the latest observation survey results.
The surveys conducted bi-annually in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin, aim to measure, monitor and improve local seatbelt wearing rates and the number of drivers complying with mobile phone legislation.
The Councils’ Road Safety and injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that there is an urban and highway location in each town.
“Our survey staff conduct the observations for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon at both locations,” she explained.
“The results show that our combined seatbelt wearing rate is quite good at 99.1 per cent, which is higher than the state average of 98 per cent. The best location was the Parkes Highway (in the afternoon) which recorded 100 per cent compliance. The worst location was the Forbes Urban (in the morning) with a 96 per cent wearing rate and 14 people observed unrestrained.
“Although it has been compulsory to wear seatbelts in New South Wales since 1971, each year on average there are more than 30 people killed and 270 injured who were not wearing seatbelts. Many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if seatbelts had been used.
“So whilst our seatbelt wearing rate is better than the state average, it is disappointing to report that 59 people were observed not wearing a seatbelt.”
The results of the mobile phone observation surveys were also good.
“The combined mobile phone usage rate was just 0.8 per cent, with three survey locations recording 0 per cent – Condobolin Highway (in the morning), Parkes Urban (in the morning) and Parkes Highway (in the afternoon). The worst location was Forbes Urban (in the morning) with a 4.2 per cent usage rate and 13 people observed using a mobile phone whilst driving,” Ms Suitor stated.
“Driving is a complex task. Anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel, not only compromises your safety, but that of everyone else on the road. Being distracted increases your chances of having a crash. It slows down your reaction times and puts you in danger of failing to see hazards such as stop signs or other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
“So again whilst the survey results were quite good, there were 42 drivers observed using a mobile phone while driving.
“We will continue conducting these observation surveys as they give us a really good insight into current local driver and passenger behaviour. We will also be developing, implementing and evaluating a low cost education campaign aimed at improving the usage rates.”
Our own great hunter and tracker
Dear Madam,
When I was a lad of eight to 10-years-old, I was known as a brilliant tracker. I would spend most of my free time tracking the insects and animals. Yep. I could even track birds – on the wing of course!
Why!! I even tracked a tadpole through a swamp for five days … but that’s another truthful story yet to come. Well my tracking skills were… believe it or not in Africa.
It seems that a big fierce wild lion was on the rampage in a village away out in the bush. Dad took the phone call and gave me general information on what needs to be done to hunt a big, fierce wild lion … in Africa.
So I packed my overcoat, footy socks and beanie, just in case it gets cold in Africa.
I picked up my old .22 rifle with no sights and headed for the train station. Africa! Here comes that big, fierce, wild lion’s worst nightmare. Oh yeah … we couldn’t take the old truck because Dad ran over the huge 10-foot tadpole and busted up all the steering etc. Another true story?
When we got to Africa, we were given the general directions of the village – 333 miles due west. Off we went walking.
We walked to the village because I wanted to hone my “tracking skills”.
The villagers told us that Kimba Sai (that’s the word for lion) was eating all the chooks and pinching the kids Easter eggs … I realised that the big fierce lion had to go.
They showed me his tracks … wow, they were the size of a 44 gallon drum. He’s a biggin’ alright. Whew!
I came across the beast about midday … I was in awe as I loaded up my .22 rifle with no sights and took pointed (no sights) … I couldn’t bring myself to kill this magnificent beast, so aimed to just crease him, so we could relocate him.
Bang and down went the lion … I hope you tune in to read the second part of this true story next issue!
Brolga (Max
Ferguson).
Hostpital works underway
By Melissa Blewitt
Works at Condobolin Health Service, which includes the removal of asbestos, is now underway.
Work commenced late last month, and the replacement of the old vinyl will be completed by mid-June 2017.
Entry to the Ward will be temporarily closed, and the community will have to enter via the Emergency Department verandah entrance.
“After many years of wear and tear, the vinyl on the floors and walls near the dental unit and in the entry/exit areas to the Health Service needs to be replaced. We’re doing this work to help keep our facility neat and clean for our staff and the community,” a frequently asked questions fact sheet provided by Western NSW Local Health District said.
“To replace the vinyl we firstly need to safely remove the lining behind the vinyl, which contains asbestos.”
Experts and specialists will be on site to safely remove the asbestos.
“We are bringing in experts in asbestos removal who are very experienced in safe removal practices. We are also bringing in independent specialists to monitor air quality and to work with the removal team. Staff and management at the Health Service will work with both teams of experts to ensure everything is being done to keep staff, patients and visitors safe,” the fact sheet explained.
“Some of the safety measures include making sure the asbestos removal area is segregated from the remainder of the hospital by the use of temporary walls and plastic sheeting. This area is under constant negative air pressure, which means air from the removal area cannot escape into the hospital and if any dust is generated within the removal area it will be safely filtered by negative air pressure exhaust fans fitted with high efficiency filters; constant air monitoring around the work site will also be in place.”
There will be minimal disruption to services, according to Western NSW Local Health District.
Most services, including the Emergency Department will not be affected.
“People with planned dental services have been contacted and, where appropriate, will be treated in neighbouring dental clinics. For any patients concerned about their dental appointment, or for any queries about dental services at Condobolin, please call 1300 552 626,” the facts sheet stated.
“The entry to the ward will be temporarily closed and you will need to enter via the Emergency Department verandah entrance. “Clear signage will be put in place to tell patients and visitors what has changed and alert people to the temporary arrangements.”
If the community has any questions they can contact Health Service Manager at Condobolin Health Service, Kate Power on (02) 6890 1500.
Thrilled at Library extenstions- Letter to Editor
Dear Madam,
I was thrilled, like many other Condobolin residents, to learn that our local Library is to be extended and modernised through the getting of a grant and the co-operation of the Lachlan Shire Council. What a wonderful thing this will be for our town.
I wonder how many residents feel that our new Library is a direct flow on from the wonderful new Librarian we have in Theresa Jude.
Never have I seen so many people using the Library. Not only our avid readers, but I note Theresa has encouraged many of our younger people off the streets into the Library where they are using the computers to fill in their time. She encourages and helps them, and I have in fact seen her feed them the odd packet of chips and lollies.
She has begun a Library Book Club and managed to get people like me, who swore they would never join a Book Club to join and enjoy the experience of reading books, which I previously considered out of my comfort zone.
She has made the Library available to the residents of the Retirement Village and provides them with morning or afternoon tea, and organises an activity for them on a regular basis. How they must enjoy this outing. She has Murray on hand a couple of days a week to help any Library members out with their computer problems, which is such a wonderful thing. Murray has a lovely way with people and the patience of a Saint being that the older generation and computers can be quite frustrating I am sure.
The Knitting Group meet there and the Children’s Session on Friday mornings are a great success.
Theresa also organises activities for children during the School Holidays.
She has an infectious enthusiasm and makes time to speak to everyone who enters the Library doors, has an amazing ability to remember what people like to read and have a book waiting for them when they return their current one, and the ability to relate to all types of people and make them feel special.
I think we are indeed fortunate to have Theresa as a member of our community, and I for one, hope she stays for a long time.
Judy Patton.
West ‘N’ Owens sowing deals
Advertorial
Owens Petroleum was started 30 years ago back in 1983. It traded under the banner of N.M Owen PTY LTD and started out as a small garage in Albert doing mechanical repairs for local farmers.
30 years on and Owens Petroleum is now, in terms of litres and area covered, one of the largest independent fuel distributors in N.S.W with sales of up to 2 million litres delivered a week. From Bourke in the north of the state to Wyalong in the south and Cobar to the west, Owens Petroleum covers about a third of N.S.W.
Our main depot is in Albert but recently built a new depot in Warren with further expansion with plans for 24 hour fuel on site.
Even if you are not in our area Owens Petroleum can arrange bulk deliveries direct from Melbourne or Sydney with one of our preffered carriers.
West ‘N’ Owens know that fuel can affect your efficiency at sowing and for that reason only sell quality fuel and Premium Blue Diesel. It was with this concern for the quality delivered to his customers that Neville developed Premium Blue Diesel which has the stamp of approval from independent testing by Cat, Cummings and the mining industry.
Neville believes in service and quality for his customers and West ‘N’ Owens currenly have a special Shell Lubricants promotion – From 6/3/17 to 2/6/17 (or while stocks last.) buy a 209 Litre Drum of Shell Rimula R4 L, Shell Rimula R4 X or Shell Spirax S4 TXM and receive One Free 20litre Pack of HD Premium N Anti Freeze Coolant Pre-Diluted 50/50. Source N NM Owen Web Site
Courage and sacrifice
• Despite raining consistently, the wet weather held off just long enough for the ANZAC Day March and Commemorative Service in Condobolin. Carolyn Blakeley and her horse ‘Boy’ participated in the March this year to honour her father, the late Ron L’Estrange, who fought in the Second World War. Carolyn proudly wore her father’s medals. The boots were worn backwards in the stirrups as a sign of respect, acknowledgment of service and remembrance. Mr L’Estrange, who was one of the Shire’s oldest veterans, sadly passed away earlier this year. MB
Lachlan Shire awarded
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro MP, Lachlan Shire Council (LSC) Chief Financial Officer John Chapman, LSC Mayor John Medcalf, LSC General Manager Robert Hunt and Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton MP at the LG Awards dinner where LSC received Highly Commended award in the “Innovative Leadership and Management” category. Cont
On Thursday 6 April, over 300 local government professionals gathered in the Ivy Ballroom, Sydney to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the sector at the Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW’s flagship event The LG Awards Dinner.
These awards recognise and showcase the pinnacle of excellence in the local government sector in NSW and significant achievements by NSW councils over the past year. This year, both Deputy Premier John Barilaro MP and Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton MP presented awards to nominees from the sector.
The Awards event was attended by Mayor, Cr John Medcalf, General Manager Robert Hunt and Chief Financial Officer John Chapman. Lachlan Shire Council was extremely proud to receive a Highly Commended award in the “Innovative Leadership and Management” category for its submission on transforming to a sustainable Lachlan.
“Council’s submission outlined the various strategies implemented to ensure Council met the Fit For The Future performance targets including being financially sustainable and noted the improvements being made to community facilities despite cutbacks in expenditure,” Mayor Medcalf explained.
Other councils nominated in the same category included City of Canada Bay Council, City of Ryde Council, Georges River Council, Lismore City Council, Liverpool City Council, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and Tweed Shire Council.
“These nominations build confidence and encourage more ideas from Councillors and staff to create a better vision for the future. We are very proud to be part of the Local Government sector and it is great for Council to be recognised in this way by its peers,” Mayor Medcalf concluded.
Media Release
Flood relief farmer
Brad Shephard donated $7,000 to Condobolin and Forbes Lions Clubs after selling 800 of his Flood Relief calendars across the district, state, and even, as far away as Canada. MB
By Melissa Blewitt
He’s the local farmer, whose images, showed the country and the world, the extent of flooding across the Lachlan Region in September and October 2016.
Even as his own winter crops were under water, Brad, took to air and boat to capture the devastation and share his images online.
The photographs and videos proved so effective in raising awareness of the natural disaster, he selected 13 of his best images, and produced a 2017 Flood Relief calendar.
He then decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of the calendars to Lions Clubs in Condobolin and Forbes.
Brad presented $3,500 to each community group after selling 800 copies of the calendar in just three months.
The $25 calendars were sold locally, nationally and internationally. They show the progress and aftermath of the flooding across Eugowra, Forbes, Condobolin, Lake and Nerang Cowal.
Brad’s photograph of a truck making its way through flooded farmland along a rural road attracted mainstream media attention, as well as thousands of social media followers.
He hosted media in a bid to raise awareness of how the flooding was impacting those making a living from farming.
His videos showcased waves across paddocks, aerial footage of a closed Newell Highway and the relentless way in which water spread across the land.
Shire obtains max grant for library
Lachlan Shire Council is excited to announce the approval of a $200,000 grant from State Library New South Wales. This grant is the maximum grant available to councils and will be used to extend the existing Condobolin library from 260m2 to over 500m2.
The new section will extend onto the Council owned vacant block in Bathurst Street on the western side of the existing building. Previous Councils had the foresight to purchase the adjacent lot for expansion of the library in the event that funding became available.
“This is a great result for the Condobolin community. It will extend the size of the high use facility up to the State Library of NSW recommended standards and will enable Council to provide a better service to the users,” Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf said.
“The extension will include more computer terminals, seating areas for study and social gatherings for community members and disabled amenities. It is also planned to make a new entrance that opens onto the main street to enable better access for users.” Media Release
Condobolin Library to be extended
Librarian Theresa Jude and School Based Trainee Murray Moore are two of the friendly faces at the Condobolin Library. Lachlan Shire Council has committed to extending the local facility. The project, valued in excess of, $700,000 has been boosted by an announcement of $200,000 worth of funding through the 2016/17 Public Libraries Infrastructure Grant Program. MB
By Melissa Blewitt
Lachlan Shire Council (LSC) has committed to extending the Condobolin Library.
The project, valued in excess of $700,000, has been boosted by the announcement of $200,000 worth of funding through the 2016/17 Public Libraries Infrastructure Grant Program.
The expected final cost of the project is estimated to be $796,000. LSC staff will manage the project themselves, in a bid to reduce overall costs.
At its Ordinary meeting in September 2016, Councillors committed to putting $520,000 in cash the 2017/18 budget to complete the project, as well as make a submission for a $200,000 grant from the State Library of NSW. The motion was moved by Councillor Dave Carter and seconded by Councillor Melissa Blewitt.
Director of Community Services and Governance, Luke Taberner in his report to Council at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 28 September last year said: “Council purchased the block next door to the library about ten years ago with a view to extending the library. The current Library is 260m2. SLNSW guidelines indicate that a town the size of Condobolin have a library of 470m2. Council has never provided in its budget to extend and refurbish the library, nor has it applied for grant funding.
“The library service is a very visible one to the community and the level of service and programs offered are limited by the size of the library.
“The current Condobolin Library building is inadequate for a town the size of Condobolin. People Places – the State Library publication giving guidelines for library facilities recommends that a town of Condobolin’s size has a library of about 470m2.”
An audit of the Condobolin Library was conducted by Consultant Phillipa Scarf from Public Library Services in May 2016. She said that visits and usage of the Condobolin Library had “increased significantly” and described it as “a welcoming, inclusive space.”
In the previous 12-month period, there had been 580 new members and 5,109 visits to the Condobolin Library.
In her summation, she concluded “The Condobolin library is below the size recommended for the population served and this limits programs, events and access to community space. An increase in the size of the library would enable a broader program offering, meeting rooms and internet pods, study and reading areas, children and youth areas and a local history room. New display stands to highlight the collections and mobile shelving would create a flexible space.”
Web Site Technical Problems
The Condobolin Argus would like to apologise as we have been unable to update our web page due to some technical issues.
We are in the process of building a new web page.
We wish all our readers a Happy Easter.
Happy Easter
• ABOVE: The Condobolin Argus would like to wish its readers a very Happy Easter. Condobolin Public School students Casey Thompson, Zahlee Blewitt and Hayley Small had a great time making and displaying their magnificent creations at the School’s Easter Hat Parade last Friday. There was much fun and laughter, as students danced and showcased their hats to parents, carers, teachers and a large audience. MB
Cooking for Community
The Marang Dhali Men’s and Deadly Dads cooking program is now complete. Centacare’s men and family worker Otis Williams has been running a cooking program in collaboration with community health. MB
By Melissa Blewitt
Centacare’s men and family worker Otis Williams has been running a cooking program in collaboration with community health.
The last week of the Marang Dhali Men’s and Deadly Dads cooking program is now complete.
“This week we showcased our skills in front of the Condobolin community at the careers expo where we cooked beef nachos and pizza, to serve as an entrée to the starving customers,” Otis explained.
“This program has been a great success and we were advised we are the first men’s group to complete the program which covers the western region.
“Community health also stated we were also the best group to work with, and today they presented the eight men with a bag of goodies which included an apron and many fancy cooking utensils along with menu’s.
“The feedback has been unbelievable from the community. Centacare will be looking to run another cooking program throughout the year.”
Otis added he wanted to extend a big thanks to the men who engaged on the program, Community Health, Amanda Coe, Shirley Ann Merritt and Zara Codemo.
