Minister Rudd to open study centre amidst DA controversy
By Dominic Geiger
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has confirmed he will officially open the Wiradjuri Study Centre in Condobolin on September 27.
C.E.O of Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation (WCC), Percy Knight, said Mr Rudd had been chosen as a result of the former PM’s apology to the stolen generation in 2008.
“In that speech he mentioned a new beginning for all Australians,” Percy said.
“He mentioned that phrase three or four times, and that’s what we’ve been trying to achieve with the study centre since 2003.
“The WSC makes a statement about this new beginning and about the stolen generation and says let’s now move forward; let’s make sure that never happens again.
“The study centre takes into consideration how we as Aboriginal people see things and how we learn; it’s a learning centre first and foremost, but it’s also a cultural centre.
“With it, we’re closing the gaps on employment opportunities on a local level.”
Percy said there had been some initial concerns Mr Rudd wouldn’t be able to attend the ceremony given his recent heart operation, but since his recovery the green light had been given for the minister’s visit.
“Of course he could also be called overseas, given his high profile, but we’re going to take a gamble on it,” he said.
Despite a date having been set for the official opening of the centre, WCC is yet to meet all the criteria for the Lachlan Shire Council (LSC) imposed development application on the building.
As such, WCC is yet to be granted full occupancy of the building and is currently occupying the building as a management team.
General Manager of the Lachlan Shire Council, George Cowan, said council was working with the management of WCC to resolve the issue.
“These issues have been ongoing throughout the course of the buildings construction,” he said.
“Council is hopeful these matters can be addressed and the building can be put to use, though these are not insignificant issues.”
Percy said the bureaucratic arm of LSC had been needlessly picky in its scrutinising of the development application.
“I have no problem with the councillors, however the bureaucratic element of the council has been very needlessly pedantic with its due diligence,” he said.
“We are doing our best to deal with these issues, though we feel these issues are not OH&S.
“I have said that if the council continues to be pedantic there is a mood within Wiradjuri people that this day could be a day of celebration or a day of protest.”
Flo Grant, from the Wiradjuri Council of Elders, said it was very exciting to see something which had come from nothing bloom into fruition.
“I’ve been there from the beginning, watching people make their own bricks and build with them; it’s been quite exciting,” she said.
“There are, however, a few issues, mostly from the bureaucratic side, affecting the project.
“We do not accept people not giving back what belongs to us.
“This centre has been independently earned; it’s ours and we’re not going to let it go.”
Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation named as a top Australian Employer
Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation (WCC) has recently been named as a finalist in the National Employment Awards for Excellence in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to closing the gap on employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people.
Servicing a membership base of more than 400, the Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation (WCC) is chartered with providing a better quality of life for local Wiradjuri people through the development of employment and economic opportunities.
The awards are an initiative of the National Employment Services Association (NESA).
WCC was recognised for its effort in improving employment opportunities for Indigenous job seekers and providing economic independence for the Condobolin Aboriginal community.
Percy Knight, CEO of the WCC, said the WCC recognises Aboriginal Australians are the most disadvantaged group within Australia’s labour market.
“We link employment to training and not training for employment,” he said.
“We find the jobs, then we find the people who want them, then train the person so their skills are relevant to the employer’s needs.
“We are trying to skill our people up; I am very excited about this award because it recognises our organisation on a national level.”
As a result of successful cooperation with Central West Community College, more than two thirds of WCC’s workforce are former disadvantaged job seekers, now employed across the corporation’s eleven business units.
NESA CEO, Sally Sinclair, said while the awards recognise a special few, all organisations that deliver Australian Government contracted employment services have achieved something remarkable by helping millions of Australians into work.
“These awards are in recognition of those dedicated professionals who are working in the Job Services Australia system,” she said.
“There are few programs that truly acknowledge the direct and lasting impact that employment services have on improving the social fabric of our society.
“The NESA Awards for Excellence do this” she said.
Fire fighter recognised for over sixty years of service
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Region West Manager Paul Smith has congratulated Brian Terry on providing over 60 years dedicated service to the Avondale Rural Fire Brigade.
Mr Smith said that Brian’s contribution to the Service was exceptional and deserving of recognition.
“Brian has served with distinction and commitment to the Avondale and wider Lachlan Community
“He is a shining example of our dedicated Rural Fire Service volunteers who give to their communities, without the want for awards or accolades.”
Mr Smith presented Brian with his Long Service Award at Condobolin Fire Control Centre on Wednesday evening at the RFS headquarters in Marsden St Condobolin.
“Brian signed up with the Avondale Brigade near Condobolin in 1949, and his commitment to the Brigade has been exceptional.
“Not only has he been an active member of the Brigade for more than 60 of those years, he served as the Brigade’s Captain for 54 consecutive years.
“This level of service is invaluable and worthy of recognition, Mr Smith said.
“This is a small way that both the NSW RFS and the community can express our sincere thanks and gratitude for Brian’s contribution.
“This is about celebrating Brian’s inspirational contribution and acknowledging his loyalty to the Avondale Rural Fire Brigade and the community,”
Brian is really pleased to get the award.
He said, “I thought it was great. The Rural Fire Service is a great organisation to be a part of and very essential in the bush.”
Brian highlighted the great camaraderie among members at both meetings and call outs to fires.
He recalled the worst fire he had to attend was in 1957. Starting at West Milby the fire went for 80 km and was 25 kms wide and reached Fairholme.
“It took three weeks to extinguish as there was so much fuel on the ground and it [the fire] went through so fast it went up again. It was pretty devasting. Hundreds of people were involved.”
Kimberely metals announces deal with Yunnan copper
By Dominic Geiger
Kimberley Metals has announced the first six months worth of copper concentrate produced at its Mineral Hill mine, located 50 kilometres north of Condobolin, will be sold to the Chinese based Yunnan Copper Company.
Yunnan Copper is China’s third largest copper producer, largest silver producer and ninth largest gold producer.
Kimberley Metal’s Executive Chairman, Jim Wall, said the sales agreement had been struck on favourable terms.
“The sales deal will cover four to five shipments of 4,000 to 6,000 metric tonnes of copper concentrate to Yunnan Copper’s smelter between August and December this year,” he said.
“The copper concentrate is put in bulk bags of two tonnes each, sent to Dubbo by train, then on to Botany Bay where it is loaded onto a container ship and sent to China.
“Each year new terms of sales will be worked out, and we will attempt to renegotiate for next year.
“There’s a big market out there, but we’re keen to keep this relationship going into the future.
“I think it’s extremely promising we have the first contract away until the end of this concentrate year.”
Mineral Hill mine has only recently begun copper concentrate production, with its second bore mill set to come online in the coming days
The Maids in Condobolin
By Dominic Geiger
The top floor of the Condobolin Community Centre was a hive of activity last Friday evening with eager Condobolinites filling the gallery room for the Q Theatre Company Presentation of Jean Genet’s ‘The Maids’.
Designed by the renowned artist, Brook Andrews, the set for the performance transformed the usually bare gallery room into a dark, brooding scene, perfect for the 1947 French murder classic.
The music too created an incredible ambience, and the acoustics of the room allowed the haunting sounds of accordions and violins to transport the audience to a dark place of servitude and jealousy.
Loosely based on the true story of two French maids who murdered their employer, The Maids builds incredible tension between the servants and the flamboyant ‘Madam’, culminating in an explosion of jealousy, resentment and murderous desire.
The Condobolin audience seemed to enjoy the play which, although slightly confusing at times, built an incredible tension which allowed for lightning fast power shifts between the characters throughout the performance.
The three actors, Kylie Coolwell (Solange), Sharni McDermott (Claire) and Elaine Crombie (The Madam), performed brilliantly, never once losing the audience’s captivation.
C.E.O of Penrith Performing and Visual Arts, John Kirkman, said the visit to the Lachlan Shire had allowed the Penrith based performance group to expand their knowledge of their own country, while giving back to the people who live in the Lachlan.
“This is a great partnership that exists between our two councils,” he said.
“It’s given us a great opportunity to work in our own backyard with our own people.”
2011 Showgirl to be announced at Show Ball this Saturday night
The 117th Annual Condobolin PAH & I Association Show Ball is on this Saturday night at the Condobolin SRA Grounds starting at 8.30 pm.
Highlight of the evening is the announcement of this year’s Showgirl. Condobolin has quite a reputation for producing very sucessful showgirls with a National Showgirl winner Lee Cobb in 1996); two becoming Royal Easter Showgirls ( Lee Cobb in 1996 and Clare McDonlad 2009); three Royal Easter Runner -ups (Diane Cooney, Carolyn Brady and Lyndsey Douglas) and six Royal Easter Showgirl finalists (Lindy Trotter, Sally Cleaver, Danielle Lorenz, Kylie Lemmon, Naomi Ridley and Krystelle Ridley).
Some comments and insights from two former Condobolin Showgirls…
Name: Georgina Sutherland
Age: 24
Occupation: Trainee solicitor
What was your favourite part of the showgirl competition?
“It gave me an opportunity to meet like minded people, to discuss rural life and problems, and it gave me a chance to meet new people and see old friends.”
What was the most challenging part of the competition for you?
“Going to zone and needing a broad knowledge on absolutely everything. You really need to be up to date with current events at a local, state, national and international level.”
What opportunities did the competition present you with?
“The competition really helped me hone in on my interviewing skills. It really helps get rid of the nerves you sometimes experience with interviews. I also had the opportunity to meet a lot of other girls from different backgrounds.”
What was the most unexpected thing about the competition?
“I didn’t think there’d be girls competing with such a broad range of professions. I thought it would be mostly agronomists, teachers and nurses, but it was much wider.”
How did competing in the showgirl competition change your perception of the event?
“You never know what to expect-it opens your eyes to what it means to be an ambassador to rural life and how broad a background other competitors can come from. You don’t necessarily have to come from a country town to be in [the competition], a lot of the other competitors came from all parts of society.”
Name: Lindsey Douglas
Age: 25
Occupation: PR Consultant for the Ray White Real Estate Group
What was the most unexpected thing about the competition for you?
“I was surprised about how much it entrenches you in the agricultural and show circuit and introduces you to other rural communities.”
What was your favourite thing?
“The amount of personal development you get from competing, the situations you’re put in that you usually wouldn’t find yourself in and the friends you make along the way.”
What was the most challenging thing about the competition?
“Making sure you have a broad understanding of rural issues in your own region is really important. I have to say though that it’s such a fantastic competition to be part of. The biggest hurdle is actually just putting your name down, but in the end the personal growth is completely worth it. A lot of my career progression came about as a result of the show competition.”
How did your understanding of the competition change between when you entered and after winning?
“I had no understanding prior to entering how crucial the show is to the Condobolin community or the level of commitment from people who organise it. It’s nothing short of fantastic. The Condobolin show is much bigger than the town itself. You’d struggle to find a town the same size as Condo that can create a show that big.”
Condo high students learn from drama legends
By Dominic Geiger
Condobolin High School students had the opportunity last Thursday to learn from the cast and coordinators of The Maids theatre presentation at a drama workshop held at the Condobolin Community Centre.
Thirty two drama students took part in the workshop while approximately 120 other students were given a tour of the building and received a sneak peak of the stage and props as they were being prepared for Friday night’s performance.
Penrith based drama teacher and stand-up comedian, Brent Thorpe, said the aim of the workshop was to encourage students to express themselves in ways they usually wouldn’t be able to while in a school environment.
“It’s about letting kids know it’s ok to express themselves and that they do have a voice and it’s ok to use it,” he said.
“We do basic skills training, drama games and we give them a taste of what it is to act.
“The students also had the chance to have a Q and A with The Maids actors and learn about how they got into [National Institute of Dramatic Art].”
Actor Elaine Crombie said the workshops were designed to help children release stress they might be experiencing at home or at school.
“The issues a lot of young kids go through day to day can create something like a tension wire for them,” she said.
“If they don’t have access to ways to express themselves that wire can snap later in life and then that becomes something the rest of the community has to deal with.
“I’m not saying this is the only way, but early intervention like this can address these sorts of issues now.”
Yellow mountain tests riders and their bikes
By Karen Tooth
Described as the toughest course ever, this year’s Yellow Mountain Cross Country for motorcycles covered 222 kms on private land between Condobolin and Tottenham.
The track is marked by arrows and the terrain consists of open red soil plains to mallee trails to rocky hills. Adding to the time challenge riders had to dismount and turn off their bikes whenever they had to cross public roads. This year is also the first for electronic timing that provided live updates to the web.
Clerk of the Course Geoff Smith said, “Feedback from the riders is that they had a great time and that the course was extremely challenging.”
The event is becoming very popular with the 220 entries being taken up within 45 minutes of the nominations opening online. Geoff said riders came from all over Australia including Queensland and Victoria.
Geoff said there were a few accidents involving broken collar bones and one helicopter airlift of two riders. One rider had a suspected dislocated hip but was released from hospital with bruised kidneys while the other had a dislocated and broken elbow.
Overall winner of the event is Jacob Smith and he was presented with a very special memorial trophy constructed by Geoff Smith from a plough disk donated by the late Col O’Hara from Tottenham. The wooden base was fashioned by Ralph Lee.
Geoff said, “The trophy has become the Col O’Hara Memorial Award and I’d like to thank Ralph for the magnificent job he did on the base.”
Yellow Mountain is on again next year – first weekend in August 2012 with nominations available online.
Jeans for Genes at CHS
Condobolin High School students had the chance last week to strut their stuff in stylish jeans and raise money for research into genetic disorders for the annual Jeans for Genes day.
Jeans for Genes Day is a major fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Research Institute and is held annually on the first Friday in August.
Students donated a gold coin each in support of the cause and managed to raise a grand total of $151.80.
Teacher Gillian McMillan said she was impressed with the students’ efforts.
“The kids really care about it,” she said.
“They’ve been asking questions and quite a few kids here have family with genetic disorders.
“Considering we’re only a small school I think we’ve done well to raise that amount of money.”
Condobolin Public School variety concert
By Dominic Geiger
Condobolin Public School (CPS) students put on a concert extravaganza last Wednesday evening with a wide range of different performances delighting a capacity crowd in the school’s assembly hall.
Items presented included singing performances, dances, plays, poetry recitals and a slide show which depicted everyday life in the classroom.
All students at CPS took part in the concert, with each class presenting their own unique performance.
CPS Deputy Principal, Judy Wilson, said the students loved the chance to perform in front of their parents and grandparents.
“The students preformed really well,” she said.
“They were all incredibly excited and showcased the talent of the school.
“We had a full house and ran out of tickets”.
Judy said both the students and teachers had put a huge amount of effort into the concert in the lead up to last Wednesday.
“The children have been rehearsing last term as well as this term and then they had two big practises followed by a Matinée before the evening performance on Wednesday.” She said.
“The students from St Joseph’s also came over during the day and they seemed very excited about the performance.
“We’ve received a lot of feedback from the audience saying they really enjoyed it and how proud the parents and grandparents are of the kids and what the school has done.”
Unholster your hotdogs, JanRay’s in town
ADVERTORIAL
Many Condobolinite’s will remember the days of Morgan’s Cafe in Bathurst Street.
For a while now, that friendly little café we all knew and loved has been sitting in our main street empty and unused.
Recently however, it was given a new face and opened last Tuesday by Tammy Staines and John (Buzz) Buswell of Condobolin as JanRay’s.
It has always been Tammy’s dream to one day own a cafe, and after 20 years in the mining industry, John was looking for a new direction and a challenge.
So when the opportunity arose to obtain the premises that was once Morgan’s Cafe, the pair grabbed it with both hands.
Buzz says that so far they have had nothing but positivity and support from the community in their new business venture.
“We have had 98% positive feedback. It is still a learning curve, so that remaining 2% of constructive criticism we have taken on and used to improve our service; we are always open to feedback” says Buzz.
“We just want to provide Condobolin with a friendly, homely, community minded atmosphere with great food and coffee” he said.
And whilst on the subject of community mindedness, JanRay’s is offering one of their front windows to any community groups and events that would like to create a display to promote themselves.
So drop in to JanRay’s on Bathurst Street and try their gourmet hotdogs, delicious baked potatoes on Thursdays and Fridays, and I can personally vouch for their scallops and thickshakes.
A passion for painting
ADVERTORIAL
As a second generation painter with over forty year’s experience, Graham Byrne knows a thing or two about his trade.
Based in West Wyalong, Graham said he was always willing to travel to for a job, and examples of his work could be seen throughout the region.
“I did the house of the Principal at Condobolin High last year, as well as the high school itself some time ago,” he said.
“I’ve also done the post offices in Cootamundra and Young, as well as the Catholic Church in West Wyalong.
“I regularly do jobs in Tullibigeal, Lake Cargelligo and Ungarie as well, so for me it’s basically a case of going where there’s work.”
Graham said he offered quality guaranteed work and was more than happy to provide free quotes and free advice.
“I’m more than willing to help out if the owner’s having some trouble picking a colour scheme for the project,” he said.
“I can basically help by giving input on any issues associated with painting; you get to know your stuff after a lifetime in the business.
“I do interior and exterior work as well as any sort of commercial projects.”
Graham can be contacted on his mobile on 0427297393 or at home on 02 69723863.
Police pursuit in Condobolin
By Dominic Geiger
A man and woman from Queensland have been charged with a number of offences after leading police on a high speed chase through the streets of Condobolin last Wednesday.
Highway patrol officers initiated the pursuit after coming across a stolen vehicle on the northern side of town.
The driver then lead police on a five minute chase before leaving the car on the corner of McDonnell and Cunningham Street.
Police then arrested two backseat passengers, both from Condobolin, while the female front seat passenger was arrested a short distance from the car.
Police allege the driver of the vehicle then broke into a nearby house before showering, shaving and changing his clothes in order to change his appearance and evade police.
Police were notified of the driver’s whereabouts when the owner of the house returned home to find the alleged perpetrator still inside.
Police then arrested the driver a short distance from the house.
He has since been charged with driving in a manner dangerous, Skye’s Law, break and enter and will now face Parkes Local Court on September 8.
The two Condobolin residents who were in the back seat of the vehicle have been released without charge as they aided police with their investigations and were unaware the car was stolen.
The female passenger faced court the day following the incident on charges of steal motor vehicle and knowingly being carried in a stolen vehicle.
She pleaded guilty to all charges and received a fine.
Condobolin Police Sergeant, Peter Gibson, said he wanted to thank the community for assistance with locating the driver of the vehicle.
Minister Constance speaks at Yawarra
By Dominic Geiger
The NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Andrew Constance, held a public seminar at Condobolin’s Yawarra Aboriginal Corporation last Wednesday to discuss ways the state government could improve services for Aboriginal people with a disability.
Condobolin’s Googar dancers welcomed the minister to Yawarra with a song and dance performance.
The seminar, which was organised through the Aboriginal Disability Network NSW, was part of Mr Constance’s ongoing tour of a number of Western NSW towns during which he hopes to gather community feedback on the best way to implement reforms to state disability services.
Mr Constance said the focus of the reforms was to put disability funding in the hands of the individual with a disability, their carers and family.
“What we’re doing as the new Government is reforming disability support so rather than funding disability services, we’re going to provide the funding on an individual basis,” he said.
“This will mean [the person with a disability] can pick and choose their services rather than be dictated to.”
Mr Constance said the seminars would also help him gain an understanding into the needs of disabled people living in rural and remote areas of the state.
“Our aim is to put people back at the heart of decision making and to try and drive greater services available to particularly those living in Aboriginal communities and those who are in rural and remote areas.”
“I’m at Yawarra to hear from the Aboriginal community directly about the needs of people with disabilities around Condobolin as well as the Western Plains and Central West,” he said.
While speaking to the crowd of approximately 150 people, Mr Constance said the current state of disability services in NSW was “stuffed” and there “are a million and one issues you probably want to bend my ear about.”
Despite this, he said the situation was improving.
“With the new Government we have the opportunity for $20 billion of growth funding which we’ll be rolling out over the coming years to try and better meet the needs of people with disabilities living in rural and remote areas,” he said.
After announcing the proposed reforms, Mr Constance fielded questions and concerns from the audience.
Currajong disabilities Manager, Ann Hunter, said while the proposed individualised funding might work in metropolitan areas, it may create difficulties for people in remote areas.
“It may not be enough for servicing one family if the person lives on a farm and has to travel large distances for treatment,” she said.
“We have only one client in Lake Cargelligo and it’s difficult to provide her with services because it costs so much.
“The lack of numbers [of disabled people in certain rural areas] will create problems; one model doesn’t fit all.
“We need to work together in the country.”
Coordinator at Yawarra Aboriginal Corporation, Brian Clemson, said it was a privilege for Yawarra to host the seminar.
“There are a lot of carers here to talk about the gaps in disability care that exist in Condobolin,” he said.
“One of the main things we’re trying to achieve is emergency overnight accommodation in the town.
“We are also trying to establish full time, culturally appropriate accommodation for elders and people with disabilities under an Aboriginal banner.”
Theft creates outrage at the Murie
By Dominic Geiger
Condobolin Aboriginal Elders are outraged following the theft of a chain used to mark the location of a children’s burial site on the grounds once belonging to the Murie Aboriginal Settlement, just south of Condobolin.
The theft is thought to have occurred sometime between the evening of Friday July 22 and the morning of Sunday July 24.
It has also been reported that firewood has been cut and removed from the area, which is an offense given the Murie site is administered by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) as a travelling stock route.
CEO of the Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council, Rebecca Shepherd, said it was disappointing the theft had occurred considering the amount of work the community had put into the project.
“For the Elders and the school kids who worked on this project to see it treated in this way, it’s as though it just didn’t matter,” she said.
“The Elders are talking about putting a pad lock on the outside gate as a last option, but that would just create a challenge for people who might want to break in.”
The Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (LCMA) recently recognised the work done preserving the burial site during an awards ceremony in Cowra.
“There are between twelve and fourteen children buried here,” Rebecca said.
“The OEH came out last year and helped locate the bodies resting near the scarred tree using ground penetrating radar.
“It’s not just Aboriginal children who were buried here either, as the Murie was a place where all different sorts of people have lived together over the years.”
RFS cadets recognised at high school ceremony
By Dominic Geiger
Nine Condobolin High School students have been recognised for their completion of a Rural Fire Service (RFS) cadetship training course at a special ceremony held at the high school last Monday.
During the ceremony, the cadets demonstrated their recently acquired skills in a mock car accident and grass fire training exercise.
Learning Development Officer with the RFS, Warwick Parker, said the most important thing the cadets had learned throughout their training was teamwork.
“They found the teamwork side of things a bit difficult when they first started, though once they got the hang of that. they’ve been doing great,” he said.
“They’ve also been learning skills using the hoses, how to fight fires, truck skills and some basic first aid.
“It’s a good thing for the school and a great way to promote the RFS to the community and that’s how the cadets program is supposed to work.”
RFS Cadet, Mitchell Deeves, said he was surprised how much he’d learnt over the course of the training program.
“It was great, we learnt so much,” he said.
“The other thing is, that none of us were friends before we started the program but we get along really well with each other now.”
The Mayor of the Lachlan Shire, Des Manwaring, presented the cadets with their certificates.
“This is a great program, it’s volunteering at its best,” Des said.
“The RFS is having trouble getting volunteers, so I hope these young people will continue to be a part of and support this fantastic organisation.”
McAlister Kemp at Condobolin RSL
This year’s Golden Guitar winner for ‘Best New Talent’, McAlister Kemp, will be bringing their explosive country rock show to the Condobolin RSL on Friday August 12.
The band is currently riding high from the release of their debut album ‘All Kinds of Tough’, which reached number eight on the ARIA Country Sales Chart.
One half of the country rock duo, Drew McAlister, said he and Troy Kemp would be looking to blow the Condobolin crowd away with a high energy performance.
“I want people to bring their dancing shoes,” Drew said.
“We haven’t played in Condobolin before, so we’re really looking forward to it.
“We’ll be doing stuff off the most recent album as well as a few covers, so I think people will enjoy the show.”
Drew said he wanted to show the Condobolin audience that contemporary Australian country music is evolving and changing.
“The things that make our songs country is the stories behind them, though we maintain a contemporary sound as well,” he said.
“We’ve both got that country background and that never leaves you; I’m from Moree and Troy is from Kempsey.”
Drew said the duo usually took it easy before going on stage on the night of the performance.
“We don’t have any real ritual, we just drink a lot of water and put together the set list,” he said.
“We have a new bass player for this tour though, so that will be interesting.”
Further details of the band’s upcoming tour can be viewed on mcalisterkemp.com.
Yellow Mountain Enduro coming to a paddock near you
By Dominic Geiger
The annual Yellow Mountain Cross Country motorcycle race will once again fill the paddocks between Condobolin and Tottenham with the roar of dirt bikes this weekend.
Spectators are able to view the bikes at the scrutineering event from 3 to 7pm Friday and during the start of the race at 10am on Saturday, both of which are set to be held at the Mt Tilga Motocross track, eight kilometres north of Condobolin.
Member of the Condobolin Auto sports club, Kim Lark, said the track was hilly with plenty of dust.
“I’d say there are going to be plenty of spills,” she said.
Competitor in the event, Don Lark, said he has competed in the event every year since it began.
“This is my ninth year doing the Yellow Mountain,” he said.
“It’s pretty tough, there are a fair few hills and rocks.
“The hardest thing about the track is getting to the end and back.
“We’ll leave Mt Tilga, travel through farmland, go around the back of Mineral Hill Mine and then into Tottenham,” he said.
Riders will finish the event throughout Sunday afternoon at the Mt Tilga Motocross track.