Latest news and announcements

For latest news on services, roads, tours and events, please call Tourism Association president, Bill Elliott on mob. 0429 915467, or enquire via our contact form.

See also "Wilcannia News newspaper" for newspaper contact details (e.g. "letters to the editor")

Flood preparation

The technical Services department of Central Darling Shire have been  quietly preparing for the “impending flood”.

With funds from the NSW State Government’s Counter Disaster Fund there has been a levy built around Tilpa, and levy repairs and rebuilding down around the Warrali Estate and St Therese’s Mission School. Local contractors were used for these works, which had to be sanctioned by the State Emergency Service before work commenced.

Traffic on the Barrier Highway has been disrupted today while local road contractors work on stabilising the shoulders on either side from Hood Street through to the White Cliffs Road side of the Shire Depot.

Upcoming Hospital Auxiliary Monster Raffle

The Wilcannia community has committed to raising $20,000 towards the cost of new digital x-ray equipment for the Wilcannia Hospital. The remainder of the estimated $84,000 total cost will be met by NSW Government.

The need for this has been identified by the community during the process of consultations for the Local Implementation Plan for the Federal Governments Remote Service Delivery program.

The Hospital Auxiliary has taken up the challenge. To date there has $15,500 set aside. The final $4,500 is needed by the 1st June 2012.

To raise this a Multi draw raffle is being held (to be drawn Friday, April 27, 2012 - 7:00pm*) with prizes donated by Wilcannia and Broken Hill businesses (see below for more details).

RSPCA Healthy Dog Clinics

RSPCA Dog ClinicsThe RSPCA will be running the Remote Services Delivery funded healthy dog clinics in Wilcannia during the first week of May (Tuesday the 1st & Wednesday the 2nd).

As with last year the clinics will offer FREE;

  • De-sexing
  • Worming
  • Micro chipping
  • Flea / tick control
  • Health checks

Please avoid organising events during these dates to enable full community participation & access

Full (event) details closer to the date. See also RSPCA's "Dog Welfare Tips and Advice"

Veteran Car Rally in Wilcannia 30th March

A Model Fords, and their owners, spent last Sunday night (18th March) in Wilcannia, and had a tour around on Monday morning.Veteran car and motorcycle rally

Elaine and Andrew Lever spent 30 years on “Marrapina” Station, north of Broken Hill. Their restored 1928 Ford Roadster, was down to the chaise when they were on “Marrapina” and their 2 sons put an old car seat on it and used it for a bit of fun. Since retiring to the Clare Valley Andrew has spent 2 years fully restoring the car.

Anne and Murray I’Anson have restored their 1928 Phaeton, it taking them about 2 years. Both couples are on their way to the Modal A rally in Queensland.

Central Darling Shire added to Natural Disaster list

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallagher has added Central Darling Shire Council (CDSC) to the State list of local government areas affected by natural disasters.

There are now 53 shires declared.

This means the Shire can access assistance schemes to repair infrastructure, particularly roads, that have been damaged either by flood or the exceptional rain experienced in recent months.

The Natural Disaster recovery schemes are also supported by the Commonwealth Government.

Antique and rare books

Miss Barretts Coffee shop has a "antique and rare books" section -- the latest of which is detailed below:

  1. "Lord of Zaracus" by Anne Muther
    Mills and Boon, Hardcover edition.
    FIrst published 1970. SBN 263 51399 8

    Made and printed in Great Britain by Richard Clay (The Chaucer Press) Ltd, Bungay, Suffolk.

    Condition and history:
    Ex BrokenAntique book at Miss Barretts Hill Municapl Library
    Has Library stamps on front face plate, Title page and last page facing rear cover.

Flood affected graziers asked to report losses

The NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson has urged graziers to report any water damage and stock losses to the Department of Primary Industries. Ms. Hodgkinson said the information will be vital for the Department to plan and provide both long term and short term help to affected properties.

Due to the slow movement of the flood waters and the recent extraordinary rain falls in the Wilcannia and Ivanhoe areas, movement around properties may be affected for many weeks.

This may mean a longer than normal period where emergency responses such as fodder drops and aerial surveillance will be required. It has been reported that 30,000 sheep have been stranded in the Ivanhoe area alone.

Essential Energy Flood Safety Tips

Essential Energy would like to advise customers of some basic flood safety tips to help you stay safe around electricity during the expected severe flooding in your area.

It is important to remember that flood waters can damage electrical installations. Any deposited mud and debris are able to conduct electricity, making the installation unsafe during and after the flood. The waters can also lead to corrosion of electrical connections and significantly increase the risk of the connection failing or causing a fire.

An installation that has been inundated with flood water requires careful inspection and possible repair before supply can be restored.

How should I prepare for a flood?

Severe penalties for unauthorised levy banks

NSW Water Commissioner David Harris has warned landholders that they face severe penalties for the construction of unauthorised banks and levies. Mr. Harris said while he understands the landholders need to protect crops, property and stock the construction of such levies may impact on neighbouring properties and those downstream by redirecting flood waters.

Mr. Harris said that the approval of levies and banks requires hydraulic assessment and this is not a process that can be done overnight, particularly on the western NSW floodplains.

Penalties for offences associated with these type of works range from $1.1 million and $132,00 for each day the offence continues to $247,500 and $66,000 for individuals.

St Therese's Flood Watch

FLOOD WATCH

With the Darling River expecting to peak in early April, we have put plans and procedures in place in the event that we will be affected At this stage, we are informed that the water will hit the Levee Bank surrounding the school with the road coming into school having some water over it. We will keep you informed as we get closer to the peak.

A decision may be made to temporary close the school due to either the road having water on it or for health and safety reasons with stagnant water surrounding the school. We will inform you with as much notice as possible if any decision happens.

For more details please call St Therese Community School

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