May 2016

Good weather, Biggest Morning Tea, Goodwood Farm Stay and more

Good morning all,

Isn’t this weather just fabulous! A few more days yet and then a bit of rain on Thursday. I think we’ll have to get the fire going then though.

Big numbers of caravans on the move everywhere, it’s really great to see. Warrawong is having lots of 2 and 4 day stayovers, good to see. While on our home town, Julie is back at business at Miss barrett’s Coffee Shop again today. Good to see you back julie after a trying time.

A few towns have their Biggest Morning Teas this week. Wilcannia Hospital Wednesday. Ivanhoe Hospital Thursday. Menindee also on Thursday. And if you are in Menindee, stop over for the Uniting Church Fete on Saturday, why not?

If you’re up at White Cliffs, as you probably took in the Music Festival, then you could head out to “Goodwood” Farmstay for a few days and catch up with the ladies at the Red Earth Cafe next Friday for Craft and a chatter. But then if you’re in Broken Hill, Tri State Safari’s have 2 fantastic trips on offer. 1 is to Lake Eyre, and the other one is to Birdsville. Great trips and Mick and Jo will look after you. Don’t forget to check out the Silhouettes as you come into Tibooburra too, they look fantastic.

Speaking of Broken Hill, The Barrier Local Area Command, last Friday, presented a cheque for $10,000- to the RFDS as a result of their ‘tri state’ fundraising. What a great effort fellas, well done.

Lots of tours and exploring in our National Parks at the moment, too many to list, so go into their website, and check out all our Parks out this way, they’re looking great at the moment.

Dirt roads status, Solar Plant Open Day, Music Festival, River Cruises and more

Hello all,

On Sunday, 22nd May the AGL Solar Plant just outside of Broken Hill has an Open Day. There will be guided tours of the plant free of charge and lots of activities for the kids. It’s from 9am – 3pm. More information can be found here: https://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/events/community/agl-broken-hill-solar... Patrick Kreitner Tourism Officer, Broken Hill City Council 240 Blende Street Broken Hill NSW 2880 Australia P. (08) 8080 3569 W. www.brokenhillaustralia.com.au E. Patrick.Kreitner@brokenhill.nsw.gov.au

The dirt roads seem to be taking a time to dry out. And for goodness sake don’t travel at night, the ‘roos on the road are really dangerous.

Well it’s all roads to White Cliffs this coming week end, for their Annual Music Festival. Kicks off Friday evening with a ‘walk up concert’ and so it continues for the weekend. You’ll really enjoy the few days.

If you are in Broken Hill, then I’m pretty sure there’s a Country Music Afternoon at the Sturt Club next Sunday, what could be more relaxing. Then you could take in the RFDS base on the Monday, a few Art Galleries, and an absolute host of other activities for you in ‘the Hill’.

Down Ivanhoe way, there’s a furniture restoration afternoon with chalk painting, sounds fun and it’s on next Saturday at the RSL Club.

There’s a lot going on these days up at Bourke too. The River Cruises are in full swing again. Really good one each Sunday, so why not take one in and stop by at Hully’s Poetry on a Plate”, great food, (camp oven) stories and great atmosphere. And that’s only part of what they’ve got to show you up there.

Warrawong Caravan Park is full to almost overflowing these days, van sites and cabins. Happy hour every night and a welcome to all.

No recent news from down the ‘inside country’ but I’m sure there’s a bit going on. I know the Nyngan Museum is having Devonshire tea on the platform on the 28th. And there’s ‘Comedy Boxing’ on at the RSL Club in Dubbo on the 27th.

Further ahead, Louth Field day, on the 11th. June and our very own 150 year celebration Field Day here in town Saturday arvo 11th. and Sunday 12th. June, come and help us turn over 150 years.

ALL dirt roads closed, and more...

Hello all,

Well, what a rain! Yes I know you want to travel, but there wouldn’t be a “cocky” without a smile on his face today!

It goes without saying that all dirt roads are closed till further notice. Now that could well be a few days at the least. I must tell you this one, I had no idea communication was such a problem.

Walked in to get my paper at our supermarket (Wilcannia) yesterday.  A bloke walked out of an aisle, the usual “G’day mate, which way are you going? (can pick these caravaners now), “Well we’d go to White Cliffs but this bloody rain”.  Bewildered, I said “is that a problem? “ Well we were just told the road is part dirt”.  I thinks, god give me strength.  Mate the road has been sealed for the last 15 years! He was delighted and mystified. I checked out his source of info. To find it was one of our own town employees who told them!! I then explained to the lad, “Oh” he said “I didn’t know that”

So, to all you wonderful travellers, the road to White Cliffs is sealed ALL the way. You will need it  to get to their fabulous Music Festival on the 20th. to 22nd. and while you’re up there The Red Earth Cafe has craft and a natter every Friday. The men are most welcome at the pub to pass the time!

Now there’s a scary movie on at Burke and Wills park in Menindee next Friday if you’re about, and unfortunately the Ivanhoe Campdraft has had to be cancelled because of drought condition of the stock. But look if you’re around Ivanhoe, there’s the Club, the Pub, the beaut Cafe, Loz’s Coffee shop, and Wendy’s caravan park, store, fuel and heaps more including a big smile.

Had a few hours at Agfair yesterday, heaps of people, a credit to the organisers, and found a few more exhibitors who have decided to come to our big day.

SO, we now have over 20 trade stands attending our Field and Fun Day here on the 12th. June!! All welcome. If you are north of us then you can always go to the Louth Field Day on the 11th. (and still make it down here on the 12th.!).

Roads closed, Agfair, White Cliffs Music Festival and more

Good morning to you all,

How good was that rain! Hope you did your dirt road travelling last week, as almost all dirt roads in the Central Darling Shire are closed. So please check with the relevant Shire where you are to make sure your destination road is open and trafficable. Remember our radio stations, they will guide you.

Just don’t know how you are all going to cover the distances next weekend! It’s happening everywhere.

As I said last week: We have Agfair happening in the HILL next Friday and Saturday, but that’s not all. We’ve got the Nyngan Show on next Sunday and Monday with Gardening Australia’s presenter as special guest, how good is that! And right in the middle is the Cobar Races on the 7th. Of course if you are nowhere near those festivities you may be able to go to the Wagga gold Cup on Friday the 6th. and drop in to the Coomealla Sporting Club for the Mothers Day Luncheon, obviously on next Sunday. Don’t forget coffee in bed for the lady next Sunday!

I must make special mention of a lovely lady in Nyngan who has been a fantastic help to me with this email. Donna has finished at Bogan Shire and we will miss her. I had the pleasure of meeting Katie at the Railway Museum yesterday, it’s all happening in Nyngan.

Also, congratulations to Scott Smith who started our fantastic “Warrawong Caravan Park” here in Wilcannia, he has now taken “Tristate Safari’s” into his portfolio, as well as the Copper City Motel in Cobar, the Ivanhoe Pub, and now the Underground Motel in White Cliffs. Scott we wish you all the very best, you’ve done wonders to tourism in our area. Mick and Jo, you two are a legend in the west  and between you all, we can all only get better.

On top of all that, don’t forget the White Cliffs Music Festival 20-22nd. May. Comedy Boxing at the Dubbo RSL Club (flyer attached) on the 27th.