Gassy Gossip August 2014 - Shire of Upper Gascoyne

August 2014 Edition 72
Sunrise at the Kennedy Ranges
Photo By: Lawrence Hillary
PROUDLY PUBLISHED AND PRINTED BY
Council News
August 2014
Hello Readers,
Another busy period, with the amount of Tourists travelling through in the past month, significant.
The Caravan Park has been fully booked out on several occasions in the past month so this is a
very nice problem for us to have, especially given the age of the facility and the limited Marketing
and promotion which is very much it the early days, with much work remaining to be done.
Landscaping at the new facility by way of Rock mulching will be completed within the next month
and several paths will also be constructed to link the recently installed single person quarters to the
existing Caravan Park facility.
The 2014/2015 fees and charges were presented to Council and adopted.
Junction Race Club requested a donation for the 2014 Junction Races. Council decided to make
allowance for a $4,000 cash donation and a $2,000 in kind by way of labour and machinery, with a
further $1,000 to the Junction Gymkhana.
Council also to make an allowance of $500 as a donation towards the Winning Gymkhana event
held 11th – 14th July at the Towera Woolshed on Lyndon Station.
Council adopted the Financial Management Review which was carried out by Councils Auditors,
Anderson Munro and Wyllie in May 2014. The financial Management review is carried out every
four years at all Local Governments in WA and Council was happy with the outcomes from Review
which raised minimal items requiring attention.
Work was due to commence on the rebuild of the airstrip however with the recent discovery of
water leaching from the Water Corp facility the decision has been made to defer these works until
the cause of the problem has been addressed. Councils engineering consultants GDH and the CEO
have discussed the matter with the Water Corporation and engineers are working together to
resolve the issues which will likely include the need for the Water Corporation to build a
evaporation pond to allow the waste water to be evaporated.
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Council News
The new Tourism Precinct which has been operating since February was formally opened on
the 14th June by Hon Terry Redman, Minister for Regional Development and Ross Collins, Shire
President. Approximately 180 people attended with much positive feedback of the facility. I
would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Raelene and Mike Harley for their great efforts in
keeping the facility running and running well during this difficult and very busy period, and
extend a warm welcome to Mark Belton and Karen O’Connor, the new managers whom started
on Monday 23rd July. Mark is an experienced Chef of 10 years and is currently working on a
new Menu to be introduced within the next month.
I would also like to welcome Margaret Rowe the new Administration Manager to the shire.
Margaret joins us from the Shire of Ashburton and recently moved to town with her husband
Colin.
Some of the Caravan Park Residences
enjoying themselves getting out and about in
the Junction.
Dirk Sellenger
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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What’s Parks and Wildlife doing in the Shire
July was a busy month for Parks and Wildlife staff in the Gascoyne Shire with a large amount
of time spent in the field.
Firstly a trip to the Parks and Wildlife managed section of Wanna was completed with
maintenance of signage, ground baiting for wild dog control and general reserve inspection
and familiarization carried out. Also several remote cameras were positioned in a selected
area hoping to record Northern Quolls as while there are reports of them here there is no
confirmation. This would be the southernmost record of them. Will be interesting to see what
else is recorded such as Rock Wallabies.
Northern Quoll
Information Shelter
Two crew from the Swan Coastal Region travelled up to assist with a project covering old
wells on the ex-pastoral leases. A total of twelve wells were covered to prevent visitors and
animals falling in. Wells that were near proposed drive trails or of good quality workmanship
and condition had inspection hatches constructed into the cover so people could look into the
well safely. While here two new information shelters were constructed at Mt Augustus and the
old wooden information totems that had been eaten out by white ants were replaced with
steel. All up a very productive project that achieved far more than hoped.
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Quiz & Number Plate Auction
Night
Saturday 2 August 2014
6 pm at the
Gascoyne Junction Pavilion
Entry is $20.00 Per head
Tables of 6 - 8
Nibbles
&
Meal Provided
BYO Drinks
Door Prizes
Quiz
Number Plate Auction
Example
(Prizes every team member)

1st Prize

2nd Prize

Wooden Spoon
Come along and Join a Table.
Funds raised on the night will
go towards future Community
Projects.
Phone Bids Welcome
Please contact Robyn to Register your
Interest
Phone: 99430988
Email: [email protected]
RSVP by 28 July 2014
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Gascoyne Junction
Visitors Comments
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Gascoyne Junction
Visitors Comments
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2014 ANNUAL
JUNCTION RACES
Saturday 23rd August
6 Card Event Featuring the Elders
Junction Cup
Gymkhana Sunday 24th August
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The 2014 Junction Races are fast approaching on Saturday 23rd August
followed by the Gymkhana on Sunday 24th August.
Preparation is well underway having secured a band, caterers and carrying out
some general repairs in the readiness for the event.
We are always keen to hear from anyone interested in supporting the club
through sponsorship, large or small, and this year we are seeking another race
sponsor so if you are interested or know of someone who may be, please call
Rachael on 9943 0552 or email [email protected] for more
information.
Rachael Funnell
Secretary
Email [email protected]
CRAFT NEWS
The 30th and 31st August (Change of Date from calendar) will be a jewellerymaking workshop. Make a necklace, bracelet and earrings with Chris Peterson.
Cost $25 – please let me know if you would like to come so I can let Chris
know.
The following workshop will be the 13th and 14th September – Tutored if I can
confirm a tutor – further details to follow.
Any queries or suggestions please contact Alys McKeough 08 9943 0924
[email protected]
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A Winning Weekend
The Winning Bush Gymkhana is an event held each year at the old Towera Woolshed
on Lyndon Station (110 kms SE of Nanutarra Roadhouse). Held on the 11-12th July,
Winning continues to see bush people gather together for friends, family and fun! It’s a
small gathering of around 250 people, but we like it that way.
With Saturday testing the skills of motorbike riders in the challenging Tin Horse
Gymkhana, events such as the Slow Race (extremely hard on a motorbike!), Flag Races
and Tilt the Ring draws oohs and aahs from the appreciative crowd. Young children
attest to the bright future of the event, keeping the crowd busy cheering them on too.
Lucy and Sam Meecham of Quobba Station were strong competitors in the juniors
events. In the adults, local pastoralists Brett and Graeme Hopkinson of Hill Springs and
Wandagee Stations, never fail to impress with their ability to make these events look
incredibly easy! Female competitors, though smaller in number, also impress with these
fierce women ripping up the sand for the day. Kym Dellar of Wyloo Station, has been
riding motorbikes since she was a young girl and her many wins are a testament to her
ability.
Sunday dawns with some weekenders feeling the effects of dancing till close while
catching up with friends not seen recently. The Horse Gymkhana events are today's
entertainment and to kick it off, the Lead Ons start their showing careers with parents
and some grandparents lining up at the drums.
Don't be fooled by the smiles and laughter, this is serious competition!
2014 was a cracker year for littlies, with two heats needed to for all the Lead On riders.
The older children show their improved riding ability with faster manoeuvres and slick
finishes. The Pensini boys of Cheela Plains Station are always competitive and this year
was no different.
Ladies and Gents line up after lunch for friendly but fierce competition!
The adults really get the horses and dust flying, unfortunately straight over our stoic and
dedicated supporters. Matilda Robinson of Doorawarrah Station proved a little too hard
for Stix Smith of Carnarvon to beat. Bang & Go Back is a fast paced and exciting race,
with competitors required to turn quickly and race each other back to the finish line.
Long time Winning attendees and brothers, Michael and John Percy of Yalleen and
Wiliambury Stations, had this in the bag with a dead heat.
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Sunday night presentations were a proud moment for many people, from the youngest
riders to the prestigious Leading Station trophy. Last years winner, Wyloo passed the
cup in 2014 to Williambury Station. Well done Percy family! No one fell from motorbike
or horse this year, so Stack of the Weekend went to Rory and Kristie de Pledge of
Koordarrie Station, for their ungraceful collapse in the 3 Legged Race.
Without supporters and sponsors from the local towns and stations, events such as
these don't happen! Huge thank you to everyone who attended and put time into the
weekend. We just can't wait for the next one!
Written by : Kristie de Pledge
Barney McTaggart riding Spike with a little help from Mum - Jodie & Dad - Hamish.
Matilda Robinson riding Squat and big sister Kristy de Pledge riding Resi in the
bending race.
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Photos by : Genevieve Robinson=
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"Lexophile" is a word used to describe those who have a love for
“Lexophile”
words, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or
"to write with a broken pencil is pointless."
A competition to see who can come up with the best lexophiles is
held every year in an undisclosed location. This year's winning submission is posted at the very end.
When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.
A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.
The batteries were given out free of charge.
A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.
A will is a dead giveaway.
With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
When you've seen one shopping Centre you've seen a mall.
Police were called to a day care Centre where a three-year-old was
resisting a rest.
Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off?
He's all right now.
A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.
He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye.
Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.
And the cream of the wretched crop:
Those who get too big for their pants will be exposed in the end.
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Gascoyne District Health Advisory Council (DHAC)
Membership Recruitment
Do you have an interest in health and would like to make a positive
contribution to health care in your community.
The Gascoyne District Health Advisory Council (DHAC) are seeking a new
member for the Shire of Upper Gascoyne. The DHAC meets 4 times per
year rotating the venue between Gascoyne Junction, Carnarvon, Exmouth
and Shark Bay
DHAC members work with the WA Country Health Service to represent the
consumer voice, sharing their insights and opinions about what works well,
and what needs improvement.
If you are interested in representing your local community on the advisory
council please contact Mr Greg Rose, DHAC Chairperson on 0417 992 160
or Gascoyne Operations Manager, Gerry Burns on 99 410 300 for more
information.
Plug-It-In Communications
Satellite TV (VAST) Supply & Installation
Additional Set Top Boxes and outlets
Computer Data networks including Wireless
Radio communications and antennae repair, supply and install
Special Offer: Complete VAST System including Decoder, 85cm dish and
installation $575.
Please call Maarten on 0478 600 839 or email
[email protected]
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August
1
Alys McKeough
8
Bill Stocks
18
Spags Burnett
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Harry McKeough
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Jodie Gibson
25
Theona Mitchell Smith
30
Joseph de Pledge
FOR SALE
Frangipani Plants
From 1 metre to 1.8 metre’s tall
$6 - $8 each
Phone Beth on 99430811
FOR SALE
September
Whirlpool fridge/freezer 486ltrs
4
Heath Funnell
$500.00 ONO..
6
Colin Coffin
Phone Jennifer on
9
Stanley Hammarquist
99430851
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Anna McTaggart
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Leeson Dorey
FOR SALE
Westinghouse 430L Single Door Fridge
(White) Purchased Feb 2013 $1200
Got a Birthday coming up? Contact the Gassy
G o s s i p
b y
e m a i l
a t
[email protected]
Westinghouse 500L Chest Freezer (White)
Purchased Oct 2013 $1000
Or both for $2000
Contact Rachael
Wanted
Old X ray plastic film.
Please call Diane on 99430519
9943 0552
FOR SALE
Gascoyne Junction Community Remote School
Has a Kangaroo Jack and a cargo barrier for
sale. Both in good condition.
Open to any Offers
Phone 9943 0515
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Budget Friendly Recipe
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Budget Friendly Recipe
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Colouring page from the Lego Movie:
Lego Superman
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Colouring page from the Lego
Movie.
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AUGUST 2014
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
SATURDAY
2
SUNDAY
3
QUIZ AND
AUCTION
NIGHT
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
COUNCIL
MEETING
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26
27
28
29
JUNCTION
RACES
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JUNCTION
RACES
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CRAFT
CRAFT
WORKSHOP WORKSHOP
September

13th & 14th

22nd - 24th

24th
Wednesday
October

Craft - Tutored

Workshop TBA

Australasian
Safari

Council
Meeting
4th - 6th

Landor Races

29th
Wednesday

Council Meeting

30th - 2nd Nov

Kickstarters
Gascoyne Dash
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