$15,000 for WHS
Waikerie High School students will be better prepared for life beyond school, with the help of a $15,400 State Government School to Work grant.
The funds were part of $1.9 million distributed to 46 schools across the state recently.
Waikerie High School maths and science co-ordinator Paul Tripodi said the funds will be put towards a new “mathematical pathways” program for year 11 students.
“Our project is part of the new SACE (South Australian Certificate of Education) and was developed last year with Glossop and Loxton high schools, and this year Renmark High School is also on board,” Mr Tripodi said.
“We’ve designed a course that we think will suit students who are thinking about entering the workforce well.”
Mr Tripodi said the course at Waikerie High School will be run in close partnership with other Riverland high schools, plus the Riverland School-based Apprenticeship program.
“It’s basically a regular maths class, but it will focus on literacy and numeracy related to the workforce, which will set (students) in good stead for employment or a school based apprenticeship in their chosen trade,” he said.
Twenty-seven year 11 students will undertake the course this year, with the hope of extending the course for year 12 in 2011.
Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said the grants will help schools pioneer innovative ways to encourage young people to stay engaged in education and training, and improve pathways into high skilled jobs and tertiary education
“This helps to build a strong, skilled workforce to support the future knowledge and skill demands in our state, and stands students in good stead for future opportunities,” Ms Lomax-Smith said.
Meanwhile, eight new teachers were welcomed to the staff at Waikerie High School last week:
Nina Rayner – maths; Jessica Light – technology, chemistry, maths, science; Erin Hamood – physical education, science, biology; Maree Feliciotto – English, SOCE, geography; Carlyn Pearson – physical education, science, maths, SOCE; Keysha Errington – art; Mary Walker – drama, English; Robert Kroschel – ICT technician.

A Look Back in Time ...

FIVE YEARS AGO - Fires caused by lightning strikes
CFS units from Waikerie, Cadell, Morgan, Blanchetown and the eastern districts were called to fight two large bushfires on Australia Day.
The fires were caused by a severe lighting storm, which swept across the district at about 9pm on January 26 burning large areas of Mallee scrub.

TEN YEARS AGO - Compareing oranges with oranges
Dr Hoppie Nel, operations manager for a 1500 hectare citrus property in South Africa was in Waikerie last week comparing oranges with oranges.
Together with prominent local citrus grower Mike Arnold, Hoppie was able to see Australian citrus operations first hand, both here and in Mildura.
“The main difference in our citrus operations is that I see Australia has the ability to extend its season. It is so much longer; they (Australian growers) seem to be able to grow year round, while we are restricted to a five month marketing season”.

TWENTY YEARS AGO - Pauliina to make Waikerie home
Pretty 18-year-old Pauliina Peteri of Finland arrived in Waikerie early last week as the first Education Foundation Exchange student to be hosted by a Waikerie family.
In only a few days Pauliina has settled into family life with David Dehila Wuttke and their two children, Shannon and Danielle, much to the delight of her Waikerie counsellor, Pam Anderson.

ARCHIVES ...Friday, January 17, 1964 ... Lucky escape from death
The drivers of the two cars which came into collision on the Sturt Highway last week had narrow escapes from death when their vehicles met almost head-on.
The drivers were Walter Andrew Armstrong, punt operator, of Waikerie, driving a 1956 Peugot sedan, and Colin Dean Pfeiler, mechanic of Waikerie, driving a 1957 Holden.
Both were admitted to the Waikerie District Hospital.
Mr Armstrong suffered broken ribs and a dislocated hip.
Mr Pfeiler received a severe knee injury and a factured jaw and was later transferred to a private hospital in Adelaide.
Both vehicles are write-offs and damage is estimated to be in excess of £900.

Arrest – Waikerie
A 27-year-old Waikerie man was arrested on Sunday, January 31, for alleged disorderly behaviour and other minor offences following a disturbance at a licensed premises in Waikerie.

Report – Blanchetown
A 48-year-old Nuriootpa man was reported for allegedly driving while exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol, with a breath analysis reading of .231 per cent, on Egerton Street, Blanchetown at 6.44pm on Friday, January 29.
He was issued with an immediate 12-month loss of licence.

Report – Blanchetown
A 56-year-old Kapunda male was reported for allegedly driving while exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol, with a breath analysis reading of .111 per cent, on Egerton Terrace, Blanchetown on Friday, January 29.
The man was issued with an immediate loss of licence for six months.

Be clear about clearing
A new set of guidelines have been released to help irrigators currently clearing their fruit blocks.
Developed by PIRSA, the guidelines are aimed at helping irrigators understand their responsibilities when taking up the Federal Government’s Small Block Irrigators Exit Package.
Riverland Drought Response co-ordinator Maria Patterson said while irrigators can receive up to $20,000 in removal costs to help clean up their blocks through the package, there are conditions irrigators must meet.
“Not only do irrigators need to dispose of environmentally hazardous material, but there are also pests, weeds and erosion issues they need to manage,” she said.
“To begin clearing without being fully aware of the issues and requirements can create a number of problems for irrigators.
“That’s why we put together the guidelines, to help irrigators understand their obligations and responsibilities before they begin clearing.”
The guidelines include information on:
- removal and disposal of wastes, including green waste, metal, Copper Chrome Arsenic (CCC) posts, treated timber, poly-pipe and trellis wire
- rehabilitation of land and management of soil erosion
- management of pests and weeds.
Copies of the guidelines are available from the Riverland Response Centre, 7 Wilson Street, Berri, or by calling the drought hotline 180 20 20.

Carry-over confirmed for 2010/11
Irrigators can now apply to carry-over unused water into the 2010/11 season, according to River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald.
“New carry-over arrangements introduced for 2010/11 will allow irrigators to better manage the limited amount of water available,” Mrs Maywald said.
“This is the third consecutive year South Australian irrigators have been able to carry-over water.
“Water carried over into 2010/11 is tradeable within South Australia and interstate.”
Carry-over applications must be lodged at the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation by March 19, 2010.
Mrs Maywald said irrigators must nominate the expected volume of water that will be unused at June 30, 2010.
“Irrigators are encouraged to carefully consider the volume of water that is likely to be unused for 2009/10 because the volume applied for cannot be adjusted after March 19,” she said.
“Applicants will be advised in writing of their carry-over allocation in July 2010, after the final meter reading for 2009/10.”
While announcing the carry-over rules, Mrs Maywald also said that allocations would remain at 48 per cent.
“The Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s latest assessment included no improvement in shared water resource availability for South Australia or the other Basin states,” she said.
The next allocation announcement will be on February 15.

Cave of Wonders goes one better
Last year’s runner-up, the Cave of Wonders, has gone one better to claim this year’s Best Business Award.
The competition, run by the Riverland West Chamber of Commerce (RWCC), encourages shoppers to vote for their favourite local businesses during the busy Christmas shopping period.
Cave of Wonders owner Merridee Sutton was told of her win early last week.
“It is fantastic,” she said.
“It’s great when you hear positive comments over the Christmas/New Year period and it really keeps you motivated.
“There are lots of locals and tourists that come in and say, ‘There’s always something different here’.
“I’m actually off to Melbourne this weekend (last weekend) to purchase some new items, which I do twice a year.
“I’m always on the lookout for the latest looks and new items.
“People can expect to see the new arrivals in the next few weeks.”
RWCC secretary John Sullivan said the awards had been a “huge success”.
“There was a lot more activity in this year’s award,” he said.
“We had more than 300 votes and last year we received 74.
“With this great result we intend to do it all again.
“It will again be held at Christmas time because we feel it helps support the shop local campaign.”
Winner of the voter prize – a four night stay in a deluxe cabin at the Waikerie Caravan Park – was Sue Armstrong.

Cod’s future up for discussion
A public meeting will be held in Berri later this month to discuss the future of Murray Cod fishing in South Australia.
PIRSA Fisheries inland fisheries management officer, Johnathan McPhail, said the meeting was a chance to discuss the Murray Cod Options Paper, released in December 2009.
The paper, titled Management Options for Murray Cod in South Australia, outlines a number of possible options for the future sustainable management of the iconic freshwater fish.
“The current closure of the Murray Cod fishery will remain in place until at least the end of the year,” Mr McPhail said.
“This paper is the next step of an ongoing process of consultation to outline possible management options for 2011 and beyond.
“We understand how important Murray Cod is to the community and therefore need their input as to what they view as the best management option going forward.”
The meeting will be held at the Berri Resort Hotel on Thursday, February 11 from 6.30pm.

Garden Club news
Happy new gardening year.
Yes the Waikerie and District Garden Club is back.
We had a great finish to 2009 with the group participating in the pageant and receiveing a runner up award.
Thank you to those who walked, Anna for her car and Jan and Herb for getting the car ready for us.
Our Christmas get together was great and although it was a cool night, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and thanks to Tracey Neideck and herb staff for a lovely meal.
Thanks to Allison Smith Snr for her home and to Jan and Herb Heppner for a great gift idea.
Everyone gad a great time and thanks to all.
The Garden Club annual garden competition winners were;
Best established garden in township winner was Grace and Lawrie Kalisch and merit was awarded to RG & M Parish.
Best established Garden out of township went to the Holdsworth family.
Best waterwise and low maintenance garden went to Sid and Brenda Copeland and merit to Monica and Franz Stockl.
Best Rejuvenated Garden was awarded to Allison Smith at Ramco Heights.
Best Senior Unit winner was Norma Modistach and merit went to Josie Steinert.
Best Street or Road in area went to Dowling Street.
Congratulations to all.
We have a meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Ramco Institute at 7.20pm.
Our guests are from Wild and Fresh at Loxton North.
Please come along to hear their story.
Looking forward to a great 2010.

Jamboree a hit with local Scouts
Four Waikerie Scouts represented the Riverland West region at the 2010 Australian Scouts Jamboree last month.
Sarah Schultz, Emily-Grace Gartley, Kieran Myers and Jaye Bishop were among 12,000 scouts to converge on Cataract Scout Park, New South Wales, for the 10 day Jamboree.
Jamboree chief director Bob Baker said the theme of the event was to challenge all attendees to “Test Your Limits”.
“It seeks to motivate everyone to test themselves to see just how capable and resilient they are,” Mr Baker said.
He said the Jamboree, which is run every three years, provided physically and mentally challenging programs that encouraged scouts to “go higher, deeper, faster, further, longer and at the same time be stronger, braver and, of course, be smarter”.
“This Jamboree strived to be a fantastic experience for young people and at the same time be an enjoyable experience for adults who attended to work and make things happen,” Mr Baker said.
Activities included an on site climbing wall, high ropes, laser skirmish, BMX riding, circus themed workshops, bush craft, skills workshops, water activities, city tours, endurance challenges and a Jamboree glider flight.
The Scouts also enjoyed two arenas, featuring music, movies and comedy each night.
Kieran Myers, who was recently awarded a Parliamentary Medal for Excellence in Scouts, said there were too many highlights to mention them all.
“We did so many things,” Kieran said.
“The badge swapping was great because we got to meet Scouts from all around Australia, but my favourite part would probably be going to the Jamberoo Fun Park.”
Another Waikerie Scout, Sarah Schultz, 13, said the Jamboree was a “really good” experience.
Sarah, who wants to one day be in the air-force, said the highlight of the Jamboree was her glider flight.
“I just love flying,” Sarah said. “It was really good.
“The BMX track they had there was really fun too, and we got to meet a lot of new people and make a lot of new friends.”

Landfill closures draw near
The final closure of two local landfills is one step closer.
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie recently had its closure plans for the Waikerie and Moorook landfills approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
“Clay samples for the capping process have been submitted for testing and following approval of the materials, capping and closure of the two facilities will commence,” said council infrastructure services director Tom Avery.
“During the closure process at Waikerie and Moorook, transfer stations will be constructed to facilitate transfer of deposited waste to the Loxton Waste Depot.
“The timeframe for the closure of the Loxton Waste Depot has been extended until December 31, 2012.”

Last year’s runner-up, the Cave of Wonders, has gone one better to claim this year’s Best Business Award.
The competition, run by the Riverland West Chamber of Commerce (RWCC), encourages shoppers to vote for their favourite local businesses during the busy Christmas shopping period.
Cave of Wonders owner Merridee Sutton was told of her win early last week.
“It is fantastic,” she said.
“It’s great when you hear positive comments over the Christmas/New Year period and it really keeps you motivated.
“There are lots of locals and tourists that come in and say, ‘There’s always something different here’.
“I’m actually off to Melbourne this weekend (last weekend) to purchase some new items, which I do twice a year.
“I’m always on the lookout for the latest looks and new items.
“People can expect to see the new arrivals in the next few weeks.”
RWCC secretary John Sullivan said the awards had been a “huge success”.
“There was a lot more activity in this year’s award,” he said.
“We had more than 300 votes and last year we received 74.
“With this great result we intend to do it all again.
“It will again be held at Christmas time because we feel it helps support the shop local campaign.”
Winner of the voter prize – a four night stay in a deluxe cabin at the Waikerie Caravan Park – was Sue Armstrong.

Little Nipper
This week’s Little Nipper is Amy Hatcher, of Waikerie, who turned seven on Monday, February 1.
Amy will celebrate the occasion at a ‘Tinkerbell’ themed dress-up party with family, friends, and a jumping castle.
Also having a birthday this week are Lukas Gelston, of Waikerie, who turns three today, Chelsea and Brayden Helbig, who both turn five years old today, and Halle Armstrong, of Waikerie, who will celebrate her sixth birthday on Sunday, February 7.
The River News wishes all Little Nipper members and anyone else celebrating a birthday this week a happy day.

Morgan Today ... Oz day winners recognised
Mid Murray’s top citizens and events were rewarded for their achievements and impact on the local communities at the Australia Day “Breakfast in the Park” held at Mannum last week.
The Mid Murray Council, in conjunction with the Mannum Lions Club, sponsored the “Breakfast in the Park” at Mary Ann Reserve, which saw a large crowd gather to celebrate Australia Day.
Mayor Ian Mann addressed the crowd and presented the awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.
Citizen of the Year
Citizen of the Year Award was presented to David LeBrun, of Swan Reach.
In his nomination form David was labelled an “inspiration”.
“His eco-tourism business brings many tourists to Swan Reach, but it’s his commitment to the community and his enthusiasm that justifies his being Citizen of the Year,” the nomination form explained.
David has been a member of the Murraylands Tourism Marketing Board, is a training officer at the Swan Reach Ambulance Station, has been a member of the Swan Reach School Council and was president of the Swan Reach Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
David has been president, trainer and coach of the BSR Football Club and is currently working to keep football alive in Swan Reach.
“Overall, David has been an inspiration to all who know him and worked with him in his many community activities,” Mayor Ian Mann said.
“He is continually thinking outside the square to ensure results are achieved and the community benefits.
“We thank David for his commitment to the community.”
Young Citizen of the Year
Joel Grieger was presented the Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Joel recently began Year 11 at Swan Reach Area School.
In 2008 and 2009 Joel was the secretary of Black Swan Racing, which involved recruiting new supporters, renewing existing sponsors, typing letters informing of progress and writing articles for local newspapers.
Joel has played football for BSR, cricket for Light Pass Cricket Club and BSR Cricket Club, and is a member of the Swan Reach Golf Club.
Joel is also involved in his local church and youth group, often playing guitar at services.
Joel was one of six finalists out of 500 entrants in the Premier’s Anzac Spirit School Prize, which saw him travel to Europe and learn more about World War I.
Since his trip, Joel has encouraged his peers to apply for the Anzac Spirit School Prize.
Community Event of the Year
The Morgan Commemoration Fair was named the Mid Murray’s Community Event of the Year.
The fair was organised by the Morgan Community Development and Tourism Association (MCDTA) and was held in December last year at the Lion’s Riverfront Park.
The concept of the event was to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the 1839 Mt Bryan Expedition.
The event, supported by Mid Murray Council, was combined with the annual Morgan Christmas Pageant to create a one-day family festival.
“The (MCDTA) Special Events Committee has worked tirelessly on this project,” Mr Mann said.
“Apart from the success of staging the event, one of the event project outcomes is the ‘Bryan Creek Historical Lookout’ interpretive board erected to commemorate the anniversary of the event.”

Newlyweds

TASMANIAN HONEYMOON
Zoe, daughter of Martin and Pauline Broekx, of Crystal Brook, and David, son of David and Marilyn Leibich, of Waikerie, were married on November 24, 2009.
The couple were married at the Waikerie Lutheran Church followed by the reception at Hahn’s riverfront, Taylorville, where they were joined by 120 guests.
Accompanying the couple on their special day were bridesmaids Gayleen Reed, Reece Peek and Sallyann Broekx, and groomsmen Steve Liebich, Craig Thiele and Ben Schutz.
The newlyweds enjoyed their honeymoon in Tasmania before returning home to live in Waikerie.

SWEDISH WEDDING
Former Waikerie man, Greg Blazinic, son of Margaret and Lou, married his Swedish fiancé Carina Sun Dell in the Ice Church in Lapland, northern Sweden, on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.
Both Greg and Carina were recently in Australia, enjoying two weeks in Queensland prior to coming to Waikerie to be with Greg’s parents.

Political picnic on riverfront
Community members are invited to a Family First Picnic Day on the Waikerie riverfront this weekend.
Family First Candidate for Chaffey Jack Papageorgiou said it was a chance to meet, discuss and share views and ideas for the future of the community.
Mr Papageorgiou said he wants to hear local opinions because “we can bring change when we all work together”.
“The Riverland faces a huge challenge now for its future and in the coming state election on March 20, the seat of Chaffey needs to elect a candidate who will bring strong leadership and a vision for the region, which has come from its community,” he said.
“Yes, I am that candidate and yes, I do need your support and the support of your family, friends and co-workers to put Chaffey first.”
The picnic will be held from 5pm on Sunday at the Lions Picnic Area.
A barbecue will be available for a small donation, bring along your drinks and chairs.
Picnics will also be held at Loxton on February 14, the Monash Playground on February 21, Barmera on February 28 and Renmark on March 7.

Super year at Scouts
Cadell’s Kieran Myers was awarded a Parliamentary Medal for Achieving Excellence in Scouts during Mannum’s Australia Day celebrations this year. 
Kieran, 12, had an incredible year of Scouts in 2009, which took him all over Australia.
“I took part in the Sea Scouts regatta in Waikerie,” he said.
“I joined the Flinders Scouts on a hike to Little Hell waterfall at Port Germain and that was 18km.
“We (also) joined the Kimberly Raft Challenge called KIMTIKI at Broome in Western Australia.
“While there we were invited to join an indigenous Scout group at Cape Leveque. It’s the most remote Scout group in Australia.
“We helped them out by running two Scout sessions.
“Usually we only have one a week, but they were so happy to have us there we held two.
“And from January 2 to 16, dad and I joined the Riverland and Yorke Peninsula group in the SA contingent to Sydney for the Scout Jamboree.
“We had a city tour, water activities, travelled through the streets of the city – it was great.”
Despite the busy year, Kieran said he is “very keen” to continue with the organisation.
“We just had our first meeting for the year (last week),” he said.
“I’ve now been in Scouts for six and a half years.
“I love getting out and doing stuff with the Scouts and getting to know more people.
“Our next plan is to go to the New Zealand Jamboree in 2011.”
Scouts is truly a family affair in the Myers’ household, with Kieran’s father Kevin the District Commissioner and his mother, Rosslyn, a Parent Assistant Leader (PAL).
The Parliamentary Medal was presented to Kieran by mayor Ian Mann, after being chosen for the honour by Graham Gunn MP.
Kieran was also one of four Waikerie Scouts to receive a certificate in recognition of their participation in the Mt Bryan 170th Anniversary Expedition re-enactment at Morgan last year.

Tip-off leads to cannabis haul
Police seized nine cannabis plants and prevented hundreds of “cannabis deals” thanks to a report from a concerned community member recently.
Last Thursday Waikerie police received a report of a cannabis crop growing in the backyard of a Waikerie house.
Sergeant Dave Miller said Waikerie police, along with officers from Morgan and Swan Reach, searched the residence where four cannabis plants were found.
“Further enquiries resulted in police searching a second residence, and seizing a further five cannabis plants,” Sgt Miller said.
“Four of these plants were approximately one metre in diameter and were close to harvesting.
“This seizure has prevented hundreds of cannabis deals reaching the streets of the local community.”
A 42-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were reported for cultivating cannabis as a result of the searches and both will be summonsed to appear before the Waikerie Magistrates Court at a later date.
“Members of the community are reminded that any information passed onto police in relation to local drug activity is managed with the strictest confidentiality,” Sgt Miller said.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.