"Will Country Health SA pull the obstetrics ‘plug’ from Waikerie Hospital?
Craig Treloar - Editorial

There is one moment in family life that is never forgotten – the birth of a child.
Every mother remembers some of the most minute details from the experience – but particularly when, where and how long.
Therefore, adding a 45-minute car journey to this experience would seldom be welcomed.
But that is the possibility facing expecting mothers in Waikerie and surrounding districts due to a shortage of midwives at the local hospital.
The hospital has been advertising vacancies, but so far to no avail.
As described on today’s front page by Waikerie GP Dr Ken Wanguhu, who works in obstetrics, the service is impossible to provide without midwives.
Recruiting more midwives, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. The hospital would still need to retain those already working.
As The River News understands some of the local midwives are nearing retirement.
I’m sure after a long and satisfying career in one of our most demanding sectors, these employees will be looking forward to a well earned break – albeit a permanent one.
The question many people will be asking is not when more midwives will become available, but what happens if recruiting and retaining becomes too difficult?
Will Country Health SA pull the obstetrics ‘plug’ from Waikerie Hospital?
Keeping our doctors, as seen in other nearby hospitals, is contingent on keeping services.
Doctors want to practice medicine and will seek out facilities that allow them to do this.
Given the upcoming election and focus on the seat of Chaffey, perhaps a solution will be found sooner rather than later.
This was certainly the case earlier this week when the Liberal Party pledged $1.3 million to return an after hours service to Renmark Hospital.

$185k for council
The District Council of Loxton Waikerie has cashed in on $185,000 in federal funding to start and complete four local community infrastructure projects this year.
The funding was part of the second round of the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP).
Council will use $13,500 to refurbish the annex rooms of the Waikerie Institute and $71,500 to construct a walking track in Federation Park, while the remainder will be used to upgrade sporting facilities in Paruna and to complete construction of a room at the Loxton Aerodrome.
Council environmental services director Neil Martinson said the funds have “pushed forward” projects that would have otherwise had to wait for council funding, which could take “quite a few years”.
“The work to Federation Park has been on the drawing board for about 10 years, so it will be fantastic to get that work completed,” Mr Martinson said.
“The upgrade to the Waikerie Institute annex room was a request received by council about 12 months ago, so the funding was good timing for that too.”
Mr Martinson said council is currently in the process of getting formal quotes.
“All work must be complete by December 31, but we’re hoping everything will be underway within the next four to six weeks,” he said.

20 years of travel club
The Waikerie Travel Club celebrated its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, March 2.
The club’s 43 members, as well as a number of founding members, gathered at the Waikerie Hotel for a lunch to celebrate the occasion.
Waikerie Travel Club treasurer and secretary Jean Lehmann said the group was founded by Val and Ted Townsend in March, 1990.
“Since then, the club has met on the first Tuesday of every month to socialise and organise group day trips and extended holidays,” Mrs Lehmann said.
“Everyone’s welcome to join, regardless of age, and we travel to places that members want to go.
“This month we will travel to Anlaby Homestead and we’re also planning an extended holiday to New Zealand for later this year.”

Cheap water
Irrigators purchasing water to carry-over into next season are enjoying some of the lowest prices in years, according to national water broker Waterfind.
With less than eight days before carry-over applications close, Waterfind CEO Tom Rooney said South Australian irrigators are sourcing cheaper allocations from irrigators with annual crops interstate this season.
“Temporary water on the Murray market is currently available between $120 and $130, with some of the cheapest prices recorded by Waterfind for several years,” he said. 
“Current temporary water prices are approximately 50 per cent lower than they were for the same period last year.
“In February 09, Waterfind recorded the average price in the SA Murray market at $282 per ML compared to $144 per ML for February 2010.”
River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald said carry-over applications must be lodged at the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) by March 19.
“Applicants must nominate the expected volume of water that will be unused at June 30, 2010,” Mrs Maywald said.
“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.
“Licence holders can purchase extra water to carry-over for use in 2010/11, however this volume of water must be included in their carry-over application.
“Applicants will be advised in writing of their carry-over allocation in July 2010, after the final meter reading for 2009/10.”

Farm support extended
A financial lifeline for many local farmers has been extended by the Federal Government.
The Riverland and Mallee’s Exceptional Circumstances (EC) status was set to expire at the end of this month.
However, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke said many farmers continue to face difficult conditions.
“The Government recognises that the drought continues to place extraordinary pressure on many farming families across Australia,” Mr Burke said.
“We also acknowledge the current system is not working for farmers and are working to finalise details of the new drought support system.
“Under the current system, we wait until farmers are in crisis to step in and help them.
“We want to help farmers before the next crisis hits so they can better face the challenges of the future.”
The extension means eligible farming families can continue accessing financial drought support through Centrelink and apply for the EC Farm Exit Grant.

Film ‘cut’ at Morgan
An insurance oversight has led to a planned film at Morgan being placed on the backburner.
The documentary, titled They Rode Into History, was to be based on the 1839 Mount Bryan Expedition.
The script paid tribute to the arduous journey covered by horseback from Morgan to Mt Bryan that led to the tragic loss of a young man.
Executive producer Graeme McVitty had previously tried to attract private or Country Arts SA funding to cover insurance.
While the feedback was positive, the project did not fit the sponsorship criteria.
Morgan Players spokesperson Julie Dawson Daniels said filming with local actors was set to begin last Saturday.
“In consideration of our horse riding cast, crew, and the required seven horse team, we felt we could not proceed without proper insurance in place,” she said.
Local preparations during pre-production numbered hundreds of volunteer hours from Julie, cast, crew and riders and they had looked forward to creating the story on film.
Despite initial disappointment, Mrs Daniels said the cast remains upbeat and can be proud of their work in The Disappearance of Henry Bryan Narrative, the play that led to their invitation to be part of the documentary.
“We all would have enjoyed the film experience and if, or when, we get an opportunity to make a film we want to do it well,” she said.
“The legend of Henry Bryan is so remarkable, that we will not allow him to ride out of our Morgan history.”

Fine food attracts 1000
By Megan Frankel-Vaughan

While early rain was a “concern” for organisers, the 31st Rotary International Food Fair has been hailed a success.
The event grossed $13,300 with this year’s profits to be donated to the Waikerie Community Sports Centre.
Incoming president Letchemi Valautha said the event on Sunday night drew a crowd of about 1000 people to the Civic Centre Grounds.
“It’s very difficult to tell crowd numbers, but I think we had about 1000 people, which is slightly down on last year’s event,” Mrs Valautha.
“The early rain may have scared some people away, but the crowd grew later in the night until it started raining again at about 9pm.
“Luckily by then most of the food had sold and people stayed and danced in the rain, which was fantastic.”
Mrs Valautha said there were many “unfamiliar faces” in the crowd at this year’s event.
“Because it was on a long weekend I think a few locals may have gone away for the weekend, but there were also many people who had come to Waikerie for the long weekend and made it to the Food Fair,” she said.
“When we were setting up in the morning we had a lot of unfamiliar faces coming up and asking us what time things were happening, which is great because hopefully those people might come back next year.
“Food sales were fantastic this year I think because it was cold, most of the food sold out.”
Mrs Valautha said the Indian cuisine was the most popular on the night, while the sweets stall was also a favourite.
“The evening was wonderful and we had a lot of positive comments about the food, the band, the dancers and the face painting,” she said.
“The Food Fair is a fantastic community event that continues to provide unity within the community”.

Free footy tipping competition launched
Two local businesses have joined forces to bring the Riverland West region a free footy tipping competition this season.
The Maskell family at the Waikerie United Service Station and Lucy Quintel at Orange Tree Giftmania hope the competition will provoke some “healthy competition” within the community.
Judy Maskell said the competition is hoped to get people into the “footy spirit”.
“We want people to have a bit of fun and enjoy this footy season,” Mrs Maskell said.
“And we want to be a part of that.
“We’ve been involved in competitions like this before, and they really are a lot of fun.”
Weekly prizes of $10 gift vouchers from Orange Tree Giftmania will be awarded to the person who picks the Friday night game’s winning team with the closest margin.
“This way, we’ve created a weekly interest in the competition, as well as one major incentive prize at the end of the competition,” Mrs Maskell said.
The overall winner will receive a $150 voucher from Waikerie United.
The AFL Football season will begin on Thursday, March 25 and community members over 18 years old are encouraged to enter the competition.

Grape prices to stay low
Winegrape prices are likely to remain low for several years, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE).
ABARE economist Dr Caroline Gunning-Trant said while some restructuring in the industry may result in a reduction in bearing area, annual production over the next two years is forecast to be around 1.8 million tonnes.
“With Australia needing to export around 60 per cent of its wine production, the recent shift toward lower value bulk wine is likely to continue,” she said.
“Last year Australian exports in the two lowest price categories accounted for 85 per cent of total wine exports.
“Increasing competition in Australia’s major export markets and the shift to lower-value wines will keep wine grape prices relatively low through the projection period to 2014/15.”
James Wilson, an export market manager at Constellation Wines Australia, outlined potential future directions of Australian wine exports and said that although exports were disappointing in key traditional markets, there was significant growth being shown in emerging markets such as China.
“We did have it good for a very long time, however fast forward to today and we have a very different future,” Mr Wilson said.
“There have been some shining lights, some relatively new export markets and leading this charge will undoubtedly be China where it is estimated that the total wine market will triple over the next 10 years.”

How big is yours?

By Craig Treloar

Secrecy, special fertilizers and elaborate shade covers have all come into play in the lead up to the 2010 Murray River Giant Pumpkin Competition.
The competition, held in conjunction with the Cadell Easter Harvest Festival, has become a strong talking point amongst locals.
One of the organisers, Cadell’s Danny McGurgan, said many people have their eyes set on the $500 first prize.
“People are being very cagey about how big their pumpkins are and don’t want to give too much away,” he said.
“We hear on the grapevine that there are some up river and at Waikerie, which are quite big.
“I know there are big ones out there and some have said up to 40kg or 50kg already.
“There have been more failures than we anticipated due to the hot spell that we had.
“They got sun burnt and then went moldy.”
Mr McGurgan said “final weigh in” would be held during the harvest festival on April 3.
“The usual drawcards are still going to be there including the carp throwing competition,” he said.
“The orange throw and grape throw are back and last year the women wanted a go in the tug-o-war.
“So this year there is a trophy for the men and the women, it’s six to a team and we are still taking entries.
“There’s barrel racing, jumping castles, an egg hunt and a cockroach race.
“The pumpkin competition weigh in should also be a good event.
“There are trophies and medals for all events and we are still looking for homemade beers and jams, which can be entered on the day.
“Also, if anyone wants to have a stall there whether it be a garage sale type stall or a professional stall they can call me.
“All stalls are free.”
Mr McGurgan said a scarecrow competition was also going to be held in the lead up to the festival.
“Last year we were really surprised by the number of entries – we received 48 in the end,” he said.
“This year we are holding it on Friday, March 26 at the Cadell Club and the road will be closed so people can be out the front safely.
“All the entries will be on display and we have several prizes including most original, most humorous, scariest, best movie character and $500 for the best scarecrow.
“Also there are prizes for the kids best dressed as a scarecrow.
“If people want to bring their entries on the day they have to be there by 6.30pm or we will be going around and picking them up if people can let us know where they are.
“The entries will then be displayed at the Harvest Festival.”
To contact Mr McGurgan for more information on any of the events call 8540 3159.

Little Nipper
This week’s Little Nipper is Hudson Radolovic-Tripodi, of Barmera, who will celebrate his first birthday on Friday, March 12.
Hudson celebrated the occasion at a party with family and friends on the weekend, where they enjoyed a Sesame Street themed birthday cake.
Also having a birthday this week were Carly Frahm, of Waikerie, who turned eight on Monday, March 8, Brandon Gelston, who turned six today and Sophie Roberts who will turn nine years old on Saturday, March 13.
The River News wishes all Little Nipper members and anyone else celebrating a birthday this week a happy day.

Look Back In Time

FIVE YEARS AGO ... Historic watering partnership -
SA and NSW have forged a historic partnership to save thousands of stressed River Red Gum on the Chowilla floodplain, River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald announced last week. The partnership between states has resulted in 1500 megalitres of water being provided by the NSW Murray Wetland Working Group for the watering projects. This water will be complemented by an additional 800 megalitres from the licence held by the SA Minister for Environment and Conservation John Hill.

TEN YEARS AGO ... Visiting Sea Scouts -
Blue skies and a slight breeze which kept temperatures from soaring created perfect conditions at the Waikerie riverfront for the Annual Sea Scout Regatta last weekend. Seventeen groups made up the country teams. Branch commissioner for the South Australian Sea Scouts, Mr Graham Cox said it is always enjoyable returning to Waikerie for the annual regatta, but said in previous years the number of competitors has been larger.

TWENTY YEARS AGO ... Yabbies on the streets -
Stud racing yabbies sped along White Street in Waikerie last Saturday morning. A total of 75 of the special ‘race-bred’ yabbies took part in five races, each contested by 15 competitors. People from five years to 50 years were invited to choose their yabbies. Winners of each race were presented with the 15 yabbies and a bag of sweets. The races were part of Apex Week promoting the club’s activities.

More fun to come?
Waikerie could host more activities for seniors in the future, following the success of the Waikerie ceramic open day last week.
A group of Waikerie volunteers started a seniors ceramic art group at the Waikerie Day Activity Centre in mid-2009 and generated enough interest to hold an official open day.
The day, held last Thursday, was organised by a group of volunteers including Louisa Christiansen, Mandy Reid and Julie Steinert, in conjunction with Anne Reynolds from the Day Activity Centre.
“The day was really about creating a fun day of socialising and ceramic art for the seniors of our area,” Mrs Steinert said.
“We wanted to give the seniors something interesting to do – there really aren’t many activities like this for them.
“There’s a lot of talented seniors in our area and we thought this was a good opportunity for them socialise and learn new skills.”
Rae Barltrop from Rae’s Ceramics in Adelaide demonstrated the art of airbrushing, wall plaque designs and demonstrated slip mould pouring for the group of about 100 seniors.
“They all loved it,” Mrs Steinert said.
“If there’s enough interest in the future, more workshops could be offered.
“We’re thinking about having it as a once-a-month session and bringing seniors from all over the Riverland to come back and join us again.”
Mrs Steinert said the day would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and groups including the Waikerie Rotary Club, the District Council of Loxton Waikerie, The River News, Orange Grove Bakery, Woolworths, Nippys, Big River Foodland, The Ladies Hospital Guild and Anne Reynolds at the Day Activity Centre.

Police News

Five times over

A 33-year-old Waikerie resident was reported for drunk driving.
The man had a blood alcohol reading of 0.257%, more than five times over the legal limit.
He was issued an immediate license disqualification for 12 months and his vehicle was seized for seven days.
The man will appear at the magistrates court at a later date.

School damage

Overnight between Tuesday, March 2 and Wednesday, March 3, unknown persons have caused about $500 damage to shed doors at the Cambrai Area School.

Crashes

On Saturday, March 6, police and emergency services attended the scene of a collision on the Renmark to Morgan Road, about 5km east of Morgan.
The male passenger suffered possible back and neck injuries while the female driver suffered shock. Both were conveyed to hospital for treatment.
And at 3.20pm on Monday, March 8, police and emergency services crews attended the scene of a two car collision near Overland Corner.
Three occupants of the vehicles were taken to the Berri hospital for treatment and both cars were towed from the scene.
A driver of one vehicle received an expiation notice for overtaking with danger.

Theft

Overnight between Sunday, March 7 and Monday, March 8, unknown persons allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol and ski equipment from three camp sites at the Morgan Caravan Park.
Overnight between Wednesday, March 3, and Thursday, March 4, unknown persons entered a shed at Swan Reach where they stole alcohol and items from a vehicle within the shed.
The offender(s) also placed holes in a canoe and set it adrift on the river.
The canoe has been recovered.
And between Friday, February 26 and Sunday, March 7, unknown persons allegedly broke into a residence on Post Office Road, Devon Downs, and allegedly stole numerous items of furniture from the residence.
Police inquiries are continuing.
Then between Thursday, February 11, and tMonday, February 22, numerous vehicle parts from a range of vehicles parked on a property on Law Road, Holder, had allegedly been stolen.
Police subsequently located a large proportion of the missing property and reported a 25-year-old Waikerie man for the alleged theft.

Regatta packs riverfront
About 300 Sea Scouts packed the Waikerie riverfront for a massive regatta on Saturday, February 27.
With roads blocked and local shops full, Riverland Scouts district commissioner Kevin Myers said the days was a great success.
“All the finals would have been on Sunday, but because of the weather conditions we decided not to put the kids on the water,” he said.
“So now there will be an opportunity to run the finals in Adelaide on the Port River.
“The Sea Scout groups (attending) were from all over South Australia and about 11 kids from the Riverland.”
Mr Myers said the regatta had returned to Waikerie following last year’s successful event.
“It is an annual event for Sea Scouts and they normally try and go somewhere different each year,” he said.
“But when they held it here last year the majority ruled that they come back.
“A decision hasn’t yet been made where next year’s will be.”
Local competitors to make the finals include Jesse Bishop, Adam Schultz, Dylan Hahn, Kieran Myers and Mark Noack in the under 12s, Kieran Myers, Joshua Noack and three Berri Scouts in the under 13s and the Leaders Race Team.
The Powder Puff team of Sarah Schultz and Jaye Bishop, along with three Berri Scouts finished fourth in their section.

Schutz saddles up for life
The Waikerie Horse and Pony Club recently awarded Life Membership to a “very surprised and humbled” Marj Schutz.
Mrs Schutz, driven by her fondness for horses, became a member of the club in the 1960s.
At the time she didn’t have a horse of her own, so she rode Pony Club-owned horses, which were often kept at Strangman’s property at Holder.
They needed to be caught before being taken back to the Pony Club grounds on Curtis Road, which was often quite challenging as they preferred to be free and to keep eating the grass.
Mrs Schutz had a spell away from Pony Club, but happily returned in 1989 when her own children Justin, Kirsten and Hayley became interested in horses.
She has remained active in the club since that time, continuing as a committee member since 1990 and instructor for many years.
Mrs Schutz became the club’s first female president in 1998 and held that position for two years, stepping down to vice president before again being elected as president in 2007, until the present day.
She is also currently the Riverland Zone secretary and has held that position since 2004.
Pony Club members thanked Mrs Schutz for her dedication and tireless work for the club and were proud to reward her efforts.
The Waikerie Horse and Pony Club’s trophy winners for 2009 included:
- Keenest Member under 26 years Felicity Arnold.
- Keenest Member over 26 years Pete Hopewell.
- Taffy Gordon Memorial Trophy Suzie Parsons.
- Open Club Trophy Kerry Micke.
- Most Improved & Rosebowl Trophy Kimberley Arnold.
- Life Membership Marj Schutz.

Spoonbills go back-to-back
Spoonbill won back-to-back Ramco Primary School Splash Carnivals on Friday.
Almost 120 students from reception to year 7 participated in the annual event.
The students compete for one of three houses: Spoonbill, Pelicans or Swans.
The events include overarm, breaststroke, relay, backstroke and noodle events.
This year Spoonbill won with 108 points, followed by Pelicans on 90 and Swans on 67.
Last year’s event was cancelled due to bad weather, however Spoonbill won in 2008 giving it ‘back-to-back victories.

Who is Mr Waikerie?
For one of the few times in Waikerie’s history, the local Red Cross branch and hospital guild will join forces to bring the community the ‘Mr Waikerie’ competition.
Waikerie Red Cross president Beryl Loffler and hospital guild vice present Norma Modistach spoke to The River News last week, appealing for interest in the competition.
Mrs Modistach said the emphasis is on fun, while supporting worthy local charities.
“Whether you’re from a footy club, cricket club, bowls club or any other community groups, as well as individuals in the community, we encourage you to get behind a good cause and have a bit of fun,” Mrs Modistach said.
“Entrants really don’t have to do much at all towards the fundraising activities.
“All we need from them is a photo of them, some information and them to attend the finale day.
“All the fundraising will be done by the Red Cross and hospital guild, with collection points around the town as well as the fundraising finale afternoon.
“So, if you like fun and have a bit of ‘get up and go’ join in to help two worthy causes – or dob in your mates to do it,” Mrs Modistach said.
Anyone over the age of 18 can enter the competition.
The ‘Mr Waikerie’ finale will be held at the Waikerie Club on Sunday, July 18, with fundraising, guest judges and entertainment.
The two organisations have decided to split any profits from the event.
The hospital guild plans to spend their share on supporting facilities and resources at the Waikerie Hospital, while the Red Cross branch is undecided on their cause for 2010.
Mrs Modistach and Mrs Loffler said while the event is still in its planning stages, the groups are currently “scoping for interest”.
Anyone interested in competing for the title of “Mr Waikerie” 2010, should call Norma on 8541 3791 or Beryl on 8541 3868.