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RIGHT: Welcoming the news of the $10,000 grant, Geoff and Elaine Eather with shire tourism manager Penny Jobling.||

Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire was launched by Boggabri Lions Club in 2006 with 27 campers setting up at Boggabri Showground for the weekend.

This year, the ninth Drovers’ Campfire attracted 502 campers.

The event has developed into a major tourist attaction for boggabri and the wider Narrabri Shire.

Yesterday the Drovers’ Campfire was given a huge boost, and recognition of its value, with a $10,000 grant from the NSW Govenment’s Regional Flagship Events Program.

Narrabri Shire Tourism Manager Penny Jobling prepared a submission for funding which was compelling enough to have the Drovers’ Campfire win the grant.

“We are delighted” said Boggabri Lions president Geoff Eather.

“This will take the Campfire even further ahead.”

Penny Jobling said the $10,000 grant would be used for marketing across Australia - and even into New Zealand.

“The event draws people from everywhere” Penny said.

“And it is becoming more of a family weekend.”

The Drovers’ Campfire was designed to support business in Boggabri, but the influx of visitors brings visistors, and their spending money, into the whole shire befoe and after the event.

The Drovers’ Campfire will be held on the last weekend of April, 2015.

ABOVE: Narrabri Shire mayor, Cr Conrad Bolton, left, with Santos general manager Energy NSW, Mr Peter Mitchley and NSW Minister for Resources and Energy Mr Anthony Roberts at Santos’ Leewood water storage on August 1.||

The Narrabri Gas Project remains the focus of Santos in NSW, general manager Energy NSW, Mr Peter Mitchley told The Courier today.

The Courier sought a summary of progress on the Santos project as the year draws to an end.

Mr Mitchley dismissed opponents’ claims that the Narrabri project was threatened by the current downturn in global oil prices.

“The Narrabri Gas Project is a domestic gas project, not directly linked to the international oil price” he said.

However, he acknowledged that Santos derived significant revenue from oil and the oil price had halved in recent weeks.

“But that doesn’t mean you give up things that are important and the Narrabri project is very important to Santos” said Mr Mitchley.

“It’s like any business. If your revenues go down you are a bit more cautious about some of your expenses.

“The oil price does impact on our business and if we have to cut back on expenditure around the edges, of course we will, as any business operation does.”

The core aspects of the Narrabri project, the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and producing pilots will continue as planned.

“NSW gas is needed for NSW” said Mr Mitchley.

“Work on the development of the Narrabri Project is continuing.

“We are absolutely focused on our EIS process, ensuring that we develop a comprehensive and quality document, and continuing to develop our pilot program.

“This is what has been budgeted for with the Narrabri project and this is exactly what’s happening” Mr Mitchley said.

Narrabri of Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Santos’ affirmation that the Narrabri Gas Project remains a key business focus for Santos.

“And we look forward to the release and processing of the EIS so this project can move ahead without further impediments” said chamber president Mr Russell Stewart.

“Many local businesses are gearing up for the arrival of the gas industry, with excitement and anticipation.

“Our members are solidly behind the Santos gas project.

“Santos is a strong, active and

important member of our chamber.

“And Santos’ contribution across the community is well known - the company has been supporting local groups and functions generously for years.

“The community of Narrabri, despite the claims of some anti fossil fuel groups, is very strongly in favour of the Santos gas project” Mr Stewart said. “We look forward to Santos consolidating its role in the community and continuing to move ahead with its plans in 2015.”

The proposed main street median strip will be similar in dimension to the islands leading to the Maitland Street roundabouts. Above, early morning walkers Lisa, Beau and Alex Macrae.||

The long running saga of Narrabri’s CBD street lights appears to be reaching a conclusion.

Tuesday’s Narrabri Shire Council meeting tabled a report on the proposed lighting, and although no decision was reached, a step was decided on which may bring finality.

A public meeting will be called, towards the end of January, with three options to be presented for discussion and community input.

The options are to repair the existing lights, install lights on the footpaths or install lights and trees in a Maitland Street median strip.

The median strip is the recommended option in a comprehensive council staff report which argued against the other two scenarios.

Tuesday’s council meeting saw a report tabled by the acting director of planning, Mr Tony Meppem which recommended against footpath lights because of problems with shop awnings and Australian Standards compliance issues. Solar lights were expensive and would not be covered by Essential Energy maintenance.

The first report recommending the median strip trees and lights configuraiton was presented to the October council meeting, deferred to a workshop meeting in November where further information was sought which meant the matter was held over past the November ordinary meeting and finally presented at the December meeting. Councillors discussed the issue at length.

Cr Ron Lowder complimented Mr Meppem on his report.

“This has been a protracted issue. At some time we have to let it go and bring it to completion.

“The lighting will cost a lot of money, but it is funded.

“The median strip in Wee Waa doesn’t detract from the traffic amenity - it enhances it” Cr Lowder added.

Cr Lloyd Findley was opposed to the median strip concept.

Cr Robyn Faber favoured solar powered lights on the footpath.

Cr Bevan O’Regan said the lights in the other town streets were ‘abysmal’ and the money should go towards improving them.

The mayor Cr Conrad Bolton confirmed that the funding was allocated for the main street lights and trees project.

The poles would be alternated with shade trees, and carry cantilevered lights out over each carriageway. The poles could be wired to allow decorative lighting for special events and Christmas.

It was agreed a public meeting should be held, probably toward the end of January, for feedback on the three options - repair the current lights, install them, possibly solar, on the footpaths or install them in a median strip.

Storm rain left water lying in patches along the road between Wee Waa and Pilliga||

Communities across the region are hoping 2015 will prove much wetter than last year, which was dominated by extremely dry conditions.

Official annual rainfall totals from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate well below average and highly variable rainfall across the north west during 2014.

A total of 377.6 millimetres fell at the Narrabri West post office over the course of the year, just over half the average annual total of 661.6 millimetres.

The Narrabri Airport received 458.2 millimetres for 2014, while Wee Waa recorded 372 millimetres.

The Bellata Post office received an annual total of 348.2 millimetres, with 299.3 being the lowest annual rainfall on record for the town.

Bellata was well on the way to setting a new record before a fall of 130 millimetres in the month of December.

Burren Junction recorded 313.5 millimetres for the year, well below the average of 505.2, while only 270.2 millimetres fell at Walgett, compared to an average 437.5.

Patchy storm rain for the first week of the year has given some landholders hope, but many in the region still require a string of decent falls to make up for lack of rain.

Maxine Booby from ‘Cardonis’ south west of Wee Waa has recorded 23 millimetres so far this year, but says it’s not enough.

“It’s only just wet the top few inches of soil, it’s not enough to plant on,” she explained.

“It’s greened everything up which takes away a bit of the headache but it was certainly patchy and it’s heartbreaking for people who’ve missed out, the drought’s not over.

“We’re after a couple of inches of steady rain or 4 inches in bursts, so that the subsoil will actually get wet.”

‘Cardonis’ hasn’t received enough rain to plant a summer crop.

“You can take a risk and plant a crop and pray that it rains again to keep you going, or you wait for the next rain where you’re certain there is enough moisture to plant on,” Mrs Booby said.

While positive reports have emerged of regular rain events in the Pilliga this summer, Roger McDowell from ‘Tregoen’ on the northern edge of the Pilliga forest, believes it’s still nothing to get excited about.

Roger recorded over 100 millimetres in 15 minutes last December, but it has since dried up and he was forced to destock parts of his property.

“It’s all storm rain, and until we get a week of soaking, general rain, it will remain very risky to sow any crops or fodder crops for the coming year,” he said.

“The problem is that in the last 10 years we’re continually rolling in and out of drought, and we just don’t get paid enough for our product, to be able to put the money away to drought proof properties.”

Rainfall tallies around Boggabri ranged from 13 to 50 millimetres, while properties between Narrabri and Bellata received up to 115 millimtres.

Bryce Lampe from ‘Bobbiwaa South’, on the Newell Highway north of Narrabri, received 76 millimetres of rain. He said it was a great way to start 2015.

“We had more in this fall of rain in two days than what we had in half a year,” he said.

“For people who have put in dryland cotton it’ll be enough of a season for them and people who have put in sorghum are also going to benefit

“We were going to plant summer crops but there was no rain and it was too hot so we didn’t end up putting anything in, we’ll put in winter wheat.”

He’s hoping the recent rain is a sign of better things to come.

“It’s a lot steamier, there’s been more overcast days with more promise of rain I suppose but who knows, you can’t trust the weather man because look at all the days he says it’s going to rain and then we didn’t get a drop, so you just have to take it day by day, if you get rain you get it, if you don’t it’s bad luck,” he said.

Narrabri High School principal Rod Jones, left, discusses plans for the new trade skill centre with teachers Mark Hamilton and Kris Symonds||

A state of the art Trade Skill Centre is now in advanced planning for Narrabri High School will be ‘the best in country NSW’ and play a significant role in preparing young people for local employment.

The new Trade Skill Centre, to be opened in first term 2016, will provide the training base for jobs in mining and agricultural industries, and established local metal fabrication and engineering businesses.

The new facility is a big deal for the local community and for future generations entering the workforce

“It will be double the size of our existing metalwork rooms and fitted out with the latest in equipment from design to machining.”

High School principal Mr Rod Jones is enthusiastic about the project and its potential for students and the wider community.

Local trade training, and retention of local workers, has been identified as a priority need by regional industry and agriculture to provide needed job skills and retain qualified employees in the community.

“The new High School Trade Skill Centre will allow students a training pathway which if they choose can take them through to TAFE to achieve higher metals and engineering certificates,” said Mr Jones.

The Narrabri High students will have access to the best school training facilities available in country NSW.

“The skill centre is specifically being developed for metals and engineering vocational education in Year 11 and 12, but we can use the facility for the junior school, years 7 to 10, as a metals and engineering pathway as students come through the school,” Mr Jones said.

“Year 7 and 8 curriculums have mandatory technology components, with farm technology in years 9 and 10, which is very much a metalworks based program, and then we move into the metals and engineering.

“Students will be equipped for future metals and engineering fabrication employment,” said Mr Jones.

“Discussions have indicated that this is what industry is looking for, and is certainly what the mines are looking for.

“The extractive industries’ employment skills needs are very much part of the reason for the new centre’s development, but it is also for the traditional local fabrication industries.”

The Trade Skill Centre will use the existing spaces of the two existing metal works rooms, but a larger open plan configuration will expand on the scope of works which can be undertaken.

The new centre will have a design and planning room, a ‘clean room’, and workspaces for two classes to work at one time in the main practical room.

The area will be completely refurbished and brought up to at a minimum Certificate One metals and engineering studies standard.

“We have had the capability before, but the new centre will be state of the art,” said Mr Jones.

“The design concept we have looks absolutely outstanding.

“The current facilities and the new centre will be just like chalk and cheese - it will be so good,” he said.

School representatives on the project management team, Mr Jones, and industrial arts teacher Mark Hamilton have been meeting regularly with the designers and the Public Works Department to finalise the plans.

The first half of 2015 will see completion of the design phase and construction tender phase and the second half of next year will see the demolition and refit in time for a scheduled opening at the start of term one 2016.

“The project is really progressing quite rapidly” said Mr Jones.

Narrabri local Russell Everson will load up his van full of animal food and drive down to Adelaide to help victims affected by the ongoing fires in South Australia. The bag of dog food carried by Russell was a donation from The Courier.||

Deeply moved by the terrible plight of the victims of the South Australian bushfires, Narrabri local Russell Everson is rolling up his sleeves and doing his bit to help out.

The local businessman and owner of Narrabri Limo Service will gather food and supplies around town before making the long journey in his van down south to Adelaide Hills on Thursday.

Russell, who has given $1000 to his cause will be counting on other donations from the local community who also want to lend a hand.

It comes in the wake of a large number of dogs and cats that died in a fire that swept through a boarding kennel in the Adelaide Hills area.

The owners of the ‘Tea Tree Gully Boarding Kennels and Cattery’ used social media to share the news that, while firefighters managed to save more than 40 dogs, a large number also perished and no cats survived when the cattery was destroyed.

The owners said they were devastated by the loss of their home, business and people's pets and had been working to contact pet owners individually.

“I’ve been in contact with a few people down there in the affected areas,” said Russell.

“They have told me that there is plenty of supplies being donated to people but not much for animals.

“The next few days I will be going around and collecting animal food and then leaving early Thursday morning.”

Specialist teams are racing against time to assess areas damaged by bushfires in the Adelaide Hills this week as fire crews prepare for deteriorating weather conditions expected to hit again tomorrow.

South Australia Police have now confirmed 13 homes have been destroyed in the fire, one more than previously thought, but that number is expected to rise to more than 30.

Anyone wanting to make a contribution to Russell’s cause can ring him on 0428423262 or his collection point at 16 Yeran Street Narrabri.

Brendon Warnock standing in an irrigated cotton crop on ‘Warilea’||

A focus on farm sustainability and efficiency is paying dividends for the Warnock family.

Jack and Jacqui Warnock began farming at ‘Warilea’ on the Maules Creek Road east of Narrabri over 30 years ago, with their son Brendon returning home in 2006 to join the team.

Increasing financial and environmental pressures within agriculture have forced the Warnocks to find new and innovative ways to ensure the farm remains profitable into the future.

They’ve made the transition from intensive cotton farming all year round to a unique rotational cropping system including wheat, legumes and corn.

This year on ‘Warilea’ 590 hectares of cotton is under irrigation, as well as a further 200 hectares of corn.

Brendon Warnock believes their new practices will lead to improved yields and increase profit margins.

“In 2006 the business was focussed almost exclusively on cotton because there’s no other crop that produces the gross margin of cotton, so we just planted as much cotton as we could manage, but it started to become apparent that there would be benefits from incorporating a rotation system into the business as well,” he explained.

“We began growing wheat and legumes, and it’s just been about refining that process over the last 8 years, the inclusion of corn is just a continuation of that development.

“If we can produce a really high yielding corn crop and generate as close to the gross margin that you can with a cotton crop, then the cotton crop following the corn should really get a big yield boost and add to gross margins again that way.”

While the drought has almost halved the state’s cotton crop for 2015, ground water irrigation means production levels remain largely consistent on ‘Warilea’.

“We’ve had 800 hectares of irrigation for the last three seasons, the last two seasons we’ve used a fair bit of water because they’ve been dry summers with not a lot of assistance, so nearly 80% of what we needed for the last two years has come from irrigation,” Brendon said.

“How much rain we get during the season dictates how much bore water we need to use to irrigate, on average about 50% of what we need comes from rainfall.

“Those big water use years are more expensive for us because it’s expensive to get the water out of the bores costing us about $120 a megalitre, so the more we have to do that the more it narrows our margin.”

Decent December falls and 20 millimetres so far in January have boosted the current cotton crop.

While farming results rely largely on the weather, the Warnocks made their own luck last year and were awarded Cotton Australia’s High Achiever of the Year award.

The judges were impressed by the family’s clear strategic plan to become more efficient and their ability to execute that plan.

While Brendon has taken over the reigns at ‘Warilea’ in recent years, he says the award was a result of group effort.

“I get a lot of support from my Dad, he’s taught me a lot and helped me learn about running this business but we also get really good support from our staff, they work hard and our manager Geoff Page has been here for 30 years now so he’s got a lot of

experience that we can draw on,” he said.

“Geoff is the guy that makes it possible to get things done; he fixes things and makes it all work and able to continue on.

“Because we’re very intensive here our engines, machinery, tractors and sprayers are running all the time so to keep all that going at a really high rate and really efficiently is a big

challenge; our staff and our manager are really the ones that make that possible.

He also believes the award is a reflection of the high standard of farming in the region.

“Where we are here in this little area we’re surrounded by some really good farmers so we’re all learning from each other and a lot of what we do I’ve picked up from some of our neighbours so that’s good and pushes us to be better.”

Chris and Leon Kiely and the soon to be restored Commercial Bank building which will become a five room bed and breakfast and restaurant.||

Boggabri will have a four star, five bedroom bed and breakfast and a restaurant in the near future when the owners of the former Commercial Bank complete its restoration.

The old bank, built in 1913, is a noble building, but was in need of a comprehensive makeover.

Chris and Leon Kiely saw the potential, bought the building and have embarked on its restoration.

“We looked at a number of towns in the west and north west”, the couple said.

“But this looked ideal and it is a growing centre.”

The couple began work in August and there was much to do.

However, the ‘bones’ of the old bank are solid and the fittings are fantastic, with a wooden central staircase, six inch wide cypress pine floorboards, shellacked interior doors, high pressed tin ceilings, lead lights, french doors opening on to the top floor verandah and many fittings, such as intricate fireplaces, retained as original.

Leon is a builder by trade and the couple, with some help from their visiting son Matt, have made huge inroads into the work.

Their research revealed the bank was officially opened on September 22, 1913 and they have found a few artefacts which had survived the decades.

There is one room with original linoleum, made in England and bought from Hordern Brothers, Sydney, which will unfortunately have to go.

The renovated building will be carpeted and the colour scheme and attention to detail is creating a prestige accommodation and restaurant centre.

“We are calling the restaurant ‘Vault’ as a nod to the building’s history,” said Leon.

Unfortunately, no stash of left over bank money was found in the renovations, except a penny, but small and interesting items like match boxes and cigarette packets have their own charm and provide a link with the old days.

Some of silversmith Kath Hamilton’s students at her Bingara Road workshop, (left to right) Phoebe Carter, Demi Gamble, Cassie Murphy, Sharna Holman, Nicola Cottee, Yvonne Chang and tutor Kath.||

Mrs Kath Hamilton has been working away at the craft of silversmithing for many years and shares her love of working with silver with a growing number of interested potential silversmiths.

“I became interested in silversmithing many years ago”, said Kath.

“A friend had just started and invited a few people along to have a go and I went.”

That was the start of a love affair with the art of working with silver.

“From there I attended the NSW University Summer School on silversmithing, several times, and they were my summer holidays”, recalled Kath.

“I make anything out of silver, forging, or doming where you hollow items, like shaping spoons.

“I can turn my hand to a wide range of small silver items.”

Kath has found interest among others in silversmithing and has been teaching interested people for several years.

“I started by accident with the School of the Air Distance Education. I was asked to go out to a place halfway between Brewarrina and Walgett and take a workshop.

“I was still working as teacher at Wee Waa Primary at the time.

“We came back from Tamworth in 2010, after I had retired in 2000.

“I had a dedicated workshop in Brisbane for three years where I attended the goldsmith’s school” adds Kath.

She is equally fascinated with working with gold.

“Gold works exactly the same as silver.

“But you catch every filing of gold with a collector under the workbench.

“I just love the feel of silver, and going through the facets of making items with it.

“I compare the craft to life, hard and soft patches.

“I find working with silver a balm,” says Kath.

“I can go out and be lost in my work, the way people lose themselves in music”.

“I become totally absorbed in it.”

Kath buys her ‘raw material’ silver in wire and plate to provide the basics.

And she is happy to share her love of working in silver.

“I am always interested in hearing from people who want to learn about silversmithing,” adds Kath.

“I have courses starting again next year through the Narrabri Community College but I also do private classes.”

Kath gives her hand made items away and sells some.

“I wear very little - just a ring I made at the goldsmith’s school, the first I made.”

Kath’s students must be prepared to do their best work.

“I can’t tolerate sloppy work - if you are going to make something in silver you must make it worthwhile,” she insists.

Meanwhile, among her current private students are a group who have only recently arrived in Narrabri.

“They are finding all these interesting things to do in Narrabri.

“They said we couldn’t even do this (silversmithing) in Sydney.

“They have found there are many interesting and rewarding things to do in the country.”

Local Aboriginal elders in Narrabri are hailing the success of their cultural awareness program as a tool to keep kids of an indigenous background in school.

The program, which runs each Friday during the school term, sees indigenous students from Narrabri High School from years 8 to 12 learn about the traditional values of the local Aboriginal culture.

This has then seen dramatic effects in school, with an improved attendance record, as well as building on individual self-esteem, according to Narrabri High School’s Aboriginal Education Officer Jackie Jones.

“I’m really impressed with the students who have been a part of this program during the school year.

Having the elders come and talk to the kids gives them a good understanding of their background and place in the community”, she said.

Jackie said that it was important for all indigenous children to have the best opportunity in life and that started with education.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of having an education,” she said.

“Learning is essential to achieving your goals in life.

“The kids here are doing this thanks to the support of the community elders.”

Jackie said that the program will continue in 2015, when the school resumes at the start of next month.

Elizabeth, Kristy, William and Thomas Faris.||

Narrabri’s first baby of the New Year arrived on Monday night, with a son Thomas James born to Kristy and James Faris at 8.52 pm.

Kristy was surprised to be the first expectant mother in Narrabri to give birth for 2015; Thomas was born almost a week after New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Thomas is a brother for William and Elizabeth, and a grandson for Hugh and Helen Faris.

The Faris family are doing well and looking forward to getting to know their newest member.

As it turned out, the race for the title of first baby of the year in Narrabri ended up being a close run event - one not without drama.

The second baby of 2015 arrived just 4 hours after the first, under much more dramatic circumstances - in the carpark of the hospital!

A baby boy Harrison was born to Kim Jackson and Phil Chalker on the front passenger seat of the car at 1.17 am on Tuesday, January 6.

He is a brother for Elsie and Ashton, and a grandson for Frank and Di.

Harrison was in a huge hurry to enter the world, with his mother, Kim, in labour for just 30 minutes.

Kim travelled with close friend, Belinda Smith, and Harrison’s father, Phil, to the hospital but was unable to make it to the maternity ward in time.

Harrison is now thought to be the first baby delivered in the car park of the new Narrabri Hospital.

Another close friend of Kim’s, Juanita Smith, was shocked to receive the news on Tuesday morning.

“I woke up to a text message at 5.30 in the morning to say that he’d arrived, that he was healthy weighing 6 ound 1 ounce, born at Narrabri hospital in the carpark,” said Juanita.

An electrical fault originating in the airconditioner powerpoint is thought to be the cause of the fire.||

An observant passer by and a fast acting fire brigade managed to save Wee Waa’s Imperial Hotel early yesterday morning after an air conditioner on the third floor of the century old building caught fire.

Local crop duster Steve Wohling noticed the flames on his way to the post office on Wednesday morning and alerted the Fire Brigade at 5.45 am.

Within five minutes the Wee Waa Fire and Rescue team were on the scene.

Station Commander Bruce Cowan said it was lucky they were able to extinguish the fire so quickly.

“If that had been another 20 minutes, then it definitely would have been a totally different story in a building that old. It was very, very lucky that the gentleman was on his way to the post office,” he explained.

“We had the Wee Waa Rural Fire Service on the way, as well as a pump and full crew come from Narrabri, for back up in case we weren’t able to put it out.

“Most damage would have been caused by smoke and water, they could be looking at a couple of thousand dollars worth of damage.”

Owner of the Imperial Hotel Luke Noble, says he is still trying to establish whether the damage is superficial or structural.

He has had to close part of the hotel until it is ruled safe for the public.

“There was fire in the ceiling, we don’t know what damage has been done up there and the water has run from the top all the way to the bottom bar. I’ve had to shut off the side where the pool machines and poker machines are,” he said.

“It could be fine, it could just require a bit of cosmetic work but it could be structural damage as well, if the heat has affected the brickwork.

“I’ll need a letter from the insurance company and inspectors to say it’s safe before I let anyone back in there.”

Mr Noble applauded the Fire Brigade’s response.

Col Stanford coaching athletics in Narrabri||

News of the passing of one of Narrabri and district’s favourite sons, Col Stanford, has saddened many in the Narrabri and district community but the highly popular athletics coach leaves a legacy which will endure in many hundreds of hearts and minds in the district and beyond.

Colin Bruce Stanford passed away in Narrabri Hospital on Monday evening. He was 82.

Mr Stanford’s life-long love of sport and dedication to the decades-spanning task of encouraging, training and coaching young athletes in a number of disciplines was matched with a kindly but firm manner that was to endear him to children and families throughout more than 50 years.

Col’s ready smile will be easily remembered by generations of youngsters who were entrusted to his care. He mentored and coached many hundreds of children from their primary years, through the teenage years and on into adulthood.

Towards the end of an active career Col joked that he was now coaching children of a third generation. Col’s love of athletics and his devotion to the task of coaching youngsters saw him travel widely in Australia and overseas.

The sporting success of a number of local schools was often a reflection of the time, effort, devotion (and expense) provided by Col Stanford to the coaching task.

For his part, Col was delighted when his young charges did their best – and sometimes succeeded – at the top levels.

In his lifetime Col was acknowledged with community awards and well-deserved recognition but a great many individuals will feel a sense of gratitude for his interest and care.

An obituary detailing Mr Stanford’s remarkable service to Narrabri’s sporting life will be published at a later time.

Col Stanford is survived by his wife Pam, children Lyn, Karen, Brad and Tracey, their spouses and grandchildren.

A funeral notice appears in today’s issue.

As Narrabri Council again prepare to pick up the trail for a new air carrier, an issue has arisen that could see upgrades to the airport as a crucial element for snaring a new service.

The cost of security measures required at Narrabri airport if a large passenger aircraft begins regular services may be the key to the future of a new air service.

The Narrabri Shire mayor Cr Conrad Bolton stated recently that regulations governing security at regional airports needed to be examined to allow country centres to be served by larger, more cost effective aircraft.

At its last meeting Council heard an update on progress towards securing a new air service provider from Cr Bolton.

Cr Bolton has been in discussions with a potential carrier, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Regional Director of Airport Security.

“We are currently at a level 6 security requirement,” the mayor told the meeting.

The Shire’s search for a new air service comes in the wake of yet another collapse to a regional airline last week, which has exposed the brittleness of the economic circumstances under which commercial airline operators often face in Australia.

Skytrans, which had celebrated its 25th year in business last year, closed down its operations on Friday, January 2.

The company’s management decided to cease trading immediately when it became apparent that changing circumstances in the market Skytrans had served for so long meant that the economic model which had underpinned the airline’s success was no longer viable.

The loss of key government contracts and support, falling mining service business, plus the falling Australian dollar, and the emergence of large-scale competition all in the face of heavy loan commitments created insurmountable obstacles, said the company’s managing director Mr Simon Wild.

Skytrans, however, has been able to fund all its commitments to its staff before closure, Mr Wild said.

The demise of Skytrans will be a familiar story to many people in NSW, particularly in the Narrabri district where the failures of both Brindabella Airlines and Vincent Airlines have left the area without a daily air service.

The quest for a new regional airline service for Narrabri is ongoing with Narrabri Shire Council working towards the objective gaining a new carrier in the current year.

Long-experienced Narrabri travel agent, Mr Jim Cable, said yesterday that it was extremely frustrating that Narrabri district today could provide consistent passenger loads for an operator because of the demands of the local mining industries, plus the normal demands from business, science and agriculture in the area yet a new operator remained on the horizon.

“It is important that the upgrades promised at Narrabri airport are commenced as soon as possible,” said Mr Cable.

He said both Commonwealth and State governments should be working hard to ensure that regional areas were well served by air travel.

“We used to take for granted the regular services by 36-seater aircraft between Narrabri and Sydney. We need to see that level of service returned as soon as possible,” said Mr Cable.

The Courier understands that the Narrabri Shire Council’s plans for the airport upgrade are scheduled for this year.

Bigger and brighter signs are needed at the shire's borders, councillors say.||

Shire entry signs to alert travellers about the attractions of Narrabri are inadequate, shire councillors believe, and want to see them upgraded to better reflect the shire’s features and events.

The issue has been raised from time to time and was tabled at council meetings in 2014 and at the recent meeting, following a motion from Cr Robyn Faber, better signage will be included for consideration in the coming budget.

“We should have signs as big as we can get to underline our pride in the shire,” said Cr Faber.

Cr Ron Lowder said billboards to promote events and entry signs were two different things but there was no reason not to have both on the north south and east west entries to the shire.

In 2012, Narrabri Shire installed “Welcome to Narrabri Shire” signs at five entrances, at Bellata,

between Coonabarabran and Narrabri, at Boggabri, between Wee Waa and Burren Junction and on the Bingara Road at Sawn Rocks at a cost of $27,000.

The signage issue has been raised several times in recent years, with councillors arguing the signs are inadequate and don’t tell travellers anything about the shire they are entering, particularly coming events.

Narrabri Shire Visitor Information Centre currently facilitates and manages the two event billboards which are located on the southern and northern entrances to Narrabri. The billboards are the property of McDonalds restaurant and all costs for upgrading and replacement are covered by McDonalds.

The costs of upgrading the current signs were tabled at last meeting. Installation of a double sided magnetic message board to existing signage would cost about $4000 per sign plus installation and delivery, and installation of one LED one sided, single colour message boards is approximately $15,000.

Issues which will need to be resolved, a staff report noted, include whether LED signs could be solar or mains powered, the process for determining which events will be advertised and who will manage it, and ensuring the signs are vandal proof.

A masterplan is in place for Narrabri’s current CBD (top) that could see the main street look something similar to Casino’s main streets (pictured above). A report to the December meeting of Narrabri Shire Council estimated the lighting option at $1.27 million.||

Hopes are high that the final decisions on the long-planned revamp of street lighting in Maitland Street will be made early this year following yet another community consultation.

Since the adoption of the CBD Masterplan by the Narrabri Shire Council the process of fine-tuning the actual plan has involved rounds of Council meetings, consultants’ reports, special reports and further community consultation.

The question of where new street lighting (and trees) should be located has generated more debate with the Council agreeing that a final community consultation is required.

The most favoured proposal at present would place lighting of an approved standard along with trees in a median strip down the centre of the main street.

It was reported to Council that the cost to fund this project is estimated to be approximately $1.2 million.

The Council’s acting director Planning and Development, Mr Tony Meppem, said yesterday that the question of new street lighting had undergone an exhaustive process of study but the issue of whether or not new lighting should be placed on footpaths or located in the centre strip had generated considerable further discussion.

The need for lighting – and trees – seems to be favoured by many in view of Narrabri’s hot summer conditions.

Mr Meppem stressed that the project options have been thoroughly investigated and costed for the Council.

He said a community consultation meeting would be held before the Council made its final decision.

He also said that other large country towns (some with streets less wide than Maitland Street) successfully implemented median strips containing both trees and urban standard lighting.

The accompanying photographs of the main streets in Casino and Goondiwindi illustrate what may be possible in Narrabri.

The potential million dollar main street makeover will enhance the township’s flourishing local economy with a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for both locals and tourists alike.

The process to develop a plan for the revamping of Narrabri’s CBD has been underway for the past three years.

South Australian Globe Derby Fodder staff members sit on top of the huge three tonne pile of donated animal food supplies from the Narrabri community. Narrabri’s Russell Everson was reponsible for gathering supplies and driving the donations to Adelaide Hills in his charity van which is also pictured.||

Narrabri’s Russell Everson returned home from his massive 3580km round-trip to Adelaide Hills on the weekend, after delivering around three tonnes of animal food supplies to bushfire victims.

His 20-hour journey down to the bottom region of South Australia had him drop off supplies to a race horse ranch, acting as a collection point for donated resources for animals stranded by the fires that ripped through bushlands and residential properties recently.

Staff working at the Globe Derby Fodder said that Russell’s efforts were gratefully appreciated and that everyone’s contributions were thankfully accepted.

Before leaving Narrabri on Thursday, Russell had 30-40 local people make contributions to his cause before getting up to leave at 3am.

The donations of animal food made by local residents, either picked up or dropped off, were too much for just his charity van, with Russell needing to hitch a trailer for the long journey as well.

“The amount of food supplies I got from local residents was staggering, I definitely needed the extra space,” he said.

“Although it was a huge trip I was really glad I decided to do it and will be certainly looking at doing similar journeys like this again.”

Russell kept friends updated on his journey via his Facebook page, showing the devastation of the fires as he uploaded footage once he got to his destination in Adelaide Hills.

Russell said that he was overwhelmed by the show of local support from the Narrabri community and wanted to thank everyone who helped out.

“I would like to thank all the local people and businesses of Narrabri who gave their time and money to this cause,” he said. “At this time of the year it just shows how deep the generosity of our town really is.”

The situation around Adelaide Hills, which was the area worst affected by the recent bushfires, was slowly stabilising, after receiving recent rainfall.

The aftermath of the fire has left extensive damage to homes, vineyards, livestock and wildlife.

The South Australian government has declared the area a disaster zone, and the Insurance Council of Australia has also labelled the fires ‘as a catastrophe’.

It remains unclear just how many animals had been lost in the Sampson Flat bushfire which burnt through 12,500 hectares.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE: Narrabri High School students Tyler Bridges, Nick Walker, Gemma Ferguson, Jacob Shields, Keighley Bradford and Brooke Carthew inspect the technology of the future, a 3D printer, currently at Narrabri Library.||

Narrabri Library is an innovative institution and regularly introduces new ideas to its shelves and its services portfolio.

Now, a 3D printer quietly humming away in the library is providing a fascinating insight into the future.

3D printing technology, or ‘additive manufacturing’, has been around for many years but nowadays is becoming an everyday tool for business and manufacturing applications of all kinds, with models suitable for home use.

The technology is advancing rapidly in several areas and its proponents see a day when householders can virtually have a factory at home.

The Narrabri Library model has so far made linked bracelets and a small frog to demonstrate its capabilities.

Everyone is familiar with ink jet printers which print in one dimension, on paper or other media, but the 3D printer translates its digital file into three dimensional objects by depositing successive layers of material, solid or liquid or in powder form, until the whole piece is made.

The 3D printer is on loan for one month from Tamworth Library and demonstrations will be given each week day and Saturdays.

The library’s printer is a ‘low entry’ model in the world of 3D printers, costing about $3,000.

The machine at the library is small but people can see it using 3D printing principles.

“We have the printer so anyone interested can come in and see it at work,” said Narrabri Library manager Jenny Campbell.

“Libraries embrace technology and this machine will encourage people to think about how things are made.

“3D printing is opening up a new world of opportunities.

“Graduate students in Florida have printed a new hand for a six year old boy, for $350, for example.

“The hand is battery powered and opens and closes via muscle movements from the boy’s shoulder.”

Industrial printers installed in factories and businesses of all kinds are much more expensive and sophisticated, and are used to build everything from aeroplane wing parts, engine components to turbines and toys, jewellery and as a tool for artists.

3D printers create model houses so potential owners can see exactly what their new home will look like in miniature.

And now full size house components are made with 3D printing.

Biotechnology firms make body parts, manufacturers create ‘one off’ items like new sports shoes before embarking on full scale production.

People are invited to phone the library for 3D demonstration times.

DRY TIMES IN WALGETT: Acting Premier Troy Grant, NSW Farmers Association president Fiona Simson, Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries and NSW DPI Director General Scott Hansen (Photo: NSW Government)||

The NSW Government has introduced $20 million worth of new drought assistance funding to help severely drought affected livestock producers install on-farm water infrastructure such as pipelines, bores, tanks and troughs.

Under the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate scheme the government covers 50 per cent of the cost of purchase, delivery and if applicable, the labour cost to engage a person to install water infrastructure for animal welfare needs.

The maximum that can be claimed is $20,000 per farm, which includes any rebate already received under this program since November 2013.

The announcement follows Deputy Premier Troy Grant’s visit to drought affected areas at Narrabri and Walgett last week.

“We will ensure producers can continue running their businesses and local contractors receive a much needed boost,” Mr Grant said.

“The Emergency Water Infra-structure Rebate not only helps producers in drought increase available water for livestock, but enables them to better secure water into the future.”

Benefits from the scheme, which has been reintroduced after funding ended in July last year, are expected to flow to livestock producers west of Narrabri.

The implementation of the Federal Government’s Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative in recent years, commonly known as the ‘piping and capping scheme’, means many in the local region will not be in need of this assistance.

The scheme saw farmers cap flowing bores and replace drains with a network of pipes to deliver water to troughs in each paddock, with part of the cost covered by the Federal Government.

As a result of this scheme many landholders in the region already have exceptional water infrastructure.

Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said a number of key changes had been made to the scheme since the first round of funding began in November 2013.

“Eligibility will be assessed based on one-in-50-year rainfall deficiency or greater, down to the farm level rather than the LGA level,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Where producers cannot access groundwater to install infrastructure such as pipelines, bores, tanks and troughs, they can now claim for de-silting works.”

Pilliga grazier Graeme McNair said the new assistance was welcome, but had concerns around whether people would be in a position to outlay cash in order to receive the rebate.

“I think it will get used, but only by people who have the money to spend in the first place,” he said.

“It’s also very difficult to prove you’re in a 1-in-50-year drought, and it is still taking a long time for money to flow through after the application process, I know of people who applied for a concessional loan six months ago and still haven’t seen any money.”

Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries said the assistance would be crucial for communities struggling to hold on to the little water they had left and requiring additional storage containers when rain finally came.

“Take up of the scheme in the previous round shows how effective the rebates have been, particularly in the North West,” Mr Humphries said.

The NSW Government’s Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate will close on June 30.

NSW deputy premier Troy Grant, left, inspects the new Elizabeth street bore in Narrabri with the mayor, Cr Conrad Bolton, deputy mayor Cr Cr Cathy Redding and Member for Barwon, Mr Kevin Humphries.||

The NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant made a quick visit to Narrabri on Friday to assure the community of the state government’s growing focus on the region.

He inspected state government funded projects including plans to upgrade the Narrabri Airport and the new Elizabeth Street bore.

“Narrabri is immensely important, not only has it been a historically important regional community, but its expansion and population growth is very important to the overall state economy,” Minister Grant said.

“I don’t think regional communities like Narrabri have got the deserved recognition for their contribution to the state’s economy up until now.

“This visit is a chance to make sure the investments we’re making are hitting the mark so we can get it right for the long term, we want to get bang for buck, and the money we give out we want to make sure that has long term benefits,” the deputy premier told The Courier.

The $8.7 million Narrabri airport upgrade will be funded through the Resources for Regions program.

Conceptual designs have been drawn up to illustrate the proposed upgrade, which will include runway rehabilitation and extensions to allow larger aircraft to land in Narrabri.

The proposal also includes improvements to taxi lanes, as well as the construction of a new hangar, terminal and fuel facility.

The project budget has not been finalised yet.

The touring party, made up of politicians, departmental representatives, journalists and councillors, also visited the new Elizabeth Street Bore.

The bore was also funded by the Resources to Regions program through an allocation of 12.3 million for the augmentation of Narrabri’s water supply.

Narrabri Shire Council general manager Diane Hood expressed gratitude for the funding, pointing out the importance of meeting new demands as a result of growth in the shire.

“We did get two good buckets of money through the Resources to Regions program and it is really appreciated,” she said.

“We’re kicking ahead with all speed so it’s going to make a huge difference to the town and support the broad diversity of business we’re trying to attract.

“It’s about future proofing to allow growth.”

There are several other major Resources to Regions projects in the planning stages in the Narrabri Shire currently.

They include the timber bridge replacement project, installation of the Baan Baa water supply, expansion of childcare facilities in Narrabri and Boggabri, and the Boggabri sewerage system augmentation.

$10,000 for Boggabri Drovers’ Campfire

Santos’ Narrabri focus

CBD lights: recycled, footpath, or median?

Below average rainfall for 2014, high hopes for wet new year

High School Trade Skill Centre will underwrite jobs for locals

Russell’s big trip to help out little paws

Bright future for award winning family farm

Historic Boggabri bank will live once again as bed and breakfast, restaurant

Silversmiths find creativity

Elders program making inroads with local youth

First babies of 2015 for Narrabri

Fiery close call for one of the North West’s oldest hotels

Narrabri loses a prominent son

Tougher times continue for regional air services

New shire signs may get the nod in 2015 budget

New look for CBD?

Narrabri responds to bushfire victims’ plight

See the future -3D printing at the library

New round of drought assistance announced

Deputy premier affirms Narrabri as a key regional growth centre