2021 Australia Day Awards - Wudinna District Council
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2021 Australia Day Awards Congratulations to the Wudinna District Council Australia Day Award winners for 2021! Special thank you to photographer, Rebecca Smart, for capturing our winners this year. Citizen of the Year: Peter Miller Peter Miller is a well-known member of the Minnipa community as well as across the district. A particular area of mention in his role as an active member of the Minnipa Progress Association, Friends of Gawler Ranges National Park, and a long-standing volunteer with the Minnipa CFS. With the Minnipa Progress Association, Peter’s volunteer roles include making sure the township entrances are mown, tidy and maintained. Peter also maintains the lawns in Apex Park, the Minnipa Pioneer Women’s Park, the new Visitor Park in the main street, and vacant blocks around the town to make sure the township is kept tidy. Peter puts in huge amounts of time in the community as a volunteer which includes many tasks, including checking on donation points for campers at Apex Park; Tcharkuldu Rock and Pildappa Rock. Cleaning the drains for the Minnipa Water Harvesting Scheme. Providing advice and assistance to visiting tradies on various Drought funded projects as well as Council workers and taking on unsavoury jobs such as unblocking the RV Dump Point. Peter is also well known for his early morning walks around the township, keeping an eye out for what needs and could be to be completed to make Minnipa a great town in the Wudinna district to live. He is very humble about his work in the community and a great role model for how to quietly go about getting things done.
The last day to submit items for The Granite is the 23rd of each month.
Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The Granite. The editor reserves the right to edit any submitted articles.
Contents The Word for Today
2021 Australia Day Awards.................................... 1, 3-5
Slow Down!
Real Estate .................................................................... 6
Game On EP .................................................................. 7 ‘Focus on this one thing.’ Philippians 3:13 NLT
Vote Now! Names for Emu Chicks................................ 9 We live in the day of multitasking. We talk on the phone while
having lunch, read text messages while feeding the kids, and
EVENT: Community Outreach ...................................... 9
even drink coffee while driving.
Wudinna District Council ....................................... 10-11 Dr Richard Swenson says: ‘In some instances we are more
Graham’s History Article ....................................... 12-14 productive… some people crochet while watching the news.
Community Calendar .................................................. 15 And in certain jobs it’s considered necessary; clerks on the
Stock Exchange floor are required to run around doing five
EVENT: Livestock Technology Expo ............................ 16 things at once. But isn’t it bizarre that when a 48-year-old
Gawler Ranges NP Update ......................................... 17 broker drops dead, his colleagues keep working around the
Wudinna Bowling Club Update .................................. 19 lifeless body receiving CPR? The dramatic escalation of
busyness has given us too much to do in a short time. The
JOB ADVERT: Bank SA Wudinna ................................. 21 standard strategy… instead of refusing to take on more… is to
Business Classifieds ......................................... 18, 20-24 do two, three, or four things at once. It’s an extension of the
do-more-and-more-with-less-and-less philosophy. But
someone forgot to do the math! By doing two things at once
you divert 30 percent of your attention from the primary task;
you sacrifice quality for quantity, which leads to more errors.
You may end up finishing more tasks, but with poorer
products and frazzled nerves. The downside of multitasking
isn’t well-advertised… so we keep experimenting to see how
Congratulations to far we can push the envelope. However, when it comes to
relationships, multitasking can be disastrous. We don’t listen…
Claire & Colin Olsen it takes too much time. Families need focus… babies need
who will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary what they need when they need it. You either parent them or
on Thursday 11th February 2021! you don’t. Paul didn’t live like that. He focused “on this one
thing.”’
The members of LeHunte Pony Club wish to A dog has four feet, but it doesn’t try to walk down four
roads! So slow down and establish a pace that’s sane and
express their sincere thanks to those who sustainable.
have donated cans & bottles to the club in 2020. The Word for Today is Published by Vision Christian Media Copyright © 2019. A
free introductory copy of the devotional may be obtained from Vision Christian
This is much appreciated. Media; Free call 1800 00 7770 or admin@vision.org.au.
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
Family Life WUDINNA CATHOLIC COMBINED
Minnipa Church MASS TIMES
Uniting/Lutheran/Anglican Worship
Sunday 7th February
In the Anglican building Sunday 7 Februaryth
10am Wudinna Lutheran Ch. LR
every Sunday 8:30am th
Sunday 14 February
th 9am Yaninee LR
Services 10am Saturday 13 February
10am Wudinna Uniting Ch. LP
Kid’s Church 10:30am 6:00pm
st
Sunday 21 February
Everyone welcome Sunday 21st February 10am Wudinna Lutheran Ch. LR
9am Communion Service th
Sunday 28 February
For more info, contact Sunday 28 Februaryth 10am Wudinna Uniting Ch. HC
Tim & Heidi Coleman Rev Dean Brine / Uniting AGM
11:00am 9am Yaninee LR
0482 057 665
Yaninee AGM
2
Community Event of the Year: Wudinna Twilight Market & Christmas Pageant
The Wudinna Christmas Pageant and Twilight Market is operated
by a sub committee of the Wudinna and Districts Business and
Tourism Association and has operated for the past seven years, at
least! Possibly longer! No-one has been really counting.
The committee who run this event volunteer their time and are
dedicated to brining this event to life each year for the benefit of
the community. The event is a great excuse to bring the
community together in the lead up to Christmas to celebrate in a
family friendly atmosphere.
There is always something for everyone! Santa is available for the
children, there are market stalls showcasing produce and services
for locals to shop for their presents locally. There is live music to entertain and opportunities for local clubs to raise much
needed funds. All funds raised from the event by Wudinna Districts Business and Tourism Association are channelled
back into the community.
The event was typically held in the centre of town until COVID made the event relocate to APEX Park in 2020. The
relocation to the park was seen to be a great success. The committee worked tirelessly to ensure the event was not
cancelled like so many other events across the country and it proved to be an important opportunity for people to come
together.
The event has received fantastic support from the business community and major services over the years including
Council, CFS, Ambulance as well as sporting clubs and this award is recognition of the value the community place in it.
Business of the Year: Alicia’s Cafe
Alicia opened her café over ten years ago and brought the old
rundown shopfront back to life. It is now a comfortable cafe
serving a range of hot and cold homemade foods and fantastic
coffee. Alicia’s is also a florist and provides an external catering
service to events and functions. The cafe also provides small
local businesses an opportunity to sell and advertise their
handmade goods.
This year has been especially challenging with COVID-19, with all
the town’s hospitality businesses having to act quickly and
creatively. Alicia’s adapted by offering a messaging order system
which was quick and easy to use.
Alicia’s has extended their opening hours from four days per week to five and a half to be able to give the local people
from across the district, but also travellers the opportunity to purchase a good coffee and homemade food.
Alicia’s is one of our many great businesses across the district who offer employment opportunities and put back into the
community and play an active role in its development. The staff are also well known for knowing how you like your coffee
and how many sugars without having to ask. Always being welcoming faces to visitors to the town and great
ambassadors for the district.
The café is a regular highlighted specialist in travel and food magazines as being something to seek out on the Eyre
Peninsula and was a highlight when COSI from South Aussie came through and filmed the feature for Channel 9 in the
middle of 2020.
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 3
Employee of the Year: Elaine Shepherdson
Elaine is well known in the Wudinna community where she has
worked at the Wudinna Meat Store for the past 10 years. Starting as
a casual for 2 days a week she has now gained employment as a full-
time staff member who is approaching her second year as an
apprentice.
Elaine shows great pride in her work and is extremely helpful in
assisting customers in their decision making when preparing
purchases.
She adds flair to the Butcher Shop, is responsible for making the
Christmas puddings for the Christmas orders and played an
exceptionally large part in the success of the Beef Patties that won
two State Titles. She is also the chief onion cutter!
Her willingness to learn and expand her knowledge is outstanding and makes the team of ‘grumpy Wudinna butchers’ a
morning tea every Friday as well as birthday cakes for the staff.
An employee of Elaine’s calibre can only be described as an asset in this district which has been reflected in the success of
her nomination as the Wudinna District 2021 Employee of the Year.
Commendation Award: Wudinna Vacswim Program
Wudinna VacSwim is a learn to Swim program dedicated to
teaching children how to learn to learn swim, water safety, basic
first aid and CPR. Many participants going on to provide lifesaving
services at the pool.
Where in other places there has been a dip in numbers, Wudinna
keeps setting attendance records and the last year’s numbers
proved no different. Last year attracted over 200 participants
made up of families and visitors to the community.
The program is a great community service as well as positively
contributing to the local economy with attracting residents and
visitors from outside the district.
Commendation Award: Wudinna Foodland Staff
This commendation acknowledges the work of the entire staff at
Wudinna Foodland in how they adapted and went beyond the call of
duty in providing services to the community throughout 2020 and
the COVID 19 pandemic.
The commendation especially recognises the work done by staff in
ensuring customers needs are always placed first and the needs of
both residents, local businesses and travellers were always met.
Some of the initiatives include the ‘click and collect’ service that was
introduced and promoted to the community to help prevent the
spread of COVID 19. This service created an option for residents
where they were able to email or phone their orders through and
purchase their groceries without the risk to themselves or that of the wider community.
As one of the first stops for travellers when visiting the district, the Foodland staff are the faces of our district and are
commended in this award for how they do such a wonderful job in promoting Wudinna.
4
‘Back In My Day’ - Australia Day Project Following the Australia Day Award Ceremony on Tuesday was the unveiling of the ‘Back In My Project’ banners, featuring a snippet of recollections from interviews conducted by Liz Habermann, and images by Bec Smart (Smarty Pants Photography). The project, assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, has been presented as a supplement for this edition of the Granite newsletter by Wudinna & Districts Telecentre staff, with copies available on the day for attendees to take home. You’ll find a copy of the supplement included as an insert in this edition, with additional copies available on request at Wudinna & Districts Telecentre. Congratulations to all involved in the project, which provides a great collection of memories from some of our valued community members. Images below from 2021 Australia Day Awards Ceremony, captured by Craig Midgley. February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 5
Mid-West Health & Aged Care Inc.
WUDINNA AREA SCHOOL
Annual General Meeting Telephone Fax Box 30
(08) 8680 2263 (08) 8680 2393 WUDINNA 5652
Monday 1st February 2021
via Videoconference at either Wudinna, Streaky Bay or Wudinna Area School would like to thank the following
Elliston Hospitals people and businesses, as well as the Ag Steering
at 6.00pm
Committee for their support with the Agriculture program
Interested individuals from the Elliston, Streaky Bay and Wudinna for 2020. Their expertise and donations were much
communities are invited to this year’s presentation of reports that appreciated for helping deliver a range of topics.
will take place via videoconference.
Nominations are being called for any person residing in: Craig O’Brien Dan Vorstenbosch
2 x Elliston (3 year term), 2 x Wudinna (3 year term) & 1 x Brett Garnaut Jayne Marshall
Streaky Bay (2 year term) local government area representatives –
is eligible to nominate as a member of the Association under Craig Jericho Tyron Cummings
section 25 of the Associations Incorporation Act 1985. Brett O’Brien Megan Lister
Leon Gill Kane Sampson
This is an opportunity to be involved in the auspice arrangements
for Commonwealth & State Multi-Purpose Service funding to Darren O’Brien Jodie Reseigh-O’Brien
facilitate, co-ordinate and provide hospital, primary health and Jeffrey Bigg Dustin Sparrow
aged care services to the local government areas of Elliston, Kelvin Scholz Ryan Dubois
Streaky Bay and Wudinna. It is also an opportunity to source
funding, encourage, seek and manage donations and funding Don Bartley Elders
opportunities to support the expansion and or improvements of Nutrien Ag Solutions Ramsey Bros
existing services, or introduction of additional services.
Nominations can be made by contacting:
Kym Gillett (Chair) Genevieve Wright Ned Loades
PO Box 11 Ag Teacher Principal
ELLISTON SA 5670 Wudinna Area School Wudinna Area School
Phone: 0429879055 or 8679055
6
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 7
8
VOTE NOW!
Calling all local community members! Cast your vote to name Maurie’s mob of emu chicks!
To vote, either:
• Visit the Wudinna & Districts Telecentre Facebook Page to take part in the Poll; or
• Complete a paper voting slip, available from Wudinna Telecentre and Wudinna Post & Travel.
Entries close Friday 19th March 2021,
Winning names to be announced in the April 2021 Granite newsletter.
KENNY VENUS PROGRESS ASSOCIATION INC
President: Allison Pickford, 0427 616 940
Secretary: Patty Sampson, 0429 802 657
AGM
Kenny Venus Progress Association Inc
Sunday 28th February 2021 4pm
Venue: Port Kenny Hotel
All community Members, Landholders, Rate Payers,
Business Owners, Visitors, District Council of Elliston
Councillors and Council Staff and any interested
persons are very welcome to attend.
Bar will be open. If anyone requires a meal after the
meeting you will need to book with
Clint and Jane (08 8682 5004) 48hrs prior to the date.
If there are enough numbers (15 meals) they are
prepared to be open for counter teas.
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 9
The Next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held Tuesday 16 February 2021
CONGRATULATIONS KELSEY FREE COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT
As many may already know, Council has recently The National Drought Recovery and Response Agency
welcomed Kelsey Trezise into the position of Community Outreach Event is visiting Wudinna on Thursday 25th
Manager Works and Infrastructure Services. Kelsey February, 4pm-8pm at the Wudinna Memorial Hall.
takes over from Councils previous Works Manager
Neil Haines. The program will include information on how to access services
(relating to drought and broader community support) plus Guest
We would like to wish Kelsey all the best in her new speaker, Mary O’Brien “Are you bogged mate” from 6pm.
role and know she will do an amazing job—
Congratulations Kelsey! There will be a BBQ Dinner provided, All are welcome.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM SA HEALTHY TOWNS CHALLENGE
Community organisations in the Federal electorate of Grey The SA Healthy Towns Challenge provides grants of up to
are advised that the Stronger Communities Round 6 is now $50,000 for projects that increase health and wellbeing
open for Expressions of Interest. through the prevention of illness and/or injury and address
local health and wellbeing issues.
Organisations are able to apply for funding of between
$2,500 and $20,000 for eligible project activities which are A minimum of five grants will be available for this round
outlined in the guidelines which can be obtained by from across South Australia.
contacting Council.
Applications for Round 4 are now open and will close at
NB** Any organisation which applies must hold an ABN or 5.00pm on Friday, 26 March 2021.
have a parent organisation which is prepared to sponsor an
application. Projects must be short
term (up to 12 months)
Eligible organisations must complete an Expression of and undertaken in
Interest form which is available from Council and can be partnership with an
completed electronically (MS Word version provided) or External Partner, a
printed out and handwritten by no later than 5pm Friday not-for-profit
19th February. organisation with
expertise in health and
Selected organisations will be advised via email in early wellbeing.
March and invited to lodge an online application through
the grants portal. This will be assessed by the Dept of Further information, including application form, guidelines,
Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. eligibility information and how to apply, are available from
www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/SAHealthyTowns
If you require further information than what is attached or contact Wellbeing SA by email at
you can also visit: https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and WellbeingSASAHealthyTowns@sa.gov.au or by phone on
-programs/stronger-communities-programme or telephone 8226 6187.
the Business Grants Hub on 132846.
10APEX PARK WORKS REFUSE SITES—CATASTRPHIC FIRE DANGER RATING
In the next few weeks, you will see quite a bit of action at Please be reminded that when the Fire Danger Rating is
Apex Park as a brand new perimeter fence is installed! CATASTROPHIC we do not open our refuse sites. Where
possible, we advertise closure of these sites on our
The fence will match in with the section already installed on Facebook page.
Richards Avenue. We hope that it will provide a little extra
to our already amazing facilities with the entire Park being We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause but the
secure for children to play safely. safety of Council staff and residents comes first.
During the construction, we ask that children are supervised TRAFFIC COUNT DATA
closely due to the existing fencing being removed as well as Council have a number of traffic count systems installed
machinery operating in the area. throughout our District to enable us to obtain information
on usage of particular roads. They also have the capability to
determine speeds of passing vehicles.
We have recently collected data from various approaches to
townships which show that vehicles are travelling well in
excess of the speed limit at the 50km/h sign. Please be
reminded that a speed limit sign on a road applies to the
road, beginning at the sign. This means that drivers must
slow down to 50km/h prior to the sign.
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 11This Month’s Story: Kieran Boylan
This month’s story was sent to me by a reader. Normally I would condense the story to about a page but when I read it I
decided it had to be left as is. The story was printed in the Northern Territory Law Society publication ‘Balance’. Kieran
Boylan worked in the Wudinna area for many years farming, shearing and in the hotel; he then went on to manage hotels in
Adelaide and Whyalla. He moved to the Northern Territory and worked for the Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice
Agency (NAAJA). We always claimed Kieran as one of ours, and when you read the story you will see that Kieran left a
lasting impression on everyone…… Graham Waters
On Sunday 23 March 2014, the Territory lost one of our best, and one of our true gentlemen.
Aboriginal people of the Top End lost one of their great advocates, the North Australian
Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) lawyers one of their great role models, and the profession one
of its true trailblazers.
The latter may sound a big claim—it is—but it’s even bigger when you consider that Kieran wasn't
a lawyer.
For many of us, Kieran taught us what it means to ensure that your client understands the legal
processes they’re involved in, and to act fearlessly to see that your client gets a level playing field.
Kieran Boylan came to NAAJA in 2008. He’d come from Halls Creek, Western Australia where he
had been given the name ‘Chilpy’. This roughly translates to ‘Old Man’, and signifies the
respected position Chilpy was held.
It is significant that upon hearing of Chilpy’s passing, an Aboriginal Elder from Ringer’s Soak Community (out of Halls Creek)
told Chilpy’s sister that a smoking ceremony will be held in his honour. This is a colossal showing of respect for anyone, but
in particular for a non-Aboriginal man. It’s even more incredible when considering the length of time since he’d left Halls
Creek. Chilpy wasn’t one to be forgotten by anyone who knew him.
Chilpy started with NAAJA as a client service officer with our juvenile clients. This is a job usually reserved for Aboriginal
people. Suffice it to say; when people first saw this giant of a man with a booming voice, some had one or two reservations!
But these quickly evaporated. Chilpy had an incredible warmth that endeared him to everyone, whether with our young
clients or with the judiciary. His work ethic was unparalleled, and in a short time he quietly revolutionized how NAAJA kept
file records for our juvenile clients. With Chilpy’s help, we were able to keep track of clients after their court matters were
complete, and retain that knowledge if and when they were to return to court.
The youth lawyers who worked with Chilpy were always indebted. It was reflective of his unassuming and modest character
that Chilpy would do 90 per cent of the work only to see the lawyers get all of the praise from the bench as they were able to
relate their young client’s history and circumstances in impressive detail. Given Chilpy’s size it is not hard to see why one of
those lawyers would describe working with Kieran as standing on the shoulders of a giant—both physically and
metaphorically.
In September 2009, NAAJA commenced a program called Indigenous Prisoner Throughcare. Chilpy was our inaugural Prison
Support Officer. This was the first time NT Corrections had allowed a legal service to have a position based at Darwin
Correctional Centre, and it was a challenging collaboration for two very different organisations. It was anything buy an easy
environment for Chilpy to walk into.
Kevin Raby, who was the Superintendent of Darwin Correctional Centre at the time, recalled that period of 2009:
“This was a significant change to how corrections in the NT had operated and having staff from an agency like NAAJA
based in the prison, whilst always supported by senior corrections staff, was always going to face some significant barriers
from some staff due to issues of trust.
I recall my first meeting with Kieran and I was overcome with the feeling that if anyone can make this new initiative work,
Kieran was the one. Ingratiating yourself into a system that was to some degree a ‘closed shop’ was never going to be
easy however Kieran, by his personable nature, managed to quicky break down any barriers put in his way.
Some five years later, the relationship with NAAJA has developed into a significant partnership and this is in no small way
the result of Kieran’s efforts. Kieran was considered a member of the Darwin Correctional Centre staff as much as anyone
who was employed by the Northern Territory Department of Correctional Services.”
Chilpy’s achievements were all the more significant because his job was to advocate for Aboriginal prisoners. This required
him on a daily basis to raise with prison staff areas where they had failed to meet the needs of our clients. Chilpy’s approach
to advocacy was a lesson for all lawyers. To get results, you need a determination to get the job done, but with humility and
without pointing fingers. One of Chilpy’s favourite phrases was, “If you can’t do things properly, don’t do them at all.” Chilpy
certainly lived that ethos.
Aboriginal people represent 85% of the prison population. That’s about 750 Aboriginal people in Darwin Correctional Centre
alone.
12To give further context to Chilpy’s role at the prison, it was to help Aboriginal prisoners with
issues they face in prison, and to develop post-release plans for the Northern Territory Parole
Board. With over 800 prisoners at Darwin Correctional Centre (and around 750 of them
Aboriginal), this was a monumental task.
For four and a half years, Chilpy (and later with the equally wonderful Lavina Murray) effectively
operated as the Northern Territory’s first ever and only Parole Legal Service. They have literally
assisted hundreds of people. Chilpy has shone a light into one of the most closed, inequitable
processes in Australia—parole in the Northern Territory.
This is not to criticise individuals associated with the Parole Board, because there are some such
as the Parole Board Chairperson, Justice Stephen Southwood who go to significant lengths to
deliver a fair process. But it needs to be made clear that when it comes to parole, the odds are
stacked against our clients. Very few Aboriginal people get parole, not because they are
hardened criminals, but because they are in a system they often do not understand and the
support services are simply not there to help them. Too frequently, no one spends the time to
explain parole processes to them and help them put proper post-release plans in place.
And that’s where Chilpy came in. In recent years, there have been dramatic increases in the number of Aboriginal prisoners
seeking and successfully applying for parole. Justice Southwood sent the following words of condolence for Chilpy’s funeral
in Adelaide:
“Kieran was very highly regarded by all of the members of the Parole Board who greatly appreciated the invaluable work
he undertook for prisoners and parolees. He will be well remembered by all of us.”
Examples abound of Chilpy’s impact and legacy. He was a fierce critic of the lack of therapeutic programs on offer at Darwin
Correctional Centre and Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre. He pointed to the ridiculous injustice where the Parole Board
would require his clients to undertake rehabilitative programs to have a realistic prospect of parole, yet these programs were
often not on offer at the prison or detention centre.
He consistently raised concerns about a repatriation system that didn’t meet the needs of our clients. Repatriations are the
system where prisoners are provided transport from prison to their home community upon their release. Many clients are
simply put in a taxi to the airport or the bus terminal and left to find their own way from there. Some don’t board their
scheduled plane or don’t get on their bus. Some simply want to stay in town to shop or drink, whilst others miss flights
because they do not understand how to navigate an airport check-in.
Chilpy would identify clients at high risk of not getting home, and make sure they had identification; he’d then take them to
the airport or bus terminal and wait with them to make sure they boarded their plane or bus. After one such trip in 2012, he
noted:
“I got M onto his flight out to Groote this morning, not without some issues of anxiety for me I must add. There was a big
mob of family all in varying stages of sobriety hanging around the Vincent Terminal on our arrival (have no idea how they
knew he would be there) anyhow he proceeded to hand over all of his ready money $150 leaving him with a cheque for
$500. A long conversation took place between them all in language at the end of which M asked if he could stay in Darwin
for the day and go back with family tomorrow, his family including him had received royalty payments and his brother
Tyson had bought a motor car! I strongly objected warning him of the consequences (breach parole). Anyhow he took my
advice and I watched him board the plane; he would not have gone had I not been there!
I have since made contact with Corrections at Angurugu, M has reported and all is good!”
Chilpy’s magic was the way he made things come-together for his clients. The following examples give a sense of how he did
this.
Jason was released from prison after 25 years. It is unimaginable to consider how institutionalised he was after this length of
time, and the barriers he faced on release.
Chilpy’s job had been to help prepare his parole application, and when he was finally granted parole, for some it might have
ended there. But Chilpy saw that to ‘do the job properly’, more work needed to be done.
Jason faced a range of complex issues. He had serious medical problems (significantly, Chilpy only found this out because he
went with Jason for his drug testing, which was part of his parole conditions). Not only would he probably not have reported
for the drug testing without Chilpy’s help, no one would have known he had heart problems and diabetes. What’s more,
Chilpy helped Jason to then see a doctor and obtain medication from the pharmacy, things he just was not equipped to do
on his own.
Another issue was that Jason had problems sleeping at night and in the days after his release from jail, he wasn’t eating.
Chilpy found out that Jason had gone hungry since his release. Chilpy asked him why, and Jason replied that he was ‘waiting
for the bosses to come around and shine their torches’. Chilpy set up a food regimen for Jason to follow. He explained the
concept of grocery shopping and takeaway options.
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 13Soon after his release, Jason lost a cheque for a sizeable amount. This was his earnings from his time inside. Chilpy arranged
for the cheque to be cancelled and reissued. When Jason had car problems, Chilpy took him to the dealership to get it
sorted.
Chilpy visited Jason every Sunday after Mass, just to check in, see he was ok, and that everything was on the right track with
his reporting to Corrections. Chilpy helped him every step of the way. And such a bond they formed, Jason invited him to his
wedding!
Despite another car breakdown, Jason came to Chilpy’s memorial service that was held in Darwin soon after Kieran’s funeral
in Adelaide.
Three years on, he is still going strong, living a law abiding life and being a positive influence on his family and friends.
Without a shadow of doubt, but for Chilpy, he would have been back in jail within a week.
When Ed was released from prison, he was totally isolated, he battled loneliness and boredom. He had been in jail for a long
period and was also totally institutionalised. He didn't have basin living skills such as cooking, laundry, or bed making.
Chilpy visited him every day, weekends included. He put in place a range of supports, with a Lutheran Minister, counselling
from the Aboriginal medical service, and encouraged Ed to pursue his artistic talents as a landscape painter.
Chilpy also did little things that only a person who genuinely cared about ‘his client’ would do. Last year Chilpy took Ed to
Mass on Christmas Day. Ed wanted to go, but was not able to do this on his own. This did not stop Chilpy. He made it
happen, because he did things properly, and he did what his clients needed help to do.
Ed, like Jason, was proud to attend Chilpy’s memorial. He sent this message:
“Chilpy truly was a wonderful man, very supportive and caring. Willing to help and support people like myself with
kindness and compassion and for that I will always be grateful. Until we meet again my friend, may you rest in peace
and God bless.”
As with Jason, there is no question that Ed would have been back in jail, or never been released from jail, but for Chilpy.
The manner in which Chilpy worked with Aboriginal people also has lessons for us all. Families would open up to him so
easily. He was so respectful and humble in his dealings. Lavina recalls an instance where she had Chilpy arrived in a
community to see their client, and the whole community pointed them in the direction where he was! Chilpy involved not
just his client, but his family and the community, and the results he achieved speak volumes about the soundness of his
approach.
These notes of Chilpy’s from a 2012 trip he and Lavina took highlight this:
“A very worthwhile excursion creating many positives, but in particular
confirmation of parole plans for D and H and advances with C; and positive
engagement to Elders. It has become very obvious subsequent to our
meetings with Elders from Barunga, Beswick, Hodgson Downs and
Jilkminggan that is has never been a practice for parole officer to engage
with them in preparation of parole reports and it is very clear that Elders
will engage and offer plenty to assist in applications and in nearly all case it
would be to the betterment of our clients. We must over the year
endeavour to reach Elders from other remote communities but in particular
meet with visiting Elders’ upon their attendance out here.”
How Chilpy did that! He showed that is can be done. Whilst some might say, ‘Where are the Elders?’, Chilpy showed they are
certainly there, if you know the secret to unlocking the door.
In closing, to look at our Indigenous Prisoner Throughcare program four and a half years on, it has progressed from strength
to strength. We started with one worker, we now have ten.
The program is leading the nation. There is simply nothing else like it. It has won a National Crime Prevention Award and was
featured in the Prime Minister’s 2013 ‘Closing the Gap’ report.
Chilpy’s work as a living embodiment of his dedication, his compassion, and his selflessness. He made such a difference to
people’s lives, and he did it in such a gentle, humble way. To use a football analogy, he was the ruckman, always looking out
for the little fellas.
Our heartfelt condolences are with Glenys (Mum), Kate, Justin and the entire Boylan family. To Mum in particular, Chilpy’s
wife and partner for forty five years, we cannot say how much we admire and respect your grace, dignity and strength.
For all of us who had the privilege to work with Chilpy, he was our shining example of what it means to do things properly.
You are our inspiration, Chilpy, rest in peace knowing that your legacy lives on.
NAAJA is currently establishing a fund to continue Chilpy’s legacy. Donations may be made via NAAJA’s website:
www.naaja.org.au.
Source: Balance, February 2014, Feature article: http://www.naaja.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Balance-Article.pdf
14February 2021
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Reflex Physiotherapy Baby Bounce SA Ambulance Training Counsellor (C&OH) Low Vision Group GAWLER RANGES NP
CFS Training closure from 6am
CAFHS @ Telecentre
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Reflex Physiotherapy Baby Bounce Public Physiotherapist Counsellor (C&OH) Dr Ken Fielke
Wudinna CWA SA Ambulance Training GAWLER RANGES NP
CFS Training reopen from 6pm
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Reflex Physiotherapy Council Meeting Eyre Eye Centre Counsellor (C&OH) Dr Helen Murray
Baby Bounce SA Ambulance Training
CFS Training
Camera Club
CAFHS @ Telecentre
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Reflex Physiotherapy Baby Bounce Independent Hearing Counsellor (C&OH)
Public Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
SA Ambulance Training
CFS Training
1516
GAWLER RANGES NATIONAL PARK UPDATE JANUARY 2021
Late Flowering Season in the Ranges
Following the late rain in Spring, flowering of some
wildflowers has been enhanced and the season prolonged
into January. Pictured here is the purple Mulla-mulla, Sturt’s
Desert Pea and the yellow Clustered Everlasting all flowering
in the northern parts of the National Park this month.
Park Closure
The Conservation and Wildlife Branch of the Australian Sporting Shooters Association will be undertaking feral animal
control from the 6th to the 12th February in the Gawler Ranges National Park.
The National Park east of Yardea Road will be closed over this period. Access into the Organ Pipes, Yandinga and Scrubby
Peak will remain open. Park management is still trying to reduce herbivore impacts on native vegetation and control
predators, particularly cats and foxes. We are just beginning to see some ecological recovery of native animals, particularly
the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, the Sandhill Dunnart and the Malleefowl. Recovery however, is much slower in these drier
years.
New Employee
Richard Harry Peel began work in the National Park in early December. Harry came from
Ceduna where he has been living on the homelands near Laura Bay for some years. Harry and
his family have now moved to Wudinna to undertake his new role as a Working on Country
Ranger. We welcome Harry to his new position and trust that he can add some experience
and new skills to the Gawler’s Ranger team.
Infrastructure and Signage
Park staff have been busy erecting information shelters at Yandinga, Organ Pipes and Scrubby Peak over the New Year in
preparation to house information about the walk trails and wildlife found in the park.
Picnic shelters and settings are also being constructed at Stone Dam, Sturts Lake and Mirica Falls.
Furthermore, in preparedness for the walk trail interpretive information, staff have been constructing sign frames along the
heritage trails at Old Paney and the Shearing Shed. These will look quite sharp when the new signage is affixed. New walk
trail signage is also being developed for Pondanna, Mt. Allalone, Sturts Waterfall and Mt. Fairview.
Roadworks
For those people visiting the park in February, roadworks are being undertaken on all our major roads within the park and
caution should be taken when approaching working machinery. The carpark at the Organ Pipes has been enlarged to allow
for extra visitation and the carpark at the Mirica Falls will also be upgraded by park staff.
Walk trails at Old Paney and the Shearing Shed will be subject to some works.
Visitation
It is perhaps no surprise to people in the hospitality industry but visitation in the district has increased tremendously. Due
to the travel restrictions put on Australians by the Coronavirus, many South Australians are deciding to travel locally. From
August through to the end of November 2020 the National Park experienced as many visitors as there was for all of the
2019 calendar year.
Lindsay Brown
Senior Ranger
Gawler Ranges National Park Helping South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 17NATIONAL PARK PASSES
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18WUDINNA BOWLING CLUB
Charity Night Success
The weather was perfect for the Wudinna Bowling Club's annual
charity night of fun, held on Tuesday 19th January. The evening
started with a simple sausage sizzle while registrations were
taken and teams were selected.
Over 50 people attended (bowlers and community members)
playing in teams of 4, one round of 10 ends, then teams changing
opponents for another round of 8 ends. Local bowlers took on
the skipper positions and most of the third positions, leaving all
other positions for the guests.
After several hours, skills were honed and there was some great
bowling by the visitors.
The winning team, skippered by Geoff Martin, included Heather
Michael, Scott Lewis and Michael Scholz. Congratulations!
Ashley Joyce conducted the Lucky Spin with winners being Marie
Mullan, Lyn Beinke, Tanya Mitchell, Di McKenna and Samantha
Bunney.
Scott Lewis was invited to draw
the raffle but delegated the
task to daughter Camille, who
was happy to have the honour
of pulling the winning ticket.
Congratulations to winner
Matthew Brands who selected
a lovely piece of jewellery from
a choice of 3 items, with the help of partner Nicole Baty.
A huge thank you to Bev Berg for donating the beautiful raffle prize.
Funds raised this year went to the Wudinna Hospital Auxiliary who had representatives
Josie Williams (Pres) and Janet Foster (Sec/Treas) joining in the social event. The night
raised a fantastic $1,186 with $410 coming from donations alone. The money will go
towards new dining chairs.
Thanks to those who attended and enjoyed the evening.
Air Raid Siren Tests
WUDINNA On the first Wednesday of each month, Wudinna CFS will
conduct Air Raid Siren tests between 7:30pm & 8:00pm. The
siren test will be conducted as 3 short blasts and will be heard
throughout the town.
If at any time the siren continues as a long continuous blast,
our local CFS personnel are calling for more volunteers to
assist.
For more information or to volunteer, visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au
or chat with one of our local volunteers.
February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 19WUDINNA HOTEL MOTEL 20
BankSA is an iconic banking brand, with more than 170 years of retail and business banking experience and a strong heritage in the South Australian and Northern Territory markets. When you join the BankSA team, you are joining a group of passionate individuals, who take pride in being recognised as leaders in customer service. The role Joining our team as a Customer Service Advisor is a great opportunity for those who want to excel at generating new business for BankSA, while being supported with a structured training and accreditation program to help you succeed. Being the first point of contact for customers, you will serve and delight every customer by effectively and accurately processing banking transactions, cash handling and identifying opportunities to deliver tailored solutions that clearly link back to your customer's financial goals and banking needs. Key to success in the role is retaining and deepening customer relationships every day by understanding your customer’s needs and providing professional service and products in a target driven environment. Working within BankSA risk policies and compliance requirements, you will generate leads across wealth, insurance, home loan and small business lending and take ownership for a seamless service experience. What you need to succeed • A passion for service and proven sales delivery experience in a team environment • A sense of curiosity to understand the local community and our customer’s needs • Confidence and capability to build relationships and offer the right solutions • An ability to problem solve and the tenacity to follow things through • And of course an understanding of banking and financial services would be a plus! The benefits Joining BankSA has many benefits besides building a long and stable career. Your decision entitles you and your family access to some of the best banking, wealth and insurance benefits in the market coupled with Corporate discount partners, offering you the opportunity to save thousands. BankSA is part of the Westpac Group, made up of a family of some of Australia’s most recognised financial services brands, including Westpac, St. George, Bank of Melbourne, BT and RAMS. Westpac Group is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, this role is open to experienced candidates seeking a discussion around workplace flexibility. Please apply online if you’re interested in joining us or contact me on my details below. Cindy McMahon | Branch Manager BankSA Ceduna/Wudinna | 0434 898 079 Let’s do this! February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2 21
Adam Murphy
Electrical
Wudinna Bowling Club Inc Domestic Commercial
SERVICING THE EYRE PENINSULA
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• SA National Park Passes • Laminating, Guillotining & Binding
• Bendigo Bank Agency • Faxing, Scanning & Emailing
• Service SA Service Agent • “The Granite” Newsletter
• Centrelink Access Point • Digital Photo Kiosk
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24 | February 2021 | Vol 25, Issue 2“Back In My Day”
Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council, this special edition of The Granite
newsletter is part of a community project aimed to collate stories and images from older residents from across the
Wudinna District.
Expanding on the pilot interviews and photographs undertaken with older residents across the district in the early
stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and published in the April 2020 edition of The Granite newsletter, the articles below
called for participants to reflect on times in their lives, and recollections of times in their family’s lives, when they
faced adversity, or times of hardship.
Clarrie & Marg Sampson
BORN 1934 & 1936
“After football on Saturday’s there was always a meal followed by a dance. The
tables would be cleared away, we would change into our fancy clothes and the
dance would begin. We all looked good but there was no such thing as
deodorant and people would be sweating everywhere! We didn’t let it bother us
though, we were having too much fun.
We had pictures every week and the Warramboo Hall would be packed.
Clarrie - I was the projectionist. There wasn’t much room in the projection room
and boy was it hot! We also had to make our own power. At interval time, lollies
and cold drinks were bought at the local deli and Jaffa’s would then begin to roll
down the aisle.”
Colin Olsen
BORN 1926
“I grew up in a wood and iron house with one stone wall for the fire place.
I wouldn’t say they were hard times - we always had enough to eat, we were
clothed and although nothing flash, we had a comfortable home. I was fortunate
that I had lunch to take to school as there were many other children sent with
nothing to eat throughout the day.
When I got to stay with some of these families, all that was offered was bread
and jam. There was a slit in the top of the jam tin. As the knife was pulled out of
the slit, the jam left on the knife was what you got to put on your bread. They
were poor and it showed me just how good my life was.”
1Audrey Wedding
BORN 1933
“Growing up I loved spending time with my brothers. We would often go rabbit
hunting with the dogs, digging for what seemed like hours to get the rabbits out of
their burrows. Mum would cook up the meat and we would sell the rabbit skins.
After meeting my future husband and moving to Wudinna I loved being out on the
farm. I enjoyed driving the tractor and the truck and carting the grain. After Ron died
it was too hard to do it on my own so I moved into the town.
I got my love of gardening from my Mum - she used to love her garden too. Over the
years I have spent many hours in amongst the plants, getting my hands dirty and
keeping busy.”
Marlene Boylan
BORN 1939
“I came to Wudinna in 1960 to teach Home Ec at the school. At the time there were
one hundred and ninety students and eight teachers. One year later there was two
hundred and thirty students, still with eight teachers.
Five teachers shared a two bedroom house which they called the teachers hostel.
I married in 1963. I had to get special permission to continue teaching as at the time,
it was compulsory that women were to retire from teaching once married!”
Cyril Matthews
BORN 1931
“My parents had a scrub block not far from Koongawa. Back then a family could only
have one block, very different to these days where some farmers own many farms.
I went to Koongawa School until year seven then boarded in Wudinna to allow me to
continue my schooling. I would ride my pushbike from the farm to Kyancutta along
dirt tracks and over sand hills, catch a bus to Wudinna, attend school for the week
and return home on the Friday.
Besides attending school in Wudinna, I worked at the post office, delivered mail and
did the telephone exchange at night. Twice a week the mail came up from Port
Lincoln on the rail car.”
Pat and Jan Hynes
BORN 1936 & 1944
“Wudinna looks very different these days. The streets were dirt with no kerbing. Dust
would billow up from pedestrians and when it rained it was a quagmire.
Wudinna had its own nine hole golf course with the ninth hole being where Second
Hand Rose is situated. The sports oval was where the pony club now meets and there
were horse stables on the land behind Foodland. The SES complex replaced lawn
tennis courts and people played croquet before it became the lawn bowls site.
There were few houses scattered throughout the town, the silos were yet to be built
and we relied on the rail car to bring supplies up from Port Lincoln.”
2Henry McKenna
BORN 1928
“My dad was the first school teacher in the area in 1917. He left teaching to become a
farmer and bought a scrub block eight miles out from Kyancutta. There was very little
money - we knew we were hard up but it didn’t bother us too much and we didn’t
know any better.
I have seen a lot of changes to farming over the years! A plough was about five feet
wide and we used horses to pull it. The steel wheels would cut into the ground and
make it hard to pull. Then they changed to rubber tyres and bigger ploughs. Next the
horses were out and a tractor was put in front of the plough.
We would sow 40 acres in one day. These days they sow 400 acres in one day. That’s
how much things have changed.”
Roger & Helen Scholz
BORN 1947 & 1948
“Before the silos were built, wheat was bagged requiring us to learn the knack of
sewing wheat bags.
Roger - I remember going in the truck with dad. We would carry the bags off the truck
and put them on the scales. The weights were recorded, and the wheat bags would
then be placed onto the wheat stacks. The building of the weigh bridge made life a
little easier.
There weren’t field bins so we built compounds. These were made out of weld mesh
and hessian bags which stored the wheat until it was time to auger the wheat into
the truck. Farming was physically hard but life was good.”
Bet DuBois
BORN 1927
“I came to Wudinna to begin my first year as a junior teacher which was a
requirement before attending two years of teachers college.
Returning to Wudinna I soon met and married my husband. We moved to a house on
the family property three miles out from Wudinna and named our farm DuMonte - a
mix of our surnames, DuBois and Montgomerie.
Farm life was very different back then to what we know today but life was good.
Except for flour and sugar, we were self sufficient. We grew our own veggies, had our
own meat, eggs and milk and for some extra income, we had a milk run supplying
locals with milk which we continued for seventeen years.”
Cordi Munro
BORN 1930
“My family moved from Minnipa to a share farm on the edge of the salt lake six miles
south of Yaninee and for one year I went to Wynella School.
There were eight students that year - my older brother, twin sisters and I made up
half the school attendants! My school day began by saluting the flag and making a
promise to honour my King and Country.
I remember marching into school to the sound of a drum and fife band and I wrote
with a pen dipped into an ink well. I had fun playing marbles, hopscotch, knuckle
bones and climbing trees.”
3I thoroughly enjoyed my time listening to these special members of our community. I believe their stories need to be
preserved and I am fortunate that I was given the opportunity to take part in this ‘Australia Day – Reflect, Respect,
Celebrate’ project.
The common connection between these people who have made this district their home - whether that was through
being born here or moving to the area for various reasons - was that although they did not have much, they
remember happy childhoods and were grateful for what they did have. Joy came in the form of simple things – a
dance on Saturday nights or going to the pictures. Playing marbles in the school yard or climbing trees and playing
hide and seek.
Money was scarce but they all agreed - they had enough. Besides, they didn’t know any different. As for change, they
have all seen huge changes throughout their lifetimes. In their earliest years using horses to help plough the fields or
clear scrub while also being the primary source of transport. Then cars slowly began taking over from horses but
there would only be one vehicle available to use. The changes to farming practices has been unbelievable with the
yields of today being unimaginable in those early years. School was sometimes via correspondence when the closest
school was too far away to travel to daily but then appreciating when they did have the opportunity to go to a school,
only to leave at the age of fourteen to help on the family farm.
Each person I interviewed shared with me how ‘rich’ their lives were. Many were proud of the legacy they will leave
behind while others enjoyed reminiscing how things used to be. They weren’t negative about the changes they have
witnessed throughout their lifetime and although the work was hard and the hours were long, they could also
appreciate what was perhaps a simpler life.
This collection of stories and photographs is only the beginning. The lives and achievements of people in our
community need to be remembered and preserved for future generations. If you feel you would like to share your or
your family’s story, please let me know. Each story is important and interesting, and I would welcome the opportunity
to sit down with you and talk about how things used to be – back in your day.
Kind regards,
Liz Habermann
Special Commendations
This special ‘Australia Day’ edition of The Granite is proudly assisted by the Australian Government through
the National Australia Day Council.
A big thank you to our team of local community members who orchestrated this publication:
Liz Habermann, Author | Rebecca Smart, Photographer | Wudinna & Districts Telecentre Inc, Editor & Publisher
Wudinna District Council | Craig Midgley | Eleanor Scholz
4You can also read
