ABOVE: Lions district governor, Don Pritchard, Mallala Lion Neil Kakoschke, Lions chairman, Glenn Herbert, with local earthmovers, Col and Dave Davis who donated their expertise

MALLALA Lions officially handed over the recently built public toilet and shower facility at the town’s sporting precinct to District Council of Mallala last week.
DCM chief executive officer, Charles Mansueto, said reports from the Lions club indicated the facility had been an added asset, with many travellers utilising the camping grounds since the ablution block was built.
“After speaking with the Lions club, they said it has been used quite regularly, which brings people to the community to spend their money in local businesses as a result,” Mr Mansueto said.
Council has since inherited the cleaning costs of the ablution block, which was estimated to be about $3000 per year, which will ensure the facility is cleaned a few times a week.
Mr Mansueto said council would also take on the responsibility of general maintenance of the building.
The Lions club remained in charge of collecting the deposit from campers to borrow a key for shower access.
Plans were unveiled in May last year, following several years of discussions amongst Lions members.
The club steadily put money aside for the project, with the project originally forecast to cost about $80,000.

Riverton District High School students, Dylan Maynard and Jack Connell

Kapunda High School students, Mark Little and Andrew Stewart with Robert Stansborough.

Balaklava
SENIORS KEEPING FIT
Would you like to become involved in exercise classes for seniors? Jessie Burfurd called into our office lamenting the fact there appears to be no exercise classes for seniors in Balaklava.
Fitness classes operate in other towns (Penny Mathew and her “Happy Hearts” in Mallala is one fine example) – but as Jessie correctly points out, surely Balaklava is big enough to get an exercise group (not just walking) organised.
If one already is operating in Balak, let me know
If you are interested in joining a group or can assist with creating “passive” exercise classes, give Jessie a call on 0418 621 162.

HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
Women’s and Children’s Hospital Auxiliary hosted the Region 4, 53rd annual conference, in the Anglican church hall on April 23.
Special guests included State president, Pauline Arbon, along with Balaklava Community Children’s Centre director, Dale Gathercole, who officially opened the conference. Auxiliary members watched a DVD of genetic counselling, prior to enjoying a delicious pooled lunch.
The local group held its AGM after lunch, with Lorraine Reese nominated president. Money raised for 2011-2012 by five remaining auxiliaries, was $17,000. Well done!

PICK the kids (from lef, rear) Matilda Maclean, Ryan Bruce, Alice McKenzie, Abby Griffiths. Front: Raffi-elle Anderson and Ashlee Trowse.

Riverton
CLASSY MORNING TEA
Riverton primary is hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea tomorrow (Thursday) from 9.10am for an hour.
Members of the public are invited to come along for a cake and cuppa. The good part is (so they say), the teachers have done all the cooking! Can anyone pick out the cakes Mr Wilson made?
All donations will go to the Cancer Council.
• Students participated in an “Occupation Dress Up Day” last Friday.
There were some great costumes and the students had a fun day.
Money raised was to support the school’s sponsor child.
• First Riverton Scout Group needs children aged from eight to 14 for Joeys, Cubs and Scouts.
Scouts teach  lifelong skills, in a fun and adventurous atmosphere.
Contact Elaine on 0412 328 962 if you’d like more information.

Hamley Bridge
ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
After meeting US President, Barack Obama, last year, Newton and Sue Lines thought they’d pop in and visit him again on their recent overseas holiday.
But this time, it was a less formal occasion, watching their grandchildren play tennis against the President. As you do.
As it was a “friendly” and to save WWIII, the game ended at deuce. Good decision.
•A fundraiser for the primary school was held last Friday night with a “Ladies only Lock-in” at the institute. Hello, hello! No, it was all above board. There were lots of stalls and a fashion parade, and the ladies all had a great time.
•Well known Christian singer/song writer, Robin Mann, is leading a church service at the Recreation Centre on Sunday, June 30 at 10.30am.
A pooled lunch will follow, so please bring a plate or two to share. All welcome.

Community awards
SA Community Achievement Awards have been launched for 2013 and the search is on to find our local community contributors.
Nominations can be for individuals, organisations, businesses or groups, with great prizes up for grabs. There are eight different categories open for nomination.
Visit www.awardsaustralia.com for details. Entries close July 24.

ANZAC service participants (from left) rear, Mike Stone, Robert Brand, Jason Forrest, Nicholas Cummins, Fione Love. Middle: Quisha Dobie, Kim Pix, Luke Freebairn. Front: Austin Altmann and Ocea Ebsary.

Students, staff, parents and members of the Snowtown community gathered together at Snowtown primary school on Thursday, May 2,  to commemorate the Anzac spirit and to induct the school’s student leaders for 2013.
Blessed by some fine weather, guests were welcomed by new principal, Fione Love.
New student leaders for 2013 were then introduced

Austin Altmann and Ocea Ebsary lay the wreath.

by teacher Lisa Birch, who also spoke about the role of a student leader in the school. Those who accepted badges included Quisha Dobie, Jason Forrest, Nicholas Cummins, Luke Freebairn, Kim Pix, Ocea Ebsary and Austin Altmann.
Amber Warner and Brayden Baxter were at sporting events and received their badges later.
Students then conducted the remainder of the program, introducing official guests from the local RSL, Mike Stone and Robert Brand.
A traditional Anzac service was conducted with the school’s Christian pastoral support worker, Nadine Greenshields, giving a bible reading and offering a prayer of thanks.
The gathering then heard about a former student who had fought during World War I.
Corporal Lawrence Carthage Weathers had on September 2, 1918, attacked an enemy trench alone under heavy enemy fire, returning for more bombs before again moving forward with three others.
They were eventually able to capture the trench. For this display of heroism, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Students from the R/1 class then laid wreaths at the foot of the Lone Pine before student leader, Nicholas Cummins, read the Ode and the Last Post was played.
Following the service, a morning tea was held with new student leaders.
“The school is proud of its continuing commemoration of the Anzac spirit, which is an important part of the school year and brings the school together with the wider community.”

* Due to a production error, Sami’s surname was spelt incorrectly in the May 15 edition of the Plains Producer. The Producer apologises for any inconvenience

LIBERAL Party candidate, Tom Zorich, chats with Michael Smith, Cate Atkinson and Graham Ackland at an informal gathering last week and, left, meeting with councillor Maurice Tiller later in the Triangle.

Les Pearson reports
COMMUNITY and business representatives from Balaklava and surrounding district aired their respective concerns with Liberal Candidate for Wakefield, Tom Zorich, who visited the town on Thursday.
He said there was a strong push from those at the meeting for a stronger presence of the elected MP for Wakefield in the district.
“Having your face around the place,” Mr Zorich surmised.
“It was posed to us they wanted active representation from the Federal sphere at certain meetings in this area. That is something I am happy to do.
“The level of engagement I’m looking at providing for people is to ensure they feel confident that I can deliver their message in Canberra.”
While the meeting went for a little more than an hour, Mr Zorich said there weren’t any issues raised by those who attended that he was unfamiliar with.
“No, not really,” he said.
“The main one was they like their voice heard and I said it would be worthwhile to have a focus group I could attend on a regular basis, if elected, to listen to their views and represent them at Canberra.
“I think getting feedback from representatives of the community, whether it is a focus group of elderly citizens, or youth, is a very important way of getting the ideals of what the community wants.”
Following the meeting, Mr Zorich then held a meet and greet function on the town triangle, discussing a wide range of issues with locals throughout the afternoon.
The Balaklava visit was one of several to the Mid North district in recent weeks.
Mr Zorich revealed he was enjoying his regular travels to the area. “I’m in business, so I’m used to meeting new people on a regular basis,” he said.
“This has been a very good opportunity to engage with the local people, so it has worked out very well.”
He claimed a majority of the talks with locals at the northern end of the Wakefield electorate surround a drive for change.
“There are a lot of people concerned about their local community,” Mr Zorich said.
“They want their community to grow and they want to see an active member representing them in a Federal sphere.
“People are looking for change, someone to give them a new direction and a new plan.
“So that’s where people are looking for change.
“Some of the national issues, including the carbon tax, are resonating with people.”
Mr Zorich’s regional visit continues throughout May, including Kapunda tomorrow, Angle Vale on Saturday, May 18, Mallala IGA on Friday, May 24 and Gawler on Saturday, May 25.

More to say, closer to election
VOTERS at September’s Federal election will be keen to see some alternative policies from Liberal Candidate for Wakefield, Tom Zorich, in the near future.
Mr Zorich, who was in Balaklava last week to meet with residents, community representatives and business owners, said he had no means to make pre-election commitments in his stature as candidate.
“I’m the candidate, I don’t have a bank of money at the minute to work on policies for people,” he explained. “If elected, we will work hard to ensure we get adequate funding for this state, and this electorate.
“As we move closer to the election, we will have other policies.”
In line with the Coalition’s national rhetoric, Mr Zorich said vast financial reform is a starting point for a raft of alternative policies on the horizon.
“Let me focus on this, the current Labor government is very much out of control with its spending,” he said.
“We need to rein in their expenditure, bring back the deficit and get the economy back on track.
“If anything, that’s a huge policy in itself, to make sure we can bring about effective change in Australia.”

Fast learning curve required
MY VIEW
Editor, Terry Williams

WHEN Tom Zorich called by for another chat last week, I couldn’t help thinking he is a bit like the boy with the wheelbarrow – he has the job ahead of him.
Not just getting himself known to people hereabouts, but to unseat current Wakefield electorate Labor MP, Nick Champion, a declared backer of former PM, Kevin Rudd.
Nick – let’s use first names, as both are likeable chaps – has been our representative in Canberra over the past two terms, from 2007. It’s become something of a “safe” Labor seat since 2010, though an electoral redistribution to take effect at the September 14 election will cut Labor’s current 12 per cent margin to 10.3 per cent.
This gives the Liberal Party a sniff of blood. If there is the mooted “landslide” against Labor, then Tom Zorich, the former Central District football player and manager and sports store business owner, might just get across the line.
A big IF. But if the normally rabid Labor voting punters from the seat’s northern metro suburbs – Elizabeth, Munno Para, Salisbury as examples – turn against Labor because of Holden’s malaise and more lost jobs, then Tom might just make it.
He was here last week to meet and greet residents in Balaklava’s Triangle and before that, enjoyed coffee and cake in an informal gathering of townsfolk in Balco’s boardroom.
It was a fair smattering of locals, from business leaders, educators, civic and community group reps. You know, the “usual suspects.”
Quite a jolly morning chat really. And Balco always puts on a nice spread.
We came up with a variety of topics with a focus on matters which generally affect our neck of the woods. You can read more of these elsewhere. Suffice to say, Tom did his best to answer the queries – and not once was he interrupted by his PR minder. That was nice.
But what became apparent is an urgent need for Tom to get quickly up to speed on the vagaries of his electorate.
Oh yes, he knows there’s the big chasm between the suburban mortgage belt and the big rural areas – but this is a tough gig.
Nick Champion has learnt that. It took him about a term in office to come to grips with the fact he had to pay more than lip service to electors living beyond the Gawler Belt.
It has been probably even tougher for Nick, a Labor man through and through after rising from the ranks of the shoppies union and as a party minder.
It was only natural he would feel more “at home” at a Munno Para sausage sizzle than draining a glass of Jim Barry’s finest in Clare with the crowd who mostly vote against him. Or would he?
To Nick’s credit, he has adapted. No, no, not to the wine! I am not sure about that – but I believe he has been a good representative of this section of the electorate over the last parliamentary term.
On the other hand, Tom Zorich should feel quite comfortable in this mainly Liberal-voting rural zone.
But is he yet across all things that concern those who will vote for him here in the valleys and plains of Wakefield?
As an admitted “boy from the burbs”, not quite. Not yet anyway – though to his credit, he has been getting about our towns.
He quite correctly declares he is The Candidate for Wakefield, so the unsaid but veiled suggestion is he can make no real promises.
He trots out the prepared Federal Liberal strategies, from carbon tax to Wayne and Julia’s deficit.
Yet he is a good listener and quite quickly grasps the tenor of the conversation. He recognises issues and did give one promise about forming a type of “action group” for the Plains. Good.
And I like the fact he comes from a business background. He has that Bulldog tenacity about him, so one assumes he could hold his own when push comes to shove in the House of Reps.
I get the feeling we are seeing Tom’s warm and fuzzy side. Is there a bit of mongrel in that old dog? Probably. We shall see.
But Tom must leap on to a very fast learning curve on matters rural. He needs support from the Lib back room bunch.
He does his best at answering queries over coffee and cake, but he needs to be more forceful and opinionated when discussing policies, particularly those of rural interest.
Perhaps the Libs and Tom are keeping their powder dry until closer to September. Well OK, but they should not become too guarded.
We have our own issues here and we want our Canberra representative to be aware of these and support us as we go about our daily business and family lives.

LOUISE Faulkner, Mallala, reaches to intercept a pass by Cristie Castle, Two Wells, in the A2 game at Two Wells on Saturday.

Another warm one! When will the winter sport begin? Mallala captured the lead from the start, winning by 13 against Two Wells at Two Wells. Hamley, playing at home, easily defeated Virginia, 57 to 33 and the visiting Balaklava side won over Long Plains, 48 to 41. Hummocks, who top the chart by 10 per cent, had the bye.
Two Wells v Mallala
Mallala led from the start, outscoring Two Wells in every quarter except the third, where both teams shot 10 goals each.
Mallala coach, Courtney Kerr, was pleased with her team’s focus and versatility. Usually at GK, Clare Bruggermann played a solid four quarters at GD. Sally Wilson and Carla Jarmyn also had to change positions when GA Stacey Hardie left the court in the third quarter suffering heat stroke.
It was Brooke Griffiths though, who was the stand out player on Saturday, as judged by both coach and umpires.
“Brooke defended strongly and generated many turnovers in WD”, described Courtney, “…and when moved to WA, quickly focused onto having to support our new goalie combo.
“Also, the umpiring was outstanding and fair. Something we wish was consistently seen.”
Two Wells’ coach, Stacey Gameau attributed heat and the Mallala defence plus GS Tessa Jarmyn as factors affecting the game. The heat led to positional changes being made in the centre court.
“The second half played out quite even, we just made too many mistakes in the centre court and attack and Mallala were good enough to capitalise on them,” explained Stacey.
“We did have some good patches of play, so if we can reduce our error rate we will be able to improve.
“Karen Penhall tried hard all game in GK to get our best player”.
Quarter scores (Mallala – Two Wells): first 15-8, second 27-18, third 37-28, final 50-37.
Hamley Bridge v Virginia
The much improved Virginia side was no match for reigning premiers, Hamley Bridge. Virginia have won three of their first five games, which is three times more than last year. Hamley, however, were not phased by the new talent and stuck to their usual game plan to come up with the win.
Best player for Hamley was GA Sarah Koch.
Unfortunately, Virginia’s Michelle Meinel disagreed with umpires during the match and was suspended in the last quarter.
“You must respect umpires, they are doing their best and without them we don’t play,” said Hamley coach, Lee Barnett.
Virginia coach, Sherilee Matheson, agreed with this comment.
Sherilee, who was best player on Saturday, was aware her team didn’t play to the best of their ability. She mentioned the impact Amber Rogers, Hamley GS, had on the match, shooting 47 of their 57 goals.
“We couldn’t regain composure,” explained Sherilee.
“But credit to our girls, they never gave up”.
Virginia did score equal goals in the third quarter but could not recover from the strong lead Hamley established in the first half.
Quarter scores (Hamley – Virginia): first 17-7, second 32-14, third 44-26, final 57-33.
Long Plains v Balaklava
Balaklava gained the lead in the first half, ahead by six at half time. The second half was more even, Balaklava only extending their lead by one more goal. Interestingly, all games this week had even scores in the third quarter.
Balaklava coach, Carolyn Michael, changed every position throughout the course of the game. Defensive changes were made in an attempt to shut down Longies’ GS, Jane McBride, who positioned strongly and shot the majority of their goals.
Other changes were made to try new goalie combinations and rest mid court players. Carolyn was pleased with the efforts of WD Sophie Kupke, GS Jane Harding and WA Lauren Michael.
“Considering the windy conditions, goalies were quite accurate,” said Carolyn.
“We wasted the ball on too many occasions and need to play four good quarters of netball.”
The umpires selected GA Sally Arbon as best player.
Long Plains coach, Michelle Doherty, was satisfied with a more consistent effort from her team this week.
“What pleased me was we didn’t allow Balaklava to run away with the game after half time,” said Michelle.
“Led by Mary-Jane McArdle, the girls rallied but couldn’t make up the difference.”
Once again, Long Plains’ captain, Mary-Jane McArdle, won best on court at GD. Alicia Sharman was also instrumental at GA.
Quarter scores (Balaklava-Long Plains): first 13-10, second 26-20, third 38-32, final 48-41.
This week is the final frontier with the last of the teams facing each other for the first time. Hummocks fresh from their week off take on Virginia on the inside court at Virginia. Balaklava will be hoping for a home ground advantage against reigning premiers Hamley. Long Plains will be desperate to secure their first win at Mallala. All games are at 3pm.

RESULTS:
A1: Mallala 50 (Brooke Griffiths) def Two Wells 37 (Karen Penhall). Hamley Bridge 57 (Sarah Koch) def Virginia 33 (Sherilee Matheson). Balaklava 48 (Sally Arbon) def Long Plains 41 (Mary-Jane McArdle).
A2: Two Wells 44 (Briony Thomson) def Mallala 41 (Carissa Buckley). Balaklava 63 (Ashleigh Heinrich) def Long Plains 30 (Ashyka Curnow).
A3: Two Wells 63 (Jessica Newman) def Mallala 26 (Michelle Dunstan).Virginia 43 (Samantha Sargeant) def Hamley Bridge 42 (Tania Knott). Balaklava 48 (Renee McPharlin) def Long Plains 26 (Sarah Trussell).
A4: Two Wells 41 (Tamara Eves) def Mallala 32 (Amanda Clarke). Virginia 61 (Nicola Bryan) def Hamley Bridge 13 (Phoebe Girdham). Balaklava 63 (Ellie Reusch) def Long Plains 32 (Helzah Somerville).
A5: Two Wells 43 (Rachel Williams) def Mallala 39 (Nicky Graham).Balaklava 43 (Ciara Guy) def Long Plains 19 (Renae Baker).
U/17: Mallala 17 (Brooke Wilson) def Two Wells 13 (Lily Playfair). Long Plains 30 (Georgia McArdle) def Balaklava 27 (Alex Wehr).
U/15: Mallala 30 (Lilliana Matthew) def Two Wells 9 (Laura Oakley). Hamley Bridge 35 (Kelsey Wedding) def Virginia 9 (Alice Cox). Long Plains 34 (Georgia McArdle) def Balaklava 12 (Sophie Wehr).
U/13A: Two Wells 29 (Brooke Humphrys) def Mallala 8 (Nellie Farrelly). Long Plains 14 (Matika Hilliard-Faulkner) def Balaklava 13 (Claudia Tiller).
U/13B: Mallala 11 (Tayla Robinson) def Two Wells 8 (Ruth Slattery). Balaklava 35 (Rhea Lawless) def Long Plains 11 (Tamika Gregory).

With the cleared classroom area behind them, BHS students look forward to a new term. Pictured, rear, (standing in tree): Amy Barr and Reece Svetec. Middle: Nick Goudie, Zac Riley and Vanessa Barry. Front: Jessica Bormann, Sally Wilson, Amy Daniel and Jake Birchmore.

THE start of term two presented a whole set of new challenges for staff and students at Balaklava High School following the deliberately lit fire that destroyed two classrooms during the school holidays.
It’s a situation school principal, Mark Healy, described as less than ideal but was heartened by the positive response from both teachers and students alike.
“They have been terrific; flexible and resilient,” he said.
While one of the rooms lost in the blaze was scheduled for demolition, the fire spread to the drama block and subsequently destroyed it, along with two connected classrooms.
Mr Healy said it had forced some changes, with drama classes shifted to a space at the primary school in the interim, while several teachers have had to relocate their office spaces.
“We are in the process of reconfiguring a number of aspects,” he said.
“We’ve been in discussions now to build a new drama space and a new spot for music studies.
“I expect within a fortnight, all classes will be taught on the high school campus and no one will be going over to the primary school.
“I must point out their (BPS) assistance has been greatly appreciated.
“Hopefully a new building will be erected in place of the former drama space over the course of the year.
“We have already been looking at design options and the speed the Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS) has rallied behind us has been terrific too.
“Within the next few weeks, we will me making contact with an architect to design the new facility.”
Mr Healy said the new building would be similar to the new science block at the school, with some modifications to accommodate the performing arts and music studies classes.
Year 11 and 12 drama students have been the most adversely affected by the school holiday fire, Mr Healy conscious to return them to a regular routine as soon as possible.
“The people who do these sorts of things don’t appreciate the consequences and impact this has on a broad range of people at the school,” he said.

FLASHBACK two weeks, with Balaklava CFS first lieutentant Andrew Outram in the ruins of the drama room.

Avon
It’s all happening at Avon in May!
The Sunday School will be celebrating its 90th birthday on Sunday, May 26, from 11am in the hall.
The hall committee is looking for people who have a connection with the township of Avon, who might be able to share stories, memories and photos.
If you can help, please phone Jill on 88671 127.
Dublin
Dublin History Group (DHG) needs your help in locating some photos.
Do you have any photos of the Mallala Greening Group planting 200 trees at Dublin Cemetery in 1993?
Or of the old well in South Terrace, Dublin?
DHG is hoping to restore the well, which was used until Christmas Eve 1910 for the town’s back up water supply, until mains water was connected.
Please phone Pat on 0401 428 364 if you can help.
Region
Rotary Club of Gawler is holding a two day country fair fundraiser at Sheaoak Log this weekend from 10am to 4pm. All welcome.

HELP US NAME THE COUNCIL TEAM

DELVING through some old files down in the Producer cellar/dungeon recently (when Les is naughty, he gets locked in there – often!) we came across this picture of members and staff of the old Blyth-Snowtown Council. You will recognise some faces, like the late Phil Barry and our current mayor, James Maitland – but who can name the whole group pictured here? Let me know ASAP.

BALAKLAVA CFS crew member, Chris Cowan and Balaklava High School principal, Mark Healy, pictured in front of the old maths building, which was completely destroyed by fire.

Balaklava CFS First Lieutenant, Andrew Outram, inside the severely damaged drama room. PICTURES: ANDREW MANUEL

BALAKLAVA High School principal, Mark Healy, has described this morning’s fire, which burned one classroom to the ground and condemned another for demolition, as his “worst nightmare”.
“In 30 years of teaching, I’ve never been at a school where this was an issue,” he said.
“I’m still in shock, my staff are in shock and the students are as well.
“It’s really devastating for the school community and I don’t understand the mentality of people who would do this.
“I feel sorry for them, I suppose.
“This is not what our community is about.
“It’s a minority that does this and it’s a minority that can give a community a bad name.”
Mr Healy was woken just after 4am this morning and informed of the fire at the school.
The school’s maths room, to be demolished in coming weeks, was burnt to the ground, while the drama suite and two general purpose classrooms attached, also need to be pulled down.
Mr Healy said the teacher preparation rooms and resources inside survived the fire but all of the drama props, computers and much more, went up in flames.
“It’s just too early to put a figure on but it would be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said.
Mr Healy said the community was dismayed by the devastation.
“I know there are people that are exceptionally upset,” he said.
“Staff, students, parents are angry.
“This is not what this community is about.”
A teacher had a year 12 tutorial scheduled in the drama building today.
“We had students coming in hoping for extra year 12 support, that’s going to have to be put on hold until some time next week,” Mr Healy said.
“It impacts much more widely than some people appreciate.”
The maths building scheduled for demolition had recently had the asbestos inside removed.
“It did have asbestos in it, which was removed yesterday,” Mr Healy said.
“Looking at small blessings, there was no asbestos left in it.”
In the wake of the gut-wrenching blaze, he believed the resilience of the community would shine through.
“While this is absolutely devastating, it is something we can and will work with and we will rally together as a school community and a broader community,” Mr Healy said.
“We’ve already had offers from the primary school to potentially use spare classrooms or office space and we will make it work.
“All of this area is going to be cleared up, hopefully this afternoon.
“We might need a hand to remove furniture or we might need space to store equipment, so that could be a possibility.
“But until this area has been deemed safe, we can’t do anything and that won’t be until early next week.”
He encouraged locals to enforce the notion of school watch and community watch as much as possible.
“So people that do these sorts of things don’t do it with impunity, they know someone is watching, for the right reasons,” Mr Healy said.
“If anybody knows anything, report it to the police.”

http://plainsproducer.realviewdigital.com