Update: Friday November 22, 2024According to emergency services form Hay, one pilot is dead and another airlifted with serious injuries, following a helicopter crash north of Hay, NSW.The Super Puma aircraft is believed to have been en route to South Australia for fire fighting duties, and is reportedly from a specialist service based in Albury.It is reported that the helicopter experienced mechanical issues and attempted an emergency landing near One Tree, but was unsuccessful.The deceased is believed to be a Canadian national, whilst the injured person is believed to be Australian.Emergency services including NSW Ambulance and Police as well as crews from NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service responded to the incident on a property on Corrong Road, north of Hay around 11am today (Friday November 22, 2024). The incident occurred approximately 15 kilometres along the Corrong Road, from One Tree.

Emergency services are on the scene of a helicopter crash north of Hay.The alarm was raised around 11am today (Friday November 22, 20240 following reports of a helicopter crash on a property on Corrong Roda, near One Tree, North of Hay.It is believed two people have been seriously injured and Police are expected to update information in the following hours.Report to Back Country Bulletin are that the chopper is white in colour, but no further details are available.UPDATED STORY HERE

Join us for a Fun and Creative Workshop! November 24, at 10am is the White Cliffs CWA Branch meeting. White Cliffs CWA Rooms at Johnstone Street.After the meeting, you'll dive into the Japanese art of Furoshiki—gift wrapping with fabric. Perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of artistry to their holiday wrapping! Materials provided.Everyone is welcome, whether you’re are new member, non-member, friend, or visitor; come along for a delightful morning of learning and creativity!RSVP Please text Secretary Annette Turner at 0407861783 to confirm your attendance so we can prepare a kit for you.Let’s get together, learn something new, and have some fun! 

Do you live in the White Cliffs area and have some mundane errands to do, such as apply for a new Medicare Card, or navigate the Centrelink system?The Services Australia mobile van will be visiting White Cliffs on Tuesday November 26. They will be set up at the White Cliffs Community Hall from 12pm.Information and help you can access on board the Mobile Service Centres: The van provides information, help and support to rural and regional communities, including:• families • older Australians • students • job seekers • people with disability • carers • farmers • self-employed people. They assist you with: • registering and using the agency’s online services • new claims for Centrelink payments • updating and confirming Centrelink and Medicare information • information on how financial matters may impact on payments • assistance with payment and service options • rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers • non-cash Medicare transactions • enrolling for and issuing new Medicare cards • updating and re-issuing Medicare cards • social work support and referrals.

Lifeline’s Annual Toy Delivery is on again this Christmas for families and kids in the Wilcannia region.Wilcannia Christmas Toy registrations are open Wednesday November 27 and Friday December 6.People can register their children to receive a free toy hamper this Christmas.To register your family in Wilcannia, head to Ray Hunter Park from 11am –to 1pm on Wednesday November 27 and Friday December 6.People are asked to bring their Centrelink card displaying their children's names.For more information please contact Lifeline Broken Hill on 08 8087 7525.

Automotive company Lovells Automotive Systems donated and provided generators to communities such as Menindee Rural Fire Service to keep essential power, communications and services running during the recent Far West power outages."We're honored to support the resilient communities of Far West NSW during these challenging times," the company said on social media."At Lovells Automotive Systems, we believe in standing by our mates when it matters most. "Donating generators to help maintain essential power, communication, and services was our way of contributing to the incredible efforts of local heroes like the NSW Rural Fire Service. "Your dedication inspires us, and we’re proud to be part of this community-focused mission."Read next: community assistance was extended in the time of need with the significant power outages in the district.https://backcountrybulletin.app/NewsStory/recovery-centres-remain-open-to-accommodate-increasing-needs/67356a9eaecbba05f07a1b22#top

Don't forget to head to Ivanhoe RSL on Saturday evening, November 23. It will be your chance to meet the National Party Candidate for Parkes at the next Federal election.Jamie Chaffey will be replacing current sitting member, Mark Coulton, who is retiring at the next election.For more information contact Max Bradley on 0269951499.

Lifeline’s Annual Toy Delivery is on again this Christmas for families and kids in the region. You can register your children to receive a free toy hamper this Christmas.Menindee Christmas Toy registrations open Monday November 25 and Wednesday December 4.To register your family in Menindee:Go to Burke and Wills Park from 11am to 1pm Monday November 25 and Wednesday December 4.Please bring your Centrelink card displaying your child/s names.For more information please contact Lifeline Broken Hill on 08 8087 7525.

The most recent report by Modelling commissioned by Homelessness Australia has revealed a startling more than 60 per cent increase in Australians at risk of homelessness since 2016. The report states 987,405 people in Victoria were at risk of losing their home on the back of a 23.1 per cent increase in rental stress.Acting CEO Charmaine Calis highlighting the need for change and starts MASP remain committed to helping the homeless in the Mallee community and working with Governments at all levels to combat homelessness and disadvantage.“All over Australia people are struggling with rental stress, low income and low social resources, and the Mallee community is certainly not immune to that,” she said. “People with two or more of these complicating factors are termed ‘at risk’ of homelessness according to Homelessness Australia – we need to see more investment from Governments to alleviate these pressures people are experiencing.”“Across our service area MASP has been supporting more than 500 people a year over the past three financial years through our Housing Access programs,” Mrs Calis said.“On top of that, since February we have engaged 60 people through our Assertive Outreach Rough Sleeper Program – these people in that program aren’t those ‘at risk’ of homelessness, they are very much experiencing it. As an organisation MASP welcomes the reporting of the figures to shed light on the crisis many are facing. We all need to work together now to create solutions.”For more information on MASP’s Housing Access Programs, or if you are facing homelessness, go to https://masp.org.au/how-we-help/homelessness-support/To donate to MASP’s programs, including Homelessness Support, go to https://masp.org.au/get-involved/donate-and-fundraise-for-masp/

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains images and mention of de ceased persons. Descriptions or words used to describe the First Nations People are wording directly taken from the article, and is the wording or belief of those times. This Blast from the Past was originally an article from January 8, 1963 edition of The Riverine Grazier, titled , ‘Exploring Aboriginal habits in the area’. The intensification of investigating into the habits of early Indigenous people in Southern New South Wales has led to expeditions into the outback by experts in this field of re search. Last Thursday we had the opportunity of ac companying these expert research workers into the country north of Booligal, where an old Indigenous camp site and burial ground was explored. The party consisted of Professor N.W.G. Macintosh of the Sydney University, Mr Jack Golson M.A. of the Australian National University, an archaeologist, and who is studying Southern N.S.W., Mr Gordon Williams of Sydney University and several members of the Hay Historical Society. Arriving at Booligal, the party was met by Mr Bill Barnett who has intimate knowledge of the lands that lie to the north of Booligal and who had found several traces of Indigenous skeletons on Yarto Station. He led the expedition up the rough Cobb Highway leading to Ivanhoe, and then turned off at Yarto to lead the party over trackless paddocks to the point where he has found the skeletons. The spot was easily found as it had been wisely marked with an iron post and marker. The particular spot was a red soil ridge which ran for miles through the country and which was bordered by heavy black soil on each side. There was an abundance of pine trees and the general appearance was of a prior stream at some time or another. It was easy to understand why the site was chosen for a camp site as there was evidence of a recent heavy rain in the expanses of water that had fallen on the good catchment of the red ridge, and which was being held in good sized natural dams. After making our way onto an island, Mr Barnett pointed out his find, protruding above the ground, the remains of a human skull which had fortunately been broken either by stock walking on it or by natural elements. Whilst the experts quickly but carefully dug the earth from around the skull, with a small trowel, other members of the party scouted the region for foreign stones rock and other evidence of Indigenous inhabitancy, which could give a lead to the pattern of Indigenous life and mi gratory habits. Mr Barnett and Mrs Isobel Booth, a very in terested member of the party who has accompanied Mr Barnett on his exploration of Indigenous haunts, successfully searched for another skeleton which had been previously seen in the area. This was found with the skull, and toe bones both above the ground, but in a fragmentary state which prevented them being disturbed and investigated. From observations of the bones showing above the claypan, Professor Mcintosh was able to express an opinion that the bones were that of a child between the age of seven and nine, the body was buried in a crouched position with the knees drawn up in front of the body. The body was laying on its side. The head was facing north and the line of the body ran almost due east and west. It may only be a coincidence that upon un earthing much of the skeleton it was also found to be lying on its right side with the body running east and west of the grave. In the case of the un earthed skeleton the legs were bent backwards. The professor said this was the remains of a male Indigenous person aged approximately 35 years at the time of death. Both graves seem to have been no larger than four feet by four feet, and of an unknown depth. The graves appeared to have been deep enough for the bodies to be covered by about four inches of earth. Lying about four feet from one skeleton were the remains of the skeleton of a dingo. These bones were gathered by the professor for further investigation in Sydney. There could be some significance in these bones as the Indigenous were known to have tamed dingoes for domestic pets. Professor Macintosh was particularly interested in the dingo bones as he is carrying out ex tensive work into the dingo and he will compare the bones he found with the skeleton of a modern dingo to see if they have changed in any way over the years. The professor also took parts of the unearthed Indigenous person’s skull. While it will be impossible to ascertain the time the bones were buried, the shape and form of the bones enable researchers to tie their various findings into a complete picture. The skull, incidentally, showed abnormal markings which would suggest the person could have suffered a severe blow from which he possibly died. An explanation of the sandy ridge revealed much evidence of early Indigenous life. On the eastern side of the hill there were many mounds of hard brick-like substance. Together with all the small pieces of rock and other foreign stone it would suggest the hill was once a thriving Indigenous settlement. The importance of the rock findings are in the study of the movement of various tribes who carried large pieces of rock from which they fashioned their tools and weapons. The variety of rock would give a lead to the areas visited by that tribe. On the west of the hill was the burial ground where the skeletons were discovered, professor Macintosh and Mr Golson agreed there could be up to 50 skeletons buried in the vicinity. Professor Macintosh explained the Indigenous people immediately wrapped the body of a de ceased person in bark upon death. After man hours of chanting and painting the bodies, the men would eventually carry the dead body several hundred yards to the burial site. Whilst the women wailed and cried louder and louder as the burial party got further away. The idea was they were to be just audible when the party reached the grave. To show their grief the women would strike themselves on the brow to draw blood. The party would then return to camp and the burial ground was avoided for six weeks or so to avoid the spirits. After farewelling Mr Peter Rodgers, the owner of Yarto, we made our way back to Booligal.

The Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) has returned for Round 3, offering a lifeline to strengthen mobile network infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.The timing is perfect for those suffering with the recent power outages in the Far West, caused by storm damage to Transgrid powerlines, highlighted the urgent need for resilient telecommunications.Telstra and Optus successfully secured funding in the previous round to upgrade sites in the Parkes electorate. While up to $20 million is available for co-funding projects with mobile carriers and tower companies, this round is divided into two streams. This means less funding for regional, remote, and very remote areas, as $10 million is allocated to peri-urban fringes. "This means less money on offer for regional areas – yet another example of Labor taking from the regions to give to peri-urban areas close to major cities." says Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.For more information about the MNHP visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-network-hardening-program

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently met with The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey together, they are pledging to fix 10 terrible Labor policies that are harming agriculture in the Parkes electorate on National Agriculture Day.Mr Coulton is passionate of the important role the agriculture industry plays, providing fresh food and fibre to households across the country and the world, regardless of where you live, it is something we rely on every day. “We're lucky to have the best farmers in the world right here in the Parkes electorate. Our farmers produce top quality food and fibre, all while being the most water efficient and innovative.“I want to thank all the incredible workers involved in our agriculture industry, from the farmers to the truck drivers, the agronomists and suppliers to the contractors and researchers.“The Nationals 100 per cent support our agricultural industry, but unfortunately, farmers are struggling to get food from paddock to plate in the Parkes electorate because of what Labor is doing to them. Just last week, Senate Estimates revealed the number of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers in agriculture has fallen by more than 20 per cent, from 21,915 in July 2023 to 16,705 workers in September 2024, because Labor made the scheme unworkable." Mr Coulton said.Unfortunately, when supply goes down, prices go up, which is where families are feeling the punch, at the checkout. Mr Chaffey said "today should be a day of celebrating the wonderful agriculture industry, but our farmers are under siege.The Nationals, as part of a future Coalition Government, will fix 10 bad Labor policies. They plan to:Reinstate the live sheep export tradeBring back the Agriculture Visa and fix Labor’s PALM scheme messStop Labor’s changes to the Murray-Darling BasinIntroduce an import container levy, so our own farmers don’t pay for the biosecurity risk created by international competitorsReverse Labor’s cuts to regional infrastructureStop Labor’s truckie tax and vehicle efficiency standardCreate a mix of energy, rather than Labor’s all-renewables approach, which is destroying agricultural landScrap harmful emissions profiles, or Scope 3Stop Labor’s proposed taxes on superannuation, which will impact family farmsEnsure the 88-day backpacker work visa remains in place for the agriculture sector.

From humble beginnings on a dusty town common to the modern racecourse we know and love, the Hay Jockey Club has weathered storms, embraced change, and kept the spirit of bush racing alive and kicking. It all began in 1862, when a group of enthusiastic racing fans huddled together in the Caledonian Hotel, dreaming of establishing a formal race club in Hay. It took eight long years of planning, fundraising, and wrangling with the Hay Shire Council to finally bring their vision to life. In 1870, the first race meeting thundered onto the scene, held on the town common known simply as "the Racecourse." The facilities might have been basic back then, but the excitement was palpable. Imagine the cheers as Henry Welsh’s horse "Sunbeam" galloped to victory, claiming the coveted Corinthian Cup! Over the years, the Hay Jockey Club has seen it all. From the scandalous expulsion of a member for the "malicious wounding" of a horse in 1884 (yes, you read that right—a horse named "Terminus" had its throat slit but went on to win more races!), to the Temperance Society's influence on the racecourse layout and rules in the 1870s, the club's history is a tapestry woven with colourful characters, dramatic events, and a dash of good old-fashioned controversy. Picture this: in the 1870s, under the watchful eye of the Temperance Society, alcohol and gambling were strictly forbidden in the Member's Enclosure. If a member felt the urge to indulge in a tipple or place a wager, they had to move to the Public Enclosure. Cash betting was seen as vulgar, so all bets were made "on the nod," meticulously recorded by a penciller, and settled at a designated hotel the next day. Now that's what you call a gentlemanly agreement! But it wasn't all about rules and regulations. The early days of the Hay Jockey Club were a time of immense prosperity. Prize money in the 1870s was a king's ransom, with the Corinthian Cup boasting a purse of 150 pounds—a staggering sum equivalent to around $24,000 in today's money! This attracted top jockeys from as far as Melbourne, f illing the town's accommodations to the brim. The town council, recognizing the economic boom that racing brought, declared a public holiday for the main meetings. And to ensure the equine athletes arrived in style, special trains were even arranged from Narrandera and Albury after 1882. However, the path of the Hay Jockey Club hasn't always been smooth. Economic downturns and periods of drought cast shadows over the racecourse, leading to the formation of rival racing clubs—each with its own quirks and priorities. There was the Hay Licensed Victualers Racing Club, championing the interests of the town's seven prominent hotels (whose owners were barred from membership in the main club, can you believe it?). And then there was the Hay New Years Day Racing Club, dedicated to holding races on—you guessed it—New Year's Day. One particularly memorable squabble involved the Hay New Years Day Racing Club and the hefty fee demanded by the Hay Jockey Club for the use of their grounds. So offended were the New Year's Day enthusiasts that they took their horses and their revelry to a paddock on Wooloondool Station! Thankfully, this dispute was eventually resolved, and harmony (mostly) prevailed. In 1935, after 65 years on the town common, the Hay Jockey Club packed up and moved to its current location, adjacent to the newly established Hay Showground. But as fate would have it, World War II erupted shortly after the move. The army promptly requisitioned the Showground and racecourse as headquarters for prisoner of war camps. Imagine the scene: thousands of prisoners of war, a bustling military headquarters, and right in the middle of it all…a racecourse! After a couple of years, someone had a brilliant idea: why not hold race meetings to raise funds for the war effort? And so it was that the horses thundered once again, this time for a noble cause. The wartime races were a resounding success, drawing huge crowds and raising substantial sums to support our troops. After the war, the returning soldiers, eager to keep the racing spirit alive, formed their own club—the Hay Diggers Race Club. But eventually, they too joined forces with the Hay Jockey Club, further solidifying its position as the heart and soul of racing in Hay. The latter half of the 20th century brought new challenges. With the introduction of the NSW Totalizer Agency Board in the 1970s, country racing faced an uphill battle for survival. The Hay Jockey Club, like many others in the region, was forced to make tough decisions, scaling back to a single race meeting per year. But under the leadership of dedicated presidents like BH (Barry) Smith, John Clark, Brian Gibbs, ES (Ted) Circuitt, Margaret Harvey, and JC (Cameron) Clark, the club refused to give up. They introduced innovative programs to attract a new generation of racegoers, particularly young people and women. Fashion parades, featuring the latest styles and led by Helen Smith and Andrea Wall, transformed the mounting yard into a runway. The legendary racehorse Kingston Town, the only horse in history to win three WS Cox Plates, made a guest appearance, drawing racing enthusiasts from far and wide. Ladies attending the Hay races in 1914. Image: Wendy Lugsdin. And who could forget the Beaut Ute competition, a forerunner to the Deniliquin Ute Muster, which injected a dose of youthful energy into race day? These efforts, coupled with the enduring popularity of Fashions on the Field, breathed new life into the Hay Jockey Club. These days, as we celebrate over 150 years of racing history, we can proudly say that bush racing is as strong as ever in Hay. So, let's raise a glass (in the Public Enclosure, of course!) to the Hay Jockey Club—a testament to the enduring spirit of Hay our community, the thrill of the race, and the power of a good old-fashioned bet. Here's to 150 years of memories, and to many more years of horses thundering down the track, cheers echoing through the stands, and the heart of bush racing beating strong in Hay!

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) deploys aircraft to battle grass fires at CarrathoolImage: Murrumbidgee District RFSRFS MIA District has deployed multiple crews, aircraft and heavy plant to an incident on Cameron Rd, Carrathool.More than 500 hectares has been burned but RFS says the blaze if under control.A small grass fire is also under control after breaking out along Merungle Rd, Hillston.BCB News will issue updates if any fires escalate.

The Dunera Boys were brought to Australia on the HMT Dunera, and had an appalling 57-day journey to Australia. There was massive overcrowding, and poor treatment. Upon arrival in Australia, an Australian doctor examined the internees. He discovered that the Dunera Boys were not parachutists and enemy soldiers, as reported. The doctor’s report led to the court marshal of several British Guards. It is fascinating to look back and truly understand what is now history, meant so many different and important things to the town of Hay. In this reflection piece, it is clear that the Dunera Camp and internees impacted the town of Hay in many ways. This amazing, thought provoking and thoughtful commentary on the closure of the Dunera camps was titled Some Reflections, written by ‘A.J.T.’ From The Riverine Grazier, on November 1, 1946. “The days of the Hay POW camp are numbered, and the old camp is already in the process of demolition. “The camp has for so long been an integral part of our lives that its passing leaves a feeling of regret and a void. Hay’s military appearance has now almost disappeared. “The numbers of soldiers in the streets, the incessant hurrying in the street of military trucks, ambulance wagons and Jeeps; the band and parades, the glare of the camp lights visible at night from a distance of twenty miles. These things are now history. “Hay has been a “war lucky” town in securing the Internment Camp and the munitions factory. The camp, particularly, has been a great financial asset to Hay and many an organisation holding functions on “pay day” to ensnare the unwary soldier. “Looking back to when the camp was being constructed, we remember the urgency and hurry. For the British Empire 1940 was grim, with only bad news of defeats. “At night the railway yards responded to the clank of shunting trucks and the dull thud of heavy girders being unloaded. "A forest of pine posts sprang up overnight to be interlaced with barbed wire. Huts were laid down in dozens. “The air rang with the sound of a hundred hammers and the huts soon took shape to fill. Roads were made and water and electric light connected in record time. The Commonwealth Bank was open until late for the convenience of workmen, and Hay was in the midst of a boom. “The camp was open for public inspection on the Sunday before the first occupants arrived, and a large crowd took the opportunity of looking over the buildings. "Many people witnessed the arrival of the in ternees – a bedraggled lot, who had suffered a bad voyage out, losing most of their luggage and belongings. “One pathetic figure, looking at the people, asked “Is this ‘home’ at last?” He soon found out what a good home the camp was. "The internees soon picked up in spirit and condition, and many were seen to be enjoying themselves at the river beaches under the eye of an armed guard. “Among the internees were some very fine singers and many people used to wander to wards the camp to listen to their combined singing. The Italian POW’s replaced the intern ees and later the Japanese prisoners occupied the camps. “We had a few moments when the Japs were here. Everyone remembers the threat of a mass escape and many people were ordered from West Hay as a precaution. “After the Japs left, the Italians returned to Camps 7 and 8. Finally No 8 was the only compound in use until the camp virtually closed on Monday 28 October 1946. “There are some features associated with the Hay Camp of which we can be proud. "Under the command of Colonel C E Thane, the camp was one of the finest camps in Australia. "During its long career of over six years, only one prisoner escaped, and he a confirmed escapee adapt of the art. "He scaled the wall at the detention barracks at the old Gaol. “What is praiseworthy is that comparatively few felt the desire to try. It is said that all the occupants, internees, Italian and Japanese prisoners, spoke highly of their treatment by the Australian soldiers. Surely in this and in other lands when the story of the war is written, such things will make a bright and lasting picture in an evil and terrible war. “It is interesting that the spot where the camp stands has been in turn a cattle camp; Later it was an aerodrome, and it has been a prisoner-of-war and internment camp, and so it has witnessed the changing years. “What the future holds for it is not known, but it is our earnest hope that never again will it be a place where men are caged up for years on end, but that the ‘Brotherhood of Man’ will become a reality and wars will no longer de face God’s fair world."After the Dunera Boys were released, less than half remained in Australia, others emigrating to England and America, ‘the land of opportunity.’ Highly intelligent, the Dunera Boys went on to hold varied and successful careers, and accomplish amazing things.

The Hay Shire Council has sent the invitation for citizens to nominate a local Australian to be appreciated at the Australia Day Awards.Do you know someone who has done countless volunteer hours for a service organisation, a local sporting or community group or an educational facility? Do you know someone who has an outstanding achievement in their work or studies?Nominations are invited for awards that recognise the contribution that many individuals and organisations make to their local community each year. Categories for 2025 Awards are:Hay Citizen of the Year Award - To recognise an individual who has had an outstanding achievement in their work or studies, done countless volunteer hours for community groups and organisations, local sporting groups or the quiet achiever.Young Citizen of the Year Award - The Hay Young Citizen of the Year Award recognises the achievements of an inspirational and outstanding person who makes Hay a better place to live. The recipient must be aged between 14 and 25 years of age.Gavin Johnston Vocational Award - The Gavin Johnston Vocational Award recognises the achievements of an individual in our community who exemplifies outstanding commitment to his or her business or profession over a number of years.Special Achievement Award - The Hay Special Achievement Award recognises the achievements of an inspirational and outstanding person who makes Hay a better place to live.Nominations close 5pm Friday 13 December 2024Nominations can be lodged via online here

ICPA and Future Drought Fund have collaborated to bring workshops to the Far West. Great news for Balranald and Ivanhoe as there will be Workshops to kick start decisions, reboot connections, get your mojo back, and have challenging conversations. These FREE workshops include morning tea and lunchThe workshops have been made possible by volunteers of ICPA and facilitated by Little Red Tractor and Ladies on the Land. Balranald RFS ShedWed 27th November 9:30am-2:30pmRSVP Clair Butler 0409 206 871Ivanhoe RSL ClubThurs 28 November 9:30am - 2:30pmRSVP Jacqui McKenzie 0437 283 260

Col Jacka and Vic Pope are two of the unsung heroes of Balranald. They man the wonderful attraction, Southern Cross Museum. They take tours of people, whether one or two, or large groups around the fascinating building, and regale them with fascinating stories of the history behind the exhibits. They have a few new recent additions, including a large plaque of the history of transport of the area, the stump which signified camp 19 of Bourke and Wills, and a sign detailing who built the replica of the Southern Cross aeroplane. The fee of $5 is a minute price to pay for the experience. You not only get to experience such knowledge of history, but the passion which is also evident. There are so many exhibits, from a range of different eras, something for everyone. The museum has been running for 11 years now. Pictured are Col Jacka and Vic Pope, the two knowledgeable men behind the Southern Cross Museum in Balranald. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Kimberly Grabham.It has had many uses in its time, the building, including a Ford garage and finished up as a trucking depot. Col was born in Balranald hospital, about seven or eight years ago, as he said cheekily. He says the only time he went to school was when everyone else wasn’t there. “I was a bit of a problem child apparently; I didn’t see myself as one but apparently I was,” he said. Col’s family spilt up when he was 14, and he ended up living in Melbourne in a hotel with is father. Col met his girlfriend, and then wife at the age of 16 at a mutual friend’s 16th birthday party. The couple were only together for four months before they were wed. They spent 59 magical years together, before she passed close to three years ago. “We had some hard times, at times we thought everything was against us, but we did ok,” he said. At the age of 24 Col had a major vehicle accident. He was on a driving job, going into Gisbon, and suffered 48 head fractures, fractured hands, neck and back. “They said the only reason why I survived was I was a country boy; strong and fit,” Col recalled. “Sometimes the old injuries knock me around a little as I get older.” Kingsford Smith was one of Col’s idols from an early age. “When I would go to school I would hear about his antics, and what he was allowed to do and what he wasn’t,” Col said. “He was allowed to do internals (any flight not landing in the territory of another country) but not externals.” Kingsford Smith was one of Col’s early loves, along with an impressive family member. Col’s uncle, Albert was the first Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in Gallipoli. Albert Jacka ended up the Mayor of St Kilda, and Jacka Parade was named in his honour. Some people have said Albert began the Work for the Dole project in a form. Many war heroes returned home, and could not find work. Pictured is one of the newer additions to the museum, a sign detailing the makers of the Southern Cross Replica plane. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Kimberly Grabham.They were retained to build the foreshore at St Kilda and the Great Ocean Road by Mayor Jacka, organised through the Federal government. Col’s son, Paul was behind the donation of the Southern Cross replica to the museum. Paul, who has been a helicopter mechanic in the military for 42 years, discovered the plane was being stored by the Army in Oakey, where he was based at that time. John Chase built the replica for a TV series. He was also the man who made the Mad Max cars. The army paid for the transport to Balranald. In 2017, Col attained the Lady Southern Cross, a replica of the plane Kingsford Smith was flying when he disappeared during an air race in 1935. Kevin Parer and Ray Parer were also well known in the aviation industry, and had a Balranald connection. “Ray owned the ABC Café in Balranald, and when he sold it, he went to New Guinea searching for gold,” Col said. “Their planes, they would have regular chairs in them, and they would drill four holes in the ground and sit the chair legs in them to stabilise. “The planes had a licence to hold eight passengers, and they would also sit in regular chairs with the same set-up.” Tragically, Kevin was killed in New Guinea when the Japanese made an attack. Vic Pope is also an invaluable asset to the museum but he prefers to defer to Col, and is happier dealing with smaller groups. Vic was a linotype operator for the Coonabarabran Times. “I got the job when I was 13 years old,” Vic chuckled. “I told the boss I was 16. I kept on making excuses because I couldn’t sign paperwork. “I got the job during the school holidays and just never went back to school; in those days you could do that.” It took him three months to learn how to use the machine, and to learn where the type went, and to work the Heidelberg and plate. He also learnt quickly how to print paper, noting they are to be put through one at a time. “I wrecked many sheets getting it right, you needed to get a slight wind under it for it to go through right,” he recalled. “I wasn’t allowed to use the machine at first, as it could be dangerous, and they locked the keyboards at night. But I taught myself how to use the linotype keyboard, and I could operate that faster than a normal keyboard.” After a time, he went to Sydney and attained a position with Rupert Murdoch.“It was during the time when he had free newspapers, and threw them over people’s fences. “You would be sitting down typing the news, and he would come over and sit down right on the copy. “He would always know what you drank, and would have a drink in hand for you. “He married a typist from the typing pool, his first wife.” Out the back of the building is a big area where they store the stubbies and cans people bring in for them to recycle. “That’s how we pay the bills,” Col smiled.“A lot of people, like the workers around the area, the mine and line workers, hotels and the hospital bring in all their cans. We are lucky we have that to fall back on. Col Jacka and Vic Pope: the men of Southern Cross Museum and Balranald’s best assets “It costs $15,000 a year for us to be here.” If you have time, call into the Southern Cross Museum and see Col and Vic, enjoy their expertise and show your support. The time to volunteer for the Southern Cross is now, so Col and Vic can impart their knowledge onto some more people. Call in to see Col and Vic, they are in sore need of volunteers

NSW Rural Fire Service issues multiple alerts in the Back CountryNSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has several grass fires to attend in the Back Country.A fire has broken out at One Tree, north of Hay.A fire covering five hectares is being controlled at Breer Hut at Yanga National Parks near Balranald.A second blaze close by at Uara Creek is also being attended by RFS.RFS officers have a third alert in the Balranald area - on Waugorah Road - listed as under control.At Rankins Springs a grass fire on Naismiths Lane has covered three hectares.RFS says while there is no immediate danger to residents, it is vital to stay up to date in case the situation changes.BCB News will issues updates if any conditions escalate.