Outback NSW towns have had a bad rep in the past but I hear things are improving. Has anyone been out there recently and can comment on security and atmosphere?
rgren2 said
03:31 PM Oct 14, 2022
A young friend of mine, female, probation and parole officer was recently held up at knife point in Bourke. She wont go back unless accompanied by a male officer.
86GTS said
04:31 PM Oct 14, 2022
I can honestly say that I have never seen so many police cars, lockup vehicles in any country town on our Australia wide travels than what there is in Bourke. They are there for a reason. On our last visit we parked our rig outside a supermarket, while I shopped my wife sat in the car. The punk population were cruising around looking thru windows for something to knock off. The Visitors Centre sends everyone out to May's Bend on the Darling River outside of town to free camp. The day after we left a hoard of pissed up hoons went out there, burnt cars & stole everything that wasn't tied down. They also broke into Kidman's Camp CP & loosened the wheel nuts on cars & caravans. This was just before Covid arrived. Wilcannia is a lot quieter. We've spent lots of time near both towns on many occasions.
-- Edited by 86GTS on Friday 14th of October 2022 04:32:59 PM
TheHeaths said
05:21 PM Oct 14, 2022
We stayed at Kidman Camp at Bourke for 4 nights last year.
Stopped a number of times in town, walked the streets to view the shops several times, and parked and went for coffee several times.
No issues in town, no issues in caravan park, and can really recommend the coffee and gift shop in the Old Wharf precinct, for the cakes and coffee. It is operated as a training business for young indigenous youth.
crackles1 said
06:39 PM Oct 14, 2022
I stop at Wilcannia on my twice yearly trip to Broken Hill for lunch and a nature stop and I find it a pleasant town. The park (showgrounds) up from the servo on the main road has clean toilets and there are some wonderful old buildings, such as the police station and the court house. If you turn down Reid St there is another park (Baker Park) adjacent to the river and the toilets there are clean too. I've noticed there are always council workers out and about mowing etc so they really are making an effort there. I've only ever stopped and eaten my own food and drink so I cant comment on local refreshments. I've never stayed over night so cant comment on that either. All in all I've always felt comfortable in Wilcannia.
bristte said
09:06 AM Oct 15, 2022
I have been through the town several times in recent years and it's always seemed safe to me. There have been problems in Wilcannia in the past - the supermarket was burnt down some years ago for example (there is now another one). My impression is that these problems are in the past. I've seen plenty of other GNs stopping on their way through. It is an interesting town to wander around, particularly now with the river so high.
I have stayed at the Warrawong CP just out of town a couple of times and it was good. I have been a bit wary of the CP in town, but last time I looked at the reviews on Wikicamps I didn't see any problems reported, and thought that it may be worth a shot next time we pass through.
Mariner30 said
10:26 AM Oct 15, 2022
bristte wrote:
I have been through the town several times in recent years and it's always seemed safe to me. There have been problems in Wilcannia in the past - the supermarket was burnt down some years ago for example (there is now another one). My impression is that these problems are in the past. I've seen plenty of other GNs stopping on their way through. It is an interesting town to wander around, particularly now with the river so high.
I have stayed at the Warrawong CP just out of town a couple of times and it was good. I have been a bit wary of the CP in town, but last time I looked at the reviews on Wikicamps I didn't see any problems reported, and thought that it may be worth a shot next time we pass through.
But have you actually stopped and parked your vehicle in the streets of Wilcania for hours or overnight?
Driving through XZYZ. In a few mins on the way somewhere else isn't really a good enough review of any town.
When we were there in the servo the consul operator warned us to go back to our vehicle, lock the doors and then come back and pay for the fuel.and extras
She was a local.
And knew who was who in the zoo.
Rob Driver said
11:02 AM Oct 15, 2022
As I would observe during my trucking career Wilcannia most definitely had a social problem as did Bourke and several other towns not isolated only to NSW.
Those problems may still exist today.
If you have doubts then take the advice above and dont stop there. If you do stop, be aware of what is around you and secure your vehicle and your valuables.
Unfortunately these problems have existed for generations and all the do gooder social commentators blaming successive governments fail to blame the real issue.
bristte said
11:14 AM Oct 15, 2022
Mariner30 wrote:
bristte wrote:
I have been through the town several times in recent years and it's always seemed safe to me. There have been problems in Wilcannia in the past - the supermarket was burnt down some years ago for example (there is now another one). My impression is that these problems are in the past. I've seen plenty of other GNs stopping on their way through. It is an interesting town to wander around, particularly now with the river so high.
I have stayed at the Warrawong CP just out of town a couple of times and it was good. I have been a bit wary of the CP in town, but last time I looked at the reviews on Wikicamps I didn't see any problems reported, and thought that it may be worth a shot next time we pass through.
But have you actually stopped and parked your vehicle in the streets of Wilcania for hours or overnight?
Driving through XZYZ. In a few mins on the way somewhere else isn't really a good enough review of any town.
When we were there in the servo the consul operator warned us to go back to our vehicle, lock the doors and then come back and pay for the fuel.and extras
She was a local.
And knew who was who in the zoo.
Fair question. Hours? Yes. I have read comments in the past that it's not safe to stop in, even for a few moments. Based on my experiences in recent years that's simple not true now, and I was responding in part to that sort of view. A quick search suggests that the last such incident was nearly 12 years ago;
Overnight? No. It's not really the place to stay overnight. I don't think there's any accommodation in Wilcannia itself, and I'm not away of any free camps. If you were to stay "in town" it would be at the Victory Park CP just across the river, the one I referred to my my last post. Checking the Wikicamps reviews just now, there are 21 in the last month or two, all positive and no reports of "trouble:. Some refer to the excellent work done in rebuilding the town's reputation.
p.s. Yes, I was careful to secure my vehicle and van, but no more so that I'd do pretty much anywhere. Opportunistic theft can occur anywhere.
-- Edited by bristte on Saturday 15th of October 2022 11:17:47 AM
Mike Harding said
11:48 AM Oct 15, 2022
I haven't been to Wilcannia but was stimulated by this thread to do a little googling; in the 2016 census Wilcannia had a population of 549 with 407 (75%) being Aboriginal. What astonished me was that the average life expectancy for Aboriginal males in Wilcannia is 37 years! I checked other sources in case of a misprint but no, 37! In Sudan it's 65 years.
I don't think I'll add it to my To Visit list.
Possum3 said
11:49 AM Oct 15, 2022
Mariner30 wrote:
When we were there in the servo the consul operator warned us to go back to our vehicle, lock the doors and then come back and pay for the fuel.and extras
She was a local.
It is an offence to not lock a vehicle;
Securing your vehicle
You must secure/lock your vehicle before leaving it parked on a road. Your vehicle is considered unattended when you are more than 3m away from it.
Before you leave the vehicle you must:
switch off the engine
apply the parking brake
remove the ignition key if there is no one 16 years of age or older in the vehicle
wind up the windows if possiblea gap of 5cm or less is acceptable
lock the doors if possible.
This rule applies to all road-related areas, including car parks.
86GTS said
12:03 PM Oct 15, 2022
If we stay in Wilcannia for a week or so we stay at Warrawong on the Darling. We walk into town, it takes about 20 minutes. We've only ever seen one caravan camped in the CP in town next to the bridge over the river. On the opposite side of the highway is an aboriginal compound with flag flying. We shop at the general store regularly. We haven't experienced anything bad except for some very colourful language (not aimed at us) & lots of litter in the streets.
-- Edited by 86GTS on Saturday 15th of October 2022 12:04:44 PM
KJB said
12:25 PM Oct 15, 2022
86GTS wrote:
If we stay in Wilcannia for a week or so we stay at Warrawong on the Darling. We walk into town, it takes about 20 minutes. We've only ever seen one caravan camped in the CP in town next to the bridge over the river. On the opposite side of the highway is an aboriginal compound with flag flying. We shop at the general store regularly. We haven't experienced anything bad except for some very colourful language (not aimed at us) & lots of litter in the streets.
-- Edited by 86GTS on Saturday 15th of October 2022 12:04:44 PM
There was a Coffee Shop about a block South of the Highway that served an excellent coffee in nice surroundings. Also cheapest fuel was at the BP Depot on South side of town.......
Rob Driver said
12:59 PM Oct 15, 2022
We used to get fuel from that Bp agent if and when required.
Slow pump for filling a truck but in more recent times I got fuel for my Toyota with no worries.
The thing about Wilcannia is that it hasnt changed that much in 40 years.
Unfortunately paper bags full of money distributed at times when law and order is needed fixes nothing but the bank balance of the publican.
The Lachlan (big big error it is the Darling) was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water. When the pumps are running on the very big station that uses all the water from the once mighty river it is claimed by the locals that the river flows backward.
What hope as the town got?
Many locals who either by desperation or boredom or coaching by others to cause mischief to visitors really dont realise that visitors spending money in the town will be of benefit.
I had a good chat to a local copper there many years ago and the aim was to help with employment and education rather than heavy law enforcement.
Is it the same today. I dont know.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 01:04:20 PM
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 02:00:33 PM
86GTS said
01:36 PM Oct 15, 2022
Rob Driver wrote:
The Lachlan was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water. When the pumps are running on the very big station that uses all the water from the once mighty river it is claimed by the locals that the river flows backward.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 01:04:20 PM
It's the Darling River, it's probably flowing beautifully now.
bristte said
01:39 PM Oct 15, 2022
KJB wrote:
There was a Coffee Shop about a block South of the Highway that served an excellent coffee in nice surroundings. Also cheapest fuel was at the BP Depot on South side of town.......
Was. If this was the place on the river side of the road, with a gallery of sorts. Last time I got a cup of coffee there was in May 2018. Place was up for sale. Was closed in Aug 2019 and was again this year.
Last time through, the BP pump was the same price for diesel as the station on the highway.
"The Lachlan was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water."
Wilcannia is on the Darling, aka the Barka or Baaka. Yes, it was in a terrible state. It's almost bursting its banks now. Probably is in some places downstream. Nelia Gaari had a number of their campsites closed due to flooding.
Rob Driver said
01:42 PM Oct 15, 2022
86GTS wrote:
Rob Driver wrote:
The Lachlan was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water. When the pumps are running on the very big station that uses all the water from the once mighty river it is claimed by the locals that the river flows backward.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 01:04:20 PM
It's the Darling River, it's probably flowing beautifully now.
Yes sorry for that.
My meds dont promote a clear memory at times.
It was strange although predictable that Angie and I were reminiscing this morning back in about 1980 or 81 I had to deliver a load of machinery to Forbes and the property owner unloaded me at about 9.30 at night so I could get out of Forbes before the river rose as predicted.
Now that was the Lachlan and those floods were similar to what is currently on the news.
Rob Driver said
01:49 PM Oct 15, 2022
bristte wrote:
KJB wrote:
There was a Coffee Shop about a block South of the Highway that served an excellent coffee in nice surroundings. Also cheapest fuel was at the BP Depot on South side of town.......
Was. If this was the place on the river side of the road, with a gallery of sorts. Last time I got a cup of coffee there was in May 2018. Place was up for sale. Was closed in Aug 2019 and was again this year.
Last time through, the BP pump was the same price for diesel as the station on the highway.
"The Lachlan was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water."
Wilcannia is on the Darling, aka the Barka or Baaka. Yes, it was in a terrible state. It's almost bursting its banks now. Probably is in some places downstream. Nelia Gaari had a number of their campsites closed due to flooding.
Thank you for your observation and apology for my mistake. Yes it is the Darling River.
I can bet the coffee shop didnt close because it was making too much money.
Aussie1 said
03:32 PM Oct 15, 2022
Rob Driver wrote:
As I would observe during my trucking career Wilcannia most definitely had a social problem as did Bourke and several other towns not isolated only to NSW.
Those problems may still exist today.
If you have doubts then take the advice above and dont stop there. If you do stop, be aware of what is around you and secure your vehicle and your valuables.
Unfortunately these problems have existed for generations and all the do gooder social commentators blaming successive governments fail to blame the real issue.
Very good point Rob and heaven help anyone who dares to mention what the "real issue " is or even suggests what needs to be done
Whenarewethere said
05:05 PM Oct 15, 2022
86GTS wrote:
Rob Driver wrote:
The Lachlan was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water. When the pumps are running on the very big station that uses all the water from the once mighty river it is claimed by the locals that the river flows backward.
It's the Darling River, it's probably flowing beautifully now.
We were there in 2018 & 2019. No issues with Wilcannia. In 2019 a puddle of water under the bridge, all the water level markers were exposed, at the park near the bridge.
Wilcannia was once the third busiest shipping port in Australia. Only 75.5 metres above sea level.
Our last comment on Wilcannia.
The General Store/supermarket seems to get their suppies from SA.
Love some of the fresh produce particularly the tomatoes, the Fritz sausage is to die for.
Same goes for White Cliffs 100kms North of Wilcannia.
Its well worth visiting a friendly opal town.
Our negative comments about Bourke remain, although fleeting visitors may have been lucky.
We have no desire to revisit Bourke despite the iconic Aussie Outback Experience Visitors Centre BS promoted by the local council.
Rob Driver said
08:07 PM Oct 15, 2022
Aussie1 wrote:
Rob Driver wrote:
As I would observe during my trucking career Wilcannia most definitely had a social problem as did Bourke and several other towns not isolated only to NSW.
Those problems may still exist today.
If you have doubts then take the advice above and dont stop there. If you do stop, be aware of what is around you and secure your vehicle and your valuables.
Unfortunately these problems have existed for generations and all the do gooder social commentators blaming successive governments fail to blame the real issue.
Very good point Rob and heaven help anyone who dares to mention what the "real issue " is or even suggests what needs to be done
Ceduna in SA had a massive social problem.
They introduced a card issued to enable the money that is given in bundles could be directed to be spent on food and other necessities rather than at the pub. The card could not be used for alcohol and it may have had other necessary restrictions.
There was a massive improvement in the community which was welcomed by the women as it improved conditions immensely.
I hear on the news that we now have some do gooder that is removing the card system and going back to the Centrelink payment.
The card system reduced crime and social problems as from its introduction so why on this earth would someone want to remove it.
Another step backward by those who obviously have had no consultation with community.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 08:09:56 PM
86GTS said
08:22 PM Oct 15, 2022
Maybe we could have a Centerlink, aged pension card that allows retirees to only purchase food & fuel with no alcohol allowed?
Seems like a good idea to me?
It might reduce the liver, kidney & heart disease rate in older folk?
Rob Driver said
08:36 PM Oct 15, 2022
86GTS wrote:
Maybe we could have a Centerlink, aged pension card that allows retirees to only purchase food & fuel with no alcohol allowed? Seems like a good idea to me? It might reduce the liver, kidney & heart disease rate in older folk?
Wasnt it raised earlier in the thread by Mike Harding that the life expectancy of aboriginal males in Wilcannia was 37 years.
The card worked in Ceduna. Its introduction improved the behaviour of the youth of the town and it did reduce problems caused by alcohol consumption.
Your suggestion would have an effect on aged pensioners who needed the pension to get their gut full of plonk and that is why it was introduced.
But considering that it is generally not 70 year olds that are out breaking into cars, business premises snatching handbags, car jacking in places like Townsville and Cairns and probably other towns then the card would be good for all those unemployed regardless of colour creed or nationality.
If they need cash for reasons other than necessities then there is always the opportunity of getting a job.
But wait, it is easy to remain unemployed when anyone makes themselves unemployable.
yobarr said
08:56 PM Oct 15, 2022
86GTS wrote:
Maybe we could have a Centerlink, aged pension card that allows retirees to only purchase food & fuel with no alcohol allowed? Seems like a good idea to me? It might reduce the liver, kidney & heart disease rate in older folk?
That idea is good in theory, but does not work in reality. What happens is that the card is used to purchase food etc for others, who then purchase that food from the pensioner for cash which then is used to buy booze! Have seen this with food vouchers in the past. Cheers
Rob Driver said
09:03 PM Oct 15, 2022
yobarr wrote:
86GTS wrote:
Maybe we could have a Centerlink, aged pension card that allows retirees to only purchase food & fuel with no alcohol allowed? Seems like a good idea to me? It might reduce the liver, kidney & heart disease rate in older folk?
That idea is good in theory, but does not work in reality. What happens is that the card is used to purchase food etc for others, who then purchase that food from the pensioner for cash which then is used to buy booze! Have seen this with food vouchers in the past. Cheers
I beg to differ yobarr as most of us do from time to time but with due respect you dont have a clue.
Yes your example can happen but it is the majority of the elderly that dont want their children repeatedly getting themselves into trouble and as well as the card is not a food voucher. Everyone still gets a percentage available as cash each fortnight.
In Ceduna it was the elder women that wanted and welcomed the system and they made it work as best they can.
It is at least the beginning of a long long road of education and help rather than having the big bag of money lining the publicans pockets without any improvement in social behaviour.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 09:30:40 PM
Aussie1 said
10:24 PM Oct 15, 2022
86GTS wrote:
Maybe we could have a Centerlink, aged pension card that allows retirees to only purchase food & fuel with no alcohol allowed? Seems like a good idea to me? It might reduce the liver, kidney & heart disease rate in older folk?
Very sad and unfortunate response in my opinion.
If you read Rob's response to yourself and Yobar it clearly shows what can and was achieved.
-- Edited by Aussie1 on Saturday 15th of October 2022 10:27:56 PM
Farmhat said
12:25 AM Oct 16, 2022
I have left my van (securely locked) in Wilcania caravan park to go bush with no problems.
I have never had a problem doing that any where. - I also have insurance.
Many folks jump at every bump in the night.
Can't be a fun existence.
Cheers, Joe.
Mariner30 said
07:19 AM Oct 16, 2022
Possum3 wrote:
Mariner30 wrote:
When we were there in the servo the consul operator warned us to go back to our vehicle, lock the doors and then come back and pay for the fuel.and extras
She was a local.
It is an offence to not lock a vehicle;
Securing your vehicle
You must secure/lock your vehicle before leaving it parked on a road. Your vehicle is considered unattended when you are more than 3m away from it.
Before you leave the vehicle you must:
switch off the engine
apply the parking brake
remove the ignition key if there is no one 16 years of age or older in the vehicle
wind up the windows if possiblea gap of 5cm or less is acceptable
lock the doors if possible.
This rule applies to all road-related areas, including car parks.
And do YOU lock YOUR vehicle every single time you move 3 mts away from it??
Regardless of where it is parked??
I'll bet you don't take your own ' advice '.
I rarely lock my ' posh ' vehicle when l go to the local supermarket and NEVER when in the servo.
But l don't live in Wilcannia
Possum3 said
08:32 AM Oct 16, 2022
Mariner30 wrote:
And do YOU lock YOUR vehicle every single time you move 3 mts away from it??
Regardless of where it is parked??
I'll bet you don't take your own ' advice '
As a matter of fact, I do - years of ingrained habit, from driving "Company car" with weapons in.
Outback NSW towns have had a bad rep in the past but I hear things are improving. Has anyone been out there recently and can comment on security and atmosphere?
I can honestly say that I have never seen so many police cars, lockup vehicles in any country town on our Australia wide travels than what there is in Bourke.
They are there for a reason.
On our last visit we parked our rig outside a supermarket, while I shopped my wife sat in the car.
The punk population were cruising around looking thru windows for something to knock off.
The Visitors Centre sends everyone out to May's Bend on the Darling River outside of town to free camp.
The day after we left a hoard of pissed up hoons went out there, burnt cars & stole everything that wasn't tied down.
They also broke into Kidman's Camp CP & loosened the wheel nuts on cars & caravans.
This was just before Covid arrived.
Wilcannia is a lot quieter.
We've spent lots of time near both towns on many occasions.
-- Edited by 86GTS on Friday 14th of October 2022 04:32:59 PM
Stopped a number of times in town, walked the streets to view the shops several times, and parked and went for coffee several times.
No issues in town, no issues in caravan park, and can really recommend the coffee and gift shop in the Old Wharf precinct, for the cakes and coffee. It is operated as a training business for young indigenous youth.
I have stayed at the Warrawong CP just out of town a couple of times and it was good. I have been a bit wary of the CP in town, but last time I looked at the reviews on Wikicamps I didn't see any problems reported, and thought that it may be worth a shot next time we pass through.
But have you actually stopped and parked your vehicle in the streets of Wilcania for hours or overnight?
Driving through XZYZ. In a few mins on the way somewhere else isn't really a good enough review of any town.
When we were there in the servo the consul operator warned us to go back to our vehicle, lock the doors and then come back and pay for the fuel.and extras
She was a local.
And knew who was who in the zoo.
Those problems may still exist today.
If you have doubts then take the advice above and dont stop there. If you do stop, be aware of what is around you and secure your vehicle and your valuables.
Unfortunately these problems have existed for generations and all the do gooder social commentators blaming successive governments fail to blame the real issue.
Fair question. Hours? Yes. I have read comments in the past that it's not safe to stop in, even for a few moments. Based on my experiences in recent years that's simple not true now, and I was responding in part to that sort of view. A quick search suggests that the last such incident was nearly 12 years ago;
Overnight? No. It's not really the place to stay overnight. I don't think there's any accommodation in Wilcannia itself, and I'm not away of any free camps. If you were to stay "in town" it would be at the Victory Park CP just across the river, the one I referred to my my last post. Checking the Wikicamps reviews just now, there are 21 in the last month or two, all positive and no reports of "trouble:. Some refer to the excellent work done in rebuilding the town's reputation.
p.s. Yes, I was careful to secure my vehicle and van, but no more so that I'd do pretty much anywhere. Opportunistic theft can occur anywhere.
-- Edited by bristte on Saturday 15th of October 2022 11:17:47 AM
I haven't been to Wilcannia but was stimulated by this thread to do a little googling; in the 2016 census Wilcannia had a population of 549 with 407 (75%) being Aboriginal. What astonished me was that the average life expectancy for Aboriginal males in Wilcannia is 37 years! I checked other sources in case of a misprint but no, 37! In Sudan it's 65 years.
I don't think I'll add it to my To Visit list.
It is an offence to not lock a vehicle;
Securing your vehicle
You must secure/lock your vehicle before leaving it parked on a road. Your vehicle is considered unattended when you are more than 3m away from it.
Before you leave the vehicle you must:
This rule applies to all road-related areas, including car parks.
If we stay in Wilcannia for a week or so we stay at Warrawong on the Darling.
We walk into town, it takes about 20 minutes.
We've only ever seen one caravan camped in the CP in town next to the bridge over the river.
On the opposite side of the highway is an aboriginal compound with flag flying.
We shop at the general store regularly.
We haven't experienced anything bad except for some very colourful language (not aimed at us) & lots of litter in the streets.
-- Edited by 86GTS on Saturday 15th of October 2022 12:04:44 PM
There was a Coffee Shop about a block South of the Highway that served an excellent coffee in nice surroundings. Also cheapest fuel was at the BP Depot on South side of town.......
We used to get fuel from that Bp agent if and when required.
Slow pump for filling a truck but in more recent times I got fuel for my Toyota with no worries.
The thing about Wilcannia is that it hasnt changed that much in 40 years.
Unfortunately paper bags full of money distributed at times when law and order is needed fixes nothing but the bank balance of the publican.
The Lachlan (big big error it is the Darling) was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water. When the pumps are running on the very big station that uses all the water from the once mighty river it is claimed by the locals that the river flows backward.
What hope as the town got?
Many locals who either by desperation or boredom or coaching by others to cause mischief to visitors really dont realise that visitors spending money in the town will be of benefit.
I had a good chat to a local copper there many years ago and the aim was to help with employment and education rather than heavy law enforcement.
Is it the same today. I dont know.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 01:04:20 PM
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 02:00:33 PM
It's the Darling River, it's probably flowing beautifully now.
KJB wrote:
There was a Coffee Shop about a block South of the Highway that served an excellent coffee in nice surroundings. Also cheapest fuel was at the BP Depot on South side of town.......
Was. If this was the place on the river side of the road, with a gallery of sorts. Last time I got a cup of coffee there was in May 2018. Place was up for sale. Was closed in Aug 2019 and was again this year.
Last time through, the BP pump was the same price for diesel as the station on the highway.
"The Lachlan was in a terrible state last time I went through there with the townspeople being supplied bottle water."
Wilcannia is on the Darling, aka the Barka or Baaka. Yes, it was in a terrible state. It's almost bursting its banks now. Probably is in some places downstream. Nelia Gaari had a number of their campsites closed due to flooding.
Yes sorry for that.
My meds dont promote a clear memory at times.
It was strange although predictable that Angie and I were reminiscing this morning back in about 1980 or 81 I had to deliver a load of machinery to Forbes and the property owner unloaded me at about 9.30 at night so I could get out of Forbes before the river rose as predicted.
Now that was the Lachlan
and those floods were similar to what is currently on the news.
Thank you for your observation and apology for my mistake. Yes it is the Darling River.
I can bet the coffee shop didnt close because it was making too much money.
Very good point Rob and heaven help anyone who dares to mention what the "real issue " is or even suggests what needs to be done
We were there in 2018 & 2019. No issues with Wilcannia. In 2019 a puddle of water under the bridge, all the water level markers were exposed, at the park near the bridge.
Wilcannia was once the third busiest shipping port in Australia. Only 75.5 metres above sea level.
The General Store/supermarket seems to get their suppies from SA.
Love some of the fresh produce particularly the tomatoes, the Fritz sausage is to die for.
Same goes for White Cliffs 100kms North of Wilcannia.
Its well worth visiting a friendly opal town.
Our negative comments about Bourke remain, although fleeting visitors may have been lucky.
We have no desire to revisit Bourke despite the iconic Aussie Outback Experience Visitors Centre BS promoted by the local council.
Ceduna in SA had a massive social problem.
They introduced a card issued to enable the money that is given in bundles could be directed to be spent on food and other necessities rather than at the pub. The card could not be used for alcohol and it may have had other necessary restrictions.
There was a massive improvement in the community which was welcomed by the women as it improved conditions immensely.
I hear on the news that we now have some do gooder that is removing the card system and going back to the Centrelink payment.
The card system reduced crime and social problems as from its introduction so why on this earth would someone want to remove it.
Another step backward by those who obviously have had no consultation with community.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 08:09:56 PM
Seems like a good idea to me?
It might reduce the liver, kidney & heart disease rate in older folk?
Wasnt it raised earlier in the thread by Mike Harding that the life expectancy of aboriginal males in Wilcannia was 37 years.
The card worked in Ceduna. Its introduction improved the behaviour of the youth of the town and it did reduce problems caused by alcohol consumption.
Your suggestion would have an effect on aged pensioners who needed the pension to get their gut full of plonk and that is why it was introduced.
But considering that it is generally not 70 year olds that are out breaking into cars, business premises snatching handbags, car jacking in places like Townsville and Cairns and probably other towns then the card would be good for all those unemployed regardless of colour creed or nationality.
If they need cash for reasons other than necessities then there is always the opportunity of getting a job.
But wait, it is easy to remain unemployed when anyone makes themselves unemployable.
That idea is good in theory, but does not work in reality. What happens is that the card is used to purchase food etc for others, who then purchase that food from the pensioner for cash which then is used to buy booze! Have seen this with food vouchers in the past. Cheers
I beg to differ yobarr as most of us do from time to time but with due respect you dont have a clue.
Yes your example can happen but it is the majority of the elderly that dont want their children repeatedly getting themselves into trouble and as well as the card is not a food voucher. Everyone still gets a percentage available as cash each fortnight.
In Ceduna it was the elder women that wanted and welcomed the system and they made it work as best they can.
It is at least the beginning of a long long road of education and help rather than having the big bag of money lining the publicans pockets without any improvement in social behaviour.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Saturday 15th of October 2022 09:30:40 PM
Very sad and unfortunate response in my opinion.
If you read Rob's response to yourself and Yobar it clearly shows what can and was achieved.
-- Edited by Aussie1 on Saturday 15th of October 2022 10:27:56 PM
I have never had a problem doing that any where. - I also have insurance.
Many folks jump at every bump in the night.
Can't be a fun existence.
Cheers, Joe.
And do YOU lock YOUR vehicle every single time you move 3 mts away from it??
Regardless of where it is parked??
I'll bet you don't take your own ' advice '.
I rarely lock my ' posh ' vehicle when l go to the local supermarket and NEVER when in the servo.
But l don't live in Wilcannia
As a matter of fact, I do - years of ingrained habit, from driving "Company car" with weapons in.