TWO campers have been robbed with a gun and tree branch as they slept by a road in a remote NSW town.
A 51-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth had set up swags in Bourke about 11.30pm (AEST) on Wednesday.
They were woken by five men two hours later.
One was armed with a knife, another with a tree branch, and a third said he had a firearm, NSW police said.
The men punched and kicked the man, and hit him with a tree branch, before taking his car keys and wallet.
They then fled Anson Street in the victim's Toyota Hilux.
The injured man was taken to Bourke Hospital to be treated for minor cuts and bruising to his head.
His ute was found burnt out in nearby Alice Edward Village shortly after 2am.
Police are seeking five men described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged between 20 and 25.
kiwijims said
09:04 AM Sep 7, 2012
Is'nt there some real, "Low Life " out there ???
I think it's about time that the Courts made a real example of the guilty ones.
All those in agreement to a "Public Flogging",,,,,,, Raise your Hands !!!
Let's hope the poor bloke who was robbed, had his vehicle insured,
ChrisandPeter said
01:39 PM Sep 7, 2012
Bugger - Bourke was on our list!
I like the idea of old fashioned stocks set up in the main street where everyone can see them and do what they have to! Public flogging would be good too.
Hope everyone recovered well!
rockylizard said
03:17 PM Sep 7, 2012
Gday...
I had heard this report on the ABC news during yesterday. My ears pricked up because I will be travelling through Bourke next week.
However, I will be staying in the Mitchell Van park because of Bourke's reputation and also from what I have observed on previous times I have been in or through Bourke. Indeed, I understand due to increasing 'problems' in Bourke the Mitchell Van Park has installed an electric fence around its boundary for added protection from intruders.
Having said that, Anson Street is in the town. I am not aware of a 'camp' or even a 'rest area' in Anson Street.
Apart from highlighting the sometimes potential threat of camping on the side of the road, it should also highlight, and reinforce, that it is always unwise to sleep on the side of a road/street within a town. There are 'low-life' in all towns - big or small, city, urban or country.
Let's hope the 'victim' recovers and that the ute was insured.
Cheers - John
brickies said
03:34 PM Sep 7, 2012
Maybe Free camping may not be wise in Bourke , and could stay in the caravan Park ChrisandPeter
marto1944 said
03:46 PM Sep 7, 2012
could not agree more the problem is no polly has the guts to stand up and say it well I guess we vote them in maybe we need to flog the pollys
peter m
jules47 said
03:49 PM Sep 7, 2012
The Kidman Camp CP - just out of town is a great spot to stop. No way would I even consider free camping in Bourke - especially not right in town!!
Bent Axle Bob said
04:34 PM Sep 7, 2012
Hmmmmmm, Bourke was/ is on my intinary when I head back to Rockhampton!!!!! Perhaps my " persuader" Mr Browning should be handy in that area, Or maybe give it a wide Berth after dark, the more likely options.
marto1944 said
04:47 PM Sep 7, 2012
good call bent axle bob maybe a couple of scalps may just be the justice they deserve hell would it not raise some eye brows I am all for it
peter m
travelling said
06:31 PM Sep 7, 2012
yES JULES i WAS IMPRESSED WITH kIDMA CAMP GREAT SPOT TO STAY
Santa said
06:52 PM Sep 7, 2012
Isolated incident, nothing there to deter me from visiting the town, in fact we did about 3 months back and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, would I roll my swag out within town limits? not on your nelly, asking for trouble.
Duh said
07:50 PM Sep 7, 2012
We stayed at Bourke, at Kidman Camp (Caravan Park) 7kms north of town, and did our Bourke touring from there.
Bourke was one of the highlights of our trip and not to be missed IMHO. The other caravan park in town is the one with the electric fence, Kidman Camp does not need it being further out of town and is very safe.
Highlights of Bourke were the Outback Centre (just north of the town), the Darling River Cruise (jetty at the back of Kidman Camp) and the visit to Fred Hollows grave in the town cemetery. He wanted to be buried there and he was buried with a bottle of his favorite whisky, pipe and favorite tobacco. I don't know why (have guessed though) but his grave was later covered with a large piece of heavy granite.
Maybe someone had heard of what was in the grave with him? There info boards on Fred at his grave site too.
Anyone one who free camps near the town there is very foolish, but perhaps they were not aware of the dangers.
The supermarket there is an eye opener with the high cyclone fence around it, just lock up well if you have to use it.
Do not miss or avoid Bourke in general, you will miss a great spot to visit, just use your nut where you stay and don't go out at night!
Gerty Dancer said
07:57 PM Sep 7, 2012
Anywhere in Australia, or overseas for that matter, you'd be taking a risk sleeping in your swag in the streets of a town/city. Stupid.
Anvid said
09:08 PM Sep 7, 2012
I was in Bourke on the last day of June and found it all right. The Discovery Centre was very nice but seemed to be rather out-of-place for a town like Bourke. It was very educational but I can't see how it could pay for itself.
The old bridge in North Bourke was interesting especially the bird life along the river and nearby Fred Hollow's grave. In the early evening, I wandered down to a club as I was staying at the Major Mitchell Motel on that occasion. I don't think I would go out after dark or free-camp in Bourke but otherwise it is a nice country town.
Happywanderer said
09:36 PM Sep 7, 2012
Others must have had bad experiences in Bourke at some time, as I went to write in my NSW book a warning and found I already had one there from last year. It says Do Not Camp in Bourke. It would be from last year when I started a book from each state.
rockylizard said
10:44 PM Sep 7, 2012
Gday...
There is a fair bit of 'balance' in the posts here and it is welcoming to read them. I, too, enjoyed my stay in Bourke - spent 5 days there. Did all the tourist things mentioned, as well as some other 'bush wandering' advised by helpful locals. The Bourke RSL was a great and friendly place - quality raffles, pokies, great tucker sensibly priced.
Yes, it is a town with some 'issues' (as many outback Australian communities have) - but by being sensible you will not encounter any problems.
As Gerty sez - "Anywhere in Australia, or overseas for that matter, you'd be taking a risk sleeping in your swag in the streets of a town/city. Stupid" ... I think most of us would acknowledge that people suffer the same fate as the couple in Bourke in EVERY TOWN/SUBURB in Australia - every evening news service is like that song - a horror movie. People who live in cities are probably more vulnerable than we campers - as long as we are camped using common sense.
So I guess the lesson is - camp sensibly in sensible areas ... be aware of your surroundings (night time is always a wary time) ... and enjoy every town our country has to offer.
Cheers - John
jandas fun said
11:27 PM Sep 7, 2012
Well said rockylizard. We are always told not to free camp less than 10-20klm from any town.
Johnw
wendyv said
11:55 PM Sep 7, 2012
We now always stay at Kidmans Camp, out at North Bourke, when going through that way. Bourke itself is well worth visiting, and having a look around - but we certainly prefer to be out of town at night.
Beth54 said
12:21 AM Sep 8, 2012
We'll be going through there next month, but no way will we be staying there. Even though I've never been there, I've been hearing what jandas says for years...stay at least 10-20 kms out of town.
ChrisandPeter said
03:20 PM Sep 8, 2012
On the issue of not free camping less than 10-20kms out of town. What about Bingara - there is 7 day free camping all along the river very close to town? We had a look in April and it looked lovely we were intending heading that way in December. What do people think?
rockylizard said
03:49 PM Sep 8, 2012
Gday...
Been there - recommend it.
There are 100s of such places, close to towns, on a river bank, lake etc. I have stayed at many. Julie Creek, Maranoa River/Mitchell, Dumaresq River/Texas, Jordan River/Jerricho. Gum Bend Lake/Condobolin, Frog Hollow/Lake Cargelligo, Murray River/various towns. I could go on and on.
People living in houses in towns also have 'trouble' from time to time - and I would bet - per head of population - more city folk are harrassed etc in their homes than campers are in their camps.
The story regarding the 54year old man and his 17 year old companion in Bourke reveal they camped in a street, in swags. I would suggest they were looking for trouble - irrespective of whether it was Bourke or any other town. I certainly don't condone the attackers - low-life for sure. But there was the 86 year old lady in Sydney last week who was coming home from her shopping and was bashed and robbed of her handbag - containing $15 - in broad daylight.
I must admit, I use my gut feeling when deciding on a place to sleep for the night. I think common sense is the best protection - if the place looks suss then perhaps it will be suss.
cheers - John
Duh said
06:04 PM Sep 8, 2012
ChrisandPeter wrote:
On the issue of not free camping less than 10-20kms out of town. What about Bingara - there is 7 day free camping all along the river very close to town? We had a look in April and it looked lovely we were intending heading that way in December. What do people think?
I think it is the old saying "safety in numbers", if your fellow campers look ok and there are a few there, you should be ok.
I think camping alone close to towns is the bigger risk.....
Beth54 said
06:05 PM Sep 8, 2012
rockylizard wrote:
Gday...
Been there - recommend it.
There are 100s of such places, close to towns, on a river bank, lake etc. I have stayed at many. Julie Creek, Maranoa River/Mitchell, Dumaresq River/Texas, Jordan River/Jerricho. Gum Bend Lake/Condobolin, Frog Hollow/Lake Cargelligo, Murray River/various towns. I could go on and on.
People living in houses in towns also have 'trouble' from time to time - and I would bet - per head of population - more city folk are harrassed etc in their homes than campers are in their camps.
The story regarding the 54year old man and his 17 year old companion in Bourke reveal they camped in a street, in swags. I would suggest they were looking for trouble - irrespective of whether it was Bourke or any other town. I certainly don't condone the attackers - low-life for sure. But there was the 86 year old lady in Sydney last week who was coming home from her shopping and was bashed and robbed of her handbag - containing $15 - in broad daylight.
I must admit, I use my gut feeling when deciding on a place to sleep for the night. I think common sense is the best protection - if the place looks suss then perhaps it will be suss.
cheers - John
Agree...common sense and gut feeling.
jandas fun said
06:13 PM Sep 8, 2012
Yep! my post was a bit short and blunt. Common sense, gut feeling and if there are other campers around is the way we go as well. Ther are lots of great places close to towns, have a look and make your own decision.
Johnw
Duh said
06:18 PM Sep 8, 2012
When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs.....
Beth54 said
06:22 PM Sep 8, 2012
Duh wrote:
When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs.....
Struth Vic!
Duh said
10:13 PM Sep 8, 2012
wendyv wrote:
Duh wrote:
When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs.....
These days, you are taking a risk even walking in the main streets of Alice Springs at night.
Yes, I wouldn't do it now Beth and Wendy, that was in the 1980's, had a nice quiet night too. Also used to sleep in the locked entrance ways of cemetery's, they were very quiet and the neighbours were very well behaved! Even they aren't safe now
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 8th of September 2012 10:14:38 PM
wendyv said
10:44 PM Sep 8, 2012
Duh wrote:
When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs.....
These days, you are taking a risk even walking in the main streets of Alice Springs at night.
Hylda&Jon said
11:36 PM Sep 8, 2012
Country town + free camp + weekend is a definite nono for us. Even on a weekday it's to be avoided if possible.
We always prefer to camp outside walking distance from any town and on weekends even beyond short hoon driving distance.
TWO campers have been robbed with a gun and tree branch as they slept by a road in a remote NSW town.
A 51-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth had set up swags in Bourke about 11.30pm (AEST) on Wednesday.
They were woken by five men two hours later.
One was armed with a knife, another with a tree branch, and a third said he had a firearm, NSW police said.
The men punched and kicked the man, and hit him with a tree branch, before taking his car keys and wallet.
They then fled Anson Street in the victim's Toyota Hilux.
The injured man was taken to Bourke Hospital to be treated for minor cuts and bruising to his head.
His ute was found burnt out in nearby Alice Edward Village shortly after 2am.
Police are seeking five men described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged between 20 and 25.
Is'nt there some real, "Low Life " out there ???
I think it's about time that the Courts made a real example of the guilty ones.
All those in agreement to a "Public Flogging",,,,,,, Raise your Hands !!!
Let's hope the poor bloke who was robbed, had his vehicle insured,
I like the idea of old fashioned stocks set up in the main street where everyone can see them and do what they have to!
Public flogging would be good too.
Hope everyone recovered well!
Gday...
I had heard this report on the ABC news during yesterday. My ears pricked up because I will be travelling through Bourke next week.
However, I will be staying in the Mitchell Van park because of Bourke's reputation and also from what I have observed on previous times I have been in or through Bourke. Indeed, I understand due to increasing 'problems' in Bourke the Mitchell Van Park has installed an electric fence around its boundary for added protection from intruders.
Having said that, Anson Street is in the town. I am not aware of a 'camp' or even a 'rest area' in Anson Street.
Apart from highlighting the sometimes potential threat of camping on the side of the road, it should also highlight, and reinforce, that it is always unwise to sleep on the side of a road/street within a town. There are 'low-life' in all towns - big or small, city, urban or country.
Let's hope the 'victim' recovers and that the ute was insured.
Cheers - John
could not agree more the problem is no polly has the guts to stand up and say it well I guess we vote them in maybe we need to flog the pollys
peter m
good call bent axle bob maybe a couple of scalps may just be the justice they deserve hell would it not raise some eye brows I am all for it
peter m
yES JULES i WAS IMPRESSED WITH kIDMA CAMP GREAT SPOT TO STAY
We stayed at Bourke, at Kidman Camp (Caravan Park) 7kms north of town, and did our Bourke touring from there.
Bourke was one of the highlights of our trip and not to be missed IMHO. The other caravan park in town is the one with the electric fence, Kidman Camp does not need it being further out of town and is very safe.
Highlights of Bourke were the Outback Centre (just north of the town), the Darling River Cruise (jetty at the back of Kidman Camp) and the visit to Fred Hollows grave in the town cemetery. He wanted to be buried there and he was buried with a bottle of his favorite whisky, pipe and favorite tobacco. I don't know why (have guessed though) but his grave was later covered with a large piece of heavy granite.
Maybe someone had heard of what was in the grave with him? There info boards on Fred at his grave site too.
Anyone one who free camps near the town there is very foolish, but perhaps they were not aware of the dangers.
The supermarket there is an eye opener with the high cyclone fence around it, just lock up well if you have to use it.
Do not miss or avoid Bourke in general, you will miss a great spot to visit, just use your nut where you stay and don't go out at night!
I was in Bourke on the last day of June and found it all right. The Discovery Centre was very nice but seemed to be rather out-of-place for a town like Bourke. It was very educational but I can't see how it could pay for itself.
The old bridge in North Bourke was interesting especially the bird life along the river and nearby Fred Hollow's grave. In the early evening, I wandered down to a club as I was staying at the Major Mitchell Motel on that occasion. I don't think I would go out after dark or free-camp in Bourke but otherwise it is a nice country town.
Gday...
There is a fair bit of 'balance' in the posts here and it is welcoming to read them. I, too, enjoyed my stay in Bourke - spent 5 days there. Did all the tourist things mentioned, as well as some other 'bush wandering' advised by helpful locals. The Bourke RSL was a great and friendly place - quality raffles, pokies, great tucker sensibly priced.
Yes, it is a town with some 'issues' (as many outback Australian communities have) - but by being sensible you will not encounter any problems.
As Gerty sez - "Anywhere in Australia, or overseas for that matter, you'd be taking a risk sleeping in your swag in the streets of a town/city. Stupid" ... I think most of us would acknowledge that people suffer the same fate as the couple in Bourke in EVERY TOWN/SUBURB in Australia - every evening news service is like that song - a horror movie. People who live in cities are probably more vulnerable than we campers - as long as we are camped using common sense.
So I guess the lesson is - camp sensibly in sensible areas ... be aware of your surroundings (night time is always a wary time) ... and enjoy every town our country has to offer.
Cheers - John
Well said rockylizard. We are always told not to free camp less than 10-20klm from any town.
Johnw
We'll be going through there next month, but no way will we be staying there. Even though I've never been there, I've been hearing what jandas says for years...stay at least 10-20 kms out of town.
What about Bingara - there is 7 day free camping all along the river very close to town?
We had a look in April and it looked lovely we were intending heading that way in December.
What do people think?
Gday...
Been there - recommend it.
There are 100s of such places, close to towns, on a river bank, lake etc. I have stayed at many. Julie Creek, Maranoa River/Mitchell, Dumaresq River/Texas, Jordan River/Jerricho. Gum Bend Lake/Condobolin, Frog Hollow/Lake Cargelligo, Murray River/various towns. I could go on and on.
People living in houses in towns also have 'trouble' from time to time - and I would bet - per head of population - more city folk are harrassed etc in their homes than campers are in their camps.
The story regarding the 54year old man and his 17 year old companion in Bourke reveal they camped in a street, in swags. I would suggest they were looking for trouble - irrespective of whether it was Bourke or any other town. I certainly don't condone the attackers - low-life for sure. But there was the 86 year old lady in Sydney last week who was coming home from her shopping and was bashed and robbed of her handbag - containing $15 - in broad daylight.
I must admit, I use my gut feeling when deciding on a place to sleep for the night. I think common sense is the best protection - if the place looks suss then perhaps it will be suss.
cheers - John
I think it is the old saying "safety in numbers", if your fellow campers look ok and there are a few there, you should be ok.
I think camping alone close to towns is the bigger risk.....
Agree...common sense and gut feeling.
Johnw
When I think of some of the places I camped at as a solo years ago I can't believe I did it, but I do think it was a lot safer then than it is now.......Cripes, I even camped overnight in the main street of Alice Springs.....
Struth Vic!
Yes, I wouldn't do it now Beth and Wendy, that was in the 1980's, had a nice quiet night too. Also used to sleep in the locked entrance ways of cemetery's, they were very quiet and the neighbours were very well behaved! Even they aren't safe now
-- Edited by Duh on Saturday 8th of September 2012 10:14:38 PM
These days, you are taking a risk even walking in the main streets of Alice Springs at night.
Country town + free camp + weekend is a definite nono for us. Even on a weekday it's to be avoided if possible.
We always prefer to camp outside walking distance from any town and on weekends even beyond short hoon driving distance.
Cheers
Jon