Northern Territorians
'Storms tipped and maybe cyclone'
Front page yesterday , page 3 today yet the low pressure system has strengthened over the past 24 hours. 'Storms and squalls are expected to lash Darwin for the next two days'.
'Dead fish washed up'
'Almost 1 000 dead fish were washed up along Casuarina Coastal Reserve yesterday'. Eighteen different species were found. The cause of death is unknown but believed to be natural, perhaps related to organic material being flushed down rivers after the first rains of the year.
'Crime 'crisis: call for drug program'
With Council claiming there is a crime crisis, the 1999/2000 Police, Fire and Emergency Services' annual report shows property crime actually fell from 1998/99 to 1999/2000. Unfortunately clear-up rates also fell perhaps leading to the crime crisis we have today.
Wednesday 29 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Cash strapped NTU to build $3m lake'
The headline says it all. One would have thought that $4m could be spent on education rather than artificial lakes or ceremonial entrances. But perhaps financial management students will be able to bask in the sun on inflatable mats while environment students are seeing first hand the effect of development on mangroves and students of politics are imagining the ebb and flow of public opinion with tidal movements. So maybe it isn't as incredibly silly as ity sounds.
Tuesday 28 November 20000 - Northertn TerritortNews
'Virus warning as mozzies multiply'
'A plague of mosquitoes which hit Darwin's northern suburbs at the weekend sparked an urgent Ross River Virus warning yesterday'. Peter Whelan (who?) warned residents to take precautions. He said 161 cases of Ross River virus had been reported in the year to June, 100 of these in Darwin.
'The old church is 'too new''
'With a new roof, a new floor and a new cyclone-proof interior, the old Wesleyan Church has been replicated - not restored - the National Trust claimed yesterday'. Given that the building had been left to rot for a very long time it is hardly surprising but it does make you wonder why the Government bothered at all.
Monday 27 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Rain record washed away'
A spectacular storm over the city dropped 39mm art Darwin Airport causing Darwin to miss having the driest November on record. With four days to go, who knows, with more rain expected we may yet reach the average of 140.9mm.
Thursday 23 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'No rain killer bug hits 5'
A not-so-pleasant reminder of the dangers of the Top End. Five cases of the potentially fatal melioidosis have been diagnosed since October - not such a great bit of info given that there has been very little rain.
'Chook fire just brekkie'
Worthy of world news. 'A chook being cooked for a cabbie's brekkie sparked a fire scare in a Rapid Creek block of units yesterday'. The cabbie was quoted 'I went into my bedroom, but I didn't go to sleep. I knew nothing abolut any problem. But suddenly there was a loud crash and banging coming from my loungeroom. I looked out and fire officers were all over the place. They had bashed my door open and put out my chicken'. And all because a neighbour thought the smell might be a drugs concoction.
Wednesday 22 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Hotel Darwin off our heritage list'
'The Australian Heritage Commission yesterday advertised for the Hotel Darwin, Old Supreme Court and Bagot Reserve Administration House to be taken off the Registry of the National Estate. AHC spokeswoman Heather Wallace said the historic sites would be struck from the list because they no longer existed. So why advertise?
'Dry Wet so park taps turned on'
'Darwin City Council officers have turned the water back on, three weeks after the taps were switched off at its parks and gardens'. Counci's Technical Services Committee chariman Chris Tilley denied that the council's water budget had run out. But she was keen to ask for commercial concessions for water from the Territory Government.
'Sweet brown eats to beat our heat'
Investigative journalism at its best. Suck a cold Tim Tam to beat the heat but beware - more than two in a row can bring on nausea.
Tuesday 21 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Sorry sir, work is too hot, too hard'
A 14-year-old boy failed to compete work experience because the outside work was "too hard and too hot"'. The work was cleaning up a block at Palmerston. Pretty cruel for a 14 year old - even a bad one at that.
'Raw deal for prawn lovers'
Because of poor catches and a low Aussie dollar TOp End tiger prawns have hit record prices. It seems as though locals will suffer because larger overseas deals are based on American dollars, pushing up prices dramatically. Long live free trade.
'Hosting the small'
'Darwin will host the 21st annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference of Members from Small Countries'. Small minds too?
Monday 20 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Residents terrified by teenagers'
'Jim snaps teens during break-in'
'Hero Jon fights grown intruder'
'Bike thieves strike again'
Pages 2 and 3. An advertisement about the success of mandatory sentencing?
'Nude rugby trio not so rude'
Another sports team bare all for a calendar to raise money. This time the blokes at Palmerston Rugby Club. 'December will feature one of the senior players as Father Christmas with a bunch of naked men as reindeer in a scrum'. Oh my God.
'Tick poison warning for cow thief'
'A cattle rustler who butchered a pregnant cow on a Top End station could become ill'. The owner of Annaburroo Station is concerned that the consumer could become seriously ill because of the chemicals used to treat the cow for ticks. Or could it be a cunning ploy to catch a thief?
Sunday 19 November 2000 - Sunday Territorian
'No croc'
Eight locals got a fright at Twin Falls recently. While resting for a beet they found a 1.4m freshwater croc just 1m from there they lay. One of the party prodded the croc to see if it was dead or alive and proudly proclaimed 'It's dead as a maggot'. But then the croc moved....
Saturday 18 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Livid Lizzie heads 'no dam' protest'
Not paralympic Lizzie but a new Livid Lizzie has evolved as mascot of the Darwin Harbour Alliance which is trying to stop the damming (or damning) of Darwin Harbour. Send a card to the Chief Minister or put a sticker on your car. Please!
'Giant snails spotted'
Once again giant African snails (achatina fulica bowditch) have been found on a vessel coming from East Timor. The snail which favours 'bread fruit, cassave, cocoa, papaya, peanut, rubber and most species of legumes, really likes 500 typs of plants. Our Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Mick Palmer "We will continue whatever action is necessary to ensure we remain a giant African snail-free zone.
'Why you are going troppo'
Umm because it is bloody hot. 'It's been a "stinker of a build-up" the Darwin Weather Bureau admitted yesterday - and the troppo season will continue'. Darwin will be lucky to get one of the widespread showers and storms across the Territory before Monday. Darwin has received just 0.2mm of rain in November thus far compared to 182mm in Borroloola.
Friday 17 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Young unwed mums in NT baby boom'
'Baby fever has hit the Territory, which has recorded the highest fertility rates in the country'. The fertility rate in the Territory is 2.153 compared to an average of 1.745 across Australia. So why? Darwin is perfect, wonderful etc etc according to a Darwin mum. Only pity is the high fertility rate largely reflects indienous Territorians and is probably not a characteristic considered positive.
'Tap dancing plan for our police'
A solution for Tennant Creek (see yesterday). 'Police and young people tap dancing their way to a greater understanding is one project that could evolve from the NTSafe community grants scheme. And a joint musical starring youths and police is also a possibility' Perhaps money would be better spent teaching kids appropriate behaviour to avoid police.
Thursday 16 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Kids wreak hose havoc'
'Four juveniles ran amok with fire hoses inside Tennant Creek Town Hall yesterday causing damage estimated at $20,000. Police arrested the four while they were still splashing about'. The hall had recently been refurbished after $200,ooo damage cause by other youngsters. Mayor Paul Ruger diplaying admirable constraint was quoted 'It's bloody awful - I did my top when I saw it'. Now police, children and kids are going to have a meeting to sort out what is going to happen. May I suggest a venue?
'Playboy George in heart scare'
It has only now been revealed that Lord Mayor George Brown was rushed to hospital last Friday with chest pains, a few days before his flashing on national TV. Mutst have been all the excitement - or the 10 crates of red that had arrived in his office.
and from the ABC Internet News
'Territory economy booming: real estate report'
The NT Real Estate Institute has claimed the economy could not be better based on a report into commercial office space by the Valuer General. Only problem for the REINT is that vacancies have gone up.
Wednesday 15 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Chopper squad declares war on mozzies'
Peter Whelan again!. With a wonderfully staged 'action' photograph, young Health workers are shown heading out of a helicopter to declaire war on mosquitoes. One whould have thought carrying at least some equipment might have helped.
'Bridge to ease flood worries'
A new $1m bridge is to be built on the Barkly Highway to give year round access between Queensland and the Territory. Another of the wet seasons's little adventures will fall by the wayside.
'OK its time to prevent those poo woes'
'The wet season usually means power blackouts and sewerage overflows for Top End residents'. So PAWA have started a publicity campaign to get residents to check their ORGs. In case you had trouble finding yours, ORGs are the grid traps commonly found outside kitchen windows. The basic message is to keep them clear of obstacles. And who is PAWAs spokesman - Norm Cramp.
Tuesday 14 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Mozzie plague set to bite'r
Peter Whelan, the only serious non-political contender for the Weather Bureau in press releases, has returned for the summer to warn us of mosquitoes, this time due to the king tides last night and tonight. The big influx of saltmarsh mosquitoes is expected next week.
'I clung on for my life all night'
'A fisherman told yesterday how he spent a terrifying night in the mangroves clining to a tiny dinghy with a fishing line'. He and two mates had suffered a capsized dinghy at Blue Hole 25km north of Darwin. Good story but the true heroism came from the two mates who walked for eight hours through mangroves for help and then returned for their friend.
Monday 13 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'NT man killed in spearing'
'Darwin CIB detectives were yesterday interviewing a man over the fatal spearing of a man at Nhulunbuy'. Is this a case of long live indigenous culture?
'Darwin second in Net know-how'
Darwin is second only to Tasmania in net usage according to the National Office for the Information Economy. Kind of strange give the NT Government's great track record in encouraging technology.
'200 complaints of animal cruelty'
Only three people have been found guilty of animal cruelty out of a total of 220 cases reported to Darwin's RSPCA. A rare case of understatement in a headline.
'It's still a war zone: landlord'
Only last week Wagaman residents were claiming at least a partial victory against thugs. However, it seems as though the problem may simply have moved with a landlord outlining continued instances of throwing of rocks, coconuts and , fire crackers, broken glass, obscene graffiti and ripped fences. His set of units adjoins the open laneway. The other residents now benefit from closed laneways.
Sunday 12 November 2000 - Sunday Territorian
'Monster 7m lizards 'still roam Top End''
Now this is real news. 'Be afraid, be very afraid - giant lizards could still be roaming the Territory. Acting on sightings 20 years ago in the Territory, a Perth-based company is researching the claims for a series on the Discovery Channel. They are also presumably looking for Tasmanian Tigers, black panthers and yowies. 'Crypto-zoologist Rex Gilroy believes that these giant lizards, megalania prisca, are alive and living in the Top End of Australia'. What on earth is a crypto-zoologist.
'Rex gives lizards life'
By now you are wondering if all lizard handlers are named Rex. Rex Neindorf, Alice Springs Reptile Park owner has developed quite a reputation as a lizard handler, often using mouth-to-mouth to bring them or snakes, back to life after finding them in pools. But alas, no mention of finding any megalania prisca.
Saturday 11 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'GST fear: man stockpiles cannabis'
'A man found with 146g of cannabis in his house told police he had such a large quanitty because he "thought the price would go up with the GST"'. The man was fined $1000 with $40 in victims levies. Does this mean an effective fine of $960.
'Hot Springs free of deadly bug'
Douglas Hot Springs re-opens today after the deadly bug Naegleria fowleri was found to be absent.
'Cool change to fizzle: bureau'
With overnight temperatures for Darwin having been 28C for the last 10 nights, the Weather Bureau has informed us that a cool change is on the way. The westerly winds bringing the hot night conditions are expected to break down increasing the chance of a 25C night. But the other news is - it won't last long.
'Car scam cost me $2000'
Some people are made for scams. A Darwin man was told on the phone that he had won a car from Canada but that it would cost him $US1,000. He duly paid up then received only two poor quality watches and a cheap picture of Napoleon Bonaparte. Surpise Surprise. No doubt he was one fo the Territorians that feels safe at home (see politics).
Friday 10 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Ear antics'
A Parks and Wildlife ranger was rushed to a doctor after a green ant fell into his ear and was unable to be removed. The ant passed the time by biting the ranger frequently. The condition of the ant (or the ranger) is unknown.
Thursday 9 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'Fire sale as building goes'
'Bulldozers will knock down the Uniting Church-owned building on the corner of Smith and Cavenagh St in just a few days' the paper duly informs us. That is, assuming if they can find it. Smith and Cavenagh Streets run parallel to one another and there is no building that big up here.
'Surviving a cyclone'
To think that we are 6 weeks into the wet season and only now the Northern Territory News is preparing us for their bumper edition on Tuesday containing Cyclone Survival complete with tracking map. Meanwhile the ever press conscious Weather Bureau are expecting an average season (whatever that is) with a possibility of a December cyclone.
Wednesday 8 Novermber 2000 - Northern Territory News
''Deadly' weeds on leper island'
A killer weed (known as jatropha) was discovered on Channel Island three years ago. The weed kills the under-storey vegetation by blotting out light and dominating the food source. The weed is only found on Channel Island in the NT leading Parks and Wildlife to believe that it may have been introduced from WA with the lepers from 1931 to 1955. The weed can only be removed from hand and they are desperately trying to stop it crossing the Channel Island bridge.
and from the ABC Internet News
'Snake population swells in central Aust'
Herpetologists are telling Parks and Wildlife staff that they expect a bumper season of snakes. Early season call-out figures from urban areas seem to confirm this with 47 in September compared to 10 last year. Most of the snakes caught were western browns.
Tuesday 7 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'3.2m saltie caught near Katherine'
Another large croc has been caught, this time near a popular swimming hole near Katherine. The croc scorned offers of chickens and pigs' heads but finally fell for a piece of buffalo. Given a choice like that I'd have done the same thing.
'Rains blamed for truck roller'
Heavy rains were blamed for a road train rolling 25km south of Renner Springs yesterday. The roll occurred as one of the trailers veered onto a soft shoulder. What that had to do with the weather is anyone's guess.
'Nguiu in bid to drink grog at home'
Local residents of Nguiu on Bathurst Island have written a petition to obtain permission to drink booze at home for the first time in almost 20 years. At the moment alcohol can only be bought at two clubs. Fortunately the Nguiu Community Government Council president Barry Puruntatameri is against the proposal.
Monday 6 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'TAB ticket glitch warning for Cup'
'Bush punters forced to phone'
Borroloola punters will have to phone to place a bet on the Melbourne Cup as the local TAB agency hasn't operated since August when it was robbed. Hope Telstra has heard of Borroloola. Meanwhile those punters that can see tickets are being warned to check them after the NT TAB opened betting on Saturday on a race with the wrong horse numbers.
'Darwin drinkers praise new beer'
Darwin drinkers have roundly praised the new beer Thirsty Dog. The beer was described as tasting like apricots. Yes I questioned that too. Even the packaging was described as nice and attractive. But the best comment came from 52-year-old Frank Lenord 'It's beaut. It's very sweet and doesn't taste bitter at all. Thirsty Dog will definitely suit the mongrels who drink it!.'
'Initiative to tackle booze'
Meanwhile, brochures outlining the danger of alcohol and drugs are being distributed at hairdressers and retailers and other service outlets.
'NT hotel penalised for drunks'
And the Tennant Creek Hotel has to shut four days this month after breaking conditions of its Liquor license - serving an intoxicated person, serving before opening hours and having intoxicated persons on the premises. So why only this pub?
Sunday 5 November 2000 - Sunday Territorian
'He's oh, so canny'
Not a great headline for a touching story about NyardoNyardo, the first canine nomination for a Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Award. From Ramingining comes the story of the dog who has been picking up rubbish for four months and dumping it at the rubbish tip. The actions have so impressed the Ramingining Town Council that they are working on a way to send NyardoNyardo to attend next month's Tidy Town ceremony in Darwin.
'Tie your knot 12m high'
A newly opened Adventure Recreation Centre in Darwin, where you can abseil, climb or just play with ropes is advertising itself as the perfect wedding location. I reckon hanging 12m off a rope might convince anyone to say yes.
'Clouds teasing'
And so the weather continues to be bloody hot. Storm clouds over Kakadu are staying close to Darwin but are not expected to bring any rain for a couple of weeks. Bastards.
'Qantas plane in Tindal mercy landing'
'A Qantas passenger jet was forced to land at Tindal RAAF base in Katherine after a patient fell unconscious during the flight'. The man was later taken to Royal Darwin Hospital where the plane was originally headed. Hmmm.
'Dave tangles with wild buff'
This time, a tale of an amazing air rescue. A geophysicist (Dave) was surveying rocks near Tennant Creek when a buffalo chased him up a tree. The ever cool Dave simply dialed in a helicopter on his satellite phone to scare the poor buff away. Ninety minutes later the helicopter arrived and life was back to normal.
And from ABC Internet
'Humpty Doo hat maker designs for Dundee'
Maybe this should be in world news. 'A Humpty Doo hat maker has supplied crocodile-skin products for costumes and props in the next Crocodile Dundee movie'. The producers found his internet site and needed some fair dinkum stuff to make the movie look real.
Saturday 4 November 2000 - Northern Territory News
'New signs for slow learners'
Beautifully ambiguous. New traffic signs are being installed outside Territory schools and the 40 km/h restrictions are being extended by over an hour. And from a government that believes that demerit systems are bad for motorists, its Transport Minister, Mick Palmer was quoted 'The restricted speed zones provide a safer environment for children'.
'Springs stay out of action'
Yet another breakout of the deadly pathogenic amoebae Naegleria fowleri at Douglas Hot Springs. The outbreak was the third one so far this year. So no more swimming for the time being.
'Red-letter day for rambutan industry'
But there is some good news - the first batch of new-season rambutans was shipped to Japan yesterday. The first batch comprised a whopping 6 kg but it is expected that 40 tonnes will be exported by the end of the season. Another great industry hope for the Territory.