THERE was some interesting trivia from our weather experts in recent days but it's trivia that will surprise no one. It seems that much of inland NSW, particularly the tablelands, has been experiencing the most prolonged sequence of severely icy nights in up to 40 years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In Lithgow's case the sub zero readings have been the worst in at least 17 years when the minus 10 readings created havoc. You can blame the big chill on the big dry; while ever the looming winter drought creates cloudless skies there will little relief. Meantime it pays to be well aware of the higher than usual risk of black ice on our roads, and even on our footpaths.
Opportunity lost
IT's 30 years in August since the curtain came down on Berlei operations in Lithgow, throwing dozens of skilled women out of work.
Our thriving undercover industry had been seen as a true success story for regional development and for more than 50 years Lithgow had literally contributed to the support (and dare we say 'enhancement') - of Australian women.
But government wisdom in tariff decisions had made it more profitable to manufacture undies off shore and import them. Adding insult to injury senior Lithgow staff were sent overseas to train the foreign workers.
It was a sign of much worse to come across the nation but it was not Lithgow's first experience of tariff pain; Bonds had previously packed up and moved off shore but in that case we were well compensated when international confectioner Ferrero took over the modern factory complex. There was no such rainbow's end when Berlei hitched up their undies and did a runner.
No respect
Council has strict laws banning advertising material on public structures and rock bands are regularly forced to remove their posters. At the weekend an anti Islam group plastered the Lithgow CBD and it was pleasing to note some shopkeepers yesterday ripping them down. Council now needs to act quickly on the remainder. It's not a matter of free speech; it's a matter of what's good for a rock band is good for anyone else.