Norseman Visitor's Centre in Norseman, Western Australia | Tourist information centre

Norseman Visitor's Centre

Locality: Norseman, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 9039 0040

Address: 78 Prinsep St 6443 Norseman, WA, Australia

Website: https://www.dundas.wa.gov.au

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25.01.2022 Its that time of the week again... This weeks Way Back Whensday is written by Barry Wintle. THE PERILS OF DRIVING ON THE LAKES Here are a couple more true stories about people and places in and around Norseman in the good old days long gone by. ...Continue reading

24.01.2022 Its time for another Way Back WHENSDAY. Todays story was provided by the Norseman Historical Society. LONG ERRAND OF MERCY AMBULANCE TRIP TO EUCLA "An urgent call was received by St. John Ambulance Wednesday, March 31st to bring in a patient who had taken seriously ill at Eucla.... Making sure of all the details for the long trip, Driver Chisholm, took adequate supplies of fuel and spare tyres and tubes. He was accompanied by Mrs. Coleman (an ex Matron) and relief driver Mechanic, Mr. M Harslett departed Norseman at 11am. Only event apart from refueling on the outward journey was one blow out running one tyre and tube. Balladonia was reached at 2:30pm and from there to seven miles this side of Eucla the road was perfect. The seven mile stretch to Eucla was a motorists nightmare, fine Kopi sea-like dust in heavy layers covers many a nasty bump. The Ambulance reached Eucla at daybreak Thursday morning. Dr. Vann who attended the patient, Mrs. Mitchell for a miscarriage, and also phoned through for the Ambulance met the Ambulance and immediately took Mrs. Coleman to her patients and explained the situation. Thereafter the party partook of a hasty meal and departed for Norseman at 8am reaching Balladonia at 9pm and eventually arriving at the Norseman Hospital at 2:40am Friday morning. Special incidents of the case that must not be overlooked is the long nonstop trip, except for refueling and change of drivers on 942 mile journey as registered on the Ambulance speedometer. Drivers J. Chisholm and M. Harslett are to be congratulated on their efforts, not forgetting to mention their companion Mrs. Coleman who voluntarily made the trip to ease the patient as best as was possible on the long trip. Last but not least the answer to duty by Dr. Vann who was travelling overland to the Eastern states and while a day or two behind schedule delivered the stillborn child and attended Mrs. Mitchell until the arrival of the Ambulance. In an interview with Mrs. Mitchell in the Norseman Hospital, prior to her departure to Perth by plane last Sunday, she stated no praise that could be too great to Dr. Vann for what he had done for her." If you have a story of yesteryear that you might like to share, please contact [email protected]

24.01.2022 LONGEST GOLF COURSE TO RESUME The world's longest golf course plans to re-open after nine months, as the hard border is expected to ease on Saturday. Nullar...bor Links spans more than 1,000 kilometres from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Manager Alf Caputo said he hoped the relaxing of the border restrictions would increase the number of players on the course. From March to July 2019, 121 cars with 320 people cross the border every day, he said. This year, taking into consideration coronavirus, it was only 21 cars with 32 people every day. So, we'll go back to attracting people from every state. Have you ever played on the world’s longest golf course? : Supplied by Alf Caputo.

24.01.2022 Ive been very clear about this over the past few weeks and months - we will not hesitate to put stricter restrictions on travel to our State if the situation r...equires it. Today, weve seen our first case of COVID-19 in a traveller who returned to WA from Victoria. The case involves a returning Western Australian who remains in quarantine. The restrictions weve put in place have worked to keep us safe so far. But with numbers continuing to grow in Victoria, and some local outbreaks in New South Wales, weve made the decision to implement further measures to restrict travel into Western Australia. Effective immediately, anyone coming into WA who has come from, or has travelled through, Victoria in the last 14 days will be directed to hotel quarantine at their own expense. As another precaution, there are now specific rules which will apply to travellers from New South Wales. The following conditions apply to ANYONE who has travelled to the relevant states at any point in the past 14 days prior to travel: - Travel from Victoria - Effective immediately, anyone arriving in Western Australia who has been to Victoria at any point in the past 14 days will be required to enter hotel quarantine for 14 days. As with international arrivals, this will be at their own expense, except in cases of extreme hardship. The current, severely limited exemption categories which apply to Victoria will continue to apply, and all arrivals will be subject to two mandatory COVID-19 tests. - Travel from New South Wales - Effective immediately, all arrivals who have been in New South Wales at any point in the past 14 days will also be subject to two mandatory COVID-19 tests - one upon arrival and one on day 11 of their quarantine. As with arrivals from all places, they will continue be subject to 14 days of quarantine - at home if practicable or at a hotel if not. Additionally, as of Monday 20 July, the list of exemptions allowed for travellers from NSW will be limited to the same categories as currently apply to Victoria. To be clear, only specific essential workers, transport and freight workers and those persons approved by the State Emergency Coordinator, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, will be permitted to enter WA if they have been to either Victoria or NSW. This tougher regime will be in place, initially for 2 weeks, as we monitor the situation in NSW. For anyone Western Australians thinking of leaving the State for any reason, my advice is clear: Do not leave Western Australia. For whatever reason youre contemplating on going east, its in the best interests of all Western Australians to stay here. The situation in other places remains volatile, and we cannot provide you with any certainty of if and when you would be able to return to Western Australia. I know that our border restrictions have and will continue to put some Western Australians and their families in difficult positions, but the risks of not putting these measures in place are simply too high. I will not apologise for taking action to protect the health, safety and freedom of our community.

24.01.2022 Help us keep you safe! Upon entering our centre, patrons will now be required to complete a contact register as per new state government requirements. Alternatively, through the SAFEWA app you can simply scan our QR code to complete the register digitally. We ask that everyone does their part in keeping themselves and our staff safe by completing the register, sanitising hands on entry and maintaining a 1.5m social distancing throughout. We appreciate your efforts.

24.01.2022 COVID-19 has been devastating for WA tourism - with thousands of small businesses impacted all around the State. It has been a tough few months, and it's going... to be a long road back. As restrictions start to ease, our tourism industry can now start charting their way forward and get back to business. Today, we've announced a new grants package to help them on this journey with two new funding programs. This new funding package will help small tourism operators adjust and adapt their businesses away from targeting the international and interstate market and towards Western Australians. Firstly, we'll be providing $10.4 million in one-off cash grants for up to 1,600 individual small businesses around the State. The $6,500 grants will provide immediate support to eligible tourism operators with annual taxable wages of less than $1 million, including accommodation, attraction, tour and transport businesses. This will include micro-tourism businesses, such as sole traders and businesses with four or less employees. The second, $4 million Tourism Business Survival Grants package will be available for tourism operators dealing with exceptionally difficult circumstances - with grants of $25,000-$100,000 available. The Survival Grants will target businesses located in parts of the State with more restrictive travel bans in place, or whose circumstances otherwise mean they will face a more difficult road to recovery. Businesses which deliver iconic experiences are also eligible to apply. These grants are in addition to other State Government assistance packages which have been announced in the last few weeks, including payroll tax waivers to eligible small-to-medium sized business, one-off electricity credit and waiver of business licenses fees. With the easing of regional travel restrictions it is anticipated thousands of Western Australians will be looking to travel around WA this year - and we want as many local businesses as possible benefiting from these opportunities. More information on the Tourism Recovery Fund and the online application form can be found on Tourism WAs corporate website at: http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/WATourismRecoveryProgram More information on the Tourism Business Survival Grants package, including how businesses can apply, will be released shortly.

24.01.2022 Way Back Whensday is here again, featuring 'The Vikings' appearances in the 'Norseman Today' during their 1985 season. Show us your footy photos and memories!

23.01.2022 It's time for another 'Way Back WHENSDAY'. Today's story was provided by the Norseman Historical Society. LONG ERRAND OF MERCY AMBULANCE TRIP TO EUCLA "An urgent call was received by St. John Ambulance Wednesday, March 31st to bring in a patient who had taken seriously ill at Eucla.... Making sure of all the details for the long trip, Driver Chisholm, took adequate supplies of fuel and spare tyres and tubes. He was accompanied by Mrs. Coleman (an ex Matron) and relief driver Mechanic, Mr. M Harslett departed Norseman at 11am. Only event apart from refueling on the outward journey was one blow out running one tyre and tube. Balladonia was reached at 2:30pm and from there to seven miles this side of Eucla the road was perfect. The seven mile stretch to Eucla was a motorists nightmare, fine Kopi sea-like dust in heavy layers covers many a nasty bump. The Ambulance reached Eucla at daybreak Thursday morning. Dr. Vann who attended the patient, Mrs. Mitchell for a miscarriage, and also phoned through for the Ambulance met the Ambulance and immediately took Mrs. Coleman to her patients and explained the situation. Thereafter the party partook of a hasty meal and departed for Norseman at 8am reaching Balladonia at 9pm and eventually arriving at the Norseman Hospital at 2:40am Friday morning. Special incidents of the case that must not be overlooked is the long nonstop trip, except for refueling and change of drivers on 942 mile journey as registered on the Ambulance speedometer. Drivers J. Chisholm and M. Harslett are to be congratulated on their efforts, not forgetting to mention their companion Mrs. Coleman who voluntarily made the trip to ease the patient as best as was possible on the long trip. Last but not least the answer to duty by Dr. Vann who was travelling overland to the Eastern states and while a day or two behind schedule delivered the stillborn child and attended Mrs. Mitchell until the arrival of the Ambulance. In an interview with Mrs. Mitchell in the Norseman Hospital, prior to her departure to Perth by plane last Sunday, she stated no praise that could be too great to Dr. Vann for what he had done for her." If you have a story of yesteryear that you might like to share, please contact [email protected]

23.01.2022 When you complete your G2G PASS registration and declaration it is vital the information you provide is accurate. If you are planning to enter WA from a 'very l...ow risk' state or territory, you must declare if you have knowingly been in contact with someone from a 'low risk' or 'medium risk' area. This will mean extra precautions will be required, to protect you and others, when you arrive in WA. You will need to wear a mask when you arrive at the airport; and You will be required to self-quarantine at a suitable premises for 14 days. These measures are important to keep WA safe and strong. Providing false information will attract penalties and fines.

23.01.2022 WA's border with South Australia will close from 6pm TONIGHT "I urge everyone to reconsider their travel to WA if they have been in South Australia," WA Premi...er Mark McGowan says. WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced further tougher restrictions for people travelling into WA from SA. He says SA has moved from a very low risk to medium risk and might soon be high risk. As a result, effective from 6pm tonight WA will further restrict people entering from SA. But for those arriving by road, through the Eucla checkpoint, this system will begin 48 hours later - from 6pm Wednesday November 18. After these times, travellers will need to meet a strict exemption category. Travel will only be allowed for certain people including senior govt officials, military, Commonwealth personnel, transport freight or logistics or an authorised officer. There will be a consideration for an exception given on compassionate grounds. Travellers on two flights due into Perth from Adelaide tonight will now have to adhere to this. The Premier said the State government was "strongly considering" reintroducing WA's hard border. What's your opinion on this?

22.01.2022 Looking forward to taking a swing along our patch of greens when the Links open up again. Show us your Link selfies!

22.01.2022 Welcome to Way Back WHENsdays! Where stories of yesteryear are brought to you by locals who have spent parts, if not all of their lives in our town. Todays story is told by long-term Norseman resident, Barry Wintle. SUNDAY LUNCH ON THE WING I have just remembered an amusing story that unfolded one Sunday morning down at the Railway Hotel, when it was the BEST pub in town, long ago those days have gone by. Take note that there were about 3000-3500 people residing here in... Norseman back in the day, that was a long time ago. So back to my story... The Railway was usually crowded with locals and blow ins for the Sunday session. From 11am-1pm was the morning session, then from 5pm-7pm was the afternoon session (a good place to do a local con job). It appears that two local blokes (who will remain nameless for obvious reasons) used to hold a raffle on Sunday mornings of a chook at two-bob (20 cents), a ticket winner to be announced after the sale of a huge amount of tickets. One would think that if you won the raffle you would be presented with a nicely stuffed bird, roasted to perfection that you could take home for Sunday lunch. But this was not to be! The con was to announce the winner of the chook, it being some obscure name which nobody had heard of or someone who was not in the bar at the time of the draw so the prize was never claimed (this was a very cool con indeed). My good friend Frank Denton told me he brought some tickets and had gone out to do some business elsewhere, meanwhile the raffle announced that Denton had won the chook raffle. The crowd all cheered and went back to more important things like drinking and yarning. Frank returned to the bar and was later told he had won the chook raffle, so he ventured over to the raffler to collect his prize. The raffler did his best to talk Frank out of collecting his prize but Frank insisted on claiming it. Giving up on Frank, the raffler yelled to his partner in this enterprise DENTON WANTS THE BLOODY CHOOK!! Whereas his partner proceeded to the publicans fowl yard at the rear of the pub, grabbed a chook, brought it into the bar and threw it at Frank saying, HERES YOUR BLOODY CHOOK! Frank told me later that the last he saw of what he thought was going to be his Sunday lunch, went flying out through the front doors of the pub in the direction of the salt lake, never to be seen again! In those days a schooner of beer was 10 pence (one shilling), a long neck was 2/6 pence (25 cents) and oh yes...you could purchase a 1 gallon Demmyjog (four and a half litres) of draught beer straight from the tap for one quid (two dollars) at the morning session to keep you going til the afternoon session. This is a true story of life in our fabulous town in the early fifties when men were men and women were (and still are) delightful. -BARRY (WIMPY) WINTLE If you have some great tales from Norseman to Eucla send them through to [email protected]

21.01.2022 The December 2019 -January 2020 bushfires laid bare much of the bush surrounding Lake Cowan. The stormy weather has caused dust storms. People with respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors, and drivers are asked to take additional care on the roads.

21.01.2022 Ahhh Norseman sunsets-hows the serenity. Why not come and experience them for yourself. Local photographer Lynn Webb capturing their beauty once again.

21.01.2022 Important for all small business owners. The Virtual Small Business Meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions of the Minister for Regional Development the Hon Alannah Mactiernan. Registrations are essential email [email protected]

20.01.2022 The 'Tourism Business Survival Grant' closes Monday, July 13th at 4pm. Follow the link for more information to see if your tourism business is eligible to apply. https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au//WA-Tourism-Recovery-Program

19.01.2022 The Tourism Business Survival Grant closes Monday, July 13th at 4pm. Follow the link for more information to see if your tourism business is eligible to apply. https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au//WA-Tourism-Recovery-Program

19.01.2022 Looking to stretch you driving legs? Why not head along the Eyre Highway to Eucla? Experience something different, Eucla.

19.01.2022 We are excited to have some new arrivals at the Woodlands Centre. Come and print photos from your travels at our new photo kiosk! You can stay up to date on all the new things coming to the centre by following us on Instagram @norsemanwoodlandscentre

18.01.2022 CAMPING ALERT Thank you WA for doing the right thing! Camping is back. After the Premier lifted some restrictions on public gatherings and camping, we ar...e pleased to announce that campgrounds within WAs national parks, reserves and State forest will be open for local camping from midday this Friday, 1 May. Intrastate travel restrictions remain in place, so at this stage people will only be able to visit and camp within their regional boundaries. We encourage campers to be self-sufficient and to continue to observe social distancing. The four square metres of space per person rule, with particular attention to shared facilities and areas such as ablutions/BBQ shelters and other communal areas, must be followed. Good hygiene practices should also be implemented. From midday Friday, bookings can be made via exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au for a maximum stay of two-weeks. Bookings can only be made up to two weeks ahead of an arrival date. At this point in time, key attractions, tours and facilities remain closed. We will reassess these closures in the coming weeks.

17.01.2022 We are on the lookout for when we can welcome visitors back to Norsey! Locals will tell you Beacon Hill Lookout is a great place to enjoy panoramic views and capture our stunning sunsets as they weave ribbons of crimson gold over the town and salt lakes.

17.01.2022 Welcome to 'Way Back WHENsday's! Where stories of yesteryear are brought to you by locals who have spent parts, if not all of their lives in our town. Today's story is told by long-term Norseman resident, Barry Wintle. SUNDAY LUNCH ON THE WING I have just remembered an amusing story that unfolded one Sunday morning down at the Railway Hotel, when it was the BEST pub in town, long ago those days have gone by. Take note that there were about 3000-3500 people residing here in... Norseman back in the day, that was a long time ago. So back to my story... The Railway was usually crowded with locals and blow ins for the Sunday session. From 11am-1pm was the morning session, then from 5pm-7pm was the afternoon session (a good place to do a local con job). It appears that two local blokes (who will remain nameless for obvious reasons) used to hold a raffle on Sunday mornings of a chook at two-bob (20 cents), a ticket winner to be announced after the sale of a huge amount of tickets. One would think that if you won the raffle you would be presented with a nicely stuffed bird, roasted to perfection that you could take home for Sunday lunch. But this was not to be! The con was to announce the winner of the chook, it being some obscure name which nobody had heard of or someone who was not in the bar at the time of the draw so the prize was never claimed (this was a very cool con indeed). My good friend Frank Denton told me he brought some tickets and had gone out to do some business elsewhere, meanwhile the raffle announced that Denton had won the chook raffle. The crowd all cheered and went back to more important things like drinking and yarning. Frank returned to the bar and was later told he had won the chook raffle, so he ventured over to the raffler to collect his prize. The raffler did his best to talk Frank out of collecting his prize but Frank insisted on claiming it. Giving up on Frank, the raffler yelled to his partner in this enterprise DENTON WANTS THE BLOODY CHOOK!! Whereas his partner proceeded to the publicans fowl yard at the rear of the pub, grabbed a chook, brought it into the bar and threw it at Frank saying, HERES YOUR BLOODY CHOOK! Frank told me later that the last he saw of what he thought was going to be his Sunday lunch, went flying out through the front doors of the pub in the direction of the salt lake, never to be seen again! In those days a schooner of beer was 10 pence (one shilling), a long neck was 2/6 pence (25 cents) and oh yes...you could purchase a 1 gallon Demmyjog (four and a half litres) of draught beer straight from the tap for one quid (two dollars) at the morning session to keep you going til the afternoon session. This is a true story of life in our fabulous town in the early fifties when men were men and women were (and still are) delightful. -BARRY (WIMPY) WINTLE If you have some great tales from Norseman to Eucla send them through to [email protected]

17.01.2022 Its our favourite time of the week and Barry Wintle is back for another Way Back Whensday with his story "A Railway Runaway". "After viewing the restored W.A.G.R pumper trolley (Kalamzoo) at the local museum today (top job, well done Mens Shed), memories came to me of the men and machinery that operated the railways (W.A.G.R) of which I was a part of a long time ago. So, here are a couple of true stories about the W.A.G.R in and around Norseman in those times when our to...wn was very vibrant and the best place to live in WA (quote me, being an ex-city slicker myself). Anyhow, this story concerns one of the fettlers (snake charmers) gang who was elevated to the job of length runner. These days a Toyota Landcruiser fitted with railway wheels does the job, but in days long ago, the length runner was supplied with a three wheeled motorised trike fitted with primitive motorcycle type engine, no clutch, just a throttle and decompression levers and constantly in gear. To commence the run, you set the throttle lever, held down the decompression lever forward, pushed like mad, jumped on, let the decompression lever go and away you went. This worked okay in theory but didnt take into account the condition of the person who was operating the machinery at the time, I suppose. Anyway, this day the length runner was to start his run from Pioneer (30 miles North of Norseman) on route to Yilmia (373 mile fettlers camp, North of Widgiemooltha and South of Coolgardie). As the story goes, he had apparently been celebrating his new job as a length runner and had got a bit snakes hissed the night before and was still a bit hungover prior to starting his run the next morning. He did the starting procedure, pushed like mad, let the decompression lever go, tried to jump on, (he should have jumped on first) but sadly missed and fell flat on his face, and the trike proceeded (with the throttle preset) towards Widgie at a good speed all by itself! When being informed of this mishap, the station master at Norseman rang the proprietor of the Golden Eagle store at Widgie and asked him to place some railway sleepers across the line to derail the runaway trike (needless to say this didnt do the trike much good). I believe our red faced, (from gravel rash no doubt) would-be length runner was relegated back to fettling (snake charming) and was never asked to run the length again. -BARRY (WIMPY) WINTLE For information on how to be part of Way Back Whensday email [email protected]

16.01.2022 Severe Weather Update: rain, storms and catastrophic fire dangers in WA Monday. Video current at 8am AWST, Sunday 8 November 2020. Catastrophic fire dangers, st...rong winds, rain and thunderstorms are expected to impact Western Australia on Monday 9 November 2020. Know your weather. Know your risk. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings at http://ow.ly/6in850C4Csa and listen to advice from emergency services.

16.01.2022 #wanderoutyonder with the Australia's Golden Outback guide to road trip country! 21 epic road trips throughout the region including 'The Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail'. Drive this unsealed 300km road between Norseman and Hyden, stopping at the 16 interpretive sites along the way! To download your guide visit https://www.australiasgoldenoutback.com//AGO_ROADTRIPS_ONL

16.01.2022 We are in the midst of National Road Safety Week. Keep everyone safe on the road by following road rules, driving to conditions and taking frequent breaks when driving

15.01.2022 Hi all, As promised an update on when we will open. Unfortunately we don’t have a opening date as yet. ... Due to updating our facilities and a staff shortage we had to make the decision to stay closed for now, as we don’t want our quality to be less than you should expect from us. But no worries, we will open again and when we do we have an updated park for you to stay in. Thank you all for understanding.

15.01.2022 Remembrance Day Service 11 November 2020 10:40-11:05am Memorial Rotunda- Prinsep Street Norseman WA 6443 A light morning tea will be served, following the service.

14.01.2022 Way Back Whensday is here for another week with a story written by Barry Wintle. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD "Here is a true tale of Norseman, not long ago, about a couple of older guys who used to do a bit of part-time yardmens work for the local Norseman Hotel publican for a few beers, a bit of tucker and a few bob in their pockets.... Anyway, one day the publican had a big sign made and needed someone to erect it out on the road to inform travellers of his establishment in Norseman town. After approaching Old Taffy (surname not needed) and his mate, it was agreed that they would dig the holes and erect the sign adjacent to Trig Hill facing east for beer, tucker, and a few bob in their pockets. So, as the story goes, said publican, Old Taffy and his mate, complete with the sign and an esky full of cold beer and tucker, ventured out to Trig Hill in the publicans ute. Apparently they commenced to dig the first hole while the publican watched but as soon as he left, I believe they sat under a shady tree with a beer in one hand and tucker in the other. Anyhow, later in the day, the two so-called workers arrived back at the hotel with an empty esky, except for a large black rock with lots of glittering gold showing in it. The publican was thrilled when shown this in private, and they vowed not to show or tell another soul about their fabulous find (I should mention that the publican was an English gentleman and had probably never seen a rock with gold in it before). Every day for about a week after that, the publican ran Old Taffy and his mate and an esky full of beer and tucker out to the so-called gold find to look for more and everyday Old Taffy and his mate brought in a small piece of black rock showing gold. Anyway, their picnic days came to an abrupt end when the publican couldnt keep a secret and showed the black rocks with gold in them to some of his mining patrons. Yes, they were ironstone rocks alright but the so-called gold in them was iron pyrites...fools gold. And that was about as valuable as the empty long necks that Old Taffy and his mate threw into the hole. Whether Old Taffy and his mate were aware of this was never disclosed, but they both admitted that they were onto a good thing while it lasted. The hole was the only one that they dug, and the sign was never erected and lay in the bush adjacent to Trigg Hill until it disappeared later on. This I believe proves the old saying all that glitters is not gold, or theres one born every minute. One last thing, the next time you are down the main street and someone says Hello, remember that a frown is only a smile turned upside down. Cheers." -BARRY (WIMPY) WINTLE

13.01.2022 Another Wednesday, another flashback. This weeks Way Back Whensday features Norseman Today through the years, starting from its very own 10th birthday edition in 1995. As Norsemans only community paper, it has travelled through the years and through history, from Norseman Woodlands to Eucla Coast. Operated solely by volunteers and passed on through time, the Norseman Today remains a great product of our community. Can you recall headlines of the past? Norseman Visitors Centre welcomes you to share your stories! Come be part of Way Back Whensdays. Email [email protected] for more information.

12.01.2022 Beaches or bush tracks don’t leave your brain at home when on holidays. Take care, understand the terrain, have your vehicle and yourself well prepared, drive to conditions, let people know where you are, and drive safely you share these places with with other vehicles and pedestrians, and wildlife.

11.01.2022 'Way Back Whensday' is here for another week with a story written by Barry Wintle. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD "Here is a true tale of Norseman, not long ago, about a couple of older guys who used to do a bit of part-time yardmens work for the local Norseman Hotel publican for a few beers, a bit of tucker and a few bob in their pockets.... Anyway, one day the publican had a big sign made and needed someone to erect it out on the road to inform travellers of his establishment in Norseman town. After approaching Old Taffy (surname not needed) and his mate, it was agreed that they would dig the holes and erect the sign adjacent to Trig Hill facing east for beer, tucker, and a few bob in their pockets. So, as the story goes, said publican, Old Taffy and his mate, complete with the sign and an esky full of cold beer and tucker, ventured out to Trig Hill in the publicans ute. Apparently they commenced to dig the first hole while the publican watched but as soon as he left, I believe they sat under a shady tree with a beer in one hand and tucker in the other. Anyhow, later in the day, the two so-called workers arrived back at the hotel with an empty esky, except for a large black rock with lots of glittering gold showing in it. The publican was thrilled when shown this in private, and they vowed not to show or tell another soul about their fabulous find (I should mention that the publican was an English gentleman and had probably never seen a rock with gold in it before). Every day for about a week after that, the publican ran Old Taffy and his mate and an esky full of beer and tucker out to the so-called gold find to look for more and everyday Old Taffy and his mate brought in a small piece of black rock showing gold. Anyway, their picnic days came to an abrupt end when the publican couldnt keep a secret and showed the black rocks with gold in them to some of his mining patrons. Yes, they were ironstone rocks alright but the so-called gold in them was iron pyrites...fools gold. And that was about as valuable as the empty long necks that Old Taffy and his mate threw into the hole. Whether Old Taffy and his mate were aware of this was never disclosed, but they both admitted that they were onto a good thing while it lasted. The hole was the only one that they dug, and the sign was never erected and lay in the bush adjacent to Trigg Hill until it disappeared later on. This I believe proves the old saying all that glitters is not gold, or theres one born every minute. One last thing, the next time you are down the main street and someone says Hello, remember that a frown is only a smile turned upside down. Cheers." -BARRY (WIMPY) WINTLE

11.01.2022 We've made it to instagram! Follow @norsemanwoodlandscentre for Visitor Centre and CRC updates.

11.01.2022 We are approaching our favourite time of year...Wildflower Season! To make sure nobody misses out on the blossoming flowers all throughout our region, submit your wildflower discoveries by following the link. You can even check out what other people have seen! https://www.wavisitorcentre.com.au/wildflowers

10.01.2022 I've been very clear about this over the past few weeks and months - we will not hesitate to put stricter restrictions on travel to our State if the situation r...equires it. Today, we've seen our first case of COVID-19 in a traveller who returned to WA from Victoria. The case involves a returning Western Australian who remains in quarantine. The restrictions we've put in place have worked to keep us safe so far. But with numbers continuing to grow in Victoria, and some local outbreaks in New South Wales, we've made the decision to implement further measures to restrict travel into Western Australia. Effective immediately, anyone coming into WA who has come from, or has travelled through, Victoria in the last 14 days will be directed to hotel quarantine at their own expense. As another precaution, there are now specific rules which will apply to travellers from New South Wales. The following conditions apply to ANYONE who has travelled to the relevant states at any point in the past 14 days prior to travel: - Travel from Victoria - Effective immediately, anyone arriving in Western Australia who has been to Victoria at any point in the past 14 days will be required to enter hotel quarantine for 14 days. As with international arrivals, this will be at their own expense, except in cases of extreme hardship. The current, severely limited exemption categories which apply to Victoria will continue to apply, and all arrivals will be subject to two mandatory COVID-19 tests. - Travel from New South Wales - Effective immediately, all arrivals who have been in New South Wales at any point in the past 14 days will also be subject to two mandatory COVID-19 tests - one upon arrival and one on day 11 of their quarantine. As with arrivals from all places, they will continue be subject to 14 days of quarantine - at home if practicable or at a hotel if not. Additionally, as of Monday 20 July, the list of exemptions allowed for travellers from NSW will be limited to the same categories as currently apply to Victoria. To be clear, only specific essential workers, transport and freight workers and those persons approved by the State Emergency Coordinator, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, will be permitted to enter WA if they have been to either Victoria or NSW. This tougher regime will be in place, initially for 2 weeks, as we monitor the situation in NSW. For anyone Western Australians thinking of leaving the State for any reason, my advice is clear: Do not leave Western Australia. For whatever reason youre contemplating on going east, its in the best interests of all Western Australians to stay here. The situation in other places remains volatile, and we cannot provide you with any certainty of if and when you would be able to return to Western Australia. I know that our border restrictions have and will continue to put some Western Australians and their families in difficult positions, but the risks of not putting these measures in place are simply too high. I will not apologise for taking action to protect the health, safety and freedom of our community.

10.01.2022 Way Back Whensday is here again, featuring The Vikings appearances in the Norseman Today during their 1985 season. Show us your footy photos and memories!

10.01.2022 A great looking upgrade for you next trip out to Fraser Range Station - Oasis in the Outback

09.01.2022 If you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon your arrival in WA, you need to be able to do so at a suitable premises. A suitable premises includes: ... Essential food, toiletries and medication can be delivered to the place of isolation without you having contact with those delivering the items and without you leaving the premise. If other people are staying at the accommodation you must be able to stay more than 1.5m away from them at all times, and they must not be elderly, immunocompromised or have any underlying medical conditions. You must have a separate bedroom, separate bathroom and be able to avoid being in the kitchen / living area. All travellers subject to self-quarantine are strongly recommended to download the G2G Now app. More information on G2G Now is available here. https://www.wa.gov.au///g2g-now-frequently-asked-questions

09.01.2022 Registrations are now open for Tourism Council WAs free Tourism Business Recovery Webinars, which are designed to complement the COVID-19 Business Recovery Pla...nning Tool. Find out more here: https://www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/tourism-business-recove Please note, the webinars are complimentary for Accredited Tourism Businesses and businesses which have registered for Accreditation or the COVID-19 Business Recovery Planning Tool.

09.01.2022 Caravans of a different kind... Four skinny legs, a big-lipped snout and a hump or two on their backs, camels played a historical role in Norsemans past. Originally imported to Australia from what was British India, approximately ten to twelve thousand camels arrived between 1860 and 1907. The first camel arrived twenty years earlier in 1840 from the Canary Islands. ... Camels were grouped into "trains" (sometimes holding up to 70 animals) and used to transport a variety of items from household goods to mining equipment. Roads were needed to be made wide to accommodate the turning circle of the camels, a feature that still remains in Norseman today. Camels were even used in the installation and maintenance of the East to West Telegraph Line, undertaking these patrols up until the mid 1920s. Larger camels would carry around 600kg of cargo whilst smaller camels would carry 300-400kg. A man named John Apsinall during 1895, purchased two camels in Coolgardie and in his writings noted It is certainly surprising what you can pack on a camel [...] giving him the appearance of a walking caravan. He, as well as prospectors, mining companies, pastoralists and government agencies all took part in utilising the camels services. When motorized vehicles were introduced to inland Australia during the mid 1920s, camels were released, causing a rapid increase in the feral population, which sat at 1.2million as of 2008. The camels now stand in tribute of their past efforts in the form of corrugated iron sculptures designed by Western Australian artist, Kurt Hotker. Found on the Prinsep Street roundabout, the life-sized animals are a popular tourist attraction and photo opportunity. Have you seen the iron camels? Show us your memories below!

08.01.2022 UPCOMING WORKSHOP!! Our GEMS WA will be presenting 'Your Community Workshop' in Norseman. Come along and talk about your tourism community and why it's important, working with others, local marketing and how to drive your destination. May 13th 7:30am-8:45am Woodlands Centre ... To RSVP or for further info email [email protected]

08.01.2022 Good evening Norseman New Winter trading hours commencing 4th May. Have a great weekend!

08.01.2022 Recent guest Stephen Reynolds gave caretakers, Wendy and Alan, some different surprises when he discovered a Chocolate Wattle Bat in the curtains of the Dune Room and Mitchell's Short- tailed snake at Burnabbie. There's more to EBO than birds!

07.01.2022 There are tens of thousands of families who've found themselves stranded in caravan parks and campsites around the country. #9ACA

07.01.2022 Registrations are now open for Tourism Council WA's free Tourism Business Recovery Webinars, which are designed to complement the COVID-19 Business Recovery Pla...nning Tool. Find out more here: https://www.tourismcouncilwa.com.au/tourism-business-recove Please note, the webinars are complimentary for Accredited Tourism Businesses and businesses which have registered for Accreditation or the COVID-19 Business Recovery Planning Tool.

07.01.2022 Hows the serenity!

05.01.2022 This might come in handy. This video by Road Safety Commission shows how weight distribution can affect wobble and sway.

05.01.2022 There are tens of thousands of families whove found themselves stranded in caravan parks and campsites around the country. #9ACA

05.01.2022 A bit of pink at Eyre Bird today!

04.01.2022 It's our favourite time of the week and Barry Wintle is back for another 'Way Back Whensday' with his story "A Railway Runaway". "After viewing the restored W.A.G.R pumper trolley (Kalamzoo) at the local museum today (top job, well done Mens Shed), memories came to me of the men and machinery that operated the railways (W.A.G.R) of which I was a part of a long time ago. So, here are a couple of true stories about the W.A.G.R in and around Norseman in those times when our to...wn was very vibrant and the best place to live in WA (quote me, being an ex-city slicker myself). Anyhow, this story concerns one of the fettlers (snake charmers) gang who was elevated to the job of length runner. These days a Toyota Landcruiser fitted with railway wheels does the job, but in days long ago, the length runner was supplied with a three wheeled motorised trike fitted with primitive motorcycle type engine, no clutch, just a throttle and decompression levers and constantly in gear. To commence the run, you set the throttle lever, held down the decompression lever forward, pushed like mad, jumped on, let the decompression lever go and away you went. This worked okay in theory but didnt take into account the condition of the person who was operating the machinery at the time, I suppose. Anyway, this day the length runner was to start his run from Pioneer (30 miles North of Norseman) on route to Yilmia (373 mile fettlers camp, North of Widgiemooltha and South of Coolgardie). As the story goes, he had apparently been celebrating his new job as a length runner and had got a bit snakes hissed the night before and was still a bit hungover prior to starting his run the next morning. He did the starting procedure, pushed like mad, let the decompression lever go, tried to jump on, (he should have jumped on first) but sadly missed and fell flat on his face, and the trike proceeded (with the throttle preset) towards Widgie at a good speed all by itself! When being informed of this mishap, the station master at Norseman rang the proprietor of the Golden Eagle store at Widgie and asked him to place some railway sleepers across the line to derail the runaway trike (needless to say this didnt do the trike much good). I believe our red faced, (from gravel rash no doubt) would-be length runner was relegated back to fettling (snake charming) and was never asked to run the length again. -BARRY (WIMPY) WINTLE For information on how to be part of 'Way Back Whensday' email [email protected]

04.01.2022 Our community has stood behind you as you faced the flames ahead. The cost to keep all safe is great, and yet you run to protect. On this day ( and everyday) we say thank you. #InternationalFirefightersDay

04.01.2022 The State Government has announced the Tourism Recovery Package to support small tourism operators in WA in the COVID-19 climate. Tourism businesses are urged to review the package and check their eligibility for funding. https://www.tourism.wa.gov.au//WA-Tourism-Recovery-Program

03.01.2022 Inspirational survival, absolute beauty and desperation/torture is what I take from these images of a calitris (pinus) species growing on the margin of Lake Cowan, Norseman, taken by expert photographer Lynn Webb of Norseman. Research from Mike Hislop at the WA Herbarium and from following paper depict these specimens at +- 250 years of age. All are actually still alive!

03.01.2022 The iconic 90 mile straight....Just a bit of advice for when the borders do open. If driving a car /4wd/caravan/ boat and are keen to cross the borders when t...hey open, PLEASE don't drive at night , to put it sinply , if you hit a camel, cow, horse , or a big roo , there is a good chance it won't be a good ending for you, regardless of your speed. Plus we dont need to be overtaking cars and vans at night, extremely dangerous. For you. Another pet fav is the ones who see us catching them from 3klm back , 10 min later we get to about 200mtrs away call them up, get nothing. , they then decide to put there breaks on as we are about to hit a little rise , not 100% sure i can see what's coming i too have to break, they then take off again and takes me 15klm to catch them , to do it all again. Please if you see a truck catching you don't panic and just keep the speed you are doing , if you have uhf call up the truck and communicate, the last thing we want to see is brake lights. If you haven't got uhf just don't panic. We will adjust our speed to get around you safely. If anything as soon as the truck is along side of you, apply your brakes (slowly of course) and make the overtaking quicker.Lots of accidents happen while overtaking , so try and be safe about it and never panic. Lots are so good about but a few out there that scare me. #besmart #thatshitwillsaveyoulife #thankmelater

03.01.2022 The Shire of Dundas Council invites community groups and local business to attend a free Business and Community Building Breakfast Wednesday 18 November, 7:15-8:30am.

02.01.2022 We missed this update last week, but thought it was a lovely one to share. Lest we forget.

02.01.2022 It's that time of the week again... This week's 'Way Back Whensday' is written by Barry Wintle. THE PERILS OF DRIVING ON THE LAKES Here are a couple more true stories about people and places in and around Norseman in the good old days long gone by. ...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Norsey cops would like to advise anyone who needs to contact the station to please call Kalgoorlie Police directly on 9021 9777. We are experiencing issues with... our phone lines. Please also use 131444 for non emergency and 000 for emergencies. #fb This update came from the Norseman Police on Twitter

01.01.2022 #wanderoutyonder with the Australias Golden Outback guide to road trip country! 21 epic road trips throughout the region including The Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail. Drive this unsealed 300km road between Norseman and Hyden, stopping at the 16 interpretive sites along the way! To download your guide visit https://www.australiasgoldenoutback.com//AGO_ROADTRIPS_ONL

01.01.2022 This morning, the Emergency Management Team reconvened to assess the situation, based on updated advice and information from our contact tracing team. Firstly, ...I would like to thank Western Australians for what they did last night doing the right thing, following the health advice and the instructions we put in place around masks. As I said yesterday afternoon we are dealing with an extremely difficult situation that is evolving by the hour. Following a total of 3,298 COVID-19 tests across public and private clinics, I am pleased to report we have recorded no new local cases of COVID-19 overnight. This is a promising sign, but we cannot get complacent. I want to avoid going into lockdown. I know how damaging it is to people’s lives and businesses. But if we need to go back into lockdown, we will. That decision will be based on the latest health advice. We have to clamp down on COVID-19 so we can return to normal business more quickly. At this point in time, we can avoid a lockdown, purely based on the restrictions we have had in place in the past week and the requirement for people to wear masks. It has significantly reduced the risk of transmission in our community. However, regrettably, based on the additional information that has come to light, we have to reinstate some restrictions to protect the WA community. Firstly, spectators will not be allowed attend the Derby this afternoon. This means there will be no crowd at this at Optus Stadium this afternoon. I understand people will be disappointed, some people will be frustrated, but the decision has been made on health advice and we have tried to communicate this as quickly as possible. Also, nightclubs and the Casino gaming floor will be closed immediately until at least 12.01am Saturday, 8th of May. We’ll keep monitoring the situation and if we need to make further adjustments, we will. We are not out the woods here. So please wear your mask, use the SafeWA app, practise the COVID-safe principles and get tested if unwell or you have been to an exposure site. For information on potential exposure sites, please visit www.wa.gov.au