A few weeks ago I had to make a trip to Broken Hill, New South Wales for work. Broken Hill is known as the capital of the outback - due to its remote location and sizable population (25,000). In many ways, Broken Hill reminded me of West Texas - dry and dusty, but generally relaxed feel. The soil is very classic outback 'red dirt' which was neat to see.
Side Rant - Getting there was a challenge in and of itself. There is only 2 flights per day operated by a single airline (Regional Express) with a small Saab aircraft. Upon arrival at the airport, I was told that the flight had been canceled due to a lack of pilots....that is right a lack of pilots. I am usually pretty understanding about airline delays and cancellations from growing up around the industry, but lack of pilots is a new one for me. The extended version is that the pilot(s) called in sick at the last minute and they didn't have the reserves to cover the trip. I guess since they are the only airline operating in and out of Broken Hill, they can pretty much do what they want (they certainly charge a ridiculous amount at nearly $1000 round trip). In the end I had to go to Adelaide, South Australia that night and then the next morning catch a small flight to Broken Hill. The outcome was not the end of the world, just a few early morning and a logistical headache. - End Rant
The main industry in the region is Mining, although that is not why I was sent there. On the Southern side of town is an old mine stockpile, where a restaurant and mining memorial has been built. I don't quite understand how they can ensure the foundation of the structure on the top of a stockpile, but I guess someone worked it out.
Both structures are very modern looking (compared to the rest of the town) which in a way is everything a mine is not. In the memorial were the names of the all of the miners who had died (and cause of death) while on the job - some dated back the late 1800s. It was interesting to see the progression of safety related accidents along the way. Reading the memorial made me appreciate the danger and complexity that goes along with mining.
The view from the memorial was excellent - and it appeared that Broken Hill was kind of an oasis in the middle of a red desert. My pictures really don't do it justice. Anyway, driving around is very much like taking a step back in time (even further than the rest of Australia). All in all it was a good trip and there was no issue with my departing flight.
Labels: chris, outback, work
