Monarodigital

Snowy 2.0 strike tipped Proposed fee increases for national park

AWU PLANS FURTHER INDUSTRIAL ACTION

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

AUSTRALIAN Workers’ Union (AWU) members on the Snowy 2.0 project are headed for further industrial action this week if their employer, Italian company Webuild, refuses to o er workers pay parity with their North East Link tunnelling colleagues in Melbourne. Webuild is undertaking tunnelling work on the North East Link project in Melbourne and pays their workers on that site signi cantly more than workers employed on Snowy 2.0, the union said.

Future Generations Joint Venture (FGJV) contacted the unions late last Friday and asked for another online enterprise agreement bargaining meeting on Monday a ernoon, but unless a breakthrough comes out of these negotiations, AWU organiser, Snowy 2.0 project, Darren Cameron, believed a strike on Wednesday (May 28) would take place.

“There would have to be a signi cant breakthrough for there not to be industrial action on Wednesday,” Mr Cameron said on Monday morning.

SETBACK: In further issues for Snowy 2.0, a second round of industrial action is expected this week as negotiations between the AWU and Webuild fail to progress.

This will be the second time industrial action will be taken against WeBuild by union workers on Snowy 2.0.

Mr Cameron said last Thursday following a combined union meeting at the Snowy Mountains Airport, further industrial action was expected a er Webuild’s lack of response to Wednesday, 21 May’s 24-hour strike.

He said the meeting in the airport’s car park was held to communicate to its members the latest developments relating to its progress with Future Generation.

“Yesterday [the day of the 24 hours of protected industrial action] the four unions - the AWU, AMWU, the CFMEU and the ETU - tried to exercise our legal right to visit our members on site, while they were engaged in industrial action, and the company physically stopped all union o cials going to the camps and visiting our members. We won’t be put o that easily. The purpose of today was to show the company they will never keep the four unions away from their members,” Mr Cameron said.

■ Read more on page 3

RECLINER CLEARANCE

COOMA FURNISHING CO

By TRISTA HEATH

THE community was invited to provide feedback on a proposal to introduce more consistent and simpli ed statewide camping fees and bookings for NSW national parks and reserves.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) developed changes to deliver a fairer camping experience for national park visitors and address persistent campground issues such as ‘ghost bookings’.

A key element of the proposal is a tiered camping fee system across NSW campgrounds with a sliding scale of pricing based on services and facilities (barbecues, hot showers) and seasonal demand, all fees collected by NPWS are invested back into the management of national parks.

A NSW NPWS spokesperson said the NSW NPWS is consulting on a proposed model to introduce a more consistent and simpli ed state-wide camping fee and booking system for the 365 campgrounds across NSW national parks.

“The proposal would provide consistency and equity for all visitors by linking fees to the level of services and facilities provided and seasonal demand,” the spokesperson said.

“Many of the proposed changes would make camping in national parks more a ordable than ever before. This includes, lowering camping fees outside high season to encourage visitation in non-peak periods, lowering camping fees in locations where demand is lower, removing the fees for remote/basic campsites – providing genuinely free camping experiences and where there are proposed fee increases.”

■ Read more on page 5

PHOTO: Snowy Hydro

Claypits Foreshore Upgrade Project

WORK on stage one of the Claypits Foreshore Upgrade Project began earlier this month in Jindabyne.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) will provide project updates to advise the community of access and amenity impacts related to these works.

The first update relates to the closure of the shared path section that crosses through the Claypits carpark between the exercise station and outdoor stage. A detour is now in place along Kosciuszko Road for pedestrians and cyclists.

The detour is expected to remain in place until stage one upgrades have been completed.

Current project timeline estimates will see this section of the shared path re-open to the public in early 2026.

A professional arborist report prepared for this project has identified trees that will need to be removed and replaced, either due to project impacts, the health of the trees in question, or a combination of these factors.

In total, 41 trees will be subject to a major encroachment as part of these upgrade works.

‘Major encroachment’ is a professional term used to describe the level of impact to a particular tree’s structural root system. Industry research shows that this level of impact increases the likelihood that affected trees will be

Path detours and tree replacement

dangerously destabilised if left in place. Trees affected to this degree of encroachment are also unlikely to survive.

SMRC said these significantly impacted trees must be removed to help ensure that our community can continue to enjoy the Claypits and foreshore area safely into the future. Removals began last Saturday, 24 May.

According to SMRC trees removed will be replaced with high-quality mature trees once the current works are complete. Under the project plan for this stage of the Claypits upgrades,

the total number of trees in the area will be increased, despite these required removals.

Out of the 177 trees in the wider project area, 136 will be retained and an additional 54 planted once these works are complete.

To view the path detour map or for further information visit the Claypits Foreshore Upgrade Project website at https://qrco. de/Claypits

Contact Council on 1300 345 345 or at council@snowymonaro. nsw.gov.au with any questions or concerns about these project impacts.

Proposed fee increases for building, food inspections

THERE is just a week left to have your say on Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s proposed fees and charges for the next financial year.

The fees and charges document is on public exhibition until 3 June. The document outlines the costs for ratepayers and community groups to use council facilities, engage services and for staff assistance.

Fees and charges cover hundreds of items, including hall hire, use of sporting facilities, and even the cost of using council’s photocopying services.

Some of the fees and charges proposed to increase by more than 10 per cent:

- A section 88g certificate and inspection is proposed to rise from $235 to $360. In its reasoning for the proposed increase, council says the new fee better reflects the price of providing the service.

- There is a proposed 20 per cent increase in the cost of a single burial in a village cemetery. The current fee is $1700 and is proposed to increase to $2040.

- One of the largest proposed jumps is for temporary food stalls inspections. Council has set the new fee at $181, an increase from this financial year of $60.

- A $100 increase to $250 is proposed to surrender your companion animal to council.

- To dispose of a tonne of unsorted waste at the Cooma Landfill could cost $600 if the proposed fees and charges are adopted. This is a $100 increase. Council says the proposed increase reflects the operations costs of sorting through recyclable materials in commercial waste loads.

- A new fee set for introduction in 2025/26 is a busking fee. Council says the fee replaces the current portal application of $320 per session. This masthead has previously reported that the $320 fee has prevented many buskers from performing. The new fee of $50 would be an annual permit for amateur buskers.

Feedback on the fees and charges, and the other documents out for exhibition (operation plan, long term financial plan, and delivery program), can be submitted online or in writing to the CEO.

Online submissions may be completed through yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au or via email to CorporatePlanning@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

Submissions in writing can be mailed to Snowy Monaro Regional Council, PO BOX 714, Cooma, NSW, 2630.

Submissions can be delivered in-person to council’s offices in Berridale, Bombala, Cooma and Jindabyne.

All oversize moves will be transported under pilot escort and at times, depending on size, police escort. Please always adhere to directions from pilots and NSW Police. These moves may involve some minor delays for motorists.

To minimise disruptions to road users and the community, loads wider than 4 metres will travel on the Snowy Mountains Highway at night. A number of overnight loads are scheduled during May.

For travel times and more detailed information on escorted loads please visit futuregenerationjv.com.au/ traffic-notifications

Please note, dates and times published on the Traffic page of the project website are subject to change at short notice.

Heavy Vehicle deliveries will increase over the coming months. Thank you for your patience and take care when driving around the Snowies.

CLOSED: Jindabyne Claypits carpark will remain closed until upgrades are completed early next year.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Further Snowy 2.0 strikes expected

More 24-hour industrial action planned: AWU

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

AUSTRALIAN Workers’ Union (AWU) members on the Snowy 2.0 project are expected to down tools again for 24 hours today, Wednesday, 28 May, if employer, Italian company Webuild, refuses to o er Snowy workers’ pay parity with their colleagues undertaking tunnelling work in Melbourne.

Webuild is the contractor for the North East Link project and pays their workers on the Melbourne site signi cantly more than workers employed on Snowy 2.0, the union said.

Future Generations Joint Venture (FGJV) contacted the unions late last Friday and asked for another online enterprise agreement bargaining meeting on Monday a ernoon, but unless a breakthrough comes out of these negotiations, AWU organiser, Snowy 2.0 project, Darren Cameron, believed today’s strike would go ahead.

“There would have to be a signi cant breakthrough for there not to be industrial action on Wednesday,” Mr Cameron said on Monday morning.

Mr Cameron said last Thursday, following a combined union meeting at the

Snowy Mountains Airport, further industrial action was expected a er Webuild’s lack of response to Wednesday, 21 May’s 24-hour strike.

He said the meeting in the airport car park was held to communicate to its members the latest developments relating to its progress with FGJV.

“Yesterday [the day of the 24 hours of protected industrial action] the four unions - the AWU, AMWU, the CFMEU and the ETU - tried to exercise our legal right to visit our members on site, while they were engaged in industrial action, and the company physically stopped all union o cials going to the camps and visiting our members. We won’t be put o that easily. The purpose of today is to show the company they will never keep the four unions away from their members.

“We have come out this morning to catch-up with our members and inform them of where their struggle is up to,” he said.

“The central focus of our claims is for wage parity and conditions parity with the North East tunnel project in Melbourne. This project is being conducted by the same company; the same company that’s doing similar work

with tunnel boring machines and is paying 12 per cent more than these workers are paid [on Snowy 2.0].

“These workers are now the lowest paid tunnellers in NSW and they are working in the most arduous conditions.

“They are in very spartan camps, they are isolated, and they work a very tough roster of 14 day shi s of 12 hours then have seven days o , then they y back for 14-night shi s of 12 hoursthey don’t get the full seven days o by the time they travel home.

“Facilities are rudimentary at best, compared to FIFO camps generally - even the food is terrible - it is a very restrictive regime, and further, to add insult to injury, yesterday, the project put out a directive that nobody could leave or enter the project, they actually locked our members down into camps.

“These people, we believe, should be the highest paid tunnellers, not the lowest paid,” Mr Cameron said.

FGJV issued a response to the AWU’s threat of industrial action last Wednesday, 21 May, stating that despite the threat, the project will continue operations.

“We have been noti ed that tomorrow some of our workers intend to engage in

Protected Industrial Action as part of the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiation being undertaken,” the statement began.

“During this time, Snowy 2.0 will be operational, as always, the safety and wellbeing of our team members remains our top priority.

“The employer has and will continue to negotiate in good faith for a replacement agreement with the relevant bargaining representatives,” it concluded.

However, union o cials stated there was no work at the site, and images were produced showing sites were closed.

“We have had nearly 100 per cent support from members,” Mr Cameron said.

“We are not aware of any union members working at all [during last Wednesday’s strike].”

Additional claims within the negotiation framework include the condition of Snowy Mountains Airport.

Mr Cameron said the airport, the main transition/ change over base for Snowy workers arriving and leaving between shi s, is very basic and below standard.

“There are very few facilities here, if any. Our members are required to be here waiting o en for six or seven hours a er a night shi , it’s very tough.”

Mr Cameron said the unions plan to continue talks with Webuild “as long as it takes to win”.

STRIKE: Union members gathered at Snowy Mountains Airport to meet with the four di erent union o icials last Wednesday to discuss their next move relating to its enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations with Webuild. PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Winter brings swathe of respiratory illnesses to Snowies

Measles not here yet - but people should be prepared: Dr Manassa

By KAREN FORMAN

THE arrival of cold weather, snow, wind and rain leading into winter has brought with it a swathe of respiratory illnesses, including the latest variant of COVID, in uenza, RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus and a risk of measles, according to Snowy Mountains medicos.

Doctors have reported a number of cases of “early” in uenza, while RSV is going through the community and sending some people to hospital with breathing issues.

COVID is also back, but appears to be mild, with only those who are immuno-suppressed advised to take precautions and vaccinations.

Vaccinations are available for COVID, RSV and measles.

While local doctors have not yet seen cases of measles face to face, they say it could only be a matter of time before the respiratory virus that had been eliminated by 2014 but had resurged due to a decrease in vaccinations, made its way

to the Snowy Mountainsespecially with the expected annual onslaught of visitors for the snow season.

NSW Health has issued a Health Alert for an increased risk of measles in the greater Melbourne and Inner Sydney areas and advised travellers to be aware.

More than 1000 cases have been reported in recent weeks in the United States and Canada and there have been outbreaks in Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Africa, Europe and the United Kingdom.

More than 70 cases have been diagnosed in Australia since the start of the year. Many people diagnosed with measles in Australia in recent weeks had travelled from overseas.

“The best protection against measles is to vaccinate,” Monaro Medical Practice general practitioner, Dr Domonic Manassa, said.

“In 2014 Australia had eliminated endemic measles due to its e ective vaccination program. Recently we have seen a resurgence of this disease due to a de-

crease in vaccination uptake (COVID lockdowns, hesitancy, accessibility).

“Since the start of 2025 there have been over 70 cases of measles reported in Australia.”

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness, easily spread through coughing and sneezing. Health Department fact sheets state if one person has measles, nine out of 10 people who come into contact with this person will catch measles if they are not protected against it.

Complications from the measles virus can result in blindness, brain in ammation (encephalitis), pneumonia and issues with gestation.

Dr Manassa said in Australia it was recommended to have two doses of the measles vaccination at 12 months and 18 months of ages.

“This is provided free by the government under the National Immunisation Program.

“Vaccination remains the most e ective defence against measles.”

The MMR (measles,

mumps, rubella) vaccine is free and recommended for:

• All children at 12 and 18 months of age;

• Anyone born a er 1965 who hasn’t received two doses; and

• Children under 12 months traveling to highrisk areas can receive an early dose.

Dr Manassa recommended people check their immunisation status, monitor symptoms, be vigilant for signs of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a red blotchy rash. These symptoms appear around 10 days a er exposure.

He said people should seek medical advice if they suspected measles, but contact their healthcare provider before visiting to prevent potential spread.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral illness, easily spread through coughing and sneezing. If one person has measles, nine out of 10 people who come into contact with this person will catch measles if they are not protected against it.

“Complications from the measles virus can result in

blindness, brain in ammation (encephalitis), pneumonia and issues with gestation.”

NSW Health recommends people get vaccinated before they travel and monitor for symptoms of measles

“NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles a er being noti ed of a con rmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in inner west Sydney.

“The case recently returned from South East Asia were there are ongoing outbreaks of measles in several countries including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.”

South Western Sydney District acting director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith, said measles was a serious vaccine-preventable disease that was spread through the air when someone who was infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms.

“We want to remind the community to make sure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations. This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.”

People older than 59 should also consider their vaccination status.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment,” Dr Manassa said.

“In addition, people at these locations who are immuno-suppressed, pregnant, or anyone, including babies, who has not received a measles vaccine may benefit from preventative treatment. People in these groups should speak to their GP urgently or contact their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.”

NPWS to improve camping issues

Consultations continue on proposed changes

By TRISTA HEATH

COMMUNITY feedback on a proposal to introduce more consistent and simplified state-wide camping fees and bookings for NSW national parks and reserves is now closed.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) developed changes to deliver a fairer camping experience for national park visitors and address persistent campground issues such as ‘ghost bookings’.

A key element of the proposal is a tiered camping fee system across NSW campgrounds with a sliding scale of pricing based on services and facilities (barbecues, hot showers) and seasonal demand, all fees collected by NPWS are invested back into the management of national parks.

A spokesperson said The NSW NPWS is consulting on a proposed model to introduce a more consistent and simplified state-wide camping fee and booking system for the 365 campgrounds across NSW national parks.

“The proposal would provide consistency and equity for all visitors by linking fees to the level of services and facilities provided

and seasonal demand,” the spokesperson said.

“Many of the proposed changes would make camping in national parks more a ordable than ever before.

This includes, lowering camping fees outside high season to encourage visitation in non-peak periods, lowering camping fees in locations where demand is lower, removing the fees for remote/basic campsites – providing genuinely free camping experiences and where there are proposed fee increases, in many cases they only re ect CPI adjustments since 2017.”

Visitation to Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) grew 73 per cent in the 10 years to 2022.

“In KNP, NPWS is addressing ‘ghost camping’ – people booking campsites near the ski elds and not cancelling when they decide not to come. This could be addressed by increasing the refund campers receive if they cancel,” the spokesperson said.

“Some campgrounds in Kosciuszko will become free and some will have a higher fee, re ective of facilities, services and demand.

“Campers will be able to choose the service and price that suits them.”

NPWS is proposing to simplify the booking process by removing booking and extra person fees.

Fees under the current arrangement range from $6 booking fee, to $68.68 per night for two people or $87.64 for a family of four.

Refunds of up to 80 per cent would also be provided to encourage cancellations when plans change as a result of ’ghost booking.’

The improvements were developed following extensive consultation with more than 200,000 campers and national park visitors.

The proposal represents the most substantive change to national park camping arrangements since 2017 and will help tackle issues that are a source of common frustration, such as people booking more campsites than they need or not cancelling or turning up.

Campground issues such as ghost bookings have been a growing concern within NSW national parks over the last decade as visitation continues to rise. In 2023–24, there were 1.8 million overnight stays in 365 campgrounds across the state.

The proposal is in re-

sponse to feedback about what visitors wanted from their national park experience. NPWS is always looking to enhance the visitor experience and provide improvements to campground facilities and services.

“The NSW Government is delivering signi cant investment in new and upgraded infrastructure, this includes the delivery of more than 60 new or improved picnic and visitor areas and more than 35 campground upgrades,” the spokesperson said.

“We are still consulting and feedback is yet to be reviewed. No decision has been made to implement these proposed changes.” The proposed changes were on public exhibition for feedback from the community until Sunday, 25 May 2025.

Pleas to improve amenities before winter

Cr Elliott lobbies Council to upgrade public toilet block

By TRISTA HEATH

SNOWY Monaro Regional Councillor, Nick Elliott, addressed the Council on Thursday, 15 May about the state of the Jindabyne Town Centre’s public toilet block.

Describing the Council asset as ‘disgraceful’, Cr Elliott led fellow Councillors to the public toilets just outside of the meeting place in Jindabyne, giving Councillors the opportunity to view the rest rooms rst-hand.

Witnessing the poorly maintained and vandalised state of the amenities, Council CEO, Stephen Dunshea, took immediate action to get the process underway for minor touch-ups until the refurbishment which is due to take place a er the winter season.

Cr Elliott said the Council project manager, Greg Thompson, was also onsite to see what could be done to get the building back to a decent standard.

“It’s disgraceful, I don’t know how many years we’ve been waiting for something to be done about this amenities block,” Cr Elliott said.

“And while I understand the bigger job won’t be done until later in the year, the fact that there are mirrors broken on the oor, toilets

are in bad condition and broken tiles everywhere, isn’t a good look for us when tourists come to our town.

“Even just a fresh coat of paint would do the job for now, because currently it looks as though nobody cares about it, and something needs to be done before the busy winter season starts.”

Cr Elliott said it wouldn’t take much for Council to make the block look cared for.

“As a Council, we spend money trying to get visitors to our town year round, but then we don’t provide the basic facilities visitors needed like a clean and tidy public toilet,” he said.

As a local to Jindabyne and someone who frequents the shops in the town centre, Cr Elliott said the amenity block is something that he has always been conscious of and wanted to get recti ed.

Acknowledging it isn’t all Council’s fault, as the toilet block was included in the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) plans to be a governmentfunded project before funding was cut and the plans restructured, it is only recently the project has landed back on council’s agenda.

“The project got caught up

in the SAP plans and it (SAP) went from a small project to a massive undertaking, which in hindsight ended up being too much, and now many projects have been abandoned by SAP,” Cr Elliott said.

“An estimated $900,000 has been allocated for the total refurbishment of the toilets, but won’t begin until after the winter season and all I am asking for is Council to use a very small portion for a fresh coat of paint and other small things to get it looking decent for winter.

“When looking at the tourism side of things in Jindabyne, Council has really got to be conscious of making sure our infrastructure throughout the entire town is as neat and tidy as we can get it and encourage all our business owners to do the same.

“We need to get Council more focused on the simple projects that don’t take a lot of time or money.

Jindabyne’s town centre is a bustling spot for locals and tourists with shop fronts lined with restaurants, cafes and retail.

UPGRADES: Jindabyne town centre’s public toilet block needs an upgrade before the busy winter season begins. PHOTOS: Trista Heath

Sandy inducted as mcCr life member

By NATHAN THOMPSON

ALMOST 12 months to the day, Sandy Scho eld stood on stage alongside her best friend, Carolyn Ewart, both with a few tears in their eyes.

Sandy, Carolyn and the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr) had just delivered another dancing fundraiser extravaganza. Their latest e ort, raising close to $300,000.

Since joining the mcCr in 2007, Sandy has co-ordinated six dancing fundraisers. The result, more than $1 million to support cancer research and Snowy Monaro residents facing a cancer diagnosis.

In honour of her e orts, Sandy recently received life membership of the mcCr. A special presentation at member Kylie Hain’s house took place a fortnight ago, where mcCr members and life members gathered to congratulate Sandy. Monaro Committee for Cancer Research president, Karen McGu cke, praised Sandy’s long involvement with the organisation.

“Sandy’s life membership is very well deserved. Sandy has been the driving force behind our dancing fundraisers over the years, without her they wouldn’t have happened,” Karen said.

“During her time as mcCr president, Sandy was an advocate for membership engagement and

brought many new ideas to the organisation.

“Sandy’s e orts with our many fundraising events have not only raised important funds to support our work but the events have brought the community together.”

Sandy served as the organisation’s president from 2013 to 2020. In this time, she also helped stage the popular mcCr garden parties, raising further money to support the group’s work. Sandy has also served on the not-for-pro t group’s nancial assistance scheme committee. The scheme started in 2012 to provide support to Snowy Monaro residents struggling with the nancial challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Upon accepting her life

membership, Sandy thanked the mcCr family for its support.

“I’m truly honoured to become a life member. I am grateful to be part of something so full of heart, strength and purpose,” Sandy said.

Sandy is the h life member of the mcCr, joining Joey Herbert, Sue Litch eld, Sue Eccleston and Dale Coyte. The mcCr has a long and proud history of delivering much needed funds to the Cooma Health Service.

The group instigated, equipped and furnished the Cooma Hospital oncology unity, supported the renovation of the Mary Green memorial palliative care family room at the hospital, and has donated dozens of equipment items.

Jerangle shed to help firefighting

THE Jerangle and Peak View areas will have its re ghting capabilities strengthened through the construction of a new re shed at Jerangle.

Work is underway on a new shed for the Jerangle Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigade. The new facility is set to improve the brigade’s response to res and provide a dedicated space for its volunteers.

Following the 2019/29 bushres, in which the Jerangle brigade spent months ghting res in the district, the brigade voted in favour of building a new shed a er many years without one.

“The new re shed will not

with which to store the brigade’s assets, it provides a venue for the brigade’s members to meet and train as well providing senior volunteers a location from which to manage local re operations,” a Jerangle RFS spokesperson said.

“A er a long journey sourcing the right location and the many planning and zoning hurdles to navigate, construction of the brigade’s new re shed is currently well under way with the shed’s massive steel structure almost complete.”

The brigade is hopeful the shed will be opened and operational for the 2025/26 re

THANKS: Sandy Schofield (third right, front row) is congratulated by Monaro Committee for Cancer Research members and life members on becoming the organisation’s latest life member. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

PHOTO: Jerangle RFS

Jindabyne

sewer works now underway

ESSENTIAL maintenance works and upgrades to Jindabyne’s sewer infrastructure have started, with contractor crews operating across town until Sunday, 15 June, weather permitting, to undertake sewer main jetting and riser relocation works.

Residents are advised that external contractor staff will be operating along residential streets and may require limited external access to residential properties across Jindabyne during this time.

Some very small areas of turf or soil may be removed to uncover obstructed sewer network access points and to install new ground-level risers.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has stated no action is required on the part of residents and no local services will be affected.

To speak with Council about these works, contact SMRC water supervisor, Paul Midgley, on 1300 345 345.

For any other enquiries, contact Council’s water and wastewater team by email at council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

Community efforts praised in clean-up event

By TRISTA HEATH

AS JINDABYNE gets ready to take centre-stage for another busy winter season at the end of this month, Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Sustainable Snowies called on local volunteers to lend a helping hand on Wednesday, 21 May at the annual pre-winter Community Clean-up.

For two hours in the a ernoon, the community gathered to pick up rubbish along the foreshore and the town centre to get Jindabyne looking its best ahead of the busiest time of year.

Representatives Council, Sustainable Snowies, Jindabyne Woolworths, Thredbo and National Parks and Wildlife Services donated their time and expertise to sort through the waste.

Council education engagement o cer, Dayna Green, said 34 community members attended the clean-up event with the majority being kids under the age of 16.

“A special thanks to the Redlands school who had students pick up rubbish earlier that day, in general the theme seemed to be lots of smaller items collected rather than big bulky items,” Ms Green said.

“We picked up an estimate of 1735 items of rubbish, a big number of this was small confectionary wrappers which we retrieved approximately 541 pieces.

“We did find some small batteries which we do want to try and communicate to the community how important it is to dispose of batteries at battery drop off points to avoid battery fires.”

Bags, gloves, and litter-picking claw tools were provided on the day, and to those who volunteered their time, a free sau-

sage sizzle was on offer once the clean-up was complete.

This event is delivered as part of the Sustainable Snowies Litter Prevention Strategy, which aims to reduce waste, keep the region’s towns clean and tidy, and protect the environment from the e ects of litter and waste.

“Jindabyne Woolworths donated a spread of fresh fruit, chips

SNOWY MONARO FIREWOOD

and chocolates to help keep everyone fuelled and the sausage sizzle was a hit as always,” Ms Green said.

“It’s always lovely connecting with community members on a good cause and help get the town looking beautiful before winter.”

Contact Council for more information about this and other great community initiatives.

• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens

• Bagged Firewood

• Bagged Kindling

• Bagged charcoal

• Bagged Ironbark –cooking wood

More than 1700 pieces of rubbish were collected during the community clean-up event.

SUCCESSFUL: The Jindabyne community gathers to collect waste along the foreshore and town centre ahead of the busy winter season.

PHOTOS: Trista Heath

By KAREN FORMAN

C2E railway plan pamphlet released Medical practice fundraises for cancer

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE Cooma Monaro Progress Association has designed and released a pamphlet featuring a summary of the Canberra to Eden (C2E) railway plan.

The trifold publication was created to attract interest in and support for the plan; to make earlier presentations, which were in more detail, easier to understand, CMPA rail co-ordinator, Richard Hopkins, said. A “so ” launch of the pamphlet included presenting copies to the Snowy Monaro Regional Library in Cooma, The Monaro Post, Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Clr Chris Hanna, the Labor stall set up at the Rotary Cooma markets on 18 May and sending it to the NSW and national o ces of Engineers Australia.

“This is part of a very small and early distribution,” Mr Hopkins said.

“The more people who understand and talk about the plan, the more support it may gain.

“There is much more circulation for us to do, by email and hard copy.”

Feedback, to date, has been positive with comments such as “a succinct summary”, “easy to read”, and “graphically engaging”.

The pamphlet can be viewed and downloaded from the CMPA website (www.coomansw.com.au)

Meanwhile, in February the Cooma Monaro Progress Associa-

tion responded to a call for submissions by the NSW South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan.

“The CMPA recommended the Concept Plan for Canberra to Eden Railway (C2E), 2018, by engineer Edwin Michell, for inclusion in the South East Transport Plan,” Mr Hopkins said.

Supporting correspondence and documentation containing relevant web links from CMPA to the NSW Dra South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan was submitted.

Web links were also attached regarding the response on the NSW Freight Interims Direction paper (October 2024).

Mr Hopkins added the Canberra to Eden railway plan was validated by Economic Evaluation of the Proposed Canberra to Eden Railway by transport economist R J Nairn, published 2024, and is now in the State and National Libraries, and on CMPA’s website.

“The evaluation corroborated earlier reviews published by CMPA, con rming the plan is ready for development,” he said.

COOMA’S Bombala Street Surgery has raised $1701 for the Cancer Council by hosting an all-day edition of the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

The surgery opened its doors to both patients and supporters on 22 May and served up homemade cakes and biscuits and beverages in exchange for a donation to help the Cancer Council make a di erence to the lives of people touched by cancer.

It had set $1000 as its goal.

The fundraiser - the rst time Bombala Street Surgery has hosted a Cancer Council event - was considerably boosted by a donation from the currently defunct Numeralla Table Tennis Society, with members attending to socialise, enjoy a cuppa and present their cheque.

The practice joined more than

Biggest Morning Tea event during the past 31 years.

The Cancer Council has invited people to consider hosting an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events throughout May and June and o ers a starter kit with posters and tips to anyone who registers on its website https://www. biggestmorningtea.com.au/ Events can be hosted at home, work, sports and community clubs and can be a small or as large as a host desires.

Just $150 provides two people recently diagnosed with cancer with one-on-one support, connecting them to a trained Cancer Connect volunteer.

Just $500 helps provide training to leaders of cancer support groups where people can meet and share their experiences in an emotionally supportive environment.

Then $1000 pays for an analy-

SUMMARY: The Cooma Monaro Progress Association’s new pamphlet.

PHOTO: Supplied

FURTHER industrial action is expected on Snowy 2.0 this week with Australian Workers Union members planning a second 24 hour stop work as negotiations with contractor WeBuild face further hurdles.

Members gathered at Cooma Airport last week to vent their frustrations that enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations have failed to deliver wage increases. The AWU says its members are paid ‘significantly’ less than Webuild employees working on tunneling projects in Melbourne.

Workers engaged in protected industrial action last Wednesday and it’s expected further action will occur this week, likely on Wednesday.

National Volunteers Week was celebrated last week. We know volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities, particularly in regional and rural areas. No matter what role it is, if you are a volunteer we thank you very much for your hard work and commitment to our region.

In the sports section of this week’s paper, Jindabyne’s Paul Livissianos is featured for his incredible volunteering efforts. He is a core member of the interschools team and a wellrespected teacher in Jindabyne.

Another volunteer recognised in this masthead is Cooma’s Sandy Schofield. Sandy has been made a life member of the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr). Sandy served as its president for seven years and has been a member for about 20 years.

She is the driving force behind the successful dancing fundraisers which have raised more than $ 1 million.

It’s almost a year to the day that the latest fundraiser was heldHot City Disco. It raised $300,000. A wonderful event. Where has that last 12 months gone?

While the Snowy Monaro received much needed rain, those on the Mid North Coast received far too much. For those in our region who have family and friends in the flood affected parts, we hope all is as well as it can be.

THIS is the time of the year when our community can provide its thoughts on council’s plans for our area in the coming years.

The proposed operational plan sets out council’s agenda for the next 12 months. The plans are supposedly based on the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) which was adopted by council at its April meeting.

Councillor Rose moved for alterations to be made to the wording of that document, because he considered it was di cult to interpret and there were too many ‘buzz words’. Perhaps because of those ‘buzz words’ the response to the document was only 42 responses. Out of a population of 22000 residents, that response hardly quali es as a representative sample of our residents and ratepayers.

I must confess I did not make a submission because I am too frustrated with the amount of meaningless documentation put out for public comment, based on some template concocted by the O ce of Local Government

Time for Snowy Monaro residents, ratepayers to have say Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

(OLG).

The CSP states that there are ‘outcomes that requires more than the council to achieve’ and ‘there is a risk that the community’s aspirations may not be achieved by the other levels of government and this will negatively impact on the region’. Really. So why do we spend so much time, money and e ort in preparing and exhibiting documents that might not deliver the bene ts projected?

But now is the time for our community to examine the plans which will a ect our lives for the next year and beyond. There is no guarantee council will change the plans based on your submissions but at least it will know your concerns.

Did you know it is proposed to increase sta numbers by more than 12 new positions? The sta numbers from the 2025 plan was a total of 381 which increases to over 393 equivalent full time positions.

The most alarming message though, is that the infrastructure

(roads) section is to lose over ve positions. We see an increase of one position in the Executive O ce, three in the business improvement section which will supposedly drive the changes from the Towards Excellence program. That program is still supposed to deliver unquanti able savings of $1 million annually.

About a third of those projected savings will be spent on nancing the new section. That gure can be quanti ed. The nance section is to get one additional sta member despite just having upgraded IT systems to make that section more e cient.

The big winners are the civic maintenance/open spaces section which gains three positions and the waste and resource management which gains ve extra sta . One has to ask why are all the additional sta needed in those areas at the expense of the roads area.

Well, would you believe it there are to be ‘scheduling teams’ created which I assume will schedule work for our works teams.

If that is necessary, what do the many managers do?

I can only assume that is what will happen because in spite of the verbose statements in the plans, there is an amazing lack of detail to justify the actions. This has added another link in the long chain of command. Council will be divesting from its NDIS operations so won’t there be some sta positions lost in that change to operations?

On top of that, all this is being proposed before the council has had the opportunity to examine and discuss the organisational structure of council’s operations which is long overdue.

There are a lot of nancial gures in the plans but again very little detail as to where the speci c funding will be spent. Please have a look at the documents and see how well you are being looked a er for the coming year and if you are unhappy or happy with what is proposed then write to council before 3 June.

Phil Daley Berridale

PHEW, GLAD I BOOKED THAT

‘WAKE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rapid transition to renewables needed

GREG O’Donoghue finished his letter (Australia’s green hypocrisy part II, May 21) with the words ‘I rest my case’.

It is unclear exactly what the case was, other than an occasionally justified rant against the environmental damage from the mining of rare earths for renewable energy.

I regret, however, in the case of screens, mobile phones and air conditioning, that the

horse has bolted. They are now part of our culture and our lives, so we must minimise the environmental damage in producing and running them.

As I tried to say in my reply to Karen Evans (‘Most climate activists far from hypocrites’, letters 7 May), there is always some damage from any kind of development, even good development like renewable energy.

We who push for renewable energy have an obligation to minimise the damage and to seek alternative sources for materials if there is child labour, slavery or excessive environmental damage involved from a particular source.

We must also pressure governments, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to stop certain practices where swathes of the countryside, and

indeed many people, have been ruined in the mining of cobalt.

Nevertheless, we must, as a matter of urgency, make a rapid transition to renewables in order to mitigate climate change. The faster the transition, the less the damage from climate change-induced extreme weather events and sea-level rise.

The total economic toll of the recent Los Angeles fires, including property

damage and longerterm economic losses, is expected to top $250 billion. You can’t have too many of those disasters without collapsing the economy.

And a report just out warns that even just 20cm of sea level rise by 2050 would lead to global flood damages of at least US $1 trillion a year for the world’s 136 largest coastal cities and have huge impacts on people’s lives

and livelihoods. Yet scientists now think sea levels will be between one and two metres by the end of the century.

Be glad you live on the Monaro (elevation 1000 metres above sea level) but tell your children and grandchildren to be prepared for an influx of refugees from the coast in coming decades.

Jenny

Climate Action Monaro president

We didn’t know it was going to be like this

DURING the week, two perspectives on ‘age and stage’ have in uenced the preparation of this letter to the Editor.

On a Radio National lm review last week, the Brazilian director of a new lm ‘The Blue Trail’ was interviewed.

This lm will feature at the Sydney International Film Festival next month. Its subjects are some elderly characters facing

a futuristic challenge, in isolation, in a remote context and location.

The director admired their resistance. He said in his interview he remains concerned about the way age and frailty are increasingly placed in an economic framework. In his opinion, the possibility of joy, hope and a new path to the end of meaningful life is being systematically whittled and eroded.

Photo of the week

OUR second instalment

of photo of week features a lovely image from keen photographer, and local, Dawn Mackay.

Dawn has captured some brilliant images of the Monaro’s unique landscape, and her entry this week, showcases the best of autumn.

The photo of the week is of the poplars along Church Road in Cooma.

The other perspective that prompted this urgent note to our local paper is Rick Morton’s analysis published in ‘The Saturday Paper’ on 17 May, 2025. His concerns re ect and reiterate the concerns of earlier contributors to The Monaro Post.

Recent policy changes in aged care here have a ected the aged and frail, their families and our community profoundly.

When the Howard government introduced privatisation of aged care in 2002 under the then Minister Bronwyn Bishop, outcomes were foreseeable and consequential. Today’s society and structures are increasingly distracted from, and dismissive of, the aged demographic. The distortion about ‘notions of choice’ is hollow and shabby. Courage and

kindness to others are needed in these realities.

There is much to be done before the 1 July, 2025, start date of the re-written Aged Care Act, with regulations not yet nalised.

To quote Rick Morton, ‘the new law is already two years late – missing the Royal Commission’s deadline of mid 2023 – and substantial changes to it have been made in the drawn-out process’. I note that the next

parliament does not sit until 22 July, 2025. These matters lie at the feet of our three levels of government and representation viz, Council, state and federal. We, the electors, seek accountability and transparency, proclaiming fairness, generosity and dignity for those in need of care and advocacy.

Elizabeth Laught Cooma

EDITOR

Nathan Thompson (02) 6452 0312 editor@monaropost.com.au

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By TRISTA HEATH

Third annual Jindabyne Snow Ball A

THE third annual Jindabyne Snow Ball has been hailed a spectacular success, with the theme of Fire and Ice coming to life in dramatic style at Horizons Resort.

From glamorous couture to unforgettable performances and ne dining, Jindabyne’s nest gathered for a night of community celebration and anticipation for the winter season ahead.

The event showcased the very best the region has to o er. Guests were treated to an exclusive culinary experience curated by Chef Kane and his team, featuring a never-before-seen menu that included a standout Oyster Bar with three signature creations.

Entertainment reached dazzling heights with Cool Change welcoming guests, The Chu s whipping the crowd into a frenzy, and The Hip Replacements delivering their longest and most energetic set to date - rocking Jindabyne and setting the tone for a spirited winter season.

This extraordinary evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of key sponsors: Birchwood, Horizons, Thredbo EVT, CBA, and supporting partners including ARW Electrical, WildBrumby, Discover Snowy Mountains Holiday Stays, Behind the Boots, High Country Insurance, Charmed Events, Business Connect, Shut the Gate, and Chalet Madarao.

Sue, Tracy and Erin from Cool Change said they enjoyed the evening, and the opportunity to be involved in this great pre-winter event.

FIRE AND ICE SPECTACLE

“We loved being able to get dolled up for the ball, performing over the Horizons lounge while guests enjoyed the oyster bar, then dancing the night away to The Chu s and The Hip Replacements,” Erin said.

“It’s important to us to support local events and other local bands so that these great initiatives can continue, which we’ve been doing for over 20 years as a band. Thank you to the Chamber for including us and we look forward to the next great event.”

The event also featured a silent auction, with donations from various community members and businesses, including Avonside Alpine Estate, Pure Snow, Perisher, Instinks, Snowy Mountains Pet Care, Sandy’s Grooming Tails and

K9 cafe, The Boot tter by Andy Burford, Party Lite candles, For the Love of Jindabyne, ActewAGL and Darragh Walsh.

Organised by the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce with the tireless e orts of dedicated volunteers, the Snow Ball serves as a celebration of local businesses before the bustling winter season.

“At Thredbo, we’re always proud to support events that bring our community together, like the Jindabyne Snow Ball,” Thredbo general manager, Stuart Diver, said.

“We feel honoured to be a part of this special evening as it not only celebrates the spirit of our region, but also contributes to meaningful community initiatives, such as the Illumination Project.

“Supporting the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce and events like the Snow Ball allows us to

give back to the community that supports Thredbo year-round.”

The proceeds of $8000 will go toward future illumination projects, designed to enhance Jindabyne’s night time economy and enchant visitors year-round.

The Chamber’s executive committee of Olivier Kapetanakos (president), Gary Grant (vice president), Fiona Lathan-Cannon (secretary), Kerin Jarvis (treasurer), Reece Brase, and Nicole Weber, extend heartfelt thanks to the community, with a special acknowledgment to Elizabeth Slater for her contributions.

With a rich blend of celebration, community, and purpose, the 2025 Snow Ball: Fire and Ice Edition has le an indelible mark on the town, setting the stage for a bright, bustling winter ahead.

Wildbrumby Distillery sta were on hand serving delicious cocktails.

Participating in a casino night, the community raised more than $8000.

The annual event drew a crowd with people attending from across the region.

enjoyed the annual event.

GLAMOUR: The Jindabyne community dressed up to attend the Fire and Ice Snow Ball hosted by the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, 17 May. PHOTOS: Natasha Latham-Cannon

The event was a success overall and the chamber looks forward to planning next year’s Snow Ball.

President of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, Olivier Kapetanakos (middle), attended the event in style.

Berridale becomes folk, bluegrass hub

BERRIDALE is becoming a new folk and bluegrass centre in the Snowy Monaro following the formation of a social group which brings musicians and singers together each fortnight to jam.

The group, Snowy Mountains Folk, has a permanent home at the recently re-opened Berridale Inn, meeting on the second and fourth Sundays of each month between 5pm and 7pm.

Formed by Berridale local musicians ‘to ll a gap’, with the nearest folk clubs located in Canberra and Braidwood.

Snowy Mountains Folk welcomes musicians and singers of all ages and all levels with only one requirement - they must enjoy folk, bluegrass and country music.

“There are quite a few open mics now going on regularly in the region, such as BerriJam on the third Sunday of each month in Berridale, Club Bombala o ering on the rst Sunday of the month and the Brumby Bar Open Mic on Friday nights in Jindabyne, but we didn’t have a place for people who speci cally love to play, sing and listen to folk, blue grass and country to gather and jam together,” organiser, Gabi Forman, said.

“We set up Snowy Mountains Folk as a social group, originally meeting at the annexe behind Berridale’s Anglican Church, but we started to outgrow the space and have decided to move to Berridale Inn at the kind invitation of the new owner, Jacko, who wants to

New music group invites musicians, singers to jam each fortnight

encourage community and family groups to use the facility.

“We will be in the back room, closed to the public, so it is a safe and welcome space for younger people to join in, or for musicians to bring their families.”

The sessions are attended by experienced and new musicians playing instruments from guitar to banjo, ukulele, ddle, dobro, drums, harmonica, ute and mandolin.

Percussion instruments are available for anyone who doesn’t play at stringed instrument but would like to join in.

Musicians travel from as far as

Nimmitabel, Bombala, Cooma and even the Far South Coast to join in, with the occasional Canberra visitor.

“Basically people show up with their music stands or tablets, and their instruments, which we encourage to be played acoustically, we hand out some music, play songs once or twice through, see how it sounds and have a lot of fun,” Ms Forman said.

“Some people can only play one or two chords, but nd they can join in and have fun and learn.

“It is very casual, welcoming and not overly-structured.

“We supply music or call out

chords, but also encourage people to bring chord sheets for bluegrass, folk or country songs they think the group might like.

“We are hoping to attract some visiting musicians who might be passing by, especially in the winter and have already had interest from coastal musicians keen to come along and jam with us.”

The social group has spawned dedicated rehearsing and performing bands, which have played at Berridale Lions Christmas Fair, Cobargo Folk Festival and the National Folk Festival and members o en play at BerriJam.

Members of the group have also

competed in the nals of the Australian National Busking Championships.

Ms Forman said Snowy Mountains Folk regulars were grateful for the use of the Berridale Anglican Church facility and had made a donation for the use of the facility in recent months.

“It was a great place to get started but we are looking forward to bringing folk and bluegrass music to the Berridale Inn,” she said.

“There are quite a few closet folk and bluegrass musicians around the area and we are hoping to lure them out to play with us.”

Council updates

Upgrade project at Bombala Pool

Work is underway on major upgrades to Bombala War Memorial Swimming Pool.

This upgrade project, proudly funded by the NSW Government, will see the main pool shell relined, and a complete overhaul and replacement of the facility’s filtration and pumping system.

All works are scheduled for completion ahead of the 2025/2026 swimming season.

Jindabyne Shared Trail updates

Development approval has been secured for the next two stages of the continuing Lake Jindabyne Shared Trail project.

Tender packages are now being developed for these future works, while Council works through the remaining state-level administrative processes.

We will have further updates to share with the community later in 2025.

Claypits Carpark Upgrade Project: Path detour and landscaping updates

Work on stage one of the Claypits Foreshore Upgrade Project commenced earlier this month in Jindabyne.

The shared path that crosses through the Claypits carpark between the exercise station and outdoor stage is now closed.

A detour is in place along Kosciuszko Road for pedestrians and cyclists.

Current estimates will see this section of path reopen to the public in early 2026.

An arborist report has identified 41 trees that will be subject to a major encroachment as part of this project.

Significantly impacted trees would pose a hazard to the public if left in place. Removals began last week. All trees removed will be replaced once the current works are complete.

The total number of trees in the area will be increased, thanks to 54 new plantings.

We’re here to help.

Progress continues on Bombala’s new sporting facilities

Work on the new sporting facilities at the Bombala Showground is speeding ahead, with significant progress made since the last project update in April 2025.

New pathways have been completed, with landscaping works now underway ahead of external seating installation.

The new netball court is getting close to completion, and the new cricket nets are just waiting on the concrete to fully cure before the synthetic turf is laid.

All works will be complete and the new facilities available for use during the upcoming cricket and netball seasons.

This project is possible thanks to a Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package grant, co-funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government.

Council has completed designs for a second stage of works on this project and is ready to seek additional funding.

Will Moxon brings his talents and experience to the recently formed Snowy Mountains Folk.

Filip Klempfner and Gabi Forman enjoy playing folk and bluegrass music.

PERFORMING: Ingrid Sinnreich is a regular at Snowy Mountains Folk in Berridale.

‘Chuffed’ about

their upward flight

By KAREN FORMAN

A NEW band has entered the Snowy Monaro live music scene and its members are ‘chu ed’, if not a tad surprised, to nd themselves suddenly ying high.

Dalgety-based The Chu snamed for the ‘chattering’ of Chough birds that turn up when they rehearse - “sort of evolved” last year when a couple of its members who had met through The Band From Snowy River (TBFSR) recognised kindred musical spirits and began to jam together.

Bass player, Marc O’Hare, and guitarist, Andrew Shumack, started exploring di erent music together just for fun. They were soon joined by Mark’s acoustic and electric ukulele playing partner, Wendy McDougall and fellow TBFSR singer, Jon Percy. Drummer, Darren ‘Heg’ Heginbothom, was a more recent addition to the band.

Things evolved so well, soon they had a name, were playing a few small gigs and then, a fortnight ago, they made a splash at Jindabyne’s black tie Snow Ball, sharing the program with highly respected local acts, The Hip Replacements and Cool Change.

It seems there is no rest for the Chu ed. Next gig has been set for Cooma Bowling Club on 21 June 6 - 9pm.

“Playing local venues and private parties is fun,” Wendy, an acclaimed music photographer and author, Raglan Gallery volunteer and the band’s spokesperson, said.

“Andrew suggested naming the band a er the birds, but we like the spelling - Chu s, so that’s how we roll,” Wendy said.

“We play rock, blues, funk and pop from varied eras of music. We also prefer to do our version of a song rather than a straight cover, and we have an original we throw in most gigs. Hopefully there will be more of those to come.”

Founder Andrew, who plays lead electric guitar and sings backing vocals, has 36 years of experience as a guitarist, but started his musical life as a drummer in primary school, a trumpet player in high school and a chorister throughout his life.

He has played in various bands, but says he particularly likes

supports local ARTS & CULTURE Dalgety musicians look forward to more opportunities to perform together in future

“Hopefully I help make us all feel that we don’t take ourselves too seriously and have a lot of fun whilst learning,” he said.

Bass player/backing vocalist, Mark O’Hare, comes to the Chu s with formal studies in music and experience in bands in Perth and Sydney.

“When Andrew decided we should form an o shoot band from the amazing and fun community (group) The Band From Snowy River, I felt we had a great musical instinct for each other’s style and we learn from each other; it’s so much fun,” he said.

“I’ve found some super friends and appreciate how the local communities have made us feel.

“I’m Chu ed with how nice our fans are to us. I love locking in with Hegs’ groove; it’s so in the

amuck harmonically and know he’s got my back.

“Music has allowed me to meet and work with some amazing talent. It’s taken me to some amazing places, it’s been a ride.

“My (jazz bass) studies at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, playing with some great bands and acts and watching my singer Dad perform as a child, has taught me how important it is to arrange, leave space, and put on a show. It is early days for the Chu s and we promise to keep this our goal and most importantly, have fun.”

Drummer, Darren Heginbotham, has been drumming on and o for 43 years, played with a few bands on the Central Coast and joined The Chu s six months ago.

“Best part about playing with

journey. The guys choose great songs and I love playing drums ampli ed.

“I feel I add a happy vibe. I’m serious about keeping things tight for the band particularly my bass man Mark. It’s lots of fun.”

Wendy, who rst picked up a uke about 10 years ago, along with some percussion and backing vocals (“reluctantly, but I’m getting more con dent”), says she loves being able to play with people who love music as much as she does.

“I happened to be around in the early days when Mark and Andrew were jamming so I started to sit in with them. They haven’t asked me to leave yet!

“Knowing of their high skill set I’m just thrilled I am in the mix.

“It’s a lot of fun and a fabulous learning curve. I truly never

the rehearsal room. But sharing music is certainly magic too. Gotta love showbiz.”

Wendy had previously played in a ve-piece uke based band (which included Mark on his bass) in Sydney and at lots of uke festivals.

Lead singer and acoustic guitar player, Jon Percy, believes he brings a spirit of encouragement to the band, “wanting to li up each individual and the band as one”.

He was four when he started singing, then became a Christian worship leader and sang in some bands between 17-22 years of age. He took up guitar seven years ago.

“Playing with the Chu s is so enjoyable,” he said. “Great friends and challenging, given the songs we choose to cover are not always simple. It seems the bar is always being raised.”

Learning the ropes of wool industry

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

SCHOOL is out a er two weeks of shearing and wool handler training at ‘Coolringdon’.

The shearing shed was abuzz with the sounds of machines, voices, paddle sweepers across oor boards, and barking kelpies.

Shearer trainer, Ian Elkins, who is based in Canberra, has been helping shearing contractor and course co-ordinator, Mick Scho eld, conduct the training for 20 years.

“I started shearing when I was 16 years old,” Ian said, “I love shearing.”

The course also includes wool handling (and a practical day-session for Cooma TAFE students studying a Certi cate IV in Wool Classing).

There were 16 who attended the rst week and 17 the second week, mainly localsranging in age from 14 to 34 - with a few from outside the Snowy Monaro. For the last 15 years, ‘Coolringdon’s’ trustees have allowed the use of the shearing shed.

“It’s a great training facility,” Ian said.

“There are usually eight stands running at a time, with two to a station - when one student nishes shearing, they swap with the other.

“The industry always needs some new blood as the old shearers are coming out one end, so we need some young ones coming through the other.

“A lot of the course students can go straight into the shearing, some will come back next year for more training.”

Ian said it is important new shearers learn the skills to keep the industry alive.

“The wool industry is very sustainable when you think about it,” Ian said, “the sheep eat the grass, then they turn it into wool. Every 12 months these sheep are shorn.”

The course, designed for novices, is an ideal springboard into the sheep and wool industry.

“The kids that come here are always the future,” Mick Scho eld said.

“Some of them are still school students, but if you get them interested now you have them for the future.

“They have the basic training from this course to get started when they leave school.

“If they walk into a shearing shed for a job and you’re doing 1200 sheep a day, they will be overwhelmed, but if you give them the basic education they will have the con dence they need to do the job.”

Mick added the course provides an opportunity to focus on locals to build a local workforce as they are the ones who are around the area, and who farmers need the most.

“To see the kids develop from the start of the week to the end, where they can

mal with specialised coach es/trainers. In the late 90s we set up this program with Australian Wool Innovations and received government funding to do this sort of in-shed training.

“Shearing isn’t classi ed as full-time employment because in this industry you only get paid from job to job; we mainly work all year round but then you have to deal with things like drought which might mean you are short of work the following year due to lack of sheep numbers, so you have to be versatile in the industry.

“We couldn’t have apprenticeships, so we had to be smarter as to how we approached training in the industry in Australia, so we established traineeships. I helped set up this national program through Australian Wool Innovations on behalf of the Shearing Contractors’ Association of Australia. So I have been involved with it for a lot of years.”

Every year students from Monaro High School from years 10 and 11 attend the

free training, plus those who have already started

ent level of young shearers. There’s one kid who attend ed the course who is still at school, and the other day he shore 150 cross-bred lambs, he’s shorn 100 in Merino sheep like these we have here, and he’s only 15 years old,” he said.

“That’s the bene t of the training here; but you don’t want to push them until they are physically ready.

“My aim is to bring all facets of the industry to the program from shearing to wool handling, wool classing and pressing...we need people to learn these skills otherwise you don’t have an industry.”

Makenzie Baker, 20, was one of the TAFE students who was at ‘Coolringdon’ last Thursday to attend the wool classing side of the program.

“The wool classing is new for me, I’ve been working with Mick as a ‘rousie’ doing the wool handling for a couple of years.

“I’ve learned a lot from the course, it’s very benecial,” Makenzie said.

The shearing course attracts people of all ages, including students from Monaro High School.

The shearing shed at ‘Coolringdon’ was busy with sound and movement as shearers and wool handlers learned their trade.

SKILLS FOR LIFE: The Australian Wool Innovations shearer and wool handling course at ‘Coolringdon’ has just finished for another year.

Wool handlers in action: A wool handler prepares lines of wool – bellies, locks, stain and skirtings – under the guidance of the wool classer and keeps the shearing shed clean and tidy.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 The One That Got Away. 2.00

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: A Mother’s Terror. (2021) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. 10.30 The Amazing Race. 12.00 Raines. 1.00 Travel Oz. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 NBC Today. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 My Impossible House. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Grace. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 2.50 Doctor Who.

3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 QI. 4.40 MythBusters.

5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You?

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Duck Dynasty. 4.00 Cities Of The Underworld. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 12. Brisbane Lions v Essendon. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 Late Programs.

7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs UK. 8.50 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Atlantic. Final. 9.35 The Kimberley. Final. 10.25 ABC Late News. 10.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Code Black. 3.00 House Of Wellness. 4.00 Jabba’s Movies. 4.30 Puppy School. 5.00 Puppies Make You Laugh Out Loud. 6.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares USA. 8.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. 11.40 First Dates UK. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 MOVIE: Trapped In The Farmhouse. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. Women’s State of Origin. Game 3. New South Wales v Queensland. 9.35 NRL Women’s State Of Origin Post-Match. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: The Rebel. (1961) 4.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 5. 12.00 Late Programs.

9.05 The Weekly. 9.35 Gruen. 10.15 Planet America. 10.40 TBA. 11.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Milpirri: Winds Of Change. 3.00 Living Black. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy!

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.35 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 3.15 Doctor Who. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05

Desert Collectors. 3.30 Timbersports. 4.00 Cities Of The Underworld. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 12. Collingwood v Hawthorn. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.15 GetOn Extra. 11.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. 2.00 Restoration Aust. 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 3.30 Love Your Garden. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 The One That Got Away. 9.20 Gruen. 9.55 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. Final. 10.25 Big Boys. Final. 10.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Deadly Influencer. (2019) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 13. St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Toy Soldiers. (1991) 1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 The Resident. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 The Goldbergs. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: The Karate Kid Part III. (1989) 9.30 MOVIE: The Sweetest Thing. (2002) 11.20 MOVIE: Breakthrough. (2019) 1.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 GCBC. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 News. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Judge Judy. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 Soccer. Women’s International Friendly. Australia v Argentina.

6.00 Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: Crooks In Cloisters. (1964) 4.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 6. 12.00 Late Programs.

Kyle busy in the kitchen page 18

Benchtops set benchmark page 21

Costa inspires next gen page 24

Kyle’s busy cooking up a storm

KYLE’S Kitchen has become one of Cooma’s most recognised brands and go-to gift options.

A busy 12 month period has had Kyle Sandercoe in the kitchen, preparing his dry ingredient jars featuring his favourite sweet treat recipes.

Easter was a particularly bustling time as Kyle had dozens of orders to keep up with.

You may see Kyle around town

as the bubbly man who always remembers your birthday, but there is much more to Kyle than his good memory.

Kyle has taken his passion for cooking and turned this flair into a business - Kyle’s Kitchen.

Kyle lives with an intellectual disability, global delay, and autism but this has never stopped him from achieving his goals.

Those who know him say he is a very determined man who when he puts his mind to things, there is rarely anything he can’t do.

Previously a member of Cooma Challenge’s Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) program, Kyle delivered

pamphlets two days a week for almost 10 years.

In late 2023, Cooma Challenge’s ADE program shut its door and it was time for Kyle to find something new to do with his time.

For anyone who knows Kyle, change can be confronting and after being in a routine of doing this for 10 years, the transition was tough.

Kyle, a member of the Disability Trust Cooma for more than seven years, has built great friendships

years, has built great friendships and trust with staff. Kyle has a regular routine of baking cookies on Tuesdays and cupcakes on Fridays with staff.

Kyle is a wizz in the kitchen, but it didn’t start out this way. With consistency and routine, Kyle can now do this unsupported most days.

On a random Thursday, former Disability Trust worker and Kyle’s friend, Ash, was sitting in the office with Kyle.

As Kyle was drinking his hot chocolate with marshmallows, a daily ritual for him, the duo came up with an idea to combine Kyle’s knack for cooking with a work program.

“When we initially proposed the business idea to Kyle it was a flat no. We had some work to do.

“Weeks went by, then I’d start getting texts from Kyle, I knew he was coming around to it, and we couldn’t be more excited to start the journey.”

friends, Ash and Kate, Kyle’s

With the help of staff and friends, Ash and Kate, Kyle’s Kitchen was formed.

It’s a way of bringing Kyle’s love for baking to members of the community and surroundings.

Jan said Kyle is enjoying putting the jars together. She said the community has embraced Kyle’s Kitchen and the support has been lovely.

“When the ADE stopped we were at a loss, it happened so quickly,” Jan said.

Dry ingredient jars of Kyle’s favourite sweet treat recipes were created. All you need to do is add the wet ingredients and mix.

Dry ingredient jars of Kyle’s favourite sweet treat recipes were created. All you need to do is add

Ash said Kyle has embraced the idea and now through lots of hard work, the jar orders are flying out the door.

hard work, the jar orders are flying out the door.

“Ash’s idea has really helped Kyle and together they started the kitchen. It’s been terrific seeing the support from so many people, the jar orders really took off.”

“Within the hour the business proposal was sitting on Jan’s (Kyle’s mum’s) desk.

explained it to her she was almost in tears,” Ash

“Within the hour the business proposal was sitting on Jan’s (Kyle’s mum’s) desk. I remember her picking it up and just being like what’s this when I explained it to her she was almost in tears,” Ash said.

The jars are proving popular for presents or for easy baking at home. Liv 4 Home and Kitchen at Cooma Mitre 10 and Sandy’s Grooming and K9 Cafe in Cooma stock jars.

The flavours include vanilla choc chip cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, choc chip cookies and Anzac biscuits.

To purchase your jar, follow the link on Facebook and Instagram @ kyleskitchen2630.

SUCCESS: Kyle Sandercoe has been busy over the last 12 months, preparing his popular dry ingredient jars. Known as Kyle’s Kitchen, the idea was developed with friend Ash Steinke (left) and Kate Dorahay (right) of the Disability Support Trust who both assist Kyle with preparing the popular jars. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Cooma community space blooming

SINCE opening in 2009, the Cooma Community Garden has brought locals from all walks of life together to share their love for gardening.

The garden, located next to St Andrew’s Uniting Church in Cooma, is a welcoming setting, where people can enjoy conversation, community and of course, gardening.

The Cooma Community Garden regularly holds educational workshops to help members and guests learn new skills and better understand the challenges of gardening on the Monaro.

By demonstrating what can be achieved, the community garden committee says the workshops are building capacity and encouraging people to grow food in their own backyards.

“The Cooma Community Garden aims to maintain a water-wise approach in the operation of the garden with the use of our rain water tank (from a grant), wicking beds and mulching. The CCG is a chemical free

space,” a spokesperson for the organisation said.

“The community garden aims to engage volunteers and community members in the garden with working bees, workshops and plant talk gatherings and events offered by guest speakers from around the area.”

The hard-working committee comprises: president, Vele Civijovski; secretary, Melissa Walker; treasurer, Kate Heeley; and publicity officer, Angela Douglass.

The garden space is described by members as a common ground for the Cooma community.

The Cooma Community Garden incorporates individuals who rent plots as well as communal plots for shared activities such as members’ activity days, workshops and permaculture training.

Working bees are held 8.30am in the summer/warmer months and 1.30pm during the colder months.

Tackle bills, reduce emissions through batteries

THE Australian Government will implement the Cheaper Home Batteries program to help more homes tackle bills and reduce emissions.

From 1 July 2025, households and small businesses may be eligible for around a 30 per cent discount on the upfront cost of installing small-scale battery systems alongside new or existing rooftop solar.

The discount will be based on the usable capacity of the battery and will gradually decline through to 2030.

While Australia has the highest rate of rooftop solar in the world, just one in 40 households have a battery, meaning they can’t store cheap renewable energy for when they need it most.

The program aims to help energy consumers reduce their

electricity bills and cut their emissions by harnessing cheap, clean solar power.

The Cheaper Home Batteries program will be delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 will be amended to expand eligibility of the SRES to include batteries.

The discount will typically be available via solar and battery retailers and installers. Claims for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) will be able to be made for eligible installations following implementation of regulations. Support for batteries under the SRES will be funded by the Australian Government. Under the program, a

COOMA FURNISHING CO

household could save around $4000 off the upfront cost of installing an 11.5 kWh battery previously costing around $13,000; and $700 to $1600 per year on their electricity bill, with the battery delivering $300 to $900 of that.

Small-scale batteries will help households to save on electricity bills by using solar power when they need it and reduce costs.

TOGETHER: The Cooma Community Garden has cultivated a sense of community amongst its members. Gardening guru Costa Georgiadis visited the garden earlier in the month, much to the members’ delight.

PHOTO: Cooma Community Garden

Add fruit trees into your home garden

By LISA ASHURST

THERE is something to be said for home grown fruits and veggies, so adding a few fruit trees will make a lovely complement to your home food garden.

Even planted out amongst the flower beds, or at intervals across the lawn in a larger space, you won’t regret including fruit trees in your garden design.

Most outdoor spaces can accommodate at least one, so long as you have a sunny spot with good drainage and protection from wind. But even a small sunny courtyard can support at least a couple of fruit trees, thanks to the dwarf varieties available now. Some, such as apples, cherries, nectarines, tangerines, and lemons and limes, can be successfully grown in containers, which makes them ideal for apartment balconies too, so long as they get enough sun.

Fruit trees are not only an attractive addition to the garden though, there are many benefits to growing your own fruit and with the right care, your trees will continue to provide you with delicious fruits year after year.

Homegrown fruit is organic, can keep your family supplied with seasonal produce all year round, will reduce your food costs, can turn into an interesting hobby, and as well as looking lovely, your fruit trees will also increase the biodiversity in your garden.

The best time of year to plant your trees will depend on which type of fruit you wish to grow and

PLANNING: Have you thought about adding fruit trees into your garden. Winter is a

to

gardening centre or community garden to learn more about fruit trees and how to negotiate tough conditions

your local climate will be a factor here too, but the basic guidelines are that it is best to plant deciduous varieties in winter.

winter too, though they are just as happy with being planted in spring and summer.

Prepare the site well in advance of planting your trees. Dig in plenty of organic matter and ensure the site has good drainage. Once planted,

help to keep those weeds at bay and will also assist in retaining the moisture in the soil and will regulate the soil temperature.

Feed them well to support the soil structure and to keep up a steady supply of the nutrients needed to

growing season to promote fruit development.

Late winter and early spring are the best times to prune and shape your trees. Remove any stragglers as well as any shoots or branches which look diseased or unwell and

especially for home gardeners. Check for evidence of pests too and the overall health of your trees. You’ll want them to be happy and healthy if they are going to retain their fine looks and produce good crops.

good time

plant deciduous trees. Head along to your nearest

in the Snowy Monaro.

PHOTO: File

Ovi stands by his recycled product

Engineered benchtops less expensive but look like the real thing

By KAREN FORMAN

OVI Boaru believes in his engineered, silica free benchtops so much, he has used them in all of his kitchens and laundries.

“They look elegant and beautiful and it is difficult to tell that they are not real concrete or marble,” he said.

The Cooma based, Romania-born civil engineer, imports, supplies and installs benchtops made from recycled glass, which have the appearance of concrete and marble.

Operating under the business name, Discount Benchtops, he said

he is the only person providing a wholesale product like this in the local area.

“Canberra would be the closest,” he said.

“I have manufactured and installed benchtops in Eden, Canberra, Smiggins, Cooma and Bermagui.

“They are affordable and less expensive than natural concrete and marble and we are aiming to bring the price similar to the cost of laminate benchtops which people like.”

Ovi said working in the

construction industry has given him an interest in sourcing good quality alternatives to expensive products like benchtops for bathrooms, kitchens and offices occasionally.

“I started the business as there were unreasonable delays and high costs to get the stock,” he said.

“My main intention was to be a wholesaler but 80 per cent of customers seem to ask also for installation and go all the way to a ready to use benchtop.

“When I started importing I found going to natural products was expensive, and then there was

a ban on quartz based benchtops for safety reasons, so I researched and started again with the recycled glass products three months ago,” he said.

Ovi has five available designs at the moment.

More can be sourced subject to market demand.

“I cut them to size and then can either supply to the customer or install,” he said.

“They are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, for interior and cooler surfaces.

“When I started there was a

decent demand, but things are a bit slow at the moment, the cost of construction and cost of living have gone up.

“Hopefully with all the new subdivisions and better interest rates, things will pick up again.”

Ovi moved to Cooma in 2002 from Canberra and is settled in the area while being self-employed and married with four children.

“My main line of work is as a civil engineer in the construction industry.

“Discount Benchtops is my sideline business.”

Ovi can be contacted on 0402 152 216 for more information.

AFTER: The same kitchen but a much different look following the recycled glass benchtop being installed.

BEFORE: A home in Cooma before Ovi’s

WINTER IN THE GARDEN

Winter gardening can be fruitful. Cooler weather is ideal for planting hardy vegetables, preparing soil, and appreciating winter blooms. Here are some tips to keep your garden active and to get it ready for Spring.

Winter Colour:

• Pansies and Violas:

These annuals or short-lived perennials are incredibly coldtolerant and can continue to bloom throughout the winter, adding pops of colour to gardens.

• Hellebores: These hardy perennials, also known as “winter roses,” are resistant to cold weather and can bloom even when the ground is covered in frost.

Winter Vegetables:

• Keep sowing winter vegetables like carrots, spring onions, leeks, broad beans, radishes, spinach, and peas.

• If you haven’t already, plant asparagus and rhubarb crowns.

Plant bare root trees and roses:

• June is when our range of bare root trees and roses arrive in store.

• July is the optimal month for planting bare root roses, fruit trees, and ornamental trees while they remain dormant. This period allows the plants sufficient time to acclimate before the arrival of spring.

• Purchasing bare root roses and trees is a cost-effective method to enhance your garden.

Watering:

• With the lower temperatures and less sunlight in the winter months plants generally need less water than in the summer.

• Before watering, feel the soil to determine if it’s dry enough to require watering.

• Water plants sparingly and the best time is in the morning, to allow them to dry before the evening and prevent fungal diseases.

• Adding a layer of mulch around plants can help retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Frost:

• Winter requires strong frost protection for both ‘frost tolerant’ and ‘frost tolerant once established’ plants. Options include frost cloth, shade cloth, or cloches like empty plastic bottles.

• If possible, bring frost-sensitive potted plants indoors during freezing temperatures.

Soil Improvement:

• Remove any dead or dying plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

• Top up garden beds with organic matter like compost to improve soil health and fertility.

• Ensure your compost bin is well-aerated for proper decomposition.

Tools and Equipment:

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect garden tools to prevent the spread of diseases.

• Take stock of your garden shed and ensure you have everything you need for winter and spring gardening tasks.

Gardening

Calls for greater reform: report

Housing affordability worsens across nation

THE National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s annual State of the Housing System 2025 report shows housing affordability continued to deteriorate in 2024, with worsening trends across most capital cities and regional areas.

Housing prices and rents increased to record high levels, as new housing supply continued to fall short of demand. Labour shortages, high material costs and elevated interest rates have reduced project feasibility, limiting new housing supply.

Chair of the council, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, said systemic reform and ongoing investment from government and industry are urgently needed to ensure housing in Australia is affordable, fit for purpose and secure for households of all incomes and in all locations.

“The Australian housing system remains far from healthy and is continuing to experience immense pressure,” Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said.

“The nation is still very much in the grips of a housing crisis that has been decades in the making through our persistent failure to deliver enough homes to meet demand.

“For many Australians right across the country, the ability to access an affordable, fit for purpose and secure home remains a challenge, if not out of reach entirely, and is a source of significant stress.

“The council’s second State of the Housing System report adds to the growing body of evidence about Australia’s housing system.

“It details Australia’s current housing demand, supply and affordability conditions, and the council’s expectations for these over the coming years.”

HOUSING: The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s latest State of the Housing System report has found housing prices and rents have increased to record levels.

PHOTO: Supplied

Jay Kelly Refrigeration specialises in heating, cooling, refrigeration

JAY Kelly Refrigeration Pty Ltd

Jindabyne Hydronics is your local specialist in heating, cooling and refrigeration.

The business offer a range of options which include, but are not limited to air conditioning, hydronics, geothermal systems, ventilation and domestic hot water.

They know the area and the climate well and can assist you in finding the best solution for your space and budget.

Jay Kelly Refrigeration can also assist with servicing/cleaning and any repairs and/or maintenance you may require.

Call the office on 02 6427 1012 to discuss your options and for a free quote.

Understanding the challenges of cold weather painting

COLD weather brings unique challenges to painting projects.

Lower temperatures can affect how paint adheres to surfaces, how quickly it dries, and the overall durability of the finish.

Winter climate, while not real extreme, can still pose difficulties, particularly during chilly mornings and evenings.

When temperatures drop, paint behaves differently. It becomes thicker, making it harder to

spread evenly. This can result in visible brush strokes or roller marks.

Additionally, drying times increase significantly, leaving the paint vulnerable to dust, debris, or unexpected rain showers.

Cold conditions can also cause moisture to condense on surfaces, leading to poor adhesion and peeling over time.

One common issue is paint cracking or blistering due

to improper curing. Cold temperatures can also make it challenging to achieve an even coat, as the paint may not flow smoothly.

Other problems include prolonged drying times, which can lead to smudges or tacky surfaces. Understanding these challenges is the first step in avoiding them.

A successful paint job begins with thorough preparation. Taking extra steps to accommodate cold

weather conditions can save you from headaches down the road.

From checking the forecast to gathering the right materials, set yourself up for success.

Look for days with consistent temperatures above 10°C and low humidity for the best results.

Additionally, select high-quality primers to improve adhesion and durability. Don’t forget to stock up on durable brushes and rollers that can handle thicker paint.

A paint heater or warming box can also be helpful for keeping your paint at the ideal consistency.

Cold weather can be tough on paint, so consider applying a weather-resistant topcoat for added protection.

Ask your local paint expert for tips, advice and any other questions you may have during your cold weather painting project.

Banksia Bedroom Suite

Woolshed 7pce dining

Welcome home to Whinstone Valley

A WONDERFUL opportunity to secure the strategically located Whinstone Valley in the heart of the Monaro district. This property is situated only 56km north-east of Cooma and 110km south of Canberra in the higher end rainfall area securing an annual average in excess of 700mm or 28 inches.

The current custodians of Whinstone Valley is the Stephens family who has had continuous ownership since 1964. Prior to this, the main house was operated as the local post office and telephone exchange.

Bill and Sue are very keen to share the property history. The name Whinstone is a term used to describe a hard dark-coloured rock such as basalt.

Whinstone Valley is a well-established holding offering excellent production for both cattle and sheep breeding and fattening operations. There

is approximately 500 hectares of improved pastures, 230 hectares of native pastures and around 260 hectares of timbered bush country. Up until 2008 the main operation was a self-replacing Merino flock with cull ewes joined for prime lamb production and a small Angus herd of 30 to 40 cows. There was a comprehensive fertiliser program in place using both single super and single super+ mo. The conservative carrying capacity at this time was estimated to be 3500 D.S.E.

The improved granite pastures have been predominately sown to phalaris, cocksfoot, fescue, ryegrass and clovers. There are scattered gums providing excellent shelter for the livestock.

Fencing is also a feature with the property subdivided into 31 paddocks consisting of netting, hinge joint and plain wire together with electric fences.

There is approximately 7.5km of new

boundary fencing which was replaced after the January 2020 fires. Also, around 11.5km of internal fences were repaired or upgraded.

Water security is a feature of this farm with the permanent Frogs Hole creek and semi-permanent Cutmore creek.

There are 33 spring fed and catchment dams as well as a solarpowered bore pump servicing nine troughs. The house water is gravity fed from a 44,000-litre tank off the woolshed.

In 2008, a decision was made to semi-retire and sell all the sheep and run a herd of 50 Angus cows with agistment stock. The agistment stock consisted of 150 cows and calves plus more recently up to 400 sheep.

This property has always been lovingly cared for by the Stephens family.

Improvements included:

Two bedroom weatherboard home C 1890

Three bedroom weatherboard/ fibro cottage C 1950

Three stand modern raised board shearing shed.

Two sets of sheep yards

Steel and timber cattle yards with a crush

Machinery shed and workshop Kotzur cone bottom silo

Large flat bottom silo

Small holding paddocks adjacent to yards

The Peak View road provides for an excellent laneway for stock movement

Whinstone Valley is for sale at $4,000,000. Call the exclusive selling agents to secure an inspection.

River Cottage - Quintessential lifestyle opportunity

Asking: $665,000

WELCOME to River Cottage, the perfect place to escape the chaos of the world and enjoy a more peaceful rural lifestyle.

The cottage has recently been renovated extensively inside and out.

Finished in Colourbond cladding six months ago, a new Colourbond roof was also added and new doubleglazed windows fitted throughout. The whole cottage is also insulated with Earthwool keeping it toasty in cooler months and cooler in warmer months.

The main living area features a slow-

combustion heater as well as reversecycle air conditioning to help maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.

The large commercial-style kitchen, dining and living areas lead out onto a deck that is perfect for relaxing, enjoying the views and listening to the river flow by.

A mudroom entry allows for farm-life clean-up without traipsing it through the house. A plumbed pantry off the mudroom adds function as well as storage.

Each of the three bedrooms has its own view of the farm or river and you’ll never tire of waking up to the sun rising over the rolling hills. There is also a very large attic currently used for storage.

With plenty of space inside and out, this home is perfect for a larger family.

• 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom, open kitchen/dining/sitting and lounge

• Spacious covered outdoor entertaining area at rear, verandah along the front

• 3833.2m2 (approx) block size with open established lawns, gardens and trees

• Double car garage with internal access to the house

• Raised vegetable garden beds, garden sheds and under house storage with power

Ready to become your family oasis, book your inspection today.

A fully renovated modern bathroom/ laundry completes this wonderful home.

The yard is fenced and features raised vegetable and flower beds and the cottage is surrounded by well-established trees and shrubs which attract an abundance of the local bird life.

With 1.91ha/4.72ac fenced into two paddocks the property is well kitted out for use as a hobby farm including steel cattle yards with a vet crush, chicken coop and pig pens all in near new condition. In recent years River Cottage has been home to chickens, sheep, cows and pigs.

Additional improvements include four storage/machinery sheds, one newly clad and insulated suitable as

a workspace. There is also a single car garage and greenhouse.

The property is connected to town water including plumbing to one of the paddocks. A brand-new 1100L drinking water tank has also just been fitted with new guttering feeding it, protected by superfine mesh Colourbond gutter guard.

With beautiful views over the local countryside and the Delegate River as it wraps itself around the town, you are literally a hop, skip and a jump to the main centre of the historic country town of Delegate.

Beautifully appointed and finished, River Cottage is ready to welcome you and your family to a new relaxed and comfortable lifestyle.

Looking for something far from the maddening crowd but need to be close to town, this property could be your answer!

• 2 very spacious bedrooms with BIR, 1 bathroom/laundry

• Modern kitchen, dining room and good sized lounge room with reverse cycle air con and pellet heater

• Large deck with plenty of room for entertaining/outdoor living

• Large block 3022m2 (approx.)

• Fenced house yard with established lawns, gardens and dog run

• 3 Bay garage, additional shed with sliding door access - perfect for mancave/ teenage/retreat or guest bedroom

This is a fantastic opportunity to combine space and privacy, so book your inspection today!

2

Keys Street, Bombala

3-9 Jonas Street, Bombala

Address: 44 Corrowong Road, Delegate

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 Name an earlier English stage and film actor, Charles ... (8)

7 What do we call a flock of geese (6)

8 What are large systems of stars held together by gravitation (8)

9 Which court game for two players uses light rackets and a small rubber ball (6)

10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome white or rose-coloured flowers (8)

11 What was the given name of a president of South Africa ... Mandela (6)

14 Which term relates to financial matters in general (6)

17 What are conceited dandies (8)

18 Which zone lies between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (6)

19 To equip or array, is to do what (8)

20 Name another term for a halo (6)

21 Name small Pacific flatfishes often eaten as food (4-4) DOWN

1 What is a large tentlike shelter (7)

3 Name a breed of domestic fowl (7)

4 Name an important central South American tribe of Tupian family and affiliation (7)

5 Which term implies a group of three (7)

6 What is one of the external openings of the nose (7)

12 Name another term for a dictionary (7)

13 To be pompous or bombastic, is said to be what (7)

14 When one fixes something firmly, one does what (7)

15 Which term describes the highest in rank or authority (7)

16 What might we call an object of art of a former period (7)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

1 BIBULOUS (a) Book-loving (b) Addicted to strong drink (c) Relating to the Bible

E-QUATIONS 7

2 Name some tropical American lizards (7)

11 Which drinks are said to be the food of the gods (7)

Letters have a number value

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

2 DOUGHTY (a) Not confident (b) Brave (c) Dull-looking

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

Arid zones (7)

Blue-flowered plant (7)

Consumed (3)

Disorganised skirmish (5)

Do it yourself (3)

Lean and sinewy (5)

Lips (5)

Looped knot (3)

Lunar excursion module (3)

Stationed (5)

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

COOMA SAND & CONCRETE

TRADES AND SERVICES

WANT TO JOIN THE TRADES?

The

Notification of Intention to 1080 Bait Rabbits

Forestry Corporation of NSW Snowy Region Bombala Management Area

As part of site preparation operations, Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) will commence a 1080 (Sodium Fluoroacetate)

Rabbit Baiting Program on the 29th of April 2025 that will run through to the end of June 2025. These operations will be conducted throughout Bondi SF No. 128, Coolangubra SF No. 547 Craigie SF1069 and Towamba SF 908 where pine seedlings are going to be planted in the coming months. Baiting operations will be carried out according to the Pesticide Control Order 2020 and the Vertebrate Pest Control Manual. All operation areas will be clearly signposted. Enquiries regarding the program should be directed to Tim Gillespie-Jones, Silviculture Coordinator, at the Bombala O ice on (02) 6459 5200.

K PETERS REGIONAL MANAGER

CLEARING SALE

May 2025

Machinery, Farm Equipment & Materials – 2019 Iseki TG6490 tractor with Burder loader & bucket (approx. 274hrs); Massey Fergusson tractor with front end loader; Honda Pioneer 700 Side by Side (approx. 1,000km); Steel cattle yards w cattle crush & ramp; AG 200 Yamaha Mono Cross; 3PL Burder round bale grab; 3PL blade; Post hole digger; Post hole auger; Berends 3PL blade; 3PL rock rake; Hay forks; Kubota Land Pride rear blade; Slasher; Roller; Plough; Scarifier; Super spreader; Hydraulic post hole digger; Ripper; 1,000L fire fighting tank with pump; 100L spray unit; IBC tank; Building Materials, Workshop Equipment & Tools - Diesel Gerni 2300A; Yamaha EF1600 generator; Hilti TE92 Hammer drill; Makita AN943 framing nailer; Baumr BM700i generator; Baumr post hole digger, hand held; Welder unit, tow along with Holden 179 industrial motor; 500-1250kg engine crane; Scaffolding; Assorted general construction timber; Cement mixers; Vehicles/Trailers – Ranch horse float; Blue Start Trailers 8 x 5 tandem axle trailer w cage & storage box; 8 x 6 trailer w crate; Ozwide 8 x 5 box trailer w manual tipper; 1935 Dodge Truck; Firearms – Tikka T3X .223 Rem w Burris scope; Savage .22 Long rifle; Savage .22 HP; Saurer mod 100 .270 win, Leupold mounts and rings 3-9 scope (fired 60 rounds); Rem mod 788 22/250, Weaver bases and rings with Harris bipod; Stirling mod 14 .22RF, 3x32 Nikko scope; BSA Speedmaster .22RF pump action; Winchester .22 long rifle; Springfield 12 Gauge shotgun; Carcano 6.5; Mauser Carbine .308; Stoeger .410 Side by Side shot gun; Tikka T3X .308 w bipod stand; Escort 12 Gauge Under/Over shotgun; Howa Model 1500 .223; Anschutz .22 long rifle; Harrington & Richardson 12 Gauge shotgun; Horse/Saddlery - RM Williams Prospect SA Drafter poley stock saddle x 2; J.P. Talty Sydney NSW poley stock saddle; Plus, much, much more! Head to the KMPL website for full inventory, photos & details!

Inspections: 8am | Auction: 9am | Firearms: 11am Pre-registrations available via the KMPL office Refer to kirshnermackay.com.au for further details, photos & inventory.

Walker Gibbs & King Pty Ltd is seeking to employ a fulltime or part-time legal secretary to work directly with our solicitor/director and as part of our conveyancing team.

The successful applicant must:

- Be proficient in Microsoft Office;

- Have strong interpersonal and written communication skills; and

- Have the ability to work autonomously, prioritise tasks, manage time effectively and work as part of a small team.

- Experience in conveyancing and/or secretarial work preferred, however training will be provided to the right applicant.

If you are the right person for this job, hours and days worked can be negotiated - we support family friendly employment practices.

Please send your resume and cover letter to administration@coomalaw.com.au.

CALDWELL, Beverley Lois.

Passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Cooma Hospital. Formerly of Rose Valley Road, Bunyan. Aged 87 years.

Dearly loved wife of Allan. Mother of Jo and Adam. Sister to Greg. Adored Nan to Clinton and Keegan.

The relatives and friends of the late Beverley Lois Caldwell are invited to attend her funeral service to be held in the Cooma Car Club on Thursday, May 29, 2025 commencing at 11am.

A er which a private cremation will take place.

Please attend by wearing colourful clothes to match her personality.

In Lieu of owers donations can be made to Parkinson’s Australia.

In loving memory of Russell Boyd Stewart 23/12/1959 - 29/5/2024

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by family and friends. Always in our hearts

CATERING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST SNOWY HYDRO OFFICE, COOMA

Snowy Hydro invites expressions of interest (EOI) from qualified caterers to provide ad hoc catering services to our Cooma office.

We’re seeking one or more suppliers for a two-year contract, supporting internal meetings and events with flexible, high-quality catering options.

Requirements include:

• Proven catering experience

• Certified kitchen & food safety accreditations required

• Weekday delivery (ad hoc between the hours of 7am–3pm)

• Dietary flexibility (Halal, veg, GF, etc.)

Submissions close at 9am on 29 May 2025.

For further information and how to apply, visit snowyhydro.com.au/cateringeoi or email procurement@snowyhydro.com.au

Stallions face Bega in four grades

out, Group 16 rugby league action returns to Cooma with a bang on Sunday with four matches set down.

Bega Roosters in all four grades at the Cooma Showground, starting with the under 18s at 10.45am.

Sunday

be four

Stallions first grade captain/coach, Noah Saddler, will lead his

GROUP 16: The Cooma Fillies take on Bega this

at the Cooma Showgrounds. There will

matches against Bega at the showground. Maddie Banks is pictured in action earlier in the season.

Bombala golfers tackle wet conditions

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

FOLLOWING a lot of rain during the week, it was a good weekend for golf, despite the course being very wet and care needed in the carts.

There were strong elds, although the scores weren’t great due to the wet conditions.

Saturday was a stableford for club trophy. The winner was Shannon Gulliford on 35 points, ahead of Ray Crawford 34 points, Ray Fermor 34 points, Merv Douch 33 points and Brendan Weston 31 points.

These players were the ball winners. Nearest the pin went to Weston and golden shot to Crawford.

On Sunday, the event was a par for the B Day trophy. Looking at the results, the men who played football the day before must have been feeling the e ects, their scores were not good.

Simon Stephen in his rst game for a while, came in the winner with square. Ball winners were Stephen, Phillip Shilling -1, Glen Hampshire -2 and Gulliford -2.

Weston again claimed nearest the pin. Shilling won the golden shot.

Match play

Gulliford defeated Matt Green 5/4, Weston defeated Steve Tatham one up, Shilling defeated Fermor 3/2, and Crawford defeated Pepper Thompson one up.

Program for the week

Ladies

Wednesday, 28 May – stableford, club trophy

Members

Saturday, 31 May – stableford, club trophy, ind acc

Sunday, 1 June - stableford, M. Green trophy

Freebody wins on countback

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

THE rst round of the monthly medal was won by Owen Freebody on a countback from Bruce Hart with 67 nett.

Jayden Brown placed third with 68 nett and Steve Dunn was best in A grade with 69 nett.

The best ladies score of 69 nett was registered by Megan Haigh.

The men’s nearest the pins were won by Nigel Bolton on three, Chris Brown on eight and 15, and Tony Perry on 17.

The ladies near pins were won by Michelle White on eight and Megan Haigh on 17.

The Harro’s Cup is on Sunday, 1 June and is open to all golfers with handicap and social.

There is a payment link on the Coolamatong Golf Club website and Facebook page for anyone who wants to pre-pay for Sunday.

Bowlers enjoy sunny autumn conditions

By COOMA BOWLS

SOCIAL bowlers are making the most of the pre-winter sunshine and the evenness of the greens at the Cooma Bowling Club.

They are turning up in good numbers each Wednesday and Saturday to enjoy the excellent conditions.

Wednesday 14/5

Rink one - Steve Bowerman (skip) was on re as he led Kathy Venables and Bruce McDermott to a strong win over Mick Boyce, Ines Rees and Don Menchin.

Consistently through the match, Steve took the shot away from the op position or sat a bowl next to the jack a er bowling through a narrow gap in the head. Score 19-11.

Rink two - Wendy Spencer, Diane Wilkins, Carmel McDermott and Leo nie Snell (skip) had no trouble in the match against Ignazio Mondello, Wen dy Nixon, Mary Bowerman and Max Butler.

Leonie’s team won 12 of 16 ends and won comfortably 18-4.

Rink three - Ed Shanley led well for Peter Harris and Judy Locker. Ed had a good contest against Ross Lawley (lead), Bob Douglass and Ken Rees. Judy’s team won 10 of 16 ends and led for the whole match. With good bowls they had consistent scores and ran out winners 21-7.

Social bowls is available for begin ners and seasoned bowlers alike.

Fine scores in Cooma stablefords

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

DESPITE rain during the week, the sun was out for a good day of golf on Saturday at the Cooma Golf Club.

The overall winner in Saturday’s stableford was Col Langdon with 36 points. Stephen Young won A grade with 33 points, on 35 points was Wayne Ryan who won B grade winner and Jayden Brown from Coolamatong Snowy Mountain Country Club took home C grade with 31 points.

Place-getters on Saturday were

Tim Young, Adam Scho eld, John Gargett, Neil Mackenzie, Tom Stewart, Barry Williams, David Douglass and Roy Hankinson.

Nearest to the pin on the fourth hole was Col Langdon, John Gargett was nearest on nine, Steven Wheatley claimed hole 11 and on 17, Alan Kelly was closest to the pin. The four-ball-best-ball stableford competition was won by Brian Tugwell and Wayne Ryan. Tim Young and Stephen Young won the four-ball-best-ball championship with 76 gross while

Colin Langdon and John Gargett were the runners-up with 77 gross. In Sunday’s stableford competition, Mark Burke was the overall winner with 37 points on a countback from Mark Kenmir who was the runner-up.

Place-getters on the day were Damien Opolski, John Harris, Peter Devereux, Rodney Connell, Stephen Young, David Morris and Kerry Blencowe.

The mid-week competition was a stableford with Frank McKnight taking the win with 39 points on

a countback from Claire Caldwell who was the runner-up.

Place-getters on the day were David Stewart, Steven Wheatley, Wayne Flynn, Craig Scho eld, Garry Cornish, Brian Johnson, Roy Hankinson, Simon Allen, Tim Beding eld and Alan Kelly. Nearest to the pin on 17 was Greg Abraham.

This week, the Wednesday competition is a stableford event, Saturday is a two-person Keno ambrose and the Sunday competitions are a mixed two-person ambrose and medley stableford.

BOWLS: Ken Rees bowling earlier in the month at the Cooma Bowling Club. Social bowlers are

Cooma Bowling Club’s social bowls enjoy the autumn weather before the cold sets in.

Team Kelley secure two wins in outstanding performance

THE Canberra Acton Synthetic track hosted its rst meeting of the 2025 season on Friday, and the Matt Kelley Racing team delivered an outstanding performance nishing the day with two wins, two seconds, and a third placing from six runners.

The day began in perfect fashion with She’sadare, a $7000 purchase who joined the stable in March. She settled just behind the speed in race one before letting down strongly to score her second win for the stable.

She’sadare, owned by David and Narelle Kelley, was ridden by 1.5 claiming apprentice Holly Durnan. The Becky Byrne trained Jacob Joe came from the tail of the eld, and was wide for the journey, to nish a creditable second.

In race two, Ana Carolina, ridden by Je Penza, made it a winning double for the team.

The daughter of Dundeel jumped cleanly, took up the lead, and was never headed kicking clear in the straight to score by two lengths.

Since joining the stable earlier this year, she has posted two wins and two placings from just four starts, and looks to be an exciting mare to follow. Ana Carolina is raced by Peter Lewis from Cooma.

Souk, ridden by Coriah Keatings, was next up in race three and produced an honest performance, being run down in the nal strides to nish second, behind the $1.70 fav Indefensible, trained by Joe

Pride a tough e ort and a sign that a win is just around the corner.

In race ve, Xceptional Fella, raced by Belinda Walker and ridden by Billy Owen, was slow to begin and gave away a signi cant head start, but his nishing burst was one of the day’s highlights.

Charging through the eld late, he just missed, nishing second and losing no admirers with the run. Ironically, the winner of the race, Crucial Witness trained by Gratz Vella, is raced by owners including Bill and Irene Snowden,

Matt’s grandparents.

The stable’s day concluded in the TAB Federal with Prophet’s Pride, who also had to overcome a race shape that didn’t suit. A er settling further back than usual, she launched a strong run down the outside to grab third, beaten less than a length behind the Joseph and Jones (JJR) trained Princess Halo ridden by their stable apprentice Claire Ramsbotham.

Princess Halo is raced by owners including the JJR Partnership, Peter and Barbara Joseph, Matt, Diana and

Paul Jones along with Maree Guthrie-Curran. The win of Princess Halo made it a winning double on the day for JJR who took out race four with Christmas Star, ridden by Jean Van Overmeire, for Hancox Racing.

All told, it was a highly successful return to Canberra’s synthetic, all weather, surface with big elds and very competitive racing.

Racing this week will be at Goulburn on Friday and another meeting will be held at Canberra the following Friday.

WHILE the majority of the region’s sporting sides had their weekend xtures cancelled due to the wet weather, the Cooma Red Devils home matches went ahead against the Australian Defence Force Academy.

The Red Devils men’s side faced a tough test, losing 36-3. In the women’s match, Cooma lost its rst game of the season 33-20.

Both sides head to Jindabyne on Saturday for local derby matches against the Bushpigs and Miss Piggies.

Red Devils sides face tough ADFA test

WINNER: The first of two wins for the Matt Kelley Racing team at the Canberra Acton Synthetic track. Holly Durnan rides She’sadare’s to victory in race one.

PHOTO: bradleyphotos.com.au

Ana Carolina with Je Penza finishes first in race two at Canberra last week. The win is the second of the day for the Matt Kelley Racing team. PHOTO: Supplied

Winger Jakob Stewart tries to find space in the ADFA defensive line.

Strong defence from the Cooma women’s team. The side su ered its first loss of the season at the hands of ADFA.

Cooma Red Devils captain and flyhalf, Damien Roach, looks to make a tackle during his side’s clash with ADFA at Rotary Oval.

ATTACK: Cooma Red Devils women’s player, Ruby Barnes, makes a break for her side in its home match against ADFA. PHOTOS: Karen Forman

Snow Australia celebrates volunteer, Paul Livissianos

LAST week was National Volunteers Week, and Snow Australia celebrated all the incredible volunteers by sharing the stories of those in the community.

A core member of the Interschools team, Jindabyne local Paul Livissianos’ rst experience volunteering within the snowsports community was as a Moguls judge.

“Living in Jindabyne and close to the ski resorts, it was easy for me to put my hand up to help out whenever Interschools needed someone,” Livissianos said.

“I started helping out at Interschools with Mogul judging, as they were looking for judges and I thought I would give it a go.

“So in around 2008, I did some training courses and helped out at some of the events.

“From there, I started helping out with the co-ordination of the judges at all the events in NSW, for Interschools and Snow Australia.

“This ranged from sta ng the events to running judging clinics for judges and parents.

“As I got more into Interschools,

I started helping out at the other disciplines as start referees or chief of course at the Alpine and X events.

“Snow Australia is working hard to provide all sorts of online training for people who are interested in taking on more roles as o cials, and I think this is a great place to start.

“I am a teacher in the NSW department of Education, so my training and experience helps in the running of events and with communicating with all the stakeholders - good communication is a key component in this area!”

Having now been involved as a volunteer for more than 15 years, Paul’s favourite memories of his time don’t always come from the big events, but rather the small meaningful moments that others might miss.

“I don’t really have a favourite event but it’s always an experience just being at every event,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s a beautiful day and you just love being in a pristine environment and watching

everyone having a good time!

“Other days it can be diabolical and you have to be out in the rain, wind or blizzard!

“Those days are tough - but you always feel a sense of accomplishment getting through them - and also a sense of camaraderie with other volunteers who experienced the same conditions.

“Standing at the top of the Mogul course is always exciting as you sometimes see the fear and trepidation in the athletes faces and other times the pure determination.

“I try to juggle the starter role with the commentator role too at some events and that’s always fun - taking on Steve Cooper’s legacy on the microphone is a hard act to follow but I’m getting there.

“For anyone thinking of volunteering at interschools - do it!

“Interschools is all about the kids having fun and enjoying a positive experience with their peers.

“So if you think you can help out in any way to make this event possible, give it a go.”

Supporting basketball across the country

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

A NEW barbecue and fridge have been purchased as part of the Ford Australia Aussie Hoops program, delivered locally through the Alpine Motor Group.

Sales manager, Alpine Motor Group, Jim Darley, was on-hand last Wednesday during the o cial presentation of the items, gratefully accepted by Cooma Basketball’s Aussie Hoop coordinator, Betty Longhurst.

Betty said the fridge is a very useful appliance for the stadium kitchen for stocking drinks for children who come to the stadium straight from school, and the barbecue will be utilised for sausage sizzle fundraisers and other events.

Ford Aussie Hoops is Basketball Australia’s o cial introductory program, providing a free fun and inclusive basketball experience for ve to 10-year-olds. Ford Aussie Hoops is designed to be a go-to program for developing skills, fostering a love for the game, and being part of a vibrant basketball community.

GENEROUS: Aussie Hoops co-ordinator, Cooma, Betty Longhurst, with (from le ) Emma Hopkins, Emma Mangan, Audrey Willett and Maddi Hopkins, and Alpine Motor Group sales manager, Jim Darley, at the Cooma Basketball Stadium.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

DESPITE the cold damp weekend, Bombala Bowls’ May carnival was well supported by the surrounding district with 18 teams competing for the prize money.

Three games of 12 ends were played on Saturday to determine grading and there were some very close games.

Sunday’s weather was not promising so the ends were reduced to 10 to ensure the three games were contested.

There was lots of good hearted bantering throughout the weekend, with many friendships made or reunited

A grade winners - Tura Beach Richard Cochrane, Graham Gammon and Phil Rolfe.

A grade runners up - Moruya Brett Vickers, Rolly Halligan and Ricky Halligan.

B Grade Winners Harden - Craig Phillis, Annmaree Phillis and Taylor Bradshore.

B grade runners up Cooma - Geo Venables, Tony Gray and Mark Buckley.

C grade Winners - Tura Beach Kel Duncombe, Kevin O’Brien and Turk Bobbin.

C grade runners up Eden - Sandy Hu , Steve Hu and Dave Squires.

Rain fails to deter bowlers for Bombala May carnival

A grade winners - Tura Beach Richard Cochrane, Graham Gammon and Phil Rolfe.

A grade runners up - Moruya Brett Vickers, Rolly Halligan. Ricky Halligan (absent).

B Grade Winners Harden - Craig Phillis, Annmaree Phillis and Taylor Bradshore.

B grade runners up Cooma - Geo Venables, Tony Gray and Mark Buckley.

C grade Winners - Tura Beach Kel Duncombe, Kevin O’Brien and Turk Bobbin.

C grade runners up Eden - Sandy Hu , Steve Hu and Dave Squires.

CELEBRATED: Snow Australia celebrates Jindabyne local, Paul Livissianos, for volunteer e orts. PHOTO: Supplied

Levita stars

Cooma duo leads Roos attack

THE Queanbeyan Roos rugby league club has a strong Cooma connection through its rst grade captain/coach, Sam Williams, and rst grade assistant coach, Steve Russell.

Both are well known for their services to Cooma rugby league - Williams through his NRL career and Russell through his long career with the Cooma Stallions.

Since Williams took on the captain/coach role of the Roos in 2023, there has been a strong Cooma presence.

This presence has strengthened in 2025 with former Stallions playmaker

Levita Levita heading up the Monaro Highway to join Williams and Russell.

Levita, a New Zealand talent, was a popular player in the Stallions rst grade side. Levita is enjoying a ne start to his time at the Roos, with his e ort last weekend arguably his best performance of the season.

Levita set up multiple tries in the Roos 50-16 win over Belconnen. The Belconnen side featured Dean Wilson and Maika Ravouvou from the Snowy River Bears 2024 premiership winning side.

Queanbeyan Roos v Belconnen - match report by Ella Colquhoun, Canberra Raiders

The Queanbeyan Kangaroos cruised to a commanding 50-16-point victory over the Belconnen United Sharks at Seears Workwear Oval, securing their spot into the top three.

The Roos came out ring, holding the Sharks scoreless in the rst half. Although the Sharks attempted a secondhalf comeback, it was too lit-

tle, too late to overcome the reigning premiers. Only minutes into the game, the Roos broke through the Sharks’ defence for Kaine Pagura to barge through and score the rst points of the a ernoon. Lucas Thomson successfully converted to lead 6-0.

The Sharks tried to regain their footing, but gave away a penalty, allowing the Roos to cross the line again, however, the try was disallowed.

Belconnen had their chance to cross the try line, but a short grubber attempt handed the ball back to their opponents.

Both sides continued to trade sets until an intercept by Queanbeyan’s Thomson saw him sprint down eld into the red zone. A smart o oad from Patrick Broe then paved the way for Adam Quinlan to score. The conversion was unsuccessful, with the score 10-0 with 20 minutes remaining in the rst half.

Still hungry for points, Queanbeyan stayed focused and snuck through Belconnen’s le edge with Levita Levita’s dummy play giving the Roos four more points. Thomas nailed the ball through the posts extending the score to 16-0 at the 28th minute.

Breaking down the Sharks’ le edge again, Queanbeyan’s Thomson bags his second four pointer of the match and converts his own try. Minutes later a line break from Roos’ Pagura masterfully sets up his own try with Thomson easily adding the extras widening the score to 22-0 at the hal ime break.

Two minutes into the second half, the Roos were back on the scoreboard, thanks to a fortunate grubber kick that bounced perfectly into Joshua Ayers’ hands, allowing him to plant the ball down.

Moments later, Queanbeyan’s Luke Cannon sprinted from dummy half and passed to Pagura, who crossed for his second try of the day, extending the lead to 30–0.

Desperate to get back in the game, the Sharks almost broke through the Roos’ relentless defence, but an unfortunate o oad handed possession back to Queanbeyan, giving them another chance to put points on the board with Cannon squeezing through the Sharks defence to score.

Another dummy sprint by Cannon gave the Roos another try with Cannon crossing the line and Thomson adding the extras.

Seconds later a line break by Levita hands Cannon his third of the a ernoon with the score blowing out to 50-0 with 20 minutes still on the clock.

Finally, in the 62nd minute, the Sharks were able to cross the line o the back of a Roos error, with Jacob Piper scooping up the ball and running 50 metres to plant the ball over the try line. Tristian Eldridge easily added the extras nudging the score to 50-6.

Riding their new found momentum, the Sharks were initially held up just over the line but showed resilience, with Owen Hromow crashing over on the le edge. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 50–10 with just 10 minutes remaining.

Shaping Women of Winter Action Plan

EARLIER this month, Snow Australia hosted its rst Women of Winter Action Plan Workshop in Melbourne alongside the Snow Australia Awards, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders from across the snow sports industry.

Attendees included representatives from all major resorts, Sport Inclusion Australia, Australian Professional Ski Instructors, the Australian Sports Commission, and a range of coaches, instructors, o cials and volunteers as well as Snow Australia sta and board members.

The objective of the workshop was to explore the core challenges, opportuni-

ties, and priorities that will inform a comprehensive Women of Winter Action Plan, a long-term strategy to increase women’s participation, advancement and leadership across the snowsports sector.

The session was highlyengaging, and the workshop highlighted positive momentum, such as the rise in female participation, inclusive leadership practices, and women-focused industry initiatives that are already underway. Persistent barriers remain across the industry, including the lack of female coaches and mentors, limited leadership opportunities and structural challenges.

“This workshop was a clear reminder that while progress is being made, the work is far from done,” community engagement manager, Rebecca Clark, said.

“The Action Plan will be a roadmap grounded in lived experience and collective knowledge.

“Together, we can build a future where women are not just participants but leaders in snowsports.”

Snow Australia and the Women of Winter Working Group will now work to unpack the key takeaways from the workshop and hold future workshops to further set key themes for the Action Plan.

Rugby showdown awaits

RED DEVILS LOOKING TO BREAK FINALS DROUGHT

By NATHAN THOMPSON

AS THE Monaro rugby union competition nears the halfway point for season 2025, the Cooma Red Devils men’s side is eyeing a nals nish for the rst time in almost a decade.

A win in this Saturday’s local showdown against the Jindabyne Bushpigs at John Connors Oval would put the Red Devils three wins clear of the h placed Bushpigs.

The Red Devils accounted for the Bushpigs in round one, winning relatively comfortably 47-15.

The Bushpigs coming o the back of three consecutive premierships are elding a much di erent side this year following a number of its more experienced players hanging up the boots at the end of last season’s triumph.

A closer contest is expected on the weekend with the Bushpigs

improving as the season has progressed.

For Cooma, the side will be looking to return to the winner’s circle following recent losses at home to Bungendore and to the Australian Defence Force Academy last Saturday.

A fast start to the season saw the side win its rst four encounters, while also receiving a forfeit in round two, stretching the unbeaten run to ve games.

Where the Flick

Wins for Cooma this season have come at home against Jindabyne and Yass and on the road to Taralaga and Crookwell.

Jindabyne has registered wins against Taralga at John Connors Oval and another home win over Yass.

Kick-o in the men’s game is at 2.30pm.

An exciting clash awaits the Cooma Red Devils women’s side and the Jindabyne Miss Piggies.

Both sides have been in excellent form this season with Cooma sitting in top spot and the Miss Piggies in second on the Monaro/ ACT women’s 10s ladder.

Cooma su ered its rst loss of the season on Saturday against ADFA, going down 33-20.

It will be the rst time this season the sides meet for an ‘o cial’ match following Cooma winning a trial game between the pair earlier in the year.

Kick-o is 1.15pm.

of nowhere’

The Cooma Red Devils face the Jindabyne Bushpigs this weekend in what’s expected to be one the matches of the season. Red Devil’s centre, Josh McDonald (pictured against Yass), will be a key player this weekend.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

LOCAL DERBY