NANCY’S CONTRIBUTION
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Red Devils lift trophy Local fire response bolstered
WINNERS: The Cooma Red Devils players celebrate their first premiership since 2002. The side pulled o a dramatic win over Bungendore.
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
By NATHAN THOMPSON
The Cooma Red Devils have broken a 23 year drought to li the South Coast/Monaro rugby union premiership trophy, following a thrilling and dramatic win in Saturday’s grand nal at Bungendore.
The Red Devils, in front of
hundreds of Cooma rugby union supporters, held on for a 31-29 win over minor premiers Bungendore. The Cooma side defended its line for most of the nal 10 minutes, as Bungendore pressed hard.
A penalty to the home teamon full time could have sent the grand nal into extra time, but
the Bungendore kicked missed from in front, just 20 metres out.
The Red Devils’ tenacity and commitment through the 80 minutes was rewarded.
During the week leading into the decider, Cooma businesses decked themselves out in the club’s red and black colours. Fans threw their support behind
the Red Devils and the club’s women’s side, the Devils Angels, who lost narrowly to Jindabyne in their grand nal.
■ More grand final coverage on the Red Devils win and the e orts of the Devils Angels in their grand final on pages 28, 29 and 30
New centre to boost emergency e orts
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Monaro Rural Fire Service (RFS)
superintendent, Jim Darrant, said the new region’s re control centre will enhance the Snowy Monaro’s response to re and emergency situations.
The region will be home within the next 12 months to a state-of-the art re control centre and emergency operations setup, in the most signi cant funding boost yet to local re ghting e orts.
Superintendent, Jim Darrant, said the new Monaro Fire Control Centre will improve the region’s response and management of emergencies.
Superintendent Darrant who led the Snowy Monaro’s re ghting response during the 2019/20 Black Summer bush res, believes the new centre will be a ‘game-changer’ for the region.
“The new centre will provide a state-of-the-art facility, one half for re control and the other half for emergency operations,” Mr Darrant said.
“Our re ghting capabilities and preparedness will be greatly strengthened when the new centre is up and running.”
The new Monaro Fire Control Centre, at Polo Flat Cooma, is a joint project between the NSW RFS, Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Snowy Hydro.
■ Read more on page 3
Jindabyne businesses showcased
Region shines at 2025 Far South Coast Business Awards
By TRISTA HEATH
A er the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce was named the winner of the Outstanding Local Chamber Award at the 2024 Far South Coast Business Awards, the chamber is again a nalist for this year’s Outstanding Local Chamber Award.
The chamber said it’s a true reection of the collaboration and innovation happening across the region and they are not alone in the spotlight, and congratulated the local businesses and individuals also recognised in this year’s Far South Coast Business Awards.
Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos, said all the business winners of the Snowy Monaro Business awards were moved forward onto the South Coast Business awards and the Chamber had to self nominate and was shorted-listed as analist.
“The Snowy Mountains businesses had been very well represented through the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce,” Mr Kapetanakos said.
“Business awards, while true they are accolades for work done, most business owners would view them as a validation of the e ort taken to become the best in class. It allows business owners to re-visit their desires and allows good old friendly
competition with fellow small business owners.”
Also named as nalists for a range of categories are 10 other local businesses and individuals, all well known and well established in the area including:
- Eagles Range Farm, a nalist in Outstanding New Business;
- High Country Fitness, a nalist in Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion;
- Birchwood Cafe, a nalist in Excellence in Small Business;
- Feldmark Pottery, a nalist in Excellence in Micro Business;
- Meadow Store, a nalist in Excellence in Sustainability;
- The Fly Program, a nalist in Outstanding Community Organisation;
- Avonside Alpine Estate, a nalist in Excellence in Sustainable Tourism;
- Sebastian Drudge from Wildbrumby Distillery, a nalist in Outstanding Employee; and
- Wildbrumby Distillery, a nalist
in many awards including Excellence in Small Business, Outstanding Visitor Experience, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Sustainability, Excellence in Sustainable Tourism and Employer of Choice.
“We’re so proud to be nominated alongside other amazing Snowy Mountains small businesses, each committed to innovation and sustainability,” Wildbrumby Distillery sta said.
“Together, we showcase the
strength of our region as a vibrant, year-round tourist destination one that not only attracts repeat visitors but also draws in talented sta .”
Founder The Fly Program, Matt Tripet, said to be informed the business is a nalist as an Outstanding Community Organisation is a “encouragement to our small team and the many who support us and our work.”
“We don’t set out to win awards, but we do set out to have meaningful change in supporting Aussie men with their well-being and mental tness through life-changing experiences in the outdoors,” Mr Tripet said.
“We wish all nalists, particularly in our category, a big congratulations and remain very grateful for the recognition.”
The Business Awards honour the ingenuity, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by businesses across New South Wales.
Whether it’s a startup, a small business, or a large corporation, the diverse award categories are designed to celebrate their unique achievements.
From innovative products and services to outstanding customer service and community involvement, the Business Awards celebrate every aspect of business excellence.
With 21 di erent categories to enter, by participating in the Business Awards, businesses not only stand a chance to gain recognition and increase their visibility but also join a community of like-minded individuals who share passion for success.
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AWARDS: Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce members, Fiona Latham-Cannon, Kerin Jarvis, and Olivier Kapetanakos at the 2024 Far South Coast Business Awards where they were awarded the Outstanding Local Chamber Award. PHOTO: Supplied
New RFS fire control centre a game-changer
Fire Control HQ to improve emergency e orts
By NATHAN THOMPSON
The Snowy Monaro will become home to a state-of-the art re control centre and emergency operations setup, in the most signi cant funding boost yet to local re ghting e orts.
Monaro Rural Fire Service (RFS) superintendent, Jim Darrant, said the new Monaro Fire Control Centre will improve the region’s response and management of emergency situations.
Superintendent Darrant who led the Snowy Monaro’s re ghting response during the 2019/20 Black Summer bush res, believes the new centre will be a ‘game-changer’ for the region.
“The new centre will provide a state-of-the-art facility, one half for re control and the other half for emergency operations,” Mr Darrant said.
“Our re ghting capabilities and preparedness will be greatly strengthened when the centre is up and running.”
The new Monaro Fire Control Centre, at Polo Flat Cooma, is a joint agency project between the NSW RFS, Snowy Monaro Region-
al Council and Snowy Hydro.
(behind the current Monaro RFS re control centre) and council will contribute funds to re-route utilities and services as-required and to construct a new access road for the facility.
Due for completion in June 2026, the new centre will include an inter-agency emergency operations hub housing improved and expanded facilities for personnel, aerial equipment, training, storage, and emergency communications.
On the back of an $8.5 million grant from the NSW Government in 2022, initial planning and in-
laboration with Snowy Hydro and Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
The centre is being built to the latest design standards, providing rst responders and the communities they protect with the innovative, modern facilities and infrastructure needed to keep the Snowy Monaro safe when disaster strikes.
Following the conclusion of the NSW Bush re Inquiry conducted in the wake of the 2019/2020 bush res, the NSW Government allocated the signi cant funding required for the new centre to the RFS.
construction is now underway ahead of the project’s estimated completion date in June 2026. Council and Snowy Hydro were immediately supportive of the project and worked together with the RFS to identify and make available a suitable site for the facility in Cooma’s Polo Flat industrial precinct.
The RFS has provided a further $6.5 million from its primary funding source, the NSW Rural Fire Fighting Fund, to ensure the Monaro Fire Control Centre can be built to the latest and highest standards for facilities of this kind.
RV friendly town
The Cooma Chamber of Commerce is backing calls for Cooma to become a recreation vehicle friendly town in an e ort to boost visitor numbers.
Chamber committee member, Suzanne Dunning, has been working with the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia to secure Cooma’s place on the organisation’s RV friendly town program.
Following a well-received presentation to chamber members and community leaders at last week’s Cooma Chamber of Commerce meeting, Ms Dunning has been encouraged to continue her pursuit of the RV friendly status.
For a town to be approved as RV friendly, it must meet four criteria: provision of appropriate long vehicle parking within the town centre, access to potable water, access to a free dump point and provision of short term low-cost overnight parking.
The latter is where Cooma currently falls short of being declared RV welcoming. Ms Dunning and the chamber have land earmarked, at the site of the Tadeusz Kosciuszko monument.
The land needs to accommodate six RV vehicles and be close to the town’s central business district.
The chamber will send a letter to Snowy Monaro Regional Council, calling on the organisation to support its push for RV friendly status.
PROGRESS: Monaro RFS inspector, Langdon Gould (le ), and superintendent, Jim Darrant, inspect the site where the new Monaro Fire Control Centre will be located.
Thredbo to unveil hidden history at special event 2025 Faces of Thredbo announced
By TRISTA HEATH
The Thredbo Alpine Museum is set to host a special evening showcasing the rich history and untold stories of the iconic ski resort.
Announcing its 2025 Faces of Thredbo earlier last month, the Thredbo Alpine Museum is encouraging the community to come along on 3 September to celebrate the lives and contributions of principal architect of Thredbo, Robin Duke, and builders of Candlelight Lodge, the Deseo family.
The primary goal of Faces of Thredbo is to celebrate and acknowledge the people who have shaped Thredbo, recognising their impact on the resort’s history, culture and community.
A panel of Thredbo Alpine Museum committee members reviews nominations and selects individuals for induction each year.
The “Faces of Thredbo” are honoured through various means, including being added to the museum’s honour board and potentially through other special events and tributes.
This year’s event will feature four key highlights including former ski school instructor, Helen Nar, who will share her experiences as a woman teaching in an Austrian-dominated ski school during the 1970s.
Greg Hughes, the son of Je rey Hughes QC, one of the founders of
the Kosciusko Thredbo Syndicate.
Mr Hughes will delve into the early days of establishing the resort.
“He will reveal a treasure trove of original letters between his father and the National Parks, o ering unprecedented insights into the negotiations and challenges faced during the resort’s inception,” Thredbo Alpine Museum member, Randy Wieman, said.
“These documents, unseen for over half a century, promise to shed new light on the foundations of Thredbo.”
Mr Hughes will share a treasure trove of information including that in 1956 Crackenback Lodge was built, and the lease was signed in 1957. By 1960, Thredbo had sold o plots of land and consisted of 60 lodges which jumped from the just the one lodge built.
“The original lease that the Lands Department gave to Kosciuszko Thredbo, which is only three pages long will be available for viewing at the event,”
Mr Wieman said.
Carl and Susan Deseo, the founders of the renowned Candlelight Lodge will be honoured as Faces of Thredbo.
Built in 1957, Candlelight Lodge has been a cornerstone of Thredbo’s hospitality for decades, maintaining its classic charm and welcoming atmosphere through just three ownerships.
Principal architect of Thredbo,
Robin Dyke, has announced a captivating program lled with historical insights, never-beforeseen documents, and recognition of signi cant gures who shaped Thredbo into what it is today.
Mr Dyke has been the principal architect of Thredbo since the late 1980s. He will be recognised for his contributions to the village’s distinctive aesthetic.
With more than 140 buildings to his design credit, including iconic structures like Squatter’s Run and the Riverside Cabins, Mr Dyke has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of Thredbo.
The evening will include a sit-down dinner, slide show presentations, and a historical talk by each presenter.
A fundraising auction will also be held, featuring paintings, pictures, and historical artifacts to support the Thredbo Alpine Museum’s transition into the digital age. Funds raised will go toward launching a new website and digitising the museum’s extensive collection.
with the stories and individuals who have shaped the spirit of Thredbo.”
“This event is a celebration of Thredbo’s legacy and a vital step in preserving our history for future generations,” Mr Wieman said.
“We invite everyone to join us for an evening of discovery and to support our e orts to bring the past to life.
“The event promises to be a memorable occasion for residents and visitors alike, o ering a unique opportunity to connect
Some notable individuals recognised in the Faces of Thredbo honour board include Frank Prihoda, Karel Nekvapil, Kim Cli ord, Bob Arnott, Michelle and Heinz Reichinger.
The program helps preserve Thredbo’s rich history by celebrating the people who have contributed to its unique character.
For more information and to book your ticket visitthredboalpinemuseum.org.au/ events
Kornel Desco in the late 1950s.
HISTORY: Candlelight Lodge in 1958. PHOTOS: Thredbo Alpine Museum
Delegate tap water now safe to drink
State-of-the-art treatment plant opened
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
Tap water in Delegate is now safe to drink for the rst time in the village’s history.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council has announced the permanent boil water alert in place for the Delegate water supply has been li ed, following the commissioning of the new water treatment plant.
Alongside its sister project in Bombala, Delegate’s new facility is one of two state-of-the-art water treatment plants that have been fully-funded by a $15 million dollar investment from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program.
The new, state-of-the-art 350,000 litre per-day treatment plant uses the latest technology including carbon ltration systems and UV disinfection. This technology ensures water is treated e ectively to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Additionally, as part of the work a 300,000 litre backup storage reservoir will provide local residents with a safe and reliable water supply for generations to come.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, has described the project which has introduced Delegate to 21st cen-
tury water supply infrastructure as “monumental”.
“It’s a historical rst for the town with water now owing from a new stateof-the-art water treatment plant that will deliver potable water to more than 350 residents.
“The project will signicantly boost drinking water quality for Delegate and Bombala.”
The new infrastructure will serve the community for the next four to ve decades and replaces an outdated chlorination system that could not treat water to a potable standard.
The major milestone follows the completion of the Bombala water treatment plant earlier this year that is now delivering drinking water to more than 1400 residents, Mr Whan said.
“This is an absolute gamechanger for the Delegate community who have never had fully treated drinking water in their town and have had to rely on boiled water or rainwater for their supply, which is both inconvenient and unpredictable.
“Both the Delegate and Bombala plants are now operating and delivering top quality drinking water to the tap, which is a major win for residents.”
President of Delegate Progress Association, Robin Guthrie, said it’s an important step forward for the community and water security in the region.
“For many decades before the new water treatment plant it was not a good look when people visited town and saw the non-potable water signs everywhere as the water didn’t meet NSW Department of Health guidelines for drinking.
“A lot of residents up until now have always had a water tank which was used for drinking, now they can drink it straight from the tap.
“It’s not only great for the residents to have this new technology, but also as far as tourism is concerned, it’s a great leap forward,” Ms Guthrie said.
Association vice-president, Karen Cash, said the new water treatment plant has been a long time coming.
“It will make a big di erence to the community. It was good to have obtained funding from the NSW Government to nally get the job done.
“Delegate residents are looking forward to hearing from Council about what to expect with the water usage charges. It’s a new expense that people are going to have
to get used to,” Ms Cash said. Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Chris Hanna, said council is “overjoyed to be o cially switching the people of Delegate over to their new and fully potable water supply”.
“Many of us have never had to think about where we’ll get our next drink of water from, and it’s so excit-
ing to be able to bring this 21st century peace-of-mind to the people of the southern Snowy Monaro.
“This is a really big investment for this community and shows that no matter where in Australia you choose to put down roots, you can count on government investment to provide the up-to-date essential infrastructure that you
rely on,” Cr Hanna said. Council will be visiting Delegate later this month for further information sessions in relation to the upcoming water billing changes and there will be a public opportunity to inspect the new facility.
For more information call 1300 345 345 or send an email to council@smrc.nsw.gov.au
Especially our own Aussie singers. Many of 2MNO’s presenters play country
Thursdays are a particular country music day from 10am through to 4pm, non-stop. But that’s not all. Look up
2mno.org.au/programs for more country music programs. You’ll be surprised and delighted. I
WIDE LOADS FOR SNOWY 2.0 TBM4
Major components for TBM4 are starting to arrive! Large loads will be transported via Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Highway for delivery at the Marica work site near Yarrangobilly Caves. Heavy vehicle deliveries for Snowy 2.0 will increase over the coming months.
All oversize moves will be transported under pilot escort and depending on size, police escort. These moves may involve minor delays for motorists. Please adhere to directions from pilots and NSW Police.
To minimise road disruptions, loads wider than 4metres will travel on the Snowy Mountains Highway at night. There will be multiple and frequent overnight loads scheduled over the coming months to deliver TBM4 components. Large loads delivering other Snowy 2.0 components will continue throughout 2025 and 2026.
Thank you for your patience. Please take care when driving around the Snowies. Scan QR code for travel times and more detailed information on escorted loads Please note, dates and times published are subject to change. TRAFFIC ADVICE:
ALERT LIFTED: Tap water in Delegate is now safe to drink for the first time in the village’s history. PHOTO: Supplied
Freezin’ for a reason
By TRISTA HEATH
NSW Police from across the Monaro Police District joined the Canberra Special Olympics Club, the ACT Police, ACT emergency services, Corrective Services and local businesses to raise money for special Olympics athletes across the Canberra and Monaro region. The Monaro Police team were supported with donations totalling over $3200 and in return the team braved the cold Canberra outdoor pool and jumped in for a ‘polar plunge’. Overall the event raised over $35,000 which will support our local athletes.
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global movement improving inclusion through sports for people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Through hands-on training, their leadership work invests in people with intellectual disability and/or autism so they can learn new skills o the playing eld and become leaders in their communities and the Special Olympics movement.
Special Olympics Australia o ers 22 Olympic-type sports training and competitions for children and adults of all ages and ability levels - from weekly local grassroots activities, to state, national and World Games.
Visit specialolympics.com.au/polarplunge-2025 for more information.
Preparation and road safety is key: Monaro Police
Operation Snow Safe a success so far this
season
By TRISTA HEATH
At the beginning of the snow season in June, NSW Police launched Operation Snow Safe.
Operation Snow Safe included a surge in additional police o cers from across NSW deployed to the Snowy Mountains region, within the Monaro Police District, to keep visitors and locals safe.
General duties o cers attached to Monaro Police District, with assistance from Southern Region Licensing Police, the NSW Dog Unit, Southern Region Enforcement Squad, Operational Support Group, Tra c and Highway Patrol Command and other specialist units have been out in force to conduct patrols across the Snowy Mountains.
O cers have been targeting anti-social behaviour, alcoholrelated crime in licensed venues, dangerous and distracted driving on roads leading to the snow, and risky behaviour on the slopes.
FUNDRAISE: Detective
As the snow season reaches the halfway mark Monaro Police have provided a review on the season so far.
Superintendent for Monaro Police District, Commander Toby Lindsay, said a signi cant issue police have noticed this season so far is those who enter the KNP without chains, putting themselves and other road users at risk, in addition to the responders who must retrieve them.
“Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) and drug driving continues to be an issue also. There have been 26 PCA and 82 Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) detections since the start of the operation,” Cmdr Lindsay said.
“Other issues on the road include speeding o ences on return trips from the resorts, driving to conditions. A signicant number of vehicles are still coming o the road, including 4WD vehicles. People need to be aware of the capabilities of their vehicle, as well as general com-
pliance with road rules, in particular seatbelts.”
Cmdr Lindsay said it is important for road users to be prepared for changing conditions when driving in alpine areas as road conditions may be signi cantly di erent on a return journey than they were when travellers set o in the morning, and to pack food and water just in case of delays.
“Take advantage of the various transport options available. Car parks are lling very early, use busses and/or the Ski Tube to avoid being turned around when heading up the mountains,” Cmdr Lindsay said.
“Drive to the conditions, stopping distances are reduced on snow and ice, remember to carry chains, ensure they are the correct size and learn how to t them, the last place you want to learn how to t them to your vehicle is on the side of the road in the snow.”
Some incidents of road safety concern this season include.
•55-year-old male detected at 141km/hr in an 80 zone, overtaking vehicles. Issued Tra c Infringement Notice (TIN) and licence suspended.
•34-year-old female detected at 117km/hr in an 80 zone.
Stopped and returned a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading of 0.074.
•34-year-old male learner driving a ute out of a Jindabyne licenced premises, returned
a BAC of 0.049 (special range). Suspended and issued TIN for load issues.
•Within 20 minutes, the same vehicle this time with the 34-year-old male (previously passenger) driving. Returned a BAC reading of 0.131. Suspended and issued with a mid-range prescribed concentration of alcohol eld court attendance notice.
•34-year-old male towing a car on a trailer detected at 123km/ hr in 100 zone. Stopped and found to be disquali ed until 2040. Issued TIN for speed and court attendance Notice for Disquali ed Driver.
•29-year-old male involved in a collision with a bus on Gippsland St on Friday, 25 July, returned a BAC reading of 0.237. In addition to this he also tested positive to cannabis and cocaine.
•46-year-old male with young children in vehicle. Detected at 130km/hr in 80 zone, in a Kia Carnival people mover. Infringement issued, and licence suspended.
Cmdr Lindsay said with more of a police presence in town, locals and visitors to the Snowy Mountains do the right thing, unfortunately some choose not to, and police respond appropriately in those circumstances.
“With the additional police resources throughout the winter months, we are pro-actively patrolling in an e ort to prevent
and disrupt crime and engage with the community. Community safety is our primary focus,” Cmdr Lindsay said.
“Consistent with previous seasons where again most people do the right thing and take personal responsibility for themselves, police and licenced premises work together to ensure patrons do the right thing and, in those circumstances, where they don’t, appropriate action is taken.
“Police have had the range of requests for assistance and reports that we’d expect through a busy snow season. Monaro Police have responded to alpine search and rescues, property the , assaults, street and alcohol related crime to name a few.”
With several alpine rescues already over the season so far, Cmdr Lindsay reminds backcountry skiers and hikers to log their trip with the National Parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Form, and to tell loved ones what their plans are.
“Also, plan your trip appropriately by checking weather, taking suitable clothing and safety gear and not going beyond your experience of knowledge level,” Cmdr Lindsay said.
“NSW Police Force and the Monaro Police District want everyone to enjoy the Snowy Mountains and surrounds and to do so safely and responsibly. Our police are out there working hard every day and night to ensure community safety.”
road this season.
PHOTO: Police Media
Sergeant, Bradley Hughes, and SuperintendentDistrict Commander, Toby Lindsay, from Monaro PD at the Canberra Polar Plunge event. PHOTOS: Monaro PD
Community icon, Nancy GantThompson’s Jindabyne Journey
Contributing to the community for more than five decades
By TRISTA HEATH
Nancy Gant-Thompson rst visited the Snowy Mountains, from Melbourne, in September 1968 for a ski holiday at Thredbo.
57 years later, she is a prominent and well-established member of the Jindabyne community.
It was during this ski trip Nancy was approached by Keith GantThompson who was working on the Snowy Mountains HydroElectric Scheme and a er much persuasion, the couple married, and Jindabyne was Nancy’s new home.
Moving into their rst home together in Banjo Paterson Crescent, having come from living on acreage in outer Melbourne, it took Nancy some adjusting to living in a town, but the friendships she soon built with residents helped ease her into her new home town.
Nancy said soon a er moving to Jindabyne she was involved in the local Girl Guides, Scouts and Uniting church all showing her a sincere welcome to the town.
She got her rst full time job with Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) at the headquarters at Sawpit Creek in January 1970.
“There was controversy at the time over the reclaiming of the alpine areas from grazing and KNP rangers avoided wearing their uniform in the township and never at the local pubs,” Nancy said.
“When the park was consumed by wild re from lightning strikes in December 1972 it was all handson deck. The res continued through January 1973 to the Lower Snowy River area.
“I was one of the o ce sta who prepared meals for the re ghters leaving Jindabyne at 5am in the morning to be at Grosses Plain in time to prepare breakfast when the night crew came in.
“I recall on one morning shi a er the re crews, both local farmers as well as parks sta had nished their breakfast and ranger Jim Robson o ered to us an opportunity to view the extent of the burnt area from Wallace Craigie lookout on the Barry Way.
“We had only just arrived at the lookout when a gust of wind came up bringing a fresh tongue of ames over an area that had not been burnt previously. There was a quick retreat to the car as ames raced overhead, it showed us that you can never predict a wild re.”
Nancy’s weekends were spent exploring KNP, hiking, skiing or mountain biking until her daughter, Christine, was born in 1973 then son, Robert, in 1975, she then found a new group of enthusiastic local families.
Nancy said parents would take it in turn to host a playgroup in their backyards. Then she joined the Jindabyne CWA in October 1978 and enabled the hall to be retained for use by the pre-school.
“As a current member of Jindabyne CWA, I have continued
to enjoy the variety of activities of the CWA and have attended several conferences and taken on the roles of president, secretary, handicra and culture,” Nancy said.
“Before my daughter Christine started school, I was encouraged to take on the task of secretary of the Jindabyne School Parents and Citizens Association, (P&C) and continued for another 10 years.
“When the 100th anniversary of the original Jindabyne School was held in November 1984, my husband Keith was president of the P&C, and a grand parade of local organisations was held from Jindabyne town shops that concluded at the school oval.
“A huge crowd of past and current teachers lled the courtyard for the opening celebrations and the laying of a time capsule with Tom Rooney, the headmaster at the time. Students had lots of fun when their school teachers Robin Sevenoaks, Margaret Kleber and Virginia Christensen tried their hands at face painting, a fond memory of mine.”
In 1986, Nancy began working for Snowy River Shire Council at the Snowy River Information Centre where she gave information on places of interest and activities available in the Jindabyne area as well as in KNP, this included road conditions, snow reports over winters plus bush walks, mountain biking, shing and other activities over the summer months.
She worked for the Council for more than 10 years.
Winter was a busy time for Nancy as she collated snow and
road reports from the ski resorts, she was then approached by ABC Southeast radio based at Bega to do reports on snow and road conditions for local and national stations.
Nancy said over three winter seasons she reported at 7am, six days a week.
“On the morning of 29, June 1994 I received a report by fax from Charlotte Pass resort that the air temperature was minus 23 degrees C. I asked the sta member to check again as it was colder than any recording I had ever received,”
Nancy said.
“He got on his skidoo and checked the gauge. When he came back with the same result that temperature went into the history as the coldest temperature recorded in Australia.”
In February 1995, Nancy’s husband Keith was volunteering with the Lions Club to install a new concrete pathway from Banjo Paterson Park past the Lake Jindabyne Caravan Park.
It was a hot day, and she received a phone call at work from her daughter to say that Keith had come home early.
Nancy immediately le work and went home and realised that Keith needed medical assistance.
Despite consultation on the phone with the local doctor who suggested he attend the medical centre, Keith refused, saying he was just feeling hot and sweaty.
A er she returned to work and closed the doors at 5pm, Nancy returned home to nd Keith had died from a heart attack.
“It was such a shock to not only
our family but to the organisations that he was involved in including the Lions Club, local Scouts, Jindabyne School P & C and the community of Jindabyne,” Nancy said.
“He had just celebrated his 50th birthday and there was a great outpouring of sympathy and support that was most appreciated by me, our children and Keith’s parents and his older brother.
“Lions Club member Dallas Tidmarsh with the assistance of fellow Lions members built a memorial seat beside the pathway at Banjo Paterson Park in front of the avenue of Australian State ags that Keith regularly raised every weekend. Lion Guenther Probst continued to raise the ags on special occasions.”
Nancy remained working at the visitors centre until the KNP new o ce and visitors centre was opened in where she was o ered a part time position.
“Ultimately I decided to take up the o er of working a ernoon shi s at the entrance stations to KNP which gave me mornings to enjoy walks by the lake or help in the o ce at Gaden Trout Hatchery,” Nancy said.
“Over many years my family shared in caring for orphaned animals that had lost their mother in road accidents. Fiona Wyllie who was the radio voice of Blue Cow in its early days formed a small group of carers of orphaned animals, which was the start of the LAOKO organisation.
“My son Robert chose to stay up late to give the wombats their night feed and was the chosen one
when our orphaned ring-tailed possum would happily jump on to his shoulder.
“Animals have always been part of my life and my family’s. We have shared our home with orphaned animals, several dogs and cats over the years and I still enjoy greeting friends with their dogs on my morning walks along the Lake Jindabyne foreshore.”
Since retiring Nancy has had time to explore parts of Australia and New Zealand as well as overseas, travelling to Central Australia to walk the Larapinta Trail as well as travelling to Johannesburg in South Africa, Madagascar and Borneo.
In between times she has enjoyed alpine and cross-country skiing in winter and bushwalking in KNP during the summer months with family and friends.
With a keen interest in recycling, she has recently found time to assist sorting donated clothing at the Uniting Church Op Shop between sewing repairs and alterations in her home workshop.
This year Jindabyne Primary School called on the CWA to help serve early morning snacks of fresh fruit, as well as jam or vegemite toast to students who travel distances from outlying areas.
“Despite starting early on frosty mornings, it has been a delight to work with a couple of CWA members as well as having my grandson William helping too,” Nancy said.
Nancy still lives in Jindabyne today and continues to do all the things she loves and contributes most of her time to her community.
APPRECIATION: Nancy Gant-Thompson and her family took on orphaned animals for the newly established LAOKO group. PHOTOS: Supplied
Nancy Gant-Thompson Crossing the Snowy River at Charlotte Pass for cross country skiing in the Spring of 1989.
Still searching for a shed
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
Momentum for the establishment of the Snowy Monaro Women’s Shed has come to a standstill as the edgling group struggles to nd a suitable premises to operate from.
“Our biggest hurdle is we can’t nd anywhere that’s not too expensive, and that will have enough room for us and secure enough to leave tools in,” Snowy Monaro Women’s Shed president, Cheryl Smith, said.
“We have plenty of people interested in joining the group, we really want to get it up and running but until we nd a spot for a shed or the right existing shed we can’t progress any further. We can’t get any funding until we have a shed in place to operate from.
“Even if a shed is on someone’s property there needs to be parking space, you have to have toilets and so on.”
If there is someone in the community who has a shed the group can use, that meets the requirements, Cheryl would be keen to hear about it.
Vice president, Yvonne Cupples, is approaching the region’s local State and Federal politicians for possible assistance.
“We’ve been in contact with Steve Whan, Kristy McBain and Nichole Overall. They can point us towards grants, but again we can’t apply for a grant until we have the actual business up and running.
“We have so many projects in mind and we want to start the training we’d like to do with the women - not just building things, but skills like changing tyres or checking vehicle engines, and we can’t start getting equipment and tool donations until we have a shed.
“So we can’t move forward. No shed has meant no progress.
“If there is anyone who may have an idea, a suitable shed or can assist in any way please reach out,” Cheryl said.
The group has a Facebook page, Snowy Monaro Women’s Shed, or you can contact Cheryl by phoning 0428 287 092 or email snowymonarowomensshed @ gmail.com
Jindy Playgroup holds successful first event
By TRISTA HEATH
Jindabyne mum, Kelly Murphy, approached wellknown community member, John McLoughlin, in early July regarding potential playgroup spots that could work for mothers to gather and host a playgroup each week.
Mr McLoughlin, a member of the Snowy Mountains Community Association (SMCA), said he arranged a meeting at the Jindabyne Bowling Club with the rest of the SMCA and a group of mums, and the St Columbkille’s Catholic Church Hall came to mind as it was unused and believed it would make an ideal spot.
He spoke with Father Mark of the St Columbkille’s Catholic Church and church secretary, Mary-Anne Golby, and they agreed to let the new Jindy Playgroup meet each week at the hall.
SMCA donated $1000 for the playgroup to purchase the things they need to get it up and going for the community, Jodie from Monchichi donated children toys and Phil from the Jindabyne Pharmacy donated a rst aid kit.
Jindabyne mum, Kelly Murphy, immediately began the set up of the church for the playgroup and on Tuesday, 5 August the rst Jindy Playgroup was held at the church hall.
Eight families and 11 children
attended the rst event, which was a great success.
“We have had great feedback from the community on this new group, people were pleased to see that Jindabyne had a playgroup up and running especially for those new to town or new to motherhood,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“It is a great opportunity for mothers and their children to get together and make new friends.”
Running every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm at the St Columbkille’s Catholic Church Hall, everything is provided including tea and co ee facilities and a variety of children toys.
Improved mobile coverage for tourist hotspot
Visitors to Australia’s will have better mobile coverage thanks to a new project servicing Kosciuszko Tourist Park, delivered through the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP).
The popular tourist destination has received a major connectivity boost with the recent completion of a new mobile base station which is providing new and improved 4G and 5G mobile coverage to the community.
The new facility will provide better access to emergency
services, improve data connectivity and support productivity at the nearby Tourist Park.
Up to 1400 new mobile base stations will be delivered under the MBSP, which has generated a combined investment of more than $1 billion.
The MBSP is one of the largest ever mobile coverage expansions in regional and remote Australia.
Funding for recent rounds of the MBSP are part of the Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, as we strive
to be the world’s most connected continent.
“We know how important access to reliable connectivity is, particularly for regional areas impacted or prone to natural disasters – which is why we continue to improve mobile coverage across Eden-Monaro,” Member for Eden Monaro and Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said.
“This upgrade will make a huge di erence to the mobile coverage at the Kosciuszko Tourist Park - supporting
tourists and locals to run their businesses and to keep in touch with family and friends.
“Upgrades like this are not only important to locals and visitors, but crucial for our emergency services during emergencies.
“Kosciuszko is a major tourist destination and these mobile coverage upgrades will help boost opportunities in the region.
The mobile base station was co-funded by the Australian Government, the New South Wales Government and Telstra under Round 5A of the MBSP.
Later down the track the group is hoping to host a family barbecue at the church once a
month on a Saturday to welcome everyone to the new Jindy Playgroup.
PLAYTIME: Mary-Anne Golby, Kelly Murphy and John McLoughlin host first playgroup at the St Columbkille’s Catholic Church Hall. PHOTOS: Supplied
The Jindy Playgroup children enjoy the variety of toys kindly donated from the community.
The Sea in the Metro; book review
By NICK GOLDIE
‘A wonderfully vivid self portrait’, says one reviewer. A book like sheet lightning, illuminating and sometimes terrifying.
The Sea in the Metro is an autobiographical account of being a young mother. Narrator Jayne is an alter ego of Jayne Tuttle, an Australian writer who lives in Paris.
As well as being an author, she is a bookseller, a commercial copywriter and an actress who trained at a theatre school in France.
The Sea in the Metro starts o like any one of a shoal of novels written by young writers
who have fallen in love with the idea of Paris (remember Elaine Dundy and The Dud Avocado, or Hemingway and The Sun Also Rises?) – “It’s August: high summer... I’m sitting with Francine and the Chunk in the window of the Napoleon, where there’s no air, but it’s too smoky out on the terrasse … the perfect vantage point from which to view the bustling intersection of the rues du Chateau d’Eau, FaubergSaint-Denis and petites Ecuries …”
The Chunk is Jayne’s baby daughter, and M is her partner, father of the Chunk. He’s a musician, and is frequently away, somewhere else in Europe, arranging gigs and recording music. In the early chapters, there
Church service times
Cooma Baptist Church: 10am Sunday
St Patrick’s Catholic Parish: 10am Sunday, Weekday mass 10am Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays
St Paul’s Anglican Parish of Cooma: 9.30am Sunday
St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church: 9.30am Sunday
Lifegate Christian Church Cooma: 9:55am second and fourth Sunday each month, 4pm first and third Sunday each month
Cooma Presbyterian Church: 9am Sunday
St John’s Anglican Church Adaminaby: 3pm first and third Sunday each month
St Peter’s Anglican Church Nimmitabel: 11.30am fifth Sunday each month
St Andrew’s Catholic Church Nimmitabel: Saturday vigil mass 5pm on the weekend of the fifth Sunday, Liturgy with Holy Communion other Saturdays 5pm Alpine Uniting Church Jindabyne: 9.30am Sunday
Columbkille Catholic Church, Jindabyne: Mass 5pm Saturdays
Village Church Jindabyne: 5pm Sunday
All Saints Anglican Church Berridale: 9.30am Sunday
All Saints Numeralla: second Sunday of the month liturgy 5pm, Fourth Sunday of month 5pm mass
St Matthias’ Bombala: 9am every Sunday
St Philip’s Delegate: 11am every third Sunday
St Matthew’s Bibbenluke: 3pm every 4th Sunday
If your church would like to be added to this list, please contact us editor@monaropost.com.au
are frequent changes of mode.
We go back to Melbourne, before the birth of the Chunk. We y to Berlin where a theatrical group is using M’s music, and Jayne and M stay in a lthy apartment near the rehearsal rooms.
Then back to Paris, where pain becomes the reality, but the advice from all sides is: take paracetamol and go home.
Most of this book is in the present tense. There’s some French language, and a little German, but Jayne Tuttle has the courtesy to include translations of most of the bigger quotes, and there’s not enough to discourage her readers.
What might be disconcerting
is the frankness of the language, where the author is dealing with her own pregnancy, her own problems, her own desires.
A stylistic niggle is that the book is almost entirely in the rst person, present tense, minimally punctuated. Towards the end, there’s an explanation of the slightly mysterious title: The Sea in the Metro. It’s a bilingual joke, exchanged between mother and Chunk, and I’ll let you work it out. Amusez-vous bien.
in
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Independent newspapers serving the Snowy Monaro Region. Subscribe to our Digital Edition at www.monaropost.com.au
The Monaro Post welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in the Snowy Monaro community.
If you have a story lead or prepared article and photographs you’d like published contact the Group Editor Nathan Thompson on (02) 6452 0312 or call in to the Monaro Post o ice at 59 Vale Street between 9-5pm Monday to Friday. We also welcome letters to the editor.
Every time I drive along Mittagang Road and pass the vacant lot outside Yallambee Lodge I am reminded of what might have been.
We should have been able to see the dementia wing, for which $4.2 million had been given in grant money, lling that space. By the way what happened to that grant money?
I remember we had three consultancies here on aged care.
The rst, Pride Living, was very
Life on the funny farm
By Paul Dorin
Aged care, it just won’t
encouraging about the future of aged care in our region. Obviously not the correct answer and a $60,000 grant was sought to help fund a divestment program. I believe other considerable sums of money, including for consultancies, have been expended to facilitate this divestment.
Ratepayers are getting nervous about escalating costs, how this will a ect their rates and also their being able to a ord access to the fewer high care
Nathan Thompson (02) 6452 0312 editor@monaropost.com.au
JOURNALISTS
Trista Heath (Jindabyne) 0491 214 722 trista@monaropost.com.au
go away
facilities within the region. Which brings me to my next question: Council, what is happening to Snowy River Hostel at Berridale? I have raised this question before. The silence has been deafening. A er almost two years, the hostel remains an empty shell. Would council please explain what their intentions are for this valuable community resource?
Lindy Rose Cooma
DESIGN & PRODUCTION Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au YOUR COMMUNITY
Melinda Cairns Hack (Cooma) (02) 6452 0312
mcairnshack@monaropost.com.au
Elle Thompson (02) 6452 0312 elle@monaropost.com.au
Jim Walker-Broose 0408 425 484
jim@monaropost.com.au
Keely Pressley 0456 217 012 keely@monaropost.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS (02) 6452 0318 classifieds@monaropost.com.au
The Sea
the Metro by Jayne Tuttle, published by Hardie Grant Books
WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S
A WAY…
What challenges can be made to a will?
2. Family Provision Claims
The most common form of challenge is a “Family Provision” claim, now under part 3.2 of the Succession Act of NSW, which replaced the Family Provision Act.
The person must be eligible to make a claim. That means there must be a spouse, a de facto spouse, former spouse or de facto spouse, child of the deceased, in a close personal relationship with the deceased at their death, or a member of the household of the deceased (or grandchild) who was wholly or partly dependent on the deceased.
If the person is eligible to make a claim, the next issue is whether, in all the circumstances, after the death of the will maker, proper provision has been made for the adequate “maintenance, education and advancement in life” of the claim.
The decision is discretionary. The Court looks at the assets of the estate, who else could have
expected provision, the financial situation of the beneficiaries and the person seeking provision, the relationship between the deceased and that person and many other things.
It’s not much use making a will if you are inviting a challenge by an eligible person. That will just send the bulk of your estate into legal fees.
There are ways to make sure the will is actually effective to do what you want. Which one is appropriate can be a complex issue dependent on your circumstances.
Anyone drafting a will must go through your assets, debts, and financial resources, including super, who is in your family and who are eligible persons, and what is the best way to do what you want to do to make sure that the will actually works. Get it does properly by a competent legal professional with experience in the area.
End of an era for Wassinks
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Cooma’s Con and Cathy Wassink can make a fair claim of being the town’s busiest couple.
The Wassinks have for the last three decades run two successful businesses – Livestock Carriers Cooma and C&C Storage Sheds, both at Polo Flat.
The couple is easing back on their work commitment and heading for a welldeserved retirement of sorts, with the Livestock Carriers Cooma business changing hands. Con and Cathy have handed the business over to Harry Corkhill.
It will be a change of pace for the pair, in particular Con, who has driven trucks since 1984. His travels have taken him across most of eastern Australia.
His professional approach and reliability have ensured local farmers could trust that their valuable stock were in the best hands, and a clean truck.
Con has transported livestock for a lot of the Monaro’s farmers across the last 40 years.
In 1989, Con and Cathy started their own trucking business. Their beginnings were humble with Con working out of a phone booth.
The Wassinks made an exciting purchase early into their business operation when they took ownership of the first four decker stock crate on the Monaro.
Later with the purchase of a new NH Volvo, such was the excitement around the truck, that a six page spread on the Wassinks and their truck was run in Australia’s leading truck and machinery magazine.
Con’s trucking jobs have been varied and tough.
From long days on the road to weeks away at a time, his dedication to the business and his customers has earnt plenty of respect locally and further afield.
One memorable job involved collecting alpacas from Sydney Airport.
In 2000, the storage shed business was up and running. It did take the best part of 10 years to get o the ground following delays in the development approval process.
Con with the livestock carrying business and Cathy running the shed storage operation, the couple has been at out. Cathy is also well known for her time working with her sister Lorayne Roberson at Cooma Power Equipment.
Amongst their hard work, the Wassinks have raised three children here in Cooma. The family is very much a part of the town’s fabric.
Con and Cathy have thanked all the agents past and present, and the farmers for their loyalty and support.
SafeWork carries out resort compliance checks
SafeWork NSW visited Snowy Mountains snow resorts last week to conduct pro-active checks on operations, to con rm workers and the million visitors who stay in the area each season are being kept safe.
Inspectors are following up on their initial visit earlier this year to make sure safety standards are being upheld and understand the safety implications of the snowfall as the season progresses.
The 2025 alpine ski area safety compliance program started in May with the annual industry roundtable involving all snow eld operators, WorkSafe Victoria and chairli manufacturers. They discussed important issues including control measures to manage the impact of sudden strong wind events on chairli s and gondolas and the safe operation of passenger ropeways.
NSW ski resorts are always evolving, and some highlights being checked this year include:
• Perisher’s $26 million high-speed six-person chairli that opened at the end of June 2025 and is
located at Australia’s highest li ed point at 2042m.
• Thredbo’s 1.5km elevated toboggan track amusement device, the southern hemisphere’s rst-ever yearround alpine coaster.
• Selwyn’s rebuild following 2020 bush res that reopened to the public in 2023.
• Charlotte Pass which is Australia’s only snow resort accessible by over-snow transport vehicles alone in winter.
The inspectors’ checks targeted SafeWork NSW regulatory priority areas including: xed and mobile plant safety, falls from heights, machine guarding, and managing worker psychosocial hazards and risks.
“NSW ski resorts o er a unique, ever-changing and o en hazardous environment and are visited by over a million people each season,” SafeWork NSW Commissioner, Janet Schorer, said.
“Those heading to Perisher, Thredbo, Selwyn or Charlotte Pass resorts can rest assured that SafeWork NSW continues to monitor and interact with all ski resort operators to ensure workers are properly trained and that safety standards are being met.
“Improving work health and safety compliance is a SafeWork NSW priority, with collaboration between the government, operators, their workers and the public key to realising this goal.”
FINISHING-UP: Con and Cath Wassink of Livestock Carriers Cooma have handed their business over to new owners. The Wassinks ran the business for almost four decades.
PHOTO: Cathy Wassink
SAFETY: SafeWork Inspectors and the Perisher team at the top of the Mt Perisher 6 chairli in May this year.
PHOTO: Supplied
Charles donates cameras to MHS
By ELLE THOMPSON
Local photographer Charles Davis has donated six Nikon DSLR cameras to Monaro High School.
As a former Monaro High School (MHS) student, Mr Davis said when he was a student 20 years ago, the school did not have cameras, and when he heard the school still did not, he worked with his sponsor Nikon to get the cameras donated.
“When I le school, I didn’t re ally know what I wanted to do,” Mr Davis told the students at the school assembly last Thursday.
“Everyone told me I couldn’t do photography as a career, but now I am doing that, and quite suc cessfully.”
Mr Davis said he believed it was important to provide students with creative arts opportunities so they can pursue it as a career. He said by having practical expe rience with cameras at school, it gives the students the opportunity to have skills they can leave school with and use in an artsbased career.
Industry issues forces business closure
By NATHAN THOMPSON
MHS principal, James Armitage, said the school was grateful for the donation.
“This is a very generous donation from Charles, and we thank him very much for thinking of our students,” Mr Armitage said.
“It is wonderful for our photography students to now be able to use these high quality cameras
and gain real skills they can take with them for life.”
Mr Davis grew up on his family’s sheep farm near Cooma. His photography mainly features Australian wildlife, o en in the snow.
His photos have been published in magazines, books and publications over the years. Mr Davis has also lmed and worked on many
major nature documentaries for the BBC, ABC, and National Geographic working with the likes of David Attenborough, and won many awards for his photography.
The Charles Davis Photography Gallery is at 185 Sharp Street in Cooma and features a collection of Mr Davis’ most popular and award winning photographs and bespoke gi ware range.
A er 17 years of dedicated service to the construction industry and Snowy Monaro community, the team at High Country Truss and Frames has made the di cult decision to close its doors.
The move comes as the economic downturn gripping the building and construction sector worsens, along with the increased use of steel in the ACT building sector.
The decision to close the factory marks the end of an era for a company highly regarded for its cra smanship, local employment and community support.
High Country Truss and Frames was started nearly two decades ago. It quickly became a cornerstone of the local building and supply landscape.
The factory specialised in the design and manufacturing of timber roof trusses, wall frames and oor systems. This provided support for residential and commercial construction projects throughout the Snowy Monaro, South Coast and ACT.
Over the years, the company run by David, Elizabeth and Jannene developed a reputation for its reliability, technical expertise and strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
For many local builders and tradespeople, High Country Truss and Frames has been more than a supplier, it was a partner, and the builders would head into the o ce and work through the job together.
The company will still o er
Council updates
Job vacancies at Council
Council is proud to be one of our region’s largest employers.
Discover all the benefits of working for Council. Visit https://qrco.de/Work4SMRC today for all the details.
Closing Tuesday 19 August 2025
• Camping Ground & Caravan Parks Officer
Part-time – Bombala
• Pool Attendant
Casual – Multiple and flexible locations
Closing Friday 22 August 2025
• Operator Network (Water & Wastewater)
Full-time – Cooma
Closing Tuesday 26 August 2025
• Supervisor Reactive Maintenance
Full-time – Location negotiable
You can view all of our current vacancies directly at https://qrco.de/SMRCjobs
New opportunities are added regularly, so jump online today and take the first step in your fulfilling new career.
frames, trusses and oor systems to local builders through Cooma H Hardware, using a third party the owners have a strong relationship with.
The decision to close the factory did not come lightly, the owners said. The construction industry has faced signi cant headwinds in recent years, with the rising cost of materials, labour shortages and building times blowing out.
The ripple e ects of increased interest rates, and uncertain times have added to the di culties faced by many companies.
High Country Truss and Frames has weathered previous uncertain times, adapting its business model and nding innovative ways to serve its customers.
The prolonged downturn has proven insurmountable.
The management of High Country Truss and Frames has expressed gratitude to the current sta , acknowledging their dedication and hard work.
High Country Truss and Frames has been more than just a company. It has been an important part of the community. The company has provided stable employment for dozens of locals, o ered work to day release prisoners and fostered the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
The company has long sponsored community events, groups and sporting organisations, including the Cooma and Adaminaby Races, and Cooma Stallions.
The loss will be felt beyond the factory gates.
Free sessions for over-65s
Council is holding free information sessions to connect older residents, their families, and their carers with local and Australian Government support services.
Paying your
rates
just got easier
Council’s new Payble® platform makes it easy to pay your rates.
Building on earlier sessions, these events cover aged care reforms, updates on Support at Home, and other government programs. No bookings required.
Wednesday 13 August 2025
• Berridale Council Chambers
– 9.30am to 11.30am
• Horizons Lake Jindabyne
– 1pm to 3pm
Thursday 14 August 2025
• Werri-Nina Centre, Cooma
– 9am to 11am
• Club Bombala – 1pm to 3pm
Chat with staff from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, local service providers, and our Community Services Support Programs team.
Offering multiple payment options, SMS reminders, and online updating of your details, Payble® makes paying rates simple for property owners across the region.
Learn more at https://qrco.de/rates-water
Delegate water
Delegate’s new water treatment plant is now online and drinkable water is flowing from the taps for the first time, thanks to funding from the NSW Government. Charges will soon apply for water use. The billing cycle starts Saturday 1 November 2025. Water usage is $3.89 per kilolitre (1000 litres) used.
Learn more about these new water usage charges at our free information sessions at Delegate Rural Transaction Centre from 10am to 3pm on Friday 29 August 2025. Contact us on 1300 345 345 to learn more.
DONATION: Cooma photographer Charles Davis (far le ) has donated six DSLR cameras to Monaro High School. He is pictured here with some MHS students, principal James Armitage and Eden-Monaro Director Educational Leadership Keith Duran.
Rotary debating won by St Pats, Alpine School
Mentors see progress, improvement in students
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
The Alpine School and Saint Patrick’s School debating teams have enjoyed success in the Rotary Club of Cooma’s debating competition for 2025.
The grand nal was held on Wednesday evening at the Snowy Mountains Christian School, with both debates being adjudicated by Han Worsley, Imogen McGrath, Cooma Rotary Club president, Joelle Azzopardi, with committee member, Bryan Bartlett, keeping time.
Debating teams were competing for the Margaret Hassall Memorial (Years 7 and 8) and John Clarke Memorial (Years 9 and 10) trophies.
The Years 7 and 8 team of Akyra, Ash, Max and Adele from The Alpine School and Senuki Wanshanatha, Isabella Irvine, Lila Cahill and Lachlyn Robinson from Saint Patrick’s School debated on the topic ‘All students should learn self defence at school’.
The a rmative team from The Alpine School was the winner of this debate.
In the senior debate Saint Patrick’s School team of Pahanma Perea, Natalia Zieja and Stephanie Warner were victorious arguing in the a rmative for ‘we should stop selling bottled water’ against The Alpine School team consisting of Tayla, Claire, Teah and Thalia.
Speakers showed varying levels of nerves, but were overall genuinely engaging and persuasive.
The audience of teachers, family, Cooma Rotary Club members and the wider community appreciated the opportunity to share in the achievements of these enthusiastic and talented young debaters.
The adjudicators in announcing the winners and reasons why they were chosen, spoke initially
about how the students had noticeably progressed and developed over the last 12 to 24 months.
“We are starting to see some really impressive improvement across the teams,” Han Worsley said.
Han presented the Margaret Hassall trophy to the winning Years 7 and 8 team.
“Overall across this debate we did really enjoy some of the arguments that came out and it was great to see some team members really rely on sensible logic.
“Ultimately what it came down to was an ability for students to focus on things that were relevant and logical. On that basis we found there was a much more logical discussion that came from the team who spoke about the fact we need to provide opportunity and to give our students protection and so we awarded the debate to The Alpine School.”
Imogen McGrath then handed out the John Clarke Memorial trophy for the Years 9 and 10 winning team from St Patrick’s School.
“These students in the Years 9 and 10 age group have now been public speaking, debating and performing at school for many years. There are three categories we mark the students on, and I am really thrilled to observe that with things like method, most of our students today nailed it.
“The second criteria is the manner, how the students present - are they using their hands, do they have notes, a bit about vocal nuance, pace, whether they are distracted, have some nerves creeping in, and other things.
“Congratulations to our Years 9 and 10 students for how they actually spoke to us.
“However, it was all about the matter for us tonight when it came to adjudicating and determining the debate
winner,” Imogen said.
“We found one team had a really concise model that they re-visited, all three speakers of this team presented a really cohesive case. We also found one team in particular brought in the aspect of empathy and tried to engage with the audience in a way that the other team perhaps didn’t use to their advantage when they could have in this debate.”
The speaker of the series was also awarded for both age levels and was won by Max (Years 7 and 8) of The Alpine School and Clementine Battye (Years 9 and 10) of Monaro High School.
Margaret Hassall was a former member of the Rotary Club of Cooma. She was a past president of the Cooma club and also served as district governor of Rotary District 9710.
She was passionate about education and service to the Monaro and wider community.
She was a teacher, having taught a variety of subjects at a few local schools and was in various executive roles for more than 40 years.
Margaret had a great love of learning and public speaking and debating.
John Clarke was born in Cooma and lived on a property between Cooma and Nimmitabel. He attended school in Cooma and completed his education at Monaro High School.
John studied law at university and practised law in various places including Cooma and Canberra.
He loved his time as a member of the Rotary Club of Cooma and was a very active member for many years.
He was very supportive of the various youth programs of the club and knew how important public speaking and debating are for students.
COOMA
Imogen McGrath (le ) and Han Worsley, school debating team mentors/trainers and adjudicators of the high school debating competition give up their time as a community service to fulfill this role. They were presented gi s by Rotary Club of Cooma president, Joelle Azzopardi.
The Alpine School (Years 9 and 10) runners-up debating team (from le ) Claire, Thalia, Teah and Tayla.
St Patrick’s School winning Year 9 and 10 debating team of (from le ) Natalia Zieja, Pahanma Perea, Stephanie Warner (the fourth speaker, Hannah Hill, was absent).
Saint Patrick’s School runners-up in the Year 7 and 8 debating competition (from le ) Lachlyn Robinson, Senuki Wanshanatha, Lila Cahill and Isabella Irvine.
CHAMPIONS: The winning debating team (Years 7 and 8) from The Alpine School (from le ) Max, Akyra, Ash and Adele. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack
Bombala NPWS officer fights ‘unprecedented’ Canadian fires
Bombala-based Abbie Laurie-Rhodes, a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) re ghter, has recently returned home a er spending ve weeks as part of an Australian contingent assisting the Canadian emergency services.
South Coast (NPWS) reghters have responded to a crisis call from their Canadian counterparts, with eight crew (including Ms LaurieRhodes) joining the battle against unprecedented wildres.
Ms Laurie-Rhodes is one of NPWS’ arduous re ghters, also known as remote area re ghters, who are transported by helicopter to the most inaccessible areas to help contain blazes that
have so far burnt through more than ve million hectares of Canadian forests.
Ms Laurie-Rhodes worked along the Slims Creek Fire edge in Alberta, putting out spot res and removing fuel to stop the blaze from spreading.
Alongside chainsaws, hoses and pumps, Ms LaurieRhodes’ ve-person crew has extensive experience ghting bush res in NSW national parks.
“It was a very physically and mentally challenging deployment but a memorable one. I got to see some beautiful remote areas and met some amazing people,”
Ms Laurie-Rhodes, a NPWS eld o cer, said. “It’s a completely di erent
way of ghting res there, the re behaves di erently and the conditions we faced were unlike what we experience back home.
“For example, re burning in wet musky swamps and hiking through permafrost, dense forests and deep mud. We had to adapt to new equipment and techniques while also using our homegrown experience.
“There were also some completely unexpected challenges. We’re used to snakes and spiders here but trekking into the wilderness knowing there were protective mother bears with their cubs de nitely kept us on our toes.”
Seven of Ms Laurie-Rhodes’ NPWS South Coast col-
leagues also volunteered to head to Canada when the call for help came in June, working alongside crews from Mexico, New Zealand and the United States.
With more than 1200 trained re ghters, NPWS’ depth of experience is recognised by the Canadian Emergency Services who have called on its assistance ve times over the past 10 years.
Since late June 2025, 47 NPWS sta have been deployed to Canada with the latest contingent expected home early September 2025.
Meanwhile Abbie has returned to the Bombala NPWS depot and is working on preparing hazard reduction operations on the South Coast, when conditions allow.
Whittens’ promotes positive mental health
Stronger together event supports suicide prevention
Leading national civil contractor Whittens has partnered with MATES in Construction NSW to bring together community leaders and the construction industry at a special event in Cooma, shining a light on the importance of mental health in the sector.
Featuring high pro le guest speaker, Michael Crossland, with his inspiring story of personal adversity, resilience and hope, the Stronger Together event also raised funds to support the vital onsite suicide prevention work conducted by MATES in Construction.
Whittens CEO, Louise Whitten, said the company’s commitment to workforce health and safety re ected her own passion for people’s personal and professional wellbeing.
“At Whittens, our ‘Keeping Our Mates Safe’ culture is at the heart of everything we do,” Louise said.
our values guide every decision and de ne how we work together. Mateship is central to who we are, supporting one another with compassion and genuine care is part of our every day commitment.
“Having established ourselves in the Snowy Mountains, and with an o ce and o site facility in Cooma, we feel fortunate to be part of this community and to be able to encourage open conversations around mental health.”
Nigel Carpenter, Industry
speaker, said the event was an important opportunity to bring people together and strengthen support for mental health and suicide prevention in the region.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Whittens and all in the construction industry to support this community-led approach to mental health. Events like these are critical in breaking down stigma and reminding workers and the community alike that we’re stronger together when we look out for one another,” Mr your full potential. Fundraising for MATES in Construction NSW was conducted on the night and in the week leading up to the event. through the support of the Alpine Hotel, Cooma.
Landcare annual forum attracts strong numbers
Upper Snowy Landcare Network, in partnership with Local Land Services, was pleased at the great turnout at its annual winter lunch on Friday, August 1.
This year’s lunch gave attendees the opportunity to listen to a number of experts, including Mel Henry (Local Land Services), Sandra Walpole (Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water), and Hannah Windley (Biodiversity Conservation Trust), who presented information on natural capi-
tal accounting, biodiversity o setting and biodiversity stewardship agreements.
While enjoying a lunch catered for by the Cooma Hotel, participants had the opportunity to network with other landholders, and chat with various companies working in these elds, then settle back in for an informative panel discussion during which many great questions were brought forward.
“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to host a day where people can come
and learn about these relatively new markets and systems, and take the time to network and connect with landholders, experts and industry providers,” coordinator of Upper Snowy Landcare Network, Magdalene Lemcke, said.
“A big thank you to all who attended and to Local Land Services for supporting this event.”
Ms Lemcke said an audio recording of the presentations along with accompanying slides will soon be available.
the NPWS crew headed for Canada to help authorities fight unprecedented wildfires. PHOTOS: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Michael Crossland, a motivational speaker, delivers an inspirational talk at the Whittens run event last week. The event put suicide prevention in the spotlight, highlighting the need to support workers in the construction industry.
MENTAL HEALTH: Whittens executive director deliver, Clayton Whitten, and Whiittens CEO, Louise Whitten, join motivational speaker, Michael Crossland (centre), at the MATES in Construction event.
KNOWLEDGE: Upper Snowy Landcare Network’s winter luncheon was well attended recently. PHOTO: Supplied
Wagga Wagga sheep sale numbers rise
17,000 sheep, 36,000 lambs yarded, buyers selective
By LEANN DAX, MARKET REPORTER
Following the previous week’s strong market, there was a significant increase in supply with just more than 3000 new season lambs offered.
The overall quality of lambs was fair to good however, the yarding was notably light on weight, as there were limited numbers of lambs exceeding the 30kg carcass weight threshold.
While most processors were present at the sale, southern buyers displayed a selective approach, with some operating sporadically. This selectivity was particularly evident in the bidding dynamics, where feedlots and re-stockers were operating.
Trade lambs were well supplied, but buyers remained selective, with the strongest interest directed towards lambs with short skins or those that had been recently shorn. This selectivity contributed to a slight decline in prices, which fell by $5 to $10 across various weight categories.
Tree Start Growers Network ready to plant
Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare Committee and Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council are partnering with Wagtail Natives Nursery for another growing season with the Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network.
Trade lambs 20-24kg sold from $200-$313/head. Heavy trade prices varied greatly making from $308 to $350 with supermarket interest strong in this weight range. Merino trade lambs sold from $195 to $295/head New season lambs back to the paddock and to feed on sold from $188 to $250/head. On the export front, prices remained largely unchanged. Lambs weighing between 26-30kg sold for $338 to $391/head, while those over 30kg fetched prices between $390 and $450.
The mutton market presented a mixed quality yarding, which was o ered to a smaller group of buyers. Heavy mutton sold within the range of $189 to $326/head, while trade sheep ranged from $150 to $170/head.
This collaborative initiative supports a broad network of volunteer native plant growers across the Queanbeyan-Palerang and Snowy Monaro region, with the aim of producing the next generation of plants for the Southern Tablelands.
Last year, the network supported almost 70 growers, with more than 300 kits distributed and 15,000 plants propagated in spring 2024.
For the 2025-2026 season, the project is a little more ambitious, with increased sponsorship from the NSW government Koala Strategy and Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways grant programs.
“This year we hope to support over 100 growers and propagate some 20,000 native tubestock,” Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare coordinator, Georgeanna Story, said.
“As a volunteer grower in the growers network, you can raise native seedlings from seed in your own backyard.
“We’re putting the call out for any volunteers who might be interested in taking home
200 seedlings to care for until autumn, with propagation kits rolling out in early September.”
The growers network is open to growers of all skill levels. Landcare will provide support for the initial set up when you collect your kits, with experts on hand to help you through the rst stages and answer any questions you may have.
Growers will also be provided with a step-by-step instruction book and links to online resources, as well as ongoing support from project partner, Kelly Stubbs from Wagtail Natives Nursery and a shared community Facebook group. It will take up to nine months to grow the seedlings. Growers will collect their kits and materials to take and set up at home.
Over the growing period the seedlings will need to be checked and watered daily. Commitment to this task is vital for the success of the plants. Any tubestock ready for planting will be recalled toward the end of March 2026.
If you’re interested in growing plants and joining the Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network, contact the Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare coordinator Georgeanna Story by email at upper. murrumbidgee@gmail.com or phone 0429 779 928 for more information.
MARKET UPDATE: There was an increase in supply at last week’s Wagga Wagga sheep sale. PHOTO: File
Petition to install wildlife fencing on main highway Spot a Platypus
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
Travelling local roads at this time of year in particular can be a distressing and dangerous experience as is evident by the hundreds of dead native animals on the road side, and some on the road itself, following collisions with vehicles.
There is currently a Change. org petition circulating to install wildlife fencing in key locations along the Monaro Highway.
The petition, started by Ted Streatfeild last month, states: ‘Wildlife collisions on Monaro Highway have become a troubling reality for many drivers and nature lovers in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council. Particularly during the winter ski season, this highway turns into a dangerous stretch where vehicle accidents occur frequently due to the sudden appearance of animals such as wombats on the road. Each collision not only jeopardises human life but also leaves a devastating impact on our local wildlife, populating the sides of our roads with the tragic toll of wombat and other animal deaths.
‘Implementing wildlife fencing has proven e ective in similar rural regions by drastically diminishing such incidents.
‘We urge the Snowy Monaro Regional Council to liaise with the Australian Capital Territory Government to prioritise this project in their development agendas. Funding for such a project can be sought from environmental protection grants o ered by both government and non-governmental organisations dedicated to conservation e orts.
$1 million a year in costs, not to mention the impact on drivers and wildlife.
“So we are giving the petition a go to try to get enough political will to prompt the council to create a project group and get the ACT Government, the NSW Government and the Commonwealth Government together to address the matter and provide su cient environmental and road safety grants for the worst a ected areas of the Monaro Highway,” Mr Streatfeild said.
It’s Platypus Month and Cooma Waterwatch is hosting a series of surveys at Cooma Creek and the Murrumbidgee River to obtain more data on these mysterious monotremes.
Late winter is ideal for spotting platypus as they spend more time feeding and the males are more active as they prepare for the breeding season.
‘Our aim is to address this issue urgently by advocating for the installation of wildlife fencing along key sections of the Monaro Highway. By erecting barriers, we can prevent these precious
creatures from wandering onto the pavements and thereby signi cantly reduce vehicular accidents. This measure is not only about protecting animals; it is about ensuring the safety and peace of mind of drivers and passengers, knowing our roads are safer for both humans and our coinhabitants.
‘Mitigation strategies for reducing roadkill include erecting fences to prevent animals crossing roads, building underpasses and overpasses so animals can cross safely, erecting warning signs for drivers and clearing vegetation along roadsides.
‘By signing this petition, you are taking a stand to protect our local wombat population, enhance road safety for all motorists, and help preserve the unique biodiversity of our region. Together, let’s keep our wildlife alive and our roads safe and secure. Please sign this petition to show your support for the installation of wildlife fencing along the Monaro Highway’.
Mr Streatfeild said last Friday more signatures are required for this petition.
“Many, many more will be required to get political action from the ACT, NSW state, and Federal governments.
“The damage caused by roughly 300 wildlife collisions on the Monaro Highway each year with each collision insurance claim running at an average of $5500 (AAMI report) causes well over
“To assist even further than simply signing the petition, email Cr Chris Hanna, mayor of the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, or Chris Steel MLA for Transport in Canberra, or Kristy McBain, Member for Eden Monaro or Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, asking for some action on the matter.”
The petition link is www.change. org/p/install-wildlife-fencing-onmonaro-highway
Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue (LAOKO) is asking everyone to drive wildlife aware in the region as animals are coming closer to the road and into the villages and towns for green grass.
Helpful driving tips include: stay alert; watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk; slow down in wildlife zones; and leave yourself and others room to brake safely.
Waterwatch has begun running its platypus month group surveys at two sites in the Cooma region to help learn more about the local population.
The group is looking for volunteers, no experience is necessary.
Remaining survey times for the month are:
Cooma Creek Friday 15 August 4.30pm to 6.30pm; Friday 22 August 6-8am. Murrumbidgee River - near Cooma Thursday, 14 August 4.30-6.30pm; Thursday, 21 August 6-8am; and Thursday, 28 August 4.30-6.30pm.
So if you have some spare time this month, why not consider volunteering.
Registration is required. For more information and registration link email Antia on: coomawaterwatch@ gmail.com
FENCE: There is currently a Change.org petition circulating to install wildlife fencing in key locations along the Monaro Highway.
PHOTO: Steve Burcham
I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 Unforgotten. 9.25
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.00 Brush With Fame. 2.30
8.30 Griff’s Great American South. 9.15 Culture By Design. 9.45 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 NBC Today. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country.
2.00 The Real Seachange. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Line Of Duty. 9.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05
ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 QI. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 Hard Quiz. 9.05 Gruen. 9.45 Planet America. 10.15 Shaun Micallef’s Eve Of Destruction. 10.50 ER. 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Secrets At The Inn. (2022) 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. 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations. 10.30 Soham: Catching A Killer. 11.30 Code Blue: The Killing Of June Fox-Roberts. 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Highway Patrol. 3.00 The Force: Behind The Line. 4.00 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 1. Carlton v Collingwood. 9.10 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 1. West Coast v Gold Coast Suns. 11.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.00 Play School. 4.10 Andy’s Global Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.15 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.40 Dance Life. 10.30 Merlin. 11.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.00 Ski Rescue Down Under. 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 24. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 12.00 First On Scene. 12.30 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 As Time Goes By. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Carry On Constable. (1960) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 Panic 9-1-1. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.00 Sean’s Kitchen. 4.30 Lope Vs. Lope . 4.55 First Dates Australia. 6.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares USA. 9.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 11.30 First Dates UK. 1.40 Fresh TV. 2.10 Late
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Those Who Serve. 3.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. 3.40 The Cook
4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Professor T. New. 9.15 Hard Quiz. 9.50 Shaun Micallef’s
Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 23. Essendon v St Kilda. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 GetOn Extra. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30
Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.35 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Love, Game, Match. (2022) 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 24. Sydney Roosters v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Man On A Ledge. (2012) 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.05 Sean’s Kitchen. 4.35 MOVIE: Stuart Little. (1999) 6.25 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee. (2005) 8.30 MOVIE: Easy A. (2010) 10.30 MOVIE: I Feel Pretty. (2018) 12.45 The Killing. 1.40 Shopping. 2.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 News. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News: Afternoon. 4.00 House Hunters Australia. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News. 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? 9.40 The Graham Norton Show. 10.50 10’s
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Dalgliesh. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Quiet Weekend. (1946) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Police Rescue Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: San Andreas. (2015) 10.45 MOVIE: Collateral Beauty. (2016) 12.45 Late Programs.
•The
Snowy Monaro
44 Corrowong Road, Delegate
River Cottage - Quintessential lifestyle opportunity!
Welcome to River Cottage, the perfect place to escape the chaos of the world and enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle.
• Recently renovated extensively inside and out now fitted with double glazed windows and fully insulated with Earthwool
• 3 bedrooms, modern bathroom/laundry, large commercial-style kitchen, open living and dining
• 1.91ha/4.72ac fenced into two paddocks and well kitted out for hobby farm with steel cattle yards with vet crush, chicken coop and pig pens
• Raised vegetable garden beds, flower beds and established trees that attract an abundance local bird life
Beautifully appointed & finished, River Cottage is ready to welcome you and your family to a new relaxed & comfortable lifestyle!
Spectacular ‘Stradone’
ADDRESS: 50 Burton Street, Bombala NEW PRICE: $895,000
The majestic grandeur and classic opulence of Stradone, Bombala, can’t help but turn heads.
Built in 1912, Stradone is a solid masonry construction that blends together Federation architecture with country style to create an iconic estate in the rural town of Bombala. Retained within the one family for the last 46 years, Stradone has been lovingly maintained and cared for while being upgraded with creature comforts and retaining its historic beauty.
The two-storey, Stradone, features five bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large open kitchen and dining with a sunken living area, modern conservatory with French doors leading out on to the sweeping verandah and rumpus room with private patio.
The paved driveway leads you onto the property and around to the single carport.
Nestled amongst established gardens and mature trees, it’s easy to forget you are a short stroll down to the centre of town.
Once in a lifetime, properties of this stature come on the market, now is the time to make Stradone yours.
Unlock the potential of this exceptional corner block, perfectly positioned for your dream home or a savvy investment development.
• Zoned R1 General residential with frontage to High and Stephen Street
• Formerly known as the Lions Park the old toilet block is still on the property
• Block is approx. 1426m2 in size with many established trees in place
• NBN, town water, sewerage, mains power and natural gas are all nearby for connection
• Short walk down to the Bombala River parklands, railway precinct and the main shopping centre of town
The possibilities are endless - don’t miss this rare opportunity to secure a standout property in a sought-a er location!
1 High Street, Bombala
Snowy Monaro
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Name a pioneer in hypnosis, Franz Anton ... (6)
7 What is the science of being, as such (8)
8 Which term describes someone new to the work, etc (6)
9 What is a state of sleep or drowsiness (8)
10 To feel self-reproach, is to do what (6)
11 Which term suggests something revolting (8)
14 What are constituent parts of a whole (8)
18 To set on fire, is to do what (6)
19 What do we call the last work of a composer (4,4)
21 What is a lump of native gold (6)
22 Name the smallest particle of a substance capable of independent existence (8)
23 Which term describes “of two parts” (6)
DOWN
1 Name a renowned magician (8)
2 Name an unmarried woman (6)
3 Who discovered X-rays in 1895, Wilhelm Konrad ... (8)
4 What is a colloquial term for a prison (4)
5 When one jostles, one does what (6)
6 Which attitude stereotypes an elderly person according to age, other than individual abilities (6)
12 To not have a signature, is to be what (8)
13 Which term describes that which is selected from diverse sources (8)
15 Name a renowned Australian writer of verse and prose, Henry ... (6)
Letters have a number
E-QUATIONS
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
16 What is a stable trough from which cattle eat (6)
17 What is something puzzling or inexplicable (6)
20 Which term implies a burden or a responsibility (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 QUIDDITY
(a) A confection of quince juice and sugar (b) Chewing tobacco
(c) The essence of anything
2 SPISSITUDE (a) Density
(b) Lasting ill will (c) Flashiness
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:
Blood fluid (5)
Cow’s stomach (5)
Deserve (5)
Increase in breadth (5)
Males (3)
Number (3)
Opening in bone (7) Pig (3)
Public processions (7) Ruin (3)
FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025
Up The Dirt On The Monaro
59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452
Classifieds
COOMA PASTORAL AND AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION INC
AGM (Cooma Show Committee). September 10, 2025 6pm. Board Room, Cooma ExServices Club. New committee members welcome and encouraged to attend.
Contact 0498 105 537 for more information.
Mazda T3000 Tip truck
tonne tare
Good tyres
Registered 5/1/26 (CV73PS) $4000 with stock crate $3500 without Price negotiable Phone Barney 0427 810 759
BROWNLIE, Jennifer Mary “Jenny”. 16/5/1941 – 1/8/2025
Passed peacefully in the Queanbeyan Hospital.
Beloved mother of Stephen, Louise and Judy. Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.
We invite friends and relatives of Jennifer to her funeral service to be held at the Presbyterian Inland Mission, 38 Burton Street, Bombala
TOMORROW, Thursday, August 14, 2025, commencing at 11am.
“NEW” Full Time JOB OPPORTUNITY IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS
Position: Water and Wastewater Services Operator (WWSO)
Location: Lake Crackenback Resort, 1650 Alpine Way, Crackenback Employer: Owners Corporation SP37248
Key Position Objectives:
1. The primary objective of the WWSO role (approx. 50% of role) is to be responsible for the day-today operational, responsive, and planned maintenance activities associated with the Resort’s water and wastewater treatment plants and their associated hydraulic reticulation network.
2. The secondary objective of the WWSO role is to support the Operations Co-ordinator in the ongoing delivery of the Resort’s common property maintenance and asset improvement projects.
Key Areas of Work Responsibility:
1. Operation of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and its associated recycled water Class A+ Irrigation System – manage, operate, monitor and maintain the new plants systems, manual systems and SCADA systems.
2. Operation of the Water Filtration Plant and Fire Hydrant System – manage, operate, monitor and maintain the plants systems, manual systems and SCADA systems.
3. Manage, operate, monitor and maintain the Water and Wastewater Reticulation Network.
4. 2nd in Charge of site role by providing general facilities maintenance, operations and project management support to the Operations Co-ordinator.
5. General Administration and associated compliance reporting.
Qualifications/Training
• Current C class drivers’ licence
• WHS knowledge and training
• Trades and or mechanical background – highly desirable
• A certi cate in Water Industry Operations – desirable but not essential
• Training will be provided to the right applicant
Hours of Work:
• Full-time 38 hours per week
• Rostered weekends as directed
• Flexible work hours to support site operations is required
Remuneration
To be agreed depending on experience and quali cations
For a full job description and/or additional information email: operations@sp37248.com.au
Applications to: admin@sp37248.com.au Applications close Monday, August 25, 2025.
MCDONALD (nee Feldmann), Angela 'Angie'. 14/1/53 - 14/8/15
Beloved Mum and Oma. 10 years missed. ~ Todd, Rae and Rob + boys.
Monaro sides primed for tough finals footy action
The Group 16 nals series will start this weekend with Cooma and Bombala rugby league sides set to feature in elimination matches.
The Cooma Stallions rst and reserve grade sides will face must win matches on Saturday a er both teams nished the home and away part of the season in h place.
In rst grade, Cooma is coming o a 60-0 loss to Tathra but with h place assured, the match allowed a number of players to rest up ahead of the nals campaign.
The Stallions head to Narooma on Saturday where rst grade will be looking to continue its good form against the home side. The Stallions accounted for Narooma
two rounds back in Cooma, 38-28.
A Monaro rivalry in reserve grade will see the Bombala Heelers take on Cooma. Both sides nished the season with four wins. Bombala won the last encounter 36-6.
Match times for Saturday’s Narooma xtures were still being con rmed at the time of going to print. Keep an eye on The Monaro Post’s website and Facebook page for match times.
The only Monaro side guaranteed of playing in week two of the nals is the Bombala High Heelers. The side has claimed another minor premiership and only conceded two tries through its 11 matches.
Great weekend of golf for Weston
By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB
Members played a 4 Ball Aggregate for S Tatham and N Ryan trophies at Bombala Golf Club last Saturday.
The winners were Brendan Weston and Wayne Elton 71 points (Wayne had a great round and will need to check his handicap).
Runners up were Neil Thompson and Ray Crawford 69 points.
Golden Shot was won by Brendan Weston. Nearest the pin went to Wayne Elton.
On Sunday the event was a stroke for the monthly medal.
By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB
Sunday golfers were out in force for a single stableford and four-ball-best-ball event in conjunction.
The singles winner was Christie Barry with 38 points, edging out Owen Freebody on a countback for the day’s top prize.
In A grade, Mike Mesley had the best of the day with 35 points, in B grade, the top score was Stephen Jermyn with 35 points, and in C grade, Aaron Fenton with 36 points.
The singles ball comp ran down to 30 points on a countback.
In the four-ball-best-ball competition, the winners were Christie Barry and Keith Harvey with 43 points on a countback from Aaron Fenton and Owen Freebody. In third were Stephen Jermyn and Terry Stevenson on 42 points.
The men’s nearest the pins were Geo Murphy on three, Ben Beattie on 15, which included winning the eagles nest, he did make birdie, and Keith Harvey on 17.
The winner, Brendan Weston, had a great weekend having a win on both days.
He won on a countback from Darren Forrester 70 nett.
Weston will need to check his handicap also.
Balls went to Weston, Forrester, club juniors, Oscar Gough and Heath Henderson also came in with the good score of 72 nett winning them a ball.
Golden Shot was won by Brad Yelds. NTP not won.
In match play Weston continued his winning streak defeating Neil Thompson 5/4.
Program for the week:
Ladies Wednesday, 13 August – stableford, club trophy.
Members Saturday,16 August – stableford, club trophy.
Sunday, 17 August – stableford, late Rick Ingram trophy.
Hart wins monthly medal comfortably
Cooma golfers post impressive scores
By Cooma Golf Club
On Saturday in the stableford competition, Neil Mackenzie claimed the overall win with an impressive 42 points. Thomas Stewart won A Grade with 36 points, Jason Brazulaitis took out B Grade with 38 points, and Frank McKnight claimed C Grade also with 38 points. Nearest the pin winners were David Stewart on the ninth and Mark Rainsford on 17.
Saturday’s place-getters were David Stewart, Gino Cerro, Peter Smith, Rodney Connell, and Rainsford.
In the midweek medal on Wednesday, 6 August, Phil Amey took out the overall win with 74 nett on countback. The A Grade winner was David Stewart with 76 nett, also on a countback.
An update on the eclectic standings has Aaron Fenton on top in the nett event with -27, and in the gross, both Nigel Bolton and Alan Butterworth sit on an impressive -17.
On Wednesday, Bruce Hart’s re-
The ladies near pins were Kylie Woodcock on eight, Christie Barry on 15, and Karen Caban on 17.
cent good form nally prevailed with a win, a ne 69 nett in the monthly medal to comfortably win by ve strokes on the day over Terry Stevenson with 73 nett. The ladies’ monthly medal was Michelle White on 74 nett, and the ball comp on Wednesday ran down to 76 nett.
The men’s near pins were won by Bruce Hart on three, Bob Haigh on 15, plus holed the putt for birdie, and Louis Fenelon on 17.
The ladies’ near pins were won by Kylie Woodcock on three, Jan O’Halloran on 15 and again on 17.
Greg Abraham won B Grade with 82 nett, while Alan Kelly won C Grade on 74 nett. Abraham was nearest to the pin on nine, and Andrew Bruyns claimed 17. Place-getters for Wednesday were Harry Mould, Bruyns, John Harris, and Frank McKnight.The Saturday competition will be a stableford and split sixes.
The Bombala Heelers reserve grade side will clash with Cooma on Saturday in a must-win finals game.
PHOTO: Razorback Sports Photography
Bruce Hart’s recent good form resulted in a great 69 nett to win the monthly medal on Wednesday, 6 August.
KEY PLAYER: Cooma Stallions forward, Noah Saddler, will be one of his side’s go-to players in the elimination final against Narooma on Saturday. PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack
Devils Angels fight until final whistle DEVILS ANGELS COME CLOSE
TERRIFIC SEASON CELEBRATED IN FIRST YEAR BACK
By NATHAN THOMPSON
When Cooma rugby union o cials, supporters and players look back on season 2025 for the Cooma Devils Angels, the rst word likely to spring to mind will be proud.
The makings of a side came together in January this year, with the goal of bringing women’s rugby union back to Cooma. Not since 2001 had the Cooma Red Devils club elded a women’s team. All that quickly changed and it was clear from the side’s trial win over the Jindabyne Miss Piggies to start the season, Cooma was not just making up the numbers.
With most of its team having played more rugby league than union, the side learnt as it went. Under the guidance initially of coach, Adam Scho eld, and then Red Devils 2002 premiership player, Charlie McPhie, the side’s progress was clear to see.
The Devils Angels won the majority of its matches, many by large margins with its attacking game exciting to watch.
The team won through to the grand nal where it faced rivals, the Miss Piggies. Both sides had not reached a grand nal before and for one, a maiden premiership awaited.
Saturday’s grand nal in Bungendore saw hundreds of Cooma supporters cheer the side on.
The Devils Angels came agonisingly close to a premiership, falling just one converted try short, 31-24.
Cooma showed plenty of courage and determination to turn around a 26-5 hal ime scoreline. Prop Paige Jardine led from the front, crossing for a hattrick.
Jardine scored Cooma’s rst and only try in the opening 40 minutes before barging over for two in the second half.
Cooma scored its third second half try through captain ,Brianna Rankin. With just two minutes remaining, the Miss Piggies led 26-24. The Cooma fairy tale wasn’t to be as the Miss Piggies raced away for their h and match winning try.
The Devils Angels received plenty of praise from ACT rugby union o cials for its e orts in just the rst season back in competitive rugby.
Callie Alcock has been one of the side’s best all year. Alcock makes an important run for her team. Devils Angels speedster, Emily Quodling, looks to beat a Miss Piggies defender.
Kim Wilson shows her class in a tough run through the middle.
IMPRESSIVE: Cooma Devils Angels prop, Paige Jardine, delivered a terrific performance in her side’s loss. Jardine scored three tries.
PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Devils Angels captain, Brianna Rankin, bursts through the defence on her way to the try line.
MISS PIGGIES WIN PREMIERSHIP
Miss Piggies claim maiden title
HISTORIC WIN FOR JINDABYNE WOMEN’S RUGBY
By NATHAN THOMPSON
The Jindabyne Miss Piggies have capped o a remarkable season, li ing the premiership trophy for the rst time in the side’s history.
With a strong Jindabyne crowd on hand in Bungendore, the Miss Piggies claimed its maiden title with a hardfought 31-24 win over Monaro rivals, the Cooma Devils Angels.
Jindabyne’s rst half e ort set up the win, crossing for four tries to head into the main break 26-5. The tables turned in the second stanza as Cooma had the majority of possession and territory.
The Devils Angels scored three tries to reduce the Miss Piggies lead to just two points with two, tense and exciting minutes remaining.
The Jindabyne side remained composed and nished the game in style with a try in the dying stages.
For the Miss Piggies, season 2025 will not only be remembered as the side’s rst premiership but also for its unbeaten run. The title is four in a row for the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club following the Bushpigs winning the 2022, 2023 and 2024 premierships.
Miss Piggies captain, Montana Hawkins, said the side should be proud of its hard work and commitment.
“I’m so incredibly proud of everything we have achieved. All of Jindabyne is proud of us,” Hawkins said.
“To reach our rst grand nal in 20 years and to win, I’m very proud of all of you.”
This season was all about the Miss Piggies. Their toughest tests came against Cooma, and this was the case in the grand nal on Saturday.
Miss Piggies playmaker and representative star, Bernadette Lai, was the side’s best and received player of the nal honours.
Lai’s passing game was top notch, delivering early and clean ball to her backs. When the opportunity presented itself, Lai would burst through the defence. She scored two tries in the win.
There were many standouts across the park for the Miss Piggies with Eden Klemm, Hawkins and Rhianna Burke o the bench all impressing.
Lai started the scoring for the Miss Piggies with a run away try early in the contest. She backed up her e orts later in the half with a second.
There was plenty support for the Miss Piggies players. Millie Mugridge was one player locals were throwing their support behind. Eden Klemm beats a Cooma defender on her way to the try line.
Miss Piggies stalwart, Rhianna Burke, provided plenty of spark when she came onto the field.
TRY TIME: Jindabybe Miss Piggies playmaker, Bernadette Lai, scores her second try of the match. Lai was awarded player of the match.
Miss Piggies player and club volunteer, Sass Dutch, celebrated the premiership victory with Pop Dal Dutch.
RED DEVILS RISE TO VICTORY
Tough Red Devils lift premiership
GRAND FINAL TRIUMPH ONE OF CLUB’S BEST EFFORTS
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Cooma rugby union o cials, players and supporters have waited 21 years for this moment, a Cooma Red Devils premiership.
In one of the most thrilling South Coast/Monaro rugby union grand nals contested in recent memory, the Cooma Red Devils produced a 32-29 premiership triumph over minor premiers, Bungendore.
For the last 13 minutes of the match, Cooma held a three point lead. The visitors held out multiple Bungendore raids, in one of the best defensive e orts the club has delivered.
As full time arrived, Bungendore was awarded a penalty. The home side elected to kick for goal to send the match into extra time. 22 metres out, in front, Bungendore missed, sending the Red Devils players, o cials and hundreds of Cooma supporters into raptures.
The contest was a tough a air throughout the 80 minutes. Both sides had a player issued yellow cards and each team had one player sent o in a nail-biting second half.
An elated Red Devils captain, Damien Roach, said following the win that his side’s discipline proved key to winning.
“We played hard and kept our discipline for most the match,” Roach said.
“There were lots of penalties. But we were disciplined and stayed out
of the niggle.”
Bungendore opened the scoring early in the contest before Cooma hit straight back when second rower, Edwin Ingram, barged over close range. As they have done most of the season, the Red Devils looked to their strong forwards when close to the try line.
Both sides traded penalty goals with the score locked up at 10-10 a er 15 minutes.
Bungendore stretched its lead to 17-10 when centre, Maloni Tubekitu, fooled the Cooma defence with a dummy close to the line. Cooma didn’t wait long to respond when a slick backline move put fullback, Hunter Caldwell, into space.
Caldwell received a lovely at ball from anker, Dylan Piper-Bye, to race 30 metres to score out wide.
Bungendore had a second
player in the sin bin early in the second half. Cooma had a 15 on 14 advantage for a few minutes. Hooker, Sam Scarlett, scored for the third try in a row to level the scores at 22-22.
Both teams lost players to red cards for repeat infringements and the match played out 14 on 14.
A Roach penalty goal took Cooma ahead to 25-22 before Bungendore won a scrum against the head on
Cooma’s tryline to score and regain the lead, 29-25.
A composed Red Devils out t continued to press hard. Flanker, Devonik Saumalu, continued Cooma’s success at the ruck, forcing his way over. A successful Roach conversion took the score to 32-29 in Cooma’s favour.
The Cooma side held on for a memorable win, one of the best in the club’s history.
Roach rises to grand final occasion
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Cooma Red Devils leader, Damien Roach, has etched his name into the club’s record books as one of just four captains to li a premiership trophy.
Roach delivered an inspired performance to lead his side to its rst premiership since 2002 and sixth club title in its 62 year history. In the Red Devils rst grand nal since 2014, Roach stood tall in arguably his best e ort this season. Roach’s kicking game was strong as was his passing and defence.
The y half was awarded the player of the grandnal for his e orts in guiding the Red Devils to a thrilling 32-29 win over Bungendore. Roach slotted three conversions from four attempts, and two penalty goals.
Roach’s cool head and leadership qualities shone through when Cooma had a player sent o in the second half a er receiving his second yellow card.
Roach praised the side for its discipline and attitude throughout the premiership decider.
“That’s probably the best game we played all year. We were disciplined, and played
our game,” a proud Roach said.
Roach and the team li ed their defensive pressure in response to being down a player.
2025 has been a standout season for Roach who featured in the Monaro representative side for the rst time in his career.
He played at inside centre alongside team mates Nico Maclean, Devonik Saumalu, Jake Quodling, Connor Campbell and brother, Harry Roach, who plays for Yass. Roach had a large contingent of family and friends cheering him on from the sidelines at Bungendore.
Cooma’s fourth and match winning try in the end is scored by Devonik Saumalu.
Try time for fullback, Hunter Caldwell. Caldwell races 30 metres to finish o a nice backline move.
ATTACK: Red Devils centre, Josh McDonald, produces another tough run for the side. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Roach charges forward as the Cooma side goes on the attack in the second half.
LEADER: Cooma Red Devils captain, Damien Roach, is presented with the player of the grand final medal for his terrific performance. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Flanker, Dylan Piper-Bye, is at his best during the grand final. He looks to break through the defence.
Terrific Torah
Bright inducted into hall of fame
When Torah Bright OAM claimed gold at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, she put Cooma on the global stage.
Bright, Australia’s most successful Winter Olympian, has been named as one of seven new members to be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Bright has achieved extraordinary success and transformed the way Australians view winter sport.
She captured one gold and one silver medal across three Olympic Games while elevating snowboarding’s pro le throughout the nation.
Born and raised in Cooma, she began skiing at an early age before transitioning to snowboarding at 11. Bright made her Australian Winter Olympic debut at 19 during the 2006 Turin Games, nishing h in the snowboard halfpipe, just one point shy of the podium.
Her competitive excellence continued with gold medals at the 2007 and 2009 Winter X Games, complemented by silver medals in 2006 and 2008.
Bright’s de ning moment arrived at the 2010 Vancou-
ver Winter Olympics. A er carrying Australia’s ag at the opening ceremony, Torah faced injury concerns heading into the halfpipe nal. Rising to the occasion with remarkable determination, she delivered a magnificent performance to claim the gold medal, a victory that transformed both her life and snowboarding’s status in Australia.
At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Torah made history as the rst female athlete to compete in three snowboarding events: slopestyle, halfpipe and snowboardcross.
Her silver medal in the halfpipe secured her position as Australia’s most successful Winter Olympian, cementing her legacy in the nation’s sporting history.
Bright retired from competitive snowboarding in January 2020, having revolutionised the sport through her achievements, innovative technique and ability to inspire the next generation of snowboarders both in Australia and internationally.
“I hope my legacy shows
that no dream is too big,” Bright said.
“Belief, real, unwavering belief in yourself, your vision and what’s possible, isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill. Like a muscle it has to be built, stretched and strengthened every day.”
Joining Bright in the 2025 class of inductees are fellow sporting greats Lleyton Hewitt AM (tennis), Jason Dunstall (AFL), Laura Geitz (netball), Cameron Smith AM (rugby league), Mark Schwarzer OAM (football), and Dr Peter Harcourt AM (sports medicine), whose contributions span elite performance and visionary support roles.
Membership in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is reserved for athletes and contributors who have reached the pinnacle of their elds and le a lasting mark on Australian sport.
Bright now joins an illustrious honour roll that includes Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Lauren Jackson, and Layne Beachley, legends whose achievements have shaped the nation’s sporting identity.
Torah Bright OAM celebrates her gold medal at Vancouver games. Bright is Australia’s most decorated Winter Olympian. PHOTO: Snow Australia
HISTORY: When Cooma’s Torah Bright arrived home a er claiming gold at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, she was greeted with a street parade and plenty of excitement. Bright OAM has now been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
PHOTO: File
Torah into hall of fame
Pg 31
Red Devils roar to title
COOMA CELEBRATES FIRST PREMIERSHIP IN 23 YEARS
By NATHAN THOMPSON
An inspired Cooma Red Devils side has produced one of the club’s greatest moments, securing a thrilling 32-29 win and its rst premiership in 23 years.
The Cooma Red Devils’ last month of rugby has been arguably some of its best in the club’s 62 year history, winning each nals match, including the premiership decider on Saturday in Bungendore.
Against the odds, the Red Devils proved too strong for the previously undefeated Bungendore side.
The nal 13 minutes of the grand nal were some of the most nervous for Cooma rugby o cials and supporters, as the side held on to a three point lead. The Cooma men defended with vigour, holding out the Bungendore attack.
A penalty to the home side, right on full time, looked like taking the match into extra time. 22 metres out and in front, the Bungendore kick missed.
Hundreds of Cooma rugby supported ooded the eld, embracing with one another and the players as the nal whistle sounded.
Red Devils captain, Damien Roach, praised his side’s composure in a match where multiple players were sent to the sin bin and one from either side was issued a red card.
“We were the better disciplined side, we have worked very hard on giving away less penalties. It was the di erence in the end,” Roach said.
“I’m so proud of the whole side and our club, it’s a massive achievement to win a premiership.”
Grand nal day of the South Coast/Monaro competitions was
one of the best for Cooma rugby union. Not only did it bring a Red Devils premiership but the women’s side, the Devils Angels, came within a converted try of its maiden premiership.
SNOWY MONARO
■ More coverage from the rugby union grand finals on pages 28, 29 and
• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens
• Bagged Firewood
• Bagged Kindling
• Bagged charcoal
• Bagged Ironbark –cooking wood
Hundreds of Cooma and Jindabyne supporters headed to Bungendore to watch the Devils Angels take on the Miss Piggies, before the Red Devils faced Bungendore.
The Miss Piggies won an enthralling clash 31-24, to win its rst premiership.
30.
RAMPAGING RED DEVILS: The Cooma Red Devils have won their first premiership since 2002 in a tough and determined e ort. Darcy Larritt (pictured) charges forward during the first half.
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson