MonaroPostWednesdayAugust202025

FIRIES BUSY

Legacy remembered Hundreds of homes in pipeline

HONOURING OUR VIETNAM VETERANS

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

The Snowy Monaro region has paused to remember the sacrifices of our Vietnam veterans with a service held in Cooma to mark the occasion.

The Cooma-Monaro RSL

sub-branch commemoration of Vietnam Veterans’ Day took place at the Cooma cenotaph on Monday morning.

The day is held on August 18, a significant date in Australia’s war in Vietnam when the Battle of Long Tan took place

in a rubber plantation in 1966 - where Australian soldiers fought one of their toughest and fiercest battles of the war.

Every year on this day Australians gather at war memorials across the country to remember the sacrifices of

the approximately 3000 soldiers who died, and give thanks to almost 60,000 Australians who served during the 10 years of the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

■ Read more on page 2

COOMA FURNISHING CO

By ELLE THOMPSON

There are multiple housing developments underway in Cooma with up to 400 new homes in the works.

Despite such a signi cant amount of works, McGrath Estate Agent Cooma sales agent, Shannon Fergusson, believes there won’t be an immediate impact on the local market.

“While there is a lot, it will take a signi cant amount of time for the actual homes to be built, and so I don’t think we are going to see a big and sudden impact on the market,”

Mr Fergusson said.

The Alpine Rise development currently underway is the largest, with 177 new homes on a 12.6-hectare site at the northern end of Cooma, between the Monaro Highway and Polo Flat Road. The federal and NSW governments supplied $23.6 million for the project, which will provide private residences, seniors living apartments and social housing.

Mr Fergusson believes the Alpine Rise development is poor timing.

“My opinion is that the Alpine Rise development should have happened ve years ago when the demand was there,” he said.

“I hope and would expect that the government has conducted feasibility studies and looked at the trend of decentralisation and are putting in e orts to getting people to move here.”

■ Read more on page 4

SACRIFICE: Local veterans, RSL sub-branch members and the community pay their respects at the Cooma Cenotaph (from left) Geoff Stokes, Dennis Feaver, Peter McMahon OAM, Alex Aitkenhead, Ray Peters-Smith, Gary Nichols, Chrsitopher and Suzanne Dendle and Don Murphy.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Vietnam Veterans’ day honours sacrifice

Local soldiers thanked for military service

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

Re ecting on the service and sacri ce of many thousands of brave Australians during the Vietnam War, local veterans and community members from the region gathered at the Cooma cenotaph to pay their respects at the annual Vietnam Veterans’ Day service on Monday morning.

Conducted by the Cooma-

Monaro RSL sub-branch, the commemoration included a welcome and address by Cooma Monaro RSL subbranch president, Ray Peters-Smith.

“The arrival of the Australian Army training team Vietnam in South Vietnam during July and August 1962 marked the start of Australia’s involvement in the war,”

Mr Peters-Smith said.

“By the time the war had

come to an end, almost 60,000 Australians served during a decade of conict. Tragically, 524 of them died and almost 3000 were wounded.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, when the South Vietnamese capital Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese forces in April 1975. This brought the end of the war which had spilled over

into neighbouring Cambodia and Laos.

“We gather here to take the opportunity to recognise those veterans among us not only from the Vietnam War, but other post World War II campaigns, namely the Malayan emergency, Korean War, Indonesian confrontation, East Timor, The Gulf Wars (one and two) and of course, Afghanistan.”

The service address was delivered by sub-branch past president, Geo Stokes.

Mr Stokes presented a

background summary of the Vietnam War from the start to the end of the war.

“The war was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent in Australia since the conscription referendum of WWI. Many dra resisters, conscious objectors and protestors were ned or jailed while soldiers met a hostile reception on their return home,” he said.

The ceremony’s re ection was presented by Aux Lt Bryan Bartlett of the Salvation Army Corps of Cooma.

Wreaths were laid at the base of the cenotaph by Mr Peters-Smith on behalf of the sub-branch, CoomaBombala Legacy legatee, Gary Nichols, Heather Little from Cooma Laurel Club and Don Murphy, representing Cooma Ex-Services Club. Cooma District Band leader, Chris Wall, played the Last Post and The Rouse while sub-branch secretary, Don Murphy, raised the ag before the crowd was invited to sing Advance Australia Fair to conclude the ceremony.

Interest

Cooma District Band leader, Chris Wall, plays The Last Post.

RESPECTS: Cooma Laurel Club’s, Heather Little and Betty Fletcher, lay a wreath at the Cooma Cenotaph on Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

Fire crews attend several incidences

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

Snowy Monaro re crews experienced a busy week last week with various units responding to multiple incidents.

On Monday, 11 August crews attended a re in Michelago on Pony Club Road. The re began in a travelling stock reserve and spread

to a neighbouring private property.

The re started from an angle grinder while fencing was being carried out. It was heading in a northerly direction towards private property, resulting in property protection occurring.

Seven trucks attended from Colinton and Michelago rural re brigades.

tained the re in under two hours.

5pm that same day.

At about 10am on Wednesday, 13 August, Cooma Rural Fire Brigade was called to assist Cooma Fire and Rescue in response to a re at the Cooma waste facility.

At around 1pm, crews then responded to reports of a lost agricultural burn along Rothlyn Rd.

The re burnt about 24 hectares and took re ghters an hour-and-a-half to control.

Crews were faced with a deep-seated re on the tip face and successfully con-

On arrival, crews were faced with a large running love grass re.

It burnt through roughly 100 hectares and was declared contained around

The re jumped a containment line when the wind came up during the control burn.

15 trucks were on site from Cooma, Bredbo, Colinton, Shannons Flat and Dry Plains.

No property was under threat from the re.

Last Thursday night po-

lice, ambulance, RFS and re and rescue crews attended a truck and car accident outside of Bombala, near the Mila turn-o . Three people were injured and transported to Bombala Hospital.

RFS crews from Bombala and Mila assisted emergency service personnel at the scene.

Local movement hopes to reduce power bills

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Many Snowy Monaro residents have heard the story about how Dalgety almost become the nation’s capital in the early 1900s.

While the only village on the banks of the Snowy River might not be the site of Australia’s capital, a group of residents is hoping the village will be centre of a nationwide grassroots movement to lower power bills.

A grassroots campaign, originating in Dalgety and spreading across the Snowy Monaro, is calling on locals to push back against increasing

companies to lower their prices and call out ‘net zero’.

“Consumers have more power than they think,” Australian Consumer Democracy’s, Roger

“By choosing how and where they purchase electricity, Australians can in uence how energy is generated and delivered.”

The group said multiple businesses have backed the push and will support the cause by placing posters on their premises.

‘We are a non-political group, run by volunteers. We believe a locally-led movement can make real change across the country,” Mr Selis said.

“We are starting our campaign to encourage consumers to demand greater a ordability from energy providers.”

The fire at Michelago started from an angle grinder spark while erecting new fencing.

15 trucks from five Rural Fire Brigade units attended a fire near Rothlyn Road on Wednesday.

LOVE GRASS: A fire at Rothlyn Road burnt through about 80 hectares a er jumping a containment line. PHOTOS: Snowy Monaro RFS

Snowy Monaro youth funding

The Y NSW will deliver a calendar of a er-school and school holiday activities in Bombala, Cooma and Jindabyne from spring 2025, following a Snowy Monaro Regional Council decision to award the $50,000 youth services contract to the notfor-pro t formerly known as the YMCA.

Sta from The Y will hold youth consultation forums in Bombala and Jindabyne in the coming months. These forums will ensure that the activities o ered will meet the needs of the youth community in each town.

The Y runs the Cooma youth hub, a dedicated space for the region’s young people.

Local schools, community organisations and youth groups across the region will be invited to work with The Y to promote participation in the program. Advertising and promotion for the calendar of events will run across local schools, community newsletters, events and on social media.

“We were really impressed with The Y’s proposal,” Snowy Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna, said.

“This program will bring more choice and expanded access to youth activities to the Snowy Monaro’s major centres, with the inclusive range of activities on o er covering everything from sports and outdoor excursions to arts and technology.

“The team at The Y have a clear plan to work with our community and make this new program a success, delivering real bene ts for local young people.”

Council will provide further information about the upcoming youth forums and activity program in a future update.

The Y proposal was selected following an open expression of interest process undertaken by council in the rst half of 2025.

Hundreds of Cooma homes in development

Won’t be a sudden impact on market: agent

By ELLE THOMPSON

With so much residential development happening in and around Cooma at the moment, many are wondering what it means for the future of the local real estate market.

McGrath Estate Agents Cooma sales agent, Shannon Fergusson, believes about 400 new homes are currently in development for Cooma.

“While there is a lot, it will take a signi cant amount of time for the actual homes to be built, and so I don’t think we are going to see a big and sudden impact on the market,” Mr Fergusson said.

The Alpine Rise development currently underway is the largest, with 177 new homes on a 12.6-hectare site at the northern end of Cooma, between the Monaro Highway and Polo Flat Road. The federal and NSW governments supplied $23.6 million for the project, which will provide private residences, seniors living apartments and social housing.

Mr Fergusson says he believes the Alpine Rise development is poor timing.

“My opinion is that the Alpine Rise development should have happened five years ago

Application number 10.2025.135.1

Property address

1105 Smiths Road, The Angle NSW 2620

Legal description

Lot: 1 DP: 1071422

Consent authority

Development proposal

Addition to existing hall and fire shed including kitchen and an operations rooms

Applicant P G Henry

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

Public exhibition period

This application and its accompanying documents will be on display at all Council offices and online at Council’s website at https://qrco.de/SMRC-DA or https://qrco.de/masterview for twenty-eight (28) days, ending Wednesday 3 September 2025.

Providing feedback

Council is seeking community comment on this proposal. All submissions should be made in writing to CEO Noreen Vu. All submissions will be treated as a public document. Any person making a submission is required to disclose any reportable political donations or gifts at the time of making the submission. For more information, please contact Council’s development and planning department at the Jindabyne Council office. Visit our website at https://qrco.de/DAinfo to learn more.

when the demand was there.

“I hope and would expect that the government has conducted feasibility studies and looked at the trend of decentralisation and are putting in efforts to getting people to move here. With an extra 400 dwellings there will be more pressure put on things like schools and retailers, so I hope the people with the power are being proactive and looking at how we can get new ones here to support that.”

Other developments include The Fields, located on Yallakool Road, with 16 lots availa-

ble for purchase. Mr Fergusson is the agent for this development and he says the sales have been fairly slow.

“Some investors are buying the land, but are planning on sitting on it for a while, watching interest rates, and just seeing what the market will do. So yes, it will be some time before we see all these houses in town,” Mr Fergusson said.

“The nature of the real estate market is that it starts and stops every week, every month. When the Boco Rock Wind Farm construction was completed, we did see a bit of a

lull, but things came back up.”

Site preparations are also currently happening at a subdivision o Yareen Road, with 50 lots set to go up for sale.

Another is a proposed subdivision on Thurrung Street in Cooma East for 20 residential lots on a 1.835-hectare block.

Belle Property is selling 15 semi-rural lots, known as Acacia Ridge, on Old Dry Plains Road in Cooma.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has a development application currently on public exhibition for 11 dwellings proposed for 6-8 Campbell Street.

GROWTH: Cooma has several large residential developments happening currently. Pictured are the earthworks underway at the government-funded development site, Alpine Rise, set to provide 177 dwellings at the northen end of Cooma.

PHOTO: Elle Thompson

Safety concerns for popular Guthega backcountry location

By TRISTA HEATH

An increasing number of people are discovering the wonders of the Kosciuszko wilderness in winter, as they venture the back country to discover the magic of the vast untracked areas of snow on the Main Range.

Dr Tony Burns, founder of Charlotte Pass Cross-Country Ski School, formed some 50 years ago, still returns to the area skiing and hiking the Kosciuszko National Park.

Well-equipped to be venturing the backcountry, Dr Burns has swapped taking tour groups through the mountains to now enjoying the scenery with family.

As he continues to enjoy the mountains, he has noticed a particular area of the National Park become more popular and worries the risky section of Guthega is going to cause serious harm to those venturing to the area and not knowing the risk it poses.

Dr Burns said there is a high risk of serious injury present in the Kosciuszko National Park near Guthega.

“Adventurers are lured out by the wide at trail a er the dam, heading for the bridge

across Guthega Creek, to the slopes of Mt Tate,” Dr Burns said.

“However, between the trail and the bridge, there is a 200 m long, very steep slope and this slope is exposed to the wind and is commonly icy in winter.

“A short distance below lies what has become informally known as ‘the Lake of Death’.

“I am aware of at least two people who have fallen traversing the Walk of Death, both were carrying large packs and fortunately, both managed to self-arrest before entering the lake.”

Dr Burns said he has crossed this section many times because it is the easiest way to reach the Main Range, it wasn’t until he took his wife and friends out, that he realised its danger, and says there is no o cial public safety warnings available about the area.

“One slip and you’re down into the lake,” Dr Burns said.

Dr Burns said the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) policy states that NPWS has a duty of care to take steps to reduce the risk of harm to visitors where the risk is foreseeable to NPWS; the risk is not insigni cant;

UNPACKED. WHAT NOW?

and a reasonable person (if aware of the risk) would have taken precautions to limit or remove the risk.

“This is clearly a situation where the risk is foreseeable and signi cant, NPWS has a clear duty of care to pro tect skiers, snow boarders and snow shoers from harm and at present, there is no alternative route between the trail and the bridge,” Dr Burns said.

“I suggest either NPWS plant a row of trees below the traverse to arrest anyone who falls, or/and the exist ing trail be extended 200 m to the bridge.

“We are lucky to have these beautiful mountains in our backyard that we can climb to the top of, Mount Tape being one of them and you can see the beauty of the main range from all angles, but when looking at maps to plan your trip how would they know of the current hazards that lay ahead?”

AWARENESS: Parts of the Kosciuszko National Park are dangerous and only experienced skiers should take the risk, safety is your responsibility.

A NPWS spokesperson said the trail on the way to Mt Tate is for very experienced skiers only, noting that very steep, icy slopes are common right across the back country at this time of year.

“The NPWS strongly em-

phasises the need to be prepared and know your limits when skiing the back country. Safety is your responsibility. Do not underestimate the conditions or overestimate your capabilities,” NPWS spokesperson said.

“If you are unfamiliar with local conditions, seek advice from local registered commercial tour operators

or even consider joining a trip with them to build experience safely.”

To protect backcountry skiers and those who venture this section of Guthega, Dr Burns urges NPWS to put proper safety measures in place to ensure they know the risks as well as barriers to ensure no one ends up in the ‘Lake of Death’.

NPWS urges all back country visitors to ll out a trip intention form and take a personal locator beacon with them, available from the Snowy Region Visitor Centre, should they run into trouble. Visitors are advised to check conditions via NPWS Alpine Safety, NPWS Alerts and Mountain Safety Collective before heading out.

PHOTO: Supplied

Still call Jindabyne home: McDonald

GOOD LIVING IN JINDABYNE

By TRISTA HEATH

An Australian household name, one that’s been on almost every TV screen in the nation, journalist, ABC radio host and former foreign correspondent, Hamish McDonald, re ects on growing up in Jindabyne.

Moving to Jindabyne in the mid-late 70s, Hamish’s parents welcomed baby Hamish in 1981 and lived in the mountain town until he le for university to pursue a career in journalism. Hamish said growing up in Jindabyne had a profound impact on him.

“I think anyone who grows up in the Snowy Mountains has some sense of its obvious beauty, but it’s also a wonderful, tight-knit community,” Hamish said.

“You feel a great sense of safety and belonging from growing up in the Snowies. It’s also a very dynamic and diverse community.

“It’s quite di erent, I think, to other small towns or regional communities because there’s such a broad range of people that end up here.”

Hamish said the extensive history of the town drove his passion for journalism and his drive to learn more shaped his career into what it is today, an award-winning journalist.

“I think in many ways I was shaped by growing up in Jindabyne in terms of my chosen career path. I always had a very powerful awareness growing up in the mountains that there was a big wide world out there,” Hamish said.

“You heard so many di erent accents and languages growing up in Jindabyne, whether it was people that had come as part of the snowy scheme, or ski instructors or tourists from other parts of the world.

“I’ve always had a very strong awareness of a much bigger, wider world outside. And for me, a way to explore that and experience that was through journalism.”

Hamish said he always enjoyed learning about people’s di erent backgrounds and found that very exciting and fascinating. Aside from his connection and interest in people, Jindabyne also provided Hamish with a love of nature.

with family o en visiting from Sydney and elsewhere.

“Growing up around the ski industry was very exciting and I made a lot of friends through that, and in the warmer months I learnt a lot of skills being out in the bush,” Hamish said.

“Growing up in Jindabyne, you become very attached to the mountains, the lake, rivers, the animals and the bushlands. Breathing in the fresh crisp air, surrounded by the smells of the great outdoors and the feeling that you have when you’re walking out amongst the snow gums is quite profound and I certainly think for me that shaped me in really

positive ways,” Hamish said.

Hamish developed a strong sense of curiosity in part because of the history of Jindabyne.

“The ooding of the old Jindabyne, it was an evocative story to learn and think about as a kid,” Hamish said.

“The idea that underneath the lake, there were these stories and this history that lay there. I think

from a very early age that piqued my curiosity and has probably played some role in the curiosity that I have as a journalist and always looking to understand and interpret those stories.”

Hamish said growing up in Jindabyne he made many good friends, some who were just passing through and others that have remained life-long friends.

WE SERVICE ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH TREES

At Snowy Monaro Tree Service, we help households, businesses and organisations with tree removal, tree trimming, wood chipping, stump grinding, mulching and forestry mulching, vegetation management, site and roadside clearing, and traffic control.

“I was involved with the cub scouts, did a lot of camping, did a lot of bushwalking in the summer, went berry picking, and learnt about all the beautiful corners of the region from the south coast up to the mountains.

“Even today, it’s hard for me to imagine a more beautiful part of the world and have always felt very lucky to have grown up there.”

His family has since moved from Jindabyne to Sydney, but still have many friends and connections to the town and region.

Hamish said he goes back to Jindabyne o en and does a lot of camping and hiking in the national park.

“I love to take friends down for some of the hikes, I still feel very engaged, still feel very at home in Jindabyne,” Hamish said.

“Every time I round the bend above East Jindabyne driving down from Sydney, I put the windows down and smell the mountain air and see the lake and the mountains and just take it all in. I think that’s one of the best feelings in the world.

“It’s an important thing for me. I’ve travelled a lot for my career to some dangerous and di cult places and just always look forward to coming back and that moment of seeing the lake and the mountains and taking in the mountain air, I guess that, for me, is how I know that I’m home.”

• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens

• Bagged Firewood

• Bagged Kindling

• Bagged charcoal

• Bagged Ironbark –cooking wood

HOME: Hamish McDonald continues hiking Kosciuszko National Park as much as possible. PHOTOS: Supplied

Hamish McDonald working as a foreign correspondent in the Asia-Pacific.

It was also a great meeting place,

Hamish McDonald learning to ski when he was a young boy.

Jindabyne students impress Lions judges during youth awards

By TRISTA HEATH

The Jindabyne Lions Club hosted students at the Jindabyne High School library for the annual Lions Youth of the Year (YOTY) awards.

The ‘Lions Youth of the Year’ program was estab lished more than 50 years ago with the objective of developing and honing par ticipants’ skills associated with interview technique, personal interaction, net working, public speaking and ‘thinking-on-your-feet’.

As students leave school and enter employment or further education such skills will be invaluable tools in establishing a career path on a positive trajectory.

The event adjudicators included past Lions YOTY participant, Han Worsley, and president of the Cooma Rotary Club and past Lions YOTY participant, Joelle Azzopardi. They judged the winner o three separate components throughout the day.

ship and community involvement, academic achieve-

Snowy Mountains Grammar School students, Evie Cuthbert, Georgette Philpott and Oscar Whitehead joined Jindabyne High

The components included an interview where the students were asked to verbally elaborate on their experience as outlined in their written entry form via judges asking a series of general questions regarding leadership, sporting and/or cultural activities, citizen-

TRAFFIC ADVICE:

Throughout the interview, the judges looked for personality, maturity, sense of humour, communication skills, friendliness and con dence as this is a key component of the interview.

Students were asked impromptu questions where contestants demonstrated

their ability to respond spontaneously under pressure and expressed their opinion and knowledge of the topic clearly and articulately.

Lastly the students prepared their own speech on a topic of their choice demonstrating their knowledge of the topic.

Judges voted the overall winner to be Emelia Greville, she will move onto the

next round and Will Almond was named the public speaker winner.

“The level these students showed in their speeches was phenomenal, I was very impressed with all of them,” Joelle said. “The standards were set very high from the very beginning; the students blew us judges out of the water.” Han Worsley was similarly impressed.

“I’ve been really lucky to be involved in Lions YOTY for a few years now, and judged a couple of state nals. The students of Jindabyne were de nitely at a state nal level,” Han said. “We were really impressed with their general knowledge and community commitment, as a judging panel we were really impressed with them.”

Major components for the newest Snowy 2.0 Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) 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.

All oversize components will be transported with appropriate escorts. These moves may involve minor delays for motorists. Please adhere to directions from pilot vehicles and NSW Police.

To minimise road disruptions, loads wider than 4 metres will travel on the delivery route at night.

Throughout 2025 an 2026, there will be an increase in heavy vehicle deliveries to and from Snowy 2.0 remote work sites.

Please take care when driving around the Snowies.

For travel times and more detailed information on project truck movements, scan the QR code.

Please note, the timing of these deliveries may be subject to change.

Council has received the following development proposal, which is being advertised here for public exhibition.

Property address 6 Campbell Street, Cooma NSW 2630

Legal description

Lot: 2 DP: 596804, Lot: 2 DP: 1097448

Applicant Brother Nature Developments Pty Ltd

Development proposal

Demolition works and construction of 11 dwellings (5 detached cottages + 6 terraced townhouses) and 1 community building under strata title, extension of Campbell Street

Consent authority

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

Public exhibition period

This application and its accompanying documents will be on display at all Council offices and online at Council’s website at https://qrco.de/SMRC-DA or https://qrco.de/masterview for twenty-eight (28) days, ending Wednesday 17 September 2025.

Providing feedback

Council is seeking community comment on this proposal. All submissions should be made in writing to CEO Noreen Vu. All submissions will be treated as a public document. Any person making a submission is required to disclose any reportable political donations or gifts at the time of making the submission.

For more information, please contact Council’s development and planning department at the Jindabyne Council office. Visit our website at https://qrco.de/DAinfo to learn more. Application

Oscar Whitehead, Evie Cuthbert, Georgette Philpott, Emelia Greville and Will Almond.

Evie Cuthbert, Georgette Philpott, Oscar Whitehead, Emelia Greville, Will Almond with judges Han Worsley and Joelle

Local Lions need new members

Service clubs numbers drop, events may stop

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

Are you one of the many hundreds of people who attend the Berridale Lions Club’s annual Easter fair, leaving each time with not just a smile and some newly created memories made with family or friends, but also an appreciation for such wonderful community spirit?

Imagine if this and other activities and events in the local area didn’t happen anymore, as the groups and organisations who put the enormous e ort in to running them end up folding due to a lack of community interest in joining the organisation to provide the existing members with extra helping hands.

Berridale Lions Club last week put an urgent call out for new members as its numbers are dropping, and subsequently Jindabyne Lions Club also indicated its membership is in decline which may a ect its community contributions in the not-toodistant future, if things don’t change.

Berridale Lions Club holds two main events each year - the Easter Fair and the Spring Fair on the October long weekend. Members also participate in fundraising events throughout the year and are always willing to consider requests to support their local community.

Both Berridale and Jindabyne Lions Clubs are not-forpro t community organisations dedicated to serving and supporting their communities as well as the wider global community.

Long-standing members of Berridale Lions Club encourage community members to join, saying being part of the club has been one of the most rewarding decisions of their lives.

A current member said they joined the Lions 20 years ago, to just help at a few events.

“I never realised how much I’d gain in returnfriendships, life lessons, and a deep sense of pride for my town.”

While a past president stated being a Lion means “being part of a family where everyone looks out for each other, and where your e orts truly make a difference”.

Jindabyne Lions member, Nira Windeatt, said the Jindabyne Lions Club is in a very similar situation and will be making decisions next month on its continued community involvement in regular annual events.

“Without increased membership and support from the community and local council a number of community events like Australia Day citizenship awards and celebrations, Easter Art Show and Sale, Youth of the Year, ANZAC Day Breakfast and Seniors Christmas Party may not take place in their current form.”

Nira said volunteer numbers for all service groups are low and believes this is due to several reasons.

“Costs to join services groups which are necessary to cover admin and insurance fees plus club local, state national and international contributions are a factor, as is time available to attend meetings, plus there is a cost to attend dinner meetings, and an overall lack of interest to commit time to volunteer on committees and events.

“Service clubs are the heart and soul of communities and need to have local community and council support to survive,” Nira said.

The Berridale Lions Club Facebook post states the club needs “fresh faces and committed hearts”.

“For 50 years, this organisation has been a beacon of service, fellowship, and local pride - uniting people with a shared vision of making Berridale a better place for all. Now, more than ever, the Berridale Lions are putting out an urgent call for new members. The need is real; the need is now.

Whether you’ve lived here for generations or recently arrived, this is your opportunity to join hands and shape

the future of our community,” the post said.

“Established as part of Lions Clubs International - a global network dedicated to service above self - the Berridale Lions has contributed immeasurably to the life and vitality of the town. Over the years, their projects have touched every corner of local life: from fundraising for rural re brigades, supporting local schools and community groups, cleaning parks, to hosting free barbecues and holiday celebrations that bring the town together.

“But membership has dwindled as the years have passed. Many long-serving Lions are now hoping to pass the torch, yet too few hands have stepped forward. Without a new generation to carry on this proud tradition, the very future of the club - and some of our much-loved local events - hangs in the balance.

“Volunteer organisations like the Berridale Lions Club are the connective tissue of rural towns. In a world that o en feels increasingly divided, they are a place where neighbours become friends, where skills are shared, and where community needs don’t go unnoticed. Volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s about belonging. It’s about discovering purpose, building con dence, and nding joy in making a difference - no matter how large or small.”

Berridale Lions members meet regularly and they urge anyone interested to attend a meeting. No formal experience is needed, just a willingness to pitch in and an open heart.

“Across Australia, and indeed the world, service clubs are facing challenges as older generations retire from active roles and fewer young people come forward. For the Berridale Lions, this trend is particularly acute,” the post said.

Without a fresh in ux of members with new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm the club cannot sustain its current level of activity. Some

events may be reduced, postponed, or even cancelled. Worthwhile projects may be le un nished. Most worryingly, the very existence of the club could be threatened.

“This is a pivotal moment. Whether you’re 18 or 80, whether you have lots of time or just a little, your contribution counts. There are roles for everyone - organisers, helpers, fundraisers, cooks, co-ordinators and supporters. The only requirement

is a genuine desire to help others and to see Berridale thrive.”

With enough interest the club can continue to deliver valued community events and create new traditions; support those in need, be it in times of crisis or through day-to-day acts of kindness; foster leadership and opportunities for young people; and preserve the town’s unique character and heritage.

The Berridale Lions Club is more than just an organisation; it is a living expression of what makes small communities resilient, caring, and unique.

To learn more or join reach out to the Berridale Lions Club via their website or social media or attend a meeting.

For more about the Lions organisation go to: lionsclubs.org.au

Jindabyne Lions Club’s Gunther Propst, Coleena McCarty, Nira Windeatt, District Governorelect, David McKenna, Brian Farmer and Rebecca Mow are proud Lions members.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

DEDICATED: The Berridale Lions Club board of directors for the year is (le to right): director, Cli Hannem; president, Stuart Reid; treasurer, Amanda Plowwright; and secretary, Simon Munslow. The club is in urgent need of volunteers to survive. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Vern’s 40 year commitment recognised

By NATHAN THOMPSON

When Vern Dunning started out as a Cooma Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer in 1983, the re ghting equipment and vehicles were much di erent.

From the Blitz and Bedford trucks of the 1980s to the modern eet of today, a lot has changed during Vern’s 40 years as an RFS volunteer.

What hasn’t changed, is his commitment and passion for the brigade.

Vern has been recognised for his four decades of service to the community with the awarding of a 40 year service medal.

Cooma RFS members, Monaro RFS o cers, family and friends gathered recently to congratulate Vern on the medal and thank him for his service.

Monaro RFS district manager, Superintendent Jim Darrant, commended Vern on his commitment to the RFS.

“During his time as an RFS volunteer, Vern has held many key roles and provided invaluable support to our community,” Superintendent Darrant said.

“His support to the Monaro

RFS cadets, with many progressing into local brigades as members/o cers.

roles in the Cooma brigade.

RFS during bush res, such as the Tea Tree re of 2009 has been rst class.”

One of Vern’s long lasting contributions to the region’s volunteer re ghting e orts

has been the school cadets program.

Vern introduced the program in 2009 and in the following 16 years, hundreds of students have graduated as

“The school program has resulted in young people joining the region’s brigades. The students learn essential re safety techniques, it’s an important program and wouldn’t be running without Vern’s e orts,” Superintendent Darrant said.

Across his 40 years in the RFS, Vern has held multiple

He has served as president, equipment o cer and deputy captain. Vern has also been the district’s deputy re control o cer from 1991 to 1996.

His attention to detail and communication skills served Vern well as the district and brigade communications ofcer.

Vern’s e orts through the Black Summer bush re cam-

paign of 2019-2020 earned him a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service. As well as being a key member of the Cooma RFS brigade, Vern has supported the Monaro RFS incident management team over the years.

Superintendent Darrant also thanked Vern’s wife, Suzanne, for supporting his hard work as an RFS volunteer.

Science Week experiment a success for St Pat’s

St Patrick’s School students and teachers excitedly marked National Science Week last week with a very successful inaugural Science Fair involving more than 80 Kindergarten and Year 6 “scientists”.

The students dove deep into

the world of science showcasing a multitude of di erent projects and experiments, with parents happily watching the students demonstrate their learning and work.

Organisers of the event, Natalee Litch eld and Stef Cook, were

pleased with the outcome and the interest shown by the students in all things science.

Principal, Dr Sean Mangan, thanked everyone who helped set up the fair, particularly Troy Haines who provided support along with other sta and parent helpers.

Snowy Hydro’s education manager, Andrew Burke, and education engagement o cer, Carolyn Ewart, with members from the Snowy Hydro team were also present and provided many interesting science activities at their stall.

The event was so popular Dr Mangan said he is con dent the Science Fair can be considered as an annual event on the school calendar.

National Science Week was from 9 to 17 August.

monaro

THANKS: Monaro Rural Fire Service district manager, Superintendent Jim Darrant, presents Cooma RFS volunteer, Vern Dunning, with his 40 year service medal.

PHOTOS: Cooma RFS

take a look at some of the stalls at the science fair.

Jamieson and the erupting volcano.

Jayden Poulton had fun with the demonstrations.

Ruby Gibbs enjoyed the experiments at the science fair.

LEARNING: Tahlia Benson and Vosandi

Wanshanatha at St Patrick’s School’s inaugural science fair.

PHOTOS: St Patrick’s Parish School

Cooma and Monaro team RFS members congratulate Vern on his four decades of service to the brigade and community.

Remember those who served

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is the opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of those who served and sacri ced during Australia’s 10-year involvement in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day is commemorated annually on 18 August, which is the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan – one of the most signi cant con icts for Australians who served in the Vietnam War.

More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973. Of these, 15,381 were young men conscripted under the National Service Scheme, plucked from their regular careers, trained and sent to ght.

RSL Australia National president, Greg Melick, said our NASHOs served with distinction alongside regular army personnel.

Mr Melick said following the cessation of Australia’s ‘on-theground involvement’, in 1975, additional personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force returned to Vietnam to carry out evacuations and assist refugees in the lead-up to the South Vietnamese surrender.

“Of those who served in

Monaro men’s breakfast returns

wounds, injuries or illnesses. As well, many returned carrying the psychological scars of war,” he said.

War continued their proud legacy of service to our nation, either in the military or in their communities and some still play leadership roles in the RSL today.”

Mr Melick said the RSL acknowledges and honours the sel ess service of the Vietnam veterans.

“Their sacri ce is not forgotten, and Australians were able to

express this at commemorative services around the country last Monday.

“Lest we forget.”

RSL Australia

HAVE YOUR SAY

The Monaro Post welcomes contributions of Letters to the Editor. Letters can be posted, emailed or dropped to our office. Preference will be given to letters concerning local issues. Letters may be edited for reasons of clarity, removing defamatory or offensive content or due to space constraints. Preference will be given to letters which are less than 500 words in length. It is the editor’s prerogative to print or not to print letters. The editor’s decision is final.

Email editor@monaropost.com.au

Address 59 Vale Street, Cooma

The men from St Paul’s Anglican Cooma invite you to join them in a breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, juice, tea, and co ee to build friendship together, and hear an informal talk by Kevin Dunne.

Kevin is a retired principal and educator at St Patrick’s Parish School, Cooma. The breakfast is on Saturday, 6 September at 7.30am.

Venue is the St Paul’s Anglican Church hall. Cost $7.

To assist in catering, please RSVP either via website: cooma.mensbreakfast. com.au or by phone 0468 320 916.

St Paul’s men’s breakfast organisers

JEEPERS STAN, IT’S A REAL SHAME THE ‘TOUR DE DUST’ CYCLING CHALLENGE FINISHED BEFORE IT EVEN STARTED.

YEAH. DO YA RECKON THEY’LL HAVE ANOTHER RACE NEXT YEAR?

wreath at the Cooma Cenotaph. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Vietnam Veteran and Cooma-Monaro RSL sub-branch members, Geo Stokes, delivers the Vietnam Veterans’ Day address at ceremony in Cooma.

Photo of the week

Our photo of the week is contributed by Cooma resident and Cooma Lions Club stalwart, Russell Fox. Russell’s two images are a before and after shot of the new pedestrian bridge installed at Cooma Back Creek, next to the Cooma Bowling Club.

The Lions Club received a grant from the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund to purchase and install the new bridge. The club members (and Cooma Rotary) worked hard over many months to upgrade the footpaths leading to the bridge and then install the bridge.

The club estimates 600 hours of volunteer work was contributed.

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 third 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

Life on the funny farm By Paul

Nathan Thompson (02) 6452 0312

editor@monaropost.com.au

Trista Heath (Jindabyne) 0491 214 722 trista@monaropost.com.au

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Jim Walker-Broose 0408 425 484

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

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.

jim@monaropost.com.au

Keely Pressley 0456 217 012 keely@monaropost.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS (02) 6452 0318 classifieds@monaropost.com.au

Cooma Back Creek pedestrian bridge.

PHOTOS: Russell Fox

Dorin

Riding to raise awareness, funds, form friendships across Australia

Local bikers prepare to join The Big Ride to Esperance

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

Three local motorbike enthusiasts are joining riders from all over Australia to raise funds and awareness of prostate cancer.

The Long Ride Australia is a motorbike tour that makes a di erence for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia beginning on 10 October and nishing in Esperance on 18 October, covering approximately 4500 kilometres.

Cooma residents, Phil Jamieson and Lloyd Venables, and Jindabyne resident, Paul Duncan, are joining a group from the ACT area where they will begin the ride before the whole contingent of about 200 riders comes together towards the end of the journey, rolling in to Esperance as a combined convoy.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 26,368 men likely to be diagnosed this year.

Despite ve-year survival rates increasing to 95.8 per cent, more than 3901 men die from prostate cancer every year.

Riding as a large motorcycle group attracts plenty of attention when bikers thunder into a town and that’s what The Long Ride is hoping to do, attract attention, spread the message and raise awareness of prostate cancer.

IN THE SADDLE: Last year’s ACT area riders supporting

year three

The townspeople are not only inspired by the freedom represented in these riders but are fascinated by the bikes and will always want to have a chat, Phil said.

Each night the riders stay in a di erent town, each day they see di erent sights in magni cent locations, meet new people and most important of all, make new friends.

“The ride will take about a week to get to Esperance. We all join up by the time we get to Norseman in WA, we should just about have everybody together, and then

from

continue on down the road to Esperance.

“People donate to the cause along the way either giving cash or we sell badges and pins.

“A few ways we have raised funds with the Canberra group before leaving is through Bunnings sausage sizzles, plus Lloyd and I have approached some businesses in town and raised money for prizes.

“On 30 August there will be a trivia night in Canberra with a couple of hundred people expected to attend.

“We’ve been raising funds and organising prizes from local businesses to be auctioned o for that.

Snowboarder dies at Perisher

A snowboarder has died after crashing at the Perisher Ski Resort last week.

About 2:30pm on Tuesday, 12 August, emergency services were called to a ski resort at Perisher Valley, following reports of a snowboarding incident.

Officers attached to Monaro Police District arrived and were told a 22-year-old man had been injured after a crash on the Front Valley Terrain Park.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene.

The man had been working in the Snowy Mountains and was from Utah in the United States.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

“The winners of these prizes come to town and spend a few dollars here in Cooma as well, so it all goes round and helps the cause in one way or another.

“In May there was also a load of wood donated by Chris and Dee Mould for the cause. Second and third prizes of a quilt and a wooden box were donated by Erica and Peter Kain.

“A total of $1606 was raised from this and goes into the co ers.

“We thank all the businesses who have contributed with sponsorship, donations, and gi vouchers.”

Phil’s rst charity ride was completed in 2008 to Perth, then in 2010 to Darwin, and 2016 when he

rode to Margaret River.

He and Lloyd also rode their bikes around Australia three years ago, “just for something to do”.

“I am involved partly because prostate cancer is something men should be aware of, it’s a silent problem, a couple of people in my family have had it and some I know have had operations for it when it’s been caught early enough. It’s like women needing regular breast screening, men should be doing the same with their prostate checks.”

The many di erent highlights of travelling from one side of the country to the other are what keeps Phil returning to the open road and supporting The Long Ride.

“Crossing the Nullarbor is great. It’s not boring, like people seem to think, it all changes from day-to-day in di erent areas,” Phil said.

“There’s so much to see, di erent vegetation and when you come back from the other side, it’s all changed again.

“It’s interesting going through other regions and towns along the way as well. Some of the little towns if they know we are coming they put on a barbecue for us on the night and have a band or guest speaker on men’s health.

“The riders usually only see each other from one ride to the next, so it’s great to see them every couple of years.”

Climate group calls for stronger targets

Climate Action Monaro (CAM) is calling on the federal government to set an emissions reduction target for 2035 as close to net zero as possible, with an absolute minimum of 80 per cent.

The federal government will set a new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, or climate target, for 2035 once advice is received from the Climate Change Authority. It must provide the target to the UN before the COP30 climate talks in Brazil in November.

CAM president, Jenny Goldie, said adopting the strongest possible target will help hold global warming to well below two degrees celsius, the temperature at which

we lose almost all the Great Barrier Reef.

“Climate change is accelerating and both global and national action has been inadequate,” Ms Goldie said.

“Australia’s 2030 target of 43 per cent reduction of emissions on 2005 levels may be met but was never strong enough. A far stronger target is required for 2035.

“As the Climate Council’s report Stronger Target: Safer Future notes, in 2025, Australia has not just experienced ooding in NSW and Queensland, but a marine heat wave which has devastated coral reefs o the Western Australian and Queensland coastline. It has also led to an algal bloom that has decimated

marine life along coastal South Australia.

“And we on the Monaro are all too aware of a deepening drought in southeast Australia.”

Ms Goldie said the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters around the world are increasing.

“Just last week, Hong Kong reeled from its heaviest August rain since 1884 while Greece, Los Angeles, Türkiye and southern France were hit by wild re. Nordic countries are experiencing a ‘truly unprecedented’ heatwave,” she said.

“As the Climate Council says, a weaker target risks more disasters, more damage and more danger.

“Weaker targets (around 50 per cent) are what the business community is advocating. However, it must understand that the cost of cutting emissions is far less than the cost of unchecked climate change, which would be, just for Australia, an economywrecking $4.2 trillion by 2070.

“There is money to be made and jobs created in decarbonising the economy. A strong target, ideally combined with a reintroduction of a carbon price, could unlock and accelerate growth in clean technologies and green exports. According to the Climate Council report, these are projected to approach $1 trillion per year by 2050, and create over 400,000 jobs.”

The Long Ride for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s bi-annual fundraiser. This

riders

the Snowy Monaro will join the ACT group to ride to Esperance.

PHOTO: The Long Ride

Samuel hits right notes to win honour

Samuel Giddy, who has visited Cooma, playing both organ and piano, has been awarded rst prize and the audience prize at the International Organ Competition of Saint Maurice d’Agaune in Switzerland.

Samuel is well-known to Cooma audiences for his talents. Samuel has played multiple times in Cooma alongside sister, Ruth. Samuel and Ruth are the grandchildren of Cooma’s Alec and Nella Bacon.

The competition was held over three rounds from 1 to 10 August, beginning with 12 participants from Switzerland, the Netherlands, Korea, Russia, Japan, Hungary, Australia and the USA, and with a panel of 12 judges.

Round one was held at Saint Sigismond Church in Saint Maurice, round two at the Cathedral of Sion and round three at the Basilica of Saint Maurice.

Contestants stayed at the Abbey of Saint Maurice, and the Abbot sent a message welcoming everyone ‘to experience this great artistic moment in our Abbey, may the spirit of music inhabit this place and this event, transcending all discord in our world and giving harmony its peaceful power.’

At the conclusion of the competition a reception was held in the courtyard of the abbey, where certi cates and prizes were awarded.

Samuel was able to speak with

some of the judges, and the other contestants. Samuel said he is beyond thrilled to have won.

Preparing for a competition like this is an enormous challenge and he couldn’t have done it without the support of family and friends and his church families of St John’s Darlinghurst and St Mark’s Darling Point, where he is organist and choir master, and for them allowing him the time o to do this.

Samuel gave special thanks to his wife, Wayo. Samuel said it has

been an amazing experience staying in an abbey in such a beautiful location.

Preparing 10 pieces, travelling, rehearsals on di erent organs and the last one, on which the nal was played – with four keyboards and the challenge of a longer than usual echo – and then playing in the competition, was very tiring.

For winning, Samuel will take part in a concert tour of Switzerland in 2026. Locals await Samuel’s next recital in Cooma.

Popular Dying to Know Day in Cooma

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s free end-of-life planning session at Cooma Library last week turned out to be a popular event.

The local relevant service providers, including Allen’s Funerals, solicitors from Blaxland, Mawson and Rose, and a community celebrant, along with a sta member of council’s cemeteries team were on-hand for the morning to answer any questions and share information with residents of the Snowy Monaro, as part of the National Dying to Know Day campaign.

A council spokesperson said the session was very well-attended with about 20 people through the

others trickled in during the course of the morning.

The spokesperson said council’s aim in running the workshop was to “start an open and honest conversation” about death and dying and to raise awareness of services available and planning end-of-life arrangements on what is a “really important topic”.

Dying to Know Day takes place on 8 August annually and encourages people around the nation to have honest and empowering conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning.

The theme this year, “Nobody Knows” highlights the importance of sharing end-of-life wishes to ensure they are known and hon-

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 and serving your community.

Visit https://qrco.de/Work4SMRC today to find out more about working with us.

Closing Friday 22 August 2025

• Operator Network (Water & Wastewater)

Full-time – Cooma

Closing Tuesday 26 August 2025

• Revenue Officer (Rates)

Full-time – Location negotiable

• 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.

Head online today and take the first step in your fulfilling new career.

Opening date for Berridale Pool

Berridale Pool opens early this year on Monday 13 October 2025.

The earlier date will enable Berridale Pool to host term four school swimming programs while Cooma Pool is closed.

Bookings for term four swimming programs and lessons are available now online at https://qrco.de/SMRCbooking

Upgrades at Cooma Pool are expected to be complete later this year.

Council meeting this week

Councillors return to Cooma for the August Ordinary Council Meeting from 1pm on Thursday 21 August 2025.

Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCmeetings for business papers, webcast links, and more.

The public may attend in-person at Cooma Council Chambers, or watch live online at https://qrco.de/webcastSMRC

A recording of the live-stream will be available online following the meeting.

Want more local news and info? Subscribe to Council News today

Make sure you never miss another important update from Council. Keep informed by subscribing to our email newsletter today.

Visit https://qrco.de/smrc-newsletter now to sign up before the next edition. With top stories on the topics that matter most to you and all the important information you need to know, our fortnightly Council News has you covered.

Emma Schlachter, from law firm Blaxland, Mawson and Rose were among those who gave their time to speak to Snowy Monaro locals at the Dying To Know Day information session last week.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

WINNER: Samuel Giddy won a prestigious international organ competition earlier this month. Samuel is pictured with sister, Ruth, at a recital in Cooma last year. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Will US beef imports affect local markets?

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

The Australian government recently removed import trade restrictions on US beef in Australia that had been in place for more than two decades.

Beef imports from the US were banned in Australia in 2003 a er the fatal neurological disease bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease, was discovered in American cattle.

In 2019 the blanket ban was li ed, but restrictions remained on beef that was sourced from Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the US, amid concerns it could carry the disease.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is now satis ed that the strengthened controls implemented by the US e ectively manage biosecurity risks. The decision allows imports of beef from cattle born in Canada or Mexico, but processed and slaughtered in the US, provided the beef meets stringent biosecurity requirements.

customers will be eating homegrown beef. But will this actually be the case?

This masthead has asked local beef producers and a livestock agent what it means to farmers and consumers - is it unlikely that Australia will see a large in ux of US beef? Will Australians buy US beef? Could there be a market for it?

Australia’s biggest food retailers have stated they are not interested in buying beef from the US and will stick to their homegrown approach. Aldi, Coles, McDonald’s and Woolworths all say Australian

Kunuma Angus Stud which operates from the cool, high country pastures between Cooma and Adaminaby has gained a nationwide reputation for cattle of consistent quality and bloodlines.

The Lynch family prides itself on quality control and nurturing of the animals to an exceptionally high standard and does so with ve generations of experience.

Dean Lynch, Kunuma Angus Stud principal, believes the shortterm impacts of allowing US imported beef into Australia will be minimal.

“In the long-term however, Australia’s strong biosecurity regulations are paramount for the safety of all Australian agricultural products,”Mr Lynch said.

“I am concerned that cheap US beef could nd its way onto Australian supermarkets, potentially a ecting local markets and our long-standing reputation as a supplier of clean, green high quality beef.”

Nutrien Cooma livestock sta believe it is unlikely anything will change for Australia with the local beef and export market.

“We may see a small amount of American beef hit our shores but there’s a high chance we

won’t, as it would be too dear to buy into Australia with US prices sitting at record breaking highs,” a spokesperson said.

“With the US beef market being so dear, they would not be able to a ord to send beef to Australia due to our prices being lower than theirs. This would mean Australia would not want to buy in American beef, although it would be appealing to sell beef to America as it would be more bene cial for both parties due to cost.

“For Australian producers and farmers it would be in their interest to be selling to America. With how dear prices are over

in the US and including the American tari s, they will be sourcing for more beef out of Australia as they are coming into a shortage of beef.

“Hence why we are seeing, and could still see, an increase in prices across all categories of beef.”

Richard Taylor manages a family farming business producing beef, lamb and wool, based around Nimmitabel, and has done so for more than 30 years.

He is also chair of the Cooma branch of the NSW Farmers Association.

“Australia exports over 70 per cent of the beef it produces, so the industry is highly dependant on global trade, and it is in our interests that trade is as free as possible,” Mr Taylor said.

“We cannot expect other nations to keep trade barriers down, if we do not work to do the same.

“Given the ban on USA beef was put in place more than 20 years ago, it is appropriate that it was reviewed.

“While I would defer to the experts on the level of disease risk posed by USA beef, if they are satis ed that risk no longer exists, then it is appropriate we drop the trade restrictions.

“US beef is currently trading at a very high premium to Australian beef, due to shortages in supply in the US as they recover from drought. It is therefore most unlikely that signi cant amounts of US beef will ow to Australia, as its cost would be very much higher than our domestic product,” Mr Taylor said.

SPARTA ANGUS STUD

biosecurity risks. Mitch Lynch (right) of Kunuma is joined at the stud’s bull sale last year by Nutrien Ag agents.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Toby follows family tradition

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

Helping growers to get the most out of their wool is what Snowy Monaro born and bred wool industry worker, Toby Haylock, is concentrating on in his relatively new role as Southern Tablelands district wool manager for Elders.

Toby, 24, is based in Yass and is enjoying playing his part, and having the opportunity to further his career, in the Australian wool industry, and to spread his optimism and con dence in its future.

A pro le piece on the Elders website reveals Toby took up the position in Januarybecoming one of a handful of the next generation stepping up to support the industry which has a long and proud tradition in this country.

Toby’s work area covers wool growers in and around Yass, Goulburn and Crookwell.

He specialises in wool marketing and preparation, provides advice on lotting, testing, selling and marketing options and is passionate about the wool market and industry.

Toby has a long family history on the Southern Tablelands in wool and has been working in the broking industry since 2023.

He likes to spend time with clients, and use his expertise to assist in maximising the return on their wool.

Toby has been around sheep

and wool his whole life and can provide reliable end-toend guidance, from growing to selling.

Toby attended school at Cooma until Year 8.

A er nishing secondary school, he returned to the Monaro to work on the family’s commercial Merino property, ‘Spring eld’ west of Nimmitabel, with his dad, Jim, then headed o to Wagga Wagga to study a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt University.

“I’ve always loved the farm and the industry,” he said.

“I developed a passion for wool and the wool industry from starting out at the farm at home; it has led to where I am now.”

Toby is the fourth generation Haylock to live and work on the farm.

“I love the Monaro, but I am really focused on building a career with Elders and intend to continue this career for some time.”

He is particularly optimistic about the future of wool and believes the recent Elders investment in a state-of-the-art, more e cient and sustainable, wool facility at Ravenhall is a very important and e ective step in the right direction.

He said the facility is already helping to bridge the gap between grower and buyer.

“Having that direct link with exporters and being able to pass that intel straight back to growers is a big part of the value we bring.

“The new wool business is something no one else is doing, it’s a major step forward for the industry,” he said.

“Elders is investing in the

future of wool at a time when a lot of others are stepping back. That’s a clear sign of con dence in the industry.

“The general consensus is the Australian wool industry is under pressure a bit, but I see a really strong future in the wool industry, and I am dedicating a career to it. Wool will play a big part in the future of bre and I’m keen to be part of that.”

His duties as a wool manager requires spending a large portion of his time in sheds during shearing, talking with classers, working out the right time and method to sell and giving clients con dence their wool’s being looked a er and marketed properly.

“My goal is to be out on the ground meeting people, letting them know who I am and what I stand for,” he said.

Toby is adding auctioneer to his list of credentials and is continuing to develop his skills.

“I love it. Being in the auction room, selling wool, and seeing rsthand how the market’s moving,” he said.

“It also means I can give clients direct feedback. Whether the wool’s presenting as expected, if there’s been any surprises, or if we need to rethink timing, that kind of insight is really valuable for growers.”

For local enquiries contact Sam Green at Elders Cooma on 0428 973 520.

Lamb numbers, quality remained the same

Total yarding: 8020 (-355) Sheep 3720 Lambs 4300

Lamb numbers were similar and the quality remained the same with a mostly plain yarding of light lambs and secondary trade weights at Yass last Wednesday, 13 August. There was a very small o ering of well nished trade and a very small run of heavy weights. Not all the usual buyers were operating and there was a drop in restocking activity.

The market eased $20 to $30/head on the plainer lambs while the limited supply of well nished lambs were back $15 to $20/ head.

There were a few new season store lambs to 16kg and ranged between $150 and $166/ head to return to the paddock.

The two score old lambs sold from $125 to $168/head and averaged around 920c/kg and the better cover three and four score trade lambs sold from $210 to $275/head to average between 1050 and 1080c/kg. Heavy lambs 24 to 26kg ranged from $265 to $274, Merino reached $242 and lambs to 30kg reached $290/head to average 1000c/kg.

A very heavy pen of extra heavy lambs hit a top of $430/head. The best of the hogget run made to $240/head.

Mutton numbers were back slightly and the quality was very mixed. There were a couple of exporters not operating and the market sold to cheaper trends with the heavy weights back $30 to $40 and light and medium weights back $15 to $20/head on averaged.

The heavy crossbred ewes made to $244 and the best priced Merino reached $186/ head and most ranged from 650c to 730c/kg.

LEADER: Toby Haylock, born and raised on the Monaro, is making great strides in the wool industry. PHOTO: Elders

Idyllic Bendoc bush retreat

ADDRESS: 467 Bonang Road, Bendoc

ASKING: $420,000

Located on the edge of Bonang this is an amazing bush block opportunity for those who love spending time in nature.

The property is easily accessible with frontage to the sealed Bonang Road and has fire trails and bush

tracks throughout for ease of getting around the property. As you traverse the 169.2ha/418.118ac property you are surrounded by mature native eucalypts with small clearings, once used for grazing, now perfect for spying an abundance of native flora and fauna.

As you make your way down towards the river you are greeted by more grassland with reeds and ferns

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!

creating an almost rainforest feel.

With almost two kilometres of frontage to the Bonang River there are plenty of opportunities for fishing or fossicking. Bonang was a very active mining area from 1850s to the 1890s with many gold miners setting up camps along the river flats of Bonang River.

This property contains the entrance to a former gold mine owned by the

Aurora Mining Company from this time.

The former house site, found not far into the property and just up from the river, would now make for an excellent camp site.

Whether bushwalking, hunting, fishing or just enjoying the sensory experience, if your passion is nature, this bush retreat should not be overlooked.

Tucked out of sight, surrounded by native timber, it’s easy to forget you are only 10 minutes from Bendoc and not deep in the Australian wilderness.

• 8.09ha/19.99ac with lovely flat cleared grassland, perfect for creating you own private camping oasis

• Frontage to Hutchinson Creek with a lovely pond, with pontoon, that completes the oasis feel of the property

• Open bay machinery shed, perfect for storing caravan/campers so you don’t have to tow them down every weekend

• Established netted orchard

• Half built closed storage area that would be perfect for locking up items you would like to leave behind once completed or just as additional area out of the weather With so much to see and do in the local area this is a great block for the family that loves the adventures found in the outdoors.

Prime Corner Block

Snowy Monaro

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 Which fabric is made of rough, spun, wild silk (8)

7 What is a group of seven persons (6)

8 What might we call one who brings things back to their original state (8)

9 Australian English is affectionately known as what (6)

10 Which Old World plant has aromatic leaves, used for flavouring (8)

11 Name an alternative term for a fireplace (6)

14 What are sluggish arboreal edentates of tropical America (6)

17 When one is tired, one does what (4,4)

18 What are cutting instruments (6)

19 Which is the latest time for finishing something (8)

20 To be wry, is to be what (6)

21 What might we call those who surrender (8)

DOWN

1 What is a false tooth  (7)

2 Which term describes one who stops work (7)

3 To draw tight, is to do what (7)

4 To be normal, is to be what (7)

Letters

5 Name a particular type of piano (7)

6 What are derived noun forms of verbs (7)

11 Name an alternative term for a vacation (7)

12 What is an arithmetical mean (7)

13 To have walked with short unsteady steps, is to have done what (7)

E-QUATIONS

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

14 Name the lead weights used by fishermen (7)

15 Who holds a commission in the armed services (7)

16 To be odious, is to be what (7)

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

TREPANG (a) A decoy (b) The fourth movement of a quadrille (c) A sea slug eaten by the Chinese 2 VOLITION

(a) Exercise of the will (b) Flight (c) Fluent speech

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:

African language group (5)

Daydream (7)

Expression of distaste (3)

Lettuce (3)

Outline (7)

Sharply evident (5)

Sheep’s cry (3)

Sweet (5)

Utilise (3)

Worship as divine (5)

Solve

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.00 Brush With Fame. 2.30

12.00 Seven’s National

Morning

At

1.00 MOVIE: Secrets By The Shore. (2022) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At

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 Kick Ons. 12.00 Life. 1.00 Travel Oz. 1.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 The Real Seachange. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 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. 2.00 Highway Patrol. 3.00 Talking W. 3.30 The Force: BTL. 4.00 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Towies. 8.30 MOVIE: John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. (2019) 11.10 MOVIE: Resident Evil: Apocalypse. (2004) 1.10 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 3.35 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 4.05 QI. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 Hard Quiz: Battle Of The Fuddy Duds. 9.05 Gruen. 9.45 Planet America. 10.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Family Next Door. 1.55 Grand Designs Aust. 2.55 Brush With Fame. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.10 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30

6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.40 Late Programs.

2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie

3.30 Timbersports. 4.00 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 24. Collingwood v Melbourne. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 GetOn Extra. 11.30 Late Programs.

Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.00 Space Invaders. 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 25. South Sydney Rabbitohs v St George Illawarra Dragons. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 12.00 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 Dalgliesh. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Eight O’Clock Walk. (1954) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 RPA. 10.30 Chicago Med. Return. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.00 Sean’s Kitchen. 4.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. 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 Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Listen Out For Love. (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 25. Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998) 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Dalgliesh. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Lucky Jim. (1957) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Police Rescue Australia. 8.30 To Be Advised. 1.00 Creflo. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.00 Sean’s Kitchen. 4.45 MOVIE: Stuart Little 2. (2002) 6.15 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang. (2010) 8.30 MOVIE: No Hard Feelings. (2023) 10.40 MOVIE: Palm Beach. (2019) 12.45 Burn Notice. 1.30 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. 8.30 Have You Been

FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025

TRADES AND SERVICES

WANT TO JOIN THE TRADES?

The Trades Directory is a great way to promote your business to potential customers.

It is cost effective, stress and hassle free, and most importantly, effective.

If you’re interested in booking your spot, contact our sales team to discuss different options.

PHONE: 02 6452 0313

EMAIL: sales@monaropost.com.au VISIT: 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630

Digging Up The Dirt On The Monaro For Over 40 Years

ROADS - Access tracks, driveways, subdivisions, and suppliers of decomposed granite.

WATER - Dams, water features, and agricultural water systems.

LANDSCAPING - Fence line clearing, site preparation and leveling, erosion control, drainage, and garden services.

BUILDING - Sheds, pergolas, retaining walls, fences, paths, and rock features. LOCAL. PROVEN. RELIABLE.

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

Classifieds

COOMA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AGM

Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

@ 6pm.

Cooma

Ex-Services Club.

ENDLER, Harry.

A long time Cooma resident and contributor to the Snowy Hydro Scheme following immigration to Australia from Germany in 1953. Passed away peacefully at the Cooma Hospital on Monday, August 11, 2025. Harry was born in Saupsdorf Sachsen, Germany on May 22, 1930. Harry will be very much missed by some close acquaintances in Cooma and particularly by his family connections in Sale, Victoria - Peter, Kurt and Robert Mielke and their families.

The relatives and friends of Harry Endler are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Boobah Street, Cooma on Friday, August 22, 2025 commencing at 11am.

At the conclusion of the service a private cremation will be held.

MARTIN, Ricardo Barry ‘RICK’.

2/6/1955 – 6/8/2025

Rick you always had a ready smile which brightened the day. Your kindness and generosity will be held in our wonderful memories of you. ~ Kerry, family and friends.

MCLEOD, Kenneth Laurence. Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Rischbieth Crescent, Gilmore.

Aged 84 years.

Dearly loved husband of Norma. Dearly loved father of Kerrie and Andrew.

Dearly loved Poppy to Jaimie, Riley and Chelsea.

The relatives and friends of the late Kenneth Laurence Mcleod are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the St Matthias Anglican Church, Bombala, TOMORROW, Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 1pm. At the conclusion of the service, the cortege will proceed to the Bombala Lawn Cemetery, Bombala.

In Loving Memory PAINE, Louise Rose.

Your memory, we will always treasure. In our hearts, you stay forever.

Rest in peace, Louie.

~ P.M.

ADELINE STURGEON 28/5/1915

ANDREW

By COOMA BOWLS

it has been a cold winter, however there is a group of hearty souls who have still found the fun in social bowls on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Snell played 21 ends against Bob Douglas and Jen Newton. The latter pair led for most of the match but fell behind on ends 16-19.

scored two then one and won 19 - 18 in a close one.

and Paul Cannell played Bruce Stewart, Venables and Steve Bowerman. Paul’s team led 9 - 8 a er 11 ends, 16 - 10 a er 15 ends and 18 - 13 a er the nal and 18th end.

CELEBRATING OUR COOMA AND JINDABYNE RUGBY SIDES

Season to remember celebrated

PROUD PRESIDENT PRAISES

PLAYERS, VOLUNTEERS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

The best of Cooma Rugby Union has been celebrated and praised at arguably the club’s most anticipated presentation night for many years.

President and life member, Sean Neilson, said to around 130 Red Devils players, supporters and volunteers that he had never been prouder to be involved with the club.

Neilson, a member of the club’s 2000, 2001, 2002 premiership sides, declared 2025 the best season he has been part of.

“As a president and old boy, thank you to both sides for what you have achieved,” Neilson said.

“A er the Covid period, the club was really struggling. We were on death’s door.

“To win a premiership means so much to the club and the whole town.”

The presentation night saw multiple players recognised for their e orts on the eld, and club volunteers honoured for the work behind the scenes.

One of the most special awards of the night, was the club person of the year accolade. Club stalwart, Darren Hedger, was celebrated for his tireless work.

An emotional Hedger spoke of his love and passion for the club, upon accepting his honour.

The men’s side was honoured for its premiership winning e orts, defeating Bungendore 32-29 in a thrilling grand nal. Forward, Joshua Harkness, took home the Litch eld trophy for the side’s best and fairest in 2025. Harkness was

a force in the forward pack throughout the season.

Prop, Nico Maclean, was recgonised for his superb season in the red and black with the players’ player honour. The Peter Payten award for

- Livestock Transport -

congratulates the Cooma Rugby Union Club on a terrific season.

We are a proud sponsor of the club and wish the men and women’s sides all the best in 2026.

most dedicated player went to Hunter Caldwell.

■ A full list of award winners can be found on this masthead’s website, and more coverage on the Devils Angels winners on page 30.

Cooma Red Devils coach, James Quodling (right), is presented with the coach of the year award from John Neilson.

Gordon Litchfield congratulates Joshua Harkness on winning the Litchfield trophy for best and fairest men’s player.

THANKS: Cooma Red Devils life member, Marcus Caldwell, presents stalwart, Darren Hedger, with the club person of the year honour. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Hard work leads to premiership

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Back as far as January you could sense season 2025 would be di erent for the Cooma Red Devils.

A er 10 years without a nals appearance, things were starting to change.

Few Red Devils fans though would have been bold enough to declare that eight months later the side would li the premiership trophy, and break a 23 year premiership drought.

But in the warmer summer months, weeks away from the rst round, there was an energy and positivity not felt for some time. Preseason training numbers were strong, players were getting tter and there was a belief nals rugby was just around the corner.

At the side’s preseason camp in Thredbo, players and coaching sta set goals for the year ahead and made a commitment to knuckle down and work hard.

Looking back on season 2025, Cooma Red Devils life member Marcus Caldwell believes the camp was a signi cant moment.

“Players made a commitment to each other that they were all in this season,” Caldwell said.

“The players responded well to what coaches James Quodling and Geo Stokes were building towards.”

How a preseason camp took the Red Devils to glory

one of our best for a long time. The side is putting the work in,” Roach said.

With improved tness levels and increased depth in the playing squad, the Red Devils hit the season running.

More players added to the

squad, including a Welsh talent, three New Zealanders and nine Papua New Guinean players (currently working in Cooma).

There was competition for spots in the starting side. Following a March preseason training run, captain Damien

Roach told this masthead that the o -season has been one of the most productive in years.

“The o -season has been solid,

“Building our depth has been important. There will be pressure on players for spots and we will be able to better cover any injuries.”

The season started in style with a dominant win over rivals and then premiers Jindabyne. From that win, nals rugby was on the cards.

The side secured ve wins from as many matches, its best start in decades. A tight home win over Yass, followed by a tough away win to Crookwell had the Red Devils second on the ladder.

A mid-season slump where the side dropped four matches threatened to derail the Red Devils nals hopes. The side held together and nished the regular season in fourth.

Very few sides nishing fourth reach a grand nal, let alone win the premiership. But the Red Devils had other plans.

A tough win over ADFA a er trailing 17-5 at half time, and then a bruising 10-8 victory against Crookwell gave the squad plenty of

The second half e ort against ADFA was one of the side’s best e orts in a decade. This was bettered the week a er and then on the biggest stage of all, the Red Devils produced one of the club’s great performances to win the premiership against the previously unbeaten Bungendore side.

Season 2025 will long be remembered as one of the club’s great periods.

FOCUS: Cooma Red Devils men’s captain, Damien Roach, le , and coaches, James Quodling and Geo Stokes, said following a March training session the side was ready for its best season in many years. Fast forward five months and the side won the premiership

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Monaro honours for local talent

There were few surprises when the Monaro representative sides were announced this season with Cooma and Jindabyne players well represented in the women’s and men’s sides.

The e orts of the Cooma Red Devils, Devils Angels and Jindabyne Miss Piggies to start the season resulted in a strong showing in the Monaro sides to take on Southern Inland.

A look back at how the Monaro rep matches unfolded for our local stars.

Despite the Monaro men’s and women’s representative rugby union sides losing to their Southern Inland rivals, Cooma and Jindabyne players delivered ne performances.

Cooma was represented by Emily Quodling, Brianna Rankin, Paige Jardine, Sophie Caldwell, Natasha Kelly, Damien Roach, Devonik Saumalu, Jake Quodling, Connor Campbell and Nico Maclean. Former Cooma rugby player, Harry Roach (brother of Damien and now playing for Yass) was also part of the side.

The Jindabyne Rugby Union Club had Bushpigs Billy Small selected in the Monaro men’s squad and Miss Piggies players Leanne Saare and Bernadette Lai in the women’s side. Miss Piggies Eden Klemm and Montana Hawkins were part of the Monaro women’s development squad.

While Southern Inland proved too strong in both encounters - defeating the Monaro women 24-5 and men 72-10 - local players

made important contributions.

The Monaro women showed their might in an impressive second half showing. Trailing 19-0 at half time, Monaro had the better of possession and territory during a tough second 40-minutes.

Monaro winger, Emily Quodling, scored Monaro’s lone try in the nal minutes of the match. A er multiple phases on Southern Inland’s line, Monaro spread the ball wide where the

Cooma connection of centre Brianna Rankin and Quodling combined. In the men’s xture, it was one-way tra c throughout the rst 40 minutes as Southern Inland raced to 46-0 lead at hal ime.

Maclean at prop, Quodling at anker, Damien Roach playing inside centre, all started for Monaro. Connor Campbell, Devonik Saumalu, and Billy Small came o the bench.

TOUGH: Jindabyne Miss Piggies prop, Leanne Saare, played well for the Monaro side.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Cooma Red Devils captain and Monaro centre, Damien Roach (right) tries to stop a Southern Inland runner during the Monaro rep weekend.

Cooma Devil Angel, Natasha Kelly, played in the front row for Monaro. Kelly came o the bench for the side and made a number of important carries.

Devils Angels ride wave of excitement

By NATHAN THOMPSON

When the Cooma Rugby Union Club decided it was time to re-enter a women’s tackle for the 2025 season, a number of questions needed answers.

Would there be enough players, how would the support be? One question not needing to be asked was whether the side would be competitive.

When the makings of a side came together, there were some impressive names on the roster. While many of the Cooma Devils Angels players had more rugby league experience than union, it didn’t matter.

The players could run hard, tackle harder and were ready to make an impression on the rest of the competition.

While some sides in the ACT/ Monaro women’s 10s competition were skeptical about how the new side would perform, they quickly saw Cooma was not just making up the numbers.

Far from it. The Devils Angels started their season with a trial win over the Jindabyne Miss Piggies.

From there, big wins came the side’s way.

The Devils Angels played an exciting brand of rugby, it was fast, direct, and had plenty of tries. You would be forgiven for not knowing the side was the rst Cooma women’s rugby union since 2001.

Only losses to the Australian Defence Force Academy and Jindabyne came through the season. The side nished second on the ladder and stormed into the grand nal with nals wins over

Bungendore and Uni-Norths.

While the grand nal didn’t go the side’s way, a 31-24 loss, the side gained more fans with their commitment and resolve.

At the club’s presentation night last week, president Sean Neilson, praised the Devils Angels e orts.

“Our women’s side was a breath of fresh air for the club. They played well all year and deserve all the praise that comes their way,” Neilson said.

The evening was a special occasion for the Devils Angels players, a number coming away with prestigious awards.

Captain Brianna Rankin was a

standout all season. Directing the side around the park from yhalf, Rankin’s passing and running games were some of the best in the competition.

Rankin took home the Prue and Tony Williams best and fairest accolade and the Sullivan family players’ player.

Award recipients were: Prue & Tony Williams best and fairest - Brianna Rankin; McPhie Family most dedicated player - Paige Jardine; OJ’s Freight most improved player - Leah Rogers; Sullivan Family players’ playerBrianna Rankin; Buckley’s Rural Services highest point scorer - Emily Quodling; and Nassar family rookie of the year - Callie Alcock.

GREAT SEASON BY THE MEN AND WOMEN’S SIDES THE TEAM AT

Devils Angels player, Callie Alcock, is recognised at the club’s presentation night with the Nassar family rookie of the year honour.

Cooma Rugby Union Club president, Sean Neilson, congratulates Emily Quodling on taking out the Buckley’s Rural Services leading point scorer award.

RECOGNITION: Cooma Rugby Union stalwart, Paul Sullivan, presents Devils Angels captain, Brianna Rankin, with the Sullivan family award for players’ player.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Miss Piggies’ history makers

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Few sporting organisations can boast four premierships in a row, two of them undefeated. The Jindabyne Rugby Union Club can however, following its Miss Piggies side claiming the 2025 premiership without dropping a game during the season.

The Miss Piggies’ nest moment in their 20 years of competitive rugby came to fruition when they defeated the Cooma Devils Angels, 31-24, in the ACT/Monaro women’s 10s competition.

In front of a large support crew from Jindabyne, all decked out in green and pink, the Miss Piggies capped o a perfect season. The win, in the side’s rst grand nal appearance, comes a er many years of growing women’s rugby union in Jindabyne.

The Miss Piggies side and club’s junior setup has been a pathway for many young women to progress to higher honours with the likes of Rhianna Burke (who featured in the premiership win), Peta Cox, Isabella Tripet, Eden Klemm and Tayla Stanford having all represented the ACT Brumbies in seniors and juniors.

The premiership is four

in a row for the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club following the Bushpigs winning the 2022, 2023 and 2024 premierships.

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.

Only once this season did the Miss Piggies not win. Back in round one they nished with a 15-all draw against Bungendore.

Come grand nal day, the side was primed for a strong showing and they didn’t disappoint.

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.”

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.

Miss Piggies premiership player, Lily Godding, embraces her mum, Nicole McLeod, following the win.

Miss Piggies players congratulate Bernadette Lai (second right) on being declared player of the grand final.

CHAMPIONS: The Jindabyne Miss Piggies celebrate winning their first premiership. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Cooma turns red and black

Shopfronts decked out to support grand finalists

Ahead of what turned out to be one of the greatest days in the history of the Cooma Rugby Union Club, local businesses turned red and black to support the Red Devils’ and Devils Angels’ hunt for premiership glory.

Many businesses in the CBD decked out their shopfronts in a show of encouragement for the club. There was strong community spirit leading into the grand nals,

and in the week since the Red Devils claimed the premiership and Devils Angels came close, that feeling has become stronger.

The club o ered a $500 prize for the best decorated business. The business could chose a charity/ community group to donate the prize to.

The winning business, Mainstreet Clothing, donated their prize money to Cooma’s Jimmy Nichols and partner Courtney, who will take on the Hawkesbury Canoe Challenge. The challenge is a 111km race, raising money for the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation, a cause close to their hearts.

Huge congratulations to both senior Men’s and Women’s team for season 2025. 23-year drought is broken. Congratulations, we could not be prouder. from Cooma Rugby Old Boys

Whittens is proud supporter of the local community and congratulates the players, coaches, and volunteers of the Cooma Red Devils, Cooma Devils Angels, and Jindabyne Miss Piggies clubs on their incredible rugby union seasons.

Special mention to the Red Devils for beating Bungendore in the grand final, and to the Miss Piggies for their championship win over the Devils Angels - an outstanding achievement all round!

Cooma Rugby Union Club life member, Marcus Caldwell, presents Mainstreet owner Alicia Bolton (second right), Nicole Dietrich (far le ) and Jess Franco with a $500 cheque for being declared the best decorated shopfront.

Karlee Johnson of Stables Hair and Beauty and Dom Giagios, The Cooma Barber and Red Devils player, had their shopfront looking its best.

The Alpine Hotel is the Cooma Rugby Union Club’s major sponsor. The hotel turned red and black in the lead up to the grand final. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

SUPPORT: Casie Flanagan and Brianna Rankin of Hercove cafe and shop in Cooma threw their support behind the Cooma Red Devils and Devils Angels. Brianna is also captain of the Devils Angels.

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

Golfers encountered winter conditions this past week at Coolamatong, but Sunday’s winner, Stephen Edwards, is no stranger to the cold and relished the challenge to return 38 stableford points.

Winter weather greets golfers

The highlight of Stephen’s round was a birdie on the h hole, scoring him a four-pointer.

Jack Stacey had 37 points for runner-up, including ve threepointers on the front nine.

Sunday’s ball competition ran down to 35 points, including Kylie

Woodcock 36, Ben Hearn 36, Aaron Fenton 35, Adam Foster 35 and Ewan Murdoch 35.

The men’s near pins were Stephen Edwards on three, Graeme Ball on eight, Tom McIntosh on 15 and Tony Perry on 17.

The ladies near pins were Janece Peters on eight and Jan O’Halloran on 17.

Last Wednesday, Jan O’Halloran topped the day with 35 points, with Richard Hendricks in runner-up position with 34 points. The ball comp winners were Ken Kable 33, Roger White 33, Stephen Edwards 32, and Ross Thompson 32.

Men’s near pins were Stephen Jermyn on three and Ross Thompson on 15, and the ladies’ near pins were Jan O’Halloran on 17.

Bears eye strong finish to season

The Snowy River Bears will be looking to nish season 2025 on a high with its ladies league-tag and men’s side playing at home on Saturday.

With nals footy out of reach come the last round of the home and away season, the Bears two George Tooke Shield sides are eyeing a strong end to the season.

For the league-tag side, a win will li the team o the bottom of the ladder and ahead of Googong who they face at John Connors Oval.

The team will take plenty of con dence from last weekend’s outing, losing a tough encounter to ladder leaders, North Canberra.

Despite losing, the 18-10 e ort showed plenty of character from the Bears side. The league-tag team has won plenty of fans for their commitment and dedication each game.

Tries went to Isobel Warby who is the team’s leading try scorer and one to Renee Regan.

The side’s last match of the season starts at 1.15pm.

The Bears men’s side has battled a long injury list this season and put up a brave showing in the battle of the Bears. North Canberra emerged too strong on the weekend, winning 24-18.

Saturday’s footy was not for the faint hearted with snow and icy conditions proving tough for players and spectators.

A tight match saw both sides nish with four tries each. For the Snowy River Bears, tries went to Clayton Thompson, Matthew Kilgannon, Kohen Pearce and Joshua Dyball.

The Bears will face Googong at 2.30pm to nish their season. When the side’s last met, the Bears won 20-10.

The Bears race away, headed for the tryline. The side will play its last match of the season on Saturday at John Connors Oval.

Rhianna Burke is busy for the Bears league-tag side. Snow didn’t deter the players who put in a solid e ort.

The Bears were determined in their e ort against the North Canberra side. The side looked to o load where it could.

Stallions season still alive

Firsts,

under 18s

By DAVID BRISON

Three Cooma Stallions sides were ghting for their season last weekend as the Group 16 rugby league nals series kicked-o .

First grade, reserves and under 18s all nished the regular season in h, and headed to Narooma on Saturday for must-win games. The Fillies were equal h but eliminated by Batemans Bay on for and against.

First grade victorious With a win apiece throughout the regular season this was always going to be a tough game against the Narooma Devils. Cooma started strongly with co-captain, Noah Saddler, crashing over from short range. Fullback, Keegan Caldwell, added the extras, 6-0.

The Devils had some good possession, Stallions Luke Bracher, Riley Casey and Noah Saddler were called upon to make try saving tackles.

The Devils camped near the Stallions’ line and forced a line dropout onto the Stallions. The Devils barged over for a try from dummy half, 6-6.

Halfback, Matt Fellows, put on a bit of an in and away, to score 10-6. Jake Clare then had the pick up of the game, holding onto a half volley pick-up from a Narooma kick. He turned defence into attack.

The Devils broke through a couple of plays later and this time, Stallions second rower, Jimmy Russell, e ected a great one-on-one tackle to save a try.

The Stallions got some possession in their red zone and once again, Fellows jinked, stepped, showed the ball and scored again. Caldwell converted for a 16-6 half time score.

Into the second half and the Devils had a strong set. The Devils dived over but knocked on in the process.

The Stallions got into the Devils’ red zone and ve eight, Tristan Hamilton, stepped his way through and scored. 20-6.

The Devils refused to give

deliver

in must-win matches

up and had several forays into Cooma’s 20 metre zone. Narooma was held up over the line twice, and this is the period of the game where Cooma won it with some really strong goal line defence.

Le winger, Jacob Heata, scored a great bullocking try down the le edge, 24-6. With tempers getting the better of some, one Cooma and two Devils players were sent to the sin bin for the last eight minutes of the game.

Stallions winger, Brock Halls, took advantage of the numbers to score, 30-6. Narooma wasn’t to be denied, intercepting a pass and scoring to take the nal score to 30-12.

Best for Cooma were Fellows, Sadler, Caldwell and Bracher.

First grade takes on Eden on Saturday, August 23 in Eden at George Brown Oval. This is another must-win clash. The winner will progress to the preliminary nal in Cooma on Sunday, 31 August.

Reggies seasons comes to a close

The Stallions reserve grade came up against local rivals, the Bombala Blue Heelers. In a tight contest, the Heelers emerged victorious.

The Stallions started strongly with a well-placed Astin Nunan kick allowing winger, Ryder Cochrane, to motor some 30 metres down eld. Quick hands and fullback, Tom King, scored out wide. Nunan added the extras from the sideline, 6-0.

The Bombala team had a good run of play and scored out wide. Not converted, 6-4.

Stallions prop, Jake Byrnes, ran on to the ball from about 25 metres out and scored through the middle of their forwards. Stallions led 12-4.

Bombala had some good possession and despite a good take under pressure at the back by King, a dropped ball a couple of tackles later saw Bombala score. Stallions still led 12-10.

On the stroke of half time, Stallions second rower, Klies Kaiarake, scored, Nunan converted for a 18-10 half

time score. A di erent team emerged from the sheds in the second stanza.

Dropped balls, rushed passes, trying to score on every play and perhaps the worse sin, giving away penalties whilst in possession of the ball. This allowed a composed Heelers team to run in 16 unanswered points.

Eventually against the run of play, Stallions centre, Damon Smith, intercepted a pass and ran about 75 metres to score. 22-26. Despite pressing the Bombala try line, the Heelers were able to repel a number of raids and hang on to close out the game.

Best for Cooma were Byrnes, King, Nunan and Jack Newson.

The Stallions reserves season is over, while Bombala progresses to the second week of the nals

Under 18s too strong for Sharks

Such were the complexities of the under 18 draw, the Stallions and Moruya Sharks did not play against each other during their regular season.

Moruya kicked o and started really strongly, with some Cooma dropped ball helping them, the Sharks quickly ran in 10 points down the le edge, 0-10.

Stallions fullback, Preston Mitchell, made a great 50 metre run down eld, helping Cooma receive some possession in attacking red zone.

Hooker, Mitch McMahon, plunged over from dummy half and ve eight, Nate Stokes, added the extras, 6-10. Jett Kelly and Charlie Perea added some starch to the attack and made good inroads.

Moruya put in a neat chip and chase and appeared to score, but the referee adjudicated an o side play. Just on half time, the Sharks scored a well constructed try to head to the sheds 6-16 ahead of Cooma.

The

PHOTOS: Breanna A Photography

A er half time, Riley Williams made a 40 metre bust, quick hands and good backline movement saw Perea over for a try, 10-16.

Shortly a erwards Kelly twisted and turned from

Ward posts impressive score to win stableford

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

Cooper Ward was the overall winner of Cooma Golf Club’s Saturday stableford, posting an impressive score of 47 points.

Peter Devereux was the A Grade winner with 36 points, Garry Cornish topped B Grade with 34 points and the C Grade winner was Stephen Edgenton with 42 points. Saturday’s place-getters were

Nate Quodling, David Stewart, Gary Batten, Laurence Cowie and Phil Ingram. Nearest the pin prizes went to Phil Ingram on hole nine and Nate Quodling on 17. The split sixes winners were Ingram and Ward. In Wednesday’s stableford competition John Harris claimed the overall win with 37 points. David Stewart was the A Grade winner with 36 points, Roy Hankinson won

B Grade with 36 points and Frank McKnight topped C Grade with 35 points. Sean Bradshaw took the nearest to the pin on the ninth, while David Stewart was closest on 17. Placegetters for the midweek stableford were Mark Kenmir, Steven Wheatley, Phil Amey and Gaye Wilson.

This weekend’s competitions are both stableford events.

about 15 metres out, kept his legs driving and scored next to the posts. Stokes converted, 16-16.

Moruya ran out of steam

and Perea scored his second, followed by front rower, Pat Kelly, and then McMahon topped off a solid game for a full time scorer

of 30-16 in favour of the Stallions. They progress to next Saturday’s game at Eden. Kickoff for that will be 11.30am.

Bombala golfers battle icy days for stableford

By BOMBALA BOWLS

Only a small eld turned out at the Bombala Golf Club over the weekend, braving freezing conditions.

On Saturday, members played a stableford for club trophy. The course is still very wet, it was tough going for players.

Brad Yelds handled the conditions the best, coming in the winner on 36 points.

Balls went to Yelds and Darren Forrester on 33 points.

Nearest the pin was not won. Yelds took out the golden shot.

Sunday’s action was a stableford for the late Rick Ingram trophy. It appears Brendan Weston didn’t lose his form last week. He was the trophy winner on 36 points.

Balls went to Weston and Pepper Thompson, 30 points. Forrester won the nearest the

pin, while Weston won golden shot. Program for the week

Ladies Wednesday, 20 August - stableford, club trophy

Members Saturday, 23 August - hit o at 10.30am. Stableford, club trophy, ind acc Sunday, 24 August - fourball-best-ball stableford (draw), late J Haslingden and P Halligan trophies

WINNERS:

Cooma Stallions first grade side has kept its premiership hopes alive with a strong win over Narooma. Richard Bensley charges forward for the Stallions.

Reserve grade fullback, Tom King, was one of his side’s best in the close loss to Bombala.

Podium placings in Canadian athletics events Wilson excels

Cooma’s Matilda Wilson has shone on the international stage with a number of podium places at two high-level Canadian athletics events.

The Monaro High School student nished with a rst, second and third placing at the prestigious Jack Brow International Tournament in Kelowna.

Wilson set a new personal best (PB) in the high jump, nishing rst with a 1.42 metre e ort. Her hammer throw was another PB, and saw her place second with 37.80m.

Another PB came Wilson’s way in discus, a throw of 29.08m took her to third place. Wilson also competed in shotput where she registered a 8.85m thrown.

At the British Columbia Outdoor Athletics Championships, the equivalent of the ACT Championships, Wilson recorded further impressive results.

She came third in hammer throw with a 35.48m e ort, fourth in discus a er a 30.33m throw (her rst e ort beyond 30m), and seventh in high jump at 1.35m.

Wilson joined an Australian contingent who headed to Canada for the two events. Her family and Cooma community raised about $10,000 to get Wilson to Canada, through a ‘cans for Canada’ fundraising initiative.

Junior riders tackle Thredbo

The 2025 FIS Junior Snowboard Cross (SBX) Series came to life at Thredbo as young athletes tackled the highest SBX course ever constructed in Australia. Built at Karels, 2035 metres above sea level, the 415-metre track o ered a thrilling moment for both athletes and for the sport.

The event is a powerful annual showcase of emerging junior SBX talent. Attracting an international eld and local stars, the event continues to serve as a

launchpad for future World Cup contenders.

In another major rst, the Thredbo event also hosted Australia’s inaugural FIS Para SBX race, giving national squad members an opportunity to compete at home, before heading to Argentina for an international training camp.

A er two days of racing at Thredbo, Robert Jones and Lara Walsh emerged as frontrunners in the men’s and women’s divisions, leading the overall leaderboard

heading into the nal showdown at Hotham.

With both athletes claiming victory in Thursday’s (7 August) event, Jones extended his winning streak by claiming rst place in Friday’s nal, securing the maximum FIS points available and reinforcing his dominance in the series.

Walsh delivered another strong performance on Friday, nishing second in the women’s nal to maintain her position at the top of the standings.

Athletes working hard

Snow Australia’s highly anticipated 2025 Alpine Snowboard Futures program took centre stage at Thredbo last week, bringing together emerging talent, elite coaching, and a vibrant community of snowboard racing enthusiasts.

The Futures day offered a unique opportunity for young riders to engage in high performance training alongside national-level coaches and athletes.

Led by National Alpine Snowboard team member Harvey Edmanson and Alpine Snowboard coach Leigh Delahoy, the program was supported by a dynamic coaching team including Christian de Oliveira, Mia Chawner, and Georgia Brose.

Together, they delivered a full day of training designed to elevate technical skills and foster confidence.

Athletes started the day with on-course training, technical race drills and general riding before the program concluded with an engaging athlete Q&A session, offering participants the chance to connect with Edmanson and gain valuable insights into elite snowboarding pathways.

The Futures program seamlessly led into the inaugural Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS) race held the following day, also at Thredbo. This knockout-style event welcomed athletes across all age groups, from as young as seven, to seasoned masters. The event

offered a thrilling head-tohead with athletes going up against others within their age-group.

Reflecting on the experience, Edmanson attributed the success of the event to an enthusiastic and talented group of young athletes.

“It is so exciting to see Australians out carving and loving it,” Edmanson said.

“The PGS race following the Futures camp was an awesome opportunity for these riders to put their skills into practice and show off what they can do against some of Australia’s best snowboarders. It’s very exciting to see a strong young group of athletes progressing through with the skills to progress into international competition.”

TALENT: Cooma athlete, Matilda Wilson, recorded a number of podium placings and personal bests while competing in Canada. PHOTO: Wilson family

PAGE 27-32

Finals hopes on line

STALLIONS, HEELERS

READY TO IMPRESS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

The second week of the Group 16 rugby league nals will be a busy one for Monaro sides with the Cooma Stallions and Bombala Blue Heelers all looking to keep their premiership hopes alive.

The Stallions rst grade side won through to the elimination nal on Saturday where they will face Eden in a must-win clash. The Stallions produced one of their best e orts this season to overcome Narooma, 30-12.

A dominant display by halfback Matthew Fellows led the Stallions to victory in Narooma. Fellows crossed for two rst half tries, on each occasion he threw a dummy, side-stepped multiple defenders and raced to the line.

With the Stallions and Narooma sharing the spoils through the season, the nal was tipped to be a close encounter. Cooma started strongly with co-captain, Noah Saddler, crashing over from short range. Best for the Stallions were Fellows, Saddler, hooker, Luke Bracher, and fullback, Keegan Caldwell.

The Bombala Blue Heelers won the local showdown in reserve grade, accounting for the Stallions 26-22 in an exciting minor semi nal. With both sides playing for their season, the Heelers defended their line in the dying stages to hold on for the win.

The Heelers will take on Eden, in Eden, this Saturday in the reserve grade eliminator.

The Stallions and Blue Heelers

both need a win to progress through to the preliminary nal, which will be held in Cooma on Sunday, 31 August.

One senior side from the Snowy Monaro is guaranteed to progress beyond this weekend, with the Bombala High Heelers again nishing minor premiers.

The side claimed its seventh minor premiership in 10 years following an unbeaten home and away season.

The High Heelers face the Bega Roosters on Sunday at the Pambula Sporting Complex, with the winner straight through to the grand nal in a fortnight’s time.

An appearance in the grand nal will be the High Heelers eighth in a decade, and a chance to add yet another premiership to the cabinet.

The High Heelers won last year’s premiership, defeating Eden 20-0.

Where the Flick

ON FIRE: Cooma Stallions halfback, Matthew Fellows, is about to side-step a Narooma defender on his way to the first of two tries in his side’s win.

PHOTO: Breanna A Photography

Bombala High Heeler, Tanner Hurley, will be a key player for the side as it aims for yet another premiership.