day of family-fun and community spirit.
Each October long weekend, the Berridale Lions Club holds its popular spring fair, providing a welcomed boost to the local economy. This year’s event was no exception with hundreds enjoying the dozens of stalls and activities on o er.
■ More on page 12
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Snowy 2.0 will cost taxpayers more than $12 billion to complete following Snowy Hydro announcing a cost re-assessment for the project is underway.
Snowy Hydro said last week they have directed
Snowy 2.0 principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture, to undertake a ‘comprehensive’ line-by-line re-assessment of its costs to deliver the project.
Snowy Hydro CEO, Dennis Barnes, said while he believed the 2023 reset
has ‘substantially’ increased productivity, further tunnel boring machine stoppages in 2024 and work stoppages over safety concerns have presented challenges.
“Despite disruption, including work stoppages due to safety concerns and continuing challenges with
geology, we’ve been able to recover that time and get us to where we need to be in terms of schedule,” Mr Barnes said.
In mid-2023, the Federal Government owned company, delivered a revised $12 billion price-tag to complete Snowy 2.0.
When the project was rst announced in 2017 by then Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, it was declared Snowy 2.0 would cost $2 billion.
Mr Barnes said while the need to re-assess Snowy 2.0’s cost is disappointing, the importance of the project to electricity users across the network has not changed.
“Snowy 2.0 will be a cornerstone of Australia’s transition to renewable energy, providing more than half of the long-duration storage the grid needs by 2050.
■ More on page 3
By TRISTA HEATH
Good quality, high snowfall means this winter has been particularly busy in Jindabyne and the Kosciuszko National Park.
A er a slow and disappointing previous two winter seasons, businesses received a much-needed boost in patronage this season as the snowfall continued until closing weekend.
Birchwood café owner, Laura Stamp, has had a very successful few months and said they have noticed more people entering their café this season especially compared to the last two winters.
“Our numbers are now very close to what we saw during the 2022 season, which is great,” Ms Stamp said.
“It’s been a positive shi , with more tourists, locals, and people just out and about enjoying the mountains again, there’s been more energy in the air this season.
“A good snow season always brings solid visitor numbers, and a er two years of low snow and slower trade, this year felt like a welcome relief.”
She said it was great to see Jindabyne so busy again, the
SUCCESSFUL: A great snowfall this winter season saw more visitors to the resorts and town of Jindabyne giving businesses a much-needed boost. PHOTO: Supplied
region really depends on strong winter trade and this year mother nature listened.
“I don’t know how many businesses could have handled a third quiet season in a row, this season came at the right time for a lot of us,” Ms Stamp said.
“It was important to have a good season this year, winter is what keeps things going into summer for many businesses, as the next few months are usually very slow till Christmas/New Year.
“The trade has been much more consistent and predictable, which is honestly all you can ask for. Our sta were happy, had plenty of work right through to the end, and had great days up
the mountain.
“That balance matters to us. They’re here to experience a snow season too, and we love seeing them enjoy it.”
Transport for NSW ran a bus service from Cooma and Jindabyne to the ski elds over winter which also saw a rise in numbers this season compared to previous seasons.
A National Parks and Wildlife Services spokesperson said sales of day passes for entry to Kosciuszko National Park are up 48 per cent from last year.
Retail and hardware store, Mitre 10 Jindabyne management said while business is slow in their building sector,
they did notice with more road closures this season more people came into their retail section on the week-
“As the building sector has reduced drastically, our trade has been down. This is as a direct result of the steep increase in building costs and the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct’s (SAP) reduced funding to the area,” management said.
“On the busy weekends when the roads were blocked early, we saw quite a number of extra people in town, especially family and small bus groups just wandering around with not much to do.”
With more visitors in town this season businesses noticed the real need for extra parking as a crucial thing for the town infrastructure.
Mitre 10 management said the parking in town is still critical and not visitor friendly for those who choose the bus option to get to the resorts.
“A safe longer term parking area for “park and ride” is needed to help encourage this valuable service,” management said.
“We had many people park long term in our store customer parking area mak-
ing it hard for our customers to get a park to shop.”
Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president and local accommodation operator, Olivier Kapetanakos, said the good snow has been great for accommodation providers.
“The snow season started on time in June, which was fantastic. It took a lot of people by surprise, so visitation in June was ordinary, then visitation in July and August was very strong. I don’t think you’ll nd too many accommodation providers with a lot of vacancies around that time, we certainly didn’t,”
Mr Kapetanakos said.
“September was not the best, but the spring skiing was pretty good, until we got some rain, which then probably dissuaded a lot of people who may have come up for the last bit of the season.”
Mr Kapetanakos said feedback he received from cafes and restaurants was a di erent story, they were consistently busy seeing big numbers roll through their doors.
“One of the observations that I made, and I’ve heard repeated by other businesses, is this season there’s been a lot of day visitors,” Mr Kapetanakos said.
“There’s been some criticism that day visitors don’t spend a lot of money in the area because they bypass town and go straight to the snowfields, but this year the number of people walking around town and going down to the big chairlift and other places, was substantial.
“ There’s been a new demographic of people coming through town this season as well, many who have never seen snow before and taken advantage of the good snow season to try out the slopes for the first time.”
Mr Kapetananos believes this season has shown businesses the green shoots of economic activity beyond just the winter season.
“We now have to find that activity that occurs in the shoulder periods to sustain businesses in the quieter months,” Mr Kapetanakos said.
“For that to happen, we need the Snowy Mountains SAP to deliver on the infrastructure promised.
“We need to be able to see our council spend more time and more money on tourism attractions in and around Jindabyne as well as the smaller towns.”
Sections of Snowy 2.0’s newest tunnel boring machine, TBM Monica, will be transported to the Marica worksite, located north of Kiandra, during October.
Oversize loads will be transported via Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Highway with appropriate escorts. Loads wider than four metres will travel at night.
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 7 00AM – 5.00PM
SATURDAY: 7 00AM – 1.00PM
SUNDAY & P/H: CLOSED
Motorists may experience delays and should adhere to directions from pilot vehicles and NSW Police.
With road restrictions lifted after winter, there will be a general increase in heavy vehicle deliveries in the region.
Take care when driving around the Snowies.
For travel times and more detailed information on project truck movements, scan the QR code.
Delivery schedules are subject to change.
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Snowy 2.0 will cost taxpayers more than $12 billion to complete following Snowy Hydro announcing a cost re-assessment for the project is underway.
In mid-2023, the Federal Government owned company, delivered a revised $12 billion price-tag to deliver Snowy 2.0.
This gure came as Snowy Hydro issued a project reset in August 2023, following tunnel boring machine (TBM) Florence being stuck for most of the year, supply chain pressures and disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Snowy Hydro said last week they have directed Snowy 2.0 principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture, to undertake a ‘comprehensive’ line-by-line re-assessment of its costs to deliver the project.
Snowy Hydro CEO, Dennis Barnes, said while he believed the 2023 reset has ‘substantially’ increased productivity, further TBM stoppages in 2024 and work stoppages over safety concerns have presented challenges.
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
“Despite disruption, including work stoppages due to safety concerns and continuing challenges with geology, we’ve been able to recover that time and get us to where we need to be in terms of schedule,” Mr Barnes said.
“The reset was about getting Snowy 2.0 moving again by creating a more collaborative relationship with the principal contractor and achieving safe progress. We’ve done both, but the productivity upli hasn’t
been to the degree we needed.”
When the project was rst announced in 2017 by then Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, it was declared Snowy 2.0 would cost $2 billion.
The cost re-assessment is expected to take up to nine
months to complete.
Mr Barnes was scheduled to appear before Senate Estimates earlier this week. In next week’s edition, we will update you on what Snowy Hydro was asked and Mr Barnes’ responses.
With the increased threat of res and high risk of re danger in the Snowy Monaro due to hot, dry and windy conditions over the spring and summer months, the NSW Rural Fire Service has again advised landowners and residents to burn on-property with caution.
The RFS issued a reminder that permits are now required for the majority of NSW.
On Saturday at 2pm, emergency services responded to a re on Jimenbuen Road, Dalgety. Eight re trucks and 22 personnel responded to an escaped permit burn resulting in about 80 hectares burnt.
The re scene was patrolled on Sunday and Monday morning when it was deemed extinguished, with no remnant concerns.
A re which began on September 27 on Dry Plains Road, Wambrook, is still being monitored by RFS crews.
The re burnt 11 hectares, before being contained on September 28.
According to an RFS spokesperson on Monday, a number of re trucks were required plus remote area re ghting, heavy plant equipment and aviation resources to contain the
Some hot spots remain in the burnt area but there are no signi cant issues and it is currently being patrolled, the RFS spokesperson said.
“Given we are seeing hot, dry and windy conditions leading up to summer, it’s important to follow safe re practices, obtain a re permit, only burn when conditions are safe and to be sure to call 000 if there are any concerns,” the spokesperson said.
“It is also important residents and land managers monitor pervious pile burns and make sure they are completely extinguished; don’t be the re risk to your community.”
Fire permits can be applied for online by visiting rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP
By TRISTA HEATH
The Australian government is making home ownership more achievable for more people with new and expanded programs that make it easier to get started.
From 1 October, rst home buyers will be able to buy a home with only a 5 per cent deposit across Eden-Monaro.
Through the expanded 5 per cent deposit scheme, the Albanese government will guarantee a portion of a rst home buyer’s loan, so they can purchase with a lower deposit and not pay lenders mortgage insurance.
In Eden-Monaro, almost 1000 people have already been able to buy their rst homes thanks to the Home Guarantee Scheme.
“From today, all rst home buyers in Eden-Monaro will be able to buy a home of their own with a deposit of just 5 per cent – cutting years o the time it takes to save for a deposit,” Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said.
“We’re removing barriers, not building them. This program means more people in Eden-Monaro can stop renting and start building a future in their own home.”
Now, all rst home buyers in Eden-Monaro will have access to 5 per cent deposits, with no caps on places or income limits.
Property price caps will also be set higher, in line with average house prices, providing access to a greater variety of homes.
That means property price caps in Eden-Monaro will be raised from $750,000 to $800,000 – meaning a rst home buyer will have more options to choose from.
McGrath Real Estate agent in Jindabyne, Gordon Jenkinson, has been selling homes in the Snowy Mountains for more
than two decades and said any decision that helps home buyers to purchase their rst home is a positive move and the latest scheme will certainly allow more rst home buyers to enter the market.
“This scheme will certainly lead to an increase in competition and prices for properties in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in particular,” Mr Jenkinson said.
“A good number of urban buyers are quite happy to purchase an apartment but in regional areas a majority of rst home buyers especially those with children are looking for a stand-alone home.
“The cap in regional centres is $900k while in other regional areas the cap is $750k, unfortunately Jindabyne is one of those regional areas where the median price of a stand-alone house is currently above $1.1m while many of the three and four-bedroom apartments are selling above $750k.”
Mr Jenkinson said his advice for anyone interested in the latest scheme is to sit down with a broker, bank, accountant, partner, trusted family member/s or nancial advisor as soon as possible to get a good handle on the implications of scheme and what you can comfortably manage going forward.
“These discussions should give you a clearer picture on what you can realistically afford to purchase then start searching for suitable properties within that budget,” he said.
“If it helps even a few local families or individuals purchase their rst home it will be a positive for Jindabyne.”
For a rst home buyer in Eden-Monaro looking to purchase a $800,000 home, the 5 per cent deposit will save them $120,000.
To nd out more, visit www. housingaustralia.gov.au/homeguarantee-scheme.
If you spot a problem in a public area anywhere across the Snowy Monaro, you can report non-urgent issues directly to Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) and other local authorities, quickly and easily with the free Snap Send Solve smartphone app and website.
The app helps council keep the region safe, welcoming and accessible. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
It’s simple to use - Snap a photo of any problems you see when you’re out-and-about then send the report with your photos and any other information council needs to know.
That’s all it takes. Your report is sent directly to the right place and the right person with the location automatically attached.
For council issues, sta will respond to let you know council is onto it and be back in touch once the problem’s solved.
Most reports take less than 30 seconds from rst snap to nal send once a user becomes used to the app.
Snap Send Solve can be used to report nearly any kind of problem, including: Litter and dumped rubbish, footpath problems, non-urgent water leaks, potholes, gra ti and vandalism, fallen trees, overgrown vegetation, illegal parking, playground damage and public toilet issues.
Snowy Monaro locals have lodged more than 500 reports using Snap Send Solve so far in 2025 alone. Join the community of Snowy Snappers and help make sure local public spaces are great places to be.
Visit www.snapsendsolve.com to learn more or get started.
Some things can’t wait. For urgent issues, you can call SMRC 24/7 on 1300 345 345. In an emergency always call 000 for re, ambulance, and police.
By TRISTA HEATH
A er a successful 2025 snow season, the Snowy Monaro region saw a much-needed tourism boost to towns.
Increased visitation numbers were welcomed by all, with the snow resorts’ car parks lled quickly and lots of tra c on the roads.
This season a partnership between the Snowy Mountains Bus Service and Transport for NSW enhanced the winter experience for skiers and snowboarders. Expanded seasonal shuttle services from Jindabyne and Cooma (via Berridale) to Perisher and Thredbo ski resorts saw an increase in customers compared to previous seasons.
tomers value the a ordability and the reduced driving and parking stress the service provides, particularly when there is a need for snow chains, or car parks are full.”
The program included Kosciuszko National Park entry with the bus ticket, allowing travelers to enjoy a full day on the slopes without the burden of separate park passes.
The aim of the service was clear to all customers, leave the snow driving to professionals and focus on what matters most, time on the
For many, the Snowy Mountains Bus Service represented a practical response to the challenges of alpine travel.
A Cooma woman is staying true to an unwritten pact made with her best friend, vowing to split her recent Keno Classic win worth more than $60,000 right down the middle.
The local resident bagged the Keno Classic 8 Spot jackpot in Keno draw 206, drawn Monday 22 September 2025. She won a total prize of $60,713.40.
When an o cial from Keno called to con rm her win, the stunned woman relived the heartstopping moment she checked her Keno win while sitting on the couch.
“I’m doing very good,” she cheered.
he deserves it as much as me.”
With more than $60,000 to hit her bank account, the winning woman confessed she needed some time to absorb the news before making any concrete plans.
“I’m still thinking it through before I decide on anything. I’m just feeling so grateful for the win,” she said.
“I know my best bud is already planning out everything he’ll do with his half.
“He told me the rst thing he wants to do is to go on a mini shopping spree and treat himself to a new pair of shoes.”
Running seven days a week during the winter season, the service is designed to reduce congestion and parking pressure by o ering a reliable, park-and-ride alternative to private vehicles.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the response to the Snowy Mountains Bus Service has been very positive, with strong patronage throughout the season.
“Passenger numbers have been consistently higher than in previous years, with the service growing in popularity, combined with very favourable snow conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“There has been a 50 per cent increase compared to last year, with 137,154 total journeys recorded so far through to mid-September 2025.”
Flexible routes and convenient connections were on o er at the heart of the program with regular stops and connection points spanning East Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village, Berridale and Cooma, making it easier for residents and visitors to reach the slopes without the hassle of driving in snowy conditions.
The spokesperson said the service between Cooma and Jindabyne (via Berridale) had a 220 per cent rise, and three-day passes have made up about half of all journeys across the entire service.
“To cater for the higher demand, additional services were run during peak season and standby buses deployed,” the spokesperson said.
“Feedback has shown that cus-
Those who have wrestled with icy roads, heavy tra c, and early morning parking chaos know that this o ering could transform a day on the mountain into a smoother, safer, and more a ordable experience.
The spokesperson said like all road users, the buses were at times impacted by snow conditions and peak tra c heading into the resorts.
“However, during times when the resort carparks reached capacity, bus passengers have still been able to reach the resorts, when private vehicles may be turned around,” the spokesperson said.
“The Snowy Mountains Bus Service will return in 2026, with planning already underway to ensure it continues to provide a reliable, convenient and a ordable way to travel to the snow.”
“The people have all the power in a democracy, if they are allowed to vote.” An Australian Consumers Democracy spokesperson said. “This campaign is that opportunity. We are all consumers, and we will decide what is best for Australia.”
Your power account is valuable to the power retailer. If we transfer our power accounts en-masse to one power retailer, this would be worth millions of dollars and demonstrate our collective power.
We have already had electrical supply blackouts but next time, it will be the financially stressed families that will have their electrical power cut o . Imagine families living permanently in the dark, unable to ever re-connect due to ever increasing power costs, possibly with outstanding debts and loss of their credit rating.
This is real. The Financial Councillors Association estimated that 2.5 million Australians are living in a financially stressed environment. That is now. With the additional cost of living, it will soon be much worse. What we are seeing, in relation to power supply, is an unsustainable situation developing. This is not right. This is not the Australian way. WE MUST ACT NOW. The power industry has forgotten that consumers have the final say. We are a powerful group of millions. We want the cheap and plentiful electricity that we had before Net Zero. Let’s bring it back.
“I slept like a baby last night a er coming down from all the adrenaline a er checking my ticket.
“I was scrolling Facebook on the couch when I remembered I had some Keno tickets I hadn’t checked.
“I wasn’t expecting anything big - I’m used to winning $50, $60, or maybe $70 sometimes. But this was di erent. I thought I was going to have a mini heart attack when it said I’d won $60,000.
“It’s absolutely life-changing for me.
“I also got to surprise my bestie with the news and let him know he’s getting half.
“We’ve always enjoyed playing Keno together, and I guess you could say we have an unwritten rule where if one of us were to ever win, we’d share it with each other.
“He’s helped me a lot in life, and
Her winning entry was purchased at Cooma Ex-Services Club, 106 Vale Street, Cooma.
Cooma Ex-Services Club operations manager, Rhianna Clark, shared she hadn’t stopped buzzing with excitement since discovering her venue sold a major prize-winning Keno entry.
“I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s such an incredible feeling to know our venue played a part in someone’s life-changing win,” she said.
“The entire team here has been buzzing with excitement ever since we received the winning news.
“We’re excited to share the incredible news with our members and guests. We’re certain the major win will bring happiness, excitement, and unforgettable moments to our community.
“Congratulations to our winner. Enjoy all the happiness your prize brings you.”
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
Earlier this year, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, took on the role of Minister for Emergency Management. As the Snowy Monaro region enters the bushfire danger period, and the nation braces for warmer conditions, this masthead asked Ms McBain how she has settled into this portfolio.
What does the emergency management role involve? What do you find most satisfying about the role?
On 13 May, I was honoured to be sworn in as the Federal Minister for Emergency Management and as minister I am responsible for ensuring we have more secure, stronger, more resilient communities before, during and after disasters and emergencies.
I work with our National Emergency Management Agency, which has a national leadership role in supporting the states and territories and our communities to manage disaster and emergency events.
I think it’s really rewarding to be in a position to support Australians when there’s a natural disaster. It’s a huge responsibility and I am determined to ensure the role of the Commonwealth in responding to and managing natural
disasters is as effective as possible.
How will your experiences with natural disasters as Bega Valley Shire Council mayor shape your e orts as minister for emergency management?
While I was the Bega Valley Shire Council mayor, we experienced nine declared natural disasters, including the Black Summer Bush res. Parts of our community in Eden-Monaro experienced some of the worst res our country has ever seen. It was a sustained bush re that just appeared to be never-ending. In the end, the only thing that put out those bush res was a ood.
My experience as a local mayor has led me to believe there needs to be a co-ordinated approach to recovery and that is something I am passionate about delivering for disaster impacted communities.
Now as Emergency Management Minister I am focused on the lessons that can be taken from those experiences. I am also really focused on ensuring we do more to mitigate risk in communities across Australia, so that we are better prepared for more intense and frequent natural disasters. I am also determined to ensure there is leadership at a national level, and right now that’s about ensuring we are prepared for the up-
coming higher risk weather season.
Have you identi ed any areas yet that need improving/enhancing within your portfolio?
Under the past leadership of Minster Watt and Minister McAllister, the Albanese government established the National Emergency Management Agency and the Disaster Ready Fund, funded Disaster Relief Australia, established our National Emergency Management Stockpile, and expanded our National Aerial Fire ghting capabilities.
I am continuing to implement this critical work in my portfolio, and am looking forward to progressing work on the new National Messaging System that will bring the advantages of cell-broadcast technology to Australian emergency warnings. I will have more to share about the system soon, so watch this space.
The major ooding situation along the mid-north coast earlier this year was a baptism of re in the role, what did you learn and take away from this intense experience?
Since the mid-coast oods, I have been on the ground on three separate occasions. I have met with and spoken on the phone with local mayors, state and federal members on numerous occasions to check in on how recovery programs are rolling out and
how we can assist. We know recovery is not a straight road and there is no “one size ts all” approach. Unfortunately, severe weather events like the ooding we saw on the MidCoast and Hunter regions are becoming more frequent and intense. Of course, re-
covery takes time and we are continually identifying and implementing lessons to help streamline our decision-making processes. The Australian Government has committed hundreds of millions of dollars in recovery assistance measures in response to the NSW East Coast
severe weather, including direct Commonwealth payments of more than $206 million through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and almost $20 million through the Disaster Recovery Allowance. ■ Part two of the profile will appear in next week’s paper.
By TRISTA HEATH
Snowy Mountains veterans are being urged to reconnect and support one another through Snowy River RSL subbranch.
Current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) living in the Snowy Mountains are being called to reach out, share stories, and strengthen their veteran community through the Snowy River RSL sub-branch.
The organisation invites all who have served - whether recently or decades ago - to join a growing network built on camaraderie, respect, and mutual support.
Snowy River RSL bubbranch vice president, Mark Davis, served in the ADF for more than four decades and has been part of the subbranch for 10 years now.
“We are only a small branch committee and we are looking for the next generation to come along, contribute, and be part of something meaningful,” Mr Davis said.
“Unlike larger clubs with extensive infrastructure, the Snowy River sub-branch operates through a lean model that relies on volunteers and partnerships with local venues.”
With currently only five active committee members, the sub-branch welcomes current and ex-serving ADF members
from the Snowy Mountains, as well as affiliated supporters who share in the mission of camaraderie and service, to join.
The group organises several activities annually, including ANZAC Day marches and ceremonies, Remembrance Day ceremonies, Vietnam Veterans Day as well as maintain memorial sites across the Snowy Monaro region, and foster fellowship among members, with funds raised at community events reinvested into future activities.
One of Jindabyne’s biggest annual events is the ANZAC Day march and ceremony.
Hundreds join the march and gather at the Banjo Paterson Park war memorial site with support from many local groups and schools. Local aviators also conduct a fly-over of their war birds every year.
A member since the 1970s, and a Vietnam veteran, Ian ‘Ruffy’ Graham, said a lot of organisation goes into the event each year and he and other Vietnam veteran and branch member, Jim Crocker, need support from new subbranch members to ensure the event continues.
“Once the event concludes we start preparing for next years event immediately,” Mr Graham said.
Each year the event draws the attention of many nation-
al ADF members including the Albatross unit who have been attending for the past 32 years now.
Members stress that military service is not required to join, and there are opportunities to contribute in various capacities beyond formal leadership roles.
While leadership positions such as president, secretary, and treasurer require ongoing volunteer commitment, many roles are available, including event planning, liaison with local venues, and coordinating commemorations.
The Snowy River RSL subbranch operates independently of clubs, though it collaborates with local venues to host events. It is part of a broader network of 315 RSL sub-branches and chapters across the state, all run by veteran volunteers who stand ready to support veterans and their families.
Members emphasise that the door is open for anyone seeking connection, support, or simply a friendly network of mates.
Mr Davis said “We’ve served our country and now are serving our community, that’s just what we do, we are servicemen.”
To join the Snowy River RSL Sub-Branch or offer support, contact snowy-riversb@ rslnsw.org.au
Inundation of unsellable items forces Jindabyne facility to stop accepting donations temporarily
By TRISTA HEATH
As the winter season draws to a close, The Op Shop Jindabyne volunteers are grappling with the in ux of post-season donations, which are proving to overwhelm its volunteers.
While generous community members clear out their winter gear, many are unintentionally overwhelming the shop with unsuitable items, leading to signi cant waste management costs and operational challenges.
With an annual waste bill soaring to $6000, the Op Shop Jindabyne is calling for greater community awareness and adherence to donation guidelines.
As the ski season concludes, many patrons are returning unwanted items to the op shop, where they initially purchased them just months prior.
Jindabyne Op Shop management committee member, Don Hayman, said every year they see an uptick in donations at this time of the year.
“Most donations coming
The First Cooma Scouts have enjoyed a busy month with the organisation holding its presentation evening and making an important donation to the Monaro Community Access Service.
Cooma Scouts invested eight new youth members across its joeys, cubs and scouts ranks.
There were plenty of smiles as the youngsters were congratulated following their investiture.
Other scouts received blanket badges, special interest badges and milestone badges.
The presentation evening saw the First Cooma Scouts committee present certi cates of thanks to local business and community organisations which have supported the club this year.
The First Cooma Scouts recently donated food and essential items to the Monaro Community Access Service to assist their clients.
“This act of kindness shows the true spirit of scouting, helping others, working as a team, and supporting those in need,” Rebecca Shepherd, First Cooma Scouts chair, said.
“We’re so proud of their efforts and the positive impact they’re making in our community.”
To keep up to date with the First Cooma Scouts, visit their Facebook page.
through our gate are from transient visitors and seasonal sta who have just purchased what they need for the season but don’t intend to take it with them when they leave,” Mr Hayman said.
“While we welcome donations, many brought in are not saleable, old TVs, broken printers, and worn-out ski boots are just a few examples of items that end up in our skip bins instead of helping those in need.”
Despite extensive signage posted at the op shop detailing acceptable donation items and hours, many overlook these guidelines, o en claiming they did not see the information.
This has prompted the op shop to be louder with its message through various channels.
“We have clear signage at the gates, on our Facebook page, and through digital screens, yet, we still see instances where people leave unwanted items outside of our donation hours,” Mr Hayman said.
“It’s disheartening, as it
costs us both nancially and in terms of volunteer resources.”
To combat this ongoing issue, the op shop is urging those who donate to please follow their donation guidelines.
“We want to remind everyone that donations must be in good, clean, saleable condition and checked by our volunteers before being le ,” Mr Hayman said.
“Items such as TVs, computers, kids’ car seats, skis and snowboards more than 10 years old, and large furniture are not accepted.
“When unsuitable items are abandoned, it results in additional costs that impact our ability to support local initiatives.”
The shop is particularly busy at this transitional time, as families are clearing out ski gear and winter apparel.
“We understand that people wish to donate, but it’s crucial that the items are usable,” Mr Hayman said.
“We can’t accept items that are worn out or unsafe, and we want to ensure we’re
customers.”
To streamline the donation process, the op shop is currently requesting that locals temporarily hold o on donations until a er the long weekend on 8 October.
“This pause will allow us to manage the overwhelming volume of items we receive man said.
“We appreciate the generosity of our community and ask for a little patience as we navigate this busy time.”
As the season changes and community members begin their spring cleaning, the op shop stands ready to accept donations, provided they
With co-operation from the public, the op shop can reduce its waste bill and continue its valuable work in supporting those in need.
Donations to the Op Shop Jindabyne are accepted within operating hours, Monday and Wednesday noon to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm.
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
Three local motorbike riders are about to embark on an epic journey when they head o on The Long Ride, a bi-annual charity event to fundraise and increase awareness of prostate cancer for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Phil Jamieson and Lloyd Venables of Cooma and Paul Duncan of Jindabyne are in the nal stages of preparing for the approximately 4500 kilometre week-long ride to Esperance in Western Australia.
On 12 October the three local riders will be joining a group of 40 riders from Canberra, and eventually linking up with the approximately 180 riders from all around the country prior to arriving as a convoy at the nal destination.
“We all join up by the time we get to Norseman in WA, we should just about have everybody together, and then continue on down the road to Esperance,” Phil said.
“People donate to the cause along the way either giving
cash or we sell badges and pins when we stop for breaks or overnight.”
Additionally, over the past few months they have been collecting donations for a trivia night which was held in Canberra at the end of August.
The trivia night raised about $5000. Phil said although his team nished last, the event was a huge success with around 200 people attending the fundraiser.
Paul, Phil and Lloyd thank all those who helped with donations of goods and vouchers, and bought ra e tickets in a wood ra e.
Sponsors who donated prizes and vouchers include:
• Chris and Deanne Mould who donated the trailer load of wood
• Peter and Erica Kaine who donated the second and third prizes for the ra e
• Cooma Motorcycles
• Cooma Ex-Services Club
• Monaro Meats
• Cooma Mitre 10
• Alpine Hotel
• Your Outdoor Store Cooma
• Green Machine Adventure Flights, Jindabyne.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 26,368 men likely to be diagnosed this year. Five-year survival rates have increased to 95.8 per cent but 3901 men die from prostate cancer every year.
“It’s important to raise the pro le of this type of cancer that goes unnoticed many times because of the lack of symptoms in some cases, and slackness of men to get checked in many cases,” Phil said.
Phil, Lloyd and Paul are looking forward to the experience and are hoping for fair weather both for riding and camping under the stars (most nights) and no bike break downs.
The week of riding will provide them with a chance to create lasting memories with fellow motorbike enthusiasts, meet new people and see amazing sights along the way, all while raising money and supporting a worthy cause.
The Cooma Car Club was packed with more than 170 country music fans recently for 2MNO Monaro FM’s spring music concert.
A host of the Monaro’s nest country artists donated their talent and time to entertain the crowd: Ernie Constance, Michelle Russell, Louise Bowerman, Danny Bowden, Rob and Graham Hampshire, Jay and Blaze Podger, Dean Messerer and Pat Daley showcased the depth of talent in the community.
The Cooma Car Club members decked out their venue and sta ed the bar, whilst Co ee 2630 provided hot drinks and snacks during the evening.
The country artists had only praise for 2MNO Monaro Community Radio, saying it is community radio that supports, broadcasts and promotes Australian country music. President of 2MNO,
Phil Daley, was humbled by the great support given by the artists and the community.
“It was wonderful to see so many people enjoy the spring country music concert,” he said.
“It was rewarding to see people enjoying a great night of live music from our local musicians.
“2MNO is committed to supporting our local community through its broadcasting of Australian music and local talent.”
To learn more about 2MNO check out the website www.2mno.org.au or email info@2mno.org.au
POPULAR: A large crowd attended the 2MNO Monaro FM spring music concert where the region’s best country musicians performed.
PHOTO: 2MNO
The weather over the long weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, could possibly be the nicest we have had in the Snowy Monaro for some time.
The fine conditions allowed the Berridale Lions Spring Fair the chance it deserved to attract a bumper crowd.
Well done to the Berridale Lions Club for staging another terrific event.
The club hosts the popular Easter and Spring Fairs, and the Christmas markets.
The driving force behind these Berridale events over many years has been Lion Iain Schofield.
Iain was unable to attend the event on Saturday but the Postman is sure he would have been proud of the club’s efforts.
The Berridale Lions is a small but mighty club.
If you attended the spring fair and thought what a great annual event this is, the Lions Club would love your input and and even better, love you to become a member.
We have run stories in this masthead over a few months now highlighting the struggles many local organisations face in attracting new members.
The Berridale Lions is one of these clubs.
Snowy 2.0 will now cost more than $12 billion to complete. Snowy Hydro is undetaking a ‘cost re-assessment’.
Initially forecast to cost $2 billion, which we now know was well off the mark, a Snowy 2.0 project reset in mid-2023 revealed it would cost at least $12 billion to deliver the project.
Last week, Snowy Hydro CEO, Dennis Barnes, said while the need to re-assess the cost of delivering Snowy 2.0 is disappointing, the importance of the project to electricity users across the network has not changed.
With all footy codes finished, the Postman now looks forward to the Monaro cricket season starting this weekend. Not long until the Ashes either.
By Paul Dorin
Cooma Baptist: 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: 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 Adaminaby: 3pm first and third Sunday each month
St Peter’s Anglican Nimmitabel: 11.30am third Sunday each month
St Andrew’s Catholic Nimmitabel: Saturday vigil mass 5pm on the weekend of the fifth Sunday
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 fourth Sunday
If your church would like to be added to this list, please contact editor@monaropost.com.au
Your readers may be aware of the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) report that was released by the federal government midSeptember. It is important to remind ourselves of the impact of climate change on agriculture, given the importance of farming to the region. With regard to cropping, it says climate change is already signi cantly impacting this sector. In southern Australia, it says, ‘changes in rainfall patterns and higher evapotranspiration rates are leading to lower soil moisture, which in turn reduces crop productivity. Extreme heat events further exacerbate these challenges, stressing crops and decreasing yields.’
As for the livestock sector, the
NCRA report says it too is facing signi cant challenges from climate change, particularly due to changes in temperature and rainfall.
‘Heat stress in cattle and sheep, driven by increasing temperatures and more frequent hot spells, is likely to reduce productivity and negatively a ect animal welfare. Additionally, the availability of feed is impacted by these climatic changes, further stressing livestock operations.’
And farming communities, the report says, are at the frontline of climate change impacts.
‘Water security is a major concern, with increased competition for water having the potential to impact agricultural
productivity, community livelihoods, and e ective response to extreme hazard events. Increasing heat will make it harder for outdoor workers.’
It’s mostly bad news, apart from a decrease in frost days that will bene t some crops. Nevertheless, the correct response to this report is to pull out all stops to mitigate climate change, even though farmers have said they are already adopting strategies to adapt to changing conditions.
It was disappointing then that, within days, the government announced its 2035 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, namely, 62-70 per cent reduction on 2005 levels.
Energy Minister, Chris Bowen,
said they were “ambitious and achievable”. Achievable, yes, but certainly not ambitious.
The science said an absolute minimum of 75 per cent while others, justi ably keen to minimise global warming, argued that we should have net zero as the target for 2035.
It was doubly disappointing that, also in the month of September, the Federal Environment Minister, Murray Watt, gave the green light to the North West Shelf extension project.
The mining of gas o the north west coast of Western Australia will now continue until 2070. The project will now add up to 6.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas
emissions over its lifetime. If all the gas is exported, it will not unduly a ect Australia’s ability to meet its climate commitments which are based on domestic emissions, but will add immeasurably to global carbon pollution and, in turn, global warming.
Australia is hoping to host the COP31 climate talks next year. Its weak 2035 target and the NW Shelf extension, however, may well make this year’s COP30 decide to give it to Türkiye instead. That would be a loss for Australia.
By NICK GOLDIE
The title of this novel, ‘Desolation’, took me straight to Bob Dylan and his melancholy song ‘Desolation Row’. I’m not sure if this was the author’s intention; a great deal of this book is puzzling, hints and references and snippets of history.
Hossein Asgari is an Iranian writer who lives in Adelaide. His rst novel ‘Only Sound Remains’ was very well reviewed and nominated for the Miles Franklin Award.
‘Desolation’ is a writer’s book about writing and much else. It’s the story of Amin, which is not his real name, who approaches
the un-named narrator who is drinking tea in a cafe in Adelaide.
“I have a story for you,” Amin says, described as ‘a musty middle-aged Iranian man’, who uses the traditional story-teller’s trick of ending each part of the tale with a riddle or a puzzle, compelling the listener to ask for more.
Now we are hooked. The rst puzzle is the number 655. What can it mean? In fact, it is the ight number of the Iranian passenger jet, mistakenly shot down with total loss of life, by the USS Vincennes.
On board was Amin’s brother, a mathematical prodigy, on his way to an academic posting in the USA.
“Now that I know that,” thinks the author, “I’m going to listen to his story.”
And what a story it is, set mainly in Iran during the 1980s, while the Iran-Iraq war sets the background scene.
At rst, Amin is captivated by pretty Parvaneh from across the road, though their meetings have to be kept secret – his friend Nima was given 20 lashes for seeing a girl. The pair watch The Sound of Music and listen to Dylan, Pink Floyd, John Lennon, and talk about living in the west. The story darkens. Amin completes three months of military training in the small town of Zahedan, and becomes friendly with a group of activists
who are connected with Osama bin Laden.
One of them is Ayesha, who works in the kebab restaurant used by the activist group, and the couple marry, later to divorce as her activism becomes more important to her than Amin himself.
The story, as Amin tells it, creates its own reality, and now it has come to Adelaide. As the author says, ‘Desolation’ explores the enduring power of storytelling in the face of tragedy.
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Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER: NEWS, EVENTS, MILESTONES, CELEBRATIONS
The Monaro Post welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in the Snowy
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.
Elle Thompson (02) 6452 0312 elle@monaropost.com.au
c was one of the most common words heard when visitors to the Berridale
Fair described this year’s event.
Dozens of stalls, activities for the whole family, plenty of community organisations to support, and a glorious spring day helped attract one of the event’s largest crowds.
The Berridale Lions Club may be small in numbers but they again
By THE COOMA MONARO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Each month, the Cooma Monaro Historical Society will delve into their archives and share a photo and information, showcasing part of Cooma’s history.
The society is run by hard working volunteers who are focussed on preserving Cooma’s rich history.
European settlement on the Monaro, south of the limits of location brought a vastly di erent spiritual experience than that experienced by its Ngarigo inhabitants.
For some time, religion was split into three main denominations: Church of England (Anglicans), Roman Catholic, and Presbyterians.
Governor Bourke’s Church Act of 1836 provided government subsidies for building churches and the payment of clerical salaries to the three main church groups. This assistance was later extended to other religious groups and was aimed at promoting equitable treatment of di erent religious faiths and taking the focus away from the domination of the Church of England.
Presbyterianism, which originated in the 1500s due to the Protestant Reformation, was somewhat di erent from most established religions in that it promoted a governance of elected elders. ‘Presbyterian’ comes from the Greek ‘Persbyteros’ meaning ‘Elder’.
On 17 April, 1865, a meeting was held
at the home of William Oliver where it was decided the services of a Presbyterian pastor were needed.
The Rev William Baker was approached, he accepted and was inducted.
On 30 July, 1870, a house known as Rose Cottage was purchased from a Mr Burns to be used as a manse and was used by the Rev J H Archibald, the rst Presbyterian Minister to reside in Cooma.
In 1887, 15 acres on Cooma Creek was purchased as a site for a manse but nine acres were later sold and in 1891 a new manse was built beside the new Presbyterian Church.
On 27 June, 1878, a site on the corner of Soho Street and Commissioner Street close to the Anglican Church was chosen. The estimated cost was not to exceed 1000 pounds and have a seating capacity of 150.
By the end of November 1879, this money had been raised. A contract was given to a Mr Treeby (who eventually handed it on to a Mr G L Fisher), the architect was a Mr Elphinstone from Sydney and the foundation stone was laid by a Mr J Paxton, JP of Sydney.
The church was completed and opened on 26 March, 1882.
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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.
Would you like to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a remarkable local woman in the Monaro electorate?
The NSW government’s Local Women of the Year (LWOTY) awards is an annual program where members of parliament (MPs) each select a local woman from their electorate to be recognised for her community contributions during NSW Women’s Week. Consequently, there are more than 90 different Local Women of the Year across NSW.
The chosen nominee will receive: - a framed certificate signed by the Premier, Minister for Women, and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan; - an invitation to the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday, 5 March, 2026 in Sydney; - inclusion in the Honour Roll printed in the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony program and listed on the Women NSW website; and - consideration in the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll (if eligible as a rurally based woman who volunteers). Nominations close 11:59pm on 31 October.
The LWOTY awards program runs alongside the NSW Women of the Year Awards celebration in Women’s Week in March.
LWOTY honours women’s expertise, value and commitment to their communities, in the diverse electorates across NSW. The LWOTY awards is an acknowledgement of women’s significant contributions, and an opportunity to formally elevate their platform.
Over winter we’ve seen a rise in the rate of recycling contamination in our region.
Putting the wrong thing in the wrong bin means all of your recyclables could end up being sent to landfill, instead of getting reused and repurposed.
The most common problem we saw this winter was recyclables in bags or boxes.
To make your recycling count, only place loose recyclables into your kerbside bin.
You can quickly and easily report nonurgent issues directly to Council and other local authorities with Snap Send Solve. Here’s how easy it is:
1. Download the Snap Send Solve app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Snap a photo of any problems you see when you’re out-and-about
3. Submit the report, photos and details
That’s all it takes. Your report is sent directly to the right place and the right person with the location automatically attached. For Council issues, we’ll respond to let you know we’re onto it and be back in touch once the problem’s solved.
Reporting can take as little as 30 seconds from first snap to final send.
Visit www.snapsendsolve.com today to learn more or get started.
Looking for a job with purpose? Consider joining the team here at Council.
Closing Wednesday 15 October 2025
• Fleet Administration Officer Full-time – Cooma
Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCjobs to view our full list of job vacancies. New opportunities added regularly.
From Monday 20 October 2025, you may receive a survey call asking for your view on Council’s performance over the last year. The 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey takes 15 minutes and helps us know what we’re doing well and what we can improve. Calls will be made from 3.30pm to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends from Monday 20 October 2025 until Monday 3 November 2025.
A free community event for seniors will take place at Currawarna Assisted Living in Bombala on Thursday, 16 October.
“Getting better with age” is a fun, informative and social gathering to mark Mental Health Month with the theme “Taking steps on your well-being journey”.
The event is about staying connected, healthy and active when aging.
Master of ceremonies is local resident and journalist, Sophie Campbell. The day will feature the Bombala School choir, inspiring guest speakers, an expert panel discussion and plenty of information stalls covering everything from healthy eating and road safety to bush re preparedness and local health services.
The new Bombala Rural Fire Brigade’s heavy re tanker will be on exhibit.
A light lunch and refreshments will be provided, and community transport is available.
The activities start at 10am and continue to 2pm.
Why not join in the fun, bring a friend and be a part of this upli ing community open day at Currawarna Assisted Living.
Currawarna is located at 1 Joseph Street, Bombala.
RSVP to Maddi Campbell on 0484 068 399 or email: coordinator@ currawarna.org
Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s grant-funded Tinderry Road causeway replacement project is progressing, following work starting in the first half of this year.
The project will see the old Boolboolma Crossing over the
Queanbeyan River replaced with a modern 35-metre singlelane precast concrete bridge, improving all-season access and road safety for local residents and motorists.
Current estimates expect completion of the replacement
bridge by the end of November. Next up on the project schedule is pouring of the new concrete bridge deck surface, with final-stage earthworks to begin once the concrete has fully cured.
The old causeway has been
removed and the structural components for the new replacement bridge have been installed over the last several months.
Current traffic diversions will remain in place until works are complete.
The Cooma Hospital Auxiliary has a new look executive committee, ready to take the organisation into a busy and productive year ahead.
At the auxiliary’s annual general meeting last month, long serving president, Sue Litch eld, stepped down from the role.
Mrs Litch eld has dedicated eight years to leading the organisation.
The auxiliary is one of Cooma’s most active not-for-pro t groups and raises funds to purchase important pieces of equipment for the Cooma Health Service.
Mrs Litch eld has been replaced by Cooma’s Pam Stewart as president.
Serving on the executive committee alongside Mrs Stewart are: vice-president, Phyllis Hayden; treasurer, Margaret Wainwright; and secretary, Heather Elliott.
“The auxiliary is in safe hands with Pam as president, who will be supported by a terri c and hard working executive committee,” Mrs Litch eld said.
Each year, the auxiliary hosts a popular Mother’s Day ra e, collects funds through its vending
machines at the Cooma Hospital, and receives donations from other community groups.
In January, the auxiliary received $2000 from the Cooma Royal Tennis Club’s annual doubles day event.
VOLUNTEERS: The new Cooma Hospital Auxiliary executive committee comprises: president, Pam Stewart (front), treasurer, Margaret Wainwright (back le ); vice-president, Phyllis Hayden (centre); and secretary, Heather Elliott (back right).
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
Cooma North Public School has celebrated the artistic talents of its students at this year’s Artrageous event.
Held in the decked out school hall, with drawings, paintings and sculptures covering every inch of the building, the school community came together for ArtRageous 2025.
Art pieces were auctioned o with funds going to the school’s parents and friends committee.
Former student, internationally recognised photographer, Charles Davis, had the honour of o cially opening ArtRageous.
He spoke of his time at the school and support he received from teachers.
Cooma North Public School principal, Jo Tozer, praised the efforts of students, congratulating the school on its hard work in preparing art for the event.
By BERNIE MCDONALD
Across three editions of this masthead, Bernie McDonald will share the history of Freemasonry on the Monaro. Mr McDonald will look at the arrival of Freemasonry in the district, its evolution and what the future holds.
In this second part, Mr McDonald takes readers through the architecture, navigating change and the modern role Freemasons have in the district.
Architecture and presence:
The Masonic halls of Monaro
The physical presence of Freemasonry in Monaro is perhaps best embodied in the Masonic halls that stand in towns like Cooma and Bombala.
These buildings, though sometimes modest, are rich in symbolism and tradition. With their classical facades and discreet insignia, they evoke a sense of continuity and quiet dignity.
The halls have hosted countless meetings, ceremonies, and community events, their interiors adorned with regalia, banners,
The Raglan Gallery hosted some of the region’s most talented and admired artists recently for the gallery’s inaugural Arts in Action day.
Gallery volunteers have declared the event a success with many people inspired by listening and watching the artists go about their cra .
There were artist talks through the day from local photographer and Raglan Gallery committee member, Wendy McDougall, and South East Arts executive director, Kate Bradbury.
Two artists featured in Arts in Action were Judith Trutter and Ellouise Theron who both have works on exhibition until 11 October.
and artefacts that tell the story of generations of Masons.
These halls have o en served as venues for civic gatherings and cultural activities, further blurring the lines between the fraternity and the public.
During the mid-20th century, as populations grew and regional infrastructure developed, the halls were sometimes expanded or renovated to accommodate larger numbers and new purposes.
Yet, despite changes in fashion and fortune, they remain enduring symbols of both the past and the ongoing presence of Freemasonry in Monaro.
Challenges and adaptations: navigating change
Like many longstanding organisations, Freemasonry in Monaro has faced periods of challenge and change. The latter half of the 20th century saw rural depopulation, social transformations, and shi ing attitudes toward traditional institutions. Many lodges in small towns struggled to maintain membership, and some
closed their doors or merged with others. Yet, these di culties were met with characteristic resilience and adaptability.
The 21st century has brought a renaissance of sorts for Freemasonry in the region. Renewed interest in personal development, ethical fellowship, and community service has drawn new members from across the demographic spectrum.
Lodges have embraced outreach activities, opened selected events to the public, and engaged in partnerships with local charities.
Modern Masons in Monaro are as likely to be found volunteering at a food drive or mentoring youth as they are performing ancient rituals in candlelit halls.
The modern role of Freemasonry on Monaro
Today, the Freemasons of Monaro are a diverse and dynamic group, united by their commitment to the region’s wellbeing.
The fraternity’s charity work remains a cornerstone, supporting causes that range from disas-
ter relief to educational programs and health initiatives.
During bush res and droughts, Masons have mobilised to provide material aid and emotional support, o en working alongside other service organisations.
Lodge meetings still follow time-honoured traditions, but there is a conscious e ort to demystify the organisation and
Wendy McDougall delivers a
and
TALENTED: Cooma artist, Andrew Dawes, is highly regarded for his artistic skills. His drawing of Cooma’s Dodds Hotel impressed visitors to the Raglan Gallery for the Arts in Action event.
PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
welcome the wider community. Public lectures, open days, and fundraising galas are now common, o ering insights into the values and history of Freemasonry.
In doing so, the fraternity has shed much of its former secrecy, instead highlighting its commitment to integrity, compassion, and community leadership.
A groundbreaking three-year study of 370 students across 10 schools has shown that students in structured, long-term music and arts programs outperform their peers academically.
The study was conducted by The Song Room, an Australian not-forpro t organisation that provides free music and arts programs for children in disadvantaged communities, and the ndings illustrate what Steiner schools like The Alpine School have always known: that the creative and performing arts help children learn better.
The Song Room study found that students enrolled in structured music and arts programs for at least a year achieved signi cantly better academic results in English, Science and Technology, and Social Sciences. The ndings align with numerous other studies that have found that learning music strengthens crucial cognitive skills like memory, attention, language development and even spatial reasoning skills.
At The Alpine School, this philosophy comes alive daily, with both primary and high school students beginning each morning with group singing. Far from being just a warm-up exercise, these sessions combine the cognitive bene ts of music with a daily practice that has been shown to create a sense of security and wellbeing in students.
Perhaps the most striking academic ndings from the study, however, were the measurable improvements in literacy,
something The Alpine School has long observed as Kindergarten children naturally develop these critical cognitive and language skills through singing simple melodies while they tidy up, garden or cook.
Beyond academics, the research revealed children in arts programs felt less stressed, behaved better, and got along better with teachers. This mirrors observations in Steiner schools, where the daily verses sung throughout primary
school create natural transition points that help children regulate themselves, manage emotions and develop positive learning attitudes.
The alignment of the study ndings with The Alpine School’s approach is evident in their structured music program. Early primary students begin learning music with simple ve-note recorders, progressing through di erent recorder types that support learning across all areas of music. From Year 3, students
can choose to learn violin or cello, developing concentration and ne motor skills that transfer to other subjects. High school students have opportunities to expand their playing experience through rock bands with weekly lunchtime jam sessions and various ensembles preparing for festivals or recording projects.
Perhaps most compelling for parents, schools with structured music and arts programs show signi cantly higher attendance
rates. As one principal in the study noted, “Students are so excited about these classes that they make sure not to miss school.”
The research con rms what The Alpine School and other Steiner educators have practiced for decades: including the creative and performing arts throughout the school day isn’t just enriching and fun – it’s a powerful way to improve cognitive development, learning and wellbeing for all students.
Students from Saint Patrick’s Parish School have enjoyed success in the Tournament of Minds (TOM) ACT recently and have been invited to represent ACT in the international tournament nal later in the year.
TOM ACT is a creative problem-
ACT and surrounding region.
Two of three teams from Saint Patrick’s are nals bound, one in The Arts Secondary and the other in the STEM Secondary School categories.
The third team placed second in Social Science Secondary
said six schools from the ACT and regions will be competing against other schools from across Australia and international schools.
“Along with Canberra Girls Grammar School, we are the only other school to have two teams represented,” Dr Mangan said. Marist College, Harrison School, Burgmann Anglican
School, Canberra Girls Grammar School, and St Bernard’s Primary School will be competing in the tournament nals.
“ACT Tournament of Minds started with 93 schools and then to 24 teams, and now eight teams with our school and Canberra Girls Grammar school having two
led by Kerrie Harris, with AnnMarie Madden, Rachel Kitcher, supported by Suja Tessy and others such as Lyndal Benson and Jolanta Zeija. Many parents and grandparents attended also,” Dr Mangan said.
“It was a great day for our school, and we should feel very proud of all our students who
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
New state government registration rules to allow rural landholders’ re ghting utes on public roads, covered by insurance, is a step forward for farmers responding to emergency bush res near their properties, according to NSW Farmers.
The organisation has been advocating for a more practical pathway to register farm re units (FFUs), also known as farm re ghting vehicles (FFFVs). The announcement ties in with the o cial start of the state’s 2025/26 bush re danger period.
On Wednesday, 1 October the NSW government launched a conditional registration scheme to enable typically unregistered FFUs to be used legally and under the protection of insurance. FFUs are commonly small trucks, utes or trailers with xed water, pumps or re management equipment, kept on farms to be rapidly deployed in the event of a re.
The move follows recent trials of around 350 FFVs, which supported their use in emergencies and proposed a conditional registration scheme.
FFVs are o en used on private property and are not typically registered for use on public roads.
The legal use of these vehicles on public roads in emergency situations is an important reform which will allow farmers and rural landholders to attend nearby res, not just those on their own property.
The new scheme o ers a lower cost conditional registration, which includes inspection for a light vehicle and the issuing of a licence plate expected to be a maximum of $209.
The cost for conditional registration will drop a er the rst year to $126, including an inspection (or only $75 when inspection not required), subject to CPI and CTP increases.
Conditional registration balances the practical need for FFVs to be available as an emergency resource while ensuring vehicle safety standards on NSW roads remain high.
Landholder and captain of Nimmitabel Rural Fire Brigade, Ant Waldren of Kybeyan, said the decision is a “great move”.
“Landholders with IBCs and pumps on their utes were a key resource in helping the
various brigades during the 2019, 2020 res,” Mr Waldren said.
“They were sel ess with their time and resources and always happy to defer to brigades on the re ground.
“From a brigade point of view, we really appreciate the large and smaller landholders who have been maintaining re trails at their own expense on private land. It makes the job a lot safer and more e ective when brigade trucks turn up to a re. Unfortunately funding for re trails maintenance continues to be under resourced, and we reach out to all landholders to keep access tracks through their properties up to scratch as best they can, because it really does make a di erence,” Mr Waldren said.
NSW Farmers’ president, Xavier Martin, said the new scheme was progress on solving the problem facing farmer volunteers a er years of advocacy.
“Farmers must have the tools they need to safely and e ectively ght res, and it’s good to see the Minns government recognise that. The best response is a local response to the get bush res under control as quickly as possible and we look forward to working with the NSW
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government to ensure this registration scheme is t-forpurpose,” Mr Martin said.
“These vehicles are lightning quick at getting to res and getting them under control – but it’s simply not practical to register these units when they’re primarily used on farm for just a few months each year.
“A more reasonable method to conditionally register these units for their speci c purpose, so they can be used legally and under the protection of third-party insurance, is much needed – and this is a step towards that.”
With farmers able to apply to register their units under the scheme from 7 October 2025, Mr Martin said NSW Farmers would monitor the scheme to ensure it was tfor-purpose for farmer volunteers across the state.
“There’s still conditions around distance, permanently attached re ghting equipment and vehicle inspections (including costs) that must be met as part of the scheme, so it’s certainly not a perfect solution, but this is an important starting point a er two trials,” Mr Martin said.
“It has taken a long time to get here and this scheme has got to work for our farmer volunteers, who are the ones
that use these units to ght res and protect not just their farms, but their communities too.”
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said during the 2019/2020 bush res she heard rst-hand stories of the heroism and bravery shown by farmers standing side-by-side with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and other emergency services to ght bush res.
“We know that in many regional areas, farmers are often the rst on scene at bushres. This change is about ensuring farmers and other road users are safe when they respond to bush re emergencies.”
NSW RFS Commissioner, Trent Curtin, said the reform comes at a crucial time.
“Farmers know their land better than anyone, and when a re starts nearby their quick action can make all the di erence.
“This reform will continue the strong relationship between landholders and the RFS, leveraging all available resources and the expertise and dedication of farmers in safeguarding our communities.”
Service NSW is ready to assist people with their applications with eligible customers able to apply and pay their registrations in-person at their nearest Service NSW Centre.
Hazeldean on property sale “Hazeldean,” Cooma 12:30pm
Adina on property sale “Overdale,” Peak View 12:00pm Greenland on property sale “Mountain View,” Cooma 3:00pm
More details including eligibility requirements are available on the Service NSW website, www.service.nsw. gov.au
Monaro White Wool Sale “Boudjah” and “Main Range,” Cooma Showground 12:00pm
Snowy Plain/Snow Vale Poll on property sale “Trappers Run,” Berridale 3:00pm
Bindaree on property sale “Bindaree,” Rocky Plain 11:00am
Conrayn on Property sale “Wheat Hill,” Berridale 2:30pm
Cottage Park on property sale “Cottage Park,” Cooma 3:00pm
A free carbon workshop for landholders and interested community members will be presented by Monaro Farming Systems (MFS) at “Avonlea”, Delegate on Tuesday, 14 October.
The workshop will be an opportunity to see an environmental planting project on the Monaro in action.
The day will include:
An overview of Drew and Laura Chapman’s carbon planting project, with input from Graham Fi eld (Greening Australia);
A paddock walk to look at planting sites, shelterbelts, soils, fencing and species selection;
Practical insights from the Chapmans on challenges, bene ts and management;
A session on carbon farming basics, markets, incentives and decision tools with workshop facilitators Jono Forrest and Andrew Rolfe.
This workshop is open to everyone and is fully catered. Registration is essential. Email monarofarmingsystems.com.au or call Bec on 0407 089 677 for more information.
“Avonlea” is located on Rocky Range Rd, Delegate. The program begins at 9am.
With the bush re season ocially started, now is an important time to review your existing farm re plan, and if you don’t have one, create one.
They are easy to do and will provide crucial information to you, your family and friends in the event of a bush re on your property.
South East Local Land Services (LLS) teams o er localised assistance to farmers and landholders to support prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
The sta are on hand to o er advice and up-to-date information to get property owners through these tough times.
If you own or manage land, you are legally responsible for minimising the risks. The Rural Fires Act 1997 states that land managers and owners are responsible for carrying out hazard reduction to protect existing dwellings, major buildings and other assets susceptible to re.
Being fully prepared for a bushre can help you protect yourself, your family, your livestock and your property. A simple farm re plan can be created using the template on the NSW Rural Fire Service My Fire Plan website.
The NSW RFS and the NSW State Emergency Services o er clear instructions and information to assist in creating a plan for your property.
To prepare livestock for any re emergency, reduce the risk of re by keeping property well main-
tained and the grass low. Reducing the potential fuel load can help lower re risk. You should also monitor weather conditions in the area via the Bureau of Meteorology. A safe stock containment area
for livestock should be identi ed and prepared on the property where livestock can be located away from danger. It should have access to food and water and preferably have multiple access points. This could be a heavily grazed
area, ploughed paddock or large, clear stockyards. For more information and advice on a farm re plan visit the LLS website or speak to your local South East Local Land Services team on 1300 795 299.
See an environmental planting project on the Monaro in action. Join local landholders to explore how a carbon project works on the ground – from planning to trees in the ground. Join an interactive paddock walk to view plantings, fencing, and management practices, and gain practical insights into markets, incentives, and decision tools.
in Practice: Environmental Planting on the
Rocky Range Rd, Delegate 14 Oct 9am - 2pm Register:
Or scan the QR Code Call Bec for
info 0407 089 677
By NATHAN THOMPSON
In a week’s time, the Bombala Exhibition Society will hold what could be the most important meeting in the 150-year history of the Bombala Show.
The society is at a crossroads. Six of the show’s most important roles still need to be lled, including those of president, treasurer and secretary.
At the society’s annual general meeting (AGM) in September, these positions were le vacant along with co-ordinators of sponsorship, events and exhibitor stalls.
Hardworking society president, Sophie Campbell, stepped down from the role at the AGM. Mrs Campbell has also served as the Group 6 president. She said many shows in the south east, including
Bombala, are in urgent need of new faces.
“As I’ve been agging for a few years now, all our local shows are struggling to attract new volunteers and committee members in 2025,” Mrs Campbell said.
“Many of our local shows are at risk of complete failure as a result.
“Sadly, our wonderful volunteers were unable to ll enough executive positions at the Bombala Exhibition Society Inc’s AGM, which has now placed a big question mark over the future of our beloved annual Bombala Show.”
The society will meet at the exhibition ground at 7pm on Wednesday, 15 October to try and ll these key positions.
The Bombala Show has been running for 150 years and is the largest event on the town’s calendar.
By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA
The National Processor Cow Indicator has li ed to its highest weekly price on record, reaching 390¢/ kg liveweight (lwt) as of Wednesday, 24 September. For context, this time last year, the indicator was nearly one dollar cheaper.
The last major peak oc-
curred in October 2022, when the post-drought rebuilds supported record cattle prices across all indicators.
How this price peak differs
Unlike 2022, when producer re-stocking pushed female cattle prices to records, the current high is processor-led. Two years ago, as the na-
tional herd recovered from drought, re-stockers paid premiums to secure breeding females.
In contrast, processors are now selectively targeting cows to maintain throughput, supported by this year’s strong slaughter volumes.
This shi has been made possible by a combination of high cow availability,
underpinned by favourable seasonal conditions across much of cattle country, and strong export demand.
The United States, in particular, is progressing towards a herd re-build. This has intensi ed demand for imported lean trim and helped underpin processor margins.
Re-stocker and feeder dynamics
While processor cows have surged, re-stocker heifer demand has so ened. Last week, the National Restocker Heifer Indicator fell 22¢ to 394¢/kg lwt, slipping 400¢ for the rst time in a month.
The decline was most pronounced in Queensland, where average prices dropped to 375¢/kg lwt, re ecting weaker re-build
intentions, despite ongoing seasonal strength. Feeder heifer values, however, remain more stable. Prices eased seven cents last week to 437¢/kg lwt, but the market has largely held onto the 90¢/kg li accumulated over the past two months. This relative stability highlights ongoing feedlot demand, even as re-stocker activity retreats.
FARM PLANT & MACHINERY: Slip-on fire fighter unit with Honda pump, Hardi boom - 8m 600L with new pump, unregistered dual axel 6x12 trailer, Old box trailer, Digga - hydraulic, Ripper, Shearer Gehl 1460 - parts only, Hydraulic Burder Silage Grab, Hustler 3pl Silage grab, John Berends jib, Hay forks, Shearer seeders - parts only, Poly rain tanks, 1000L Pods, Poly pipe, 7.5ft tractor blade, Back blade, Old slasher, Berends 8 tyne plough, Offsider Hay Feeder, Kuhn 7 disc hay mower, Aitchison 16 tyne 3pl 8ft plough, Crump 2T spreader, Howard Hay Rake, Case III 626 baler, Rawling & Co steel roller - 8ft, Grizzly disc plough - 24 disc bearings needed, 300L Diesel tank, Overhead Diesel tank, Michale Silage wrapper - bearings needed, Davey Firefighter pump, Cox Cruiser ride-on mower, Christie petrol post driver, Shipping containers x 2,
LIVESTOCK & FENCING: Old stock crate, Round bales - grass, Square bales - grass and some cereal, Corrugated iron, HT Wire, Old ute stock crate, Wire spinner, Old lamb marking cradles, cattle rail x approx 15 lengths, Iron posts, Steel strainers, Cub 2HSL Horse float, Numerous cattle panels, 2 x loading ramps, cattle crush, Hay Feeders, 25ft Stock crate, Syd Hill Stock Saddle, Livestock husbandry sundries, Fencing sundries.
MOTOR VEHICLES: Mitsubishi T653 old truck - not going, - 8ft, Hilux ute - not registered does go 358500km, Old Ford tractor - does go, Avan pop top caravan - not registered.
WORKSHOP & SUNDRIES: Husqvarna 120 chainsaw, Stihl M5311 chainsaw, Various tools, Power tools, Pallet silage
Wagga Wagga sale yards
52,050 sheep, lambs
By LEANN DAX, MARKET REPORTER
Lamb numbers were similar, while sheep supplies li ed. The o ering included 17,700 new season lambs, and the quality was very good, extending down to well-bred store lambs.
However, the old lambs presented a mixed bag, with some being excellent while others were very hit and miss, along with your typical small pens of clean out lots.
The usual buyers were present at the sale, though not all were fully active. Despite fewer buyers at times, the Victorian processors dominated, pushing prices generally $20 higher in order to secure numbers.
New season trade lambs were in very good condition, with many pens showing excellent nish and shape.
Lambs weighing between 2124kg saw a price gain of $20 selling between $245 and $312/ head.
Meanwhile, the 24-26kg
weight range was unchanged to $6 dearer to average 1185c/ kg cwt. Heavy young export lambs in the 26-30kg category were unchanged, fetching between $314 and $345/head.
Store lambs saw a substantial price li . Store lambs weighing 13-19kg sold for $165$212, while those with more fat cover and trade types ranged from $220-$298.
Old lambs that were shorn attracted the most buyers, with those weighing 20-24kg selling to mixed price trends.
The majority of these sold from $196-$286/head.
Heavy export lambs also saw a decrease, selling up to $13 cheaper at prices ranging from $290- $370/head. Merino trade lamb sales were again challenging to track pricewise, with sales ranging from $236 to $286/head, while heavy Merino lambs sold from $310 to $354/ head.
It was a very good yarding of mutton with the bulk Merino ewes. Heavy Merino ewes were keenly sought making from $215-$295 to average 816c/kg cwt.
Heavy crossbred ewes with weight sold from $246-289/ head. Trade sheep with some cover made from $168-$216/ head.
By NATHAN THOMPSON
International Men’s Day will take on extra signi cance in the Snowy Monaro this year when advocate for men’s mental health, Mary O’Brien, brings her highly regarded ‘are you bogged mate? organisation to the region.
The Peak View community will hold an important men’s only event on Wednesday, 19 November, where men’s mental health will be on the agenda in an inclusive and welcoming setting.
James and Julie Barron of the Peak View Rural Fire Service secured a Snowy Hydro community grant to bring Mary to the region. Mary’s ‘are you bogged mate?’ organisation has become one of the nation’s leading not-for-pro t groups in advocating for improved men’s mental health in regional and rural Australia.
The event will see Mary lead a conversation with local men.
‘Are you bogged mate?’ aims to boost awareness and start a conversation with the broader community about the rising issue of depression and suicide rates among men in rural areas.
Mary said she is looking forward to holding her rst event in the Snowy Monaro, and is calling on men from all walks of life to come along.
“I’m excited to be heading to Peak View. I encourage all men in the region to attend this free event,” Mary said.
FOCUSSED: Mary O’Brien will bring her ‘Are you bogged mate?’ organisation to Peak View in November. She is calling on all Monaro men to come along and have a chat that could change a life. PHOTO: Ange Stirling Photography
“It’s important for men to come together. The talk I’ll deliver is bulls**t free.
“The talk is not u y, we talk about real issues, real problems. It’s bloke friendly.”
Mary is a passionate advocate for agriculture and was raised on the land. She understands the diverse challenges faced by the rural sector.
“We are confronting the challenges that country men face on a daily basis, talking about mental health, and lighting the path to support,” Mary said.
“You might not need help but maybe your mate or family member does. This information can help someone in your life.”
‘Are you bogged mate?’ started when Mary submitted an opinion piece to a newspaper. This topic struck a chord, and highlighted that
while there are services available for suicide prevention, there is a disconnect in the way depression is being communicated to country men.
Mary is focussed on xing this disconnect. She said her talks will spark a conversation with most participants shocked by the number of men committing suicide.
“Most of the men I chat to are blown away by the numbers, it’s quite jolting,” Mary said.
Following Mary’s talk, participants are invited to stay for a meal. ‘Are you bogged mate?’ will be at the Peak View community hall from 5.30pm on Wednesday, 19 November. For catering, contact James and Julie Barron at peakviewrfb@gmail. com or 0421 272 920.
If you need support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 Rural Aid 1300 175 594.
ADDRESS: 48-50 Dickinson Street, Bombala ASKING: $375,000
467 Bonang Road, Bendoc
Idyllic bush retreat
Located on the edge of Bonang this is an amazing bush block opportunity for those who love spending time in nature.
• Easily accessible with frontage to the sealed Bonang Road and has fire trails and bush tracks throughout for ease of getting around the property
• 169.2ha/418.118ac predominantly mature native eucalypts with small clearings throughout
• Approx 2kms of frontage to the Bonang River
• Former house site found not far into the property and just up from the river, would now make for an excellent camp site
• Property contains the entrance to a former gold mine owned by the Aurora Mining Company active around 1850’s-1890’s
Whether bushwalking, hunting, fishing or just enjoying the sensory experience is your passion in nature, this bush retreat should not be overlooked!
Situated on a corner block at the top of Dickinson Street, this tidy property will make a great first home or addition to the investment portfolio.
The brick veneer home features two living areas with slow combustion heaters, perfect for a family who like a little more space or setting up to work from home. There is an open kitchen and dining room in the heart of the home, perfect for bringing the family together at mealtimes.
Three good sized bedrooms, two of which have built-in wardrobes, bathroom with separate toilet and laundry.
The block is 2023m2 giving you plenty of space outside for the kids to play on the established lawns, with plenty of shade from the existing trees to protect from the sun or future development if you choose. Start your home owning journey here and you won’t be sorry.
•
•
of this property
ADDRESS: Alumdale, 808 Jones Plain Road, Shannons Flat, NSW 2630
Alumdale is a nature’s paradise. The perfect location for a recreational escape or permanent residence located some 30km northwest of Cooma.
Approximately 40 hectares or 100 acres of gently undulating landscape and an abundance of wildlife, ranging from lightly to heavily timbered over an estimated 70 per cent of the block by peppermint, as well as some ribbon gum, wattle plus others. Alumdale is bound by Alums Creek along the eastern boundary, offering a secure water supply to prospective purchasers, and is fully fenced into three paddocks.
The property enjoys a dwelling entitlement and has previously approved house plans in place, meaning you could jump straight in or redesign to make them exactly what you want.
In terms of infrastructure already on the property, you will find a three-bay steel shed with roller doors and an additional fully enclosed bay, which is currently used as a bush camp with a solar system in place. Properties like these don’t come up often and isn’t one to be missed. It must and will be sold.
Alumdale, 808 Jones Plain Road, Shannons Flat, NSW 2630 is scheduled for auction, online and in room, on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 at 6:30pm.
Contact the KMPL sales team on 02 6456 7232 to schedule your private inspection. Don’t wait, life is too short for regrets.
or , 8.
Located
Access
Fenced into 17 main paddocks, with approximately 11km frontage to the Kybeyan River, as well as Mowitts Swamp Creek.
Approximately 18 dams, plus springs, soaks and various smaller creeks, plus some 250,000L tank storage capacity.
Approximately 40 open grazing, 35 lightly timbered and 25 densely timbered.
Pasture improvement over the last 6 years has a focus on cocksfoot, plantain, white clover, sub clover, strawberry clover and Italian ryegrass. Some areas also currently sowed down to turnips and oats as well as mixed pastures for winter grazing.
Predominantly granite derived soils.
Circa 1985 homestead, featuring vaulted timber ceilings in the main living space, four comfortable bedrooms plus office, ensuite bathroom, plus main bathroom.
Other infrastructure includes 3 bay garage, large 3 stand wool shed, 2 x shelter sheds, undercover sheep yards, steel cattle yards, 42 tonne silo and chemical shed.
Moles Station currently carries 200 cows plus followers as well as 2,500 ewes and lambs.
AGENTS COMMENTS:
Moles Station is located among a tightly held enclave of productive grazing properties. Positioned in a high rainfall area, often benefiting from easterly weather systems. A rare opportunity to purchase a first class High Country grazing operation, all infrastructure in place, an excellent mix of improved land as well as native vegetation, ample shelter due to topography as well as
plus
Auction: Tuesday 28th October 2025 Commencing 6:30pm Venue: Online & In Room 1 Park Street, Berridale NSW 2628 Inspect: By Appointment with Exclusive Agent Only.
Located approximately 30kms northwest of Cooma, accessed via Jones Plain Road, a councilmaintained gravel road.
Approximately 40 ha or 100 acres of gently undulating landscapes, an estimated 70 lightly to heavily timbered with an assortment of predominately Peppermint, as well as some Ribbon Gum, Wattle and others.
Fully fenced into 3 paddocks.
Bound by Alums Creek along the eastern boundary, offering a secure water supply.
3 bay steel shed with roller doors and additional fully enclosed bay currently used as a bush camp with a solar system in place.
Dwelling entitlement exists with previously approved house plans.
AGENTS COMMENTS:
Alumdale is an original parcel, a rare opportunity to secure a prime lifestyle
with an abundance of wildlife calling this property home. The perfect location for
escape or perhaps your permanent residence. With previously approved house plans in
straight in or redesign to make them exactly what you want.
This property must and will be
Don t hesitate and contact our sales team today
Tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of Dalgety, just a short stroll, no more than 200 metres from the banks of the mighty Snowy River, lies a home that beautifully marries the warmth of midcentury charm with the ease of modern living.
Originally built in 1959 on the thenoutskirts of Canberra, this weatherboard home began a new chapter when it was re-located to Dalgety some 14 years ago.
In its current setting, the residence was stripped right back to its frames and meticulously reborn: rewired, replumbed, and set level on new piers.
With every wall, floor and ceiling
insulated, and the exterior now clad in low-maintenance PVC that retains the home’s traditional timber profile, it offers both character and convenience in equal measure.
Inside, the design invites connection.
A galley kitchen finished with striking black granite benchtops opens into the dining and living areas, before flowing seamlessly onto an expansive covered entertaining deck, a space created for gathering with friends and family.
The master suite, with its own private sitting retreat, provides a sense of sanctuary, while a generous second bedroom welcomes guests in comfort.
Practical touches enhance the ease of daily living: a centrally placed modern
bathroom, a good-sized laundry, and a second WC accessible directly from the yard and deck. The old woodfire has been replaced with a clean and efficient gas fireplace, complemented by two reverse-cycle systems for year-round comfort.
Outdoors, the property delivers both utility and beauty.
A four-car garage with workshop, plus a double carport, ensures ample storage for vehicles and tools. Infrastructure includes 110,000 litres of water storage, an underground gas tank, town water connection, and an Envirocycle wormfarm septic system.
The landscaped grounds are no less impressive, with an orchard, manicured
hedges and a collection of ornamental trees that frame the home in seasonal colour.
Set on a gently sloping 2,049m² block fronting both Hamilton and Campbell Streets, the property offers room to grow, whether for families seeking space or those looking to downsize without compromise.
As the agents remark, the presentation and design are truly a credit to the vendors. This home embodies the simple elegance of a bygone era, refreshed with thoughtful modern updates.
Now part of a completed retirement plan, it awaits a new custodian.
The question remains, could that be you?
• Structural landscaping services including paving retaining walls and irrigation.
• All tree services including pruning, removal and stump grinding.
• Consulting arborist tree hazard and risk assessment reporting.
• 20 meter elevated work platform for hire.
• Large block mowing, slashing and forestry mulcher clearing.
• Excavation and earthmoving services.
• Hydro mulching and turfing services.
• Servicing snowy mountains all areas.
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.
Wendy Christensen
All shapes and sizes welcome Catering for everybody Bras and Breast Prosthesis Personal Mobile Service
Servicing Cooma and South East District
59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Monaro Community Access Service Inc
To be held 6 November, 2025 at 5pm. Monaro Community Access Service, 90 Vale Street, Cooma.
CLEARING SALES
“The Yards” 4627 Kosciuszko Road, Avonside NSW 2627
Enter via Kerry Lane off Kosciuszko Road A/C: Estate of Swift + Outside Entries Saturday 11th October 2025
Vale Street Bistro is a popular dining spot in Cooma run by Porterhouse Hospitality Group a young and vibrant team of culinary professionals working with di erent clubs across NSW. We mainly aim to o er modern Australian dining experience however we are continuously evolving and strive to extend our o erings.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $78k - $80k per year
Schedule:
A ernoon shi
Evening shi
Split Shi s
Rotating roster
Weekend availability
Responsibilities
• Preparation and cooking of food in accordance with our menu.
• Ensuring food handling and storage is in accordance with food handling regulations and is of the highest standard.
• Oversee food plating and garnishing, maintaining consistency and artistic presentation.
• Implements rosters within a strict budget
• Planning of menu items and estimation of food requirements.
• Estimates food and labour costs in consultation with management.
• Discussing food preparation issues with senior management
• Training and developing kitchen sta
Vehicle – Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Saloon 1973 3 SP automatic V8 6,750CC (approx. 14,573 miles, unregistered, previously had club rego); MGB Sports Roadster 1965 4 SP manual 4 cylinder 1,798CC (unfinished project, no rego); Jeep Grand Cherokee; Ford Falcon ute; Subaru Wagon (no rego, runs); Automotive spares; Car jacks; Boat – Fixed long Keel boat complete with mast & sails (project, has been sailed, in need of work); Antiques/Collectables – Assorted posters; Old bottles; Assorted collectables; Motoring memorabilia; Building Materials, Workshop Equipment & Tools – Assorted workshop tools; Assorted timber; Assorted tin; Assorted poly pip; Assorted scrap; Bench vice; Bench grinder; Generator; Air compressor; Workshop manuals; Drop saw; Stihl chainsaw 170; Battery charger; Ratchet straps; Chains; Farming Equipment & Materials – 200L spray unit; Outdoor Garden Equipment – Assorted fishing equipment; Push mower; Fishing rods & reels; Fly fishing gear; Camping equipment; Household Items – Sewing machine; Glasses; Bottles; Miscellaneous – Filing cabinets; Gun safe; Books; Compound bow; Ammo boxes; Outside Entries:
1. Tea Gardens Grazing – Model 640KD Chuckster Mossberg .22 Mag B/A rifle; Winchester .22 LR Single shot, model 39, Made in Canada;
2. I Evans – Remington 12G Pump action shot gun, 870 Express Magnum (please note this is a Class C category firearm); Miroku O/U 12g; Remington model 700, .222 with Redfield 3-9 scope; Bruno model 2E .22 LR with Tasco 3-9 x 40 scope;
3. C Newton – Hustler ride on/zero turn mower;
4. G Nichols – Large anvil; Stihl 029 chainsaw; MIG power craft; Ruger 22-250; Sheep handler;
5. D Rebel – Toyota Landcruiser HJ47 Ute (5 speed conversion, 60 series gearbox, 5/1982);
6. Cattle Management Services – Toyota Landcruiser HZJ75 Ute (1993 model, tray back, approx. 588,346kms, bulbar, light bar, UHF, engine rebuild at 400,000km, new injector pump & dynotune by Cooma Diesel at 550,000km, fully rebuilt gearbox at 570,000km, chassis & tray damaged in rear end collision replacement chassis supplied, 2 inch lift, Sunraysia wheels – Please note vehicle is not on W.O.V.R can be registered once chassis swapped);
7. M Flear – Case CX145CSR Excavator (approx. 10,000hrs); Large excavator bucket, single tyne ripper, grab, tilt attached; Clipex sheep handler; Maxi direct drill seeder (2.2m width, finger harrows, excellent conditions); Hay forks; Gold Acres boom spray (2,800L, Davey pump, new, hose reel, PTO); Approx. 500 steel posts; 10 x 200m hinge joint (8 line, 90, 15);
8. D Grant – Spanish Mauser Carbine 308.
9. H & J Walker-Broose – Howa 1500 mini 223 Remington (brand new); CZ 452 – 2E 22 LR bolt rifle; Boito double barrel 410 shotgun;
10. D McMahon – MARKET DIRECT CAMPERS Step through caravan trailer, 2014, little use, would suit new buyer, 12 months rego, always stored in shed;
11. P Denison – Gamo Hunter 440, 22ga air rifle; Rossi (Brazil) 12ga, single barrel shotgun (break action);
12. D Scarlett – Marlin Bolt Action 3 Shot 12 Gauge Model 55; Browning A Bolt .223, 5 shot magazine, Nikko Stirling 4-16 Variable scope; Winchester Model 600 Bolt Action .22, 14 shot magazine/spout;
13. M McPhie – 800L Steel Bolt Diesel Tank with Macnaught rapid flow pump & filter, clean;
14. H Cove & B McInness – 20ft Shipping Container;
15. T Coyne – SMLE 303-25; Savage 223; Plus so much more!
Inspections: 8am | Auction: 9am | Firearms: 11am
Pre-registrations available via the KMPL office Refer to kirshnermackay.com.au for further details, photos & inventory.
Contact: (02) 6452 6174 for further information RSVP: secretary@mcas.ngo.org.au P: (02) 6456 7232 E: info@kirshnermackay.com.au W: kirshnermackay.com.au
• Managing cost of sales and labour
• Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements.
• Create and test new recipes, experimenting with flavours and techniques to innovate the menu.
• Regulate the temperature of stoves and ovens to ensure the dishes are cooked at appropriate levels.
• Check food is stored and handled as per food health and hygiene regulations.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
Skills and Qualifications
• AQF associate degree, Certificate III, Certificate IV, or Diploma in relevant Hospitality qualification.
• Prior experience as a Chef minimum 2 - 3 years
• Strong knowledge of cooking methods and operating kitchen tools and equipment.
• Ability to work Full Time.
• Flexible to work on a rotating roster.
Please include a current resume and supporting documents to your application.
Three current referees would be required. Email your CV to admin@porterhousegroup.com.au.
Cooma Sand & Concrete POSITION AVAILBLE
• HR AGITATOR DRIVER
Requirements:
• HR (Heavy Rigid) licence is essential.
• Must have a White Card (OHS Construction Card) or willing to obtain.
• Strong & clear communication skills.
• Current RMS printout.
• Must pass a medical, drug & alcohol test.
• Availability to work exible hours including early mornings & weekends.
Benefits:
• Above award rates, penalties, allowances + superannuation
• Full Time position with RDO’s & weekly pay
• Training will be provided in-house If this role is for you, email your resume to sales@coomasand.com.au or call Marco on 02 6452 1660 or 0427 310 241 80 Polo Flat Road Cooma www.coomasand.com.au
CALDWELL, Rodney Owen “Rod”.
Passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025
At Yallambee Lodge, Cooma. Aged 83 years.
Dearly loved husband of June. Beloved father to Tracey, Sally and Marcus. Pop to Megan, Kirsten, Billy, Ethan, Lara, Zac, Hunter, Ayla and Finn.
The relatives and friends of the late Rodney Owen Caldwell are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Cooma on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of the service, the cortege will proceed to Cooma Lawn Cemetery, Cooma.
GROOMS, David John “Groomsie”
Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Beloved father to Thomas and Belinda.
A loving son, brother and Poppy. Best mate to all his friends and to all who knew him.
Will be sadly missed by all.
A service will be held at Cooma Lawn Cemetery, Cooma, NSW
On Tuesday, October 21, commencing at 12pm, followed by a celebration of David’s life at the Cooma Hotel.
JARDINE (nee Mangelsdrof), Leona May.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters at Mercy Health, Albury on Friday, September 26, 2025. Aged 58 years.
Loving mother, mother-in-law, Nan and friend. Leona will be forever loved and always remembered.
The Graveside Service of Thanksgiving for the life and love of Leona Jardine was held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at the Coolamon Cemetery, Thompson Lane.
JAVUREK, George.
Passed away on Saturday, 27 September 2025 at Canberra Hospital, formerly of Cooma. Aged 78 years.
Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Alice and Martyn of Wagga Wagga. Beloved Uncle of Mardi and Dougall, Kate, James and Corrie. Great Uncle to Cameron, Neva, Jade and Ryan.
The relatives and friends of the late George Javurek are invited to attend his funeral service to be held graveside at the Cooma Lawn Cemetery at 11am on Monday, 20 October 2025.
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
The Bombala Blue Heelers Football Club was well represented at the recent Blues Tag representative gala day at St Mary’s Leagues Stadium, Sydney, with the Group 16 team performing exceptionally well.
Seven players from the Bombala High Heelers league-tag team:
Monique Perkins, Karter Hampshire (captain), Maree Coates, Zara Badewitz, Lily Hampshire, Rachael Babidge and Tanner Hurley, were chosen for the Group 16 side.
The squad’s coach was Paul Perkins, the current coach of the Bombala High Heelers.
The Group 16 team nished at the top of its pool (pool B) winning three from three games putting the
side on top with Central Coast (pool A).
The Group 16 side then played Central Coast for a spot in the grand nal and lost 4-2 in the last few minutes.
Bombala’s Maree Coates received best and fairest jointly with Bega Chicks player, Ali Tamatea, for the Group 16 league-tag rep squad.
Both players had an outstanding day.
Bombala’s junior league also had representation with three players in the Group 16 South side - Miller Stewart, Mia Stone and Jenaya Tonks and Bombala’s Tash Stewart the coach.
day,” Hampshire said.
The 2025/26 Monaro cricket season will start on Saturday with seven senior sides set to contest the Snow FM T20 competition.
Bombala is boosted by the addition of fast bowler, Rylee Holland, one of the competition’s best fast bowlers.
Cricketers will play ve weekends of T20 cricket, culminating in a grand nal of the T20 competition.
Another cracking season is expected with last year’s T20 and one-day competitions the closest in more than a decade.
Defending T20 premiers, Berridale, will start their campaign with a double-header at the Berridale Sportsground. Berridale faces Bombala at 11am and Co ey’s at 2.15pm.
The Berridale side is largely unchanged from last season where it won the T20 title and reached the grand nal in the 40-over format.
Jindabyne takes on Cooma side, Rhythm, at John Connors Oval from 11am. The Jindabyne Tigers won their third straight one-day title last season.
The Cooma Titans will be looking to continue their form from last season, where in their debut season they nished runners-up in the T20 format and reached the semi- nals of the one-day competition.
The Titans take on Dalgety at Nijong Oval synthetic at 11am.
The Alpine Hotel Monaro representative side starts its Burns Cup season on Sunday with an away match against Highlands at Bradman Oval. The side is led this season by Thomas King.
Group 16 senior women’s league tag captain, Karter Hampshire, praised the squad members for their e orts on the day.
“The team had an outstanding
“It was full of talent and we trained very well together in the lead up to the day, so we were condent that we would be competitive. But it’s hard to know what to expect going to these gala days with the best teams from around the state competing.
“The girls proved they are right up there with the best in NSW and are keen to build on that success next year.”
By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB
Bombala golfers were not complaining about the weather over the long weekend with great conditions attracting large numbers.
Saturday was a stableford for the late D White trophy. There were some good scores recorded, with the winner of the trophy being Ray Fermor 40 points, closely followed by Joel Cherry 36 points. They were the ball winners.
Nearest the pin was won by Shannon Gulliford, golden shot was claimed by Brendan Weston. Sunday, the event was a stroke for the monthly medal. With all the wind and no rain, the course has dried out and scores are improving.
The monthly medal winner was Nathan Thistleton with 68 nett, on a countback from Darren Forrester 68 nett.
Balls were won by Thistleton, Forrester, Steve Tatham 70 nett, Pepper Thompson 70 nett and Lin-
den Hampshire 71 nett.
Korie Elton was nearest the pin and Neil Thompson collected the golden shot.
In match play - Ray Crawford and Ray Fermor defeated Glen Hampshire and Darren Forrester ve and four. Nathan Thistleton and Neil Thompson defeated Shannon Gulliford and Linden Hampshire three and two.
While, Pepper Thompson and Steve Tatham defeated Brad Yelds and Matt Green two and one.
Program for the week
Ladies
Wednesday, 8 October - stableford, club trophy
Members Saturday, 11 October - Delegate Open. Home - par, club trophy
Sunday, 12 October - Delegate Open. Home - stableford, club trophy
Report from the weekend of September 27 and 28
There were large elds over the weekend, despite the weather.
Saturday started a beautiful day before gale force winds hit Bombala.
Players teeing o in the morning came in with the winning scores. The event was a stableford for G Johnson trophy.
Nick Ryan produced a great score of 38 points, ahead of Brad Yelds 37 points, and Daniel Douch, Matt Green and Brendan Weston all on 36 points.
Weston’s score was a top e ort considering he played through the strong winds. The players were the ball winners.
On Sunday, September 28, conditions were chilly. Members played a stableford for club trophy.
Crawford will lose a shot o his handicap a er winning with the excellent score of 41 points.
Fermor who hadn’t played during winter, registered 40 points. Phillip Shilling came in next best with 33 points.
Crawford won nearest the pin and Cherry the golden shot.
CELEBRATION: Snowy
River Bears Rugby League Football Clubs’ ladies league tag side at the club’s end-ofyear awards function.
PHOTOS: Claire Dyball
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
The Snowy River Bears Rugby League Football Club wrapped up its 2025 season recently with a successful awards evening, and a life membership presented to Bennie Beattie.
Overall, the season proved to be positive for the Bears, club secretary, Kate Dyball, said.
“The club not only formed a senior men’s tackle and ladies league tag team, but also got its junior level established,” she said.
“There was a real sense of community, family and friendship within the Bears’ camp this year.”
Ms Dyball thanked the club’s hardworking and tireless volunteers for their sustained e orts o the eld all year.
“Our committee members, our blue and yellow shirts, lines men and ball boys/girls, our wonderful bar sta , Julie and Cam, our canteen ladies Bec, Mandy and Suse, the club and our supporters thank you,” she said.
“The senior men’s team played well together as a team but were riddled with injuries and low on numbers towards the end of the season. But they never gave up and came back ghting strong to win the last game at home.
“We worked hard to pull together a ladies league tag team at the start of the season. With the help of some Canberra players, our ladies were able to enjoy their games and progress as players and a team throughout the season.”
The juniors grade, aged between six and nine years, had a mix of tackle and tag teams.
“It was so encouraging and enjoyable to see so many local children play in the red and black colours.
“We hope to continue the juniors in 2026 and are asking any family members and friends to come along and help out.”
Ms Dyball said new and existing players, men and women, are invited to join the Snowy River Bears family for the 2026 season.
Pre-season training dates are expected to be announced soon. Keep an eye out on the Snowy River Bears’ social media pages for more information.
Ladies League tag award recipients:
Rookie of the Year - Ashlee
Johnston
Most improved - Kate Dyball
Best attacker - Leone Burnes
Best defender - Isabel Warby
Player’s player - Summer McGaldrigan and Isabel Warby
Coach’s award - Sheryn Baird
Senior Men’s Open Tackle awards:
Rookie of the Year - Max Naisby
Most improved - Tas Engel
Most consistent - Alex Swan
Best back - Kohen Pearce
Best forward - Jesse Jackson
Best and fairest - Matthew Kilgannon
Players’ player - Wayne Crisp
Coach’s award - Nic Coleman
Special awards:
Poo Hill Memorial - Jason Dyball, Jo Beattie, Rinsie Jamieson
Club player of the YearSummer McGaldrigan
Club person of the YearKate Dyball
President’s award - Tui
Samoa
Life membership - Bennie Beattie
There is an old adage amongst racehorse trainers that you have to place your horses in the worst company and keep yourself in the best, that is to nd the easiest race to win by the class of the horse competing.
Hence when Clare Mansell was looking to run Our Lady Rockstar over the weekend, she carted the mare ve-and-a-half hours from her base at Numbla Vale to Grenfell, bypassing a meeting at Canberra.
Having only purchased Our Lady Rockstar on an online auction four weeks ago for $700, her rst run for Clare was going to be enlightening, as she had under-performed at other stables in harder grade races.
With Wagga Wagga-based jockey, Carly Frater, riding in the 1000 metre Maiden Handicap, it was not a good beginning when the gates opened, Our Lady Rockstar reared and subsequently missed the start by two lengths.
From there, Frater decided to not bustle the mare but trail the eld and save her run for a dash at the nish. And to the credit of horse and rider, dash they did and rounded up her opponents to win by one and a quarter lengths.
It was a very satisfying outcome for Clare, and daughter Darcy doing the strapping, the $6400 prize-money in the bank, making the trip home seem shorter. It’s back to earth this week however as Clare acts as shearer’s cook and Darcy as rouseabout in the woolshed on the family farm, while Clare decides on whether she heads to Young or to the Bombala Cup meeting on 18 October.
And for those wondering, Our Lady Rockstar had a sleepover on Friday night in stables at Canberra Racecourse on the way to Grenfell, breaking the journey for horse and driver.
Speaking of Bombala, the only trainer in the area, Anita ‘Skeet’ Walder took Hey Dugee and Deadly Weapon to the Canberra meeting and, although not in the top end of the prize-money, both performed well, getting them race t for their home town meeting on 18 October.
Back at the Canberra meeting, Matt Kelley had a winner with Picksix ($3.70 fav) in a Benchmark 50 1000 metre race.
At the Rosehill meeting in Sydney, the Joseph and Jones team had Sun n’ Sand contest the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality over 2400 metres, and in nishing fourth a er leading most of the way, proved again that she is up that grade. She had nished second in the Group 1 The Oaks and was fourth in another Group 3 race earlier this year. Sun n’ Sand is providing a great ride for owners including Bill Garnock, Mike Walcott and Bega local, Shirley Sproates.
The Bombala community has a close association with the Queanbeyan Kangaroos Rugby League Club with a number of players having family connections to the southern Monaro.
The Kangaroos, who nished the rst grade season as minor premiers and lost a nail-biting grand nal, held their presentation night recently. A number of Bombala grandparents are very proud of their grandsons, whose parents were raised in Bombala and where their love for footy started.
In rst grade for the Kangaroos, Jesse Dent won the best and fairest award. Jesse’s grandparents are Sybil and Robin Dent.
The coach’s award, selected by Cooma’s Sam Williams (the Roos’ rst grade captain/coach), went to Lochie Ingram. His grandparents are Dianne and the late Ben Ingram.
In reserve grade, Rhys Elton took home the best and fairest accolade, and shared the player of the year and Col and Jan Palmer award. Rhys’ grandparents are Rhonda and Alan Feilen and Sandra and the late Rex Elton.
To complete the Bombala connection, grandparents Betty and Rex Douch had Troy Whiley as club president presenting the awards. Troy is married to their granddaughter, Lauren.
p Kangaroos first grade best and fairest award goes to Jesse Dent (right) who has a strong Bombala connection. He is presented the award by his captain/coach, Sam Williams, who has a strong Cooma connection.
PHOTOS: Queanbeyan Kangaroos
Whiley, presents Rhys Elton with the reserve grade best and fairest honour. Elton’s Bombala grandparents are Rhonda and Alan Feilen and Sandra and the late Rex Elton.
By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB
Australian snowboarding legend, Jye Kearney, loves golf. He loves to come to the Coolamatong Golf Club where he nds a sense of peace.
game, he approached the golf club to hold a fundraising day to raise money for his preferred charity In Pieces Together, a mental health community founded in response
to the 3000 plus lives lost to suicide in Australia each year.
Ninety-six players took to the eld on Saturday in very windy conditions. There were many good plays throughout the day.
Alan Parsons and Jason Christie.
Winners were: scratch team of Jordan Sell and Soren Stoetrup; nett winning team of Ben Hearn and Simon Freebody; scratch runners-up Jacob Ellis and Ewan Murdoch; scratch third Josh Crawford and Christie Barry; and nett third
Nearest the pins on the par three holes were Aaron Fenton, Elise Cave, Soren Stoetrup, Karen Caban, Janece Peters, Josh Crawford, and Bryn Nicholas. Longest drive in the men was claimed by Jordan Sell and the ladies by Janece Peters.
A ra e was also held where some great prizes were won. Christie Barry won a Thredbo season pass. Benje Munce won a Bur-
players and sponsors for contributing to a great day. This will be an annual event.
Also held last weekend was the Coolamatong Golf Club’s AGM.
teering for course work, machine maintenance, running the Town Club in the early days and many other jobs vital to running the golf club.
The Snowy Monaro is renowned for hosting some of the best picnic racing meets in regional NSW.
The region has a long and proud connection to the racing industry, through the success of local trainers at a state and national level, and for turning on three exceptional race meets each year.
Bombala, Adaminaby and Cooma hold one race meet each year with thousands turning out for each.
Each race meet has its own charm and uniqueness.
The Bombala Races launch the race season on Saturday, 18 October at the Bombala Racecourse. It’s a day where the community
comes together with visitors from near and far.
Gates open at 11.30am with a six-race program sure to entice race goers.
In November, the Adaminaby Races attract thousands. Each year, the Adaminaby Jockey Club holds a theme for the races and this year it’s all things Irish - pints, ponies and prizes.
Saturday, 22 November, all roads lead to Adaminaby Races for their six race-program. Adaminaby Race Day is a true family day out. Not only are the family’s punters taken care of, but also the children and the more fashion conscious family members.
The first Saturday in December is penciled into the calendar early each year as friends, families and workplaces plan their exciting day out at the Cooma Races
Saturday, 6 December is the famous Cooma Races at the Ti-Tree Racecourse. Last year, the Cooma Monaro Jockey Club was able to secure a seven-race program. The club hopes to repeat last year’s offering.
Each of the races run buses to and from the nearest town and there is plenty of parking available at each site.
Giddy up this spring and summer.
The October long weekend is a favourite for anglers, as it means the start of the
Rivers and streams across the Snowy Mountains are in prime condition.
The shing season for trout and salmon in trout rivers and streams re-opened from the start of the October long weekend.
The Snowy Mountains is regarded as one of the nation’s nest trout shing destinations with its pristine alpine streams, rivers and lakes. The region’s cool waters are home to
There are also native sh to be found, including Murray cod and golden perch.
Whether it’s the iconic Thredbo or Eucumbene Rivers, Lake Jindabyne or the Maclaughlin River, there are many wonderful spots to cast a line and reel in that sought a er trout.
By NATHAN THOMPSON
Bombala’s Mal and Reagan Hurley have dominated this year’s Monaro Stages Rally, again claiming top spot and showcasing their racing talents.
The Hurley duo won each of the 12 rally stages, which returned to the roads of Bombala and the Cooma region for the rst time since 2023.
About 40 cars started the event, held on Sunday, taking in 177 kilometres of dirt roads in the
Bondi and Coolangubra forests and shire roads around Bombala and Cooma. The Hurleys set the pace from the outset, claiming stage one in under 10 minutes, the only pair to crack the 10 minute barrier. From this point, the pair won each of the following 11 stages, nishing the Monaro Stages Rally in 1:33.34.
“A er a brief time away in 2024, we were thrilled to be back in action and to once again bring you the rallying experience that the Monaro region is known
for,” Monaro Stages Rally event director, Kim Winks, said.
“This year, we are especially excited to be part of the Australian Motorsport Action Group (AMSAG) Southern Cross Rally Series, adding a new chapter to our event’s legacy while maintaining the spirit and camaraderie that have always de ned Monaro Stages.”
Ms Winks said the year o allowed organisers to re ne the event and o er an even better spectacle and racing experience
in 2025.
“The break last year gave us the opportunity to re ect, re ne, and come back stronger than ever,” Ms Winks said.
“With a two-day format featuring 13 exhilarating stages, including the much-anticipated shire roads around Cooma, as well as the forests of Bondi and Coolangubra, Nimmitabel, Dalgety and Bibbenluke.
“We delivered a rally that will challenge competitors, thrill spectators, and showcase the very
best of the Snowy Monaro region’s diverse terrain.
“We also can’t rally without the support of our wonderful sponsors Kosciuszko Automotive, located in Jindabyne. Todd and Megan have embraced our event and we love having them on board.”
For years, the Monaro Stages has been a staple on the motorsport calendar, revered for its blend of fast shire roads and technical forest tracks.
■ See more on page 27
• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens
• Bagged Firewood
• Bagged Kindling
• Bagged charcoal
• Bagged Ironbark –cooking wood