Monaro Post and Jindabyne Summit Sun 010524

DEPOT YARDS VITAL LOCAL BUSKERS STAR

Region reflects in record numbers

ANZAC Day services around the Snowy Monaro attracted record crowds, with thousands of people gathering to honor service personnel who have fought for Australia’s freedom.

Commemorations were held in Adaminaby, Berridale, Bombala, Bredbo, Cooma, Delegate, Jindabyne, Michelago and Nimmitabel. In Cooma, the dawn service drew

hundreds, one of the largest crowds for many years.

Cooma-Monaro RSL Sub-branch president Ray Peters-Smith said the strong crowds in Cooma indicate the ANZAC Day spirit is alive and well in the community.

“The dawn service had one of its largest crowds. Many people have commented on how big the dawn crowd was, despite the frosty start

to the day,” Mr Peters-Smith said. “Our community showed how important ANZAC DAY is, the veterans and current service personnel were very appreciative.”

■ Read more on page 7.

■ Photos of the region’s services on pages 16 and 17.

Services slashed

By NATHAN THOMPSON

JOB losses, reduced library hours and disbanding its donations program, are just a few of the services and functions Snowy Monaro Regional Council plans to slash in efforts to improve its financial position.

An extraordinary meeting will be held on Thursday as Council places its draft budget and operational plan on public exhibition.

The proposed plans have been released in Council’s business paper for the Thursday meeting, and they show significant cutbacks.

If the documents are placed on community consultation in their current state, ratepayers will be asked to consider whether they want to see the scope of Council’s economic development team reduced, and its youth services, community development, and donations/ sponsorship programs axed.

Council’s arts and culture committee is proposed to be cut, the Cooma Library closed on Saturdays outside of school holidays, the mobile library taken off the road and a $300,000 saving by limiting the scope of the biosecurity team.

Council chief executive officer David Hogan said the organisation has reached a stage where tough decisions must be

made, or risk the possibility of being placed into administration.

“At the moment we are trying to be all things to all people, and it’s not working,” Mr Hogan said.

“Administration is a real possibility if we don’t make these tough decisions ourselves.

“As we prepare the next budget, we are now looking at a multi-million dollar operating cash shortfall just for next financial year.”

Despite Council’s divestment from residential aged care and introduction of a special rate variation, Mr Hogan said more needs to be done.

“You can only spend what you have and right now we are committed to projects and services we can no longer fund to the extent we currently are. I will be upfront with the community about that,” Mr Hogan said.

Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos, said the move to limit Council’s economic development, along with the other proposed changes, is ‘shortsighted’.

“Council has missed an opportunity of fundamentally reviewing what it does rather than slicing money from departments,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

“I think by reducing the economic development portfolio without suggesting an alternative is short-sighted.

“Councillors should be spending more time lobbying state government for funding of activities that they are doing on their behalf.”

COMMEMORATIONS: ANZAC Day services across the region attracted strong crowds. Berridale’s morning service was well attended.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Land acquired for connector road

preferred alignment for transport infrastructure to improve amenity and safety concerns with traffic on Kosciuszko Road in the Jindabyne Town Centre.

By TRISTA HEATH

AS PART of the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP), the NSW Government has now purchased land for the Southern Connector Road and for housing development.

One of seven projects announced last month to be delivered through the $196 million SAP funding, is land acquisition for future housing development, including affordable housing projects, and to preserve a corridor for the Southern Connector Road.

Years in discussion, the Southern Connector Road is a proposed road to provide alternate access between the eastern and western parts of Jindabyne via Barry Way and enable public realm improvements and foreshore connections in Jindabyne (via an upgraded Kosciuszko Road).

The Southern Connector Road would provide a

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, announced to the community that the land for these projects will be acquired through the SAP funding of $196 million, however the construction phase of this project is not included in the funding.

“With the Southern Connector Road there is no funding available to build the road now, but the corridor will be reserved for future use, there is no time limit on how long that can be retained by Government,” Mr Whan said.

“The land was purchased from Snowy Hydro and will be held by the Government.”

In November 2023, Mr Whan’s office announced the Australian Government would no longer provide $100 million towards the Southern Connector Road project in the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct.

Following the statement, Mr Whan said the cancel-

through the detailed planning processes, so I do want to be realistic about giving timeframes when I am able.”

The community has been heavily involved in discussions and consultations to gauge the order of projects most important and needed to keep up with the growing township of Jindabyne.

Mr Whan emphasised the SAP is a long-term plan and the projects announced are the first, but not only, projects they expect to see happen in the years to come.

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CONNECTOR: Government funding was slashed last year to build the Southern Connector Road as part of the SAP planning. Land has now been acquired through current funding but not for the construction phase.

lation of funding for the Southern Connector Road by the Federal Government was deeply disappointing, but the NSW Government will still work to deliver on the SAP’s vision.

Department of Regional NSW spokesperson said SAP will support year-round tourism, improve community amenities, and facilitate a diverse supply of housing that will create long-term and sustainable growth.

“The precinct’s master plan aims to create 4000 new homes in Jindabyne over the next 40 years, with approximately 60 hectares of land acquired to assist with this vision,” the spokesperson said.

“Increased housing sup-

ply will allow for the continual growth of Jindabyne as well as helping to resolve the current housing crisis in Jindabyne.

“The Southern Connector Road is an important part of the precinct’s master plan and the acquisition of approximately 40 hectares of land will safeguard this corridor and enable future development opportunities.

“Whilst there is no fixed timeline for construction, we will continue to pursue funding opportunities to enable delivery.”

Mr Whan said housing, including affordable housing and key worker accommodation is a key priority within the SAP planning.

“The land for housing

PHOTO: Supplied

identified in the SAP planning is now purchased and I will be working with the Department and Homes NSW on timeframes, partners and planning for the development,” Mr Whan said.

“Obviously, the housing development links with two of the other priority areas for work, the water supply and sewage treatment capacity and upgrades to electricity supply.

“At this stage I don’t have a timeframe for how long the detailed planning and approvals might take for that land, I am aware that in a very overheated construction market it is sometimes a slow process finding a development partner.

“Not to mention going

“These projects provide the base of key infrastructure for Jindabyne,” Mr Whan said.

“We must get basic service provision right if we are to successfully build on that for the longer term.

“In most areas the SAP has provided a solid basis for future growth for Jindabyne and the alpine region, but it is not perfect, and I remain concerned by the absence of longer term planning for health services in the community.

“That is an area I have been actively discussing with Southern Health and will be pursuing within Government.”

When the Snowy Mountains SAP was first announced in Jindabyne the funding promised was $391 million before the funding was cut to $196 million.

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Locals dominate busking champs

By KAREN FORMAN

TWO ‘talented and hardworking’ teenaged solo performers and a travelling British duo took out the top awards at the Cooma regional heat of the Australian Busking Championships at the weekend.

Arthur Hull, 19, from Barnawartha in Victoria managed to create an entire band sound with polished vocals, a keyboard, electronics mastery and choreography to be unanimously selected the winner of the $1000 Alpine Hotel Open division.

Hot on his heels was solo Jindabyne local performer Gabi Forman taking the $500 Roses Restaurant second place after impressing the judges with her guitar, mandolin and vocal covers and original songs.

British duo, Katy and Rob on guitar, vocals and harmonica, went away to complete their found Australia travels with the $300 Mainstreet Clothing in third place prize.

Judges Alex Eldred, Sue Sell and Caroline Fox said they had a tough time separating not only the three open division winners, but also faced the same challenge in the secondary division with big numbers and huge talent.

ANBC President Allan Spencer said the quality of

musicianship on display among the 50 or so performers was ‘amazing’.

“I really think people enjoyed the day. We couldn’t have fit in any more buskers if we tried,” he said.

“All the spots were filled, half was a record number of locals and half the people were from away, Victoria, the ACT and Sydney.

Mr Spencer said he was pleased with the event, which attracted hundreds of people who came to enjoy the free music, markets, drumming, yoga and ukulele workshops and the Cooma CBD.

“We had a wide variety of instruments, both solo, duo, trios and bands and welcomed some new performers to the ANBC

“Our winner Arthur Hull was visiting Cooma for the first time but has performed at the Rutherglen heat last year and was very polished and gig ready.

“Our local second placegetter, Gabi Forman, told me she was very unsure about being in the Open category because she is 18 but still at school but she really impressed the judges with her originals, her enthusiasm and her mandolin which she has only been playing for a month or so. She has been around for a while and gets better every time we see her.

“Our third place-getters, who are travelling around Australia from England, were very impressive.”

The $500 Snowy Monaro Regional Council Second-

ary division cup was won by Laylah Baines from Lavington, Victoria, with long-time Jindabyne local performer Tulli Oayda taking the $400 Snowy Monaro Regional Council second prize and regulars Will and Annie from Canberra the $300 Snowy Monaro Regional Council third prize.

Ms Oayda also won the Rogue Ascent Recording Studio Award and will have a choice of either a multitrack recording session for one song or a five-song live studio recording EP.

“The judges said Layla had a beautiful voice, she told a story with her music making, with lovely phrasing,” Mr Spencer said.

“She took the audience on a journey with her songs.

She also she writes original material which is fantastic, and the judges were impressed with her diction and nice backup guitar.”

“Tully has been in just about every ANBC; she is a very creative young lady, writing a lot of original materials. She is very passionate.

“Brother and sister Will and Annie in third, well, they have been coming to these things since they were 10 and 12 and have performed at the Cooma and Bradden heats. They are an amazing talent, with voices that blend so beautifully.”

Local Berridale guitarist Paul Shorten won the $300 High Country Automotive Group Junior division with Jindabyne locals The

K Brothers (Filip and Justin Klempfner) taking the $200 The Monaro Post second prize and Ollie Richards the $150 ANBC third prize.

“Paul Shorten was competing for the first time after have a small try last year, and got first place, which was awesome,” Mr Spencer said.

“He is a very dedicated young man on the guitar. The K Brothers are absolutely wonderful and young Ollie Richards came up from the coast playing the ukulele. All are performing way above their years.”

Senior winner Mr Hull also won the $500 Hip Pocket Workwear Peoples Choice award, with The K Brothers taking the $400 ANBC second place and Marley Jacobsen the $300 Tourist Café third place.

Highly commended awards in the open division went to John Curran from Melbourne, Chris Wright, Nathan Gorrings, Peter Kaye, Jules Winter, RoCU (ukulele group from Canberra), Ron Gaylene and Gus, Wren and Crow and The Prospects.

Recipients of highly commended awards in the secondary division went to Marley Jacobsen, Tilly Rose, Elijah Chan and Emily Willsmer and Paisley Coulson.

Lean Irwin won the Michael Cook Award for a busker with a disability.

DAY

MAJOR EVENT: Award winning buskers at Cooma regional heat of the ANBC.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Four Mile upgrades underway

MOTORISTS using the Snowy Mountains Highway at Pine Valley (Cooma’s Four Mile) will benefit from a series of upgrades, as part of a joint federal and state government commitment to improving safety and reliability of regional road networks.

With $400,000 from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and $900,000 from the NSW Government’s Network Efficiency Program, the safety works will involve widening multiple sectors of the highway to provide more space for light and heavy vehicles to coexist.

This includes widening the leftturn lane eastbound at Kosciuszko Road and installing safety barriers as part of the jointly funded works.

As an access route for Snowy 2.0, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic along this section of the Snowy Mountains Highway, including frequent heavy vehicle movements.

Work is already underway to widen and seal one kilometre of southbound shoulders, which is expected to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

All works will be carried out weekdays between 7am and 6pm and Saturdays between 8am and 1pm. Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, joined the project team last week to inspect the progress of the upgrades.

Ms McBain the works will improve one of the region’s busiest sections of road.

“The Snowy Mountains High-

way is busier than ever, as more people flock to enjoy everything we have to offer across this part of the mighty Eden-Monaro,” Ms McBain said.

“That’s why I’ve worked hard to secure $400,000 in federal funding towards these important safety upgrades, which we’ll deliver in partnership with the Minns Labor Government.

“We know during our peak snow seasons the highway really is

bumper to bumper - which is why widening multiple sections of the road will make it safer for motorists to pass turning vehicles.”

With works scheduled to be complete for the June long weekend - the traditional opening of the snow season - Mr Whan said the project will improve safety for motorists accessing the Snowy Mountains Highway.

“As the gateway to the Snowy Mountains region, this high-

way is the key arterial route between Cooma and Jindabyne or Tumut, servicing high volumes of tourist and visitor traffic during winter, providing access to the Selwyn Snow Resort from the southeast.

“These upgrades will go a long way to providing a much safer journey for all motorists and improving the travel experience for everyone in our beautiful region.”

Michelago village speed concerns

By NATHAN THOMPSON

MICHELAGO families are calling for traffic calming strategies to be installed outside the village’s public school, in an effort to slow motorists down.

Michelago Public School parent and Snowy Monaro deputy mayor, Councillor Tanya Higgins, is urging residents concerned with the speed of motorists passing the school to provide feedback at an upcoming road safety stall.

On May 11, Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s road safety officer will join Cr Higgins for a community stall at the Michelago General Store to discuss road issues in the village. The stall coincides with national road safety week and Cr Higgins says the time has come for Council and Transport NSW to find a solution for slowing traffic down along Ryrie Street, the village’s main thoroughfare.

“This isn’t an overnight issue, there is more traffic in the village than ever before,” Cr Higgins said.

“Our community wants action, we see everyday motorists speeding by the school. A child’s life could be at risk.

“Something needs to be done. We will start to see more traffic coming through when the causeway is complete, it’s time to act.”

Cr Higgins has been calling for a solution for more than 12-months to deter motorists from speeding. With Michelago one of the region’s fasted growing areas, the public school is expecting to grow and more motorists will use the village’s main road.

“We are a busy village, there are trucks and cars constantly passing the school,” Cr Higgins said,

“The issue has been to the local traffic committee. They advised speed humps wouldn’t work there must be a solution.

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UPGRADES: Significant improvements to the Snowy Mountains Highway at Pine Valley (Cooma’s Four Mile) are underway to boost motorist safety. Member for Monaro, Steve Whan (far left), and Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain (second left), join the project team to inspect the works.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Company collapse affects local projects

PROJECT Coordination

Australia had been part of many construction jobs in the Snowy Monaro before entering voluntary administration on 19 March 2024.

The company released a statement after finalising their decision, stating they had exhausted a range of capital-raising options and, despite having $120 million worth of projects in the field and a further $90 million ready to start, they could not secure external investment.

‘I’m devastated’, said company patriarch Paul Murphy, 72, who was one of the original employees of Project Coordination when it started in Canberra in 1975.

‘The economic and regulatory environment that building companies are working in now is more challenging than any I’ve experienced in the past 50 years—worse than the recessions in the 1980s and 1990s and the Global Financial Crisis in 2007/2008. Nothing has been as bad as this.’

After some tough years spent under the shadow of rising interest rates, major Australian construction companies have faced inflation pressures, rising wages and shortages of skilled labour and materials, leading to increased costs, which were strongly felt throughout 2023 and now also into 2024. According to the Housing Industry Associa-

SMGS HOPEFUL OF NEW BUILDING COMPLETION: DR BELL

UNFINISHED: Project Coordination Australia leaves its SMGS site unfinished

tion, the construction market is facing one of the worst storms since the energy crisis in the mid-1970s.

Major construction companies nationally, including Clough Group, Probuild, Dyldam Developments, Snowden Developments, ABG Group and more have gone into voluntary administration over the past two years, proving to be a difficult time for the industry.

Project Coordination Australia was the contracting company for Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s (SMGS) Stage 1 building, the

Curiosity Centre, as well as other projects in the region, including the Cooma Sports Hub located near Monaro High School.

SMGS Principal Dr Andrew Bell said while the recent news may have been disappointing for their school community, they will continue to learn as they have been, and nothing impacts the status quo for students.

“We remain hopeful and optimistic we will be able to reside in the new building, our Stage 1 project, at a point late in Term 2; howev-

Anti-scam forum empowers locals

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA residents have left an anti-scam forum feeling more confident about protecting themselves online.

More than 50 residents attended the forum hosted by Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, and Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, where the latest information about common scams, and tricks scammers use were discussed.

The forum allowed locals worried about falling victim to a scam, to ask questions of both ministers and learn more about cyber safety.

Forum attendee Kath Nichols said the event was worthwhile and informative.

“The forum was really good. Even though I am well informed it was good to have the reassurance that I was not the only one getting all these potential scams,” Mrs Nichols said.

“The presentation was easy to understand and well delivered.”

Mr Jones and Ms McBain provided an update on the Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre and how it’s assisting residents. The centre brings together expertise and resources across government agencies, law enforcement and the private sector.

Ms McBain said the forum was well-received and will

help locals avoid scammers.

“It’s important Cooma residents are alert to scams, and know how to protect themselves,” she said.

“I encourage community members to attend next week’s Anti-Scam Forum to access essential advice to do just that.

“People in Cooma are busier than ever and access more key services through mobile devices and on online – which is convenient, but increases the likelihood we’ll encounter scam activity.

“Australians lost more than $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone, which is why

we’re working with the private and public sector through the National AntiScam Centre to fight these criminals.”

The Cooma event followed a series of forums held in Narooma, Queanbeyan, and Merimbula.

Mr Jones urged Coomaresidents to stop, think and then act quickly if they think they are a victim of a scam.

Copies of the little black book of scams, a helpful resource, are available by contacting Ms McBain’s office on 6284 2442.

er, there are factors beyond our control involved here,” Dr Bell said.

“Our school and local community understand that the situation was beyond our control and their support has been wonderful, for which we would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude. We will work to resolve this unexpected matter as quickly as possible.

“We also appreciate that it is certainly not just SMGS impacted, and we are mindful of other businesses, tradespeople and individu-

als that may have also been affected by this unexpected situation.

“The challenges facing the building industry are well known and 24 schools and organisations elsewhere have also been impacted by this particular circumstance, in addition to many more nationwide.

“We need to keep this in perspective and realise it is not just about us but our whole community, and we are more fortunate than most, being close to completion already.”

The decision of Project

Coordination Australia to relinquish control after 50 years in business marks a significant milestone in the construction industry.

With challenges, including economic and regulatory hurdles, inflation pressures, and shortages of skilled labour and materials, the landscape for major construction companies has been increasingly difficult to navigate. Despite efforts to secure external investment, Project Coordination ultimately faced insurmountable obstacles.

AWARENESS: Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain and Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, host an anti-scam forum in Cooma to help locals avoid scammers. PHOTO: Supplied

as company enters administration.

Bombala depot yards vital for economy

By KAREN FORMAN

NORM Talbot has been hauling livestock around the State and across the Victoria border for around 50 years. The Delegate principle of Talbot Transport is a third generation Monaro farmer and he relies on the $60 million local livestock industry for his livelihood.

Bob Stewart is la local cattleman who also happens to be a member of the Snowy Monaro Council. He was on Bombala Shire Council before the councils were amalgamated and like Mr Talbot, relies on the industry.

Matthew Green is the branch manager of Nutrien Ag Solutions in Bombala, which coordinates the list of livestock to be collected from the Bombala depot yards and taken off to be sold at markets several times a week.

With such reliance on the livestock industry for their bread and butter, all three men admit to having had more than a few sleepless nights worrying that Snowy Monaro Council may close down the Bombala depot yards on Rosemeath Rd, Bombala; a facility which is owned by the Council.

For the past decade, since the last sale was held, the yards have been used by the local farmers and transport companies like Talbot

Transport for transitting sheep and cattle from the Bombala-Delegate region to livestock sales in towns like Wagga Wagga, Yass, Bairnsdale and Leongatha.

Animals are brought in to the yards in small trucks by contractors or farmers, around twice a week, generally spend the night and then are loaded onto B-doubles for transport further afield, the next day. They cannot be collected from the farms as B-doubles, which are prime movers towing two semi-trailers connected by B-couplings, are too big and cumbersome for most narrow and often rutted farm access roads.

The idea that the facilityformerly used as a sale yard as well as depot, or transit, facility - may be shut down had never crossed any of their minds until the week before Easter, when the March council meeting held in Bombala was presented with an officers’ recommendation to do just that, with immediate effect, based on safety concerns.

“It was disgusting of Council to consider doing that at such short notice,” Mr Green said.

“It is such an important asset to the rural community of Bombala and Delegate. We have around 200 users on our books and if the

yards were lost, there would be huge expense to farmers trying to get their stock to market.”

Mr Talbot, meanwhile, said a sudden closure of the facility would have devastated his business, which hauls eight B-doubles of stock (each which carry around 600 head) from the facility each week. Such a movewhich may have resulted in the yards being off limits for an infinite period of time due to a stated lack of funds for necessary repairs, would have also affected Cr

Stewart, who immediately went into bat for his regional industry at the meeting, convincing Council to hold an urgent meeting of stakeholders to come up with a recommendation.

Now all three men have welcomed a report to Council’s April meeting advising that urgent repairs had been undertaken and the yards remained open for use. Council will resume talks with the person behind an expression of interest in managing the facility about a year ago.

The yards stopped being used as a salesyard a decade ago when Cr Stewart says sales dropped off due to drought and the condition of the yards. Delegate saleyards had closed a few years prior to the closure of Bombala saleyards.

“The general consensus was they weren’t fit for purpose. At the time there were three big sales a year - the weaner sales where we had 3500 to 4000 head of stock going through, the April sales around 3500 head and the May cow sales 1500-2000 head,” he said.

“Unfortunately the condition of the yards continued to deteriorate because Council wasn’t making any money once the sales stopped. They used to get some money per head of livestock sold.”

Cr Stewart said Council had put nine and a half new yard rails in and done some work on the loading ramp to make it safer. “I know $90,000 had been allocated for the yards by the former Bombala Shire Council and I don’t know where that is now. We really just need the yards to pen the animals, and the loading ramp, just something that is simple, good and effective.”

Mr Talbot said he was happy with Council’s latest decision and Mr Green also welcomed it.

Hundreds of sheep and cattle pass through the Bombala depot yards each week as they are brought in by small truck and loaded to B-doubles to be taken to sales In Wagga, Wagga, Bairnsdale, Yass and Leongatha.

INDUSTRY: Talbot Transport principle Norm Talbot, Nutrien Ag Solutions rep Matthew Green and Cr Bob Stewart at Bombala depot yards where new rails have been installed. PHOTOS: Karen Forman.

Record ANZAC Day crowds

By KAREN FORMAN, NATHAN THOMPSON AND TRISTA HEATH

ANZAC Day services around the Snowy Monaro attracted record crowds, with thousands of people gathering to honor service personnel who have fought for Australia’s freedom, from the Gallipoli landing on April 25 1915 through to the present day.

Commemorations were held in Adaminaby, Berridale, Bombala, Bredbo, Cooma, Delegate, Jindabyne, Michelago and Nimmitabel.

Snowy River RSL Subbranch secretary Morgan Bell said all four Jindabyne

and Berridale services, both dawn and mid-morning, which included marches, had been well supported.

“All of the services had big crowds,” he said.

“I would definitely say we have seen a record and hopefully this will continue in future years.”

Cooma-Monaro RSL Subbranch president Ray PetersSmith said the strong crowds in Cooma indicate the ANZAC Day spirit is alive and well in the community.

“The dawn service had one of its largest crowds. Many people have commented on how big the dawn crowd was, despite the frosty start to the

day,” Mr Peters-Smith said.

“Our community showed how important ANZAC DAY is, the veterans and current service personnel were very appreciative.”

All of the services had a common theme: that ANZAC Day was not a celebration, but a commemoration and a tribute.

Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor Peter Beer told the Jindabyne mid-morning service that Australia was a lucky country.

“It is our role to teach our children and grandchildren about ANZAC Day and what it means,” he said.

“Most of our wars were

Preparing for disasters

By NATHAN THOMPSON

A PROGRAM assisting residents and community organisations to better prepare for future disasters has been launched in Cooma.

The Monaro Family Support Service has unveiled its Let’s Get Packing initiative to support the community through drought, bushfires, floods and other disasters.

Staff from the not-forprofit organisation joined Monaro Rural Fire Service District Manager, Jim Darrant, Snowy Monaro Region-

al Library staff, and a local knitting group at the launch.

Monaro Family Support Service project officer, Tracy Compton, discussed the importance of the initiative and what items locals place in a household emergency kit.

Funding for the program has enabled MFSS to purchase display emergency kits that are now on show at the Bombala, Cooma, Jindabyne and mobile libraries.

“MFSS has been running preparedness information sessions across the Snowy

Monaro region and saw a need to find other ways to provide preparedness information more broadly across the community,” Ms Compton said.

“This project aims to support community members by providing information about what they might pack in their emergency kit should there be a disaster or an emergency.

“Residents will participate by being able to visit and view the ‘travelling’ display. They can collect information and then go home and

fought overseas. When we as Australian citizens see what we can do in the world, we need to say thanks to the people who fought. May we never go back to small crowds on ANZAC Day. To see the crowds today is very gratifying.”

In his commemoration address to the Jindabyne service, Commanding Officer 723 Sqn RAN LTCOL Patrick Shadel said we gather as always not to glorify war but to remember who were there and those who have followed.

“They were known as the greatest generation and sadly their numbers are low. We are in their debt and we pay

respect to that generation of citizens and those who are still with us.”

A crowd of hundreds had gathered in sub-zero temperatures early at the Jindabyne cenotaph for one of the biggest dawn services in memory, where the sun rose over The Last Post and Reveille.

In Bombala, strong crowds came together to commemorate the district’s fallen soldiers and thank those who have served, and are currently serving their nation.

Gathering for dawn and morning services, the community came togther for the occasion.

Berridale’s ANZAC Day

morning service also saw excellent numbers as the community reflected on its locals who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Vice President Snowy River RSL Sub-Branch Warrant Officer Mark Davis gave the welcome followed the master of ceremonies, by Mr Ian Schofield.

Prayer of Thanksgiving was offered by Berridale Public School student Lincoln Deans followed by student Luella Collins offering the prayer for the nation. Mr Bell finalised the ceremony by reciting the ode before the last post and one minute’s silence.

prepared reduces personal anxiety and makes for a faster recovery.”

Members of a Cooma Library knitting group donated handmade teddy bears to place in boxes. Funding has also enabled MFSS to purchase a limited number of kits for families who may be unable to purchase items and create a kit for themselves.

Ms Compton thanked the library and knitting group for their generous donation.

work towards preparing their own evacuation kit, armed with more knowledge and confidence, after

seeing a real example of a kit themselves.

“Research shows, that in the event of a disaster, being

“The boxes are well equipped and now have a comfort item for adults and children,” Mrs Compton said.

DISASTER

A local initiative, Let’s Get Packing, is

Tracy Compton from the Monaro Family Support Service (second right) says having a

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Extra transport for snow season

SNOW lovers are set to make the most of the ski season this year with an expansion of the Snowy Mountains bus service and roll out of a new SMS alert service.

Tickets are now on sale for the popular Snowy Mountains bus service, which is being expanded this year to include a Cooma via Berridale to Jindabyne service.

The service, which continues to grow in popularity and carried out more than 80,000 passenger journeys completed in 2023, will this year run from June 8 to October 6. Extra services will also be available during school holidays.

Transport for NSW has also introduced a subscriptionbased SMS service that will send alerts when Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way need to close due to parking at the ski fields reaching capacity.

“The Snowy Mountains bus service is a safe and affordable alternative to driving, and has steadily grown in popularity, with 95 per cent of passengers surveyed last year saying they would use the service again,” Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.

“This year we are excited to expand the reach of this popular service and add a new

TRANSPORT: There will be an expansion of the

initiative that will deliver important real-time messaging directly to customers when they need it most.

“Locals and regular snow visitors will know the frustration of arriving at the Kosciuszko Road and Alpine Way intersection, only to be turned around. This new SMS

alert system will now allow them to make more informed travel decisions before departure.”

Customers who subscribe to the service will receive three text massages to alert them of road closures, before, during, and after closures are in place.

PHOTO: Supplied

To find out more information or subscribe to the SMS alert service, go to www.nsw. gov.au/driving-boating-andtransport/plan-your-trip/holiday-driving/driving-snow

For more information on the bus service and ticketing options visit: www.snowymountainsbus.com.au

Do you love country music?

Especially our own Aussie singers. Many of 2MNO’s presenters play country music.

Thursdays are a particular country music day from 10am through to 4pm, non-stop. But that’s not all.

Look up 2mno.org.au/programs for more country music programs. You’ll be surprised and delighted.

Snowy Mountains bus service and roll out of a new SMS alert service.

Elements of surprise at Nimmitabel Steampunk Festival

By STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL ORGANISERS

STEAMPUNK @ Altitude is an all ages family experience, right here on the Monaro.

Thousands of visitors over the years have found Steampunk @ Altitude an a ordable day out as there is no entry fee and there is a wide variety of activities to experience, join and peruse.

Get ready to have a look at what is on o er, with the exciting returning activity of a whole street Scavenger Hunt, last seen in Nimmitabel in 2021, plus some added Circus high-jinx, steampunk oddities, curios and competitions.

There will be a few elements of surprise arranged by the organisers of the Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce, and they are sure to be in keeping with this community festival that o ers variety to encourage engagement, creativity, entertainment and fellowship.

Thankfully steampunk attire is amenable for many layers to be worn, and the forecast requirement of coats, shawls, capes and wraps to keep the autumn chill away will be tting with the setting.

Experienced in cool weather as a high altitude village, the businesses in Nimmitabel and the Pioneer Memorial Hall have plenty of heaters, the Royal Arms and the Federal Hotel have blazing re places, more than one. It will be a weekend where the sun will be welcomed, the activities warming, and just in case the Geldmacher Square will be hosting some gas outdoor heaters for visitors to enjoy.

The Surly Gri n Morris troupe will help keep you warm and entertained Saturday in the Geldmacher Square, performing in the morning and a ernoon. Dancing border, cotswold, sword and clog, participants are welcome to join this fast paced dance troupe and enjoy the adornment of their bells and ribbons.

Autumn weather is sure to feature this rst weekend in May, but not as much as on the Steampunk Sunday in 2023 when there was glorious snow, about a foot of it. It was a spectacular sight, one that even Nimmitabel locals were impressed with along with steampunk enthusiusts who had not experienced snow before.

STEAMPUNK: Surly Gri in Morris dancers at last year’s festival. PHOTO: Alisa

Saturday evening there is something for everyone in Nimmitabel. The Royal Arms is o ering a two-course Hale and Hearty menu, the Federal Hotel a Victoriana Banquet three course meal that will be an experience to remember. Both can be booked via our website www.steampunk.in.

Enjoy the ambiance of the Pioneer Memorial Hall with steampunk and Snowy Monaro stall holders, warm food, an exhibition and circus antics.

The Federal Hotel will be a hub of steampunk activity Saturday a ernoon and

evening until late. Poetry in the Pub starts at 4pm for budding and experienced poetry reciters alike to join together, audience welcome.

The Victoriana dinner from 6pm is inspired by the Victorian Era and combined with modern Monaro tastes; and the DJ mixed Steampunk Dance Party by DJ Apparition where vintage vibes collide with futuristic beats, creating a unique sonic spectacle, will kick o at 8pm, ending late.

Whilst all are invited to this free dance event, please rsvp via the booking form on our website.

Saturday 4th &

Sunday 5th May, 2024

Nimmitabel’s Steampunk@Altitude Festival is held each May in the scenic village of Nimmitabel, SE New South Wales. A place to experience and celebrate the fantastic of steampunk in a rural setting.

Step back to a time that never was; it’s family fun for everyone!

If you are a fan of steampunk, or if you’re just curious about this quirky subculture, be sure to come along and check out Nimmitabel’s Steampunk@Altitude Festival 2024 ‘It’s a Circus’.

Music in the Mill will start o both steampunk mornings. The Geldmacher Mill has fantastic acoustics and wonderful heritage. Be there

9.30 am Saturday to enjoy Kalkite local Gabi Forman’s performance, and 9am Sunday morning for Melody Tonk who will perform a children’s show.

Sunday a er the Steampunk Pet competition will be the Steampunk Animal Friend (so toy) competition, get your children to style and bring theirs.

The Nimmitabel and wider community has come together to support Steampunk @ Altitude, with the following sponsorship:

- Omni Executive for Sanjex Seratti

- Lion’s Club Nimmitabel for Clockwork Circus

- The Royal Arms Guesthouse for Speranza Starburner

- The Federal Hotel for the Capital Tea Duelling Society,

- Luv Me Again for Dijor’s Re-purposed Fun & Follies,

- Nimmitabel Leather Shop for Steampunk Pirate Margosha,

- Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce for the Surly Grifn Morris

- Nimmitabel Motel for the

Bega Town Crier, - Archers BNSH and Lolly Shop Nimmitabel for the Scavenger Hunt,

- Sandy’s Grooming Tails & K9 Cafe for the Steampet Competition,

- A&A Thaler for promotions

- Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce Inc for the Fashion Competition, et all.

Thankfully also supported by DJ Apparition, Apparition Online, Dijor Machon and Bega Valley Town Crier Alan Morse, the Crew of the Airship Sirius, Steampunk Sydney, Lord Darius Foxworth and our wonderful volunteers from Friends of Steampunk @ Altitude.

If you would like to support Steampunk @ Altitude further there will be ra e tickets sold from May 1 in Nimmitabel and throughout the festival, with the four prize packs drawn 1.30pm Sunday a ernoon.

The Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce looks forward to seeing you at Steampunk @ Altitude in Nimmitabel the rst weekend in May.

www.steampunk.in fb: Steampunk At Altitude Saturday May 4, 9am to late and Sunday May 5, 9am to 3pm.

Thaler

THE Snowy Monaro turned out in strong numbers for ANZAC Day services across our villages and towns.

Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River Sub-branches recorded their best crowds in many years. Dawn and morning services took place as we paused to reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who have served and are currently serving our nation.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Thursday where the draft budget and operational plan for 2024/25 should be placed on exhibition.

The proposed budget and operational plan has significant cuts to multiple service areas as Council attempts to overturn its financial positions.

The proposed cuts will come as a shock to many, especially those in the arts community and who rely on the support of Council’s economic development function.

The economic development area is slated for a sizeable cut, the Cooma Library will lose its Saturday opening, and the biosecurity team will have reduced capacity. These are just a few of the savings Councill staff have identified.

There is scope for further cuts to recreational facilities, open spaces and our road network. Be sure to have your say when feedback opens later this week.

Well done to the Bombala Mirrorball Mavericks who raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr) fundraiser.

Bombala is a generous community who always support their locals.

There is less than a month to go until the four groups taking part in the mcCr Hot City Disco lace up their dancing shoes for three nights of fun, entertaining performances and fundraising.

Blake Davis is a junior athlete at the Cooma Athletics Club. Blake has just returned home from the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Adelaide.

Blake finished 14th in the 80m, 200m hurdles, javelin and 1500m race. What a great achievement, congratulations, Blake.

COMMUNITY representatives for the Boco Rock Windfarm Enhancement fund are about to be appointed for the next two years.

But in the recently approved Charter, they are now looking for “six members from the community to represent the geographic distribution of the population”.

So if you live in Cooma or Jindabyne, you’ve got a better chance of being on this committee that if you live in Nimmitabel or Bungarby where the turbines are. This was not mentioned when applications were called for.

The development of the new Charter shows that there are people within or on the Council

l d

REDUCING the numbers

With blood on their hands

The government worker

The frog and their fans

Imagination

who think this funding should be spread across the area regardless of the impact of the windfarm. That approach is not in keeping with the project approval from the Department of Planning.

Quoting from the project approval, the purpose of the Enhancement Fund is “to offset any potential residual amenity impacts associated with the project within the local government area.”

So what and where are the residual amenity impacts?

Stage 2, which has prompted this updated Charter, will be built right next to the current windfarm, about 10 km from

Is for someone else

To save the nation ‘They’ kill the horse

There’s brawn and there’s brain

It’s always been said But these people have none And the horses are dead

They’ll spoeak of their victory In years to come

Fi lly g f d b i g d

I WAS dismayed to read in last week’s Monaro Post (page 5) about a Council decision to finally use grant funds received six

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Nimmitabel. Will that impact not be focussed there? With extra traffic through Dalgety? Road effects on Bombala if turbine parts come through that way again? This impact is not being shared geographically or by population.

Once construction is finished, where is the residual amenity impact?

Windfarms are not welcomed by all communities as recent letters to the editor demonstrate. They have an obvious visual impact, for many kilometres, as the turbines are so tall. There’s the sound of the blades. And there is a social impact as only those landholders with turbines on their land receive payment, when others close by do not.

So, the residual amenity impact is surely greatest on those

Of their big money

The chopper, the gun But their hearts will be heavy With lives ever dull

They’ll never be free Of the blood in the soil

A wrong has been done By those in the sky But the horse will return

years (2018) ago to upgrade the former Bombala Infants School. Hooray, action at last, but why has it taken so long? There appears to be a pattern emerging of requesting grants and then not using them, for example, Yallambee Lodge and Snowy River Hostel.

JIM Litchfield (letters, Monaro Post, 17 April) argued persuasively that it was population, not climate, that was the number one moral challenge of our time.

As one who has worked on both issues for many years, I agree with him.

Population growth, along with consumption, is the underlying cause of our climate crisis. We have to work on both population an climate, however, and not choose one or the other.

In the case of global population, we need to reduce birth

rates by providing universal family planning, and achieve gender equality and education for girls.

For Australia, current migration levels of more than half a million are not sustainable and must be cut to historical levels of 90,000 or less.

In the case of climate, we have to shift our energy away from fossil fuels to renewables, backed up (‘firmed’) by storage in the form of batteries and pumped hydro.

We also need to change land

who can see or hear the turbines and live close to them. If you can’t see or hear the turbines, then just how are you impacted?

This doesn’t mean that all the money stays under the turbine blades. These funds are designed to be distributed to affected communities and the towns that support them. And when good community projects are found, money also goes far beyond the windfarm - projects supported in Bredbo and Michelago are testament to that.

I call on the Council to rethink their population-based approach to the committee and to commit to solid guidelines for the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund that define the residual impacts of this project.

Chris Haylock

The horse will defy

Because the side of the right

Always it wins

And a horse in full flight Stays on the mind

By Greg O’Donoghue –Copyright May 1 Bendoc

The ratepayers deserve better from our Council.

Lindy Rose Cooma

Surely a needs analysis, business case, implementation plan and risk analysis plan should be in place and sufficiently well developed to enable the grant to be utilised immediately? Otherwise why seek the grant?

use practices whereby more carbon is captured in the soil, trees are preserved and non-productive land re-afforested.

Jim Litchfield claims the shift to renewables hasn’t worked because emissions are still going up. It’s true they haven’t peaked yet but the Albanese government’s target of 43 per cent reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 will likely be met. It’s not enough, but it’s a good trend. The problem is, however, that we are still approving new fossil fuel projects. According to an Australia Institute report last year, there are 116 new fossil fuel projects on the Federal Government’s Resource and Energy Major Project list, two more

than at the end of 2021.

If all proceed as estimated, they will add 4.8 billion tonnes of emissions to the atmosphere by 2030. They may not be counted in Australia, but they still add to the problem.

But back to population. Even if climate change did not exist, reducing birthrates would still be a key factor in avoiding hunger and famine, mass unemployment and violent conflicts in coming decades.

In Australia, stablising population would allow us to solve the housing crisis. When demand is reduced, supply can catch up.

Jenny Goldie Cooma

Nimmitabel

TO THE EDITOR

Flooding risks for new emergency services centre ggy

I WRITE to bring to your attention serious potential risks to (a) the operational capability of current and future emergency services in Cooma, (b) the safety of emergency services’ staff and volunteers, and (c) the reputation of our emergency services agencies.

The risks arise from the flooding potential of the existing Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service facilities in Cooma NSW, and the new Fire Control Centre being planned/built in Cooma. These facilities are, or are planned to be in the case of the new Fire Control Centre, co-located at a Geebung Street campus in the Cooma suburb of Polo Flat. Further, potential risks arise from the flooding potential of

the roads which are used to access the campus. In its March 2024 meeting paper, the Snowy Monaro Regional Council answered questions I had asked as a councillor regarding the flooding potential of the campus and its access roads.

The answers reveal that the campus and/or its access roads would be impacted by a Probable Maximum Flood event and also by some lesser events too. The relevant meeting papers can be found via the Council’s website.

The information correlates with the recollection of some elder residents of Cooma regarding the 1956 Cooma floods, and with the experience business owners located near to the campus regarding

ygy

I RECENTLY found out that the NSW Draft Native Vegetation Regulatory Map has been released. It looks like there are sweeping changes being proposed in this draft, particularly in land use categories.

I urge everyone who has a block of land anywhere in NSW to have a look at this document which can be found at the website for the Department of Climate

Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

There is an option to request a Map Review for anyone who feels a proposed change may be of concern. If, like us, you have never received a notification from the Department that this process is taking place, please take a moment to check the map to see if your land may be affected.

Jenny Wholohan Tinderry

more recent inundation.

Clustering emergency services at this location may jeopardise their ability to safely, reliably and fully respond to major flood events. Building the new Fire Control Centre at this location is potentially risky as the facility may be damaged by flooding at significant expense. In the event of a combined regional bushfire emergency and a localised major flooding event (noting that such circumstances do happen), the new Fire Control Centre may be unusable and/ or unreachable when needed.

Please note that while I am a Councillor with the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, I write to you in my private capacity after the majority of

HAVE YOUR SAY

Councillors voted against a motion for Council to do so. I believe you should be aware of these risks which, as Minister for Emergency Services, I accept are yours to consider and act upon (or not). It is my opinion that the people of this region would expect that our emergency services be operational to their fullest extent on our worst days. No doubt you would share that expectation too.

Fortunately, being in the Snowy Mountains, Cooma is blessed with an abundance of alternate locations above the Probable Maximum Flood line where services could be safely located.

Luke Williamson Colinton

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

Email editor@monaropost.com.au

Address 59 Vale Street, Cooma

GROUP EDITOR

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

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By LISA ASHURST

JUST in case you didn’t realise it by now, I am big on colour.

I love colour and my brain is hard-wired to detect the subtle tints, shades and tones in almost every hue there is.

I can name them, which is useful because when I am not writing, I am art-ing. It’s good to be up on colours when you do arty.

Anyway, I recently saw a Facebook post with ‘normal people’ on one side and ‘artists’ on the other. Down the centre where two identical columns of squares, each coloured in the varying hues, plus some neutrals.

Under the heading ‘normal people’ it had all the different types of green listed collectively as green.

All the reds red, and so on and so forth. But under the heading ‘artists’, every single colour square was named. I so got that.

But not everyone does.

Quite a while ago I asked The Bloke what colour he’d like me to paint something and he said green. So I ran through a list of suggestions like jade, lime, sage, forest etc, and asked which appealed the most, and he answered green.

All of them fell under the collective. Green. Ditto, a friend from many years ago who couldn’t understand my dilemma over a particular shade of blue. Was it the ‘right’ blue for some cushions I was considering for a lounge? “Oh for goodness sake, Lisa. Blue is blue”.

Well, no, sorry to be a bit pedantic about that, but blue is not necessarily just blue. There’s sky, ultramarine, azure, teal, cobalt and aqua and that’s just scratching the surface. Blue is not just blue, and if it’s the wrong one it won’t work.

These days The Bloke is either more in tune with with the myriad of choices for any given colour, or perhaps just more diplomatic.

His answer to the ‘which one’ question now is, ‘I’ll leave it up to you, whichever one you think best’.

Which is probably wise because I know colours like he knows numbers, and he’s a snap with them.

So if someone said to me ‘okay, so the carpet is sage and the curtains are a mid-tone teal, so I was thinking of doing that wall the window is on in a warm coral’, I can get an instant visual because I know what those colours look like.

My daughter (a very talented artist) would know what they look like. So would my cousin who has her own gallery and wins art awards. She would know. But I know some others who would be completely flummoxed.

Nothing wrong with that, but I do find it interesting. The last time I went into a detailed explanation with The Bloke as to why I was adding some darker shades of taupe to a restoration piece, carefully placed to look random, he said ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about but yes, I totally agree’ which made me realise that not everyone is on the same page as me with things like that. It’s not that The Bloke is indifferent to colours, he’s not. He’s just more ‘Normal’ about them, I guess. But that’s not to say I’m abnormally obsessed with them. Of course I’m not. I’m perhaps just a little more conscious.

Let’s say conscious.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Aasta Arctander (02) 6452 0322 aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Mt Perisher chairlift on track

By TRISTA HEATH

GREAT news for ski and snowboard lovers as Perisher’s Mt Perisher 6 chairlift construction is right on track.

General manager of Perisher Ski Resort Nathan Butterworth said with the bulk earth and slope works now complete, they’re ready to start building the top station mast.

The mast supports all lifting infrastructure, from the bullwheel to the carrier (chair) attaching and detaching equipment.

The progression to this stage represents a significant milestone in the construction of the Mt. P 6, and we’re so excited to see our new chair begin to come to life!

This week, the team at Perisher work alongside the experts at Doppelmayr to

haul over 300 tonnes of concrete up Mt. Perisher for the mast’s footing.

The resort has been giving constant progress reports during the build of the brand new high-speed six person chairlift, due to be operational for the 2025 snow season.

Enabling pass holders, a more reliable, faster, and higher-capacity lift to get to all the advanced and intermediate terrain, the Mt Perisher 6 will become Australia’s highest lifted point at 2,042m.

The upgraded lift will improve resort capacity and assist to redistribute skiers across Perisher’s network of 48 lifts across four resort base areas to reduce general lift wait times and improve flow and circulation.

Key points of the new chairlift also include wider rope gauge and better wind

SNOW SEASON: Concept designs of the new Mt Perisher 6 chairlift

performance hopefully resulting in less wind hold days.

An extra bonus for guests will be the start time of the chair, resort management have been discussing the lift opening time, which is expected to be 8.30am in 2025.

The new chairlift will have a faster load and unload at each end facilitating greater circulation and flow of guests around the mountain.

Mr Butterworth has ensured guests that while they do not expect significant impacts on their guests during the 2024 season, they have nevertheless worked on a robust operational plan to reduce any inconvenience.

“We will be sharing regular video updates on social media to inform our guests, as well as promoting app usage and digital message signs so guests can harness live lift wait time data to make deci-

Free breastscreens in Cooma

By KAREN FORMAN

“IT ISN’T as bad as what people say”.

“It isn’t comfortable but it’s over pretty quick”. “The thought of it is worse than what it really is”. “There are far worse things”.

With the words of many women who had gone before me echoing in my ears, I reluctantly trundled to the distinctive BreastScreen van parked at the Jindabyne Oval for my 3.34pm screening mammogram appointment – the one my GP advised me was “a really good idea to have because you are in the age group where breast cancer is most common.”

And, “aren’t we lucky to have a free service that comes to us in regional areas”.

I will admit it: I was not at all keen. The idea of having a rather sensitive part of my body squished and flattened and locked into a machine –especially when I had been told it could be painful –was not all that appealing. And even for someone who thought little of sunbak-

ing topless on the beach as a surfie chick in my youth (before we knew about the risk of skin cancer), the idea of being topless in front of strangers during the testing process wasn’t all that appealing either.

But, with the BreastScreen NSW van close to home in Cooma until May 10, it was a great (and free) opportunity to find out if I will be one of the one in seven NSW women who will develop breast cancer – and if I am, to do something about it before it is too late.

BreastScreen NSW says a breast screen is the most effective way to find breast cancer early, which means more treatment options and a better chance of survival.

Screening mammograms are x-rays of the breasts and involve two x-ray pictures of each breast which can find cancers as small as a grain of rice, before you or your doctor can even detect any changes. They are not for women who have already found a lump.

Women aged 40-49 can attend BreastScreen NSW for

a screening mammogram, but it is less effective for the age group. Most breast cancers occur in women aged over 50, so BreastScreen recommends that a screening mammogram happens every two years for women aged 50-74.

According to BreastScreen, for every 1000 women who are screened every two years from 5074 through BreastScreen, around eight deaths from breast cancer will be prevented.

As I found, the procedure is simple and quick – about 20 minutes in total. Clients prebook by calling 132050. You arrive at your appointed time and are greeted by friendly, calm female staff, share a smile with the other locals in the waiting room probably feeling the same sense of dread, fill in a questionnaire and then are guided to the room at the back of the van where the x-ray equipment is located. Other clients may be waiting in the small waiting area, but there is a sense of kinsmanship rather than embarrassment

as you are all going through the same process together.

The red-faced moment when you are asked to remove your upper clothing – is “no big deal” (these female staff do this all the time...it harks back to childbirth and we dealt with that, right?) and you are spoken to respectively and calmly throughout the process of arranging yourself (or being arranged) in the machine.

Like a chest x-ray, you stand against the machine, give it a sort of hug with your arms, and let the friendly staff guide you with where to place your legs for balance and how to turn your head. Yes, being squished can hurt a bit, but it’s so fleeting, that you don’t have time to think about it. Squish, breath in, hold for a couple of seconds, breath out, released. Twice. Get dressed.

“The results will be sent to you and your GP within two weeks. See you in two years.” Smile. Out the door.

Ok, so that wasn’t so bad. The wait for the results wasn’t fun, but I figured whatever happenned,

sions in-season. Improved lift wait time notifications along upper Towers run will also provide options to ski to alternate lift stations.” Mr Butterworth said.

Staff have ensured that there will also be plenty of wayfinding signage and special PEAK Snow Day information this winter that will provide alternative routes around the mountain.

“Guests can also find realtime operational information and updates via the app, digital message boards around the resort, and on the website.” Mr Butterworth said.

April has been a busy month for Perisher as the bulk earthworks required to prepare the construction site for the installation of the new Mt. P 6 lift’s Top Station have now been completed.

After bringing the site

down to the necessary grade level for commencement of the next phase of construction the building of the chairlift’s mast is now underway.

In late March, Perisher staff watched in awe as a Black Hawk helicopter was deployed to retrieve the Mt. Perisher Double Chair’s towers from above.

Mt Perisher 6 will offer a new high speed detachable chairlift option to the resort and will half the ride time from previously 10 minutes to five minutes to the summit.

The chairlift offers a 60 percent increase in chairlift capacity as well as 22 percent increase in overall lifted capacity in the Mt Perisher precinct.

The multi-year, multimillion-dollar project represents a significant investment in the guest experience at Perisher.

Not as bad as you would think: The author, Karen Forman, all smiles after her screening mammogram offered free to local women under the Breastscreen NSW program. The BreastScreen van is in Jindabyne, Bombala and Cooma in February and March, offering free screening mammograms to local women over 50.

at least I would be in the early days. The good news was, that within a week, I received a call from my GP and a letter in the mail from

Breastscreen NSW, saying “no breast cancer has been

detected by our doctors”. BreastScreen NSW is a free breast screening program with more than 200 locations in NSW, more information is available at www. breastscrteen.nsw.gov.au.

May in the Garden

With Mother’s Day almost here, gardening mums and grandmothers may appreciate a plant related gift. At CHH we have indoor or outdoor plants and pots, plant food, fruit trees, berries or spring bulbs, outdoor furniture, fire pits, or a gift voucher if you’re having trouble choosing the perfect gift for the special mum in your life.

May is the time to prepare your garden for winter, when plants go into dormancy to awake and flourish in spring. It’s a good time to boost plant health with compost and mulch to help plants resist frost by being well fed and watered. Dormant garden beds can also be planted with green manure to build soil health for spring plantings. This will also reduce your spring jobs. May is also a time for the final tidy up and removal of diseased plants and leaves and fallen fruit. Most invasive weeds remain viable in a compost heap so should be removed completely to reduce spreading. Diseased plant material along with invasive weeds need to be bagged and binned. Disease free leaves and pruning’s can be added to your compost.

Take time to observe and review your garden space. Do you have gaps in the garden that could be filled? Are more flowers or foliage variety or color required? Would you like a new tree for shade or height? Are plants not performing and why not?

Create your cosey winter garden nook, a place with winter sun, table and chairs, a winter retreat to sit and soak in vitamin D, the winter outdoors and your favorite refreshments.

MAY GARDENING JOBS

• Plant frost hardy vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, broad beans, Brussel sprouts, leek, turnip, radish, beetroot, Asian greens, thyme, oregano and rosemary.

Plant frost hardy flowers: Pansies, Violas, Bellis, Wallflowers, Polyanthus, Primula.

• Last chance to get spring flowering bulbs: Daffodils, Tulips, Jonquil, Ranunculus, Dutch iris, Hyacinth, Freesia, Anemone.

• Cut back flowering perennials such as Penstemon, Salvia, Westringia and Correa as they finish flowering.

• Clean gardening tools before storing them for winter. Remove soil/wash and sand any rust off, rub surface with machine oil to seal from oxygen and store out of the weather.

Pick the last crops of apples, pears, quinces, figs and summer vegetables for storage or preserving.

Jodie and Jannene

SES Snowy unit prepares for winter

By TRISTA HEATH

THE State Emergency Service (SES) Snowy River Unit has been busy recruiting new members and undertaking training to better serve their community.

As winter approaches, members of the Snowy River Unit are training for alpine search and rescue, and are actively preparing for the season ahead.

This includes training for: fitness, wilderness first aid, map and navigation, and land search until the snow comes.

Once snow arrives, the unit adds more training in the field such as survival skills in snow/winter conditions, snowmobile driving and avalanche training.

The Snowy River Unit says its always ready and prepared to help the community all year round.

“We are lucky to have a great group of people able to donate their time and effort for our community,” SES Snowy River Unit member Malika Bailey said.

“The Snowy River Unit

as the SES Snowy River Unit Commander. PHOTO: SES

now has a new unit commander, Jennifer Goode, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the region which will be extremely helpful moving into the winter season.”

Unit commander Goode is a retired police officer with 10-years experience in the SES.

“The unit is in good hands and we wish her all the best in her new position within the SES,” Ms Bailey said.

“We would like to wish our community and all tourists who visit our region a great winter.

“Please don’t forget to stay safe during your travels to and from and also during your activities.”

If you go out in the Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) please fill an intention of travel in the KNP office in Jindabyne and have a personal locator beacon with you.

Ms Bailey urges the community, when venturing into KNP, to bring enough food, water, warm clothing, map/GPS and any other equipment you may need to protect yourself and your friends.

Podcasting a holiday winner

By KAREN FORMAN

CHARLOTTE Crane may well have spent most of the school holidays sitting around at home scrolling on my phone if she hadn’t had the opportunity to attend Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s youth school holiday workshops and had the experience to jam with her guitar, learn to make podcasts and watch movies.

The Snowy Mountains Christian School Year 10 student, 15, jumped at the opportunity to attend as many of the workshops hosted by Council’s Youth Capacity Builder team leader, John Graham, during the two weeks.

“It has been great,” she said, taking a few minutes out from the podcasting and live steaming workshop last week.

“I’ve done the music jam last week, the pop-up cinema, this podcasting workshop and craft.”

As a member of the Snowy Monaro Youth Advisory Committee, Charlotte was instrumental in advising Council on the types of workshops that local youth might enjoy.

“I think it is very important to have this sort of thing,” she said.

“It gets kids out of being on their screens all day and I have learned a lot.”

Charlotte said she had enjoyed the podcasting and live streaming workshop, run by Cooma musician and sound engineer Laurent Steiger, at Cooma Y-Space.

The venue was redeveloped as part of a $169,000 Y

Space project grant, which also allowed for the purchase of the sound and recording equipment.

“I’ve always been interested in live streaming and podcasting and would like to work in the area, but probably won’t,” Charlotte said.

“We have learned how to make podcasts and how to use and test the equipment, how to use different platforms like OBS for podcasts, which is a free platform.”

Charlotte said she was interested in podcasts about music and the way music affected people and what it meant to them.

“I got into listening to podcasts during COVID, so it was really fun learning what goes into the process of making them,” she said,

Mr Steiger said he appreciated being asked to run the workshop as supporting local youth was one of the core values of his business, Rogue Ascent.

“We really want to raise young people up in the community and also work

with artists and bands to help them pursue their creative dreams,” he said.

“Live streaming followed on well from the musical jam last week, where some youth had never picked up an instrument but by the end of the day we had them playing drums, bass, guitar and keyboards all together.

“It is hugely rewarding to see young people getting involved. We are trying to inspire them and show them that live streaming is accessible to them, that they can have an idea or a message they want to put out and do it.”

Mr Graham said the podcasting and live streaming workshop would hopefully be the first of many to be held in the future.

“The activities these holidays have been really well received,” he said.

“The skate park day at Jindabyne attracted more than 40 youth.

“We are trying to run workshops like these every school holidays and are open to feedback.”

YOUTH: Charlotte Crane gets some podcasting tips from Laurent Steiger.

PHOTO: Karen Forman.

Monaro’s finest ewes on show

The 94th Berridale Agricultural Bureau’s annual Maiden Ewe Competition will be run over two daysFriday May 3 and Saturday May 4.

This year has 12 entrants in the competition with these flocks of maiden ewes to be presented to the judges for inspection.

Judges this year will be Brad Cartwright from Crookwell, a founding member of the Crookwell Maiden Flock Ewe Competition. As well as running a flock of Merinos, Mr Cartwright previously spent

20-years working with John Williams, an influential stud breeder at Thalabah Merino Stud.

The second judge is Scott Thrift, AWN, wool and stud sheep specialist. Mr Thrift works out of the Dubbo branch of the AWN.

The junior judge is Hamish Schumack, a young man with a background in Merino sheep. The competition team will be restricted to one and a half year-olds, not carrying more than 12-months wool. Pampering of trial sheep or preferential treat-

Council briefs

Disposal of Council land

IN efforts to improve Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s financial position, two blocks of Council owned land will be subdivided and put up for sale.

Council will subdivide 8 North Street and 6668 Wangie Street to support the organisation’s financial reform programs.

Councillor Craig Mitchell spoke in favour of the move, citing the blocks are currently unused and surplus to Council’s needs.

Discussion on how to fund the cost of subdividing the land, led Council to agreeing, that if borrowing is required (including the option of external borrowing), to do so up to 80 percent of a certified valuer’s evaluation of the land.

Recreation committee members appointed

The reformation of a committee focused on advocating for improvements to the region’s recreational spaces and facilities has taken its final step with 10 community members appointed.

At the April Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting, councillors unanimously endorsed the 10 nominees for the open space and recreation committee.

The committee comprises: Chris Reeks, Jim Johnston, Bill Euston, Louise Jenkins, Ineke Stephens, John Britton, Lorraine Alford, Suzanne Dunning, Stacey Manson and Darren McIntosh.

The committee has been reinstated, almost 12-months after Cr Tricia Hopkins put forward a motion to the May 2023 meeting calling for the committee to be reformed.

Feedback extended

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to share their views on tourism in the region. Feedback on Council’s tourism strategy has been extended until May 31.

Community feedback received will be used to form Council’s new tourism strategy.

The survey should only take around 10 minutes to complete, with straightforward questions about personal experiences with tourism, how you would like the industry developed and promoted locally, and the kinds of visitor offerings you value.

Mayor Chris Hanna said the survey is an important opportunity for the community to shape the future direction of the local tourism industry.

“This is the first time we have undertaken a region-wide survey on tourism and how it impacts our communities and businesses,” Cr Hanna said.

Visit Your Say Snowy Monaro to complete the survey.

ment is not allowed. Sheep must have been running on the property of the entrant for the full previoous 12-months and carry the registered earmark of the entrant.

Visitors and onlookers will inspect the maiden ewes at the following properties: Friday May 3 - Adam and Ellyse Walters, Martin and Liz Walters, Doug Constance, Andrew Scarlett, Raymond Crowe and Robert Hain. On Saturday May 4, visits will be to: Richard Macguire, David Fraser, Neil Adams, Robert Hain,

Adrian Redmond and Neil Lynch.

A bus will be running both days with pick on Friday at the Cooma bus shelter at 7.25am, and Berridale pub at 7.50am. On Saturday, the bus leaves Cooma at 7.50am and Berridale from 7.25am, both at the same locations.

Agricultural students from Monaro High School and Snowy mountains Grammar School will visit the competition on Friday.

The presentation dinner will be held at the Berridale Inn on Saturday at 6.30pm.

Tax cuts for

EWE BEAUTY: The highly regarded Berridale Ag Bureau Maiden Ewe Competition saw strong competition last year. The 2024 edition is on this weekend.

PHOTO: Berridale Ag Bureau

Region pauses to remember

TOWNS and villages across the Snowy Monaro registered some of their largest ANZAC Day crowds as thousands honoured our service personnel.

The Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River RSL Sub-branches have reported their best numbers for many years.

Cooma’s ANZAC Day commemorations drew one of its largest crowds as the town paused to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served our nation and those currently serving.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS

ATTRACT LARGE CROWDS

COMMEMORATIONS: Veterans and current service personnel march through Cooma in front of hundreds of people. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

The Snowy River RSL Sub-branch reported one of its best crowds for the dawn and morning ANZAC Day services. PHOTO: Karen Forman

Do You Have a Legal Problem?

A solicitor

COOMA OUTREACH – 8TH MAY

COOMA OUTREACH – 22ND MAY

JINDABYNE OUTREACH – 28TH MAY

At the Jindabyne morning service, the contribution of our service personnel and horses were remembered. Horses played a key role Australia’s war efforts. PHOTO: Karen Forman

◀ CoomaMonaro RSL Subbranch Ray PetersSmith delivers an ANZAC Day address.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

The Kakoda Company from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, led the Cooma ANZAC Day march for the morning service. They form next to the cenotaph. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

ch for

ANZAC Day across our Snowy Monaro

Clare’s Carousel

Claire Neumeyer presents her social news this month. Claire’s Carousel is back, after returning to this masthead’s pages after a number of years.

Claire welcomes social news and ideas. Claire contacted on 0434 352 992.

Birthdays galore

April and May are popular months for birthdays. Best wishes being sent to Mary Jones, Pauline Rad, Hans Neumeyer, Wilfried Kappel and Gloria Irwin.

Mary Jones’ birthday was very special, after turning 80 followed by many celebrations with friends Irene Ramm, Robin Mould, Shirley Blyton, Gisela Walker, and past workmates from Sir William Nursing Home.

Sonfgkran Thai New Year

Happy New Year to our Thai citizens who celebrated on April 13 at the Cooma Multicultural Centre from 10am to 3pm.

The New Year was happily brought in with dancing, music, Thai culture and of course, delicious food.

More than 80 guests attended the happy occasion and was joyous to see the national costumes.

Monaro Community Radio Presenters

I would like to say thank you to Dianne Lindsay, Peter Simpson, Ernie Constance, and Jay Podger for entertaining a large crowd of around 150 guests at the Cooma Car Club who helped raise a large amount of money for fundraising for 2MNO radio station. Their performance was donated to 2MNO free of charge.

Amongst the audience enjoying the music was Betty Fletcher, Sue Schram, Lyn Last, Lyn Martyn and Farr and Gary Prosser.

I also thank Cooma Fabric Salon (Marnie) for helping to sell tickets for the event.

Café so interesting

A scenic drive through vine years and old world Yass with its historic buildings led us to Bowning where we discovered a café with as difference called ‘Rollonin’ Café.

The grounds held friendly horses, donkeys and other pets who just loved our attention.

Waitresses dressed in old colonist style outfits serves us and local papers from years ago adorned the tables which made for interesting reading. A very enjoyable visit.

We all enjoy a choir, don’t we?

There are many residents in Cooma and surrounds who have a good singing voice.

Don’t be shy, think of joining a choir. You will be made to feel very welcome, meet new friends and enjoy the entertainment being in a choir can provide.

If you are interested, please phone Andrew on 0411 260 977, who would like to tell you more about joining the choir.

Both males and females are welcome. Cooma has three choirs, Grace Notes Choir, Cantabile Choir and Cooma Community Singers.

Michelago residents gathered to remember their fallen soldiers and current serving members.

PHOTO: Kerry Rooney

Marching in Bredbo are community groups, school children, veterans and current defence personnel who came together for ANZAC Day. PHOTO: Ashleigh Bowerman

MARCH: Adaminaby’s ANZAC Day service is well attended as residents reflect on the contributions of locals who have served their nation.

PHOTO: JenSol Photography

ANZAC Day commemorations throughout our towns and villages allowed locals to remember and reflect on the sacrifices of our service personnel.

St Joseph’s Primary School in Bombala is proud to be involved in the town’s ANZAC Day commemorations.

PHOTO: St Joseph’s Primary School

Nimmitabel’s ANZAC Day service attracts large crowds. Commander Fiona Ewington with Garry Nichols. PHOTO: Vickie Pollard

The Delegate Public School is well represented at ANZAC Day commemorations. Principal Brad Bannister, staff and students marched in the morning service. PHOTO: Delegate Public School

Tooth swaps teaching for knitting

And now he’s a barman about to record bush poetry

By KAREN FORMAN

WHAT do you do if you return home to Australia after 26 years of teaching overseas, only to be told your university qualifications are out of date, your years of experience and references from overseas don’t count and you would have to start at the bottom to resume a career teacher in government schools?

If you are Jonathan ‘Tooth’ Kendall, you say something like, “oh well, I can knit so I guess I will go and make a living out of knitting” - and then go out and do just that.

And to take it a step further, not only knit enough scarves to support yourself and put your London-based daughter through school and university, but do it while living as a ‘hobo’ in your car, moving from place to place to set up for a week at a time, knitting and selling, eight hours a day, six days a week.

Living in a car and making and selling woollen scarves on the streets is a far cry from teaching maths at some of London’s most prestigious schools, but Tooth, nicknamed as a child by a friend’s mother in recognition of his love for biscuits, reckons his eight years as a knitting hobo were the best of his life.

“I never thought of myself as homeless,” the now 64year-old said.

“I had a car, it had doors and tyres, I could lock the doors. I was knitting,

making money, meeting some great people and seeing my own country in a way that most people never do.”

Tooth said he may well have been able to work in a private school, but he didn’t want to.

“I am good at my job. I had been head of department at three schools in England, but the department of education told me they would require me to retrain before they could give me a job,” he said.

Although some local people may have come across Tooth when he was in Cooma for a week with his scarves around sevenyears-ago, these days he is

best known as the bearded character in a hat who will serve up a beautifully quoted Banjo Patterson poem or two with a pint when he is working behind the bar at Nimmitabel’s Federal Hotel.

He has been there since the COVID pandemic when he was unable to sell his wares on the streets.

“Kel Fahey, the owner, gave me my first home and I am very, very grateful,” he said.

“I thought I met him for the first time when I decided to take a week off after my daughter Dani had graduated and came to check out the Steam Punk Festival at Nimmitabel, Kel offered me free camping at the back

of the pub. It was really weird, because every time Kel opened his mouth, I felt I knew what he was talking about...it turned out we had met back in 1978 on the corner of Elizabeth and Windsor streets in Paddington. He was playing lead guitar with a band called Gravel Rash and my bestie’s older brother was playing lead guitar with Jimmy and The Boys, at the same pub.

“At the end we swapped numbers and I thought that would be it, I might stop and have a beer with a good bloke next time I was passing through where he lived.

“But then in April 2020 in Sydney, I was doing my usual Newtown site at the railway

station, selling my scarves and after having a good day, turned up the next day to find nothing. No-one spoke to me. There were not even any street people around. And the people around were all wearing masks. Why? I listened to the radio andCOVID.”

Tooth went and had a COVID test and then camped at Pheasants Nest on the Hume Highway for six weeks, with no idea of what to do given his livelihood had gone.

“Then Kel sends a text saying, `if you need to be here, be here’, so I drove to Nimmitabel and he moved me into a room. He had had to let people go and was run-

ning the hotel by himself. Soon I was chopping wood, mowing grass, helping out with heavier work and he found me an RSA course to do so I could work behind the bar and I’ve been here ever since.”

Tooth found he was able to indulge his love for Banjo Patterson poetry, which he had read during his car camping days, from behind the bar and soon customers were asking him to recite. He has also written some of his own poetry, including one about being a hobo. and in a few weeks’ time, will record what could potentially result in three albums of bush poetry, at a Canberra recording studio.

“They are the story of how the country made us all who we are,” he said.

“The Australian, larriken element.”

Tooth was born in Waverley hospital to a nurse mum and a doctor dad. The couple had met post-war and had four kids, only one of whom became a doctor. “I didn’t want to, I wanted to teach and see the lights go on,” he said. “I went to uni and did a Bachelor of Science (geography), also studying maths, physics and chemistry.”

His first job was at Sydney Church of England Grammar School, where he stayed for six years before heading to England ‘for six weeks or six months’ but ended up staying 26 years, getting married, having a daughter.

Now, after time back home, he plans to head back to the UK next year as his daughter is getting married “and if there are grandchildren I want to be around to be involved with them growing up.”

He said he might continue knitting, but would live in a house rather than a car this time.

Tooth, the scarf knitting, poetry reciting ‘hobo’, drawn by Daniel de Valentin.

Tooth, whose real name is Jonathan Kendall, doing the knitting that supported himself and his daughter for eight years, while living in a car.

LOCAL CHARACTER: Jonathan Kendall, best known as Tooth, behind the bar at Nimmitabel’s Federal Hotel, where he is known for his Banjo Paterson poetry. PHOTOS: Karen Forman.

Attention investors

2 Chalker Street, Adaminaby

3 Bed 1.5 Bath 2 Car

2 Bed 1 Bath 1 Car

ASKING: $740,000

AN exceptional opportunity awaits at 1 and 2/2 Chalker Street, Adaminaby, NSW – a captivating dual occupancy property nestled within the idyllic alpine town, renowned for its picturesque landscapes

and proximity to yearround adventure pursuits. This exquisitely presented property comprises a substantial landholding of 1,094 square metres, hosting a dual residential proposition – a charming three-bedroom, one and a half-bathroom main residence alongside a delightful semi-detached two-bedroom, onebathroom unit.

The main house boasts a recently renovated, open-plan kitchen/living/ dining area, replete with a welcoming wood fire and reverse cycle air conditioning, ensuring comfort regardless of the season.

Seamlessly extending from the living area is a quaint courtyard, encircled by wellmaintained, easy-care gardens that lend a

serene ambience to the residence.

In addition to the inviting internal spaces, the property offers ample outdoor amenities, including three water tanks dedicated to garden maintenance and a rustic chicken coop for those with a penchant for sustainability.

The property presents a lucrative opportunity, currently achieving a rental

yield of $1030 per week.

This unit, complete with reverse cycle heating/ cooling and offered furnished, provides potential for use as a guest house or continued income stream, subject to existing tenancy.

With a total of five bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and three parking spaces, this unique offering set amidst lush gardens is

a promising investment. Perfectly positioned halfway between Cooma and Mt Selwyn, and a mere 14km from Lake Eucumbene, it’s an ideal base for the ski or alpine enthusiast.

Do not miss the chance to acquire this dual-property gem in Adaminaby, where leisure meets investment potential in one of NSW’s most scenic settings.

2 11

$395,000

A Stone’s Throw from the Town Centre

•Superb opportunity for first-time homebuyers

•Offers a harmonious blend of comfort and convenience.

•Solar panels that contribute to energy efficiency,

•Single carport and a separate single car garage.

•2 bedroom, 1 bathroom open plan living with a tonne of natural light

History

Could Be Yours

•Introducing a magnificent Federation Brick Home

•Perfectly blends timeless elegance with modern-day family living.

•1-bedroom flat, offering the utmost convenience and privacy. FOR SALE

$789,000

•Features include beautifully pressed metal ceilings and exquisite bay windows

$545,000

Character And Charm With Modern Style

•Step inside to discover a modern finish that extends throughout the home.

•Contemporary kitchen, complete with sleek fittings and ample storage

3 11

$380,000

•Wood heating, as well as reverse cycle air conditioning

•The front deck provides a serene spot to unwind with your morning cuppa

Perfect Purse Pleaser

•Step into the charm of rural living with this delightful timber cottage.

•This cosy abode features three wellappointed bedrooms.

•Relish the picturesque views over the Bombala River

•Stay warm and during the cooler months with both wood and gas heating.

•Direct access to tranquil river walking tracks

Wangie Street Cooma

17 Maybe Street Bombala

48 Young Street Bombala

5 2.51

151 Vale Street Cooma

Monaro

Timeless elegance in Cooma

ADDRESS: 9 Montague Street, Cooma

DISCOVER timeless elegance and craftsmanship at 9 Montague Street, Cooma.

This architectural masterpiece is designed by the esteemed North Sydney firm Fowell Mansfield Jarvis & Maclurcan Architects.

The home boasts a contemporary design that has stood the test of time.

Nestled on the outskirts of town, overlooking picturesque Cooma with a tranquil bush backdrop, this property spans an impressive 4022m2 with manicured grounds and a sprawling 67-meter frontage on Montague Street.

Step inside to find a spacious open-

plan lounge, where the craftsman built stacked-stone fireplace creates extraordinary charm and coziness.

Beautiful surrounding gardens of tulips and daffodils in the spring give way to autumn colours each year and are a delight from many windows.

The main dwelling has four generously sized rooms and three bathrooms, including a luxurious master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite.

Two additional rooms can be flexibly used as bedrooms, study or storage. There is ample space for the whole family.

The gourmet kitchen is equipped with modern amenities including a 90cm induction cooktop and walk-in pantry.

A sun-drenched courtyard and eastfacing verandah offer perfect outdoor living.

A large free-standing 200m2 guesthouse provides versatility for guest accommodation, workspace, or a home office.

Additional highlights include an oversized double garage, workshop, wine cellar, greenhouse, and a north-facing paved entertaining area with pergola and grapevines ideal for outdoor entertaining.

In addition to these features, the home is equipped with a 5kW solar power system, garden irrigation and reverse cycle air conditioning, ensuring comfort year-round.

Great starter block or perfect add-on

ADDRESS: Fox Hill, 697 Bairds Crossing Road, Dalgety, NSW 2628

FOX HILL offers a quiet location while still within close reach of the mountains and surrounds including Thredbo, Perisher and Cooma alike.

Presenting a unique opportunity to secure your first block or add-on block for neighbouring holdings.

Dwelling entitlement exists with some magnificent possible building sites. Offering approximately 103.20 hectares or 255.01 acres, enough room to keep some horses or run a small herd of livestock. Undulating to hilly topography with some open plains.

Accessed by a Council-maintained gravel road, 15 minutes’drive south of Dalgety and only around an hour’s drive to Thredbo, Perisher and Cooma.

Consisting of mostly decomposed granite soils, with some lighter sandy soils present. Approximately 50 percent timbered, varying in density with trees including apple gum, wattle,

black or native pine and apple box just to name a few.

The property is fenced into three paddocks, with some give and take fence in place. Water supply via two dams (including one spring fed).

In addition to this, other improvements include a comfortable cabin all powered by solar power and with all facilities including a kitchen, bathroom and fireplace (cabin currently not approved as accommodation). Horse yard, chook pen and shipping container with a lean-to.

Extensive views to the north and east for some possible building sites for your holiday getaway or dream house. Perfectly suited for an independent self-sustainable lifestyle capable of running 80-100 sheep or equivalent with some scope to improve on, seasons pending. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Fox Hill goes to online auction on Tuesday May 14, 2024, commencing at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

First time offered for sale in 150 years

ADDRESS: Spring Creek 126 Brooks Road, Berridale, NSW 2628

SPRING Creek is a well established grazing property close to all amenities with good Council road access not far from the highway.

Historically, always extremely conservatively stocked. Some 70 or so acres of lucerne flats yielding high quality fodder reserves for the winter months or simply another income stream if sold, plus a further 60 or so acres of lucerne set aside to finish lambs on.

The current zoning allowing some excellent alternative options for the astute purchaser looking to diversify.

Spring Creek is approximately 855.67 acres of excellent Monaro grazing country situated north-northeast of Berridale.

Bound by Wullwye Creek along part of the south-western boundary and by Spring Creek on part of the northern boundary. Both Wullwye Creek and Spring Creek transect the property providing a stable water supply, in addition to the two spring fed dams, soak and a concrete water tank supplying water to the house, yards and 11 troughs.

Roughly 50 percent of Spring Creek has been improved featuring two highly productive lucerne flats, phalaris, cocksfoot, white clover and red clover.

The balance of the land is mostly native vegetation with most of it having grown back after some improved pastures had run their course.

Spring Creek features a 1941 concrete

block home which had been lived in until two-years-ago, a two stand woolshed, ram shed, two machinery sheds, mains power, landline phone, mobile reception, steel sheep yards, steel cattle yards, four silos, four shelter sheds and is fenced into 21 paddocks.

Currently the property is carrying 20 cows and calves, 450 ewes plus followers and 150 hoggets.

In addition to being a well established grazing property, Spring Creek has the added bonus of falling into two different zonings under the current LEP.

Currently to the west, 50 percent of the property is zoned R5 and the balance to the east is zoned RU1.

Spring Creek, 126 Brooks Road, Berridale, NSW 2628 goes to online auction on Tuesday May 14 2024 at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to acquire quality Monaro grazing country, contact the KMPL team to coordinate your private inspection.

Storybook rural retreat!

ADDRESS: 1923 Bonang Road, Delegate River

ASKING: $700,000

LOCATED in the beautiful Delegate River area this is a rural lifestyle opportunity that should not be over looked.

The property features a weatherboard homestead with four bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, dining and lounge with a wide verandah wrapped around the outside that

allows you to enjoy the beautiful surrounds from multiple vantage points.

The house yard is fenced and contains lovely established gardens as well as an undercover BBQ area, hot house, several garden sheds and a wood shed. The paddocks surrounding the home feature shelter sheds for small animals.

The property is approx 44.07ha/108.89ac and features approx 11ac of cleared country suitable

for livestock and the balance, native timber featuring box, peppermint, mess mate, yellow and black wattle.

The property is well watered by rain water tanks and two dams, one of which is spring fed.

Additional improvements include chicken coop, garage/machinery shed and shearing shed with timber yards.

Start your fairytale here, book your inspection today.

Angus steers reach $1400 lf

By ELDERS COOMA, NUTRIEN COOMA

ELDERS Cooma and Nutrien Cooma held their second weaner calf sale on Wednesday April 17 with more than 5000 cattle yarded. Buyers from NSW, Victoria and a Queensland feedlot were at the rail, including two main commission buyers, all securing plenty of well-bred Monaro cattle.

The 5100 cattle were presented magnificently and a credit to the vendors. Nutrien and Elders thanked the vendors for their continued support.

There were approximately 150 older grown steers penned and sold to a soft trend, with quality a factor on some pens.

The best of the autumn drop Angus steers making $1400 from Lake Bullenbalong.

With an outstanding run of winter/spring drop steers and heifers, the vendors were congratulated on the breeding and presentation.

Weaner steers calves in the $280-360kg weights the standout. Weaners topped at $1360 for a beautiful pen of 89 of Krawaree Pastoral Company, Hazeldean/Karwarree blood and two other stand-out pens were MB Trading and Kia Lake that sold for $1320.

Most of the heavier calves made $1100$1300. As the weight reduced the c/kg stayed consistent with plenty of black calves

SALE: Elders Cooma and Nutrien Cooma held their combined weaner sale last month with agents pleased with the quality on offer and the prices reached.

making $3.60/kg and up to $4 in places.

Heifers started very strongly with one of the features of the sale the 150 of the MB Trading Heifers on offer, which saw strong competition from re-stockers to top the sale for a pen of 23. This made $1325 and the second draft made $1150.

The main run of Angus heifers with weight and breeding ranged from $680-$950 with light heifers making $500-$600.

Nutrien and Elders thanked vendors, buyers, under bidders, truck drivers and yard staff for contributing to the sale.

Cooma CattleMonthlySale

Friday 24th May 2024 Commencing 10am Annual feature store

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Bushfires, biodiversity discussed

A WORKSHOP on fire preparedness and biodiversity has provided a rare opportunity for residents from Cooma and surrounding areas to learn about protecting human life and property from bushfire without undue negative effects on biodiversity.

The workshop was initiated and driven by Friends of North Ridge Reserve and hosted by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) Bushfire Program with support through a grant from Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Spokesperson for Friends of North Ridge Reserve, Graeme Little, said the event was a ‘resounding success’ because of the opportunity local residents had to connect with the people responsible for bushfire preparedness and response in the region.

Participants were provided with high quality information from a range of speakers representing five agencies.

Bushfire response arrangements were clarified by Fire and Rescue NSW Cooma Captain Jimmy Nichols, while Local Land Service’s Jane Tracy highlighted the special fire risks posed in our district by African Lovegrass.

Information on the region’s bushfire risk management plan and Rural Fire Service’s program of fuel reduction in North Ridge Reserve were provided by NSW Rural Fire Service Snowy Monaro District Manager Jim Darrant and RFS regional Hotspots Officer Inspector Phil Paterson.

“Fire management is the responsibility of the entire community and not an individual agency. The workshop was very worthwhile, and I believe there was a realisation that each individual needs to do their bit if fire management is to be successful,” Mr Darrant said.

Lucy Tremain NCC’s Healthy Ecosystem, Program Officer, outlined NCC’s role in the Snowy Monaro and in other bushfire management committees across the state.

Nature Conservation Council’s ecologist, Neale Watson, provided information on the role of fire in our local ecosystems and how solutions for hazard reduction and biodiversity conservation can be synergistic rather than necessarily in conflict.

Nature Conservation Council’s Bushfire Program Coordinator Dr Evelyn Chia, facilitated discussion throughout the workshop.

This allowed local residents to have their questions answered on topics including joint responsibility for hazard reduction, ideal management of asset protection zones and how to protect habitat trees from loss during fires.

Ms Tremain supported throughout the workshop and described the broader work of the NCC Bushfire Program, including their biennial bushfire conference and a range of useful resources.

Feedback from participants showed the event was highly informative and allowed residents to make new connections with each other and with local land managers responsible in the Snowy Monaro region.

BUSHFIRE READY: Almost 30 people attended a bushfire workshop in Cooma. The workshop allowed many local residents living near bushland to learn more about our district’s bushfire risk management plan and ways we can better prepare for bushfire while also doing our best to protect the environment.

Monaro ASH branch working hard

THE Monaro Branch for the Australian Stock Horse Society (ASH) has been busy of late, running their first training day in Cooma, as well as sponsoring a number of local shows.

After being inactive for more than eight years, the branch reformed at the end of 2023 with a small but passionate committee, looking to enjoy and promote the Stock Horse breed and add more events to the equine calendar on the Monaro.

“It’s so great to have our branch up and running, now with the ability to hold events and training days,” branch secretary, Breanna Arnold, said.

“It was a long and delayed path with a few hurdles that popped up, so a big thanks to our committee for hanging in there and helping to get us to this stage.”

The branch offered a training day in early March as an opportunity for riders to practice before the local agricultural shows.

With branch president, Ian Arnold, and vice-president, Holly May Adam working with riders and their horses, the day received positive feedback with participants attending from Berridale, Jindabyne,

Numeralla, Dalgety, Burra and Bemboka.

Following on from the training day, the branch sponsored an encouragement award for the ASH ring at the Cooma and Dalgety Shows.

The encouragement accolade was given to a rider who was competing within the ASH classes at each show and displayed potential for future Stock Horse activities, as well as representing the society in a positive light, as determined by the ring judge.

At Dalgety Show, Brydie Wigg and her young horse Prestige Promise were selected by judge Kate O’Connor.

At Cooma Show, Alyssa Arnold was the recipient, riding Grady’s Gemini, decided under judge Sonya Cash.

“The branch is very pleased to see an increase in the number of Australian Stock Horses competing at the local shows, after recent years had lower entry levels,” Ms Arnold said.

On Saturday May 11 in Cooma, the Monaro branch is offering a clinic with wellknown and experienced ASH competitor and Judge, Rach Schliebs.

Ms Schliebs has ridden at a royal and national

level, and is able to work with riders of all levels and abilities, as well as all disciplines, from team penning and campdrafting, through to showing.

Positions within the group lessons and private lessons are available, though spots are limited. Contact the branch via its Facebook page, Monaro Australian Stock Horse Branch, to book your spot and keep up to date with branch happening, or email monaroashbranch@ gmail.com

PHOTO: Supplied

WINNER: Monaro ASH branch encouragement award recipient at this year’s Cooma Show, Alyssa Arnold riding Grady’s Gemini.

PHOTO: Monaro ASH branch

Prime Time TV Guide May 1–7

WEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAYSUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAY

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Weekend

9.00 Insiders.

Offsiders. 10.30 World

Week. 11.00 Compass.

Praise. 12.00 News.

Landline. 1.30

Aust. 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella.

3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia. 4.40 George

Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

Murders. (M)

After The Party. (M)

Shetland. (M) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+)

The Chase Aust.

Seven News.

Home And Away. (PG)

Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG) 8.30 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. Final. (PG) Hosted by Terry Crews. 10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 The Amazing Race. (PG) 12.30 Fortitude. (MA15+)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 News. 12.00 Movie: Killer Condo. (2022) (M) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

8.30 Movie: Last Vegas. (2013) (M) Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman. Four friends throw a Vegas bachelor party for the last single one among them. 10.40 To Be Advised. 11.40 Autopsy USA: Tom Petty. (M)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members’ Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 1.30 Football. AFL. Round 8. Sydney v GWS Giants. 4.30 Border Security: Int. (PG) 5.00 News.

5.30 Border Security. (PG) 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG)

7.30 Movie: 2012. (2009) (M) John Cusack. 10.40 Movie: Dante’s Peak. (1997) (PG)

6.30 Compass. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) 8.30 After The Party. (MA15+) 9.20 The Luminaries. (M) 10.10 Shetland. (M) 11.10 Savage River. (M)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 House Of Wellness. 1.00 The Salvation Army: Red Shield Appeal. (PG) 1.30 To Be Advised. 4.30 Border Security. (PG) 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.45 The Latest: Seven News. 10.15 Code 1: Minute By Minute. (M) 11.15 Quantum Leap. (PG)

News. 9.00 News. 10.00

11.00 Antiques

Midsomer Murders. 2.30

Back Roads. 3.00 Muster

Dogs. 3.55 Long Lost Family.

4.40 Grand Designs. 5.30

Antiques Roadshow. 6.30

Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story.

Four Corners.

Media Watch. (PG) 9.35 Q+A. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. 11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. 11.40 Planet America.

News. 9.00

A Current Affair.

9News Saturday.

Jeopardy! Australia.

Movie: The Equalizer. (2014) (MA15+) Denzel Washington, Chloë

Moretz.

Movie: City Of Lies. (2018)

What’s Up Down Under.

Leading The Way. 7.00

Deals. 7.30 Escape

8.00 Charming China. 8.30 Farm To Fork. 9.00 Exploring Off The Grid.

Food Trail: South Africa. 10.00 Ready Steady Cook. 11.00 To Be Advised. 1.00

4 Adventure. 2.00 Buy

Build. 2.30 Everyday

Gourmet. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC.

4.00 Ready Steady Cook.

5.00 News. 6.00 The Dog House. (PG) 7.00 The Dog House. 8.00 Ambulance UK. (M) 10.30 To Be Advised. 11.30 Fire Country. (PG)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00

6.00 Mass. 6.30 Key Of David. 7.00 Joseph Prince.

7.30 GCBC. 8.00 Everyday Gourmet. 8.30 Freshly Picked. 9.00 Pooches At Play. 9.30 Buy To Build.

10.00 Healthy Homes. 10.30

Farm To Fork. 11.00 4x4

Adventures. 12.00 To Be

Advised. 1.00 My Market

Kitchen. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Destination

Dessert. 2.30 Hungry. 3.00

Taste Of Aust. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet.

4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30 The Sunday Project. 7.30

MasterChef Aust. 9.00 FBI. 12.00 The Sunday Project.

Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

9-1-1. (M) Athena’s son finds himself in trouble.

6.00 Everyday Gourmet.

6.30 My Market Kitchen.

7.00 Ready Steady Cook.

8.00 Ent. Tonight. 8.30 The Yes Experiment. 9.00 Bold.

9.30 Deal Or No Deal. 10.00 GCBC. 10.30 Judge Judy. 11.00 Dr Phil. 12.00 10 News First: Midday. 1.00 Ent. Tonight. 1.30 To Be Advised. 3.00 GCBC. 3.30

10 News First: Afternoon.

4.00 Neighbours. 4.30 Bold.

5.00 News. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 MasterChef Aust. 8.40 FBI: Most Wanted. 9.35 FBI: Most Wanted. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 Late Programs.

Everyday Gourmet.

6.00 WorldWatch.

9.40 Putin And The West: The Next Chapter. 10.40 SBS News. 11.15 You Shall Not Lie. 12.10 Hidden Assets.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.00 Outta Town Adventures. 11.00 Secret Cities. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. 3.00 Mastermind Aust. 3.35 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 The Great Fire Of London. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Treasures Of Arabia. 8.30 Bettany Hughes Treasures Western Turkey. 9.25 Blue Lights. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 Illegals. 12.00 Miniseries:

News. 7.35 Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure. 9.25 Secrets Of The Lost Liners. (PG) 10.15 SBS News. 10.50 A French Case. Final. 11.50 L’Opera.

Flavour China

9.10 Ageless

10.05 Vintage Voltage. 11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. 11.30

Beyond The Lens. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series. Highlights. 4.00 Wonders Of Scotland. 4.30 Roman Megastructures. 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars.

6.30 News. 7.30 Charles III: The Coronation Year. 9.15 Miniseries: The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family. 10.25 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 1. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Cook Up Bitesize. 10.05 Vintage Voltage. Final. 11.00

Outside: Beyond The Lens. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Ballroom Fit. 1.00 Cycling. National Road Series. Grafton to Inverell. Highlights. 1.30 Motorcycle Racing. ProMX Australian Championship. Round 3. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 1. Highlights. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs.

8.00 WorldWatch. 9.35 Paul

O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs. 10.35 Outta Town Adventures. 11.05 Secret Cities. 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.15 Heritage Rescue. 3.05 Mastermind Aust. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 2. Highlights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. 8.25 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. 9.20 24 Hours

Prime Time TV Guide May 1–7

WEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAYSUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAY

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG) An old flame of Mike’s turns up in Aidensfield.

8.45 Judge John Deed. (M) Judge John Deed faces a challenging dilemma when an Arab sheikh’s driver is charged with murdering a young prostitute.

10.45 Air Crash Investigations. (PG)

11.45 Bargain Hunt.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG)

8.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG) Narrated by Simon Reeve.

8.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. (M) Footage of real life crimes.

10.30 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (M)

11.30 World’s Most Shocking Emergency Calls. (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword. (2017) (M) Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey. A young man discovers his true heritage.

11.00 Seinfeld. (PG)

12.00 Love Island UK. (M)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 As Time Goes By. Jean and Lionel discuss the miniseries.

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M) Barnaby and Scott investigate after a local from Midsomer Mere is found dead with strange burn marks on his head.

10.40 Angel Of Vengeance. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) Bull begins his work with J.P. Nunnelly.

8.30 NCIS. (M) After a deepsea diver is murdered on the job, the team must launch an unorthodox investigation into the crime.

9.25 Hawaii Five0. (MA15+) Steve and Catherine hunt down a killer.

10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M)

Frasier.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. Hosted by Natasha Raskin Sharp.

7.30 Father Brown. (M) Father Brown investigates a train robbery.

8.30 Shetland. (M) Perez returns to his childhood home after the murder of a scientist on the picturesque island of Fair Isle.

11.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (M) 12.00 Father Brown. (M)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG) The staff is offered a 17th-century musketoon and a ’74 Lotus Europa sports car.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 8.

Adelaide v Port Adelaide. From Adelaide Oval.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Movie: Wrath Of The Titans. (2012) (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Survivor 46. (PG)

Hosted by Jeff Probst.

9.00 Movie: Central Intelligence. (2016) (M) Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart. An accountant and a CIA agent work a topsecret case.

11.10 The Nanny. (PG)

11.40 Dating No Filter. (M)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Mega Zoo. (PG)

8.30 West Gate Bridge Disaster: The Untold Stories. (PG) A look at the West Gate Bridge disaster.

9.30 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners: Geas. (M) Takes a look at Freddy Geas.

10.30 Police After Dark. (M)

11.30 The Real Murders Of Orange County. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) The team works a drug trafficking case.

8.30 NCIS. (M) The team and the FBI join forces when the daughter of the Secretary of the Navy is kidnapped.

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M) An officer thinks his girlfriend is a spy.

10.20 Evil. (M) 11.15 48 Hours. (M)

Frasier. (PG)

Neighbours. (PG) 7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

Two And A Half Men.

Alan asks Gretchen for a big commitment.

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG) The railway moves into autumn.

8.30 Escape To The Country. Steve Brown shows some tempting properties to a young couple who want to move to the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. 12.30 The Real Seachange.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG) The team is offered NASA memorabilia.

7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

7.20 Football. AFL. Round 8.

Carlton v Collingwood. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL PostGame Show.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

12.00 GetOn Extra.

7.30 Movie: Toy Story. (1995) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen. A toy cowboy becomes jealous of a new figurine.

9.10 Movie: War With Grandpa. (2020) (PG) Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman. After his grandfather moves in, a boy devises a series of pranks to drive the old man out. 11.05 Dating No Filter. (M)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Take Me Home. (PG) Sue looks after a small lost caboodle.

8.30 Movie: Dog. (2022) (M) Channing Tatum, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Nash. A US Army Ranger travels with a military dog to the funeral of her handler.

10.30 Movie: Magic Mike XXL. (2015) (MA15+) Channing Tatum.

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) A woman is accused of murdering her husband.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Dr Taft experiences the rush of a NCIS case when he is assigned surgical duty on Gibbs’ suspect.

9.25 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M) An astronaut’s death is investigated.

11.15 48 Hours. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan finally comes clean.

10.00 Impractical Jokers. (M)

Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

Frasier. (PG)

Home Shopping.

Heathrow. (PG)

Bondi Vet. (PG)

The Yorkshire Vet. (PG)

Escape To The Country. Sonali Shah is in Staffordshire.

The Yorkshire Vet. (PG)

Escape To The Country.

6.00 Pawn Stars. (PG) Chum and Corey Harrison take a look at a rare Winchester target shooting rifle from the 1800s.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 8. Melbourne v Geelong. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Movie: King Of Thieves. (2018) (M)

7.30 Movie: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. (2015) (M) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson. Katniss tries to assassinate President Snow.

10.10 Movie: Power Rangers. (2017) (M) Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott. Five teenagers must save the planet from evil.

7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 11. ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua. From GIO Stadium, Canberra.

9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. Post-match analysis and interviews.

9.45 Movie: Legend. (2015) (MA15+) Tom Hardy, Taron Egerton. The Kray brothers terrorise London in the ‘60s.

7.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Elimination final. 10.15 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M) The team comes to the aid of a US ambassador whose daughter has gone missing.

Imagine Holidays Iconic Rail Journeys. (PG)

Kath & Kim. (PG) 7.05 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG) 8.45 Endeavour. (M) A barbarous blood-letting in an Oxford museum claims the life of an elderly man. 10.45 Hornby: A Model Empire. (PG) 11.45 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG)

6.00 Border Security: International. (PG) 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 8.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (M)

8.30 Movie: The Bourne Legacy. (2012) (M) Jeremy Renner. A secret agent is hunted by the government.

11.15 Movie: Alex Cross. (2012) (M)

7.30 Movie: Now You See Me. (2013) (M) Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo. An FBI squad pursues a group of illusionists.

9.40 Aussie Lobster Men. (M) Follows six boat captains and their crews as they risk it all in search of the prized Tasmanian rock lobster.

11.40 Who Gets To Be An Influencer? (M)

6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Gran Torino. (2008) (M) Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Christopher Carley. A Korean War veteran sets out to reform a teenage neighbour who tried to steal his prized possession.

11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+)

12.00 Ordinary Joe. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) Harm and Mac clash after a navy psychiatrist is charged with allegedly sending a marine back into battle too soon.

7.30 NCIS. (M) The NCIS agents’ personal plans are interrupted when each of them notices errors in a closed case.

11.15 FBI: Most Wanted. (M) A geology professor is murdered.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Leonard, Raj and Howard do everything in their power to meet Bill Gates. 10.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Jenny is enamoured with a one-night stand. The house comes alive with questionable Christmas carols. 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Stuart starts bringing his new girlfriend home. 8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan and Walden decide to throw Marty a bachelor party after he asks for their permission to marry Evelyn. 10.00 South Park. (M) The boys go to Canada. 10.30 South Park. (MA15+) 12.00 Home Shopping.

Doc Martin. (PG) Bert opens a restaurant.

8.30 Foyle’s War. (M) While trying to solve the murder of a war hero, Foyle also tackles the world of topsecret weapons research.

Railroad Australia:

Versus Wheels. (PG)

Doc Martin. (PG)

Bargain Hunt.

Call The Midwife. (M)

child Cynthia delivered dies suddenly.

A Touch Of Frost. (M) Frost is suspended due to a decade-old case before he can investigate a confessional booth admission of murder.

The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG) 11.40 Bargain Hunt. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. Hosted by Natasha Raskin Sharp.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG)

8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG) Rookie miner Dennis has a bumper day.

9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (M) Follows marine salvage and rescue experts.

Frozen Gold. (PG)

Mountain Men. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG) Jerry thinks about buying a car.

8.30 Movie: V For Vendetta. (2005) (MA15+) Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving. A woman is recruited by a masked freedom fighter to help him bring down a totalitarian government.

11.10 Seinfeld. (PG)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) A masked man stabs a woman in her home.

8.40 Harry Wild. (M) Harry enlists her granddaughter, Lola, to go undercover at a girls’ school in pursuit of a bank robber.

10.40 Agatha Christie’s Ordeal By Innocence. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) The team goes to San Diego.

7.30 Bull. (M) Benny represents a man charged with murder.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Tony’s identity is stolen by multiple perpetrators who start blackmailing senators.

10.20 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M) The team helps find a missing officer.

11.15 Evil. (M)

Frasier. (PG)

Neighbours. (PG)

The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

The Big Bang Theory. (M)

Two And A Half Men. (M) Lyndsey returns after 60 days in rehab.

The Neighborhood.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG) 7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG) 8.30 Aussie Truck Rehab. (PG) Jon Kelly’s judgment comes under question.

9.30 Mega Mechanics. (PG) The mechanics fight looming deadlines.

10.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M)

11.30 American Wreckers. (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG) Jerry critiques an actor.

8.30 Movie: The Matrix. (1999) (M) Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne. A computer hacker learns about the true nature of reality from a group of mysterious rebels.

11.15 Seinfeld. (PG)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 New Tricks. (M) A brewer’s murder is investigated.

8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (M) Someone tries to kill a prominent politician.

10.40 A Wedding And A Murder. (MA15+)

11.40 New Amsterdam. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) A Vietnam veteran’s remains are found.

7.30 Bull. (M) The district attorney’s office asks Bull to assist them in their prosecution of a fraternity.

9.25 FBI. (M) Kristen wrestles with her commitment to the Bureau after a shooting at a nightclub.

11.15 48 Hours. (M)

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 What is a loose, sleeveless cloak (6)

7 Name a large heavy kind of terrier (8)

8 How many disciples were sent to preach the gospel (6)

9 What is a numbat (8)

11 What are shooting stars known as (7)

13 What is the use of an enclosure, as in lading or unlading cattle at a railway station (7)

15 Which musical directions suggest “in a leisurely manner” (7)

17 Name a unit of magnetic flux (7)

20 Which instrument measures the distance passed over by a motor vehicle (8)

23 To be condemned, is to be what (6)

24 What are cartilages also called (8)

25 Who is one to whom a lease is granted (6)

DOWN

1 Tom Sawyer’s friend was known as Huckleberry ... (4)

2 What is a non-historical story handed down by tradition (6)

3 Name a unit of power (4)

4 What is a base unit of measurement of length (5)

5 Who are the daughters of one’s sisters (6)

6 Name a very renowned tennis player, Rod ... (5)

9 What is a temporary refuge granted to political offenders (6)

10 Name a town in central Queensland, west of Blackwater (7)

12 Which spacesuit device detects a change in some function of the wearer (6)

14 What are Hindu religious teachers called (6)

E-QUATIONS

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

16 What is an area of a city in which a minority group lives in conditions of poverty (6)

18 Name the positive pole of a battery (5)

19 Name the official Canberra residence of the Prime Minister of Australia (5)

21 Columbus is the capital of which US State (4)

22 What is a sharp-pointed duelling sword (4)

MINI WORD FIND

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

WHICH WORDS

1 NEOTERIC

a) Of recent origin

b) Sorrow-lulling

c) Newly-born

2 ORNITHIC

a) Serving to adorn

b) Relating to birds

c) Full and round in utterance

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Antonym: miss (3)

Australian marsupial (coll) (3)

Belief (5)

Sheep (7)

Cowboy skills competition (5)

Cut off (5)

Search engine reduction (3)

Separates into parts (7)

Wading bird (5)

Web (3)

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

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Cooma busking heats reach worldwide audience

THE Monaro’s community radio, 2MNO, was heavily involved in the Cooma heat of the Australian National Busking Championships when it broadcast live on Saturday April 27.

From a marquee set up near the main stage in Centennial Park, the station broadcast performances and interviews from 9am until around 3pm.

Presenters David Browne and Kerry Rooney were the anchors for the broadcast. Of the 18 buskers participating in the heat, eight participated in an on air interview and performed live for 2MNO. The event with the live performances and interviews was broadcast live locally and on the worldwide web.

Snowy Monaro Mayor Chris Hanna and the chair of the Community Chest, Marnie Stewart, were also interviewed.

The buskers interviewed were The K Brothers, Taylah Baines, Em & Pais, John Curran, Tilly Rose, Wren & Crow, Chris Wright and Jules Winter (Julia Clancy).

After 2pm, the 2MNO broadcast was connected to the main stage sound system where some live performances were broadcast and concluded with the awards presentation. The stations technician Harry Salmella did a wonderful job ensuring the many technical requirements on the day ran smoothly and ensured the live performances were professionally broadcast.

Laylah’s musical and singing

PHOTO: Karen Forman

BUSKING: John Curran performs

PHOTO: Kerry Rooney

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

of Cooma Country Club.

11am, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Cooma Country and Bowling Club

Several important items to discuss, all members are asked to attend. Mick Mayhew, President.

Phone: (02) 6452 0318

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Adaminaby Bowling and Sports Club. May 18, 2024 at 12noon.

At the Club. All financial members are welcome to attend.

CLASSIFIEDS (02) 6452 0318

Notice of Intention to 1080 Bait Wild Dogs and Foxes

Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) will be conducting an ongoing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) ground baiting program for the control of Wild dogs and Foxes from the May 13, 2024 to October 31, 2024. This program may include the use of 1080 meat baits and Canid Pest Ejectors.

The program is part of a regional management strategy to control wild dogs and foxes using baits containing 1080 poison.

The areas covered in the plan include Bondi SF No. 128, Coolangubra SF 547, Nalbaugh SF No. 129, Craigie SF 1069, Glen Allen SF No. 1031, Glenbog SF No. 149, and Towamba SF No. 908. For further information or enquiries please contact the FCNSW Bombala Management Area Office on (02) 6459 5200.

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Make a positive impact by transforming lives through intervention Permanent, Full-time Clerk Grade 5/6 – $93,295 to $102,941 pa plus Superannuation and Annual Leave Loading

Existing Ongoing Opportunity/s and Talent Pool for future opportunities across NSW within our Correctional Centres and

We are looking for individuals with: A knowledge and understanding of the transitional factors affecting offenders and their families.

Demonstrated ability and experience in assessment, case management and intervention with clients with complex welfare, and alcohol/ drug related needs.

Demonstrated ability and/or experience in delivering groupbased interventions.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of alcohol and other drug dependence and evidenced based interventions.

Closing Date: 5 May 2024

To apply, visit jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au and quote job reference number: 66490

For more information about the role, please contact the Hiring Manager Debbie Collum via email at debbie.collum@dcj.nsw.gov.au

For application enquiries or support please contact: Talent Acquisition Consultant – Tamara Duffy on Tamara.Duffy@dcj.nsw.gov.au or 0482 665 139.

Communities and Justice LP2182

COOMA CRASH REPAIRS

are seeking an

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

to join our team full time.

The person in this position will support our busy team to ensure that customers’ expectations are exceeded.

As the ‘first point of contact’, you will provide exceptional administration service and contribute to the smooth running of the office and workshop.

Responsibilities:

Booking by email Booking by

• Efficient administration of all office related duties, including O’Brien Glass administration.

• First point of contact with customers, including office reception and answering of telephones.

• Schedule estimate appointments and prepare repair orders and updating of customer details.

• Schedule windscreen bookings, order windscreens.

• Advise relevant estimator when client arrives for vehicle pick up.

• Ensure clients kept up to date on progress of repairs.

Requirements:

• Minimum Certificate III or IV in Business Administration or equivalent and proven experience within a similar fast-paced position.

• Previous experience in a similar position or within the automotive industry desirable.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.

• A high degree of organisational skills, with the ability and initiative to work undirected and in a high-pressure environment.

Most importantly, we’re looking for an individual with a strong work ethic and fit for our team culture with a commitment to providing exceptional administration services.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining your suitability for the position in reference to the above criteria. For further information or to apply, email Margie Bauer admin@coomacrash.com.au Applications close when the right person is found.

EMPLOYMENT

HR FUEL TANKER DRIVER

Bombala Depot base

• Work/life balance Mon to Fri

• Entry into fuel industry

• Delivering bulk fuel to regional customers

• All required training provided Requirements:

• HR Truck licence and exp

• Safety focus

• Knowledge of manual handling

• Strong work ethic

• DG Licence desirable Call Yvonne on 0487 385 887 for more information Apps to jobs@hrwithease.com Application closes, Wednesday, May 15, 2024

EMPLOYMENT

Casual Staff Wanted

The Town Club in Berridale is seeking BAR STAFF

General bar work

No experience necessary on the job training available

Hours from 2.30pm to about 9pm

Approximately 3 to 4 shifts per week

Must have RSA and RCG competency card or be prepared to obtain

Contact Macca c/- the Town Club on 0418 475 131

HEAVYVEHICLEDIESEL

MECHANIC

We are seeking a qualified Mechanic to oversee the maintenance of our truck fleet, trailers and company vehicles in Cooma and Canberra. Above award wages.

Formoredetailspleasecontact: Marco:0427310241or

Mark:0427310441 Oremailsales@monarofreight.com.au

CLEARING SALE

SALE

AVAN

555

CLEARING SALEPRELIMINARY NOTICE

Account: ‘Est of Phillip Rumph’

‘Wyandra’ Wyandra Road, Mt Cooper Ando, NSW

May 18, 2024

Start 10am onsite.

Inspections from 9am

Further details to be advised in coming weeks

Outside entries welcome. Please contact Damien with item details

Drivers Licence/ID required to register to bid. Cash or Eftpos payment on day

agents: Nutrien Cooma

Roach

SALE

Saturday 11th May 2024

Park”

rake, scarifier, post hole digger), Weed spray unit 200L on trailer, Weed spray unit 60 L for quad bike, 20 Ton log spliter, Fencing materials, Stock water troughs x 4, Old shearing fly wheel (belt driven), Lamb marking cradle, Heiniger shearing plant motors x 2, Wool table, AJAX wool press, Old set scales, Old hydraulic wood spliter, Wheelie garbage bins x 4, Vehicles/ trailers - Yamaha 4 wheel bike (Moto 4), Holden Colorado Ute (2008, 158, 000km, 3L turbo with canopy), Stock crate to fit above ute, 10’ x 6’ box trailer (made to fit ATV), CF Motor all-terrain vehicle (4WD, 172 hours, mileage 1159.8km), Artic Cat all-terrain 4x4, Tallon 22CC, 6 x 4 trailer (no rego), Hillman Arrow Machinery/ Tools - Petrol blower-vacuum, Stihl Chainsaw Farm Boss plus accessories, GV35 Honda 4 stroke whippersnipper, Toro Ride on Mower (2 stroke 4200TF Time cuter ‘42’), Assorted electrical tools, Tool box, Socket set, Spanners, Assorted tools, Sthil RE108 Pressure cleaner,Water pump x 2, Industrial overlocker Household and Building - Weber BBQ, Beefeater BBQ (needs parts), Panasonic TV, Water tank 23, 000L (Not used), Roofing iron sheets, Guttering, Household furniture, Fridge/Freezer (excellent condition), Lounge 3-seater, 2 x armchairs plus accessory, Recliner chair, Late Victorian China Cabinet, Late Victorian Mercury glass vase, Filing cabinets x 2, Janome overlocker, Treadmill, Upright freezer, American oak dining chairs x 6, Wooden filing cabinet, Tall boy, Extending dining table x 2, 2 seater lounge, Set of draws (3 draws), Queen bed, Double bed, Kitchenette cabinet (dresser), 1930’s antique dining table & 6 chairs, Cabinet, Assorted household items, tools and antiques Old Farm Machinery and Cars/Scrap Metal -Husqvarna DRT to Rotary Hoe, Masport Home Gardner Rotary, Scrap metal, Old car bodies, Rotary hoes various models, and So much more!

Inspections: 8am | Auction: 9am

MATTSSON, Otto Carl Timothy.

Affectionately known as “Tim” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Canberra Hospital.

Formerly of Adina Place, Cooma. Aged 83 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Dorothy. Father to Andrew, Susan, Robert (dec), Lee-Anne, Anthony and Belinda. Father-in-law to Mark and Bill.

Adored Pop to Tiffany, Timothy, Tenarra, Kirsty-Lee, Eyllssa, Chloe, Bradley, Jacob, Aaron, Tyler, Demi, Mitchel, Ara, Ryan (dec) and Annilise and eight great grandchildren.

The relatives and friends of the late Otto Carl Timothy Mattsson are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Cooma, on Tuesday May 7, 2024 commencing at 11am. After which a private cremation will follow.

SATURDAY promises to be one of the great days on the Cooma rugby calendar as the club’s two junior sides and senior side play at home. The junior Red Devils have formed an under 10s team, much to the club’s excitement. The under 10s, 14s and seniors will take to Rotary

Josh McDonald has been one of the Red Devils best this season.

PRESSURE: The Cooma Red Devils will be looking for a big effort from their forwards when the side play Batemans Bay on Saturday at Rotary Oval.

Flying start for junior Heelers

THE Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Football Club have started their season in style with impressive performances across all sides.

The junior Heelers welcomed the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs in round one of the Group 16 junior competition on Saturday, hosting some excellent games in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

proved a very successful day of competition for the older Blue Heeler juniors.

Games in the younger age groups are played for enjoyment and to build skills, they are not scored. But it

Bombala drew in under 10s league tag 22-all; in under 11s Bombala won 32-14; under 12s league tag Bombala won 12-6; Bombala under 16s league tag won 38-4.

Charli Smith enjoys a fine game for the under 16 league tag side.

Trying to avoid be tagged is Bombala’s Harper Stewart.

Cody Greenfield attempts a conversion kick for the under 11 side.

Paige Kimber is hard to catch during the under 10 league tag team’s drawn match.

Ned Morgan-Litchfield uses his speed to beat a defender.

Off and running towards the tryline is James Jeffreys.

Pippa Tonks makes valuable metres for the junior Heelers under eight league tag team.

FOOTY: Harry Thornton runs the ball for the Bombala Junior Heelers under seven side.

PHOTO: Bombala Heelers Junior RLFC

Thredbo MTB Park celebrates another successful season

THREDBO has officially wrapped up its 2023-24 Mountain Biking (MTB) season with riders enjoying their last laps on Sunday April 28, with the resort announcing that it will re-open to riders on November 16, 2024.

It was another incredibly successful season at Thredbo MTB Park with huge rider numbers, record-breaking events and a consistently positive guest experience.

MTB Business Manager, Tim Windshuttle said that this MTB season at Thredbo was a testament to the bright future of mountain biking in Australia.

“Thredbo MTB Park has really grown into a worldclass mountain biking destination now. With Australia’s only lift-accessed MTB trails, the country’s biggest MTB events and all the recent trail development, we’re incredibly proud to offer such a high-quality MTB experience right here in the Snowy Mountains,”

“With the Australian MTB community continuing to grow and strengthen, we saw increased participation in all our MTB events this season including the Cannonball MTB Festival, Interschools and Thredbo

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

THE Monaro Family Support Service charity golf day has raised thousands of dollars to support a sensory garden at the organisation’s Hill Street (Cooma) location.

The Cooma Golf Club and

Gravity Series. It’s awesome to watch this sport continue to take flight in Australia with Thredbo as the home of downhill racing,” said Mr Windshuttle.

Closing celebrations drew in big rider numbers across the weekend, offering a huge line-up of riding, racing and live music. On Saturday, the final round of

the Thredbo Gravity Series presented by Fox took over the MTB Park. The famous Maxxis Chainless Champs event saw competitors get in costume and hit the course for a hilarious yet heated race before enjoying presentations, a fashion parade and a Closing Party at the Schuss Bar with a set from DJ FIN. On Sunday, every-

one took to the trails to get in their last laps before the MTB Park officially closed for another season.

Thredbo MTB Park is excited to announce that it will be debuting a range of exciting developments to complement the expanding trail network next season.

Two new sections of trail accessed by the Kosciuszko

Chairlift are set to give riders more variety and options on that popular side of the bike park.

Other exciting upgrades include a huge realignment on the Kosciuszko Flow moving some of the trail off the open ski slopes and into the trees, a new small section of trail on the Lower All-Mountain trail as well as

massive rebuilds on existing trails including Kosciuszko Flow, All-Mountain and Grasshopper.

An exciting new intermediate jumps trail will also open in 2025 with some further major trail developments to be announced soon.

Charity golf day supports sensory garden

Leed Engineering, along with dozens of golfers and businesses, supported the charity event. The golf day is one of the MFSS major fundraisers.

The overall winners on Saturday were David Crawford from Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club (former Cooma golfer), Terry Schofield and Peter Ewart with an incredible 53.333 nett.

In second place were Mary Obermaier, Jason Harris and Matthew Crawford from Queanbeyan Golf Club with 56.167 nett. Third place went to Jamie Stevenson, Nick Moon and Jonathon Clark with 57 nett, while fourth spot was claimed by Steve Summerville, Chris Fitzgerald

and Sean Smith with 57.833 nett.

In the long drive prizes, Matthew Hanna won A Grade, Ben Rolfe took out B Grade, Tom Russell claimed C Grade, Ben Kelly won the non-handicap and Angela Andrews won the Ladies.

In the nearest the pins, Alan Kelly won the fourth (it very nearly went in), Paul Dyball won the ninth, David Douglass claimed hole 11 and Matthew Hanna was closes on hole 17.

On Sunday, there was a good turnout for the stableford competition. Although the morning was quite cool and crisp after the overnight frost, it soon warmed up and turned out to be a beautiful day for golf.

Gino Cerro was the overall winner with 39 points followed by runner-up Matthew Crawford from Queanbeyan Golf Club with 38 points.

Balls went to Angela Andrews, Steven Wheatley, Brian Searl, Frank McKnight, Helen Crawford, Jeffrey Burgess, David Stewart and Mark Burke.

Nearest the pin on the ninth went to Jason Harris.

In last week’s midweek stableford there was a fantastic field of golfers and Peter Ewart was the overall winner with 36 points.

The A Grade winner was Mark Rainsford, B Grade went to Ken McGrath and the C Grade winner was Jennifer Harris from Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.

Balls went to Colin Langdon, Andreas Geach, Steve Ganitis, Claire Caldwell, Neil Mackenzie, Steven Wheatley and Terry Schofield. Nearest The Pin on the ninth went to Mark Kelly and on hole 17 to David Stewart.

This Saturday is the monthly medal and Sunday’s competition is a stableford. The midweek competition is the midweek monthly medal.

Jamie Stevenson, Nick Moon and Jonathan Clark finish third. They receive a prize from Ms Eastaway (second right), Ms Cook (far right) and a Leed representative (second left).

PHOTO: Cooma Golf Club

In second place is Jason Harris, Mary Obermaier and Matthew Crawford with Leed engineering, Ms Eastaway and Ms Cook. PHOTO: Cooma Golf Club

A Leed engineering representative joins Gail Eastaway of the MFSS, winners of the charity day Terry Schofield, Peter Ewart and Dave Crawford (absent) and MFSS CEO Pauline Cook. PHOTO: Cooma Golf Club

SUPPORT: Leed Engineering has become a mainstay of the Monaro Family Support Service and Monaro Early Intervention Service charity golf days.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

CLOSED: Hundreds flock to Thredbo to get in their last laps of the Mountain Bike season as they eagerly await for November.

PHOTO: Thredbo Media.

STRONG: Matt Jones had an outstanding game and was a strength in the middle.

Bushpigs reach 80, again

FOR the second round in a row, the Jindabyne Bushpigs have reached 80-points in another dominant showing.

The premiers raced in 12-tries in front of their home supporters, their first game at John Connors Oval for the season.

There were no signs the Jindabyne side would slow down come round two, following their impressive opening round match against Cooma.

Boasting an already big points differential of 145, the Bushpigs are leading the competition. They face ADFA on Saturday in Canberra.

Finn Chatten on the charge and setting up a try.

Bega out bowl Cooma in Pennants

AFTER a strong win against Merimbula number fours last week, Cooma did not have the skill to match Bega number threes last Sunday.

All players complimented the new grass on the Dave Povey green however, Bega won two of the three matches. Only team Buckley could win for Cooma.

Rink 2. The Bega four beat Cooma’s Butler, Snell, Gray and Venables. Cooma got in front on the 18th end (14-18), but lost the last three ends (0-7). Final score 25-19.

Rink 3. Cooma’s team of Cannell, Mathew, Hunter and Roberson ran into a very strong team skippered by Howard Blacker. Bega led 21-5 after 15 ends and matched Cooma’s fightback to win 30-13.

Rink 4. Marsicano, Menchin and D & M Buckley had their third win of the pennants competition with a consistent performance against the Bega bowlers. Cooma led all the way, 12-8 after ten ends, 19-12 after sixteen ends and then, winning 23-18.

Next Sunday, Cooma host Merimbula number threes in the final pennant match.

STORTA AND VENABLES ARE PAIRS FAVOURITES

After the semi-finals of the club pairs championships, Mel Storta and Geoff Venables are playing outstanding bowls and, as a result, they are winning by big margins.

Last week, they led 23-2 midway through the match with Mick Mayhew and Phil Hunter.

With precision draw bowls, Mel and Geoff went on to win 36-10 in a very convincing fashion.

SOCIAL BOWLS APRIL 24

Rink 2. Newcomer Debbie Hay was lead for Bruce Stewart and Don Menchin and they won six of the last seven ends against Mick Boyce, Ines Rees and Grant Tilbrook. The former won 26-11.

Rink 3. Renate Winckel (swing lead), Peter Harris and Stephen Bowerman led all the match against Renata, Mary Bowerman and Kevin Jackson, 13-9.

Rink 4. Kathy Venables and Ken Rees had a very close encounter with Dianne Wilkins and Bob Douglass. Kathy and Ken scored four on the last end to force a draw, 14-14.

PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW

C Robertson / D Menchin vs. M Butler / R Venables

M Storta / G Venables vs. winner of above The singles championship draw

Try time for Mitch Thrum.

Jackson Stewart led the attack across the field.

PHOTOS: Steve Cuff

Stallions use heritage round as inspiration for tough victory

By DAVID BRISON

ON a beautiful late April day at the Cooma Showground, the Cooma Fillies and Stallions first grade sides took on the Bombala High Heelers and Blue Heelers.

This was Cooma’s heritage round, honouring our winning 1984 first grade side, coincidentally also against the Blue Heelers.

As part of the day it was great to see so many of the 1984 team turn up to present the current first grade side with their jerseys which they did at half time in the league tag game.

It was also great to see the Cooma Colts under 12 to under 16 junior girls league tag teams put on an exhibition game before the start of the day and the under five to eight boys put on an exhibition game between the main games.

Despite a strong start from Stallions forwards Will Tutai and Will Cahill, the Blue Heelers centre Nick Thomas was first to score with their half back Alex Rosten converting, 0-6.

Pressing their tryline and a dropped Cooma pass was regathered by our fullback Keegan Caldwell who ran

across the field, stopped, danced on the spot, came back towards the posts and accelerated through a small gap and scored. Half Nick Zusak converted, 6-6.

Bombala got a bit of possession but solid defence from forwards Todd Williams and Richard Bensley as well as some great high ball catching by Caldwell and winger Jake Clare kept our line intact.

Winger Kristian Zusak proved how elusive he can be, breaking out of several tackles and making a gain of about 40 metres before he was finally grounded.

Quick hands saw the ball travel across the field and then back and Kristian was rewarded with a try right out on the right edge. Brother Nick converted from the sideline, 12-6.

Not to be outdone, the Heelers made good ground.

Winger Clare saved a try, but moments later Heeler Bailey Jones was over from dummy half. Rosten converted,12-12.

Stallions captain-coach Steve Dunn came onto the field for his first stint of the season and made an immediate impact driving up the middle of the ruck and un-

loading a pass in traffic to fullback Caldwell who was over for his second try. Zusak converted for an 18-12 half time score.

After the resumption, a strong Dunn carry got the Stallions good field position, but a couple of silly penalties enabled the Heelers to again mount pressure.

Kristian Zusak defused a high ball and brother Nick was able to get us rolling down field. Forward Bensley was over for a try but an obstruction was called.

Moments later and the Stallions attacked again with five eight Levita Levita put-

ting up a nicely weighted high ball and centre Brock Halls using his height advantage plucked the ball out of the air and scored. Zusak converted, 24-12.

A short time later and Nick Zusak showed how difficult he is to tackle, scoring a neat solo effort try and converted, 30-12.

With only one player left on their bench Bombala again showed that they were not going to go away without a good fight and their winger scored out wide.

Rosten converted from the sideline for a final score of 30-18.

A hard-fought game between old rivals Cooma and Bombala and a fitting tribute to the hard won 1984 grand final.

Three points and players’ player to Nick Zusak, two to Keegan Caldwell and one to Richard Bensley.

Next Sunday sees Cooma at home to the Moruya Sharks on Sunday May 5. Kick off of the Fillies is anticipated for 11am with first grade at 2pm.

The Lucky Joker at the Cooma Hotel next Saturday evening, drawn at 7pm, is now up to $10000 with only four cards unturned.

Slick High Heelers outpace committed Fillies

By DAVID BRISON

THE Cooma Fillies started off strongly with good runs by captain Ruby Barnes and Jess Clarke.

The High Heelers Sam Stewart intercepted a pass, ran and drew the defence before passing to Patrice Clear who scored from inside their own half, 0-4 after a couple of minutes.

Moments later and Clear ran around our defence and again scored a long range try, 0-8.

The Fillies in a good passage of play forced a line drop out on the Heelers but slick play saw the Heelers break through again and only a desperate tag by Lucy Moroney prevented another try. Nevertheless, Brylie Stewart was over for

the Heelers shortly afterwards, 0-14.

After a penalty to the Fillies, a good passage of play broke down with a pass over the sideline, so no joy there for a half time score of 0-14.

After the break, Jess Clarke got a quick try for the Fillies and Barnes converted, 6-14.

After that the High Heel-

ers got on a roll, and despite Cooma often being in the opposition half they scored when Rachel Babidge ran around the Fillies and converted her own try, 6-20.

Heidi Brownlie scored a 95 m intercept try, 6-24. Cooma had a strong passage with Ruby and Jess combining to pass to Maddi Banks who was tagged just short of their line. Patrice

Clear then ran 70m to score, 6-30.

Bryanna Wittig saved another try from a winger breaking through (who did a neat in and away which Wittig didn’t fall for) but moments later Maree Coates scored from 40 m out, 6-36 and just on full time Lily Hampshire scored and Babidge converted from the sideline for a final

score of 6-42.

The score did not reflect the hard work and generally solid effort of the Fillies, but it did reflect the ability of the Heelers to capitalise on their breaking the line and the importance of speed from their players.

Three points and players’ player to Jess Clarke, two to Ruby Barnes and one to Lucy Moroney.

Stallions fullback Keegan Caldwell is at his best during the heritage round clash.

Bombala Heeler Jone Waqaliva looks to burst through the Stallions defence.

Tom Hampson charges forward for the Stallions.

HERITAGE: Stallions

stalwart Todd WIlliams leads the side out for the heritage round clash.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Jindabyne NSTC hosts FUTURES Camp

YOU know the domestic season is just around the corner when the National Sports and Training Centre (NSTC) pre-season FUTURES takes place.

Thirty-six participants aged 12-16 headed to Jindabyne over the weekend where they were given an insight into the work that goes into making an athlete and what they need to do to sustain their performance when they are not on snow. The camp was open to all disciplines which helped bring together a wide array of clubs and participants.

Snow Australia FUTURES program has a vision to inspire the next generation of snowsport competitors by offering unique opportunities for participants to engage with high-performance ath-

letes, staff, and facilities. There were two acro and airbag sessions each day along with strength and conditioning sessions run by Layne Flannery to teach the athletes the fundamentals of athlete development outside of skill progression, body movement fundamentals and exercises they can begin to work on as they begin to take skiing/snowboarding more seriously.

The camp was led by Leon Tarbotton (Freeski High Performance Coach), Cam Waddell (Freeski NSWIS Athlete), Ben Mates ( Two time Olympian Snowboard Halfpipe) and Adam Lambert (Two time Olympian Snowboard Cross)

Lambert and Waddell gave participants an insight into

their day-to-day competition days and training schedules throughout the southern season in an interactive Q&A session where participants learnt the value of preparation, how it benefits performance as well as understanding the workload that is required to be a professional snowsports athlete.

“The camp was a great success with skiers and snowboarders from all disciplines benefitting from the use of the facilities and resources available at the NSTC,” Johnny Lipzker, Snow Australia Sport Development Coordinator, said.

“This was the first time we’ve run this camp at the NSTC and it has proven to be an extremely valuable experience for the participants.

Golfers find scoring hard during monthly medal

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

THE Sunday monthly medal stroke round at Coolamatong Golf Club was won by Nigel Emery with a fine 70 nett, the only golfer on the day to better his handicap.

Laurie Whitehead placed second with an honest 71 nett score continuing his good form.

There were several people with mid seventy scores, an indication the course may not have been playing its easiest despite nice golfing weather.

In A grade, Laurie Whitehead recorded 71 nett, Ben Dutch 73, with Gregg Quinn and Alan Butterworth both on nett 74.

Nigel Emery was the C grade winner with 70 and Roy Gabriele 74 nett.

Jan O’Halloran returned to the ladies’ winner’s circle with a nice 75 nett in the stroke event on a countback from Michelle White. Donna Tuckwell was third with 77 nett.

The overall monthly medal winners progressing to the end of the year round from both Sunday and Wednesday rounds were Jan O’Halloran, Michelle White, Nigel Emery and Stephen Jermyn.

Sunday near pins for the men were third hole Michael Thoms, hole 15 Nigel Emery and hole 17 Dave Douglas.

The ladies near pins on

In B grade, Jason Christie shot 72 beating Tim Caldwell on a countback. Dave Douglas had 75 as did Rainer Beissner.

Sunday were Jan O’Halloran on the third hole, Michelle White captured two on the eighth and 15 and Kylie Woodcock on hole 17.

In Wednesday’s round Stephen Jermyn shot 71 to edge out Ken Kable in a countback.

Carolyn Major won Wednesday’s ladies with 76 nett from Kylie Woodcock 78 and Louise Hendriks 79 nett.

Members should note Wednesday May 8 into their calendar when the Town Club Restaurant re-opens.

Chef Morgan and wife Lena will be operating Wednesday to Saturday for the winter season and have a great menu.

Members and visitors are all welcome, including for Friday night meat raffles.

Douch wins R.Brown Trophy

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

Thursday April 25, ANZAC Day, members played a stableford for Club Trophy.

Ind. Acc.

The winner was Ray Crawford with 30 points from Neil Thompson 29 points.

Nearest the pin was not won. Golden shot to Wayne Elton.

Saturday the event was a stableford playing from the ladies tees and their Index for the Late C. Elton Trophy.

It appears Brendan Weston prefers the ladies tees, it was the best round he has had for a while winning the trophy with 44 points from Ray Crawford 42 points,

Ray Fermor, Leon Jones and Wayne Elton all on 41 points seems they enjoyed the ladies tees also.

Nearest the pin on hole 17 was Brendan Weston. Golden shot Wayne Elton.

Sunday members played a Par for R. Brown Trophy.

Our winner didn’t let the soreness and broken toe, result of football, effect his game .

Daniel Douch came in the winner on + 1 from Pepper Thompson and Steve Tatham – 1.

Nearest the on the 17th Mick Shannon. Golden Shot Leon Jones.

Our Pennant team trav-

elled to Coolamatong for the first round of the Pennants.

Nimmitabel defeated Bombala 3/2.

Coolamatong defeated Jindabyne. Program for the week.

Ladies

Wednesday May 1- Stableford. Club Trophy.

Members

Saturday May 4 - Please note change to program Saturday Stableford. Club Trophy. Ind. Acc. Pennants at Bombala.

Sunday May 5 - Four-ballbest-ball stableford. (Draw) Murphy’s Transport and Bombala Electrical Trophies.

ATHLETES: Thirty-six participants travel to Jindabyne for the pre-season FUTURES camp at the Nation Sports and Training Centre.

PHOTO: Snow Australia

1984 PREMIERSHIP SIDE REUNITE TO CELEBRATE MILESTONE

Heritage round lifts Stallions

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE year 1984 will long be remembered in Cooma Stallions folklore.

The club won its rst Group 16 premiership following a tough encounter against Monaro rivals, Bombala- Delegate.

Forty years on, the club has celebrated this premiership as part of its heritage

round clash against Bombala.

With players from the 1984 side watching on, the current rst grade squad rose to the occasion to defeat the Bombala Blue Heelers 36-18.

Past players presented the 2024 side with heritage jerseys, each with the names of the 1984 side on the back. Stallions lock forward

Richard Bensley donned the number 13 jersey, worn by Cooma captain/coach Mick Tilse in 1984. Bensley produced an inspired performance, an e ort Tilse, who travelled from Scone for the celebrations, was surely proud of.

There was a strong showing from the 1984 side who came together to share stories and reminisce about

one of the greatest years in Stallions history.

The Stallions 1983 side had finished with the wooden spoon but a renewed attitude and handy additions to the 84 squad saw the side back to the top of the ladder.

A classic grand nal, played to a high quality, saw the Stallions edge out Bombala-Delegate 12-9.

There were many more points scored in Saturday’s clash as the Stallions overcame a committed Heelers side.

The visitors scored rst before Stallions fullback Keegan Caldwell bounced out of a number of would-be tackles to score.

With just a minute before half time, both sides had registered two tries each.

A strong run from Stallions captain/coach Steve Dunn led to Caldwell’ second try in the opening 40-minutes. The second half was again an even a air but the Stallions buoyed on by their home crowd managed to pull away to an 18-point win.

The win places the Stallions in the top four, with two wins from three matches.

■ Read more on page 38

REUNITED: Players from the Cooma Stallions 1984 premiership celebrate heritage round with the club marking 40-years since its first Group 16 title. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Richard Bensley wears the number 13 jersey with Mick Tilse’s name on the back. Tilse captain/coached the Stallions to the 1984 premiership.

CONNECTOR ROAD LAND

LOCAL BUSKERS STAR

Record numbers as Jindabyne reflects

By KAREN FORMAN

JINDABYNE’s

ANZAC

Day services attracted record crowds, with hundreds of people gathering at Banjo Patterson Park at dawn and midmorning to honor service personnel who have fought for Australia’s freedom since the Gallipoli landing on April 25 1915 through to the present day.

Commanding O cer

723 Sqn RAN LTCOL Patrick Shadel delivered the commemoration address at both services, telling the crowds that ANZAC Day was not a celebration, but a commemoration and a tribute.

“We gather as always not to glorify war but to remember who were there and those who have followed,” he said. A crowd of hundreds gathered in sub zero temperatures in the dark at the Jindabyne cenotaph for one of the biggest dawn services in memory. The sun rose as wreaths were laid, traditional ANZAC tunes The Last Post and Reveille were played and a minute’s silence was observed.

■ Read more on page 7.

Photos from the region’s services on pg 16 and 17.

BEARS ROAR TO LIFE

SPORT

made, or risk the possibility of being placed into administration.

budget Services slashed

By NATHAN THOMPSON

JOB losses, reduced library hours and disbanding its donations program, are just a few of the services and functions Snowy Monaro Regional Council plans to slash in e orts to improve its nancial position.

An extraordinary meeting will be held on Thursday as Council places its dra budget and operational plan on public exhibition.

The proposed plans have been released in Council’s business paper for the Thursday meeting, and they show signicant cutbacks.

If the documents are placed on community consultation in their current state, ratepayers will be asked to consider whether they want to see the scope of Council’s economic development team reduced, and its youth services, community development, and donations/ sponsorship programs axed.

Council’s arts and culture committee is proposed to be cut, the Cooma Library closed on Saturdays outside of school holidays, the mobile library taken o the road and a $300,000 saving by limiting the scope of the biosecurity team.

Council chief executive ofcer David Hogan said the organisation has reached a stage where tough decisions must be

“At the moment we are trying to be all things to all people, and it’s not working,” Mr Hogan said.

“Administration is a real possibility if we don’t make these tough decisions ourselves.

“As we prepare the next budget, we are now looking at a multi-million dollar operating cash shortfall just for next nancial year.”

Despite Council’s divestment from residential aged care and introduction of a special rate variation, Mr Hogan said more needs to be done.

“You can only spend what you have and right now we are committed to projects and services we can no longer fund to the extent we currently are. I will be upfront with the community about that,” Mr Hogan said.

Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos, said the move to limit Council’s economic development, along with the other proposed changes, is ‘shortsighted’.

“Council has missed an opportunity of fundamentally reviewing what it does rather than slicing money from departments,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

“I think by reducing the economic development portfolio without suggesting an alternative is short-sighted.

“Councillors should be spending more time lobbying state government for funding of activities that they are doing on their behalf.”

LEST WE FORGET: Record crowds gather in Jindabyne to remember the sacrifices of those who have served and those currently serving the nation. PHOTO: Karen Forman.

Courageous Bears

THE Snowy River Bears have orchestrated a stirring comeback to beat the 2023 premiers Merimbula-Pambula 30-20 in a nail-biting second half.

A er a dismal rst half where they trailed 14 to nil, and not looking any chance of victory, the Jindabyne team rallied in front of a boisterous home crowd scoring ve tries to one in the last 40 minutes.

Troy Freedbody dragged defenders with him to storm over and put the bears in front for the rst time in the 61st minute.

New winger Maika Rovouvou started proceedings with two tries in the 44th and 57th minutes, before

Taueki converted ve goals, and the result a comeback victory for the ages.

In front on the scoreboard and now gaining huge momentum, the Bears had the greater will to win and shocked the visiting team with further tries to emphatic fullback Dean Wilson and a nal nail in the co n with a Brendon Taueki try in the 74th minute.

A mistake ridden rst half with poor ball security was recti ed for the second half and the Snowy River Bears now sit top of the table a er three rounds and look a genuine threat for the 2024 title.

A er a second have punch up, one player from each side was sent from the eld.

The Bears have a bye next week before taking on rivals the Cooma Stallions in Cooma on Saturday May 11.

In the reserve grade, the Bears went down 16-44 to a stronger Merimbula-Pambula side in what was a ery match.

TIME: Troy Freebody storms over for a try in the second half to put the Snowy River Bears ahead.

The Bears celebrate a try to Maika Rovouvou on their way to victory.