Monaro Post 030424

Thousands embrace popular Easter events

Cooma’s retail sector boosted

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COME the Easter long weekend, there is no shortage of events and activities on offer in the Snowy Monaro.

This year’s Easter weekend was no exception as the region enjoyed one of its busiest periods in the last 12-months.

Businesses have reported a timely boost in trade, and the community organisations who ran popular Easter events have declared the weekend one of the finest.

Four days of glorious weather and a host of exciting events for the whole family to enjoy, saw record crowds attend events throughout the region.

The Berridale Lions Club celebrated its 50th Easter fair in style with more stall holders and visitors than ever before.

Berridale Lion and one of the event’s organisers, Iain Schofield, said the fair was the best they have staged.

“It was a great day out. There were plenty of stalls to browse and the weather really topped it off for a perfect fair day,” Mr Schofield said.

Well attended Easter events took place in Adaminaby, Bredbo, Berridale, Cooma, Delegate and other towns and villages in the region.

■ Read more about the busy weekend on pages 5, 12, 14 and 37.

COOMA businesses trading over the Easter long weekend say it was worthwhile opening their doors with the four-day holiday bringing a much needed boost to the town’s retail sector.

After a challenging few months, CBD based Bush Basics owner Bek said the Easter weekend delivered a timely spike in trade.

“We opened everyday over the weekend and I’m pleased we did,” she said.

“Saturday was really busy. It’s a needed boost after the last couple of months.”

Easter Saturday was the busiest day of the weekend for NewsXpress, located on the corner of Sharp and Vale Streets.

Shayne Clarke, business owner, said there was a constant flow of traffic through Cooma each day, and on Saturday, his business experienced one of its best days.

“Saturday was flat-out. We are very happy that we opened on Saturday, Sunday and Monday,” Mr Clarke said.

“Sunday was also busy, there were a lot of people coming through town each day.

“It was well worth opening.”

The decision to open over the weekend also paid off for Mainstreet Clothing on Sharp Street.

“The traffic was consistent all weekend. Retail trade was very good,” Mainstreet owner Simon Bolton said.

“We are lucky to be a tourist town. Easter is always good.

“It’s beneficial to our business and town to be open over the weekend.”

EASTER EXCELLENT: The Reid family enjoy their visit to Adaminaby for the popular Easter fair. Around 2800 people attended the fair. The region experienced one of its busiest weekends over the Easter period.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

World War II diaries donated RFS issues

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA’s Malcolm Rose has generously donated three books to the Cooma Library, each detailing the Word War 2 experiences of his late father, a British prisoner of war (POW).

Malcolm’s father - William Cyril Rose - was a sergeant in the Royal Air Force. He was taken prisoner in Java in 1942 and in the months and years to follow, produced one of the most meticulous war diaries historians have seen. Bill detailed what life was like as a POW at the hands of the Japanese.

Malcolm has donated the books Endurance throug hope volume one: the story - a historical wartime record based on Bill’s diaries from 19401946, Endurance through Hope volime two: the verbatim diary; and You Shook My Hand from the Once Upon a Wartime series..

Each of thes ebooks can now be found in the COoma Library.

The Endurance Through Hope books were the culmination of Bill’s bravery and his excellent record over the year he was a POW.

The trigger for the publication for the books was a chance meeting near Bill’s home on the 50th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day.

Bill casually mentioned to a stranger at a small community event he had kept detailed dia-

ries of his experiences during World War 2. He indicated he was about to throw the diaries away.

This stranger just happened to be a curator at the Imperial War Museum in London. His interest was immediately piqued and the process to bring these important and unique diaries to the world started.

“I vividly remember dad transcribing the microscopic pencil writing on his kitchen

table for eventual typing,” Malcolm said.

“He worked with Derek Peachy an ex Royal Australian Navy officer, to put his experiences into the complex contextual timeframe of the progress of the war to balance the ‘duff gen’ that was in use in the POW camps.

“Dad’s war promoted his amazing traits of detailed record keeping, fighting depress with busyness, innate Chris-

tian kindness and concern for his fellow prisoners and tenacity to survive. He was officially mentioned in dispatches for his enduring conduct during captivity.”

Fiona Wharton of the Cooma Library has welcomed the donations.

“We are very appreciative of Malcolm’s donations of these interesting and important books. They add significantly to our collection.”

I’ve had my COVID-19 vaccination

warning

THE NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has extended the statutory Bushfire Danger Period in the Snowy Monaro local government area due to continuing dry conditions.

NSW RFS Inspector Langdon Gould said the Bush Fire Danger Period usually ends on March 31, but had been extended this year due to the combination of prevailing dry conditions and cured vegetation growth in the Monaro Rural Fire District.

“The extension means anyone wishing to light a fire in the Snowy Monaro Regional local government area will still require a fire permit and undertaking of burn notifications,” Inspector Gould said.

“Fire permits are free and available from your local fire station or Fire Control Centre.

“Residents must also notify neighbouring land owners and their local fire authority at least 24 hours prior to burning.”

Inspector Gould said the decision to extend the Bush Fire Danger Period was made in consultation with local RFS Senior Officers and land management agencies.

The safety of all Snowy Monaro residents is paramount, and we have acted accordingly by extending the Bush Fire Danger Period until April 30.

“Now is not the time for anyone to become complacent about the risk of bush and grass fires, and we urge all residents to have a completed Bush Fire Survival Plan available, and to report any unattended fires they see to Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said.

The last week has been a busy time for RFS crews with multiple grassfires igniting. On Tuesday March 27, a fire near the Cooma airport at Arable and at the Cooma Golf Club required multiple crews to extinguish.

COVID-19 vaccination is your best protection against serious illness

If you are an adult at higher risk of severe illness or are 65 years and over, a free COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for you every 6 to 12 months.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what is best for you.

WAR JOURNAL: Malcolm Rose has donated three books to the Cooma Library, each detailing his father’s time as a British POW in Japanese captivity. Fiona Wharton of the library thanked Malcolm for the generous donation. PHOTO: Snowy Monaro Regional Library

Peak View crash prompts calls for improved training

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE deaths of three United States aerial firefighters at Peak View during the Black Summer bushfires has led to the NSW Coroner recommending the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) strenghten its training and communication procedures when tasking and communicating with large firefighting aircraft NSW Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan delivered her findings on Wednesday March 27 from the Coronial inquiry into the 2019/20 NSW Bushfires.

Twenty-eight recommendations were handed down, ten of these relating to RFS interactions with its state air desk and the procedure for tasking very large and large aerial tankers. Substantial evidence was provided to the inquiry over the fatal accident of Bomber 134 (B134).

United State firefighters

Ian McBeth, Paul Hudson and Rick deMorgan Jr were killed when B134 crashed at Peak View on January 23, 2020, while fighting the Good Good Fire.

The coronial inquiry examined five key issues in re-

lation the aircraft crash.

1. Whether the tasking of firefighting aircraft to the Adaminaby and then Good Good firegrounds on January 23, 2020, was appropriate in light of the forecasted and known weather conditions.

2. Whether aircraft B134 was provided with sufficient and timely information on January 23, 2020, to enable the crew to make an informed decision as to whether it should accept the tasking to the Adaminaby and Good Good firegrounds.

3. Whether tasking agencies or private contractors should take a more active role in providing weather data and other relevant flight information to pilots ahead of and during taskings.

4. Whether systems for communication between aircrafts and fire agencies are fit for purpose and used efficiently.

5. Whether the organisational culture and relationship between fire agencies and contracted aviation services unduly influences service demands.

The inquiry heard evidence around the tasking of B134 from Richmond Air Base to initially fight the Adaminaby Complex Fire before being re-tasked to the Good Good Fire.

‘The circumstances of the tasking of B134 on 23 January 2020 require close examination, not only because of the tragic outcome for the crew on that day, but also because these inquests revealed a number of areas where there can

be improvement in the use of firefighting aircraft,’ Ms Sullivan said in volume one of NSW State Coroner Inquests and Inquiries into the 2019/20 NSW Bushfires Findings and Recommendations stated.

‘The initial tasking of B134 to Adaminaby was consistent with RFS procedures and appropriate in the circumstances at the time. Given the impending threat to life and property in the Adaminaby area un-

der the forecast weather conditions, it was seen as appropriate to task the LATs without formal documentary request, which was a situation contemplated and provided for in RFS operating manuals.

‘There is limited contemporaneous material before the Court going to the retasking of B134 to the Good Good fireground.’

Ms O’Sullivan’s first recommendation was - The NSW RFS review its training

for Aviation and Incident Management Roles and ensure (if it does not already) that the training emphasises that tasking decisions for very large air tankers and large air tankers are not to be made at a local Incident Management Team level, but at the level of State Operations.

‘Despite the failure to follow protocol in the re-tasking of B134, it should not be inferred that these failures contributed to the accident that occurred at the fireground,’ Ms O’Sullivan concluded.

The inquiry also presented evidence and findings from each fire in the Snowy Monaro local government area.

‘In total, the fires destroyed or damaged at least 70 structures in the towns of Adaminaby, Mount Morgan, Nungar, Shannons Flat, Rockton, Countegany, Jerangle and Numeralla,’ the inquiry found.

Further coverage on the recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Coronial Inquiry and details of the other fires in the Snowy Monaro region will be provided in next week’s paper.

Latest Berry Cottage nears completion

By TRISTA HEATH

COMPLETION of the seventh Berry Cottage, at Berridale, is due in two weeks’ time as workers put the finishing touches on the community project.

Construction for the cottage began in May 2023, and has taken less than 12 months to complete using all local contractors and tradespeople.

Funding for the cottage has been provided by the Berridale Country Women’s Association (CWA) branch through the sale of the Berridale Hall in 2021.

Berridale CWA members Jean Smith and Pat Field said it took two years to get to the construction phase after getting all the necessary approvals through the foundation and Snowy Monaro Regional Council then trying to find available tradesmen to do the job.

“It has been a long trail of applications and approval to get the Berridale Cottage off the ground,” Ms Smith said.

“Nearing the completion there are only the finishing touches to go before the cottage is ready for its new resident.”

Tasks include painting, electrical, plumbing, flooring and other small touches to transform the cottage into a comfortable, safe and spacious living quarters.

The cottages are the legacy of former Anglers Reach residents Ron and Amy Berry who believed that older people should be able to live with as much independence as possible and in honour of the Berry’s the seventh cottage will be named Amy Berry CWA Cottage.

Berridale Cottages is a community housing project in Berridale, which provides independent tendered living for people who are aged and/or have disabilities through the trust of Ron and Amy Berry and is run by Berridale Aged Centre Limited.

A celebration of the cottage completion will be held soon with further details to be released on a later date.

Kevin Biilmann, Jean Smith, Faye Smits, Pat Field and Bill Smits.

Easter events deliver timely economic injection

By TRISTA HEATH and NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Snowy Monaro enjoyed one if its busiest weekends of the last 12-months as an influx of visitors saw record attendances at many of the region’s events.

Celebrating their 50th Easter Fair, the Berridale Lions Club said the 2024 event was their biggest fair yet.

Boasting more stalls than ever before, one of the event’s main organisers and Lion, Iain Schofield, said the crowd and weather made for the best fair in its 50-year history.

“It was a great day out, we had the Easter Bunny for the kids, plenty of stalls to browse and the weather really topped off a perfect fair day,” Mr Schofield said.

“Stall holders as far as Canberra and the South Coast joined all the locals to showcase their products and made some great sales.”

The Adaminaby Easter Fair attracted one of its largest crowds with around 2800 people visiting the fair.

Adaminaby’s community spirit was on show as not-forprofit groups ran popular food stalls to fund raise for their projects, and a host of activities took place to keep the whole family entertained.

Kristian White to front

NSW Supreme Court

SENIOR Constable Kristian Samuel White will appear in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday April 5 with the matter listed for arraignment.

White is accused of tasering 95-year-old Clare Nowland in her Yallambee Lodge residence in May 2023. Mrs Nowlnd died in Cooma Hospital a week after the alleged incident.

White fronted Cooma Local Court on Wednesday February 7 where his legal team indicated the police officer would plead not guilty to a charge of manslaughter.

The Cooma based police officer was initially charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault.

NSW Police advised in a statement in November 2023, that following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the state crime command’s homicide squad had upgraded the charges against 33-year-old White to a single charge of manslaughter.

White will appear before the Supreme Court for his arraignment. An arraignment involves reading out of the accused’s charges and a formal plea of either guilty or not guilty to each charge is entered.

White remains suspended from duty on pay.

Fatal motorcyle crash

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a crash with a B-double near Kiandra on Easter Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the Snowy Mountains Highway, at Sawyers Hill, at about 11.15am. First responders found the male rider had died at the scene.

Not to be outdone, Bredbo’s popular truck and machinery show brought engines of all sizes and sounds to the village. One of Bredbo’s biggest weekends of the year saw hundreds stop to enjoy the show.

weekend for businesses.

In Delegate, its Easter duck race saw another strong crowd, providing a welcomed boost for the town’s economy.

All corners of the region were busy with visitors as towns and villages reported a productive

CLOSING SOON!

Community Grants Program

Headlining Jindabyne’s events this year was the Jindabyne Lions Club’s Easter art show and sale. Hundreds passed through the Jindabyne Memorial Hall doors to inspect and purchase pieces from some of the region’s best artists.

More coverage from the Easter weekend can be found on pages 12, 14 and 37, in addition to further coverage on this masthead’s new digital platform.

Officers attached to the Monaro Police District took the male driver to Cooma Hospital for mandatory testing. At the time of going to print, no charges had been laid against the driver.

The highway was closed in both directions between Bugtown Road (near Adaminaby) and Link Road (near Kiandra) until 8.10pm on Saturday.

Snowy Hydro is committed to supporting the local communities where we operate, while supporting them to achieve economic, social and regional resilience.

Organisations and community groups from the Snowy Mountains and surrounds are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000

Or visit the website www.snowyhydro.com.au/communitygrantsprogram to apply today!

WINNER: Jindabyne’s Belinda Streete with her award winning photograph (top right) at the Easter art show and sale. The event was a major drawcard across the Easter weekend. PHOTO: Trista Heath

Record prizes for busking winners

By KAREN FORMAN

A PROFESSIONAL recording session, $6000 in prizemoney and entry into the national championships are up for grabs at Cooma’s regional heat of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC) on April 27.

And for those who aren’t competing, there will be drumming and ukulele workshops, markets, a stage for performers who don’t want to compete and an after party where winners can perform in the evening.

Organiser Allan Spencer said all was shaping-up well for the April 27 event, with entries flowing in, including buskers from as far away as Melbourne and Sydney.

“I am really excited about our Cooma regional final,” he said.

“Local businesses have really supported the event, as always, and we are asking a lot of them with the two Cooma events, so we are very grateful. Two major sponsors Future Generation and Snowy Monaro Regional Council have come to the party again.

“Cooma local Laurent

Steiger from Rogue Ascent recording studio has offered a fantastic prize of a recording of either a multi-track single song with all the bells and whistles or a live recording in the studio of five songs, which is the length of an EP, so if someone wanted to have material for a CD, he will make that happen.

“This is an additional prize to the main competition, with Mr Steiger choosing the recipient. It will not be reliant on winning a place in the categories.

“He is a really community minded person and genuinely wants to support local up and coming musicians. He will be looking after sound on the day, having done the multi-cultural day and the national grand final.”

Mr Steiger, who moved to Cooma from Wollongong a couple of years ago, said he was pleased to support the ANBC. A musician and sound engineer, he mixes music for internationals as well as offering recording services in his studio in Cooma North. He also plays punk style music at venues around town.

Can I use machinery in any grass, crop or stubble land? This includes driving vehicles or using machinery such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, pumps and generators.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Yes, as long as any heated area of the machinery does not come in contact with combustible matter;

The machinery is in a good and serviceable condition; The machinery is fitted with a spark arrestor and you have the following prescribed fire safety equipment on site; 16L minimum capacity knapsack spray pump filled with water; or 9L minimum capacity liquid fire extinguisher; or 0.9kg minimum capacity dry powder fire extinguisher.

You should also check with your insurance company to understand your policy and ‘duty of care’ should your machinery cause a fire on a Total Fire Ban day.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Avoid machinery use in dry grass on hot, dry, windy days

• Consider early morning, avoid afternoons when the humidity is at its lowest

• Permanent pumps and generators should be housed in a clear area

• Call 000 immediately if you start a fire

For more information, contact the Monaro District Fire Control Centre on ph.6455 0455 Or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Monaro-Team-Rural-Fire-Service For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

 BUSKING: Sound engineer and musician Laurent Steiger has offered a free recording session to a lucky musician playing at ANBC Cooma next month.

“I will be looking for a musician preferably playing an original, who is creative, has good stage presence and has some business acumen in how they market themselves in the industry,” he said.

“I am looking for someone who may not have the following yet and needs some help in getting themselves out there.”

Mr Spencer encouraged buskers to get their entries in as soon as possible so he could start working on programming. He also requires musicians who would like to play non-competitively on the Centennial Park stage during the day to get in touch so he can make sure they receive a time slot.

“We are trying to draw people from the region, but also trying to get people from away as visitors boost the town, as they will bring family and friends and obviously require accommodation and food and fuel and beverages and retail, spending their money in town,” he said.

“ANBC Cooma promises to be a wonderful family day that offers free entertainment and free workshops.

“This year we have a wellness and health theme, and the workshops will look at how music can be used to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, held in the park, close to the busking action.

“Paul Mackay from the Cooma Multicultural Centre will run a drumming and uke workshop after the grand final success and Sue McPhee from the yoga centre will be offering yoga sessions.”

Winners will be announced on the park stage at 3pm and the winners can perform at the after party at the Alpine Hotel around 5pm.

However, as Mr Spencer says, the ANBC regional heats are not necessarily to find out who is the best, but to give aspiring musicians who may not necessarily want to be professionals, the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive and fun environment.

“We have had some success stories. Denver made the top three in Australian Idol after performing at ANBC in 2020 at the Gladstone regionals. Others include Tones and I (who did not win the ANBC), Lucy Sugerman, Haystack Mountain Hermits (who won in 2019) and won Tamworth busking championships, The Inadequates, just to name some.”

Entry forms can be found at www.busking.com.au and categories including open, secondary, primary, people’s choice and special awards for best duo or group, the Michael Cook Award for buskers with a disability, special judges awards and encouragement awards.

Paul Mackay will offer a free drumming workshop at the ANBC Cooma, with emphasis on the health benefits of music. PHOTO: Karen Forman

PHOTO: Contributed.

Snowy grants support community

SNOWY Hydro continues its strong commitment to supporting local communities with its first round of funding open for the 2024 Community Grants Program.

Through this bi-annual program, Snowy Hydro supports not-for-profit organisations and community groups to foster social, economic and regional resilience across the Snowy Mountains.

In 2023, Snowy Hydro provided $300,000 in community grant funding to various projects, including care packs for cancer patients, improvements to the Gudja Gudja cultural reserve, playground equipment, a youth mentoring program, new displays for heritage museums, and support for many local events and festivals.

The Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program attracts numerous applications each round, reflecting the region’s high demand for funding support.

To increase the chances of success, applicants must align their submissions with Snowy Hydro’s four community commitment pillars: education and development, health and wellbeing, regional capacity building, and environment.

All applications must ad-

dress the specified assessment criteria and meet the eligibility requirements.

Funding opportunities are available across the three local government areas) where Snowy Hydro operates its hydro assets. Grants of up to $10,000 are on offer to support local projects, festivals, events, and initiatives that contribute positively to the communities of the Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their ap-

plications online through the Snowy Hydro website.

Notably, for the 2024 funding round, Snowy Hydro has introduced a new application system to streamline the process. The grant platform allows applicants to register and have their own dashboard to track the application. Application saving and returning is possible, and additional members of your group can be invited to provide input into the application.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday April 7.

Our club is committed to supporting local community members and job seekers through our vocational support program. If you are a job seeker at any level looking to improve your interview skills to help secure your dream job; please contact us to see how our experienced members may be able to assist you in:

• Preparing for job specific interviews including resume review

• Practicing your interview for your target job with a real panel of highly experienced recruiters

• Providing detailed and constructive feedback

• Providing ongoing support and mentoring through your job search

• Connecting you with appropriate support services and apprenticeship programs

EMAIL: vocationcoomarotary@gmail.com for more information

SUPPORT: Snowy Hydro supported this year’s Cooma Show through its Community Grants Program. Applications are now open for the program.

PHOTO: Snowy Hydro

Alpine Lakes resuce unit keeps community safe Feedback sought

By TRISTA HEATH

AS the weather starts to cool, Alpine Lakes Marine Rescue is warning lake goers to remain vigilant and prepared for changing conditions.

The last 12 months has been a relatively busy time for the crew who has responded to 13 incidents

Alpine Lakes Unit Commander Cain Hopwood said the unit conducted two search and rescues in February and a total of 13 over the past 12 months.

“The vast majority of our incidents are break-downs. Typically, a flat battery on a ski boat, or a motor that has stalled and won’t start. The size of our lakes means that most boat’s secondary propulsions (oars) are just not good for getting a brokendown boat from Kalkite back to the boat ramp at Jindabyne. But we can help there,” Commander Hopwood said.

“Over the months of December and January we are at our busiest, school holidays brings a lot of visitors to the area, and boats that are not so frequently used, tend to fail.

for active transport plan

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council is seeking community input on a new draft Active Transport Plan, which proposes new footpath, trail and cycleway projects to improve and expand the region’s existing pedestrian and cycling network.

The draft plan has been developed on the back of community consultation undertaken in September 2023, which included a survey and a series of community workshops.

Members of the Snowy Monaro community provided valuable insight into the current condition of the region’s shared path network, areas of concern, and suggestions for path extensions and new links.

This revised draft incorporates the feedback Council received from the community in 2023, setting out in order of priority a plan for new shared path infrastructure to enhance pedestrian and cycling connectivity.

As the Snowy Mountains enters the cooler months and the lake temperatures drop, Commander Hopwood urges lake goers to stay vigilant when onboard their boats.

“Don’t be afraid to call us if you’re stuck and call 000 if anyone is injured or suffering from hypothermia,” Commander Hopwood said.

In February, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers kept watch over 6,152 vessels that logged on with

“When planning to go out on the lake, apart from keeping up with boat maintenance and ensuring safety equipment such as flares and a torch are on-board, we recommend that people keep some warm clothes and blanket on-board. These can really help once the sun goes down if you’re waiting for help.”

the service either via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16 while radio operators managed 19,618 calls including 14 MAYDAYs and 6 PAN PANs.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said a few simple steps by boaters could go a long way to ensuring a safe and enjoyable day on the state’s waterways.

“It is important if you’re heading out on the water that you have the right safety equipment for your voyage, you’ve got enough fuel for your trip, you’ve Logged On with your local Marine Rescue NSW base and im-

portantly you’ve checked the local weather conditions,” Commissioner Barrell said.

“It has been an extremely busy last few months for our volunteers and I want to thank each of them for their continued dedication to making sure that we are saving lives on the water.”

Marine Rescue Alpine Lakes provides marine rescue services to Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains region.

The volunteer-based unit is always looking for new volunteers to take part and welcomes anyone wishing to join its ranks.

“Council invites the community to review the updated draft, and provide their feedback on the future of active transport in our region. This is an opportunity to identify any gaps in the proposal, and offer further comment on works planned for towns and villages across the region,” a Council spokesperson said.

The draft Active Transport Plan will assist Council in pursuing funding opportunities for the construction of new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, as prioritised in the plan.

“Have your say today to help make cycling and walking safer, easier, and more connected in the Snowy Monaro. Visit the Council website to share your thoughts before submissions close on Sunday April 21,” the spokesperson said.

Council encourages all residents and visitors with an interest in active transport to have their say on the draft plan.

•

• 500ha*pastureimprovedgrazinglandin balancewithperennialnativepastures

• Elevationrisingto1,270m*&summer dominantrainfall(718mm*pa)promotes qualitysummerpasturegrowth

• Reliablywateredbyabore,trough system,twocreeks&33*damswith manyspringfed

• Three-standraisedboardwoolshed, sheepyards,cattleyards,machinery shed,workshop&silos

• C1890weatherboardhomesteadthat wasonceapostoffice,comprisingtwo bedrooms&twobathrooms

• 56km*toCooma&110km*toCanberra

RESCUE: Cain Hopwood, David Farmer, John Russell, Matthew McBurney and Chris Keenan of Alpine Lakes Marine Rescue.

PHOTO: Trista Heath.

 SUPPORT: Volunteers proud of their achievements in collecting six trailer loads of trash, totalling five tonnes of rubbish between Jindabyne and Cooma.

 Community show Petra Richter and volunteers appreciation for efforts.

 Fen Bannister from Meet you Halfway coffee in Berridale supporting the volunteers with free coffee in keep cups.

 Out of Bounds pizza in Berridale show their support with free pizzas for the volunteer group.

Volunteer group picks-up five tonnes of rubbish

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE’S Petra Richter is well known for her volunteer group ENJO Clean up Jindabyne who dedicate hours of their free time picking up rubbish along the side of roads.

Her biggest challenge and achievement yet was devoting five days, totalling 50 hours, collecting rubbish along the 63km stretch of road between Cooma and Jindabyne.

Joining in Petra’s dream to clean up the stretch of road, 25 community members volunteered their time including one couple who walked 6.5km picking up rubbish and filled a whole trailer

worth of trash all by themselves.

Petra said she wanted to inspire the community to stop using single use plastics and coffee cups and chose to complete this ‘adventure’ a week before Clean up Australia Day. Petra plans to do it again next year but bigger and better.

“This to me was an adventure with purpose, if you can’t help support us by picking up rubbish then I would like people to support us in different ways such as taking a keep cup for your coffee rather than using single use coffee cups and saying no to take away,” Petra said.

“We received so much

support from our community and we felt very valued in our efforts.

“We had many beeps and honks supporting us on these very hot days as well as members of the community dropping off food, lollies and cakes, it was truly amazing to see.”

A dream that started fouryears-ago, Petra turned her disappointed over the amount of rubbish discarded along the region’s roads into a mission to make Jindabyne clean and presentable.

The group collected more than five tonnes of rubbish, collected 280 bags of rubbish, filled six trailers full of trash, 15 yellow bins full of recycla-

bles, two trailers with steel and one with tyres and $228 worth of bottles and cans that were recycled into the return and earn containers.

It took the volunteers six and a half hours to unload and recycle all material with five people helping. Generous local business owners backed the group through donating goods to say thank you for their valiant efforts.

Signs were donated to the group by Syd from Scout Design, Out of Bounds Pizza donated free pizzas after a long gruelling day, Meet Me Halfway coffee van gave out free coffees and the Wild Brumby Bar, Banjo Patterson Inn and Berridale Inn supplied cold

beverages as well as many more businesses who contributed with donations.

A community member unable to help the volunteers donated $150 and another $20 in thanks to their commitment.

“I am all about putting focus on the community and working together to making a difference,” Petra said.

“I want people to start thinking about what they are taking and say no to all things plastic and realise the importance of recycling but most of all let’s stop littering.”

The money raised from the return and earn will go into the volunteer group account to use on petrol so the volunteers can continue

travelling to make the Monaro trash free.

Next year the ENJO Cleanup Jindabyne volunteer group, with Petra leading the way, aims to turn the five days ‘adventure with a purpose’ into a bigger and better event with volunteers focussing on the right side of the road this time.

Petra will speak at next month’s Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting about her efforts and discuss thesponsorship form she applied for to get her own trailer and nets for future rubbish collection.

To join the volunteer efforts, search for the ENJO Clean-up Jindabyne volunteer group’s Facebook page.

LANDSCAPING

WHAT a terrific Easter weekend our region enjoyed.

With four beautiful days of warm weather and sunshine, the Snowy Monaro was certainly the place to be.

Well done to the organisers, volunteers and all who turned out for the many events on offer.

The Snowy Monaro can lay claim to being the duck racing capital of Australia each Easter with the Adaminaby, Delegate and Perisher duck races a hit.

At the Adaminaby Easter Fair, close to 3000 people were in attendance as the town showcased its community spirit.

Many of the visitors were from Canberra, demonstrating the importance the Capital region has to the town’s tourism sector. Locals are hoping the Bobeyan Road upgrades will be progressed to facilitate a quicker link between Adaminaby and the nation’s capital.

Feedback on the road project and the Big Trout re-design were two of the major discussion points at the council-run stall at the Adaminaby fair.

Much has been said on the process Council undertook to revamp the trout.

Following community concerns, Council committed to a re-design.

Council staff, Mayor Chris Hanna and Cr Tricia Hopkins fronted the council stall at the fair and discussed the path forward.

Many appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with Council.

The Berridale Lions Club hosted its 50th Easter Fair and once again, the event was popular with locals and visitors.

Since Covid-19, the fair has bounced back strongly with crowds improving each year.

In Bredbo on Easter Sunday, the sounds of engines f illed the village for the truck and machinery show.

The Jindabyne Lions Club held their Easter art show and sale over the weekend This event has become a major tourist drawcard. What a weekend to be in the Snowy Monaro.

Wow, what a busy weekend. Time for a cuppa and a lie down.

U3A welcomes all ages

I HAVE recently taken on the role as president of the Snowy Mountains branch of the University of the Third Age.

I was appointed by the branch’s executive committee following the resignation of Mr Otik Uhlik for professional reasons.

We are currently in caretaker mode.

There has been a change in the international rules which means the University of the Third Age now welcomes students of any age over 18.

Previously, we concentrated on retired or more senior students.

We are calling for new members and happy to hold courses which suit the needs

of the community.

University of the Third Age is an international organisation and is nonpolitical, non-religious, and non-profit.

Our branch is based in Cooma at the St Andrew’s Uniting Church Hall on Soho Street. Classes are also held in Jindabyne.

I run informal weekly classes on ‘Women in History’. Other classes include French and Spanish, handicrafts, electronics, and mobile phones, Tai Chi, poetry and English language and literature.

Nick Goldie

Snowy Mountains University of the Third Age president

Claire’s Carousel - social news

CLAIRE Neumeyer returns with her monthly social news, highlighting the many happenings in Cooma and across the Snowy Monaro.

Impressionist expressions

A packed audience attended the Impressionist Expressions performance. The crowd was delighted with Sarahlouise Owens and Katherine Day who performed works by Strauss, Franz, Zemlinsky and Marx.

Held at St Paul’s Anglican Parish Hall in March, the audience was impressed with Sarahlouise’s singing ability, and Katherine’s work on the piano. Katherine is a graduate of the Victorian College of Arts and Royal College of Music, she is a talented pianist.

Many thanks to the Snowy Monaro Arts Council for

organising this inspiring performance.

Pre-Easter luncheon

And what a luncheon it was. Hosted by Marion Mondello, guests enjoyed a variety of main courses to suit every taste, (some guests being German, Austrian and others, Aussies). This was followed by numerous sweets including a selection of different flavoured tarts and punch to drink. Easter eggs adorned the table and were very popular.

Amongst the guests were Leonie Snell, Rosemary Egidy, Paula Mondello,Pauline Rad, Carmen Henkel, Robin Mould, Marliess Kappel.

Five tenors performance

The audience was thrilled with a performance of five Australian Tenors. Mary Jones, Nicole Piesley and Dorothy Venables were among the

guests who also admired the beautiful gowns worn by the female singer.

The tenors sang music to suit every taste and while singing some Australia songs wore their Akruba hats which the audience loved.

The performance was in Queanbeyan, and the trip for locals was organised by the Probus Club Cooma

Luncheon at Berridale

A Berridale visit held many delights for Lyn Last and Betty Fletcher on their scenic drive before Easter. They enjoyed lunch at the Bean and Barley under the sun at an outdoor table and I believe were treated very well by the waitress.

They then visited The Collective, an interesting gift shop known for its decorative hampers, oils, hand lotions, lovely gifts and plants.

To finish an enjoyable outing, they drove around the new homes and interesting heritage homes. Both ladies were impressed with the many new homes and well kept gardens.

With many trees turning into their autumn colours, it is a delight to see.

Welcome to Dusty Heifer

The Dusty Heifer is the new coffee shop replacing Up North coffee at 5 Binalong Street.

My friends and I enjoyed meeting the new owner who is from New Zealand and now living in Bredbo. At present, the shop is open 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, but hours will be extended as owners settle in.

We did enjoy a thick shake, coffee and toasted sandwiches.

■ If you have social news, please contact me on 0434 352 992

Thunderhead by Miranda Darling

Book review with Nick Goldie

By NICK GOLDIE

A WEB search will tell you that Miranda Darling is a real person, was once a fashion model in London and Paris, and has written a number of books, including several novels. Also, that she was married, is now divorced, and that her harbour-side mansion was worth millions.

It’s hard to tell how much of her novella ‘Thunderhead’ is fiction, and how much is painful autobiography. Just once (p.83) she is addressed as Miranda.

Our introduction to Winona is often very funny – a 35-year-old writer of romantic fiction, mother of two little boys, with an overbearing but loving husband (never named but always referred to as ‘He’),

she is a compulsive list maker. She makes lists of everything including (an early one) list of qualities for failed domestication.

Some species, she notes, are too ill-tempered to be domesticated, and says the zebra is of special note in this category.

A page later she says: “I see myself as a zebra, walking down New South Head Road during rush hour, parting traffic, hardy and independent.” She is scatty and endearing but decidedly schizophrenic: a second reproving voice is in bold type, the voice of reason, the voice of stability.

As the details pile up with growing desperation, the humour becomes increasingly a cry for help. Winona is a victim, despite her bravado. In the past

Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

she has been quietist, silent, putting up with the assertive Him and the trendy suburb and fashionable school. Winona’s lists become wilder (and bitterly funny).

Things I shoulb be frightened of today: Waking, beginning the day all over again, not knowing how to be, not knowing how he will be, traffic, failure to properly inhabit my role as motherwifeperson, sharp knives falling on bare toes, and boiling kettles.

REVIEW: Nick Goldie says Thunderhead by Miranda Darling is well worth a read. PHOTO: Supplied , ome Ni k G ldi

Riposte

By LISA ASHURST

I AM generally not the killing type, I don’t step on bugs etc, but when you’re at war (as I have been lately with hordes of little black ants invading my space) it can eventually lead to a very different mindset.

piped my inner voice.

Generally speaking, inner voices can be an asset, but mine can be downright blunt sometimes and I felt bad enough about the baits without hearing something like that. Normally I wouldn’t argue but.

The story ends with a defiant new beginning as Winona flees a dreadful dinner party, after lying on the pantry floor contemplating the skirting board. The kitchen is a good place to hide during dinner parties, she considers. It is acceptable to be in the

kitchen and Busy.

“I am exhausted by the effort to constantly insert myself into my own life,” she thinks, and carrying her two little boys, flees into the windy night, her jumper, snagged on the fence, unravelling behind her.

Like Winona’s jumper, I was hooked.

Thunderhead’ by Miranda Darling is available from publisher Scribe of Melbourne.

Generally speaking, I tend to believe that all living things, even ants, have a right to live their life unmolested, but I’ve rethought it some since the army of ants, and I’m not exaggerating here, have decided that my space is now theirs. I have no idea where they’ve come from and I don’t understand what the attraction is either.

When I first spotted them, in their thousands, in the bottom of the pantry cupboard, where there is absolutely nothing they could possibly want, I freaked and headed out for bug spray (eco friendly though) which thankfully delivered a swift death. At least they didn’t suffer and I figured that was the end of the matter.

But I was soooo wrong.

Thing is, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, to attract them, so unless they can bite through glass and solid plastic there is no viable reason that I can see that would entice them into my home. But they just keep coming back and like I said, they arrive in their thousands.

Needing to take a tougher stance I made another trip to the supermarket and returned armed with a pack of ant baits. I stuck them in the places the ants appeared to be emerging from and then sat there, coffee in hand, willing the little so and sos to venture inside the units and take the stuff back to their nest.

“You’re sending them to their death, you know.”

“I know, right? I know. But there’s a tsunami of them coming out from behind the stove now, so what would you suggest?” and that shut the annoying little snipe up.

I actually had used the kill-them-humanely-inan-instant spray a few times before resorting to the baits, but obviously there is a nest the size of Queensland somewhere in very close proximity to my place and if I am going to have any chance of halting the ongoing invasion I need to deal with the nest and that’s what the maker claims their baits will do. The little invaders will take it home and…

I just hope they work because if they don’t, I could end up doing enough spraying to suffocate the neighbours, along with myself, and that could make me unpopular; my neighbours being all green and eco and all.

Look, I know ants have their place and they perform a valuable service in the natural world, but they serve no purpose whatsoever in my personal world and I wish they had understood that in the first instance. There is nothing to warrant them being here unless the endgame is to carry me off

OMG, I hope that’s not what they have in mind.

“Oooh” snickered my snarky inner voice “Is that the stuff of nightmares or what?”

Okay, so maybe I don’t feel so bad about the baits now.

Only sort of.

Thousands flock to Adaminaby fair

THE Adaminaby Easter Fair enhanced its standing as one of the region’s most popular events with thousands turning out on Easter Saturday for a day of family-fun and community spirit. The fair showcased the best of the Adaminaby area as the community came together to celebrate their town.

and visitors travelled

the occasion.

near

far

 The Adaminaby Easter Fair is renowned for its many activities, including the tug-o-war.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council attend the Easter Fair to chat with locals about a range of issues, including the re-painting of the Big Trout. Recreation planner Alannah Dickeson, corporate projects manager Lauren Wallis, and councillor Tricia Hopkins discuss the trout’s new re-design.

Canberra’s Ryan family are Adaminaby Easter Fair regulars. They enjoy the many stalls and activities.

Colin, Theresa, and Janette of St John’s Anglican Church cooked hundreds of hot dogs for Easter fair goers.

The Adaminaby Rural Fire Service brigade showcase their new road rescue vehicle. The brigade is just one of eight in NSW to utilise such a specialised vehicle. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Hundreds gather to watch the dog high jump. One of the fair organisers, Tim Corkhill (right), is presiding over the high jump event.

Cooma musician Jay Podger is all smiles at the fair. Podger is always a hit when he plays at local events.

FAMILY FUN: The Adaminaby Easter Fair is a favourite for families. The Reid family enjoy their time looking at the many stalls and taking part in the activities of the fair.

Families

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Council News

HAVE YOUR SAY

Visit www.yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au to share your feedback on the following consultations:

•Adaminaby Big Trout final paint design

Closes Sunday 21 April 2024

•Draft Active Transport Plan

Closes Sunday 21 April 2024

•Polo Flat Masterplan

Closes Sunday 21 April 2024

•Snowy Monaro Tourism Survey

Closes Tuesday 30 April 2024

Help shape the future of the Snowy Monaro.

JOB VACANCIES

If you're looking for a career with purpose, consider joining the team here at Council. Check out our online careers portal by visiting www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/careers to learn more about working with us.

Listings updated regularly.

Closing Monday 8 April 2024

•Assistant Operator Combination Truck

Full Time – Jindabyne

•Resource & Waste Facility Attendant

Part Time – Jindabyne

•Team Leader Strategic Planning

Full Time – Cooma

ROADWORKS

Heavy patching and resealing work is scheduled over March and April 2024 for urban roads and streets in Cooma, Adaminaby, Berridale, Bombala, Jindabyne and Old Adaminaby.

Please visit our website to learn more.

Businesses and residents on scheduled roads should organise alternative parking during works. Any vehicles parked on-street will affect the quality of the road surface.

Delays and changes to the schedule may occur due to poor weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

BOMBALA TREE REMOVAL

Removal of the old avenue of oak trees along Monaro Highway, Bombala is scheduled for Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April 2024, in-line with a 2014 agreement between Essential Energy and the former Bombala Shire Council.

The row of parallel oaks planted under this agreement are now mature, and the old trees underneath the powerlines can be removed without visually affecting the town entry.

SPORTSGROUND BOOKINGS

Sporting clubs, teams and community organisations are required to book Council's sportsgrounds, ovals and facilities through our online booking platform.

To secure your ground or facility today, visit https://bookings.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

When submitting bookings:

•Book training days and times separately from competition days and times

•Specify in booking notes if bookings are for senior or junior training and games

•Book for the actual duration that grounds will be used

•Read and agree to the terms and conditions before completing bookings

Clubs also need to record their lighting use on the Seasonal Sportsground Light Usage Form. Contact Council with questions or to learn more Email council@smrc.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 345 345.

BOMBALA VISITOR CENTRE

CLOSED ON MONDAYS

As of Monday 1 April 2024, Bombala Visitor Centre is closed on Mondays. This change to the facility's opening days is until further notice.

The centre will now be open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

We're hosting heaps of free activities and events for 12 to 17-year-olds these school holidays. For younger kids, our libraries have a program of great events and activites for the little ones. Places for the 12 to 17-year-old activities and events are limited, and you must register through our website to secure a place.

Visit https://qrco.de/eventsSMRC to learn more, and RSVP today to avoid missing out.

WORM FARM WORKSHOP

Looking at getting into worm farming? Grab a ticket to our Worm Farm Workshop with worm wizard Caleb Hoffman on Saturday 27 April 2024 at Jindabyne Memorial Hall. For only $5, you'll learn everything you need to know about composting with your own worm farm. Morning tea included in cost.

Visit https://qrco.de/LearnWorm2024 today.

BOOK ONLINE: COUNCIL CARAVAN PARKS & CAMPING

Did you know that you can book Council-owned campgrounds, caravan parks and cabins online? Thanks to our online booking platform, it's never been easier to book your holiday or staycation accommodation in the Snowy Monaro. Visit https://qrco.de/bcWpPG to learn more.

DATE WITH A DOG? CATCH-UP WITH A CAT?

Council is holding a pound animal adoption on Saturday 6 April 2024 at Pets Domain Cooma from 9.30am.

There's a host of wagging tails and purring potential partners who can't wait to meet you. The adoption fee during this special event is only $150 plus registration costs, with microchipping included. Our staff will be on hand to help you with the adoption process, questions, concerns, and info. Can't wait? Organise to meet one of our pound pups today. Call 1300 345 345 or email council@smrc.nsw.gov.au to get in touch.

POUND PUP PREVIEW: Meet Pluto

POUND PUP PREVIEW: Meet Ned

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has received the following development applications:

Property Address: 138 Yallakool Road COOMA 2630

Legal Description:Lot: 31 DP: 609108

Application No: 10.2024.6.1

Development Proposal:Staged - Fifty One (51) Large Lot Residential Subdivision

Applicant: The Trustee for McMahon Family Trust

Consent Authority:Snowy Monaro Regional Council

Property Address:52 Rosemeath Road BOMBALA 2632

Legal Description:Lot: 2 DP: 852884

Application No: 10.2024.27.1

Development Proposal:Essential Energy Depot

Applicant: Integrated Consulting Pty Ltd

Consent Authority:Snowy Monaro Regional Council

These applications and accompanying documents will be on display at Council’s offices and on Council's website for twenty-eight (28 days) ending 10 April 2024.

PUBLIC GATE INSTALLATION AND LEASE NOTIFICATION

In accordance with Division 2 Sections 153-157 of the Roads Act 1993 No 33, Council is considering the lease of an unused portion of road, as listed below for a period of one (1) year, to the Licence holder of the adjoining lands.

•Description: Old Delegate Road corridor, Bombala

•Location: Adjacent to the southern portion of Bombala Racecourse

•Size: 5565m2 (approximate)

The lessee is authorised and required to install two (2) public gates at fixed locations along the road corridor for the containment of livestock. This notice serves as notification of the installation of these gates.

A 54-day notification period, ending on Sunday 14 April 2024, is in effect.

The public should direct any submissions regarding this notification to Council by email, attention of the Land and Property Team, to council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

BOCO ROCK FUND COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS

Expressions of interest are sought for positions of community membership on the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund Committee, closing Friday 19 April 2024.

Following recent changes, positions of community membership on the Committee and the grant itself are open to the entire Snowy Monaro region.

Members are responsible for deciding which grant applicants receive funding from the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund, based on clear assessment criteria.

Expressions of interest for positions of community membership from Snowy Monaro residents will be accepted until Friday 19 April 2024. For application forms, visit https://qrco.de/s355 or ask for a printed copy from Council offices.

Jindabyne Easter Art Show success

Adult-Best in Category (Oil): Ramshead by Toni Freeman

Adult-Best in Category (Acrylic): Eyes on the Road by Bob Schaefer

Adult-Best in Category (Watercolour): Rosella by Anne Kitto

Adult-Best in Category (Drawing): Massie Street Cooma by Bob Shaefer

Adult-Best in Category (Pastel): Metamorphosis by Julie Herringe

Adult-Best in Category (Mixed Media): Winter #6 by Rasa Mauragis

Adult-Best in Category (Photography): Billy Button Butterfly by Matt De Waard

Adult-Best in Category (Sculpture & Craft): Pixel Lady by Alan Johnson

Youth-Best in Show (All Categories): Rainbow Reef by Lydia Darlington

Secondary Youth-Best in Category (Painting): Night Sky by Kiani PurvisFarrell

Secondary Youth-Best in Category (Drawing): Heartfelt by Natasha Barton

Secondary Youth-Best in Category (Photography): Hey Skippy by Kiani Purvis-Farrell

Secondary Youth-Best in Category (Mixed Media): Snow in Jindy by Molly Cavallaro

Primary Youth-Best in Category (Painting): Elbert by Emerson Mar

Primary Youth-Best in Category (Drawing): Rainbow Reef by Lydia Darlington

Primary Youth-Best in Category (Photography): The Mischief Maker by Sofia Woolford

Primary Youth-Best in Category (Sculpture & Craft): The house of dreams by Sofia Woolford

Primary Youth-Best in Category (Mixed Media): Red Snake by Owen Wall

Youth-Highly Commended (Alan Grosvenor Award): The Gang by Harrison Kable

Youth-Highly Commended (Encouragement Award): The Gang by Harrison Kable

Draught-proof your home before the big chill

By LISA ASHURST

THERE’S nothing more unwelcome than those chilly draughts snaking into your home during the icy months of winter, and they will inevitably find their way in if they can find access.

So it’s worth taking some time to check all the obvious access points and sealing them, and now would be a good time to do it.

Draughts can enter via the most obscure places and older houses especially are often the most ‘leaky’ houses when it comes to draughts, especially if they are on stumps.

But even newer builds can harbour places where chilly winter winds can find access, creating cold spots and impacting on the temperature inside the home.

Draughts, while similar to

ventilation, which is good for you and your home, differ in that they are uncontrolled and can let in too much cold air.

Which is why draughtproofing is well worth the effort, as it will go a long way to preventing the warm air inside the home from escaping, which will not only keep the inside temperature more consistent and comfortable, but will also save on your energy costs.

Choose a breezy day and listen for rattling and whistling which is a sure sign of a draught. Moving curtains can also indicate air is entering via a small gap. Check around the doors and windows first; these are common areas where draughts can enter, but sealing them can be as simple as applying some weather stripping.

Check for gaps where skirting meets the walls and also in floorboards and if your’s is an older home with ventilation points in the walls, look at replacing them with closable options.

These vents used to serve as ventilation for when homes first began using gas and kerosene for heating and unless you are still using such heating appliances, they are no longer necessary. You can remove them and plaster over the gap, but closable versions are available if you prefer to keep them.

Exposed rafters, stairways and fireplaces can also provide access to chilly air, so check around these features for sneaky gaps and seal them up if you find any.

And don’t forget the faithful door snake.

An oldie but a goodie, door

snakes are ideal for keeping chilly draughts from entering through a gap beneath your doors.

Bear in mind how much heat can escape through your windows too.

The best way to combat this is to hang heavier, lined curtains during the winter months. Leave them open on

sunny winter days to allow the sunshine in, but once the sun goes, close them to keep the warmth in.

Most draught-proofing jobs are simple and can be done by the householder in a weekend but even if it’s a job that requires you to bring in a tradie, it will be well worth it.

Turning on the heat

By LISA ASHURST

ENERGY efficiency is a constant concern for all of us, especially with living costs continuing to rise.

We need to heat our homes in winter, but with energy prices also at a premium the desire for more cost efficient heating is greater than ever.

There are several options out there though, so it depends on which is going to be the best performer to meet your home heating needs while saving money on your power bills.

Reverse cycle air conditioning is a popular choice for many households. It’s very efficient and the cost per hour of running time to warm a room is quite low.

Whole-house systems will naturally increase the cost, but still come in as relatively low.

Split systems are usually less expensive than ducted systems to purchase and install, plus they allow you to control the temperature to each indoor unit, but both systems are a lot less expensive to run though than an electric heater.

Electric radiant panel heating systems are also worth considering as they are easy to install and have no need for pipes to a central boiler. They are attractive, unobtrusive, provide excellent warmth at a low cost and are maintenance free. They also provide a very comfortable and natural heat and are available in

a variety of forms, from infloor water tubing to radiant wall and ceiling panels.

A great option for newbuilds and renovations is underfloor heating (UFH), and the good news is that the system can now be installed in existing builds via retro-fit panels. This system of heating is available in two types; electric underfloor and hydronic underfloor.

Hydronic is considered much more efficient and a better fit environmentally. It provides a a comfortable even heat distribution across the room, is highly energy efficient and uses the science of naturally rising heat.

It’s space-saving, safe and family friendly, there are no

hot or cold spots and it does not dry out the room.

Hydronic UFH is very low maintenance, requiring only the occasional heating system service, while the electric system requires no maintenance at all, and temperature control with both systems is hassle-free. Installation costs for a UFH system can be higher than that of other systems and can sometimes take time to install, and a retrofit system in an existing build will cost more per square metre than a new build installation, but after the initial expense, you can sit back and enjoy the savings on your energy bills, as your UFH system will begin to pay for itself very quickly. A popular choice of heat-

ing with passive homeowners is an infrared heating system, which is ideal for passive homes, due to the homes’ high insulation levels and other energy efficiencies. Eco houses are designed to be highly efficient, and their heating requirements are quite low, which is what makes an infrared system so right for them. The panels are streamlined and unobtrusive and can be on either the wall or ceiling.

Infrared uses minimal electricity to generate heat, yet provides a lot for its size, and is safe enough and cost efficient enough to leave on overnight. The system does not emit any harmful radiation either. Infrared is also rated carbon neutral as it does not produce emissions

For those DIY jobs though, there are plenty of sealing options available and your local hardware store should be able to advise you on the best ones for the job.

Do it now, before the winter sets in. It will mean a warmer home, and that means a warmer you.

like a gas or oil-based heating system does. So this is a very clean heat.

Cost wise, infrared heating is said to be the least expensive of them all, with apparent savings of up to 50 percent in comparison with some other conventional types of heating and it’s very easy to install. It produces a naturally feeling, comfortable sun-like heat and those who have an infrared system swear by it.

With the many options available in efficient heating today, it is so much easier to find a system that will not only suit your budget and your needs, but will save on your power bills as well.

Now that’s a warming thought.

Elgas has been a trusted name in Cooma and the Snowy Mountains for years. Their local expertise and knowledge ensure reliable service, and with a convenient depot and office right in Cooma, they’re always close by to assist you.

LPG is portable so can be transported and connected to your home no matter how remote you may be. It is a dependable source of heat, LPG burns hotter than natural gas, providing superior warmth to combat those harsh winters. LPG unlike

electricity at times of blackouts, it won’t leave you in the cold.

Beyond convenience, LPG burns cleaner than traditional options like woodfire heaters, reducing harmful emissions in the environment and keeping your home’s air quality healthy. This is especially important for those with respiratory sensitivities.

Winter efficiency tips:

Service your gas appliances: A well-maintained heater runs more efficiently, saving you money

Upgrade to a modern LPG heater: Newer models boast improved efficiency, generating more heat for less gas

Invest in good quality insulation and seal air leaks: Insulation retains heat, while drafty windows and doors can significantly increase heating needs

Bonus tip: for peak efficiency, pair your LPG heater with a programmable thermostat. This

allows you to pre-set comfortable temperatures and avoid wasting energy.

Using LPG for your home in NSW can mean a discount on your gas bill thanks to the NSW Gas Rebate. Concession and pensioner card holders can enjoy a handy $110 rebate each year when they use LPG for cooking, heating or hot water. (Contact Service NSW for details)

Elgas, a trusted supplier with a long history of supporting the Snowy Monaro region, offers flexible payment options and

expert advice to ensure you get the most out of your LPG usage. They understand the challenges of living in a beautiful but sometimes harsh environment. That’s why Elgas offer reliable, cost-effective LPG solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our local community. Don’t let winter leave you feeling cold, let Elgas help you stay warm and save money this season.

Contact Elgas today on 131 161 and experience the comfort and efficiency of LPG heating.

By LISA ASHURST

WE ARE already into autumn, which means winter is just around the corner and when the icy weather hits, it’s lovely to come home to a place that exudes a warm and welcoming ambience as soon as you walk in the door.

Well, with very little effort you can easily create that cosy appeal in your own home with some simple but savvy design features, and it doesn’t have to be costly. You can warm up your home’s visual appeal with just a few accessories in colours and textures that will chase those cold weather blues far, far away.

Colour and texture are winners when it comes to creating a cosy look, making your living spaces, your kitchen, the bedrooms, hallways and even the bathroom warm and inviting on those cold winter nights.

Go plush. Heavier fabrics, seasonal designs and soft snuggly throws will all bring an extra layer of warmth and comfort to your rooms. Look for thick textured weaves in soft fibres and if you have any tucked away in the cupboard, pull out those heirloom and country style quilts. They add a wonderful layer of cosy nostalgia to a bedroom and even a smaller quilt will look attractive draped over a chair or make a wonderfully cuddly throw for an evening snuggled up on the couch.

If you have a fireplace, rearrange the furniture, if possible, to create a conversation area around the fire. If that’s not an option though, you can still draw attention to the fireplace with some clever decorative touches that will still make it the focus of the room and spread the visual warmth throughout.

Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to creating a warmer space, but you can remedy this and brighten yours with a good quality hall runner that is soft underfoot. It will not only brighten your hallway but keep it warmer too. But thick soft floor rugs will do

wonders for warming up any room.

Even if the room already has a floor covering, a rug will add that extra layer of comfort.

Colour is your best friend for creating a cosy ambience, so accessorise with spicy reds and vibrant tangerines, deep moody

blues, mossy greens and soft olive tones. Compliment them with rich creams, warm whites and pastel greys and then wrap it all up with elements of earthy forest tones. These colours work wonderfully well in creating the appeal of a warm, winter haven, making them the ideal hues for cuddly throw rugs, big snuggly cushions and thick soft floor rugs.

These colours will also work beautifully as warming elements in your kitchen too. Look for accessories that will add those pops of colour. A plant pot for the windowsill, a decorative plate for the wall, or even a picture of brightly-hued vegetables. They will all help to draw in the cosy ambience you want to create.

Use lamps to brighten shadowy spaces and dim corners, and candles for softer, more ambient lighting. Replace the table runner with a long fine-knit scarf, or use a thin blanket in a warm hue as a tablecloth. It will give an inviting touch to your dining area.

Opt for thick, luxurious towels in the bathroom and a soft, generously-sized bath mat, as both will create a comfortable and welcoming space. Bathrooms can be chilly places sometimes, but a few simple additions can make all the difference. It’s all about creating that look and feel of warmth and comfort.

What could be better?

Make your home your favourite place this winter.

Emily a fine Monaro ambassador

THE Cooma Show has continued its fine run of selecting outstanding young woman with Emily Rowson proving to be a great Monaro ambassador at the finals of the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition.

Ms Rowson attended the Sydney Royal last week, experiencing the show behind the scenes and many unique experiences that come with being a finalist in the NSW Young Woman competition.

Ms Rowson met NSW Governor General Margaret Beazley during her busy week.

Her path to the state finals come through winning the Zone 3 finals in Adelong back in February.

Ms Rowson had the perfect role model in Florance McGufficke of Cooma who was last year’s NSW Young Woman of the Year.

Ms McGufficke had the honour of sashing Ms Rowson as a finalist for 2024.

“It’s a very good reflection on our community for Emily to follow in Florance’s footsteps from last year and a great achievement for Emily to represent us as she has,” Mr Hain said.

During the week at the Sydney Royal, Ms Rowson thanked her family, partner Brody, Cooma Show Committee and Snowy Mountains Grammar School for their on going support.

Conrayn champions

CONRAYN Merino Stud is highly regarded across NSW and their recent performance at the 2024 Sydney Royal Easter Show will only strengthen their reputation.

The Lette family were awarded the Sir Walter Merriman trophy for most successful march shorn superfine and fine exhibitor, as well as most successful August shorn exhibitor.

Conrayn, located near Berridale, also won the grand champion superfine ewe.

FINALIST: Cooma Show Young Woman Emily Rowson proved a great Monaro ambassador during the NSW finals at the Sydney Royal last week.

PHOTO: Cooma Show Society

Peter Lette shows the grand champion superfine ewe.

WINNERS: Jane and Peter Lette win the Sir Walter Merriman trophy at the Sydney Royal for the most successful March shorn superfine Merino.

PHOTO: Conrayn Merino Stud

African Lovegrass tipping point

By STUART BURGE, AGRONOMIST

IN MY last column, I wrote with considerable despair about the alarming problem of African Lovegrass.

The bottom line in that article was that we are now at a critical tipping point: stem the tide of the spread of African Lovegrass or accept the reality that the horse has bolted.

Put simply – it’s now or never.

While many landholders, Snowy Monaro Regional Council and government agencies are only now just coming to terms with this reality, those of us who have been at the forefront of trying to address this problem have been acknowledging this situation for many years.

Cries of concern have largely fallen on deaf ears.

Indeed the following statement from the former Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, issued in 2012, is telling:

‘Unfortunately the Mon-

aro has a well established population of the highly invasive grassland weed African Lovegrass (E. curvula). This weed is a C4 grass which is predicted to become increasingly competitive with lower and more unreliable rainfall and increased drought periods in the future,’ the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority statement said.

‘The other major threat to the ecology of the Monaro Grasslands and the primary production systems that they support is serrated tussock.

‘Unless a large-scale, early investment is successfully implemented, the long term prognosis for the Monaro is one where through inappropriate grazing management and the effects of recurring droughts African Lovegrass will have dominated the native grasslands resulting in the irreversible degradation of their ecological value and an estimated decline in production (through the loss of grazing productivity alone)

of 40 percent for African Lovegrass and an almost total loss with serrated tussock)’.

It is noteworthy that this was 12-years-ago, and we are only now waking up to this reality.

Kidney Weed

Question? When is a weed not a weed?

Answer: When it is resistant to herbicides but poses no threat to agriculture or the environment.

We tend to think of glyphosate as being a complete or non-selective herbicide.

I am often asked by landholders engaged in a direct drilling pasture improvement program about a small plant which has not been killed by the application of herbicides including glyphosate.

These queries are more out of curiosity than any

real concern. That plant is Dichondra repens or Kidney Weed.

Dichondra (pictured in a sprayed paddock) is a very low growing prostrate herbaceous plant with creeping stems, rooting readily at the nodes, forming a height not usually more than four to five centimetres.

While a native to the region, it is extremely common throughout much of NSW although in paddocks on the Monaro we usually see it in small very isolated clumps.

It is now a domesticated plant which can be sown or used as a lawn species due to its attractive soft kidney shaped leaves.

No, it is certainly not another African Lovegrass (thankfully) but a small somewhat innocuous and attractive plant of unusual tolerance to glyphosate.

Dichondra (pictured in a sprayed paddock) is a very low growing prostrate herbaceous plant with creeping stems, rooting readily at the nodes, forming a height not usually more than four to five centimetres. PHOTO: Stuart Burge

Damien Roach, Nutrien. gy

Greenland Merino Stud stars

Region revels at Sydney Royal

MONARO based Merino studs, wool producers and young judges have excelled at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The young judges competition attracted the best and brightest young ag leaders from across NSW, including locals Charlotte Pateman and Miranda McGufficke.

Group 6 (Monaro and Far South Coast) was well represented with Ms Pateman finishing as Reserve Champion in the state finals of the Merino Fleece Young Judging. Ms McGufficke finished fifth in Merino Fleece Young Judging before claiming Reserve Champion in the state finals of the Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judging competition.

“It was tremendous to see so many young judges competing at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show state finals,” Jenny Alcock,

young judges coordinator at the Nimmitabel Show said.

“There were 28 in the cattle young judging, 28 in the meat breeds, 26 in the fleece young judging and 16 in Merino sheep.

“It is a great honour to have two place-getters from our Group 6 finals at the Nimmitabel Show.”

Wool producers, Mary and Tony Goodwin, won the Grand Champion Merino Fleece of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Goodwins had further success, taking out the Champion Commercial Topmakers

Superfine Wool Merino Fleece and Champion Open Spinners Medium Merino Fleece.

Their fleeces received praise from the show judges. Westplains Merino Stud of Delegate, run by Drew and Laura Chapman won Supreme Merino at the show.

THE Alcock family of Greenland Merino Stud is celebrating their most successful Sydney Royal Easter Show after winning the coveted Stonehaven Perpetual Cup.

Greenland Merino Stud, based at Bungarby, took 20 Merinos to the show, winning 15 broad ribbons and the prestigious Stonehaven Cup. The stud also took out best exhibit of five Merino March shorn sheep, consisting of three rams and two ewes.

John Alcock said the standard of the Merino

section was very high, as was the Merino fleeces.

Speaking on behalf of the five judges of the Merino section, Matthew Coddington of Roseville Park Merino Stud praised the Greenland team.

He said Greenland was declared Stonehaven Cup winners with their young sheep having good, productive skins, with positive microns. Mr Coddington said all five were structurally sound, carrying great stylish wool.

Greenland’s successful outing also included win-

ning the Sir Frederick McMaster Memorial Perpetual Trophy, Grand Champion Medium wool Merino Ewe, Junior Champion March shorn Poll Merino Ewe, Champion Medium wool March shorn Merino Ewe, and Champion Ultrafine Wool August shorn Merino Ewe.

Greenland also won the Champion Fleece of the Royal Agricultural Society district exhibits.

The Monaro stud finished with nine first places, nine reserves and two thirds.

INSPIRATION: Florance McGufficke of Cooma (middle) is inspiring young women across the state as the 2023 NSW Young Woman of the Year. Florance is congratulated by Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Society secretary Danielle Mackay and president Rob Hain after winning the zone 3 final last year. PHOTO: Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Society

Florance flourishes as NSW Young Woman of the Year

FOR the past 12 months Florance McGufficke has travelled the state as the NSW Young Woman for 2023.

Florance reflected on her journey at the recent NSW Young Woman presentation and Royal Agricultural Society Rural Achiever public speaking showcase.

Florance said she had the experience of a lifetime and one she would cherish forever. She encouraged other young women to become involved and said opportunities like the young woman competition united like minded young women, while empowering and championing rural women into leadership roles.

“Florance has certainly left her mark across the state and has been a positive role model for many,” Danielle Mackay, Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Society secretary said.

“Congratulations to Florance on all her achievements over the past year and we look forward to seeing your successes in the years to come.”

LEADERS: Monaro based Charlotte Pateman (left) and Miranda McGufficke are congratulated on their efforts in the young judges competition by NSW Shadow Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders. PHOTO: AgShows NSW

SUCCESS: The Alcock family of the Greenland Merino Stud showcase their three rams and two ewes that won the prestigious Stonehaven Cup at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

PHOTO: Greenland Merino Stud

Fortitude. (MA15+) 6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 Movie: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story. (2021) 2.00 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG) 2.30 Surveillance Oz. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 Movie: The Butler. (2013) (M) Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey. Thestory of a White House butler. 11.15 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (M) 12.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

(PG)

1.30 My

2.00

(PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round4. Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers. From Allianz Stadium, Sydney. 9.55 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+) 12.00 A+E After Dark. (MA15+)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Movie: For The Love Of Chocolate. (2021) (G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 4. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury Bulldogs. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round4. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys. From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 9.55 Golden Point. Postmatch NRL wrap-up. 10.45 Movie: Snitch. (2013) (M) Dwayne Johnson.

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6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00

Weekend Sunrise. 10.00

Morning Show. 12.00 Surveillance Oz. 12.30 Border Security USA. 1.00 Border Security: Int. 1.30 Movie: Suddenly 30. (2004) 3.30

Border Security. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 News. 7.00 Border Security. (PG) 7.30

John Farnham: Finding The Voice. (M) 9.30 What The Killer Did Next. (M) 10.30 Quantum Leap. (M) 11.30

Autopsy USA. (MA15+) 12.30 Movie: Jesse Stone: Thin Ice. (2009) (M)

6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 Athletics. Stawell Gift. Easter Monday session. 2.30 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG)

Spicks And Specks. (PG) 8.00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8.30 Movie: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. (2012) (M)

6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG) An armed robbery puts lives in danger.

8.45 Judge John Deed. (M) Judge Deed is under pressure to acquit a man who has pleaded guilty to the brutal assault of his wife.

10.45 Air Crash Investigations. (PG)

11.45 Bargain Hunt.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG)

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

9.30 Highway Cops. (PG) A man on the run abandons his pooch.

10.30 Busted In Bangkok. (M)

11.30 Nature Gone Wild. (PG)

12.00 Storage Wars. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves

Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. (M) Father Brown struggles to save Sid.

8.30 The Coroner. (M) Jane investigates the mystery of why a window cleaner was found dead next to a sports car he did not own.

10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M) 11.30 Father Brown. (M) 12.30 Bargain Hunt.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The gang looks at a jet aircraft. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 3. Brisbane Lions v Collingwood. From the Gabba, Brisbane. 10.30 AFL PostGame Show. 11.00 Pawn Stars. (PG)

11.30 Storage Wars: Barry’s Best Buys. Premiere. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Survivor 46. (PG) Hosted by Jeff Probst.

9.00 Movie: 22 Jump Street. (2014) (MA15+)

Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill. A pair of cops go undercover at a university. 11.15 Dating No Filter. Final. (M) 11.45 The Nanny. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The gang checks out a 2004 Super Bowl ring. 7.30 Movie: Elysium. (2013) (M) Matt Damon, Jodie Foster. A man tries to find his way onto a space station.

9.45 Movie: Godzilla: King Of The Monsters. (2019) (M) Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown. Godzilla battles a trio of monsters.

7.30 Movie: The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies. (2014) (M) Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman. The companions are beset by enemies.

10.15 Movie: The Legend Of Tarzan. (2016) (M) Alexander Skarsgård. Tarzan returns to the Congo.

6.00 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The staff looks at a ’60s Mercedes Unimog, a German military vehicle built to go just about anywhere. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 3. Port Adelaide v Melbourne. From Adelaide Oval. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 Movie: Cliffhanger. (1993) (M)

7.30 Movie: Zookeeper. (2011) (PG) Kevin James, Rosario Dawson. Animals help a zookeeper find love.

9.30 Movie: Sex And The City. (2008) (MA15+)

Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall. Carrie Bradshaw is consoled by her three girlfriends after one of them prompts Big to leave her at the altar.

7.00 Motorbike Cops. (PG)

7.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Air Force One. (1997) (M) Harrison Ford, Gary Oldman. Terrorists hijack the president’s plane. 11.05 Movie: Anaconda. (1997) (M)

7.30 Movie: Ocean’s Thirteen. (2007) (PG)

George Clooney, Brad Pitt. Danny Ocean and his team of expert criminals reunite to pull off one last heist. 10.00 Aussie Lobster Men. (M) Follows six boat captains and their crews as they risk it all in search of the prized Tasmanian rock lobster. 11.00 Resident Alien. (M)

6.00 American Restoration. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG)

8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG)

9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (M) 10.30 Deep Water Salvage. (PG) 11.30 Ax Men. (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Magic Mike XXL. (2015) (MA15+)

Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello. A former stripper prepares for a final performance.

10.45 Seinfeld. (PG)

11.45 The Nanny. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG)

8.30 Outback Truckers. (M) The Mackay’s convoy irritates drivers.

9.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M) Alex receives a grim diagnosis.

11.30 Barrett-Jackson: Revved Up. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015) (MA15+) Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron. A group of women and a drifter flee a warlord. 11.00 Seinfeld. (PG) 12.00 Medium. (MA15+) 6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

8.30 Movie: Volcano. (1997) (M) Tommy Lee Jones, Anne Heche. A volcano threatens Los Angeles.

10.35 Seinfeld. (PG)

11.35 The Nanny. (PG)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 As Time Goes By. (PG) Lionel has firstnight nerves.

8.05 As Time Goes By. Lionel and Jean visit Paris.

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M) DCI Barnaby looks into two murders.

10.40 Forensics: Catching The Killer. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (PG) A client is accused of stealing disease research.

8.30 NCIS. (M) A photographer disappears prior to providing testimony at an army court-martial.

9.25 Hawaii Five-0. (M)

McGarrett is arrested.

10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan moves in with Lyndsey but continues to rendezvous with Melissa at Charlie’s house.

10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

11.00 Frasier. (PG)

12.00 Home Shopping.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. (M) 8.30 Australia Behind Bars. (M) Presented by Melissa Doyle. 9.30 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+) Takes a look at people behind bars.

10.30 Coroner. (MA15+)

11.30 The Real Murders Of Orange County. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) A doctor is sued for malpractice.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Director Vance gives DiNozzo a special assignment to bring home an admiral’s daughter from Paris.

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (MA15+) Pride faces grave danger.

10.20 Evil. (MA15+)

11.15 Bull. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M) Sheldon applies for a mission to colonise Mars.

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Charlie begins dating an older woman.

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II: Hyena. (PG) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough. 8.40 Movie: Noah. (2014) (M) Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson. After experiencing visions of an apocalyptic flood, a man builds an ark to protect his family. 11.20 Memory Lane. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) Izzy asks Bull for help.

8.30 NCIS. (M) The team investigates whether a fire on a US Navy ship, which served as a secret detention site, was an accident.

9.25 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M) Commander Chase is abducted.

11.15 Bull. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG)

9.00 Two And A Half Men. (M)

9.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG) 10.00 Two And A Half Men. (M)

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Shopping.

6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV

7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 6. Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies. From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. Post-match analysis and interviews.

9.45 Movie: Rocky V. (1990) (M) Sylvester Stallone. 11.50 Movie: Cadillac Man. (1990) (M)

6.00 JAG. (PG) Harm takes custody of a disgraced officer.

7.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 22. Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners. From Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

10.15 NCIS: Los Angeles.

(M) The team uncovers a cartel’s plan.

11.10 NCIS. (M)

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Howard invents a game.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory.

(M) Sheldon applies for a mission to colonise Mars.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory.

(PG) A blackout at Mrs Wolowitz’s home leads to a final family dinner in her honour.

10.30 Friends. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.45 The Food That Built The World: Chip Dynasties. (PG)

7.35 Impossible Engineering: Airlander 10 Airship – UK. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Constantine. (2005) (MA15+) Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz. A supernatural detective tries to solve a murder. 10.40 Better Things. (M) 11.15 We Are Who We Are.

6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG) 8.30 Movie: The Expendables. (2010) (MA15+) Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li. A group of mercenaries is hired to assassinate the ruthless dictator of a small South American island. 10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+) 11.30 Ordinary Joe. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) A US Navy SEAL faces a court martial for disobeying orders to save a fellow soldier.

7.30 NCIS. (M) Gibbs and McGee travel to Russia to escort home a computer engineer who’s in possession of classified intelligence.

11.15 NCIS: Los Angeles.

(M) An ATF agent goes missing.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Charlie finds himself haunted by some of his ex-girlfriends. Alan and Jake go on a road trip together.

10.00 South Park. (M) The boys become upset about movie remakes.

10.30 South Park. (MA15+) 11.00 South Park. (M) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 Abandoned Engineering: Disaster In The Desert. (PG) Takes a look at a rusting cable in the mountains of southern Africa and a desert town almost completely destroyed. 7.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Tour of Flanders. Men’s race. From Belgium.

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) A firm uses unusual methods to win cases.

8.30 NCIS. (M) The team is assigned to a joint task force by the Secretary of the Navy after a research scientist is murdered.

10.20 NCIS: Los Angeles.

(M) The team investigates a plane crash.

11.15 Evil. (MA15+)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Charlie and Courtney break up.

10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

11.00 Frasier. (PG)

12.00 Home Shopping.

6.40 Jeopardy!

7.30 NITV News Update.

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Hosted by Jimmy Carr.

8.30 Taskmaster. (M) Hosted by Greg Davies.

9.25 Ten Year Old Tom. (M) Tom, Nelson and Dakota skip school.

10.25 Alone Australia. (M) 11.25 Over The Black Dot.

New Tricks. (M) The team is threatened with closure.

Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG) Miss Marple investigates when her friend claims to have witnessed a murder.

6.30 JAG. (PG) Bud finds himself on trial.

7.30 Bull. (M) The TAC team defends a BLM activist.

9.25 FBI. (MA15+) Maggie and OA team up with FBI’s Fugitives Department to track down a man wanted for murder.

10.20 FBI. (M) Maggie and OA tackle a drug ring.

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 Big Bang. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M)

9.00 Two And A Half Men. (PG)

9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M)

Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

Frasier.

Shopping.

6.40 Jeopardy!

7.30 NITV News Update.

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 8.30 Vikings: The Rise And Fall: The Fall Of Francia. (M) Takes a look at the siege of Paris in 885. 9.25 Dark Side Of Comedy: Joan Rivers. (M) Takes a look at Joan Rivers. 11.15 Count Abdulla. (M) 11.45 The Investigation. (M)

3 Name an island in the eastern West Indies (8)

7 Name the legendary twin brother of Pollux (6)

8 Who is remembered as Dirty Harry, saying “Go ahead, make my day”, Clint ... (8)

9 Name the thin one of a renowned comic film duo (6)

10 To sanction, is to do what (8)

11 What are crude mixtures of finely divided minerals (6)

14 To lower in dignity, is to do what (6)

17 What is the melting of the insulation of a nuclear reactor called (8)

18 Name the German physicist

Letters

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

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

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.

Snowy Monaro

APRIL 3 - 9 | 2024

Once in a lifetime opportunity

ADDRESS: Countegany Station, 71 Tuross Road, Countegany 2630, NSW

THE last of 24.28 hectares of the historic, fourth generation, Countegany Station is for sale.

Offering circa 1850s fully modernised, quality fixtures and fittings, four bedrooms, plus two bathrooms. The property is

set among mature trees and a Japanese style wooden bridge over a small garden creek. For extra income, there is a two-bedroom cottage on the property and a large shearing quarters that could be rented out.

The property also boasts a three stand shearing shed, sheep and new cattle yards,

two stables, machinery shed, woodshed, fowl run, and two Pratley dog kennels in situ, work room, tack cupboard and meat room. There is 60-acres of pasture improved rolling green paddocks with native trees and pine protected runs. Top bore and tank system to stock troughs in all paddocks

Countegany Station is conveniently located, just 30 minutes to Cooma on bitumen road and one and a half hour to Canberra and the Sapphire Coast. There is a daily school busy with close access to home.

Countegany Station is located on the eastern fall high country at around 1000 metres above sea level with 30” reliable

ROCKWELL RD, DALGETY, NSW

PRICE $480,000

rainfall. Fully fenced property too.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s the perfect, small productive farm in a tightly held Cooma region. A property suitable for that rural lifestyle, a stud or a horse enterprise.

Contact Boller & Co for inspection. any St S atiion, set among mature trees and a two stabblles, machiner y shed, C Counntteeggany

$1,980,000

Your dream lifestyle sanctuary

WELCOME to your dream lifestyle sanctuary nestled along the banks of the mighty Snowy River. This remarkable 160-acre property offers not just a home, but an unparalleled lifestyle.

Boasting over 700 meters of prime river frontage with secluded natural beauty, breathtaking views, private billabongs, deep swimming holes, and unrivalled fishing spots; 1079 Avonside Road presents a rare and unique opportunity for those seeking to disconnect and embrace their natural surroundings.

As you enter the home and step into the expansive living area, you are welcomed by natural light and views of the surrounding mountains.

The spacious open floor plan includes a well-appointed kitchen that caters for the culinary enthusiast, ensuring that every meal,

from daily dining to festive meals, is an effortless delight. The veranda seamlessly connects the indoor and outdoor living areas, inviting you to indulge in the panoramic mountain vistas.

Each bedroom features built-in wardrobes and private views of the Snowy Mountains. The master suite is a private oasis, complete with a spacious ensuite designed with both comfort and functionality in mind.

A dedicated study offers an ideal workspace for those who work or study from home.

Additionally, this property features an attached fully self-contained one-bedroom, one-bathroom flat which also includes full kitchen facilities, a private balcony, a fireplace, and a private entrance - ideal for accommodating guests, teenagers, extended family mem-

bers, or a potential source of income.

Ideal for growing and active families, the property also has access to Avonside Road via a six kilometre bitumen road and a bus stop at the Avonside/Kosciuszko Road entry. Resting in a prime location, just two hours from Canberra, 20 mins to Jindabyne, and 50 minutes to Thredbo/Perisher ski resorts, offers easy access to both urban amenities and thrilling outdoor adventures. Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the serenity of the Snowy River and surrounding mountain views at 1079 Avonside Road – where family living and natural beauty intertwine to create the ultimate retreat.

Contact Michael Henley on 0403 165 563 to arrange a private inspection.

Residence Overview:

•4 Bedrooms

•3 Bathrooms

•Master bedroom with ensuite

•Open plan living/kitchen/dining with study nook

•2x Kitchens

•Main kitchen with breakfast bar, Aga wood oven, dishwasher, and gas cooktop and hot water heating

•Internal laundry with underfloor heating

•Underfloor heating in 2x bathrooms

•2x Combustion fireplaces

•Reverse cycle air-conditioning

•Wrap around undercover balcony

•Fire pit entertaining area

•Established vegetable garden and fruit trees

•Double garage with internal access, workshop area and ski

drying room

•Solar 10kW

•House can be divided into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom main residence + a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom flat

•Property Overview:

•65.7 Hectares with 700m Snowy River frontage

•Electric front gate

•Bore water and 8x water tanks with over 120,000L

•8x8m shed plus separate large stables/ shed

• 2x Stables with round yard and tack room

•Chook shed

• Bus stop located at the end of the 6km newly constructed bitumen road

Located 2 hours from Canberra and 50 minutes to Thredbo/Perisher ski resorts

Pristine high country

ADDRESS: Scarlett’s Corner, proposed Lot

5 Avonside Road, Avonside NSW 2628

SCARLETT’S Corner is a stunning 100 acre (approx.) block located in a pristine setting with spectacular views of the main range and a glorious rural vista over the surrounding landscape.

Situated an equal distance to Jindabyne and Berridale alike.

The property features a dual occupancy dwelling entitlement under the current LEP, subject to all relevant approvals of course, offering numerous potential building sites with a vast array of outlooks.

Newly fenced along the boundaries, one internal fence dividing the property into two paddocks and large areas of rock free ground suitable for horses and other livestock. Water supplied via

one small dam and a spring fed water course running through the property.

The gently undulating country is scattered with White Gum, Manna Gum and Snow Gums, with mostly native pasture throughout, some white clover present.

Scarlett’s Corner forms part of a rich history dating back to the early pastoral roots of the Monaro, once part of the well renowned high country grazing property of Kara owned by the Sturgeon family for more than 150 years.

Scarlett’s Corner’s proposed Lot 5 Avonside Road, Avonside NSW 2628 goes to online auction on Tuesday April 16, 2024 at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Don’t miss your opportunity to not only own your own piece of land in a picturesque location, but own a piece of local history.

the north.

Not only does Eucumbene Dam offer excellent views every day, but it also offers some of the best fishing in the Monaro. For the keen skiers and snowboarders out there, the major snow resorts are within an hour’s drive or so.

Yanga features a circa 1950s built two/ three bedroom concrete block home which was extended around the 1990s.

Within the house you will find two spacious living areas, a formal dining room, a huge walk-in-robe, bathroom, mudroom, laundry and a galley style kitchen. There is also direct access to the undercover car port from the mudroom.

During the winter months you will find three wood fireplaces throughout to keep

you toasty warm and comfortable.

Spanning over 55.56 hectares or 137.24 acres, this beautiful property is fenced into five paddocks with reliable water from five dams, a spring, a bore, a windmill, three troughs, and two x 20,000L water tanks.

For those looking at running some livestock, the property features steel sheep yards and a functioning woolshed which is in need of some minor repairs.

Overall, the property is lightly timbered and our owner estimates it is about 95 percent grazable.

As the property falls under the RU1 primary production zoning, dual occupancy is permissible under the current LEP, subject to all relevant authorities of course.

Yanga presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a high quality rural holding with good bitumen road frontage ideally located to enjoy all of the family’s hobbies!

Yanga, 2049 Middlingbank Road, Middlingbank NSW 2630 goes to online auction on Tuesday April 9, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to acquire this amazing property before it is too late.

A renovator’s delight

ADDRESS: 12 Hill Street, Cooma NSW 2630

ARE you looking for next project to make your own? Look no further than 12 Hill Street, Cooma 2630, NSW.

This property is waiting and ready for its new owner.

Located on a gently sloping, 739.8m2 block, is a quaint 1970s built brick veneer home, with a single car garage and carport, plus a fenced backyard.

The house has been vacant for a number of years and is in need of some tender-loving care, perfectly suited for those looking to renovate their own home or as a project for an investment.

There is some termite damage throughout the house, however this property presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a property at market entry level in an ideal location.

12 Hill Street is just a short stroll from all necessary amenities and Cooma’s CBD.

Don’t miss this opportunity, contact the KMPL office on 02 6456 6783 to coordinate your own private inspection.

Going to online auction on Tuesday April 30, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Rural holding with Snowy River frontage

ADDRESS: Wingello, 1156 Bairds Crossing Road, Ironmungy NSW 2630

WINGELLO presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a good size rural holding fronting the Snowy River for some three kilometres, providing a secure water supply, plus the added bonus of an irrigation licence and quality infrastructure.

Spanning over approximately 427 hectares or 1,055.14 acres, fenced into 10 paddocks, with granite derived soils and approximately 100 hectares sown down to cocksfoot and about 10 hectares of recently established lucerne, Wingello is ready to go.

A prospective purchaser will find a secure water supply from the Snowy River, Tolbar Creek, a well, and dam, plus a licence to irrigate up to 20.50 hectares.

Infrastructure includes excellent steel

sheep yards, an almost new, two stand woolshed, and a four bay shed with three bays lockable.

In addition to this, you will find a beautifully renovated circa 1990s built two bedroom stone cottage with a new kitchen and bathroom, polished timber floors, three combustion fireplaces and an undercover verandah on both the eastern and western side of the house.

Wingello is a stunning property that presents a great opportunity to acquire an established rural holding with room to increase carrying capacity.

Don’t miss your opportunity, contact the KMPL sales team on 02 6456 6783 to coordinate your private inspection.

Wingello, 1156 Bairds Crossing Road, Ironmungy NSW 2630 is going to online auction on Tuesday April 16, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Perfect location, close to town

106 Bligh Street, Cooma, is situated in the perfect location for those wishing to live close to town, yearning the serenity of the bush as well as privacy, plus plenty of room for a horse or two.

Located on a picturesque parcel of approximately 2.20 hectares is a beautiful three/four bedroom, one bathroom cedar clad home with double glazed cedar windows built circa 1986.

This house was built for entertaining with three separate outdoor entertaining areas, a formal and informal entrance, a formal dining room, sunroom, sitting room and family room, plus a lovely kitchen with an island bench and butler’s pantry. The house features ducted underfloor gas heating, reverse cycle air

conditioning, as well as a gas fireplace keeping you warm during those colder winter months. There is town water and mains power connected, plus a 4.3 KVA solar system on the roof.

Additional to the house is a quaker barn complete with the perfect man cave upstairs including a three-quarter slate snooker table, and room for four cars plus workshop on the lower level. Not to mention, the perfectly manicured grounds, the poly tunnel and veggie patch, as well as the various trees including: Conifers, Pine, Oak, Silver Birch, and Olives.

106 Bligh Street has it all going for it and is not one to be missed. Contact the KMPL office to find out more and to schedule your private inspection! Going to online auction on Tuesday April 30 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website.

Opportunity for grazier or investor

ADDRESS: Snowleigh, 310 Campbells Road, Bungarby 2630, NSW

SNOWLEIGH presents a great opportunity to astute investors and graziers alike, spanning over some 769.869 hectares or 1,902.384 acres, RU1 primary production zoning and has a minimum lot size of 40 hectares under the current LEP.

Snowleigh, 310 Campbells Road, Bungarby 2630, is located some 40 kilometre south, southeast of Dalgety, bound along the entire western boundary by the Snowy River for approx. 3.5 kilometres.

Consisting of approximately 80 percent granite derived soils with the balance mostly consisting of transitional basalt derived soils, the property is fenced into 15 paddocks and is watered by 15 troughs with water pumped from the Snowy River into two holding tanks, reticulating back to individual paddocks, plus access to an unnamed creek, spring fed dam and riparian access to river.

In terms of pasture, the property is comprised of approximately 45 acres of lucerne, 150 acres of rye grass, plus phalaris, sub clover and red clover scattered throughout and the balance being predominantly native.

Snowleigh is well established, currently running 2,100 wethers and 50 head of cattle, and includes a small farm shed, a crutching shed, two sheep yards and steel cattle yards.

In addition to this, the property has a circa 1930s built homestead which hasn’t been lived in for about four years, however has established grounds, mains power and phone line!

Snowleigh presents a great opportunity to acquire an established rural property which has earned a reputation over the years for growing some outstanding wool, merino sheep and cattle! Don’t miss this opportunity, contact the KMPL office to coordinate your private inspection.

Snowleigh goes to online auction on Tuesday April 30, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website!

Perfect starter grazing or lifestyle block

ADDRESS: Thoko, 995 Newline Road, Glen Allen 2631, NSW

ARE you looking for your first grazing property or to expand your current enterprise? Or a lifestyle block where you can enjoy all aspects of life on the land? Look no further than Thoko.

Thoko, 995 Newline Road, Glen Allen NSW 2631 is a 173.83 hectare or 436.96 acre (approx.) property located some 45 minutes drive from Cooma and Bombala alike, as well as some one and a half hours to Tathra, in what is considered traditionally as one of the Monaro’s highest rainfall areas. Featuring a healthy mixture of native vegetation, clovers and ryegrass with a strong fertilizer history, the owner estimates the property is 95 percent grazable and five percent heavily timbered with gum trees.

Predominantly basalt derived soils throughout with some granite soils present.

In terms of infrastructure, you will find a functional two stand woolshed and steel sheep yards, excellent steel cattle yards with a Q-catch crush, and

is fenced into six paddocks.

The property is watered by six dams, three of which are spring fed, Black Spring Creek and the headwaters of the Undowa River.

Thoko has all the sound infrastructure you need in place to start your next grazing operation.

Further to this, you will find the original homestead complex featuring a 1840s cottage, the 1888 main house with mains power, internet and mobile reception, a workshop/shed and established gardens. In addition, there is an off grid 1927 dwelling built for one of the settlers sons originally, recently used as shearers or workers quarters when needed.

Thoko presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a small rural holding with a reputation for producing quality livestock over the years. Don’t miss this opportunity, contact our sales team on 02 6456 6783 today to coordinate your private inspection.

Thoko goes to online auction on Tuesday April 23, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Cattle grazing opportunity

ADDRESS: 4005 Delegate Road, Delegate

ASKING: $1,850,000

LOCATED approximately seven kilometres west of Delegate with sealed road to the front gate this is a wonderful grazing property with little to do.

Featuring 264.37ha/654ac of soft undulating, open country with granite soils, improved perennial and native pastures with a lovely northern aspect and lightly timbered for shelter and shade and water security from frontage to Riverview creek and dams or waterpoints in most paddocks.

The property has been sub-divided into 12 paddocks with laneway

access for ease of stock movement and fencing is predominantly new throughout.

Additional improvements include Colourbond machinery shed with two open bays and one closed bay. Two shipping containers and machinery/ workshop.

One main set of cattle yards including crush and loading ramp at the front of the property and two other sets of steel yards throughout the property.

This is a prime grazing opportunity for cattle and/or sheep, the property has been well maintained with a focus on updating infrastructure and currently managed with a conservative stocking rate.

ADDRESS: 139 – 143 Maybe Street, Bombala

Post Office building: $450,000, business: $300,000

LOCATED in the very centre of Bombala and in a prominent position sits the historic Bombala Post Office building.

Circa 1914, Federation style featuring red brick exterior with pressed metal

ceilings. The building has been well maintained over the years and comprises a showroom, counter area, back office, kitchen, front and rear sorting rooms, storeroom, and office.

Bombala is located on the banks of the Bombala River, the town of the same name is perfectly positioned between Canberra, the NSW Snowy Mountains, and the beautiful Sapphire Coast.

Day trips around the region could

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night

include skiing or snowboarding, surf or a visit to our nation’s capital.

The property itself would prove a smart investment however the business is also for sale. This will be a ‘blue chip’ tenant as the building is for the use of the Post Office. There are also six mail contractors working out of the rear of the building.

What an opportunity for a family to relocate to a thriving country town and put the whole family to work. The

business caters for local rural runs and the local PO boxes.

The postal shop is stocked to cater for all needs while Services Australia also hires a space out making it the access point in the area for anything to do with Medicare, Centrelink etc.

Besides postal services, they also offer insurance, passport renewals and applications, police checks, money transfers, foreign currency exchange, gift cards and more.

FOOT Y TIPPING COMP 2024 FOOTY COMP

The Draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map has now been released across all areas of

New South Wales

The Local Land Services Act and Regulation require preparation and publication of a Native Vegetation Regulatory Map. A staged release of the draft Native Vegetation Regulatory map commenced on 5 October 2022. North West and remaining areas of South East Local Land Services Regions were published on 26 March 2024. All Local Land Services Regions have now been released. The draft NVR map is a tool landholders can use when considering how best to manage native vegetation on their land. It does not impose any new legal obligations. The map provides certainty when determining whether an approval is or isn’t required.

A free review of the draft map as it relates to your land is available now or at any time in the future. The review will normally be completed in 40 days. Landholders in all regions can request

Information about and access to the draft Map is available at: environment.nsw.gov .au/native-vegetation-regulatory-map.

Notice of Ongoing 1080 Ground Baiting

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The program will be CONTINUOUS AND ON GOING between 8th April 2024 to 7th July 2024. These programs are part of an integrated pest animal control strategy, aimed at minimising the impacts of these pests on neighbouring stock. Baiting programs will be conducted in the Dangelong Nature Reserve, Wadjan Nature Reserve, Kybeyan Nature Reserve and Kybeyan State Conservation Area. These areas are located within the East Monaro/Central South Coast Wild Dog Management Plan. All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs. Please be reminded that domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS Estate. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance. For further information please call the Jindabyne NPWS office on (02) 6450 5555.

ADMIN / PAYROLL ASSISTANT

We are seeking a part-time Admin Assistant to join our team in the Cooma office. The role will suit an all-rounder with the initiative to jump in and assist others in busy times.

Qualifications & Skills:

preferred but not essential) Duties include: Providing admin support to various departments

SALES ASSISTANT

We are seeking a Retail Assistant who is passionate about customer service to join our team based in Cooma NSW.

Retail Sales

Successful applicant should have:

Strong customer service skills.

Basic computer skills.

Be punctual and well organised.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Driver's licence.

Duties include:

Customer service, advice, sales and deliveries.

Measuring and quoting - blinds / curtains.

Organisation of installations - blinds / curtains.

Ordering of stock.

Other duties as directed.

Immediate start available to successful applicant.

Hour’s negotiable.

Competitive wages paid based on the General Retail Award.

HOW TO APPLY:

EMAIL:

Application together with resume, can be emailed to coomafurnishings@gmail.com

MAIL / IN PERSON:

Cooma Furnishing Co. Pty Ltd, 62 Sharp Street, Cooma, NSW, 2630.

Applications close: April 10, 2024.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please call us directly on 02 6452 1499.

FARM CLEARANCE SALE

AC/ SD JAUNCEY

PROPERTY SOLD

SAT 20TH APRIL 2024. 10am on site. Inspect from 9am

‘ANGLEDALE’ 826 ANGLEDALE ROAD, ANGLEDALE, NSW, 2550

To view photos of sale items, visit: property.ljhooker.com.au/msbfgn

·410 Fendt 4wd tractor with front loader bucket (unknown hrs)

·150 Fendt 4wd tractor · Luigong, 2009, 25 tone Excavator.

lot) · D65 P Komatsu Bulldozer (unknown hrs) · Bunning, Landaco, VT 180 mixer wagon · Duncan 740 Enviro Seeder triple disc

· 12 foot Nobili mulcher · Landaco TS 3000 Agri spread, Belt drive super spreader ·JBC 1998 Backhoe (unknown hrs) · Honda Pioneer

tank · John Shearer 24p 540 o/s disc plough · Berends Hydraulic 3 pt linkage Back Blade · Old farm trailer · ASP 520 BS NOV diesel Mono pump · 30 tone Hydraulic press ·Twin impeller Davey petrol 5000lt Diesel tank · Frasc air compressor ·Motor bike tyre changer ·3* 4 wheeler motor bikes (parts only) ·Numerous not working parts only Suzuki DR 200 motor bikes ·Tool boxes ·Oxy set (no gas with tyres · 50 lt bike spray pack · Mikita mitre saw · Manual 44 gal fuel pump · 20,000lt molasses poly tank · Numerous hay feeders · Numerous electric fence units and reels · Wire spinner · Old farm gates · 3 * 600mm concrete pipes · Old machinery garden ornaments · 3 pt linkage spray units (needs work) · 8+ calf/sheep panels · Poly water troughs · Numerous calf feeders · Black ridge comgreen line poly pipe · Homemade poly pipe reel · Plus numerous other assorted farm items.

ID. number system bidding

PAYMENT: CASH, APPROVED CHEQUE OR DIRECT DEPOSIT ON THE DAY

SELLING AGENTS: LJ HOOKER BEGA IN CONJUNCTION WITH PELL RIXON

Berridale Easter Fair celebrates best year yet

By TRISTA HEATH BERRIDALE

Lions

Club Easter Fair celebrated its 50th fair on Saturday March 30 with more than 60 stall holders and a huge crowd.

Berridale Lions Club President Iain Schofield said it was their biggest fair yet.

“It was a great day out, we had the Easter Bunny for the kids, plenty of stalls to browse and the weather really topped off a perfect fair day.” Mr Schofield said.

Stallholders as far as Canberra and the South Coast joined all the locals to showcase their products and make some great sales.

Owen Davis of Snowy Mountains

Eucalyptus Oil Company took a

break from his stall to dress up as the Easter Bunny on the day as he walked around with his basket full of chocolate eggs for all the children.

This year was the first time the club welcomed sponsors to their event and wanted thank Snowy Legal, Sea 2 Sky Electrical, ABF Building, The Banjo Paterson Inn and Jindy Steelworx for their generous sponsorship and support.

“We thank our sponsors as well as the entire Snowy Monaro community for their support this year.” Mr Schofield said.

The Berridale Lions Club look forward to hosting their next event, the Spring Markets over the long weekend in October.

MUGRIDGE, Howard. 21/1/1939 - 27/3/2011

In loving memory of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We love and miss you everyday, forever in our hearts.

~ Glynis and family, Cheryl and Trevor, Peter and Robyn.

stallholders Hilton, Mary and Bill giving demonstrations and selling their pieces. Local woodturner, Richard Nutt (Nutty) from Nutty’s Crafts.

A range of homemade earrings made right here in Berridale from Minnie Ha Ha.

author Noel Braun selling his many published books. LAOKO members selling various items to raise money and awareness for wombat mange season.

CELEBRATION: Berridale Lions Club members hosting the events BBQ for the day as they celebrate the 50th Easter Fair.

Cooma Car club stages successful hillclimb

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Cooma Car Club Hillclimb has a reputation for fast and fair racing with entrants regularly commenting on the quality of the event.

For the first time in 2024, the hillclimb returned to Mt Gladstone where 28 racers took to the track on Sunday for the competition event. Drivers from across the Snowy Monaro, south-east NSW and ACT tried their hand at setting the fasted time of the day.

This honour went to Jindabyne’s Andrew Penny who clocked the quickest run of 42.09s.

The Cooma Car Club works hard to encourage junior drivers to compete in the hillclimb and the weekend’s racing of March 23 and 24 was no exception.

Joshua Connelly from Goulbyrn was the fastest junior, finishing the hillclimb in 55.79s.

Cooma Car Club volunteer and committee member Rogan Corbett said the hillclimb again proved successful.

“The hillclimbs are great events to encourage drivers to race and hone their skills. It’s important drivers who wish to race can do so at events like ours,” Corbett said.

“We were pleased with the number of entrants. Many trav-

elled some hours to compete.

“The hillclimb was a success. Our members do a great job to run this, it’s one of the car club’s most popular regular events.”

Individual class winners included: Tom Ballard, ACT, Mazda 50.05s; Tim Sullivan, Adaminaby, Toyota Corolla 46.64s; Phoenix Aoun, Numeralla, Volkswagen Jetta 46.28s; Michael Primrose, Shoalhaven, Toyota MR2 46.80s; Sean Martin, ACT, Mazda MX5 43.35s; Daniel Matthews, Sydney, Peugeot 206 GTi180 48.00s; and Tyler Every, Cooma, Honda Civic GTR 44.58s.

The weekend saw the car club’s

usual format - a come and try on Saturday (non-competitive) with 30 entrants, including eight junior drivers, five of which were using car club cars. Racing on Sunday was competitive and attracted a strong crowd.

WINNER: Jindabyne’s

Andrew

Tigers ready to shoot for Cooma Roach’s standout season

THE COOMA Tigers Football Club is just days away from the start of the their new season with two men’s sides and a women’s team ready to shoot for premiership glory.

The Cooma FC men’s side will again contest Capital Football’s state league division one after a promising season in 2023. The side progressed to a higher division in 2023 following its title victory the season prior.

A finals berth almost came their way last season. The disappointment of missing the finals is fueling Oscar Schoon’s side in 2024.

Saturday April 6 will see the season kick-off at Nijong Oval with Cooma FC at home to Weston Molongolo. Reserve grade commences at 1pm and first at 3pm.

The club is looking forward to cheering on its women’s side who will contest division three.

An away game to start the season has the side taking on BellaMonaro at riverside Park in Queanbeyan at 10am. A home game follows on April 13 with a 10am kickoff against Majura at 10am.

NEW SEASON: The Cooma Tigers Football Club will return to Capital Football’s state league division one competition. The new season starts at Nijong Oval on Saturday.

Ben Clark, pictured in 2023, will be a key player for the Tigers this season. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

COFFEY’S cricket all- rounder Damien Roach will probably look back on season 2023/24 with a sense of what could’ve been, after his side fell agonisingly short in their premiership bid.

Roach claimed career best figures in Coffey’s grand final loss to Jindabyne, collecting 5/11. Despite the loss, Roach cemented his standing as one of Monaro cricket’s form all rounders.

An early season switch from off spin to his more natural medium pace paid dividends as Roach took 20 wickets across the T20 and one-day competitions.

His best performance with the ball came in the most important match of the season. Roach snared the big wicket of Jindabyne’s Dave Tickell before collecting Monaro cricketer of the year Isaac Dawson for a golden duck.

Roach’s six overs produced five key wickets, helping dismiss Jindabyne for 120.

Roach had a standout season with the bat, hitting four half centuries while consistently striking at close to a run a ball.

He proved an attacking top order option for Coffey’s and handful for opposition bowlers.

Roach reached 70 twice. The first came against Rhythm in a successful run chase of 140 in the final rounds of the season.

In the final match of the regular season against Berridale, Roach hit a quick fire 77. He amassed close to 300 runs for the season.

Drivers were on the pace for the first Cooma Car Club Hillclimb of 2024.

PHOTO: Ross Lawley

Perkins recorded some of the quickest times in his Lotus Evora.

PHOTO: Ross Lawley

Penny clocked the fastest time of the Cooma Car Club Hillclimb event with a time of 42.09s.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Evans enjoys fruitful season

By TRISTA HEATH

is passionate about her alpine skiing.

The 18-year-old has spent the last few months competing in an array of championships and races in the French Alps.

Alpine ski racing is a demanding sport that requires a combination of speed, agility, technical skill and physical endurance with four disciplines within the sport including downhill, Super G, GS and Slalom.

Evans mainly competes in GS and Slalom with some Super G races as well.

Evans said while all sports have their ups and downs, the highs in ski racing feel unmatched. She is developing her technique to create more powerful and smooth turns, which she describes as the best feeling.

“The adrenaline and thrill that I feel when I am alpine skiing is so much fun, the variety of events in ski racing also creates its own unique challenges ranging from the speed in Super G to the precision of slalom turns, there’s always something new to learn and try,” Evans said.

“The scenery that I am lucky enough the be surrounded by when training and racing also allows me to see the most beautiful places in the world from the Northern lights in north of Sweden to the spectacular Italian Dolomites.

“Being able to be in these places makes it feel even more special and reminds me of how lucky I am.”

A sophisticated sport that requires extreme focus, the alpine skiing technique evolved during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the mountainous terrain of the Alps in central Europe and has grown into a sport thousands compete in every year.

Evans is currently with a team, HPC, based in Leogang Austria with around six athletes and mainly trains in Leognag but travel to Czech, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia for races.

As her team enters the last few weeks of the season they travel a lot as racing is their main goal and training becomes more difficult as the snow conditions get worse.

Most of our competitions are regular FIS events although I also had the privilege to compete in the Junior world championships with four other Australians which was held in the beginning of February in Portes Du Soleil, France, located around different mountains near Morzine.

Alpine ski racing is based off of a points system where an algorithm is used to allocate points to each racer. A penalty is created based off of the top skiers and then points per second are given to the races based on how far they are off the leader, so the lower the points the better, this means that each race is fair and can be objectively judged based on your skill level.

Evans said while there are many different races the team can go to, each follows the same point system and depending on how you ski in the race you are allocated points.

“These systems can be rewarding, as we constantly see how we improve compared to other athletes,” Evans said.

Evans said she would like to constantly improve and see where the sport takes her.

“Going to the Olympics or competing in world cups would be amazing but there are so many steps that come before that I want to enjoy, and the satisfaction of improvement always makes it feel worth it,” Evans said.

“Being selected to represent Australia at the Junior

world championships is one of my biggest highlights and although my skiing didn’t go as planned, being able to compete against some of the best ski races in the world was amazing and seeing how my skiing compares to them.

“Particularly in the previous Northern Hemisphere season (2022/23) I made a huge improvement and got some of my first podiums which is so rewarding and fun just to see how the work can pay off.”

There is a large psychological aspect to ski racing which is crucial for athletes. Being able to focus on your own skiing and zone in on your technique during training and races which many people often underestimate.

Evans said having so many factors playing into ski racing can make it overwhelming but also adds to its challenge which makes it more sophisticated but enjoyable.

“Many people can underestimate the psychological side of ski racing and how you need to have a lot of confidence in your own skiing to be able to ski well under high risk conditions,” Evans said.

“It’s always important to understand that you need to have fun and love the sport, giving you the drive and confidence to want to kind of ‘send it’ down a course.

“When athletes begin to only worry about their points and ranking, the pressure often leads to a loss of confidence which can impact their skiing so I would say its most important to just love what you do.

“Ski racing also requires us to be away from home for many months of the year in new countries and with new people so being able to be surrounded by athletes that can inspire and push you makes it more fun and helps you move towards your goals with like-minded people that support you.”

TALENTED: Jindabyne’s Abbey Evans competing in the Alpine downhill skiing discipline. PHOTO: Supplied

SNOWY Mountains Grammar School graduate Abbey Evans

Byrne blitzes Moruya Races

FORMER Jindabyne and now Canberra based trainer, Becky Byrne, has produced a career highlight at the Moruya Races on Saturday with a winning double.

In Race 2, a Benchmark 50 handicap over 1010 metres, Jacob Joe ($5) was ridden by Canberra Jockey Damon Budler to win by a neck margin over the favourite Artieos ($2.10). Jacob Joe is raced by Canberra businessman Joe Palombi, Tony Cullen from Wagga along with Canberra plumbers Martin and Justin Rich.

In the very next race, Byrne produced Rosy Sue ($2.90 fav), a fouryear-old mare by Astern, to win a maiden handicap over 920 metres.

In similar style to his previous ride, Budler summed up the race well to prevail again by a neck margin over Noble Ruby ($3.30) from the Price stable at Kembla Grange.

Rosy Sue, from the mare Maryore who won six races and more $500,000 million in prize money, is raced by Mr Palombi and George Gabarretta.

Byrne made the move to train at Canberra after commencing at Jindabyne and having a stint at Queanbeyan.

Bombala trainer, Anita “Skeet” Walder was very pleased with the runs of her two horses at Moruya, when they both had close-up second placings.

In Race 1, a Maiden Handicap over 1650 metres, Odyssey Man ($11) ridden by Quayde Krogh, finished second, only a nose margin behind Closdumesnil (NZ) ($11) trained by Joe Cleary at Queanbeyan and ridden by Kayla Nisbet.

In the last race, a Benchmark 50

over 1300 metres, Deadly Weapon ($31), ridden by Rebecca Bronett Prag, was a long way back but made a great run out wide to finish second to Howgoodisvegas ($2.15) trained by Colbey Hill at Moruya and ridden by Jade McKenzie. Odyssey Man is raced by Anita and David Walder, the estate of the late Sally-Ann Thompson, Raymond Crawford, Robert Joseph and Kathy Farrell, while Deadly Weapon is raced by Anita and David Walder, Mr P H Craig, Mrs M & Mr G Eddie, Robert Joseph, the

estate of the late Sally-Ann Thompson and Raymond Crawford.

Sally-Ann Thompson trained gallopers at Bombala for many years prior to 2002. One of her better horses, Miss Majakit, won eight races and had 21 minor placings.

Until her relatively recent illness and passing, Sally-Ann kept a keen physical interest in racing, in particular by supporting “Skeet” and her training operation, feeding up, strapping on race-day, and by overseeing very early morning track gallops at the Bombala track.

She will be missed by her family, friends and the racing fraternity who have fond recollections of her.

At Canberra last Friday, Starliv ($31), ridden by Kayla Nisbet surprised her trainer and owners when she blitzed a good field, leading all of the way to win a Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1000 metres.

At what was her swansong before retirement, trainer Matt Kelley expected a good showing, but as a seven-year-old mare with her interest in racing seemingly wan-

ing, he was hopeful, but not confident, of a good outcome.

Kelley did not foresee her 1.6 length win in the class record time. (56.88 seconds). Starliv, who is the winner of six races, is raced by Mick Schofield, David Bottom, Roger Norton, Stephen and Cameron Johnson and Brandon Williams.

The ownership group now has to decide if the retirement plans should be rescheduled to see if Starliv has any more surprises for them.

WINNER: Starliv, pictured last year, has won in Canberra for trainer Matt Kelley.

PHOTO: Trackpix