MP030724_Digital_Edition.pdf

CHARLOTTE PASS READY TO OPEN

Taylor reflects on political career Budget adopted

DEPUTY NATS LEADER PROUD OF REGIONAL ADVOCACY

By NATHAN THOMPSON

WITH just under two months of her state political career remaining, Member of the Legislative Council and Monaro resident, Bronnie Taylor, says she will leave parliament proud of her advocacy for regional and rural NSW.

Mrs Taylor told The Monaro Media Group she is happy with her decision to retire from state politics following nine years in the NSW upper house.

The first female Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals Party, Mrs Taylor says her love for the Monaro has not wavered and she is looking forward to spending more time in the community.

“I’m genuinely happy with the decision to retire. I’m pleased that I’ll be spending more time at home and back in the community,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I’m relieved I made the announcement. It is a big decision, I love my job, but felt the time is right for me and the party to leave.”

Mrs Taylor said regional communities have always been her focus.

“Regional communities are, and have always been, at the heart of everything I fight for,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I entered politics to improve the health outcomes for those in regional communities across NSW.”

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council has adopted its budget for the 2024/25 financial year with proposed reductions to road maintenance, community development planning and reduced Cooma Library hours all spared.

An extraordinary meeting took place last week, where Council voted to adopt a revised budget.

One of the major changes from the draft financial statements and operational plan placed on public exhibition in May and June, is the reallocation of resources to Council’s roads maintenance budget.

Proposals to reduce maintenance to roads based on usage numbers was overturned and the Cooma Library will remain open on Saturdays.

After close to two hours discussion, Council approved its new budget.

The Cooma Basketball Stadium, slated for sale, will look to be leased for 12-months, and an increase of $395,000 will be placed into the parks, gardens and civic maintenance budget. Council received hundreds of community submissions during the exhibition period, with the majority centred on roads and the proposed closure of the Snowy Monaro Regional Mobile Library service.

RETIRING: Monaro resident and Member of the Legislative Council, Bronnie Taylor, says she is happy with her decision to leave state politics and is proud of what she has achieved for regional and rural areas.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Olympians united SUMMER, WINTER STARS SHARE EXPERIENCES Budget adopted

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE Olympians celebrated Olympic Day on June 23, bringing together the town’s summer and winter Olympians for an international celebration of the Olympic Games.

The day was first commemorated in 1948 to encourage participation in sport, regardless of age, gender, or ability.

Olympian swimmers Graham and Nira Windeatt shared their memories from the Olympic games almost 50 years ago and gave advice to those pursuing an Olympic career.

Nira said the experience was life changing and gave them both many life lessons to carry through their lives.

“It is a rare privilege to compete for your country at the Olympics and one that is held with great pride by those who are fortunate enough to carry the title of Olympian,” Nira said.

Destined for the podium, Graham said winning the silver medal in the 1500 metre freestyle at the 1972 summer Olympics in Munich wasn’t a daunting experience for him but a realised ambition and goal.

“Six years prior to the Olympics, I was training 25 to 35 hours a week doing 12 sessions a week with two days off a year, all for the aim to make it to the Olympics, and I did,” Graham said.

Hoping to inspire the next generation of athletes, Jindabyne is spoilt for choice on Olympic encouragement and only continues to be home to many uprising and talented stars.

■ Read more on page 15.

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council has adopted its budget for the 2024/25 financial year with proposed reductions to road maintenance, community development planning and reduced Cooma Library hours all spared.

An extraordinary meeting took place last week, where Council voted to adopt a revised budget.

One of the major changes from the draft financial statements and operational plan placed on public exhibition in May and June, is the reallocation of resources to Council’s roads maintenance budget.

Proposals to reduce maintenance to roads based on usage numbers was overturned and the Cooma Library will remain open on Saturdays.

After close to two hours discussion, Council approved its new budget.

The Cooma Basketball Stadium, slated for sale, will look to be leased for 12-months, and an increase of $395,000 will be placed into the parks, gardens and civic maintenance budget.

Council received hundreds of community submissions during the exhibition period, with the majority centred on roads and the proposed closure of the Snowy Monaro Regional Mobile Library service.

SWIMMING STARS: Olympic swimmer husband and wife duo Nira and Graham Windeatt celebrate Olympic Day.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Chamber criticises state budget

Jindabyne health services forgotten: Kapetanakos

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE Chamber of Commerce president Olivier Kapetanakos has described the recent NSW Budget handed down as ‘vanilla’ and says regional areas, including the Snowy Monaro, have missed out.

Mr Kapetanakos said while it is pleasing to see the state government’s investment into social housing with 5800 homes, he said the Snowy Monaro was dosed with a continuation of funding announcements rather than real action.

“The continuation in Cooma Hospital Redevelopment, continuation in the Snowy Mountains SAP and a commitment for a preschool attached to the Jindabyne High School where within the announcements,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

“An announcement of $47.3 million to provide improved access to the new school facility was also within the budget and this will be required for our town to avoid real safety concerns because of the indefinite postponement of the southern connector which was designed with connectivity

in mind.

“Additionally, $5.3m for the expansion the Gaden Trout Hatchery is always seen as a positive.”

While he said some positives came from the budget, Mr Kapetanakos believes some essential services to the area were forgotten.

“Once again the Jindabyne health services missed out,”

Mr Kapetanakos said.

“As the states only LGA that has Tourism as its main economic driver, Jindabyne will always be hard done by in budgets, which is why as an LGA we need to diversify our collective sources of income.

“Agriculture doesn’t bid well for the future and nor does forestry, so a new industry type needs to be developed over the next 20 years.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said he agrees more needs to be done to plan for future health care in Jindabyne.

“It amazes me that in developing the SAP, the Nationals in Government did not consider health,” Mr Whan said.

“I am urging better health planning and services, but it

will take longer than a year to do it.

“Responsible budgets don’t come with lots of surprises. Funding should be going to projects we have worked on with the community.”

Mr Kapetanaokos said he hoped the State Government would take a serious look at how they fund local councils as well as looking into program development to help households cope with the increased waiting times and cost of health care and for business.

“I had hoped It was great to see a repair of the payroll tax liabilities for contract GPs but unsure how this will

HI VIS WARMTH WITH BISLEY AND BADGER

help to attract new doctors into the area or the creation of an Urgent Care facility in Jindabyne,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

“Last week, I received news that two good friends aged over 75 are leaving their home of 30 and 40 plus years to move to Canberra as we don’t have suitable medical and housing in the area.

“It’s no wonder why we have half the nationally average population of over 75 year olds.”

Opinions on Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s budget, handed down last week, is varied throughout the community, according to Mr Ka-

petanakos. He is lamenting Council’s decision to withdraw funding from economic development and tourism.

Mr Kapetanakos said he had hoped Council would stop prioritising past needs over the future and spending on projects that he says delivers little to the Jindabyne community.

He is worried the lack of spending on tourism will hurt the region’s economy.

“It seems whatever relief is offered from the State Government’s hand is taken away by the Council rate rises and fee increases.

“The cuts do not address the core issue which is sim-

ple, they are doing too much and what is being done is done poorly.

“These cuts will directly impact on this community; the reduction of economic development activity inhibits the potential for diversity and this reflection that Council is adjusting the fee to reflect cost recovery erodes development confidence.

“The poor approach to tourism is damaging the brand that is the ‘Snowy Mountains’.”

Council approved its 2024/25 budget at an extraordinary meeting last week.

BUDGET: Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos is not impressed with the state budget.

PHOTO: Trista Heath.

Charlotte Pass season saved

By KAREN FORMAN

A ‘MIRACLE’ has saved Charlotte Pass Snow Resort’s 2024 season after fire ravaged its water treatment plant in May - and owner The Blyton Group has confirmed that lifts will start spinning almost against the odds, on Friday July 5.

Chief Operating Officer, Lachlan Blyton-Gray, told The Monaro Media Group on Friday that ‘incredible’ support from the three key stakeholders - National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Planning and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), combined with the willingness of a private company which specialises in building environmentally sound water treatment systems to do six months of work in just four weeks had saved the resort.

After welcoming four semi trailer loads of seed for biomasc, to propagate the new plant built in just a month by Victorian company AKS Water Solutions on Friday, with another four expected Saturday, Mr Blyton-Gray said he was finally able to confirm the resort would open for the season.

“It is absolutely a miracle,” Mr Blyton-Gray said.

“After the fire burned what was essentially the brains of the plant, I would not have believed we could pull it off.

“Basically, I booked a meeting with the lessees of the 10 lodges at Charlotte Pass on a Tuesday for the following Friday and was expecting to tell them we were closing for the season.

Resort’s re-opening a ‘miracle’: Blyton-Gray

“But here we are, not only about to open for 2024, but with a permanent solution that will even work in context of the SAP which will allow us to accommodate 250 extra beds.

“I am delighted.”

“We asked around but no-one was able to provide us with what we needed, and then we found AKS who did a job that normally takes nine months in just four weeks. Not only that, but we have a permanent solution, not just a temporary one, which is great news looking ahead.

“They had 20 people working on it virtually 24/7 and we took delivery of three 20 foot shipping contains and one skip. It took two to three days to put it together and we have been doing final testing this week.”

Water treatment plants require seeding with biomasc which normally takes time to build up, but Mr Blyton-Gray said tankers had been brought in from Thredbo to get the system going.

He said Charlotte Pass Snow Resort was licenced to process 230,000 litres a day, but would only do about half of that, with the village hosting 600 overnight guests and around 200 day trippers at any one time.

The fire occurred just a month from the traditional Australian snow season opening, was expected to ruin the season for the resort, a sister to Selwyn Snow Resort near Adaminaby, which has also gone through a few tough years following bushfires and poor snow.

scientific equipment, the brains, if you like, the auto heating, aeration, ultra violet and media filtration,” Mr Blyton-Gray said.

“The fire affected the contents of the plant, so the important stuff like the inflow in the first tank, the

“All the tanks were fine and minor repairs were done, but we needed a containerised solution to provide the ability to treat water from taps, toilets and showers.

“I am absolutely thrilled. The costs have been substantial but as I said, we have a permanent solution that will set us up for the next 24 years, even in the context of the SAP which will allow us to accommodate 250 extra beds,” he said. Despite being closed for the first month of the season, the resort has been able to make use of the subzero temperatures to make snow and with some natural snow falling in recent days, Mr BlytonGray said the opening on Friday should be ‘awesome’.

SEASON SAVED: Charlotte Pass Snow Resort will open on Friday after a solution to its fire-damaged water treatment plant was found. Hard work by local businesses, government stakeholders and a Victorian company has saved the season, says Charlotte Pass Snow Resort Chief Operating Officer, Lachlan Blyton-Gray.

PHOTO: Charlotte Pass Snow Resort

Cooma trumps Sydney for Oliveiras: Health Local government back to table

FOR Angela and Terry Oliveira and their young family, moving to the wide, open country and slopes of the Snowy Mountains from the Sydney beachside suburb of Cronulla is the best thing they’ve ever done.

Cooma has offered the treechangers the best of lifestyles for all the family.

For Terry, a physiotherapist, and his eight-year-old daughter Summer, the ski slopes of nearby Jindabyne are a key attraction in the winter, while the whole family enjoy the opportunities for getting out on the mountain bikes in the off season, and the easy 1.5 hour drive to the Sapphire Coast for SUPing and body-boarding in the summer.

Angela Oliveira, nurse educator at Cooma Health Service, says the great outdoors are what enticed them to move, but the people in Cooma have made it feel like home.

“It’s a slower pace of life. People have the time, and they really care,” Angela said.

“Cooma Hospital has been so supportive and it’s a great place to work.

“Everyone knows each other. Everyone helps each other, and management are really supportive.”

Angela and Terry both work

at Cooma Hospital and Health Service and live just a short walk away on the same street.

Eight-year-old Summer has made some really great friends at her new school and for twoyear-old David, the good country life is probably all he will remember of his infant years.

Angela says they made the decision to move when she was on maternity leave with David and they’ve never looked back.

“I’d actually never heard of

Cooma before we moved here,” Angela said.

“I was more familiar with Jindabyne. But it was a strategic move – Cooma is central to Canberra, the mountains and the beach.”

Terry and Summer are keen snowboarders and Angela says her daughter is trying to teach her to snowboard but for now she’s focusing on her balance and fitness.

The family have a lot of out-

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door equipment, mountains bikes and a couple of SUPs (stand up paddleboards), and Angela says it’s probably why they haven’t bought a house yet. They intend to though and say while they could probably never have afforded to buy a house in Sydney, it’s much more affordable in Cooma. For now, they are out at every opportunity exploring the great outdoors, near and far –and loving every minute of it.

MOVES to bring local government back into the national conversation are expected to result in record attendance from councils at the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG).

The ACLG will put local government priorities on the national stage, with officials able to engage with Cabinet Ministers and discuss the opportunities and challenges being faced in their areas.

In the lead up to the ACLG, the Federal Government says it is also bringing forward $2.78 billion in financial assistance to ensure councils have funds ready to deliver the services we all rely on.

This represents 85 per cent of the Financial Assistance Grant allocations for 2024-25, which the Government will pay to states and territories before 30 June to flow onto councils as soon as possible.

“Councils go that extra mile for their community, which is why we’ve brought them back to the table as a trusted delivery partner, and why their expertise is central to the positive changes we want to make,” Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, Kristy McBain, said.

“Getting everyone in the same room to discuss how we can tackle challenges and maximise opportunities has a huge impact on strengthening service delivery, forging fitfor-purpose programs, and delivering money where it’s needed most.

“We’re building on the success of last year’s ACLG and renewing our commitment to this key forum in 2024, because local government shouldn’t be an afterthought when it comes to whole-of-government policies.”

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TREE CHANGE: Terry and Angela Oliveira haven’t looked back since moving from Sydney to Cooma. The couple work at Cooma Hospital and Health Service and say they love living in the community.

PHOTO: Southern NSW Health

Airport upgraded, carriers on radar

Record numbers but no commercial flights

By KAREN FORMAN

SNOWY Mountains Airport is in the best state it has ever been for commercial flights, but despite the region being a month into its busy winter tourist season is still yet to attract a carrier to deliver tourists and provide locals with commuter services.

The locally owned airport, which features a 2.2km long runway able to cater for 77-seat Dash 8 aircraft and a terminal with cafe facilities, has not had a commercial flight arrive nor depart in more than 12 months.

Ironically, it ‘has never been busier’, with Snowy Hydro charter flights carrying around 900 workers a week in and out of Cooma.

“We are pushing hard to attract a carrier so we can get commercial flights up and running again,” Blyton Group chief operating officer, Lachlan Blyton told The Monaro Media Group.

“We would love to see increased tourism through the airport, especially for snow season, and would love seeing people using the airport. But we need to attract a carrier.”

Previously, Qantas operated flights from Brisbane to Cooma and a number of other routes, for example from Sydney, were tri-

READY AND WAITING

alled.

“We had COVID and I think we fell off the radar,” Mr Blyton said.

“Qantas had staff shortages and other things happened, but now we are absolutely trying to get them back up and running. We are ready.”

The Blyton Group bought the airport off the former pre-amalgamated council 20 years ago.

“No-one wanted it so we decided to take it on,” Mr Blyton said.

“We want it to be used as an airport for the region and for tourism like other regional centres have.”

The Blyton Group also owns Charlotte Pass Snow Resort and Selwyn Snow Resort and is based in Jindabyne. Both resorts have faced challenges in recent years, with Selwyn burning down in the 2019-2020 and then being unable to open its revitalised facility in its first year due to lack of snowfall. This year, Charlotte Pass Snow Resort’s water treatment plant caught on fire, meaning its 2024 season opening has been delayed for a month while a solution was found.

Mr Blyton said a great deal of

work had been undertaken in recent months on the runway, to bring it into line to accept Dash 8 aircraft.

“Qantas has bought another 14, phasing out the Q200 and 300 in favor of the Q400, or Dash 8,” he said.

“As well, the terminal is being improved, with the addition of televisions and extra seating, air conditioning and we are improving the café options.

“We are in dialogue with Qantas and hopefully.”

Meanwhile, Mr Blyton said the

Snowy Mountains Airport had record numbers of passengers passing through every week, despite not arriving on commercial flights.

“Snowy Hydro brings charter flights in regularly - there were 3500 passengers during May, which is around 800 in and out per week,” he said.

“These are record figures.

“It is great that we are supporting Snowy 2.0 and it is supporting us as the biggest industry in the region, with staff being brought in via Cooma airport and then bussed to the worksites.”

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4 Day Lakes Entrance & East Gippsland Departing 28 October

4 Day Melbourne Cup In Mudgee

Departing 4 November

3 Day Hunter Valley Christmas Lights

Departing 3 December

Pick-ups from Cooma and Goulburn on select tours. Join our Travel Club for discounted tours.

Mountains Airport has been upgraded and is ready for commercial flights if a carrier can be found.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Concerns after big event cancels

Snowy Classic cancellation a blow to local economy

By TRISTA HEATH

THE recent news of one of Jindabyne’s biggest events being cancelled next year has left the Jindabyne community disappointed and worried for the economic implications.

Snowy Classic has brought hundreds of riders and spectators to the region over the low tourism period in March, for the past three years, and is considered one of the largest road cycling events in the country.

The challenging terrain and spectacular scenery make the Snowy Classic a popular event for the town bringing in more than $1.4 million to the local economy.

Snowy Classic Event Director Vanessa Burges said the reason behind the cancellation is the operational costs of running outdoor events has become huge.

“Specifically, traffic management and policing costs, plus their accommodation requirements are significant expenses and these costs are rising each year and other operational costs increasing are First Aid, insurance and more,” Ms Burges said.

After a challenging few years for the town including bushfires, Covid and a disappointing snow season last year, the loss of such an event and the money it brings to the local economy is a blow to the community.

Former real-estate agent and holiday property manager, Gordon Jenkinson said it is disappointing to the whole area to lose the Snowy Classic event.

“It is another event held outside the busy winter period and Jindabyne needs that sort of event and especially those that are held outside the winter period,” Mr Jenkinson said.

“Hopefully we get snow, and we have a great season, if we have another bad season, its second in a row, and lose an event like the Snowy Classic it will be a huge blow to the economy of our town.”

The Jindabyne Lions Club gave their time and services each year for this event and volunteered in positions throughout the region as they cheered on the riders, however the volunteer numbers became scarce over the

“All of these operational costs contribute to the safety of the event, which is paramount to us as event organisers, it is something we won’t cut corners on.”

years.

Jindabyne Lions Club member Nira Windeatt said the loss of a very successful and well supported event like the Snowy Classic is a sad loss for Jindabyne.

“From a tourism and local business point of view the loss of income in these very difficult times is financially devastating,” Nira said.

“It has become increasingly expensive to run events and the general lack of volunteer numbers makes the event even more expensive.

“The Jindabyne Lions

Club struggles to cover the volunteer numbers required even on smaller events like the Australia Day promotion, ANZAC Day breakfast and the annual Seniors Christmas lunch.

“Small communities need the volunteer support of the locals to not only keep costs of running worthwhile event down but to strengthen community spirit and community ties.

“There has never been a stronger moto than ‘we are all in this together’, volunteers can be the make or

break of community events so offering a helping hand is important.”

Ms Burges said the community volunteer groups were wonderful and the support locally has only continued to grow over the years.

“We worked with fantastic groups in 2024 who bought so much energy and life to our event,” Ms Burges said.

“We get such positive feedback from our participants on the volunteers along the course and at rest stops, we had really good volunteer numbers so this did not con-

tribute to our cancellation decision and purely a cost associated issue.”

Snowy Monaro Regional Council spokesperson said they are also disappointed with the cancellation of the 2025 event and understand that it will be particularly challenging for many small business owners in our region.

“We acknowledge that this decision was made by the organisers, and note that Council had provided extensive support and commitment to the event for the benefit of our local communities,” the spokesperson said.

“Our region welcomes and supports major events for the significant benefits they bring to our community and local economy.

“While it’s unfortunate to lose an event of this scale, the Snowy Monaro has a long history as a popular destination for major events, and we look forward to working with other event organisers in the future.”

Snowy Classic event organisers are continuing to work with Government agencies and stakeholders to try and alleviate the operational costs to continue to be able to run their cycling events.

Snowy Classic hope to bring back the cycling event to Jindabyne in the future.

ECONOMY WOES: Region upset over massive event cancels next year bringing a loss to local economy.

PHOTO: Supplied.

Bombala hostel reaches milestone Water treatment plants progress

By KAREN FORMAN

BOMBALA’S Currawarna Assisted Living Hostel is set to achieve a milestone of its first dozen residents, which according to board chair Dr Keith Campbell, puts the not for profit facility right on track for a successful future.

Dr Campbell, who has overseen the rebranding and reopening of the former nursing home under an innovative new hostel operating model, said he was delighted with the facility’s progress in the months since its opening in February.

“We currently have 10 residents, with two more to move in shortly and our first inspection from the NSW Housing’s Assisted Boarding House department, gave us 100 per cent,” he said.

“They said they believed Currawarna was the best boarding house in NSW and said we could use that in advertising . They were delighted with staff, the menus, the cleanliness of the place and other things.”

Dr Campbell said while a dozen residents may not sound like many, things were progressing at a steady pace and the figures were aligned with CAL’s purpose and plan.

“It is progressing nicely,” he said. “We are always keen to see more residents, of course, but we are proceeding as you would expect.

“It is like waiting for your first born child. We would like it to hurry up, but we must wait for the

correct paced growth.”

Dr Campbell said places were available at Currawarna, not only for local people, but for those from throughout the region who might be thinking of taking up hostel accommodation.

“Currawarna now has self funded retirees, who look after themselves beautifully on their own resources, along with a a number of pensioners and with government Care At Home packages, plus a number of people from various different financial backgrounds,” he said.

“The modelling we did is correct. We can accommodate people at Currawarna from various circumstances and because we are a community run organisation that can move quickly, we can do a lot to help them get sorted out so they can come and live here.

“We had an elderly gentleman, in a housing crisis, not well off financially, and we were able to set a structure up where he could come into Currawarna and access CAH packages. He is absolutely delighted with where he is now.”

Such has been Currawarna’s success to date, that it has made several appearances on national media in recent weeks.

“We have been featured on an ABC podcast and also, on Channel Seven’s Sunrise program,” Dr Campbell said.

“We were able to talk about our fundraising efforts and the the cur-

rent aged care model which is only working for urban elite and the coastal fringe, not for regional and rural Australia.

“In regional areas, people cannot put down a million dollar deposit to go into a home or hostel unless they have been involved in capital growth in housing prices in the cities. The average couple living somewhere like Bombala can not afford to put down the half million dollar deposit required by other facilities.

“The second pillar, Care at Home Packages, are totally inefficient where you have to send workerss out on two hour return journeys to deliver care because the staff are not in regional Australia.

“That’s why we are bringing people who need the care into a facility like Currawarna, it’s not rocket science, but it’s economics.”

Currawarna’s goal to become a true community hub had also been realised, Dr Campbell said.

“Our day care is going well, where people can come in for a day here and there, to have some convalescent or respite care, or just join in the activities,” he said.

“One lady who was doing that decided it was so nice, she moved in permanently.

“Currawarna also hosted the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning tea which brought people into the facility for a social activity which included live entertainment, as well as raising money for cancer research.”

SNOWYSTEMACADEMY

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council says significant progress has been made on the construction of new water treatment plants in Bombala and Delegate.

In Bombala, all underground services including pipework, electrical, and stormwater infrastructure are now complete. All required contracts have been finalised, including those for upcoming roadworks.

Electrical installations are nearly finished, with a transformer upgrade to be completed soon. The new Bombala plant is expected to begin delivering water to residents in October 2024.

In Delegate, the main building that will house the water treatment plant and office is finished, with internal fit-out underway. Roughly 80 percent of the work on all of the new plant’s underground services is complete, and the external chemical delivery area is currently under construction.

Based on current project estimates, the new Delegate plant is set to supply water from November 2024.

Council said while fresh, safe drinking water can be enjoyed as soon as the plants are up and running, billing charges for Delegate residents won’t begin until Council is completely sure everything is working the

way it should. Residents will receive notice in advance of water billing beginning.

“Council is committed to ensuring all our residents have access to the safe, modern water infrastructure they deserve,” Mayor Hanna said.

These projects are funded by the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program, with a $15 million grant provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

“It’s fantastic to see these projects inching closer to completion, meaning greater access to reliable, high quality drinking water will soon be available for residents,” Lisa Hingerty, Director of Infrastructure with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said.

“Bombala’s old water treatment plant has served the community well for over four decades but the new facility, with regular maintenance, could last twice as long for up to 80 years, which is a great outcome.

“The completion of Delegate’s plant will also be a huge win for the community, as they will be able to turn on the tap and not have to worry about boiling the water before drinking it – something most of us take for granted.”

New Jindabyne night shuttle getting you home safely

By TRISTA HEATH

GOOD news for the Jindabyne community this winter season as Cooma Coaches extend their Jindabyne public transport options with a new night shuttle.

Collecting and dropping passengers off for the first run of the new Jindabyne town loop and Station Resort shuttle took place on the evening of Wednesday June 26 and was a success with all passengers.

Managing Director of Cooma Coaches Chris Fogg said for the past few year’s Cooma Coaches have seen a demand for mid-week, Friday, and Saturday evening local shuttle services to cater to the people of Jindabyne.

“We try to do the best that we can with the small amount of resources that we have at this time of the year and try to accommodate some sort of transport plan for getting people around town,” Mr Fogg said.

“If successful and the numbers show the demand for this service Cooma Coaches hopes that Transport NSW will support the night service as it does the Snowy Mountains Bus Service to the resorts which has become a popular way to get up the mountains for many.”

The Jindabyne community does not have many options for evening transport leaving many to have to walk home, which can be dangerous.

Jindabyne lacks accessible footpaths in many areas of the town as well as very limited streetlights.

“The town is growing every year and with the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct in the plans it is only going to continue to grow and there’s limited public transport options,” Mr Fogg said.

“The town isn’t going to get any

SHUTTLE

smaller so at some point of time we do need to develop some sort of public transport plan for Jindabyne.”

Currently Jindabyne has one taxi in service and two Uber drivers for evening transport, the limited services aren’t enough to keep up with the demand from the community on busy Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Many years ago, the Jindabyne winter community relied upon a funded public transport service called the ‘brain bus’ whom ran a service very similar to the new Jindabyne town loop and Station Resort shuttle.

Mr Fogg said Cooma Coaches

are trying to do something similar to the brain bus and reach out to a wider audience so we’re looking to the community to support it so that other routes can be added in the future as an alternative to taxis or an Uber.

“We want to put out a timetable that’s regular and a service that the community can rely on,” Mr Fogg said.

“The people of Jindabyne need to continue using the public transport systems offered to them in their community as the more demand the more likely the services will be supported for future use as well as implementing the services year round on a permanent basis.”

The new Jindabyne town loop and Station Resort shuttle runs every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights until September 14 and costs start from $4 per person, making for an affordable transport

option to get home safely at night. Visit the Cooma Coaches Facebook page to view the timetable and link to book a ticket or visit coomacoaches.com.au for more information.

Rotarians proud of community efforts

INCOMING Cooma Rotary president Peter Davis says the next 12-months promises to be a busy and productive time for the organisation with multiple community based projects in the works.

Mr Davis was inducted as president – his second time in the top role – at Cooma Rotary Club’s annual changeover dinner last week.

In his first address as Rotary’s 2024/25 president, Mr Davis said the coming year will see the club work with other service and notfor-profit groups to deliver projects and showcase Rotary’s community first approach.

Mr Davis reflected on Rotary’s past 12 months, calling the period a ‘magical’ time for the organisa-

tion. He spoke of Rotary’s continued support for the Nepalese people, connections with Papua New Guinea, and hard work in the Cooma community.

Mr Davis congratulated those involved with the pram walk and talk groups running in Cooma and Jindabyne. He said both have been well received.

In attendance at the changeover dinner was District Governor Rob Uhl. Ms Uhl presented previous president Glenys Maddren with her hadge and thanked Mrs Maddren for her efforts.

Mr Davis echoed these sentiments, praising Mrs Maddren’s commitment to Rotary after reassuming the role for a second straight term. In attendance a the dinner were representatives of the Cooma CWA branch, Cooma men’s and ladies Probus, and the Cooma Scouts. The latter received a $3000 donation from Rotary who also supported the region’s local schools with donations to end of year award ceremonies.

Jindabyne town loop and Station Resort shuttle location pick up and drop off points.

SERVICE: Jindabyne’s new night shuttle service is a safe and affordable option to get home after a night out. PHOTO: Supplied.

Paul thanked for community efforts

Cooma Lions honour volunteers, welcomes new president to helm

By KAREN FORMAN

PAUL McGufficke had his arms (and hands) full as he left the Cooma Lions Club’s 65th changeover dinner on Wednesday night.

Not only did he come away with the prestigious Lion of the Year Award and a fun award presented by craftsman and former member Jim Phillips, but he also departed the meeting as the club’s new president - a role he told the crowd of around 60 members and guests that he would put his whole heart into over the next 12 months.

Mr McGufficke, who is well known in Cooma through his employment at a local supermarket, joined Lions six years ago and according to immediate past president Roger Toole, “has been someone who isn’t handy with his hands, but turns up as much as he can, is at all the major events, always doing something.”

Mr McGufficke, meanwhile, said he was passionate about many things and had become especially passionate about the

Lions and the legacy of the Lions club, which had achieved so much in Cooma since its inception.

“We do a lot and we do it well,” he said.

“In the words of Jimmy Barnes, we are a simple club with a heart of gold in a complicated land’ and it is noticed by the community.

“Winter doesn’t start until the Lions snowmen go up in the street and Christmas doesn’t start until our Santas are placed.

“I am proud and privileged to be the president of the club and look forward to working with everyone.”

Chaired by Bob Nichols, the evening featured the presentation of various awards, the induction of the new board by vice district governor, David McKenna from Canberra, a report from Mr Toole, a toast by Snowy Mayor Chris Hanna and the presentation of cheques for $1500 each to Community Chest, Cooma Bombala Lecacy, Cooma Challenge, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.

The President’s Apprecia-

tion Award (John Field Memorial Award) went to David Brison, while Angie Ingram and Jasmyne Turner won the Ken Boate Memorial Award.

In his report, Mr Toole, who was also president in 2006-07, said the club had wracked up 924

volunteer hours this year and donated $22,044 to charities and schools, and flagged an exciting new project where the club would erect flags rather than snowmen and Santas in the main street, as at 22 years of age, both were “getting old”.

He said Cooma Lions was a healthy and hardworking club which “makes things happen” and said people should only consider joining if they were willing to work, whether that was selling Lions Mints or helping out at events or digging holes.

Cooma Lions’ major projects for the year included ongoing maitenance of Lions Park Yallakook Rd, installation of a memorial for the Tumut Pond bus crash of September 26 1973 in the Southern Cloud Park at Cooma Back Creek and complete the concrete path on the Lambie Gorge Walk.

“We also have applied for a Boco Rock grant to replace a bridge at the back of the bowling club,” he said.

“We still managed and ran Lions Mints, the annual Christmas raffle and Christmas cakes, catering, organised the Australia Day ceremony, reading program and woodworking for Cooma North Primary School, amongst many other projects.

The Lions are set for another busy 12-months with many projects on the go.

■ Photos from the Cooma Lions changeover dinner can be found on page 18 of this edition.

Military tour to commemorate locals

‘MY BOY is sleeping, his last long sleep his grave I may never see’.

This epitaph is the inspiration for Paul McGufficke’s next military adventure of 2024.

Before the Cooma resident left on his 2023 Gallipoli Walking Tour with guide Craig Roach from Matt Maclachlan Battlefield Tours, he researched and found six Monaro names – Alan Pryce, Monaghan Hayes, William Morrice, Alexander Montague, Les Clifford and Jeremiah Buckley - who died during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.

He commemorated the Monaro six with sheep manure and wool from ‘Kuroona’ Shannons Flat, gum leaves from the Anzac Memorial on Anzac Parade, pine cone seeds from the Lone Pine tree in the Aust War Memorial and wattle from Nanny Goat Hill.

“Each of the six ceremonies was incredibly moving and memorable to say the least,” Paul said.

“I came home thinking that my military trips were over for a couple of years. Until I attended the 2024 Bungarby Remembrance Day ceremony – embarrassingly the first time I had seen the cenotaph and hall at Bungarby.

I read the names of the Bungarby six on the cenotaph – G Clarke, G Fisk, W Kelly, C Nugent, E Sloan and R Sloan and wondered where the six were buried.”

Paul has researched the names and came across the above epitaph of William John Thomas Kelly ‘Riverside’ Bungarby and was heartbroken by his story.

Having enlisted in 1916, fought on the Western Front for 18 months, won a Military Medal for actions in 1917, saw peace on November 11, 1918, he died from Broncho-pnuemonia on December 10, 1918 – one month after peace was declared.

Paul asked the question, how many Monaro men were killed in World War 1.

“After six months of endless research, I have come up with 205 – 210 names,” Paul said.

“Nineteen are buried/commemorated on Gallipoli, five in the Middle East, eight in Sydney/ NSW cemeteries, three in local cemeteries, 22 in Ypres and 65 in Villers Bretonneux cemeteries, 24 on the Menin Gate, 45 on the Aust National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux and 15 in French, English cemeteries and one each in Tanzanian and Sierre Leone cemeteries.

“In total, I will be visiting 59 cemeteries on the Western Front in six days – I will be mega busy to say the least.”

During the last six months, Paul’s has been hard at it, researching the stories of the men lost in World War 1

“Over the last six months, I have had some incredible days researching but getting close to finishing,” he said.

“I did a lap of the Monaro and

took photos of the cenotaphs and rolls of honour commemorating the Monaro’s sacrifice, but one of the most sobering things was right next to the WWI lists were the WW2 lists and the lists of names on both were matching –the families who lost or had family members survive WW I, served in WW 2 and lost so much again.

“There were 18 set of brothers were killed in WWI.

“Also before the trip, I will visit the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial and photograph all 205 – 210 of the 103,000 names listed on the roll.

“I have the complete details of all the locals killed – except for three mysteries on the Nimmitabel cenotaph – R & P Peters and E Williams. Despite looking at all my websites and databases, I have no record of those three soldiers. If anyone has any information, it would be greatly appreciated.”

On the trip, Paul will find and commemorate all the Monaro lo-

cals in his special way.

“I have list of 37 properties from all across the Monaro who have an association with soldiers killed on the Western Front. I would like to get a bag of sheep manure and wool from as many of the properties so I can spread it at their graves or at a memorial where they are commemorated.”

The properties cover the whole of the Monaro – Delegate, Cathcart, Bombala, Nimmitabel, Bungargy, Numeralla, Dalgety, Berridale, Jindabyne, Adaminaby, Bredbo and Cooma.

“So any Monaro locals who have a relative who is buried/ commemorated on the Western Front and would like me to commemorate their ultimate sacrifice or anyone who served and returned to Australia please contact me and we can work out a way to remember their sacrifice,” he said.

Paul can be contacted on 0476 112 446.

SERVICE: Cooma Lion Paul McGufficke receives the prestigious Cooma Lion of the Year award at the club’s changeover dinner.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Claire’s Carousel

COOMA’s Claire Neumeyer is back with her social news for July. There is always lots of interesting community news, events and happenings taking place.

Happy Birthday, Judy

Best wishes are being sent to Judy Costello. Judy wrote social news for the Cooma-Monaro Express which readers found very interesting.

Judy also helped with fundraisers, giving the organisers much help.

Many happy returns of the day, Judy and glad you enjoyed celebrating with Betty Fletcher, family and friends.

Congratulations, Don Menchin

Congratulations to Don for winning the Major Mens Single Championship at the Cooma Bowling Club. We are all proud of you and also thank you for your interest in promoting the activities at the Cooma Bowling Club.

Welcome to Hercobe coffee shop

A treat in store for you. The new coffee shop is located Sharp Street opposite Birdsnest. There’s delicious food, good service and friendly staff.

We all enjoyed a meet-up there and sampled the delicious different food on offer.

Book a table - A French toast

All happening Sunday July 14, 2.30pm at the Anglican Parish Hall, Commissioner Street, Cooma.

It’s Bastille Day and you are invited to join in the fun, music, sing-alongs etc.

Tickets at Fabric Salon. Please bring your own nibbles and drinks. Lets dress for the occasion and excel yourselves with the trivia competition.

Here by popular demand

Line dancing at 6pm at the Cooma Bowling Club – all invited beginners or otherwise. First night was Thursday June 27 and proved very popular.

Approximately 50 persons attended and met Riley Kane the teacher. Will be held every Thursday night. Lots of fun and good exercise.

Invitation from St Patrick’s Parish School

Experiencing going to kindy can be frightening for children. St Pat’s invites families to pre-kinder sessions where children can build confidence regardless of their future school choice. Families will be met at infants gate and taken to classrooms. Phone number for St Pat’s is 6452 1721 for enquiries.

Christmas in July

Christmas in July is becoming very popular bringing a festive air. Invitation to the Nimmitabel Community Hall on July 10, 2024, where the celebration will have carols, bonbons, music and jokes.

Traditional lunch will be served by CWA ladies - 12pm - 2pm. Outing organised by Werri Nina and tickets by ringing 6451 1059.

Aged care divestment continues to raise questions

I NOTE with interest that Council has secured a Federal Grant of $500,000 to offset aged care divestment costs.

One wonders how much this divestment program has cost

LEO...BE AWARE OF PAST FRIENDSHIPS, YOU COULD GET HURT. VIRGO...SEARCH FOR HIDDEN TREASURES, YOU’LL FIND THEM VERY SOON.

the ratepayers. We now no longer ‘own’ Yallambee Lodge, paid goodness knows how many dollars for consultants/contractors, and for what?

According to the Monaro Post

dated Wednesday May 22, 2024 ‘Divestment of Residential Aged Care facilities’ gets a completed tick in the box.

This begs the question as to what has happened to Snowy

Budget focus on delivering core community services

A CORRECTION to last week’s front-page comments on the NSW budget. Firstly, the total allocation to projects in Jindabyne was not $47 million, there was $47 million in new funding. It is on top of the funding announced previously for Special Activation Precinct (SAP) projects.

That was required because the former Government had not allocated the funds to connect the new schools to roads, electricity

or footpaths.

I agree more needs to be done to plan for future health care in Jindabyne. It amazes me that in developing the SAP, the Nationals in Government did not consider health, I assume from Jindabyne Chamber’s comment that they were raising it but obviously no one was listening. I am urging better health planning and services, but it will take longer than a year to do it.

Access to Cooma Post Office

I AM encouraged by the amount of response to the article, dated June 19, 2024, by Councillor Narelle Davis regarding the access problem at Cooma Post Office.

Narelle’s article was in response to a letter that I wrote to Council encouraging Council to approach the communications Minister Michelle Rowland as the access issue cannot be resolved at a local level.

The building was sold by the government to private ownership on May 1, 1998.

Authorities making the sale may have complicit in selling a building that did not meet the recently legislated Disability Discrimination Act of 1992.

The access problem lies squarely at the feet of government past and present and the owner should be exonerated from any cost of upgrading the access.

While people may be happy to use the rear entry, Council has a responsibility to make sure that buildings open to the public have a dignified access for those who have limited mobility.

In October 2022, I wrote a letter to the editor of The Monaro Post regarding the poor access issue.

I then made representations to Nicole Overall, before she

left office, who then made submissions to Australia Post on my behalf regarding this matter.

This issue has also been brought to the attention of Minister Kristy McBain.

Australia Post abrogated their responsibility to provide reasonable access to postal services when they closed the Cooma North Post Office, more that 15 years ago.

That facility was used by people unable to climb the steps at the Vale Street Post Office.

Whenever complaints have been lodged about the access, the response has always been that nothing can be done because the heritage building is privately owned.

I see an opportunity to erect a dog leg walkway from the boundary fence on the Massie Street side of the building by opening up an archway, leading between the existing post boxes, that would give access to postal services and post boxes to those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs and also to parents with prams and strollers who have been denied access to those facilities.

This type of access has been successfully carried out at the Goulburn Post Office.

I have spoken to a heritage advisor and have been assured

Responsible budgets don’t come with lots of surprises. Funding should be going to projects we have worked on with the community – those, like the expansion of Bombala hospital, where the levels of Government work constructively together to deliver.

NSW is spending more on interest than it spends on police and TAFE, entirely because the Nationals and Liberals in Government did things like spending a

that with good contemporary design there would be no objections to an addition to this elevation of the building, as this would not impact on the significant architecture of the front entry.

With the public being diverted away from the back entry, there may be an opportunity to utilise the back entry space to better advantage.

Also the staff of Cooma Post Office deserve better than to be subject to complaints about the

River Hostel. Perhaps the Councillors who pushed for this could enlighten us.

record $27 billion extra in their last year in Government, on projects largely decided on the basis of politics not merit.

Labor’s focus remains on providing the core services we need in our community, making sure we have medical staff in our hospitals, teachers in our schools, paramedics, and police.

access. Depending on the response from Minister Rowland it was suggested from Kristy McBain’s office that people of Cooma and district may be called upon to sign a petition regarding the access.

If anyone would like to share their experiences, please email me at accessforcoomapo@ gmail.com

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

Email editor@monaropost.com.au

59 Vale Street, Cooma HAVE YOUR SAY

Lindy Rose Cooma

Steve Whan Member for Monaro

Cliff Richards Cooma

Councillor’s

THE Macquarie Dictionary defines ‘trend’ as ‘the general course or prevailing tendency’.

Leading up to September 14 Local Government Election, I think it is important to follow trends and see which way we are heading and whom is driving us in that direction.

Since the September 2021 Local Government Elections and including the two resignations, our 11 Councillors, are Louise Frolich, Luke Williamson, Peter Beer, Craig Mitchell and Bob Stewart; in addition, there were two groups of which, one was Labor (Tanya Higgins and Lynda Summers) and Group A (Chris Hanna, Karlee Johnson, Tricia Hopkins and Narelle Davis) with the word Independent beside their name.

The benefit of getting the minimum six people and forming a group is that people can simply ‘vote 1 above the line’ and complete the mandatory task of voting as quickly as possible.

In effect you are voting 1-6 in whatever order the group is displaying their name. If you were to vote below the

line you must number the minimum 1-6 or up to a maximum of 11. Hence groups offer a tactical advantage.

Labor formed a group and so those stalwart Labor voters can claim success as they gave us Cr Summers and Cr Higgins.

Chris Hanna’s Group A did better as they scored four Councillors, being Crs Hanna, Hopkins. Johnson and Davis.

Other voters may think a ‘group’ is just the start of deals being done, but it just may mean a bunch of likeminded people wishing to all get in together and control Council (six votes is a majority)

On January 30, 2023, a resolution ‘that Council lodge an application with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal for a Special Variation as outlined in Option 1 in the Long-Term Financial Plan, namely a oneoff permanent 53 percent’, including four percent rate peg, increase in total rates. Voting for: Beer, Mayor Davis, Deputy Mayor Higgins, Hopkins, Summers and Mitchell.

Against: Frolich, Hanna,

Johnson, Stewart and Williamson. Outcome: Passed.

May 16, 2024, Cr Stewart and Williamson put forward a motion to rescind the previous motion: Stewart spoke strongly against it and stated that 53 percent was too much of a financial hit and then it was vote on - For: Frolich, Hanna, Hopkins, Johnson, Stewart and Williamson. Against: Beer, Mayor Davis, Deputy Mayor Higgins, Summers and Mitchell.

NB Hopkins crossed over from the previous vote.

After a ‘have your say’ with three options were put to the public, a resolution was made to which option should council put forward to council these being.

Option 1 – 53 percent rate increase to be paid in 2023/24.

Option 2 – 55.25 percent rate increase spread over five years starting from 2023/24 (compounding increase to council revenue of 68.87 percent)

Option 3 – No SRV, Rate peg only Now Option 3 got the most votes but Council went forOption 2, a 55.25 percent rate increase spread over five

years starting from 2023/24 (compounding increase to council revenue of 68.87 percent) and June 29, 2023, the first 12.25 percent was voted on being Councillors For: Beer, Mayor Davis, Hanna, Deputy Mayor Higgins, Hopkins, Johnson, Stewart, Summers and Mitchell. Against: Frolich and Williamson.

As a result, SMRC applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) in 2023.

IPART approved a SRV of 52.48 percent over four years. This included an increase of 12.25 percent in 2023-24, then increases of 10.75 percent per year for 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27. Now each of these rate rises have to be voted on prior to the commencement of the financial year and on Thursday June 27, Councillors voted for the next rise of 10.75 percent. However, it is important that the next two rate rises will be decided by our new council as we have elections September 14, 2024, so who is ‘trending’ and in what direction is important.

Mick Newman, Cooma

Church service times across the Snowy Monaro region

Cooma Baptist Church – 10am Sunday

St Patrick’s Catholic Parish – 10am Sunday, weekday mass 10am Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays

St Paul’s Anglican Parish of Cooma – 9.30 am Sunday

St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church – 9:30am Sunday

Lifegate Christian Church Cooma – 9:55am second and fourth Sunday each month. 4pm first and third Sunday each month. Yulin Ave, Cooma Cooma Presbyterian Church - 9am Trinity Church, Boobah Street

St John’s Anglican Church Adaminaby - 3pm first and third Sunday each month

St Peter’s Anglican Church Nimmitabel - 11.30am third Sunday each month

St Andrew’s Catholic Church Nimmitabel - Saturday vigil mass 5pm on the weekend of the third Sunday. Liturgy with Holy Communion other Saturdays 5pm.

Village Church Jindabyne - Sundays 4pm and 6pm, located 3 Park Road, Jindabyne

All Saints Anglican Church Berridale - 9.30am each Sunday

All Saints Numeralla - second Sunday on the month liturgy 5pm. Fourth Sunday of month, 5pm mass

If your church would like to be added to this list, please contact us - editor@monaropost.com.au

Independent newspapers serving the Snowy Monaro Region. Subscribe to our Digital Edition at www.monaropost.com.au

GROUP EDITOR

Nathan Thompson (02) 6452 0312

editor@monaropost.com.au

JOURNALISTS

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Elle Thompson On maternity leave

By LISA ASHURST

THERE always has to be one, doesn’t there?

A cheerful social media post attracting positive reactions and comments must act like a magnet to those who just cannot manage to scroll past without leaving some kind of cryptic or negative comment.

Everything is pleasantly interactive and then uh-oh, there’s the clanger.

I saw a classic example just recently. At the time, no one had reacted or commented and I managed to restrain myself too because I had come to the conclusion some time ago that reactions and comments are the drug of choice for these individuals.

It’s why they post controversial nonsense. Reactions and comments equal notice, which equals attention, which feeds their ego and I why would I want to fuel their inflated image of themselves?

Well that’s just it, I don’t.

The name for these attention seekers is trolls, I think. But whatever, I just think of them as potstirrers looking to create a big issue that centres around them and they are all over social media.

Someone puts up a funny post and there will be a wet facecloth out there ready to fling itself into everyone’s face. Most of them are over-thinkers, studiously searching for something, anything really, to be offended about.

They will search through every -ist (racist, sexist, etc) there is to find it and then they’ll comment.

The one behind the comment I saw must have worked very hard to manage to tie ‘terrorist’ to an Aussie food company. I certainly had a jaw-drop over that one

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CLASSIFIEDS

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but as I said, I was not going to give this particular comment any traction so I sat on my hands until the moment passed.

But that is how social media works.

Put up something controversial and then sit back and enjoy the storm. It’s the same though with posts showing someone, often a child (but sometimes an animal) with a physical injury or impairment with something along the lines of ‘I bet I won’t get any Likes’ to prompt people to hit the Like or the Heart or something.

But it’s not about the child or animal, it’s about the one who posted it and they are trying to get clicks via coercing an emotional response from the rest of us. Well those are fake, so don’t click.

Ditto the ‘trying too hard to sound righteous’ types who unfortunately infest the Internet. They crave the attention and will post comments designed to get that reaction. They may not wholly believe what they are writing (but most of them do) but they know for a fact they are going to get a lot of direct responses, which they probably tally, and the greater the response, the greater the ego fix.

They don’t really care what they say, just so long as they say it and then they sit back in anticipation of the online fallout.

I think Facebook has become a breeding ground for these types. But pick any online social site and you’ll soon come across them. The wet facecloths and the antagonists hiding behind a profile who are just sweating on getting into it with the rest of us. What I’d like to say is this; I not buying into the ego fix. Either shut up, grow up, or just go away. No one will miss you.

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aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Member

Post

Monaro community.

Late Cooma chemist’s cure for car lovers Classic, vintage cars auctioned off

A COLLECTION of vintage and classic cars collected over the course of nearly 60 years by twin brother pharmacists has gone under the hammer.

Known as the man that had petrol in his veins, the late Peter Learmont was a pharmacist in Cooma and spent almost 60 of his 92-years putting together this collection of classic cars, alongside his twin brother who also had a career as a pharmacist and also an avid car enthusiast.

For many years, Peter’s nostalgic car collection remained inside the Learmont Pavilion at Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club, but since his passing in 2023, the family decided to sell the iconic collection with aim to pass the collection onto the next generation of custodians.

One of the vintage cars within the collection, a 1929 Chevrolet Roadster, even featured in the Phar Lap movie filmed at Adaminaby Racecourse in the early 1980s.

“We are honoured to be able to auction these cars with such a special story on how they were curated, and each vehicle with a unique story of their own,” Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctions, said.

under the hammer for the next custodians to look after.

Peter never stopped his love of collecting cars and each of them had a story to go with it, including transporting his four newborns home from hospital in the Chevvy Bel Air to reversing to the top of Mount Kosciuszko in 1929 in the same Roadster that featured in the Phar Lap movie.

It was from here the obsession with vintage and classic cars grew, and as did the collection over 60-years.

The family wishes for these cars to go to the next custodians who will look after them, drive them and cherish them for many years to come just as their father did.

Digital art on display

By KAREN FORMAN

COOMA art teacher Stan Menshic has opened his first exhibition in a long time and is excited to present his digital photography to the local arts community.

The exhibition, titled Anastasia’s Secret Dream, was officially opened at Monaro Art Group (MAG) in Sharp Street, with Snowy Monaro Mayor Chris Hanna in attendance. It will remain open this month.

“This is my first exhibition in a while, and normally I do collaborative displays, so going solo is fairly new,” he said.

“It combines digital and multimedia - about 15 works in screen prints, photographs, some painted and some digital.”

folio for his Honors Art Degree at Southern Cross University.

“She’s supposed to be a counter revolutionally Russian spy who time travels and goes anywhere she pleases,” he said.

“The work is very much about a super intelligent and beautiful woman who has an impact on the world.

“I really love the process of creating different art works from bedrock art work, looking at how can I develop and push it as far as possible, then using digital screenprinting, mixed media, multi media, etc to experiment.

“It is about beauty and grace, all portraiture.”

The story of the collection begins when twin brothers Peter and Don travelled to Canada in the mid-1950s.

This was the post-war era, and new cars of any type were in very short supply in Australia. They returned with three 1957 Chev Bel Airs which received an extra coat of paint to handle the harsh Australian conditions and these three cars have remained within the family until today, now going

The collection features 24 historically important vehicles dating from 1915-1976 and makes including Holden, Datsun, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Chrysler, Studebaker, Lincoln and more.

“Whether you’re after a vintage car or an iconic classic there is something for all passionate investors within this auction,” continued Mr. Hames.

This collection of classics went under the hammer on Saturday June 29. At the time of going to print, the final auction prices were unknown.

Mr Menshic, who now works at Snowy Mountains Christian School after stints at Monaro High and Jindabyne High during the past 25 years, takes his influences from Russian princess Anastasia and used a friend who looks like her as the subject for his photography, which was part of a port-

When he’s not teaching or creating art works, Mr Menshic plays tennis, runs a local chess club in the library and plays and experiments swith music (“atmospheric, electric music”).

He plays the Tibetan singing bowl, keyboard, guitar, African talking drum and likes to mix acoustic with electronic sound.

“I have performed but not for a long time,” he said.

Development application

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

APPLICATION NUMBER 10.2024.136.1

PROPERTY ADDRESS

1 Ryrie Street, Michelago NSW 2620

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Lot: 1 DP: 790570

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Demolition of existing motel/restaurant and staged 29-lot subdivision

APPLICANT

Aria DDC Projects Pty Limited

CONSENT AUTHORITY

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

This application and its accompanying documents will be on display at all Council offices, or online at Council’s website at https://qrco.de/SMRC-DA and https://qrco.de/masterview for twenty-eight (28) days, ending Wednesday 31 July 2024.

Council is seeking community comment on this proposal. All submissions should be made in writing to CEO David Hogan. All submissions will be treated as a public document.

Any person making a submission is required to disclose any reportable political donations or gifts at the time of making the submission.

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

24/7 customer service line 1300 345 345 E council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au W www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

COOMA ROTARY MARKETS

Centennial Park SUNDAY 21ST JULY, 2024

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Come and help celebrate middle of winter in the middle of town with a market with some European Christmas touches! Stall

VINTAGE: A 1929 Chevrolet Roadster went under the hammer on Saturday, one of a number of vehicles sold as part of former Cooma resident, Peter Leamont’s, collection.

PHOTO: Supplied

ART: Cooma’s Stan Menshic has opened an exhibition at the Monaro Art Gallery. His digital media exhibition is open throughout July.

PHOTO: Supplied

2024/25 Budget Summary

Councillors have adopted Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s 2024/25 Budget, and we would like to share this summary of the key budget decisions for the coming year for the information of our community. We appreciate the significant community interest and constructive feedback we received and we thank all those who participated in the recent consultation.

As we work towards financial sustainability, we’ve made strategic decisions to focus on what the community values most, to optimise services, invest in technology, and enhance public spaces – all aimed at fostering a prosperous and sustainable region. This infographic highlights key decisions, showing how we’ll allocate our limited resources to best serve the Snowy Monaro community in 2024/25.

Budget Key Decisions

Roads budget and maintenance programs

In the 2024/25 financial year, our regional roads budget will total $48,885,258 for the maintenance and management of roads under our care. The funding sources and specific programs associated with this budget are outlined below.

July in the Garden

July is the ideal month to plant bare root roses, fruit and ornamental trees while dormant. This allows plants time to settle in before spring. Buying bare root roses and trees is an economical way of adding to your garden. Once purchased, plant quickly to reduce the risk of roots drying out. Prepare your planting location by digging a hole twice as big as you need and mixing in compost and well composted manure. Your new tree has already had a large portion of roots removed for transport so top pruning is essential to give it balance. Prune branches by 30-50% to promote a well-proportioned tree. Create a small mound in the bottom of the hole, prune any damaged roots and place the plant in the hole spreading the roots over the mound and leading downwards in the hole. Ensure the graft at the bottom of the stem will sit above ground level. Fill the hole and create a dish around the tree to collect water and water in well with a seaweed solution. When mulching ensure it doesn’t rest against the tree trunk, to avoid damage. Larger trees may require some support. A stake each side with figure-of-eight ties allowing for some trunk movement is best to allow the tree to develop strength. Using a seaweed solution regularly over the first season will promote root growth.

Business booming

By MIA CHAWNER - INTERNSHIP

SINCE not-for-profit organisation, Made in the Monaro moved into its new shop last year, businesses has increased.

tion of an online store, that had been in the works for over a year before the move.

GARDENING JOBS

Bagged Rose supporting Dementia Australia & Hellebore (Winter Rose)

• Prune Hydrangea stems with spent flowers, ready for next seasons flush.

• Prune Sasanqua Camellia once finished flowering.

• Feed winter vegetables with liquid fertilizers to keep them growing. Plant artichokes, lettuces, onions and spinach.

• Plant rhubarb and asparagus crowns, bare root strawberries and raspberries in richly manured soils for maximum long-term production.

• Grow microgreens, fast growing leafy greens sown without soil indoors in jars, a fresh nutrient boost for salads.

• Plant Hellebores in a party shaded position to enjoy winter blooms and year round foliage interest.

• Plant bellis, pansy, viola, polyanthus, primula and stock as potted colour.

Happy Gardening

Jodie and Jannene

Rosemary thrives in winter and is great for slow cooked lamb. Other herbs may require some protection through winter, ensuring to always have fresh available. These include thyme, parsley, mint, perennial basil and sage. Micro greens can be grown all year round, indoors in jars. It’s also time to start pruning. Pruning is done to shape the plant or tree and to encourage next seasons growth and flowers. Begin with your fruit trees (except apricots and cherries, they should be pruned at the end of summer) by removing dead or diseased branches and stems growing in the wrong place or direction. Cut back to just above a node, which is a growth point on the stem, so that the new growth hides the cut. If you had trouble with pests and disease the previous season, spraying with a horticultural oil after pruning will help in the coming season. Leaf curl in peach, nectarine and almond trees should be treated now with a copper-based fungicide with last treatment at bud swell, just before budburst. Perennial plants and shrubs can also be pruned over the next month or so to tidy up, cutting back no more than a third of the plant at once. OPEN MON TO FRI 7:00am till 5pm,

Made in the Monaro, now located on Bombala Street Cooma, is made up of local crafts people, that give back to the community by selling their hand made products. Any profit made goes into the community enterprise, leaving just enough to pay rent and utilities for the store front.

Karen Farrell, a long time volunteer and member of Made in the Monaro attributes the increase in business to the new location, bringing in both old and new customers.

“For the first time we have more new customers coming into the shop than return customers.” Farrell said.

Coinciding with the new shop location, was the crea-

With more than 500 unique items, the online store is an impressive feat for the notfor-profit, and came with many challenges.

Maureen, a Made in the Monaro volunteer, said the organisation is proud with how far they have come.

She said the last 12 months have been a busy time, as they looked for ways to improve the store.

“We’ve also improved our online presence, a lot of hard work has gone into it,“ Maureen said.

“Its been almost a 12 month process to scan and log every item.”

The organisation’s success comes as the group’s 10 year anniversary approaches, having opened in 2014, as part of the Cooma Renew project.

The Renew project enabled not-for-profit groups, artists and artisans, to

showcase their works and talents, in a retail setting. Made in the Monaro is now the only one from the Renew project to be still operating a shop front in Cooma. Now 10 years later, Made in the Monaro is still going strong with more than 70 members and is always looking for new ones to join. Made in the Monaro, is also much more than just a store, with community groups and events for children and adults held almost every day of the week. The groups include crafts, Dungeons and Dragons (with groups for both adults and children) and knitting, with many more on offer. These groups have been so successful that Made in the Monaro is planning to open all days of the week during the upcoming school holidays.

To sign up for a group at Made in the Monaro, call the store on: 0434 503 980 or visit in person.

Bronnie inspires youth

By AMY LIGHTOWLER - WORK EXPERIENCE

IT IS often said that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

But as Bronnie Taylor has proven through her icebreaking achievements in parliament, inspiring leadership and guidance can go a long way in paving the way for the upcoming generation.

A proud member of the Monaro community, she not only became the first female deputy leader of the Nationals in 100 years but served as the first regional minister for health.

Mrs Taylor also held the roles of minister for seniors and the minister for trade.

Since Mrs Taylor announced her retirement, she hopes her parliamentary work will empower the next generation of rural Monaro youth.

“Young people should not be afraid of failure. They should do what they enjoy,” Mrs Taylor said.

“If young people do this you will absolutely succeed.”

Following becoming Deputy Mayor of the Cooma-

Monaro Shire Council in 2011, the Nimmitabel resident became a Member of the Legislative Council at the 2015 state election.

Many of her policies have been centred around supporting rural youth.

“Regional communities are, and have always been, at the heart of everything I fight for,” Mrs Taylor said.

Mrs Taylor’s school nurse program, the establishment of Tresillian centres (a not-for-profit early parenting service), the Regional Health Workforce Incentive Scheme and allocating $4.6 billion to boost female workforce participation are just some of the ways she has advocated for youth from entering daycare to entering the workforce.

However, Mrs Taylor’s career switch from 20 years as a nurse specialising in cancer and palliative care to at one point the highest ranked woman in NSW government- is a testament to how you should ‘Always be looking for what you want to do, make sure you love it and put your hand up for other experiences’.

Her message to the local

youth is to ‘keep it going’.

“You have to have that feeling of disappointment and failure sometimes, because that’s what has to motivate you,” Mrs Taylor said.

BUSINESS BOOM: Community organisation Made in the Monaro has more new customers coming through its door sthan ever before since moving to its Bombala Street, Cooma, location. Made in the Monaro volunteers Sarah, Maureen, Karen, and two of Karen’s children Taya and Charlotte who enjoy the children’s activities on offer at the shop.

PHOTO: Mia Chawner

POLITICS: Bronnie Taylor who recently announced her resignation from state politics is looking forward to spending more time at home and with her family. Mrs Taylor is hoping her journey will inspire Monaro youth.

PHOTO: Amy Lightowler

Olympians reflect on achievements

Jindabyne stars celebrate Olympic Day

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE is home to many Olympians. Too many to mention in just one story, whom on June 23 pulled out the photo albums and reminisced of their achievements in the green and gold on the world stage of the Olympic Games.

Olympians all over Australia honoured Olympics Day in their own fashion sharing their stories and spreading the ideals of Olympism to the next generation.

Husband and wife Olympic swimmers Nira and Graham Windeatt of Jindabyne shared their experiences, some good and some not so good, over their combined Olympic career.

Nira said it seems so long ago since she and Graham competed at the Olympic Games for Australia.

“Graham competed in Munich in 1972 and both of us competed in Montreal in 1976, yep that’s around 50 years ago,” Nira said.

“The experience was life changing and gave us so many life lessons to carry through our lives.

“It is a rare privilege to compete for your country at the Olympics and one that is held with great pride by those who are fortunate enough to carry the title of Olympian.”

Graham shared his wife’s sentiment as he spoke about the tribulations, he had to go through to make it to the Olympic games.

Graham said at only nine years-old his coach saw great potential in his swimming ability and targeted Graham for the Olympics predicting that he would win the 1500m freestyle at the 1972 Olympics, Graham came second receiving the silver medal, his prediction was close.

“Six years prior to the Olympics, I was training 25 to 35 hours a week doing 12 sessions a week with two days off a year (Christmas day and New Year’s Day – the only days the pool was shut), all for the aim to make it to the Olympics,” Graham said.

“The focus was to make it, so when I finally did my immediate thought was ‘just do it’, it wasn’t a daunting challenge for me, it was a realised ambition and goal.

“There are four things that I’ve realised now, having been through the process to get to the Olympics, on what someone needs to make it to the Olympics.

“One - to have an innate ability to do their sport. Two - you’ve got a genetic preposition. Three - A willingness to train to be the best and four - a willingness to compete.”

Olympic mogul skier Manuela Berchtold shared photos of when she attended the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics

and the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics where she represented Australia in a small team of competitors ready to take on the best mogul skiers in the world.

Berchtold said she feels like the Olympics is something that we (the public) hold in very high regard and as athletes we are always trying to make it to that level of competition.

“The prestige of the Olympics and being able to represent your country at what is considered to be the highest level is such an honour and being able to wear the green and gold and wear it proudly was a real ‘wow’ moment for me at my first Winter Olympic Games,” Berchtold said.

“Australia is a predominantly summer sporting nation so to be within the small minority of winter athletes to go to 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympic Games was a humbling experience.

“We are now quickly being known for our successes in the winter world which is amazing, the results are showing, and we are kicking butt on the winter stage.

“Australia is finally being recognised in winter sports and we are showing our talents on the world stage.”

Olympic Day is a global celebration of sport and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, which takes place on June 23 each year to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1894.

Snow Australia has honoured their Winter Olympians with a ‘wall of champions’ featuring Australia’s best in the snow industry, a timely gesture as the National Sports and Training Facility held its official opening ceremony in June.

Another husband and wife Olympic duo Carla Zijlstra, a speed skater from the Netherlands, and Anthony Evans a cross-country skier from Australia, competed in the Winter Olympics from 1992 to 1998.

Carla said she has always loved to train, learn, and get better and appreciated the opportunity to be able to go away on training camps in other countries or in the Netherlands.

“To compete in three Olympics was a more or less sequence from training, getting better, becoming more consistent and able to do more training,” Carla said.

“It was a slow process, but once you are at that level it is a consequence of good training, looking after yourself, luck, and persistence with a good team around you.

“Being on the top is not something you do by yourself; a lot of people are dedicated to assisting you.”

Carla said the cultural experience, the uniforms, and Olympic villages and all the fans

make this a special event in her life and while the competition is nothing different from any other, the whole organization and lead up is very different for athletes.

“The Olympics only follow when you are loving what you are doing and when you have the ability and also luck of hav ing a good team around you where you can thrive, grow, fall and accelerate and be come the best of your mental and physical self,” Carla said.

“The Olympic spirit and the opportunity to compete is a wonderful thing in itself and I feel with that experience it would be worthwhile to give others also the opportunity to excel and assist in progress ing what they are good at.”

Manuela Berchtold

Carla Zijlstra

Anthony Evans

Open Wednesday - Sunday • 10.30am - 3.30pm

THE RAGLAN GALLERY

Art in Miniature

Opening by Anne Masters Director of GOST - Gallery of Small Things Saturday 6 July 2pm

Exhibition runs 2 July - 18 August 2024

Open Wed - Sun 10.30 - 3.30pm

Whirly Gig

Paintings by Phillip Frankcombe

Opening Saturday 6th July at 2pm, showing until 18th August.

Cooma actors learn new skills

Next crop of theatre stars take to stage

By KAREN FORMAN AND MIA CHAWNER - INTERNSHIP

COOMA’s next generation of actors has hit the boards as part of a showcase performance following a firstever seven week intensive acting program hosted by Cooma Little Theatre.

The eight actors, who ranged in age from 15 to their 60s, from new actors through to experienced actors and directors, showed off their newfound skills from the Actors Toolkit with poignant and challenging three to five minute monologues from Australian plays before an enthusiastic audience of family and friends.

Actors Toolkit was the brainchild of newcomer to Cooma, Jess Davis, who brought a wealth of experience as a director in Sydney theatre when she relocated at the end of last year.

“I wanted to get involved in local theatre and discussed the idea to run a course which would help actors and would-be actors with the CLT president, Caroline Fox, who was very supportive,” she said.

“I am not so much into acting, but was a part of the CLT High School Reunion production earlier this year. What I love is directing and helping actors learn how to draw out their characters, take on roles they may not have thought they could do and develop a toolkit of skills they could apply to their acting.”

Jess, who has a Bachelor of Theatre and Performing Arts from the University of New England, said often directors needed to take time out of rehearsals to work with newer actors on basic skills like warmup routines, how to cope if they forgot their lines and how to get inside a character and she hoped the Actors Toolkit would help the actors feel better equipped to tackle their roles.

“I really enjoy working with actors who are not really sure about their character or who may have been typecast into certain roles because they may not have the courage to try something new,” she said.

“I have loved working with this group of people. Some of the more experienced have been doing pieces that have really challenged them. We have such an active actor pool here in Cooma and hopefully now people might feel encouraged to audition for something different to what they normally would do.

“For example, Sophie was brand new to acting and CLT and didn’t know anyone, but learnt a lot and gained confidence during the program to the point she was able to do a monologue at the showcase.

“She really made it her own, when at the beginning she did not think she would be able to do it.”

Jess said she hoped to run more workshops in the future.

Emily Revelant, a 16 yearold and second youngest in the program, signed up to help with her confidence.

“I can be very introverted,“ she said. “But now I want to perform, to want people to know I am here”.

She said the program had had a strong impact on her self confidence and ability to understand herself.

Emily is in year 11 at St Mary MacKillop College in Canberra, but lives in Cooma. She said the group was “like a big family”, one where they all shared the same passion.

Natalie Revelant, 18, is Emily’s sister, who also joined the program. She signed up to help her get back into drama and acting and to “work on things I’ve never worked on before.’’

For Natalie the course was fun but also challenging and was a “great opportunity” for her.

Natalie works at Henley Property and Real Estate, and studied drama in high school. She said she hoped to continue doing similar programs in the future and wanted to continue to build her skills in different areas.

Natalie debuted in a directorial role in A High School Reunion For Bad Actors, in March.

Sophie Drew, at 50, wasn’t the oldest in the program but was the newest. Until the showcase night, she had never acted or performed on stage, but had worked behind the bar at the CLT.

“I was at a stage I wanted to do something for myself and was going to go to Canberra to do something, but then I saw the Actors Toolkit advertised and decided to do it instead,” she said.

“It was great. I felt odd, as I didn’t know anyone, and I was sick and missed the first two weeks, but Jess asked what would be my greatest challenge and I replied, performing, so that is what we worked on and I was able to do it.

“For me it was about confidence and getting out of my comfort zone. There are so many unknowns in acting, like learning and possibly forgetting lines.”

Sophie said she felt confident to possibly audition for a small role with the CLT in the future “and then build up to something bigger”.

Monologues presented on the showcase night were Ben Porter - Dom in Wet Dogs by Stephen Davis; Elizabeth England as Mrs Appleyard in Picnic at Hanging Rock by Tom Wright; Emily as Polly X in Trojan Barbie by Christine Evans; Sophie as Maxine in Three Winters Green by Campion Decent; Abigail McNally as Antigone in Antigone adapted by Merlynn Tong; Natalie as Rosie in Things I Know to be True by Andrew Bovell and Fran Robertson as Margot in The Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-Smith.

TAKE A BOW: Graduates of Cooma Little Theatre’s Actors Toolkit program after their showcase performance to mark the end of their seven-week program.

PHOTO: Caroline Fox

Mother Goose program supports local families A French toast

By KAREN FORMAN

YURI Hook didn’t know anyone when she moved to Cooma a few months ago, which is difficult for anyone, but especially new mums.

Yuri had come to Australia in 2018, like many, to work in the snowfields and like many before her, met her future spouse, married and stayed on in Australia.

“I made friends, but we moved, from Jindabyne to Berridale and then to Cooma, and I had Lenny, who was three months old then, and I didn’t know anyone,” she said.

“I needed to meet some other mothers and I found them at the Mother Goose Program.”

Now, Yuri and Lenny, 10 months, attend the Parent Child Mother Goose Program at Cooma Multicultural Centre every Wednesday morning and couldn’t be happier.

“I like it,” Yuri said.

“It is the perfect opportunity for kids to socialise and meet other kids and the mums get the benefit of connecting with other mums and kids.

“I am excited to come every week. As well as singing songs and playing games, it really helps with speaking English.”

Around a dozen mums from both multicultural and Austral-

ian backgrounds attend the session each week between 10am and noon, run by centre manager Yvi Henderson.

The program began five years ago and runs with the support of Monaro Family Support Service and Cooma Library.

“It is not specifically about learning English, but we are using the language together through the songs we sing and the books we read, so it

certainly helps those who don’t have English as a first language,” Ms Henderson said.

“We teach mums songs and games and it keeps kids off their devices.

“The program is aimed at children from birth to five and is open to all mums. It is a good filler betwen the mums and bubs group and playgroup.

“Even children who can-

Probus ladies stretch mind, muscles at meeting

DURING the June meeting of the Cooma Ladies Probus Club, two new members, Anne Caldwell and Judy Newman were inducted by president Lynn Brown and welcomed into the group.

Member speaker Pauline Radosavljevic addressed the meeting, explaining the benefits of doing Tai Chi.

This relaxed form of exercising is good for breathing, balance and flexibility with routine movements aiding memory and concentration.

To demonstrate the phi-

losophy, Pauline gave a group of willing participants an impromptu session of Tai Chi.

Pauline advocated it was a suitable activity to practise between sitting in a meeting and then proceeding to sit down and eat lunch. Consequently, Pauline has offered to lead a short Tai Chi session after each meeting.

Guest speaker Kade Morell, CEO of Cooma ExServices Club, revealed the redevelopment and concept design plans for renova-

tions and extension of the club’s facilities.

The plans are for more room to dine in the bistro, a children’s play area, relocation and an additional bar area, a casual alfresco terrace dining area, a rain water tank and a drive through porch to enter from the back while the chauffeur finds a spot in the enlarged car park

The next meeting of Ladies Probus Club is July 10 and promises to be a special birthday celebration.

By SNOWY MONARO ARTS COUNCIL

BONJOUR mes amis. Les Jeux Olympiques à Paris approchent, à commencer 26 Juillet. Yes, Paris is holding the Summer Olympics for the third time.

And then in the other centre of the known universe, Cooma on Sunday July 14 - Bastille Day - there will be a concert.

The concert ‘A French Toast’ starts at 2.30pm in the St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall on Commissioner Street.

You can expect lots of fun and laughter, along the lines of ‘Musicals Mayhem from two-years-ago.

There will be a quiz on all things French and Olympic. There will be name this French tune, and a quite remarkable trophy for the winning team.

But don’t think it’s all going to be the presenters entertaining you. You will also be part of the concert, with singalongs in English and French, and an Aussie singalong. And just for something different, right in the middle, there will be a short music lesson but you won’t be tested on that.

Get a table of 10 together, or just buy a ticket and, if you buy a ticket in advance, a table can be allocated for you.

not talk will gone on cues for songs and actions.”

The first half of sessions is devoted to songs and games, then after a break, stories and play.

“Our strategies even help with things like discipline and calming kids down when they are overwrought,” Ms Henderson said.

For further information, contact Ms Henderson at the CMC in Massie Street, Cooma.

Dress for the occasion, and bring some food and drink for the afternoon – perhaps a baguette, some good brie, and a nice Bordeaux.

Come join with your friends, the Cooma District Band, Snowy Monaro Arts Council and some Francophile to join in the merriment.

A French Toast is on Sunday July 14Bastille Day - at 2.30pm. Tickets available at Marnie’s Fabric Salon in Vale Street, Cooma.

Don’t forget when it comes to the singalongs and the quizzes - Yes, Yes, you Can Can.

TOGETHER: Cooma Multicultural Centre manager Yvi Henderson (right) helps host the popular Mother Goose program at the centre each week. Yuri and son Lenny enjoy attending and making connections through the program.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

INDUCTION: President Lynn Brown (centre) warmly welcomes Anne Caldwell (left), and Judy Newman into the membership of the Cooma Ladies Probus Club at the June meeting.

PHOTO: Cooma Ladies Probus Club

Lions’achievements honoured

THE Cooma Lions Club honoured its hard working volunteers at its annual changeover dinner, with awards presented and members thanked for their efforts.

A busy 12-months was acknowledged as Lions, community members, Snowy Monaro Regional Councillors and members of other service groups in the region gathered for the occasion.

The Lions are ready for another busy year.

achievements for 2023-24.

ACCOLADES: Lion of the Year (Leon Solari Memorial Award) is presented toPaul McGufficke by Snowy Monaro Mayor, Chris Hanna.

Cooma Ex-Services Club chefs receive a certificate of appreciate for their catering for Cooma Lions, from past president, Roger Toole.

AWARD: President’s Appeciation Award (John Field Memorial Award) is presented to David Brison. Roger thanked David for his hard work over many years for the club.

THANKS: Jasmyne Turner receives an achievement award from past president Roger Toole (left).

McGufficke (right) takes over from from past president Roger Toole. PHOTOS: Karen Forman.

NEW GUARD: Members of the Cooma Lions board for 2024-25 are inducted during the annual changeover dinner.

Outgoing president Roger Toole thanks the club for its support.

Rotary celebrates productive year

THE Cooma Rotary Club held its annual changeover dinner last week with incoming president Peter Davis foreshadowing a busy and enjoyable year ahead.

The dinner brought Rotarians, members of Cooma’s service organisations, Snowy Monaro Regional Councillors, and community members together.

The Cooma Rotary Club handed out thousands of dollars to local groups at its changeover dinner. Shane Wainwright from Cooma Scouts accepts a $3000 cheque from Rotary.

Sally’s work as secretary is acknowledged by outgoing president Glenys. Glenys thanks treasurer Joelle for her hard work over the last 12 months.

Enjoying catching-up is Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor Narelle Davis, Margaret Peterson Cooma CWA president, and Rotarian Richard Hopkins.

The new executive of the Cooma Rotary Club is: Joelle Azzopardi, Linda Martyn, Bryan Bartlett, Glenys Maddren, Peter Davis and Sally Thornton. The new board is ready for a productive 12-months serving the club and community

LEADERS: Outgoing Cooma Rotary president Glenys Maddren welcomed Peter Davis into the role for the next 12 months. Rotary District Governor Rob Uhl (middle) thanks Glenys and Peter for their efforts.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Peter Davis is looking forward to a busy and fun year ahead for Cooma Rotarians.

Students busy at Cooma North

DANCING, dental check-ups and footy have been just some of the activities keeping Cooma North Public School students busy.

Students enjoyed participating in the Snowy Mountains Performing Arts Festival’s One School-One Heart. Cooma North was the only primary school in the program and its students shone brightly.

“The dance story focused on the theme of belonging. Sometimes the places you are used to are not where you belong,” a Cooma North Public School spokesperson said.

“Belonging comes from being yourself and being seen and heard. Following your heart is the key to belonging.”

Prior to the performance many of the senior dancers were chosen to work with industry choreographers Virginia Ferris and Christine Gillett along with dancers from the three high schools to create a dance.

“Their performance was outstanding and added another fantastic dimension to a wonderful evening of entertainment,” the spokesperson said.

“Congratulations to the amazing team of students, Mrs Fergusson, Mrs Sky, Mrs Graham, Kyrsty Shaw, Alanah Hain, Brooke Crawford and our choreographer Kayla Bogatek.

“All of your hard work and dili-

Jindabyne

students excel

JINDABYNE Public School recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of two of its students, Rafael Plum and Alexander Diaz, in the 2024 UNSW Coding Challenge. This government-supported initiative aims to provide online coding courses to students across Australia, with a particular focus on girls and students in remote areas.

advantage of free dental check-ups.

gent efforts produced an amazing performance.”

On the sporting field, Cooma North’s rugby league side represented the school with excellent sportsmanship.

The school took part in the Sullivan Shield, with stage two winning all four of their matches. The stage three side won two and drew a match in their four encounters.

The school thanked Damo Smith and Matt Lee for their help, and Mrs Lee for her organisation.

Recently, students received a visit from Blissful Smiles Dental with a large number of families embracing the opportunity for a free dental health checkup and education.

At the start of the year, a group of Stage 3 students from Jindabyne Public School was offered the opportunity to participate in this online coding course. The school facilitated several sessions during class time to help students access the program, watch video tutorials, and use the Scratch coding platform. Throughout Term 1, Rafael and Alexander demonstrated exceptional dedication, frequently seeking assistance and utilising their recess and lunch breaks to complete and submit their coded game and video walkthrough for the challenge.

Alexander Diaz secured second place in this year’s challenge, while Rafael Plum achieved first place overall. Both students developed their games using Scratch and produced video walkthroughs of their games and coding processes, which were essential components of their competition entry.

Rafael Plum reflected on the experience, stating, “I learned to persevere and not give up. I also learned that if you put two coding blocks together, they create a new purpose. For example, if you get a ‘move block’ and a ‘forever block’, they will move the object forever.”

Alexander Diaz shared his thoughts, saying, “I got to work with my friend who helped me to understand how the coding worked and what the blocks do.”

Their accomplishments not only brought them individual recognition but also earned Jindabyne Public School a plaque of appreciation. This plaque, presented on behalf of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women and the University of NSW School of Built Environment (Women in Construction Project), acknowledges the school’s support in the 2024 Robotics Coding Challenge and includes the message, “Thank you for nurturing our country’s future innovators.”

Jindabyne Public School is proud of Rafael Plum and Alexander Diaz for their commitment to learning and their outstanding achievements in the 2024 UNSW Coding Challenge.

JHS Year 12 students raise money for RFS

YEAR 12 students at Jindabyne High School (JHS) achieved an impressive feat with their recent fundraising event, the inaugural JHS Trivia Night held on May 30. The evening proved to be a remarkable success, thanks to overwhelming support from the community.

Two hundred enthusiastic guests were warmly welcomed to a great evening of Trivia provided by the Jindabyne Bowling Club who kindly donated the venue and staff. Year 12 students were busy though, decorating and setting up the venue, greeting their guests and selling sweet treats, including the now-famous 110 cupcakes baked by Jess. There were also delicious savoury and fruit platters on offer. It must

have been delicious because they sold out. Guests were then ushered to tables by their hosts. There were fabulous lucky door prizes and raffles and a beautiful performance by HSC Music students Bridie and Owen. A highlight of the night was the live and silent auctions, which featured generously donated prizes. The auctions were conducted by Year 12 students Nate and Sam who were very professional, despite never doing it before. Their Drama skills came in handy.

Jindabyne High School were delighted to see all the smiling faces enjoying a wonderful social event on the school calendar. It was a lovely opportunity for JHS Year 12 students to show their commu-

nity what they are capable of, and they certainly did not disappoint. This entire event was coordinated by Year 12, under the guidance of Ms Worsley, their very proud Year Adviser. One message of congratulations noted, “It was a great night. The kids were the highlight. Everyone at our table was very impressed by them all.”

However, the success of the event was not solely attributed to the students and Ms Worsley. Parents, Tammy Stewart, Lisa Linton, and Cara Wigger, as well as the dedicated support staff: Janine Sadgrove, Lauren Watling, Ruth Reid and Maria Costello, played crucial roles in ensuring its smooth execution. Without this help, the

event could not have been as successful, and Year 12 is grateful to each of you.

The heart of the evening lay in the generosity of the Jindabyne business community, whose contributions in the form of prizes and auction items made the event possible. In the live auction, coveted items such as a Thredbo season pass, a voucher for Lake Crackenback, and firewood were hotly contested. The silent auction featured prizes including Perisher and Thredbo day passes, a private pilates class at Centred Health Studio, vouchers for The OM Collective and The Banjo Petterson Inn, Giro Zeiss Goggles and Goorin Bros Caps. Special mention goes

to Ella and her father who cut and stacked all the firewood, which was auctioned off successfully. JHS is incredibly grateful to each and every one of the contributing sponsors and encourage the community to continue supporting the listed sponsors.

Overall, the fundraising event exceeded expectations. The proceeds from the night will be directed towards supporting the local Rural Fire Service, underscoring the students’ commitment to giving back to their community. With further events planned before the end of the school year, Year 12 at JHS continues to demonstrate their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.

EXCEL: Alexander (left) and Rafael (right) hold up their awards presented at a recent school assembly.

The Cooma North Public School rugby league side have enjoyed recent success. PHOTOS: Cooma North Public School

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 Which straps hold up trousers (6)

8 What are condensed representations of things (8)

9 What is a dirty mark or smear (6)

10 To settle a bill, is to do what (6,2)

11 Name an inflammatory affection of the throat (6)

12 Which unit of power is defined as one joule per second (4)

13 What is a BB gun known as (5)

16 Which products of certain seaweeds are used for soups (5)

19 What are units of work (4)

21 What are forms of expression peculiar to a language (6)

22 Name a seaside resort on the English Channel (8)

23 What is an aggregation of persons of the same ethnic family (6)

24 To deprive of force, or strength, is to do what (8)

25 What is another term for bailiffs (6)

DOWN

2 Bucharest is the capital of which republic in SE Europe (7)

3 What are small containers for holding tea (7)

5 Name the capital city of Georgia, USA (7)

6 What is loss of memory known as (7)

7 Name the absence of the micro-organisms that produce septic disease (7)

13 What are some important horse races called (7)

E-QUATIONS 7

4 What is a children’s game in which participants ride up and down on the ends of a plank (6)

Letters have a number value

14 Which term describes a person who does not accept a particular faith (7)

Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

E-QUATIONS

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

15 Name a Jewish day school providing religious and secular education (7)

17 Name an alternative term for cartilage (7)

18 Leo McKern was known as whom, of the Bailey (7)

20 What is another name for a transgressor (6)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 BROLGA

(a) A grass strongly resembling oats (b) The bluebottle fly (c) A tall grey crane

2 EUPHORIA

(a) An agreeable sound

(b) An exaggerated feeling of wellbeing (c) Good digestion

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Animate (5)

Aus Tax Office (3)

Brother (coll) (3)

Electrocardiogram (3)

Formerly known as (3)

In the red (5)

More grimy (7)

Nuclear physics (7)

Past participle: blow (5)

Sheep-like (5)

Live, love or grow portfolio

mary and high schools with a rental return of $580.00 per week.

entertaining area, along with a timber front porch and a separate BBQ area.

THIS property presents a rare opportunity to secure, live or

in the location of Cooma

A 647m2 block of land close to Cooma’s much-loved pri-

There are some very noteworthy points to consider about the great value that this property offers. Single level, and with a very practical floor plan and renovations over the years.

The home offers three bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes, open plan living, dining and kitchen area, covered rear

The block is nice and flat with easy care gardens and with plenty of room to allow kids to enjoy playing in the security of an enclosed back yard. It also has more than ample space to allow for any future extensions or addition you may want to make.

In a quick glance this, property’s features include:

Positioned just moments to primary and high schools, Cooma North shops and with easy access to Yallambee Lodge nursing home. Single level three bedroom home.

A large and welcoming veranda ideally suited to relax on. Wood and reverse cycle heating in the living room and meals area.

Kitchen with an electric oven and cooktop, dishwasher and plenty of cupboards and bench space. All bedrooms with built-in robes.

Single garage, converted. Large and level backyard, perfect for children and pets to enjoy. Contact

4155.

Large lot residential with river frontage

ADDRESS: Lot 161 Monaro Highway, Bombala

ASKING: $250,000

AGENT: Nutrien Harcourt Bombala LOCATED on the Monaro Highway and only minutes from Bombala this is a beautiful development opportunity for those looking for a country escape.

The block features magnificent views over the local countryside and has an approx. 100m frontage to the Bombala River. Mains power and telephone line are nearby for connection and mobile coverage is in the area. The property is currently fenced along two boundaries.

Boasting 2.605ha/6.437ac there is plenty of room for the house of your dreams and a lovely rural lifestyle. Think outside the city and escape to the country today.

park a trailer

• The laneway at the rear is cleared and accessible from both Koonee as well as Jerrang Avenue

• Well maintained, low maintenance grounds, concrete mowing strips under all

• A 7.6kW

Snowy Monaro

Weekly cattle, sheep market wrap

Record

numbers for lamb slaughter

By ERIN LUKEY, MLA SENIOR MARKET INFORMATION ANALYST

Cattle

market

THE cattle market was varied last week. Cattle yardings eased 15,960 head to 49,145, with Queensland the only state to see a significant lift in yarding to 18,593 head.

The Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator was the lowest performer this week, easing by 14c on last week to 309c/kg liveweight (lwt).

This is the first time since October 2023 it has fallen below feeder prices. The Queensland indicator price was the lowest it has been this year.

Despite positive market results in Roma, other yards in the state were mainly under the national price. National throughput remained stable compared to the previous week’s numbers.

The Feeder Steer Indicator eased week-on-week; this was primarily driven by an elevated throughput of 7,804 head.

Longer-term price trends, however, have remained relatively flat. Prices dipped nine cents to 323c/kg lwt.

NSW supported the national price (the state indicator reading 23c above at 348c/kg lwt), with rainfall across parts of the state supporting confidence.

With high supply impacting the Queensland market, prices were 20¢ below the indicator at 302¢/ kg lwt.

Sheep market

There was positive movement

in the sheep market this week.

Sheep yardings eased to 200,156 lambs, which was a reduction of 10,992 head, and only 19,383 sheep, a decrease of 22,832. Reduced yardings were seen across all states bar WA and Tasmania.

The Trade Lamb Indicator was the best performer this week. The indicator saw a throughput lift of over 2,000 head as prices rose 52c to 762c/kg carcase weight (cwt).

These are the highest prices since January this year.

The highest throughput was in NSW, which also came in with the highest price at 761c/kg cwt, as conditions seem to favour the state.

There was some relief in Victoria with the state indicator up 38c to 757c/kg cwt.

The lowest performer this week was the Mutton Indicator. Despite low supply, prices still fell by four cents to 336c/kg cwt.

Looking to the states, WA and Tasmania were the only states with week-on-week lifts in mutton prices.

The WA price has now lifted above 280c/kg cwt, a price not recorded since July 2023.

Slaughter

Processor numbers were back up after the previous long weekend dip.

Cattle slaughter lifted week-on-

week across all states, bringing national slaughter up 12,921 head to total 142,390 – the largest processor output since January 2020.

slaughter reached 684,751, up 137,726 from the week prior.

By SCHUTE BELL

THE final sale of the 2023/24 season led to further downward pressure being placed on prices.

Victoria recorded a significant lift of 25 percent, processing a total of 22,798 head after the long weekend.

Last week was the state’s biggest throughput week since July 2020.

There were higher numbers across NSW (34,672), SA (3,395) and Tasmania (5,002), making up for the short week. WA and Queensland remained relatively stable, though above long-term averages with 2,785 respectively and 73,738. Combined sheep and lamb

This is still well above the average weekly slaughter rates, more than 11 million slaughtered yearto-date, tracking 24 percent above the same week last year.

Lamb slaughter reached a new record processing 511,102 head across the week.

This is only the sixth time numbers have tipped half a million, all in the past two months.

A huge 70,059 lift in Victoria supported these numbers, with the state processing just under 250,000 head. in sheep slaughter as we move into the second half of the year.

Downward pressure on wool prices

In a pattern that has continued to repeat itself throughout the season, a three week 40 cent rise in the Eastern Market Indicator has now been followed up with a two week 28 cent decline.

where some gains were reported on individual micron indicators.

Last Tuesday’s opening was on a softer tone with the Northern Region Indicator declining by 16 cents. A further five cent fall was recorded on Wednesday with a small hint of prices stabilising, particularly in the Western region

32,861 bales were sold nationally for the week with the passed in rate climbing to 11.5 percent.

Major buyers included Tianyu, PJ Morris and Techwool. This week’s closing Eastern market indicator is 16 cents ahead of where the season opened.

Movements of some individual micron categories do vary far greater than this with the 16.5 micron indicator down 10 percent and the 28 micron indictor up 25 percent.

It has been 12 months of relative overall stability for wool pric-

es with both the upside and downside risk appearing to be capped in the current environment (see season chart attached). The 2024/25 season commences next week with 36,653 bales expected to be on offer nationally.

The 2024/25 National wool selling roster is also attached.

MARKET UPDATE: Cattle slaughter was the highest since January 2020, at 142,390 head.

PHOTO: Supplied

Fight to keep Bombala livestock yards open

By KAREN FORMAN

A USER pays system will be sought in a bid to keep the Bombala livestock yards open, after Snowy Monaro Regional Council decided not to proceed with an expression of interest process attempting to find someone to manage the facility.

Cr Bob Stewart, formerly a councillor on the Bombala Shire Council which was amalgamated to form Snowy Monaro Regional Council and a local farmer who uses the yards when transporting stock to market, said he would push transport operators to take over the yards and then on-charge users to cover operational and maintenance costs.

“The saleyard committee, which now takes in Bombala as well as Cooma, will meet on July 9 to discuss the future of the yards,” he said.

“The tender process was not successful and I think the only way forward is to introduce a user pays system. We need the yards to remain

open as we rely on them for farmers to bring stock to for transport on the B-doubles to the markets.

“As a farmer, I would be happy to pay if it meant we could keep the yards, as having to transport stock further afield, even Cooma, for loading onto the bigger trucks, would be expensive and difficult.”

The future of the yards has been a major discussion at Council’s monthly meetings this year, with it first being broached when the CEO recommended an instant closure due to safety concerns.

After much discussion, the yards remained open.

Meetings with stakeholders were held, discussions happened with the one person who had lodged an expression of interest in managing the yards the previous year and some minor fixes were performed so usage could continue.

In April, Council decided to continue to maintain operations of the Bombala livestock yards and undertake

the immediate repairs with a supporting budget in the 2023/24 financial year, while long-term options were considered.

It also voted to negotiate with the previous expression of interest for a successful lease arrangement with a report to come back with outcomes, to the May 2024 Council meeting.

Cr Stewart, along with a transport company owner and a local stock agent, told The Monaro Media Group that closure of the yards would be devastating to the local rural community which relied on them for its livelihood.

The June Council meeting was told the discussions had not led to a permanent fix and Council considered officers’ recommendations to: * conduct an evaluation of the potential sale of the Bombala Livestock Yards in its current condition; * continue to maintain operations of the Bombala Livestock Yards and undertake the immediate;

Step towards fairness for farmers

A MANDATORY Food and Grocery Code of Conduct will be a step towards fairness for farmers and families, NSW Farmers say, but more work needs to be done.

The final report of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Independent Review by Dr Craig Emerson was published last week, with all 11 recommendations being agreed to by the Federal Government.

But while making the code mandatory, significantly increasing penalties for breaches, and providing better support for farmers in disputes with the supermarkets were positive steps, NSW Farmers Horticulture Committee chair Jo Brighenti-Barnard said there was still a long way to go in solving Australia’s supermarket problem.

“We welcome this report which confirms what we’ve been saying all along – there needs to be meaningful competition reform so Australian farmers and families can get a fair go at the checkout,” Ms BrighentiBarnard said.

“For too long farmers have been afraid to speak out because of the sheer might of these two big supermarkets, so options for independent mediators and arbitrators who

can set enforceable actions is a good step, but growers need to be able to use them without fear of retribution.

“It will be critical for farmers to have an active role in drafting this mandatory code so it is practical and fit for purpose.”

Among the findings in the report were enormous penalties for breaches of the code – something NSW Farmers had been seeking – but Ms Brighenti-Barnard said courts rarely imposed the maximum penalty.

“A mandatory code with significant penalties is something we’ve been seeking, and we welcome this, but they need to be a real deterrent, not just a cost of doing business,” she said.

“It’s clear farmers and families are hurting on either side of this supply chain, and it is meaningful competition reform that is needed to deliver results.

“So the Emerson report goes one step, but we also need an economy-wide prohibition on unfair trading practices, proper protection against retribution for farmers who speak out, and an overhaul of the current merger and acquisition approval process.”

* repairs with a supporting budget in the 2023/24 financial year, while long-term option are considered; and * invalidate the previous expression of interest process and response received, as specific safety assessment reports were not provided to the market by the Council at that time to allow for a full and informed market response.

Cr Stewart said he was in no doubt that the users had to pay.

“My view is that it would be more efficient if the agents handled the costing of it for the people who use it

rather than if Council had to do it,” he said. “If we can come to an agreement with agents, now is perfect timing, we could start it in July, for 12 months.

“If we can cover rates plus put four or five thousand dollars a year away, that would do the job, it wouldn’t be too expensive for the users, it could be an extra 50 cents a head.

“I sent some lambs to Wagga recently, about 67. They come into the yards on a small truck and are loaded onto a B-double with 500 or 600 other sheep,” he said.

“Three hundred might be

loaded on at a property and the rest are brought in to the yards, like my fellows, to make the load up.

“If clients were charged an extra, say $100, to use the yards, as a farmer I would be happy to pay.

“When we send sheep to sell at Wagga Wagga, we pay the council there a commission of $2 a head to sell and we are used to that.”

Cr Stewart said he felt local farmers had had a good run.

“You cant expect to use the yards for nothing,” he said. “I think it is only fair we start paying.”

BOMBALA YARDS: Former Snowy Monaro deputy mayor and livestock carrier Lynley Miners of Miners Transport has joined the call for the Bombala yards to remain operational. Mr Miners and Cr Bob Stewart say the yards are important to the region’s agricultural sector.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

TRADES AND SERVICES

TRADES AND SERVICES

WANT TO JOIN THE TRADES?

The Trades Directory is a great way to promote your business to potential customers. It is cost effective, stress and hassle free, and most importantly, effective.

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

PHONE: 02 6452 0313

EMAIL: sales@monaropost.com.au

VISIT: 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630

EXPLORATION LICENCE APPLICATION 6746

Notice is given in accordance with Section 13A of the Mining Act 1992 and clauses 15 and 89K of the Mining Regulation 2016 that exploration licence application number ELA6746 (Act 1992) for Group 1 (Metallic Minerals) has been lodged with the Department of Regional NSW by Historic Gold Mines Pty Ltd, ACN 640 781 031, over an area of about 14 Units (42 square kilometres) which is located about 2.4 kilometres east of Jindabyne and 47.25 kilometres south west of the town of Cooma, as described on the plan below. Information regarding this application can be obtained from Shelly Zhang: Phone number 0431 646 800, E: shelly@auroratenement.com.

Information about landholder’s rights is available on the Department’s website: meg.resourcesregulator.nsw.gov.au/ mining-and-exploration/land-access/ information-for-landholders.

Mountainside Development Kosciusko Rd Jindabyne SNSW Developments Pty Ltd have engaged Past Traces Pty Ltd to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed subdivision on Kosciusko Rd Jindabyne (Part Lot 12 DP1241336).

Client contact is Elizabeth Slapp – 0457 786 776.

Past Traces Pty Ltd invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge in determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and or places in the area of Jindabyne to register their interest in a process of community consultation.

The purpose of the consultation will be to inform the Heritage Assessment and in the determination of an AHIP application if required.

For more information or to register in writing please contact: Lyn O’Brien Past Traces Pty Ltd GPO Box 1584 Canberra ACT 2600 Ph: 0403 021296.

Please note that under NSW Heritage guidelines registration details will be provided to the Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Heritage unless requested to be withheld and that registration for consultation does not guarantee employment or participation in fieldwork. REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 5pm on July 17, 2024.

AUER, Valerie (nee James) of “Jingalong”, Tubbut, Victoria. April 21, 1933 – June 28, 2024.

Daughter of Ernest and Evelyn James; sister to Barbara, Brian and David; wife to Karl; mother to Karl, John and Merran; grandmother to Tom, Jared, Bonnie, Freya and Rav.

The funeral will be held at Dellicknora Cemetery at 12 noon on July 8, 2024, with a gathering at “Jingalong” afterwards.

BROWN, Joan Hay. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Yallambee Lodge. Formerly of Willowbank, Cooma. Aged 96 years.

Dearly loved wife of Leonard (dec). Mother of Ian and Neil. Mother-in-law to Janette and Ngima. Grandmother to David and Dolkar. Great grandmother to Matilda and Hugo.

The relatives and friends of the late Joan Hay Brown are invited to attend her funeral service to be held in the Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Cooma, on Thursday July 4, 2024

Personal Notices

may be placed before 10am Monday prior to printing

classi eds@monaropost.com.au

Phone: (02) 6452 0318

DEATH NOTICES

SWAN, Bruce Kevin

(Affectionately known Swanny) Passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Cooma Hospital. Formerly of West St, Cooma. Aged 91 years.

Dearly loved husband of Norma (dec). Father of Laurence (dec), Jennifer, Lorayne, Catherine and Gavin.

Father in-law to Julie, Kurt (dec), Robert, Con and Helen.

Adored grandfather of fifteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.

Read local news wherever you are

• Quality local journalism you trust • Information that keeps you connected • News from the Monaro Shire and Snowy Mountains wherever you are Your award winning local newspaper is also available as a digital edition.

The relatives and friends of the late Bruce Kevin Swan are invited to attend his funeral service to be held by the graveside at the Cooma Lawn Cemetery, Cooma on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11am. For more information on

By LISA ASHURST

MICHELAGO residents are feeling a sense of relief following Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s move to amend their draft plans and budget following strong community feedback.

The biggest concern for the Michelago community, as well as for other communities within the region, was Council’s ini-

tial proposal to cut road maintenance work on a number of local sealed and unsealed roads.

“Road safety is a major concern,” Michelago resident, Kerry Rooney said, “Council’s decision to revisit that decision feels like a win for us.”

Resetting the Council’s proposed road budget and maintenance program, enabled by

additional Commonwealth Government roads funding, means the communities in the region can feel easier about travelling on their local roads, as the initial description of Council’s proposed budget for road maintenance according to daily vehicle movements had created major concerns, however the additional government funds has allowed Council to change it’s position on that.

Road relief for Michelago

Many of the local communities, like Michelago, have a number of unsealed roads, but they are vital access roads all the same. Thus the plan to cut back on maintaining them generated a high level of feedback from members of the community, who rely heavily on those roads and held deep concerns about their future safety and access if maintenance ceased.

The boost in Commonwealth Government support for roads, plus an additional grant, has allowed Council to do a reset on the original draft budget, a move which has come at just the right time.

“We are incredibly relieved to hear that Council has reassessed their position on the care of our roads” Kerry added “because they’re our lifeline. We need them.”

New chapter for library’s digital platform

AVID readers and learners of all ages are enjoying a new way to access the latest ebooks and audiobooks with their library membership, with Snowy Monaro Regional Library launching the uLibrary platform on Sunday 30 June 2024.

The move to uLibrary will simplify the digital library experience for patrons and introduce simultaneous lending, reducing wait times for readers looking to enjoy the latest eAudiobooks and eBooks.

uLibrary will join the library’s existing suite of digital lending apps, which includes indyreads and Libby.

“We are excited to bring this new and improved digital lending experience to our library patrons, with this transition to uLibrary a demonstration of Council’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient library services to the Snowy Monaro community,” Snowy Monaro Regional Library events and program officer, Nicola Murphy, said.

“Patrons utilising the BorrowBox digital lending platform as a part of their library membership are advised that this service ended on Sunday 30 June, 2024.

Library staff are available to assist patrons with the transition to uLibrary and answer any questions they may have.

To access the new uLibrary service download the uLibrary app to your tablet or smartphone from the App Store on Apple devices, or the Play Store on Android devices.

Or visit qrco.de/Libraryonline to learn how to login with your library membership, or access uLibrary through your web browser.

Monaro’s market place

NEW PLATFORM: Snowy Monaro Regional Library events and program officer, Nicola Murphy, is encouraging library users to use the new digital reading setup.

PHOTO: Mia Chawner

Coach academy raises bar

SNOW Australia’s Coach Academy was born with a simple vision – to match the focus and commitment Australian winter sport has always brought to athletes with a coach development pathway designed to support and expand skill, capacity and opportunities of domestic winter sport coaches across all disciplines.

Bringing together emerging coaches from each discipline of snowsports, the Coach Academy is broadening the foundation and capability of elite programs to better equip coaches guiding

talented athletes toward the top of the sport.

Entering its fourth year, emerging talent and pathway coaches across each discipline are invited to apply directly to the Academy, while club coaches can be nominated and go through an application process to be accepted.

The self-reflective application looks to gain insight into each candidate’s experience level and awareness around key coaching capabilities, while gaining a sense for commitment, willingness to grow, evolve and engage

fully in a highly-collaborative development environment..

“The ultimate aim is for the Coach Academy to be like a ‘Top Gun’ school for future Olympic coaches, while contributing to the long term development of coaches across all winter disciplines,” Chip Richards, Lead Facilitator for Coach Academy, said.

“The program focuses on identifying our emerging coach talent in Australian winter sport and helping them to grow and develop to their best potential.”

While Australia has enjoyed

growing success over the past 20-30 years in snowsports, many of the best athletes have traditionally relied on the expertise of overseas coaches to take their performance to the next level.

Coach Academy seeks to boost the standard of coaching across all Olympic and Paralympic disciplines to the level where the majority of Australian athletes can be guided right up through the performance pathway by home-grown coaches.

“Historically, when Australian winter sport athletes reach a certain level and they’re ready

to progress up into high-performance and elite levels of the sport, our domestic coaches and club coaches have handed these athletes up to mostly international coaches to take the next steps into high performance,” Richards said.

“This has allowed us to learn a lot from International coaches while unlocking some extraordinary outcomes in our athletes, but in some cases may also have inadvertently stunted the development path and career progression potential of some of our emerging coach talent.”

Cooma Colts impress at home

THE Cooma Colts returned home for the weekend’s footy with matches taking place at the Cooma Showground and Rotary Oval.

In the Colts under 12s match, the side defeated Gungahlin 34-8.

The under 12 Colts welcomed the Gungahlin Bulls to Cooma on Sunday at Rotary Oval.

While three players down this week, the Colts were in their usual high spirits. Under 11 players Luca and Levi gladly helped out, with both delivering outstanding performances throughout the game.

The Colts strong forwards, Chase Smith, Bailey Cook and Brynn Kidman pushed through the Bulls defence to charge up the field.

The swift side-stepping of Charles Byrnes put the first points on the board for the Colts. Beautifully positioned kicks on the fifth and speedy chasing saw Boston Varcoe score two tries before the end of the second half.

Byron Sizmur, Will Lucus, Rylan Coster, and set the team up for solid sets of play in the second half.

The Colts maintained their strong defence thanks to Kayden McKay, Will Haylock and Mary Cox. Oscar Inskip broke away on two occasions to score two tries. Charles Byrnes crossed twice in the second half to round out a hat trick for the match.

Successful conventions went to Chase Smith, Oscar Inskip, and Mary Cox.

The team’s growth was on show across all aspects of the game, as they remain a dominating force in this year’s competition.

The under six Colts team played exceptionally well, showing great sportsmanship. With the South Tuggeranong Knights down on numbers, the Colts were happy to put their hands up to play with them to help out.

Will Bond was awarded player of the week.

Around the grounds

U13 Colts 10 – Bulls 46

U14 Colts 48 – Valley Dragons 4

U14 League Tag Colts 10 – Queanbeyan Roos 24

U16 League Tag Colts 22 – Goulburn Stockman 18

SUCCESS: Colts under 12 side is well led by William Lucas who proves hard to stop.

Mary Cox lands a successful conversion to extend the Colts lead.

Levi find open space during the Colts under 12 match. Looking to side-step a defender is Boston Varcoe. Boston scored two tries in the match.

Juniors brave elements for Paddy Pallin fun

THE sun shone but the winds were blustery for the 62nd Paddy Pallin Juniors cross country ski event held on Saturday June 29.

The weather forecast scared some potential participants away, but a number of brave juniors under the age of 16 lined up to experience the guaranteed fun of this event. Skiers were able to ski on a 750 metre loop on the Perisher cross country trails with different age groups completing varying numbers of laps.

The post event lunch of hotdogs, drinks and fruit were enjoyed by participants, supporters and event volunteers, followed by the presentation of certificates by NSWACTXC coach William Haig direct from the USA.

Incredible spot prizes from Paddy Pallin were won by participants, before the traditional jelly snake hunt on skis which ensured all skiers fin-

ished the day on a sugar high. This event would not be possible without the wonderful support of Paddy Pallin, Perisher FoodWorks and Snow Country Fresh Produce, as well as volunteers associated with the Nordic Shelter and Snowy Mountains Nordic who all ensure the event is an enjoyable event for all participants.

Best times

Six to nine-year-olds: Anna Edmonds, Queanbeyan West, 5.21mins.

10 to 13-year-olds: Aisha-Juliet Moon, Snowy Mountains Nordic/Jindabyne Public, 3.33; Eric Murtagh-Herlihy, SMN/Jindabyne Public, 4.04; Henry McArthur, SMN, 4.08; and Oscar O’Sullivan, Melbourne Grammar, 4.45.

14 to 16-year-olds: Roe Murtagh-Herlihy, SMN/Jindabyne High, 7.32; and Emelia Greville, SMN/Jindabyne High, 13.33

Good scores for winter medal rounds Marshall wins Cooma stableford

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

THE Coolamatong monthly medal Sunday golfers would have felt the southerly wind chill whipping straight off the mountains after fresh snow in the alpine overnight.

The scores overall were relevant of the conditions, with the winner on the day Alan Butterworth with a 72 nett on a countback.

Alan had a fine six over par 77 scratch score, the highlight being a birdie three on the par four, fourth hole. He was disappointed though to have three putted four times during the round.

Runner-up on the day was Pete Fleming with 72 nett. Pete has only recently joined the club after working for decades at Thredbo and recently retired from the Thredbo mountain manager position.

The highlight of Sunday’s play was Mitch Canty scoring an eagle two on the par four, fourth hole.

A grade results were: Alan Butterworth 72 nett, Pom Wheeldon 74 and Mitch Canty 77. In B grade, Nick Donnelly had 73 nett, David Douglas 74 nett and Arthur Owens 79 nett.

The C grade competition had Pete Fleming on top with 72 nett. Thomas McIntosh and Richard Hendriks both had 80 nett.

The leading lady on Sunday was Elise Cave. Men’s Eclectic update

It would seem the men’s eclectic has bottomed out at -25 with five players sitting on that number. Nick Donnelly, Peter Hastings, Scott Frize, Rob Morris and Geoff Murphy will need to find a birdie on a hole they have not to take the outright lead.

As for the rest of the fields, sinking more puts is the only answer. There is a

still a chance for anyone to climb the ladder, but pars probably won’t cut the mustard if you have desires to be the overall winner.

The monthly medal on Wednesday was won by Graeme Ball playing to his 10 handicap with a nett score of 71. The runnerup on the day was Charlie Steinbacher with 72 nett.

In A grade, Graeme Ball had 71 nett, Andrew Aitchison 73, Gregg Quinn 75 and Pom Wheeldon 75. In B grade Charlie Steinbacher had 72, Cody Dixon 76, Stephen Young 79 and Wayne Tuckwell 79.

The C grade competition saw Rob Michael finish with 75 nett, Rob Morris 76 and Richard Hendriks 77.

In the ladies, there were only two players on Wednesday, Carolyn Major and Sunhee Kim.

Near pin for the men were Pom Wheeldon on the third, Rob Michael on 15 and Cody Dixon on the 17.

The ladies near pins were Carolyn Major on the third and 15, and Sunhee Kim on hole eight and 17.

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

COOMA golfers braved the chilly winter golfing conditions with a good number turning out for the stableford on Saturday. The overall winner was Norman Marshall with a score of 38 points. Norman and his playing partner Steven Wheatley also won the split sixes on Saturday with a score of 60 points, narrowly beating Nick Moon and John Gargett by one point.

The A Grade winner was Helen Crawford with 36 points, B Grade went to David Douglass with 33 points and the C Grade winner was Val Leitch with 36 points.

Balls went to David Stewart, Greg Abraham, Gino Cerro, David Goggin and Sean Bradshaw.

Sunday’s competition was cancelled. In last week’s midweek stableford, John Harris was the overall winner with 36 points. A Grade went to Col Langdon with 35 points, B Grade was claimed by Roy Hankinson with 34 points and C Grade went to Harry Mould with 33 points. Balls went to Helen Crawford, David Stewart, Mitch Hynes, Peter Ewart, Steven Wheatley, Terry Schofield and Ben Rolfe. This Saturday is the monthly medal, Sunday is a stableford and the midweek monthly medal will be held on Wednesday. Visitors with official golflink numbers are always welcome to play in any of our competitions, please contact the club to book in.

Thistleton triumphs

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

ANOTHER weekend with icy conditions at the Bombala Golf Club but despite temperatures there was a reasonable field.

The event was a stableford for Club Trophy. Ind. Acc. The course might be playing tough but Nathan Thistleton had an excellent round, wining with 38 points.

Ball winners were Neil Thompson on 35 points and Wayne Elton 31 points. Nearest the pin went to Brendan Weston and golden shot was won by Mark Ingram.

On Sunday, the field was down on numbers. Playing a par for B.Weston Trophy, the scores were not good. Neil Thompson was the best with -2.

The ball went to Pepper Thompson -5. Nearest the pin was not won and golden shot was claimed by Pepper. Golf programme for the week

Ladies Wednesday July 3 - stableford, Club Trophy Members Saturday July 6 - four ball best ball multiplier. C&T Trophies (choose partners) Sunday July 7 - stableford, Club Trophy. Ind. Acc Members are reminded the four-ball-best-ball championships are on July 13 and 14. Partners need to be arranged. There is the golf club working ‘b’ on Saturday July 6 from 8.30am. Help is required to remove trees.

PADDY PALLIN: The 62nd edition of the popular junior event took place over the weekend. A favourite on the calendar, this year’s Paddy Pallin was enjoyed by all who participated.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Mitch Canty scored a great eagle two on the par four, fourth hole on Sunday.

COOLAMATONG: Alan Butterworth had the best round on Sunday with a 72 net. PHOTOS: Coolamatong Golf Club

High Heelers undefeated

ANOTHER weekend, and another win for the Bombala High Heelers.

The Bombala side has continued its unbeaten run in the Group 16 league-tag competition with a close 10-6 win over Eden.

Travelling to the coast for the weekend’s encounter, Bombala

faces one of its tougher matches. The High Heelers went into halftime 4-0 up, before a late try sealed the win.

Eden hit the lead with the first try of the second stanza but couldn’t hold on as Bombala finished the better of the sides.

Bombala sits comfortably atop of the ladder, two wins

ahead of second placed Tathra. In their eight wins from as many matches, the High Heelers have scored 253 points (a competition high) and only conceded 24 (the competition’s best defence).

A local clash awaits this Saturday with the Cooma Fillies at the Bombala Showground. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm.

National alpine ski team named

SNOW Australia has announce the National Alpine Ski Team for 2024/25 with 17 athletes selected across the A, B and C Teams as well as the Development Team.

The Alpine A Team is made up of Madi Hoffman, Harry Laidlaw (pictured), Louis Muhlen-Schulte and Greta Small.

Hoffman and Muhlen-Schulte had breakout seasons last year when they scored their first-ever World Cup points.

Laidlaw went agonisingly close to doing the same after qualifying in the top 30 in Bulgaria. Small’s campaign was unfortunately cut short by a hand injury.

Shawn Fleming, Snow Australia Alpine and Ski Cross Director, says our leading Alpine athletes are setting the tone for all team members ahead of another exciting season.

“After the successful season just passed I am very excited to see what is possible for the season to come with so many athletes returning to the team for the 2024/25 season,” Fleming said.

“As we start in to the Olympic qualifying period for Milano-Cortina 2026 I feel we have such great momentum built off the results from athletes like Madison Hoffman, Louis Muhlen-Schulte and Harry Laidlaw.

“I hope that these results lay the foundation not only for the rest of the current NAST but also for the future generation of alpine athletes currently in the club system.”

Three ski cross athletes have joined the NAST for the first time, with Fleming looking forward to following their progress.

“I am very pleased to announce the selection of three new athletes to the National Ski Cross Team: Kyra Wheatley, Liam Michael and Emerson Facer,” Fleming said.

“I have been following the journeys of all three of these athletes from their days in the club system up through their international campaigns and I look forward to working with each of them over the year to come.

“Ski Cross, in Australia, has had some great achievements since its inclusion in the Olympics in 2010 and I hope this new generation will carry the torch towards 2026 and beyond.”

Fleming also paid tribute to to four athletes who have stepped away from the NAST this season as they step back from their international careers.

“I also want to recognise, and thank, Joey Steggall (Alpine), Douglas Crawford (Ski Cross), Alfie Wenk (Ski Cross) and Jesse Quinn (Ski Cross) for their contribution to their sport and wish them all the best in the new chapter of their lives as they retire from competition,” he said.

ALPINE ‘A’ TEAM

Madi Hoffman (Alpine)

Harry Laidlaw (Alpine)

Louis Muhle-Schulte (Alpine)

Greta Small (Alpine)

ALPINE ‘B’ TEAM

Sammie Gaul (Alpine)

Henry Heaydon (Alpine)

Phoebe Heaydon (Alpine)

Harry Hoffman (Alpine)

Thomas Hoffman (Alpine)

Connor Leggett (Alpine)

Hugh McAdam (Alpine)

ALPINE ‘C’ TEAM

Liam Michael* (Ski Cross)

Zoe Michael (Alpine)

Zali Sutton (Alpine)

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Cate Dance (Alpine)

Abbey Evans (Ski Cross)

Emerson Facer* (Ski Cross)

Kyra Wheatley* (Ski Cross)

Kelly’s Bushrangers lose close match

By CHARLI FIDDES, CANBERRA REGION RUGBY LEAGUE

CLOSE contests highlighted an exciting Round 12 of the Canberra Raiders Cup over the weekend.

Yass Magpies 28 defeat Gungahlin Bulls 24

The Yass Magpies bagged a tight 28-24 victory over the Gungahlin Bulls away from home.

It was all but home and hosed for the Bulls who got out to a strong 24-10 lead in the second half. The Magpies remarkably went on to score four quick tries in the final ten minutes of the game to steal a tight 4-point victory.

Yass winger Liam Grame played a pivotal role, scoring an all important two tries, including the match winner on the brink of full-time.

West Belconnen Warriors 22 defeat Tuggeranong Bushrangers 18

The West Belconnen Warriors claimed a 22-18 victory over the Tuggeranong Bushrangers over the weekend at Raiders Belconnen.

It was a tight try-for-try affair the whole way through, with nothing separating the two sides.

As West Belconnen trailed by two points with 15 minutes left, centre Kane Rushton flew down the right edge to score a sensational try and put his side in the box seat to secure the important win.

The Warriors saw the return of halfback Bobby Roberts who made his

impact, playing his first game back for the club since his switch from the Bulls.

Queanbeyan Blues 32 defeat Belconnen United Sharks 26

The Queanbeyan Blues claimed a phenomenal 32-26 victory over the Belconnen United Sharks on Saturday at Seiffert Oval.

It was a game of two halves as the Sharks got off to a 20-8 lead by halftime, before the script was flipped upon returning to the field.

The Blues quickly gained a 26-20 lead with three consecutive tries, before the Sharks equalised to make for an exciting finish.

Flashbacks from last week’s late try, Dylan McLachlan found fellow halves partner Connor Williams with a grubber into the in-goal to score and claim the important two points for Queanbeyan. Woden Valley Rams 40 defeat Goulburn City Bulldogs 10

The Woden Rams bagged a strong 40-10 victory over the Goulburn Bulldogs this past weekend at Workers Arena.

Rams five eighth Brendan Jimenez was a force to be reckoned with, scoring four tries to cap off a brilliant individual performance.

Woden centre Gideon Afemui showcased an impressive performance claiming a double and kicked three conversions, aiding his side to victory.

The Bulldogs two tries were not enough to catch the Rams, leaving a full time score of 40-10.

LEAGUE-TAG: Bombala High Heeler Monique Perkins attacks the Eden defence. PHOTOS: Razorback Sports Photography

Continuing their fine defence this season, Bombala restricted Eden to just one try.

The High Heelers go on the attack during their match against Eden.

Stallions’ efforts undone by handling mistakes

By DAVID BRISON

WITH the wind a significant factor to both teams’ handling, the Cooma Stallions were first to get some clean possession with a break to half Nick Zusak.

Quick hands to returning centre Keegan Caldwell who drew a player and passed to winger Jake Clare who was over in the corner. Not converted, 4-0.

The New Zealand connections of Levita Levita, Klies Kaiarake and William Tutai made some strong runs and great tackles, but the Bulldogs came up with a long range try. Converted from the sideline, 4-6.

The Bulldogs grabbed a 40-20 to go on the attack, but strong defence held them out. Young Thomas King, in his first game in the top grade took a great swirling high ball for his first touch in the game.

Despite some really good defence, a couple of back-to-back penalties piggy backed the Bulldogs down the field and they scored, 4-12.

Centre Caldwell saved a try before Cooma received a bit of possession with a bullocking run by second rower James Cahill, going close to scoring.

Caldwell flashed over from dummy half for a try and Zusak added the extras for a half time score of 10-12.

After the break some good forward work by Todd Williams and Richard Bensley was rewarded

when five eighth, Levita Levita, put on a great pass for Riley Casey to score out wide, 14-12.

Some poor handling and turnovers by Cooma, compounded by several penalties allowed the Bulldogs to gain the ascendancy and score three quick tries, 14-28.

The Stallions stabilised and half Zusak scored a great individual try, which he converted, to get the home side back into the game at 20-28.

The Bulldogs scored a late try for a final score of 20-32 against the Stallions.

First grade face must win match for finals hopes

Three points went to Caldwell, two to Zusak and one point and players’ player to Levita Levita.

This will be Levita’s final game for the Stallions, and possibly for the year, as he returns to New Zealand for the birth of he and his partner Shenae’s, first child.

The club wishes them both all the very best and thanks Levita for his efforts throughout the season.

A bye for both men’s teams next week with the Fillies travelling to Bombala next Saturday. Their game is scheduled for a 2pm kick off.

The following week is the must see, postponed wet weather, clash between the Stallions and top of the table Snowy River Bears at the Cooma Showground.

The annual ‘Andy Hayden’ Memorial Golf ball drop will be held, with the assistance of one of Craig Bottom’s Cooma Cranes, dropping the balls from a considerable height above the showground towards a golf pole.

Closest numbered golf ball to the pin wins $4000, with three other prizes. A few tickets are still available from Colin Shingles.

Bulldogs too strong in reserve grade

By DAVID BRISON

ON what started out as a pleasant day and got progressively windier and colder as the day wore on, the Cooma Stallions took on the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs at the Cooma Showground.

As the wind got gustier, the Bulldogs played the first 15 to 20 minutes almost entirely in the Stallions red zone.

Despite some great on the line defence by forwards Mill Issa, Ryan Morgan, Jake Byrne and James Russell and some very good work under the high ball by the fullback Declan Gregory, the Bulldogs ran in three unconverted tries for a 0-12 lead. Cooma managed to get down the other end of the field for the first time. Young winger Ryder Cochran had a couple of good runs, but handling let the team down and the Bulldogs quickly grabbed another try, 0-16.

Jason Brazulaitis made a return to the Stallions and provided a bit of go forward, eventually allowing captain-coach James Boller to score one of his trademark tries from close range. Mitch Hynes converted. With the ball swirling around the wingers Robbie Smith and Cochran managed to save a couple of 40-20 for a half time score of 6-16.

After the break, the Stallions lost the ball on the first tackle and the Bulldogs attacked immediately, scoring a try despite a great tackle by Cochran on one of the Bulldogs big forwards.

Halfback Mitch Hynes was felled by a high tackle well after he kicked the ball resulting in a sin bin to one of their players. Lock James Russell managed to pick up a try and winger Robbie Smith added the extra, 12-22.

Despite some really strong efforts by the whole Cooma team, the Bulldogs kept on scoring for a full time score of 12-40.

Three points and players’ player to Ryder Cochran, two to James Russell and one to Lee Morgan.

Reaching out to collect a loose ball is Stallions forward James Russell. Russell’s second half try put the Stallions within eight points of Merimbula- Pambula.

Bulldogs defender.

ATTACK: Stallions reserve grade five eighth Thomas King strips the ball from a Bulldogs attacker before looking to break the line. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

GROUP 16: Todd Williams charges forward for the Cooma Stallions first grade side.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Old Boy’s Day a rugby favourite

THE biggest day on the Cooma rugby calendar is Old Boy’s Day and this year’s event was as popular as ever.

The Cooma Rugby Union Football Club (Red Devils) celebrated Old Boy’s Day on Saturday with all the club’s junior sides playing at home before the seniors delivered their best performance of the year.

In the seniors match, Cooma defeated Taralga 2-12 in front of hundreds of supporters. Old Boy’s Day saw the club’s 2002 premiership honoured with many players from the side who claimed threestraight premierships in attendance.

A highlight of the day was the luncheon where guest of honour, ex-Wallaby Andrew Blades, regaled the rugby faithful with stories of Wallaby tours, world cup victories and life as a prop.

Hundreds turned out for the Cooma Red Devils’ Old Boy’s Day at Rotary Oval. The largest crowd of the year watched Cooma defeat Taralga 20-12.

Ashton Jamieson runs away to score for the Cooma Red Devils under 14 team.

Nicholas Maclean looks to burst through a tackle. The prop has been one of the side’s best since joining the club this season.

TRY TIME: Cooma Red Devil scrum half Jake Mcilvenny reaches out to score his side’s first try of the match.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Jake Quodling charges forward for the Red Devils. Quodling’s efforts earned the forward player of the match honours.

Freedbody are regulars at Old Boy’s Day events.

MHS sports tour success

Students embrace teamwork

THE Monaro High School sports tour to Newcastle has been declared a success by teachers with students taking part in a range of sports, activities, and learning opportunities.

Led by teachers Rhys Brown, Kai Harrison and Michelle Pollard, the tour took students to Sydney and Newcastle where they played multiple sports against other schools and used state-of-the-art training facilities.

The group visited the Newcastle Knights centre of excellence for a tour. Monaro students met players from the Knights NRL and NRLW sides.

The first of the school matches took place against Whitebridge High School where MHS competed in basketball. volleyball and touch football.

Students formed friendships and enjoyed the chance to take Whitebridge’s school grounds.

The third day of the sports tour saw students collaborate and work together as part of an amazing race inspired activity. Students captured photos of various Newcastle landmarks and locations.

Following this activity, more sport was on the agenda with matches against Cal-

laghan College at Wallsend. Sports included: volleyball, basketball, soccer, Oz-tag, and ultimate frisbee.

“The sportsmanship displayed throughout the day was commendable, and we extend our gratitude to Callaghan College for their warm hospitality,” a MHS spokesperson said. Day four saw a five-a-side soccer competition with MHS entering two boys teams and one girls side.

“The boys blue team displayed exceptional skill throughout the day, making it to the elimination final.

The match ended in a 1-1 tie, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Unfortunately, the boys were narrowly defeated, finishing sixth out of 32 teams,” the spokesperson said.

“The boys’ white team also performed admirably. For many of them, it had been a while since they played competitive soccer, but as the day went on, their skills returned, and they ended up 16 out of 32 teams.”

The MHS girls team showcased excellent communication and teamwork, which saw them progress to the finals. The girls played strongly throughout the competition, to finish in 11th spot.

The final day of the tour began with a flurry of activ-

ity as bags were packed and rooms were cleaned. Excitement and a touch of nostalgia filled the air as the group headed off for the return trip home.

The group travelled to the Central Coast for a muchneeded recovery session at Gee Recovery. The facilities offered cold and hot therapy, saunas, recovery boots, and massage guns. This session was essential after the hustle and bustle of the previous days, providing students with firsthand experience and valuable knowledge on how to look after their bodies post-exertion.

Following the recovery session, students Coast Sports for a physio screening, where students underwent various tests to assess their flexibility, strength, conditioning, and fitness. This provided invaluable insights into proper recovery techniques and areas for improvement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical health.

The day’s excitement continued as MHS made its way to Industree Group Stadium to watch an NRL game between the Sydney Roosters and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Despite the heavy rain, the thrilling game kept everyone’s spirits high and created lasting memories.

Bowlers in form

THE cross wind was playing havoc with light bowls on Saturday however some brave locals and several visitors turned out to test the elements.

Rink 1

May Schoon was in town to visit her brothers, John and Ron and she showed good form when partnering Bruce Stewart and Mark Buckley. They were strong competition for Dave Whiting

(new), Karl Lezius (visitor) and Don Menchin. Mark’s team won 15-11 after the score was 7-7 after the 11 end.

Rink 2

Daphne Buckley and Max Butler won 8 after 14 ends against Paul Fuller and Leonie Snell. The lead never changed and the former won 17-9.

Rink 3

Mike Mannile is back from another dinosaur hunt

in Queensland. He teamed up with Renata Winckel against S. Barnes and Geoff Venables.

Mike and Renata led 9-0 after four ends and won 10 of the 16 ends played. Despite a mini fightback, Geoff’s team went down 1216.

Social bowls is on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Fifty patrons attended line dating last Thursday. All are welcome each Thursday.

SCHOOL: Monaro High students embraced their recent sports tour to the Central Coast and Newcastle. Students played a range of sports and visited state-of-the-art facilities.

PHOTO: Monaro High School

Red Devils rejoice

QUODLING’S EFFORTS SECURE

MEMORABLE COOMA WIN

By NATHAN THOMPSON

AS HUNDREDS of rugby fans watched on, the Cooma Red Devils delivered an inspired performance to record a 20-12 win over Taralga.

Past players, spectators and even an ex-Wallaby cheered the side to victory as the club celebrated its annual Old Boy’s Day.

Rotary Oval was awash with red and black for the biggest day on the Cooma rugby calendar.

Each of the club’s junior sides took the field before the seniors overturned a 70-point loss to Taralga from earlier in the season.

Spurred on by the large crowd, the Red Devils’ discipline and hard work produced a memorable win.

Number eight Jake Quodling led the Red Devils to victory with his efforts earning man of the match honours and the coveted Graham Dobbie award for player of Old Boy’s Day, in recognition of Dobbie’s contribution to Cooma rugby.

Before the seniors’ match, Old Boy’s Day saw around 150 past and present players gather at the Alpine Hotel for the popular annual luncheon.

The occasion celebrated the Red Devils 2002 premiership side with many of the players from that golden era of local rugby in attendance

Ex-Wallaby Andrew Blades was the guest of honour. Blades regaled the audience with memories of winning the 1999 World Cup, coaching career post playing and where he sees rugby heading in the country.

Old Boy’s Day also saw the unveiling of the club’s new honours

board, that sits proudly in the Alpine Hotel. The board features the names of players who have reached 100 and 200 game milestones, life members and the club’s five titles.

At Rotary Oval, the homeside opened the scoring through a penalty goal to captain Damien Roach.

Taralga crossed for the first try before the Red Devils maintained possession and created numerous

attacking opportunities. Quodling was terrific at the breakdown, forcing numerous turnovers.

Consecutive penalties to the Red Devils had the side attacking Taralga’s line. Multiple phases took the homeside within metres of the tryline, before scrum-half Jake Mcilvenny darted over for the Red Devils first five pointer. A suc-

cessful Roach conversion took the homeside to a 10-5 lead.

The Red Devils remained committed throughout the 80-minutes with Taralga’s poor discipline resulting in two players being handed yellow cards.

The Red Devils were strong with ball in hand, led by charging runs from Quodling, prop Nicholas Maclean, and flanker Edwin Ingram.

whole

effort had the

The win was sealed when Jakob Stewart latched onto an Ingram pass to dive into the corner for the Red Devils third try.

Three points to Jake Quodling and the Graham Dobbie award, two points to Nicholas Maclean, and one point to Jake Mcilvenny.

A

team

Red Devils attacking Taralga’s line deep into the second half.

IMPRESSIVE: Cooma Red Devils forward Jake Quodling charges into the Taralga defence. Quodling’s efforts earned the number eight player of the match and the coveted Graham Dobbie award as player of Old Boy’s Day.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Red Devils rejoice

QUODLING’S EFFORTS SECURE

MEMORABLE COOMA WIN

By NATHAN THOMPSON

AS HUNDREDS of rugby fans watched on, the Cooma Red Devils delivered an inspired performance to record a 20-12 win over Taralga.

Past players, spectators and even an ex-Wallaby cheered the side to victory as the club celebrated its annual Old Boy’s Day.

Rotary Oval was awash with red and black for the biggest day on the Cooma rugby calendar.

Each of the club’s junior sides took the field before the seniors overturned a 70-point loss to Taralga from earlier in the season.

Spurred on by the large crowd, the Red Devils’ discipline and hard work produced a memorable win.

Number eight Jake Quodling led the Red Devils to victory with his efforts earning man of the match honours and the coveted Graham Dobbie award for player of Old Boy’s Day, in recognition of Dobbie’s contribution to Cooma rugby.

Before the seniors’ match, Old Boy’s Day saw around 150 past and present players gather at the Alpine Hotel for the popular annual luncheon.

The occasion celebrated the Red Devils 2002 premiership side with many of the players from that golden era of local rugby in attendance.

Ex-Wallaby Andrew Blades was the guest of honour. Blades regaled the audience with memories of winning the 1999 World Cup, coaching career post playing and where he sees rugby heading in the country.

Old Boy’s Day also saw the unveiling of the club’s new honours

board, that sits proudly in the Alpine Hotel. The board features the names of players who have reached 100 and 200 game milestones, life members and the club’s five titles.

At Rotary Oval, the homeside opened the scoring through a penalty goal to captain Damien Roach.

Taralga crossed for the first try before the Red Devils maintained possession and created numerous

attacking opportunities. Quodling was terrific at the breakdown, forcing numerous turnovers.

Consecutive penalties to the Red Devils had the side attacking Taralga’s line. Multiple phases took the homeside within metres of the tryline, before scrum-half Jake Mcilvenny darted over for the Red Devils first five pointer. A suc-

cessful Roach conversion took the homeside to a 10-5 lead.

The Red Devils remained committed throughout the 80-minutes with Taralga’s poor discipline resulting in two players being handed yellow cards.

The Red Devils were strong with ball in hand, led by charging runs from Quodling, prop Nicholas Maclean, and flanker Edwin Ingram.

whole

the

effort

The win was sealed when Jakob Stewart latched onto an Ingram pass to dive into the corner for the Red Devils third try.

Three points to Jake Quodling and the Graham Dobbie award, two points to Nicholas Maclean, and one point to Jake Mcilvenny.

A

team

had the Red Devils attacking Taralga’s line deep into

second half.

IMPRESSIVE: Cooma Red Devils forward Jake Quodling charges into the Taralga defence. Quodling’s efforts earned the number eight player of the match and the coveted Graham Dobbie award as player of Old Boy’s Day.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson