MP030925_Digital_Edition

COOMA SHOW NEEDS YOU

SNOWY MONARO FARMER

Best season in years Service halts operations

By TRISTA HEATH

The volunteer committee behind Berridale Out of School Hours Care (OOSHC) is calling on the local community to rally behind a bid to keep the service alive.

The organisation has faced a tough few years with fluctuating attendance, grant funding difficulties and volunteer burn-out. Plans are underway to rebuild OOSHC’s business model and secure a sustainable path forward. A key goal is raising $60,000 by January 2026 to implement new systems and resume operations.

WEEKEND FALLS TO BOOST ‘QUIET’ MONTH: CHAMBER

By NATHAN THOMPSON

The best snow season in years continues to get better, as our Snowy Mountains based resorts received further welcome snowfalls over a wild weekend.

Gale force winds and snow hit most parts of the region across Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week. Local State Emergency Services crews were only called to a number of minor incidents.

Thredbo Resort received

77cm of fresh snow and Perisher Resort 67cm during the weekend’s snow storm.

Businesses across the Snowy Monaro are bene ting from what many have labelled the best snow season in four years.

Cooma Chamber of Commerce and Mainstreet business owner, Alicia Bolton, said the weekend’s snowfalls will set local businesses up for the remainder of the season.

“This season has been terri c. We have de nitely seen more

tra c coming through Cooma and people visiting our cafes and shops,” Mrs Bolton said.

“The whole season is proving great. The weekend’s falls will only help local businesses, especially a er a lean few winter seasons.”

Mrs Bolton said September is generally a quieter month for businesses but with more than 60cm of snow across Thredbo and Perisher, she expects the next month to be much busier.

“September is a quieter time

around Cooma normally. We see a drop o in visitors, last year was very quiet,” Mrs Bolton said.

“But this year we are looking much better. Spring skiing will be popular following the weekend’s snow.

“2025 is proving a top season for all businesses.”

According to Snowy Hydro’s snow depth measurements, Spencer Creek is recording 220cm of snow, its deepest level in 13 years.

In a decision deemed difficult but necessary, the committee announced to the public that OOSHC will temporarily suspend operations from 11 August, with re-opening contingent on forming a new committee and achieving a $60,000 fundraising target.

With forecasts previously predicting insolvency, the group pursued a temporary closure as a measure to re-assess options and protect the community’s access to childcare.

At the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Tuesday 26 August, all committee positions were declared vacant and new nominations encouraged from community members.

It was announced that the current Berridale (OOSHC) Committee and a new one would need to be formed for the centre to survive.

■ Read more on page 3

BUMPER SEASON: The weekend’s snow storms delivered more snow to our resorts. Businesses across the region are benefiting from the best season in years.

PHOTO: Perisher Media

Wild weather spares region

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

The wild and windy weather late last week resulted in only a few call outs for local SES units.

Cooma-Monaro SES Unit responded to a total of three callouts - at Chakola, Cooma and Greenlands.

SES members were required to assist in the removal of a tree at Greenlands on Sunday. A large branch was dangerously hung up in other branches threatening safe access along a driveway.

Members spent a few hours on site pulling down and chain sawing the tree.

On Saturday, a tree was blown onto power lines in Cooma, while last Wednes-

day a shed was blown into power lines at Chakola.

Essential Energy was required at both these incidents.

The unit was also activated for a road crash rescue at Snowball on Friday a ernoon, however no one was trapped or injured.

The Snowy River SES unit had three jobs on Sunday o the mountain where people had strayed from snow resorts, and become disorientated.

“They ended up out of bounds from the resorts, not really knowing where they were and calling in for help. But it was the middle of the day on a sunny day, and the snow storm had passed, so there was a

happy ending all round,” Snowy Rover SES chief inspector, Malika Bailey, stated.

“There was one on the other side of Kosciuszko National Park, at Brooks Hut, near Cabramurra, for an injured ankle. But even though we responded the helicopter arrived, and li ed them out, so all was well.

“We were certainly ready for the wild stormy weather but it was fairly non-eventful considering the level of wind and bad weather,” Ms Bailey said.

“The building codes are strong here; we responded to just one leaky roof. We have a very resilient community in the Snowies.”

Suspended councillor runs for state seat

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Suspended Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Andrew Thaler, will contest the state seat of Kiama.

Cr Thaler was suspended last month for a second time a er the NSW O ce of Local Government (OLG) found he engaged in misconduct. The OLG suspended Cr Thaler for three months, starting on 5 August.

Cr Thaler’s bid for a stay

application in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal was refused. The suspended councillor argued the OLG does not hold ‘any’ power and was abolished in 2019 by then Governor, David Hurley.

The Kiama electorate will go to the polls on September 15 following the resignation of MP Gareth Ward, who was expected to be expelled from the parliament a er being convicted of sexual intercourse without consent.

Cr Thaler was born and raised in the Shoalhaven region, which the seat of Kiama covers much of.

The OLG has directed Cr Thaler to apologise for the misconduct over social media posts and videos published on his Facebook account in March. The apology must be made in writing to individuals named in online comments that were posted to a social media account under Cr Thaler’s control to

CRANK UP THE VOLUME FOR THE FOOTY FINALS

the dates speci ed above and to be provided to Council for distribution to the wider community.

The suspension order is the second time Cr Thaler has been stood down for misconduct.

“I thank the OLG for taking action,” Council CEO, Noreen Vu, saidat the time of the suspension being issued.

“This suspension notice will allow me to continue the work undertaken by Mr

ADVICE:

Stephen Dunshea as Interim CEO on improving our work, health and safety measures for our sta , volunteers and elected councillors.” “Snowy Monaro Regional Council has a zero tolerance to bullying and harassment. We trust that the order is complied with in a respectful and digni ed manner.

“We will continue to provide support services to our sta who have been a ected by Cr Thaler’s misconduct.”

Major components for the newest Snowy 2.0 Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) are starting to arrive. Large loads will be transported via Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Highway for delivery at the Marica work site near Yarrangobilly Caves.

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

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

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

Please take care when driving around the Snowies.

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

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

RESPONSE: Luke Roberson at the Greenlands job on Sunday.

PHOTO: Supplied

Community rallies to save closed Berridale OOSHC service

Fundraising, volunteer drive underway

By TRISTA HEATH

The volunteer committee behind Berridale Out of School Hours Care (OOSHC) is calling on the local community to rally behind a bid to keep the service alive.

The committee, which supports before, a er, and vacation care for 20 to 25 local working families, has faced a challenging couple of years marked by uctuating attendance, grant funding uncertainties, rising costs, and a dwindling pool of volunteers.

In a community update, the committee announced a plan to rebuild OOSHC’s business model and secure a sustainable path forward. A key goal is raising $60,000 by January 2026 to implement new systems and resume operations.

Most importantly, it is looking to form a new committee to run the service. Without a new committee Berridale OOSHC will have to close inde nitely.

In a decision deemed difcult but necessary, the committee announced to the public that OOSHC will temporarily suspend operations from 11 August, with

re-opening contingent on forming a new committee and achieving a $60,000 fundraising target.

With forecasts previously predicting insolvency, the group decided on a temporary closure as a measure to reassess options and protect the community’s access to childcare.

At the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Tuesday, 26 August, all committee positions were declared vacant and new nominations encouraged from community members.

It was announced that the current Berridale (OOSHC) committee including president, Suzy Cook, secretary, Sarah Bartley, treasurer, Charmaine Perry, and coordinator/educator, Alarna Bird, were all stepping down from their position in the committee and an entirely new committee would need to be formed for the centre to survive.

During last week’s meeting, a temporary committee was formed and it was decided to extend the temporary closure date until the rst week of the 2026 school term.

“This will give the new

committee time to meet and get an understanding of their new committee role before the next AGM on 14 October where the new committee will become permanent,” the group said.

“Once the committee is permanently formed the next step will be to advertise for educators.

“Once those positions are lled and funding can be secured, the Berridale OOSHC can re-open in time for the new school year.”

The committee stresses that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, highlighting the broader impact of the service on local families.

The potential loss of OOSHC would a ect working parents who depend on care during school holidays and before and a er school hours.

A er contacting many government agencies seeking funding assistance including Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, the NSW Department of Education, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Snowy Hydro and Monaro Family Support Services, and others, the group has been consistently told

“sorry, we can’t help you”. So, the region has gathered and taken it upon themselves to begin their own fundraising e orts.

A GoFundMe me page has been set up and shared throughout various social media platforms and so far, more than $1000 has been raised, as well as a spring line dancing event in Dalgety on Friday, 19 September with all funds raised to go towards Berridale OOSHC.

The group will continue to investigate potential local

business sponsorships, in addition to possible community-driven events and donations to reach their target goal.

The call for donations and volunteers has already prompted discussions among residents, with several individuals expressing willingness to contribute time and resources to future planning.

Supporters are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings and contribute ideas to help rebuild OOSHC

into a sustainable service for its families.

The service operates as a community-supported model and relies on donations and volunteer leadership to sustain operations.

The centre remains hopeful that a revitalised model can be established as well as a new functioning committee with the help of the broader Berridale village. Donations can be made at the GoFundMe page at www. gofundme.com/f/save-theberridale-ooshc

FATHER’S DAY

SUPPORT: Berridale Out of School Hours Care (OOSHC) located across from the Berridale Public School on Oliver Street announced it’s temporary closure in August and eagerly awaits its reopening.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Community feedback leads to council decision on landfill

Jindabyne Landfill option decided

By TRISTA HEATH

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has held its second and nal community information session on the future of Jindabyne Land ll.

The rst session took place on Thursday, 12 June where residents and commercial customers of the land ll gathered at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall to learn more about the ongoing planning and future feasibility of the facility.

Since the June meeting the council team has been working through the feedback and incorporating elements into the project as appropriate.

Three options were presented to the community and feedback was sought on which option was preferred.

This recent update session included a summary of the feedback received from users to date, along with an overview of the next steps of the upgrade project.

Option 1 included turning

the Interim Transfer Station into a perminent solution; Option 2 was introducing a full concept design of a Resource Recovery Centre (RRC); and Option 3 was introducing a reduced scope and cost RRC.

Providing the update at last Thursday’s session was council’s corporate projects manager, Greg Thompson, joined by Manager of Resource and Waste services, Mandy Thurling. Mr Thompson said if council was to go ahead with option 1 there is likely to be a two per cent increase in waste fees based on current

fees and concept designs for this option is 30 per cent complete now with a full concept to come once a decision has been nalised by council.

Option 1 will allow for council to retain the existing site and facilities, out of the community view, re-instate a two-lane weighbridge, will incorporate and separate commercial and domestic use and makes use of existing upgrades without abortive or redundant works.

Mr Thompson explained that overall Option 1 is the lower cost solution, highest and best use of the site and

compliant with EPA stand ards.

“No matter on which option we go we will be looking at a waste fee increase, we can’t close the land ll as we need to provide a service to the community,” Mr Thompson said.

“To bring commercial waste to the Waste Transfer Station is a more sustainable option for Jindabyne, a more feasible option.”

Mr Thompson said if council was to look at Option 2, implementing a full concept design for a Resource Recovery Centre the communities waste fees would need to

that is not a feasible option.

Option 3, introducing a reduced scope and cost RRC the waste fees to the community would need to increase by 26 per cent, another unfeasible option.

“Option 3 reduced scope RRC is based o a three times smaller scope to the full scope but would still require the use of heavy machinery as well as the need to hire at least ve extra sta , while this option is a signi cantly smaller scope than option two, it is still not viable for the community,” Mr Thompson said.

Wally from You Skipit, a Waste Disposal and Reduction Services agreed and accepted with Mr Thompson and council on their recommendations for option one, with a request to extend the suggested height of the proposed commercial site. Waste and Resource sta will make the suggested amendments to the concept design before taking the option to councillors in an upcoming meeting.

Mr Thompson said once the decision has been nalised, he expects the project to be complete by October 2026.

The future of Jindabyne Landfill decided as community feedback indicates they want a permanent Waste Transfer Station.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s corporate projects manager, Greg Thompson, presents final community session on Jindabyne Landfills future. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Next generation of volunteers needed

Cooma ag leader a community role model

By FLORANCE MCGUFFICKE, 2023 COOMA SHOW AND THE LAND SYDNEY ROYAL AGSHOWS NSW YOUNG WOMAN

Committees and volunteers are the foundations for building strong, resilient, regional communities.

Our constant mission is how do we encourage people to join committees and keep regional Australia thriving?

A community is where people can come together to network, share the same interests, di erent demographics are brought together where they can action change and be proactive and overall make a positive contribution to future generations.

I believe everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this blueprint, wherever we live.

How do we encourage city people re-locating to our regional areas to become part of our communities. Re-

VOLUNTEER: Cooma’s Florance McGu icke is encouraging younger people to support their communities and join a not-for-profit group, such as a local ag show.

gional towns thrive on com munity spirit and volunteers – things just don’t happen. have so much to o er. It is evident that agricultural shows play pivotal roles in these communities.

to contribute socially and physically and bring about change. The impact creates a ripple e ect and helps to bridge the gap between the city and the country.

People volunteering their time, having a go and making things happen is rewarding. It creates strong community foundations that

old ready to contribute to their regional town.

My mum was on numerous committees where her requirements to join were, it had to be fun, ful lling,

Cooma Show needs your help

rewarding to others oh and she was allowed to bring us children with her.

I believe that my background and unintentional learning in the paddock, shearing sheds, sheep yards and through being involved in local community ventures, have shaped the person I am today – curious, adventurous, patient, nurturing with a sense of community spirit.

Strong rural communities hold the key to connecting regional and city areas with young people holding the responsibility to invite change to happen. We need to begin this legacy now to continue strengthening the backbone of regional communities and our future generations.

All local agricultural shows are the backbone of regional communities. Can we continue the legacy where curiosity is met with wisdom?

Volunteering creates a sense of connection, belonging and purpose.

When faced with adversity it is when there is the greatest potential for doing good not only for yourself but for others, where everybody can make a di erence and everybody should try.

VOLUNTEER STEWARD POSITIONS COOMA SHOW SOCIETY

- Volunteer positions with rewarding experiences -

Cooma Show Society is searching for the following Stewards:

◆ Sheep Steward

◆ Show Horse Steward

◆ Visual Art Steward

◆ Handcrafts Steward

Interested people should contact Danielle Mackay, Secretary 0498105537 for further information.

Expressions of Interest are due 30th September 2025.

We encourage all TO APPLY by sending a Expression Of Interest to: secretarycpaa@outlook.com

Stewards need to be available for the 2026 Cooma Show - 14th March 2026

Some positions will required stewards to be available from Wednesday 11th March 2026.

By NATHAN THOMPSON

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

Do you have experience and a passion for horses, sheep or art. If so, the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association wants to hear from you.

The association runs the Cooma Show, one of the longest running agricultural shows in south eastern NSW. This year, the show celebrated 150 years, a signi cant milestone for the association, its members and community.

To ensure the Cooma Show reaches 151 years, the association needs to ll four key steward roles. A er many years of combined service, the show’s sheep, horse, visual arts and handcra s stewards have all taken a step back.

Each section makes the Cooma Show the inviting attraction it is renowned for.

Across the next month, this masthead will be sharing stories from community organisations across the Snowy Monaro, each in need of fresh faces to keep their group running.

Last week, we highlighted the Snowy Monaro Arts Council’s urgent call for new members. The arts council has been one of the region’s key groups in advocating for and hosting live performances in Cooma. Without new members, its future is uncertain.

Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association secretary, Danielle Mackay, said while the show has a long and proud history of having strong volunteer numbers, it is in need of some new volunteers to take these positions on.

“We welcome volunteers who just want to help generally but these four steward positions are vital to the ongoing success of the show,” Ms Mackay said.

“The show is well known for a strong horse section, we would very much appreciate someone to put their hand up for the position.”

The association is calling for nominations for each steward position. They close on 30 September. Potential stewards and general volunteers are encouraged to attend the association’s AGM on 10 September at the Cooma Ex-Services Club at 6pm.

End-of-life sessions

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is holding a free end-of-life planning drop-in information session at Bombala Council o ce on Friday, 19 September from 10am to 12pm.

Local service providers are joining sta from council’s cemeteries team to raise awareness and share information with the public, as part of the national Dying to Know Day awareness campaign.

There will be free advice on o er about wills and estate planning, funeral services, burial and interment, and anything else that is needed to plan ahead.

This is the second event council is organising in the region as part of the 2025 campaign. Following a big turnout at the rst event in Cooma last month, the decision was made to give Bombalaarea residents the opportunity to access this important community resource.

Launched in 2013, Dying to Know Day takes place each year on 8 August, encouraging people across Australia to have honest and empowering conversations about end-of-life-planning.

The theme for 2025 is ‘Nobody Knows’, with this year’s campaign highlighting the importance of telling your loved ones about your end-of-life wishes.

Research from YouGov in 2022 showed that only about half of the population is comfortable talking with family about end-of-life. Don’t wait until it’s too late. This Dying to Know Day, make time to have the conversation. It’ll be the secret you’re glad you shared.

You’ll not only be helping ensure that your wishes are known, but also helping your friends and family to honour your legacy and celebrate your memory too.

Review of Determination

Snowy Hydro excavations uncover 35,000 artefacts

Aboriginal consultation sessions planned

Snowy Hydro has announced the results of an archaeological technical study carried out across Snowy 2.0 project sites, nding more than 35,000 indigenous stone artefacts across 782sqm at Lobs Hole, Tantangara and Marica work fronts.

The excavation was carried out by NSW Archaeology principal archaeologist, Julie Dibden. Snowy Hydro stated the study “has deepened our understanding of Aboriginal and European occupation in the Snowy Mountains.”

In the study report, it is noted that 163 square metres was excavated during previous test excavations during the environmental impact program, a total of 945 square metres has been excavated during the Snowy 2.0 Aboriginal heritage works.

In that area, a combined total of 38,519 stone artefacts have been retrieved.

“When compared to coastal sites, artefact density is similar,” the report states.

“The conclusion is that artefact presence in the high country is much greater than previously

Council has received an application for a Review of Determination under Section 8.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

Application number 10.2025.167.1

Property address

289 Bobundara Road, Berridale NSW 2628

Legal description

Lot: 2 DP: 788154

Applicant Hundon Pty Ltd

Development application 10.2025.54.1

Consent authority Snowy Monaro Regional Council

Application

Review of Condition SUB_16 Road Upgrade Bobundara Rd

Public exhibition period

This application and its accompanying documents will be on display at all Council offices and online at Council’s website at https://qrco.de/SMRC-DA or https://qrco.de/masterview for twenty-eight (28) days, ending Monday 13 October 2025.

Providing

feedback

Council is seeking community comment on this proposal. All submissions should be made in writing to CEO Noreen Vu.

All submissions will be treated as a public document. Any person making a submission is required to disclose any reportable political donations or gifts at the time of making the submission.

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

| www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

thought and that Aboriginal occupation was systemic and strategic.

“The collection has the potential to explore further the behavioural and technological strategies employed by people during their occupation of the mountains.”

The report further recommends the establishment of an Aboriginal Keeping Place, in which artefacts retrieved during the heritage works can be kept safely and securely.

The majority of the artefacts found during the study were akes and ake fragments, hammer stones, anvils, and mortar stones.

“The findings indicate the

Lobs Hole valley, with plentiful nearby resources, was used as a repeated base camp for family groups and large gatherings,” the Snowy Hydro release said.

“Stone shaping, known as knapping, and vegetable handling also occurred.

“Hammer stones were found in the valley, demonstrating certain heavy tools were left in place for later use rather than being carried around the steep terrain.

“The distribution of artefacts in the Tantangara area shows there were repeated visits by families and small groups over an extended period of time, reflective of its

harsher climate.”

The report from NSW Archaeology also noted that during the survey, a rock shelter with stone artefacts and potential archaeological deposit was recorded at Tantangara.

“This shelter was excluded from development impacts and is located well outside the Snowy 2.0 project area,” the report said.

“The nature and signi cance of the subsurface deposit is unknown. However, consideration could be given to the development of a research proposal for further archaeological investigation of the site.

“Rock shelters are rare [in Kosciuszko National Park], and the site has the potential to make a signi cant contribution to our understanding of temporal context of occupation of the high country.

“The mountains provided people with a resource rich landscape with a mosaic of different environments, each with an abundance and diversity of fauna and plants for food and other material needs.”

The report has made a number of recommendations that will be shared at an Aboriginal community consultation session in Cooma on Monday, 15 September at the Cooma Monaro Railway institute building between 10am and 3pm.

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REPORT: Excavation carried out by NSW Archaeology principal archaeologist Julie Dibden found more than 35,000 Indigenous stone artefacts across 782sqm at Snowy 2.0 worksites - Lobs Hole, Tantangara and Marica. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Work began on major parking and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades in Jindabyne’s Claypits precinct in May 2025.

this project on-track and running to schedule, despite the challenging winter weather conditions.

Claypits carpark works on-track for 2026 Cooma Hospital still on yellow alert

Crews have completed almost all of the site preparation works since its last project update in June, which means the new construction phase of the project will soon begin.

The massive e orts of their contractors and teams over the past several months have kept

Community members and visitors can get ready to enjoy the upgraded Claypits from early 2026.

So far complete projects include the demolition, bulk earthwork and stormwater installations.

Ninety per cent of services have been relocated, 95 per cent of material has been imported,

98 per cent of trees have been removed and 60 per cent of the rock armouring has been complete.

So, what’s next? Council will complete the tree removal, shared pathway detailed excavation and commencement of concreting works.

The Claypits carpark and footpaths will remain closed until this project is nished, with a path detour in-place.

Visit council’s project page to access the detour map and all the latest project updates and information.

The Claypits Foreshore Upgrade project is a joint initiative made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the NSW Government’s Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct.

Bombala, Cooma pool upgrades progress

Construction works are continuing to upgrade the Bombala and Cooma pools. At the Cooma pool, a signi cant proportion of the required demolition work on site has been completed. The old plant room and the pool’s outgoing pumping and ltration equipment have been removed. Now out of the way, work can soon begin on the construction on the new plant room. The works have resulted in

a delayed opening for Cooma pool. Council said an opening in late November or early December is likely.

“Steady progress is continuing inside the main pool, with crews putting in many hard hours saw-cutting to remove the old pool shell that is due for replacement,”

a Snowy Monaro Regional Council spokesperson said.

“Specialist civil works are underway to prepare the site for the planned change in

pool level, with new structural components required for this part of the project.

“Council expects to be able to set a rm reopening date for Cooma Pool once the civil works are complete.”

Work on the new Bombala pool shell and lining has progressed signi cantly over the past few months. Crews are nishing up preparations for the concreting scheduled to begin with the necessary site formwork nearly complete.

Construction of the new balance tank is progressing, with current works at the formwork stage. This system ensures the upgraded pool can maintain a consistent water level, regardless of the number of swimmers in the water at any given time.

The pool’s new balance tank will be located beneath the new plant room and backwash tank, which will also be delivered as part of the current upgrade project.

A yellow alert at the Cooma Hospital and Health Service remains in place as an increased number of people with respiratory illnesses continue to present to the facility’s Emergency Department.

A yellow alert indicates a medical centre is experiencing higher than normal demand on its operations.

A Southern NSW Local Health District spokesperson (SNSWLHD) said the local health district is committed to ensuring all people across the district have access to safe, quality care.

“It is not unusual to see an increase in respiratory illnesses across the district as winter progresses,” the spokesperson said.

SNSWLHD reports in uenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity is still at high levels and continues to increase, while COVID-19 is stable at moderate levels.

Patients and visitors are required to wear a surgical mask when in the hospital building, and to continue to follow standard precautions of hand washing, physical distancing, and cough etiquette.

Health workers have additional precautionary measures to follow when caring for people with an airborne respiratory illness.

SNSWLHD advises anyone feeling unwell to not visit others who may be in hospital or aged care facilities where possible.

“If you cannot avoid a visit to our hospitals while unwell, please communicate your respiratory illness symptoms and/or results where appropriate to our sta on your arrival,” the spokesperson said.

“We also encourage our community to ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including in uenza and COVID, and to follow some simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses.”

Tips to protect your health:

• stay home if sick and wear a properly tted mask if you need to go out;

• avoid crowded spaces and use wellventilated spaces to gather together;

• consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable;

• make a plan with your doctor if you’re at higher risk of severe illness; and

• practice good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

UPGRADES: Jindabyne Claypits upgrade works are on track and will be complete by early 2026.

PHOTO: Supplied

Jindabyne GP earns prized call-up

Dr Systermans one of just 23 doctors selected

Dr Brenton Systermans, a rural generalist based in Jindabyne, has been selected as one of just 23 doctors nationwide to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) emerging leaders conference.

Dr Systermans balances multiple high-pro le roles: he is the course coordinator and senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania’s world-leading Healthcare in Remote and Extreme Environments program; the lead GP for the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, supporting elite athletes preparing for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics; and a frontline clinician at Perisher Medical Centre, one of the busiest trauma centres in Australia during the ski season.

During his time as a registrar, he worked as a physician at the Himalayan Rescue Association’s Everest ER aid post as well as with the Australian Antarctic Division at Australia’s Antarctic Field stations.

“As a rural generalist in the Snowy Monaro, I’m passionate about making sure people in our communities have access to quality healthcare, despite the unique geographical and political challenges we face,” Dr Systermans said.

“Living in a high-altitude, cross-border region means patients are o en caught in the middle when it comes to access, but as doctors we work together to make sure people can get care locally, close to home.”

In addition to his clinical and academic leadership, Dr Systermans is an advocate for strengthening healthcare systems in regional areas.

From supporting local clinics in Jindabyne, Thredbo, and Perisher to campaigning for better resources at Cooma Hospital, he has consistently worked to ensure regional health funds and services remain within the community.

ACRRM president, Dr Rod Martin, congratulated

Dr Systermans on his selection.

“Dr Systermans is an outstanding example of the breadth and depth of rural generalist medicine,” Dr Martin said.

“From teaching the next generation of clinicians to supporting Olympic athletes and leading trauma care in the Snowy Mountains, his leadership is both inspiring and impactful. He will be a strong voice for regional communities at the conference.”

The Emerging Leaders Conference will run from 19–21 October on Rottnest Island, ahead of the College’s agship Rural Medicine Australia 2025 conference in Perth from 22–25 October.

HERE TO HELP:

Jindabyne rural practitioner, Dr Brent Systermans, will take part in a national emerging leaders conference next month.

PHOTO: Supplied

Ben’s motoring along through TAFE Cooma

TAFE Cooma is helping students shi gears from high school to high-demand careers, with apprentice, Ben Hopkins, proving just how powerful vocational education can be.

Ben’s journey began with the Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) program in automotive, which introduces high school students to hands-on learning and alternative pathways to education.

The class sparked the former Monaro High School student’s interest in mechanics, leading him to complete a Certi cate I in Automotive at TAFE NSW Cooma.

“I’d always liked working with my hands and xing motorbikes at home,” Ben said.

“The YES program gave me a taste of what it’s like to be a mechanic. On the rst day we were stripping down a car engine and I knew straight away it was the job for me.

“A er that, I spoke to an

automotive teacher at a TAFE open day and enrolled in a preapprenticeship Certi cate I in Automotive at TAFE NSW Cooma.”

On graduation, Ben had the foundational knowledge and skills to secure an apprenticeship with High Country Automotive. Now, more than halfway through his rst year enrolled in Certi cate III in Automotive, he’s thriving in the workshop and encouraging his mates to consider an apprenticeship.

“TAFE NSW was a great decision for me. As an apprentice I’m being paid to learn skills I can use every day and I’ll be fully quali ed by the time I’m 20,” Ben said.

“We work on modern engines, learn how to diagnose faults using scan tools and other methods. It’s interesting to understand how cars work and it’s great to know I’m helping keep people’s vehicles safe and reliable to drive.”

According to international

industry research company IBISWorld, now is a good time to start a career in automotive repair. The research company forecasts increased demand for repair services, especially for engine, transmission and brake repairs, due to rising average vehicle ages in Australia.

TAFE NSW automotive teacher, Ray Adam, who has operated his own workshop in Jindabyne for more than 17 years, said the industry o ers strong career prospects and endless variety.

“Automotive is a solid career choice with growing demand for mechanics across the Monaro, actually across Australia,” Mr Adam said.

“It’s a job with variety every day and the option to expand and specialise in areas like heavy vehicles, small motors and plant machinery.

“Mechanical engineering is constantly advancing, driven by

safety and fuel e ciency. At TAFE

WE SERVICE ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH TREES

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

• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens

• Bagged Firewood

• Bagged Kindling

• Bagged charcoal

• Bagged Ironbark –cooking wood

NSW we teach students the skills

CAREER: TAFE Cooma student, Ben Hopkins, with automotive teacher, Ray Adam.

PHOTO: TAFE NSW

Birding event celebrates local species

Building a bird watching community in the Snowy Monaro - an activity for all ages, abilities

The growing local community of bird watchers and nature lovers will be excited to hear there is a big weekend of bird watching events scheduled in October.

It’s time to dust o the binoculars and clean the lenses, and perhaps clean out your ears to pick up the sound of bird song, as a range of bird watching events and workshops will be held over three days across the Snowy Monaro, from 17 to 19 October.

The Building a Birding Community in the Snowy Monaro project is designed to support local people of all ages and experience levels to connect with the region’s native birds, improve skills in bird identi cation and citizen science, and get involved in habitat restoration.

The initiative has been made possible through a 2025 BirdLife Australia Community Grant and is supported by BirdLife Southern NSW, with strong partnerships from Wagtail Natives Nursery, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Upper Snowy Landcare, Cooma Landcare,

and Aussie Wild Nature Discovery.

The weekend features free events across Jindabyne, Cooma, and Berridale, including guided bird walks, citizen science tools workshops, and a Bird Biology and Ecology session led by author and expert, Ricki Coughlan.

Participants will also receive a free local native shrub to plant at home, supporting habitat for birds like the Gang-gang Cockatoo, Flame Robin, Speckled Warbler, and Diamond Firetail – all of which have been recorded in the region but remain undermonitored.

Ricki’s workshops will draw on her popular book Little Brown Birds of the Sydney Region, which provides practical tips for identifying Australia’s more elusive species. Many of these birds also occur in the Snowy Monaro’s threatened woodlands, making her insights especially relevant for the region.

Behind the scenes of the project is local conservation horticulturist and BirdLife

Southern NSW volunteer, Kelly Stubbs, who has led community citizen science programs and educational outreach across the Snowy Monaro for several years. She also founded the Birds of the Snowy Monaro Facebook group, which now has more than 400 active members sharing sightings, photos, and identi cation tips.

“Our local native birds are incredibly important and endlessly fascinating,” Kelly said.

“From the tiny thornbills darting through the shrubs to the striking ash of a Ganggang overhead, every species tells us something about the health of our landscape.

“These events are about helping people build the skills and con dence to recognise what they’re seeing, contribute to important citizen science programs through platforms like Birdata, and feel connected to a growing birding community.”

The October events are just the beginning, she said.

The project will also es-

tablish regular monthly bird surveys at “home birding sites” such as North Ridge Reserve in Cooma and Gegedzerick Travelling Stock Reserve in Berridale, with plans to expand to more sites in 2026.

“These sites will provide ongoing opportunities for locals to gather, learn, and contribute consistent bird monitoring data that supports both local conservation and national e orts,” Kelly said.

Everyone is welcome to

the free birding weekend, whether a seasoned birder or just getting started.

To register or learn more, email: snowymonarobirds@ gmail.com Or follow Birds of the Snowy Monaro on Facebook.

Bombala nurse recognised for 50 years

For Bombala and Delegate registered nurse, Yvonne Camm, 2025 has been a signi cant year. Yvonne who works across both towns’ multi-purpose service has been recognised for contributions to local health.

Yvonne began her journey in healthcare in 1975 as an assistant in nursing (AIN) at Delegate Hospital. She quickly progressed to become an enrolled nurse spending 27 years in this role, many of them in Delegate, before becoming a registered nurse.

Her career took her to other parts of the Southern NSW Local Health District including Queanbeyan Hospital, where she completed her post-graduate year and later served many years in the emergency department.

“We are so lucky to have Yvonne as part of our team. Her dedication to educating herself and others has not been forgotten,” director of nursing

at Bombala and Delegate, Jackie Ross, said.

Yvonne has also been a devoted member of St John Ambulance, delivering rst aid at community events and teaching vital skills to locals.

Her commitment to learning and development saw her take on clinical nurse educator (CNE) roles in both Queanbeyan emergency department and at Bombala/Delegate.

Now working casually at Bombala and Delegate MPS, Yvonne enjoys a balance of continuing to support her colleagues and exploring Australia with her husband in their van during the coller months.

DEDICATION: Bombala and Delegate registered nurse, Yvonne Camm, has reached her 50 year milestone as a nurse.

PHOTO: Southern NSW Local Health District

BIRD WATCHING: A big weekend of bird watching events is scheduled in October. Pictured is a male Scarlet Robin - the image was Photo was captured on an a ernoon walk at Cooma North Ridge Reserve in late July.

PHOTO: David Alexander

about the science: book review

By NICK GOLDIE

Here’s a book for the deep thinker in the family: it’s called “Prove It” by biochemist Elizabeth Finkel. The subtitle is ‘A Scienti c Guide for the Post-Truth Era’, but don’t let that put you o . It is a profoundly readable guide to today’s thinking.

I found the introduction just a tad threatening. It lays down the rules, how we think and what we think about, but it’s soon dealt with, and we set sail into the grand mysteries, starting with Covid. What is it? Where did it come from? And how should we deal with it?

Elizabeth Finkel is a scientist rst, but she’s also an excellent writer, clear, concise and (yes) entertaining. The rst section of the book is all about Covid, but it’s also about science in action.

The next chapters, which paint a frightening picture of science misapplied are a devastating case-study of medicine and the misuse of the scienti c method.

households, Peru’s death rate was more than twice that of the USA or Brazil.

Peru was the rst country in the world to include ivermectin in its attempt to halt the pandemic, because it was better “to do something rather than nothing”.

And this was together with an almost global rejection of evidence-based medicine, in favour of scams, disinformation, and a rapacious medical industry.

Finkel’s description of the science of medicine, today, is perhaps cheering, with her description of how a clinical trial should operate. What is less comforting is her assessment of bodies such as the US Independent Medical Alliance, who promote ivermectin for a variety of ailments.

Einstein, Popper, gravitational waves, human consciousness, even human thought itself: Elizabeth Finkel has the eld covered. A fascinating study of how science works for all of us.

Photo of the week

If you would like to submit a photo for consideration in our photo of the week section, please send it to editor@monaropost.com.au

Finkel goes into detail with the story of ivermectin.

This chemical was in use as a speci c against parasitic infections. It worked, in tiny doses taken twice a year. The medicine was e ective and the statistics sound. However, a case study was the country of Peru: although it shared many problems such as a growing population, a weak healthcare system, and multigenerational

THANKS FOR TAKING MY CALL. I’M FROM THE CITY, AND I GOTTA LET YOU COUNTRY FOLK KNOW THAT I’M PUTTING IN A REAL EFFORT TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT.

‘Prove It’ by Elizabeth Finkel. Published Latrobe University Press.

Chakola.

PHOTO: Alex Aitkenhead

This week’s photo of the week comes from Alex Aitkenhead. Alex took this lovely snap from a property at Chakola, looking north.

Photo of the week images are also featured online and on The Monaro Post Facebook page. We love seeing images showcasing our region.

Urgent action to help Palestine is needed now

Last week, on the National Day of Action for Palestine, tens of thousands all over Australia took to the streets to protest against the war in Gaza.

Others, like me, wrote letters to politicians, urging them to take the strongest possible actions to help end this con ict.

Like many, I am horri ed by Israel’s ongoing violent assault and the immense su ering of innocent Palestinians. Nearly half a million civilians now face catastrophic hunger, acute malnutrition,

starvation, illness, and death, amongst them many women and children.

I grew up in post-war Germany, where in history lessons I was confronted with the darkest legacy of the Nazi regime - the Holocaust. The images of mountains of skeletal bodies discovered by Allied forces in concentration camps have haunted me ever since.

It is deeply disturbing, and a cruel twist of history, that the Israeli government is now

pursuing a genocide against the Palestinian people.

The atrocities unfolding in Gaza are war crimes and crimes against humanity. The international community cannot stand by while Israel’s military kills civilians by the tens of thousands, reduces homes and infrastructure to rubble, obstructs humanitarian aid, and even murders desperate people who ght for survival at aid distribution points. Inaction in the face of such brutality makes us complicit. The standards we walk

by are the standards we accept. While the federal government’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine is a welcomed step, it is far from su cient. I urge our federal government to do everything in their power to: •Demand that Israel comply with international law •Support accountability mechanisms and all relevant international investigations •Suspend all direct and indirect arms transfers to Israel •Ensure the delivery of

Bobeyan Road, is it complete?

At last month’s Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting regarding item 9.1.2, (the total sealing of Bobeyan Road project), some councillors expressed concerns about publicly funded costs ($19 million to date), partial project scope delivery, outstanding land compulsory acquisition issues and overall progress

achieved since 2020.

The original scope defined in annual operational plans (OP) was in summary ‘to boost tourism and the local economy with a major state funded road that will see the Bobeyan Road sealed from Adaminaby to the ACT border’.

This funding was a state

taxpayer grant of $20m over a four year delivery schedule starting 2020.

There is now only a beautiful road between Ashvale Road and Shannons Flat sandwiched between significant intermittent hazardous lengths of original dirt road.

The original approved costed scope for this project

Church service times

Cooma Baptist Church: 10am Sunday

St Patrick’s Catholic Parish: 10am Sunday, Weekday mass 10am Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays

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

St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church: 9.30am Sunday

Lifegate Christian Church Cooma: 9:55am second and fourth Sunday each month, 4pm first and third Sunday each month

Cooma Presbyterian Church: 9am Sunday

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

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

St Andrew’s Catholic Church Nimmitabel: Saturday vigil mass 5pm on the weekend of the fifth Sunday

Alpine Uniting Church Jindabyne: 9.30am Sunday

Columbkille Catholic Church, Jindabyne: Mass 5pm Saturdays Village Church Jindabyne: 5pm Sunday

All Saints Anglican Church Berridale: 9.30am Sunday

All Saints Numeralla: second Sunday of the month liturgy 5pm, Fourth Sunday of month 5pm mass

St Matthias’ Bombala: 9am every Sunday

St Philip’s Delegate: 11am every third Sunday

St Matthew’s Bibbenluke: 3pm every fourth Sunday

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

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

The Monaro Post welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in the Snowy Monaro community.

If you have a story lead or prepared article and photographs you’d like published contact the Group Editor Nathan Thompson on (02) 6452 0312 or call in to the Monaro Post o ice at 59 Vale Street between 9-5pm Monday to Friday. We also welcome letters to the editor.

GROUP EDITOR

is obviously not complete. Where are the records of the contractor’s project progress and council’s formal approvals to reduce the scope of the funded contract works and why? What are the lessons learned? There must be some.

Malcolm Rose Cooma

Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

humanitarian aid and protection for civilians •Ban trade and economic activity in illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

•Champion a just and lasting peace that ends the occupation and respects Palestinian selfdetermination.

Australia must stand on the right side of history. As a nation, we must act with urgency, courage and conviction.

Rita Brademann Numeralla

Thanks to our community

The Country Women’s Association Cooma Branch wishes to thank the community of our region for their support of our annual soups and casseroles street stall held in late July.

The stall was a great success. It is so much appreciated. Thank you to our community.

Margaret Peterson, CWA Cooma branch president

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

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Monaro High leaps to new athletic heights at regionals

Monaro High School (MHS) is celebrating one of its best athletic results at the regional level.

Nineteen MHS students competed in the South Coast Regional Athletics Carnival in Wollongong on Friday, 15 August, coming away with outstanding results.

The team included 15 girls, who placed rst out of all the female teams in the South Coast. Securing top place from 41 schools, MHS is proud of the students’ achievement.

The combined male and female team ranked ninth out of 43 schools and achieved the best result of all schools in the Eurobodalla Zone.

With more than half of the

MHS team qualifying for the NSW CHS Athletics Championships at Homebush on 10-12 September, the school is eagerly awaiting the nal list of quali ers to be con rmed.

Many of the students recorded personal bests at the regional competition, building on their performances in the zone championships, which took place in June.

MHS teacher, Mrs Kari Ingram, travelled with the group and their parents to the regional competition at the Kerryn McCann Athletics Centre.

“Congratulations to the entire team on an outstanding performance and being wonderful ambassadors for Monaro High

SPEEDY: The Monaro High School 12-year-old girls relay team was the fastest on the South Coast. The team of Sienna Penn, Emily Payne, Caitlyn Hillier and Ruby Wassink ran exceptionally well. PHOTOS: Monaro High School

School and Cooma Little Athletics,” Mrs Ingram said.

“Thank you to the many parents who transported and supported the students along with their coaches who have guided their development.”

MHS principal, Mr James Armitage, said the students should be proud of their results.

“The dedication and training that goes into getting results like this is signi cant and the students, and their families, really deserve to be celebrated for it,” Mr Armitage said.

“I am particularly proud of the way the students conducted themselves at the regional competition, as well as the zone competition in June. They are

respectful and demonstrate excellent sportsmanship, which is just as important as the actual performance.

“Well done and good luck for the state championships next week.”

The regional age champions were Sienna Penn ( rst place, 12 year girls), Matilda Wilson (equal rst, 14 year girls), Emily Payne (third, 12 year girls), Smaran Kshetri Lamichhane (third, 12 year boys) and Piper Fallins (equal third 15 year girls).

The result highlights included: Mitchell Adams (13yrs boys) second in discus; Skye Adams (1719yrs girls) second in discus, fourth in shotput; Arabella Andrews (14yrs girls) second in javelin; Chantelle Douglass (15yrs girls)

fourth in long jump; Grace Fallins (13yrs girls) second in discus; Piper Fallins (15yrs girls) rst in 400m, third in high jump; Ashton Jamieson (15yrs boys) fourth in 200m; Tahlia Jamieson (13yrs girls) third in discus; Smaran Kshetri Lamichhane (12yrs boy fourth in long jump, 100m and 200m; Emily Payne (12yrs girls) second in 800m, discus and javelin, fourth in long jump; Sienna Penn (12yrs girls) rst in high jump, second in 12-15yrs girls triple jump, third in long jump, fourth in 100m; Matilda Wilson (14yrs girls) rst in discus, third in javelin, third in shotput; Malakia Wittig (16yrs boys) fourth in discus; and 12yrs girls relay (Emily Payne, Sienna Penn, Caitlyn Hillier, Ruby Wassink) rst overall.

Celebrating their e orts are Sienna Penn and Mitchell Adams. Sienna is the age champion in the 12 year girls and Mitchell finished second in the 13 year boys discus.

Urgent action needed: Monash MP

Calls to start News Media Assistance Program

A powerful speech delivered in Canberra by the Member for Monash, Mary Aldred, has reinforced the depth of community and bipartisan political support for strong regional news services.

Speaking in the House of Representatives, Ms Aldred called for the urgent implementation of the federal government’s News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP) and the proposed News Bargaining Incentive.

Ms Aldred highlighted the vital role of regional newspapers in keeping communities informed, connected and represented, describing local papers as ‘the threads that hold communities together’.

Country Press Australia (CPA) president, Damian Morgan, said Ms Aldred’s words re ect what every regional community already knows and demonstrates that the future of regional journalism is an issue that unites both sides of politics.

“Mary Aldred is absolutely right, local newspapers are the lifeblood of their communities,” Mr Morgan said.

“We share the triumphs and tragedies, we celebrate volunteers, and we tell the stories that connect people to one another.

“It is encouraging to see both government and oppo-

sition recognising this and backing regional journalism.”

Mr Morgan said CPA was particularly appreciative of the federal government’s announcement of NewsMAP and its commitment to allocate funds directly to support public interest journalism in regional communities.

He said NewsMAP is a very signi cant initiative.

“For the rst time, the federal government has created a structured framework that recognises the unique challenges of regional and local publishers and commits dedicated funding to help sustain them,” he said.

“With bipartisan voices now reinforcing the need for action, this is an important and positive step forward,”

Mr Morgan said.

“We thank the Albanese government for listening to the concerns of regional publishers and for committing funds under NewsMAP.

“This decision sends a clear signal that regional journalism matters and that local communities deserve strong, independent news outlets.

“With bipartisan recognition of its importance, we hope to see it rolled out quickly and with certainty.”

Mr Morgan stressed, however, that the success of

NewsMAP will be measured by how quickly it is implemented.

“The framework is there, the commitment is there, and the funds have been announced,” he said.

“What we need now is for NewsMAP to move from promise to delivery.

“Publishers are waiting, communities are waiting, we cannot a ord further delays.”

He also highlighted other pressing challenges, including the withdrawal of Meta from its Australian publisher agreements and the urgent need for the government’s proposed News Bargaining Incentive.

“Meta has walked away from regional news deals, leaving a massive hole in local journalism funding,” Mr Morgan said.

“The government’s proposed News Bargaining Incentive is the right solution, and Mary Aldred’s support shows there is bipartisan recognition of how urgent this reform is. Consultation must begin and legislation must be progressed quickly.

“Regional journalism doesn’t have the luxury of waiting another year or two for Canberra to act.”

Mr Morgan also strongly backed Ms Aldred’s warning against weakening copyright protections to bene t global

AI companies.

“Australia’s copyright laws are world-leading, and any attempt to hand over our content for free to AI companies would be devastating,” he remarked.

“Regional publishers strongly oppose such changes and journalism must be paid for if it is to survive.

Council updates

“On this, too, we are seeing strong bipartisan agreement.”

CPA has long argued that fair government advertising allocation, proper industry consultation, and stronger bargaining rules for digital platforms are essential to securing the future of trusted local journalism.

“We thank Mary Aldred

for using her speech to stand up for regional news and for showing that there is bipartisan resolve on these critical issues,” he said.

“Now it’s time to see it rolled out and backed up with the wider reforms regional journalism urgently needs.”

Update: Claypits Carpark Upgrade Project on-time and on-track

Work began on a major upgrade of Jindabyne’s Claypits precinct in May 2025.

Crews have completed almost all site preparation works since our last update in June 2025, which means the new construction phase of the project will be getting underway very soon.

The project is running to schedule, and the community are on-track to enjoy the upgraded Claypits from early 2026.

Want to do business with us?

Council invites businesses across the Snowy Monaro to register for a free VendorPanel account today.

As Council’s procurement platform, VendorPanel is the only place to find our tenders, EOIs, and requests for quotations.

Visit https://qrco.de/VPregister today to sign up and register your business, and gain access to listings from organisations across both the public and private sectors.

What’s been done so far:

• Demolition – 100% complete

• Bulk earthworks – 100% complete

• Services relocation – 90% complete

• Stormwater install – 100% complete

• Tree removals – 98% complete

• Material import – ~95% complete

• Rock armouring – 60% complete

Delegate session rescheduled

Council’s upcoming Delegate water billing information session has been rescheduled, now being held from 10am to 3pm Wednesday 10 September 2025.

Join us at Delegate Rural Transaction Centre to find out what the new water billing changes will mean for you.

Water usage charges apply in Delegate from October 2025. Find out more at https://qrco.de/DelegateWaterBilling

Job vacancies at Council

Council is proud to be one of our region’s largest employers.

Visit https://qrco.de/Work4SMRC today to discover the benefits of working with us and what it takes to join our team.

Closing Tuesday 9 September 2025

• Senior Engineer Water and Wastewater Full-time – Location negotiable

Responsible for coordination and delivery of operations and technical support of engineering works.

Closing Tuesday 16 September 2025

• Quarry Operations Officer Full-time – Berridale

Responsible for ensuring Council owned quarries are maintained and operated in accordance with current legislation.

Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCjobs for more listings. New opportunities are added regularly in a wide variety of fields.

TIME TO ACT: Member for Monash, Mary Aldred, spoke in federal parliament calling for urgent implementation of the federal government’s News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP).

Virginia’s efforts recognised

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Virginia Mensinga has dedicated her working li to public education. The popular administration manager at Cooma North Public School has been recognised with a certi cate of service for 30 years work in public schools.

A special celebration took place last month at Cooma North Public School where principal, Jo Tozer, director of educational leadership in EdenMonaro, Keith Duran, joined sta to thank Virginia for her many years of hard work.

Ms Tozer praised Virginia’s commitment to Cooma North, highlighting her long involvement with the school community.

“Virginia’s recognition is very much deserved. Virginia does so much work for our school and ensures everything from an administration point of view runs smoothly,” Ms Tozer said.

Virginia started her public education career in 1994 when she took at job at Monaro High School. Virginia has always worked in the front o ce. Her tasks have been varied and detailed, from producing school newsletters, reports to currently managing Cooma North Public School’s nances.

Virginia said her time at Monaro High School, Adaminaby Public School and Cooma North since 2008 has been rewarding.

“I love my work, I nd it stimulating. I am con dent in what I do at the school,” Virginia said.

“When I started out everything was on paper but then we transitioned to computers.”

Virginia played a key role in the change from a paper-based o ce to one run by computers.

“My administration role has changed a lot. I didn’t nd the change too hard, I enjoyed being able to help others with the transition to computers.”

As the school administration manager, Virginia oversees all of Cooma North Public School’s administrative tasks. She still manages to interact with students, a part of her career she has thoroughly enjoyed.

“I just love working at Cooma North. I love the teachers and the students. I’m now seeing students of former students, and I enjoy my interactions with them all,” Virginia said. “I have artworks from students in my o ce, they love seeing them hanging up, it makes them feel special.”

Lake Jindabyne restoration works complete

Works are nishing up this week on a signi cant rehabilitation project completed along the Lake Jindabyne foreshore over the past several months.

Weather permitting, the last of the construction will be done by Friday, 29 August, with remaining equipment and barriers removed by Friday 5, September.

Completed just as the weather has started warming, the Jindabyne community is invited to head down to the water’s edge and enjoy the revived and rehabilitated foreshore this spring and summer.

This project has repaired and restored erosion and bank stability protections at two sites, one near Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club and another o McLure Circuit, that were damaged during a period of high lake levels in 2022 and 2023. While these works were targeting essential structural

remediation, the landscaping repairs completed by project contractors have greatly improved the appearance and usability of these areas of the foreshore.

Footpaths and pedestrian access to the foreshore remain open during these nal stages of the project.

This completed project will better protect Jindabyne’s foreshore parklands from the e ects of future ooding, improving public safety and restoring this important public space for Jindabyne’s residents and visitors.

PHOTO: Supplied

Monaro Stages Rally set for local return

The roar of engines and the kick-up of dust are set to return to the heart of the Snowy Monaro as the Monaro Stages Rally makes its comeback on Sunday, 5 October.

A er a brief hiatus, this iconic event is ready to write a new chapter in its storied history, promising a day of high-octane action, challenging stages, and a celebration of the grassroots spirit of Australian rallying.

For years, the Monaro Stages has been a staple on the motorsport calendar, revered for its blend of fast shire roads and technical forest tracks. This year’s format, with stages spanning the roads around Cooma and the forests of Bombala, will test the mettle of every competitor.

The 177 competitive kilometres on o er are a testament to the organisers’ commitment to a rally that is both a thrilling spectacle for spectators and a formidable challenge for crews.

The event’s return is a welcome sight for the rallying community, which thrives on the camaraderie and adventure that events like the Monaro Stages provide. It’s a chance to see some of Australia’s best drivers and co-drivers pushing their machines to the limit, while also showcasing the talent and passion of local and regional teams.

The rally’s inclusion in the AMSAG Southern Cross Rally Series adds an extra layer of competition, ensuring that every second counts in the battle for championship points.

Beyond the competition, the Monaro Stages Rally is a celebration of the community that makes it possible. From the dedicated volunteers and o cials to the local businesses that welcome the in ux of teams and fans, the event is a true community e ort. Rally HQ will be at Bombala Park on Sunday,

October 5, from 8am, o ering a central hub for competitors and spectators alike to gather and share their love for the sport.

The event will have three spectator points, with instructions being issued closer to the date. For the safety of everyone, local shire roads of Poddy Hut, New Line, and Old Bombala Rd will be closed from 2pm to 7 pm on October 5 to allow the safe passage of cars as they navigate these amazing shire stages.

The Monaro Stages Rally has always been more than just a race; it’s a legacy. It’s a nod to the past, a showcase of the present, and a promising look at the future of Australian rallying. So, whether you’re a seasoned rally fan or new to the sport, mark your calendars.

The dust is about to y, and the Monaro Stages Rally is back on the stage it was born to dominate.

EDUCATION: Director educational leadership Eden-Monaro, Keith Duran, and Cooma North Public School principal, Jo Tozer (right), congratulated the school’s administration o icer, Virginia Mensinga, on 30 years’ service.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

RESTORE: Significant rehabilitation project completed along the Lake Jindabyne foreshore.

EXCITING: The Monaro Stages Rally will return to the roads of Cooma and Bombala this October in a boost for the rally driving community.

PHOTO: Monaro Media Group

Snowy Monaro schools go on a big Book Week adventure

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

The annual celebration of all things books, held from August 16 to 23, was marked with plenty of activities throughout the Snowy Monaro.

This masthead has further contributions of photos from other schools, following on from last week’s publication of some of the region’s school Book Week fun.

For Book Week this year, the theme was “Book an Adventure”.

At Snowy Mountains Christian School (SMCS), the students and sta celebrated in many ways.

A few weeks prior to the event, SMCS launched its Extreme Reading competition. The students (and sta ) were invited to share a picture of themselves reading a book in an unusual location.

There were some very interesting entries, with the winners receiving a voucher for the school’s annual Book Fair, run for the entire week by the librarian and parent volunteers.

Other competitions included a Book Scavenger Hunt; Guess the Bookworms (sour gummy worms) competition; and Book an Adventure Passports. Winning a prize was easy: all you had to do was read a book and enjoy its adventure.

The highlight of the week was the Book Week parade. The students, parents and sta put a lot of time and e ort into their costumes. There were appearances from Ghostbusters, Geronimo Stilton, Tony the Moany Groany Pony, Star Wars, Grug and even Willy Wonka.

The school thanked Cooma School for Early Learning for participating in the parade. Plus residents of Hudson House attended, who cheered the students on and enjoyed a cuppa and chat a erwards.

Other schools in the region have declared this year’s Book Week a major success as the spirit of Book Week remains alive and well within schools, even a er 80 years as a regular part of the school calendar and the introduction of the digital age.

p Lylah Jamieson and Remi Hodak from Bombala Public School enjoyed dressing up as their favourite characters.

p Bombala Public School student Harry Grebert brings Book Week to life.

p Alyssa Perrin and Dustie Wallace from Bredbo Public School captivate as Hermione and Wednesday Addams in their Book Week costumes.

p SMCS’s annual Book Fair, was held for the entire week by the

BOOK LOVE: Snowy Mountains Christian School students enjoyed the recent Book Week activities. PHOTOS: Supplied

Bredbo Public School’s Ruby Collits and Minke Bi in celebrate Book Week with vibrant costumes and enthusiasm.

Bredbo Public School’s Dixie Wallace and Leena Randell from shine as ‘Hermione’ and ‘Rapunzel’ during Book Week celebrations.

Bombala Public School’s Cooper Ingram and Jaxon Broz celebrate Book Week.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Spicks And Specks. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. 9.15 The Family Next Door. 10.05 ABC Late News. 10.20 The Business. 10.35 Grand Designs. 11.25 Late Programs.

1.00

2.40

Cops. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Football. AFL. First qualifying final. Adelaide v Collingwood. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. 11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 What The Killer Did Next. 12.30 Life. 1.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Australia’s Best Drives. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Home And Away. 8.30 Father Brown. 9.30 Line Of Duty. 10.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Highway Patrol. 3.00 Talking W. 3.30 The Force: BTL. 4.00 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL. First qualifying final. Adelaide v Collingwood. 7.30 Towies. 8.30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. 9.30 Air Crash Inv. 10.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 3.40 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 4.10 QI. 4.45 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.20 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.10 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 Hard Quiz. 9.05 Gruen. 9.45 Planet America. 10.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.10 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.00 Space Invaders. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 27. Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm. 9.45 Thursday Night noc ff. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 12.00 First On Scene. 12.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Tennis. US Open. Day 11 Late. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 As Time Goes By. 4.30 Are You Being Served? 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 RPA. 10.30 Chicago Med. 11.30 The Real Murders Of Atlanta. 12.30 Antiques Downunder. 1.00 Skippy. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.00 A Moveable Feast. 4.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. 4.55 First Dates Australia. 6.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares USA. 9.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 11.30 First Dates UK. 1.40 Fresh TV. 2.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield.

6.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 3.40

Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 4.05

Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30

George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.05

Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.35 MOVIE: The Little Things. (2021) 10.40 Late Programs.

10.50 Austin. 11.20 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 8.00 Be Cool, ScoobyDoo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.

v Brisbane Lions. 7.30 Motorbike Cops. 8.30 MOVIE: Downton Abbey: A New Era. (2022) 11.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Our

NRL. Round 27. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour 3. (2007) 12.35 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 Are You Being Served? 4.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 5.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 10. Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders. 7.30 Find My Country House Aust. 8.30 MOVIE: U.S. Marshals. (1998) 11.10 Motorway Cops. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.05 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. 4.35 MOVIE: Open Season. (2006) 6.20 MOVIE: The Boss Baby: Family Business. (2021) 8.30 MOVIE: The Bone Collector. (1999) 11.00 MOVIE: The Invitation. (2022) 1.10 Late Programs.

SEVEN NINE

LOCAL LIVESTOCK UPDATE

HAZELDEAN CELEBRATES MILESTONE

Keeping Betty’s passion alive

now

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

The vast beauty of sheep station, ‘Coolringdon’, is mesmerising, and its almost 200-year history fascinating.

Located near the Snowy Mountains Airport, ‘Coolringdon’ is one of the most iconic and earliest properties settled on the Monaro.

Bought by the Craig family in 1908, its history dates back to 1828. These days it operates under the John and Betty Casey (nee Craig) Coolringdon Trust.

The trustees are charged with three tasks - to run the property as a working commercial enterprise and example of best practice land management; to preserve and maintain the original homestead and its numerous outbuildings; and donate any surplus funds to Sydney University for agricultural research (prioritising the Monaro).

Betty and John Casey would be very proud of the trustees and the e orts of ‘Coolringdon’s’ employees in achieving such success with the commercial side

of the venture, which has in turn created a nancial pathway to restoring the property to its former glory.

This overall success has been attributed to the vision of one of the original trustees, the late James Litch eld OAM, who at 90, asked Howard Charles OAM to take over and carry on his role in 2018.

According to Howard, James Litch eld’s vision for ‘Coolringdon’ was backed by a lifetime of farming experience, knowing that by managing the pastures right,

the stock would thrive and bene t.

James’s idea of rotational grazing of improved pastures with long rest periods between stocking was put into practice to improve water retention in the landscape, encourage deeper plant roots and improve soil health.

Along with James Litch eld’s ideas and passion, ‘Coolringdon’s’ growth and progression started throughout the early-mid 19th century with Betty, and her profound fondness for ‘Coolringdon’, a place she called

home for most of her life.

Over many years she was responsible for its upgrades, extensions, maintenance and continued development. Her love and focus on the garden can be seen today.

Betty transformed the outdoors into a paradise featuring glorious European-inspired garden beds and landscaping, even modelling one section on Monet’s garden.

■ Read more about the evolution of ‘Coolringdon’ on page 28

Hazeldean’s outstanding contribution celebrated

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Hazeldean’s production line of high-quality Angus cattle and Merino sheep is renowned nationwide. The Litchfield family has carved a reputation

as one of Australia’s finest seedstock operations.

Hazeldean Merinos have one of the largest individual gene pools in the country, while the Angus program is one of the largest as well. This Friday,

the Litchfield family will celebrate 160 years of Hazeldean seedstock.

A large gathering will take place at Hazeldean this week with agricultural leaders and the Snowy Monaro community

coming together to celebrate the 160 year milestone.

Before the celebrations start, there is the small matter of Hazeldean’s spring bull sale.

The sale starts at 12.30pm and is expected to again set the

benchmark in the region. In this edition of the Snowy Monaro Farmer, we take a look back at Hazeldean’s significant contribution to the region and nation’s cattle and sheep industries across its 160 years.

FARMING HISTORY: Local property

‘Coolringdon’ is a unique historical property

under trust. Its grand homestead is currently a restoration work in progress.

PHOTO: Supplied

Cowpea aphids on the increase

South East Local Land Services

is urging graziers on the Monaro to keep a close eye on lucerne paddocks and livestock as cowpea aphid numbers increase.

These small black sap-sucking insects feed on lucerne and when ingested by stock, can cause severe photosensitisation. Young lambs are particularly vulnerable and if a ected signi cant losses can be experienced.

Cowpea aphids can also reduce lucerne growth at a time when quality feed is most needed.

Photosensitisation in stock is a condition in which skin is damaged when photodynamic agents found in the diet react to sunlight. It can cause severe skin lesions resulting in production losses, or liver damage which may result in death.

PESTS: It is believed that cowpea aphids (Aphis craccivora) contain a photodynamic fluorescent pigment that causes photosensitisation in stock a er they directly consume the aphids whilst grazing on the pasture. PHOTOS: South East LLS

ear drooping or closed eyelids. The rst signs of photosensitisation are swelling of the ears and/or muzzle, which can then result in blistering and scabs. If excessive swelling is present, animals may have di culty breathing or grazing. In severe cases, the surface of the skin may crack, turn black and slough o .

In sheep, the face, ears and muzzle are the worst a ected areas, however, sheep that have been recently shorn may be a ected over the whole body. What you can do:

There are two forms of photosensitisation, primary and secondary, which are categorised based on how the disease develops.

In cases of primary photosensitisation, signs generally appear within two to three days of ingesting the plant.

However, in cases of secondary photosensitisation, signs may not occur until weeks a er the animals have been removed from the toxic pasture. Signs of photosensitisation in livestock include red, weepy and swollen skin, which may lead to

heck lucerne regularly for aphids gathering on upper leaves and stems, which can make plants appear black; •keep an eye on your stock for signs of photosensitisation; and •speak with your local agronomist about the best control options for your situation.

Agriculture apprenticeship idea praised

A dedicated Agriculture Trade Apprenticeship will be a vital piece of the workforce shortage puzzle, according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

NFF president, David Jochinke, gave an update on the Ag Trade Apprenticeship at the o cial launch of National Skills Week recently in Canberra.

“National Skills Week is a wonderful celebration of the

hard-working employees who make our country go round,” Mr Jochinke said.

“I’m pleased to con rm the concept phase of the Ag Trade Apprenticeship has been ticked o , and that we are now moving to the product development phase.

“The NFF is committed to increasing the available ag workforce by 25 per cent by

2030, as per our 2030 Roadmap ambitions,” Mr Jochinke said.

A feasibility study found the Ag Trade Apprenticeship would increase professionalism, improve safety, and help alleviate skill shortages in the agriculture sector.

Apprentices will need to pass up to 40 units of a nationally recognised curriculum, before they can be signed o .

“This pathway, once implemented, will give employers a chance to access a new skilled workforce, ensuring attraction and retention in our eld,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Agriculture should be an industry of choice for people looking to train under the structure of an apprenticeship.

“The Ag Trade Apprenticeship is an idea that the NFF has long

championed, and was one of our key federal election asks.

“It’s such a worthwhile initiative, and I’m excited to watch the Ag Trade Apprenticeship come to life,” Mr Jochinke said.

The Ag Trade Apprenticeship is now in the product development phase. Skills Insight is developing the apprenticeship program, alongside the NFF and its members.

Ingesting cowpea aphids causes photosensitisation.

Mixed outlook among farmers

A mixed outlook among NSW farmers has seen sentiment in the state’s agricultural sector decline, according to the latest Rabobank Rural Con dence Survey.

The survey found the state’s farmers were overall feeling less con dent about their prospects for the year ahead – with concerns about high input prices and government policies and intervention top of mind.

Producers had mixed feelings about seasonal conditions, though more recent sustained rainfall across the state will have buoyed sentiment, particularly among livestock producers anticipating good spring pasture growth ahead.

The recent downturn in sentiment came a er a rally in NSW rural con dence seen earlier in the year.

The latest survey found net NSW rural con dence had fallen to -8 per cent from -1 per cent in the previous survey. This sees NSW farmers with the lowest level of con dence in the country.

Rabobank state manager for NSW, Toby Mendl, said many farmers, especially in southern New South Wales, had spent “the depths of winter awaiting decent rain” and this had negatively impacted farmer con dence during the survey period.

“Fortunately, weather systems have since moved through southern areas delivering bene cial rain and anecdotally

there has been a subsequent li in farmers’ outlooks,” he said.

A total of 32 per cent of farmers surveyed in the state indicated they were expecting agricultural economic conditions to deteriorate in the year ahead (up from 22 per cent with that view last survey), while 24 per cent were expecting an improvement (up from 21 per cent previously).

The majority of NSW farmers, however, at 42 per cent, expect conditions to remain relatively unchanged.

The survey, completed last month, found the seasonal outlook remains mixed across the state, with 23 per cent of NSW farmer respondents expecting drought to negatively impact the agricultural economy in the next 12 months.

This had declined however from 44 per cent with that view last survey.

While on the ipside, 45 per cent of farmers are buoyant about the seasonal outlook (was 32 per cent).

Farmers voiced concerns around external macro in uences, particularly rising input costs (a concern for 41 per cent, up from 27 per cent previously) and government intervention/policies (at 37 per cent, up from 31 per cent).

Commodity prices were seen mainly as a positive driver, with 46 per cent of respondents expecting prices to have a positive impact on the year ahead (up from 31 per cent last survey).

Lamb, sheep numbers ease at Wagga Wagga sale

30,000 lambs, 12,000 sheep yarded

By LEANN DAX, MARKET REPORTER

Recent rain has influenced market dynamics, leading to a moderate easing in numbers for both lambs and sheep.

Quality across the old lamb categories was very mixed and the 9980 new season lambs were mostly store types, typically weighing under 20kg cwt.

Each agent managed to secure a few pens of trade and some heavy young lambs in the mix. Despite the sales fluctuations, there was a significant field of buyers present, including a couple of major exporters closely observing the market, but not participating.

The market’s performance was heavily dependent on quality, with shorn grain-fed old lambs fetching premium prices. New season trade lambs, those weighing between 20-24kg experienced erratic bidding but ultimately saw prices improve by $5-$7, ranging from $250 to $296.

Young lambs in the 24-26kg category were limited, selling for $298 to $322, while heavy young lambs commanded prices between $332 and $350/head.

MARKET: At last week’s Wagga Wagga sheep sale, there was a significant field of buyers present. There was an easing in numbers on o er across sheep and lamb markets.

Notably, new season lambs intended for paddock or suitable for lot feeders stood out, with buyers making purchases for locations such as Toowoomba, Tamworth, Ballarat, and Loxton in South Australia. Prices increased by $15-$27/head.

Lambs weighing 16-18kg sold across a big price spread of $152 to $213, achieving an impressive average of 1388c/kg cwt.

Old trade lambs weighing 21-24kg, particularly if shorn and grain-fed, attracted intense bidding, resulting in price increases of $10-$15, with sales ranging from $250 to $329/head averaging 1235c/kg cwt. Similarly, lambs in the 24-26kg

category were in high demand among several processors, leading to a $20 price lift and an average of 1257c/kg cwt.

A notable decline in heavy export lamb numbers significantly impacted prices, which rose by $16-$30. The bulk of these lambs sold between $316 and $436 per head, averaging 1235c/kg cwt.

It was a very mixed yarding of mutton, however there were some outstanding runs of heavy ewes in the mix. Heavy sheep made from $181-$273/head to average 719c/kg cwt.

Trade sheep sold at $150-$178/ head. Plain sheep sold from $40$140/head.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Limited supply brings strong market prices for producers

By DAMIEN ROACH, NUTRIEN LIVESTOCK COOMA AGENT

With winter ending and spring just around the corner, market prices have been holding rm to a little bit dearer across all categories.

With the shortage of fat cattle and heavy lambs, the talk of the livestock area has been the weaner/ store markets but also what the export market is going to do for Australian producers over the next few months.

Within the region, it is looking promising for southern NSW and parts of Victoria coming into spring. With the early winter rain, it has inclined a lot of re-stockers to go out and buy in some extra store lambs, as well as weaner cattle to put onto feed chasing the high prices we have seen throughout this winter period and what is to be expected as the year closes out.

The heavier lambs have started to taper o in numbers and quality as the new season lambs (NSL) have started to hit the yards and AuctionsPlus over the past few weeks as well as mutton numbers and quality have dropped drastically to what we were seeing over a month ago.

NSL have been selling at exceptional prices with these lambs making up to $12/kg in spots for

lambs mainly ranging from 25-30kg dressed.

Secondary lambs are not far behind them with a strong charge on these lambs making around $200 or more for your 30-40kg live weight.

With these trends it looks like a promising spring-summer for the Monaro region when our suckers start to pop up into the local selling centres.

The cattle market has still been strong throughout this cold period with weaner cattle being in strong demand and the shortage of killable fat cattle, prices across the region have been rm.

Although we have seen smaller yardings in the saleyards, AuctionsPlus has had a huge kick in numbers across the feeder and weaner cattle categories.

Top range of well-presented black

Knockalong Clearing Sale

Account: ‘Snowy Land Pty Ltd – Knockalong’ ‘Knockalong’ Tombong Road, Tombong NSW 13th September 2025 Start 10am onsite. Inspections from 9am

Cars & Motor Vehicles: Yellow Land Cruiser Disel (Farm Vehicle), Landrover Series 2

1958 Model, Four Courier XL Disel Ute, Yamaha 2 Wheel Motor Bike, Honda Fourtrax Quad bike, Toro Ride On Wheel horse mower, Old Fire truck, Farm Plant & Machinery: New Holland TS115 Tractor with bucket, Toyota Skid steer with 4 in 1 bucket, 3 pl Rock Rake, 3 pl Grader blade, 3pl plough, 3pl Slasher, Tow behind tine harrows, 1/2 tonnes super spreader, Silvan Spray Tank, box trailer 7x5, Blue Box Trailer 6 x 4, Rotary hoe,

Livestock & Fencing: Lyco Wool Press, Sunbeam Shearing Grinder, Fencing Materials

Workshop & Sundries: 20Ft Container, 20,000L Tank, Meat Band Saw + equipment, Air compressor, Mig Welder, Concrete mixer, 2 x Victory Lawn Mowers, 3 x Fuel Tanks, Various tools, Plumbing fittings

Outside entries welcome. Please contact Damien with item details. Photos available via Nutrien Cooma’s facebook page Drivers Licence/ID required to register to bid Cash or Eftpos payment on day

Selling Agents: Nutrien Bombala Damien Roach - 0427 253 250 Matt Green - 0429 991 241

Ag Solutions Bombala

feeder steers have been seeing from 500-530c/kg for a wide weight range of 350-500kg and coloured feeders following close behind at 470-490c/ kg.

Heifers that are ready to be joined have been also following closely with these trends seeing up to 480c/ kg with some producers looking to take a punt and get a trade in early.

Weaner steers and heifers have been very strong across southern

NSW and Victoria with angus steers in forward store condition making from 540-600c/kg and angus heifers making from 480c/kg to a touch over 500c/kg for your better weaner types.

Coloured cattle have not been too far behind either with weaner steers still making over 500c/kg and weaner heifers averaging around 440-460c/kg. Although the shortage of fat cows we have seen some record-breaking prices for them, with heavy fat cows we have seen 390-420c/kg, secondary cows have been around the 330-380c/kg mark and light cows have been more towards that 300c/kg mark but all great prices for these cattle.

We are hopeful for this trend to continue but it will be determined on spring rain in the Victoria and Riverina region. The Queensland cattle market will also come into play as fat cattle have started to come back out of the north.

With lambing and calving in full swing and stud season starting to begin it is that time of year to start thinking about replacement bulls, rams and breeders. Please contact your Nutrien agent to help you prepare for these times.

The next Cooma cattle sale will be towards the end of September with an exact date to be con rmed. Reach out if you would like to make a booking for this cattle sale.

“SUTHERWOOD” CLEARING SALE

Account: ‘Est of Phillip Bolton’ ‘Sutherwood’ 788 Coolamatong Road, Berridale NSW Start 10am onsite. Inspections from 9am Farm Plant & Machinery: 1990 Caterpillar EL200B Track Excavator with 3 bucket attachments and ripper. Caterpillar D4 Bulldozer with tree pusher. Chamberlain Tractor with blade. Connor Shea Coil Tyne Drill 2.7m. 8” Slasher 3pl, 3pl Rotary hoe, 3pl chisel plough, Massey Ferguson small square baler (parts), Disel 2200 Trench ripper with blade on front, Heavy duty disc plough, Small bale accumulator (not working), Tow behind Spray tank (weathered)

Cars & Motor Vehicles: Landrover 1954 – Series 2A with canopy (serial number 10919292), 1988 Nissan Patrol with steel tray (Not registered – runs well). Kawasaki 2 wheel motor bike, Dual axel tipper trailer with sides and crate (registered), Bedford Tipper truck, Tolco 2wd light truck (parts) Fiat Tray Truck 358***kms, not running, wooden tray deck, Crane truck (parts) Jeep Grand Cherokee (parts) Several vans & cars for parts, single axle box trailer 4x7, box trailer 3x7, Speed boat with V6 Holden engine (not working)

Livestock & Fencing: Mac Lodge King Pinner Hydraulic Wool Press, Lister Electric shearing grinder, Old Kurts wooden wool press, Sunbeam manual wool press, Shear equipment incl hand pieces, steel loading platform

Workshop & Sundries: Tow behind welder, wood lathe, tool boxes, bench drill, drop saw, pipe bender, steel guillotine, work shop bench with vice, various tools air compressor, plumbing fittings, Stihl 046 magnum chainsaw, Stihl MS310 Chainsaw, Honda pumps, Small generator, poly pipe (varies lengths/sizes) pipe fittings, Diamond petrol powered spot light, wire cable, welding equipment & accessories, scrap steel, fire fighting hose, canvas tarps, various bricks, large ‘W’ strap steel, thick checker plate steel, corrugated iron lengths, heavy duty reo bars, Steel trusses, 2 x garage roller doors, pallet forks, 4 Bay storage shed

Antiques & Furniture: Exercise bike, antique scale weights, antique manual hand iron, Canberra Metts wooden stove, fishing equipment, push bikes, piano, children’s car seat, household furniture (some antique items) old glass wear, Stirling silver tea set, working model train, Old fuel station pump

Outside Entries: Berends jib crane; 3 pl carryall; 3 x Sunbeam shearing machines; petrol crutching machine; Waratah

Cecil Brown Scholarship to be re-instated

Monaro Farming Systems (MFS) is working with the original Cecil Brown Scholarship committee to bring back the valued local scholarship a er it had to pause during COVID.

The return of the scholarship will continue its legacy of supporting young people in the Monaro sheep and wool industry.

MFS is excited to be involved in this Monaro scholarship and looks forward to the bene ts it will provide to young sheep enthusiasts in this area.

The scholarship provides an opportunity for a young person from the Monaro, aged 18–30, involved in the sheep and wool industry to gain experience on a Merino farm in New Zealand.

It’s a way of continuing Cecil Brown’s legacy while helping the next generation of local farmers build skills and experience.

John Murdoch, a past recipient, speaks very highly of his time in New Zealand as part of the scholarship.

MFS plans to open applications in October and announce the successful recipient at its Summer Field Day in December.

The working group brings together original committee members, Sam Green, Al McGu cke and Jim Litch eld, alongside MFS Board members Darcy Larritt, Lisa Phillips and Mandy Horton.

They are joined by young farmers, Miranda and Florance McGu cke, helping to ensure the scholarship’s future and relevance for the next generation.

Businesses are invited to partner with this initiative and help invest in the next generation of the Monaro sheep and wool industry and can contact the MFS on 0407 089 677 for details.

Farmers secure $1 billion commitment

Months of hard-fought advocacy have paid o , with the federal government committing to the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) beyond June 2026 with an extra $1 billion in new loan funding to help farm businesses become more resilient and respond to drought conditions.

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement, with president, David Jochinke,

describing the RIC as one of the most important tools to support producers and regional communities build resilience for drought.

“The proof is in the numbers: more than 3,400 loans have been settled since the RIC was introduced,” Mr Jochinke said.

“That’s 3,400 farm businesses given breathing space to keep the farm running and become more resilient.”

Mr Jochinke said the

announcement followed months of sustained advocacy from the NFF and its members.

“The NFF and our members have pushed hard for certainty on the RIC. Just last month we again called on the Government to extend its loan capacity, a er the review had sat gathering dust for more than a year.

“We’ve met with the government weekly on drought matters, and in June this year, we invited the Prime Minister to visit

a farm so he could see rsthand the real life impact the RIC has.”

The NFF will continue to work with the Government as it consults on expanded loan products.

“It’s important the government ensures the RIC strikes the right balance in keeping its core purpose of supporting farm businesses to build resilience for drought.

“We await the government’s full response to the Independent

Review of the Regional Investment Corporation Act 2018, which looked at the RIC’s role, scope and products.”

The NFF also welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments today in support of the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework, which puts farmers in control of e cient and fair reporting requirements to give international trading partners con dence in our production systems.

YOUNG LEADER: Miranda McGu icke will join the Monaro Farming Systems working group to help bring about a return of the Cecil Brown Scholarship. PHOTO: Supplied

Hazeldean gardens stand test of time

A big part of the Hazeldean story across its 160 years has been its beautiful homestead and lovely gardens. Arguably one of the nest gardens in south east NSW, the Litch elds take great pride and joy in their ve acre o ering.

Libby Litch eld, alongside husband Jim, have dedicated countless hours to keep the garden looking its best.

Hazeldean was settled by the Litch eld Family in 1865 - home to six generations of Litch elds, and to one of the largest and most progressive Merino and Angus studs in Australia.

The present homestead was built in 1907 and had a major renovation in the 1930s by Professor Leslie Wilkinson, the rst Dean of Architecture at Sydney University.

Most recently, Wilkinson’s 1964 plans for a top storey have been realised more than 50 years on.

The house is surrounded by a forest of 100 year old English Elms, extending out to an English like 10 acres of parkland.

The ve acre garden has been renovated by Jim and Libby Litch eld, establishing new stone walls and expansive lawn terraces.

There are several courtyard gardens, a cross axis Pear allee, extensive plantings of peonies, a wild garden of Spring owering bulbs, a fruit tree orchard and fabulous vistas of the spectacular un-spoilt Monaro Plains, as well as historic stone stables built from basalt quarried from the property.

The Hazeldean gardens form part of the Private Gardens of the Monaro tour. Visitors from near and far have been able to enjoy a tour of the gardens by Libby.

Such is the appeal of the garden, community groups like the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research have used them for fundraising events.

A proud Monaro product

Hazeldean Pty Ltd is a pastoral enterprise owned and operated by the Litch eld family of Cooma since 1865. The company specialises in the production of superior seedstock for the beef and wool industries and is one of the oldest and largest merino and angus cattle studs in Australia.

It encompasses Hazeldean Merinos and Hazeldean Angus.

Hazeldean is a world leader in the

use of measured performance and prides itself on the quality and longevity of the animals that are bred.

Seedstock has been the company’s business for over 150 years.

Hazeldean is located on the Monaro, in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, at around 1000 metres above sea level. The landscape is wide and open high rolling plains of volcanic origin.

Livestock need to be tough to cope with the harsh, cold winters and hot summers, providing Hazeldean clients with superior genetics adapted and acclimatized to all areas of Australia.

Throughout their 160 year history, the Litchfields of Hazeldean have become one of the nation’s leading Angus and Merino stud enterprises. PHOTO: Supplied

The Hazeldean gardens form part of the Private Gardens of Monaro tour. Locals and visitors relish the chance to take the gardens in.

Hundreds attended the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research garden party at Hazeldean in 2022.

LEGACY:

STUNNING: The Hazeldean gardens are one of the finest in south east NSW. The Litchfields have created a wonderful space, despite the region’s harsh climate. PHOTOS: Supplied

Litchfields celebrate proud legacy

Hazeldean was settled in the early 1860s by James Litch eld who travelled from Essex, England.

James came to the Monaro with a letter of introduction to prominent squatter William Bradley who controlled more than 120,000 hectares of land stretching from Cooma to Bombala.

A er a short time as overseer at Bradley’s Monaro headquarters, Coolringdon, James was employed as manager of the Myalla lease.

With the advent of the 1861 Crown Lands Act which ended the squatting era, James Litch eld took up his rst 130 hectare block on the Cooma Back Creek.

Four years later he founded the Hazeldean Merino Stud and continued to expand his pastoral interests. By 1891 he had acquired in excess of 18,000 hectares of land on the Monaro. On retiring he divided his estate between his four sons who operated their portions as a partnership until 1910.

The eldest son Arthur James Litch eld assumed control of Hazeldean but was forced to sell out in 1918 due to poor health.

By a twist of fate he was able to buy back the property and its original stock in 1923 for his son James Francis Litch eld who further developed the Hazeldean Merino stud. James introduced Angus cattle to Hazeldean in 1926 which founded the Hazeldean Angus stud and expanded the company’s pastoral interests. He received an OBE in 1972 for services to the wool industry.

Fourth generation James

p COMMITTED: Three generations of Litchfields stand proudly at Hazeldean. Bea Litchfield has carried on the family tradition of running the Angus and Merino studs. Pictured is Bea, James Litchfield OAM (passed away in 2020) and Jim Litchfield. PHOTOS: Litchfield family

Litch eld OAM developed the Hazeldean Angus Stud founded by his father and expanded the size and in uence of both the Merino and Angus studs. He has been recognised as a pioneer in the application

of proven scienti c research and for his contribution to Australian livestock production with a number of awards. These include the Beef Improvement Association’s Howard Yelland award for services to the beef

industry in 1988, the Eliza Furlonge Medal for services to sheepbreeding and science, the NSW Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Shield for support and co-operation, election as Fellow of the Association for

the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics in 1995 and the Helen Newton Turner Medal for Contribution to genetic improvement in the Merino Industry 1997.

Today, h generation Jim Litch eld is managing director of the company and has further expanded the pastoral interests of Hazeldean through the acquisition of properties and expansion of the business.

He has served on many committees including AGBU and the MSA grading committee. Now his eldest daughter and stud stock manager, Bea Litch eld, continues in the tradition of breeding and genetics as the sixth generation of Litch elds.

The Litch eld family has educated many jackeroos, overseers and managers in the art of sheep and cattle breeding, performance recording and objective measurement, coupled with visual assessment to select and identify top animals along with best practice in livestock breeding.

Many of the leaders in the livestock industry today have spent time at Hazeldean giving them the foundation and knowledge to go into leadership roles in the agricultural industry such as Graham Greenhalgh and Jock Laurie, and into farm management and livestock consulting, such as Nev and Ian McMichael, Jim Symon, Jason Southwell, Jim Steele, James Hart, and Craig Wilson.

The Litchfield family has proudly been running the Hazeldean property since 1860. This year, the Litchfields celebrate 160 years of Hazeldean seedstock.

Angus cattle bred Monaro tough

A common adage on the Monaro is ‘they are bred tough’. This applies to locals and the livestock produced in the harsh Monaro climate.

Hazeldean’s Angus cattle are just that, tough. The Angus stud is a key part of Hazeldean Pty, a pastoral enterprise owned and operated by the Litch eld family since 1865.

It is one of the largest Angus seedstock operations in Australia, selling more than 400 bulls a year through sales in NSW, South Australia and Queensland.

The company’s breeding centre is located on company owned properties on the Monaro in the rainshadow foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

All its cattle are bred under commercial conditions and share their paddocks with sheep. The main breeding base located in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains has tough, cold winters with severe frosts and the cattle ‘do it tough’.

Hazeldean cattle have earned a reputation over the past 60 years from commercial producers throughout Australia for their superior fertility, calving ease, above average growth and carcase. The success of Hazeldean’s clients is testament to the company’s goal of maximising pro ts.

“Hazeldean Angus are bred for commercial operations that enjoy easy calving, high growth, quiet cattle that achieve excellent carcase results. Bred in the tough Monaro climate, our herd is constantly challenged, ensuring

the quality of our females remains strong,” Hazeldean managing director, Jim Litch eld, said.

Hazeldean Angus are renowned for their hardiness and their ability to thrive.

“Having been bred in this climate our females must be durable and able to withstand the elements whilst maintaining reproductive and growth performance,” Jim said.

Hazeldean’s core business is providing functional, pro table bulls to the commercial beef

CONGRATULATIONS

Hazeldean

industry and this means rst of all maximising the number of pregnancies and the number of live calves hitting the ground, building on that base; rapid growth rates and, on top of that, superior carcase data.

The Hazeldean team is preparing for its spring bull sale on Friday, September 5. Last year’s bull sale was a success, drawing a large number of buyers which saw the top priced bull selling for $25,000 to an online bidder in South Australia.

160 years is an incredible acheivement.

generations of the Litchfield family breeding top quality Hereford cattle and Merino sheep on the Monaro.

LOCATION GOING FURTHER FOR

Nutrien is proud to have supported Hazeldean over many years to deliver top value to clients. We look forward to continuing this success in the years to come.

Hazeldean Angus bulls are highly sought a er with local buyers and interstate buyers attending sales.

Hazeldean’s selling yard attracts strong crowds for all its sales.

PLEASING RESULTS: Hazeldean management (centre) stud stock manager, Bea Litchfield, sales and marketing manager, Ed Bradley, managing director, Jim Litchfield (second from right) with Nutrien stud stock selling agents at the end of last year’s bull sale.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Hazeldean Merinos set industry trends

Hazeldean’s business includes commercial ocks and herds as well as the production of cereal grains however, the main interest is the production of superior seedstock.

Hazeldean Merinos has grown from its establishment in 1865 by James Litch eld to be one of the largest, most progressive and in uential ocks in Australia. It was built on Rambouillet bloodlines with occasional Riverina Peppin infusions. Today around 10,000 ewes are mated annually.

With a total ock size of more than 20,000 sheep, Hazeldean Merinos have one of the largest individual gene pools in Australia, making intense selection pressure possible in the breeding programme.

Hazeldean has been using measured performance indicators longer than any other stud in Australia. It began in 1954, when James Francis Litch eld began to weigh eeces and select animals according to how much wool they cut and the neness of the eece. This is the same information that establishes the price woolgrowers get paid when they sell their wool and is heritable and repeatable.

BLOODLINE: Hazeldean Merino rams are highly sought a er. Pictured is the top-priced ram at $10,000 from the 2024 sale.

Merino industry in performance recording.

Hazeldean’s genetic trend over the last 10 years has lent to heavier and ner eeces than the average.

Hazeldean was at the helm of using Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) and still leads the

Hazeldean Merino blood rams, ewes and wethers have also been independently assessed more than any other stud in Australia, entering sire evaluations, along

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

with clients entering ewe and wether trials, benchmarking their ocks against other bloodlines. For many years, Hazeldean’s bloodline consistently performs at the top of these trials.

Hazeldean Merinos are accredited free of Brucellosis and monitored negative stage 3 (MN3) for Ovine Johnes disease.

Careful breeding from the beginning

The Hazeldean Merino stud was founded by James Litch eld in 1865 with the purchase of a dra of sheep, the progeny of pure imported Rambouillet Merinos. These sheep were carefully bred until 1879 when a dra of ewes from the ock of David Taylor of St Johnston, Tasmania were imported together with several highpriced rams from the ocks of James Gibson of Belle Vue and W.H.Gibson of Fair eld. Other stud ewes were added and many valuable stud sires subsequently purchased in those early years.

James Litch eld attended the Sydney sales of 1884 and purchased dense-wooled Golden Tom for 270 guineas along with Sir William for 380 guineas; King Arthur for 100 guineas and Sovereign for 300 guineas.

The progress of the bloodline ran along similar lines to the development of the Peppin strain in the Riverina and occasional introductions of Peppin rams were made for the next 80 years until the ock was closed in 1960.

The original James Litch eld had four sons who operated in partnership as Litch eld Brothers a er their father retired. This continued until 1910 when the business partnership was dissolved.

The stud was divided in two, one half retaining the name Hazeldean and taken up by eldest son Arthur James Litch eld who lived at Hazeldean, and the other half named Springwell and transferred to Owen Charles Litch eld of that property.

The two studs ran independently for a period of 27 years until 1937

published on 4 November, 2015 the 150th Hazeldean anniversary celebrations as well as ram sale results.

when grandsons of the founder agreed to a re-uni cation through the sale of the Springwell stud ock owned by William Owen Litch eld to his cousin James Francis Litch eld of Hazeldean.

Since 1937 the stud has been run under the direction of the James Litch eld family.

In both cattle and sheep Hazeldean ranks among the country’s largest suppliers and when viewed as a whole, has a major in uence on the genetic makeup and progress of Australia’s extensive livestock industries.

CELEBRATE: The Monaro Post

PHOTO: The Monaro Post

Monaro features in key conference

Thriving Women’s event exceeds expectations

The Thriving Women Conference, run by the not-forpro t WoTL, (Women Together Learning), was a resounding success when it took place at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga last month.

The Monaro featured strongly in the event with South East Local Land Services senior agricultural advisor, Jo Powells, part of the organising committee and Jindabyne’s Han Worsley a board member of WoTL.

The event was held in Wagga Wagga in 2023 and returned a er last year being held in South Australia.

With more than 200 women from Australia’s agricultural industries, the two day event delivered an inspiring mix of skill-building, innovation and connection, rmly anchored by the theme ‘Women Shaping Agriculture’.

Agriculture, philanthropic and business leaders headlined a packed program unearthing the latest in leadership, climate resilience, innovation in agriculture, succession planning, digital technologies, and mastering the mental load women face in balancing business, family and personal pursuits.

The event aims to help women

in agriculture thrive in business and life.

“Thriving Women 2025 provided a unique opportunity for women working in agriculture to learn, connect, grow and be inspired in an environment designed especially for them,” WoTL conference coordinator, Kathy Moloney, said.

“This is our sixth Thriving Women conference and, what we have found at previous events, is that participants get so much out of the sessions regardless of what part of the agricultural sector they’re involved with.”

Conference convenor, Robyn Buerckner, said the program

CLEARING SALE

allowed delegates to be inspired by keynotes Lucy Bloom, Stephanie Trethewey and Kristina Hermanson as well as participate in practical toolbox sessions where they could drill down on topics relevant to their business and careers including managing teams, business nance or psychology.

Sydney-based entrepreneur, author and international aid leader, keynote speaker Lucy Bloom captivated the audience with her dynamic blend of motivation and humour.

Founder of Motherland and the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, keynote speaker Stephanie Trethewey

business succession, through to psychological tools for gaining and maintaining wellbeing when juggling work and life challenges.

The diverse Thriving Women program is designed speci cally to cater for the variety of roles women play in Australia’s agricultural industry, Ms Buerckner said.

“Agriculture in Australia is incredibly diverse – and so are the roles of women across the whole sector,” she said.

“Thriving Women incorporates this diversity, while also being designed for women who are connected to the industry in some way, whether that’s being hands-on on the farm, or in multiple other roles such as business management, innovation, processing, and so much more.”

delivered a heartfelt address on her journey from television journalist to motherhood and the power of being vulnerable.

Kristina Hermanson from Nuveen Natural Capital was the third keynote speaker and shared her expansive leadership insights gained from more than 25 years of international leadership experience.

Also on the program were 15 unique ‘Toolbox Talk’ sessions, with each targeting di erent aspects of agricultural and rural business. From mastering leadership skills and managing high performing teams, to the latest in farm and

Thriving Women also provides rural women with a valuable opportunity to connect and network with others in their industry.

“Working in a rural or regional area can come with its challenges,” Ms Buerckner said.

“It can be di cult to access high-quality professional and personal development training locally, or even get together with other professional women and share ideas and look for ways to overcome shared challenges. Thriving Women provides those opportunities for learning, connection and growth o the farm and in a nurturing environment with other likeminded women.”

Coolringdon’s transformation underway

Iconic Monaro property a success story

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

‘Coolringdon’, a magni cent and iconic 3400 ha property located on Kosciuszko Road, boasting one of the oldest homesteads on the Monaro, is slowly undergoing a transformation and restoration.

Over the last two decades ‘Coolringdon’s’ operation as a commercial entity has ourished. Its modern-day success and achievements in the agricultural industry can be attributed to the foresight and vision of Monaro farmer, the late James Litch eld OAM, who set out to marry custodianship of the land, pasture and soil with a commercial livestock operation using farming practices that at the time were relatively untested, resulting in a very pro table enterprise.

With the business side of the farm now well established, attention has turned to the homestead and out-buildings which are a work in progress.

The house to date has a new roof (replacing the old handmade tiles and adding a corrugated iron roof to the more modern section) and a new coat of paint above the sca olding. The original iron work along the front has been sandblasted and re-painted, along with new wiring through the house.

There is still at least $1 million worth of work to be done, with a plumbing upgrade the next major job on the to-do list.

romantic at heart, Betty enjoyed creating glorious gardens at ‘Coolringdon’, featuring a spectacular water fountain, stone walls and exotic plants.

The shearing shed, built in 1890, has been described as “the best wool shed in the country”, and continues to function to this day.

At one stage in its long history, ‘Coolringdon’ became a small community and housed a school when there were more than 40 employees working on the farm.

Settled in 1828 by Stewart Ryrie, ‘Coolringdon’ was used as headquarters by his son, Stewart junior, who was tasked with surveying all the Monaro for Commissioner Lambie in 1839.

The property was owned by various members of the Ryrie family before being sold to William Bradley in 1852.

William Bradley’s squatting tenure in the 1850s was on about 200,000 acres, with ‘Coolringdon’ as its base, and covered from

The large, impressive homestead, painted in ‘Coolringdon pink’ (Betty’s favourite colour) and its gardens, which includes a Monet-inspired section with small lake and even a fairy walk, remain on the property and despite being neglected for several years, are slowly being returned to their former glory.

The run-down state of the garden has not a ected the plentiful bird life around the homestead, which can be heard singing happily among the beautiful surroundings.

A few resident wallabies which call ‘Coolringdon’ home help to keep the lawn neat (along with an occasional mow).

Betty died in 1999 which was the time ‘Coolringdon’ was placed in trust - now known as the John and Betty Casey Coolringdon Trust. This gave “ownership in trust” to James Litch eld, Chris Blencowe and the Perpetual Trustee Co. Ltd (Sydney).

Malcolm Pearce was appointed

stepping back” and in 2018 asked Howard Charles OAM, to take over his position.

Howard and wife, Anne, farmed at Spring eld from 1980 until 2017, then retired to Cooma.

Howard has decades of farming experience.

“We started at Steeple Flat and enjoyed 30 years there, then moved to Spring eld. Our property became known as Rockybah, partly because of the basalt rocks everywhere), and we were there for 35 years,” Howard said.

“James was the most successful and visionary farmer I ever knew and his contribution to agriculture was recognised with many signi cant awards,” he said.

“Improving ‘Coolringdon’ from Betty’s dream, which was more of a wildlife sanctuary, to a productive and pro table enterprise was not an easy task.

“His vision was for it to become ‘a model farm demonstrating the interdependence of pro table agriculture and the enhancement of environmental values’.

“By that he meant a genuinely resilient and pro table grazing enterprise which incorporated

improved stewardship of the land, the pasture and the soil,” Howard said.

The trustees are responsible for three tasks - to run the property, maintain Betty’s homestead, and donate any surplus funds to Sydney University for research into agricultural problems, prioritising any needing attention in and around the Monaro region.

“‘Coolringdon’ is on the edge of Monaro’s naturally treeless plain, straddling the Great Divide, in the central rain shadow. The 21-inch rainfall is erratic, which means that in many - over half - the years, it meets the classi cation of semi-arid. It’s di cult country to develop and so whatever can be done to maximise retention of our limited rainfall in the soil is critically important.

“As my mentor, James explained to me when I began at ‘Coolringdon’, if you keep the grass short, the roots won’t grow long, if you let the grass grow longer and higher the roots will grow down deeper. The deeper the roots grow, the more than can access moisture, and biological activity in the soil.”

important for rotational grazing. There are six of these containment paddocks on the property. If the grass hasn’t grown at all in a paddock, the sheep are not put back in these paddocks as they damage the country with their sharp hooves; they are instead put in the containment paddocks. They are fed straw/hay rst and also grain. This was radical thinking 25 years ago and is now becoming far more recognised as best practice management of the land.

“James was right,” Howard said.

“‘Coolringdon’ is primarily a sheep operation but some years, if you get a good year, the grass grows so much we need some cattle to knock it back down a bit on top of the sheep.”

‘Coolringdon’ is currently carrying in excess of 8000 adult sheep, with an additional 5000 lambs expected over the current lambing season.

“The sheep have thrived, and with the expert care and guidance of stockman, Phil, they have been the pro t drivers of this business,” Howard said.

The trust has grand plans for ‘Coolringdon’ which will see it move forward and potentially exist for another 100 plus years.

This theory was built on a lifetime of farming experience, backed by three generations of outstanding success at ‘Hazeldean’, knowing that if James got the pastures right, the stock would be right too.

“James wanted rotational grazing of improved pastures with long rest periods between stocking to improve water retention in the landscape, encourage deeper plant roots and improved soil health. 100 per cent ground cover was essential,” Howard said.

“Containment paddocks are

“For the homestead, once its restoration is complete, it is hoped the university will use it as a place for conventions and conferences,” Howard said.

He also intends to turn one section of the house into a history room, containing documents, stories of pioneer farming families and memorabilia.

This passion and enthusiasm from the trust for ‘Coolringdon’s’ past, present and future ensures that, almost two centuries a er settlement, it’s in very capable hands.

‘Coolringdon’ is a great environmental story. Pictured is Kilmacoola Lake.

Too hot to last long

ADDRESS: 31 High Street, Bombala

NEW PRICE: $539,000

If you want bang for your buck, then check this out. Situated in High Street and overlooking the historical Bombala railway and parklands, sits this neat and tidy, nothing to do three bedroom cottage, with separate, fully self-contained granny flat.

The main house has three bedrooms, galley style kitchen, open lounge and dining, bathroom/laundry includes a large spa bath for soaking away the day’s troubles, verandah off the front of the house for enjoying a quiet afternoon cuppa while taking in the beautiful views and a patio off the rear for cooking the barbecue and entertaining.

The granny flat is a wonderful size and has open plan kitchen and lounge, its very own laundry, spacious bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite with shower, vanity and toilet. Wait until you see the view from the front verandah.

The yard is fully fenced and contains established garden beds and well-manicured lawn, carport as well as two rainwater tanks.

Both the house and the flat are currently tenanted making this a solid investment.

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for inspections.

Unlock the potential of this exceptional corner block, perfectly positioned for your dream home or a savvy investment development.

• Zoned R1 General residential with frontage to High and Stephen Street

• Formerly known as the Lions Park the old toilet block is still on the property

• Block is approx. 1426m2 in size with many established trees in place

• NBN, town water, sewerage, mains power and natural gas are all nearby for connection

• Short walk down to the Bombala River parklands, railway precinct and the main shopping centre of town

The possibilities are endless - don’t miss this rare opportunity to secure a standout property in a sought-a er location!

Snowy Monaro

Quaint spot not far off beaten track

ADDRESS: The Warren, 19 Clancy Street, Old Adaminaby

Are you looking for your future home or holiday getaway in a quiet location where you can enjoy all things outdoors?

The Warren is a lovely three bedroom house situated on a corner block in the quaint settlement of Old Adaminaby. Ideally located for those wanting to take advantage of the peace and quiet, or who love the great outdoors.

A stone’s throw from the renowned trout fishing spot, Eucumbene Dam, a short distance to Kosciuszko National Park, Kiandra Goldfields, and Mount Selwyn.

Activities such as mountain bike riding, hiking, fishing, skiing and horse riding are at your fingertips. Wander into Adaminaby for the Easter Fair or attend the Adaminaby Races in November. The lifestyle this location offers is endless.

The Warren, 19 Clancy Street, Old Adaminaby, NSW, 2629 is a 671.50m2 near-level block which features the circa mid-1980s home with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area.

A large front deck serving as the ideal entertainment spot offering some filtered water views of Eucumbene Dam. In winter, enjoy the wood fireplace adding to the ambiance.

This property is for sale, asking $420,000.

Contact the Kirshner Mackay Property and Livestock sales team on 02 6456 7232 to schedule your private inspection before you miss out.

• Located in the quaint settlement of Old Adaminaby, only a stone throw from the pristine waters of Eucumbene Dam, well renowned for its superior trout fishing. A short 35 minute drive to Mount Selwyn, as well as about 40 minute’s drive to Cooma and only perhaps 10 minute drive to Adaminaby.

• The circa mid 1980s built home, situated on 671.50m2 of near level land on the corner of Clancy and Hill Street with the main entrance via Hill Street and the front deck.

• Featuring 3 good sized bedrooms, open plan living, dining and kitchen, woodfire adding to the ambiance, making sure the place is well heated during the colder times of year. Bathroom with bath as well as shower and hand basin, separate WC. Laundry with direct access to backyard.

• Front deck, the perfect location for a BBQ offering some filtered water views.

• Rainwater storage for approximately 25,000L in plastic tanks plus one steel tank.

• Septic onsite sewage management system in place, single phase mains power.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

A great location not far off the beaten track perfectly suited as full time residence or holiday home within short distance to Eucumbene Dam, National Park, including Kiandra Goldfields, Mount Selwyn, and so much more. Adaminaby Easter Fair, or perhaps the Adaminaby Races in November, maybe a spot of fishing, mountain bike riding, hiking, horse riding, certainly plenty to do, or just kickback and enjoy the peace and quiet. Don’t hesitate and contact our sales team now!

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 To describe graphically, is to do what (7)

8 Name a shrub, often cultivated for its fragrant flowers (7)

9 What is the section of a space shuttle that carries the crew and the payload (7)

10 What is a comprehensive physical examination (5-2)

11 Which term describes boarders (7)

12 What do we affectionately call a returned soldier (6)

14 Name the relative standing, position, or condition of anything (6)

18 What are large bottles for wine, etc (7)

21 Which term describes food or drink that is without sufficient taste to be pleasing (7)

22 To have lied close and snug, is to have done what (7)

23 Quito is the capital of which Pacific coastal republic (7)

24 When one makes certain, one does what (7)

DOWN

1 To have forced someone out, is to have done what (7)

2 Name a renowned cricket trophy (5)

3 What is the act of connecting (7)

Letters

Some

4 What do we call human beings (6)

5 To be furious or raging, is to be what (5)

6 Name a place of refuge, exclusion, or privacy (7)

7 What are measurements of three feet (5)

13 Name an alternative term for spectacles (7)

15 To throw away, is to do what (4,3)

E-QUATIONS

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

16 Name some eight-legged, predatory arachnids (7)

17 What are words spoken in undertones (6)

18 What might we call a receiver of stolen goods (5)

19 Which term describes a person who casts familiar glances (5)

20 Name a colloquial word for potatoes (5)

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

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

HASID

(a) Leaves, shoots or resin of hemp used as an intoxicant

(b) In Kent, a soft sandstone (c) A very pious Jew

2 INDOMITABLE

(a) That cannot be distinguished (b) Not to be overcome (c) Not docile

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:

Carrying boat overland (7)

Condition (5)

Equine growth hormone (3)

French: cold northerly wind (7)

Histamine (abb) (3)

Male swan (3)

Mooring space (5)

Muslim women’s quarters (5)

Social class (5)

WWII life-jacket: ... West (3)

FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025

TRADES AND SERVICES

Digging Up The Dirt On The Monaro For Over 40 Years

ROADS

LANDSCAPING

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

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

Classifieds IN PERSON

Expression of Interest

Cultural Heritage Management

OzArk Environment & Heritage has been engaged by Someva Renewables (the proponent) and seeks registration of Aboriginal groups or individuals who are interested in being consulted over an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) for the proposed Coonerang Wind Farm (the project) within the Snowy Monaro Regional Local Government Area. The Project will comprise the construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of a utility scale wind farm and associated infrastructure (including battery storage). It is located approximately 11 km southeast of Cooma and 8.5 km northwest of Nimmitabel These activities may result in impact to Aboriginal cultural heritage.

OzArk is seeking Aboriginal persons and / groups who wish to be consulted about the project, and this consultation group will assist OzArk and the proponent in the preparation of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report and to assist Heritage NSW and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in their consideration and determination of the project.

If you hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the cultural signi cance of Aboriginal objects or places in the project area, please register your interest to be consulted.

Registrations can be made by post: OzArk PO Box 2069 Dubbo NSW 2830; email: consultation@ozarkehm.com.au or by phoning OzArk on 02 6882 0118. All submissions should be received no later than September 17, 2025

Note: Those registering an interest will be contacted to discuss the project further. Those who do register are advised that their details will be provided to Heritage NSW and the relevant Local Aboriginal Land Council, unless speci cally advised in writing that details are not to be forwarded.

Pesticide Use Notice

Forestry Corporation of NSW Snowy Region Bombala Management Area

Forestry Corporation of NSW advises that the following pesticide use is proposed for control of weeds in areas that have had plantation re-establishment in 2025. Herbicides will be used for the control of weeds in the Bondi, Coolangubra, Nalbaugh Craigie and Towamba State Forests from Monday 25th August 2025. This operation may be delayed due to unsuitable weather, in which case the completion date will be 15th November 2025. Active constituents include Clopyralid, Hexazinone. Areas undergoing treatment will be clearly signposted and all directions regarding entry should be followed.

TIM GILLESPIE-JONES

MONARO HIGH SCHOOL IS SEEKING TWO FULLTIME CASUAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS (SAO) TO JOIN ITS TEAM.

SAOs provide administrative, financial and student welfare/wellbeing support and assistance in relation to office and classroom activities.

A Working with Children Check and Criminal History Check are essential as is a First Aid Certificate or willingness to undertake First Aid training. Applicants must work effectively as part of a team; have administration skills including a knowledge of computer software programs such as Microsoft Office; have effective oral and written communication skills; and be able to undertake office procedures, accounting procedures, sick bay, hospitality and science assistance. Immediate start, once screening is complete, until the end of the school year, with the potential for future work in 2026.

Resumes with cover letters are to be emailed by Friday, 12 September, attention to School Administration Manager at monaro-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

Someone who can convert videos to DVD’s, who is in the local

KAROOZ, George Arthur.

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Cooma Hospital.

Formerly of Bent Street, Cooma. Aged 93 years.

Beloved partner of Marie (dec).

Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Jo-Anne and Tom, Dianna and Peter, Angela, Peter and Kesta, John and Raimah.

Beloved Grandpa to Benjamin, Joel, Jessica, Emma, Georgia, Harrison, Mia, Matthew, Daniel, Lachlan, Mahalia and Aston.

Great-grandfather of Eva, Isla, George and Elijah.

The relatives and friends of the late George Arthur Karooz are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Cooma, on Friday, September 5, 2025 commencing at 1pm.

At the conclusion of the service, the cortege will proceed to Cooma Lawn Cemetery, Cooma.

McPHIE, Elaine Catherine. Passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Yallambee Lodge, Cooma. Formerly of Wainui, Wianui Road, Cooma. Aged 91 years.

Dearly loved sister to Keith, Ian, Douglas (dec) and Collin.

The relatives and friends of the late Elaine Catherine McPhie are invited to attend her funeral service to be held in the All Saints Anglican Church, Berridale, TOMORROW Thursday, September 4, 2025 commencing at 11am.

At the conclusion of the service, the cortege will proceed to Gegedzerick General Cemetery, Berridale.

MOONEY, Elaine Mary.

The Mooney family wish to convey their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who o ered condolences and support, following Elaine’s passing on July 13, 2025. Please accept this as our personal thanks. John Mooney & family.

Alpine ski racing returns to Thredbo after hiatus Foster’s form continues

A er a seven-year hiatus, alpine ski racing made a triumphant re turn to Australian slopes as Thred bo hosted the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) from 25-29 August, welcoming athletes from 14 nations to its World Cup Race Course.

The week-long event marked a signi cant milestone for Austral ian athletes beginning a crucial Olympic season, o ering competi tion experience and all-important FIS points.

Australia’s top alpine talent seized the moment, delivering standout performances across Gi ant Slalom and Slalom disciplines. Louis Muhlen-Schulte led the charge, nishing second in the opening Giant Slalom behind Denmark’s Christian Borgnaes, with Japan’s Seigo Kato rounding out the podium.

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

Adam Foster continues his recent good form, taking out Sunday’s stableford event with 37 points.

Michael Mesley was runner-up with 34 points on a countback from third-place getter Steve Edwards.

In A grade, Alan Butterworth had 32 points, B grade, Tim Caldwell had 33, and in C grade, Jack Stacey nished with 33 points.

Muhlen-Schulte ipped the script in the second GS, claiming victory ahead of Andreas Zampa of Slovakia, and Borgnaes who was third.

Hugh McAdam, Henry Headon, and Felix Sachs also impressed, each securing top 10 nishes in the rst Giant Slalom event with McAdam and Sachs also creeping into the top 10 in the second GS.

McAdam continued his strong form with a podium nish in the rst Slalom race, while Headon narrowly missed the podium in fourth.

Phoebe Heaydon impressed in the women’s eld, securing second place in both Giant Slalom events behind Norway’s Helene Oveland. Abbey Evans also delivered consistent results, nishing third in the second race and narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place nish in the rst.

Heaydon then stormed to victory in the first Slalom event, sharing the podium with teammate Sophie Mahon, who claimed second. The results signal a promising season ahead for Australia’s rising female racers.

Weather caused the final slalom races to be delayed by a day, with racing continuing Friday.

For local athletes, the chance to race on home snow was a rare and rewarding experience.

Blue Heelers’ hot streak continues

By NATHAN THOMPSON

The Bombala Blue Heelers are a side in form, winning their third nals match in a row to book a grand nal spot.

The ball competition ran down to 30 points, including Gregg Quinn 31, Jason Christie 30, David Douglas 33, Tony Perry 33, Ewan Murdoch 32, Ben Hearn 31, Bruce Hart 31, Janece Peters 30, and Kylie Woodcock 30.

The men’s near pins were won by Josh Shortland on three, Kim Weston on 15, and Andy Hearne on 17.

The ladies’ nearest the pins were won by Karen Caban on eight and Kylie Woodcock on 17.

Members are reminded the AGM will take place on 28 September. Competition begins with a shotgun start at 9am. The meeting will begin a er the presentation.

The Blue Heelers dominated their preliminary nal clash against Bega, 44-6, to secure a spot in Sunday’s premiership decider.

which the Blue Heelers won 18-16.

Bombala’s nals run started almost a month ago with a tight win over Monaro rivals, the Cooma Stallions. Next on the list was Eden, another tough encounter

Last Sunday, the side delivered one of its best e orts of the season. The Blue Heelers ran in eight tries to Bega’s one, in front of a large Bombala crowd at the Cooma Showground.

Blue Heelers fullback, Inia

Tahere, crossed for a hat-trick, while centre, Eli Carter Nareki, scored a double.

The Blue Heelers take on minor premiers, the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs, in the grand nal at the Pambula Sporting Complex. Kick-o 12.45pm.

Looking ahead, the Coolamatong opens are scheduled for October 18 and 19, the four-ball-best-ball on Saturday, and the open on Sunday.

All players with a handicap are welcome to attend, with details available on the club’s website events page.

Jye Kearney golf day

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

Jye Kearney, one of Australia’s best snowboarders and a Coolamatong member, is hosting a new golf event on Saturday, 27 September.

The Jye Kearney Golf Day is open to all golfers, with or without a handicap.

All players will compete in the same competition, using the Callaway handicap system to determine the nett winners.

The event will be a twoball ambrose, and when you register and pay, at checkout, notify your playing partner’s name. There is more than $4000 in cash and prizes on o er, including great ra e prizes.

This event has a limited eld of 100 and will sell out, with a booking cut-o on September 17. The fee of $50 includes golf and food, with all registrations and payments to be made through the new events page on the Coolamatong website. The event is raising money for the charity In Pieces Together.

FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC) was a great success in Thredbo.

Blizzard weather didn’t stop the ANC from taking place in Thredbo over the weekend.

PHOTOS: Thredbo Media

RACING: Thredbo hosted the FIS Australia New Zealand Cup (ANC). PHOTO: Snow Australia

Robbie Rodger charges forward for the side in the preliminary final at the Cooma Showground.

Blue Heelers lock, Brett Hodak, tries to bust the line, during the first half.

Brotherton wins Bombala minor singles

By BOMBALA BOWLS

The Bombala Bowling Club has crowned its latest minor singles championship with Scott Brotherton taking out the honour.

Minor singles matches were contested across August. A number of new bowlers contested the championships.

Back on Saturday, 9 August, Eileen Hampshire played Malcolm O’Brien. Both players have only been playing a short time and their skills have improved.

Eileen’s increased condence showed when taking the rst ve ends to lead 10-0. Malcolm fought back, bringing the de cit back to 13-6 on the ninth, but Eileen took hold of the game with some brilliant shots eventually taking the win 25-10.

tween Brotherton and Warrick Ingram. The game started out even with each player taking two ends. The score was 4-4 until the h end when Brotherton showed his skills to outclass Ingram, taking the next 10 ends unanswered, winning 25-4.

Art Frances played Joyce Cotterill. The game uctuated for the rst seven ends. Frances played some excellent draw bowls to take a 21-6 lead.

Cotterill worked hard to claw back the lead, claiming the next ve straight ends.

The lead was too great to overhaul with the score nishing 26-15.

Matt Cootes played Faye Turnbull. Cootes had a bit more experience than Turnbull but the latter held her own during the early ends. By end four, Cootes led 3-2. He showed his talents with some great drawing shots, scoring eight shots over the next three ends. Cootes took the match, 26-8.

In the next stage of the singles championships, Brotherton played Hampshire. The game started slowly with players winning two ends each.

Brotherton got down to business taking the next three ends with a high score of eight, reaching a lead of 9-2. Hampshire dug deep and overcame her nerves to take the next four ends and

the lead 11-9.

Brotherton came back strongly, not allowing Hampshire a shot over the next six ends to lead 23-11. Hampshire battled until the end with Brotherton winning 2713 and booking a spot in the nal.

Cootes played Frances in the other semi- nal. The rst four ends were even at 2-2.

Cootes bowled some brilliant shots taking four shots on the h end the game. The match uctuated and by the 20th end it was 15-13 to Frances.

Frances took the following end with the maximum four shots, followed by Cootes taking three on the next. Frances drew on his experience taking the nal two ends and winning the match 25-16 taking him to the nal.

In the nal, Frances played Brotherton. Frances got the upper hand early taking the lead 4-2 by the sixth end, but Brotherton retaliated with some superb shots taking three on the next two ends. The game swayed between players but Brotherton maintained his lead of 12-10 by the end 14. Frances was outplayed on the next six ends, not winning a shot.

Brotherton retained his lead at 23-10, but Frances persevered. He bowled some fabulous shots winning the next seven ends, taking the lead to 24-23. It came down to the nal end with Frances needing one and Brotherton needing two to take the game.

Brotherton came out determined to take the crown which he did taking the nal 25-24.

Olympian inspires students, teachers

Under the Olympics Unleashed program, Year 9 and 10 students at St Patrick’s Parish School in Cooma were treated to a one-hour presentation from current Olympian, Nick Timmings.

Olympians and aspiring Olympians into Australian schools to inspire and motivate students to be their personal best.

Nick competes in skeleton racing, a winter sliding sport in which a person rides a small sled, known

pionships (13th) at Winterberg, Germany and the 2014 World Juniors (22nd) in Innsbruck, Austria.

His talk was inspirational and motivational to both the students and sta at Saint Patrick’s School.

“Nick was a true inspiration to our students, and they remained totally engaged and focused

enjoyed his presentation – given he spoke about growing up with sport, showed video footage, gave his plans for success, and provided the goal setting card,” principal, Dr Sean Mangan, said.

Jindabyne Public School stage two and three students were fortunate to hear from two incredible athletes, Nick Timmings, a member of the Australian Winter Olympic skeleton team, and Daisy Thomas, a Winter Youth Olympian who competes in freestyle skiing and big air. The duo shared their jour-

neys as elite athletes, speaking about goal setting, overcoming doubts, facing fears, and dealing with setbacks. Their stories inspired students and teachers. Students also had the chance to ask Timmings and Thomas questions, and many were even lucky enough to score signatures and special memories from the day.

A erwards, stage one, two and three students took part in the village art program, creating amazing artworks with supportive messages for athletes. These pieces will be proudly displayed in the Olympic village in Italy next February during the Games.

Living in the Snowy Mountains, local students have a

Nick discussed his career to date and provided students with three key messages throughout: vest in yourself with exercise, diet, He also encouraged students to follow and ll out a goal setting

- identifying three steps to make

Jindabyne students welcome world class athletes

unique connection to winter sports, and they are fortunate to see rst-hand where passion and dedication can lead.

With several Jindabyne Public School and Jindabyne High School alumni also part of the Winter Olympic team, students were reminded that big dreams really can begin right here at home.

dents were reminded that big

FINAL: The final of the Bombala Bowling Club’s minor singles championship saw an exciting contest between Art Frances (le ) and Scott Brotherton.

MOTIVATIONAL: Under the Olympics Unleashed program, Year 9 and 10 students at St Patrick’s School enjoyed listening to the story of current skeleton Olympian, Nick Timmings. PHOTOS: St Patrick’s Parish School

Daisy Thomas and Nick Timmings address the Jindabyne Public School students and share inspiring stories as winter athletes.

Daisy Thomas takes the time to sign memorabilia for students.

INSPIRING: Jindabyne Public School students with Daisy Thomas and Nick Timmings. PHOTOS: Jindabyne Public School

Dyball, Hampshire star for Rams

Monaro duo into Katrina Fanning Shield prelim

By CANBERRA REGION RUGBY LEAGUE

The Woden Valley Rams have advanced to the Katrina Fanning Shield Preliminary Final with a 16-4 victory against the Yass Magpies.

There is a strong Monaro presence in the Rams side with Cooma’s Indi Dyball (captain) and Bombala’s Bridie Hampshire key players.

Despite trailing early in the contest, the Rams produced a 16 to nil second half to run out winners and set a date with the West Belconnen Warriors this weekend. It was a nervous start to the contest for both sides, as they looked to settle into the grind of the elimination nal.

The opening 15 minutes of the match were played between the 20-metre lines of both teams, as strong defence caused a high incompletion rate.

Woden Valley would be the rst team to attack the opposition try line, with a line break down the right from Kailee Lamont and a kick return from Lara Cosgrove helping the Rams to start winning the eld position battle.

However, the defensive pressure from Yass forced an error as the Rams looked to raid down a narrow short side.

This defensive e ort was

rewarded, as the Magpies would be the rst side to score as they marched down the eld, running the ball on the last through Cooke, setting up edge forward Kaitlyn Andrews, taking the score to 4-0.

The Rams would try to level the scores in the back end of the rst half however the defence of Yass proved too strong, with their best op-

portunity a kick chase from Cosgrove in the last minute, only for a handling error on the pickup.

An error provided the Rams with a scrum just shy of halfway to begin the second half.

Similar to the rst half it would be the Rams who had the better opportunities in opening exchanges of the second stanza, however the

covering defence of fullback Roxy Horne sni ed out any chance.

However, the weight of possession proved too much, with a shi to the right edge nding Magdalena Velovski who beat three defenders on her way to score and levelling the scores.

An error right o the kick provided Yass their best attacking opportunity of the

FINALS TIME: Cooma rugby league talent, Indi Dyball (left) pictured with Yass Magpies player, Roxy Horne, is leading her Woden Valley Rams side into the finals of the Katrina Fanning Shield. The Rams are into the preliminary final after a win last weekend.

half, with the defence of the Rams holding rm to ensure the scores remain locked.

The strong second half for the Rams continued as they marched down the eld, with Dyball nishing o with a raid from dummy half to put the Rams in front for the rst time. Maree Bush medalist (Katrina Fanning Shield best and fairest), Cosgrove, nished o a swi shi to le to

Williams’ Roos ready to bounce back

The Sam Williams led Queanbeyan Roos will be looking to 2023 season for inspiration if they are to win their third straight Canberra rugby league rst grade premiership.

In 2023, the Roos lost the major semi- nal before bouncing back to win the preliminary nal and then grand nal against the Tuggeranong Bushrangers.

The Roos face a preliminary final clash with the Bushrangers this weekend after a 28-16 loss in the major semi-final to the Queanbeyan Blues. The Roos trailed 18-0 at half time, a deficit that proved too much for the minor premiers to overcome.

Cooma product, Williams, has led the Roos to premierships in 2023 and 2024. Alongside Williams has been Cooma

Stallions stalwart, Steven Russell, who is the Roos assistant coach.

The Cooma connection doesn’t end there for the Roos, with prop, Steve Dunn, and back, Levita Levita, key members of the side.

The Roos will face a tough test on Sunday against the Bushrangers who have won 11-straight matches.

What a difference a day can make on the green

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

On Saturday, Bombala woke to a winter wonderland. The snow, along with gale force winds and freezing temperatures with the odd shower of rain, kept golfers at home. What a di erence a day can make with Sunday’s conditions excellent for golfers. Sunshine, a light breeze and the temperature about 11 degrees warmer. There was a good roll-up

to play a mulligan, stableford for S Stephen trophy. There were some good scores recorded with Brendan Weston coming in the winner on 44 points, ahead of Phillip Shilling 42 points and Steve Tatham 40 points. Nearest the pin on 17 once again proved too di cult. Golden shot was won by Shilling.

Program for the week

Wednesday, 3 Septemberstableford, club trophy

Members

Saturday, 6 Septemberfour-ball-best-ball mixed grill, choose partners. K Elton and L Beazley trophies. Sunday, 7 September - with a number of players travelling to support the Bombala Blue Heelers and High Heelers in their grand nals, the event for those playing will be a stableford for club trophy.

Golfers wish the Bombala sides all the best.

PREMIERSHIP HOPES:

Cooma’s, Sam Williams, will lead his Queanbeyan Roos side into the preliminary final following the Roos major semi-final loss. Williams and the Roos are chasing three straight premierships.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

extend the lead to 16-4.

The Magpies would try to reduce the de cit; however, the Rams closed the game out in a clinical fashion providing Yass with no opportunity attacking their line.

The Rams will face the West Belconnen Warriors next Sunday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval as they look to book a spot in the grand

Kelley prevails in tough winter conditions

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

On Saturday in the Cooma Golf Club stableford competition, Alan Kelly claimed the overall win with 30 points on countback. Place-getters were David Stewart, Wayne Flynn, David Goggin, and Mark Rainsford. Sunday’s stableford competition was won by Colin Langdon after a countback, finishing

with 36 points. Jenny Rainsford also scored 36 points and was runnerup.

Place-getters on the day were Kenneth McGrath, Shannon Fergusson, Donna Smith, Tim Young, Harry Mould, Mark Rainsford, and Stephen Young. In the midweek competition, Steven Wheatley was the overall winner with 35 points on countback.

Place-getters were Garry Cornish, Claire Caldwell, Colin Langdon, David Stewart, Chippy Boller, Kenneth McGrath, and Brian Johnson. Mark Kenmir took out nearest the pin on hole nine.

This week, Saturday is the monthly medal, Centenary Cup and round one of the skins qualifiers, and Sunday is a stableford competition.

PHOTO: Canberra Region Rugby League

Bombala chases further Group 16 glory

Coates, Hampshire star for High Heelers

By NATHAN THOMPSON

The Bombala High Heelers are into their eighth league-tag grand nal in 11 years following a tight and tense 14-4 win over Eden.

A try late in the game to Karter Hampshire secured a hard-fought preliminary nal victory in front of a large Bombala crowd in Cooma.

The Cooma Stallions hosted the Group 16 preliminarynals which saw the High Heelers and Bombala Blue Heelers reserve grade sides win through to the premiership decider this Sunday.

In one of the Bombala rugby club’s greatest days, both sides delivered tough performances to secure their spots.

The High Heelers were pushed all the way by a committed Eden side.

Hampshire and Maree Coates were the standouts for the High Heelers.

Hampshire crossed for two tries, while both players made multiple line breaks.

The rst half was controlled by the Bombala side. Group 16 league-tag player of the year, Rachael Babidge, opened the scoring down the le edge.

A er strong runs through the middle, the High Heelers shi ed ball to the le .

Monique Perkins threw the pass of the match, a lovely ball out the back to centre, Zara Badewitz, who found an unmarked Babidge.

Heelers exceptional attacking game and ability to move the ball at ease.

A second Bombala try came six minutes from half time, when Hampshire took a quick penalty tap close to the tryline.

Hampshire caught the defence napping, and darted over for her rst try of the preliminary nal.

The second half was a much closer contest as Eden scored early in the piece.

Eden started to nd holes in the Bombala defence.

Errors started to creep into the High Heelers game, forcing the side to defend multiple sets close to their tryline.

Abbey Kimber made a terrific tag in the middle, stopping an Eden line break.

Badewitz’s long kicking game relieved pressure for her Bombala side.

Coates and Hampshire stood tall, busting the line regularly to put Bombala back on the attack.

Coates found open space ve minutes from full time.

She broke through the line before being tagged 20 metres out.

A quick shi out wide almost saw Tanner Hurley score before Hampshire crossed on the next play.

The High Heelers closed out the match to book a grandnal showdown with Bega on Sunday at 9.30am at the Pambula Sporting Complex.

The try showcased the High

Babidge recognised for excellent season

Bombala High Heelers, fullback, Rachael Babidge has been crowned joint Group 16 league-tag player of the year following another impressive season.

Babidge cleaned-up at Group 16’s presentation night last week, taking home her second best and fairest honour (a er winning the accolade last season) and again nishing as the highest point scorer.

Babidge nished the home and away season with 12 tries - second in the competition - and 108 points. Her e orts re ect the High Heelers top season, which brought about another minor premiership.

The fullback was again strong in Sunday’s preliminary nal win over Eden. Babidge is reliable at the back, regularly defusing opposition kicks.

Returning the ball is where Babdige is at the best. Her speed and agility o en proving di cult for the defence to stop.

Babidge scored the opening try for the High Heelers. Recognising the side had an overlap down the le edge, Babidge headed to the wing where she received a lovely pass for centre, Zara Badewitz, to score.

One of the High Heelers most consistent players, Sam Stewart, sends a pass away. Stewart provided excellent service from dummy half. premiership hopes.

Brandy Crotty makes a break for the High Heelers in the first half. Crotty and the right edge attack caused Eden’s defence issues throughout the match.

ATTACKING: Bombala High Heeler, Tanner Hurley, controls the side’s right edge attack. Hurley spots a gap in the Eden defence during the preliminary final.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

TOP FORM: Bombala High Heelers, fullback, Rachael Babidge has won her second straight Group 16 league-tag player of the year award. Babidge again impressed during the side’s preliminary final win over Eden.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Rachael Babidge is all smiles a er being named the joint best and fairest Group 16 league-tag player for season 2025.

PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers

Hoppet honours

his long-awaited rst Kanga roo Hoppet crown.

Fordham, fresh from her recent Australian Championship win and U23 World Championship silver medal earlier this year, stormed to her maiden Hoppet title in the women’s eld.

The 42-kilometre marathon is renowned not just as an elite-level race but as the beating heart of the Australian cross-country skiing community, with hundreds of recreational skiers tackling the challenge simply to cross the nish line.

For Bellingham, victory carried deep personal meaning.

“So happy. That meant everything to me. I’ve been trying to do that my entire career,” he said.

“It’ll be the last one I’ll do while I’m in form – I’m done a er this. Seve [de Campo] is

PODIUM: Celebrating their e orts at the Kangaroo Hoppet are (from le ) Phillip Bellingham in first, Seve de Campo in second and Cooma’s Bentley Walker-Broose in third.

actually in better form than me at the moment, so I just had to sit in,” Bellingham said.

“I’ve come second in the same situation before and I know how hard it is right to the end. I’m just so happy.”

Fordham, meanwhile, relished the chance to race in front of Australia’s passionate skiing community.

“That was really fun. The boys strung it out, then I caught up to Liam and Christoph and we skied together for a bit,” Fordham said.

“It got a little bit so at the end, but it was awesome. It’s like the whole Australian ski community is here. I haven’t seen this many Australians

PHOTOS: Chris Hocking

out skiing – it’s so cool to be here with all of them. I wish I had come to the Hoppet as a kid, but I’ll de nitely be back.”

The Kangaroo Hoppet is the largest snow sports event in the southern hemisphere and part of the prestigious Worldloppet Ski Federation series, connecting marathon ski races across 20 nations.

For Bellingham, it was a crowning career moment; for Fordham, the start of what promises to be many more. And for the Australian cross-country skiing community, it was another unforgettable chapter in the legacy of the Kangaroo Hoppet.

Spectacular Falls Creek views were enjoyed by the competitors in the Kangaroo Hoppet.

More than 1000 competitors from 24 nations took part in the world famous Kangaroo Hoppet at Falls Creek.

Locals star in Hoppet

Bombala’s grand day out

HIGH HEELERS, RESERVES

CHASE PREMIERSHIPS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

All roads lead to Pambula this Sunday for what is set to be one of the great days in the history of Bombala rugby league.

The Bombala Blue Heelers club has two sides ghting for premiership glory following wins to the High Heelers and reserves in last weekend’s preliminary nals. A large Bombala crowd was on

hand at the Cooma Showground for Group 16’s preliminary nals, where the High Heelers started what would be a memorable day for the club.

The High Heelers are into yet another grand nal and a have another chance to strengthen their claim as Group 16’s most decorated side.

A tightly contested 14-4 win over Eden has booked a grand

nal showdown against Bega, who Bombala lost to the in major seminal.

Two tries to Karter Hampshire and a standout performance from Maree Coates led the High Heelers to victory.

The 2024 premiers were pushed by Eden for most the match, before Hampshire’s second try with ve minutes remaining sealed the win. Like the major semi- nal, Bombala scored the opening two

Where the Flick

tries to open up an 8-0 lead at half time.

Eden scored early in the second half and applied plenty of pressure through much of the half. Strong High Heelers defence and the long kicking game of Zara Badewitz kept Eden at bay.

The Blue Heelers reserve grade side ran out 40-6 winners over Bega. The Blue Heelers have come from fourth position to claim a spot in the grand nal where they

will meet minor premiers, the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs.

The Blue Heelers found the tryline on eight occasions with Inia Tahere crossing for a hat-trick. The powerful running game of the Blue Heelers proved too much for the Bega defence.

The High Heelers kick-o at 9.30am and reserve grade at 12.45pm.

■ More rugby league coverage on pages 39 , 30 and 41

Blue Heeler, Luke Jamieson, sends a pass away during the team’s 40-6 win over Bega.

PHOTO: Razorback Sports Photography

WINNERS: Bombala High Heeler, Maree Coates, delivers another top performance to guide her side into its eighth grand final in 11 years.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson