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CHAMBER CALLS FOR LATER TRADING HOURS

Possum magic

By NATHAN THOMPSON

RESEARCHERS

and conservationists are celebrating the detection of the critically endangered Leadbeater possum in Kosciuszko National Park, the rst live discovery of the possum outside of Victoria.

The Leadbeater possum has been discovered near the Yarrangobilly Caves by a NSW Government ecosystems and threatened species team, who found the possum during camera trap surveys for the endangered smoky mouse. Until now, records show the species has only been detected alive in Victoria, with the nearest recorded sighting in the past century around 250 kilometres away from this nd in NSW.

Nathan Thompson

ECONOMIC BOOST: The Cooma Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to stay open longer this Friday to capture visitors coming through town for the start of the snow season. From le , chamber executive o icer, Trish Williams, Snowy Monaro Regional Council tourism and events promotions o icer, Nicole Plummer, chamber member and Mainstreet Clothing owner, Alicia Bolton, and chamber president and Cooma Commonwealth Bank manager, Lynette Armour, are excited for the winter season.

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Cooma Chamber of Com-

merce is urging local business operators to keep their doors open longer this winter season in continued e orts to encourage more visitors to the region to stop in Cooma.

A busy Friday night is planned to launch the snow season in Cooma with retail stores and cafes in the central business district encour-

aged to stay open into the night.

In Centennial Park there will be activities for the whole family, from live music, information stalls and food options, all designed to create a festive atmosphere.

Chamber president, Lynette Armour, said the organisation is working with businesses to stay open longer on Friday night to ensure the town takes advantage of the thousands of visitors passing

through each weekend.

“With winter here, the snow tra c starts owing through our town, it’s the perfect opportunity to make Cooma a welcoming stopover for visitors and locals alike,” Ms Armour said.

“The chamber is encouraging our hospitality businesses to consider extending Friday night trading hours during the winter months.

“With more people on the move,

later opening hours could capture extra foot tra c and help drive more spending right here in Cooma.”

Cooma businesses are also being encouraged to deck out their shop fronts with lights, snow akes and winter-themed displays.

“By working together we can create a vibrant, festive atmosphere that invites people to longer, shop and dine in our town.”

“We’re known internationally for our unique ora and fauna, and it’s a massive drawcard for our region especially,” Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.

“I’m incredibly excited to learn that the Leadbeater Possum, a critically endangered species only thought to be found in Victoria in small numbers, has been con rmed living in Kosciuszko National Park.”

■ More on page 2

PHOTO:

Snowy trout season closes

THE upcoming June long weekend o ers anglers their nal opportunity for trout shing in streams and rivers in the Snowy Monaro before the shing season closes over winter.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPI) program leader sh stocking and enhancement, Jim Harnwell, said the annual closure, commencing on Tuesday, 10 June, is crucial to allow salmonid species to breed uninterrupted during their annual spawning season.

“The four-month closure ensures we protect our valuable sheries resources for future seasons,” Mr Harnwell said.

“By giving salmonid species the opportunity to spawn without disturbance, we help maintain healthy sh populations for recreational shers to enjoy in the years ahead.”

While the closure restricts shing in trout streams and rivers, anglers can still enjoy shing at popular trout dams and designated waterways across NSW, including Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene Dam in the Snowy Mountains.

The shing season for trout and salmon in trout rivers and streams will re-open from the start of the October long weekend, Saturday, 4 October.

NSW DPIRD director sheries compliance, Mika Malkki, warns that shing in trout streams during the closed streams is an o ence.

“DPIRD Fisheries O cers will be actively patrolling inland waterways throughout the closure to ensure compliance,” Mr Malkki said.

“Fishers heading to any of the trout dams this winter are reminded that they are required to always have a current NSW recreational shing fee receipt ( shing licence) on them while shing.

“It’s essential that shers adhere to the regulations to support the sustainability of our sheries.”

More information on trout shing rules can be found on the DPIRD website, FishSmart NSW app and in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide, available from DPIRD Fisheries o ces and most tackle stores.

Endangered possum detected in Kosi NP

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE critically endangered Leadbeater possum has been found in Kosciuszko National Park, marking the rst live detection of the possum outside of Victoria.

The Leadbeater possum has been discovered near the Yarrangobilly Caves by a NSW Government ecosystems and threatened species team, who found the possum during camera trap surveys for the endangered smoky mouse.

The Biodiversity Council of Australia has welcomed the discovery, saying it highlights the importance of conserving large areas of quality habitats.

Biodiversity Council member Professor, David Lindenmayer, of the Australian National University has studied the possum extensively in Victoria.

“How exciting it is to live in a country where new discoveries are being made,”

Professor Lindenmayer said.

“This discovery highlights the importance of large national parks for biodiversity. Kosciuszko National Park is 690,000 ha, most of which is forest that has never been properly surveyed.”

Professor Lindenmayer surveyed for the tiny possum

around Yarrangobilly 35 years ago while undertaking a PhD.

“Bioclimatic modelling indicated that the area should suit the Leadbeater possum, so I looked for them there and in many other parts of Kosciuszko National Park, but this was before camera traps were widely available, and I was unsuccessful in detecting them,” Professor Lindenmayer said.

“This discovery shows that just because a species has not been positively detected

at a location, you cannot be con dent that it is not there.

Many of our most imperilled species are hard to detect.

“With so little high-quality habitat le in Australia, we should do our utmost to protect remaining areas; hopefully, there will be many more wonderful discoveries ahead, especially as detection techniques improve.”

Biodiversity Council member Professor, Brendan Wintle, from the University of Melbourne said the chance

discovery highlighted the inadequacy of funding for biodiversity conservation and research in Australia.

“Knowing that there is a population of Leadbeater possums in NSW has huge implications for the conservation of this critically endangered species nationally,” Professor White said.

“There should have been funding to look for the species there and in other potentially likely places.”

DETECTED: The critically endangered Leadbeater possum has been discovered in NSW for the first time following a detection near Yarrangobilly Caves. The possum had previously only been found in Victoria.

PHOTO: Zoos Victoria

Locals walk to support reconciliation

Many generations get behind Reconciliation Week ‘Bridging Now to Next’ theme

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

COOMA’S rst reconciliation walk during National Reconciliation Week 2025 attracted a large crowd of supporters despite the cold temperature on Monday.

The walk started from the Snowstop Village and continued along the Sharp Street bridge to Centennial Park where a number of speeches were made and a ag raising ceremony took place.

Federal Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain, presented an address highlighting this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, which re ects the ongoing connection between past, present, and future.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, could not attend the event, however, he prepared a speech which was read on his behalf by Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) Councillor, Tanya Higgins.

SMRC mayor, Cr Chris Hanna, also delivered a speech thanking all those who attended the event in such big numbers, a rst for Cooma, and also made mention of the multiple councillors who were showing their support by attending the Reconciliation Walk.

Primary and high school students from the region were represented at the walk as well as sta from Southern Area Local Health District, Snowy Hydro, among others, and many community members.

In addition to the speeches and ag raising ceremony, the activities at the park included entertainment and a community art installation.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about Australia’s shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how individuals can contribute to achieving reconciliation. It is held every year at the same time, from 27 May to 3 June.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.

In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s rst National Reconciliation Week.

In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation.

In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Weekand subsequently across bridges in cities and towns - to show their support for reconciliation.

Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.

WALKING TOGETHER: National Reconciliation Week 2025 walk was held in Cooma for the first time.

A large crowd walked from Snowstop Village in Sharp Street to Centennial Park for the planned events as part of Cooma’s first walk for reconciliation.

Federal Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain, delivered an address at the meeting in Centennial Park. Snowy Monaro Regional Councillors joined the walk along Sharp Street.

PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Flights back at Snowy airport

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

SNOWY 2.0 employees who use the Snowy Mountains Airport as their base to transfer between home and work are still ying to and from Cooma using the local facility.

The airport is owned and operated by Blyton Group leisure and entertainment.

Chief operating o cer Blyton Group, Lachlan Blyton-Gray, said the workers were bused to and from Canberra Airport last week as all Qantas ights to Snowy Mountains Airport had been cancelled for three days due to weather.

“Snowy Mountains Airport continues to be the airport for getting the FIFO workers to and from the site,” Mr Blyton-Gray said.

“Snowy Mountains Airport was informed that the Qantas ights were cancelled [at the beginning of the working week] due to excessive turbulence caused by the incoming storm front (which you can still get on a clear day).

“This was purely a decision of the airline, and not the airport.”

Mr Blyton-Gray said operations at the airport returned to normal once the weather event passed.

He added the transport change was not on-going, and that weather events, especially during winter, can a ect ight schedules.

Smoke alarm warning

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA Fire and Rescue NSW deputy captain, Nick Moon, is urging residents to ensure they have a working smoke alarm to protect their homes this winter season.

As temperatures continue to drop and res and heaters stay on longer during the day and night, Moon is calling for locals to take action.

Fire and Rescue NSW o cers in Bombala, Cooma and Jindabyne have been visiting homes to check smoke alarms are working and if not, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.

The visits are part of Smoke Alarm Action Day held on Sunday, 1 June. Moon said now is the time to book a free, re safety visit.

“We are happy to help residents ensure their smoke alarms are working. It can be life saving, so it’s crucial to check they are working,” Moon said.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, said Smoke Alarm Action Day reinforces to the community the importance of checking a smoke alarm.

“We can’t smell a re while sleeping. That’s why working smoke alarms are crucial,” Commissioner Fewtrell said.

“A working detector is the rst line of defence in a re, alerting residents and giving them time to escape.

“If your smoke alarm is a faded yellow colour or you’re not sure if it’s working properly, it’s time to

replace it.

“This small, inexpensive device on the ceiling may mean the difference between escaping safely or a tragedy.

“If you need help, we’re here for you. You can book a safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by calling your local re station.”

Members of the public can book a re safety visit at www. re.nsw. gov.au/visits. Local re ghters will come to your home, provide safety advice and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.

“June 1 marks the start of winter, a season when Fire and Rescue NSW consistently sees an increase

in house res and preventable deaths,” Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said.

“We want as many people as possible to take part in Smoke Alarm Action Day. The seconds you use to test your smoke alarm could save your life.

“Please, be smart, take part, and test your smoke alarm.”

Cooma Fire and Rescue NSW deputy captain, Nick Moon, is calling on residents to take advantage of a free fire safety visit from the brigade to check household smoke alarms are working.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson PREVENTION:

Gippsland St residents call for action

Residents urge more safety measures on busy street

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE’S Gippsland Street residents have called for changes to improve the safety of the busy street, approaching Snowy Monaro Regional Council with their concerns.

Gippsland Street resident of more than 50 years, Christina Webb, says she has witnessed many near accidents on the road and voiced her concerns at a recent meeting in Jindabyne.

Speeding, lack of street parking, narrow and blind corners are some of the issues Gippsland Street residents face on a daily basis. They have asked council to install some form of trafc control measures to help reduce speed and keep the street safe.

“The current tra c calming device measures placed in the centre of the road near the top bend of the street have been vandalised and require possible replacement,” Ms Webb said.

“Rather than replacing, I have suggested they remove the devices as they can be an obstacle for motorists who need to enter and exit those driveways around that area, blocking the rest of the tra c ow and forcing cars to drive on the wrong side of the road.

“Is it possible to make the eastern side of the narrow road a ‘no parking’ route to deter cars swerving dangerously, and provide school, ski and tourist buses an easier route.”

Ms Webb said the speed at which motorists travel in both directions on Gippsland Street has the potential to cause an accident. The problem is further complicated by the ever-increasing tra c caused by development.

“The bend of the road and lack of signage on the narrow portion of Gippsland Street was not a problem when I moved into my home in the 1970s, and since the trafc paci ers were erected in the 1980s, it has done little to slow down motorists,” Ms Webb said.

Others residing on the same stretch of Gippsland Street share Ms Webb’s concerns and have also pleaded to council for a solution.

Jean-Pierre Staelens wrote to council stating this street was never designed for the amount of tra c that now use it to travel between the town centre and developments of southern Jindabyne. It is the main street and busiest street of Jindabyne.

“The danger is with vehicles not slowing down sufciently for the corner,” Mr

TRAFFIC ADVICE: Wide loads for Snowy 2.0

Staelens said.

“Some form of tra c calming or control is required, whether that be as simple as bolting in some speed humps, or some other form of tra c control.

“The danger is at its highest now and requires urgent attention, perhaps an immediate solution would be installing speed humps and signs, and council can review if something more substantial is required later.”

A council spokesperson said council has conducted a site inspection on Gippsland Street in Jindabyne, following community concerns raised about vehicle speed and public safety on Gippsland Street.

“In short, we agree with the community that vehicles on Gippsland Street are travelling too quickly, especially downhill through the corner,” the spokesperson said.

“Based on our inspection and the reports received, council has determined that we will install a tra c calming device on this section of the road to help address the situation.

“This road safety installation will alert motorists travelling with excessive speed as they approach the corner, with similar tra c calming devices shown to encourage

SAFETY CONCERNS:

Residents on Jindabyne’s Gippsland Street are calling for more safety measures to slow motorists down along the road. This blind spot causes particular concern for residents.

PHOTOS: Trista Heath

better driver behaviour.”

The spokesperson said council has also discussed the concerns of Gippsland Street with residents and NSW Police.

“We remind all drivers in the Snowy Monaro to stay under the posted speed limit, especially in residential areas, and drive to the conditions,” the spokesperson said.

“In an especially bad year for fatalities and injuries on our roads in NSW, it’s critically important that we all do our part to keep each other safe.”

Delivery of major components for Snowy 2.0 is continuing with large loads transported via Cooma and the Snowy Mountains Highway

All oversize moves will be transported under pilot escort and at times, depending on size, police escort. Please always adhere to directions from pilots and NSW Police. These moves may involve some minor delays for motorists.

To minimise disruptions to road users and the community, loads wider than 4 metres will travel on the Snowy Mountains Highway at night. A number of overnight loads are scheduled during June

For travel times and more detailed information on escorted loads please visit futuregenerationjv.com.au/ traffic-notifications

Please note, dates and times published on the Traffic page of the project website are subject to change at short notice. Heavy Vehicle deliveries will increase over the coming months. Thank you for your patience and take care when driving around the Snowies.

Gippsland Street is one of the busiest streets in Jindabyne.

Record number of motions up for debate

CWA of NSW State Conference

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

MEMBERS of the Monaro group of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW travelled to Wagga Wagga last month to attend the annual state conference where a record number of motions were debated for inclusion in the association’s policy platform for the next 12 months.

The conference o cially opened on 19 May with business sessions, meetings and award ceremonies across the four days.

There were 700 delegates and observers from around the state in attendance, with 36 motions put forward by branches across the state covering education, health, the environment, agriculture, transport and telecommunications, and two urgency motions, both aiming to improve health care outcomes for remote, rural and regional NSW communities.

A new state president for the association was also elected, following the end of the three-year term by Joy Beames. The new president is Tanya Jolly.

“The high number of motions delegates will be asked to vote on this year re ects the commitment from our members to their communities and the importance of highlighting issues impacting the lives of those in remote, rural and regional NSW communities,” Ms Beames said.

“Advocacy has always been at the heart of our association and that has certainly come to the fore this year.”

Representatives of groups and branches from all over NSW and the ACT attended.

Cooma branch president, Margaret Peterson, was among the hundreds at the conference, as were other members of branches which form the Monaro Group including Kaye Anderson, who went as Monaro Group treasurer (also secretary of the Cooma branch).

“Our past president, Joy Beames, received a long standing ovation for her work and achievements over

the last three years,” Ms Peterson said.

“Members of the Monaro Group all welcome our new president, Tanya Jolly, and wish her the very best in her new position.

“One of the great things about going to state conference is the chance to meet and catch up with friends from other branches and to make new friends. It is quite an exciting time and a great way to learn about CWA.

“However, it is also time for setting the agenda for the work of CWA,” Ms Peterson said.

“Throughout each year, our members, at all levels, develop motions to be presented at our state conference. The motions are presented and then voted on by the delegates. The successful motions will then provide CWA of NSW a basis for advocacy.”

Below is a summary of topics of some of the successful motions. There were also a few procedural motions regarding amendments to the Constitution.

Agricultural and Environment:

- Control of feral pigs;

- Improving outcomes for unwanted domestic dogs in pounds;

- Education regarding the bene ts of seasonal eating;

- Inclusion of compact and a ordable external de brillators under the small business rebate program of SafeWork NSW;

- Strengthen penalties for biosecurity border breaches; and

- Control of Red Imported Fire Ant colonies.

Education:

- Advocate for reliable WiFi and other technologies to be provided for Geographically Isolated Distance Education (GIDE) students.

Health:

- Review of use-by-date markings on medications, both prescription and nonprescription;

- access to prescription medicine for cancer patients in NSW and ACT, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas;

winning second prize in the moist apricot roll section of the cookery competition, while Ms Peterson took out third prize for her entry in the miniature art section of the art competition.

“It was a pleasure to walk around the displays to see the good work that CWA of NSW is doing in this country but also internationally. The quality of the exhibits

were with fellow mid North Coast attendees while the ood event further north of the state was unfolding.

“Our thoughts and concern were for those members who were so badly affected by the recent oods, who had to go home a er the conference, and also those from further north, who may have had di culties getting home.”

 AWARD: CWA Cooma branch president, Margaret Peterson, took out third prize for her entry in the miniature art section of the art competition at the NSW CWA State Conference.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Some more examples of the handicra on display at the annual CWA State Conference at Wagga Wagga last month.

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Snowy Monaro Council appoints first female CEO RFS fleet review welcomed: LGNSW

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council has appointed a new chief executive o cer with Noreen Vu set to lead the organisation from mid-July.

Ms Vu was announced as council’s new permanent CEO last week following a unanimous councillor decision at the May ordinary council meeting. Her appointment comes a er an exhaustive recruitment process over several months.

Ms Vu is the rst female CEO or general manager of Snowy Monaro Regional Council, since its formation in 2016.

Currently serving as general manager at Weddin Shire Council in the NSW Central West, Ms Vu will start her rst day at Snowy Monaro Regional Council on July 14.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Chris Hanna, said Ms Vu’s experience working in the three levels of government and leadership roles in country NSW councils will strengthen SMRC’s work in the community.

“I’m so excited to welcome Ms Vu aboard as council’s new CEO,” Cr Hanna said.

“The depth of our new chief executive’s experience across all three tiers of Australian public service and her impressive academic quali cations in numerous disciplines really made her the stand-out candidate in a very competitive pool of applicants.”

Ms Vu has worked across strategic planning, policy development and asset and utility management within the

federal, state/territory, and local government sectors.

The new CEO previously served in an executive role at Coonamble Shire Council, where she oversaw the portfolio of environment, strategic planning and community services.

Councillor Hanna said Ms Vu’s demonstrated ability to engage with people at a grassroots level was a key deciding factor behind her appointment.

“On behalf of the Snowy Monaro, I’d like to extend our warmest welcome to Ms Vu, and give our sincere thanks to Stephen Dunshea for all that he’s done to get council on a positive track in his time as interim CEO,” Cr Hanna said.

“We wish him all the very best for the future, and look forward to this exciting new chapter for our region and our organisation.”

Ms Vu brings her substantial academic background to council, holding bachelor’s degrees in Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) and Applied Science (Ecotourism), with master’s degrees in Planning, Environmental Law, and Business Administration.

Ms Vu said she is looking forward to meeting locals and starting work in the region.

“I’m excited to connect with the community here in the Snowy Monaro, and to continue Mr Dunshea’s work to ensure that our sta are valued and respected,” Ms Vu said.

“I appreciate the councillors’ con dence and look forward to working closely together with the governing body to achieve our vision for council.”

EV chargers to be rolled out in region

JINDABYNE will receive a new electrical vehicle fast charger as part of a state government rollout of EV chargers across the state.

The NSW government is investing a further $16.1 million to install 246 fast and ultra-fast EV chargers in NSW, including in Jindabyne, Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said the government is delivering on its commitment to increase EV charger numbers in NSW. He said the chargers in the region will help motorists planning their travels to the Snowy Monaro.

“I’m pleased to say that Monaro is going to be receiving three of these new EV fast chargers. These cutting-edge

chargers allow drivers to replenish 70 per cent of their batteries in only 10-15 minutes, meaning less time o the road, and more time enjoying your trip,” Mr Whan said.

“I know that ‘range anxiety’ has been a barrier for some when looking at purchasing an electric vehicle, and we’re hoping to alleviate some of that with these new chargers.

“Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Jindabyne will all be receiving a charger meaning three of the 246 new chargers will be in Monaro.

“Additionally, all these chargers will be located at pull-through charging bays, meaning people towing a caravan, trailer, or boat will have ease of access when topping up for their road trip.”

A PARLIAMENTARY committee’s recommendation that the NSW Rural Fire Service eet be legally recognised as state government assets has been labelled a signi cant win by Local Government NSW (LGNSW).

The public accounts committee has tabled the report for its ‘Inquiry into the assets, premises and funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service’ with all 14 recommendations welcomed by the local government sector. President of Local Government NSW (LGNSW) mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said the report’s recommendations strongly align with the positions advocated by LGNSW and councils.

“This signi cant win comes a er years of strong advocacy from LGNSW and from individual councils,” Mayor Miller said.

“Of course, every council strongly supports the RFS and the incredible work they do for our communities.

“But the reality is that councils have no say in the acquisition, deployment or disposal of the RFS ‘Red Fleet’ assets so it’s illogical that councils should be expected to account for these assets and manage associated audit obligations.”

Key recommendations of the inquiry report include:

- Transferring legal ownership of the Red Fleet assets to the RFS

- Amending the Rural Fires Act 1997 to recognise that the NSW RFS – and not local government - is responsible for the maintenance and repair of Red Fleet assets.

- Amending the Rural Fires Act to clarify that the NSW RFS has primary responsibility for bush re mitigation and hazard reduction, with councils playing a supporting role.

- Amending the Rural Fires Act so that the NSW RFS is responsible for the provision of new premises in the future.

Mayor Miller says the report must now be followed by swi action.

LEADER: Snowy Monaro Regional Council has appointed Noreen Vu as the organisation’s new permanent CEO. Ms Vu starts with council on July 14.

PHOTO: Supplied

Popular second hand snow sale on again

Jindabyne Snow Sale gives pre-loved items a second chance

By TRISTA HEATH

THE ROB Kneller Youth Foundation is hosting its annual Jindabyne Snow Sale over two days, 7 and 8 June at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall.

The successful event gives snow lovers the opportunity to sell and purchase preloved snow equipment ahead of the ski season.

The two-day event raised close to $25,000 last year, donating all funds towards reducing the cost of school skiing, with each of the 155 students enrolled across Snowy Mountains Grammar School and Jindabyne Primary School students in kindergarten to Year 2 receiving a $160 subsidy.

The Jindabyne ski sale was rst established by the Berchtold family to raise funds for the local trampoline club and has served an important role in the community in providing an opportunity to recycle pre-loved gear whilst making snowsports that little bit more a ordable, particularly for young families.

The Rob Kneller Youth Foundation has taken over this long standing community event to continue to raise funds for local kids.

Luke Kneller said the foundation will again be donating funds to local school groups and aims to raise the same amount, if not more in this year’s event.

“This event is a fantastic and fun way to raise money for our local kids’ snow community,” Mr Kneller said.

“We are keeping the legacy of the long weekend snow sale alive and it is a great place for people to give their unwanted snow gear a second lease on life.

“We raise money for the local school skiing programs to keep the funds in that grassroots level and giving those kids the opportunity to get them up the hill and on those slopes.”

Members of the public and local shops are invited to sell pre-loved ski and snowboard equipment, including skis, snowboards, poles, boots and outerwear at the snow sale.

sale on Friday, 6 June from 12pm to 6pm. There is a lodgement fee of $2 per item.

You will be required to create an account and list items for sale where volunteers will then generate labels from the information provided online and provide tags to assist the seller in labelling their equipment and apparel when they are dropped o on the Friday a ernoon.

For shops or individual sellers with lots of items, contact the foundation and they will provide the labels to you prior to drop o to speed up the process.

Mr Kneller asks, if selling hardware including skis, boots and others, that only items under seven years old

and in full working order will be accepted, and to clean the items before bringing them to the sale.

Any unsold equipment must be collected a er the sale on Sunday, 8 June from 2pm to 5pm.

“We encourage shops to sell items at the sale, please reach out to us via email to discuss terms robknelleryouthfoundation@gmail. com,” Mr Kneller said.

“This Snow Sale would not be possible without the support, time and passion of our amazing volunteers, if you are able to volunteer some of your time over the event we would love to hear from you.” For all information on how to enter items into the sale and how you can volunteer visit www.robknelleryouthfoundation.com/ snowsale

TSM website a finalist in prestigious award

TOURISM Snowy Mountains’ new destination website has been named as a nalist in the 2025 Australian Web Awards, in the highly competitive tourism category.

The Australian Web Awards are among the most prestigious digital accolades in the country, recognising the very best in web design, development and user experience.

The winners were announced in Melbourne recently and, while - www.snowymountains.com.au - did not take out the top honour, being named a nalist is an outstanding achievement.

TSM marketing and communications manager, Christie Hampton, said the honour aligns the site with Australia’s leading digital platforms and a rms its excellence in strategic focus, design and functionality.

The website was designed and developed by Newcastle-

based creative agency Headjam, who brought their expertise in digital storytelling to deliver a bold, intuitive and visually rich platform.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we did with Tourism Snowy Mountains,” Headjam COO, Luke Kellet, said.

“The site was purpose-built as a destination marketing tool and it’s rewarding to see it receive national recognition. It’s a testament to strong collaboration, creative vision and the power of great design in promoting regional Australia.”

Since launching, www. snowymountains.com.au has played a key role in driving yearround tourism to the region, showcasing the Snowy Mountains’ unique blend of natural beauty, adventure and seasonal diversity.

“We’re thrilled to have been named a nalist in such a competitive category,” Ms Hampton, said.

“This recognition re ects the strength of our digital strategy and the steps we are taking to ensure the Snowy Mountains region is home to a thriving yearround visitor economy.”

The platform o ers engaging content, trip planning tools, event listings and immersive imageryall designed to inspire visitation and extend stays in the region. The website encompasses the entire Snowy Mountains region, introducing smaller towns such as Bombala, Dalgety and Delegate to an audience of potential visitors.

The website is part of the Bush re Local Economic Recovery funded Tourism Snowy Mountains program, which focuses on recovery from the 2019-20 bush res that impacted the local tourism industry and le lasting economic e ects. These initiatives aim to restore the visitor economy and support tourism operators in making the most of future opportunities.

RECOGNITION: Tourism Snowy Mountains website has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Australian Web Awards. PHOTO: Supplied

Tourism Snowy Mountains thanked the Australian and NSW governments for their commitment to regional recovery and resilience, ensuring the Snowy Mountains continues to thrive as a world-class tourism destination.

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.

• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens

• Bagged Firewood

• Bagged Kindling

• Bagged charcoal

• Bagged Ironbark –cooking wood

Thousands of snow items are up for grabs over the two-day event with funds going to the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation.

SALE TIME: The successful Jindabyne Snow Sale gives pre-loved snow gear a second chance ahead of the 2025 ski season. PHOTOS: Supplied

Lily to host Pink Fun Run fundraiser

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE’S, Lily Godding, is supporting an important cause, one that is close to her heart, the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) through a community-led fundraising event, Pink Fun Run.

Ms Godding said she is proud to be running the City2Surf as a Charity Superstar, raising vital funds for breast cancer research.

“This mission is deeply personal. Last year, my Aunty was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she is now recovering, but her journey inspired me to take action for those still ghting, and for those we’ve lost,” Ms Godding said.

“I know it’s very close to

a lot of people as well, and I’m nding out that more and more people have been a ected one way or another by breast cancer and the response so far has been amazing.

“Everybody’s getting behind the Pink Fun Run and one day into posting my fundraising story I raised $1000, the community has been greatly supportive and generous with some businesses sponsoring the event by donating goods and ESS Board Store have allowed me to leave a donation box in store.”

To help support Ms Goddings fundraiser, Pink Fun Run, join the community for a family-friendly three km run/walk on Sunday, 15 June meeting at Banjo Pat-

erson Park which will be lled with pink spirit, prizes, treats, and a strong message of hope.

No stranger to fundraising, on August 11, 2024, Ms Godding participated in the City2Surf run in Sydney, embarking on a 14km journey to raise funds for Doctors Without Borders where she raised more than $3,500.

Her second City2Surf, Ms Godding looks forward to running beside co-worker and friend, Zoe, as they bring awareness of this important cause and disease that takes the lives of 3300 Australian women each year.

Ms Godding’s greatest supporters, her family and her breast cancer survivor aunt, will be participating in the Pink Fun Run in Jindabyne

for a morning lled with a casual three km run/walk, where dogs are welcome, even encouraged, prizes and ra e draw and delicious treats for sale with all donations going towards NBCF.

“My goal is to fundraise as much as we can as a community to support life-changing research and help build a future without breast cancer,” Ms Godding said.

“Please give what you can, every dollar helps NBCF fund vital breast cancer research so bring your friends, wear your best pink gear and help us run for hope.”

If you are unable to attend the Pink Fun Run or City2Surf event and still wish to support Ms Godding’s cause visit city2surf25.grassrootz. com/nbcf/lily-godding

Dr Robert Schmidli combines music with medicine

By KAREN FORMAN

A REGULAR visitor in his medical role to Cooma, Dr Robert Schmidli, will perfom classic pieces on the Snowy Monaro Arts Council’s grand piano on 16 June at the Anglican Parish Hall.

Dr Schmidli will present Bach’s French Suite No. 5 in G Major, two pieces by Chopin and Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes.

Arts Council president, Caroline Fox, said she was delighted to welcome Dr Schmidli back to Cooma.

“He currently practices as a specialist in endocrinology and diabetes in Canberra and practiced in Cooma for the past 25 years, so many locals will know him through his work,” she said.

“That said, he is renowned for his musical talents and we are

excited to host him on 16 June, playing on the Arts Council’s grand piano.”

Dr Schmidli studied with Alice Farquhar, Iola Shelley and Johannes Giessen in New Zealand and later with Steven MacIntyre and Jean Starling in Melbourne.

He passed his LTCL and LRSM (music) diplomas in New Zealand while studying medicine.

In his rst year of Medicine in Christchurch he was awarded

the Union in Graduates in Music prize at Canterbury University.

During his medical studies in Dunedin he performed on national and local radio.

He has played works including the Liszt second piano concerto and the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with orchestras in New Zealand and Australia.

Dr Schmidli has performed with a number of international

artists including David Pereira, Jack Glatzer and George Zukerman.

He moved to Melbourne in 1991 and undertook PhD studies at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Since arriving in Canberra in 1996 he has appeared as a soloist, accompanist and chamber music player.

Dr Schmidli is a Fellow of the Wesley Music Centre.

SUPPORT: Jindabyne local, Lily Godding, fundraises for National Breast Cancer Foundation and invites the community along for a Pink Fun Run. PHOTO: Supplied

Well done, Bombala

THE Bombala community is wellknown for its generosity and this was again on show at last month’s Anglican op shop Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.

The delicious morning tea, along with sales from the shop, raised $2,500. Anglican op shop volunteers and community members say they are very pleased with the fundraising e orts and thanked Bombala locals for their support.

Berridale Lions reflect on productive year

IF YOU are one of the thousands who have enjoyed the Berridale Easter Fair, Spring Fair or the Christmas markets, then you have the Berridale Lions Club to thank.

The club is the driving force behind each of these popular Berridale events, as well as supporting the Christmas light decorating competition.

The club celebrated a busy 12 months at its annual changeover dinner last week.

Joining club members were Zone Lions chair, Angie Ingram, and Cooma Lions Club president, Paul McGu cke.

Berridale Lions Club stalwart, Stuart Reid, has returned as club president and is joined on the board of directors by secretary, Simon Munslow, treasurer, Amanda Plowwright, director, Cli Hannem, and public o cer, Fred Hacker.

During the last 12 months, the club raised $12,500 and contributed 595 hours of service to the community.

YEP, I RECKON I’LL NEED SOME HAY FOR ME SHEEP.

HEY STAN?

YEAH, AND I SAID ‘I RECKON I’LL NEED SOME HAY FOR ME SHEEP’.

I SAID ‘HEY’ STAN, NOT ‘HAY’ STAN.

GEEZ, AND PEOPLE WONDER WHY I DRINK.

The Berridale Lions annual changeover dinner celebrated the club’s busy 12 months. While small in numbers, their work is impressive.

Cli Hannem (le ) is presented with a 30 year service to Berridale Lions award by president Stuart Reid .

DEDICATED: The Berridale Lions Club board of directors for the next year is (le to right): director,

Cli Hannem; president, Stuart Reid; treasurer, Amanda Plowwright; and secretary, Simon Munslow.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

SPREAD: The morning tea served for the Bombala Anglican op shop’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. PHOTO: Supplied

Posted with Phil Daley

FINALLY, Snowy Monaro

Regional Council seems to be catching up on outstanding notices of motion, some of which have been on the meeting agendas since February this year.

Case in point is one moved by Councillor Rose whose motion was to develop and adopt a roads strategy based on the ndings of a condition assessment carried out in 2024.

Cr Rose’s motion was to develop the strategy as part of council’s 2026 delivery and operational plan.

The motion proposed to use the rated condition data to form a strategic priority list for road construction, re-construction and major road maintenance projects including bridges and culverts.

That approach has a lot of merit and takes away any public misconceptions on how road upgrades are prioritised.

We all know the Bobeyan Road re-construction was a state government proposed and funded project but was its reconstruction on any priority list of council?

I have often wondered if the Avonside Road, Dry Plains Road and the Shannons Flat Road re-construction projects, carried out in 2024 were considered on merit when adopted by council. Was there a priority list somewhere that council had adopted?

The strategy suggested by Cr Rose would see works decisions based on a sound technical assessment system.

Over time those priorities might have to change due to a particular road deteriorating faster than one earmarked for attention. If that was the case, there will be a sound data driven system on which staff can base its recommendation for the change.

The CEO was not supportive of the proposal and gave many reasons for not accepting the motion.

He said ‘the proper management of the road network is a highly technical process’. I agree, that is why Cr Rose’s motion has merit.

Also, the CEO stated it

‘is likely to result in higher cost of maintaining the road network over the longer term’. What rubbish, prioritising maintenance and re-construction will allow for better allocation of funds and resources.

The CEO continued with a recommendation that ‘councillors wait until they are fully informed on the situation before making a decision on a strategic approach; at that time, the council can consider an asset management strategy based on the data underpinning the needs to manage the assets’.

That is exactly what Cr Rose’s motion is suggesting, a strategy based on data that council has already in its possession. The CEO also stated the motion ‘proposes an increase in service levels that has not been assessed through the council’s framework’.

That is not correct, service levels were not even mentioned in the motion. The CEO also considered the motion ‘appears as an attempt to circumvent the

integrated strategic planning process required under the Local Government Act, by seeking to pursue particular policies and approaches before the governing body is fully informed of all the challenges facing the council’.

There is no substance to that statement. The motion as proposed will enhance the IPR process by allowing the governing body to be fully aware of the challenges it faces and it is certainly not “adhoc decision making” as suggested.

The concept was not readily accepted by the councillors who seemed to be shuffling around and unable to make a decision.

One councillor suggested it may be premature and that the motion should be deferred until the new CEO has taken residence.

Another councillor, who couldn’t decide on the merit of the argument, fell back on the time honored strategy suggesting it be put off until a report could be prepared for council.

It was most certainly not premature and the strategy will require a report to be put before council for adoption anyway. Three months have already been available to staff to report on the motion if it was considered so flawed. During those three months any councillors could have made their own enquiries regarding the merit of the motion and avoided the confusion on meeting day. There appeared to be much confusion around the table so in the end the motion was carried in a much-diluted form which called for ‘a report come before council to develop a roads management strategy grounded in a comprehensive needs analysis’.

So, the decision has once again been delayed through councillors not understanding the benefits of the original motion and the staff being uncomfortable with what was being proposed. I wonder if the report will be phrased in such a way as to kill a very worthwhile strategy.

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

Email editor@monaropost.com.au

Address 59 Vale Street, Cooma

Photo of the week

OUR photo of the week comes from local photographer, Sue-Ellen Mackay. SueEllen is a keen photographer who for the last few years has been chief steward of the photography section of the Cooma Show.

Sue-Ellen has submitted this lovely image from her family property, Frying Pan. The image captures a striking sunset over Lake Eucumbene, taken from a favourite spot of Sue-Ellen’s on Frying Pan over the Easter weekend.

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

The Monaro Post welcomes

0312

to Friday. We also welcome letters to the editor.

EDITOR

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

JOURNALISTS

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ADVERTISING

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FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Mature-aged students share study journey

Country Universities Centre hosts important Cooma forum

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

COUNTRY Universities Centre

(CUC) Snowy Monaro Common Ground community graduation

featured an informative and honest guest panel of students who shared their study journey experiences of the CUC program.

Their stories all carried the same message about the di culties they faced as a mature-aged student, and the assistance they received from being part of the Common Ground program.

CUC education co-ordinator, Han Worsley, began the graduation event, held at the Alpine Hotel, by thanking and acknowledging the CUC partners who assist in the Common Ground program - the University of Canberra, The Australian National University, Australian Catholic University, University of New England and TAFE Cooma.

Common Ground is a community-driven project that aims to increase the understanding and awareness of higher education in Cooma.

Han said the program over the last two years has supported a cohort of community members who do not get much attention from the tertiary or higher education sector.

The program responds to gaps identi ed by extensive community consultation with stakeholders.

“We’ve been assisting mature age students, people who are over the age of 22, and looking to support adults who might not be interested in study themselves but to support

people in their lives, who are studying; it might be employees or their children or other family members,”

Han said.

“We think this is really important because when we talk about going to university, undertaking an apprenticeship or working through a TAFE course, no matter where you’re doing that, it takes a lot if you are from a rural or regional area and it takes a lot of e ort if you are someone who has been out of the education system for a while and looking to get back into it.

“The goal with this program is to make it hyper-local - it’s not just rural people in general, it is Cooma people speci cally. What can we o er people who live and work in our region?

“It also o ers a broad approach in terms of partnerships with tertiary and higher education providers.”

Han said the speci c local approach has been taken because Cooma presents unique opportunities for the program.

“We have the Snowy Hydro project, which o ers incredible opportunities, which brings a lot of people from overseas to work here, who are on visas, and may be struggling to get their quali cations recognised, and that’s an asset for our town we can perhaps support better.

“We have also been trying to focus on helping people build up skills to address skills shortages here and trying to acknowledge as well that high rental and housing stress in Cooma plays a part in that

people aren’t likely to give up the rental they have, or those who have grown up here don’t want to leave their families, so this program has been important in addressing Cooma-speci c needs,” Han said.

“Becoming a student in Cooma absolutely has its challenges and the system isn’t always set up to support that, but this program has let us take a regional and local

Students and tertiary education representatives at the Country Universities Centre Snowy Monaro graduation night (back from le ) Tayne Ephraims (student), Han Worsley (CUC), Sarah Corney (student), Benjamin Luck (UC), Leo Alder (UC), Anna Richmond (UC), (front from le ) Laurie Poretti (UC), Sumera Sadaat (student), Debbie Keen (ACU), Therese Canty (UC) and Tahlia Marks-Woolley (ANU).

Sumera Sadaat spoke as a member of the panel at the recent CUC Common Ground graduation event.

POSSIBILITIES: Country Universities Centre (CUC) education co-ordinator, Han Worsley, le , with mature-aged student, Sarah Corney, who was one of the panel members at the CUC Common Ground community graduation last week.

PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Snow season bus service returns

THE SNOWY Mountains Bus and SMS alert services will return this year to ensure snow lovers can make the most of the ski season.

Transport for NSW executive director operations management, Craig Moran, said tickets are on sale now for the popular Snowy Mountains bus service, which will operate every day from Saturday, 7 June to Sunday, 5 October.

“The service started in 2021 and continues to grow in popularity, with 93,000 passenger journeys completed in 2024,” Mr Moran said.

“With services now connecting the Cooma, Berridale and Jindabyne townships to Perisher, Thredbo and the Skitube at Bullocks Flat, it is easy to see why uptake continues to rise.

“This year, buses for the Snowy Mountains Bus Service have been tted with state-of-the-art vehicle tracking technology via the Transport Connected Bus program. Passengers can view the real-time location of their buses using the Trip Planner website, Opal Travel app, or via some third-party transport apps.”

Also returning this year is the SMS alert service, to keep motorists informed when temporary road closures are in place on Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way, once parking availability at Per-

isher and Thredbo reaches capacity.

Introduced in 2024, the service also proved popular with close to 1500 people signing up for the alerts.

Tickets for the Snowy Mountains Bus Service include free all-day parking at The Station Resort, complementary access to the park and shuttle bus and entry into Kosciuszko National Park.

Early bird discounts on adult season tickets are available un-

til the end of June which will see passengers save 10 per cent o their season ticket. Snow goers only doing the second half of the season can save up to 30 per cent o their pass with the half-season ticket on o er from 1 August.

For more information and to buy your tickets for the bus service, head to www.snowymountainsbus.com.au

To nd out more information or subscribe to the SMS alert service, go to www.nsw.gov.au

By KAREN FORMAN

MEMBERS of the public, emergency services, lodge managers, resort sta and politicians have been invited to attend the annual blessing of the snow church service at Perisher on Saturday, 7 June.

The service, to be held from 11am at The Alpine Church, Front Valley, Perisher, has been held for more than 40 years on the Saturday morning of the June long weekend, which is traditionally the opening weekend of the snowsports season.

Snowy Mountains chaplain, Graham Morrison, said invitations had

been sent to Perisher senior sta , National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance NSW, State Emergency Services and Ski Patrol.

“We have also invited state and federal members of parliament and Snowy Monaro Regional Council representatives, along with Planning NSW, Slopes (and all lodges),” Mr Morrison said.

The Alpine Church is located above Perisher carpark and will continue to hold Sunday services for locals and visitors throughout the snow season, with details posted on the Alpine Church Facebook page.

Council updates

Sewer maintenance in Jindabyne

Essential sewer maintenance and upgrade works are underway now until Sunday 15 June 2025 across Jindabyne, weather permitting.

External contractor staff will be operating along residential streets and may require external access to properties.

Small areas of turf or soil may be disturbed to access sewer infrastructure.

Employment at Council

If you’re looking for a career with purpose, consider joining the team here at Council.

Closing Monday 9 June 2025

• Customer Service Officer

Full-time – Berridale/Cooma/Jindabyne

Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCjobs to see all our current employment opportunities. Contact us for further information.

Jindabyne Town Centre public toilets undergoing maintenance

Council is conducting urgent maintenance works at the Jindabyne Town Centre public toilets this week, ending Thursday 5 June 2025.

Council’s contractor is completing a range of repairs and maintenance items to restore this important public facility to a clean and acceptable standard.

More substantial revitalisation works are scheduled for late 2025 after the ski season.

Works are focusing on the male toilets at the site and require that the male facilities be closed to the public while these maintenance works are completed.

Alternative public toilets are located nearby at Banjo Paterson Park.

Projects staff will visit Jindabyne in June to discuss the planned major renovations for this facility. Further details about how to get involved will follow in a future update.

We’re here to help.

Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund applications

Applications for the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund are now open until Sunday 6 July 2025.

The fund provides grants to community groups, events, initiatives and their organisers based in the Snowy Monaro.

The Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund reinvests a portion of revenue generated by the Boco Rock Wind Farm back into the local community through this yearly grant funding program.

Visit https://qrco.de/bocorock today to learn more about fund eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the application process before applications close on Sunday 6 July 2025.

Contact Council with any questions by email at council@smrc.nsw.gov.au, or phone 1300 345 345 to speak with us today. Applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 6 July 2025. Visit the website to get started.

BLESSINGS: Locals, visitors, emergency services workers, lodge owners and resort workers attended the 2024 Blessing of the Snow service at Perisher.

PHOTO: Karen Forman.

TRANSPORT: The Snowy Mountains Bus shuttle service returns from the June long weekend, running each day until the October long weekend.

St John duo honoured

By KAREN FORMAN

TWO volunteer members of Cooma’s St John Ambulance division have been honoured with promotions that will see them take on higher level roles within the organisation.

Superintendent Jake Mason presented members Tracy Mason and Kadee Laird with their certi cates of appointment and epaulettes during a regular duty at the Sapphire Raceway at the weekend.

While providing rst aid cover for the motocross event, members managed a situation which resulted in a helicopter extraction for an injured rider.

Both Ms Mason and Ms Laird have been promoted to Sergeants within the organisation while learning their new roles, pending further promotion later this year.

St John Ambulance is a charitable and community driven organisation.

All St John Ambulance members are volunteers, providing rst aid services at events, responding to emergencies and providing rst aid instruction.

Ms Mason, a responder for Cooma Division, will undertake an appointment as divisional ofcer, specialising in administrative functions.

She joined St John Ambulance a er her son (Mr Mason) joined, initially to support him in his role, but gained rst aid qualications and is now an active responder.

While Ms Laird, a paramedi-

cine student volunteering with Cooma Division, and SES mem ber, will undertake an opera tions focused appointment.

with advanced rst aid and ad vance resusciation quali ca tions, she will be recognised as a paramedic within St John Ambulance once her university studies are complete.

he was proud of both women’s achievements and willingness to volunteer their time to serve the community.

“We are always looking for more members and welcome people of all ages and levels of experience,” Mr Mason said.

“At the moment Cooma has nine members including two new members who were part of the team managing the casualty on Sunday.

“We have people who have no rst aid training yet but are in-

Locals support cafe Cancer Council fundraiser

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THERE was great local support for Nell’s Cafe on Thursday as it hosted one of the Monaro region’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraisers.

The annual Cancer Council event, held to show support for those impacted by cancer, raised $1062 across the morning.

For $15, Nell’s o ered plates of mixed sandwiches and an assortment of cakes, scones, and beverages, plus there was a ra e and for another $5 supporters could take part in a guessing competition.

Janelle and Paul Holcomb, owners of

Nell’s Cafe, thanked all those who attended and supported the fundraiser.

“We are very pleased with the amount raised,” Mr Holcomb said.

“We thank Sandy’s Grooming Tails and Cafe, TSG and Nell’s for the ra e prize donations, and Bendigo Bank and 2MNO community radio for their assistance.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is a community event that raises vital funds to make a big di erence with money going towards the Cancer Council’s research, support and prevention programs. Almost one in two Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85.

support members in travelling to our state operations centre in Sydney to undertake higher training quali cations, and take on rst aid duties at various events during the year, covering the area from the Snowy Mountains to the coast, and Michelago to the Victorian border.”

For more information, contact Mr Mason on 0435593458 or visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au

Development application

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

APPLICATION NUMBER 10.2025.104.1

PROPERTY ADDRESS

8 North Street, Cooma 2630

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Lot: 3 DP: 226204

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Three (3) Lot Subdivision

APPLICANT

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

CONSENT AUTHORITY

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

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 Wednesday 2 July 2025.

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

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

Notification of proposal to close Council public road, pursuant to Section 38B of the Roads Act 1993 (NSW)

REFERENCE: Cambalong 1, SC 2148 ENQUIRIES: 1300 345 345

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Snowy Monaro Regional Council proposes to close the Council public road listed in Schedule 1.

SCHEDULE 1

Once closed, this land vests in Council. Council intends to dispose of the land in exchange for land acquired for the alignment of Cambalong Road, as per Council resolution 22/25.

Members of the public may make a written submission concerning this proposal, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Snowy Monaro Regional Council. Submissions can be made by post to PO Box 714 Cooma NSW 2630, or by email to council@smrc.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions must be received within twenty-eight days of the date of this advertisement, closing Wednesday 2 July 2025. Under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Council will consider all submissions received by the deadline, prior to making a final determination regarding this proposed closure.

Portion of Council Road, shown in purple, through land located at Lot 2 DP 810693, Cambalong, County: Wellesley

‘Puffs’ tickets selling quickly

Monaro High production a must-see comedy

TICKETS are now available for Monaro High School’s production of ‘Puffs’.

‘Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic’ is a retelling of a famous wizarding story from the perspective of the members of the Hufflepuff house, also known as the ‘Puffs’.

This is a must-see for any wizardry fans, and anyone who enjoys a good comedy.

The talented students, from across all years, have been hard

at work rehearsing and are excited to put on an excellent show for not only the school community, but the broader community as well.

The students playing the lead roles are Emily Anderson, Amelie Battye, Zac Dowd, Aysha

Craig and Natasha Kelly.

Year 11 student Josie Holfter is the director of the production and says it is going well.

“I am really enjoying working with everybody,” Ms Holfter said.

“I have never directed anything

before, so it has made me realise just how much work goes into a production. It is more than I expected, but it is fun.”

Ms Holfter plans to undertake a Certificate III in Live Production next year and hopes to pursue a career in production.

Purchase your tickets now at www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1409028 for the performances on Wednesday, 18 June or Thursday, 19 June

With students able to utilise the state-of-the-art performing

arts centre (PAC) at MHS, they can gain valuable experience using a professional, high-tech facility.

The MHS PAC was constructed as part of the multi-milliondollar upgrade to the school, completed in 2022.

The PAC provides an outstanding learning environment for students interested in the arts, and is also a great asset for the whole community.

The PAC is also going to be the stage for the upcoming Snowy

The Snowy Monaro Performing Arts Festival is an opportunity for public schools across Eden Monaro and beyond to showcase their passion and skills as they explore the arts in their schools.

Featuring students from Kindergarten to Year 12, the festival features school items in dance, drama and music.

The inaugural festival was held in 2023, and its success continues to grow each year.

Tickets are already sold out for the 26 June event, with many schools from across the region

The comedic wizarding play ‘Pu s’ will hit the stage at Monaro High School on 18 and 19 June, with tickets selling fast.

Monaro High School students performing a dance in last year’s Snowy Monaro Performing Arts Festival.

Rural splendour, modern comfort

ADDRESS: 467 Caddigat Road

Approx two hectares

Three bed, two bath, two car

ASKING: $795,000

NESTLED amidst the serene landscape of Dry Plain, this charming brick abode at 467 Caddigat Road offers a perfect blend of rural splendour and modern comforts, ideal for families seeking a lifestyle retreat.

This exquisite property spans approximately two hectares, providing an idyllic setting for both relaxation and recreation.

The home has been thoughtfully converted from a four bedroom structure into an expansive threebedroom sanctuary, boasting a spacious parents’ retreat with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.

The semi-open plan design integrates a modern kitchen, ensuring a seamless flow for family living and entertaining.

Indoor

Charm and Outdoor Promise

•Nestled on a

•The

•Wood

•Property

•Presenting

Comfort is assured year-round with a ducted reverse cycle unit discreetly installed in the ceiling, keeping the space cosy in winter and cool during the summer months.

Surrounding the home, you’ll find a well-maintained garden featuring established fruit trees, native flora, and stately pines.

External amenities include a large shed with a convenient double carport and workshop space, catering to all your storage and hobby needs.

The property also benefits from

an easement to Caddigat Creek for water access, with a filtration system installed at the house. A solar system is also installed to keep costs down.

The expansive wide verandah encircling the home offers a peaceful vantage point to take in the tranquil surrounds.

Located a mere 25 to 30 minutes from Cooma, this property presents an unrivalled opportunity for families to embrace a peaceful country lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.

•4

Commanding views, loads of space

ADDRESS: 43-45 Plunkett Street, Bombala

ASKING: $560,000

THIS home delivers loads of space both inside and out for all of the family.

Located on a good-sized corner block (1897m2 approx), with commanding views over the Bombala township and local countryside, it’s easy to imagine you are on top of the world.

The modern home features four bedrooms with built in wardrobes, spacious living room with slow combustion heater and access to the front deck that looks out to the beautiful views.

The kitchen in the heart of the home with breakfast area and dining room that captures all of the afternoon sun with a reverse cycle air conditioner. There is a renovated bathroom, laundry and second toilet.

The home has an all-weather, concrete driveway from Plunkett Street that wraps around into the carport that is at the side of the house. All access points into the home have all ability friendly ramp access, allowing all members of the family, young and old, to enjoy the property both inside and out.

A covered outdoor entertaining area is perfect for barbecuing or setting up an outdoor sports bar, while the deck is perfect for a more formal outdoor setting. Single car garage at the bottom of the block with workshop area and woodsheds at the rear.

Established gardens and lawns complete the package and leave little to do but add your own personal touches.

Bring the family and inspect your forever home today.

room

•Features beautifully restored pressed metal ceilings, original fireplaces and timber linings

•Convenient central location, Delegate Cafe, General Store and the local Public Primary School are all just a few minutes’ walk from your door

•Spacious 2023m2 (approx) block, lots of open lawn and a single car garage

With new carpet and curtains and freshly painted throughout, there is nothing to do but move in and start calling it home!

•Front

•Rear

•Electric

Great

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Energy, movement and colour of a shearing shed

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

ENTERING a shearing shed when it is in full operation can only be described as a sensory explosion.

All receptors, from eyes, ears, nose and even mouth experience an intensely overwhelming hit.

Shearing sheds comes alive during the shearing season with shearing gangs, working dogs, banging play lists (at maximum volume), bleating sheep, electric hand pieces, banter and the occasional use of ‘colourful’ language, mingling with the smell of sheep, wool and sweat.

There are bits of eece of varying sizes ying through the air in the general direction of storage bags every other second, roustabouts madly sweeping up stray pieces of wool using paddle brooms everywhere you turn, and wool handlers, classers and pressers methodically going about their jobs like well-drilled soldiers.

The mixture of sights and sounds creates an adrenaline rush, matched by the frenetic pace of the shearing activity.

To the uninitiated observer it’s an exciting and lively space, where team work is of great importance for the smooth running of the operation.

This o en romanticised portrayal of life on the farm actually looks, in reality, like hard work, but there is many an old shearer who will tell you they have fond memories of their time in the shearing shed and that they were “the good old days”.

‘Coolringdon’ west of Cooma is an ideal place to learn the trade.

Australian Wool Innovations workshops are held at the property every year for two weeks to provide training and tips on sheep shearing, wool handling and wool classing.

The most recent school has just wrapped up and now it’s all handson-deck to nish o shearing the ewes before the winter sets in.

With 4300 sheep needing to be shorn, there’s only so many a “newby” to the industry can get through, so the rest are le to the professionals.

“It’s a bit di erent isn’t it,” shearing contractor, school course co-ordinator and wool classer, Mick Scho eld, said in the midst of all the action.

“We get through them quickly, you can see all the wool bales that

SHEARING ACTION: Professional shearers on the job at Coolringdon. Shearing sheep, especially, demands a high level of fitness.

PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

are already pressed.

“In the two weeks of the school there was only about 30 bales pressed whereas there’s already been 24-25 pressed this morning... that’s the di erence in pace and experience.”

The pressing area located at the rear of the shed, although busy, is slightly less manic, and quieter.

A shearers’ day starts at 7.30am until 9.30am, with half an hour for smoko, then 10am to 12pm, with an hour o for lunch; then 1pm to 3pm with a half hour break and the last session from 3.30pm to 5pm.

“If the weather’s kind to us, this will be a three-and-a-bit day job. But with some rain forecast, we will need to get the sheep shedded out of the weather to keep going, as you can’t shear when they are soaking wet.

“Wool is a natural bre, even when it’s on the sheep’s back or it’s on our back when you completely dry wool, as soon as you put it back in the air, it gains 17 per cent of its own weight in moisture. It’s a living, breathing bre; that’s why it’s a good natural product for insulation. It’s always breathing in moisture; if you’re out in the rain wearing wool, it takes more time to get wet with wool because it absorbs the moisture before it touches your skin,” Mick explained.

There’s not much, if anything, Mick doesn’t know about the sheep and wool industry.

Another interesting and possibly unanswered question many people

wonder about is why sheep are shorn so close to the freezing winter season.

OPENING THE DOORS OF THE WOOL SHED

it’s already giving them a two week start in the winter time.

The answer is snow combs. These combs are part of a shearer’s everyday equipment in the cold country.

There are di erent combs for di erent uses, much the same as using a buzzer for a clean shave or a more rough shave on a person, Mick said.

“The snow combs we use leaves ve millimetres on the sheep, if they got wet today they will u back up.

“A normal comb on the back is at and pointy, where the snow comb has a back on them with ridges and is wider between the teeth, which li s the eece o the skin and doesn’t cut as ne, to leave more wool on them.”

The increased uptake of using a snow comb in the last 10-15 years has resulted in it being a more popular method of ensuring sheep are not cold a er shearing, replacing the yellow, green or blue rugs which were put on the sheep.

“It was physically labour intensive putting the rugs on every sheep and then bringing them back in four weeks’ later to take them o ,” Mick said.

“Whereas with the snow comb we are doing all the work in one process, no double-handling; we are working smarter, not harder.

“Sheep grow about 8-10mm of wool a month, in length. So about 95-98mm in length a year. If we leave ve millimetres on the sheep,

“These sheep we are shearing today won’t lamb until the middle of August or early September, so by that time they have about 20mm back on them and this helps with lambing. If they had that 100mm on lamb and they get really wet and are down lambing that’s putting an extra 10kg on them and it’s harder for them to get up.

“Only 20mm on helps, especially with the ‘twinners’. It means they can get back to their feet a lot easier if it’s wet.

Wool sheds come alive during shearing season. Shearers, wool handlers and classers are generally on their feet all day due to the hands-on nature of the job.

“I o en do 22,000 steps a day

“If they are down for too long, you usually lose that sheep because they can’t get back up as they get exhausted struggling.

“Ninety-nine per cent of farmers are looking a er their stock, and they are treating their animals properly. They take pride in breeding and caring for livestock because that’s a farmers’ livelihood.”

Mick has been involved with the industry for many years, and is not slowing down with age. As an educator he is ensuring the longevity and security of the wool industry.

“You are just moving all the time in a job like this,” Mick said.

“I o en do 22,000 steps a day in this job, anything you do, your body starts wearing out from the day you start. I was shearing for about 25 years and I’m as good as gold in the back. It’s about teaching better techniques with foot work, timing, standing in the right position and not having the weight of the sheep on you, so you’re a lot more balanced nowadays, rather than using brute force.

“The more relaxed you are, the calmer the sheep is and the easier it is.”

Think of it as like having a dance partner, Mick described, “you’re moving your feet all the time and the sheep is moving with you so you are using their balance and your rhythm.”

Landholders’ weed concerns continue

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

CONCERNS about the spread of African lovegrass (ALG) across the region continue, with a map published on the Department of Primary Industries’ website showing ALG hot spots across NSW revealing the extent of the invasive weed’s coverage in this region.

ALG has taken over pastures and disturbed areas within the region, degrading pastures as it’s not nutritious for livestock.

Nimmitabel landholder, Ant Waldren, one of a number of local voices pushing for greater control measures of ALG, has shared the map with members of the local farming community involved in the campaign to control ALG in the Monaro, federal and state politicians, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Local Land Services, landcare and other relevant groups.

The map contains data captured from property inspections and reported to the NSW Biosecurity Information System. The map is updated every month with each dot representing a patch or a polygon that’s been mapped, and could be half an acre or 1000 acres.

“The scary part about this map, is it shows how massively ALG has taken over as a monoculture in the last 40 years,” Mr Waldren said.

Local grazier, Ross Sherlock, a Rural Fire Service captain, hosted a farm visit in April from the State Natural Resource Commission (NRC) - with support from SMRC councillors and biosecurity o cers, Landcare Group leaders, LLS regional o cers, and local landowners - to appeal to the NRC to bring in a pilot program around managing ALG on the Monaro.

“Many Monaro residents are extremely upset that a good citizen like Ross is spending $300 per hectare per year spot spraying ALG, on land quite close to Cooma, which is keeping the community safe,” Mr Waldren said.

“This weed was introduced by Soil Con as a soil stabiliser on roadsides and continues to spread like a slow-moving bush re.

“In the last couple of years councils have taken ALG o the noxious weeds list, taking away landholders’ requirement to spray out this noxious weed. A large reason for this was it was costing councils a fortune in legal bills from being challenged by litigious landholders a er being served with a notice to act on spraying

Map shows extent of African lovegrass spread on Monaro

the 22 years since,” Mr Waldren said.

WEED INVASION: Recorded presence of ALG during property inspections (Map: Biosecurity Information System - Weeds, 2017-2025). These records are made by authorised o icers during property inspections under the Biosecurity Act 2015. O icers record the presence of priority weeds in their council area and provide this to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Records reflect the presence of the weed on the date of inspection. IMAGE: Supplied

their ALG infestations. The spread of ALG on the Monaro between 1986 and 2020 grew from 3000HA to 10,000HA.

“Councils have also recently stopped spraying ALG on roadsides; roadsides being the main conduit to the spread of ALG on to all land tenure, and particularly towards and into national parks.

“The massive temperature and velocity created by ALG mega fires is the reason why a report shows ALG as being the greatest risk to koalas today.

“If you look on the map you can see where ALG has infestations around some larger communities including Cooma, Bredbo and Canberra.

“The only thing that saved

Canberra from the 2003 bushfire from ripping further through more suburbs on the westerly wind at the time, was an easterly wind with rain that came in at around 3pm.

“Canberra might not be so lucky in different wind conditions next time, particularly with the massive spread of ALG around Canberra, unchecked in

“The only way to mitigate this weed causing extension of mega fires in the future is by farming buffer zones on all arable land tenure around our communities, and adjacent to highways,” Mr Waldren said.

“This will involve spraying out and planting exotic crop and pastures, which will protect community, travelling vehicles, firefighters and flora and fauna from fire.

“It will give a real chance of isolating the spread of large fires similar to the ones in 2019 and 2020, which started around Adelong and joined up other fires all the way to the coast.”

Independent members of parliament are urged by Mr Waldren to work with federal and state members, Kristy McBain and Steve Whan.

One of the requests presented by the landowner working group is to scrap the native vegetation regulatory (NVR) maps on the Monaro.

“We would like them to work together to bring in an on-farm mapping system identifying the 7 per cent area of high value native grasses, so farmers can use crops and improved pastures where needed to provide a buffer to protect these high value native species that are left,” Mr Waldren

“Also support the education of all landholders who can manage non-infested native pasture where ALG is less than 2 or 3 per cent in area.

“We urge the independents to support Steve and Kristy to lift state and federal limitations on timbered areas in pasture paddocks with 2 to 3 per cent or more of ALG incursion; and to support Steve Whan in getting a fire management plan around ALG where it has infestations around the state, to help stop massive hot fires it is sending into NSW parks,” Mr Waldren said.

“This should be a priority for the sake of protecting our communities from being overrun by fire, and to protect our environment,” Mr Waldren said.

The map of ALG can be viewed on NSW Weedwise at https:// weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/ AfricanLovegrass (click on the link where it says recorded presence of African lovegrass during property inspections).

New super tax a threat to farming

WITH the federal election behind us the re-elected Labor government seems determined to progress its plan of a proposed tax increase on super balances over $3 million, the so-called Better Targeted Superannuation Bill.

The treasurer has re-affirmed he intends to double the tax on earnings from super balances above $3 million to 30 per cent.

If the Greens in the senate have their way when the new super tax is legislated, it would apply to funds above $2 million.

However of greater community concern is the government’s plan to target unrealised capital gains, or what might be referred to as ‘paper profits’- taxing profits not made and may never be made.

While the government maintains the changed super tax will be modest, it estimates the new tax will develop $40 billion collected over the next decade.

With no indexing of the super balance limit, it will affect millions of Australians.

Self-managed super funds, who will have to find extra funds to pay unexpected and potentially significant tax bills, will not see the change as modest, let alone costs of valuations and potential legal disputes.

Super industry advisers point to the potential for funds to sell assets to pay tax liabilities for unrealised gains, which might have vanished at the time the asset is eventually sold.

They also say the proposed super tax changes sets a precedent for potential extension of other taxes by the government on unrealised gains.

It’s believed Treasury has been working on the new tax for some time, yet the question of it applying to defined benefits pension schemes remains uncertain.

Of concern to trades people, small business and farming families will be the prospect of illiquid assets in super funds such as farms or buildings, and the potential cash flow problems that occur.

Australian family enterprises have for decades planned their business structures, investments, and retirement benefits around super and self-managed superannuation funds.

These arrangements have been based on long term plans and predictable guidelines.

The proposed tax changes represent a serious threat to personal and business financial stability and to a reliable income stream.

The government now needs to listen, rescind its planned changes as unfair and destabilising, and consider other revenue raising options.

And with Labor’s strong election result, the National and Liberal parties should put their differences aside, combine their expertise and experience as an effective opposition, to prosecute a more active response on this and other contentious legalisation.

Re-purposing oyster pots as tree guards

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

UPPER Snowy Landcare Network (USLN) has obtained old oyster pots from Tathra Oysters to re-purpose as tree guards.

The oyster pots are being replaced by Tathra Oysters due to updated farming technologies, and are now available to local landholders for use.

“They were extremely excited to see that these mesh pots will be getting re-used in such a wonderful way,” USLN coordinator, Maggie Lemcke said.

“What a great opportunity to re-use what would have otherwise been shredded.

“A huge thank you to the convoy [who collected the pots].

“We’ve already got landholders out there doing regen work with these pots.”

One landholder in the region, Huw Kingston, has made good use of the oyster pots.

Huw said he is not an oyster lover, but appreciates this great opportunity to re-purpose the old pots.

A er collecting the pots from USLN, 100 oyster pots were cut in half to make 200 tree guards which were used to plant 200 native grass seedlings at his property as part of the Land For Wildlife program.

“If you expressed interest in the pots and have not yet had a chance to collect some please get in touch,” Ms Lemcke said.

Contact Upper Snowy Landcare Network with the number of guards required by sending an email to: contact@ uppersnowylandcare.org.au

Farmers welcome focus on ferals

NSW Farmers president, Xavier Martin, believes all options need to be on the table to tackle the state’s feral animal problem, welcoming comments from the Premier.

Last week, NSW Premier, Chris Minns, suggested the state government would be open to bounties and other measures to control feral animals that were causing increasing damage to both farmland and the natural environment.

“The problem of feral animals –such as pigs – is an escalating concern for farmers, and we would welcome a shared responsibility, including additional funding, to control these nasty pests,” Mr Martin said.

“Feral pigs, for example, cause mil-

lions in damage each year. They attack people and animals, they tear up paddocks, destroy fences, they really are incredibly nasty animals.

“It’s not just pigs – wild dogs and cats are a perennial problem that need to be controlled, and feral deer are an increasing problem.

“Online commentators who suggest we don’t need additional e orts in this area are seriously out of touch with the realities of the landscape.”

NSW had the highest number of feral mammal species in the nation, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, costing farmers millions each year in damage and production losses.

More funding to deliver coordinated,

long-term, cross-tenure pest control programs across the state were critical, Mr Martin said, and all options needed to be on the table, including bounties, baits, trapping and aerial culls.

“We know animal pests are expected to cause damages in excess of $489 million annually by next year,” he said.

“That’s a staggering amount of money, and that’s why we welcome the Premier’s approach to look at every option to slash the number of feral animals.

“We know there’s going to need to be tight controls to ensure safety, uphold biosecurity and enforce authorisation, but NSW Farmers is prepared to work with government to get this right and solve this problem once and for all.”

A convoy travelled to Tathra recently to collect the old oyster pots.

PHOTO: Supplied

RE-PURPOSE: Landholders are re-using old oyster pots from Tathra Oysters as tree guards to protect vegetation on properties.

PHOTO: Huw Kingston

Out and about at latest Cooma cattle sale

THE latest Cooma cattle sale has seen 800 head o ered with buyers from across the Monaro, Riverina, Northern NSW and eastern Victoria interested in Monaro produced cattle.

Agents say they were pleased with the attendance and results.

A report from the Cooma cattle sale on Friday, 30 May will be appear in next week’s paper.

Last week’s

Numbers decline following heavy rain: market report

Wagga Wagga cattle sale yards 4555

By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA

RAIN had a substantial impact, causing numbers to decline signi cantly. The majority of the cattle were in store condition, there were occasional wellnished trade and export cattle included in the mix, with quite a few having been grain assisted. Despite not all buyers or orders being active today, enthusiastic re-stockers from northern regions, along with local buyers, helped to signi cantly li prices. This surge in demand was notable, for lighter weights under 300kg. Feeder cattle lacked weight with not the big numbers we have seen over 400kg.

Trade cattle in the 400-500 kg range, were in limited supply. Steers and heifers to the trade sold from 356 to 412c/kg.

Lighter cattle, particularly those under 300/kg, saw a higher volume in numbers. Steers and heifers in this weight category experienced impressive price increases, with gains between 50c to 96c/kg, largely driven by re-stockers eager to acquire the bulk of these lighter weights.

In the feeder market, the supply of steers in the 400-500 kg range was limited, contributing to a price rise of 24c/kg, with prices fetching between 355c to 439 c/kg. Similarly, lighter weight feeders steers also made solid gains, selling at prices

ranging from 350c to 422c/kg.

The availability of feeder heifers declined, resulting in a price li of 20c to 49c/kg. The medium weight portion selling at 332c to 390c/kg.

The export market lacked supplies of heavy steers and bullocks to suit processors.

The bulk gaining from 20c to 52c and selling at 355c to 424c/kg. The cow market was a highlight with prices continuing to rise as the sale progressed, with some companies starting later in the sale.

Heavy cows gained 44c making from 290c to 338c/kg. Leaner cows fetched 240c to 303c/kg. Store cows sold from 258c to 306c/kg.

Wagga Wagga sheep sale yards 54,250 Merino ewes reach $270/head: MLA

By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA

ABOUT 40,000 lambs were penned and the quality was good with plenty of heavy and extra heavy weights o ered. There was a good run of well nished trade weights and secondary trades and light lambs were not over supplied. Most of the usual buyers were operating and the trade runs were dearer while the heavy and extra heavy lambs were close to rm.

Re-stocking lambs sold from $131 to $188/head and averaged 1050c/ kg and several larger dra s of light Merinos sold from $97 to $158/head averaging 750c to 800c/kg. Trade lambs were $8 stronger with lambs 18 to 24kg selling from $178 to $253/

head. The 24 to 26kg trades $226 to $278/head.

Heavy weights to 30kg ranged from $248 to $308 and extra heavy lambs over 30kg sold from $283 to $375/head. The bulk of the lambs sold between 950c to 1020c/kg cwt.

A large run of heavy Merino lambs o feed bins reached $296/ head and the best price for a heavy hogget reached $244/head.

Mutton numbers eased but the quality remained similar, prices were strong with buyers a er the better covered heavy weights.

Ewes weighing 18 to 24kg sold from $115 to $178/head and heavy crossbreds reached $296/head with Merino ewes topping at $270/head. Most ranged between 650c and 730c/kg cwt.

Local agents have commended producers on their e orts in presenting 800 head of cattle for the most recent sale.

Cooma Associated Agents - comprising Nutrien Ag, Elders and Monaro Livestock and Property - ran a successful sale last Friday at the Cooma Saleyards.

Elders agents in action at the Cooma Cattle Sale on Friday. Agents were pleased with results and thanked vendors for supporting a local sale.

LIVESTOCK:

Cooma Cattle Sale saw buyer interest from across the state as 800 head of cattle were sold. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Preventing an outbreak Cattle, sheep market update

By ERIN LUKEY, MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA INFORMATION ANALYST

Cattle market

THE cattle market returned to prices seen at the start of this month, with all indicators up between 1–45¢/kg liveweight (lwt) from a fortnight ago.

Yardings eased as the east coast rainfall constricted supply. National yardings eased six per cent to 57,689 head. There were declines across all states bar Queensland, which is showing a strong supply of cattle, up 37 per cent week-on-week.

The Processor Cow Indicator and Dairy Cow Indicator were the best performers this week, li ing 24¢ and 45¢ respectively for 280¢/kg lwt and 245¢/kg lwt.

The Re-stocker Yearling Steer was at a premium to the other steer indicators, returning to early-2025 prices at 404¢/kg cwt. With less than one cent movement in the feeder market, this brought the re-stocker premium to 25¢ above feeder steers 379¢/ kg lwt, and 56¢ above heavies at 347¢/kg lwt. This is the largest gap between re-stockers and feeders since March.

Sheep market

The sheep market was strong last week, as demand for heavy trade and export lambs drove all indicators in a positive direction.

The three nished lamb indicators for light, trade and heavy lambs, all li ed over 100¢ over the week. Yardings eased across both categories, though strong prices encouraged more numbers in the later sales.

Lamb yardings were down one per cent to 195,315 head while sheep yardings eased 13 per cent to 93,795 head.

The heavy lamb market was the leader this week, li ing 103¢ to record prices above 1,000¢/kg carcase weight (cwt).

The National Heavy Lamb Indicator nished the week on 1,005¢/kg cwt thanks to intense demand across saleyards for export weight stock. Processors li ed competition in saleyards as supply constraints and transport disruptions caused increased demand.

Forbes, Ballarat, Dubbo, Horsham, Bendigo, Hamilton and Tamworth sales saw heavy lamb averages top 1,000¢ with multiple Victorian saleyards producing lambs worth over $400/head. Here’s a more in-depth analysis on the current heavy lamb market.

Demand for heavies pulled up trade weights, li ing the National Trade Lamb Indicator to 987¢/kg cwt, just two cents shy of the previous record in 2019.

Again, multiple saleyards across Victoria and NSW saw average prices above 1,000¢, though strong supply through Wagga Wagga reduced competition in the market measuring prices.

As we enter the seasonal dip in lamb supply, heavy and trade lamb supply is likely to remain a key market driver.

Local landholders call for avian virus strategies

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

LOCAL landholders have expressed concern about how ready the region and more widely, Australia, is for a possible outbreak of the deadly H5N1 avian in uenza virus.

There are various di erent avian u strains already in Australia, however none are as dangerous as the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.

A recent report on ABC Television’s current a airs program 7.30 revealed the risk to Australia has increased.

Despite Australia’s current H5N1-free status, migratory birds pose a signi cant risk of introducing the virus to Australia.

“That’s due to the number of di erent bird species that can now be a ected by the strain and potentially disperse it [domestically] over longer distances,” Australia’s chief veterinary o cer, Dr Beth Cookson, said in the interview.

Additionally, the 7.30 story stated the World Health Organisation, in its latest Avian Flu assessment, encouraged vigilance and advised testing is “warranted” in pigs, as

they “act as mixing vessels for genetic re-assortment of avian and human in uenza viruses, potentially creating new strains with pandemic potential”.

Monaro landholder, Ant Waldren, has contacted the region’s federal and state government representatives, Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, to ask for urgent government action.

“Please contact Minister Watt [Federal Minister for the Environment] and make a plan for large scale baiting and trapping across the state to reduce pig numbers to save what is one of the biggest causes of environmental loss, as well as one of the biggest biosecurity risks Australia faces today,” Mr Waldren said.

Mr Waldren used the example of swine u (H1N1), a type of viral infection, to back up his plea.

H1N1 is called swine u because it resembles a respiratory infection that pigs can get. In 2009, an H1N1 pandemic infected millions of people worldwide.

“H1N1 can be spread via wild pigs,” Mr Waldren said.

“The current H5N1 strain

circulating in wild birds and dairy cows has been shown to replicate in pigs.

“This means that if pigs are exposed to the H5N1 virus, they can become infected and potentially transmit it to other animals, including other pigs.

“Pigs, being susceptible to both avian and human in uenza viruses, make them a place where these viruses can interact and exchange genetic material, potentially leading to new, potentially more dangerous strains.

“Some farmers in the north of the state are saying they’re having to deal with as many as 2000 wild pigs coming out of the parks onto their crops, and although the Local Land Services have been very supportive with resources in dealing with the problem, these farmers are largely getting rid of these at their own cost.

“Aside from the massive environmental loss pigs cause to native species alone, their potential mass spreading of H5N1 is a great concern, considering the ABC story.

“Many are saying that an 80 per cent kill rate of wild pigs each year will only just stop their year-on-year exponential

increase in population size,” Mr Waldren said.

He also has called on the Teal Independents and Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, to support and encourage the state and federal governments to “address the wild pig problem and advocate for practical on the ground reduction in their numbers, year on year ahead”.

Mr Waldren suggested a pilot programme could start on the Monaro, driven by the highly effective Local Land Service (LLS), when given enough funding.

“Around this time of year National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and LLS on the Monaro have had highly cost-effective trapping and baiting of wild pigs to dateagain when there is sufficient funding.

“This has largely been possible from a high level of landholder co-operation and trust with NPWS and LLS trappers working on private land bordering the park.

“Senator Pocock, we ask you to engage with ACT Parks to implement the highly effective baiting and trapping methods used by government agencies on the Monaro,” Mr Waldren said.

HIGH RISK: Australia is currently free from the highly infectious H5N1 bird flu strain, however developments across the globe are raising urgent concerns. PHOTO: aussieanimals.com

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 What is an elementary particle present in every atomic nucleus (6)

8 Which item of clothing is worn in cold weather (8)

9 What are dirigibles also called (6)

10 What do we call a visionary person (8)

11 Name another term for a fiddle (6)

12 What is a present known as (4)

13 Name a renowned Australian novelist, etc, Patrick ... (5)

16 When one takes notice, one does what (5)

19 Name a crazed, earlier Roman emperor (4)

21 Who is known as the Great White Shark, Greg ... (6)

22 Name a chequered board game (8)

23 To have in mind, is to do what (6)

24 To be treated with nitric acid, is to be what (8)

25 What is a demand for a repetition of a song, etc (6)

DOWN

2 Name a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter ... (7)

3 What is a pattern, mould, or the like (7)

4 To be nuzzling, is to be doing what (6)

5 What is an alternative term for width (7)

6 Which term describes leaves in general (7)

7 What are representations carved in stone or wood (7)

13 Which soft material is used for stuffing, packing, etc (7)

E-QUATIONS 7

14 What are young children called (7)

15 What are puzzling things (7)

Letters have a number value

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

E-QUATIONS

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

17 To be eccentric, is to be what (7)

18 A plumber is also called a what (7)

20 To be in agreement, is to be what (6)

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

1 INTRACTABLE (a) Undaunted (b) Genuine (c) Obstinate

2 JURATORY

(a) Pertaining to an oath (b) Learned in law (c) Pertaining to natural or positive

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:

Allow (3)

Check cost (5)

Darlings (coll) (7)

Dead animal (7)

Early old english (3)

Expel (5)

Horse command: ...-up (3)

Momentous (5)

Strongly aggressive girl (coll) (5)

Vacant space (3)

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

TRADES AND SERVICES

Digging Up The Dirt On The Monaro For Over 40 Years

ROADS - Access tracks, driveways, subdivisions, and suppliers of decomposed granite.

WATER - Dams, water features, and agricultural water systems.

LANDSCAPING - Fence line clearing, site preparation and leveling, erosion control, drainage, and garden services.

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

LOCAL. PROVEN. RELIABLE.

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

Due to the King’s Birthday public holiday, the classified advertising deadline for Wednesday, June 11 edition will be Friday, June 6 at 4pm. Phone 02 6452 0318

Email: classifieds@monaropost.com.au

The AGM for Cooma Lambie Street Preschool Association will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 7pm at the preschool. 3-5 Lambie Street, Cooma NSW.

COOMA NETBALL ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday, July 7, 2025. 5.30pm for a 6pm start. At the Cooma Ex-Servicemens Club. Snowy Lounge

Evoro

The

candidate

Key responsibilities are:

Operating monitoring, and working with machinery such as balers, shredders, conveyors, compactors, and sorting systems.

Forkli and Loader licence essential. Full time position available with above award wage and conditions including overtime.

Potential to gain HR and HC licence for the right candidate.

Please contact Cooma@evoro.com.au or call Jon on 0461 335 400 for more info or to arrange an interview.

O’REILLY, Errol Lloyd. Passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025 at his residence. Formerly of Adams Ave, Cooma. Aged 70 years.

Dearly loved partner of Gillian (dec). Son of Lloyd and Lola (dec). Brother and brother-in-law to Amelia and Walter Sandner and Neil. Adored uncle and great uncle to his nieces and nephews. Cherished member of our McDonald, Gustin family along with Angela, Tony and Chantelle Douglas.

The relatives and friends of the late Errol Lloyd O’Reilly are invited to attend his funeral service to be held by the graveside in the Cooma Lawn Cemetery at 11am, TODAY on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Jindabyne Lions Club changeover acknowledges community work

Lions Club members and guests attended a very enjoyable 58th annual changeover lunch at Horizons Embers Restaurant in Jindabyne last Saturday.

The annual lunch is a time to re ect on the activities carried out by the club over the past year and to give thanks to members and the wider community for their commitment and support.

The lunch was attended by club members, some local sponsors and a number of community members who have worked alongside the club throughout the year to bring community events like the Australia Day celebrations, the Jindabyne Easter Art Show and Sale, ANZAC Day breakfast, seniors Christmas party and Youth of the Year, to name a few.

Special guest was David McKenna the incoming District 201N2 governor who presented an inspiring address on the work of Lions and his ambitions for the coming year.

David carried out the induction of the club’s newest member, Linda Beaver, and welcomed her to the world’s largest service group.

47,000 clubs in more than 200 countries; a small cog in a very big machine.

New member, Linda Beaver, (front) was o icially inducted at the Jindabyne Lions Club’s changeover lunch on Saturday. She is pictured with fellow member, Nira Windeatt, (le ), and district governor-elect, David McKenna.

returning president, Coleena McCarty, entering her third year, new club secretary, Rebecca

marketing, communications and service and events.

Brian Farmer, in his 52nd year as

a member, is the membership coordinator, along with Brian Phillips as treasurer (absent). Other board positions are held by Noel Braun, Narissa Hamilton and Gunter Propst.

“Congratulations and thank you to these brave souls for continuing the volunteer roles for the betterment of our community in line with the Lions Club’s Purposes,” Nira said.

“During 2024/25 the club donated almost $10,000 to various local, regional and international causes and performed 735 hours raising funds and working in community activities this is equivalent of approx. $19,000 in paid time. Very impressive for a very small but very active club.”

The club now has a hiatus for a few months during the busy winter season and resumes in September with planning for the next year of community service.

New members are always welcome to participate in the club’s regular dinners and events.

Full club details and contact are on the club’s Facebook page and web page.

Erin Lee, (right), is presented with a thank you gi by president, Coleena McCarty.

Erin Lee, (le ), Lee Clark, Hunter Clark, Michael Sell, Sue Sell and Tracy Cli on enjoy Jindabyne Lions Club’s changeover lunch.

Outgoing secretary, Judy Pidcock, (centre), with Lions president, Coleena McCarty, (le ), and marketing and communications, service and events o icer, Nira Windeatt.

Incoming secretary, Rebecca Moe, with Matt Windeatt at the Jindabyne Lions Club changeover lunch.

Long-term Lions Club members, (from le ), Paul Kelly, Brian Farmer, and Gunther Propst.

Re-elected president, Coleena McCarty, (le ), with Sheila Bollard, (front), and District Governor-elect, David McKenna.

JINDABYNE

Huge day for Harro’s Cup

Thousands raised for skin cancer foundation

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

COOLMATONG Golf Club laid out a frosty welcome for the second running of the Harro’s Cup charity day on Sunday.

With overnight frost blanketing the course to start proceedings, the day soon hotted up for one of the biggest elds in recent times.

In memory of the late David ‘Harro’ Harrison, the Harro’s Cup stroke event was a fundraiser for the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, a cause close to the Harrison family’s heart, with more than $3000 raised for the Foundation charity on the day.

Sue Harrison spoke about the e ect skin cancer can have on individuals and families, urging everyone to have regular check-ups to avoid melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer.

With prizes for both handicap players and social golfers, the best score of the day was a ne three over par 74 by Soeren Stoettrup.

Hitting o the tenth hole, Stoettrup started with a triple bogey seven on his rst hole before carding a casual four over par 40 for his rst nine, including a birdie on 15.

His second nine was vastly di erent, shooting one under par 34, to nish with 74 total.

Runner-up in the gross event was Andrew Haigh with 77 on a countback, just pipping Michael Justen, who also shot 77.

The best nett score on the day went to Bob Haigh, who played consistent golf to shoot 69 nett, two better than his 18 handicap.

Owen Freebody was the nett score runner-up with 71 on a countback from Carolyn Major.

The best junior score was Felix Bertossi, who had his best round at the club, shooting 94.

The leading scores in the social division were Nick Nelmes, nishing with a 94, and Dane Veiss on 97.

The best social nett score a er adjustment was Rick Blyton with 77, and Cooper McNight won the Bradman prize, claiming a nice new pair of ski goggles.

The near pins on the day were won by Michael Justen on three, Louis Fenelon on eight, Jason Christie on 15 and Jack Stacey, who won the Jindabyne Brewing prize for his near pin on the 17th.

The social near pins were won by Mark Roarty on 15 and Isaac Freebody on 17.

The longest drive winners were Soren Stoettrup in A grade, Nick Donnelly in B grade, Kevin Cramer in C grade, Carolyn Major for the ladies, and Ben Johnson won the social long drive.

Nigel Bolton won the closest to the pin in two shots on the fourth hole, and Steve Jermyn won the straightest drive.

“We thank the Harrison family and Harro’s Snowsports for their generosity with prizes, and for supporting this great day in honour of David Harrison,” a Coolamatong Golf Club spokesperson said.

It is testament to his standing in the community that a huge eld turned out for the day, and we thank everyone for coming.

“The club also thanks Jindabyne Brewing for their continued support of the golf club, and all the helpers who prepared lunch and the organisers of the day.”

The Harro’s Cup will be an annual xture leading into the winter season.

Carolyn Major finishes third in the nett prizes with Bob Haigh (centre) in first place and Owen Freebody finishing in second spot. Michael Justen.

Mitch Harrison (left), Sue Harrison, and Brock Harrison present the winner, Soeron Stoettrup (second left), with a new pair of skis. PHOTOS: Coolamatong Golf Club FUNDRAISER:

Stallions triumph in tough matches

By NATHAN THOMPSON

A TOUGH defensive e ort has secured the Cooma Stallions’ second win of the season in rst grade in what proved an exciting day for the club as all four grades returned to the Cooma Showground for the rst time since 2017.

The Stallions rst grade out t only conceded two tries in a tough, low scoring game. The Stallions defeated the Bega Roosters 14-8 with centre Mitch Sullivan crossing for two tries in a strong performance.

Stallions co-captains and forwards, Noah Saddler and James Cahill, were impressive up front as the home side looked to dominate the ruck from the opening exchanges.

Bega opened the scoring 12 minutes into the xture with a nice play down the right o a penalty restart.

The Stallions re-gained the ball of the ensuing kick o and scored from the next set. Sullivan took advantage of a beautiful pass from hooker, Tristan Hamilton, to dive over from close range.

Both sides worked the middle well before a Luke Bracher 40/20 a er 25 minutes put the Stallions back on the attack. A short pass again from Hamilton found Cahill who crashed over for the

Firsts, reserve grade secure hard-fought wins

pointer for the a ernoon. With two minutes on the clock, the Stallions maintained a 14-4 lead heading into the main break.

The second half was all about

and

and

The Stallions under 18 side

In the league-tag encounter, the Cooma Fillies went down to

The Stallions reserve grade side put together their best performance of the season, winning 26-14. Highlights of the match were father/son Creedence Bartlett and Tyrell Bartlett

Keegan Caldwell, three points to Sullivan, two points to Cahill

one each to Jacob Haeata

Ryan Castle.

to Tyrell Bartlett, three points to Nate Stokes, two points to Andrei Moruz and one point to Sash Thomas.

two to Maddie Banks and one to Clark.

In first grade, Stallions forward, Will Cahill, sends a pass out wide.

Stallions reserve grade fullback, Tom King, tries to bust through two Bega defenders.

Stallions reserve grade centre, Gus Brabham, takes a hit-up for his side during its win over Bega at the Cooma Showground.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Junior league takes off locally

THE days of young junior rugby league players needing to head to Canberra early on a Sunday morning are a thing of the past, following a initiative to play under six to under nine age matches locally.

The Cooma Colts and Snowy River Bears now play junior modified league matches on a Friday night between Cooma and Jindabyne. Players aged five to nine previously

played in a Canberra-based competition where half the matches were played in the nation’s capital or further afield in Goulburn and Crookwell.

Now, the budding rugby league stars can play all their matches locally.

This initiative along with the Cooma Colts offering registration fees for $10 per player, across all aged, has seen a boom in numbers. The Cooma Colts have almost an extra 100

junior players this season.

A generous donation from the Troy Coffey Foundation (Troy, a former Cooma Colt) is allowing youngsters to play for just $10 a season. This includes shorts, socks, playing jersey and hoodie.

The Troy Coffey Foundation’s vision is to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in rugby league, the game they love, without financial strain.

GENEROUS: A donation from the Troy Co ey Foundation is supporting Cooma Colts junior rugby players to play for just $10 this season.

Cooma Colts vicepresident, Damien Smith (back le ), and club legend and friend of the Co ey family, Ian Freeman, join Colts junior players following their match.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Weston wins stableford

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

ON SATURDAY following a frost, it was a beautiful day for the members contesting a stableford for club trophy.

Brendan Weston had a big day, coming in the winner with the great score of 41 points.

Balls went to Weston, Neil Thompson 38 points, Shannon Gulliford 37 points and Glen Hampshire 36 points.

Nearest the pin was won by Hampshire. Golden shot went to Steve Tatham.

On Sunday, there was another terri c roll-up. The event was a stableford for the Matt Green trophy.

Clay Stewart and Neil Thompson nished with the top score of 40 points. Stewart was the winner on a countback.

Balls were won by Stewart, Wayne Elton 35 points, Ray Crawford 32 points and Pepper Thompson 30 points. Nearest the pin was claimed by Neil Thompson. Golden shot went to Elton.

Match play

Glen Hampshire defeated

Nick Ryan one up, Clay Stewart defeated Joel Cherry ve/ four and Neil Thompson accounted for Wayne Elton four/two.

Program for the week

Ladies Wednesday, 4 June – stableford, club trophy

Members Saturday, 7 June – stroke, monthly medal

Sunday, 8 June – four-ballbest-ball v par. Draw – Glen Hampshire and K. Farrow trophies

Monday, 9 June – stableford, club trophy, ind acc

Cooma golfers contest ambrose events

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

THE Cooma Golf Club held the men’s and mixed Keno ambrose competitions over the weekend.

In the men’s ambrose on Saturday, Roy Hankinson and Barry Williams were the overall winners with 65.75 points. They progress to the second round.

The runners-up were Stephen Young and Tim Young with 66.25 points. Place-getters were Nate Quodling and Charles Quodling, Steven Wheatley and Tim Bedingeld, Sean Smith and Marty Janota, David Goggin and Peter Devereux, David Robin-

son and David Douglass and Pete Smith and Colin Langdon.

Nearest to the pin on the ninth went to Steven Wheatley and Pete Smith was nearest on the 17.

On Sunday, there were two competitions held - the mixed Keno ambrose and a stableford event.

Helen Crawford and Gary Batten won the mixed competition with 68 points. In the stableford, Stephen Young was the overall winner with 35 points on a countback.

Place-getters were Leo Percy, Michael Mesley, John Harris and Shannon Fergusson.

On Wednesday, the midweek medal was played. Harry Mould was the overall winner with 35 points and Mitch Hynes was the runner-up with 34 points on a countback.

Place-getters were Craig Scho eld, Barry Williams, Alan Kelly, Colin Langdon, Warren Bray, John Harris, Shannon Fergusson, Wayne Flynn, David Stewart, Garry Cornish.

Nearest to the pin on 17 was David Stewart.

This Saturday, the monthly medal stroke competition will be played, while the Sunday will be a stableford.

Golfers remember Harro PAGE 33

Red Devils’ rep honours

RECORD NUMBER SELECTED FOR MONARO SQUAD

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Cooma Red Devils’ resurgent season has been rewarded with a record number of players selected in the Monaro representative men’s and women’s squads.

The most Cooma players in 20 years will represent Monaro this Saturday for the annual clash against Southern Inland as part of the Brumbies Provincial Championships.

There will be a strong Cooma presence in Bungendore for the championship matches with players vying for further selection in the ACT Brumbies country side.

The Red Devils women’s side has enjoyed a stellar season so far, winning the majority of its matches in the ACT/Monaro 10s competition.

Playing an exciting brand of rugby, the side has attracted large home crowds in season 2025. Five of the side’s best will don the Monaro jersey for the rst time – Brianna Rankin, Paige Jardine, Emily Quodling, Sophie Campbell and Natasha Kelly.

For the Red Devils men, Jake Quodling has again been named in the representative side, along with Connor Campbell, Nico Maclean, Devonik Saumalu and captain, Damien Roach.

Not since the Red Devils’ glory years of the early 2000s, when the club won three straight men’s premierships, have so many players been called into the Monaro squad.

Also featuring in the Monaro squads are Jindabyne Bushpig, Billy Small, and Miss Piggies players Leanne Saare, Bernadette Lai, Montana Hawkins and Eden Klemm.

The women’s match starts at 1pm and the men’s at 3pm.

The Red Devils players will be

LARGEST RANGE IN THE REGION

looking to bounce back a er losses in both games to the Jindabyne Miss Piggies and Bushpigs last Saturday. The women’s lost 44-29 in a high

scoring encounter while the Red Devil men lost a tight match 23-21. The men faced an improving Bushpigs side and an unfavourable penalty count.

HONOUR: Cooma Red Devils scrumhalf, Connor Campbell, alongside four team mates and five of the Red Devils women’s side will represent the Monaro at the Brumbies Provincial Championships. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Red Devil centre ,Josh McDonald, makes a break against Jindabyne and runs away for a stunning try.

Welcome to winter Gippsland Street safety concerns

By TRISTA HEATH

THE SNOWY Monaro o cially welcomes the beginning of the 2025 winter season this long weekend with resorts hosting a range of family friendly activities to get snow lovers excited for what everyone hopes is the beginning of a great season ahead.

There’s a serious buzz in Thredbo as the resort kicks o the 2025 season on Saturday, 7 June with an opening weekend full of activities for the whole family including skiing, snowboarding, Alpine

Coaster rides, dining, live entertainment, reworks, kids’ activities and more.

On Sunday, a long-held tradition where Thredbo Ski Patrol, local church leaders and the community gather in the beautiful Thredbo Chapel at 3pm to wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous season ahead with a blessing of the snow service.

Perisher’s opening weekend will be celebrated with the annual Peak Music Festival featuring live music and entertainment across multiple Perisher resort areas, the Peak

Music Festival is a non-ticketed event and will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the June long weekend.

Perisher celebrates the rst Saturday of the season with a blessing of the snow service at the Alpine Church on Front Valley at 11am on 7 June followed by an evening of reworks at Perisher, lighting up Front Valley with dazzling colours against the snowcovered mountains.

The much-loved Jindabyne Snow Sale is on again this year at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall, selling pre-loved snow gear at

great prices, starting at 8.30am on Saturday and Sunday.

Hosted by the Rob Kneller Youth Foundation, all funds raised from the Jindabyne Snow Sale will go towards subsidising the cost of school skiing for Jindabyne Primary School and Snowy Mountains Grammar School students in years K-2 to encourage participation and exposure to the Snowsports industry. Freezing temperatures are expected on the lead-up to the opening weekend with snow fall to cover the resort slopes in preparation for a great opening weekend.

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE’S Gippsland Street residents share concerns of tra c issues on the busy street, prompting communication with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to help with strategies to rectify the problem.

Gippsland Street resident for more than 50 years, Christina Webb, has witnessed many near accidents on the road and voiced her concerns at a recent meeting in Jindabyne.

Speeding, lack of street parking, narrow and blind corners are some of the issues Gippsland Street residents face on a daily basis and ask Council to install some form of tra c calming or control device to help reduce speed and keep the street safe.

“The current tra c calming device measures placed in the centre of the road near the top bend of the street have been vandalised and require possible replacement,” Ms Webb said.

“Rather than replacing, I have suggested they remove the devices as they can be an obstacle for motorists you need to enter and exit those driveways around that area blocking the rest of the tra c ow and forcing cars to drive on the wrong side of the road.

“Is it possible to make the eastern side of the narrow road a ‘no parking’ route to deter cars swerving dangerously to avoid hitting them and school, ski and tourist buses an easier route?”

Ms Webb said the speed at which motorists travel in both directions of Gippsland Street has the potential to cause an accident, the problem is further complicated by the ever-increasing tra c caused by development.

■ Read more on page 5

CELEBRATE: Thredbo Resort is excited to host a range of opening weekend activities for the whole family to enjoy.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Golfers remember Harro PAGE 33

Rugby rep honours

BUSHPIGS, MISS PIGGIES

PLAYERS INTO MONARO SQUADS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Jindabyne rugby community has celebrated its nest weekend of the season with the Bushpigs and Miss Piggies winning in front of large crowds.

The Jindabyne Rugby Union Club held its popular ladies day on Saturday, recognising the contribution the club’s female players, volunteers and supporters make.

Spurred on by the home crowd, the Miss Piggies raced in eight tries to defeat Cooma 44-29 in an entertaining match.

Jindabyne tries went to: Bernadette Lai (four), Rhianna Burke, Millie Mugridge, Jarrah Hibberd and Tilhaney Grainger.

The Bushpigs followed the script to down Cooma 23-21. Jindabyne returned serve of their local rivals following Cooma’s round one victory.

The Bushpigs have closed the gap with the competition’s top four and are now just one win o fourth placed Cooma.

No strangers to the representative fold, the Jindabyne club has ve players selected in Monaro squads for the Brumbies Provincial Championships on Saturday.

Bushpigs captain, Billy Small, along with Miss Piggies Leanne Saare, Bernadette Lai, Eden Klemm and Montana Hawkins will

LARGEST RANGE IN THE REGION

head to Bungendore on Saturday for the representative xtures.

Monaro will play Southern Inland (Riverina based players) in the annual June long weekend clash. Players will be vying for

further selection in the Brumbies County side.

Small has previously represented Monaro and is expected to start as prop. Saare is a con rmed started in the front

row and is part of the Monaro side’s leadership group.

Lai, who has been at her best this season, will run on at scrum half.

There is a Monaro connection

HIRE: CANOE,

in the women’s coaching ranks with Rhianna Burke of Jindabyne and local Jamie Watkins assistant coaches.

The women’s match starts at 1pm and the men at 3pm.

SELECTED: Jindabyne Bushpigs prop and captain, Billy Small, has again been named in the Monaro squad for the Brumbies Provincial Championships.

PHOTO: Steve Cuff