MP050325DigitalEditionAastaArctander by Provincial Press Group

Show stalwarts saluted Work again halted on Snowy 2.0

By NATHAN THOMPSON

ANNIE O’Keeffe says she has three loves in her lifeher family, the Collingwood Magpies and the Dalgety Show.

Mrs O’Keeffe is wellknown for being the voice of the show over the last few years as its MC and publicity officer. Mrs O’Keeffe has been part of the show committee for 15 years. She has had the privilege of announcing life members into the Dalgety show Society ranks over this time but on

Sunday, it was her turn to be honoured.

Mrs O’Keeffe and Christie Glasson received life membership of the show for their many years hard work.

By NATHAN THOMPSON

UNDERGROUND work on the embattled Snowy 2.0 project has stopped following a serious safety incident last week.

Snowy Hydro has stopped all underground work after an industrial-sized ventilation fan fell with part of its metal blade flying from the fan.

A safety review is underway with work again paused on the project. No-one was injured in the incident.

SafeWork NSW inspectors have identified ‘unacceptable’ safety risks following site visits last week.

SafeWork NSW acting Deputy Secretary, Trent Curtin travelled to the site last week week as part of regular bi-monthly meetings to identify and discuss concerns being raised by Snowy 2.0 workers and health and safety representatives.

“We have been on site speaking with management, health and safety representatives and workers, and unfortunately received reports of two dangerous incidents on the weekend (22, 23 February) and Tuesday, 25 February which are seriously concerning to me,” SafeWork NSW acting deputy secretary, Trent Curtin, said.

In a statement released on Thursday, 27 February, Snowy Hydro said it will push for a new leadership team at Future Generation Joint Venture, the project’s principal contractor.

“I feel very privileged to have worked with some really special ladies over the years, including the current committee,” Mrs O’Keefe said.

Mrs Glasson expressed similar sentiments, praising the committee’s efforts to deliver an excellent show each year.

■ More on page 5 and 17

“Following a serious safety incident at Snowy 2.0, Snowy Hydro will seek an immediate independent safety review and audit, and will require changes to principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture’s leadership on the project,” the statement said.

■ More on page 3

RECOGNITION: Annie O’Keeffe and Christie Glasson have been inducted as life members of the Dalgety Show for their contributions over many years.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Jindabyne landfill nears capacity

By NATHAN THOMPSON

PREPARATIONS are continuing for a new resource recovery centre in Jindabyne, as Snowy Monaro Regional Council continues work on long-standing plans it says will ensure the long-term financial and environmental sustainability of waste management in the region.

No dates for the closure of Jindabyne landfill or the construction of the centre have been set. The current site is getting close to capacity, but the exact timing of the closure will depend on the amount of waste the facility receives.

Feedback closes Wednesday, 5 March on council’s plans for the resource recovery centre with the community encouraged to have its say.

“Council has lodged a development application for a new resource recovery centre on land next door to the existing landfill. This step has been taken so that grant funding can be secured to cover the costs of building the new facility and all the work that the Environmental Protection Authority requires when Jindabyne Landfill closes,” a council spokesperson said.

“Council is preparing ahead of time for the work we’ll need to do when Jindabyne Landfill reaches its limit and needs to close.”

Council said closing the current landfill and constructing the new centre will require grant funding.

“Public waste facilities are expensive to build and run, and closing one down is costly work as well. Council and our community can’t afford the cost of closing and replacing Jindabyne Landfill on our own, so we need to find grant funding to help cover the cost before the facility reaches capacity,” the spokesperson said.

Petra’s on a major clean-up mission

By NATHAN THOMPSON

JINDABYNE’S Petra

Richter is on a mission to clean up the town’s streets, parks and public areas.

Founder of volunteer group, ENJO Clean-Up Jindabyne, Petra is wellknown for making a difference in Jindabyne.

Petra took her efforts some 63 kilometres further last week, when she repeated last year’s effort in cleaning up rubbish along the road from Cooma to Jindabyne.

Petra said she hopes to keep the Snowy Mountains as clean as she can with a particular focus on encouraging people to use re-usable coffee cups.

“I do this because I love seeing a clean environment. It feels so good giving back to the community,” Petra said.

“I started collecting rubbish around Jindabyne in April, 2020, and since then have picked up about 14 tonnes of rubbish.

“My main reason for this walk is to get rid of takeaway coffee cups, I want to inspire people to use washable cups.”

This year, Petra and

Snowy 2.0 stopped after incident

Unacceptable risks, lucky no injuries: SafeWork NSW

By NATHAN THOMPSON

UNDERGROUND work on the embattled Snowy 2.0 project has stopped following a serious safety incident last week.

Snowy Hydro has halted underground activity after an industrial-sized ventilation fan fell with part of its metal blade flying from the fan. No-one was injured in the incident.

Snowy Hydro is also seeking a change in leadership from the project’s principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture (FGJV).

A safety review is underway with work again paused on the project. Work had stopped at some underground sites in late January with workers concerned over the training and operation of refuge chambers in underground work locations.

Unacceptable safety risks were identified last week by SafeWork NSW Inspectors attending the Snowy 2.0 project following the incident involving a ventilation fan on Tuesday, 25 February.

To protect workers, SafeWork NSW Inspectors issued six prohibition notices to cease the use of unsafe ventilation fans. Following recent safety concerns and the issuing of several Improvement Notices, SafeWork NSW acting deputy secretary, Trent Curtin travelled to the site last week week as part of regular bimonthly meetings

to identify and discuss concerns being raised by workers and health and safety representatives in relation to the safety of the project.

“We have been on site this week speaking with management, health and safety representatives and workers, and unfortunately received reports of two dangerous incidents on the weekend and Tuesday which are seriously concerning to me,” Mr Curtin, said.

“I’m advised one incident involved a crane

malfunctioning, while another incident involved a ventilation fan failing with metal debris flying out from the fan. Our investigation led us to discover that other fans were also at risk. These are significant safety events and it is lucky that no one was hurt.

“SafeWork NSW Inspectors have prohibited the use of unsafe ventilation fans until they can be satisfied that they will be operated in a safe condition.”

In a statement released on Thursday, 27 February, Snowy

Hydro said it will push for a new FGJV leadership team one the project.

“These actions follow an underground fan failing and losing part of its blade on Tuesday morning. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Underground

work was stopped to allow inspection of all fans. FGJV will work with SafeWork NSW to ensure they are safe, with the aim of progressively restarting work.

“Nothing is more important to Snowy Hydro than safety. Recent safety concerns at Snowy 2.0 have made it clear that as the client, our assurance role over FGJV’s activities requires this intervention.

“WeÊ¼re committed to working with our workforce and unions to ensure that the safety standards we expect are in place at Snowy 2.0.”

The Australian Workers’ Union is demanding that all ventilation equipment undergo comprehensive inspection by the original manufacturers before any worker returns to the underground portions of the project.

“This latest incident represents a significant near-miss that could have resulted in workers being killed,” Mr Curtin said.

“Had anyone been in the path of this high-velocity shrapnel, we would be discussing fatalities rather than equipment failure.

“Subsequent inspections revealed other fans in various states of disrepair, with inspectors documenting missing bolts and other concerning maintenance issues.”

At the time of going to print, work was still halted.

GREG COWELL LANDSCAPING

SETBACK: Snowy 2.0 has been hit with another delay a er a serious safety incident forced all underground work to stop. An underground fan fell, losing part of its blade. No one was hurt. PHOTO: Snowy Hydro

Community grants program opens

COMMUNITY groups and not-for-profit organisations across Snowy Monaro are encouraged to apply for funding to support local initiatives as part of Snowy Hydro’s Community Grants Program.

In total, Snowy Hydro has more than $200,000 of funding available to support this year’s program, with groups in the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and Towong able to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

Snowy Hydro’s head of social impact and community, Sarah Norris, said the program aims to support projects and initiatives that address local needs, connect communities, and deliver long lasting benefits.

“Strong communities are built on ideas, passion, and local action. This program is about just that, by empowering people to bring their ideas to life and make a lasting impact where it matters most,” Ms Norris said.

“If you have an idea that could make a difference, we encourage you to apply. This support could help you turn your vision into a reality.”

In 2024, the Snowy Hydro community review panel assessed more than 180

applications across two funding rounds, allocating $405,000 to 60 impactful projects.

Past recipients include CUC Snowy Monaro, which used its grant to deliver the ‘Speak Up” program – helping young people develop leadership and public speaking skills.

To be eligible, groups must be not-for-profit or hold an Australian Business Number

and operate within the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys or Towong local government areas.

Applications are open until 11.55pm on Sunday, 16 March, with results announced by the middle of the year.

For more details and to apply for funding, visit snowyhydro.com.au/ communitygrantsprogram/

Boost for Dalgety rural fire brigade

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE Dalgety Rural Fire Service recently took ownership of a new Category 7 appliance.

Business and Infrastructure coordinator Snowy Monaro District, Inspector Langdon Gould, said this appliance, with others, is part of the ongoing commitment by the NSW Government and NSW Rural Fire Service in providing a modern and effective fleet of fire fighting vehicles to the district’s brigades.

“The new vehicle replaces a 25-year-old appliance,” Inspector Gould said.

Inspector Gould, meanwhile, has advised three personnel from the Snowy Monaro District’s crews travelled to Coonabarabran on Monday to assist with fire fighting efforts in the Warrumbungle Local Government Area.

One is from the Cooma RFS, and two from Michelago RFS.

The three will return to the Monaro on Friday after helping other crews fight the Sandstones Cave walking track bush fire in the Pilliga Nature Reserve.

Heavy machinery and aircrafts are being used to control the blaze.

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NEW: The keys of the new Cat 7 appliance assigned to the Dalgety brigade were handed over by district operations o icer, Adrian Butters, (on le ) to Dalgety RFS brigade captain, Tony Lemerle, and other members recently.

PHOTO: Supplied

SUPPORT: Country Universities Centre Snowy Monaro manager, Nadine Holland (le ), and Snowy Hydro’s, Sarah Norris (right), hold a $5015 cheque which funded the Speak Up program.

PHOTO: Snowy Hydro

Dalgety couple recognised

By NATHAN THOMPSON

DALGETY graziers, Don and Mill Wellsmore, were honoured for their long-standing contributions to the Dalgety and Snowy River communities at this year’s Dalgety Show.

Celebrating ‘Year of the Farmer’ as its

theme, the Dalgety Show Society made a special presentation to Don and Mill.

Dalgety Show president, Julie Hedger, thanked the pair for their many years’ support of the show.

Don and Mill are icons of the region and were well received

when accepting their recognition on stage at the official opening.

The Dalgety Show official opening welcomed Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters, as the guest speaker. When opening the show, he spoke of the importance of resilience and hope for rural communities,

who often do it tough.

The opening also saw life membership awarded to Annie O’Keeffe and Christie Glasson for their years of hard work and dedication to the show.

The show was again well attended as thousands passed through the gates.

Cooma masterplan calls welcomed

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA community groups have welcomed a Snowy Monaro Regional Council decision to pursue a masterplan for the town’s CBD, creeks and town entrances, in a move they hope will improve the look of the region’s largest centre.

Council met this week to finalise the February business paper with last month’s meeting adjourned after sitting for six hours.

A motion from Cr Narelle Davis to seek grant funding for the development of a Cooma specific masterplan was amended to include the villages of Nimmitabel and Delegate. The amended motion was supported.

“The Cooma Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Rotary and concerned community members have raised concerns to council regarding the state of the Cooma CBD, creeks and town entrances,” Cr Davis said.

“To understand the concerns and ideas to

improve the maintenance, first impressions of the state of the town, and projects to improve the civic amenity of the CBD and creeks of Cooma a community engagement group has been formed to work with council.”

Councillor Reuben Rose spoke against the motion, citing the need to include the entire region, questioning whether the engagement group should have council’s mandate to work towards the masterplan.

‘I couldn’t support the motion the way it is. It needs significantly more information,” he said.

Cooma Car Club life member and former citizen of the year, Rogan Corbett, welcomed the decision for a masterplan to be pursued for the Snowy Monaro’s largest town.

“We need to take pride in our town and improve its look,” Mr Corbett said.

‘The creeks are in desperate need of tidying up. We have a wonderful town, it’s time our main business areas reflect this.”

DEDICATION: Dalgety Show Society secretary, Natalee Reid (le ), and president, Julie Hedger, thank Don and Mill Wellsmore for their contributions to the show and community.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

New Snowy chair appointed

JAMES Cain has been appointed the chair and nonexecutive director of the Snowy Hydro board.

Mr Cain has 30 years of experience in property, infrastructure, and major capital works in the public and private sectors and is a current director of Inland Rail and nonexecutive director at Mirvac.

He has been appointed for a three year term, starting on 1 March.

Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher, said the appointment will support Snowy Hydro to deliver on its major projects, crucial to the nation’s reliable renewable energy transformation.

“Snowy 2.0 is one of the most complex engineering projects in the world and we are thrilled to have someone of Mr Cain’s experience on board as it moves closer to completion,”

Minister Gallagher said.

Minister Gallagher thanked outgoing chair, David Knox, for his contributions to Snowy.

“Mr Cain’s decades of experience working on infrastructure projects in the public and private sector makes him an excellent choice to drive this project for the benefit of all Australians,” Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said.

Council seeks feedback for key community plan

THE draft Snowy Monaro Community Strategic Plan 2042 has been released with Snowy Monaro Regional Council asking for feedback from residents, ratepayers and stakeholders.

Consultation is open until Monday, 24 March, providing an opportunity for input on the updated plan following com munity engagement conducted last year.

Originally adopted in 2022, the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is the highest-level strategic document, setting out a long-term vision for the region. Over the past 12 months, council has conducted a light-touch review of the CSP, incorporating community feedback from consultations held in early 2024.

This process helps ensure the plan remains relevant and closely aligned to the priorities of the community.

“This review is an important opportunity for our community to tell us what their priorities are for the region over the long term,” Snowy Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna, said.

“Council has spent the last year updating the CSP based on what you told us, and we’re excited to share the results and hear what you think about the Snowy Monaro’s vision for the future.”

The CSP is made up of five key themes:

1.Our Community –Supporting connected, inclusive, and healthy

communities; 2.Our Economy – Driving economic sustainability and local opportunities;

3.Our Environment

– Protecting and enhancing the region’s natural assets;

4.Our Infrastructure – Improving transport, utilities, and community facilities; and

5.Our Civic Leadership –Ensuring transparent and effective governance.

This revised plan considers the challenges and priorities facing the region, including housing affordability, infrastructure investment, sustainability, and economic resilience.

Options for giving feedback and getting more information about the CSP include the Your Say Snowy Monaro website, getting a paper copy from any council office or library branch, or talking to council staff at information stalls at the Cooma Show on Saturday, 8 March and Bombala Show on Saturday, 15 March.

While the CSP sets overarching strategic goals, specific projects and service details are addressed in council’s upcoming Delivery Program and Operational Plan, which will open for consultation later this year.

Submissions must be in before Monday, 24 March at https:// qrco.de/CSPreview.

The plan will be further revised based on feedback received and presented to council for review and adoption in mid-2025.

COUNCIL: Snowy Monaro Regional Council CEO, Stephen Dunshea, is encouraging the community to have its say on the organisation’s Community Strategic Plan. PHOTO: Supplied

Currawarna sets sights on longevity

We are healthy, want to stay that way: Dr Campbell

By KAREN FORMAN

BOMBALA’S re-vitalised independent living hostel, Currawarna Assisted Living (CAL), is set to take steps to ensure the longevity of the facility in a climate where many aged care homes have been forced to close down.

The board of the former nursing home, which re-opened as an independent living hostel a year ago, has decided to review fees every six months and install a solar system to ensure its $690,000 reserve is not taken up by daily running costs.

“The potential fee increase will be very small and will not affect the residents who are living at Currawarna on level three or four Home Care packages, which cover all their expenses,” chair of the board, Dr Keith Campbell, said.

“Currawarna is in a very healthy state, exactly on track to what we planned when we opened last year and we want to keep it that way.

“We want to be able to reassure our current 18 residents and future residents that their home is secure now and into the medium term.”

The decisions were made after consultations with residents and their families and the general public at a first anniversary celebration last week.

Dr Campbell said he had been

encouraged by the responses and the productive discussions about how to ensure the stability of the facility moving forward

“so we don’t get a crisis”.

“Although we have a solid amount of money in reserve and Currawarna has definitely performed as we hoped it would, the board is keen to bring it into a stronger cash flow position.

“We are determined to preserve as much of the reserve funding as we possibly can so that we don’t end up like the previous Currawarna nursing home or Snowy River Hostel in Berridale.”

Dr Campbell said Currawarna was still looking to accept more clients and had beautiful rooms available for both short-term respite and long-term living.

“After a year of operation it was good to be able to now have figures at our disposal so that we could look at expenses and income and consider things like the fees clients pay to live here,” he said.

“The Board will review the fees each June and December, taking into account occupancy and charges and then set the fees so the facility is cash flow neutral.

“Any increases will be minor and will not affect clients in a major way, especially those on Home Care packages.

“This allows for a certainty of fees and no nasty surprises which might require major fee increases in the future.

“The modelling we did was three years ago and of course the cost of living does increase every year, regardless of where people live and we need to consider that.”

Currently 50 per cent of clients are on Home Care packages, paying around $60,000 a year to live at CAL with their package and their pensions.

Dr Campbell said the Board had been able to achieve a massive reduction in the cost of insurance, from $86,000 to $46,000, due to having a large reserve which could cope with a higher excess if a claim had to be made.

Other exciting news was it had secured funding through the Bombala heat of the Australian National Busking Championships and through Cooma and Bombala Legacy, to order a Kia Carnival micro bus fitted with a wheelchair ramp, to be used to transport residents and members of the community on a needs basis to medical appointments and the like.

“The other thing we are doing is working with some locals to get costs and funding to install solar panels on the roof to try to reduce our power and gas costs.”

Splash a while longer

AFTER a strong response from the Adaminaby and Berridale communities, Snowy Monaro Regional Council has extended the swimming season for each town’s pool.

The swimming season was initially scheduled to finish this week but following dozens of community members contacting council requesting an extension, swimmers can make a splash for another fortnight.

Adaminaby Pool will be open Saturdays and Sunday from 1.30pm to 5.30pm until Sunday, 16 March. Berridale Pool will be open until Sunday, 16 March. On weekdays, Berridale swimmers can enjoy the pool from 1.30pm to 5.30pm and between 11am to 6.30pm on weekends.

This extension will also help local junior competitive swimmers training to represent the region in upcoming regional carnivals.

“Thank you to our regional lifeguards for agreeing to extend their contracts past the original end-of-season dates, who have made this longer swimming season possible,” a council spokesperson said.

Season dates and opening hours are unchanged for Cooma and Bombala. The enclosed Jindabyne Pool remains open year-round.

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

FUTURE: Chair of the Currawarna Assisted Living board, Dr Keith Campbell, says the outlook for the hostel is positive. PHOTO: Supplied

K Brothers dream big after duo featured at Cobargo Folk Festival

By KAREN FORMAN

FILIPE Klempfner may be just 13, but the talented awardwinning Berridale musician already has a firm idea of what he wants to do in his future.

His goal is to play the violin in a symphony and he dreams of playing in an orchestra for his favourite musical, Hamilton. Meanwhile, as he completes his schooling and indulges in his other passions, alpine ski racing and mountain biking, the classically-trained Snowy Mountains Grammar School Year 8 student is honing his craft and expanding his repertoire as one half of the duo, the K Brothers, with his 11-year-old brother Justin.

The brothers support fellow Berridale musician, singer/ songwriter Gabi Forman, and jamming for fun with Snowy Mountains Folk.

Folk music is a long way from the classical music Filipe has been studying since he was four-and-a-half, but he loves it.

“Folk is a new genre for me and I am loving playing with Gabi, which I did at her album launch in Jindabyne last November and with Snowy Mountains Folk,” he said.

“I really like folk music. It is really relaxed for the quieter songs and when you do the bluegrass songs you can’t stop jiggling with the energy of it.

“I have been filling in for (Bibbenluke fiddle player and singer) Gus Olding, who played the fiddle on her album, when he cannot play with Gabi, and he has offered to take me under his wing and teach me more about the fiddle for the folk side of things, which is amazing.”

Filipe and Justin - multiinstrumentalists who are regular Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC) prizewinners - were selected to perform with the Snowy Mountains Folk Youth Band on The Crossing Youth Stage at Cobargo Folk Festival last Saturday.

“It was our biggest gig yet and in a whole new environment,

and eventually the teacher suggested, given his perfect pitch, that he should learn the violin as well.

Both had been playing the piano, but the violin took over and continued when the family moved to the mountains.

These days they play classical, Irish and folk music on the fiddle, the piano, recorder and sing.

Using the stage name The K Brothers, the siblings entered the ANBC regionals in 2023 and won the People’s Choice award and placed third in the Primary category.

More results continued in 2024 when they took out major awards at both Cooma and Bombala regionals and the national grand final.

Young Berridale fiddle players on pathway to success

even wearing different clothes,” Filipe said.

“It is really hard to get onto a folk festival program as a performer and we are really happy that we were given this opportunity.

“We played songs like Crooked Tree by Molly Tuttle and I love it because of the message it has about not really fitting in and how the music goes from relaxed and quiet to moving fast.”

With all three musicians spending time overseas leading up to the festival, they rehearsed every night last week after dinner “to make us professional and tight”.

Filipe had only just come out of a cast after breaking his “bow wrist” while mountain biking at Thredbo during the school holidays.

“I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to play at Cobargo.”

Justin said he had also been very excited to play at Cobargo, saying folk music was great fun to listen to and play.

The festival ran over three days and involved more than 70 local, national and international performers.

The three young musicians were the only Snowy Mountains locals to perform and they hope to achieve program status at upcoming folk festivals during 2025.

Filipe and Justin are the sons of Jindabyne Public School teacher, Monika, and Qantas pilot, John Klempfner, moving from Sydney to the mountains during the COVID pandemic.

They had been “doing term three” at SMGS so they

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could train for ski racing with Thredbo Ski Race Club and the whole family was keen to re-locate permanently.

Their careers as violinists began when Filipe fell in love with the instrument after seeing his Mum’s friend playing during a visit to the Czech Republic when he was three-and-a-half.

“I asked Mum if I could learn and she never said anything as she thought it was just a phase,” Filipe said.

“The next year we went again and I saw him play again and I told her, ‘I want to play and I’ve always told you that’.

“She got me a second hand violin and a teacher and I have been playing for nine years now.”

Justin tagged along for the lessons and sat drawing and listening and humming

Filipe was interviewed and played live on ABC South East Radio late last year and the brothers played at the Jindabyne Carols By The Lake event.

Outside of music, Justin was second in alpine and third in skier cross at the Australian Interschools Championships last year, while Filipe was fifth in nationals in 2022 and first in alpine at states in 2023.

At school, at which they both excel academically, they are both part of the Devo Band at SMGS with music teacher and well known local musician, Sue Sell, and Filipe helps out with the Year 3 students.

Looking ahead, both Filipe and Justin are keen to play as much music as they can and Filipe is keen to encourage other young people to take up the violin.

Justin said it was a pity the fiddle was less popular than the guitar, and was more difficult to play because it doesn’t have frets.

“At the ANBC one of the judges from the James Brothers said he had so much respect for us playing the fiddle,” he said.

The boys’ mum said the K Brothers would not have achieved so much without the support of people like Allan Spencer, who founded the ANBC, their music teachers and others.

music?

Australian National Busking Championship stars Justin (left) and Filipe Klempfner of Berridale played their biggest gig yet - as programmed musicians on the Cobargo Folk Festival youth stage.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Adaminaby community group looking to improve village facilities

Seymour Park, swimming pool atop of busy 2025 agenda

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE Adaminaby Community Action Group (ACAG) members remain focused in 2025 on providing the village and residents with improved, re-developed facilities.

ACAG secretary, Sharon Marley, said the group had a busy year in 2024 following up on project ideas and funding for Adaminaby Pool and Seymour Park, discussed at a meeting at the end of 2023 with Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) and Snowy Hydro representatives.

In the last 12 months group members have met with Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro, Joanne van der Plaat, to discuss project funding for Seymour Park.

The group also started to look into grant opportunities and talked about a masterplan for Adaminaby with council.

ACAG received a Boco Rock grant, which was enough to fund a preliminary consultation with a landscape architect who specialises in parks and recreation and engaged

Fiona Robbe, from Architects of Arcadia, to take on the Seymour Park project.

Members researched funding opportunities and gathered playground ideas.

They also investigated local staffing/lifeguard opportunities at the pool.

In October, ACAG members met with Lorraine and Bob Alford from Cooma Festival Swimming Pool to discuss staffing/operating hours and opportunities at Adaminaby, and again with stakeholder council staff at Seymour Park to discuss the group’s proposal and ideas.

It was at this time, community engagement and feedback from Adaminaby residents about Seymour Park began.

Before 2024 ended Seymour Park was once again the centre of attention with another visit by Ms van der Plaat plus the Federal Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain.

With the new year, there has been a continuation of these projects and activities.

Community engagement has increased. The group set up a community feedback poll on Facebook, consulted with residents and those who live close to the park, gathering important feedback, and distributed feedback forms.

They met again with architect, Fiona Robbe, and SMRC deputy mayor, Tricia Hopkins, at Seymour Park; Angie Ingram from Cooma Challenge and Dean Lynch of Snowy Hydro; spoke on ABC South East Radio and to other organisations such as Lions, Rotary etc for potential project support.

Like last year, ACAG will be part of the Adaminaby Easter Fair next month in an effort to engage with the community about why the group was established and for residents’ feedback on what is needed in the area.

Plans for the immediate future (grant funding dependant) include finalising the first stage of the community engagement feedback process and a report to the designer (in progress); develop the first

stage costed concept plan with Architect of Arcadia to present to council (in progress); ensure the project is included on council’s operational plan for 2025/26 or 2026/27; take first stage designs back to the community for feedback, record responses (subject to funding).

A community meeting will be scheduled to provide responses to the architect, who will also attend.

It is expected the designer will provide a second stage plan (subject to funding) and the group intends to apply for grant opportunities to fund each stage of the Seymour Park project as they arise.

“The small grant through Boco Rock to start the essential communityinformed costed concept design process was beneficial to us,” Ms Marley said.

“This is in progress and producing really exciting ideas from the community.

“Our designer Fiona Robbe has been incredibly helpful and generous

with her time and advice, for example; producing materials to help with the community consultation.

“We are seeking further funding to finalise the design process which will result in the important Costed Concept Design that will take a staged and modular approach so crucial to fundraising for the park’s re-development.

“We continue to liaise closely with SMRC and other stakeholders and hope to present to the council, as a whole, in the near future, to raise

awareness of Seymour Park and the results of the community engagement.

“The park is on the mid-term SMRC Recreation Plan, so the next stage is for council to place it on their operational plan and we will be working to provide information and materials to SMRC to make this happen,” Ms Marley said. As part of its continuing community consultation, the group held a pop up street stall in Adaminaby yesterday (Tuesday, 4 March).

Expressions of interest

Council cemetery maintenance services

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from suitably qualiﬁed parties with the capacity and capability to enter into a contractual agreement for the provision of maintenance works at Council-managed cemeteries across the region.

Interested parties can access the detailed EOI document from Council’s website at https://qrco.de/maintEOI, which explains eligibility requirements and how to make a submission.

Council is seeking submissions for three cemetery maintenance contract areas under this EOI process:

•Cooma District – One cemetery

•Berridale/Jindabyne/Adaminaby District – Six cemeteries

•Bombala District – Five cemeteries

Submissions close 4pm AEDT Monday 24 March 2025

In making a submission, interested parties should identify a preferred contract area or areas, machinery availability, resources, stafﬁng, and relevant experience.

Expressions of interest must comply with the terms of the EOI document, available online at https://qrco.de/maintEOI.

Submissions for this EOI are accepted by email only, and must be sent to procurement@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au before 4pm AEDT on Monday 24 March 2025.

Late submissions and submissions received via any means other than the email address provided above will not be considered.

Parties invited to proceed to the next stage in the procurement process are required to register a free account on the VendorPanel market engagement platform at www.vendorpanel.com.au.

Development application

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

APPLICATION NUMBER 10.2025.24.1

PROPERTY ADDRESS

94-98 Commissioner Street, Cooma 2630

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Lot: 1 DP: 537182

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Construction of a 4-storey mixed-use building with basement carparking, commercial premises, hotel and shop top housing

APPLICANT

Hugh Gordon Architect Pty Ltd

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 April 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

COMMUNITY: Snowy Monaro deputy mayor, Tricia Hopkins, Rolf Robbe, Cressida Fforde, Fiona Robbe (Architects of Arcadia) and Sharon Marley. PHOTO: Supplied

WE ARE in the middle of a busy month of local agricultural shows and what a weekend we just had. The Delegate and Dalgety Shows attracted large crowds, showcasing what we love about country living.

Not only are our shows a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together, but they serve as important events to attract visitors to our region.

At the Dalgety Show on Sunday, three special presentations took place.

Don and Mill Wellsmore were recognised for their significant contributions to the Dalgety and Monaro farming community, honoured as part of the show’s theme ‘Year of the Farmer’.

Life member accolades were presented to two Dalgety Show stalwarts - Annie O’Keeffe and Christie Glasson. Both Annie and Christie have dedicated about a decade to the show. They have helped grow the show into the success it is. Well done to both.

Speaking of shows, the Cooma Show is set for a terrific celebration this Saturday as it marks 150 years of shows in Cooma.

A special guest will be present on Friday night, it’s a secret at this stage, while the GovernorGeneral will officially open the show on the Saturday.

We wish the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association all the best for its big day.

Work on Snowy 2.0 has again stopped only about a fortnight after resuming following safety concerns workers had with the underground refuge chambers.

The latest incident has resulted in underground work being halted.

A serious safety incident reported by Snowy Hydro last week has led to safety reviews into the operation and maintenance of ventilation fans in the tunnels.

A blade flew off a fan, fortunately not injuring anyone. The incident is being investigated by Safe Work NSW.

In a statement, Snowy Hydro used pretty strong words in calling for a change in leadership at Future Generation Joint Venture, the Snowy 2.0 principal contractor.

The relationship between the two companies has further been strained following this incident.

The second part of council’s February meeting was held on Monday. Last month’s meeting was adjourned after a six-hour sitting. About a dozen notices of motion due to be debated at Monday’s meeting have been held over to the regular meeting in March as a number of councillors were absent.

The meeting did see council support calls to establish masterplans for some of the region’s town and villages. The original motion was for a Cooma masterplan to be added to the council delivery plan but after debate, Bombala and Delegate were added to the list.

Fond memories of Cooma Show

SNOWY Monaro Regional Councillor, Nick Elliott, has shared this image of his family heading to the Cooma Show in 1954.

Nick (front) is joined by his mother (far right), her aunt (far left) and sister (being held). Cr Elliott said he and his family enjoyed many happy times at the Cooma Show.

There will be plenty of reminiscing at the show on Saturday, 8 March as the community celebrates 150 years of shows in Cooma.

WE OWE the three United States volunteer firefighters who were killed in the 2020 bushfires. We owe them a monument of life-size bronze statues. People will come from all over the world to pay their respects to these great men.

Terry O’Donnell Cooma

Editor’s note: There are dedicated plaques to honour these fire fighters at the Southern Cloud Memorial site Cooma, and at Peak View.

Church service times across the Snowy Monaro region

Cooma Baptist Church: 10am Sunday

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

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

St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church: 9.30am Sunday

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

Cooma Presbyterian Church: 9am Sunday

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

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

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

Alpine Uniting Church Jindabyne: 9.30am Sunday

Columbkille Catholic Church, Jindabyne: Mass 5pm Saturdays

Village Church Jindabyne: 5pm Sunday

All Saints Anglican Church Berridale: 9.30am Sunday

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

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

MEMORIES: Current Jindabyne resident and councillor, Nick Elliott, shares fond memories of attending the Cooma Show with his family.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lifeblood/Red Cross van visits under threat

I AM embarrassed, annoyed and frustrated that I have to write this letter.

After 19 years of visiting Cooma, 20 years in November, the Lifeblood/Red Cross Mobile Donor Unit is under threat of being cancelled due to lack of donors over the last 12 months.

At each three-day visit the number of donors should be 150 to 160 donors, but for whatever reason over the last 12 months this number has fallen to 120 to 130 at most.

If this disappointing number

continues over the next couple of visits, Lifeblood will have to seriously reconsider visiting Cooma.

Lifeblood is not a charity and when they can guarantee 60 to 70 daily donors in the Canberra area for half the cost of a Cooma visit we will lose this incredible service.

The next visit is Monday, 12 March to Wednesday, 14 March at Rotary Oval.

Ring 13 14 95 or log onto the Lifeblood website and make a booking or we will lose the visits.

One statistic just shows how critical each donation is – to keep

Life on the funny farm

the lifeblood service operating Australia-wide it takes 25,000 to 27,000 donations each week, 52 weeks a year.

Over the 19 years the van has visited Cooma, the Monaro area has donated 13,500 to 14,000 units in total. Half a week of donations in 19 years. Every donation is critical and important.

It’s now up to everyone to keep this amazing service. See you at Rotary Oval.

The Blood Van volunteer Paul McGufficke

By Paul Dorin

By LISA ASHURST

HONESTLY, the things some people will do in the pursuit of the perfect selfie. Or their version of one anyway.

In the latest hot pursuit of 15 minutes of online fame, several people (thousands reportedly) are scaling Sicily’s Mount Etna to take snaps of themselves alongside the lava flows currently hissing and sizzling their relentless paths across the snow, and risking life and limb to do so.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

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

The Monaro Post welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in

Monday to Friday. We also welcome letters to the editor.

GROUP EDITOR

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

JOURNALISTS

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Hence, the mayors of the towns situated on the volcano’s slopes are doing their utmost to deter sightseers hell-bent on getting that ultimate social media selfie shot, from risking broken limbs, hypothermia and injury (death more likely) from flying “bullets” of incandescent magma.

There have been reports of some even making their way in heels and positioning themselves dangerously close to the lava, which can reach up to 1200 degrees celsius.

Well, if they end up dying they may get a small paragraph in a newspaper somewhere, which might stretch their 15 minutes to 20, but they won’t be around to experience that thrill, will they?

But is a selfie worth risking your life?

People have ducked under barriers to access the precipice of dangerous cliffs for that big pic and fallen to their deaths.

They have dangled from bridges and fallen to their deaths. Done all sorts of other stupid things and died.

Sure, it was their decision to ignore the warnings and scale the barriers put there for very good reason, so if they don’t survive that selfie, then it’s on them, no one else.

But I really must question the sanity of those traipsing up

CLASSIFIEDS (02) 6452 0318 classifieds@monaropost.com.au

Published by Hartley Higgins for Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd (ABN 121 288 060), 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Group Editor Nathan Thompson. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is copyright of Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The Monaro Post is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Monaro Post itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.

the snowy sides of a live volcano while dressed completely inappropriately for the environment and risking all manner of serious injury or death for a photo.

Active volcanoes are not people-friendly places, and if they end up doing a full-on eruption, anyone up there on a photoshoot is not going to make it down again. Well, not this side of life anyway.

So, is that selfie with the lava flow really such a good idea? Is Internet “fame” worth the risk of venturing into a dangerous location where the situation could turn deadly in the blink of an eye? Will anyone even remember you a week later?

The answer to these questions is “no”. Unless you have a death-wish and believe it could send your profile into the stratosphere and you don’t mind not being around to see your selfie go stellar.

That’s assuming your phone makes it down even if you don’t, but I’m guessing it won’t. But seriously, is it going to be worth all the drama that will descend on your family, friends, and those handed the unpleasant task of retrieving what’s left of you?

I’m going to assume here that selfie addicts are not really planning their demise when they take ridiculous risks for their latest social media pics. They aren’t thinking they might do themselves an injury that could have lasting repercussions, or that they may not survive at all.

Personally, I don’t believe they are thinking at all, because if they were they wouldn’t do it. Like going up the side of an active volcano. Like pausing then to pose with 1200-degree lava flows. In heels.

I know, right?

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Member

the Snowy Monaro community.

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

Heartstrings for Valentine’s Day

By SNOWY MONARO ARTS COUNCIL

MARCH IN THE GARDEN

Autumn brings shorter days, cooler evenings and colour to deciduous trees and shrubs. This makes autumn a good time to choose these trees from the nursery when they are in colour so you can enjoy it in your garden this season. It is also a good time to plant trees and shrubs while there is still moisture and warmth in the soil as this encourages plants to develop strong roots, helping them to start with strong growth in spring. Although we still have warm days, the cool nights will reduce the risk of heat stress for new plantings.

THE 2025 Snowy Monaro Arts Council concert season opened on Sunday, 16 February, two days after Valentine’s Day with ‘Heartstrings’, an appropriately named program featuring local and imported young performers.

Autumn is a good time to divide perennials like iris, daylily and strawberries, to name a few. As plants enter dormancy dividing them helps restore underperforming plants by easing crowded plantings. This will increase plant material to share with others or replicate in your own garden.

Steps for division:

1.prune leaves

2.use a garden fork or spade to li out root ball

3.pry root ball apart into two or more pieces

4.if root ball is too dense to pull apart cut into pieces with a sharp spade or handsaw

5.plant and water with Seasol or equivalent plant tonic

MARCH GARDEN TASKS

Prepare beds for spring ﬂowering bulbs by turning soil and adding compost, having mulch on standby for a er planting.

Bulbs and tubers are best planted in April and May.

Prepare to divide perennials a er they finish flowering Control caterpillars with a natural pest deterrent like Dipel on edibles especially cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and other brassicas. Deadhead roses, manage pests and fungal diseases, try adding potash to build resilience.

Vegetables to plant include Asian greens, broad beans, broccoli, cauliﬂower, chives, spring onions and perennial herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, mint and parsley. By allowing coriander, basil and parsley to seed in your garden they will naturalize. The fresh seeds will germinate next season when growing conditions are suitable and you will have a constant supply.

Flowers to plant include erigeron, pansy, viola, snapdragon, primula and sweet pea.

Manage fruit tree pests like codling moth, fruit ﬂy, and fruit rot. Gather a ected fruit and leave in full sun in closed bags or drown in a tub of water to kill grubs. Grubs must be dead before disposal to break the cycle.

Happy Gardening from Jodie & Jannene

A large crowd of regular music lovers plus a pleasing number of youngsters filled St Paul’s Anglican Parish Hall to enjoy a wonderful afternoon’s program of music for strings, be they piano, guitar, violin, cello or a combination of those strings.

The concert opened with the Cooma Guitar Ensemble of six players tutored by Allan and Leslie Spencer playing in classical style.

This tunefully strung group has been playing together for more than a decade, with new members alongside those from the group’s inception. Newcomer Jeremiah Abrokwah capably plucked the melody of Telmann’s first movement of Concerto en Re majeur and Allan Spencer led the Balalde en Foret while the others harmoniously plucked the counterpoint accompaniment. It was all a very pleasant listening experience.

One mother, Anke Brademann might have been missing her two guitarist sons now absent from the ensemble, however another mum, Ann Clayton had her daughter Brenna playing alongside her. Music for this group is certainly a ‘family affair’.

Cooma welcomed brother and sister Isobel and William Caffyn from Sydney, the grandchildren of a teaching colleague of local acclaimed pianist and accompanist Glenyss Allen. Glenyss accompanied the violinist

and cellist in two piano trio works, a classical movement by Haydn and a contemporary and dramatic movement by Danca , the latter concluding the concert.

There was no sibling rivalry, just pure cooperation, playing the pieces in perfect timing and harmony. Cellist William later brilliantly played the famous Le Cyne, (The Swan) from Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals.

Proudly and elegantly gliding over the water, the swan was captured by William’s solo cello and you could hear the swan’s feet paddling beneath the surface of the rippling water in Glenyss’ piano accompaniment.

Sister Isobel also performed solo, presenting a movement of Vivaldi’s Concerto in G minor which was played accurately and sensitively.

Contemporary arrangements of film and musical numbers were also presented as violin and cello duets by Isobel and William using modern technology to provide accompaniment.

The concert continued to pull heartstrings with local piano teacher Alex Strudwick presenting and at times accompanying her students on the grand piano.

There were many proud

parents in the audience to hear offspring give of their best at the keyboard. Playing with poise, delicacy where appropriate, and confidence the students presented a variety of musical styles ranging from classical to modern, sometimes as a soloist, others as four hands and even a sixhanded piece.

Cooma has a promising musical future with these students emerging: Charlotte Morley, Alice Luton, Audrey Willet, Jwanita Bosco, Tash Lucas and Hannah Hill.

Special mention must be made of Angus StrudwickWood who was the only performer who played from memory, demonstrating his developing maturity, dexterity and passion during demanding Debussy and Chopin pieces.

Angus commented later that for him it is easier to memorise than to read the scores.

One young member of the audience commented that he enjoyed Jwanita Bosco’s rendition of Dinosaur Stomp at the piano the best as it was an upbeat jazzy piece. Thomas also liked the choice of songs for the piano duets. He thought all the performers were ‘very brave and should be proud of themselves’.

Glenyss Allen (centre) with teaching colleague Judy (far le ), her husband Frank Wyer (far right), parents of Rebecca Ca yn (second le ) and grandparents of concert performers William Ca yn (back centre) and Isobel Ca yn (second right).

TALENT: Senior student Angus Strudwick-Wood impressed the audience by playing from memory two di icult pieces by Dubussy and Chopin. PHOTOS: Snowy Monaro Arts Council

Pubsong’s return hailed a success

By TRISTA HEATH

THE return of Pubsong was a great success after the first event took place at the Berridale Inn on Monday, 25 February.

Local band, Cool Change, organised the popular workshop after a short hiatus and band member, Erin Lee, said the first one back deemed popular among the community.

“The Berridale Inn has a great room with a small stage and restaurant tables, making it perfect for Pubsong,” Ms Lee said.

“Many of the attendees had dinner at the pub before the event, and it was great to see people supporting our local venues.”

Around 40 people from across the region attended, including some singers and some just coming for the entertainment value.

Ms Lee said the event received good feedback from attendees who enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and felt no pressure.

“We also received feedback that the teachers did a good job in getting the crowd involved and helping where they could,” Ms Lee said.

“We had lyrics both on paper and available online via a QR code which after some tweaking will work

whether they’re going to get into it or not, but like all the Pubsong events we’ve held so far, this one didn’t disappoint.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to watch the group relaxing and enjoying as the workshop goes on, getting more into it and singing loud and proud.”

where they would split the room into parts and get everyone singing to break up the day.

Around 15 years ago, Cool Change celebrated the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day by holding workshops around the area, aiming to gather a choir

Day by The Chiffons in a three-part harmony.

“It was amazing. Pubsong was introduced back in 2019 and since then we have been holding workshops when we can, teaching great classic songs and giving anyone and everyone a chance to sing their heart out without

Council updates

Adaminaby and Berridale pools

Council has extended the public pool swimming for Adaminaby and Berridale.

This decision comes in response to strong community demand and weather forecasts predicting high temperatures to continue across the region into autumn.

Adaminaby Pool

Season extended to Sunday 16 March 2025

•Open on Saturdays and Sundays only 1.30pm – 5.30pm

Berridale Pool

Season extended to Sunday 16 March 2025

Weekday hours

1.30pm – 5.30pm

• Weekend hours 11am – 6.30pm

Season dates and hours are unchanged for Cooma and Bombala. The enclosed Jindabyne Pool remains open year-round.

Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCpools to learn more about public pools in our region.

Have your say

Jindabyne, hosted at the Brumby Ba,. The first will be in Jindabyne on Monday, 10 March, then Berridale on Monday, 17 March and the final one in Jindabyne on Monday, 7 April.

“We would love to perform the song with as many participants

as possible, in public on Easter Saturday in Jindabyne,” Ms Lee said.

“So, grab some friends, bring the family, have a feed and sing your heart out with us.”

The Pubsong workshops are informal, free and for everyone regardless of ability.

“The workshops are held in pubs because we want to promote a relaxed environment - it’s not a choir, it’s a chance for anyone and everyone to have a crack at singing without feeling the pressure of having to be “good”,” Ms Lee said.

“You don’t have to come to all workshops, we are teaching one “main song” which will be the one performed at Easter, and then we’re teaching a different secondary song at each workshop so if people attend more than one, they can learn new songs.”

Cool Change thank the Jindabyne Lions Club for providing funding for Pubsong 2025 and the Brumby Bar Jindabyne and Berridale Inn for hosting the workshops.

All information and updates can be found on the Pubsong Facebook page, and there are posters up in Jindabyne, Cooma and Berridale with workshop dates.

Council is inviting all residents, ratepayers, and stakeholders to provide feedback on the revised Snowy Monaro Community Strategic Plan 2042.

Originally adopted in 2022, the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) is the highest-level strategic document, setting out a long-term vision for the region.

Over the past 12 months, Council has conducted a light-touch review of the CSP, incorporating community feedback from consultations held in early 2024. This process helps ensure that the plan remains relevant and closely aligned to the priorities of our community.

The revised plan considers our region’s challenges and priorities into the future, including housing affordability, infrastructure investment, sustainability, and economic resilience.

Visit https://qrco.de/CSPreview today to see the updated plan and share your feedback by Monday 24 March 2025.

Tech Savvy Seniors

Older residents across the Snowy Monaro are invited to build their digital skills and improve their technological expertise with Snowy Monaro Regional Library’s free Tech Savvy Seniors courses returning for another year in 2025.

Session dates and times for 2025

•Bombala Library

Thursdays from 2pm– 4.15pm

•Cooma Library

Fridays from 2pm – 4.15pm

•Jindabyne Library

Wednesdays from 10am– 12.15pm

These sessions always book out quickly, so phone 1300 345 345 or email the team at libraries@smrc.nsw.gov.au today to secure your place at our 2025 sessions.

Whether you are just starting out, or you’re looking to build on your existing skills and knowledge, Tech Savvy Seniors is a safe and welcoming space for you to learn and grow your digital ability.

We’re here to help. Contact our friendly customer service team today. Email: council@smrc.nsw.gov.au

HARMONY: Cool Change hosted its first Pubsong workshop at the Berridale Inn last week with community showing its support of the event.

Heritage centre awaits announcement

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE Hydro1 Heritage Centre (H1HC) Committee has yet to be advised whether its grant application for an Australian Government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) has been successful.

“We have not heard from the federal government department that manages the grant, if we have been successful or not,” H1HC committee member, Suzanne Dunning, said.

The committee expected to learn of the success, or otherwise, of the grant submission before the end of last year.

“We have been told we will hear one way or another. Also we believe, that if we are unsuccessful there is a chance we can re-apply after hearing feedback from them. This we will do, if that is the outcome.”

The Hydro1 Heritage Centre Committee submitted its 72-page on-line application in August last

year for an Australian Government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program grant for the proposed Monaro Engineering Education and Environmental Precinct (MEEECAP) project. The application is for the planning aspect of the proposed MEEECAP.

The proposal involves the re-purposing of the Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at 220-226 Sharp Street, which will anchor a dynamic precinct to be known as MEEECAP. The precinct, incorporating the West Cooma Business District (CBD), will transform and re-vitalise the area into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, engineering, education and innovation as well as showcase the heritage and history of the laboratory.

2024 was another exciting year for the H1HC Committee. The main activities undertaken included on-going

discussions with SMEC and SMEC Australia’s holding company, Surbana Jurong, on the requirements for the future of the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory building; continued planning for a new engineering, educational, environmental, cultural and arts precinct for the West Cooma CBD, incorporating the Hydro1 Heritage Centre at its hub; the submission of an application for Stream One (Planning) funding from the Australian Government rPPP; further development of the H1HC website and research on historic content; hosting SMEC graduates for a tour and presentation of H1HC; and production of a documentary video of interviews with former Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority (SMHEA) employees telling stories of their personal connection with the Snowy Scheme (this video can be accessed through H1HC’s Facebook page).

WAITING: The Hydro1 Heritage Centre (H1HC) Committee is still waiting to hear about a grant application. The committee’s aim is to preserve the SMEC Fluid Mechanics building and showcase the heritage and history associated with SMHEA/SMEC.

The documentary, ‘Celebrating 75 years of the Snowy Scheme and the birth of SMEC’ features interviews with Hugh Darby, Alec Bacon, Keith Shoobridge and Eric Lesleighter. It was produced using $5000 received from Snowy Hydro’s 75th Anniversary Community

Grants Fund, with support from Surbana Jurong SMEC and made by local film maker, Richard Snashall.

“Our committee is still having regular meetings and we still welcome new members,” Ms Dunning said.

“Members can be active or passive – we are keen to have as many interested people on board as possible.

“With that in mind we are having a stand at the Cooma Show on Saturday, 8 March and we would love to share our information and progress thus far with as many people as possible.”

Hospital Auxiliary launch into busy year ahead

A NEW year has begun and with it comes the resumption of meetings and discussions of fundraising ideas, targets and health service needs in 2025 by the hard-working members of the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary.

The first meeting of the year was held on Thursday, 13 February in the education room of the Cooma Hospital.

The meeting was wellattended by members and Cooma Health Service executive including acting director of nursing, Donna Sadler.

Ms Sadler acknowledged the last three purchases of equipment prior to the Christmas break and introduced the recipients of these items, and where the new equipment was required.

The first was a Nuffield Dyspraxia program for speech pathology, for use by preschoolers, including story cards and assessment materials; the second item requested and provided was a leg garment

Berzeviczy, was presented with the donation and demonstrated how effective and easier to use the leg garment is compared with stockings and bandages.

Ms Sadler.

The monitor is for patients with diabetes and is used in the renal unit to take readings of

glucose levels.

All three equipment purchases totalled $5205 and Cooma Health Service staff again said how much they appreciate the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts, enabling equipment to be purchased to assist their patients.

In other news, auxiliary members will be holding a silver service morning tea for Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association life members at the upcoming Cooma Show.

The silver service morning tea will come with all the trimmings such as silverware, white linen tablecloths, beautiful crockery and fresh decorative flower posies.

The show is celebrating 150 years on 8 March and the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary members will be providing patrons with morning tea, and snacks, from the kiosk.

The next fundraiser will be the Mother’s Day raffle.

PHOTO: Hydro1 Heritage Centre

Scottish dancing afternoon honours Dr Wallace’s legacy

By BRADLEY PEVERE, MONARO CALEDONIAN SOCIETY

IN A heartfelt celebration, the Royal Scottish County Dance Society (RSCDS) Canberra and District Branch, along with the Monaro Caledonian Society, honoured the memory of Dr Gilbert Wallace through a Scottish country dance afternoon.

The event, which drew dancers and enthusiasts from the community, was a tribute to Dr Wallace’s enduring passion for Scottish country dance. Dr Wallace passed away in September 2024.

The afternoon kicked off with a lively jig called ‘The Hollin Buss’. This energetic dance set the stage for a day filled with joy, remembrance, and camaraderie. The sound of traditional Scottish music filled the air by

the members of Stringfiddle (Bob McInnes and Jane Ellis) as dancers took to the floor, embodying the vibrant spirit of Dr Wallace.

Dr Wallace, fondly remembered as an avid member of both the RSCDS Canberra and District Branch and the Monaro Caledonian Society, was a dedicated figure in the Scottish country dance community.

His enthusiasm and active participation in every event left a lasting impact, inspiring many to appreciate and preserve the rich heritage of Scottish country dance.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees showcased a variety of Scottish country dances, reflecting the spirit and vibrancy Dr Wallace brought to the community.

The dances, carefully selected by Bradley Pevere to include

both well-known favourites and hidden gems often requested by Dr Wallace in classes and socials, offered participants a comprehensive experience of Scottish country dance.

The camaraderie among dancers was evident, as they shared in the joy of movement and the cultural heritage of Scottish country dance.

The day also provided moments of reflection and remembrance.

Participants took time to honour Dr Wallace’s contributions and to reflect on his impact.

The grand finale of the day was marked by ‘The Reel of the 51st Division’, an iconic reel that holds a special place in the hearts of Scottish country dancers.

This final dance was a fitting tribute to Dr Wallace, bringing

dancers together in a display of unity and celebration.

After the energetic conclusion of the dance program, participants gathered for afternoon tea. This allowed the

dancers to relax, share stories, and connect with one another.

The tea was complemented by an array of food brought by the dancers, adding to the warmth of the occasion.

Join a close-knit dance family

Enrolments open for Snowy Mountains Performing Arts

Local diversity to be celebrated

PREPARATIONS for the Cooma Multicultural Festival are in full swing, with an exciting line-up of performances set for the celebration.

Held in Cooma Centennial Park along with the Rotary Markets on Sunday, 16 March, the Cooma Multicultural Festival attract performing groups, representing dozens of nationalities, from across the Canberra region.

Cooma Multicultural Centre manager, Yvi Henderson, said this year’s event is shaping as one of its best.

“This year we have the largest numbers of local

performances ever, which reflects the cultural diversity represented in Cooma,” Mrs Henderson said.

“Families from the Snowy 2.0 project will participate with Latin, Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai dance performances. We also have the Highland dancers, Snowy Mountains Performing Arts Academy and the very multi-cultural youth Bollywood group called Ghungroo.”

From interstate, the festival will also include performances by; Borobudur Indonesian Dance Troupe, Baila Chile Folk Dancers, Canberra Hellenic Dancers, Jyoti Bollywood, Momposina

- Colombian Dancers, East African Canberra Association, Queanbeyan Junior Brass Band (22 players), Ukrainian Community Canberra, Rio Samba Shows, Obsidian Bellydance, ACT Filipino Australian Social & Cultural Association and Mongolian Goyo.

Joining the regular Rotary Market stalls will be lots of food stalls offering traditional foods from Ethiopia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, South America and Sri Lanka.

The festival will begin at 10am, and will be held at the Cooma Multifunction Centre if there is rain on the day.

Steampunk welcomes Dungeons and Dragons

By KAREN FORMAN

ARE you ready to dive into a world of magic, mystery, and endless possibilities?

As well as attending Nimmitabel’s 2025 Steampunk @ Altitude Festival and learning about ‘somewhere between the wild west and the future’ on May 3-4, you might like to sign up to be part of the first Dungeons and Dragons intro sessions and games to be held at the event.

Cooma based Dungeons and Dragons gamemaster, Rob Pirie, will run a teaching session and a game on each day of the festival and is calling for nominations for a limited number of spots.

Mr Pirie runs a session at Made in Monaro in Cooma each Saturday from 5pm till 8pm and interested people can contact Rob to discuss how they might be able to become involved.

The Steampunk games will differ in that they are one offs, and are what he believes is a great opportunity for newcomers to check out the game.

“Normally I run groups which run for months or years rather than a one off quick game for newcomers,” he said.

“I think it is a good fit. Steampunk and Dungeons and Dragons are both fantasy concepts. Dungeons and Dragons is fairly flexible, so my intent is to work in some aspects of that into the Steampunk theme.”

The Steampunk Dungeons and Dragons games will be preceded by one-hour introductory sessions.

“We encourage people to turn up for that if they haven’t played before,” Mr Pirie said. What is Dungeons and Dragons?

According to Mr Pirie, more than just a game, but an opportunity to step into the shoes of a hero, explore new worlds, and face thrilling challenges.

“You’ll work together with other players to solve puzzles, battle monsters, and uncover treasures, all guided by a Game Master who weaves an exciting story.

“No two games are ever the same, and the only limit is your imagination.”

The sessions will be open to anyone aged 18 and over.

“Ages 15–17 are welcome too, but they must be accompanied by an adult throughout the workshop and game session.

“The focus is on creating

a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the game.

“Spaces Are Limited: While we can accommodate more people in the workshops, game session spots are limited, so sign up quickly.”

Steampunk is a sub-genre of speculative fiction, usually set in an anachronistic Victorian or Edwardian setting. Steampunk works are often inspired by, or feature elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction.

Over time, the definition of steampunk has become more inclusive, encompassing not only Victorian settings and technology, but also those from other historical periods (such as the Edwardian era) and even other genres (such as dieselpunk and clockpunk).

Today, steampunk is often used to describe anything that combines a vintage aesthetic with modern technology, whether it’s fashion, art, literature, music, film, or even video games.

The Nimmitabel festival is one of a number held around Australia.

Raglan Gallery closes ahead of next exhibition

By KAREN FORMAN

COOMA’s Raglan Gallery will be closed for three weeks ahead of the opening of its next exhibition, Farmscapes by Graham Hearn.

The gallery will undergo some maintenance from 3 March until 26 March then re-open with Mr Hearn’s show of large impressionistic paintings inspired by the aerial views of farms and properties. Lifestyle program host, Paul West, will be the guest speaker at the official opening of Mr Hearn’s show on 29 March.

Mr West hosts the Australian lifestyle program River Cottage, is a broadcaster for the ABC and travels to regional

Australia for programs Back Roads and Catalyst.

Gallery spokesperson Wendy McDougall predicted the show, in the Tillers Gallery, would be popular.

“Having grown up on a 2200 acre farm himself, Graham has a great love of Australian landscapes and brings a unique view,” she said.

The exhibition will run until Sunday, 4 May.

Meanwhile, the Raglan is still calling for entries for its Heads Up Portrait Prize which offers $1000 cash for the winning artist.

“Artists are being invited to submit a portrait of a living person in the Snowy region,” Ms McDougall said.

“The intent of the Heads Up Portrait Art Prize and Exhibition is the showcasing of portraits of Snowy Mountains local people.

“The work needs to be commenced and completed within the period of 24 months of the Raglan Portrait Art Prize 2025 and entry forms must reach the gallery by 3:30pm Wednesday, 2 June. “

Exhibition of the entries and awards presentation will be held Saturday, 14 June .

Second prize iks $600, third prize $400 and the youth award offers a $200 cash prize.

Details and the entry form are on the Raglan Gallery website www.raglangallerycooma.com

DANCE: The annual Cooma Multicultural Festival is a celebration of diversity, filling Cooma Centennial Park with colour and music.

PHOTO: Cooma Visitor Centre

RURAL: Artist Graham Hearn will showcase his impressionistic paintings inspired by rural settings of farms and properties. PHOTO: Contributed.

NEW: Dungeons and Dragons will be taught and played for the first time at Steampunk@ Altitude in May. PHOTO: Contributed

Dalgety Show does it again

ANOTHER terrific Dalgety Show has welcomed thousands through the gates for one of best country shows in the South East. The show welcomed attendees from across the Snowy Monaro, Capital region, country NSW and Victoria for the 81st annual show.

From the pavilion to the ring and the many stalls and activities, there was something for everyone.

Here is a snapshot of the day. More photos online at

 Amanda Woodhouse of Shear Delight receives a plaque for winning the business section of the platypus plunge.

 The needlework exhibition attracted a fine line-up of entries.

 Murray Jackson leads his dog through the yard dog trials at the Dalgety Show.  The showjumping is always a favourite at the Dalgety Show. The competition was strong.

SHOW TIME: Barry Aitchison and John Cullen enjoy catchingup at the Dalgety Show.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Chief steward of quilting, Deb Shaw, commends exhibitors on an excellent range of quilts. Deb is pictured with one of her quilts.

Chief steward of the Dalgety Show pavilion, George Giagios, said while produce and flowers were hard to have ready for the show, he is proud of the show’s pavilion o ering.

Cooma’s Leone Venables shows o her ribbon for winning champion dahlia at the show.

a Golf Club were proud to once again host this fantastic eve rday 1st March with golfers from Cooma, Berridale, Khanco berra, Jindabyne, Eden, Merimbula, Moruya and Bateman’s hanks to Steve Ganitis, Dealer Principal at Alpine Motor Gro rting this event as our Maj a or Sponsor. We love hosting this ays a great day out on the course and we really appreciate S support. a big thanks to Mark and Jai Burke from Burke’s Plant Hire on another great Ball Drop! Congratulations to the winner Young who took home $5,000!

CoomaGolfClubwereproudtoonceagainhostthisfantasticeventon Saturday1stMarchwithgolfersfromCooma,Berridale,Khancoban, Canberra,Jindabyne,Eden,Merimbula,MoruyaandBateman’sBay. AbigthankstoSteveGanitis,DealerPrincipalatAlpineMotorGroupfor supportingthiseventasourMajorSponsor.Welovehostingthisevent, it’salwaysagreatdayoutonthecourseandwereallyappreciateSteve’s

nt on Satu ban, Can Bay. A big t up for suppo event, it’s alw teve’s Also for putting Bruce

AlsoabigthankstoMarkandJaiBurkefromBurke’sPlantHirefor puttingonanothergreatBallDrop!CongratulationstothewinnerBruce Youngwhotookhome$5,000! CoomaGolfClubwouldliketothankthefollowingsponsors:

a Golf Club would like to thank the following spon

Coom sors:

Alpine Ford Burkes Plant Hire

St Pat’s community comes together

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

A TASTE of St Patrick’s Parish School Kindergarten to Year 10 meet and greet took place last Tuesday.

The highlight was a colourful and energetic Bollywood dancing display by school students showcasing the school’s multicultural flavour.

The event was an informal gathering to welcome the school community, providing parents with an opportunity to gather in a social setting with their children, to chat to staff and other families, and celebrate St Pat’s cultures.

An array of food was provided including two barbecues (one traditional Australian sausages, the other Halal sausages, vegetarian sausages and vegetarian patties), along with other international cuisine, and cold drinks.

The school community embraced the event and looks forward to a successful year together at St Pat’s.

and creative

A delicious variety of international cuisine was provided to share.

A big finale at the end of the second dance routine.

Colourful

Bollywood-style dance costumes were worn by the girls.

Le to right: Selma, Ridma, Kaushalya, Sashreeka, Buddhima and Ruwandika.

The Bollywood dancing was a popular part of the a ernoon.

An entertaining display of Indian dancing was presented at the event.

COMMUNITY: The dance group who performed at the multicultural school community welcome on Tuesday afternoon included: back row - Jwanita Bosco, Charlotte Morley and Tammy Benson. Middle row - Anastasia Bek, Danikah Flanagan, Charisma Abrokwah, and Tahlia Benson. Front row - Alice Luton and Alexandra Bradbury. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Father Mark Croker and Lou Mackay enjoy the festivities at the Taste of St Pat’s a ernoon.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 What is the national legislative body of the USA (8)

7 Name the head of a Muslim State (6)

8 Which military staff ofﬁcer assists the commanding ofﬁcer (8)

9 What, in the USA is a ﬁve-cent piece (6)

10 To inoculate, is to do what (8)

11 Name a renowned movie dog (6)

14 What are beginnings known as (6)

17 What is a radio or TV broadcast of news reports (8)

18 Name groups of ﬁsh crowded fairly close together (6)

19 Who often plays the music in a church (8)

20 Name a volcanic mountain in eastern Turkey, Mount ... (6)

21 What is a beginning or a development (8)

DOWN

1 Name a tropical climbing orchid (7)

2 Who wrote Oliver Twist, Charles ... (7)

3 Name a cup for the wine of the eucharist (7)

4 Name a French post-impressionist painter, Paul ... (7)

5 To be indirect, is to be what (7)

6 What are sofas also known as (7)

11 Name the 16th President of the USA (7)

12 What are waste matters that pass through sewers called (7)

13 Which aromatic substance is burnt for its fragrant odour (7)

14 To remain too long, is to do what (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

15 What is a metal urn for heating the water for making tea (7)

16 What is a picture, as of a scene (7)

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

1 CHARLATAN

(a) A mere talking pretender

(b) The edible leaf stalk of artichoke

2 DEBENTURE

(a) A contention in words

(b) A complete break-up or collapse

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Bird: Jabiru ... (5)

Dark yellowish-brown (5)

Disease-transmitting organism (7) Farm animal (3)

Means of access (7)

Movement of a dog’s tail (3)

Music: principal tonality (3)

Twist to remove ﬂuid (5)

Unofﬁcial vote: ... poll (5) Was seated (3)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Glass Houses. (2020) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Motorway Patrol. 8.30 MOVIE: The Butler. (2013) Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack. 11.10 Autopsy USA. 12.10 Damnation. 1.10 Travel Oz. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Highway Patrol. 2.00 The Force: BTL. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Jade Fever. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. Brisbane Lions v Geelong. 10.30 AFL PostGame. 11.00 Kick Ons. New. 11.30 Late Programs.

1.00

2.00

3.00

3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.35 Gardening Australia. 8.35 Under The Vines. 9.20 Optics.

Fever. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. 7.30 Highway Cops. 8.30 MOVIE: The Ugly Truth. (2009) 10.35 MOVIE: The Taking Of Pelham 123. (2009) 12.50 Late Programs.

Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 ScoobyDoo And Guess Who? 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 10 News First: Lunchtime. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.30 Mr Mayor. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos. 9.55 Thursday Night n ff. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 To Be Advised. 12.00 Tipping Point. 1.00 Next Stop. New. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 2.00 To The Manor Born. 2.30 Yes Minister. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: The Gentle Gunman. (1952) 5.30 Filthy Garden SOS. Final. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 Forensics: The Real CSI. Return. 11.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Angel. 3.00 Black-ish. 3.30 The Goldbergs. 4.00 Glee. 5.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 8.35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. 9.30 Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back. 11.30 First Dates UK. 12.35 Kitchen Nightmares. 1.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Romantic Rewrite. (2022) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 1. Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 Rise Of The Dolphins. 12.15 Tipping Point. 1.05 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 A+E After Dark. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: It’s In The Air. (1938) 5.20 Your Garden Made Perfect. New. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. Return. 8.40 MOVIE: Marley & Me. (2008) 11.00 MOVIE: Moonlight & Valentino. (1995) 1.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Angel. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Bondi Vet. 5.00 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: The Borrowers. (1997) 8.50 MOVIE: The Jewel Of The Nile. (1985) 11.05 MOVIE: Antlers. (2021) 1.05 Shopping. 2.05 9-1-1: Lone Star. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Wheel Of Fortune UK. 11.30 Judge Judy. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud.

Celebrating 150 Celebrating 150

We love our Cooma Show: Hain

By ROB HAIN, COOMA PASTORAL AND AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION

THE Cooma Show has been a much-loved event on the Monaro for 150-years.

Showcasing our best livestock, produce, pavilion exhibits, horse riders and much more, the show really does bring our community together.

As we approach the weekend, the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural (CP&A) Association is proud to present this year’s show.

A terrific celebration is planned to mark 150 years of the show. The 2025 Community Bank Cooma Show is on Saturday, 8 March, and we have an exciting weekend planned.

We are encouraging the community to come along on Friday night between 6pm – 8pm for some pre-show entertainment. The pavilion

will be open and the side show operating, with a sausage sizzle on offer.

We are honoured to have Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, to officially open our show as we celebrate 150 years of shows in Cooma.

Whether you have been coming to show for 90-years or only been once, there is something truly special about our show.

Gates open from 7.30am and the action runs through until the fireworks display at 9pm. We have received many positive comments about the display over the last few years and we can’t wait for this year’s offering.

Finally, a thank you to the hard-working CP&A Association, our stewards, volunteers and sponsors. Without this collective effort, we wouldn’t be marking 150-years of the show.

2025 Cooma Show

HONOUR: Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association president, Rob Hain, says a lot of hard work has gone into delivering a special show, to mark 150-years of agricultural shows in Cooma. PHOTO: Sue-Ellen Mackay

Life member reflects on Cooma Show

By GAIL EASTAWAY OAM, COOMA SHOW LIFE MEMBER

MY FIRST memories of the show are probably from primary school - we used to have Friday of the show as a holiday and went to the show.

Sideshow alley was very different then, though. We kids were fascinated by the “half man-half woman”; the weird mirrors thingy and of course, snow cones and fairy floss.

My sister Sue and I entered exhibits in the pavilion - potato men, posies, etc for the occasional prize.

In 1963, the show had a Cowboys Vs Indians ‘show’ as entertainment - that was a great year for me, as one of the Indian ponies, ridden by Barry Bastardi, became part of the Eastaway menagerie the day after the show.

“The Good Horse Dimpy” as he became known, was a tangible show souvenir for a pony-crazed little girl for the next 24 years.

The horse events ‘back then’ included hunting events and also trotting races, which were always a crowd favourite.

My association with the show intensified in 1974 when I was invited to join the committee to help organise the centenary show. It was a big committee comprising 40 men and 13 women.

It was also a very effective committee with very capable people able to carry out much of the work done at the showgrounds.

Building new horse stalls, yards, etc, was mostly done by some of the committee men, mainly Les Venables and Gordon Weston.

Many of the facilities wouldn’t exist if it hadn’t been for the hard-working committee members.

Fifty years ago, the centenary show was held over three days and two nights and included a street parade, grand parade and many people dressed in period costume.

This year, unfortunately, there will be no street parade, but the Governor-General will add some gravitas to the occasion by performing the opening.

In 1987 the show committee had to deal with the loss of the pavilion in a fire. It took a couple

of years to rebuild, but in 1989 I had the privilege of taking aerial photos of the grand parade in front of the new pavilion, thanks to chopper pilot, Mick Roberts, and Cooma P&A president, Don McDonald.

I missed some shows after moving to the Kimberley, but rejoined the committee in 2000, when Neroli O’Neill became the first female president of the Cooma P&A.

Not only was Neroli the first woman to lead the committee, but she also faced some unique challenges - she was the first president to have to cancel horse events due the wet showgrounds oval, a big challenge indeed (which was repeated a decade later by myself for the same reasons).

Neroli’s term also saw the show change from a two-day to a one-day show because there weren’t enough volunteers available to run a show on Friday.

Another notable event for her was having part of the verandah fall off the new Multi-Function Centre during set-up on Friday afternoon.

She was happy to serve just one term at the top but has remained an integral part of the committee.

Another former president, Michael Connellan, instigated the

Rural Achiever Award for Cooma Show. This is now a prestigious competition run by the RAS. He was also the first president to make wearing a tie optional and did away with the gender-ratio on the committee.

As the third female president, my time saw horse events cancelled only for the second time, but the Governor-General open the show.

I also had Covid and bushfires to negotiate in 2020, plus other challenges which we were able to work around.

I have served seven years as president overall and was honoured to do so. I was also honoured to join Neroli O’Neill, Michael Connellen, Margaret Barron, Dianna Blyton, Beverly Caldwell, Lee Evans, Tony Kaltoum, Don McDonald, David McPhie, John Phillips, Christine Parkes, Greg McGufficke David Whiting and Dorothy Whiting as a life member of the association. Shows are important. They bring the country to town every year and help reinforce the worth of our rural endeavours. They help children participate in activities they will always remember. Shows bring people together.

Hopefully Cooma’s sesquicentenary show will be full of great memories.

at the Nimmitabel Show. If you have anything you’d like to raise with me, I will be there during the middle of the day and my staff will be there all day.

If you can’t make it to the show, please contact my office for assistance with any State matters.

PROUD: Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association life member, Gail Eastaway OAM, has a long and decorated involvement with the Cooma Show. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Celebrating

Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma

150 years of the Cooma Show

Emily Lucas excited to represent district

EMILY Lucas has been named the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association’s young woman of the year, recognising her commitment to the local agricultural industry.

Emily grew up in the heart of the Snowy Mountains on her family’s mixed farming property in Old Adaminaby. Life on the land sparked her passion for horses, livestock, and the agricultural industry.

Emily spent her weekends competing in local campdrafts, farming alongside her father (Darren), and roustabouting at neighbouring farms.

After completing her Business Administration Traineeship with Snowy Hydro in 2020, Emily travelled to various studs and stations throughout the Hunter Valley and Northern Territory.

Emily completed her Diploma of Agriculture through Tocal College online, while working as a farm hand.

This experience solidified her connection to the agricultural community and her current pursuit, studying Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga.

SHOW

Fifty years ago, the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association committee comprised 40 men and 13 women. A sub-committee was formed to develop and present special activities for the centenary show. This included a street parade and patrons were encouraged to wear period costumes. The Cooma P&A committee, 1975 is pictured. Only four members are still alive, with only one still a committee member in 2025.

Show

Junior young woman honour for Mary

THE strength of the Cooma Show’s young women competition has led the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association down the exciting path of naming a junior young woman for its 2025 show.

The show celebrates 150 years on Saturday, 8 March, and for the first time in some years will have a junior young woman. Mary Kimber has the honour of being the Cooma Show’s junior young woman for 2025.

The Kimbers have been keen supporters of the Cooma Show for many years with Mary enthusiastically entering

a range of exhibits in the pavilion almost each year.

“Being the 2025 junior young woman is an honour and will be an exciting and rewarding learning experience.”

Mary has lived on the Monaro since she was two, when her family moved to Dromore to run an irrigated fodder farm to support the family dairy operation in Bega.

Mary is in year 10 at Monaro High School. She has an older and younger brother.

Mary spent the first half of 2024 on an exchange program in Italy, which she said was an amazing experience.

coomashow.com.au

LEADER: Emily Lucas is one of the region’s young agricultural leaders. Emily will represent the Cooma Show in the NSW Royal Agricultural Society Young Woman of the Year program.

PROUD: Mary Kimber (centre) was named the Cooma Show junior young woman of the year at a special dinner in October last year to mark 150 days until the Cooma Show. Mary’s parents, Pam and Luke, congratulate her on the achievement. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show

Cooma Show boasts long, proud history

COOMA’s first show is thought to have been held in 1870 or 1871, the main centre of the exhibition being held in what is now Cooma Centennial Park.

In 1875, the venue was changed to the police paddock, and this was the first show run by the Pastoral and Agricultural Association.

In 1885, an area of five acres – originally part of the common – was granted for the show ground (part of this land is now used as the railway goods yard).

A committee was formed to build a pavilion there and work started on the building in 1886. But the railway was being extended to Cooma and the show ground was required for the railway station.

So a new, 12-acre, site was found, and the Cooma Showground is still at that site today.

The railway arranged for the pavilion to be moved to the new site. The pavilion was the only building of any size in Cooma, and it was used for balls, concerts, skating, socials and so on, until it was destroyed by fire in 1987.

The original section of the sheep shed was built in the early 1900s and is still in use. Prior to that time, the pavilion was used to house the sheep.

After the fire of 1987, a new multi-function centre was built on the site of the old pavilion.

The show remains one of the best in the South East and continues to showcase the best of Cooma and Monaro life.

2025 office bearers

Patrons: Judy Caldwell and Andrew Hain

President: Robert Hain

Vice-presidents: Louise Doyle and Leone Venables

Secretary: Danielle Mackay

Treasurer: Rachelle Johnson

Committee for 2024-25

Terry Alcock, Casey Clarke, Michael Connellan, Louise Doyle, Gail Eastaway OAM, Sarah Fraser, Robert Hain, Justin Hedger, Rachelle Johnson, Emily Lucas, Florance McGufficke, Michelle McGufficke, Miranda McGufficke, Danielle Mackay, Leanne Mackay, Neroli O’Neill, Christine Parkes, Sarah Turner, Leone Venables and David Whiting.

 HISTORY: Members of the junior cattle judging class of the 1968 Cooma Show. PHOTOS: Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association.

The McGuﬃc e family has a long and decorated history with the Cooma Show. Alan, Miranda, Florance and Michelle are pictured at the 2023 show. Florance was awarded the Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman of 2023.

est of beef cattle paraders in one final

AT THIS year’s Cooma Show, the best of the South East’s beef cattle paraders will be on show for the Zone 6 group final.

Competitors must be aged between 13 and 19 years as of 1 May, 2025, to compete in the state final championships at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Competitors over 19 years and under 25 can enter the open cattle paraders in Sydney and competitors must lead a bull at any age.

Each group final will be allowed to select from three to 10 finalists, depending on the number of entrants in the group final.

Paraders may lead a steer, heifer, or bull under 20-months.

Paraders must be neatly attired and males are expected to wear a tie.

State’s best dahlias on display in Cooma

TO MARK 150 years of the Cooma Show, this year’s pavilion section is expected to be one of the best.

Renowned for its strong flower section, the Cooma Show will host the 2025 NSW and ACT State Dahlia Championships.

Local dahlias will feature alongside some of the best in NSW and ACT. The Cooma Showground Multi-Function Centre will open between 6.30pm on Thursday, 6 March and 9.30am on Friday, 7 March for staging.

The prized grand champion dahlia will see its winner awarded a sash and the Dahlia Society of NSW and ACT medal.

Judging starts at 10am on Friday, 7 March.

Medals will be presented to the winners of: reserve champion dahlia, champion formal decorative dahlia, champion cactus dahlia, champion semi-cactus dahlia, champion ball dahlia, champion pompon dahlia, champion anemone dahlia, champion informal decorative dahlia, champion collarette dahlia, champion waterlily dahlia and champion any other type. Leone Venables, head steward of flowers, is encouraging those interested in competing in the state dahlia championships to lodge an expression of interest by today, Wednesday, 5 March to leonevenables123@gmail.com

The competition is designed to select the parader who has prepared, presents and parades an animal before a judge most effectively.

Come along and watch the paraders this year.

U G G: The one nals of the beef cattle paraders is hotly contested each year at the Cooma Show.

PHOTO: Monaro Media Group

EST: The Cooma Show will host the 2025 SW and ACT State ahlia Championships. The niest dahlias in the state will be on display.

Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show

Celebrations galore for milestone show

COOMA Show will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Saturday, 8 March with plenty of fun and a bit of pageantry.

The big news for the show’s celebration is the attendance of Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, to open the show.

“This is a great honour for the show and very fitting considering the show’s long history,” Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association president, Rob Hain, said.

The fun will begin on Friday with children’s activities to start proceedings from about 5.30pm.

The fun will include hobby horse races, bicycle races, egg and spoon and other novelty events. Keep an eye out for the Cooma Scouts and their dunking stool, too.

Children of all ages are welcome to this free evening of entertainment.

Also happening on Friday night will be a special cameo appearance of a mystery guest who will present some interesting awards.

The pavilion will be open from 6pm.

There will also be street

food, a barbecue, bar and, from 8.00pm a deckchair cinema will be in action from the grandstand, with a travelling cinema bringing “Babe” to the outdoor screen. Families are welcome to bring a picnic rug or chairs to settle down for a great Australian movie.

The action continues on Saturday, with the full range of show classes and competitions and a full day of entertainment to delight all comers.

Rural achiever accolade for Sarah

SARAH Fraser grew up in Cooma but spent many hours at family properties towards Nimmitabel and Adaminaby.

Watching her grandparents and dad work the land gave her the passion to work in agriculture.

Sarah studied at Monaro High School, where she got the opportunity to volunteer for the community through her role of president of the Monaro High School Leo Club and school captain in 2019.

Sarah took a gap year and worked at Snowy Hydro before studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

In 2024, Sarah undertook a research project which led to her to living in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta for three months in which she got to present on Australian agricultural systems, using pictures from the Monaro to explain how farming is practiced in Australia.

Sarah is now working as a soil scientist in Wagga Wagga but plans to return to the family farm in a few years.

Sarah has attended the Cooma Show since she was young and now sees the show as the opportunity to showcase all assets of the community, from the pavilion exhibits to the wool and

livestock on show. Agriculture is the backbone of our community and Australia, so Sarah says she is honoured to be the 2025 rural achiever.

GUEST: Governor-General, Ms Sam Mostyn AC, will oﬃcially open the Cooma Show, which celebrates 150 years on Saturday. PHOTO: Supplied

Sarah Fraser is the 2025 Cooma Show rural achiever. Sarah is currently a soil scientist in Wagga Wagga. PHOTO: Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association.

Bumper show day planned

THIS year’s Community Bank Cooma Show promises to be one of the best. The Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association is

150 years of shows and has delivered a bumper entertainment schedule for Saturday, 8 March.

Show day entertainment

8am - 6pm: Pavilion is open

8am – 3.30pm: Horse events on the showground oval 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm: Noah’s racing pigs, front of pavilion

10am: Cattle, sheep and poultry judging,

various pavilions

10am – 4pm: Wildlife reimagined

10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm: Ranger Nick camp over cooking, sheep pavilion

11am, 1pm, 3pm: Liquid nitrogen show

12pm: Official Community Bank Cooma

Show opening, outside bar

12.30pm – 1.30pm: Musician Jay Podger, outside bar

1.30pm: Fancy dog dress competition, front of pavilion

2pm: Gumboot throwing competition, front of pavilion

3pm: Elders Cooma junior farmers’ challenge, showground oval

3pm: Poultry prize presentation, poultry shed

4pm, 6.30pm and 8.30pm: Airtime FMX Motorcross display, showground oval

4.15pm: Dog high jump, showground oval

5pm: Dachshund dash, showground oval

5.30pm: Hamilton trick horse riding display, showground oval

6pm: Elders Cooma open farmers’ challenge

7.30pm: Riley’s Rodeo line dancing, near grandstand

9pm: Fireworks by Mr Boom Boom Fireworks, oval

COOMA POWER EQUIPMENT & HUSQVARNA

Show

Be prepared come show time

THE Cooma Show comes together each year through the hard work of its committee, generous sponsors, and those who exhibit and holds stalls.

The show is staged each year, for youthe show-goer. Show secretary, Danielle Mackay, said the committee loves putting together a show that offers something for everyone, and can provide plenty of family fun.

“This year, the show society has put together its largest entertainment schedule with the day literally finishing with a bang when the fireworks display lights up the night sky,” Ms Mackay said.

Before you get to the show, there are a few helpful tips to make the day even more enjoyable.

For non-members of the show society, admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children aged five to 17. Parking in the showgrounds is $10 per vehicle.

Life members, members, judges and stewards enter for free on production of relevant ticket.

Competitors, exhibitors and stall holders are required to pay the entry fee.

Gates open from 7.30am on Saturday, 8 March. The gates are run by volunteers for various community organisations, who ask for patience if lines are busy and for people to follow the admission rules.

Both cash and tap-n-pay payment will be available on the main entry gate and Boundary Street entry gate only.

The Harlowe and Cooma Bowling Club entry gates are cash only.

EXCITING: A busy and action-packed day is planned to celebrate 150 years of the Cooma Show. The motorcross display is a favourite for families. PHOTO: Sue-Ellen Mackay

The life of Brian

LOCAL IDENTITY SHARES HIS STORY ON FARMING LIFE ON THE MONARO

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

BRIAN Seears loves a joke, a chat, positive people, keeping busy, country life and livestockspecifically Merino sheep.

Born in Cooma 77 years ago, he is second of six children of Beryl and Jack Seears of “Booroola”, Bungarby.

Farm life was hard, made even more so following his Dad’s death at the age of just 44 from what is thought to have been an aneurysm (same as his brother, who died at 46).

“When Dad died we had just over 7000 acres. Mum reared the six of us pretty much on her own. My youngest brother was four-months-old.

“Her sister was there, she was married to Dad’s brother but she didn’t stay that long on the farm after her husband died. My older brother stayed for a while, and the others didn’t stay.

“Mum put us through boarding school...she battled on all the time. When Dad died the government had us pay death duties or probate; it was cruel. Dad and his brother died 12 months apart, so after Dad died we had to pay the government what your property is worth, or part there of.

“No money was owed by the family on the farm. That was what the government did back then to raise money from the farmers - 52,400 pound it was back then in 1960.

“So we were broke for years... it was desperate.

“In May 1968, the bank

manager in Cooma said to Mum he didn’t know how she would be able to keep things going and he’d have to sell us up.

“I said to him ‘not while I’m alive mate’.

“I told him that farm is not going anywhere. It took us 14 years to pay it off.”

After this life-changing major family loss, Brian has nothing but respect, love and admiration for his Mum who raised the six siblings while working on the farm, then decided to become a nurse when Brian’s younger brother started boarding school.

“While nursing she still helped me on the farm and cooked meals for the shearing. She topped the state doing her course, and then went to Canberra to study mid-wifery. She ran maternity at Cooma Hospital for many years.”

From milking cows, tailing lambs to raising poddy lambs after multiple births (often five or six at once), then spending the day shearing, Brian’s younger years were full, and busy. He developed a solid work ethic from this experience, which has continued for almost eight decades.

His own life was very nearly cut short.

In November 1995, at 46, Brian cheated death; he could have, like his Dad, died young after a brain aneurysm, but miraculously he was spared the same fate.

“They’d written me off as dead. But I had things to do, so I thought I’d better come back.

head now. I had to learn to walk again...it was just good luck I came back.

patient in Australia to have the metal clips surgery. I was in hospital for 33 days. I was rushed to the hospital in Chullora (Sydney) and I think I was more than 11 hours under the knife.”

recovery was very slow. run, and I couldn’t anyway as my brain wouldn’t let me.

beds and I was told only about 20-25 per cent of patients come out alive when they go in there. It’s all neuro-surgery only.”

recovery, comes another story of a surprise reunion of sorts.

the Polo Flat truck stop and this bloke walked up to me and said ‘do you know me?’

“I said ‘no, I wouldn’t have a clue,’ and he said ‘I remember you.’

“I asked him who he was and he said, ‘I’m Professor Michael Morgan.’ He was the fellow who did the operation, and had remembered me from all those years ago.

“When I left the hospital they clapped me out, I was a bloody pain in the neck,” Brian laughed.

Since that health scare and subsequent recovery, Brian has been in tip-top shape, which is just as well, as there is no stopping him.

“I just keep fit, and work, work, work.”

Brian attended Yanco Ag College in 1967, completing a Diploma in Agriculture.

There is more than 100 years of family history attached to ‘Booroola’.

Brian’s grandparents, George and Charlotte Seears, emigrated to Australia in 1841. They moved to ‘Booroola’ and built their family home in 1904, on the

property shared between the three brothers.

For Brian, farm work entailed mostly sheep and cattle, plus some years of running horse camps thrown in, with partner, Kerry.

Now Brian works for the new Carmichael and Co wool store in Cooma and travels parts of NSW judging Merinos.

■ See next week’s Grassroots pages for Part two of this story

store. He said the market is currently down and prospect wool is not worth anything, “but the prospect of Merino wool, they keep saying, is going to go up”.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Live export ban affects sheep industry

THE federal government legislated in May last year to phase out the live export of sheep nationally with a deadline of May 2028.

The ban followed heat stressed deaths of sheep during shipments to the Middle East in 2017. Since then, consignments by sea must be approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and not permitted in the northern hemisphere summer.

Industry experts called for a longer phase-out period of 12 years to allow for orderly market adjustment, but the government has insisted on three years, politically it seems responding to the Greens who are challenging Labor inner city seats voters who believe the trade is cruel.

Initially affecting Western Australian farmers selling adult sheep - WA sheep numbers declined by 25 per cent in 2024 – the ban is expected to challenge sheep and wool farmers’ livelihoods nationally, affecting mature sheep prices, and wool production which is reported down 12 per cent to the financial year during a period of higher operating and shearing costs.

Producers argue that while the government’s $139 million transition program – not yet articulated by the Agriculture Minister Julie Collins - is designed to help farmers increase their meat and crop production, the loss of this key market has undermined confidence at a time of the wool industry’s ‘profitability crisis’.

With recent revelations that experts hired by the government about the shutdown of live sheep exports, advised that rushing into a ban would damage the wool industry, farmers are saying their warnings are playing out.

This means less money flowing to producers and their suppliers, and potentially the loss of local communities, by a government that continues to demonstrate a lack of understanding of small to medium businesses, and regional communities.

Agricultural machinery suppliers observe slow start to year

THE new year has begun in subdued fashion for tractor sales with around 550 units sold in January.

This is around 15 per cent below the same month last year and goes against what was hoped for an improvement in sales.

Dealers have been reporting that order enquiry has been solid but with extreme weather conditions being felt in various parts of the country it is perhaps no surprise that deliveries were down.

Expectations of a

flattening out of sales remain as not too much emphasis is to be placed on one month’s numbers.

Looking at the state-bystate picture, all states were down for the month except for Queensland which was ahead of last year by three per cent and Tasmania, which was up by 25 per cent.

NSW was 10 per cent behind for the month while Victoria reported a massive drop of 35 per cent.

Sales in Western Australia were off 25 per cent against

the same month last year. South Australia had another decline, of 16 per cent, with sales in the Northern Territory finishing 13 per cent down.

Sales in each of the reporting categories were off this month except for the small under 40 hp (30kw) category which was up 11 per cent. The 40 to 100hp (30-75kw) range was down by two per cent and the 100 to 200hp (75-150 kw) category reported a drop of 33 per cent. The 200 hp (150kw) PLUS range was 42

per cent down compared to the same month last year. It wasn’t just tractors that did it tough, sales of combine harvesters have begun the year slowly ending 35 per cent behind.

With less than 700 combines sold last year, the industry is certainly hoping for a better year in 2025.

Baler sales were well down in the month and finished 57 per cent behind.

Sale of out – front mowers were also down 30 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Shutdown not up to scratch: NSW Farmers

A SENATE inquiry has found telecommunications providers (telcos) have not done enough to ensure farm communities could stay safe and connected following the 3G shutdown.

On Wednesday, 26 February the Senate inquiry delivered its final report into the 3G network shutdown.

The report concluded the switch-off had not been managed appropriately with many Australians, including those in the Snowy Monaro losing connectivity as gaps in coverage were exposed.

“Mobile coverage maps didn’t tell the truth, and many farm communities have lost the connectivity we need to stay safe, let alone conduct our business,”

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee Member Sarah Thompson said.

“This 3G switch off has affected the mobile phones and data accessibility we rely on to conduct our businesses.

“Farmers have also had to make expensive upgrades to water monitors, tractors, irrigation rigs and much more to enable continuity of business.”

To address deteriorating connectivity across the state, the report recommended a co-funded program be established to

help customers purchase new or replacement equipment such as boosters to improve their connectivity in rural and remote NSW.

Broadening the scope of a national mobile coverage audit and expediting the introduction of Starlink mobile phone services were also among the recommendations of the report, which Ms Thompson

said was just the start of the work to be done on rural and remote connectivity.

“We still need mobile towers to be upgraded so at a minimum, we have the connectivity and coverage that is equivalent to what we had before,” Ms Thompson said.

“The federal government needs to work with telco providers to deliver both the recommendations

of this report and the recent Regional Telecommunications Review, so they can give our rural and regional communities the reliable connectivity they deserve.

“In the future, we also need better government oversight over these huge and potentially catastrophic connectivity transitions, so something like this simply can’t happen again.”

CONNECTIVITY: Local farmers have criticised the telco’s handling of the 3G network shutdown. PHOTO: Supplied

Weed control reduced on council roads, reserves shares ALG experience

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

FARMERS on the Monaro have been experiencing African lovegrass (ALG) infestation for 40 years and continually dealing with the threat it poses, so many have, by necessity, become knowledgable with this problem.

ALG is regarded as a major environmental weed and can form dense stands which crowd out native species and prevent their re-generation. It is a serious weed of remnant native grassy vegetation and can transform these communities by modifying their composition and structure.

ALG spreads from roadsides and disturbed sites into neighbouring pastures and natural areas. It quickly overtakes degraded pastures, and prefers sandy or rocky soils.

The farming community is becoming increasingly frustrated with inadequate measures in addressing this introduced species of grass.

Monaro farmer, Ross Sherlock, of Kiaora, Cooma - a 1700-hectare sheep and cattle grazing enterprise - is one such farmer. In early February Mr Sherlock posted a video on the Monaro Farming Systems Facebook page (consisting of a group of progressive farmers) sharing his experience with ALG, which has had more than 30,000 views.

In his video presentation Mr Sherlock states ALG has been a ‘constant and everincreasing battle’.

“Our budget presently is up to $100,000 per year just for lovegrass control.

“Ten years ago an ecologist had a look at this land and he identified 50 different species of native grasses, herbs and forbs within a 10-metre radius, and now it’s a monoculture.”

Mr Sherlock then pointed out the next step down from a monoculture, devoid of bio-diversity, is a desert.

“Even with spring and summer growth ALG pastures have probably 20 per cent of the productivity of a native grassland.”

Mr Sherlock’s eight-minute video has been well-supported by the farming industry, and community in general.

It was described by one viewer as “concise, succinct and informative” with many others thanking Mr Sherlock for sharing his advice, experience and information publicly, particularly the current government legislation, which does not allow the spraying of native pasture until the ALG infestation reaches 50 per cent.

“That’s way too late. By that time the next paddock will have become infested and so on.

“It’s ironic that the legislation put in place, albeit to protect the native grasslands on the Monaro, will be the very legislation that will destroy the native grasslands of the Monaro.”

DID you know Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s weed control program on its network of roads, reserves and operational lands is almost entirely funded by rates?

In the current climate it is very difficult for government agencies and landowners alike to attract funding to manage widespread weeds and so the cost of control is typically worn by the landowner.

On occasion, funding is made available through specific programs and council embraces these opportunities to reduce the burden on its budget, enabling available funds to be redirected to other maintenance and construction projects.

Like all land managers, council has an obligation to manage state and regional priority weeds on its lands. State and regional priority weeds are defined either within the NSW Biosecurity Regulations 2017 or within the South East Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan and include weeds like orange hawkweed, parthenium weed, Coolatai grass, Spanish heath and gorse to name a few. Widespread weeds such as serrated tussock, African lovegrass, St John’s wort, blackberry, and thistles are no longer designated as state or regional priority weeds.

Most weed control on council land is not undertaken because of a legal obligation, but instead as a good neighbour policy. Like many landowners, council manages a variety of weeds on its land to protect its assets and to limit spread to neighbouring lands.

Roadsides are a well-known vector for the spread of weeds and council manages weeds on roadsides to limit this spread for the benefit of the broader community.

As part of its recent cost saving measures, council further reduced its weed spraying budget in the 2024–25 financial year to $540,000.

With this budget reduction came some hard decisions and a reduction in service levels to some areas.

Specifically, council has rationalised its weed control program by reducing the number of contractors engaged to control weeds, by reducing expenditure in areas where weeds are prolific on adjoining lands and by further prioritising the weeds that it controls.

grows prolifically throughout

agricultural and environmental assets from the impact of weeds,” council’s biosecurity co-ordinator, Brett Jones, said.

“That means, the vast majority of our weed control efforts occur in the areas to the south, east and west of Cooma, with only a skeleton budget retained for managing weeds to the north of Cooma.

For the full version of Mr Sherlock’s video visit the Monaro Farming Systems Facebook page.

“Our budget for spraying (priority) weeds on council lands is directed primarily towards protecting the region’s

“We have applied other cost saving measures like boom spraying road verges. This practice, where appropriate, serves to both reduce vegetation height along the road verge for safety reasons and it controls a lot of the weeds that would otherwise have to be spot sprayed at greater cost. In addition to that, it reduces our reliance on slashing, which has a

significantly greater impact on our budget and is a primary vector for the spread of weeds,” Mr Jones said. The cost savings were introduced as a result of council’s financial challenges and its focus on becoming more financially sustainable into the future. With more than 2500kms of roads to manage and a short growing season for most weeds, Mr Jones warns that “in many cases council’s weed spraying activities simply will not occur in a timeframe or to a standard that we have achieved in the past”.

“We will, however continue to prioritise the control of African lovegrass and other widespread weeds in the higher quality agricultural areas where they are not well established.”

ACTION: Coolatai grass in tablelands situations,

the summer and goes dormant over winter, leaving behind a tall, rank thatch of highly flammable growth. PHOTO: Supplied

Cressy, Northern Tasmania - 20 minutes from the airport

LIVE ON FARM AUCTION

ANIMALS ON DISPLAY • PHONE LINK UPS

Interfaced with Auctions Plus Morning tea and lunch provided

Did you know Woodbourn has Many new sires represented in the 2025 sale team Full Breedplan ﬁgures • Free freight to Melbourne • Assistance for road freight • Sire veriﬁcation Bulls semen tested • All females PTIC • Myostatin status in catalogue • Inoculated 7 in 1 All sale animals guaranteed • All animals BVDV tested free and inoculated Monday 24th March 2025 at 12.30pm

40 bulls and 30 females e quality of animals oﬀered at the Woodbourn Sale

Agents declare Cooma cattle sale ‘positive’

By COOMA ASSOCIATED AGENTS

THE Cooma monthly cattle sale was held on Friday, 21 February with 460 cattle offered for sale.

The sentiment of the sale was very positive from the onset with the cows to the processor approximately 30c/kg dearer, making $2.80 to $3.10 for the better covered cows.

There were a few pens of older heavier steers over the scales which were in good condition and plenty of weight made from $3.10/kg to $3.20/kg returning up to $2896.

There was a large run of cows and calves on offer which attracted good competition from local buyers and buyers from away. Most of the cows and calves making from $1700 to $2380 depending on age and breed of cattle.

Weaner/yearling steers sold to solid competition with most pens make around the $4/kg returning from $1000 to $1240. There was only a small run of weaner heifers making $700 to $1020.

There was a large run of cows and calves on o er at the sale.

Agents were pleased with the prices at the most recent Cooma cattle sale.

SUPPORT: Last month’s Cooma cattle sale received strong interest from local buyers and those from away. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Balgownie Farm

WELCOME to Balgownie Farm. This picturesque property on the banks of the Delegate River gives buyers the opportunity to experience country living at its best. This property has been very well set up and maintained.

The three bedroom home on the banks of the Delegate River provides a very comfortable lifestyle. There is an open plan layout inside and the initial garage has been turned into a games room. There are sweeping verandahs overlooking the perfectly manicured lawns and gardens. A truly magical place to watch the sunrise and sunset. The owners pride themselves on growing their own vegetables in this unique garden. There are also plenty of sheds for the cars plus ample workshop space.

The farmland is set on 410 acres. There has been an excellent pasture improvement program in place with pastures consisting of Phalaris, Ryegrass and Lucerne. The property is subdivided into 15 paddocks which makes it ideal for rotational grazing and spelling with some paddocks set aside annually for hay making. Fencing is a feature of this farm with plenty of newly constructed fences and gateways. This property also has a sound fertiliser history.

The property currently carries around 30 + cows and calves with the calves grown out to yearlings. There is a well equipped large shearing shed that allows room to do plenty of the work undercover. The cattle handling facilities are also very good. The steel yards are equipped with a crush and loading ramp. There is also a large, enclosed hayshed that also can accommodate a tractor and farming machinery.

Balgownie has close to four kilometres of frontage to the Delegate River, which boasts a population of platypus and trout. At the far end of the property on a bend in the river you will find a charming small cottage to camp out and enjoy this paradise. This truly is an amazing place.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity. Call the exclusive selling agents today to book an inspection.

Opportunity knocks

Address: Havarest, 37 Soho Street, Cooma NSW 2630:

LOCATED only a short distance from Cooma CBD on a gently sloping 679.50m2 corner block. Circa 1910 built period home, in mostly original condition, with some alterations having taken place from approximately 1960s – 1980s.

The home comprises of spacious kitchen/dining area, separate living, north easterly sunroom, three bedrooms, hallway, mudroom, centrally located bathroom, separate WC, laundry, rear undercover patio. The yard features established grounds and gardens, a single car garage and a small garden shed.

Close to restaurants, shops and cafes alike, the location of Havarest gives you all this at your fingertips. The R1 zoning and convenient location may also suit professional rooms or perhaps a home business, all subject to approvals from all relevant authorities of course.

This property has stood the test of time, and its location is certainly second to none.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a property in such a convenient location. Contact the KMPL sales team on 02 6456 7232 to book your private inspection today. Havarest goes to auction on Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 6.30pm online and in room.

In room auction venue: 1 Park Street, Berridale NSW 2628

Online auction website: Realtair - https:// buy.realtair.com/properties/156577

• LocatedonlyashortstrollfromCoomaCBD.

• Gentlysloping679.50m2, low maintenancecornerblock.

• Circa1910builtperiodhomeinmostlyoriginalcondition,withsomealterationshavingtakenplace fromapprox.1960s 1980s.

• Floorplancomprisingofspaciouskitchen dining,separate living,northeasterlysunroom,three bedrooms,hallway, mudroom,centrallylocated bathroom,separate WC, laundry, rearundercover patio.

• Single car garageplussmallgardenshed.

• Establishedgroundsandgardens.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

Thelocationof“Havarest”iscertainlysecondtonone.Thepropertyhasstoodthetest oftimewithsome alterationstakingplaceover theyears.Theproperties’locationisperfectlysuitedforthosewishingtolive closetorestaurants,shopsandcafes alike. TheR1 oningandlocationmayalsosuitprofessionalroomsor perhapsahomebusiness,allsubject to approvalsfromallrelevantauthoritiesofcourse. Ifyou’relooking for opportunityandlocation,don’thesitateandcontactoursalesteamnow!

Contact: Aaron Mackay P: 0264567232 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday18thMarch2025 Commencing6:30pm Venue: Online&InRoom

Inspect: By Appointmentwith Exclusive Agent Only.

• Locatedlessthan25minutesdrivenorth,northwestofCoomaalongDryPlainsRoad.

• Thelandbound to the west by Pat AnnCreek,asecuresourceofpristine water, o eringoutstanding viewstotheeastandnorthasfarastheeye cansee.Predominantlynative vegetationincluding scatteredstandsofEucalypts.

• Modernhomebuilt4yearsago.The oorplancomprisingof3bedrooms,includingagenerous mastersuitewithwalkinrobeandensuitebathroom,study,openplankitchen,diningandliving space,secondorguestbathroom,internallaundryandmudroom.

• To ensurecomfortduringallseasons,windows anddoorsaredoublegla ed,bathroom oorsare heatedplustherearethreesourcesofheatingincludingacombustionwoodfireplace,gasfireplace, aswellaselectricheating.

• Thehousewater supplyisallrainwaterharvestedfrombothhouseaswellasshedwithastorage capabilityofmorethan70,000Lin6tanks.

• Atwobayworkshopwithaskillionroofoneitherside,landscapedwellmaintainedlowmaintenance groundscompletetheperfectpicture.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

“Kalimna”istheideallifestylepropertyintheheartoftheSnowy Mountains,allthehardworkisdonewith allthenecessaryinfrastructureinplace.Aparadiseforalllocalwildandbirdlife.Plentyofspacetoruna few horses,sheeporotherstock.

Snowy Monaro

Perfectly located, comfortable home on quality small acreage

Address: Kalkite Park Homestead, 115 Hilltop Road, Hill Top NSW 2628

KALKITE Park Homestead is a quality small acreage block located some 15 minutes drive east of Jindabyne with a comfortable four bedroom home and established infrastructure. This property offers everything you could want out of a lifestyle block, situated on approximately 3.303 hectares or 8.16 acres with reliable water supplied from a share bore pumped by

a Southern Cross windmill and rainwater harvesting. Not to mention the sound established infrastructure, the large L-shaped workshop shed was originally designed and built to accommodate a joinery business and builder’s shed and features three roller doors, plus three PA doors.

About 25 per cent of the shed is currently fitted out as horse stables and tack room, offering versatility for any prospective purchaser.

• Located only 15 minutes drive east of Jindabyne.

• Access via Hilltop Road, a council maintained gravel road, plus a short ROC to the homestead.

• Circa 1960s built, completely refurbished and renovated around mid 1990s.

• Comfortable 4 bedroom home (currently used as 3 bedroom plus study).

• Country style kitchen with breakfast bar, open plan living and dining, opening on to northeast facing undercover verandah.

• Slowcombustionwoodfireplacecentrallylocated.

• Mudroom,large laundry, storeroom,bathroomcompletewithbathandunder oorheating,second separate WC.

• Large L-shaped workshop shed, 3 roller doors, plus 3 PA doors, approximately 25% of the shed currentlyfittedoutashorsestablesandtackroom.

• Water supply via share bore, pumped by a Southern Cross windmill, drinking quality, rainwater harvestingplus1dam.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

“Kalkite Park Homestead” is perfectly located with easy access to Jindabyne, mountains, Berridale and Cooma alike. Zoned RU1 a second detached dwelling may be allowed under the current LEP subject to the usualapprovalsfromallrelevantauthorities.Thehomeitselfisextremelywellkept andinoutstanding conditionforitsage.Theworkshop L-shapedshedwasoriginallydesignedandbuilttoaccommodatea

joinery business and builders shed. “Kalkite Park Homestead” was formallythehomeofoneofAustralia’sfirst Simmental cattle studs.

Quality small acreage as such with sound and established infrastructure as well as reliable water is very rare indeed! Contactoursalesteam now for your own privateinspection!

Contact: Nick Kirshner & Maddy Kirshner P: 02 6456 7232 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commencing 6:30pm

Venue: Online & In Room Inspect: By Appointment with Exclusive Agent Only.

The home comprises four bedrooms, a bathroom with bath and underfloor heating, plus a second separate WC. Built circa 1960s, it was completely refurbished and renovated around the mid 1990s.

Throughout the house you will find a lovely country style kitchen with breakfast bar, open plan living and dining, which opens on to a northeast facing undercover verandah. Picture yourself sitting around the centrally located slow combustion wood fireplace on those cold winter nights, and take advantage of the finer features like the mudroom, large laundry and storeroom for additional convenience!Kalkite Park Homestead 115 Hilltop Road, Hill Top NSW 2628 goes to auction on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at 6:30pm. This auction will be online via the Realtair website and conducted in room at our office –1 Park Street, Berridale NSW 2628. Contact the KMPL sales team on 02 6456 7232 today to schedule your own private inspection.

• Located15minutesdriveeastofJindabynewithdirectaccessfromHilltopRoad.

• Fenced into 5paddocksincluding2smallerholdingpaddocks.

• Originallythebackboneofthewellrenowned“KalkitePark”Simmental CattleStud,withthecattle yards,hay, machineryshed,andworkshopalllocated onthenorthernsideofHilltopRoadandthe balanceofthelandonthesouthernsideofHilltopRoad.

• ZonedRU1,“KalkitePark”benefitsfromabuildingentitlementunderthecurrentLEP(dual occupancypermissible),subject to approvalsfromallrelevantauthoritiesofcourse.

• Awindmillandbore,aswellas2gooddamsensuringasecure water supply.

• In1999allof“KalkitePark”wassowed downtoamixtureofCurrieCocksfoot,AustralianTriumph TallFescue,GoulburnSubClover, Holdfast PhalarisandHiafa WhiteClover, witharegularfertiliser programcontinuing over theyears.

• Allsoils are granitederivedwithsomeheavyalluvialsoilspresentinthe low lyingareas.The topographyisrangingfromhighplains to gentlyundulating.

• Anestimated5-10%ofthelandislightlytimberedwithspeciesincluding MannaGum,BlackSallee, WhiteSalleeandsomeWattle.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

Thisisthelastparcel oflandformerlypartof“KalkitePark”,afirst classopportunityindeedtosecurean extremelywellmaintainedandcaredforruralsmallholdingclosetoJindabyneandthemountains.An

Lot 3 Hilltop Road, Hill Top NSW 2628

Snowy Monaro

Village lifestyle opportunity

Address: 75 Burnima Street, Bibbenluke

Asking: $570,000

LOCATED on the edge of Bibbenluke, this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself into a village lifestyle.

The property is 1.29ha/3.187ac (approx) and features a concrete tennis court, vacant block/paddock and house.

The home contains four good sized bedrooms with BIRs, three-way bathroom, light filled living room with slow combustion heater, open kitchen and dining rooms with new vinyl plank flooring and access to the back yard.

The house yard contains low maintenance gardens and lots of open lawn area and is fenced, allowing for the paddock to be used for a few livestock of choice.

Single car garage accessed by concrete driveway completes the residential package.

If space isn’t your thing but development is, there is an active, substantially commenced, seven lot staged subdivision approved over the property.

Embrace the relaxed village lifestyle or invest to develop, the choice is yours.

Boasting 9870m2 (approx) with elevated views over the Bombala River Parklands this is a fantastic opportunity to purchase 4 lots with potential for development in an idyllic location.

•All 4 blocks have frontage to Maybe Street

•Lot 2, 4 & 5 are between approx 600-700m2 each

•Lot 3 runs all the way down to the nearby parklands

•Town services nearby for connection

•Currently fenced as one

Make your tree change today and develop the lifestyle you want, your way!

and established

Snowy Monaro

ROUND 1 LADDER

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.

PHONE: 02 6452 0313

EMAIL:

Classifieds IN PERSON

The Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association wishes to advise it will be holding a reworks display at the Cooma Show on Saturday March 8, 2025, at approx. 9pm.

Contact Show Secretary Danielle Mackay secretarycpaa@outlook.com

Cooma

CASUAL GENERAL ASSISTANT

required for immediate start at Monaro High School

The job includes but is not limited to:

•Looking after the grounds, including mowing the lawns and other maintenance tasks

•Setting up rooms and removing furniture and equipment

•Unpacking and storing supplies as needed

•Identifying and reporting maintenance and safety issues

The right candidate

•Is reliable and takes responsibility for their own work

•Has computer skills and a current driver’s licence

•Can work with little supervision and manage tasks on their own

Trade experience or qualifications are a bonus (but not required) For more information contact the school on 6453 1500, applications to be emailed to monaro-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

SIRL (nee Reed), Patricia (Patty) Elizabeth. Passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025.

Loving wife of Donald Edward Sirl (dec).

Cherished mother of Michelle and Helen. Mother-in-law to John and Scott.

Adored grandmother to Danielle, Sam, Sarah, Jess and Nick.

Beloved great-grandmother to Caleb, Hayden, Ivy, Frankie and Millie.

Loved sister and sister-in-law to Elaine and John.

Special Aunty Patty to all her nieces, nephews and many more.

A special part of the fabulous ve and loved by her many other friends.

ASH BRANCH AGM

The Monaro Branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society are holding our 2025 AGM at the Cooma Ex-Services Club on Wednesday 19 March, commencing at 6.30pm.

All welcome.

Visit our Facebook page for more information.

Due to the Labour Day public holiday in Victoria our classifieds support staff in Victoria will be unable to process classifieds on Monday, March 10. The classified advertising deadline for Wednesday, March 12 edition will be Friday, March 7 at 3pm.

Phone 02 6452 0318

Email: classifieds@monaropost.com.au

POSITION VACANT

EVORO HR/HC DRIVER

Evoro are looking for a reliable and experienced HR/HC Driver to join our Cooma team!

As an HR/HC Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a Heavy Rigid vehicle in the Snowy Mountains region, transporting and collecting recyclable and general waste streams. Our fleet includes hook, flatbed, pantech, vacuum and rear li trucks. A strong focus on safety, exceptional customer service and communication is essential. We o er well above award pay, overtime, flexible work, and opportunities for career growth including gaining HC and DG licences.

If you’re ready for a rewarding role, apply now at cooma@evoro.com.au or call Jonathon on 0461 335 400

Patty will be deeply missed by all who knew and lover her.

A graveside funeral service for Patty will be held at Cooma Cemetery, Mittagang Road, Cooma, NSW. On Thursday, March 6, 2025, commencing at 10am.

TUGGERANONG (02) 6293 3199

Wanted to buy ANY pre1990 cars: Toyota Landcruisers, Volkswagens, Landrovers, Holdens, Fords, Valiants, Porsche, Commodores, old trucks etc. Any condition, restored, unrestored or parts. CASH PAID Call 0421 313 536 In loving memory of McWILLIAMS, David Joseph. 11/3/1936 – 27/2/2025

Family and friends are welcomed to attend David’s memorial service which will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moruya commencing at 11am. Rest in peace.

Mustang Classic drives large field

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

ON SATURDAY, more than 100 golfers participated in the Alpine Ford Mustang Classic. No one drove away with the Mustang, but there were some great results from the field.

The overall winner was Michelle Dean with 48 points, a fantastic score. The A grade winner was Lyndon Taylor with 38 points and the runner up was Phil Ingram on a countback with 37 points.

The B grade winner was Wayne Flynn with 37 points and the B grade runner up was Nathan Docker with 35 points. Nate Quodling took out C grade on 33 points and Fletch Jones was runner-up on 23 points. The non-handicap winner was David Drummond with 36 points and the runner-up was Josh Bullock with 35 points.

The long drive winners were Ben Langdon for A grade, B grade went to Cody Dixon, C grade was Marty Janota. Gillian Maiden won for the ladies and the non-handicap long drive went to Murray Scarce.

Dave Stewart was the closest to driving away with a Mustang, winner the nearest to the pin on 17, the closet on the fourth was Neil Mackenzie and on nine it was Lyndon Taylor.

Men’s pennants

Last week marked round five of the men’s pennants season. The B grade team had a bye, and the A scratch team drew their match against Murrumbidgee. At the end of this round the B grade team is equal top of the ladder, while the A scratch team will make the semifinals.

On Sunday, Hunter Caldwell and James Ewert halved their points with their opponent. Ben Langdon and Matthew Hanna, making his debut for the team, won their matches two and one, while Phil Ingram and David Stewart lost their matches.

Bombala golfers battle hot conditions for stableford

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

GOLFERS battled very hot conditions for a stableford on Saturday.

Wayne Elton had a very good round coming in with 39 points.

Ray Fermor scored 36 points, Neil

Thompson 35 points and Merv Douch managed 32 points.

These players collected the balls.

Nearest the pin on 13 was not won. Elton claimed the golden shot. Sunday, there was a small field to play a par for R Brown trophy. The winner was Merv Douch – 2.

Then Wayne Elton came in on – 5 to win the ball.

Nearest the pin on 13, not won.

Once again this hole is proving difficult to find the dance floor. Golden shot won by Darren Forrester.

Golf program

Ladies

Wednesday, 5 March - stableford, and club trophy.

Members Saturday, 8 March - stableford, P Thompson trophy. Sunday, 9 March - stroke, monthly medal.

Gaye Wilson (from le ), Lindy Edwards, Helen Crawford, Steve Ganitis and Jenny Rainsford next to the Mustang that could have been won with a hole-inone on hole 17.

CLASSIC EVENT: Nick Townsin (from le ), Brian Johnson, Steve Ganitis, Martin Gelling and Wayne Flynn enjoy the Alpine Ford Mustang Classic.

PHOTOS: Cooma Golf Club

Cooma’s strong start in pennants

By COOMA BOWLS CLUB

THE zone pennants competition is in full swing now with three weekends of lawn bowls completed.

Cooma Bowling Club has been well represented and all bowlers are showing good form. The three teams of four bowlers have had one very narrow loss and two very convincing wins.

On Sunday, 9 February, Cooma players travelled to Tathra. Cooma was unlucky to lose by three shots overall on the day.

The following Sunday, Cooma played Merimbula at Cooma Bowling Club and had a resounding win in all three matches.

Cooma’s three skips, Geoff Venables, John Schoon and Mark Buckley all bowled well and had good support from their teams. Cooma 81Merimbula 34.

Round 3 saw Cooma travel to Eden. The quality of bowls was outstanding. Cooma won two games to one and won on aggregate 69-55. John Schoon’s team trailed the whole match, however, they scored four and six on the last two ends to win 24-21.

Cooma play Bega at Cooma in round four.

Social bowls

Big numbers are still playing on Wednesdays and last week was no exception.

Rink one - Carmel McDermott, Mary Murphy and Don Menchin won a very close game against Di Wilkins, Bruce McDermott and Steve Bowerman, 18-12.

Rink three - Mike Mannile, Leonie Snell and Ross Lawley were down 13-16 after 14 ends against Kath Nichols, Bob Douglass and Judy Locker. But they rallied and won 19-17 after 17 ends.

Rink three - Ignazio Mondello, Kathy Venables and Max Butler were ‘neck and neck’ during a close match against Wendy Nixon, Ed Shanley and Mick Burke. However, they hung on to win 17-15.

Bombala bowls pairs championships decided

By BOMBALA BOWLS

CHRIS Ingram and Ray Fermor have emerged the pairs champions of the Bombala Bowling Club for 2025 after an exciting final last month.

The duo played Tony Shaw and Don Tattersall, with the final score 27-11.

The game started slowly and it took team Ingram a couple of ends to gel. When it all came together, , they steamrolled ahead.

They were leading the game by the seventh end 3-2.

Team Shaw tried to come back, scoring five shots on the 10th, but team Ingram replied with four on the next end and then put an

end to any comeback by their opposition, taking the win 27-11.

Club members have begun playing the Major Singles and Fours championships with games occuring when players are available due to commitments with Pennants and Monaro Shield.

Tony Shaw played Barry Crouch on 29 January, with the score fluctuating between each player for the first 10 ends, and Shaw holding a one shot lead. Crouch made some brilliant draw shots, taking the next four ends, but only one shot per end.

Shaw got his eye back in, taking the next two ends and bringing the score

12-11 to Crouch.

The lead again fluctuated between the players with a draw at end 21. Shaw dug deep on the final two ends, taking the game 25-21.

Scott Brotherton played Art Frances on 8 February in another very close, hard-fought game.

The lead shifted each end, seeing them at nine-all on the 10th.

Frances put down some excellent bowls in the next four ends, taking the lead 18-10, but Scott battled back by taking the next five ends, bringing it back to 18 all.

The lead again swung between players, staying at 21-all on the 24th end.

Frances got the upper

hand, taking the final three ends with a final score of 25-21.

Five teams are competing in the Fours championship.

Round 1

On 15 February Aurora Reed, Noel Batey, Bailey Jones and Chris Ingram played Joyce Cotterill, Matt Cootes, Robert Joseph and Peter Jones. The game was evenly matched with only one point separating them on the 13th end.

Team Jones won the next four ends but with only one shot scored each end, it was not a match for team Ingram which scored two shots on the 19th, equalling the game.

It then scored three shots on the final end to win 20-18.

On 22 February, Art Frances, Scott Brotherton, Herbie Elliott and Athol Dent played Karen Brownlie, John Ryan, Tony Shaw and Don Tattersall.

The first five ends saw what onlookers thought would be another closely contested game, but team Tattersall fell over on the sixth end, giving the opposition six shots, then not scoring for the next five ends.

Team Dent had gotten too far ahead, winning 27-14.

On 22 February Ray Fermor, Warrick Ingram,

Barry Crouch and Neil Brotherton played Aurora Reed, Noel Batey, Bailey Jones and Chris Ingram. Team Ingram got the jump on the opposition for six of the seven ends and lead 13-1, but team Brotherton showed its brilliance by scoring five shots on two consecutive ends and brought the score to 14-12.

Team Ingram matched them, also scoring five shots on the next two consecutive ends, taking the lead to 24-12 despite digging deep and taking four of the next seven ends the lead was too large with team Ingram winning comfortably 30-18.

A resounding win to Cooma over Merimbula.

Rowan Venables has been one of Cooma’s most reliable bowlers during the pennants season. Cooma sits towards the top of the ladder.

WINNER: The Cooma men’s bowls pennants side is off to a strong start in its campaign with two wins from three matches.

PHOTOS: Cooma Bowling Club

Closest Monaro cricket season in decades, race on for top four

By RUSS HAYLOCK

ROUND 10 was one of upset wins and excellent team performances in the Alpine Hotel Monaro District Cricket Association one-day competition.

With just two rounds remaining in the season, the race to the finals Is the closest its been in many years, possibly in decades.

Only one win separates sides second to sixth. All sides except Rhythm can finish in the top four and secure a spot in the semi-finals.

A coming-of-age knock from 16-year-old Owen Freebody was the catalyst of Dalgety’s six wicket win over Jindabyne.

Chasing 152, his side was wavering dangerously at 3-19, but alongside his captain, Nolan Holland, the pair put on a partnership of 122.

Freebody was dismissed for 58 with only 11 runs required, with his father Simon joining Holland (65) to complete the victory.

Earlier in the day Jindabyne captain, Lucas Rixon, made an unbeaten 64 to put his side back in the match after no batter in the top five was able to pass 20.

Two topsy-turvy matches were played out in Cooma, with Bombala doing their hopes of a return to the finals no harm with a win over Rhythm at Nijong.

They looked set for a big score thanks to top-order contributions from Jason Cikos (39), Mark Tonks (37) and Mick Sullivan

all-rounder,

Six of seven sides all eye semi-finals finish

(32), but fell from 3-93 to 9-143. This was due to the spin combination of Kaeliff Khoury, who took 5-25, and Nemasha Ambaghawatte who kept it tight with 1-17 at the other end.

Bombala was down but not out however, with a partnership from Aaron Smith (20*) and Brent Lucas (17) getting them to 175 all out.

Lucas was the last man out and the third victim for young gun Isiah Piesley, the leading wicket taker in the competition.

After an early blast from Damien Porter, the pair of Ambaghawatte and Angus Strudwick-Wood had Rhythm cruising towards a victory, until the introduction of Sullivan and Cikos. They took nine wickets between them

Cooper’s shot of the week

JINDABYNE Tigers

junior cricketer

Cooper Tickell is well known in junior circles for his excellent technique and terrific sportsmanship.

A regular player in the Jindabyne division one junior side, Cooper has also played senior cricket. He delivered a match winning innings recently, partnering with junior coach Chad Stevens to get the side over the line against Dalgety.

Not only is Cooper a fine cricketer, but a promising photographer.

This masthead will share Cooper’s favourite image from his cricket travels.

across 17 overs as the hosts crumbled from 1-101 to 138 all out.

Across town at Rotary Oval, the Cooma Titans appeared to be on track for an under-par total when they fell to 5-74, but half centuries to Aqib Abassi and Babar Rehman brought them right back into the contest. Abbasi made 61 while Babar made an unbeaten 54, with

Our next edition will feature Cooper’s first shot of the week.

Bharadwaj Veluru’s 29 from number 10 helping them to 222 all out.

In the chase, Coffey’s made inroads through Dale Cook (23) and Damien Roach (36) early but continued to be pegged back by the Titans bowlers.

Each batter in the top seven reached at least double figures, the best being Nathan Thompson with 47, but none were able to carry the chase home, with

Wali Muhammad (3-43) helping bowl his team to a six-run victory. The weekend’s results pushed Berridale from fourth to sixth, and they will aim to amend this when they return from the bye and play Rhythm at Nijong Oval. Jindabyne will look to bounce back against their bogey team the Titans at Rotary Oval, while Bombala host Coffey’s in their final regular season match.

Edwards finishes atop of Coolamatong par event

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

SUNDAY’s par event was won by Stephen Edwards on a countback with a plus four score in what was a consistent round highlighted by a four over back nine of 40.

Runner-up was Benje Munce on plus four from Ken Kable who placed third overall with plus three.

The ladies event was won by Maureen Rupcic with a 71 nett score. Jan O’Halloran was runnerup with 76, plus Jan won the putting, and Kathleen Parkyn was third place with 77.

In A grade, Steve Dunn had plus two, Roger White plus one, Chris Bevan plus

one and Alan Butterworth plus one.

In B grade, Steve Edwards finished with plus four, Ken Kable plus three, Mick Bottom plus three and Bob Haigh plus two.

In C grade, Benje Munce had plus four and Roy Gabriele had square.

In the four-ball-best, Clayton Till and Mick Bottom had plus 11, Benje Munce and Matthew Hughes plus 11 and Jason Christie and Steve Edwards plus nine.

The ball comp winners were Steve Dunn, Bob Haigh, Tim Caldwell, Clayton Till, Alan Parsons, Chris Bevan, Alan Butterworth, Andrew Haigh, Ben Clancy, Kim Fenton, Tony Perry and

Roger White all with plus one or better.

The men’s near pins were won by Adam Foster on three, Alex Reid on eight, Laurie Whitehead on 15 and Ben Clancy on 17.

The ladies near pins were won by Kylie Woodcock on eight and Jan O’Halloran on 17. Next Sunday, 9 March is the mixed foursomes championships over 27 holes. Looking ahead, the men can start preparing for the men’s championships. Sunday, 16 March is round one of the men’s championship. Round two and three is played over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 22 and 23 March.

BOND: Cooper Tickell and his Dad, Dave, share a love for cricket. Both play with the Jindabyne Tigers Cricket Club. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

FORM: Rhythm

Nemasha Ambagahawatte, batting against the Cooma Titans a fortnight ago. Ambagahawatte top scored in Rhythm’s encounter with Bombala on the weekend. He finished with 57.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Bushpigs ready for bumper season

THE Jindabyne Bushpigs are encouraging junior and senior players to join the club this season with the first senior matches of the year starting in a month.

The Bushpigs and Miss Piggies are set to play their opening fixtures for 2025 against the Cooma Red Devils in Cooma on Saturday, 5 April. The blockbuster local showdown could for the first time feature a women’s match between the two clubs with Cooma entering a women’s side.

2025 marks a special year for the Miss Piggies, who celebrate 20-years of success.

Miss Piggies players ran a stall at the Dalgety Show on Sunday, where

youngsters enjoyed skills sessions, tackling and learning more about rugby union.

Leanne Saare of the Miss Piggies said this season promises to be an exciting one for all sides, and is calling on new and current players to head along to training.

Registrations have opened for the season with players aged from eight and above able to take the field.

The Bushpigs junior sides are again topped to be strong with multiple teams entered across the age groups.

Registrations include player insurance, training gear, team jersey, transport, free food and drink on game

Cooma athletes star in Capital championships

THE Cooma Athletics Club has starred at the Capital Athletics junior championships with five athletes claiming gold medals.

The club came home with 31-medals at the under nine to under 18 championships, held over three days at the Australian Institute of Sport track in Canberra.

Cooma has 18 athletes competing with 30 personal best efforts recorded.

Gold medals

Rachael Davis under 10 girl’s shot put and discus

Matilda Wilson under 15 women’s discus

Chantelle Douglass under 16 women’s long jump

Ashton Jamieson under 16 men’s 300m hurdles

Tyler Reid under 18 women’s high jump

Silver medals

Finn Penn under nine boys shot put

Tahlia Jamieson under 14 women’s 200m hurdles

Mitchell Adams under 14 men’s shot put and discus

Matilda Wilson under 15 women’s high jump, hammer and shot put

Blake Davis under 15 men’s 100m hurdles, 90m hurdles, 200m hurdles and hammer

Chantelle Douglass under 16 women’s triple jump

Ashton Jamieson under 16 men’s 100m, 200m and discus

Ethan Adams under 16 men’s shot put and Javelin Bronze medals

girls 400m

Matilda Wilson under 15 women’s javelin

Arabella Andrews under 15 women’s shot put

Blake Davis under 15 men’s 200m hurdles (LA Specs)

Tyler Reid under 18 women’s 100m hurdles

Skye Adams under 18 women’s shot put, discus and Javelin

On Sunday, 16 February, Capital Athletics hosted a teams challenge open to

Sailors

in the challenge. The event allows athletes to compete in team-based activities against other clubs. The games are designed to develop the fundamental movement and motor skills, with modified rules prioritising fun and participation over individual performance Louis’ team performed well to finish third.

prepare for autumn racing series

LAKE Jindabyne Sailing Club hosted the final two races of the Wednesday twilight summer season last week. Only one race was scheduled but as a result of a few abandoned races, the club managed to squeeze in two races.

The wind for race one was a steady nine knots with the course beyond Lion Island and towards town, as a windward return. Due to the good

winds, some of the competitors sailed a fast race, finishing in 10 minutes.

Race two saw the wind drop and although the course was the same finishing times were about 30 minutes.

Hamish Greenwood won both races in division one, showing consistent sailing with his new Laser sail.

Alan Davis won both races in division two on a Nacra 16 squared. Sailors

were pleased to see some of the Redlands staff out on club Lasers, refreshing their sailing skills. The autumn series begins on Wednesday with a start time of 6pm, and a Sunday start time of 3pm. Anyone can join the club as a temporary member on one of the club boats. If you fancy some end of season sailing, head on down at 5pm to join and rig your boat.

READY: Leanne Saare, Millie Mugridge and Montanna Hawkins are looking forward to celebrating 20 years of the Miss Piggies this season. The trio ran a popular stall and clinic at the Dalgety Show.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

PHOTO: Cooma Athletics Club

SAILING: Four Lasers chasing Dave Rubin during last week’s racing.

PHOTOS: Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club

Delegate golfers praise Coopy’s efforts

HENRY (Coopy) Baker is well known amongst Delegate golfers for his many years of service to the Delegate Golf Club and golf community.

Henry was pivotal is keeping golf alive in Delegate in the years post COVID.

Members said they are excited the golf club is coming back and thanked Henry for his efforts.

To recognise Henry’s work, the club held the inaugural Coopy Baker Cup.

The single stableford event was hotly contested.

The overall winner was C Rogers of Orbost Golf Club with 49 points.

The A grade winner was M Marshall of Orbost with 40 points. A Bruce from Delegate was the A grade runner-up with 37 points.

In B grade, P Shilling from Bombala Golf Club finished on 43 points, while the B grade

The ladies winner went to M Long from Orbost with 38 points.

On the Sunday, the twoperson ambrose event saw C Marshall and J Marshall win with a nett score of 58.75.

R Kading and J Clear

Organisers thanked the following sponsors for making the event possible: Delegate

Nutrien, Delegate Motors, Old Toms, Tura Beach Golf Club, Delegate Cafe, and Bombala Cycles and Chainsaws.

Tudhope stars at World Cup

PARALYMPIC bronze medallist, Ben Tudhope, has shown he is in the form to be a contender at this week’s Para Snowboard World Championships, finishing the 2024/25 World Cup season with another podium performance in Colorado.

After finishing fourth yesterday in the first of two Snowboard Cross World Cup races at Steamboat Springs, Tudhope improved to third place today for his seventh World Cup podium of the season from nine races.

The result saw Tudhope finish second on the 2024/25 Snowboard Cross World Cup standings and second in the Overall Para Snowboard World Cup.

Earlier this month he also finished the Banked Slalom World Cup season in second place.

“The final World Cup

in Steamboat was an awesome way to wrap up the season,” Tudhope said.

“The racing was tight and I was stoked to come away with a third place finish.

“Every run was a good battle.

“I locked in second place overall for the season, which is something I’m really proud of. Competing against the best, and sharing it with the team.”

This week’s races were the final events before the 2025 Para Snowboard World Championships start at Big White, Canada next week.

Tudhope enters the event as the reigning LL2 Snowboard Cross World Champion, winning the event at La Molina two years ago. He also picked up bronze in the Banked Slalom.

He will be joined at the World Championships by Aaron McCarthy and Sean Pollard.

McCarthy will compete in his first World Championships in what has been a remarkable maiden international season, having already finished on top of the LL1 Europa Cup Banked Slalom standings.

Pollard (UL) is having a strong comeback season in which he has raced heavily on the Europa Cup circuit. He then moved up to World Cup racing last week in Colorado and was pleased with how he raced ahead of the World Championships.

Tudhope, McCarthy and Pollard now head to the 2025 FIS Para Snowboard World Championships at Big White, Canada. Competition starts on Wednesday, 5 March.

C Rogers of the Orbost Golf Club is pleased to snap this prize.

Golf Club to thank Henry Baker for his e orts.

PAGE 49

Bronze effort for Baff

SNOWY MOUNTAINS STAR

SECURES AUSSIE FIRST

SNOWY Mountains talent, Josie Baff, has raced to her third podium of the season in Türkiye, in a close final that went right to the finish line.

Racing under sunny skies on a long demanding course, Baff started strongly winning her quarter-final and then went through to the big final medal round after crossing the line in second place in the semi-final.

In the big final, Baff was in third for most of the race but came close in the final stages to be narrowly behind Lea Casta of France in second place by 0.12 seconds, and only 0.19 behind winner, Charlotte Bankes, of Great Britain.

“This has been the most demanding course so far on tour,” the 22-year-old said.

“The high altitude has really tested a lot of us with the base level around 2500m. The course was fast too, so I’m happy to end the day with another podium.”

The teams event followed the next day in which Baff was paired with Cam Bolton. The event was one Baff was looking forward to and the pairing proved to be very successful.

Three other Australian women also made it through to the quarter-final top-16 stage. Belle Brockhoff was 11th in her first event of the season returning from injury, Mia Clift, 13th and Amber Essex, 14th.

In the men’s event, Cam Bolton was Australia’s best making it through to the quarter-finals in 16th.

In the round of 32, Jarryd Hughes was 19th and Adam Lambert, 26th. Missing finals

in the qualification round were Declan Dent, 35th, James Johnstone, 41st and Matthew Thomas, 49th.

Baff, Bolton win Australia’s first World Cup mixed team gold medal

combined to win Australia’s first ever World Cup gold medal in the snowboard cross mixed team event in Erzurum, Türkiye.

Baff managed to maintain the lead from start to finish, holding off a strong challenge from Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes to claim victory by four hundredths of a second. Rounding out the podium in third place was Austria. Closest

Josie Baff and Cam Bolton

In the medal round, the Australia 1 team, featuring Bolton and Baff, was joined by teams from Great Britain 1,

Where the Flick

Austria 1, and USA 2, with the men first to drop.

Bolton had a great opening leg, leading from start to finish, crossing the line three hundredths of a second ahead of the USA, giving Baff a small lead into the final women’s run.

FURTHER SUCCESS: Jindabyne’s Josie Baff (right) has won another medal in what is proving to be a successful World Cup campaign. Baff claimed bronze over the weekend.

PHOTO: FIS Snowboard

Show duo honoured Snowy 2.0 suffers further safety setback

By NATHAN THOMPSON

FOR hundreds of Jindabyne families, the first weekend in March means one thing. It is show time.

Jindabyne residents turned out in force on Sunday for the 81st annual Dalgety Show. Two wellknown Dalgety Show identities, Annie O’Keeffe

and Christie Glasson, were recognised for their efforts on the show committee.

The duo received life membership of the Dalgety Show Society. Both spoke of

their love for the show and the role it plays in bringing the Jindabyne, Dalgety and Snowy Monaro communities together.

■ More of page 5 and 17

By NATHAN THOMPSON

UNDERGROUND work on the embattled Snowy 2.0 project has stopped following a serious safety incident last week.

Snowy Hydro has stopped all underground work after an industrial-sized ventilation fan fell with part of its metal blade flying from the fan.

A safety review is underway with work again paused on the project. No-one was injured in the incident.

SafeWork NSW inspectors have identified ‘unacceptable’ safety risks following site visits last week.

In a statement released on Thursday, 27 February, Snowy Hydro said it will push for a new leadership team at Future Generation Joint Venture, the project’s principal contractor.

■ More on page 3

HONOUR: Annie O’Keeffe (left) and Christie Glasson received life membership of the Dalgety Show for their hard work over many years. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Closest cricket season in years

PAGE 49

Baff secures bronze

JINDABYNE STAR BREAKS NEW GROUND

SNOWY Mountains talent, Josie Baff, has raced to her third podium of the season in Türkiye, in a close final that went right to the finish line.

In the big-final, Baff was in third for most of the race but came close in the final stages to be narrowly behind Lea Casta of France in second place by 0.12 seconds, and only 0.19 behind winner Charlotte Bankes of Great Britain.

“This has been the most demanding course so far on tour,” the 22-year-old said.

“The high altitude has really tested a lot of us with the base level around 2500m. The course was fast too, so I’m happy to end the day with another podium.

“Up next is the teams event tomorrow and I’ll be paired with Cam Bolton, so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Three other Australian women also made it through to the quarter-final top-16 stage, Belle Brockhoff was 11th in her first event of the season returning from injury, Mia Clift 13th and Amber Essex 14th.

In the men’s event, Cam Bolton was Australia’s best making it through to the quarter-finals in 16th.

In the round of 32, Jarryd Hughes was 19th and Adam Lambert 26th. Missing finals in the qualification round were Declan Dent 35th, James Johnstone 41st and Matthew Thomas 49th.

Baff, Bolton win Australia’s

first World Cup mixed team gold medal

Josie Baff and Cam Bolton have combined to win Australia’s first ever World Cup gold medal in the snowboard cross mixed team event in Erzurum, Türkiye.

Where

In the medal round, the Australia 1 team featuring Bolton and Baff were joined by teams from Great Britain 1, Austria 1,c and USA 2, with the men first to drop followed by the women.

Bolton had a great opening

leg, leading from start to finish, crossing the line three hundredths of a second ahead of the USA, giving Baff a small lead heading into the final women’s run.

In the final run, Baff also

managed to maintain the lead from start to finish, holding off a strong challenge from Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes to claim victory by four hundredths of a second. Rounding out the podium in third place was Austria.

PODIUM: Jindabyne star, Josie Baff, has landed another podium this World Cup season. Baff celebrates her bronze medal in the latest World Cup meet.

PHOTO: FIS Snowboard

MP050325DigitalEditionAastaArctander

Show stalwarts saluted Work again halted on Snowy 2.0

Jindabyne landfill nears capacity

Petra’s on a major clean-up mission

Snowy 2.0 stopped after incident

Unacceptable risks, lucky no injuries: SafeWork NSW

GREG COWELL LANDSCAPING

Community grants program opens

Boost for Dalgety rural fire brigade

Dalgety couple recognised

Cooma masterplan calls welcomed

New Snowy chair appointed

Council seeks feedback for key community plan

Currawarna sets sights on longevity

Splash a while longer

COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

K Brothers dream big after duo featured at Cobargo Folk Festival

Young Berridale fiddle players on pathway to success

NSW Youth Advisory Council Applications are now open

music?

Adaminaby community group looking to improve village facilities

Seymour Park, swimming pool atop of busy 2025 agenda

Expressions of interest

Development application

Fond memories of Cooma Show

Church service times across the Snowy Monaro region

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lifeblood/Red Cross van visits under threat

Life on the funny farm

HAVE YOUR SAY

Heartstrings for Valentine’s Day

MARCH IN THE GARDEN

MARCH GARDEN TASKS

Happy Gardening from Jodie & Jannene

Pubsong’s return hailed a success

Council updates

Adaminaby and Berridale pools

Have your say

Tech Savvy Seniors

Heritage centre awaits announcement

Hospital Auxiliary launch into busy year ahead

Scottish dancing afternoon honours Dr Wallace’s legacy

Join a close-knit dance family

Enrolments open for Snowy Mountains Performing Arts

SPONSORED CONTENT

Local diversity to be celebrated

Steampunk welcomes Dungeons and Dragons

Raglan Gallery closes ahead of next exhibition

Dalgety Show does it again

St Pat’s community comes together

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

E-QUATIONS

BIYWORD

Celebrating 150 Celebrating 150

We love our Cooma Show: Hain

2025 Cooma Show

Life member reflects on Cooma Show

Celebrating

Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma

150 years of the Cooma Show

Emily Lucas excited to represent district

SHOW

Show

Junior young woman honour for Mary

Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show

Cooma Show boasts long, proud history

est of beef cattle paraders in one final

State’s best dahlias on display in Cooma

Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show Celebrating 150 years of the Cooma Show

Celebrations galore for milestone show

Rural achiever accolade for Sarah

Bumper show day planned

COOMA POWER EQUIPMENT & HUSQVARNA

Show

Be prepared come show time

The life of Brian

LOCAL IDENTITY SHARES HIS STORY ON FARMING LIFE ON THE MONARO

Live export ban affects sheep industry

Agricultural machinery suppliers observe slow start to year

Shutdown not up to scratch: NSW Farmers