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COOMA CAR CLUB PRESIDENT DECLARES EVENT ‘BEST’ YET

Motorfest breaks records Police

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA Motorfest organisers have declared this year’s event the biggest yet following more than 400 entries on display and about 3000 people in attendance.

The Cooma Showgrounds hosted historic and vintage cars, trucks, motorbikes and heavy machinery, as the Cooma Car Club staged its popular Motorfest. Car club president, Tony Nassar, said Saturday’s Motorfest

exceeded expectations with organisers thrilled to have surpassed 3000 attendees.

“Motorfest was awesome, our club is very proud of its efforts,”

Mr Nassar said.

“We are declaring this our biggest and best yet. We had around 400 entries and about 3000 people, it was a massive day.”

Motorfest is one of the region’s largest single-day events, bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

“Our club gives a lot back to the community. Holding an event like this brings people to town and supports many community groups who run stalls at Motorfest and receive donations from the proceeds we generate,”

Mr Nassar said.

A highlight of Motorfest 2024 was its Gatsby-themed indoor display, featuring vintage vehicles from the era and decorations.

Mr Nassar praised the efforts of those involved in setting up the

Gatsby display inside the Cooma Multi-function Centre.

“We are fortunate that with the upgraded multi-function centre we can now display vehicles inside,” Mr Nassar said.

“The Gatsby display received plenty of positive feedback. We will be using the indoor space again.”

■ More Motorfest coverage on page 18

officer’s trial to begin

SENIOR Constable, Kristian White, will face a jury trial next week, charged with the alleged manslaughter of Cooma’s Clare Nowland.

The NSW Police officer pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter in April. His trial starts on Monday November 11 in the NSW Supreme Court and is expected to last up to four weeks. White, 34, had multiple charges upgraded to manslaughter in November 2023 following an incident at Cooma’s Yallambee Lodge in May 2023. Prosecutors will allege White tasered Mrs Nowland, 95, in her Yallambee Lodge residence on May 17, 2023.

It will be further alleged, Mrs Nowland, who lived with dementia, was tasered while using a walking frame and holding a knife at the time.

Mrs Nowland died in Cooma Hospital a week after the incident.

ALL SMILES: Cooma Car Club secretary, Greg Riddell, (left) inspects this prized vehicle alongside Graham Hampshire at the Cooma Motorfest event. This year’s Motorfest attracted more entries and attendees than ever before.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Multiple crews called to fight Dry Plains grass fire

By KAREN FORMAN

MONARO Rural Fire Service is investigating the cause of a grass fire which burned out 45 hectares on Dry Plains Rd north west of Cooma at the weekend.

RFS incident controller Ash Morrow said multiple RFS crews from across the region had worked on the fire, which by Monday was under control but still burning.

“RFS crews responded to reports of a bushfire on Dry Plains Road about 3.20pm Saturday November 2 and upon arrival, found north westerly winds pushing the fire to the south east in quite steep rocky terrain,” he said.

“Fire fighters, using heavy plant and aviation resources, were able to hold the fire at 45 ha in size and worked tirelessly throughly Saturday night to ensure containment was around the entirety of the fire before challenging weather conditions presented themselves on Sunday morning.”

Mr Morrow said the forecast had been for high temperatures, high winds and low relative humidity resulting in an overall fire danger of high for Sunday which increased the risk of the fire spreading and becoming out of control.

“The crews continued to work to ensure no breakouts again with heavy plant and aviation resources,” he said.

“By the afternoon the fire was declared to be contained with crews continuing to patrol and mop up the fire throughout Monday with the hope the fire would be put to patrol status by late Monday afternoon.”

Mr Morrow said with the first larger fire for the season having occurred, the RFS is urging the

community to be vigilant.

“Fire permits are now required as we are in the bush fire danger period,” he said.

“People who wish to light a fire involving outdoor vegetation need to notify neighbours and the bush fire control centre 6455 0455 24 hours before lighting any outdoor fire, which now requires a fire permit.

“You can still have barbecues, but any outdoor vegetation fire does require a permit.”

Region pauses to reflect

TOWNS and villages across the Snowy Monaro will pause to remember the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during conflict at Remembrance Day services on Monday November 11.

The Snowy Monaro region has multiple services taking place. Below are the times local RSL sub branches recommend for arrival, prior to the services starting.

Cooma - Cooma Cenotaph – 10.20am; Jindabyne - Jindabyne Banjo Paterson Park – 10.40am; Berridale - Berridale War

Memorial Park – 10.40am; Adaminaby - Adaminaby School of Arts – 10.50am; Bombala - Bombala Cenotaph - 10.45am; Delegate - Delegate Cenotaph – 10.30am; Michelago Michelago Railway Station – 10.45am. Bungarby will hold a service on Sunday November 10, opening from 9.30am for registration with the service starting at 10.30am. The service will be followed by a morning tea and sausage sizzle, with the hall open for viewing of the memorabilia collection.

Woman dies in motorcycle accident

A WOMAN has died after she was critically injured when her motorcycle crashed in the Snowy Mountains on Sunday.

A 60-year-old woman was riding on the Snowy Mountains Highway, Kiandra, about two kilometres south of the Links Road, about 10.40am Sunday when her motorbike left the road and went down a small embankment.

NSW Ambulance attended and treated a 60-yearold woman for serious injuries, before she was airlifted to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition. Police have been informed the woman died in hospital later that day. Officers attached to Monaro Police District responded and began an investigation. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

UNDER CONTROL: The Dry Plains grass fire was brought under control on Sunday with further patrolling on Monday.

RISK: Flames whipped up by strong winds provided a challenge for the RFS to contain a fire at Dry Plains at the weekend. PHOTOS: NSW RFS

Local business recognised at awards night

By TRISTA HEATH

THE Business NSW Awards have recognised the state’s most creative and forward-thinking businesses.

Finalists from a diverse range of sectors, from construction in Ulladulla to a winery in Berry and a tourism company in Jindabyne, as well as the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, gathered at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday October 30.

The Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the NSW Tourism Industry was awarded to Janet Mackay of TRC Tourism in Jindabyne.

There to accept the award on behalf of Ms Mackay was TRC Tourism representative, Donna Graf.

Ms Mackay said she is incredibly honoured to receive the award.

“The award is very humbling, and I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, I really believe the award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire TRC team,” Ms Mackay said.

TRC Tourism praised for their outstanding contribution

demonstrated that resilience and innovation go hand in hand,” he said of the event, proudly sponsored by ANZ and Signature Media.

“2024 has tested our businesses with rising costs, staff shortages, red tape, and high interest rates. Yet, our winners are not just surviving; they are thriving and setting new benchmarks in excellence.

“The award reflects my commitment to mentorship and professional development, seeing my colleagues thrive and grow in their careers has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.

“I am delighted that TRC has become an employer of choice, known for its supportive and nurturing environment, where staff can achieve their full potential.”

Joining TRC Tourism were four members of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, including Kerin Jarvis who said they were proud to see Ms

“Their unwavering commitment to our business, our culture and our values has been critical to our success, and I share this accolade with each one of them.

Mackay win the Dean Gorddard award, which is awarded to an individual who has made the most impact on the NSW Tourism industry over and above what they do in their workplace.

“It was truly well deserved, and we are grateful to have TRC Tourism in our town,” Ms Jarvis said.

“Traveling from Jindabyne to the big smoke and getting all dressed up to attend the Business NSW State Business Awards as Finalists after winning the regional award recently was exciting.

“We were so honoured to be in a room full of the state’s top business owners who all share the same

passion and enthusiasm for making a difference, and building something meaningful and profitable.

“Even just being in that environment is very uplifting, it energises us to keep working towards our own goals and we were thrilled to see all the amazing things the various finalists and winners are doing too.

“There was such a wide range of innovative businesses such as an online sexual health clinic, and Norco - who had become a co-op to save the company and we enjoyed five-star food, entertainment and met some amazing people, some of which will join us in Jindabyne for a visit soon.”

Ms Jarvis said it would have been lovely to win

the Outstanding Chamber Award, however they were happy to receive so much inspiration and they can’t wait to go again next yearand hopefully take a larger contingent of Jindabyne business owners with them.

Also appearing on the night was Premier Chris Minns, Small Business Minister, Steve Kamper, and the who’s who from the state’s business community.

Business NSW CEO, Daniel Hunter, said the awards were more than just a celebration of success; they highlighted the incredible resilience of businesses navigating a challenging landscape.

“In the face of adversity our finalists have

“The Business NSW Awards really are the Oscars of Business, so it is only very fitting that the best of the best in business get to stroll the red carpet and enjoy the spotlight.”

This year’s coveted Business of the Year award went to Whitely Manufacturing Facility in the Hunter, which was also recognised for its Excellence in International Business.

Mr Hunter praised the incredible talent found in the state’s regional areas.

“The resilience of our state’s 865,000-plus businesses is especially commendable as they tackle rising insurance costs, energy challenges, and the complexities of the housing crisis,” Mr Hunter said. “This year’s awards highlight that, despite challenges, innovation is alive and well throughout NSW.”

The Van from Snowy River REMOVALS

Business NSW Awards recipients gather on-stage for a group photo.

OUTSTANDING: There to accept the award on behalf of Ms Mackay was TRC Tourism representative, Donna Graf. PHOTOS: Supplied

Councillor Stewart feels positive new Council will succeed

Focus on transparency, works department

By KAREN FORMAN

THE new Snowy Monaro Regional Council is just one month - and two meetings - into its term and its most experienced councillor, Bob Stewart, is positive and hopeful about the future.

Councillor Stewart, a farmer from Bombala, conceded it was ‘early days yet’, but told The Monaro Media Group he believed the new Council was united in its goal for more transparency and committed to creating a community-focussed, cohesive government than its predecessor.

“We’ve only had the one meeting and the mayoral election special meeting, but I think everyone will settle down alright,” he said.

“We just need to settle in as a new Council and tackle the issues as they arise.”

Cr Stewart, who was first elected to the now amalgamated Bombala council in 1994, was mayor for 12 consecutive years and has

been on the Snowy Monaro Regional Council since, said he was impressed the new councillors had shown their hand on the matter of transparency.

“I think the new councillors elected will be a good addition to council and if Council adopts an attitude of better transparency it will be heading in the right direction,” he said.

“I don’t think the previous Council was being as open to the community as much as it should, but these new councillors, that’s what their platform was for election, so hopefully they will hold to that.”

Councillor Stewart said he was looking forward to working with the team of 11 moving forward, with its second monthly meeting to be held on November 21. He said teething issues could be expected as with any new group, but he felt generally positive.

“I certainly don’t feel that despite the problems of the past, especially with budgets, that administration would be warranted,” he said.

“That would be very much an over reaction to go down that path.

“Definitely, Council should be working with the community and councillors have got to put their views forward. They showed that they are willing to do that at the extraordinary meeting.

“This council wants to be able to deliver on what it says it is going to do and deliver it better and more transparently.

“There will be hiccups at different times. You should in my view not try to cover up mistakes made, but own up and reverse them and get them fixed up.

“Council is only part of the community so if the community wanted change, Council must accept that and move on and deliver better for the community.”

Cr Stewart said he would like Council to improve its engineering and works department.

“For a long time, I have felt that needs to be looked at, to deliver better and more efficient outcomes

that were not being delivered before,” he said.

“There needs to be a review in a specialised way.

“I don’t want to be critical in a personal way but the department needs more experience, not making mistakes on works, and having work planned out properly.

“There have been a lot of examples. You hear of people working in Bombala who have been shifted to the northern part to do jobs, of incidents

at Polo Flat where the project has been broken up pretty quick. They are the sort of things we need to minimise and get on top of.

“If we can do that, staff and council can get a better result.

“The engineering and works department in my experience in council is the engine room. A lot of money comes in and goes out and if not operating well or inefficiently, it will affect everything.”

The former Bombala

mayor highlighted the town’s livestock yards as an example where staff and councillors can work more closely together.

“The yards had fallen into a state of disrepair and the officer’s recommended immediate closure, despite the fact it was being used and the community relied upon it. Those sort of processes in my view was an over reaction and could be fixed up in easier and better process,” Cr Stewart said.

“I am a great believer in management should put independent advice to Council and it is then up to councillors if they don’t believe it is going in the right direction to try to steer it in the direction the councillors want it to go.”

Cr Stewart, who has recently turned 70, said he was looking forward to the term ahead, although disappointed at being pipped at the post for the mayoral slot, six votes to five.

“I had two or three goes at being elected for mayor, but I think I am done now,” he said.

“We have a lot to do as a council and I am looking forward to that.”

COUNCIL: Cr Bob Stewart is feeling positive about the new Snowy Monaro Regional Council. PHOTO: Karen Forman

Rural mothers celebrated

ONE HUNDRED rural mums from across the Snowy Mountains, and some from as far as Victoria, came together on Saturday to celebrate Motherland’s inaugural fundraising event in the region.

Motherland is a national charity that connects rural mums across the country, and is on a mission to reduce isolation and improve mental health for women on the land.

The Snowy Mountains fundraiser raised $14,000 for the charity, and celebrated a belated International Rural Women’s Day and raised awareness for the forthcoming Peri-natal Mental Health Week.

The proceeds from Saturday’s event will enable Motherland to grow its impact, and bolster its scholarship fund which supports rural mums doing it tough to access its Motherland Village program. Women from across the region are encouraged to apply.

Motherland Village program manager, and Bibbenluke resident, Kate Brow, hosted Saturday’s fundraiser in her garden. The event was a celebration of the highs and lows of rural motherhood, from new mothers to grandmothers.

Several Motherland Village program alumni attended, and met for the first time face-toface at the event.

“This fundraiser celebrated the importance of authenticity

Event raises $14,000 for national charity

in your mothering - telling it like it is and not being afraid to say when things are tough,” Kate said.

“The panel was so open and vulnerable about their postnatal mental health journeys, while also acknowledging how much joy rural motherhood has brought to them all.

“Motherland means so much to me, I’ve shared my own personal story on the podcast and I was part of the trial Motherland Village program three years ago. Now I manage the program and am able to give back that life changing experience to other isolated rural

mums just like me.

“I also got to meet two of my group members in person on Saturday for the first time, which was incredibly special,” Kate added.

Motherland founder and CEO, Stephanie Trethewey, emceed the event and facilitated a panel of guest speakers and local rural mums which included former deputy leader of the NSW National Party, Bronnie Taylor, founder of the Wool Shed and Le Sac, Sahra Dixon, and finance officer at Growth Farms, farmer, and first-time mum, Alana Platts.

“The success of our first

Community Information Sessions

Come along to one of these sessions to ask questions and provide feedback.

Mountains fundraiser is a testament to the generosity of local businesses, and the community spirit in the region. The reality is, we simply can’t do what we do without the support of events like these, and we are so grateful to all the incredible sponsors and donors who made Saturday’s event possible,” Stephanie said.

Jindabyne | 21 November, 6pm

Jindabyne Bowling Club, Bay St

Adaminaby | 26 November, 6pm

Cooma | 27 November, 6pm

Cooma Ex-Services Club, Vale St

School of Arts & Community Hall, Denison St

Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Bendigo Bank supported this event; and many female-led local businesses, and from beyond the region, donated raffle prizes worth more than $8,000.

hundreds of rural mothers at similar fundraising events earlier this year at Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Spring Ridge in New South Wales, and Goondiwindi in Queensland.

Snowy

SUPPORT: Motherland team Clare McCabe, Kate Brow, Abbey McGregor and Stephanie Trethewey.

PHOTOS: Beata Dyszkant from Kallarroo Captures

Motherland connected

the Motherland fundraiser on Saturday.

Alice Mo itt, Michelle Mo itt and Emma Mo itt at Motherland’s inaugural fundraiser in the region.

Guest speakers Bronnie Taylor, Sahra Dixon and Alana Platts.

Jindabyne dentist shares dignity

Women supported with their personal hygiene

By TRISTA HEATH

FOR the past six years, Snowy Mountains Dental has been supporting the Share the Dignity ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign, a charity organisation focussed on bringing dignity to disadvantaged women who may be experiencing period poverty.

Owner, Dr Yuli Ong, said at Snowy Mountains Dental, they believe personal hygiene is a basic human need.

“Everyone deserves to be able to access basic menstrual and personal care products and unfortunately there are people in this community who are going without on a regular basis,” Dr Ong said.

“The ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign allows our community to get involved and help make a difference to the lives of those in need by donating a bag of essentials.

“The campaign benefits women of all ages who may be menstruating, pregnant, or are caring for an infant.

“We live within a fabulous community that has supported our

philosophy of integrative and comprehensive care since 2003 and people who are homeless or facing any kind of poverty are also likely to struggle with access to dental care products.”

Dr Ong said this is one way Snowy Mountains Dental can give back to the community and ensure those in need are also provided with the essential oral care items.

“We ensure that every bag that is donated is wellstocked with the correct dental care items prior to them being distributed,”

Dr Ong said.

“This is a perfect way to bring the community together and support those who are in need.

“Caring for others and forming connections are what community is about.

“Life sometimes brings some unexpected challenges, and we never know when we are going to need to rely on the kindness of others to give us a helping hand, this is just a fabulous way to make someone’s day a little brighter this Christmas.”

The bags collected at Snowy Mountains Dental

are distributed locally rather than in the major cities and this is why they are encouraging the local community to get behind this event.

assume that they need to take the bags to the closest Bunnings store, however they collect and distribute to local people who are in need.

unused or pre-loved handbag, backpack or other bag in a cupboard that is still in great condition,” Dr Ong said.

it to gather dust, fill it with personal care items such as toiletries, sanitary products, other necessities and even a little treat or luxury item or message for someone who may be struggling.

contains the essential items to make up an adult bag, teen bag or a mum and bub bag.

neighbours and get them to donate too and together, we can make this a great success.”

Each ‘It’s in the Bag’ has a different list of essentials

sharethedignity.org.au/ itsinthebag

Community members can drop off the bag in the foyer of Snowy Mountains Dental by 5pm on Friday,

that the bags are able to be distributed in time for Christmas.

Dr Ong said her goal is to raise awareness about the issues faced by women

Photo Competition

ness and the importance of dignity and hygiene.

“Thank you so much to those who have already donated, let’s keep the bags coming in,” she said.

Innovative solution for Mt Perisher 6 construction Proposed 182/lot subdivision now on community exhibition

SINCE the 2024 snow season ended, the Perisher maintenance team has been hard at work removing the Mt Perisher Triple Bottom Station, making way for construction to start on the bottom station, they will now focus on works higher up the hill.

The biggest win so far has been Doppelmayr coming up with an innovative solution to concrete supply issues by installing its own batch plant in Jindabyne.

This, along with the preparatory works done pre-season to ensure a safe access road to the top station, has been invaluable and fasttracked the project.

In-house concrete production helps Doppelmayr keep the project on track.

Over winter, general manager of Mt Perisher 6 construction partner Doppelmayr, Shaun Turner, had the innovative idea to create the company’s own concrete source to cut down on the risks associated with uncertain concrete supply issues.

“Our crews were working long hours and into the night to keep to schedules set by concrete plants,” Mr Turner said.

“It wasn’t sustainable, and the time we might need concrete was often outside normal business hours, which made it hard to rely on local plants.”

The availability and reliability of concrete supply became one of the highest project risks, especially when the delays meant crews

might need to wait around until the concrete arrived if the delivery times were pushed back.

As a solution, Doppelmayr applied for a Development Application to produce its own concrete, which was granted.

This October, Doppelmayr has made around 400 cubic metres of concrete, which has been placed on-site.

“A good example of how effective it’s been was just this week when we excavated Tower Two,” Mr Turner said.

“By 11am on Monday, it was excavated. At midday, we had geotechnical approval and by 1pm the concrete was in. This process would normally take a few days

between each step. It’s making a huge difference.”

Mr Turner said the process of making concrete is like baking a cake where there are lots of different ingredients, methods and outcomes.

“We use sand, aggregates, cements and fly ash, placing it all together in the truck and mixing it up to the right consistency before taking it to the site, around an hour away,” Mr Turner said.

“We have an internal booking system so a crew could book the concrete two-three days out, or even as little as one-two hours in advance.”

It takes about an hour to create 30 cubic metres of concrete at Doppelmayr’s Jindabyne concrete plant, and another hour to transport it to the Perisher site.

A Development Approval has been presented for a Smiggins concrete plant to make it even quicker to turnaround concrete for the Mt Perisher 6 project. Perisher is the largest alpine resort in the Southern Hemisphere, nestled in Kosciuszko National Park. Perisher is home to four resort areas, 46 lifts, over 100 trails and more than 3,000 acres of rideable terrain.

In winter, Perisher’s four resort areas, Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, and Guthega are all interlinked by ski and snowboard trails, forming Perisher Resort. For more information on the Mt Perisher 6 construction visit www. perisher.com.au

A DEVELOPMENT

Application (DA) for a proposed 182 lot residential subdivision located at 1 Old Kosciuszko Road, East Jindabyne, has been brought forward to Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Located 5.7km northeast of Jindabyne and flanked by the existing Tyrolean and East Jindabyne residential areas, the 34.57ha property is an undeveloped site on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne.

The site has been identified for residential development in the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct Masterplan and has been the subject of significant planning and investigation over the last five years.

The focal point of the proposed neighbourhood will be the central hilltop conservation zone with its existing walking trails to be retained and connected to the urban footpath network.

The development will comprise of 167 general residential lots, six higher density lots located on the perimeter of the hilltop conservation zone, eight large residential lots located on the higher reaches of the

site and one commercial lot located on the northern point of the site, overlooking the foreshore.

The internal road and footpath network provides connections between the retail, foreshore, conservation and residential areas of the site as well as connecting into the Lake Jindabyne Shared Trail.

Additionally, upgrade works will be provided to Jerrara Drive, Old Kosciuszko Road and the intersection of the two, including road widening, formalised kerbing and intersection re-formation.

The development process has included extensive consultation with the Biodiversity Conservation Division, Regional Growth and Development Corporation, Council, Snowy Hydro Limited and the local community during the design phase.

Feedback from those stakeholders has been considered and where appropriate has informed the proposed layout.

The DA will come before Council for determination. The application and associated documents can be viewed on Council’s website.

Tales from Cooma Show

THE Cooma Show’s 150th Celebrations sub committee wants to hear from the community about their recollections of Cooma Show.

From November 13, this masthead will publish a fortnightly column ‘Tales from the Cooma Show’, which will allow memories and anecdotes to be shared.

The tales, tall or otherwise, will become part of commemorative booklet to celebrate 150 years of Cooma Show history.

Photos are being sought for this project, like this one, a caricature of then show secretary, Reg Goodwin and provided by his daughter, a show champion, Sue Linton-Frost.

Anyone with a tale to tell, is asked to contact the co-ordinator, Gail Eastaway, on 0408 930 280, or at gail.eastaway@gmail. com, or at PO Box 885, Cooma NSW.

Alternatively, contributions can be made by contacting Dianne Blyton on 0418 523 524.

Don’t miss the first column on November 6, when exploits from the Hain Pavilion (cattle shed) will raise a few laughs.

Laura celebrates turning 100

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

WHAT do you give someone celebrating their 100th birthday? Well for this special someone - Laura Mould - it was bunches and bunches of flowers.

Laura turned 100 on October 28 and the occasion was marked at Bombala with a small get-together made up of close family and 20 of her friends.

An avid gardener, with a very green thumb - who spent many of these 100 years outside in her large garden - Laura was delighted with the flowers which filled her room at Bombala Hospital’s palliative care ward.

Laura is one of eight children (with five brothers and two sisters). Laura Cecelia Mould (nee Wellsmore) was born at Dalgety and attended a school at Paupong, which according to son, Richard, is “way down south.”

The school no longer exists, “it’s now just a piece of paddock”.

She is the last remaining sibling and tough as nails, said Richard.

She married at 17, to Herb Mould, who was five years’ older, just at the start of the second World War.

Herb first met her when he visited the property to do some wool classing.

Once married they moved into a farm at Dalgety

where the couple shared the workload, and Herb also continued wool classing, before he went overseas to serve in the armed forces.

They had had at that time one child, Fred, and when Herb returned the family grew to include Madeline and Richard.

Herb died at the age of 97 in 2016, not long after they decided to move from ‘Dutton Plain’ to Cooma to live.

Laura, in addition to growing a beautiful garden - her favourite flower is Dahlias - and vegetable patches and fruit trees (plums, apricots and apples

Wednesday 6th November – Jindabyne - Blended 9am to 12.30pm Tuesday 12th November - Cooma Wednesday 13th November - Cooma - Blended 9am to 12.30pm Thursday 14th November - Bombala Saturday 23rd November - Cooma CONTACT REGISTERED NURSES

Kylie Phillips: 0412 579 517 | Danni Matson: 0414 804 273

Email: jindyfirstaid@hotmail.com | www.applyfirstaid.com.au

to name a few), was the workhorse on the property.

She helped Herb with everything he was doing, such as stock work, weeds and seeds, rabbiting, she bottled all the fruit from the treesthe whole lot she would do, Richard said.

“She had a lot of skills. She is a very practical woman and a hard worker,” he said.

Laura has had some set backs with her health, including multiple broken femurs and hips, over the years - the most recent being 12 months ago.

“But the surgeon has just put things back together, so that she had no pain. She has

come back to Cooma, and

come back to Cooma, and then in June she went into palliative care in Bombala. She cannot walk. She’s tough as rocks.”

Seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren later, Laura is still keeping up with what is going on around her, and enjoyed the time with her family and friends.

“She never wanted a celebration to begin with, but we told her we’re going to have it anyway...then she got all excited.

“She’s happy out at Bombala, and that’s the main thing.”

Laura received a letter from King Charles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain, and the Member for Monaro Steve Whan and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh.

Corner of Baroona Ave and Boona St, Cooma NSW

CENTENARIAN: Family celebrated Laura Mould’s 100th birthday last Monday at Bombala Hospital. PHOTOS: Supplied

Three of Laura’s great grandchildren (from le ) Henry and Angus Schofield and Lucy Price.

‘Top of Oz for Torie’ is on again

Foundation event to support regional maternity services

SNOWY Monaro residents are being encouraged to ‘save the date’ for a fundraising event in January next year, which is being held in memory of a former local and much-loved mid-wife, Torie Finnane (nee O’Hare).

Torie died at the age of 34 after contracting bacterial meningitis while in Orange Hospital, just three days after giving birth to her third child in December 2020.

The Torie Finnane Foundation (TFF) for women and babies was established after Torie’s death, and foundation members are excited to announce its annual fundraising event “Top of Oz for Torie” is on January 26, 2025 in Thredbo.

The proceeds from this event will support transformative projects to strengthen maternity services across Southern NSW. This will be the fifth time the walk up Mt Kosciuszko has taken place – to not only celebrate Torie Finnane’s life and legacy but to also recognise those special health workers who help women and babies when they need it most.

In 2025, all funds raised through this walk will enable a centralised foetal monitoring system supporting midwives across Southern NSW - Torie’s home region. This system will support midwives to deliver critical care to 3,000 women

and babies annually and lessen the burden on doctors and hospitals.

“This project is the perfect demonstration of why our foundation was established,” foundation chairman and brother of Torie, Geoff O’Hare, said.

“It aligns with our goals to strengthen support for women and babies in regional NSW. Torie would have advocated for these advancements.

“I am immensely grateful to all who have contributed to TFF.

Once we raise the remaining funds through the Top of Oz for Torie event in January, we can provide the necessary support to Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) – one example of our support will be a centralised foetal monitoring machine, which will benefit thousands of women and babies across Southern NSW.

“We’d love to have as many people join us on our 2025 walk to acknowledge our hardworking midwives and nursery staff across regional NSW and if you can’t join us, provide some support. It’s a great familyfriendly event – last year we had over 100 kids, the youngest being two years old!”

SNSWLHD looks after the health and wellbeing of communities across south-east NSW. There are five sites within the region providing midwifery and

I have far too much storage space. Said no-one ever.

obstetric care to approximately 3,000 childbearing women each year.

An essential part of providing the right care in the right place at the right time is monitoring the foetal heart rate of unborn babies. Cardiotocography (CTG) assesses foetal wellbeing both antenatally and during labour. The primary purpose of CTG foetal surveillance is to assist in the identification of signs of suspected foetal compromise and to minimise adverse newborn outcomes.

CTGs require hourly review by two clinicians trained in CTG analysis. Southern staff currently send copies of CTG traces to obstetricians off-site for review via SMS or email and often from and to a personal device. This practice of taking photographs of CTG’s to send to obstetricians and GP obstetricians to review has the potential to breach confidentiality; can contribute to impaired decision making as only seeing a snapshot; and can delay care escalation of the deteriorating patient.

As SNSWLHD grows their midwifery and obstetric workforce across the district, they are supporting larger numbers of students, new graduates, and junior clinicians. Supporting these clinicians is essential to their longevity in the workforce and the future of their services,

particularly those in the smaller sites where there is often only one midwife on duty. Sites with single clinicians are needing to call a second clinician to review CTGs hourly. This can result in a time delay in review and escalation.

Considering this, there are two inherent risks related to labour and birth care:

1. Single clinician bedside assessment can lead to human error; and

2. Interpreting CTGs can be very complex which is amplified when junior clinicians are providing care.

o A centralised CTG system minimises both these risks with the real-time display of foetal heart traces available to other experienced clinicians in the work area and by remote access. Other NSW LHDs have implemented centralised CTG systems following clinical reviews of poor outcomes in regional

monitor and alert medical teams

foetal heart rate patterns. It communicates around the health service network so that all monitoring can be viewed at central stations across the LHD, offices or remotely from home, private practice, or a command centre.

“TFF is investing $100,000 to see this project proceed. In addition to the capital sum commitment, TFF has also committed to SNSWLHD that it will source and raise the additional funds required to get this equipment, which will include fundraising from the annual Top of Oz for Torie event.

Event registration is at www. toriefinnanefoundation.com.au

To donate visit www.toriefinnanefoundation.com.au.

Community consultation on the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources 2025

The NSW Government has developed the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Murrumbidgee Unregulated River Water Sources 2025.

The draft plan and supporting documentation are available for viewing on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website from Monday 4 November to Friday 13 December 2024.

Join us at one of the information sessions listed below to learn more about:

the draft plan

how to make a submission.

From 11 November to 6 December 2024 staff from the department will also be available for 30 minute booked phone interviews.

To find out more information, including how to make a submission, register and book a call please visit: water.nsw.gov.au/murrumbidgee-unregulated-watersharing-plan or email water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au

Submissions close at 11.59 pm on Friday 13 December 2024.

SUMMIT WALK: The 2024 “Top of Oz for Torie” event (walking up Mt Kosciuszko). PHOTO: Supplied

WITH the weather warming up, many locals would be thinking the time is right for a refreshing dip in one of the region’s pools.

Unless you use the Cooma or Jindabyne pools, then you still have a few weeks left before the Bombala, Berridale and Adaminaby pools open.

Recently, there was strong push from the Berridale community to have its pool open before the scheduled November 25 opening.

Unfortunately, it looks like November 25 is still the date. Bombala residents can have their first splash a fortnight sooner on November 12 but Adaminaby residents will have to wait until the start of December.

Did you roar into the Cooma Motorfest on Saturday. If you did, you joined around 3000 people at the Motorfest, a record for the popular event. Well done to the Cooma Car Club who runs Motorfest every two years.

Not only is the event much loved by motoring enthusiasts, it is much loved by local businesses and community groups who benefit from it.

The Monaro Rural Fire Service is again warning residents to be vigilant with dry conditions and warmer weather presenting increased fire danger across the Snowy Monaro.

A 45-hectare grassfire at Dry Plains, north-west of Cooma, was contained by RFS crews over the weekend. With warmer temperatures and strong winds, RFS crews were supported by heavy machinery and a helicopter.

The Monaro RFS said the fire is a timely reminder of the dangers the region faces.

Rural mums came together in Bibbenluke on Saturday for the region’s first Motherland fundraiser.

Hosted by Kate Brow, the fundraiser brought rural mums from across the region, NSW and even Victoria together to support the charity’s work.

Motherland is a national charity that supports and connects rural mothers across Australia and delivers services that reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes.

The fundraiser raised $14,000 to help the organisation continue supporting rural mothers.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fast forward from class of ‘62 to now

AFTER the family had spoken it was my turn. When I looked to the back of the room there were 80 people standing, mostly around 80 years of age.

On a quick estimate I reckoned we shared 6,400 years of lived experience, wisdom, work and service to others, even within Keynes’ notions about death and taxes. The birthday party (not mine) was held in Melbourne.

In recent years, as a community on the Monaro, we

have discussed the dignity and needs of our elderly, vulnerable and frail in the context of local, state and federal support.

I note that to date the proposed new Federal Aged Care Act has not been legislated.

In another context, the feature article on Elder Law and Supported Decision Making (SDM) was published in the Victorian Law Institute Journal in November 2023.

“A national legislative framework, access to education and

the provision of oversight will potentially reduce risks associated with supported decision making and protect at-risk persons.”

To date a national SDM Framework does not presently exist. There is work to do on scope and delivery.

Recently in Cooma the Men’s Probus Club presented an aged care forum and the Snowy Mountains U3A held an open workshop to discuss aged care support and challenges. These

Is it too much to ask for some empathy

I WOULD like to thank Helen Beswick (Brumby embodies mountain spirit) for her poem from the heart about the wild Brumbies.

Many people, Indigenous and not, are hurting badly and suffering great mental anguish as a result of the decision to introduce aerial shooting of the Kosciuszko wild horses and Helen’s poem I think highlights this very well.

The true horror of the killing of young foals, heavily pregnant mares and others is gradually coming to light as people move about the park.

The photographic evidence is truly disturbing.

I was not surprised to see a Green’s representative (Jenny Goldie, Science, not poetry, to manage wild horses) did not appreciate the poem so much.

The Greens and the Invasive

Species Council have made quite clear their aim is to eradicate the Kosciuszko wild horses.

Perhaps we need management based on compassion and kindness rather than idealism.

Sometimes decisions made on paper look great but in reality they are disasters and have huge negative impacts on the mental health of people.

It’s all very well to continue saying that aerial shooting is the most humane way to reduce the wild horse numbers but it doesn’t actually make it true for those seeing the end results and how the horses suffered.

Science.

The indisputable, scientific fact is that not one native animal or plant has become extinct in the whole time the wild horses have been in the park.

were well attended meetings, highlighting the complexity and concerns of our community.

We need to talk, we need to act, we need new ideas and perspectives ahead of the rising tide.

There is work to do to address these foreseeable demands. There is a time to speak and it’s now. Watch this space!

for those su ering sadness?

The other indisputable, scientific fact is that studies run using fenced exclusion zones found there was a much higher level of animal and plant diversity outside the exclusion zones. Isn’t this what everyone would want for the park to flourish?

Without diversity plants and animals die.

Compassion and understanding is needed for the people who are caring for the orphan foals.

The people documenting the deadly results of the shooting, the people who have been tirelessly working for years to take in and re-home as many Brumbies as they can to good homes. Simply, the compassion and understanding for those people who love and feel a

connection with the wild

connection with the wild horses.

Try to understand the anguish of these people.

These people and many others are suffering greatly due to the decision to introduce aerial shooting.

Whether you agree with the shooting or not, surely it isn’t too much to ask for some empathy for the great sadness it is causing people in the community.

Yes, the wild horses in Kosciuszko need to be sustainably managed, but there are much more humane ways to do that than shooting them multiple times from the air.

Denise Osborne Cooma

Church service times across the Snowy Monaro region

Cooma Baptist Church: 10am Sunday

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

St Paul’s Anglican Parish of Cooma: 9.30am 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

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

Elizabeth Laught Cooma

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Embarrassed, disappointed in new Council

WELL done Narelle Moody (letter to the editor October 30 edition of the Post/Summit Sun), a succinct and well researched letter.

I wrote the first part of this letter after the first meeting of our new Council and delayed sending it to you thinking and hoping that things would improve but I might as well have sent it to you then, editor, because the meeting of October 24 was far worse than the inaugural meeting.

What a sad start for our new Council term. What with challenging the authority of the acting CEO who was conducting the appointment of a temporary chairman who could then conduct the Mayoral election, challenging who will chair the meeting, challenging the schedule of meeting times, arguing the pros and cons of what the outgoing Chief Executive Officer stated in his resignation letter and demanding to see it was a pathetic introduction of our Council’s first meeting.

If that is to be the way future meetings are conducted then a lot of time and effort will be wasted

Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

with point scoring for little to no gain other than to disrupt the business of Council.

The outgoing CEO, Mr Hogan, resigned before the new council was sworn in so his resignation could not be tendered to the mayor of the Council because at that stage there wasn’t a Council body or a mayor. He resigned at the time of going on annual leave and in accordance with good governance, before he departed on leave he appointed an officer to act in that position until the incoming Council could make an appointment.

So why did the Chief Executive Officer resign before inducting the new Council? He must have had a good reason to quit such a highly paid job at such short notice.

Perhaps he is ill, perhaps he had assessed the qualities of the elected councillors and decided he would not be able to work with them, perhaps he saw his job under the new council to be untenable.

Frankly, no-one needs to know his reasons and really, what does his resignation have to do with the

incoming elected Council other than it having to appoint an interim CEO and find a replacement as soon as possible.

What he stated in his resignation letter is not relevant to the way the new Council will work so why all the hullabaloo? As stated in the interim CEO’s report in the October 24 meeting business paper, there was apparently nothing of note in the resignation letter but some councillors still felt they needed to know what the flow of correspondence was two weeks before Mr Hogan resigned and two weeks after.

Talk about a witch hunt. Should there have been a conflict of interest declaration at that stage of the proceedings? To observe this type of point scoring so early in the term of this Council is alarming and does not augur well for the way our Council will govern on behalf of us ratepayers and residents for the next four years.

If its first two meetings are an indication of future behaviour, this Council will achieve nothing of consequence in its four year term.

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

This term of Council is critical and it should be laying down the policies that will enable the changes so necessary to enable the Snowy Monaro Regional Council to be an efficient and effective organisation.

I doubt that any self respecting potential CEO, unless he is a lawyer, would bother applying for the vacant position based on what can be seen on the webcasts of the first two Council meetings and what has been reported in the press.

I sincerely hope this is not the start of actions that will lead up to a government appointed administrator. Such an appointment could happen so very easily. To top it all off, the whole of Australia and the world was able to observe the way business is conducted in our Council meetings affecting an area which is a major tourist destination. I am embarrassed and disgusted to observe the carrying on at the first two meetings of our newly elected Council.

Phil Daley Berridale

GROUP EDITOR

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

JOURNALISTS

Trista Heath (Jindabyne) 0491 214 722 trista@monaropost.com.au

Karen Forman 0425 675 555 kforman@monaropost.com.au

Melinda Cairns Hack (Cooma) (02) 6452 0312 mcairnshack@monaropost.com.au

By LISA ASHURST

MUCH has been said about how much time children are spending staring at screens, with some parents claiming they are at a loss as to to how to control or limit screen time. But to be honest, limiting it should not be a biggie.

Sure, it will be difficult to implement control if there hasn’t been much to date. But screens are not childminders and while it might keep them occupied, allowing it to keep doing so is a mistake.

The solution is fairly simple though. As the parent, you make the rules and you set some firm ones where screen time is concerned.

No phones at the dining table and then it’s screens off at a specific time each night. Remove their devices from their bedrooms and if parents put them away where their children can’t access them, they can be sure their children aren’t on them when they should be sleeping.

The advantage of keeping their devices out of their bedrooms is that it will also allow parents to monitor what their children are doing and what they’re looking at online as well.

Your kids will probably baulk at all of this, but it’s either play by your rules or you confiscate their devices until they do. As the parent you really do have the upper hand here and if you are concerned about screen time then you just act. And then you stick to it.

Very simple.

When mine were teens I banned phones at the table and they were not to take them into their rooms at bedtime. The computer was in the living room, which meant I could see

what they were looking at online. I limited how much time they could spend on it and they complained I was being over the top. But it was either that, or no access at all, and they knew I meant it. And now daughter has two primary school-aged children of her own and she and her husband are doing the same as I did back in the day.

My grandchildren do not have phones (let’s face it, primary schoolers don’t need phones anyway) and neither of them are on social media. Their screen time is mostly for schoolwork and their game time is limited to what daughter and son-in-law feel is fair, so there it is, it can be done.

Parents can also set by example by not being glued to a screen themselves. You can’t really expect your kids to accept restrictions if you are forever looking at your phone etc. Look, I know setting time restrictions regarding screen time can appear to be an insurmountable issue but again, you are the parent. So set the boundaries and deal with the fallout by laying out the consequences if they give you too hard a time over it.

Mainly though, if you implement any boundaries, you really need to be prepared to stick to them because the first time you cave to pressure from your children to ease up on any limits, then you’ll be back to square 1 before you know it and all your efforts to manage their screen time will have been for nothing. If you want to set limits, then do it, but remain firm about it. Your children will survive.

Elle Thompson (02) 6452 0312 elle@monaropost.com.au

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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.

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FEATURES WRITER

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Member

Snowy Monaro community.

Vintage engines and machinery showcase town’s history

Bombala’s bumper two-day exhibition

By KAREN FORMAN

THE engine that originally drove the Bombala power supply, a blacksmith display and old Grey Ferguson tractor demonstrations will be among the highlights of the Bombala Historic Engine and Machinery Society’s working machinery weekend on November 9-10.

The event is the second to be held by the society and after the initial 2023 display’s success, has been expanded into a two-day bonanza his year.

Hayfield Engine Club from Victoria will bring historic engine displays, plus there will be tractors and displays by members of other visiting clubs.

Both sheds will be open throughout the weekend.

Society president, Scott Peadon, said the the Crossley engine would be started every hour from 11am until 2pm.

“It is quite a unique engine. It is started by air pressure, 80 horsepower and was the engine used to drove Bombala power station in the

1940s-50s, before mains power came to the town,” he said.

“The engine stands four metres by six metres and weighs 14 tonnes ... so it is going nowhere.

“We purchased it from a private seller in Mildura. It was here and went away, then we were offered it back, so we got it back for the community.”

Mr Peadon said the society looked forward to showing off its new shed with its new concrete door, funded with a $33,000 Boco Rock grant.

“Meanwhile, in the old machinery shed, we have in the past 12 months set up static working displays of historic engines from the local area, so there will be plenty for people to see,” he said.

Members of the public will be treated to a sausage sizzle, tea and coffee and Bombala Lions Club will sell donuts and hot chips. A couple of stalls will sell vintage machinery and vintage books.

Entry to the event will be via gold coin donation. The sheds, located at Railway Park, Monaro Highway, Bombala, will be open 9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-1pm Sunday.

Learn the hand-sewing essentials

EVER wonder why your grandparents’ clothes lasted so long they became a family heirloom? The secret to eternal life, at least for your clothing, is a needle and thread.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is here to help make faded fashions fabulous again as part of National Recycling Week 2024, when a free crash-course on handsewing essentials comes to Cooma Library on Wednesday November 13 at 2pm.

For this year’s celebration of the circular economy, Council is focusing on educating the community about the importance of textile recycling and reducing the massive amount of fabric Australians send to landfill every year – 23 kilos of

worn-out wardrobe for every single person in the country.

Whether you’ve got frayed favourites in need of some TLC, fast fashion falling apart in the back of the wardrobe, or just want to learn how to get the extra mile from your family’s clothing budget – the one-hour repair café in Cooma has you covered.

Places are limited, so head to https://qrco.de/NRW24 to book your spot.

Grab one or two of your clothing items in need of repair and join the mending maestros. This free one-hour session will show how to fix the items you bring along, plus the essentials skills needed to make your clothing last longer.

Council’s team on the day can help with a range of common fixes, including:

- Hemming; - Sewing on patches;

- Repairing holes in woollen jumpers;

- Replacing a button and adding an extra buttonhole; and

- Taking in large clothing. The repair café will help you keep clothing out of landfill and give you the skills needed to mend your own threads, with a free afternoon tea included for all attendees.

Visit qrco.de/NRW24 for more information or to book your ticket now.

If there’s anything specific you’d like covered on the day, or if you just want to find out more about this free event, contact Council’s waste education officer at council@ smrc.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 345 345.

Authorised by Kristy McBain, ALP, 21-25 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan

Kristy McBain Member for Eden-Monaro

DISPLAY: The Bombala Historic Engine and Machinery Society is gearing-up for its two-day show this weekend.

PHOTO: Scott Peadon

UPCYCLING: As part of National Recycling Week a free crash- course on hand-sewing clothing will be held at Cooma Library on November 13. PHOTO: pebblemag website

Council News

REMEMBRANCE DAY 2024

Remembrance Day 2024 is coming up on Monday 11 November 2024.

Services are held across the region in observance of this important date.

Town Location Time

AdaminabySchool of Arts Memorial Hall 11am

BerridaleMemorial Park10.40am

BombalaCenotaph11am

BungarbyMemorial Hall Sunday 10 November at 10.30am

CoomaCenotaph10.30am

DelegateCenotaph10.30am

JindabyneBanjo Paterson Park near Strzelecki statue 10.40am

NimmitabelCenotaph10.40am

Visit the events directory on Council's website at https://qrco.de/eventsSMRC for further details. Lest we forget.

BOMBALA STREET STALL APPLICATIONS OPEN

Council invites applications from organisations wishing to secure a 2025 street stall date as part of the Bombala Friday Street Stalls program. This annual initiative gives local organisations the opportunity to host a stall on a nominated Friday in 2025, outside the Friendly Grocer. Applicants must complete the Bombala Street Stall Application, available from our website at https://qrco.de/bombala2025 or from the front counter of Council’s Bombala office. Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 22 November 2024.

For full details about the program and application process, visit Council's website at https://qrco.de/bombala2025 or contact us to find out more information.

ROAD NETWORK ASSESSMENT UNDERWAY

Specialised imaging vehicles are currently operating on roads across the Snowy Monaro, as Council’s contractor DCPM captures images for the mid-decade road network assessment and strategic analysis project.

Every five years, Council undertakes a comprehensive assessment of our entire road network. This assessment is part of Council's auditing requirements and ensures that staff have up-to-date information about all Councilmaintained roads in the region.

Residents and road users will see four-wheel drive vehicles with the DCPM logo and roofmounted 360-degree camera equipment on roads across the region over the weeks ahead.

This data will support both Council’s long-term works program and future funding applications for the region’s road network.

Updates | Information | Consultation

CLOTHING REPAIR CAFÉ

Hosted by a mending maestro, join us from 2pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024 at Cooma Library for a free one-hour session covering the basics of repairing your own clothing.

All you need to grab are a couple of old pieces in need of TLC and to book your free ticket online. Afternoon tea is included for all attendees.

Places are limited for this National Recycling Week event, so head to https://qrco.de/NRW24 to get your ticket today.

Council is organising this event in support of National Recycling Week 2024.

WEED OF THE WEEK

Our annual Weed of the Week series brings you the information you need to know about weeds and biosecurity in the Snowy Monaro. Last week we looked at serrated tussock, and coming this Friday, our next Weed of the Week will be alligator weed.

Whether you work the land or just like spending time in the great outdoors, these articles help you play your part in keeping our region safe from local weed incursions and emerging biosecurity threats.

Visit our website to catch up on this year's articles, with new pieces published Fridays at https://qrco.de/SMRCWeeds

Council is here to help. If you have questions about any weeds on your property, please get in contact with our specialist biosecurity officers for advice and assistance.

Can’t identify a weed? Send in some photographs or arrange a free onsite inspection and one of our staff will promptly respond.

Download the free NSW WeedWise app for detailed information on how to identify and manage weeds: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds

Visit the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website for information on control methods: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/weed-control

JINDABYNE TREE REMOVAL

A damaged gumtree in Banjo Paterson Park will be removed from Monday 11 November to Wednesday 13 November 2024.

The immediate area will be cordoned-off during removal. Contact us for more information.

SIGN UP TO COUNCIL NEWS

Our email newsletter is the easiest way to stay informed on all the latest from Council.

Visit https://qrco.de/smrc-newsletter to sign up.

JOB VACANCIES

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

Closing Wednesday 13 November 2024

• Senior Engineer Water & Wastewater Full Time – Cooma

Check out our online careers portal by visiting www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/careers to learn more about our work.

COUNCIL MEETING

The next meeting of Snowy Monaro Regional Council is scheduled for 1pm Thursday 14 November 2024 at Jindabyne Memorial Hall.

Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person, or watch along live on the Council website at https://qrco.de/webcastSMRC

To access the business paper, or to learn more about Council meeting in the Snowy Monaro, please visit https://qrco.de/SMRCmeetings

COOMA SECOND-HAND SALE STALL BOOKINGS

Stall-holder slots are all gone for the upcoming Jindabyne second-hand sale, but there's still space up for grabs in Cooma the following week.

• Cooma Multifunction Centre second-hand sale: 9am to 1pm Saturday 16 November 2024

No bookings are required for attendees who wish to nab themselves a bargain this month at Council's popular series of community sales, whether you're heading to Cooma or Jindabyne.

With the first of two dates already booked out, sellers need to act fast to secure their stall. Visit https://qrco.de/CoomaSale to book yours today.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

Volunteer drivers are urgently needed across the Snowy Monaro to ensure local community transport and meals on wheels services can continue providing essential support to older people and people with disability.

Whether you can volunteer two hours a month or twenty, by generously donating your time as a volunteer driver you’ll be helping other Snowy Monaro locals who really need your help.

Contact us today at council@smrc.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 345 345 to help support our community.

Our community services team are ready and waiting to help you hit the road for a good cause, with all the information you need to decide if volunteering is right for you.

JINDABYNE POOL CLOSES EARLY THIS THURSDAY

Due to electrical upgrades, Jindabyne Pool will close at 2pm on Thursday 7 November 2024. Call 1300 345 345 for more information.

POOL OPENING DATES

Council is excited to share the opening dates for public pools across the region.

Cooma

Open now until Monday 31 March 2025.

Bombala

Open from Tuesday 12 November 2024 until Saturday 22 March 2025.

Berridale

Open from Monday 25 November 2024 until Sunday 2 March 2025.

Adaminaby

Open from Monday 2 December 2024 until Sunday 2 March 2025.

For more information about pool hours and fees, please visit https://qrco.de/SMRCpools

Lions Club to host region’s seniors

By TRISTA HEATH

Lions Club in association with Jindabyne Sport and Recreation host The Seniors Christmas Lunch for our much loved seniors who live in Jindabyne, Adaminaby, Dalgety and Berridale.

This year the lunch will be held on Sunday December 8.

It is one of club’s most important community events provided free of charge to all attending, hosting an array of food, entertainment, gifts, and a fun day out.

Last year’s seniors Christmas party hosted 120 people from across the region enjoying the days festive activities and this year’s event will be no different.

Jindabyne Lions Club president, Coleena McCarty, said Jindabyne’s popular singing group, Cool Change, will be singing the Christmas carols along with local singer Gabi Forman.

“There will be a full Christmas-themed meal

Orion Cadets, who volunteer on the day to escort people to and from the buses and venue as well as helping to clean up once the event is finished,” Ms McCarty said.

“We will have a wonderful cake, baked and decorated by Rachael at Bluebird Bake Studio, and traditionally cut on the day by the oldest senior at the event.”

Jindabyne High School year 10 advisor, Ms Gill Hennessy, and students, will be decorating the seniors name tags for the event and Ms Elle Mackintosh’s Year 6 students will be handing out handmade Christmas Cards.

Ms McCarty said the Jindabyne Lions Club Seniors Christmas Lunch, brings together members of the community to honour and celebrate seniors.

“The club partners with Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, and community members

McCarty said.

“This event is not just a festive occasion but a rare opportunity for our seniors to socialise with each other. In our rural communities, where distances can be vast, opportunities for social interaction are vital. By gathering, we create a supportive environment that fosters friendships and connections, helping to enhance overall wellbeing. We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event possible and look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.”

Carers are also invited to the over 60’s event, as they are valued and integral. This is one of the only senior-specific events in the region dedicated to transporting, hosting, and entertaining seniors.

Jindabyne CWA Day Branch member, Heather Murphy, said it is important to keep having regular events in the region especially focusing on seniors in the area.

seniors’ facilities and outings,” Ms Murphy said.

“It is not like the major cities that have seniors bus trips and outings or senior citizen groups such as Probus etc, so having Big Morning Tea and Christmas luncheon and other special get togethers forms bondings with other seniors. Friendships can grow from these events that are important especially when there are widows or widowers that may not have any other family in the area. It gives these folks a sense of camaraderie with perhaps a more interesting function to look forward to.

“The socialising with others is equally important to keep an eye on people who may start to need additional help with getting to appointments or other help they may not even know they may need, being social also helps defer dementia and isolation.”

The CWA ladies are involved in other groups

within the community including Jindabyne Lions Club, Jindabyne Bowls and the Coolamatong Golf Club.

Meeting on the second Tuesday of every month, the Jindabyne Seniors Group agree with the CWA saying events such as the Jindabyne Lions Club Seniors Christmas Lunch is important, not only for the well-being of seniors but also to keep them connected to the community.

Group member, Donna Kelleher, said they meet each month at the Jindabyne Bowling Club, or somewhere new, to catch up over a meal and generally check in on the well-being of their members.

“It is just a little get together to get seniors out of their homes and socialising with one another,” Ms Kelleher said.

“Our seniors are almost forgotten about in our town as there is no over 55’s living, no nursing homes, and no services available to our seniors.

“People are having to

“People are having to move away from their hometowns the older they get because of this reason, so the more we interact with our seniors and get them involved in community activities, the longer we can keep them around.”

Ms Kelleher said the members from the Seniors Group look forward to attending the lunch, as they do each year.

The Seniors Group costs $5 to join and they are looking for more members, contact Ms Kelleher on 0409 652 237 for more information and how you can join.

Buses for the Seniors Christmas Lunch is funded by the club and will organise the pick-up and drop off all guests, but this must be advised at time of RSVP.

For more information or RSVP for the Seniors Christmas Lunch contact 6450 0285 or 6450 0216 by Monday November 25.

The local group, Cool Change, will be performing at the Seniors Christmas

Christmas cards created by Jindabyne Public School students.

PHOTOS: Trista Heath

Woodturners to host annual event

By TRISTA HEATH

SNOWY River Woodturners is hosting its eighth annual ROUNDTOOIT woodturning event at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Hall with woodturners and lathes traveling across the country to attend the three-day event.

Beginning on Friday November 8 to Sunday November 10 woodturners will participate in a two-day private workshop before opening to the public on Sunday from 9am to 12pm. Famous woodturner, Richard Raffan, a demonstrator and judge from previous years, will be returning this year as a participant and handing the baton to new woodturning demonstrators.

Monaro Council briefs

Applications for Bombala street stalls program invited SNOWY Monaro Regional Council invites applications from interested organisations wishing to secure a 2025 street stall date as part of the 2025 Bombala Friday Street Stalls program.

This annual initiative gives local organisations the opportunity to host a stall on a nominated Friday in 2025, outside the Friendly Grocer at 129 Maybe Street, Bombala.

Applicants must complete the Bombala Street Stall Application, available from Council’s website at https:// qrco.de/bombala2025. You can also collect a form from the front counter of Council’s Bombala office.

Woodturners will be given a new in-house challenge in place to last year’s best goblet and ROUNDTOOIT event major sponsor Jindabyne Mitre 10’s manager, Jason Small, will be judging the challenge and announcing the winner before Sunday’s open day.

This year’s event will see 31 woodturners, six of those being new members, including nine local members, attend.

Participants will be traveling from as far as Brisbane and Hobart to take part in the popular event.

The event will be open to sponsors and the public on Sunday November 10 from 9am to midday where everyone is encouraged to come and watch some of the finest woodturners in Australia in action.

Take the time to chat with the woodturners and purchase a special gift or two in the silent auction which starts at 11am on Sunday with a donation of $5 upon entry.

For further information on the ROUNDTOOIT event contact the Snowy River Woodturners secretary Richard Nutt on 0404 020 440.

Applications must be received by close of business on Friday November 22, 2024.

Important information for applicants:

1. Applications are limited initially to one per annum for any one organisation.

2. Applications MUST include a current public liability insurance certificate of currency for the date chosen. Applications without this evidence cannot be included.

3. All stalls selling food items must complete the Food Premises Notification form available on Council’s website at https://qrco.de/ foodform

4. Consideration is given to organisations that held a stall in the preceding year to select the same day for the upcoming year.

5. Only organisations with a local committee in Bombala area will be considered.

6. It is the responsibility of stall holders to adhere

to the terms and conditions for street stalls/fundraising.

7. Council is not responsible for allocating dates for bazaars, fetes, Saturday morning ticket-selling, or other functions held on private property.

A list of street stall dates will be displayed on Council’s website and Bombala noticeboard once dates for 2025 have been allocated.

For more information contact Council’s land and property team by email at council@snowymonaro. nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 345 345.

Big time for a ‘Big Trout’ ADAMINABY’S famous landmark has found itself in the national spotlight again this month, with the Big Trout landing a starring role in international footwear brand Havaianas’ new design celebrating Australia’s iconic Big Things.

The brand unveiled the design for its Top Big Things Thongs earlier this month, with Adaminaby’s big local legend featuring centre-stage on the right foot design, between the Dadswell Bridge Big Koala and Kimba Big Galah.

If you’re keen to stand on the shoulders of giants this summer and flaunt a little bit of local pride, the Cooma Visitor Centre has secured a limited supply of what’s sure to be the season’s hottest fashion trend.

Stop by and see the team at 119 Sharp Street, Cooma from 9am to 3pm any day of the week to pick up your pair of premium pluggers, or visit www.havaianas. com.au if you can’t make the trip to town. Only limited sizes are available.

Electrical upgrades temporarily close pool JINDABYNE Pool will close at 2pm tomorrow (Thursday November 7) for electrical upgrades at the facility.

The pool will re-open as normal the following morning on Friday November 8.

A Snowy Monaro Regional Council spokesperson said Council appreciates the community’s understanding during this short interruption to the pool’s regular hours.

These essential upgrades have been scheduled to minimise the disruption to patrons as much as possible.

For more information, contact Council by email at council@snowymonaro.nsw. gov.au or call 1300 345 345 to get in touch.

Library shut for outage PATRONS and local residents are advised that Bombala Library will be closed tomorrow (Thursday November 7) due to scheduled maintenance on the local electricity network planned by Essential Energy. Bombala Library will re-open as normal on Friday November 8 from 9am to 1.30pm, once this work is complete and power to the facility is restored.

Council reminds library members they can access a wide array of resources online for free, included as part of every Snowy Monaro Regional Library membership.

If you find yourself in need of a good book, magazine or other reading material during this closure – or any other time outside of library opening hours – visit the learning and reading apps page to find your next read at https://qrco.de/libraryonline

Hilton Reynolds is practicing his woodturning skills in time for ROUNDTOOIT.

PREPARATION: Snowy River Woodturners are preparing themselves for the eighth annual woodturning event.

Cooma students start unique SES internship program

By KAREN FORMAN

THALIA Riens was there for a “new experience”. Teah Petrov “to learn”. Lizzy Morvell “by accident”. Damien Bond “to learn how to help people,” and Samuel Thompson “to learn things”.

All different but all agreed that the first night of the Cooma Monaro State Emergency Services (SES) inaugural youth internship program was a great experience and they can’t wait for next week!

The students, just five of a total of 12 year nine and 10 students from Monaro High School, The Alpine School and Snowy Mountains Christian School who signed up for the program, embraced a general overview of the SES, navigation and some car wreck work on their first night.

Cooma Monaro SES is one of a number of SES units around the State running the program, which has been funded by the government.

Following its success in 2023, the program returned to Ballina, Shellharbour, Casino, Cootamundra and Dorrigo, as well as launched in Cooma, to empower students to become community leaders.

The program invites 15-16 year olds to deepen their understanding of natural disasters and emergency preparedness through hands on demonstrations with experienced NSW SES volunteers.

At its launch in August, Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said it was great to see the program inspiring future leaders.

“This internship program is a great example of innovative volunteering,” he said. “It allows young people to learn new skills through practical experience.”

NSW SES acting commissioner, Debbie Platz said the program was an important initiative to help inspire the next generation of volunteers.

TRAINEES: Students gather for the first Cooma Monaro SES internship

“Young pelople are the future of our organisation and our communities,” she said.

“In this program we provide them with opportunities to discover more about what we do, hopefully inspiring them to join our ranks.”

She said many from last year’s cohort went on to become volunteer members of the SES and had been responding to recent weather events.

Cooma’s unit commander, Amy Steiger, said the unit was delighted to be onboard, with eight members helping to run the program, including Torquil Wilson, who has had 26 years of experience in the SES.

The first night of the fourweek program on October 30 tested the students’ knowledge of what the SES does.

Ms Steiger said they passed with flying colours, coming up with correct answers like

providing assistance with flood, storm, land rescue, car crashes, tsunamis, fallen trees, animal rescues, searching for people with police and supporting other agencies.

They also did some navigational work and some students were able to work on a mock car crash senario.

Over coming evenings, the students will spend time working on first aid skills with a paramedic, looking at storm damage and rescue in collaboration with Fire and Rescue representatives.

Thalia, 15, from The Alpine School, said she was interested in becoming a paramedic in the future and was keen to experience emergency services work.

Teah, 15, also of The Alpine School, said she had had some mapping experience as a Scout and was keen to learn more about navigation.

Classmate Lizzy, 15, admitted

THE Jindabyne Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association held a successful fundraising trivia evening recently at the Jindabyne Bowling Club.

Member Chrissi Webb said $1,280 was raised for the Monaro Community Access Service as well as $430 for the CWA.

“Simple Minds Trivia team won the event, though one of the winning teams of the aptly named, Flab Busters, from the High Country Fitness Gym proved that they were handsome, beautiful and brainy,” Ms Webb said.

“There was much laughter when they walked up to collect a major group prize donated by High Country Fitness and instead chose packets of seeds.”

The newly elected evening branch president, Montana O’Neill, took great pleasure in

thanking the generous support from the community through their participation and donation of prizes.

Among the donors were Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club, Wild Brumby Distillery, Wilderness Sports, Jindabyne Sports, High Country Fitness, Flora Elliott, Cansin Fricke and Jacqui Neijens.

“We would love to see more women join us at our evening meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 6pm in the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club,” Ms O’Neill said.

“A stimulating program of guest speakers and activities is envisaged for the CWA year and the country of study for the CWA during the year is South Korea.

“Please call branch secretary, Jacqui Neijens, on 0427 602 910 about joining this innovative group of women.”

she had joined the program by accident, having raised her hand at school to accept a leaflet on the program, not

“I am really happy to be here,” she said. “It is really interesting and there is a lot to learn”.

she had joined the program by accident, having raised her hand at school to accept a leaflet on the program, not realising she was joining it.

Snowy Mountains Christian School (SMCS) student, Damien Bond 15,

Snowy Mountains Christian School (SMCS) student, Damien Bond 15, said he was keen to do things that allowed him to help people and would probably join the SES when he turned 16, the minimum age.

Samuel, 16, also from SMCS said he would consider joining the SES as well and was enjoying learning new things.

join the SES when he turned SES interns

Jindabyne CWA Evening Branch raises thousands

TEAMWORK: Chrissi’s Angels Trivia team showcased their smarts at the trivia night fundraiser.

program night.

PHOTOS: Karen Forman

Samuel Thompson (le ) and Damien Bond, with Cooma Monaro unit member Torquil WIlson, learning how to fill sandbags.

Cooma Monaro SES unit commander Amy Steiger guides students (from le ) Thalia Riens, Teah Petrov and Lizzy Morvell through some navigational practice.

Cantabile choir to share harmonies

By KAREN FORMAN

LOCAL music enthusiasts are in for a treat on Sunday November 17 when Cooma’s Cantabile Chamber Choir joins with Canberra youth choir Kompactus in Cooma for the first time, to host a concert focussing on shared harmonies.

Cantabile Chamber Choir is a Cooma-based group directed by Phil Horneman and Tein McDonald.

The Kompactus Youth Choir Canberra was formed in 2008 and is currently conducted by Olivia Swift, a professional musician and composer who also conducts the Woden Valley Youth Choir.

Mr Horneman said he was excited to collaborate with another group of singers, with 13 Cantabile members set to take part.

“We are two completely different age groups. We are mainly older people, they are young 20s. Rather than being a clash of culture it will be a learning and a feed off each other,” he said.

“Also for Tein McDonald and I as conductors it will be great to see another conductor working.

songs that would be workshopped with the Kompactus singers on the day then presented as the last two items in the shared concert at St Paul’s Hall.

“Each choir will sing for 30 minutes, followed by the combined items,” Mr Horneman said.

“The focus for this event is shared harmonies, collaborating, sharing voices and music. We will share two songs but also present contrasting sets of songs. “We are very different in age and song choices and this will be really

are poles apart. I have chosen Stand Up from a musical called Harriet, about slavery and emancipation, a song about someone leading people out of slavery and into freedom. It is quite gospel in style.

“The Shore was chosen by Olivia, about the movement of waves. The main feature is overlapping complicated rhythms so it is very easy to get lost.

So there will be variety for the audience to enjoy.”

The choir-only workshop will be at 11am with lunch afterwards for the visitors and the public concert will be held at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available at Marnie’s Fabric Salon, online or at the door for $15, concession $10, school

Paint a portrait for Raglan competition

By KAREN FORMAN

KNOW someone you would just love to paint a portrait of? Particularly a local, Snowy Mountains resident?

Then now is the time.

Cooma’s Raglan Gallery has announced The Raglan Portrait Prize 2025 and its management team wants all artists to not only get out their tools and create a masterpiece for the competition, but help it celebrate the vibrant locals of the Snowy Mountains.

The competition is now open and entry forms won’t be due until June 2 2025, so there is plenty of time to choose a subject and create the work.

All entries will then be exhibited in a special exhibition at the gallery from June 11 to July 20.

Spokeswoman, Wendy McDougall said the Raglan Gallery often staged an annual art awards exhibition.

“Next year we want to celebrate the vibrant locals of the Snowy Mountains region with a portraitthemed show,” she said.

“Artworks can be made by painting, drawing, an illustration, photograph,

collage, sculpture, or caricature. We hope to see all styles and mediums.

“The sitter must be a local to the Snowy Mountain region, though the artists can reside anywhere. A short description will be required to prove local status and backstory on why they were chosen.

“They don’t have to be famous and in fact we feel this is a great opportunity to wave the flag of those people who quietly get on with their lives and perhaps never receive the recognition for the work they do, or simply is a person who is a great character.”

Artists can submit two artworks each.

First prize is $1000 any medium, second prize $600 any medium and third prize $400 any medium.

The entry form is available to download from the Raglan website or can be collected as a hard copy at the gallery.

“There is plenty of time for artists to consider their subjects and make the works, but don’t wait too long as we anticipate this to be a very popular show,” Ms McDougall said.

“We advise artists to send entry forms in early to confirm a place in the show.”

Celebrating 30 years of Thredbo Blues Festival

CELEBRATING its 30th year, the Thredbo Blues Festival is returning in 2025 with its biggest-ever artist line up. Boasting three massive days of soulful tunes and good vibes from January 17 to 19, 2025, the highlyanticipated festival is expected to attract hundreds of music lovers to the Snowy Mountains.

The incredible 2025 line up features over 22 of the country’s best blues acts with headliners including Jeff Lang, Mal Eastick and Leanne Paris Band, Mighty Reapers, Nathan Cavaleri, Bondi Cigars, Foreday Riders, 19Twenty, The Two Tones, and Genevieve Chadwick, just to name a few.

Whether you’re a diehard blues fan or simply looking to add another dimension to your Snowy Mountains visit this summer, the Thredbo Blues Festival promises a lively atmosphere that everyone will enjoy.

Surrounded by the idyllic backdrop of Australia’s highest mountains, the 30th Thredbo Blues Festival will be one to

remember with lively gigs and intimate sets taking over more than 15 locations across the resort including restaurants, bars, and outdoor venues.

In addition to the overflowing line up of blues performances, guests can fill their days indulging in gourmet food and wine, soaking up the picturesque alpine surroundings and enjoying the resort’s wide range of adventures including mountain biking, hiking and riding the new Thredbo Alpine Coaster.

The resort has announced early bird festival passes include access to all gigs across the entire festival and a scenic chairlift pass for Friday to Sunday.

Use your included scenic chairlift pass to visit Australia’s highest restaurant or embark on one of the incredible hikes on offer, including the famous Mt Kosciuszko Hike.

A limited number of discounted early bird festival passes are available to purchase now, head to thredbo.com. au to score the best value on your 2025 Thredbo Blues Festival Pass.

COOMA’S OWN: Cantabile Chamber Choir will collaborate with the Kompactus Youth Choir from Canberra at a concert in Cooma on November 17.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

BLUES: Three days of soulful tunes and good vibes.

PHOTO: Thredbo Media

Motorfest brings thousands to Cooma

COOMA Motorfest is one of the largest events on the regional calendar and this year’s installment has been declared the biggest yet by the Cooma Car Club who hosts the popular event. Around 3000 people passed through the Motorfest gates, taking in the hundreds of historic and vintage cars on display, trucks, heavy machinery, and the Gatsby-themed display in the Cooma Multi-function Centre.

RECORD: Cooma Motorfest has set a new benchmark for attendees with around 3000 people attending this year’s event. Cooma Car Club members Bev Corbett and Kath Nichols worked hard, alongside the club’s members, to stage Motorfest.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

About 400 cars, trucks, machines and motorbikes were on display at the Cooma Motorfest on Saturday. This year’s event set a record for most entries and highest attendance.

Celena Rainbow’s 1958 Chev El Camino ute is a hit amongst Motorfest goers at the Cooma Showground.

Nicky and Shannon of Bombala proudly display their LH Tarana.

Cooma’s Rob Hawthore shows off his 1988 Porsche 933 Targa, one of just 24 in Australia.

The Hynes family enjoy their day at the Cooma Motorfest show.

This 1931 Chevrolet Roadster Model AE, one of a number of prized vehicles on display in the Cooma Multi-function Centre, as part of the Motofest Gatsby-era theme. Many positive comments were received by organisers.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Impossible Builds. 3.30 Left O The Map. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. 10.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 MOVIE: A Stepmother’s Secret. (2022) 2.00 Your Money & Your Life. 2.30 Border

3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven

At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. 9.30 Why Planes Vanish: The Hunt For MH370. 10.50 The Latest: Seven News. 11.20 What The Killer Did Next. 12.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Highway Patrol. 2.00 The Force: BTL. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 Cricket. Women’s BBL. Thunder v Heat. 8.30 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 17. Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades. 11.45 Late Programs.

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 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 Top Gear Australia. 8.50 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible III. (2006) Tom

9.30 Gruen. 10.10 ER. 11.35 Rage Charts. 12.35 Classic Countdown. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 Secrets Of The

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Horse Racing. Melbourne Cup Carnival. Crown Oaks Day. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current A air. 7.30 RPA. 8.30 Emergency. Return. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Casualty 24/7. 11.50 Resident Alien. 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 A Current A air. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 As Time Goes By. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: The Captain’s Paradise. (1953) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Poirot. 10.55 See No Evil. 11.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Left O The Map. 9.00 Home Shopping. 10.30 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect. 12.00 Bu y The Vampire Slayer. 3.00 Modern Family. 3.30 Bondi Vet. 4.30 Glee. 5.30 The Goldbergs. 6.00 Modern Family. 6.25 First Dates UK. 8.35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. 10.35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. 11.35 Late Programs.

SEVEN NINE TEN SBS

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Bu y The Vampire Slayer. 3.00 My Asian Banquet. 3.25 Modern Family. 3.50 Bondi Vet. 4.45 Australia’s Got Talent. 6.15 MOVIE: Ferdinand. (2017) 8.30 MOVIE: The Breakfast Club. (1985) Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez. 10.35 MOVIE: Dangerous Minds. (1995) 12.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Judge Judy. 10.30 Top Gear Australia. 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 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful.

Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 To Be Advised. 9.15 MOVIE: Men In Black. (1997) Tommy Lee Jones. 11.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. 1.45 Garden Gurus Moments. 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 A air. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. 8.40 MOVIE: Angel Has Fallen. (2019) Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Danny Huston. 11.00 Inside Beverly Hills. New. 11.50 The First 48. 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.50 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Hell Is A City. (1960) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: The Time Traveller’s Wife. (2009) Eric Bana. 10.40 MOVIE: Life, Itself. (2018) 1.00 Late Programs.

November in the Garden

With Melbourne Cup run and won, now is traditionally the time to plant your spring and summer frost tender vegetables and flowers. But don’t be complacent about frost, it can come at any time so be prepared.

For edibles we are talking about tomatoes, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber, capsicum, chili, corn coriander, basil, eggplant, squash, potatoes. Plus more robust edibles of beetroot, beans, celery, onion, lettuce, parsley, radish, carrot, sage, mint, rocket, oregano, thyme, strawberries and other berries.

Seasonal owers include hollyhock, dianthus, snapdragon, gazania, petunia, marigold, phlox, lobelia, alyssum, aster and last of the summer bulbs.

Now for the fun gardening of perennial owering ground covers, shrubs and trees. They all need attention. Now is the optimal time for fertilizing while plants are in the prime growing month of the year. We can assist them to thrive by giving them a food boost followed by good water and mulch.

Choosing your fertilizer

Happy healthy plants will resist pests, disease and temperature extremes.

•Seasol is a liquid tonic and complete garden health treatment with seaweed extract to help plants recover from stress.

•Charlie Carp is a premium organic liquid fertilizer dedicated to helping the environment by recycling the pest-carp.

•Neutrog biological fertilizers contain living organisms in liquid or pellets for edibles (including fruits), acid loving or native speci c needs.

•Organic Booster and Organic Xtra are bulk organic fertilizers certi ed by Biological Farmers of Australia.

•Slow-release granules by many brands provide speci c needs for di erent plant groups.

•Instant results for lawns are available in liquid or granule form. If you need to boost or improve your soil for speci c needs look at blood and bone, dynamic li er, cow, sheep, chock manure or use ActivGrow as a complete soil improver. Lime, gypsum, dolomite or de ciency correcting liquids can improve growing conditions and correct missing soil nutrients. We have a large range of fertilizers in store. Come and discuss your needs with us.

Enjoy the spring weather and the oral blooms that come with it.

Happy Gardening!

Jodie and Jannene

Garden open to raise funds for mcCr cause

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

GARDEN lovers across the Monaro have the opportunity to visit local gardens this month now the Open Garden season is underway.

This weekend an open garden will be held at the home of Edwina Seaton in Jindabyne on Sunday November 10 between 9am and 3pm.

Edwina, a Southern NSW Local Health District palliative care nurse at Cooma Hospital and across the Snowy Monaro district, has a beautiful outdoor space at 6 Alice Street, Jindabyne.

The event is to raise funds for well-known local charity Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr).

mcCr is a unique organisation, in that it provides financial assistance to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy in this region.

performances from students from Snowy Mountains Grammar School who will be playing some ‘soft’ or classical music between 10am and noon, and Gabi Forman Music between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

“I established this garden in June 2021 when the build of my home was complete. I have loved every minute nurturing and creating my garden, and I hope the day provides inspiration and joy to all who come,” Edwina said.

Provision for tea and/ or coffee will be available.

“Being a palliative care nurse, I often reach out to mcCr for many of my patients,” Ms Seaton said.

“I am so impressed with this extraordinary charity. Every week I witness how the financial support alleviates pressure and worry to those undergoing treatment.

“I want to show my appreciation and support by opening my garden to the public.

“I’ll have garden umbrellas, gazebos and chairs set up on the lawns for people to enjoy.

In addition to the lovely garden surrounds, the event will feature musical

Cakes, slices and biscuits will be supplied by CWA Jindabyne.

There will be a raffle with three prizes to be won. First prize is from Mitre 10, Jindabyne which includes a cup and saucer with a voucher in the cup.

A customised photographic 2025 calendar has also been created by Edwina. The calendar, titled “The Garden of Yarrabbi Gunyah and the Snowy Monaro”, features photographs of the Snowy Monaro and Edwina’s garden. First, second and third prize will receive one each.

“I will be making myself available to guests and will be more than happy to talk about the plants in my garden while they wander around. I want to be in the garden during the whole event, and I will be very happy to talk about individual plants, how to improve soil, discuss fertilisers, when to prune etc.

“I’ll have every plant named, so that people can see what can be planted successfully in our region,” Edwina said.

Entry to the garden is $5.

The next Open Garden organised by the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary to raise funds for the Cooma Health Service.

Enjoy the warmer weather with a visit to Edwina Seaton’s garden in Jindabyne on Sunday.

FUNDRAISER: Edwina Seaton’s colourful Jindabyne garden will be open on November 10. PHOTOS: Edwina Seaton

Housing crisis to worsen with fewer new home builds

EXPERTS at Master Builders

Australia have warned that low apprenticeship numbers will worsen the nation’s housing crisis if action is not taken immediately.

The warning comes after new Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealed that 2023-24 was the worst year for home building in more than a decade, dropping 8.8 percent to 158,690 new starts.

“Detached house starts fell by 10.1 percent, while higher density commencements were down by 6.0 percent,” Master Builders Chief Economist Shane Garrett said.

“If building continues at this pace, we’ll be in for less than 800,000 new home starts over the next five years.

“This would mean a shortfall of over 400,000 homes compared with the National Housing Accord target.”

The data release, revealing a drop to numbers not seen since 2011-12, coincided with fresh data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research which showed declines in apprenticeship numbers.

In NSW, 12,230 new construction apprentices started out over the year to March 2024, 5.6 percent lower than in the year to March 2023. This contributes to the national decline in apprenticeship commencements of 11.8 percent, from 47,110 to 41,520.

Although nationally, apprenticeship completions fell 8.6 percent from 24,545 in the year to March 2023 to 22,420 to March 2024, NSW saw an even more significant reduction. 6,940 apprentices in NSW successfully completed their training over

the year to March 2024, a 15.7 percent reduction on the previous year.

The number of apprentices in training in NSW at the end of March 2024 was 37,435, 2.1 percent lower than a year earlier. This mirrors the national trend, where the number of apprentices in training declined 2.2 percent from 124,280 to 121,530.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the new data painted a concerning picture for Australia’s housing crisis.

“Today’s data releases aren’t unrelated. To bring Australia out of the housing crisis we need to drastically increase the supply of housing,” Ms Wawn said.

“We can’t do that while we’re simultaneously suffering through a labour shortage.

“Low apprentice numbers reflect a shortage of skilled workers across all trades, and until we’re able to address the challenges facing the future of the workforce, we won’t be able to increase building activity and reduce the impact of supply conditions in the residential building market on Australia’s inflation problem.

“It’s no longer appropriate to call for a return to preCovid levels, we need more tradies now than we’ve ever had.

“We urgently need governments to look at solutions to increase the number of tradies, increase the number of apprentices, and help Australian builders increase supply so we can come out the other side of this housing crisis,” Ms Wawn concluded.

Small engine expertise

AFTER three decades in the small engine industry, the Harris Equipment Repairs team say the most common question asked is which is the best ride on mower on the market. The question should be what is the most suited ride on for the customers requirements, especially with the spread of African lovegrass across the Monaro.

The customer sometimes expects way too much of the average domestic ride ons and zero turns that are made in countries without the harsh conditions that we have in Australia and especially on the Monaro.

The price of these machines is usually the determining factor for a purchase and customers are looking for a great deal. A cost saving on the initial price will soon be taken away on expensive repairs due to the machine not being up to the task.

Best advice is to talk to dealers and in most cases to neighbors and friends on what works for them, and learn from their experience in helping make a cost effective decision.

Remember money in your pocket is better than someone else’s.

Harris Equipment Repairs in Cooma are the experts in this area. As a small engine industry leader, the service and advice reflect the many decades of experience the team has under their belt.

HELP: Mark Harris of Harris Equipment Repairs is here to help for all your ride on mower questions.

PHOTO: Mark Harris

SHORTAGE: This was the worst year in a decade for new home builds, with low apprenticeship numbers part of the reason for the decline. PHOTO: Supplied

Planning, growing your own vegetables

By LISA ASHURST

NO DOUBT those with vegetable gardens have been busy preparing their plots for the summer crops.

Clearing out the weeds and the remnants of the last season’s growth, turning the soil, digging in compost and other organic matter and then blanketing the beds with a good quality mulch. It all sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but like with anything where you are hoping to see a great result, preparation is key, and that’s very much so with the garden.

Food gardens have been popular with keen gardeners for decades and for those who don’t have their own space to set one up, a local community garden is a boon. Community gardens are also great learning spaces for people thinking of setting up a vegetable garden at home because they are also social places where those new to food gardening can befriend other gardeners, pick up some useful growing tips and get some good hands-on experience before they start.

But before starting, choosing the best location is vital. Will it receive plenty of sun all year round? Does the soil have good drainage? Should the beds be at ground level or would raised beds be a better option? These are all valid questions and it’s worth spending the time to consider

them, as you will want to enjoy your garden and see it thrive, not see it as a chore.

And what about the layout?

You can really think outside the square here if you wish, as there is no reason why practical can’t also be very attractive. The French have food gardens down to a fine art.

Vegetable plots are generally

laid out to form attractive patterns and flowers are often planted in with the vegies to attract bees, as well as for visual appeal. Herbs abound in spiralling tiers.

There are winding paths, statuary, and sometimes even ponds and arbours. You don’t have to go quite to those lengths, but there is nothing that says

you can’t get creative if you want to put your own stamp on your garden, and you don’t need an especially large space to create it anyway. And once your plants are under way, use good organic fertilisers and natural pest control where possible. Garden pests will sniff out your garden eventually, but practising crop rotation and opting for non-chemical pest

control, (where you can) will keep infestations down and allow your plants to develop a better resistance to them.

If you are looking for inspiration on layouts, search French potager (literally translates as “for the soup pot”) for images of some beautiful vegetable gardens. Only have a small space or courtyard? Well don’t let this dissuade you from growing some herbs and vegies, and even citrus, thanks to the dwarf varieties available now. As long as the area receives plenty of sunlight, you will be able to grow a nice variety of food plants, as many will happily grow and produce in pots, and pots come in a wonderful array of beautiful glazes and designs.

Include some pots of flowers to attract bees and butterflies and even a birdbath or small water feature, and you can create a growing space that is as pretty as it is practical.

But whichever way you do it, you will find having your own food garden is as enjoyable as it is rewarding, and the more experienced you become as a food gardener, the further you can go in planning and planting your crops.

But mainly, you will be growing the herbs, fruits and vegetables that you enjoy most, and you’ll get a pleasant surprise at the checkout with your lower food costs.

And you just can’t beat homegrown for flavour.

SUMMER CROPS: You can’t beat home grown vegetables, herbs and fruits.

PHOTO: Supplied

Use colour therapy in your home

By LISA ASHURST

COLOUR has long been known to have a genuine effect on our moods and feelings, which is what makes it such a useful tool in creating more ambient spaces in our homes and environment.

And this also makes it a wonderful go-to for fixing problem rooms. Orientation can mean some homes have a west-facing room that can become uncomfortably hot in the summer, or a south-facing one that feels a bit too chilly in winter and while air conditioning or a heater can certainly make a difference, there are other ways to create an instant feeling of warmth or coolness in a room and you can begin with colour.

Visual changes can have a remarkable impact and allow you to create a space with the kind of welcoming look and feel that just invites you to walk in and relax.

Choosing cool pastels for rooms that tend to become too warm for comfort in the summer will give an instantly cooler look to the space. Walls in soft aqua blues and rainforest greens will suggest filtered light and cool, clear water and visually alter the whole feeling in the room.

Dress the windows with white translucent blinds that will temper the heat but allow filtered light, and/or block-out curtains in a colour that will compliment the walls and furnishings. The curtains can be drawn to stop the hot afternoon sun from entering

or to let the cooler afternoon air in to circulate through the room.

Opt for organic fabrics like cotton and linen for seating and cushions, in soft natural tones, which will work beautifully with those cool-hued walls.

Some indoor greenery will also go a long way in creating a cooler, more comfortable ambience in the room. Plants are wonderful for softening visuals and filtering the air and will compliment any decor. Indoor palms and leafy trailers, or even a bowl of fresh flowers, will create a cool-comfort

The same treatment can be applied to a room with a southerly aspect, to make it look and feel warmer and more welcoming during the winter cold. Choose a pastel for the walls from the range of warmer tones to imbue a cosiness that will entice you to enter.

Soft salmon shades or warm creamy tones are good choices for adding warmth to a room with colour. Sage green will compliment warm-colour decor touches too, as will richer coffee tones.

and warm snuggly throws.

Dress windows with quality block-out curtains, which will stop heat escaping and keep the chills out. On milder winter days, leave the curtains open to let the light in but once the light begins to fade, close them to maintain the room temperature.

Soft lighting will also promote a feeling of warmth in a darker south-facing room and coupled with warm colours and cosy furnishings, the space can be transformed into a really welcoming one.

flowers will cope well. And while flowers may be a bit thin on the ground during the cooler months, there are some beautiful winter-flowering natives out there and they make great cut flowers that work well in creating a warm welcome in a room, thanks to their bright hues. They are lovely in the garden for providing winter colour, but they will also be beautiful indoors. Design your room around colour and you won’t go wrong.

PHOTO: Supplied

Smart, sustainable lawn care with Husqvarna Automower

SPONSORED CONTENT

By SARAH WALLER, Architect

IN AN age where efficiency, lifestyle convenience, and environmental responsibility are paramount, Husqvarna Automower is redefining lawn care for modern homeowners. This advanced robotic lawn mower isn’t just a high-tech gadget, it’s a revolution that frees up valuable time for families and professionals alike.

Architect and homeowner Sarah Waller, who owns two Husqvarna Automower models, champions this solution as a game-changer for her home and clients.

“We were super interested in creating a large garden and lawn area but making it easy to look after,” Ms Waller said.

For Ms Waller, the Automower value lies in its simplicity, 24/7 maintenance, and integration with a busy, active lifestyle.

With the Husqvarna Automower, lawn care no longer demands fuel or human intervention, which helps reduce carbon footprints and noise pollution.

“We are really pleased with the sustainability of the Automower,” Ms Waller explains.

“We don’t have to worry about fuel and refueling the machines, and we barely hear it at all.”

This quiet, energy-efficient device allows homeowners to enjoy their green spaces without the constant hum of traditional

mowers or the hassle of gas refills.

The Automower operates continuously, automatically adjusting to the lawn’s needs and maintaining an ideal height, perfect for modern,

eco-conscious homeowners.

Ms Waller also highlights the ability of the Automower to improve lawn quality over time.

“We have noticed a progression of the quality and cut of the lawn; they have also risen to the

COOMA FURNISHING CO

challenges of the steep inclines,” she added.

With its sophisticated navigation, the Automower can handle even complex landscapes with inclines and tricky corners. This makes it versatile for any property layout, leaving grass uniformly cut and healthy.

Looking at her experience as an architect, Waller said, “I can’t think of a scenario where a client of mine wouldn’t benefit from having a Husqvarna Automower on their property.”

For architects and homeowners interested in enhancing property value and aesthetics, the Automower offers a unique blend of convenience, sustainability, and high-quality performance.

Husqvarna’s innovation represents a significant shift toward automated, eco-friendly solutions in landscaping.

Its continuous operation, quiet motor, and adaptability to complex landscapes make it an invaluable asset to anyone looking to maintain a pristine lawn with minimal effort.

As Ms Waller’s experience attests, the Automower not only meets the demands of busy lifestyles but also aligns with a growing commitment to sustainable living.

T o o i owers are he wa o he re offering he i a e in awn on enien e. PHOTO: Supplied

Spring into Mitre 10 Jindabyne

MITRE 10 Jindabyne is located at 3 Snowy River Ave, right in the middle of Jindabyne between Nuggets Crossing and the Old Town Centre, next to Razorback Plaza.

The business is locally owned and has been operating since 1979. It has been in its current location since 2005.

The store, trade and nursery areas have all been expanded since to accommodate the increasing product range to service the needs of the ever growing town and nearby area.

Spring is garden centre time in the store with a great offer on seedlings, plants, native plants, grass seed, potting mix, mulch pots and outdoor

furniture. Mitre 10 Jindabyne is also an agent for Kings Adventure with a full range of outdoor adventure equipment.

If you are a keen gardener, Mitre 10 has a great selection of mowers and power tools to help turn your garden into your paradise.

Spring and summer is barbecue season so check out the extensive range of barbecues, smokers and accessories and get cooking. Mitre 10 also has a range of fire pits for those chilly evenings. Enjoy this wonderful time of the year to relax and entertain with family and friends.

Cool your home naturally this summer and save big

WHAT did people do before air conditioning? How did they manage to keep their homes cooler during the long hot Australian summers?

Installing wall and ceiling insulation certainly would have helped, but there was also another option that was not only highly effective, but also cost-free, and it’s what people did.

Mitre 10 Jindabyne. Much more than a hardware store.

So with today’s escalating living costs, anything that will help to keep power bills down has got to be a good thing.

So let’s look at the benefits of cross breezes.

Also known as cross ventilation, it is a breeze-driven passive ventilation system that occurs when doors and windows at various points in the home are left open during certain times of the day.

The cooler fresher air enters and circulates throughout the house from the windward side and exits via the leeward side and the constant movement of the air through the home keeps it cooler naturally, as it allows the warmer stale air to exit as the fresher air enters.

The best times to open the house to cooler airflow are the early mornings and in the evenings, and on the

shady sides of the house during the day.

As the temperature rises and the sun begins to hit the windows on one side of the home, close them and also the curtains or blinds, which will be very effective in keeping the heat out, but leave the windows open on the other sides.

Then, as the direct sunlight moves around the house, continue to close windows and curtains directly in its path, while reopening those that are no longer being hit. The temperature inside will remain remarkably comfortable and it will all happen naturally.

Open everything again in the early evening, after sunset, to allow full access for the cooler air to flow through your home.

Passive ventilation is a tried and true method for effectively cooling the indoors, even on the hottest days and as it is breezedriven, it’s free.

Other advantages of natural cooling are that this natural ventilation system will reduce your reliance on electrically-driven air conditioners, will help in removing moisture build-up in the home which can encourage mould growth, will remove odours, and will keep your home fresh

and the fresher the air, the healthier it will be for you and your family.

Even a smaller home or unit with only a single or minimum number of windows can take advantage of cross breezes by creating their own. Open the window/s early, before the sun hits, to capture the cool morning air and use a fan to move it around your space.

Then close the window and window coverings, which will keep the cool air in and prevent any heated air from entering through the hottest part of the day. You won’t necessarily need to keep the fan on either. Open up again after sunset to catch the cooler evening air.

The comfort levels inside your home will be very welcome and the savings on your power bills, as a result of using natural passive ventilation, will be another plus.

Passive ventilation is so effective that you will rarely, if ever, need to use your air-con to cool your home, and that has to be a good thing when the cost of living is rising everywhere, and power is so expensive. Turn the summer breezes to your advantage and enjoy the difference.

GARDEN: Plants, plants and more plants in the garden centre at Mitre 10 Jindabyne.

Mitre 10 Jindabyne’s garden centre has a wide range of items, ready to help you in the garden this spring.

PHOTOS: Mitre 10 Jindabyne

All hands on deck, Monaro Trade Centre are experts

LOOKING after your deck means a bit more than slapping on a coat of oil or deck finish.

If your deck is now sun-bleached or grey in colour, it needs a deck clean first.

If it’s a newly-laid deck, it also needs a deck clean as well. When timber comes from the mill, it usually contains tannins and waxes on the surface. You either have to leach out for a few weeks or treat with a deck wash.

Even if you have sanded your deck back to fresh timber, it still needs a deck wash.

The reason being, the sanding process ‘folds’ the grain over on itself and actually ‘chokes’ up the grain, making any coating or oil hard to penetrate or ‘key-in’ to the timber.

A deck wash opens up the wood fibres and lets the oil soak in.

For oils, it is also best to put each coat on a day apart. This lets the first coat dry and form a base for the second coat, giving it more ‘build’.

Deck stains are different from deck oils. They deposit a mineral type ‘solid’ to form an opaque coating of colour on your deck.

Being a powder-type stain, they offer the longest protection but over time will build-up with successive coatings to completely cover the grain and colour the original timber.

Think of these stain particles as an umbrella keeping the sun off the timber. It is the sun that turns timber grey.

The Kitchen Bench Cooma celebrates one-year milestone

AS THE end of the year approaches, owner Danielle Tobler says it is hard to believe that much loved shop, The Kitchen Bench, has been a part of Cooma for a year now.

Since opening its doors in October 2023, Danielle has been grateful for the incredible support from locals.

Located at 152 Sharp Street (between the newsagency and pharmacy on Sharp Street)

The Kitchen Bench has quickly become the go-to destination for kitchen, table, and giftware for the Snowy region.

The store stocks highquality brands such as Mason Cash, Chasseur, and Davis & Waddell, alongside

beautiful boutique products from RivSalt, Noss & Co, and Nordhaus.

“Our selection is curated to inspire home cooks and entertainers alike, ensuring that every customer can find something special,” Danielle said.

With Christmas just around the corner, the shelves are brimming with a stunning range of gifts to suit every budget.

From elegant kitchenware to charming table settings and even a great selection of cook books, their collection is designed to inspire and impress.

The warm and welcoming

atmosphere at The Kitchen Bench makes shopping a delightful experience.

“I am also so grateful for the local support of our store. The last year has been amazing and the response to the shop is overwhelming. It’s great to know that people want to shop local and support local businesses,” Danielle said.

For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their own homes, The Kitchen Bench also has an online store at www. thekitchenbench.com.au.

Whether you visit in-store or shop online, the team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and a memorable shopping experience.

Want to learn more about cooking? Pop into The Kitchen Bench today.

MILESTONE: Located in Cooma’s main street, The Kitchen Bench has become a popular local store.

The Kitchen Bench in Cooma is celebrating one year since opening. The shop offers a widerange of kitchen and cooking items.

PHOTOS: The Kitchen Bench

Classic charm and ample space

ADDRESS: 6 Tulong Avenue

4 Bed 2 Bath 3 Car

ASKING: $685,000

AGENT: One Agency Jodi Alexander

Nestled in the heart of Cooma’s most esteemed locale, 6 Tulong Avenue offers an exceptional family residence boasting a classic charm and ample space. This distinguished double brick

house, set on a generous 935 square metre plot, promises a comfortable lifestyle in a quality neighbourhood.

Upon entering this solidly constructed home, you are greeted with the warmth of ducted heating, complemented by the rustic allure of wood heating. The main bedroom serves as a private retreat, complete with a convenient ensuite. With four well-appointed bedrooms

and a versatile office space, this abode is perfectly tailored for a growing family.

The residence features a spacious formal dining room, ideal for hosting dinners and creating lasting memories.

The large extension at the rear of the property, complete with its own wood heater, provides a delightful area for entertaining guests or simply relaxing with family.

Although the property interior reflects its original era, presenting a prime opportunity for the new owners to infuse their personal style, the home’s double brick construction assures enduring quality. The level fenced and enclosed backyard offers a safe haven for children’s play and outdoor activities.

Parking is plentiful, with a double garage and

additional single garage, all complemented by the convenience of rear lane access. Whether you have multiple vehicles or require extra space for hobbies and storage, this property meets all your needs.

Situated in a quality neighbourhood, 6 Tulong Avenue stands as a very solid home, awaiting a family to breathe new life into its walls and create their dream sanctuary.

Australian inflation plummets to three-year low, making interest rate cuts unlikely

AUSTRALIA’S inflation rate is cooling, but interest rate cuts are expected to hold off until next year, potentially weighing on housing prices in the months ahead.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), annual inflation dropped to 2.8 percent in the September quarter, reaching a 3.5-year low.

Quarterly price growth decelerated to 0.2 percent, a sharp contrast to the one percent increase in the June quarter.

While overall inflation is easing, CoreLogic economist Eliza Owens suggests underlying pressures may extend the wait for rate cuts into early 2025.

“Core inflation is trending down, reaching 3.5 percentits lowest since 2021,” Owens noted.

“This sustained core level, along with service inflation pressures, is likely to keep the RBA from cutting rates anytime soon.”

While the 0.8 percent quarterly rise in core inflation met expectations, it prompted the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to push its rate cut prediction from

December 2024 to February next year.

Now, all major banks predict the first rate cut in early-to-mid 2025, implying little to no rate relief in 2024.

ANZ chief economist, Madeline Dunk, said a series of cuts could potentially reduce the cash rate to 3.6 percent by the end of next year.

“We anticipate three 25 basis point cuts in total, with two occurring in the first half of the year and one in the final quarter of 2025,” Dunk said.

This delay is anticipated to curb housing demand.

Jessica Brady, View.com’s Money and Markets expert says the current situation could become the new normal, at least for a while.

“If we look through the pages of the history books, we would be reminded that our current interest rates are not, in fact, high.

The purchase price to household income multiplier is the culprit here. With wage growth barely keeping up with inflation and cost-of-living pressures still bearing down on many households, it’s easy to feel trapped, stressed and in

survival mode,” Brady said.

“The economic gods may not be coming to save us, we may have to fight this alone.”

Housing prices may soften as rate cuts stall

The delayed prospect of an interest rate cut may create a drag on housing demand across Australia’s major cities.

Analysts suggest that Sydney could see a slight downturn as affordability constraints persist. Other strong-performing markets, like Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, could experience more moderate growth as buyers delay purchase plans in light of continued highinterest rates.

Fuel and electricity prices eased significantly this quarter, largely due to government energy rebates, and contributed heavily to the lower inflation figures.

“The September quarter’s rise of 0.2 percent is the lowest outcome since the June 2020 quarter fall which occurred during the COVID-19 outbreak and was driven by free childcare,” Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics, said.

Owner says sell !

“Annually, the September quarter’s rise of 2.8 percent was down from 3.8 percent in the June quarter. This is the lowest annual inflation rate since the March 2021 quarter.”

Within housing, annual rental growth slowed to 6.7 percent, slightly impacted by the recent increase in Commonwealth Rental Assistance and a rise in rental supply due to increased investor activity.

“We’re seeing some of this downward pressure on rental inflation from market factors like investor returns and a shift toward shared housing,” Owens explained.

The cost of new homes has also steadily declined, now sitting at 4.8 percent annually - a marked decrease from the 20 percent annual surge seen at the height of demand in 2022.

Outlook: No immediate rate cuts as inflation holds above RBA target

Despite easing inflation, Australia’s trimmed mean, or core inflation, remains above the Reserve Bank’s target range of two to three percent.

Owens noted that the RBA’s caution stems from persistent service-sector inflation.

“Service inflation is still high and doesn’t align with the RBA’s target, so a rate cut this year looks unlikely,” Owens said.

Some economists, such as Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith, see room for a rate cut to alleviate household budgets.

“With inflation moderating and households feeling the pinch, persistent price pressures like rents and medical services are primarily supply-driven, not demand-led. The data points to interest rate hikes having achieved their purpose, supporting a case for a rate cut,” Smith stated.

As inflation cools and interest rate predictions shift, the Reserve Bank is expected to monitor inflation trends in the coming months.

For the property market, these economic dynamics suggest that growth will be tempered in the short term, with a brighter outlook possible when rate relief arrives next year.

Superb retail location

Address: 140 Maybe Street, Bombala

Asking: $300,000

Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

Located in a central position within the main shopping area of Bombala this is a wonderful retail location!

The property features a

spacious shop floor display area with tile floor, lovely big display windows, slow combustion heater and reverse cycle air conditioning. Several possible office spaces if required, a large walk in safe as well as staff amenities area along with his and hers bathrooms. At the rear of the property is access to the laneway at the side of the property, a low

maintenance concrete courtyard and garden shed for storage. Formerly a bank, a clothes shop and a hairdresser to name a few, the property currently houses a lovely homewares and clothing shop.

Whether investing or starting your own business, this is a solid investment property to add to your portfolio!

Snowy Monaro

Charming lifestyle property awaits

Address: “Clearview” 1999 Dry Plains Road, Dry Plain NSW 2630

“Clearview” presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to find their forever home or perhaps a tranquil escape for a holiday home set in the Snowy Mountains with some of the best trout fishing on your doorstep.

Located within close proximity to Cooma and Adaminaby alike sits this four bedroom, two bathroom, weatherboard cottage. Featuring formal dining with wood fireplace, separate living room with a second wood fireplace, main bathroom with spa bathtub, abundant built in storage throughout, large laundry and undercover verandah.

Further to the home is a 12m x 13m workshop or shed with concrete floor, a single car garage, garden or storage shed, chook pen, dog runs, well maintained grounds and garden, plus a variety of fruit trees. All of this while still allowing enough

space for your horses or maybe some sheep or a few head of cattle.

Fenced into three paddocks of predominantly native pastures, basalt as well as shale derived soils present. Secure water supply through Pat Anne Creek, a reliable well, plus rainwater. Solar panels feeding excess power back into the grid. Well sheltered with Manna Gum, White Gum, Peppermint and Wattle making up the majority of trees.

Tempted? This complete package is awaiting its next custodians. Visualise yourself in this charming cottage, taking in the stunning easterly views as far as the eye can see! Don’t miss your chance to make it your own.

“Clearview” 1999 Dry Plains Road, Dry Plain NSW 2630 goes to online auction on Tuesday December 10, 2024 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website! Don’t miss out, contact the KMPL office to book your private inspection today.

• ocatedabout30minutesorsodrivenorth west ofCooma.

• ourbedroom, two bathroom, weatherboard cottage onmains power, featuringformaldiningwith woodfireplace,separate shapedlivingroomwith yet asecondcombustionwoodfireplace.

• Mainbathroomwithspabathtub.

• Amplebuiltinstoragethroughout.

• argelaundrywithdirectaccess to backyard.

• Under cover verandah.

• urtherinfrastructureincludesa12mx13mworkshoporshedwithconcrete floor,single car garage andagardenorstorageshed.

• Chookpen,dogruns,wellmaintainedgroundsandgardenincludingavarietyoffruittrees.

• Solarpanelssupplementingpowerduringthe day feedingexcesspowerback into thegrid.

• Secure water supplyvia at AnneCreek,areliablewellplusrainwaterharvesting.

• redominantlynativepastures,basaltaswellasshalederivedsoilspresent.

• Manna um,White um, eppermintand Wattlemakeupthema orityoftrees,fenced intothree paddocks.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

“Clearview”isthecompletepackageindeed,locatedwithinclosestrikingdistance to Coomaand Adaminabyalike.Theperfectpermanentresidenceorholidayhomewithsomeofthebesttroutfishing

close by. lentyofroom for ahorseorfour,maybesomesheep ora few headof cattle.Wellsheltered,boastingstunning easterlyviewsas far asthe eye can see! Ifallthissoundslikeyou,don

Contact: Nick Kirshner & Aaron Mackay P: 0264566783 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday10th ecember2024

Commencing6:30pm Venue: OnlineAuctionWebsite

Potential on tap –yours for the taking

Address: “East View” 10 Granite Street, Berridale NSW 2628

Located just a few minutes drive southeast of Berridale, “East View” offers an outstanding opportunity to secure a lifestyle parcel of land with easy access via bitumen road and in close vicinity to town.

The property includes a 50 square metre shed built to lock up stage and approved as a dwelling under the existing DA, zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential with dual occupancy permissible under the current LEP, the current DA also includes a three bedroom, two bathroom home and approved onsite sewage management system, single phase power connected to shed, secure water supply via town water, spring and a dam. All the hard work has been done here that’s for sure.

Fenced into one paddock plus a yard fence around the shed. The block itself is a gently undulating east and north facing block showcasing outstanding views as far as the eye can see, naturally lightly timbered with Manna Gum, Hickory and Wattle. Additionally, there are several other species of trees which the current owner has planted.

The sale of “East View” presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a great starter block with an impressive head start, awaiting you to make it your own. Don’t miss your chance to secure this great property!

“East View” 10 Granite Street, Berridale NSW 2628 goes to online auction on Tuesday December 3, 2024 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website. Don’t out, contact the KMPL office to book your private inspection today.

• ocatedonlya few minutesdrivesoutheastofBerridale.

• Bitumenroadaccess.

• Boastingspectacularviewseastandnorthas far asthe eye can see

• entlyundulatingeastandnorthfacingblock,naturallylightlytimberedwithManna um,some HickoryaswellasWattle. urthertreespeciesplanted bythecurrent custodianincludeRed um, ellowBox,Sequoia, apaneseMaple,AppleBox,MountainAsh,Snow um,SheaOak,RiverRed um,Himalayan Cedar,Spotted um,Ironbark,OliveTrees,WheepingWillows, SilverBirch,Western Red Cedarwithroom for plentymore.

• onedR5 arge otResidential,withdualoccupancypermissibleunderthecurrent E .

• Afi ysquaremetreshedbuilt to lockup stage andapprovedasadwellingundertheexisting A.

• Thecurrent Aalsoincludesathreebedroom,twobathroomhomeandapproved onsitesewage management system.

• Singlephasepowerisconnected to theshed.

• Water supplyvia town water, springandadam.

• Currentlyfenced into onepaddockplus yard fencearoundtheshed.

AGENTS COMMENTS: Thesaleof“East View” o ers anexcellent opportunitytoacquirealifestyleparceloflandclosetoBerridale witheasyaccessandasolidheadstartwithshed,powerand water inplaceaswellasacurrent A for a

home.This Acanofcoursebeamendedtosuityourown personalneedsasrequired,sub ecttoapprovalsfromall relevantauthorities. on thesitateandcontactourofficenow!

Snowy Monaro

Prime lifestyle block

Address: “Lark Ridge” Corrowong Road, Corrowong NSW 2633

“LARK Ridge” is approximately 106.33 hectares or 262.75 acres of mountain land, the perfect weekend escape. Spectacular views back to the main range and the vast valleys below can be seen from the open bay machinery shed at the top of the escarpment at approximately 1,010m above sea level.

Dual occupancy dwelling entitlement permissible under the current LEP, subject to all relevant approvals, presenting fantastic opportunity to build not one but two separate homes capturing the stunning views of the mountains and valley alike.

The topography ranges from gently undulating around the top ridge and partly cleared, to more heavily timbered as it drops down into the valley. Secure water supply via one large dam and multiple smaller dams.

“Lark Ridge” offers maximum privacy and serenity, while still being in close proximity to Delegate, some 20 minutes drive into town. Don’t miss your opportunity to secure this unique prime lifestyle block, going to online auction on Tuesday November 26, 2024 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website. Contact the KMPL sales team to coordinate your private inspection.

• ocated usta20-minutedriveoutof elegate, accessedviaaprivate rightofcarriagewayleadingup to the top oftheridge at approx.1,010mabovesealevel.

• Spectacularviews ofthesurroundinglandscapesandalltheway backtothesnowcappedmainrange.

• Anopenbaymachineryshedconstructedatthetopoftheescarpmentlookingbacktowardsthe mountains.

• Approx.106.33hectaresor262.75acresofmountainland,partlyclearedandgentlyundulating aroundthe top oftheridgebecomingmoreheavilytimbereddroppingdown into thevalley.

• Somefencinghasbeenconstructedaroundthe top oftheridge.

• Onelargedamandmultiplesmallerdams have beenconstructed to ensuresecure water access.

• ualoccupancydwellingentitlementpermissibleunderthecurrent E ,sub ect to allrelevant approvals.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

“ arkRidge”presentsauniqueopportunitytosecureaprimelifestyleblocktoescapethehustleandbustle ofeverydaylife.Onlya20-minutedriveinto elegate whilststillo eringmaximumprivacyandserenity. Afarmshedalreadyconstructedandotherpotentialbuildingsitesalreadycleared,thispropertyis ust waitingforyoutobuildyourmountainescape.Theelevated positiono eringexpansiveviews ofthevalley belowandmountainsbeyond. on thesitateandcontactourofficetoday!

Contact: Maddy Kirshner & Aaron Mackay P: 0264566783 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday26thNovember2024

Commencing6:30pm Venue: OnlineAuctionWebsite

Realtair Inspect: By Appointmentwith Exclusive Agent Only. ConditionsApply

Where tranquillity and history combine

Address: “Old Bibbenluke Inn” 16-20 Burnima Street, Bibbenluke NSW 2632

A RARE opportunity to secure your own piece of history. Step back in time all the while still enjoying modern comforts. Located in striking distance to the coast and the Snowy Mountains alike. Easy access to Bombala and Cooma, nestled in the quaint hamlet of Bibbenluke.

Built in 1875, the “Old Bibbenluke Inn” was once a community hub and waystation for the gold fields. Constructed from locally sourced granite, and retaining its original working fireplaces, this historic inn preserves its old-world charm while seamlessly blending with the architect-designed extension added in 2000.

The property comprises three bedrooms, two separate living spaces, formal dining, office, library, kitchen with built-in pantry, two bathrooms and internal laundry, with underfloor heating in the extension. Entry is via a covered verandah with expansive views where you can kick back and take it all in.

Aside from the main dwelling the property also boasts several picturesque out-buildings including a timber cottage with covered porch accompanying a timber garage, a woodshed attached to the old stables, two old outhouses and a potting shed.

tranquillity of the award-winning landscaped gardens, no stone has been left unturned. Or perhaps imagine using the original external stone fireplace for baking or slow-roasting.

The land consists of four separate titles, totalling approximately 6,297m2 or 1.55 acres (per UCV). Water is securely supplied via three rainwater tanks, a bore, and a connection to the local Bibbenluke water supply. Water for the garden can also be pumped from the river.

Held by the same family for over 100 years, this is proof that opportunities like this do not come up that often. A unique and outstanding property with the option to live in as is, make it your own or perhaps develop further.

Don’t miss your chance to own your own piece of history, “Old Bibbenluke Inn” goes to online auction on Tuesday November 26, 2024 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website. Contact the KMPL sales team on 02 6456 6783 to book your private inspection.

• The“OldBibbenlukeInn”islocated instrikingdistancetothecoastandtheSnowy Mountainswith easyaccess to BombalaandCooma,inthequainthamletofBibbenluke.

• Builtin1875,the“OldBibbenlukeInn”wasonceacommunityhubandwaystationforthegoldfields. Constructedfromlocallysourcedgranite,andretainingitsoriginalworkingfireplaces,thishistoric innpreservesitsold-worldcharmwhileseamlesslyblendingwiththearchitect-designedextension addedin2000.

• Thecurrent floorplancomprisesthreebedrooms,twoseparate livingspaces,formaldining,office, library,kitchenwithbuilt-inpantry, twobathroomsandinternallaundry, withunderfloorheatingin theextension.Entryisviaacoveredverandahwithexpansiveviews ofthemagnificentsurrounding countryside.Theoriginalexternalstonefireplace at therearoftheInnisperfect for bakingor slow-roasting.

• Thepropertyencompassesseveralpicturesqueout-buildingssetinanaward-winninglandscaped gardenwithdry-stonewalls.Atimbercottagewithcoveredporchcurrentlyserves asanartiststudio andaccompanies atimbergarage,awoodshedattachedtotheoldstables(orsecondgarage),two oldouthousesandapottingshed.

• Water issecurelysuppliedviathreerainwatertanks,abore,andaconnectiontothelocalBibbenluke water supply. Water for thegarden can alsobepumpedfromtheriver.

• Thelandconsistsoffourseparatetitles,totallingapproximately6,297m2or1.55acres(perUCV). AGENTS COMMENTS:

Heldbythesamefamilyforover 100yearsandthecurrent ownerfor36,younowhave arare opportunitytoownthis charmingproperty,richinhistory andtastefullyupdated,with flexibilitytomakeityourown,orperhapsdevelopitfurther.The “OldBibbenlukeInn”hasmanystoriestotell–youcouldwrite the next chapter. Contactoursalesteam to arrangeyour own privateinspectionnow!

Tuesday26thNovember2024

Commencing6:30pm Venue: OnlineAuctionWebsite Realtair

Future industry leader benefits from China trip

global scale

LOCAL woolgrower and future industry leader, Miranda McGufficke of Greendale Merinos, Cooma, has recently returned from China after being selected to take part in the Australian Wool innovation (AWI) and Aus-China Foundation Future Wool Leaders Tour.

The delegates learned about the wool processing pipeline, processing technologies and advancements. They also met and networked with leading Chinese and international operators and key wool supply partners.

The group attended the International Nanjing Wool market conference and gained a direct insight into the evolving global wool landscape.

“This was a fantastic opportunity, and it was exciting to see the enthusiasm Chinese and international counterparts have for our Australian products,” Miranda said.

“To see and hear the passion from processors and top makers regarding the quality of our product is very rewarding.

“They understand the hard work and passion that goes into growing and caring for our sheep and our wool and say it is the best in the world. They want us to keep working hard at making more progressive and productive business decisions to ensure we can make an economically sustainable and viable future for the Australian Wool industry; after all their business relies on us and we rely on their support and investment.”

AWI chief executive, John Roberts, said the study tour provided an opportunity for education, business and cultural exchange.

“This was an outstanding group of young leaders selected by the AWI Wool Industry Consultation Panel, who stood out for their involvement, strong commitment, and passion for the Australian wool industry.

“To be able to engage with key

partners and witness all stages of the wool supply chain is a wonderful opportunity. They should be commended on this achievement.”

The 10-day program included visits to the Icicle Flagship store and ‘The Beast Home’ homewares in Shanghai, Donghua University/Wool Education Centre, Tianyu, JHT Wuxi, and Redsun/Sunwoo processing, Xinao Spinning, Shanghai Challenge, the vertically integrated Nashan Group in Longkou and the international Nanjing Wool market conference.

A re-occurring theme during the conference and the tour program was the need for a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing not just environmental factors but economical sustainability to ensure future progressive business and production viability.

These conversations underscored the importance of education, particularly among younger generations, to foster a new appreciation for wool’s value, superior qualities and longevity compared to synthetic alternatives.

“The Chinese were very

fixated on supporting and up-skilling the youth of their business as well as ensuring successful succession of our Australian industry and remarked on how important education is to ensure successful and proactive business progression,” Miranda said.

“All the Chinese processors and directors were optimistic for the future of our industry and have invested greatly into making it work more efficiently and profitably for them and for us.

“They are taking risks and choosing to specialise in wool processing as they can see the reward for choosing to work with wool, and are adamant their priority is working with Australian wool as it is the best in the world.”

The trip revealed the resilience and adaptiveness of this sector and instilled the strong belief that by focusing on quality, smart business decisions, sustainability (both economical and environmental), and consumer education, Australian wool can reclaim its prestige in the global market.

Miranda said the most exciting part of the trip was

the technology and innovative developments.

“China is so focused on being efficient, productive and profitable; something we can all strive towards.

“Seeing a fully automatic and robotic processing mill at Tianyu demonstrated that large investment into technology.

“It is exciting to think this is the start of future advancements in the wool industry.”

Miranda added the study-tour not only deepened understanding of the complexities of the wool supply chain but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in facing future challenges.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering relationships with Chinese partners, with the hope mutual benefits will emerge as both markets evolve.

“As the wool industry navigates these changes, the insights gained from this visit will undoubtedly pave the way for growth and re-vitalisation in the years to come.

“It certainly looks to be an exciting time for youth involved in the wool industry,” Miranda said.

China is focused on being e icient, productive and profitable and has heavily invested in technology.

Technology and innovation were evident during the 10-day tour.

The young Australian delegates selected to travel to China.

Foundation Future Wool Leaders Tour. PHOTOS: Supplied

Monaro group assesses feasibility of drought and climate resilience grant

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

A GROUP of concerned Monaro stakeholders has met on a couple of occasions to assess the feasibility of applying for a drought resilience grant, that would cover weed control - especially African Lovegrass (ALG) - as part of the proposal.

This community collaboration has involved the local indigenous community, local Landcare members, local trout fishing groups (who through their recreational activities do not want to inadvertently spread ALG seed), farmers, town residents, Local Land Services (LLS) and Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC).

The collaboration is a result of the Federal Government recently launching two new programs as part of the $519.1 million second phase of the Future Drought Fund, giving farmers and producers more opportunities to strengthen and prepare for drought.

The opening of the Government’s Resilient Landscapes Program and the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices –Round 2 Program are providing potential applicants with the opportunity to think about, and prepare new projects.

Application to cover weed control, African Lovegrass focus

The Resilient Landscapes Program focuses on practices and techniques to manage natural resources on farms, particularly regarding natural resources that can determine whether a property copes with dry weather.

The Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program looks at investigating new practices and technologies that will improve productivity in variable weather through evidence-based trials, co-designed with farmers.

These $40 million Government programs add to existing projects that are building drought and climate resilience across the region.

“We see suppression of the African Lovegrass scourge as an integral part of drought resilience in the Monaro,” local landholder and Nimmitabel Rural Fire Service captain, Ant Waldren, said.

“One of the very positive developments here over the last 10 months has been the community collaboration to try to get on top of the ALG invasion in the Monaro. With strong support from the weeds group in SMRC, and especially Jane

Tracy, ALG co-ordinator at Local Land Services, awareness and education meetings have been held in Nimmitabel, Numeralla, Bungarby, Jerangle, Rocky Plains and Kybeyan.

“This collaboration between community and government agencies tackling the ALG issue has brought community together right across the Monaro.

“Jane Tracy commented that after reports of these meetings in the Monaro Post her phone started ringing off the hook, and there was a large uptake in these meetings and a raised awareness of the issues around lovegrass control.

“The meetings have been complemented with field days to identify lovegrass and to discuss control/suppression options. These activities have been well attended by concerned landowners, with exchange of experiences and neighbourly co-operation,” Mr Waldren said.

“There has also been a substantial increase in interest in joining and starting new Landcare groups, and, there has been widespread education of fire risk from ALG to native flora and fauna, as well as to people and property through LLS

community meetings and media coverage.”

Mr Waldren said the Tom Groggin Road field day at Rock Flat, held late September, was a relevant example.

“Lovegrass outbreaks around Nimmitabel township have been suppressed by local residents. Discussion by the farmers on the day of the Tom Groggin Road field day, was of the massive community benefit there would be for towns such as Bombala, Delegate and Berridale to have landholders identify hot spots of ALG infestation around those towns, and contact Jane Tracy from LLS, to organise similar field days where landholders donate their time to spot spray these hot spots to protect their community from fire, as has been done by Nimmitabel residents and landholders.

“There was discussion of the need for all landowners with lovegrass infestation across the Monaro to take pause and consider the fire safety risk these infestations are posing on themselves and their neighbours.

“Also, that these landholders could speak between neighbours about collaborating on an effort

to create, where possible, a 100metre lovegrass free buffer zone on either side of boundaries.

“The ALG environmental crisis has brought community together and in some cases created community healing.

“There has been recent funding on the Monaro for ALG control in the koala zones - which is great news as ALG is reported as being the number one threat to koalas today.”

Although it is still early days in the application process for a grant, Mr Waldren said a successful drought resilience grant application will give sustainable financial, environmental, fire safety, and mental health support for the community to future proof against the perpetual drought ALG infestation creates.

“We also see this community engagement model created on the Monaro could be replicated in a roll out to other parts of the State, of how community can work together on a common cause.

“Local member, Steve Whan, has been appraised of the lovegrass problem and we will continue to keep him informed,” Mr Waldren said.

CONCERN: The African Lovegrass environmental crisis is bringing community together on e orts to control the weed, with a group of stakeholders now meeting to discuss an application for a Government drought resilience grant.

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Weed of the Week: Parthenium weed

THROUGH this series of articles, Council provides the Snowy Monaro community with information and advice on the new, emerging and established invasive plant species threatening this region.

Whether you’re living on the land, living in town, or just passing through – everyone has a part to play in protecting our natural environment and agricultural land from invasive plants and weeds.

This week the focus is on parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus). Parthenium weed originates in parts of North and South America, and is a fast-growing, annual herb with distinctive, small white flowers. Parthenium weed can germinate, grow and set seed within four weeks, enabling it to germinate multiple times in a season and allowing rapid spread. It can cause significant allergic reactions, dermatitis, hay fever and asthma in humans and is a serious agricultural weed.

Parthenium weed is a serious pasture invader in Queensland, where it currently infests over eight million hectares. While sporadic incursions into NSW occur from plant, machinery and fodder movements, it has not become established within this state and significant

resources are invested into maintaining this status quo.

The NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 imposes strict border restrictions on the movement of machinery, and in particular harvesting equipment from Queensland. It imposes harsh penalties on those who do not report the incidence of this weed or take necessary action to eliminate it from their land.

Parthenium weed is a Weed of National Significance and classified as prohibited matter in NSW. If you see this plant, you must report it to either Council on 1300 345 345 or the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.

Due to the seriousness of this weed, if it’s detected on your land you will be provided with the necessary resources to eliminate it.

Why parthenium weed is a problem:

Parthenium weed is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia.

All parts of the parthenium weed plant, at any stage of growth, are toxic to humans and animals. It can cause respiratory problems and severe dermatitis. People might not have an allergic reaction the first time they touch the plant, but allergies can develop after a

few exposures. Once a reaction to parthenium weed develops, some people go on to develop allergies to related plants such as sunflowers.

Livestock do not usually eat parthenium weed, but if no other feed is available they may eat large amounts. This can cause kidney damage in ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats), with young cattle most susceptible to dying from parthenium weed poisoning. Animals may also have allergic reactions including dermatitis. If livestock – especially sheep – eat parthenium weed within one month of slaughter, it can taint the flavour of their meat.

Parthenium weed produces allelopathic substances that deter other plants from germinating and growing near it. This enables the weed to dominate pastures and reduce carrying capacity and crop yields by as much as 90 percent.

What do you have to do if you detect parthenium weed? Do not attempt to destroy or control parthenium weed on your own. If you find, or suspect you have found, parthenium weed on your property, in public, or anywhere else in our region – you must call Council on 1300 345 345 or the NSW

WORST WEED: Parthenium weed is a Weed of National Significance and classified as prohibited matter in NSW. If you see this plant, you must report it to either Council on 1300 345 345 or the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244.

summer period and seek imme-

Council will provide prompt and thorough weed identification and control at no cost to the landowner where parthenium weed is suspected or confirmed.

What can you do?

• Learn to identify parthenium weed and take specific precautions if introducing fodder, livestock or machinery from Queensland’s rangelands and cropping areas;

• Be on the lookout for the distinctive flowers of

white and 4mm across with five distinct corners.

Council is here to help. If you have questions about parthenium weed, or any other weeds – contact our specialist biosecurity officers for advice and assistance. Call 1300 345 345 or email council@snowymonaro.nsw. gov.au

Can’t identify a weed? Send in some photographs or arrange a free onsite inspection and one of Council’s staff will promptly respond.

Regenerating farming landscape in the Snowy Monaro

Re-generating farming landscape

UPPER Snowy Landcare network has praised the volunteer efforts at the planting day at Severn Park, near Berridale, recently.

This planting contributed to the existing shelter belts and tree breaks on the 2,000 acre property.

“Great work all and many thanks to the Massys for their continuing commitment to landscape re-generation and re-generative farming, as well as event organisers and supporters - Rotary Adopt-aTree, Re-Greening Country and Saving Our Species,” Upper Snowy Landcare co-ordinator, Maggie Lemcke, said.

Controlling feral pigs

Throughout November, Local Land Services will be hosting workshops across the region on feral pig management. These workshops will be run by industry expert, Mark Lamb, who will share his knowledge of practical and effective methods of managing feral pigs on your farm.

Event highlights

Choosing your control tool: Learn how to select the most effective tool for managing feral pigs on your property; Feral pig signs and behaviours: Recognise what to look for and understand feral pig activities; Baiting, trapping and

monitoring: Discover techniques to keep track of and manage feral pig populations;

Free feeding: Learn strategies for identifying ideal locations for free feeding to attract feral pigs;

Guest speaker, Peter West, will be presenting on the FeralScan pest reporting app, highlighting its benefits for land managers and communities.

Morning tea and lunch provided.

Events will be held at Bredbo on Monday November 25, from 9am to 2pm; Countegany on Tuesday November 26, from 9am to 2pm; and Nimmitabel on Wednesday November 27,

from 9am to 2pm. Registrations are required.

To register or find out more contact your local Biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299. For

more about the feral pig and pest program visit lls. nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/ our-major-projects/feral-pigand-pest-program-2024-2025.

TREE PLANTINGS: Volunteers who assisted at the Adopt-A-Tree planting day at Severn Park near Berridale recently. PHOTO: Supplied

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

Classifieds IN PERSON

Cooma Rugby Club

AGM

Join us as we elect our 2025 season Committee

At the Alpine Hotel, Cooma

6.30pm Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

NOTICE OF AGM

Monaro Family Support Service (MFSS) will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 5.30PM, both online and in person at 6 Hill Street, Cooma, NSW 2630. All MFSS members and members of the community are welcome to attend.

For further details or to register for the online meeting, please contact MFSS at 02 6452 3450 or cooma@mfss.org.au

Drivers

We are seeking drivers for various positions and routes.

The position is based at the Cooma Depot Full Time – Perm-Part Time – Casual

To be successful in these roles you will hold a MR, HR or HC Licence, have a clean driving record, Demonstrate a knowledge of NVHR obligations, Fatigue – Logbooks – Safety

For more details please contact: Marco: 0427 310 241 or Mark: 0427 310 441 Or email sales@monarofreight.com.au

COR – Fleet Maintenance and Safety Manager

We are seeking a suitably quali ed Person to oversee our NHVR - COR responsibilities and Co-ordinate maintenance of our eet.

Previous experience and detailed knowledge of the NVHR legal requirements and freight operations is essential

For more details please contact:

Marco: 0427 310 241 or Mark: 0427 310 441 Or email sales@monarofreight.com.au

LEASE OPPORTUNITY

POLO FLAT, COOMA

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A BRAND NEW COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WITH HIGH EXPOSURE POSITION AND HARDSTAND IF SO CALL: 0427 521 811

Over 3600sqm area ideal for warehouse, factory, showroom, depot, etc.

SILEAGE BALES. Good quality clover and rye. $132 inc GST on farm location. Newmerella, Victoria. Phone 0429 797 054.

Wishing a very happy 90th birthday PEGGY EVERETT “MUM/NANA”

We hope you have a great day.

Love Nancy, Nicole and Ryan XOXO.

MCMILLAN, Bruce. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. at Yallambee Lodge, Cooma, formerly of Katri Close, Berridale. Aged 86 years.

Dearly loved Husband of Maree. Father and Father in-law to Tristel, Craig and Terrie and Kaz and Ben. Adored Pop to Jasmine, Sharmane, Hayleigh, James, Keegan, and Keeley. Great Pop to Hunter, Amity, Cooper and Montana

The relatives and friends of the late BRUCE MCMILLAN are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the All Saints Anglican Church, Berridale, on Wednesday November 6, 2024. commencing at 11am. A private which a cremation will take place.

Alan Dodd – Director Family owned and operated (02) 6452 2094

Flint Street Nativity ‘face-achingly funny’

By KAREN FORMAN

STOMACH-grabbing, rolling around on the floor laughingly, face-achingly funny.

That’s the only way to describe Cooma Little Theatre’s new production, The Flint Street Nativity, which opened for a three-week season on Friday night and continues for the next two weekends.

If you enjoy a good comedy, then this show is a must-see. It is perfectly timed with Christmas coming up and being aimed at adults (despite the theme of adults playing children in a children’s nativity show), brings some light end of year relief and relaxation.

And if you have ever had young children but particularly worked with them in a school or child care setting, then the laughs will even heartier.

“Oh my gosh, the actors got the nuances of kids perfectly,” one of my theatre companions, a former teacher, said at intermission.

“The girls ganging up on other girls, the sports obsessed single-focussed boy, the bullied girl with the lisp, the hilarious mispronunciation of “big” words in the carols and the wisdom beyond her years pain of the girl whose parents are splitting up. These actors nailed it.”

Flint Street Nativity was written by Tim Firth and has been directed by Patricia Rowling, a professional director and actor who moved from Sydney to Cooma a couple of years ago, is teaching at Monaro High School and has embraced regional life - and the local theatre scene - with gusto.

This is her first production for CLT and hopefully will not be the last. Ms Rowling’s professional experience is evident in the polish this show exhibits.

The script - which introduces the audience to Mizzis Horrocks’ class of seven year olds which is about to perform its nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for the parents and the occasional social worker - has been cleverly crafted to take the audience on

a journey.

It takes about 15 minutes to get to know the characters and work out what is going on. After that, you find yourself feeling like you know each one well and relating to those who exhibit the characteristics or experiences of your own childhold.

There are plenty of laughs: Squabbles arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary and appears dressed identically to the real Mary (who is somewhat of a prima donna), even carrying a somewhat deface Baby Jesus.

The Star grumbles he is not a proper star like they have at NASA, Herod won’t stop waving to his parents and the subversive Innkeeper is determined

to liven up the traditional script. And then the stick insect escapes...

But there are also some poignant moments. The kids whose parents aren’t in the audience because they are getting a divorce and the emotions and difficulty understanding the situation. The kid whose mum is an alcoholic and the pain and confusion that causes.

Flint Street runs for 50 minutes before the intermission and then for another 30 minutes, when there is a somewhat unexpected turn of events which gives even more understanding and depth to the script. Let’s just say we

and talented musical director, Caroline Fox, who singlehandedly provided music for the 10 or so Christmas carols (kids’ versions) along with various sounds to enhance emotion, excitement or laughs during the show.

gain some insight into the kids through their parents.

The characters were extremely well cast and all maintained character from start to finish (even the lisp).

The lines were down, there were no obvious glitches with set changes and comings and goings on stage, the show was nicely paced without any delays, the costumes paid attention to detail and the crowd appreciative.

Kudos to the cast - Liz England, Lisa Gillespie, Cathy Burge, Emily Perkin, Jess Davis, Chris McNally, Vera Shanley, Jess Clow, Jayne Keegan and Nell Pernitsch, the director and special mention to the polished

A local music teacher and member of the Hip Replacements band, Fox is also CLT’s president. The show continues on Friday November 8 at 7.30pm, Saturday November 9 at 2pm and 7.30pm, Friday November 15 at 7.30pm and Sunday November 16 at 2pm and 7.30pm. Highly recommended. You won’t get better entertrainment for under $30 anywhere and it’s worth leaving the TV and computer games at home for a night out.

The bar opens at 7pm for the evening shows and it’s curtains up at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available online at www.clt.org.au or at the

Vera Shanley as a Wise Man with Jess Clow as Ass.

The Flint Street Nativity cast members (from le ): Liz England, Lisa Gillespie, Cathy Burge, Emily Perkin, Jess Davis, Chris McNally, Vera Shanley, Jess Clow, Jayne Keegan and Nell Pernitsch.

FULL OF FUN: Cast of the Cooma Little Theatre’s newly opened production, Flint St Nativity which is boneachingly funny and highly recommended. PHOTOS: Caroline Fox

Cathy Burge playing the Innkeeper.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 What is a mark against a person for deficiency (7)

8 Thor was the ancient god of what (7)

9 Name an aromatic seed used in medicine, cookery, etc (7)

10 Who founded the settlement in New South Wales, Arthur ... (7)

11 To be standing upright, is to be standing in which manner (7)

12 Name the bush tucker made from flour and water (6)

14 What are growths of facial hair (6)

18 Which term implies that which is near or on the kidneys (7)

21 Which sea lies between PNG, Indonesia, and Australia (7)

22 What is a sailing vessel built and rigged for speed (7)

23 To raise to a higher degree, is to do what (7)

24 What are very small parts or quantities (7)

DOWN

1 What is a fixed or regular pay (7)

2 Who, with her husband, discovered radium in 1898, Marie ... (5)

3 To regard with blind adoration, is to do what (7)

Letters

Some

4 Who deals in textiles and cloth goods (6)

5 Name a widely cultivated cereal plant (5)

6 To go in again, is to do what (7)

7 What is a drink made of spirits and hot water (5)

13 Which term broadly describes a communist (7)

15 What is a more common term for otalgia (7)

E-QUATIONS

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

16 Who are fierce, brutal persons (7)

17 What are sudden blazes of fire or light, used as signals (6)

18 Name a WAracecourse (5)

19 Kathmandu is the capital of which kingdom in southern Asia (5)

20 Who wrote “Auld Lang Syne”, Robbie ... (5)

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

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

1 CORELLA

(a) A long-billed cockatoo

(b) A cotton stuff made to resemble velvet

(c) The membrane that forms the front covering of the eye

2 DESICCATE

(a) To earnestly desire

(b) To preserve by drying

(c) To divert from a sacred purpose

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: Attempt (3) Awful (3)

French cap (5)

Gem from oyster (5) Of the breast (7)

Personal journal (5)

Send money (5)

Tap lightly (3) Until (poet) (3) Woman who serves drinks (7)

Sailors compete in first point score race

By ELIZABETH SLATER

LAKE Jindabyne Sailing Club held its first point score race for the spring series on Wednesday October 30.

In division one, the monohulls had a few battles within the race, with Rod Baillie and Dave Rubin battling for the lead, which Dave eventually won.

Mal McLean and Hamish Greenwood battled for third and fourth across the line, with Hamish finishing only nine seconds in front of Mal.

Vardon Robson sailed the race on his Windsurfer, while training for the national windsurfing championships.

The division 2, multi-hull, race start was interesting with Andrew and Rebecca Rae

getting a great start on port at the pin end of the start line and passing Adam Robinson and Tim Symons. The course had great reaches to the peninsular mark and back and a very short windward leg which suited the Rae’s Hobie 16 who took the division 2 win on handicap corrected times. Tim and Adam tied for second on Handicap corrected times.

Sunday’s race on November 3 was cancelled due to high winds with gusts of up to 35 knots. Some of the club members

took the opportunity to use the power boats and complete some training in rescues and staying ‘on station’ in high winds.

By COOMA BOWLS

COOMA Bowling Club ladies stepped out for the second round of the ladies singles championships last week, enjoying favourable weather and a firm green.

On rink one, Judy Locker gave away a big lead in her match against Fiona Richards, but in latter stages hit form and stormed home to win 25-18.

Rink two saw Olga Jebbink, the current club champion, in top form against Margherito Zasso. Jebbink won most ends with quality draw bowls and won convincingly 25-4.

On rink three, Leonie Snell, a

By SNOW AUSTRALIA

SNOW Australia’s para alpine team has had a busy week, after flying to Adelaide to take part in aerodynamics testing at the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics (ASCA). Taking advantage of the opportunity to access the state-of-the-art lowspeed open-jet sports wind tunnel, in a firstever for the alpine team,

long term stalwart of the club, was in good form against Mary Obermaier.

With consistent, precision bowling, Snell went on to win 25-9.

Semi finals were to be played yesterday (Tuesday) at Cooma and outstanding lawn bowls was expected between Evelyn Hamilton and Olga Jebbink and Leonie Snell and Judy Locker. All welcome at social bowls. The social bowlers have been enjoying Wednesday and Saturday afternoons with a lot of fun at social bowls.

Last Wednesday saw Wendy Spender lead well for Peter Harris and Judy Locker against Kath Nichols, Kathy Venables

and Bruce Stewart.

The former team led all the way of 16 ends to win 16-7.

On rink three, Shirley Barnes and Don Menchin could not overcome the accuracy of two good draw bowlers, Jenny Newton and Ernie Latham.

Newton and Latham won nine of 16 ends and won the match 18-10.

On rink four, Ross Lawley showed continued improvement with his bowling and led well for Leonie Snell. They played Felicity Du Goit (a visitor) and Phil Hunter.

The match was even for 13 ends (11-11), then Lawley and Snell scored well and won 20-15 after 21 ends.

Ladies bowls singles title underway

Para-alpine athletes take on wind tunnel testing

they tested out the facility designed and built to support the ambitions of Australian sports teams and athletes helping to deliver podium performances at Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Athletes who tested at the SASI facility in Adelaide were Josh Hanlon (sitting), Sam Tait (sitting), Georgia Gunew (visually impaired) and Ethan Jackson (guide for Georgia Gunew), who are

all competing on the FIS Para Alpine World Cup Circuit this season in Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom and Slalom.

The athletes and coaches utilised the wind tunnel, aiming to assess and improve aerodynamic efficiency, which is crucial for maximising speed and minimising drag in both training and competition.

Subtle adjustments that could yield significant

time gains were identified through the testing’s focus on refining body positioning, ski equipment and racing suits.

Athletes were able to refine positions at wind speeds ranging from 50-110km/h, which mimics the race environment for Giant Slalom, Super G and Downhill events.

In high-speed sports like alpine skiing, even a small improvement in

aerodynamic drag - as little as one to two percent - can shave off critical milliseconds, which can be the difference between winning a medal and missing the podium.

As the team head to Europe next month to finalise their preparations for the first races of the season (Super-G at Steinach-Am-Brenner in Austria), they will be taking the learnings from the wind tunnel sessions to their on-snow training sessions.

By leveraging the cutting-edge ASCA facility at the South Australian Institute of Sport, the team is enhancing its preparations for the upcoming World Cup season and World Championships in February, with a longer vision to the Paralympic Winter Games in MilanoCortina in March of 2026, where every fraction of a second matters.

RACING: Dave Rubin and Rod Baillie during the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club’s first point score race of the season.

PHOTOS: Tim Symons

Lasers on Lake Jindabyne during race one of the new season.

Charity golf day a success

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

FEROCIOUS winds may have played havoc with most golfers ambitions, but the par three charity day in association with Jindabyne Bowling Club on Sunday was a great event and well supported.

As much as the wind played a key part in the scoring, with gusts blowing over golf buggies, the day was a success.

Add to the equation an entertaining auction, nearest the pins on every hole plus a superb breakfast courtesy of the Berridale Lions Club and tasty lunch courtesy of the Jindabyne Lions Club, golfers were well catered for in all areas regardless of their scores.

The winners on the day were Peter Hastings with 49 nett in the men and Jan O’Halloran with 50 nett in the women.

Playing of a revised handicap for the day of 13, Pete Hastings managed a birdie and 11 pars to help his cause. O’Halloran playing of a revised handicap of 18 kept the scorecard very tidy with 17 holes of par and bogeys, and only one double bogey.

The best scratch scores on the day went to Steve Dunn with 59, five over par in the men, and O’Halloran with 68.

The nett runner-up was Jye Kearney with 51 in the men and Elise Cave with 53 in the ladies.

Third place in the nett was awarded to Ross Thompson in the men with 52 nett, and Christie Barry with 55 in the ladies.

The social golfers without official golf handicaps play a big part in these charity days, and they were out in force with Drew Parker winning the men with 70 from Brendan Wholohan on 72.

In the ladies social Gaye Cable won on a countback from Cindy Edwards with both scoring 74 nett.

In the juniors, Felix Bertosi had 74 and Arron Fenton had 77.

The encouragement awards in the social went to Vicki Hughes and the members encouragement to Toby Peterson.

Region’s best junior golfers ready for open

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY started out a little chilly for the early morning golfers but the conditions got better and better as the day progressed.

Gaye Wilson had a return to form with a fantastic score of 66 nett and was the overall winner on Saturday along with the C Grade medal.

The A Grade medal

went to Mark Rainsford with another great score of 68 nett and the winner of the B Grade medal was Mike Introna with 75 nett on countback from Tom Lloyd.

The C Grade competition of the day winner was Gary Batten with 71 nett on countback from John Harris. Balls went to John Gargett, John Harris, Tim Young, David Stewart, Claire Caldwell and Steven

Wheatley.

Nearest the pin on four went to Harris, nine was claimed by Kerry Blencowe, 11 to Wilson and 17 went to Rainsford.

In the monthly medal long drives, sponsored by Burke’s Plant Hire, the A Grade winner was Mark Burke. B Grade went to Marcel Too, C Grade to Matt Shigelski and Wilson won the ladies long drive.

On Sunday, the

conditions were very windy and a small field took to the course for the stableford competition. Ben Rolfe was the overall winner with 41 points. Balls went to Peter Ewart, Craig Schofield and Fletch Jones.

Last Wednesday, there was a good turnout for the mid-week stableford. Shannon Fergusson was the overall winner with 38 points.

The A Grade winner was

Rainsford with 37 points, the B Grade winner was Alan Kelly with 37 points and the C Grade winner was Marty Gelling with 37 points on countback from Wilson.

Balls went to Wilson, Harris, Caldwell, Colin Langdon and Batten.

Nearest the pin on nine went to Shannon Fergusson and 17 to Greg Abraham.

The 2024 Charlie Beaumont Memorial

Junior Open is on Sunday November 10, sponsored by Hip Pocket Workwear & Safety Cooma.

The 18-hole stroke event is open to juniors of all ages with an official golf handicap and the six hole competition is open to all junior golfers under 13 years, with or without an official handicap.

Tickets are available online: https://www.trybooking.com/CWNXT

Stewart claims Bombala club championship

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

THE Bombala Golf Club was busy over the weekend as members contested the club championship, playing 27 holes on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, after 27 holes, the scratch leaders in A Grade were Wayne Elton and Clay Stewart on 119. In B Grade, the leader was Brendan Weston 131 from Daniel Douch 138.

The handicap in A Grade was led by Clay Stewart 107 nett, ahead of Elton and Steve Tatham 108.5 nett.

The B Grade handicap leader heading into Sunday was Phillip Shilling 105.5 nett from Weston 111.5 nett and Ray Fermor 113 nett. Saturday was the captain’s trophy. Shilling won this with 105.5 nett. Ball winners were Shilling,

Stewart, and Tatham.

Nearest the pin and the golden shot were won by Neil Thompson. Sunday was a very warm and windy day when players hit off for the second round of the club championships. As usual with golf, there were some sad stories. After 18 holes, Elton was a shot up on Stewart but the last nine proved difficult for some.

Stewart won the club championship for 2024. He had 240 for the 54 holes, one shot ahead of Elton’s 241.

The B Grade champion went to Weston, who kept it together coming on 134 with a 54 hole total of 265 from Douch 275.

The A Grade handicap champion was won by Elton 219 nett and B Grade handicap champion went to Shilling 213 nett. In a

big weekend for Shilling, he also won the president’s trophy with the good result of 108 nett.

Ball winners were Stewart, Weston, Shilling, Fermor 108.5 nett, Elton 110.5 nett, Thompson 111 nett, and Crawford 114 nett.

Golden shot was won by Glen Hampshire. Nearest the pin on seven was not claimed. Program for the week

Ladies Wednesday November 6 - Stableford, club trophy Members Saturday November 9Par, club trophy

Sunday November 10 - Stableford, J. Tatham trophy.

Reminder to all, the presentation night is quickly approaching. Trophies need to be at the club by November 23 to be presented that night.

Social ladies winner Gaye Kable edged out Cindy Edwards both scoring 74 nett.

Men’s scratch winner Steve Dunn (59) with Carolyn Major who shot 69.

COOLAMATONG: At the charity par three day on Sunday, the nett winner Pete Hastings (49) with runner-up Jye Kearney (51).

PHOTOS: Coolamatong Golf Club

Exciting innovations for Cooma races

THE Cooma Races on December 7 will offer patrons some exciting innovations.

On the back of winning Racing NSW’s country racing awards two years running, the club has more to offer in 2024.

The very popular Trackside tables will return for 2024 after being trialled in 2023.

There are limited tables available, but for only $450 tables of eight people can enjoy their own space for race day, including champagne, beer and a charcuterie lunch pack. Bookings can be made with Jacqui Schofield on 0400 524 254.

Fashions on the Field will offer a number of categories again this year, with good prizes on offer.

In a first for Cooma Monaro Race Club, Racing NSW has allowed the club hold an extra race this year. The last race will allow patrons to see the start of the race from the top of the straight.

This is an 1800m race, so the horses will race up the straight twice, giving patrons a close-up of the field.

Another innovation this year will be live music for a short performance after the last race. Local musician Michael Horneman will

take the stage as soon as the horses return to scale.

There will be a full betting ring for local and metro races.

As usual, Cooma races will offer refreshments and food during the day. The bar will close at 6pm and courtesy buses will be available to transport patrons to and from the track from 10.30am.

Entry to the races in 2024 is $20, with pensioners $10 and children under 15 admitted free. Race books will be available for sale at the gate. Tickets can be purchased with card or cash and the club will have an ATM available onsite.

Cooma’s Josh selected for prestigious summit

COOMA athlete Joshua Caldwell has been selected to participate in the 2024 Australian Olympic ChangeMaker national summit, a two-day event held at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra.

The summit recognises students with Olympic ambitions and a desire to drive positive social change through their sport.

Joshua, a Year 10 student at The Alpine School, is a talented slopestyle skier who is ranked third in Australia in his division.

He is one of just 25 Summit participants chosen from hundreds of applicants Australia-wide. He is also one of the youngest selected, and the first from Cooma.

Australian Olympic Committee CEO, Matt Carroll, said the change-maker program is a great way to acknowledge the young Australians making a significant impact through sport around the country.

“The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program shines a spotlight on students’ nationwide who go the extra mile, actively creating positive change within their schools and local communities,” Mr Carroll said.

The successful applicants were chosen by a panel of Olympians and will attend the two-day program November 26 and 27.

Red Devils return to paddock

NOVEMBER is not usually a time where local rugby players hit the training paddock but starting this week, the Cooma Red Devils are back at it.

The Red Devils are calling on senior men and women interested in joining the rugby ranks to head along to Wednesday trainings, starting on November 6.

A six-week fitness program is set to have the club on the right path ahead of the 2025 season.

The club is hopeful of forming a women’s tackle side and is encouraging women keen on playing

rugby to attend a training session. Trainings are each Wednesday from 6pm. The Red Devils have re-signed James Quodling and Geoff Stokes as head coach and assistant coach for 2025. While the side finished a few wins shy of the semi-finals in 2024, there were plenty of positives for the Red Devils who were competitive in most matches.

In their juniors, the Red Devils under 10 side won the premiership and the under 14s reached the semi-finals, in what was a successful season for the junior club.

PRE-SEASON: The Cooma Red Devils return to the park this week for a six-session fitness program. Red Devil forward, Jake Quodling, will be one of the side’s key players for the coming season. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

‘Staggering’ late order batting delivers win to Monaro

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE MONARO representative cricket side has finished its Burns Cup campaign with a convincing 80-run win over Southern Tablelands thanks largely to an incredible lower order batting display from James Joyce, Mirza Zeeshan and Hunter Caldwell.

Joyce and Zeeshan added 110 for the ninth wicket, taking Monaro from 8/93 to 9/203 when Zeeshan was dismissed for 55.

Both lower order batters showed their hitting prowess, regularly clearing the rope.

A 77-run final wicket effort between Joyce and Hunter Caldwell propelled Monaro to one of its highest scores in a number of years, 9/280. Joyce finished unbeaten on 76, while Caldwell remained 27 not out.

Monaro looked like posting a strong total with openers Russ Haylock and Aqib Abassi adding 60 for the first wicket. Haylock looked very comfortable at the crease, working the ball through covers at ease. He was undone by a top piece of off-spin bowling from Tableland’s Lachlan Skelly. Abassi fell the following over for 36. Monaro lost quick wickets as both Tablelands spinners took five quick wickets, leaving Monaro 7/70.

Monaro’s lower order showed great resolve to produce a late order revival.

By RUSS HAYLOCK

THE COOMA Titans remain undefeated while Bombala and Berridale played out a thrilling tie to headline round 3 of SnowFM T20 action. All six matches were played at Nijong Oval, with the day beginning with the Titans defeating Jindabyne and Bombala being narrowly beaten by Rhythm.

The Titans again restricted reigning premiers Jindabyne to less than 100, bowling them out for 90 in the last over. Seven Titans bowlers chipped in with wickets, with Aqib Abassi (2-9) finishing with the tidiest of the figures.

Jindabyne then reduced the Titans to 3-34, but runs for Babar Rehman (29*) and Hassan Nawaz (27) saw them home with six wickets in hand.

Rhythm was only able to post 91, with Craig Willsmer (47) playing a lone hand as Joey Sullivan (3-14) and Ollie Chapman (2-11) starred with the ball. Rhythm would go on to defend this score however, with Stu Wood defending six off the last over to leave Bombala 7/89 at the end of their 20 overs.

Spurred on by their fightback, Monaro’s bowlers ripped through Tablelands top order, reducing the visitors to 4/30.

Caldwell continued his day-out, capturing three wickets in his second over. The first

came through a diving catch by Haylock at point, the second the ball after when he trapped Tableland’s number three on the crease.

PROUD: It was a special moment for the Litchfield family on Sunday as former Monaro representative cricketer, Mike Litchfield, presented grandson Harry with his Monaro

ahead of his debut for the senior side.

take

plenty of heart to take the team to 200.

Monaro’s Burns Cup campaign saw the side win two of its five matches, with the majority of games played in Cooma at Nijong and Rotary Oval.

Skelly, coming off a hundred the day before, was Caldwell’s next wicket, when a ball kept low, trapping him in front. Monaro picked up further wickets through opening bowler Harry Litchfield and spinner Lucas Rixon. Tablelands’ lower order also showed

Fast bowler James Joyce has been selected in the Southern Districts side (comprising Monaro, Far South Coast, Tablelands and Highlands cricketers) to compete in the NSW Country Championships next week.

The Monaro representative cricket side was sponsored by the Alpine Hotel Cooma this season.

Cooma Titans maintain unbeaten start

their score of 8-119 proved to be well under par.

In the later matches, scores of 7-183 from the Titans and 6-165 from Berridale proved too large for their opponents, with the Titans beating Coffey’s by 55 runs and the Whitetails romping home to defeat Rhythm by 97 runs.

Top performers for the Titans were Amir Zaman (74) and Muhammad Danial Arshad (31), while Zubair Faizan picked up 5-30 with the ball. Ross Campbell’s 43 kept Coffey’s alive, but the loss of early wickets cost them in the end.

Jason Cikos was the star with the bat again in the following match against Berridale, with his unbeaten 76 including seven sixes. He was well supported by Chapman (33*), but a late comeback with the ball led by Will O’Keeffe restricted Bombala to 2-145.

nine overs.

Tom King and Billy Small then put on 66 inside the first six overs before King (43) edged Hugh Kater (2-22) to keeper Mark Tonks. Small (21) followed soon after, with Berridale falling to 6-108 across the following

By the last over, five runs were required, with Aaron Smith (2-7) holding his nerve and conceding just four despite the scrambling efforts of Russ Haylock (36*) and Felix Bertossi. Meanwhile on Nijong 2, Jindabyne found winning form

as Isaac Dawson (44*) and Lucas Rixon (31*) top-scored in their nine-wicket victory over Coffey’s. Liam Robinson (2-9) and Rixon (2-21) were the best of the bowlers for Jindabyne, and despite a 23-ball 50 from Coffey’s big hitter Will Bucknell

For Berridale, King (64) was the star with the bat again, with Jonah Perea blasting 47 to put the Whitetails in the ascendancy at the innings break. Rhythm came out with aggression but never recovered from losing Mitch Hynes, Willsmer and Kaeliff Khoury in successive balls. Small (3-24) and Litchfield (3-11) laid the platform for young guns Bertossi (1-3), Isaac Freebody (1-12) and Bronte Hearn (2-6) to finish the task and bowl Rhythm out for 69. There will only be two matches next weekend, with Berridale having a chance to ensure a top three finish and finals qualification in the match against Jindabyne, while Dalgety is back to face Bombala in an important encounter for their finals hopes.

IN FORM: Cooma Titans opening batter and spin bowler, Aqib Abassi, is one of the Monaro’s form cricketers at the moment. The Titans are unbeaten to start the season and are on track to secure a home T20 final.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

WINNERS: The Monaro representative cricket side has finished its Burns Cup season with a win over Southern Tablelands on Sunday. The side is joined by Monaro cricket stalwart and former Burns Cup player Mike Litchfield (far le ). PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

cap

Hawaiian ironman dream realised for local athlete

By KAREN FORMAN

JINDABYNE’S Marc Ware has realised a longtime dream to contest the creme de la creme of triathlon events - the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Ware, who qualified for a spot after completing the Cairns Ironman in 11 hours 50 minutes, finished the “epic but brutal” event in 12 hours, 11 minutes and 10 seconds.

He was 56th in his 60-64 years age division, 1652nd overall.

A helicopter pilot who works for the Australian Antarctic Division, Ware said the experience had been fantastic, with amazing atmosphere and hype.

“It was a super long day out there with highs and lows in the hot, humid and windy lava fields,” he said.

“I had a good swim (albeit jellyfish stings at the end) and bike (windy), pretty cooked on the run and used ice at every aid station to keep the body core temperature under control.

“My eyes were pretty scary at the end, but my onsite support crew was amazing.

“Given the hard conditions, I was very happy with my time.

“Kona lived up to the hype. A field of 2400 men athletes from 75 countries with a super strong male pro field (women’s Worlds were held in Nice in September).

“The race was hot and humid (especially coming directly from a Jindabyne winter of training).

“The swim is from the jetty in Kona (out and back) 3.8km over coral, fish and the occasional jellyfish (that really sting). No wetsuits as the temperature is 26 degrees Celsius.

“The bike is 180km out and back across the exposed black lava fields that are super exposed to wind (invariably headwind out and for some reason headwind back) with a long climb just before the turnaround point.

“It certainly isn’t flat with 1700m of elevation gain throughout the rolling ride. Then you start the marathon 42.2km run, already cooked.

“It was a nice loop through town and my wife Alli drove before the long and lonely out and back to the airport and energy lab.

“For me the last hour was in the dark, but for many the whole run was in the dark.”

Ware said he experienced a lot of highs and lows throughout the day.

He said nothing beat the feeling of crossing the finish line to the cheers of his patient support crew in Kona.

Marc finishes the Kona Ironman triathlon, realising a lifelong ambition.

IRONMAN: Marc Ware on the bike leg in the Hawaiian Ironman in Kona. PHOTOS: Contributed

Marc Ware on the run leg in the Hawaiian Ironman in Kona.

Southern Cats launch women’s side

REGION’S FIRST FEMALE AUSSIE RULES SIDE READY

FOR ACTION

By NATHAN THOMPSON

OFF the back of two impressive friendly games against Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan earlier this year, the Southern Cats (formerly Cooma Cats) will enter a women’s side in next season’s competition, marking a significant milestone for the club.

It will be the first time the Southern Cats have registered a women’s team in an Aussie Rules competition, and according to Cats officials, there is strong interest from local

women ready to play.

“It will be great to see our club grow to two teams, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help teach new skills to a whole group of new players,” Cats life member, Damien Asanovski, said.

With more than $60,000 of grant money secured through federal funding, Cats president, Anthony Sexton, said the club is in an excellent position to launch its women’s campaign.

“This funding is to address participation barriers faced by women and girls in playing

sport. This is an amazing outcome for the club and solidifies our commitment to entering a women’s team in 2025,” Sexton said.

“The grant also allows us to buy brand new medical, training, and playing equipment dedicated to the women’s team.

“It will also fund access to grounds, umpires, and sports trainers.”

All registered women for 2025 will receive subsidised fees, new training, game day and post-match clothing as well as

Where the Flick

inclusion into an already established club with a great culture, family friendly atmosphere and social functions.

Sarah Burns, who has taken the position as the director of the Southern Cats women’s team, and who was awarded the Southern Cats 2024 club person of the year for her work in building the club’s female program, said she is thrilled the Cats will be entering a women’s team.

“The Cats have been working behind the scenes for over 18 months to prepare for this

milestone, and I cannot wait to run out for our first game next year in our new Cats jerseys,” Burns said.

“I encourage anyone who has ever considered playing, to do so this year.

“There really isn’t any sport that comes close to the camaraderie and support that AFL clubs have and I think everyone needs to experience it for themselves.”

For more information and registration links, visit the Southern Cats website - www. southerncats.com.au

MAKING HISTORY: The Southern Cats

Aussie Rules Club will enter its first women’s side next season. It will be the first time the region has had its own competitive female Aussie Rules team.

PHOTO: Southern Cats

TRC TOURISM WINS STATE AWARD

Jindabyne business recognised

By TRISTA HEATH

THE Business NSW Awards have recognised the state’s most creative businesses, including a Jindabyne-based enterprise.

Finalists came from a diverse range of sectors with TRC Tourism coming out on top. Representatives from TRC Tourism and the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce,

gathered at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday October 30 for the awards.

The Dean Gorddard Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the NSW Tourism Industry was awarded to Janet Mackay of TRC Tourism in Jindabyne.

Ms Mackay said she is incredibly honoured to receive the award.

“The award is very humbling, and I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, I really believe the award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of the entire TRC team,” Ms Mackay said.

Joining TRC Tourism was four members of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, including Kerin Jarvis who said they were proud to see Ms Mackay

AWARDED: TRC Tourism representative, Michelle Lindsay, Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce members, Kerin Jarvis and Fiona Latham-Canon, and TRC representative Donna Graf.

win the honour.

“It was truly well deserved, and we are grateful to have TRC Tourism in our town,” Ms Jarvis said.

“I am delighted that TRC has become an employer of choice.

“They are known for its supportive and nurturing environment, where staff can achieve their full potential.”

■ Read more on TRC Tourism’s success on page 3

COOMA FURNISHING CO

Police officer’s trial to begin

SENIOR Constable, Kristian White, will face a jury trial next week, charged with the alleged manslaughter of Cooma’s Clare Nowland.

The NSW Police officer pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter in April. His trial starts on Monday November 11 in the NSW Supreme Court and is expected to last up to four weeks.

White, 34, had multiple charges upgraded to manslaughter in November 2023 following an incident at Cooma’s Yallambee Lodge in May 2023. Prosecutors will allege White tasered Mrs Nowland, 95, in her Yallambee Lodge residence on May 17, 2023.

It will be further alleged, Mrs Nowland, who lived with dementia, was tasered while using a walking frame and holding a knife at the time.

Mrs Nowland died in Cooma Hospital a week after the incident.

Selection honour for Tigers captain

JOYCE TO REPRESENT SOUTHERN

AGAINST

STATE’S BEST

By NATHAN THOMPSON

JINDABYNE Tigers captain and fast bowler, James Joyce, will take on some of the best cricketers in the state when he represents the Southern Districts Cricket Zone at next week’s country championships.

Joyce who returned to the local cricket scene this season, earned his spot in the Southern side following a number of impressive bowling displays for the Monaro representative side.

Joyce captained the Monaro side in two matches during its Burns Cup campaign, and was the side’s leading wicket taker.

The Burns Cup saw Monaro, Far South Coast, Highland and Southern Tablelands (Goulburn, Crookwell and Yass) play each other across a five round competition.

For the first time in eight years, Monaro will be represented at the Southern level after Joyce’s Jindabyne teammate Lucas Rixon was selected in a match against an ACT side in 2016. Going back a year prior, Cooma’s Matthew Moxon was selected for Southern zone and competed in the NSW Country Championships. Joyce said he is honoured to represent his Jindabyne club and the Monaro at the highest level of cricket on offer for country players.

“It’s a real honour and I’m looking forward to playing the highest level of cricket I have,” Joyce said.

“I’ve bowled pretty well for Monaro over a number of years. Our side punches above its weight at the rep level and

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Jindabyne

Tigers Cricket Club captain, James Joyce, will represent the Southern zone at next week’s NSW Country Cricket championships.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

I’ll do my best to represent the Monaro and my club Jindabyne.”

Joyce has rejoined Jindabyne after two years away. Before leaving, he was the Monaro’s representative cricketer of the season two years running

and established himself as the district’s fastest bowler.

With speed and the ability to swing the ball, Joyce is a strong chance of opening the bowling for the Southern Districts side.

He will head to Nowra next week for the four-day carnival

Where the Flick

where Southern will take on sides from Riverina, South Coast, Western and Illawarra.

Joyce has also shown he is handy with the bat, after hitting 76 on Sunday in the Monaro’s final Burns Cup match. Joyce entered the fray with Monaro

struggling at 7/70. He and Mirza Zeeshan put on 110 and then he combined with Hunter Caldwell for a further 70 run stand for the final wicket.

Joyce’s effort took Monaro to one of its highest scores in many season; 9/260.