COOMA business owners have largely reported strong trade over the Christmas and New Year period, welcoming the boost to the local economy after a tough few months.
The region’s business owners and tourist accommodation providers say the holiday season has been busy with the Snowy Monaro again proving a popular tourist destination.
The warmer weather has seen an increase in visitors and locals taking to the water. Molly Lloyd, manager at Your Outdoor Store Cooma, said trade has picked up and the holiday season has been well received.
“There are lots of visitors about. Our New Year’s Eve was extremely busy,” Ms Lloyd said.
“Lots of visitors are looking to get outdoors, particularly on the water.”
Staff from the Cooma Visitors Centre and Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre have reported a busier than expected holiday period.
SNOWY MONARO FARMER
Local business booms Council votes against submitting response
Minister set to issue performance improvement order
By NATHAN THOMPSON
AT an extraordinary meeting held just before Christmas, to decide if Snowy Monaro Regional Council would respond to a performance improvement order from the Local Government Minister, no formal motion was adopted. Council has been issued a
notice of intention to be placed on a performance improvement order by Minister Ron Hoenig following concerns over councillor conduct and the organisation’s financial viability.
After extensive discussion during the meeting on December 23, a motion brought by Cr Andrew Thaler
to respond to the Minister’s recent correspondence was lost. Council itself will not be responding to the Minister’s notice.
Cr Thaler proposed that Council reply to the minister making clear there is no disharmony in Council meetings and remind him of his obligations at ‘law, the right to the
presumption of innocence and protection of human rights’.
Part of Cr Thaler’s motion related to allegations by Minister Hoenig who in correspondence with Council, referred to multiple incidents involving Cr Thaler.
The Office of Local Government said it received 19 misconduct referrals/allegations against Cr Thaler during October and November.
These have been reported by
councillors, Council staff and the community.
Cr Thaler has refuted the allegations against him, saying they are ‘unproven’.
Councillors Nick Elliott, Reuben Rose, Bob Stewart, Luke Williamson and Thaler voted in favour of the motion.
Councillors Chris Hanna, Tricia Hopkins, Lynda Summers, John Rooney, Tanya Higgins, and Narelle Davis voted against.
COOMA FURNISHING CO
BUSY: The Snowy Hydro Discover Centre has welcomed an influx of visitors over the Christmas and New Year period. The Steets of Gippsland (far left) and their family from Switzerland, the Bells (far right) are welcomed to the centre by Snowy Hydro staff, Sarah Lynch, and Sally Connolly.
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
Man charged
A MAN has been charged and another taken to hospital in a serious condition following an alleged hit-and-run incident in Cooma over the weekend.
About 1.30am on Saturday January 4, emergency services were called to Mittagang Road following reports of a crash.
On arrival, officers attached to Monaro Police District found a 23-year-old man suffering serious injuries after allegedly being hit by a car.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old man, allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.
The 23-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a head injury before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
About 3.30pm on Sunday January 5, 2025, a 22-year-old man attended Queanbeyan Police station where he was charged with: dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm; cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle; fail to stop and render assistance; not give particulars to other driver; and drive while licence suspended.
He was refused bail on Sunday and appeared before Queanbeyan Local court.
Local students excel through TAFE
TWO Snowy Monaro students who studied a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation have received a tertiary entrance score of an ATAR equivalent of at least 97.
Holly Walker from Berridale and Lillian Game from Bombala are two highscoring graduates. Both are proud of their hard work and results.
Ms Walker heard about the Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) and decided to enrol at TAFE NSW Cooma in the hope of getting the marks to pursue a career in nursing. She gained early-entry to study a Bachelor of Nursing.
“I enrolled in the tertiary preparation course because I’d heard it helps students develop skills to study more effectively, manage time and develop written work including references. These are all skills that will help me in further study and skills employers are looking for,” Ms Walker said.
“I’m proud of my achievement and feel like I’m kicking a lot of goals. This course has given me the opportunity to expand my education and to pursue my dreams.”
The Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation is a nationally accredited qualification offering a Tertiary Entrance Score, an ATAR equivalent, recognised by
universities and employers as a Year 12 equivalent qualification.
Jobs and Skills Australia estimates more than 90 percent of employment growth over the next 10 years will be in jobs requiring post-secondary qualifications.
Ms Walker is planning to take part in an Air Force gap year program, before starting university. She hopes to complete her Bachelor of Nursing degree with the Australian Defence Force.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, praised the achievements of the TAFE NSW graduates, highlighting the importance of providing diverse pathways to success.
“The Tertiary Preparation Certificate opens doors for students to pursue higher education and career aspirations without relying solely on traditional schooling pathways,” Mr Whan said.
“This course equips students with essential skills, such as research and essay writing, in a supportive adult learning environment, preparing them for university and the workforce.
“It’s a program that can transform lives, offering new opportunities and helping students build a foundation for lifelong learning and career growth.”
GRADUATE: Holly Walker of Berridale has completed the Tertiary Preparation Course through TAFE and gained early entry to a Bachelor of Nursing.
PHOTO: TAFE NSW
Publicly available organisation chart needed: Cr Elliott Region’s water supplies meet safety guidelines
By NATHAN THOMPSON
JINDABYNE based Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Nick Elliott, has been successful in his calls for Council to display a more detailed organisation chart on its website.
Cr Elliott put forward a notice of motion at the December ordinary meeting, seeking support for councillors to be provided with the chart and for it to be placed online for the community to access.
The majority of councillors supported the motion with only Cr Lynda Summers voting against.
Cr Summers cited concerns over staff having their names and images used online in an organisation chart.
The motion also asked for councillors to be informed of how many engineers Council employs and what their qualifications are.
“I am getting community concerns from Cooma, Bombala, Dalgety, Jindabyne and Berridale regions if our Council has sufficient qualified engineers within its current structure to properly manage its assets including the technical oversight of construction works,” Cr Elliott said.
“If we are to provide direction through our membership
be as informed as possible. “I wish to be better informed on this issue to be able to give knowledgable answers to our community members.”
on the motion, Cr Narelle Davis said the discussion highlighted the need for Council - now three months into its term - to receive more detailed information on the services, roles and actions
“There is a real gap in the information the new councillors have been given,” Cr Davis said.
Council currently displays its executive level structure on its website.
RECENT testing confirms all drinking water supplies across the Snowy Monaro region meet Australian safety guidelines.
Testing in November 2024 found PFAS levels in all treated water supplies operated by Snowy Monaro Regional Council are well within the limits set by the new national standards.
Accredited laboratory tests, funded by NSW Health and conducted by Enviro Lab Services, screened for PFAS and PFAS-like substances across all Council water supplies.
Results show all Snowy Monaro water supplies are performing significantly better than both current and proposed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, with most locations recording levels below detectable limits.
“Trained Council staff collected samples from treatment plants in Adaminaby, Berridale, Bombala, Bredbo, Cooma, Dalgety, Delegate, Eucumbene Cove, Kalkite, Jindabyne and Jindabyne East,” a Council spokesperson said.
“The comprehensive testing program undertaken by Council checked for multiple PFAS compounds including PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA and PFBS.”
PFAS chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as forever chemicals, have been widely used since the 1900s and are commonly found in surface and ground water around the world.
These substances have been proven to be toxic to humans as they accumulate in the body, and the formulation of these synthetic chemicals means they effectively never break down in nature.
GREG COWELL LANDSCAPING
TRANSPARENCY: Snowy Monaro Regional Councillors, Rueben Rose, and Nick Elliott, have supported calls for a more detailed Council organisation chart to be publicly available.
Bombala Show set for 150th birthday celebrations this March
By KAREN FORMAN
THE Bombala Exhibition Society is planning its 150th birthday celebrations and its president is calling on as many people as possible to be involved, provide ideas, share memorabilia and attend over the two days of the March 15-16 event.
The society will hold an open meeting at the showground on Wednesday January 15 at 7pm.
“We would like to see as many people as possible come along to the next show meeting to put forward ideas and volunteer to help out,” president, Sophie Campbell said.
“This is a big birthday and we want to make it a great event for Bombala.”
Mrs Campbell said the show had an “incredible committee” comprising older and newer show committee members who were keen and fired up to ensure the 150th anniversary show was a big deal.
“We have a whole host of existing and new events planned,” she said.
“For the first time, we will host on the Friday night a free community picnic outdoor cinema night where we will be surprising our community with a family favourite film.
“People can bring their picnic rugs and stretch out on the grass.
“Then, as well as normal agricultural art and pavilion exhibits, we will also hold a wide range of market and food stalls and have special surprises for our opening at 11am on show day, including a history talk.
“The anniversary show will feature ever popular amusements and rides for the kids, with sub-sidised wrist bands providing access.”
A special treat will be a pop-up show museum and a Bombala birthday cake baking competiiton, which will be freestyle and will be judged on the day as a people’s choice.
“We will set up a big display of all the cakes and will probably have a cake cutting and eating afterwards,” Mrs Campbell said.
“There will be a hobby horse competition for people to not only create their own hobby horses but also hobby horse races for our youth on the Saturday afternoon as a feature event.
“We are also planning another first time event open to all horse breeds and riders, working horse challenge.
“It will be an obstacle course set to a time, run in conjunction with a one off novelty showjumping competition on Saturday afternoon.”
The horse events will be held on the Sunday as has been done since the COVID pandemic.
Mrs Campbell said the society was also looking at having a series of merchandise to commemorate the show.
“We are hoping families will come for the two days and make a weekend of it,” she said.
We are still waiting for our first New Year baby
By KAREN FORMAN
THEY say babies make up their own minds about when to make an appearance and it
seems that no one wanted to be born on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day in Cooma this year.
While last year Cooma Hospital welcomed two girls
early in the New Year, maternity unit staff were still waiting for the first baby for 2025 as The Monaro Post went to print.
A spokeswoman said there
never know with babies”.
Rory Mischa Hulst was the first baby to be born at Cooma
January 2.
Around 130 babies are born at Cooma Hospital each year.
Whites Timber Products Pty Ltd ACN 647 042 751 convicted and fined for private native forestry offences.
Whites Timber Products Pty Ltd ACN 647 042 751 (Whites Timber) was prosecuted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and pleaded guilty to three offences related to contraventions of the Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Southern NSW (2008) (PNF Code)
Between about 20 September 2021 and 22 November 2021 forestry operations were carried out at a premises in Kybeyan by Whites Timber. As a result of their forestry operations, Whites Timber committed the following offences against section 60ZZA(1) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW) (LLS Act):
1.Whites Timber failed to retain the minimum number of habitat trees required (being at least 20 habitat trees per 2 hectares), in contravention of clause 4.2(1) of the PNF Code and section 60ZZA(1) of the LLS Act.
2.Whites Timber reduced the stand basal area (in the southern harvesting area) to a mean below the minimum limit of 12m2/ha in Table A, in contravention of clause 3.1(1) of the PNF Code (read together with clause 3.1(2)) and section 60ZZA(1) of the LLS Act.
3.Whites Timber reduced the stand basal area (in the southern harvesting area) to a mean below the minimum limit of 16 m2/ha in Table A, in contravention of clause 3.1(1) of the PNF Code (read together with clause 3.1(2)) and section 60ZZA(1) of the LLS Act.
On 12 December 2024, the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales convicted Whites Timber for the three offences against section 60ZZA(1) of the LLS Act and made the following orders:
1.Whites Timber Products is convicted of the offence against section 60ZZA(1) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW) as charged and is to pay a ne of $100,000.
2.Whites Timber Products is convicted of the offence against section 60ZZA(1) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW) as charged and is to pay a ne of $200,000.
FOR 12.30PM START
THURSDAY: SPIN & WIN $400, COMMUNITY RAFFLES FROM 7PM
FRIDAY RAFFLES FROM 7:30PM, MEMBER’S DRAW $1700
NPL POKER SATURDAY 23RD NOV. 6PM
POOL COMPETITION – EVERY TUESDAY 6PM $5 ENTRY
BEER OF THE MONTH – CARLTON DRY $6 SCHOONER (MEMBER)
END OF MONTH MEGA RAFFLE FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER – 2
EXTRA PRIZES VALUED AT $250 EACH!
ONLINE BOOKINGS NOW AVAILABLE SCAN THE QR CODE
FRIDAY 15TH BINGO
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY 16TH “MIDNIGHT SPECIAL BAND” PLAYING FROM 8PM.
3.Whites Timber Products is convicted of the offence against section 60ZZA(1) of the Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW) as charged and is to pay a ne of $300,000.
4.Pursuant to section 122 of the Fines Act 1996 (NSW), a moiety of 50 percent of any ne determined by the Court, be paid to the prosecutor.
5.Pursuant to section 257B of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW), Whites Timber Products is to pay the Environment Protection Authority’s legal costs as agreed or as may be determined under section 257G of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW).
The Court’s judgement may be accessed at https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/ viewdoc/au/cases/nsw/NSWLEC/2024/135.html#_Toc184901110
PHOTO: Karen Forman
Jindabyne set to rock on Australia Day
By NATHAN THOMPSON
IN a move to encourage more people to stay in town on Australia Day and to promote some of the region’s finest performers, the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce is set to hold its inaugural ‘Rocking the Lake’ music event.
Chamber president, Olivier Kapetanakos, said the music event – to be held at the Claypits stage - is designed to promote music, culture and community in the Snowy Mountains.
“Rocking the Lake is all about bringing our community together. Let’s celebrate what makes Jindabyne and Snowy Mountains special, its people, culture and community spirit,” Mr Kapetanakos.
“We are fortunate to have the stunning backdrop of Lake Jindabyne and a great line-up of local talent.”
Mr Kapetanakos said the chamber works hard to stage events to promote Jindabyne and believes ‘Rocking the Lake’ will deliver an economic boost to town.
“The chamber is focussed on supporting locals and local businesses. This event will bring both together, as well as tourists for an unforgettable day,” Mr Kapetanakos said.
The event features well-known
Tulli Naje, is one of a number of local acts set to perform in the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural ‘Rocking the Lake’ music event on Australia Day.
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
local acts, including The Hip Replacements who headline ‘Rocking the Lake’. They will be joined by Tulli Naje, Gabi Forman, Cool Change and the Chuffs.
Gates open at 2pm with the music starting at 3pm. There will be food and coffee available.
Mr Kapetanakos said the event is the perfect way to round out Australia Day activities in Jindabyne.
“We want people to have a great community event to attend once the awards are over,” he said.
“Bring your picnic blankets and chairs for a great afternoon.”
Thredbo festival brings best of food, beer and wine
THREDBO is set for a delicious weekend with the upcoming Snowies Beer, Food and Wine Festival.
The Snowies Beer, Food and Wine Festival is set to host a huge weekend filled with the best of the region’s food, beer and wine.
From January 24 to 26, food enthusiasts from across the country are invited to sip, swirl, and taste their way through a non-stop weekend of regional craft beers, wines, and spirits, alongside gourmet food and live music.
With some of the region’s most renowned vendors participating, the festival is expected to attract plenty of visitors to the area.
The festivities kick off on Friday January 24 with an extraordinary culinary adventure at the ‘Festival Welcome Dinner’ in the Kosciuszko Room.
Guests can enjoy five courses crafted by Thredbo’s head chef, Sebastian Doyle, each paired with a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, there’s no better way to start the Snowies Beer, Food and Wine Festival.
Saturday January 25, is Festival Day, and the Village Square in Thredbo will be buzzing with samples from the region’s best
restaurateurs, distillers, and brewers, accompanied by live music by Sean from H-Cee Family, this event is free to attend and makes for a fantastic day out for the whole family.
On Saturday night from 6pm to 9pm, spirit enthusiasts are invited to ‘Meet the Maker’ in the Lounge Bar, where they can explore new spirits in a friendly and relaxing environment.
The festivities continue on Sunday January 26 with another jam-packed day of
food, drinks, and entertainment at the Alpine Bar.
From 12pm to 6pm, some of the region’s favourite brewers will take over the Alpine Bar for ‘Brews and BBQs,’ accompanied by live music from local legends Damo & V and Groove Two.
Guests can enjoy an array of craft beers perfectly paired with BBQ favourites - a perfect way to cap off a long weekend in the mountains. See the full festival schedule at www.thredbo. com.au
Especially our own Aussie singers.
Many of 2MNO’s presenters play country music.
Thursdays are a particular country music day from 10am through to 4pm, non-stop.
But that’s not all.
Look up 2mno.org.au/programs for more country music programs. You’ll be surprised and delighted.
SUPPORTING LOCAL: Snowy Mountains businesses will be attending the long weekend to celebrate local made produce.
PHOTO: Thredbo Media
Donation recognises hospital’s help
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
Auxiliary is the beneficiary of an $1100 donation, presented to its president, Sue Litchfield, on December 19, ending a successful year for the auxiliary.
in recognition of the role the Cooma Hospital played at the time of the Tumut Pond dam bus crash in September 1973.
sented with a cheque for $1000 from the Cooma Lions Club - $500 gifted from Marion Wallace, the daughter of Elsie Moody, one of the bus crash victims - matched by the Lions Club, plus $100 directly from Cooma resident, Gino Cerro, who was among those who responded to the disaster.
from The Canberra Times describes the tragedy, which is one of the nation’s worst bus crashes and resulted in 20 deaths (18 instantly, one in hospital and another a couple of months later):
Brighton Senior Citizens Club, from Adelaide, which had been taking a week-long tour of southeastern Australia.
‘Eighteen people were killed and another 21 were injured when a tourist bus plunged down a slope on
‘The accident occurred shortly after 2.30pm when the bus, which had been travelling from Khancoban to Cooma, failed to take a corner on the steep,
steep embankment, the roof and seating flying away from the bus before it came to rest just at the edge of the reservoir.
‘Passengers were flung along the embankment, some landing and drowning in the reservoir. Others slid down the 80-degree slope to the water’s edge.
chains and attempted to bring the injured up the slope.
‘All the injured have been admitted to the Cooma hospital.
‘Authorities in Cooma are having difficulty in storing the bodies of the dead passengers and some are being kept in ambulances on streets of Cooma.
‘An inquest was told the cause of the accident was brake failure.’
The accident has had a lasting impact on those directly involved in the rescue, and who had witnessed the carnage.
In November 2023, 50-years on from the disaster, a plaque co-ordinated by Snowy Hydro, Cooma Lions and Cooma Rotary Club, in memory of those lost in the bus crash was installed at the Southern Cloud Memorial.
Another monument was dedicated at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Brighton, Adelaide, in September 2005.
Gino Cerro, one of the rescuers who was working for the SMA at the time, was among the first responders, along with caring community members and passing motorists, who all showed resilience under extreme duress, assisting at the Tumut Pond crash site and in the township of Cabramurra.
“I don’t think too many people knew about this bus crash, until the anniversary of the landslide at Thredbo kept popping up all the time and I thought those who were in the bus crash also needed to be honoured.
“It was a tragedy, like Thredbo, 18 died on-site at the Tumut Ponds bus crash; another one died later in Canberra hospital and another some months later - it should be recognised,” Mr Cerro said.
Cooma Lions Club member, Chris Reeks, said the Cooma Hospital played a pivotal role in treating all those injured in the crash, and for a small hospital, coped with the emergency in a professional and organised manner.
“We met Marion Wallace, who presented the $500 in memory of her mum and other victims, recently in Cooma and she was saying she originally was supposed to accompany her mother on the bus tour because her mother was deaf and needed a companion to travel with her.
“Marion ended up not being able to go with her mother as she had to stay and do some work with her husband. So, they arranged for another person to go in her place, Adelaide Simpson, and gave Adelaide Marion’s ticket.
“It was a sad twist as Adelaide died as well, so the person who went in Marion’s place was killed along with her mum,” Mr Reeks said.
Searchers face arduous conditions
Local units continue e orts to locate missing hiker
By KAREN FORMAN
SPECIALIST remote area search operators from a number of agencies, including Snowy Monaro SES units, are continuing to search for missing hiker Hadi Nazari on Hannels Spur, in Kosciuszko National Park.
Mr Nazari, 23, was last seen by hiking friends about 2.30pm on Boxing Day while descending the trail, on the Main Range between Khancoban and Thredbo.
His friends told NSW Police they had gone ahead while he had stopped to take some photographs about 3.5km from the finish, but he failed to meet them as arranged at the Geehi campground (400 metres altitude) which is the start or finish point for the hike.
They said they had completed other hikes in Victoria together in the past.
A command post was established the following day, and a multi-agency search commenced involving Goulburn Police Rescue, officers attached to Riverina Police District, assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service, SES, NSW Ambulance, VRA and PoLAir.
As the search entered its fifth day, a number of items, including rubbish and hiking poles, were located on the edge of the initial search area. NSW Police believe they belong to Mr Nazari.
Searchers, dealing with high temperatures and rugged terrain, were being transported to the top of the search area by helicopter.
THE SEARCH AREA
Mr Nazari was last seen towards the bottom end of the Hannels Spur track, which was the route of the first ascent of Mt Koscuiszko in March 1840 by the explorer Strzelecki, and is now a bucket list goal for many serious hikers attracted by the challenge of its steep terrain and spectacular views. It is graded a level five hike, for experienced
A NSW Police Media spokesman said officers attached to the Riverina Police District were alerted about 8.45pm, and commenced patrols by vehicle and on foot, assisted by the NSW State Emergency Services (SES), but were unable to locate Mr Nazari.
and well prepared hikers only.
Two other easier tracks, six kilometres from Thredbo and nine kilometres from Charlotte Pass, are most used by tourists wanting to summit Australia’s tallest mountain.
The 23km Hannels Spur track starts opposite the Geehi Flats campground and requires fitness, navigational skills, hiking experience, compasses, maps and safety equipment. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable, the track easily becomes overgrown and the weather in the area can change suddenly, from very hot to stormy and cold. The only access to people on the track is via foot or from the air.
The track offers the greatest elevation gain of any single track in Australia (1800 metres), taking hikers straight uphill via the Moira’s Flat campground, a few kilometres below the snowline, then following a loop to Mt Kosciuszko and down to Thredbo village. It climbs through varied vegetation and remote wilderness, with fallen logs, overhanging branches,
and spikey bushes requiring navigation skills and bushwalking experience. Some hikers do it in a day, but most take two to three days with a camp overnight at Moira’s Flat 6.5km into the journey, where fresh water is available from a stream.
Navigational markers are often missing or have moved and it can be difficult to find the trail. Wildlife tracks can be mistaken for the main trail, leading nowhere.
The temperatures in January average 27 degrees with afternoon storms often reducing temperatures to single figures.
All hikers, year round, are advised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to fill in an online Trip Intention Form prior to
their departure, and to take a personal locator beacon (PLB), which are available on loan from the NPWS.
Outdoors experts, such as Lewis Foster from Thredbo based K7 Adventures, advises hikers to take all precautions, even when only going out for short times.
“It really is about knowing your abilities, taking the right equipment and being sensible,” he said.
“As an outdoors person it is always sensible to carry one or two dehydrated emergency meals in the event something doesn’t go to plan. It’s pretty unlikely people would take that to the extreme and carry four extra days worth of food, because increasing
the weight of your pack can lead to other issues, but taking some extra is advisable.
“Also a first aid kit, emergency shelters are really good, head torches, batteries, repair kits, filling out trip intention forms, telling other people of your plans, are all important.
“It is a good idea to go with someone, as you have a better safety net when you have friends. And we recommend when you are in a group not to split up, because these sorts of things can happen. Taking walkie talkies can always be helpful. At the time of this masthead going to print, Mr Nazari was still missing and the search for the 23-year-old was continuing.
SEARCH: A Victorian hiker is still missing in the Kosciuszko National Park, almost a fortnight a er starting on the Hannels Spur track near Geehi Flat campground. PHOTO: Karen Forman
Region’s roads set for re-sealing
ROAD re-sealing and heavy patching work starts this month for roads in the Bombala area, Cooma, Jindabyne area, and Michelago.
Residents and businesses on affected streets will be notified directly in early January about the specific dates and times for the work coming to their street. The schedule is subject to change due to bad weather or other delays.
The Cooma works are concentrated on the road network around Cooma North Public School and are scheduled for completion, weather permitting, ahead of students returning for term one in February.
“These works are part of Council’s significant investment into the region’s road network, making road journeys safer, quicker, and better for residents, visitors, and local businesses across the Snowy Monaro,” a Council spokesperson said.
In the Bombala and Michelago areas, road re-sealing will start mid-January.
Section to be re-sealed include:
- Gunnigrah Road, Bombala –Section from Iris Street to Plunkett Street (also known as Gunningrah Road and Iris Street)
- Iris Street, Bombala – Section from Stephen Street to Manning Street
- Monaro Highway, Bombala
– Seven sections from Ando to Rockton
- Wellington Street, Bombala –Section from Cardwell Street to Bright Street
- Creewah Road, Creewah – Small sealed section between junctions with Mooresprings Road and Narrowness Road
- Burra Road, Michelago –Section from Ryrie Street to Tinderry Road
- Ryrie Street, Michelago –Section from Monaro Highway to Burra Road
Cooma Gaol Museum popular over holidays
WITH many visitors heading to the Snowy Monaro this holiday period, the NSW State Correctional Museum in Cooma is experiencing a busy start to the new year.
The museum, located next to the Cooma Correctional Centre, showcases the 200 year penal history of incarceration from convict days to the present in NSW correctional facilities.
With a five-star TripAdvisor rating, secured last year, the museum is home to a vast collection of items depicting the state’s corrective services history.
The accolade was received thanks to reviews and ratings from guests who visited the museum in the past year and took part in guided tours conducted by minimum-security inmates while perusing information and artefacts from convict days to the present.
Objects on display relate to punishment and crime such as
manacles, leg irons, clothing, weapons and escape devices and other visual documentation.
There are constant additions to the museum collection including a new permanent exhibit ‘Caring for the Incarcerated’ – a history of the NSW prison medical service.
Members of the public and small groups are all welcome. Bookings for large groups are recommended.
The museum is open Saturday to Thursday (closed Fridays) from 8.30am to 3.15pm (subject to staff availability). It is open later on Tuesdays
from 10.30am to 3.15pm
Only $2 per person entry, including a guided tour from an inmate or warden if available.
Starting out in one room in 1989, the museum moved into the de-commissioned Cooma Correctional Centre in 1998. When the centre re-opened in 2002, two adjacent Corrective Services houses were converted into a new museum space and opened by the Commissioner of Corrective Services in 2005.
Highlights of the collection include an original portable cell, restraint devices (manacles and leg irons), convict and prisoner clothing, tin wear manufactured within prison industries, security equipment (riot shields and batons), contraband, artefacts from the notorious Katingal gaol, photographs, videos, oral histories, and film documentation.
The museum was also identified as a 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards winner.
Landcare joins forces with Snowy Hydro
UPPER Snowy Landcare Network (USLN) and Snowy Hydro (SH) have joined forces to initiate two novel conservation projects in the Snowy Monaro.
Project Understorey has funded the Wagtail Natives Nursery, Berridale, to grow 900 local but less common native plants (mainly mid- and ground-storey species) to be planted into advanced USLN tree/shrub plots scattered across the dieback-affected areas on the Monaro.
The idea is to increase biodiversity based on the site’s original Plant Community Type
(PCT). Using pre-clearing information, the NSW Government has mapped and defined all plant community types (vegetation communities) across NSW.
Upper Snowy Landcare Network project manager, Lauren Van Dyke, said the partnership with Snowy Hydro is exciting and has allowed Landcare to use the latest technology in its conservation efforts.
“Our Snowy Monaro region contains 112 of these PCTs and they can all be found by downloading the ‘trees near me’ app on your phone. It is an easy way to find out what plant
species or broader vegetation community occurs right under your feet - even if it is not currently intact,” Ms Van Dyke said.
“We look forward to the results of the project and thank Snowy Hydro for their funding.”
Hollow Homes is the second project using a state-of-the-art wood/tree boring technology called ‘Hollow Hog’ to create hollows for birds and small arboreal species.
The boring device has received national attention as it creates hollows inside a living tree suited to specific
species, fast-tracking a 100-year process needed to form a hollow naturally.
“We are excited to announce more than 30 of these hollows have been installed at the Gegedzerick Travelling Stock Reserve as a trial to attract two threatened birds - the Gang Gang and Brown Treecreeper,” Ms Van Dyke said.
“We have our cameras out and look forward to updating the results on which birds take up residence and sharing the news with the community and conservation groups in the region.”
POPULAR: The NSW State Correctional Museum in Cooma has welcomed many tourists through its doors to start 2025. PHOTO: Supplied
Multicultural centre ready for big year
Expanded English classes, pop-up cafe on cards
By KAREN FORMAN
THE Cooma Multicultural Centre (CMC) is looking forward to its busiest year yet with plans to expand its services and possibly even open a cafe.
Manager, Yvi Henderson, said the centre, which is a leading provider of services for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, helping them to access resources they need to thrive and feel connected, had a ‘successful, busy year’.
“According to our Annual Report we held 927 people,” she said.
“The first half was more busy with more new people moving to Cooma and seeking our services, but there has still been a stream of new people coming in.
“We have had 60 new people, mostly from India, Pakistan, South America, Venezuela, Paraguay, Columbia and Italy.
“Mostly they come to work on the Snowy Hydro project; I would say 80 percent are associated with it.”
The centre’s premises at 57-59 Massie Street, Cooma underwent a $50,000 renovation with NSW and Federal Government funding and is now bright, spacious and airy with room for children to attend with their parents.
The centre offers weekly programs including English classes, learn to drive, mother and children groups, learning support, ukulele and drumming groups, a women’s craft group, playgroups and more.
January in the Garden
It’s January, and we find ourselves in the middle of the summer season. It’s in this month and the next that we experience the hottest daytime and night temperatures of the year.
With the weather potentially hot and dry combined with hot winds, it’s important to keep up with the watering, especially for plants in containers. It’s also a good time to assess if the mulch you have is keeping enough moisture in the soil for your plants and if not give it a top up.
including Diwali, Onam, Loy Krathong, Navrati, Holi, International Women’s Day, Sri Lankan New Year, World Music Day and Refugee Week
It is a provider of settlement services and support for newly arrived migrants and refugees who have been in Australia for five years or less. It promotes the well-being, confidence, independence, and resilience of all women and brings together women from any background to share their skills, talents and stories.
Its multicultural women’s service provides personal assistance and information to ensure the safety of women including recent arrivals or longterm residents of any age.
Qualified and experienced employment consultants actively seek out jobs in local businesses, services and agencies and connect clients to employers.
The centre delivers a range of cultural events and celebrations, including the annual Cooma Multicultural Festival.
The CMC participated in a number of cultural
Its dance, ukulele and drumming groups took part in the street parade at the Australian National Busking Championships in November, with 14 different nationalities represented.
Ms Henderson said learning English was an important skill for migrants, as if their English was not good, they could only work as kitchen hands, cleaners and the like where they did not have access to many people to practise English with.
The year ahead would be a busy one, she said.
“The 482 Visa holders (temporary skilled visa) can now access free public schooling but currently they cannot get free English classes through TAFE, so we are pushing for that,” she said.
“Some of the women have indicated they want to stay fit, especially after they have babies, so one lady offered to lead a dance group and it was so successful that we are adding an evening class. Another
dren’s group.
“We will also be increasing our focus on food and business in 2025 after we had a successful pop up restaurant in 2024. We have good kitchen facilities and would love for our women to be able to prepare and sell their cultural food on a regular basis at the CMC, which teaches them business and food handling skills and would give them some pocket money.”
Ms Henderson said the CMC would offer beginner, intermediate and advanced English classes and would look at ways to expand its English programs.
It will offer a playgroup especially for multicultural children with the Family Support Service to help prepare children for kindergarten.
“The multicultural kids tend to be with their mothers all of the time and starting preschool can be difficult,” she said.
“We want to ease the transition by offering a playgroup, which will be at Lambie St Preschool.
The CMC will re-open January 6 after the Christmas break, but is offering a children’s holiday program.
Seasol can also be applied on extreme days of wind or heat to reduce stress.
The occasional heavy rains raise the humidity, and the warmth brings insects, so keep a lookout for any diseases or pests in the garden and treat promptly for example pear and cherry slug, aphids,
Cover fruit trees with bird-netting ensuring netting is supported and not touching fruit to protect from pests feeding on fruit. Branches that are heavily laden with fruit will need support/propping to assist in holding fruit until ready to pick.
Continue tying growing vines and brambleberries such as blackberries and their hybrids back to supports or wires.
Prune summer fruiting raspberries – a er fruit is picked, cut out old canes and tie new canes (that have grown this year) to supports ready for next year’s berries.
Nip out tips of tall growing tomatoes to encourage plants to put energy into fruit
Asparagus spears will be bolting to branching due to heat. Do not cut, mulch and control weeds.
Propagation of semi-hardwood (semi-ripe) cuttings can be done in mid-late summer. Dip fresh cuts in rooting hormone, plant in moist propagation mix, cover loosely but completely with plastic bag and place in protected area out of full sun. Maintain moisture but do not overwater and roots usually form in 6-8 weeks, ready for potting on or planting out in autumn.
Harvest seed from perennial plants.
Capture the use of excess herbs through drying or freezing ice block portions for all year use.
With increasing extremes in climate, young plants in full sun will put on more growth if given temporary shade to help them through harsh weather. Using umbrella’s, shade cloth, old sheets or anything that stops plants from having direct midday or hot a ernoon sun. When a ernoons are cooler, in autumn, these can be removed.
Last chance to sow vegetable seeds for harvesting in autumn.
Keep an eye on water gardens and ponds as water levels can get low due to evaporation. Aquatic plants, including oxygenators, can become overgrown and require thinning at this time of year.
Picking Now: raspberries, tomatoes’, zucchini, cucumber, corn, beetroot, spring onions, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, leafy greens and early potatoes.
PLANNING: Cooma Multicultural Centre manager, Yvi Henderson, is looking forward to the centre’s busiest year yet. PHOTO: William Almond, work experience
A COOLER change has been very much welcomed this week after a hot weekend. It was interesting to see a heatwave alert for the region with temperatures in the early 30s.
Touch wood, but at this stage we have been spared with only a few small grassfires.
Our thoughts turn to those impacted by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20. A harrowing time for our region.
The five-year anniversary will likely be a difficult time for some, please seek support if you need it.
January 4 also marked five years since the collapse of the Cooma North water tank.
Before Christmas, this masthead ran a front page story on calls for Cooma’s CBD and Centennial Park playground to be cleaned-up.
Former Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor and well-known Cooma advocate, Rogan Corbett, is hoping local businesses and Council can work together to clean-up the CBD.
He and many others believe the CBD is in a poor condition with dirty pavers, and in a generally un-tidy state.
Following the story, Mr Corbett and community members were invited to attended a meeting with Council staff and councillors about ways to improve the CBD.
Another positive is that a piece of play equipment in Centennial Park has been fixed, after sitting idle for months with a fence around it. families using the park are pleased the fence has been removed and the ‘spinner’ is back in action.
Politicians need to commit to funding Jindabyne upgrades
OVER Christmas, for the first time in many years, I rode a bike along the path beside Lake Jindabyne, from the bowling club to the Jindabyne trout farm
This is a great ride, both on a cement, and on a dirt path, well within the capacity of my grandchildren, as well as myself.
The path is undulating with no steep hills. The other riders are courteous. The more obvious damage caused by flooding of previous years has been repaired.
With a federal election in 2025, we should be asking our politicians to commit to:
• Flood mitigation to prevent future flooding of the existing path
• An enhanced pedestrian/cycle path around the whole of Lake Jindabyne;
• An upgrade of the Jindabyne airport;
• A family oriented all year-round international resort, emphasising the history and culture of Jindabyne and the Snowy.
Claire’s Carousel
By CLAIRE NEUMEYER
WISHING you a happy, healthy new year and trust you enjoyed the many celebrations. Visitors galore
Visitors to the region were made very welcome and a great delight were three Americans from California friends of Trish and Nick Lette, previous residents of Cooma. They enjoyed exploring Cooma, had morning tea at Zalka Heights, a Chinese luncheon and a drive to a country residence past the Cooma Golf Course.
Also enjoying their time in the region were visitors from Queensland and England, Julie Douglas and Jem Duffrey.
School students looking forward to holiday activities
From Tuesday January 14 to Friday January 31, activities will run for school students. These are arranged by Y Space and the Cooma Library. At the library there will be film days and activities. All free.
Thredbo Blues Festival
The festival is from January 17-19 and this is the 30th year. Enjoy lively music, good food and great wine, make sure you don’t miss the Blues Festival.
The Thredbo views add to this enchanting outing.
Can you assist with donations?
St Patrick’s Parish School is looking for a small playpen to store balls, and safety gates for doors (the type you use to stop young children).
The school would also appreciate magnetic toys/building blocks, and a water play table, if you can assist. Contact Stefcook@cg.catholic.edu.au
Libraries back open
The Cooma, Jindabyne, and Bombala libraries all open again this week. Be sure to visit your local library.
That history and culture, epitomised in Banjo Paterson’s, The Man from Snowy River, must not be lost. Holidaying in the Snowy should not be restricted to the rich and super-rich.
The education precinct on the Barry Way is just a start.
With well-planned, environmentally conscious, development, Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains can provide secure and challenging education and employment for locals who are currently forced to
move away from home in search of opportunity.
With a greater permanent population, Jindabyne can attract the health and other facilities which will make it a better place to live on a permanent longterm basis.
Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains are a wonderful place to live, and also to holiday, all year round.
Michael McAuley Jindabyne
Miranda, a poem by Edwina Smith
It is a pretty spot
That one may well admire
But this land holds memories
Of harsh drought and fire
The farm is cradled on all sides
By rolling gentle hills, others very steep
A home for many generations
The ideal place for sheep
Miranda has been hard at work
Her project takes a year
Growing a fleece of wool
And now it’s time to shear
Perhaps a little precious
Not fond of being shorn
But best to be done
Before her lamb is born
Many years past spent
In perfection of her line
And today she is known As Merino Superfine
Time to get a start
According to the clock
She waits in the holding pen
With the others of her flock
And so the day begins
Nothing more is said
The combs come alive
In the three stand shearing shed
A well rehearsed band
With their trusted roustabout They’ll have this lot done Before the day is out
Then it’s Miranda’s turn
She’s plucked from the fold Manoeuvre swift but kind
Calmed by the expert hold
The shearer knows the trade
And shorn all across the land
Miranda need not fret
There’s not a better hand
The shears begin their magic
Belly, back legs, down and around
Taking extra special care
Where Miranda’s teats are found
Her topknot was a dainty feature
Then chest and neck are clear
With the skill of a surgeon
Around her eye and her ear
Now the pace quickens
Moves becoming bolder
Shears glide and take the fleece
Away from Miranda’s shoulder
Then come the long blows
Shearer’s got the knack
The fleece is giving way
As the handpiece sweeps her back
Next the other side
Strength completes the job
Miranda’s out the shoot
And rejoins her mob
To look in a mirror
She could run a mile
But she’s very much in fashion
All the ewes have her style
Miranda will return to graze
And grow next year’s clip
Today’s fleece will make its way
To foreign lands by ship
And as early Springtime comes Marked by longer days
She awaits her next important role
A newborn lamb to raise
Edwina Smith
02/03/2023
CRIKEY RAT, HOW COME YA DIDN’T WARN ME ABOUT THIS SNAKE CURLED UP BEHIND ME LEFT FOOT?
COS YA WOULD HAVE FREAKED OUT AND SCARED THE NEST OF BABY SNAKES BEHIND YA RIGHT FOOT.
GEEZ, HOW FRICKEN CONSIDERATE.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Council’s structural transparency important for community
TOP marks to Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Nick Elliott, for his notice of motion to Council’s December 12 meeting, seeking information and transparency regarding Council’s corporate structure.
For far too long the information made available to our councillors and the public has only shown the chiefs positions as the defined Council structure.
Of course, we all know there are many, many workers below that level of management who form the backbone of our Council and are the people who deliver our services.
Ours is not the only NSW council guilty of this and I am sure it won’t be the last. While the Council agreed to support the motion (with only one dissenting vote), the debate immediately went completely off track with councillors suggesting that staff members would not like to have their names revealed.
Such a suggestion is ludicrous. This is a far more serious issue than whether employees want their name revealed.
Names of staff are not needed in an organisation structure, the important bit is what position that person holds and where that position fits in the overall working structure of the organisation.
It is important also to know where that position is physically located not only within the organisational structure but so the councillors and the public can see where staff are located in their precinct and what they
do and what section they report to.
Local government is local after all and many of our residents and ratepayers already know the names of those members in our community who work for our Council.
The only people who need to know the name of the person that holds a position within the structure are the CEO and that worker’s supervisors, not the councillors or the public.
The important fact about a transparent structure is that councillors and the public can see how many employees are needed for the effective function of the area in which they are engaged.
Corporate staffing principles do not work in local government as we have seen over many years.
Now whilst the CEO has the right to hire and fire staff except those on contract, it is the Council that decides the supply side (money) of the equation to ensure the Council can function.
The staffing numbers must be an agreed position between the CEO and the councillors and the best time to decide what the numbers are and the costs needed to employ those individuals is now and must be well before the preparation and debate on the next integrated planning and reporting documents.
The CEO and the councillors need to agree on the amount of funding allocated to permit council’s administration and operations to function in a cost effective and
Independent newspapers serving the Snowy Monaro Region. Subscribe to our Digital Edition at www.monaropost.com.au
financially sustainable manner.
Section 332 of the Local Government Act is very clear as to how staffing resources are to be determined and accounted for.
“332. A Council must, after consulting the general manager, determine the resources to be allocated towards the employment of staff.
“332 (1A) The general manager must, after consulting the Council, determine the positions within the organisation structure of the council.
“332 (1B) The positions within the organisation structure of the Council are to be determined so as to give effect to the priorities set out in the strategic plans (including the community strategic plan) and delivery program of the Council.”
And section 333 states ‘The organisation structure may be re-determined under this Part from time to time’.
The Council must review, and may re-determine, the organisation structure within 12 months after any ordinary election of the council.
So, a Council embarking on the next strategic plan will be at a considerable disadvantage if they don’t know total staff numbers, what the cost of employing the staff is, what area those staff are employed in and what the function of that section is within the strategic goals of the organisation so that a budget can be agreed upon.
The CEO obviously needs to be able to convince the councillors of the merit and the costs
of a proposed or existing functions within the organisation, the need for such a function and where the function fits within Council’s strategic plan and the proposed delivery model.
The supply of the full organisation structure should not be a burden on staff because they should already know who fits where in the organisation.
It’s just that the structure has not been shared with our councillors. It is time our councillors and the general public know who fits where in the organisation and what they do.
The exposure of this information is long overdue in this Council and the revelation of the structure should ensure that the right staff are employed in the right areas of council and at the right time to give us ratepayers best bang for our bucks.
Our Council workforce has increased greatly since the merger of the three former councils and I am sure many of the created positions should be re-deployed into areas where they can contribute to the structural efficiency and the best service delivery of the organisation.
Who knows, it might even allow our councillors to actually determine where the positions in the structure should actually fit.
Even the CEO might gain some valuable insight into the efficiencies or otherwise of our workforce through a close examination of the whole organisational structure.
Phil Daley Berridale
By LISA ASHURST
I KNOW we’re only eight days into 2025, so is it too soon to ask how all the plans mapped out for the year are coming along?
Okay, it might be, as it’s only been a fortnight since all that Christmas fare, which kept us grazing on until the Big Kahuna on December 31, followed by more food the next day (no wonder we manage to gain those extra kilos in just a week) and should I mention the alcohol consumption?
Okay, let’s not go there. But is it any wonder, then, that we’re exhausted?
Nope. If we got stuck into those festivities with gusto, as most of us do, then it’s no wonder at all.
Even if you opted for family friendly, laid-back, no pressure celebrations (which are the best really) there’s all the catching-up stuff like the late night chatfests when the kids have gone to bed, followed by early wake-ups because the kids are awake and raring to go, plus food and more food and the general running around that we all end up doing anyway.
Lucky it all only happens over just one week, once a year.
Well of course everyone has fun. I mean, that’s what’s supposed to happen. Unless the big family get-togethers include a couple of relatives who do not get along at the best of times and suddenly, they are all in the one place and ‘peace on earth and goodwill to all etc’ is not a concept they can get their heads around.
You can say ‘just leave it at the door, okay’ until you are blue in the face, but those at polar opposites will eventually aim a barb or three and
right, I probably don’t need to go there either. But with the festivities over now for another year, it’s a good time to think about how you want the coming year to go.
Universal law claims that what you think is what you attract into your life, so a pessimistic outlook is not going to make this a great year. Better to see it as a fabulous opportunity for even better days if you want to attract all the good juju. And why not? You should have a good life, so think good-life thingies and see what happens.
Right now, I’m focusing my thoughts on a lovely room lined with enough bookshelves to take all my books. I have a lot of books.
Admittedly, this would require a larger abode, one that’s large enough to provide such a wonderful room, but hey, there’s nothing wrong with thinking really big.
Oh, and a studio as well for all my paints, brushes and other arty bits and pieces.
Okay, so I’m thinking ginormous then and perhaps pushing the envelope with the law of attraction, but that studio would be nice. Whatever, it can stand in as a plan for 2025. Anyway, I had a lovely Chrissy and New Year’s day (also daughter’s birthday) with my family. We avoided structure and any real forward planning, and just had some nice family time with food, drinks, games, presents and no fuss.
We spent the week between the two big days chatting and relaxing with some casual outings thrown in. We took the little ones to the park for play. Basically, we vegged. Lovely.
Elle Thompson (02) 6452 0312 elle@monaropost.com.au
ADVERTISING
Jim Walker-Broose 0408 425 484 jim@monaropost.com.au
Published by Hartley Higgins for Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd (ABN 121 288 060), 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Group Editor Nathan Thompson. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is copyright of Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The Monaro Post is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Monaro Post itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au
FEATURES WRITER
Lisa Ashurst
Arts council ends year on high note
BY SNOWY MONARO ARTS COUNCIL
THE final concert organised by the Snowy Monaro Arts Council for the 2024 season was a brilliant piano recital ‘The Art of the Dance’ presented by acclaimed pianist Katherine Day.
Day is known for her ‘interpretations and carefully sculpted intimate sound worlds’ that ‘touch on the infinite and timeless, weaving disparate works with a common narrative while spotlighting the unusual along the way.’
The program covered various dance forms dating from the 17th century dances of Henry Purcell for the court of Queen Mary through to 20th century Argentinian dances of Alberto Ginastera.
Of particular interest was the Chopin New Waltz in A Minor, reportedly discovered in New York in 2024, but considered by Day as a very good hoax.
The courtly dances of Purcell included a lively prelude, a slower delicate allemande a French courante and a Spanish sarabande. The execution of the 16 waltzes of Brahms, who adhered to strict form, was a marathon effort by Day whose nimble fingers danced over the full length of the John Laught Memorial piano’s keys, sometimes delicately and at other times dramatically. At times, one’s toes couldn’t help but tap to the rhythms played but variations in tempo would perhaps prevent these dances being choreographed for the dance floor.
Rather, they were intended for a concert audience although number 15, the most recognised waltz, one could certainly waltz around St Paul’s hall in Viennese style with a flourishing curtsy at the end as the music slowed.
Following interval, French composers took to the stage.
Satie’s Trios Gymnopedies composed as part of a triptych in 1888 reflected gentle graceful movements in a Greek gymnasium.
Ravel’s Menuet from ‘Le
Tombeau de Couperin’, written in 1917 is the third of six movements each of which is dedicated to the memory of a friend of the composer who had died fighting in World War 1.
Day’s sensitive playing of this piece was dedicated to her late uncle who died during the fortnight before her Cooma performance. After such a reflective piece Day, undeterred, roused to give a dramatic performance of contemporary Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera’s Danzas Argentinas Op 2 composed in 1937. During Danza del viejo boyero (“Dance of the Old Herdsman”) poly tonality was displayed with tremendous skill, the right hand playing only white keys while the left produced clashing discordant sounds on the black keys.
Despite the cacophony of that arrangement, Ginastera framed a simple and charming melody through the use of rhythm and texture.
The piece ends with a chord of guitar tuning notes, one of Ginastera’s favourite chords.
Danza de la moza donosa (“Dance of the Graceful Girl”) was a gentle dance however, amid the frantic fiery sounds of Danza del gaucho matrero (‘Dance of the Outlaw Cowboy’) you could hear horse hooves galloping as criminal cowboys escaped, and elegant maidens danced flamboyant flamencos. Syncopated rhythms and a glissando the full length of the keyboard added to the drama of this three-movement dance suite.
Day’s concert of music ‘old, new and in between’ in which she threw herself in emotionally and dramatically at the piano keyboard was a very pleasant listening experience.
A scrumptious afternoon tea provided the opportunity for budding pianists to discuss Day’s amazing techniques and to gather some hints from her.
The arts council committee looks forward to welcoming patrons to another memorable concert season in 2025.
Berridale Lions unveil Christmas light winners
By KAREN FORMAN
BERRIDALE Lions Club had such a hard time judging its third annual Christmas lights competition that it decided to award a prize to all of the 25 or so families who lit up their houses for Christmas.
Lions secretary, Iain Schofield, said club members had travelled in convoy around the village on December 16 to judge the Light Up Berridale competition and found their task impossible.
“There were more lights than in the past two years and the displays were so good that we couldn’t choose first, second and third,” he said.
“So we decided to distribute the prizemoney and bottles of wine to all of those deserving residents, along with a Christmas card thanking them for lighting up Berridale.”
Although the club had advertised the competition, residents didn’t need to enter.
Rather, Lions members travelled around every Berridale street to judge the displays.
“People are saying thank you very much and we think we will make it bigger next year,” Mr Schofield said.
“We started it two years ago to try to encourage community spirit for Christmas, put a bit of cheer around. Lots of people were travelling around the village looking at the lights.
“Some go to great lengths to put on a good display, not for the competition but for the community spirit.”
Lions members then returned to the houses on the Thursday and Friday nights before Christmas to hand out the prizes.
ALL LIT UP: Mary Street, Berridale, was a favourite place for Christmas light hunters.
TALENT: Pianist Katherine Day delighted the audience at the keyboard with her dramatic dance concert recital bringing the 2024 Snowy Monaro Arts Council concert year to a close.
PHOTO: Snowy Monaro Arts Council
Paul’s drum circle promotes connection, health and wellbeing
By KAREN FORMAN
THINK “drumming” and most people conjure up images of a drummer in a rock band, sitting behind an enormous drum kit, often with a quilt stuffed inside the bass drum to dampen its sound.
Or, the kid next door, starting out his career as a drummer, driving the neighbours mad as he learns the difference between a snare, a bass and the cymbals most nights of the week.
But drumming is not all it seems.
Fact is, there are many kinds of drums to suit various genres of music. Drumming is something for people of all ages and musical abilities to get involved with.
And, drumming can even be good for your health.
Cooma based musician and former teacher Paul Mackey , who leads a drumming circle at the Cooma Multicultural Centre (CMC), runs school programs for Monaro Family Support Service and offers drumming circles at festivals and events, is a firm believer in the benefits of drumming for all.
He uses djembe drums in his work, which originate from Mali in Africa.
“Of course drums are worldwide, even in Australia, for celebrations, gatherings, communication, sending messages,” Paul said.
“People sit around in drum circles on beaches, banging beer bottles, whatever they can get their hands on.
“Drumming is just a natural thing for people to do and has huge wellbeing benefits.”
Paul, an agricultural science and science teacher and guitarist at the time, undertook a a course in 2011 with an organisation called Holyoake which does social work and community welfare using drums, in Western Australia.
“They were using the drums and interacting with one another and making connections with real life situations,” he said.
“Their 10 week course was to do with finding and recognising rhythm in your life, being a good listener, knowing you are part of a community but also an individual, working together in harmony and being a team player, working as a team.
“You can build all those skills through drumming and reflecting.
“Even values come into it, the things you hold.”
Paul said he could see that drum circles were being offered for corporations as team building exercises.
“The guy who did that course was going into schools and Aboriginal communities and I thought it would be something I could use with kids at school and in the wider community,” he said.
“Now he has Rhythm2Recovery organisation,
“Drumming provides connection”
so they are really utilising it as a stepping stone in developing social cohesions, reflective skill and all that sort of thing.”
Paul started the CMC drumming circle almost 10 years ago and it has been growing steadily during that time.
“Music releases good hormones into the body, feelings of wellbeing. It creates connection and acts a means of communication between people. They might come form different countries and not speak each other’s language, but give them drums and straight away all the barriers have gone and you are chatting away about something you have an interest in and you make a connection.”
He says people don’t need particular musical talent to be able to play the drums.
“We have our heart beat before we are even born,” he said.
“We have a breath. Music is within us all the time - the rhythm, the sound, the sequence, the patterns.
“There is actually a way into playing, particularly the djembe that makes it really easy. You can pick it up quickly and once you get over a certain inhibition, it becomes easier.
“Like all music, if you want to develop greater skills, you need to work at it.
“Drumming is also good at
left/right brain coordination, creating stepping stones and giving people the opportunity to be creative themselves.”
Paul says the sky is the limit with drumming patterns.
“You can have your time signatures, but it’s unlimited,” he said.
“We actually use percussion instruments like triangles, shakers, cymbals, bells, all sorts of things, even supermarket plastic pig toys with squeakers.
“People are using drumming for meditation, for developing affirmations. You can develop a rhythm from a phrase.
“We are also trying to bring in melody instruments like flute and violins and certainly guitar and voice into the group.
“It is kind of like a gate into a paddock which opens lots of possibilities.”
Paul was born and raised in Cooma, worked away teaching in schools and then returned, where he taught at St Patricks Parish School until 2016 when he took a part time role with Monaro Family Support.
He visits all the Monaro schools running the Drumbeat eight week program, with the aim of building teamwork and encouraging the students to develop listening skills and learning to look after their wellbeing.
“They enjoy it. I don’t feel like you ever have any discipline
problems,” he said.
problems,” he said.
Paul has access to around 50 drums and concedes his van is getting full.
“Monaro Family Support purchased 13 new drums last year to add to the 25 we had and we are grateful for their support. They also purchase frame or buffalo drums which we use as well.”
Cooma Multicultural Centre
Cooma Multicultural Centre reopens January 6 for 2025 and the drumming circle will start in mid January. Paul will also run a drum circle at the Numeralla Folk Festival in January.
“You don’t have to be multicultural to come along,” he said. “Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability.”
Paul Mackay’s drumming circle at the Cooma Multicultural Centre. PHOTOS: Karen Forman
RHYTHM OF LIFE: Drum circle coordiknator Paul Mackay.
SMCS students at work
By DAMIEN BOND, WORK EXPERIENCE
YEAR 10 Snowy Mountains Christian School student, Damien Bond, completed his work placement at The Monaro Media Group recently.
Part of Damien’s duties while at the office was to chat with fellow students about their choice of work experience in Cooma.
Molly Molly was led to the Cooma Hospital and Health Service through her love of pharmacy. She was interested to see how a hospital runs and what they do.
While there she observed
radiography, cancer treatment and took vitals of patients.
Molly is planning on pursuing the industry of health care and pharmaceuticals.
“I really liked taking the vitals of the patients,” she said.
Samuel Samuel picked Baker and Provan as he dreams of becoming a boiler maker later in life.
During his time on work experience, he cut mesh for multiple items like trailers and he welded products.
“I used a lathe on a barrel,” he said.
Samuel is thinking about going back to the industry, but
most likely will work at a train company in the future.
Tyler Tyler chose Sandy’s Grooming and K9 Café because she likes being around animals and helping them in any way she can.
Over the four days she washed, groomed, blow dried and brushed animals.
She definitely sees herself working in the animal industry later in her life.
Robert
Robert picked Monaro Freight as his place of work experience because his first choice was booked, and he was also
interested in this industry. Robert has been part of a few jobs including the morning run, driving to Jindabyne - even sometimes as far as Thredbo - always stopping at MB Mechanics in Berridale. He might come back to the industry, but his main focus will always be childcare.
Nash
Nash chose Cooma Crash Repairs as his place of work experience because he wanted to know how to fix vehicles for potential future incidences, such as if his car breaks down or gets damaged, he will know what to do.
He has repaired cars, used a
heat gun, used a torque screwdriver and a sandpaper pad. He sees himself in the industry, as he is wanting to learn more.
Mathew
Mathew enjoyed his time at Alpine Ford. He decided to do work experience there because he is a fan of cars, and is also looking for more sales and marketing experience.
Some of the work during the week he was at Alpine Ford included delivering a car, handling deal packs, registration, quotes on prices and customer enquiries.
Mathew is looking forward to one day working at a dealership.
A passion for cars and a desire to learn more about marketing takes Mathew to Alpine Ford for his work placement.
Cooma Crash Repairs was the perfect fit for Snowy Mountains Christian School student, Nash.
Robert learnt many new skills during his time at Monaro Freight.
Tyler’s love for animals takes her to Sandy’s Grooming and K9 Cafe in Cooma for work placement.
Samuel is working towards his career as a boiler maker.
EXPERIENCE: Molly enjoys her time at the Cooma Health Service.
Australia Day awards recognise community volunteer efforts
By NATHAN THOMPSON
THE Jindabyne Lions Club is once again helping co-ordinate the town’s Australia Day activities and Australia Day citizenship awards for 2025.
The awards are a highlight of each Australia Day in Jindabyne with individuals and groups honoured for making a positive contribution to the community.
Lions event coordinator, Nira Windeatt, is encouraging the community to nominate individuals and groups for an Australia Day honour.
Nominations close on Friday January 10.
“The aim of the day is to bring the community together to celebrate what makes Australia great and to take some time out to thank our local citizens who make our community special,” Mrs Windeatt said.
The awards will be presented by the Australia Day ambassador (to be confirmed). Following the presentation, there will be entertainment
by local musician, Jay Podger, free food, giveaways and activities for the whole-family.
Jindabyne community groups helping run activities at the awards and community event include: Lions Club, CWA, swim club, TS Orion Cadets and Kosciuszko 1st Scouts.
“It’s set to be a great day, we also have coffee, donuts, facepainting and the Australia Day cake, all provided by local businesses,” Mrs Windeatt said.
“The Jindabyne Lions Club was successful in gaining a National Australia Day grant to cover the costs of the day and this grant money is put back into the local economy.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is also a key supporter of the day. It’s a win-win for all.”
The Australia Day awards and community event starts at 9am on Sunday January 26 at the John Connors Oval soccer field.
Nomination forms are available on Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s website.
Snowy Museum showcases rich history
THERE are many reasons to stop at Adaminaby these holidays, but one location on on your to-do list is a visit the Snowy Scheme Museum.
2024 marked a milestone year for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme as it commemorated 75 years since the Governor General, Sir William McKell and the Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, fired the first explosive shots at Adaminaby on October 17, 1949.
It is also 50-years since the completion of the scheme’s construction phase in 1974.
Museum president, Tim Corkill, said the museum is set for a big 2025. He is encouraging visitors to the region to drop into the museum and explore the extensive collection of Snowy Scheme exhibits.
“During the 25 years of construction, the Scheme achieved many significant milestones. These physical and human legacies are showcased in the museum,” Mr Corkill said.
“To this day the surviving Snowy workers maintain close personal connections to the scheme through their families and Snowy Scheme workmates.”
The museum now has a collection of more than 400 biographies and oral history records in its collection. Some of the recent stories include:
• A 91-year-old diamond driller who came from Malta and began working on the Snowy in 1950 as a wood cutter for the big snowy camps before taking charge of the diamond drilling team;
• A 95-year-old lady who
was president of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) in the township of Eaglehawk, who with the butcher, organised the Buff’s Cabaret Ball raising in excess of 500 pounds for the Cooma Hospital;
• An 84-year-old woman who was a wait attendant was selected by Sir William Hudson to be trained to service Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on their tour of the Snowy Scheme in 1963;
• A 92-year-old woman who, at the age of 23, became the first female teacher at the Eaglehawk Public School; and
• A woman in her 90s, whose family immigrated to Australia from Austria, and because she missed the snow, applied for and was successful in obtaining a job with the Snowy in Cooma and became an excellent stenographer.
THANKS: Jindabyne’s 2024 Australia Day citizen of the year, Dr Steven Brethour (centre), receives his honour from Australia Day ambassador, Geo Coombes OAM, and Snowy Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna.
PHOTO: Trista Heath
MUST VISIT: Tourists passing through Adaminaby are being encouraged to drop into the Snowy Scheme Museum. Pictured is Colleen Cross whose family donated this vehicle used during construction of the scheme.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 David Attenborough’s Tasmania. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00 Back Roads. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Mt Hutt Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 ER. 2.45 Doctor Who. 3.35 Speechless. 3.55 Would I Lie To You? 4.25 MythBusters. 5.20 Amazing Spaces. 6.05 David Attenborough’s Micro Monsters. 7.00 My Family. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Melbourne Comedy Festival: The Gala. 9.30 Gruen. 10.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: A Love Yarn. (2021) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. 2.15 Catch Phrase. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 28. Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers. 10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. 11.15 Pam & Tommy. 12.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Highway Patrol. 2.00 The Force: BTL. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Full Custom Garage. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Pawn Stars Do America. New. 8.30 MOVIE: The Amazing Spider-Man. (2012) 11.15 MOVIE: Stuber. (2019) 1.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Mr Pawsitively Perfect. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 A Night With Novak. From Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 10.30 Forza Jannik. 11.40 Resident Alien. 12.35 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Beat Bugs. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.25 Big Brother. 2.00 My Kitchen Rules. 4.00 Glee. 5.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 8.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. 9.30 Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back. 10.30 First Dates UK. 12.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 Jamie Oliver: Cooking For Less. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 Judge Judy. 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 The Truth About The Skinny Jab. 8.30 MOVIE: Little Fockers.
Roadshow. 6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 The Secret History Of The British Garden. 8.30 Murder In Provence. 10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World.
(2023)
3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: King Richard. (2021) Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton. 11.30 Casualty 24/7. 12.20 Tipping Point. 1.10 Delish. 1.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.15 Big Brother. 1.50 My Kitchen Rules. 3.45 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. 4.15 Bondi Vet. 5.15 A Moveable Feast. 5.45 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: The Emoji Movie. (2017) 8.50 MOVIE: Pixels. (2015) 11.00 MOVIE: Dream Horse. (2020) 1.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 The Baron. 11.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. Day 4. 6.00 Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 4. 10.30 Poirot. 12.30 Skippy. 1.00 Creflo. 1.30 MOVIE: Carry On Screaming! (1966) 3.30 Gideon’s Way. 4.30 My Favorite Martian. 5.00 The Baron.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Judge Judy. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 Jamie Oliver: Cooking For Less. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 Judge Judy. 4.00 Family Feud. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 MOVIE: The First
6.00 Gideon’s Way. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 The Baron. 11.30 Endangered: Expedition Kimberley. 12.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. Day 5. 6.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 7.00 Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 5. 11.00 MOVIE: It’s Complicated. (2009) 1.30 MOVIE: Carry On Regardless. (1961) 3.30 Late Programs.
ABC SEVEN NINE TEN SBS
JANUARY,
Hot tips for summer feral pig trapping
By GEORGIA BOWMER, LOCAL LAND SERVICES BIOSECURITY OFFICER
DON’T wallow in grief this summer and take advantage of the hot and dry conditions to optimise pig trapping programs.
Feral pigs lack sweat glands, making them relatively intolerant of hot weather and susceptible to heat stress. As a result, over the warmer months feral pigs are reliant on readily available water and shade to regulate their body temperature.
To keep cool they will spend an increased amount of time in and around watering points, wallowing in mud, and resting in shaded areas.
Landholders, you can use these changes in behaviour to your advantage by implementing trapping programs close to water sources, or in wet and shaded areas.
Over the summer months as conditions become hotter and drier, food resources for feral pigs within the landscape also become limited. These conditions will benefit your trapping programs as pigs readily take up free feed as an available source of protein.
By selecting trap sites close to water sources, in shaded areas whilst food sources are reduced landholders can maximise the success of their trapping programs.
“Targeting feral pigs during summer whilst they are vulnerable is an effective strategy to reduce pig numbers before seasonal conditions change and become more favourable to the growth feral pig populations,” a Local Land Services, spokesperson, said.
“When conducting a trapping program throughout summer, it’s important to keep animal welfare in mind. Only set traps when you can check them early the next day, humanely destroying any trapped pigs before temperatures rise.
Find out more about control options for feral pigs by contacting your local office on 1300 795 299.
The LLS offices have pig traps available for you to loan and its biosecurity officers can provide tailored advice to help develop your feral pig control strategy.
Snowies: part
two Ringer life suits local lad Hayden Walters
By KAREN FORMAN
HAYDEN Walters might never have found his career as a ringer, or even his backside onto a horse, if it wasn’t for his best mate.
The Cooma born 17 year-old was a snowboarder who competed in the Interschools snowsports competitions for Jindabyne Central School.
His mum is a lifeguard. His dad a builder.
There were no horses close by in Hayden’s childhood. No family influences from the horse, cattle or working on the land world at all.
But then he met Charlie Rogerson at school, another snowboarder and a whole new path was set for his life that he never could have anticipated.
While the pair enjoyed snowboarding together, Charlie, who had been handling horses and riding with his mum Claire of Snowy Brumby Horsemanship, introduced Hayden to horse riding and he took to it like a duck (or horse) to water.
“I used to come up to Charlie’s place to ride and then Charlie was getting into being a stockman and I thought I might as well follow,” he said.
“I decided I wanted to work as a ringer, which is stock worker on a cattle station. “
Hayden left school in Year 10 and headed off to the Northern Territory to work for Heytesbury Pastoral which operates six stations in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, spanning 2.7 million hectares, running 165,000 head of Brahman cattle across rugged and breathtaking country.
He was based on a station three hours out of Katherine and spent six months learning the ropes, and loving every minute of it.
You would think that a boy from the touristy Snowy Mountains who loved snowboarding might find the 40 degree plus temperatures and isolation of a remote cattle property difficult, but Hayden says he feels very much at home there.
as he taught me everything I know, but we get on the phone at the end of most days to talk about what work we’ve been up to.
“I can’t wait to get back up there,” he said.
“I came home for a couple of months because of the wet season but am going back in March.
“When I am there I live on a station with about six other ringers in shared quarters.
“I don’t mind being away from home. I just like the work, especially the cattle.”
Eventually, Hayden hopes to become a lead hand or even a station manager.
“I really don’t miss the Snowies,” he said.
“I do miss my best mate,
“I work with Brahmans whereas he works with Angus.”
Hayden says his parents have been immensely supportive of his career choice “although mum’s a bit sad”.
While home, he’s been working with Charlie who has set up his own stockman business.
“I never would have thought I would be doing this, but it feels really natural,” he said.
Hayden encouraged other young people thinking of a career on the land to consider his employer,
which advertises on its website.
A range of seasonal positions are available for people who enjoy outdoor physical activities, working with livestock, want to developing superior horsemanship skills and/or participate in all aspects of property and equipment maintenance and upkeep.
A range of seasonal and permanent positions are available with seasonal station hands required for the mustering season, which runs from March to November.
More information can be found at: https://heytesburypastoral.com.au/ welcome-to-heytesburypastoral/careers/
RINGER: Hayden Walters (right) with his best mate Charlie Rogerson who got him into working on the land.
PHOTOS: Karen Forman
New Cooma woolstore shows local confidence: Carmichael
By NATHAN THOMPSON
WHEN Jason Carmichael stands inside the new and much improved Carmichael and Co woolstore in Cooma, he can barely believe the difference.
Carmichael and Co Woolbrokers welcomed its clients, community members and wool producers from across the south east to the official opening of its new woolstore at Polo Flat in December.
Jason Carmichael, who runs Carmichael and Co Woolbookers, welcomed a large crowd to the opening. He praised the efforts of Cooma based workers, Steve Blyton and Brian Seears, for their work establishing the new woolstore and for their
continued service to local wool producers. Carmichael said the new setup will not only benefit its clients but support the
industry on the Monaro.
“We have a terrific operation here. Our two staff members are delighted to be working out of a modern,
brand-new, specific woolstore,” Carmichael said.
“Our clients are supportive to see a business investing into Cooma and
region. We are here for the long haul. We are proud to represent them in what are tough wool growing conditions.
“The
Sheep, lamb market yearly review: MLA
By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA
2024 was a year of recovery, nervousness and record production. Compared to the previous 12 months, the sheep and lamb market has shown strength and stability. However, when we look further back, unpredictability and volatility have continued to impact producers across the country.
Cautiousness
Coming out of an extremely volatile market, the sheep and lamb sector entered the new year in seeming recovery. Driven by a positive summer across much of the east coast, markets reflected a move beyond the confidence and climate-impacted 2023. The market, however, did not remain in recovery, and instead fell more dramatically than the previous year. Producer sentiment in May reached +4, remaining 22 points below the previous year. This initial volatility impacted producer confidence in the market as well as trading decisions. Cautiousness remained
through the year as prices lifted in the autumn market and continued as prices surpassed the 2023 market.
Duality of conditions
As the year continued, quality had the largest impact on price.
This reflects a market before recent history, where liquidation and rebuild have driven supply and demand influences. The Australian flock was sitting at its largest in over a decade.
Strong supply, partnered with solid international and domestic demand, led to record export volumes. Growth in both established and emerging markets shows that as the top exporter of sheepmeat, Australia has been able to keep up with our improving production.
Strong export demand has maintained competition in the domestic livestock market. This demand has caused market protection across the country as conditions have varied dramatically.
Regions across NSW and Victoria experienced extremely tough conditions. Faced with a positive summer season, many producers started the year well.
However, conditions dried up fast and hard, placing producers in a position of possibly being overstocked and relying on feed.
Alternately, central and northern NSW and sheep pastoral zones generally experienced positive conditions, creating an environment that supported quality and promoted trading. This has led to a very strong year-end as finished lamb prices have remained firm much later than the seasonal norm.
Production Production of lamb and mutton has skyrocketed thanks to supply and a growth in processor capacity. Looking into weekly slaughter, initially, 2024 followed regular seasonal trends; however, focusing on the tail end of this year, there has been a clear new focus for processors.
Mutton volumes have lifted dramatically across the country, indicating strength in our export market demand but also an indication of producer decision making. Across WA, the proportion of mutton over
lamb is relatively high, showing that producers may be eating into their breeding flock. On the east coast, all states have lifted their production mutton, especially NSW, which just last week processed more than 50 percent of mutton on lamb, which hasn’t been done since 2007.
Producers are becoming more efficient in production and are able to produce more lambs from less due to genetic, fertility and breed investments. With the reduction of wool production, dry conditions, a large ewe flock, and generally firm mutton prices, decisions have been made around the retention of older stock.
The processing sector’s ability to keep up with the sheep supply is growing. Finishing off with some numbers, based on the year-to-date National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) slaughter volumes, combined sheep and lamb slaughter –adjusted up to account for an approximate 20 percent coverage gap of the NLRS – we have processed more than 37 million sheep and lambs in 2024, with three weeks to go.
Australia has not surpassed 35
million in a total calendar year before, enforcing how capable the sector is to absorb a new normal of production.
Looking ahead to 2025
The past 12 months have demonstrated the ability of the sheep sector to recover. An elevated flock, strong supply of stock, and even stronger supplies of sheepmeat, have been absorbed into the domestic and international production systems. Australia is operating in an elevated state which is likely to remain into 2025. Without predicting any extreme climatic conditions (wet or dry), we are likely to continue to produce elevated levels of sheep and lamb.
Three things to keep an eye on into 2025: - growing international markets, including the emerging UK and India FTA opportunities - the United States protein situation, which will impact more than just cattle and beef - breed dynamics – the growth of shedding sheep and the move away from Merinos and wool –how will this impact sheepmeat production moving forward?
shed is designed for ease of access, ease of wool flow and it’s easily located off the main road (Polo Flat Road).”
At the o icial opening of the new Carmichael and Co Woolbrokers woolstore in Cooma, are Peter Davis (le ), Julie Barron and James Barron.
in Wellington; and manager, Jason Carmichael, are pleased with the company’s new woolstore in Polo Flat, Cooma. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Tasmanian Murray Greys show resilience during harsh droughts
SPONSORED CONTENT
MORE frequent, harsher droughts are something all farmers dread, but unfortunately, will be faced more often if you believe the pundits.
Having easy doing cattle, cattle with fats bred into them will certainly earn their keep, as farmers face these drier conditions.
Murray Grey cattle have long been considered easy doing, calm cattle and Charles Wallace of the Woodbourn Murray Grey stud in Tasmania, takes these attributes a step further.
For years, Mr Wallace has emphasised carcase in his selection process, especially fats.
In this difficult last year, and many before it, the fats in the Woodbourn stock have shone through, with cows coming through the winter in very good condition. Many people have thanked Woodbourn for these
fats, having noticed their Woodbourn bred animals getting through tough times very well.
A life long passion for Murray Grey cattle has seen Charles Wallace of the Woodbourn Murray Grey stud, Tasmania, through 55-years of stud breeding.
With a successful on farm sale every year for 46
years, Charles takes great pride and pleasure in presenting Murray Grey cattle in good numbers and of a very high standard.
Breedplan is a very important part of that equation and it would be hard to match a line of 40 Murray Grey bulls with Breedplan figures at the level found in the
Key fungi research complete
A RESEARCH project investigating the associations of ribbon gum dieback and soil microbes across the Monaro region has come to a close.
“It was an absolute pleasure to have Dr Ben Gooden present on his recently completed research project looking into mutualisms between soil fungi (mycorrhizal fungi) and Eucalyptus Viminalis,” co-ordinator Upper Snowy Landcare, Maggie Lemcke, said.
“This research is helping us understand the important role soil fungi plays in tree health and, in turn, the links between a decline in soil fungi and dieback events.
“A comprehensive overview of the research will soon be readily
available but for now, thank you all who came and shared in this important learning opportunity.”
sale team. Tasmania is the place to visit at the moment. Everyone loves the thought of going to Tasmania; with its great wine, food, history and scenery.
But some are not so sure about buying and transporting cattle from there. To put people’s minds at rest, more than one third
of the Woodbourn sale animals are sold interstate every year and the freight arrangements are organised by the agents and paid for, to a large degree, by Woodbourn. If the purchaser lives a long way north, Woodbourn has organised for the animals to rest at a property on the way north. The Woodbourn sale
is an on-farm auction, interfaced with Auctions Plus, phone biding is available and the sale animals are displayed for viewing before and during the sale; 40 bulls and 30 females are offered each year.
This year’s Woodbourn Murray Grey sale will be held in Tasmania on Monday March 24, 2025.
Farmer frustration builds over connectivity gaps
THE National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2024 report and is calling for urgent action to address connectivity gaps at a time when frustrations are at a high.
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Jochinke said frustration over rural connectivity is at boiling point.
“Systemic frustration with connectivity in rural areas has blown up following the 3G network shutdown.
“It’s the perfect storm for farmers at the moment – navigating mobile blackspots, changes to service quality and the loss of some coverage which wasn’t guaranteed post 3G shutdown while
managing harvest logistics and bushfire season.
“It’s an incredibly busy and stressful time of year and throw connectivity issues into the mix and you have farmers fed up to the back teeth.”
The NFF is calling on the major providers to step up their efforts to address coverage concerns, but acknowledge they can’t act on problems if they aren’t reported.
“This is a two-way street. It’s on farmers to bring issues to the providers’ attention. But equally we are calling on the major providers to step up – get out in these communities and be proactive. We need to know that if farmers go out of their way to raise issues, they will get a timely explanation,” Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF is also calling for urgent public
investment to accelerate regional connectivity outcomes.
“The time is now to supercharge this agenda. We recognise the Federal Government’s substantial investment in the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
“Supercharging initiatives like the Mobile Black Spot Program, the On-Farm Connectivity Program, Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program and the Regional Tech Hub will be critical coming into the next federal election.
“Telecommunications services are essential for farm safety, healthcare, education and productivity.
“Our rural communities need solutions and, frankly, we needed them yesterday.”
Woodbourn
FINDINGS: Research scientist, Dr Ben Gooden, delivered a presentation earlier this month on his research into the associations of ribbon gum dieback and soil microbes across the Monaro.
PHOTO: Supplied
TOP CONDITION: Woodbourn’s Murray Greys will be in high demand come sale time in March.
PHOTOS: Woodbourn Murray Greys Charles and Janet Wallace of the Woodbourn Murray Grey Stud.
Cressy, Northern Tasmania - 20 minutes from the airport
LIVE ON FARM AUCTION
ANIMALS ON DISPLAY • PHONE LINK UPS
Interfaced with Auctions Plus Morning tea and lunch provided
Did you know Woodbourn has Many new sires represented in the 2025 sale team Full Breedplan figures • Free freight to Melbourne • Assistance for road freight • Sire verification Bulls semen tested • All females PTIC • Myostatin status in catalogue • Inoculated 7 in 1 All sale animals guaranteed • All animals BVDV tested free and inoculated Monday 24th March 2025 at 12.30pm
40 bulls and 30 females e quality of animals offered at the Woodbourn Sale
Well known Cooma light industrial business
door that locks-up the showroom and office space on the main entrance off Bradley Street, plus toilets/washrooms and a mezzanine storage area.
Business
One of Cooma’s long established and well known businesses serving the greater Snowy Monaro Region from Cooma to the Snowy Mountains and south to the Victorian border.
Specialising in all glass fabrications manufacturing and components including production, repairs, sales of security doors and screens, shower screens and mirrors and sales etc.
Premises will be leased to buyer.
Monaro Glass, 25 Bradley Street, Cooma operates from a 690 m2 industrial building constructed of corrugated iron and steel with dual access points, loading docks and a secure safe roller
Monaro Glass has an excellent long standing district track record for outstanding service with figures to match. This business has little or no local competition and confidently offers an excellent business with premises, to continue serving the Monaro and the Snowy Mountains.
The purchase of the Monaro Glass business will include stock on hand, fittings and fixtures, office equipment, tools and machinery. For all inspections, purchase details and figures, contact selling agent.
Looking for the perfect property to start your own rural dreams or additional country to compliment your existing holdings? Lot 206 Delegate Road is your answer!
• 3.7kms west of Delegate and bisected by the sealed Delegate Road
• Improved pastures on undulating hills that are lightly timbered with extensive fertilising history
• West paddocks are perfect for lambing and calving
• Majority of fencing in new condition
• 1.1km frontage to Delegate River and annual rainfall approx. 644mm
• Run o and spring fed dams complimented by reticulated trough system
• Raised board 3 stand shearing shed, powered by 10kva generator
• Steel cattle yards with crush and loading ramp, steel/timber sheep yards
• Storage machinery shed and grain silo
Going under the hammer 16th January 2025, 11am @ the Delegate Country Club, now is the time to book your inspections or contact the agents for further details.
River frontage, acreage minutes from Bombala
Address: Lot 50 Delegate Road, Bombala
Asking: $790,000
Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala
LIFESTYLE acreage this close to town with river frontage wont last long!
“Messmate” as the property is affectionately known, is located 3.5kms west of Bombala along the sealed Delegate Road and location is just one of the many features this property has going for it. Water security is genuine with an approx. 650m frontage to the Bombala River along with Parsonage Creek travers ing the property.
Working your way through the lightly timbered native pastures to the top of the hills, you are rewarded with 360-degree views over the local country side and in some positions, you can see all the way to the Snowy Mountains.
Improvements include a twostand shearing shed run by generator and timber sheep yards. Zoned RU1, 72.72ha/179.691ac in size and with frontage to a council-maintained road, building entitlement should be permissible
under the current LEP, however, should be confirmed with the local council (Snowy Monaro Regional). No matter your plan, beat the rush and book your inspection today.
The majestic grandeur and classic opulence of Stradone can’t help but turn heads.
Large open kitchen and dining room, sunken living with slow combustion heating
• Modern conservatory with French doors and reverse cycle air conditioning
• Rumpus room with private patio
• Beautiful pressed metal ceilings
Sweeping verandah around two sides
• Established trees and gardens
• Paved driveway around to single carport
• Short stroll to the main shopping centre/centre of town
Once in a lifetime properties of this stature come on the market, now is the time to make Stradone yours.
Auction 18/02/2025
Christine McIntosh
50 Burton Street, Bombala
Lot 206 Delegate Road, Delegate
AUCTION
AUCTION
Stradone
‘Noamunga’ Rolling hills and river frontage.
Snowy Monaro
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Name a Polish-French pianist and composer, Frederic ... (6)
7 What is a sudden, violent or unexpected reaction (8)
8 To be esculent, is to be what (6)
9 What are nearly pure forms of carbon (8)
11 When one climbs upwards, one does what (7)
13 What, in mathematics, is a statement embodying something to be proved (7)
15 What is a small abscess of the mouth (7)
17 Which person lives apart from society (7)
20 What might we call those who encroach (8)
23 Name the pendulous fold of skin under the throat of cattle (6)
24 To have joined up, is to have done what (8)
25 What do we call one who cultivates land (6)
DOWN
1 In which W African republic is Timbuktu (4)
2 To stand with hand on hip, and elbow bent outwards, is to stand how (6)
3 To be boastful, is to be what (4)
Letters
4 Name a game played on a chequered board (5)
5 Who “asked for more” (6)
6 To have done nothing, is to have what (5)
9 What is a bypass or roundabout (6)
10 Name the estimated money for injury sustained (7)
12 What are weighing machines often called (6)
E-QUATIONS
to
Solve
14 Name a downhill skiing race over a winding course (6)
16 What, in electricity, is a shunt (6)
18 What is the effusion of serous fluid into body cavities (5)
19 Which term describes high-octane petrol (5)
21 To be repulsive, is to be what (4)
22 To stagger, is to do what (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
8 HALATION (a) Blurring in a photograph (b) Slaughter according to Muslim law (c) Rock salt
9 INCUSE
(a) To impress by stamping, as a coin (b) To curve inward (c) To become liable to
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:
Adipose tissue (3)
Door frame vertical timber (5)
Food bean (3)
Fortification (7)
Hurries about (7)
On the bottom (5)
Public transport vehicle (3)
Refrains from eating (5)
Score (5)
Shelter (3)
TRADES AND SERVICES
TRADES AND SERVICES
CARAVAN
Snowy Mountains Bush Users Group (SMBUG)
will hold their annual AGM at “COOINBIL CAMPGROUND” KNP, on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12noon.
Our usual mouth-watering sausage sizzle and light refreshments will be available a er the meeting.
We welcome one and all, past, present, and future.
Public Notice – Aerial weed control program targeting Oxeye Daisy
An aerial weed control program using a helicopter boomspray targeting Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) will be undertaken at Kellys Plain (southern end of Tantangara Dam and adjacent to Tantangara Road) within northern Kosciuszko National Park.
Between 7am Monday 13th January and 7pm 10th February 2025 the area will be closed for periods of time when the activity is being undertaken. Signage will be in place at entrances to the area. The activity will not impact upon visitor facilities and public access roads within this area.
The program will occur in daylight hours using metsulfuron methyl 600g/kg.
For enquiries contact NPWS Tumut Ph: 6947 7000
Connected Learning Centre Support Officer
• TAFE NSW Jindabyne Connected Learning Centre
• 2x Permanent Part Time Opportunities
Base Salary between $66,212 to $73,085 p.a plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
TAFE NSW is seeking two passionate individuals to join our team on a:
• Permanent part-time basis (14 hours per week)
• Permanent part-time basis (21 hours per week)
As a Connected Learning Centre Support Officer, you’ll play a crucial role in assisting with the seamless delivery of teaching and learning.
Your exceptional customer service skills and proactive attitude will be key in supporting our students and ensuring the smooth operation of the campus. In this supportive environment, you’ll contribute to both virtual and face-to-face learning. With strong time management, tech-savviness, and problem-solving abilities, you’ll handle daily priorities and help our community thrive. This role requires strong autonomy, with self-motivation and drive being key to your success as you work independently at this campus. Be part ofsomething impactful – apply today!
Applications close 11.55 pm, on Wednesday 15 January 2025
For more information on how to apply, please contact TAFE Services Coordinator, Lisa Petroff, at lisa.petroff@tafensw.edu.au or 0427 781 158.
You can apply for the role via our TAFE Careers website at careers.tafensw.edu.au (Ref No 498592).
2015 Frontier “Escalade” 6m
2 Berth tourer, good condition
5 good tyres, electric brakes, load levelling
2 x solar panels, reg to 4/25
Full furnished including accessories
Toilet, vanity and shower R/C air conditioning
Roll-out enclosed awning
Ready to go, $38,500 ONO
PICK UP ONLY
Tony Dorahy 0428 345 416
BLYTON, Shirley Patricia.
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Cooma Hospital.
Formerly of Carlaminda Rd, Numeralla. Aged 85 years.
Dearly loved wife of Philip, mother and mother-in-law of David and Louise, Steven and Debbie.
Adored Grandma to Georgia, Montana, Sienna, Jarrod, Ellie. Adored Great-Grandmother to Mila.
The relatives and friends of the late Shirley Patricia Blyton are invited to attend her funeral service to be held in the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Cooma on Thursday, January 9, 2025 commencing at 11am.
At the conclusion of the service, the cortege will proceed to Cooma Lawn Cemetery, Cooma.
MCINTOSH (Hatton), Maree Joy.
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at her residence.
Formerly of Springhill Rd, Jindabyne. Aged 64 years.
Dearly loved wife of David. Sister to Julie Leanne. Aunt to Cassandra, John, Jack and Chelsea. The relatives and friends of the late Maree Joy McIntosh are invited to attend her funeral service to be held by the graveside in the at Jindabyne Cemetery at 11am on Friday, January 10, 2025. In lieu of owers, donations can be made to the Cooma MCCR.
TURNBULL, Sheila Evelyn. Passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Cooma Hospital.
Formerly of Berridale, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Aged 93 years.
Dearly loved wife of Warren (dec), mother of Geo rey and Linda. Grandmother of Morag, Caitlin, Isobel and Finn and GreatGrandmother of Kora.
The family of the late Sheila Turnbull would like to thank the sta at the Cooma hospital for their love and care.
private cremation was held for Sheila.
First hole in one after 60 years of golf
By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB
THE festive season started early for Coolamatong golfer Kim Weston when he hit his first hole in one on the third hole in the Sunday competition before Christmas.
“It was a five iron, we had a bit of head wind. I played the hole the day before and hit six iron short. A five iron was perfect,” Weston said.
Weston said after the shot his playing partners thought it might have gone in.
“Charlie and Laurie said that’s in and Thomo said that might be over the back. When we got up here, it was in the hole. It was unbelievable, to play for 60 years and have a hole in one,” he said.
The neighbouring farmer, whose property stretches along most of the course’s boundaries said he had been close before in his 60 years of golfing but had never achieved the feat previously.
As expected, he was over the moon with the shot and called his 98-year-old mother, June, a Coolamatong golf member herself in earlier days to relay his great news.
Having played since he was twelve years old at Coolamatong, Kim said he had achieved everything at the golf course including winning the club championship, the open championship, shooting par figures when the club had sand greens plus was a champion bowler when the club had a bowling green.
Having seen most of the club’s history evolve over the decades, Kim said, “this course now, what they’re doing here with the grass greens and the voluntary labour, it is absolutely unbelievable.”
A popular character among the members, Kim will now have his name etched onto the hole in one board along with his other achievements in the club.
Strong finish for local racing connections
LOCALLY owned and trained horses have finished off 2024 with a flurry of wins and otherwise top three finishes. The star of the show has to have been the evergreen nine -yearold mare Gwennybegg who, after a great win at the Cooma
meeting, won a 1600 metre BM50 Hcp at Tumut on Boxing Day.
Trained by Georgie Boucher near Jindabyne, the pocket sized mare got back in the field and, following great navigation by apprentice Jockey Sinead Peebles, rounded up her rivals to score by two and three-quarter lengths.
Peebles, who has had less than fifty race rides, had ridden her to victory at Cooma also. Gwennybegg has now won 13 races and had 12 minor placings during her career. Also at Tumut, Kevin Byrne, based at Jindabyne, and his
daughter Becky, based at Thoroughbred Park Canberra, each trained close-up second place-getters in Be Diplomatic and Rager respectively. Both horses are raced by Kevin and his wife Faye.
After winning at Cooma and backing that up with another win at Queanbeyan on December 18, Mia’s Dream found one better to go down a head margin at Queanbeyan on Boxing Day.
Trained at Cooma by David Kelley, Mia’s Dream has been flying of late but was ironically run down on the line by Incantata trained by Guntis
Lukss at Queanbeyan.
Guntis is well known to Cooma as he spent his formative years in the town. The two are likely to clash again at Queanbeyan on Saturday January 11.
Also at Queanbeyan, ‘Skeet’ Walder from Bombala produced Hey Dugee and Big Steve, both ridden by Damon Budler, to run close up third placings in their respective races.
Matt Kelley appears to have acquired another smart one in the form of Maracaibo Sun who won his maiden with ease by two and one-quarter lengths at
Canberra on December 29.
Having recently bought the Cairon Maher cast-off on line as a stallion, he had him gelded prior to him starting at Canberra. He appears to have above average ability.
The local racing fraternity are wishing a speedy recovery to long-time Cooma trainer Stephen Johnson who had a solid fall from a horse on the Cooma track in mid December. Having suffered significant rib fractures and associated trauma, he spent a period in Canberra Hospital and is presently making a slow recovery at home.
ACE EFFORT: Coolamatong golfer, Kim Weston, celebrates his first-hole-in-one a er 60-years of golf.
PHOTO: Coolamatong Golf Club
Monaro’s
Rodeo attracts bumper crowd
This competitor successfully negotiates a barrel during the barrel racing competition. entry field. Check out the action in these photos from Monaro Media Group journalist,
from Snowy River Rodeo on Saturday December 28.
Thousands enjoy the Jindabyne Rodeo, with organisers declaring this year’s event one of the best.
Junior riders take part in the barrel racing. The skill on show from the youngsters impressed on-lookers.
Trista Heath.
PHOTOS: Trista Heath
Cooma Royal doubles day an ace event
COOMA’s Royal Tennis Club is gearing-up for its popular social doubles day with the event again raising funds to support the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary.
Last year’s fundraiser attracted close to 60 players and raised $1700
for the auxiliary. Royal Tennis Club president, Mick Askell, is encouraging interested players to register quickly to secure their spot and enjoy a fun day of tennis.
“The event is a great way of bringing people together who enjoy their
tennis and to raise money for an important local organisation (auxiliary),”
Askell said.
“The doubles day has been a success over the last few years. We are hoping to raise more this time for the auxiliary.”
The doubles day is
on Sunday January 19, starting at 9am. Players can choose their partner, or have one selected, with all abilities and ages welcome. The event is played in a combined doubles and mixed doubles format.
There are great prizes
SUPPORT: The Cooma Royal Tennis Club’s social doubles day has become an annual event raising funds for the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary. From le to right - Royal Tennis Club committee member, Ervino
on the day, with the chance to win Wilson tennis racquets. Cooma’s Alpine Hotel and Get Set Tennis are the major supporters of the day.
It is only $20 to play in the event and this includes at least three sets, morning tea from the
auxiliary (arguably one of the best going around), and a BBQ lunch. Entries can be submitted to coomaroyaltennisclub@gmail.com or president, Mick Askell, on 0401 860 840. Entries close Wednesday January 15.
Bombala golfers in fine touch over busy period
By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB
BOMBALA golfers have been busy over the Christmas and new year period. Golfers have been contesting chicken runs.
On December 21, an 18-hole chicken run saw Ray Crawford produce a good round to win with 40-points. Runner-up was Ray Fermor with 35-points.
Nearest the pin on hole 13 was not won. Golden shot went to Crawford.
The chicken run on December 22 was 18-holes.
Daniel Douch won with 37-points, ahead of Steve Tatham on 36-points.
Nearest the pin on hole 13 was not won. Fermor claimed the golden shot.
A chicken run on the front nine on December 26 was won by Neil Thompson with 14-points. Thompson won while nursing a broken rib. His dad, Pepper, was the runner-up with 13- points.
Nearest the pin on five was not won. Douch took out the golden shot.
On December 28, an
18-hole chicken run was won by Wayne Elton. Elton finished on 36-points, ahead of Ross Caroline on countback from Fermor on 33-points.
Again, nearest to the pin was not won. Elton won the golden shot.
The chicken run on December 29 was played on the back nine. Fermor won on 19-points, from Merv Douch 17-points.
Pepper claimed the golden shot. Nearest the pin was not won.
On January 1, Douch won
the chicken run played on the front nine. Douch had 21-points, finishing ahead of Elton on 20-points.
Crawford won the golden shot, the nearest to pin went unclaimed.
On Saturday January 4, the 18-hole chicken saw excellent scores. Fermor produced a fine round to finish on 41-points, ahead of Brendan Weston on 38-points.
Steve Tatham took out the golden shot.
Brendan Weston won the chicken run on Saturday
January 5, played over the back nine. He finished on 20-points, ahead of Elton on 16-points.
Weston won the golden shot.
Chicken run program
Saturday January 11 –nine holes
Sunday January 12 – 18-holes
Saturday January 18 –nine holes, 9am hit-off.
This is a golf and bowls day.
Names needed on the noticeboard. A BBQ will follow golf before heading to the Bombala Bowling Club for
12-ends of bowls. Finger food to follow.
Sunday January 19 – 18-holes
Saturday January 25 – 18-holes
Sunday January 26 – 18-holes
Bombala Golf Club’s open tournament is on February 22 and February 23. The club encourages golfers and community members to spread the word to family and friends who live out of town, encourage them to come for the weekend.
Litchfield leads Summer Cup after impressive round
By COOMA GOLF CLUB
CONDITIONS were hot and dry over the weekend at the Cooma Golf Club for the monthly medal held in conjunction with round one of the Summer Cup.
Dylan Litchfield had a stunning round on Saturday, winning the overall competition and the C Grade medal with an amazing score of 63 nett.
Litchfield also leads the
Summer Cup with 45 stableford points going into the second round next Saturday.
The A Grade medal went to Mark Rainsford with 69 nett, the B Grade medal went to Brian Johnson with 70 nett and the C Grade competition winner was Frank McKnight with 70 nett.
Balls went to Tom Stewart, Col Langdon, Gino Cerro, Claire Caldwell, Mark Burke, Mark Kenmir,
Lyndon Taylor, Anglea Andrews and Mike Introna.
Nearest the pin on the fourth went to Richard Hanna, the ninth was won by Claire Caldwell, 11 to Adam Schofield and 17 to Paul Lloyd.
The A Grade long drives went to Tom Stewart, B Grade to Stephen Edwards from Coolamatong Snowy Mountains Country Club, C Grade to Mark Kenmir and the ladies was won by Helen
Crawford.
In Sunday’s stableford, the overall winner was new member Brad Freeman with a fantastic score of 43 points. Balls went to Claire Caldwell, Stephen Young, Paul Lloyd and Bailey Burke. It was a very happy new year for Jamie Steveson in the midweek medal last week with an impressive score of 68 nett on countback, winning the first medal for 2025.
A solid return to competition golf for Jamie.
The A Grade winner was Mark Kelly with 72 nett, the B Grade winner was Ken McGrath with 68 nett and C Grade wet to Jenny Rainsford with 70 nett.
Balls went to Ben Rolfe, Angela Andrews, Dylan Litchfield, Matthew Schouten, Tom Stewart, Bailey Burke, Alan Kelly, David Stewart and Claire Caldwell.
Nearest the pin on hole four went to Angela Andrews, ninth to Tom Stewart, 11 to Claire Caldwell and 17 was won by Tom Stewart.
Next Saturday is round two of the Summer Cup, Sunday is a stableford and the midweek competition is also a stableford. The Summer Cup will be won by the golfer with the best three scores over the four rounds.
Nelson Parker of Cooma owns/manages Get Set Tennis in Canberra. Nelson and Get Set Tennis are one of the major sponsors of this year’s Royal Tennis Club doubles day.
Bertolin; auxiliary treasurer, Margaret Wainwright; Royal Tennis Club life member, Kath Nichols; Alpine Hotel manager (event major sponsor), Daniel Sharkey; auxiliary president, Sue Litchfield; and Royal Tennis Club secretary, Alison Starr.
PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Cooma duo amongst world’s best
SUCCESS: Cooma couple, Jenny and Mick Sullivan, celebrate their excellent results at the UTMB World
Thailand. Mick finished the 100km event first in his age group and Jenny second in her age category.
Sullivans secure entry into ultra-marathon finals
THE Chiang Mai by UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc)
World Major, located in the north of Thailand, is a key trail running event for both professional and amateur athletes from around the globe.
Cooma couple, Mick and Jenny Sullivan, completed the gruelling 100km race, securing entry into one of the UTMB world series finals in Chamonix, France later this year.
Completing the event in Thailand provided them with additional tickets into the UTMB ballot, and if top performances were achieved, they would gain priority entry, bypassing the ballot process completely.
While the Thailand is event is not close to home, it is nearer than the other world majors located in America or Europe, and at a convenient time in their race clendar.
Mick and Jenny are mountain people, having lived, worked and played in mountains and cold places for most of their lives.
This time they found themselves running through tropical jungles at night, trying to stave off heat exhaustion in this epic 100km event.
The race had a 4412 metre height gain. There were 908 starters, 124 withdrawals, and 789 finishers. The course is mountainous with three big climbs and descents, narrow jungle trails and a few sections on roads of various surfaces. Athletes came from all
corners of the world to compete in this event, with a big showing of runners from Europe, Russia, USA, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.
Mick and Jenny were in the first wave of 500 runners starting together, but then split up for the remaining event, running at their own pace. On the initial four kilometres of road they both settled into a conservative stride carefully pacing for the almost 100km to come.
Some younger runners that rushed out too fast on the flat were quickly hurting and stalling the conga lines working their way up the first big climb.
There were a few welcome breaks on the eight kilometre climb where the trail traversed a couple of times, otherwise it was steep work. For a good part of this first climb, Mick was able to chat with Ian, another Aussie runner, as they worked their way up the steep incline.
Ian had beaten Mick by about eight minutes in the 2024 Ultra Trail Australia 100km. Mick was keen to reverse that in Thailand.
The first aid station at Khun Chang Khian village was at the top of the climb, 12km into the event. It was a welcome stop mainly for hydration, at this stage of the hot event.
The descent after the village was a leg cooker for most runners. In long ultras many runners develop stiff quadricep muscles which hampers their
progress in the later part of the race.
The second aid station at Huay Tueng Thao reservoir was at the lakeside fun park. Following this was the 12km section to elephant camp which was undulating terrain with a few stiff hills, creek crossings, and sections of recently hacked out trails where you were ducking under thick stems of bamboo arching over the track.
At the next aid station at Mae Sa Elephant Camp, as the name implies, there were eight elephants in the fields as we approached, munching away on freshly cut grasses.
At this aid station, Mick made the mistake of not adding electrolytes to his water bottles, thinking one miss would not be important.
The consequences were brought home on the next huge climb of over 1000m vertical, where the cramps started in the rising afternoon temperatures. He quickly added electrolytes to the drink flasks and the cramping subsided soon after.
For Jenny, further back in the field, the big ascents were suited to her leg strength and endurance and she hauled in a lot of runners here.
The upper parts of the climb were becoming very scenic with grand views both sides of the ridge and pine trees dominating the forest now. It was beautiful undulating ridge running for several kilometres with a welcome cool breeze until we
reached the race high point, Doi Pui peak, at 1685 mt.
Next aid station was at the Hmong village of Doi Pui where you run through the busy tourist streets.
The Hmong are an ethnic hill tribe of Thailand and surrounding countries who wear beautiful colourful traditional garments. Like many mountain tribes around the world, they are tough resourceful people.
Sri Sang Wan Ranger Station aid station had a fire hydrant left running on the approach so runners could douse themselves with cool water, which was very welcome.
With dusk arriving it was still warm. Runners were spread out and there was plenty of alone time.
Mick had a very hard fall halfway along and hit his ribs hard on the rocky ground, it not only hurt a lot but he suspected some rib bruising was involved.
He bounced up quickly and kept going, not much stops him, however it would come back to bite him again after the event.
With darkness encroaching it was time to don the headlamps for the night running ahead. On the down, the trail passes the beautiful illuminated white Loha Prasat Sri Mueang Pong temple before an endless flight of 900 stairs to the river below.
Ban Pong Sub District aid point, a very welcome stop, is the main rest stop in the event, where runners access their grab bags, and eat.
In ultras when it reaches about 9pm, their usual bed time, the body starts to go into sleep mode, energy drops and you end up fighting this until the next morning.
Mick implemented a plan to start with 100mg of caffeine, roughly the same as a cup of coffee, then repeat every 1.5 hours until daylight or the race ends. It’s primarily for cognitive performance, as you can find yourself on narrow trails in dangerous situations night running where you need all your focus to maintain safety.
In the Thai jungle, there are venomous snakes to deal with, such as King Cobras, Kraits.
Jenny met a bright green highly venomous Pit Viper momentarily blocking her trail.
After the Hmong village there was four kilometres of road running. Mick got into a good stride and overhauled lots of runners who were now fading after 80 plus kilometres.
Doi Pui campground was the last aid station before the big descent to Chiang Mai. With home just 15km away, Mick was focussed on keeping clear of any age group competition.
At 12.25am, Mick crossed the timing mat in 17hrs 25min, 138th place overall, winning his age class in the 65-69 age category.
Jenny crossed the line at 4.47 am, clocking 21hrs 47min, 393th overall, 75th woman and scored a second place in her age class in the 60-65 category.
Major in
PHOTOS: Supplied
Jenny during the gruelling 100km ultra-marathon world major.
It is a first place finish for Cooma ultra-marathon runner, Mick Sullivan, in the Thailand event.
year out Burke blitzes Cooma field
By COOMA GOLF CLUB
IN the final competition before the new year, Cooma golfers took advantage of plenty of run in the course.
The day belonged to Bailey Burke, not only for his win on Saturday December 21 with 39 points, but also for his albatross on the eighth.
That five point albatross certainly helped him secure the win.
The A Grade winner was Brian Searl with 38 points on countback from Peter Smith, B Grade went to David Douglass with 35 points and the C Grade winner was Fletch Jones with 37 points.
Balls went to Peter Smith, Stephen Edgenton, David Goggin, Gary Batten, Jason Brazulaitis and Steven Wheatley.
Nearest the pin on the ninth went to Fletch Jones and 17 went to David Goggin.
The winners of the split sixes on the Saturday were Kerry Blencowe and David Goggin with a fantastic score of 76 points.
In Sunday’s Stableford Lyndon Taylor was the overall winner with 38 points. Balls went to Shannon Fergusson,
Tim Young and Stephen Young. In the midweek Stableford last week (December 17) Helen Crawford was the overall winner with an incredible score of 42 points.
The A Grade winner was Jason Brazulaitis with 41 points, B Grade went to Peter Ewart with 36 points and C Grade went
to Mark Kenmir with 35 points.
Balls went to Mark Rainsford, Tim Bedingfield, Shannon Fergusson, Barry Williams, Roy Hankinson, Nathan Docker, Steve Ganitis and Gaye Wilson.
Nearest the pin on the ninth went to Steven Wheatley and 17 went to Helen Crawford.
Golfers find new year form
By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB
COOLAMATONG golfers have started their year in fine form, with Owain Jones producing a great score of 43 points to take an early lead in the Summer Cup.
The Summer Cup will run through January with the best four of eight rounds used to determine the winner.
Runner-up on the day was Roy Gabriele with 41 points who has continued his good form into the new year.
In A grade, Charlie Filtness won with 36 points on a three-way countback from Laurie Whitehead and Chris Brown (we hear Laurie missed a tiddler length putt).
In B grade, Carolyn Major shot a fine 40 points to win the grade, with Vero Rupcic runner up on 39 points on a countback from Scott Frize and Robert Haigh.
Roy Gabriele won C Grade with 41 points,
the match play final. Stoettrup won a gripping match at Coolamatong. PHOTO: Coolamatong Golf Club
Maureen Rupcic 35 points and Jan O’Halloran 34 points.
In the ladies’ competition, Carolyn Major had 40 points and runner up was Kylie Woodcock with 36 points.
The electic has also started for 2025, the competition will finish in early December, so get those birdies rolling in on each hole. This year there is a scratch and handicap electic.
The men’s scratch
match play from 2024 was finally decided in a cliffhanger, with Soeron Stoettrup taking the title on hole 19 over Steve Dunn.
Dunn was one up playing 18 but made bogey to Stoettrup’s par. On the first hole for the playoff, Stoettrup hit it very wide left on the practise range, played a safe recovery back to the fairway and then a great third shot near the pin and sank the putt for par to win.
TOP EFFORT: Cooma golfer, Bailey Burke, will long remember his second shot on the eighth hole where he secured an albatross.
PHOTO: Cooma Golf Club
Rodeo draws in bumper crowd
Bears headed for new comp
GROUP 16 PREMIERS MOVE
TO GEORGE TOOKE SHIELD
By NATHAN THOMPSON
THE challenge of fielding first and reserve grade sides has been cited as a major factor in the Snowy River Bears leaving the Group 16 rugby league competition to join the George Tooke Shield in season 2025.
The Bears broke a 28-year first grade title drought when they were crowned Group 16 premiers in 2024, following a tough win over Eden.
With a large number of players from the premiership moving on, the club has decided it will be unable to fill reserve and first grade sides in the Group 16 competition.
The George Tooke Shield is a Canberra region based competition, allowing clubs to enter just one side.
The Bears said via a statement, the club is looking forward to competing in the George Tooke Shield into the ‘foreseeable’ future.
“Due to a large number of our 2024 premiership winning players moving on to other clubs and competitions to further challenge themselves in their playing careers, we are unable to field two full teams next season,” a club spokesperson said.
“We look forward to joining the George Tooke Shield competition for the 2025 season. This is a single team competition and will allow the club to further develop our younger players in a slightly different style of competition.”
The Bears will continue to
play home games out of John Connors Oval in Jindabyne.
Local product and existing fullback/winger, Jake Hedger, will lead the side throughout 2025.
“Our loyal supporters will still have the opportunity to come and watch us play both home games in Jindabyne and in and around the Canberra
region and satellite towns,” the spokesperson said.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to all of our incredible supporters, sponsors and fantastic volunteers for your understanding and support through this change.”
The George Tooke Shield comprises sides from Canberra, Bungendore, Boorowa,
Where the Flick
Googong, Harden and Crookwell.
In a busy few months for the Bears, the club also saw a change at the helm of the organisation with Jason Dyball replacing Rob Freebody as president.
Dyball has been an active member of the Snowy River Bears RLFC since 2004 and is one of the club’s longest active serving players.
“We would like to extend our many thanks and appreciation to Robert ‘Fred’ Freebody,” the spokesperson said.
“Fred took the reins of club president back in 2022 and has been a crucial member in our club’s transformation over the past three years and the 2024 first grade premiership.”
NEW CHALLENGE: The Snowy Rivers Bears will compete in the George Tooke Shield this season. The club won the 2024 Group 16 first grade premiership, but says it will be unable to field reserve and first grades sides needed for Group 16.
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
Rodeo rocks
A BUMPER crowd and record entries set the scene for one of the biggest and best Jindabyne Man from Snowy River Rodeos in recent memory.
The warm conditions did not deter an excited crowd who watched some of the country’s best riders in action.
Rodeo organiser, Al Rowson, said the committee worked hard to stage a memorable rodeo.
An increase of $2,000 in prize money has attracted bull riders from across the country to partake in the day’s activities, seeing many flock to the area and enjoy a holiday.
“We were offering more prize money this year to help riders as we know the cost of traveling to the area from across the country can be expensive,” Rowson said.
“It is a lot of money for the committee to spend but worth it for a bigger, better and safer event.”
The thoughts of many in attendance were with the family of Michelle O’Neill, a rodeo stalwart who died in a horse training accident in August, 2024.
Council votes against submitting response
Minister set to issue performance improvement order
By NATHAN THOMPSON
AT an extraordinary meeting held just before Christmas, to decide if Snowy Monaro Regional Council would respond to a performance improvement order from the Local Government Minister, no formal motion was adopted.
Council has been issued a
notice of intention to be placed on a performance improvement order by Minister Ron Hoenig following concerns over councillor conduct and the organisation’s financial viability.
After extensive discussion during the meeting on December 23, a motion brought by Cr Andrew Thaler
to respond to the Minister’s recent correspondence was lost. Council itself will not be responding to the Minister’s notice.
Cr Thaler proposed that Council reply to the minister making clear there is no disharmony in Council meetings and remind him of his obligations at ‘law, the right to the
presumption of innocence and protection of human rights’.
Part of Cr Thaler’s motion related to allegations by Minister Hoenig who in correspondence with Council, referred to multiple incidents involving Cr Thaler.
The Office of Local Government said it received 19 misconduct referrals/allegations against Cr Thaler during October and November.
These have been reported by
councillors, Council staff and the community.
Cr Thaler has refuted the allegations against him, saying they are ‘unproven’.
Councillors Nick Elliott, Reuben Rose, Bob Stewart, Luke Williamson and Thaler voted in favour of the motion.
Councillors Chris Hanna, Tricia Hopkins, Lynda Summers, John Rooney, Tanya Higgins, and Narelle Davis voted against.
BUSY: The Jindabyne Man from Snowy River Rodeo welcomes one of its largest crowds, and a near record entry field.
PHOTO: Trista Heath
Rodeo draws in bumper crowd
Bears headed for new comp
GROUP 16 PREMIERS MOVE TO GEORGE TOOKE SHIELD
By NATHAN THOMPSON
THE challenge of fielding first and reserve grade sides has been cited as a major factor in the Snowy River Bears leaving the Group 16 rugby league competition to join the George Tooke Shield in season 2025.
The Bears broke a 28-year first grade title drought when they were crowned Group 16 premiers in 2024, following a tough win over Eden.
With a large number of players from the premiership moving on, the club has decided it will be unable to fill reserve and first grade sides in the Group 16 competition.
The George Tooke Shield is a Canberra region based competition, allowing clubs to enter just one side.
The Bears said via a statement, the club is looking forward to competing in the George Tooke Shield into the ‘foreseeable’ future.
“Due to a large number of our 2024 premiership winning players moving on to other clubs and competitions to further challenge themselves in their playing careers, we are unable to field two full teams next season,” a club spokesperson said.
“We look forward to joining the George Tooke Shield competition for the 2025 season. This is a single team competition and will allow the club to further develop our younger players in a slightly different style of competition.”
The Bears will continue to
play home games out of John Connors Oval in Jindabyne.
Local product and existing fullback/winger, Jake Hedger, will lead the side throughout 2025.
“Our loyal supporters will still have the opportunity to come and watch us play both home games in Jindabyne and in and around the Canberra
region and satellite towns,” the spokesperson said.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to all of our incredible supporters, sponsors and fantastic volunteers for your understanding and support through this change.”
The George Tooke Shield comprises sides from Canberra, Bungendore, Boorowa,
Where the Flick
Googong, Harden and Crookwell.
In a busy few months for the Bears, the club also saw a change at the helm of the organisation with Jason Dyball replacing Rob Freebody as president.
Dyball has been an active member of the Snowy River Bears RLFC since 2004 and is one of the club’s longest active serving players.
“We would like to extend our many thanks and appreciation to Robert ‘Fred’ Freebody,” the spokesperson said.
“Fred took the reins of club president back in 2022 and has been a crucial member in our club’s transformation over the past three years and the 2024 first grade premiership.”
NEW CHALLENGE: The Snowy Rivers Bears will compete in the George Tooke Shield this season. The club won the 2024 Group 16 first grade premiership, but says it will be unable to field reserve and first grades sides needed for Group 16.
