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COUNCIL WRITES

MISSING HIKER SURVIVES ON MUESLI BARS, BERRIES

Locals lead search effort Plaza sells for $13 million

By KAREN FORMAN

SNOWY MONARO emergency services personnel are resting and reviewing after a two week, multi-agency search for a missing hiker in the Kosciuszko National Park ended happily last week.

More than 300 volunteers and paid professionals joined the search for Melbourne medical student, Hadi Nazari, who was reported missing from the lower end of the “toughest hike in the country” - Hannels Spur track near Geehi on Boxing Day

and found by hikers near Blue Lake close to Charlotte Pass last Wednesday.

He was taken to Cooma hospital and spent two nights being treated for dehydration, and was discharged on Friday after issuing a statement through NSW Health thanking the public for its interest and concern, but asking for privacy to recover at home.

Mr Nazari, who survived on two muesli bars he had found in a remote hut, said he would not respond to any interview or photo requests.

Many local members of NSW SES units from Snowy River, Alpine Search and Rescue and Cooma Monaro, plus Rural Fire Service, joined the search along with visitors from Volunteer Rescue Association NSW’s search and caving teams.

SES Snowy cluster inspector, Malika Bailey, told The Monaro Post it was now time to rest and conduct post-action reviews as the organisation always learns from every job.

Riverina Police District inspector, Josh Broadfoot,

praised emergency services for their contributions over the past fortnight.

“This is an incredible outcome, after 13 long days he has been located. We want to thank our emergency services partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their assistance. We never gave up hope of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family,” Inspector Broadfoot said.

■ Further coverage on pages 3 and 7

By NATHAN THOMPSON

ONE of the Snowy Monaro’s busiest retail precincts has been sold with Australian property fund manager, Natgen, recently purchasing Cooma’s Centennial Plaza. The Brisbane-based company announced the acquisition last week, declaring its commitment to regional communities, such as Cooma.

Centennial Plaza is home to 15 retail and service provider tenancies, including Coles, The Reject Shop, Commonwealth Bank, Bendigo Bank, Ray White Real Estate, Nell’s Cafe and a range of service providers.

“This acquisition highlights our commitment to identifying opportunities in thriving regional communities like Cooma, in accordance with Natgen’s investment philosophy.

‘The area benefits from the multi-billion dollar Australian Government investment in Snowy Hydro 2.0 and its strong economic pillars of tourism and agriculture,” Natgen managing director, Steven Goakes, said.

■ Read more on page 5

FOUND: Missing hiker, Hadi Nazari, has been found after a 13-day search effort. He smiles alongside NSW PolAir officers, on his way back to the command post.

PHOTO: NSW Police

Keeping Cooma houses fire safe

Tony’s

input in drawn-out Building Code of Australia campaign

By Tony Mackenzie

LONG-TIME Cooma resident, Tony Mackenzie, has penned this ‘Cooma story’ which may be of interest to many locals.

Now at the age of over 90, I recall being asked long ago to record the story of controlling the installation of domestic combustion heaters and stoves in Australia.

Belatedly, I am finally addressing this suggestion from my former building surveyor colleagues.

This is a story which began in Cooma in 1964, early in my health and building surveying career.

Cooma is a fairly cold climate area and woodfired combustion heating had become a dominant form of cooking and space heating. There was rapid growth of housing in Cooma and district during the 1950s and 1960s, driven by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme construction.

Problems arose from two main issues. The first of these was the serious post-war shortage of building materials, which, in part, drove the widespread adoption of asbestos cement, an easily used and low-cost material

for wall sheeting for mainly domestic construction, and unwisely, for the construction of cheap moulded heater flues.

As an aside, the health problems with asbestos were not to be recognised until some years later, and the needs of wall and ceiling insulation in housing then received little attention.

Secondly, the only available standards for installation of domestic solid fuel combustion heaters and stoves were poorly researched, quite inadequate and often contained conflicting manufacturers’ instructions accompanying appliance sales. Second-hand and home-made appliances were further problems.

In early 1964, as a relatively new building surveyor with the then Cooma Municipal Council, I became aware of an increasing number of house fires in the Cooma area and began investigations.

I was given access to the fire incident records of the Cooma Fire Brigade, a study of which indicated that almost half (46 percent) of building fires in the last seven years had been caused by

sub-standard installation or poor maintenance of solid fuel (wood) heating appliances and their flues. This was the foremost cause of Cooma area house fires.

With this evidence, Cooma Municipal Council obtained the support of the NSW Local Government Association and began a campaign.

In co-operation with the Cooma Fire Brigade, I visited and analysed the sites of many house fires, and this assisted my understanding of the issues. The previously mentioned moulded asbestos cement flues, although cheap, proved grossly inadequate for use on solid fuel appliances.

My site inspections found heat-fractured flues after as little as one winter’s use.

An awareness campaign identified several impending fire risks. Liaison with my building surveyor colleagues in other rural councils showed that Cooma council’s experiences were far from unique and re-inforced our concerns.

Neither the Council nor the Local Government Association’s legal department could identify any existing regulatory powers

to address the now obvious installation standards problem.

Despite this, we encountered sustained opposition from the Department of Local Government, the then NSW arbiter of many building constructions standards, which claimed, without evidence, that local Councils had adequate regulating powers to control the cited heater installation issues.

In preparation for further action, I collected numerous heater installation instructions published by the heaters’ industry and others, and with the backing of the Cooma Municipal Council, embarked on an intensive publicity campaign.

We referenced the new Standards Australia Code for oil heaters, which had only limited relevance for solid fuel combustion appliances.

We then responded to the Department of Local Government by researching and publishing local advisory installation standards which were provided to the local Cooma building industry, sellers of heaters, the Department and the public.

There was of course no power to enforce these

who was already involved tion heaters problem. The university brought with it technical resources, which proved invaluable to the

mittee produced a draft installation standard which was widely welcomed, followed later by emission standards and standards for heater construction

These standards were adopted in the new Building Code of Australia in, I think, the 1980s, and eventually became law in

This campaign, initiated in Cooma, had taken some

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is inviting tenders and requests for uotations from ualified building contractors to deliver the construction of the Jerangle ural ire Brigade tation .

nterested parties must obtain copies of the tender documentation from Council’s e tendering system www.vendorpanel.com.au

Open and closing dates: Tenders and RFQ open at 9am AEST on onday January and close at pm on riday ebruary . ubmissions must be fully received by this time.

n uiries should only be directed to endor anel’s online forum.

Submissions: Completed responses can only be submitted via the electronic tender box using the icrosoft ord version of the schedule s . espondents will receive a successful submission receipt, timed and dated upon completion.

hould assistance be re uired, please refer to the online manual on the endor anel portal, contact the endor anel support team by phone at , or email support vendorpanel.com.au.

Submissions must be fully received by the closing time as late submissions will not be accepted. Council is not bound to accept the lowest priced tender or quotation, or all or any part of a tender or quotation, and reserves the right to conduct the Requestion for Tender and Request for Quotation process and select the successful respondent(s) as it sees fit. All responses must be made by online submission. Any response made by any other mean (open email, facsimile, post, or in person) will not be considered.

PHOTO: Supplied

Hiker found alive after missing for two weeks in national park

Police praise search e orts, Hadi discovery ‘incredible’

By NATHAN THOMPSON

MISSING hiker, Hadi Nazari, has been found in the Kosciuszko National Park nearly two weeks after he was reported missing.

Following a 13-day multi-agency search involving more than 300 people, about 3.15pm on Wednesday January 8 the 23-year-old man was located by hikers off the circuit walk near Blue Lake.

He was winched from the location to the command post at the Geehi campgrounds, where he was assessed by paramedics.

Riverina Police District Inspector, Josh Broadfoot, thanked emergency services for their contributions during the 13-day search effort.

“This is an incredible outcome, after 13 long days he has been located. We want to thank our emergency services partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public for their assistance. We never gave up hope

of finding him, and we are elated we can return him safely to his family,” Inspector Broadfoot said.

Before he went missing, Mr Nazari was last seen by friends about 2.30pm on Thursday 26 December 2024, descending the Hannels Spur Trail, Geehi, between Khancoban and Thredbo, in the Kosciuszko National Park.

The three men were expected to meet up at the Geehi campground; however, when he failed to arrive, the two friends, aged 23 and 24, began to search for him.

Officers attached to the Riverina Police District were alerted about 8.45pm, and commenced patrols by vehicle and on foot, assisted by the SES.

On Friday December 27, 2024, a command post was established, and a multiagency search began involving Goulburn Police Rescue, officers attached to Riverina Police District, assisted by National Parks and Wildlife Service, SES, RFS, NSW Ambulance, VRA and PolAir.

Late on Tuesday

PHOTOS: Nathan

December 31, 2024, rubbish and hiking poles, believed to belong to the man were found near the Kosciuszko River, which remained the focus area of the search.

On Sunday January 5, a campfire, lighter, camera and camera bag were located near the Geehi River.

NSW SES South Eastern

Deputy Zone Commander, Matt Price, said volunteers were ecstatic with the successful result.

“Our members have been searching tirelessly over the last 13 days to help NSW Police in their efforts in locating Hadi,” Superintendent Price said.

“The team has worked through some of the most

difficult terrain, and heatwave conditions, so when they finally heard that he had been located safe and well, there was an amazing sense of pride and joy at the outcome.

“We’re delighted he will safely be with his loved ones.”

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing, attended the scene late last

Wednesday afternoon and thanked volunteers involved in the search.

“This has been a very significant search for the NSW SES, with more than 150 members assisting alongside our emergency partners.

“They are highly skilled and capable volunteers, and I commend them on this terrific result.”

Daniel Ney, a rescue operator with the Volunteer Rescue Association, played a leading role in searching for Mr Nazari.

FOUND: Riverina Police District Inspector, Josh Broadfoot, and Riverina Police District Superintendent, Andrew Spleit, look over maps of the Geehi search area. Mr Nazari was found alive a er missing for two weeks.

Thompson

McLoughlin’s Christmas light display raises $12,850

By TRISTA HEATH

JOHN and Doreen McLoughlin of Bent Street, Jindabyne raised $12,850 with their Christmas light display, over $2000 more than previous years.

The famous Christmas light display, now in its 36th year, is loved by the Jindabyne community, surrounding regions and visitors alike.

John, known as Postman John amongst the locals, said over the more than four-week period his lights were on display, Christmas Eve was by far the busiest night seeing at least 800 people walk through his gates.

“Thank you to everybody who helped in any way, big or small, particularly Sue McKid, my little helper, Ryan Rowson, who has helped with the lights for a few years now, and most of all my wife Doreen,” John said.

On Wednesday January 8, John, Doreen and longtime sponsor, director of Banjo Paterson Inn, Cameron McKid, presented Thredbo Early Childhood Centre, The Fly Program and Snowy Mountains Community Association, with a generous donation.

Thredbo Early Childhood Centre received a cheque worth $3,100, The Fly Program

received $4,500 and Snowy Mountains Community Association received $4,500 with $500 earmarked for the Lake Light Sculpture later in the year, and the remaining funds keeping the account open until next year.

Sponsoring the lights since the beginning, Mr McKid said it is good to see that over time the display gets bigger and the crowds bigger too.

“Hats off to John and Doreen, it is great for the community and tourists love it, the feedback is always about how unbelievable the display is, and I am glad to be involved and contribute in a small way,” Mr McKid said.

Planning to use the funds to upgrade their outdoor and indoor resources for the children, Director for Thredbo Early Childhood Centre, Samantha Venn, said this

is the third year they’ve received a donation from John and Doreen.

“We are very appreciative to receive these funds and look forward to spending the donation on getting these new and upgraded items for our children to play with, all thanks to John and Doreen,” Ms Venn said.

Founder of The Fly Program, Matt Tripet, said it is super special to be receiving this donation from John and Doreen.

“For John and Doreen to give the money back to the community, to enable something special with those funds, really creates a legacy and we are very privileged to have the likes of Postman John and the McLoughlin family investing so much into our community,” Mr Tripet said.

“At the Fly Program we host early

prevention-based mental health programs and retreats out of the Snowy Mountains and we have ambitious plans over the next three years.

“We wish to invest $500,000 into mental fitness retreats hosted from here and the Far South Coast and these funds will be used for men in the Monaro and surrounding regions as a scholarship support, supporting men in our local community for these programs.”

Member of the Snowy Mountains Community Association, Joan Bird, said the group started after winter last year with the aim to be able to bring some of the disconnect that the community has been experiencing over the last few years.

“We want to be able to work with the community to access services that they

need and possibly bring those back into town, and we cannot thank John enough for these funds to help get us started,” Ms Bird said.

Taking three months to complete, the Christmas light display is one of Ryan Rowson’s favourite times of the year as he, known as Postman John’s little helper or sidekick for more than seven years now, joins John in his front yard unravelling each bulb carefully.

“It feels great to be able to help John put up his lights and I’m happy to be a part of the cheque presentations again this year, I’m looking forward to helping John again this year and for the years to come,” Ryan said.

Doreen said it is nice to know the money donated is going towards great things to better the community and help others.

“I am very proud of John, all his hard work over the months to install the lights and put the display together, he really does an incredible job,” Doreen said.

John said it is a fantastic feeling to be able to donate this money.

“This is what the lights are all about, giving enjoyment while the lights are up and when it’s all done and the money is counted you give more enjoyment by giving back to the community from where it came,” John said.

“To our wonderful sponsors, and everyone who donated, a huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Sponsors include The Banjo Paterson Inn, Belle Property, Gordon Jenkinson, McGrath Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne Bowling Club, Alpine Country Properties, Lake Jindabyne Hotel, Mitre 10 Jindabyne, BWS, Woolworths, Bebita, Tooheys, Jindabyne Pharmacy, Jindabyne Summit Sun and Snowy Mountains Magazine.

A special thank you also go to those who donated to the Christmas Charity Auction, inlcuding Peter Bird, Horizons, The Emporium, Pinots Wine Bar, Monchichi, Australia Post Jindabyne and Boss Outdoor Sports.

•General public welcome from 9am •Lots of stalls •Fun for all the family •Check out our new Street Market

Cameron McKid, Doreen McLoughlin, Joan Bird and John McLoughlin.

Cameron McKid, Doreen Mcloughlin, Matt Tripet and John McLoughlin.

DONATION: Cameron McKid, Doreen McLoughlin, Samantha Venn and John McLoughlin. PHOTOS: Trista Heath

Centennial Plaza sells for $13 million

Australian company purchases key retail precinct

By NATHAN THOMPSON

ONE of the Snowy Monaro’s busiest retail precincts has been sold with Australian property fund manager, Natgen, recently purchasing Cooma’s Centennial Plaza.

The Brisbane-based company announced the acquisition last week, declaring its commitment to regional communities, such as Cooma.

Centennial Plaza is home to 15 retail and service provider tenancies, including Coles, The Reject Shop, Commonwealth Bank, Bendigo Bank, Ray White

Real Estate, Nell’s Cafe and a range of service providers.

“This acquisition highlights our commitment to identifying opportunities in thriving regional communities like Cooma, in accordance with Natgen’s investment philosophy.

‘The area benefits from the multi-billion dollar Australian Government investment in Snowy Hydro 2.0 and its strong economic pillars of tourism and agriculture,”

Natgen managing director, Steven Goakes, said.

The plaza has dual street access, 210 allocated

parking spaces and four Tesla charges.

“While many businesses prepared to wind down for the festive season, we remained focused on delivering for our investors,” Goakes said.

“Securing Centennial Plaza before year-end reflects our proactive approach to acquiring quality assets and setting the stage for strong returns in 2025.”

Natgen said it acquired the centre for $13.725 million, which at around 40 percent below its independently assessed replacement cost was

pivotal in offering investors an eight percent per annum tax-advantaged income stream with a long-term value buffer.

Natgen plans to actively manage the asset over the next five to six years, saying it will leverage local expertise to reposition tenancies and enhance the centre’s value.

“An 18-month rental guarantee, negotiated with the vendor, ensures full income generation during this period as the team identifies and implements repositioning opportunities,” Mr Goakes said.

The company said the

plaza is the region’s most prominent shopping and social hub, catering to

and tourists, and will deliver a new opportunity for its investors.

Kosciuszko National Park’s health scores revealed

Spotted Tree Frog population increases equipment.

THE overall health of Kosciuszko National Park, the largest national park in NSW, has been assessed for the first time through the EcoHealth Scorecard.

The scorecard is based on an unprecedented level of biological survey work. This includes 100 permanent monitoring sites equipped with cameras and acoustic monitoring equipment.

The equipment has captured more than half a million animal images, nearly 4,000 plant records and 1,225 bird records.

The scorecard includes surveys undertaken in the 2022/23 financial year.

It provides a baseline against which changes in the health of the park can be measured over time.

Kosciuszko National Park contains the largest wild horse population of any national park in NSW. The first scorecard also reveals:

- The park remains an important stronghold for many threatened mammal species with populations of Mountain Pygmy Possum, Eastern False Pipistrelle and

Spotted Tailed-quoll likely to be stable, while more information is required to assess Broad-toothed Rat and Smoky Mouse populations.

- Twenty-eight threatened bird species are found in the park including Powerful Owls, Gang Gang Cockatoos and several threatened woodland birds.

- Populations of Southern Corroboree

Frog, Alpine Tree Frog and Booroolong Frog appear stable, while the Spotted Tree Frog population is increasing, based on data from previous threatened species programs.

The scorecard also reveals some challenges faced by the park.

Eleven feral animal species occur in Kosciuszko National Park.

In addition to horses,

feral cats are present at 40 percent of all monitoring sites while deer and foxes are also widespread throughout the park.

Fifty-five weed species were detected at permanent monitoring sites, suggesting a relatively high level of weed incursion likely linked to disturbance by horses and other feral animals and human activities in the park.

locals

SOLD: Cooma’s Centennial Plaza has been purchased by Australian company, Natgen, for close to $14 million.

PHOTO: Supplied

All hands on deck to treat Tumut Pond dam bus crash victims in ‘73

Flashback to Cooma District Hospital response to disaster

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

FOLLOWING on from last week’s story in The Monaro Post regarding the joint donation to the Cooma Health Service’s Cooma Hospital Auxiliary by the daughter of a bus passenger who died in the Tumut Pond Dam bus crash in 1973, the Cooma Lions Club and local resident Gino Cerro, some new information has been presented by Lions Club member Chris Reeks about the role the Cooma Hospital played, published in The Australian Nurses’ Journal in April 1974 (Vol. 3, No. 9).

The article titled ‘Nurses at Work – Operation Disaster’ written by Miss P. Newell, S.R.N, S.R.M, assistant tutor, Cooma District Hospital, covers the response and procedure followed by the medical staff of this small country town hospital to tend to the influx of injured patients from the bus crash.

The article begins with the joy of celebrating the 100th birthday of a wellknown hospital patient on Wednesday, September 26, 1973 with family and friends in attendance and messages of congratulations from the Queen and the Prime Minister, and a Papal Blessing.

Then by mid-afternoon, the hospital received a message from the Cabramurra Medical Centre, “A tourist bus has gone over the side of the Tumut Pond Dam at No. 2

Power Station, 21 people are believed to be dead. An unknown number are injured.”

The article continues:

“The district hospital at Cooma has 120 beds and a daily average occupancy of 91.

“Matron Dora Theunissen immediately implemented the Hospital Disaster Plan. All staff in the Sisters’ Home and Nurses’ Home were alerted and placed on call.

“Theatre and casualty staff were notified. Matron then directed two tutorial staff to visit each ward and implement planning.

“The Chief Executive Officer allocated his staff as follows: one office girl remained on duty to handle paperwork, and the switchboard operator remained on duty. The Chief Executive Officer then set about making provision to receive the dead-on-arrival.

“The radiographer and his assistant remained on duty.”

The hospital staff, not knowing how many patients were coming in, prepared casualty, ICU, the male and female wards. ICU was cleared of all patients, which was possible as there were no critically ill patients there at the time.

“A little later we were notified the bus was carrying old age pensioners and that the majority of the passengers were women. We then cleared a four-bed ward in male

ward to cater for the extra women we were expecting.

“So, we now had 12 beds prepared for women, eight in female ward, and four in male ward; six beds for men in male ward and a further six beds for patients needing intensive care. During this time the doctors prepared a list of patients for possible discharge should the need for more beds arise.”

The article went on to describe the procedures in place when the first patients began arriving in casualty, the staff to patient ratio, where teams were assigned and what their roles were, the clergy assisting with spiritual care for patients and the need for all involved to provide patients with re-assurance as they did not know if their nearest and dearest were dead or alive, and staff were unaware of this information as the police were still to receive and identify bodies.

The article states police “took some time to identify the bodies as there were two buses travelling together, with the passengers intermingling. It was not until a list of the living, plus a list of passengers on the second bus was compiled, that police could positively identify the bodies”.

The 18 dead-on-arrival at the hospital also created a problem, as the mortuary was built to hold three. It ended up accommodating six.

“The remaining 12 bodies were placed in an auxiliary mortuary which had been prepared earlier. A disused room was scrubbed with Lysol by hospital maintenance staff, sprayed with Mortein, the windows were sealed and plastic sheeting used to cover the floor. The walls and roof were hosed to lower the inside temperature.”

The day after the incident, the task of informing next-of-kin began, made more difficult due to the distance from the victims’ homes in South Australia, and assessing and implementing plans of nursing care.

“In conclusion, the whole procedure of admitting 21 casualty patients went off very smoothly due to the coordination of the many ambulance services involved and the efficient direction of patients to wards from casualty by Matron.

“Due to the critical lack of space both in casualty and x-ray departments, smoothness and efficiency of activity was absolutely essential.

“The Chief Executive Officer’s handling of all publicity and notification of next-of-kin, took a tremendous load of work from the staff.

“The clergy who ministered to the sick on both the night of the accident and during their convalescence, were a blessing, and freed staff for essential nursing duties.

“Town charities, schools and private citizens came to the fore with patients’ needs such as toiletries, night wear and clothing.

“The local optometrist provided patients with new spectacles free-ofcharge as their belongings were either scattered over the mountainside or at the bottom of Tumut Pond dam.

“Later, when most of the clothing had been found, it was cleaned and repaired by the local dry cleaners, also free.

“Apart from this, there were many others who helped us care for these patients. Many people opened their homes to patients on their discharge so they could remain near husbands,

wives or friends who were still hospitalised.”

The comprehensive article concludes by listing some small recommendations on what could have been improved during this major medical event, but these were minor considering the scale of the disaster.

The article demonstrates more than anything how in times of desperation and urgency a whole community pulls together, from professionals through to concerned members of the public. This piece is a summary of the full article. Those interested in reading the article in its entirety can obtain a copy from Chris Reeks by contacting him on 0407 299 008.

New murals and panels enhance Adaminaby’s looks

By KAREN FORMAN

TRAVELLERS often stop in Adaminaby for a snack, a toilet break or to check out the distinctive Big Trout on their way to Somewhere Else.

That Somewhere Else might be the snow in winter (Selwyn Snow Resort is just up the road), Tumut and Blowering Dam, or any of the fishing and camping spots in the Kosciuszko and Namadgi National Parks along the route.

But the Snowy Mountains town is much more than just a stop. It is worthy of a stopover. And a big look around.

That is why the Adaminaby Chamber of Commerce has just spent more than $10,000 adding information panels and murals to buildings in the town centre.

As spokesman, Tim

Corkill, said, “to let people know about all the amazing activities and sights available in the area”.

The work has enhanced the former toilet block and the new toilet block and improved the park surrounding the famous Big Trout sculpture.

A mural by Daniel Hend from Mullumbimby and Tasmania created from a photograph of the Yaouk Valley, to the north of Adaminaby, adorns the new toilet block.

Information panels about activities available in both national parks and in the region generally, along with information about the Snowy Scheme and Snowy 2, have been placed on the outside of the old toilet block, which is currently a storage shed.

“We wanted to let people know that there is more to Adaminaby than just a stop for the toilet or a coffee,”

Mr Corkill said.

“There is bushwalking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding and snow play, horse riding, mountain scenery, flora and fauna and, of course, Lake Eucumbene and water activities.

“The region has a rich history with the Kiandra goldfields and the Snowy Mountains Scheme.”

The murals and information panels were funded by a Snowy Hydro Community grant of $9800 and topped up with Chamber and Snowy Scheme Museum funds.

Adaminaby township once lay nine kilometres further southwest, until it was the first town to be flooded by Lake Eucumbene as part of the Snowy Mountains HydroElectric Scheme.

The town and most of its significant buildings were re-located

(sometimes brick by brick) to higher ground in 1956.

Lake Eucumbene is the largest lake in the Snowy

Cooma which honours and recognises those who died in the Tumut Pond dam bus crash in 1973, and involved a significant and well-planned emergency response by Cooma Hospital. PHOTO: Supplied

Scheme, holding nine times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour. Its Snowy Scheme Museum has become a major attraction and an adjunct to the Snowy Hydro Visitor Centre in Cooma.

Adaminaby’s Tim Corkill with the new information panels in the town centre. PHOTOS: Karen Forman

Rescuers reflect on ‘gruelling’ two weeks

Review time for searchers a er missing hiker found

By KAREN FORMAN

EMERGENCY services personnel are resting and reviewing after the gruelling two week, multiagency search for missing hiker, Hadi Nazari, in the Kosciuszko National Park came to a happy ending last week.

More than 300 volunteers and paid professionals joined the search for the Melbourne medical student who was reported missing from the lower end of the “toughest hike in the country”Hannels Spur track near Geehi - on Boxing Day.

Of those, more than 150 were SES volunteers, both local from the Snowy River, Cooma Monaro and Alpine Search and Rescue units and from throughout NSW. Other volunteers came from Vic Bush Search and Rescue, ACT Remove Access, VRA Rescue NSW and Rural Fire Services, with others from NSW Ambulance, NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, Riverina Police District officers, National Parks and Wildlife Service, PolAir and Westpac Lifesaver.

Under the guidance of NSW Police, the fit and highly qualified searchers spent days and even nights scouring snake infested, steep thick scrub for Mr Nazari in heatwave conditions of up to 33 degrees.

They suffered heat exhaustion, minor injuries and fatigue, were away from jobs and families, but kept turning up to do their bit to help. Snowy River SES volunteers ranged from 18 to 69 years of age.

The NSW Government deployed helicopters

through PolAir and the Westpac helicopter was also involved.

The discovery of various belongings including a lighter, a hiking pole and a camera case kept hopes up.

Ironically, Mr Nazari was located by hikers more than nine kilometres from the search area, on the Main Range track near Blue Lake, 6km from Charlotte Pass with wide sweeping views all the way to Mt Kosciuszko.

While the official searchers did not find the lost hiker in the end, NSW SES Snowy cluster Chief Inspector, Malika Bailey, said ultimately it did not matter.

“The main thing is, he was found and we are all just so happy,” she said. “I think many of us were crying”.

Mrs Bailey, a mother of two who has been in the SES for 14 years, did the first three days in the field, then was SES search commander under the directorship of NSW police based at the command post for all but three days.

She paid tribute to all of the searchers and NSW Police whom she said had “managed the situation brilliantly” and said it was “a team effort with many lessons learned”.

The Hannels Spur track, which was the route of the first ascent of Mt Kosciuszko in 1840, is known as the toughest hike in Australia, due to its 1800 metre elevation gain over just nine kilometres, thick bush and changeable weather.

Mr Nazari and his friends had walked the 23 kilometre track over five days from Thredbo and were about to finish their

trek when he stopped to take a photograph three kilometres from the bottom, near Geehi Flats campground and became lost.

According to searchers, over the next two weeks he hiked uphill, found muesli bars in an isolated hat, then ventured across the top of the Main Range towards Blue Lake, but could not recall having left his belongings behind.

Mr Nazari was found by hikers some distance away from the search area, close to Charlotte Pass, last Wednesday and was taken to Cooma hospital and treated for dehydration.

He was discharged on Friday after issuing a statement through NSW Health thanking the public for its interest and concern but asking for privacy to recover at home.

Mr Nazari, who survived on two muesli bars he had found in a remote hut, said in a statement he would not respond to any interview or photo requests.

Mrs Bailey told The Monaro Media Group it was now time to rest and conduct post-action reviews “as we always learn from every job.”

“If I ever get lost, I hope that these people will search for me,” she said.

“They have done a magnificent job.

“The amount of specialist people and equipment up there was amazing. It was the biggest search I have seen since being involved with the SES.”

Mrs Bailey said searching had been very tough, “steep and steeper”, with very hot days.

“The teams were full of energy and after the end of a long day, with some food and water and a swim

in the river would be ready to go again,” she said.

“For the SES, most of us met at the shed in Jindabyne at 6am each morning for a quick departure, picking up equipment like sunhats, sunscreen, radios, PLBs, GPS, extra batteries, food, water, electrolytes and gaiters for the Australian critters we saw every day.

“Once at the staging area we would be briefed by the police on what they wanted us to do. Some SES members camped at Geehi.

“On good days we had 48 searchers, all specialists in the field.”

Volunteers did a variety of tasks, from driving vehicles, to keeping their colleagues fed and watered to doing welfare checks, searching and more.

“We will now all have a rest and then a post action review will be conducted to work on what we can do better next time. We do a lot of training and when we put it into action and see it work, it is very rewarding.”

Mrs Bailey said the searchers never lost hope, despite the search ongoing.

“We had a task and we do it to the best of our ability. We are there to support the police. They do the big thinking and we do what they need us to do.”

VRA Rescue special operations unit captain, Daniel Ney, who was leading VRA Rescue NSW efforts, said he had arrived with a rescue truck and gear on December 30 with six others and had been involved with the search throughout, including camping out five nights.

“We arrived at the staging area at 7.45am after a few hours sleep, were flown up to Moiras Flat campground in a helicopter, then walked down

pole that were found to be the hiker’s, which gave the police a direction.

“I didn’t see any snakes, but I did have a huge problem with giant bull ants, which which everywhere we tried to pitch a tent.”

Mr Ney, who belonged to the RFS and worked for 36-days straight on the 2019-202 fires on the Mid North Coast, said he joined the VRA to do something meaningful.

A smaller organisation than SES, which is fully government funded, the VRA relies on community funding and operates a cave rescue unit and special operations, concentrating on searching.

“The search at Hannels Spur was ideal for what we do and we are glad to have made a contribution,” he

Mr Ney said, like Mrs Bailey, he was happy that the hiker had been found and that 13 days was a long derness without food or

VRA

VRA Rescue NSW members’ campsite at Geehi.

GRUELLING: Searchers faced hot weather, snakes and thick scrub at high altitude.

AIRBORNE: Volunteers were airli ed to the top of the search area to conserve their energy for the long and physical days ahead.

PHOTOS: Supplied

WHAT a remarkable outcome in the search for missing hiker, Hadi Nazari. Mr Nazari was located near Blue Lake by hikers not involved in the search.

The search for the 23-year-old ran for 13 days and involved more than 300 search personnel.

Searchers discovered a campfire and camera belonging to Mr Nazari on Sunday January 5, giving renewed hope in the effort to find the university student.

On Wednesday, Mr Nazari was found in pretty good shape for someone missing for that period of time.

Well done to the search crews for their efforts and determination. Many of our local volunteers took part in the search efforts, on most days in sweltering conditions.

A second extraordinary Council meeting has taken place regarding the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig’s, intention to place the organisation on a performance improvement order (PIO).

The first extraordinary meeting on the issue, shortly before Christmas, resulted in no motion being adopted and Council not formally responding to the Minister. Since this meeting, a number of councillors have written to the Minister.

At last week’s extraordinary meeting, Council voted in favour of Cr Reuben Rose’s and Luke Williamson’s motion, calling for mayor Chris Hanna to write to the minister seeking further information on matters in the PIO.

The reasons provided by the Minister for issuing a PIO are: councillor conduct in the chamber, in correspondence, and on social media; and concerns over the continuation of actions being taken to improve Council’s financial viability.

Council will seek further details on how the ‘large’ code of conduct of complaints raised against Cr Andrew Thaler are being managed, why the ‘minister requires Council to always maintain a minimum balance of $500,000 in unrestricted funds, and the rationale for the amount set’ and why the minister is concerned about Council’s financial viability.

If you fancy one of the best morning teas on offer and the chance to watch some top tennis, head on down to the Cooma Royal Tennis Courts this Sunday from 9am. The Royal Tennis Club is holding its annual doubles tournament to raise money for the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary.

The auxiliary will provide morning tea and the tennis club will have your lunch sorted.

THE approval recently of four coal mine extensions by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is irresponsible. These four mine extensions follow the approval of three new coal mines in September.

The four projects approved were the Boggabri coalmine in New South Wales and, in Queensland, BHP’s Caval Ridge Horse Pit, the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coalmine and the Vulcan South coalmine.

The burning of the coal and gas from these extensions will significantly add to greenhouse gas emissions. Clearing of the land for the mine extensions is already destroying valuable habitat.

Vulcan South may have already illegally cleared 47 hectares of koala habitat for a ‘test’ coal mine this year. Under the latest approval, the coal mine can potentially clear a further 1,000 hectares of koala habitat.

Caval Ridge, one of Australia’s largest coal mines, will be able to continue its mining until 2056. The mine is so big, it releases more greenhouse gas emissions each year than the country of Nepal.

As for the Boggabri mine, its fugitive methane

By Boyd Mould, from his Recollections of the Snowy River Stockmen

emissions are already a

emissions are already a problem, yet, rather than have its operations restricted because of the methane, it will now be allowed to dig up another 61.6 million tonnes of coal.

The Boggabri mine cuts through the Leard State Forest, the largest remaining Box-Gum woodland west of the Great Dividing Range, home of 34 threatened species.

The biggest concern, however, is the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook mine which will add an underground mine to its existing open cut operations. Fugitive emissions could skyrocket, and be as high as three million tonnes per year by 2036, if not effectively mitigated.

Without mitigation, Lake Vermont could become the third biggest emitting coal mine in Australia in the next three years.

Minister Plibersek’s insistence that coking (steel-making) coal was still needed was not entirely true.

There is still a lot of coking coal available. In addition, the government should be investing more in the hydrogen economy to bring on the transition to ‘green steel’ as soon as possible.

Jenny Goldie Climate Action Monaro

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

Email: editor@monaropost.com.au

Address: 59 Vale Street, Cooma

If a drought should hit the country – as I’ve seen it do before, If the stock were slowly fading day by day, If their hungry search proved fruitless and their future seemed unsure, I’ll be looking to that range not far away.

If the waterholes were drying to a sunbaked bed of silt, If that little creek had ceased to flow again, If dry westerlies kept blowing until the gum trees start to wilt, I’d go droving to the mountains from the plains,

If the mountain scuds had fallen, as they’re mostly wont to do,

If the many creeks and gullies still abound,

If my old brown mare could take me up the tracks that we once knew,

I would greet my old familiar stamping ground.

But – the Park is now forbidden to the likes of me it’s true,

But I wouldn’t choose some main route they would know,

But I’d pick some scrubby side-track and I reckon I’d get through,

‘Cause I’ve ridden all that country, years ago.

But the dogs could be a problem – mostly town dogs let go wild.

But they mightn’t know the tricks the dingoes knew.

But to track them down and catch them would still take quite a while,

And you wouldn’t know what damage they might do.

But the helicopter pilots would report what stock they’d seen,

But it takes a while to get a message through.

But I suppose they’d get some flunky pretty quickly on the scene

And the game of hide and seek would start anew.

We’ve been led into temptation by the fact of where we live, There’s a verdant haven right at our back door.

But the trustees of that refuge don’t forget and can’t forgive –We’ve been banished from the Park for evermore!

Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

HEY COOKIE, I’M GETTING KINDA HUNGRY, SO I’LL QUICKLY POP

Vale George Bowden, a community champion

COMMUNITY champion, George Bowden, is being remembered as a hard-working volunteer and dedicated family man, following his death last week.

Harold Thomas Bowden, or George as he was affectionately known, died on January 6 at Cooma Hospital.

George was a committed volunteer and fundraiser, raising funds for Sir William Hudson Nursing home (now Hudson House), the Cooma Salvation Army and Dementia Australia.

He took part in the City to Surf a remarkable 19-times to raise funds.

This masthead ran a story in November 2024 featuring George. George’s wish to become a full member of the Salvation Army was granted.

Cooma Salvation Army

Corps officers, Bryan and Debbie Bartlett, conducted a moving swearing-in service for George.

“In November 2020, George was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia with aphasia,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Recently, he had been battling cancer and was heartbreakingly diagnosed with secondary cancer in his spine, leaving him with a very limited life expectancy.

“During a visit to George in Cooma Hospital, he expressed his heartfelt desire to become a full member of The Salvation Army.

“Moved by his request, Debbie and I quickly made all the necessary arrangements. Major Louise

service in the hospital’s palliative care unit.

“The service was deeply touching and beautifully fitting for George, with happy tears flowing

ance. It was an emotional moment as George fulfilled his lifelong ambition of becoming a Senior Soldier of The Salvation Army. In a powerful declaration of his faith, he even raised his own ‘hallelujah’.”

Russell celebrates 90th birthday

WELL-known and wellrespected Cooma resident, Russell Fox, celebrated his 90th birthday last week.

Russell has been an integral part of the Cooma community for more than 60-years. He and his wife, Jackie, moved to town in 1960 and raised their family of four.

Russell was a solicitor for more than 40 years. He and Jackie loved the town and were involved in the community in numerous ways.

Russell is still an active member of the Cooma Lions Club and Probus, and has attended St Paul’s Anglican Church for six decades. He played tennis regularly up until a few months ago.

By LISA ASHURST

I SPENT Christmas and New Year with family in the ACT and aside from the pleasure of having time with them, the next best thing was the shops.

Okay, so I have a few shops where I live, not many because it’s a small place, but they are nice and carry nice product ranges, but when you visit somewhere that has shopping centres and quirky specialty-shop places coming out their ears, well, your eyes just about pop out of your head and it’s an aweinspiring experience.

Daughter and Sonin-law know all the best places to go for the quirky and the wonderful and yes, we went to most of them and while we did spend, we somehow managed to exercise some reasonable restraint, which is where you add up what you’ve spent already in one place and then decide where to go

say that I did no such thing. I put aside for this trip as I knew there would be shops, lots of wonderful shops, and that I’d want to browse through every one of them, so I went prepared.

And then we shopped. Being that week between Christmas and New Year, we did pretty well because we caught all the post Christmas sales, which meant more great savings, which we then put towards purchases at those quirky places, some of which were having sales too, so it all balanced out in the long run.

Jackie died in 2017, to Russell’s great sadness, but prior to her death, she had donated her extensive button collection to the Pioneer Women’s Museum in Tumbarumba. The collection was so impressive, curators obtained a grant to establish a little hut on the site exclusively to exhibit the thousands of beautiful buttons.

To celebrate his 90th birthday, Russell’s entire family, including children, grand-children and greatgrand children, gathered at Tumbarumba in early

January, travelling from as far away as the United States and Western Australia, to be together.

In holding the celebration there in Tumbarumba, the family felt that Jackie was also being included.

GROUP EDITOR

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

JOURNALISTS

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Lots of smaller spends always look less disturbing than a whopper in just one

But in a place like Canberra you have retail options. Lots of them, and it could almost have been a bit daunting if I wasn’t having such a good time.

I found things I’d been looking for but could not find closer to home, which was great, plus things I had forgotten I was after and there they were, and then there were those things I had no idea I even needed (wanted, if I’m going to be honest here) until I saw them.

Now while it may look like I completely blew my budget and set myself up for years of financial hardship as a result, I am happy to

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

Anyway, it’s a novelty for me to have access to big shopping centres and to the other attractions that a larger place like Canberra has. The Australian Museum was great (and it has a great shop) and Questacon is always entertaining (also has a great shop) and we were able to see the fireworks on Lake Burley Griffin from the fabulous park within walking distance from Daughter and Sonin-law’s home. We discussed shops we hadn’t got around to visiting. But no worries, I’m heading back to their place for a few days at the end of February to take in the Canberra Show, which is an annual family outing for them, and the days either side of it will allow us to head to those shops we didn’t get around to visiting this time and I’m sure we’ll fit them in. I’m already putting aside for it. Not that I specifically need anything, but who knows what I’ll unearth while fossicking around. Luckily I have a few weeks left for putting some extra aside. Preparation is key here.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Member

Snowy Monaro community.

STALWART: George Bowden (centre) was joined by family, friends and Salvation Army o icers in November, where he became a full-member of the Salvos. George died last week. He is being remember as a tireless volunteer.

PHOTO: Brad Bowden

MILESTONE: Russell and his Cooma Royal Tennis Club friends enjoy morning tea to mark his 90th birthday.

celebrates his 90th birthday. A keen photographer, the family took this photo of Russell outside of the aviation memorial on his birthday.

Performance improvement order concerns to be raised Council seeks ministerial clarification

By NATHAN THOMPSON

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council will respond to the Minister for Local Government, seeking clarification on the minister’s intention to place Council on a performance improvement order (PIO).

Council held its second extraordinary meeting relating to the PIO, coming together last week to accept a motion initially put forward by Cr Rose and Cr Williamson, calling for mayor Hanna to write to Minister Ron Hoening. Deputy mayor, Tricia Hopkins, added some amendments in line with the original motion, which were adopted by Council.

Mayor Hanna will write to Mr Hoening on behalf of Council, asking for further details on why the PIO is set to be introduced.

The Minister issued his intention for a PIO in December last year, citing concerns with councillor conduct in the chambers, in correspondence, and on social media; and concerns over Council’s financial future. He

Calls for meeting

AN extraordinary Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting has been called by three councillors to discuss the collapse of the Cooma North water tank.

The tank, known as Snowy No 1 Reservoir, collapsed on January 4 2020 during the region’s bushfire emergency.

Councillors Reuben Rose, Luke Williamson and Andrew Thaler are calling for an extraordinary meeting to be held to discuss the tank’s collapse and issues the trio say are still affecting residents five years on.

At the time of going to print, the councillors were awaiting confirmation for a date and time of the meeting.

was also concerned with how long Council meetings were taking.

At last week’s extraordinary meeting, councillors Hanna, Hopkins, Rose, Bob Stewart, Andrew Thaler, and Williamson voted in favour of writing to the minister. Voting against were councillors Narelle Davis, Nick Elliott, Tanya Higgins and Lynda Summers.

“Cr Rose and I think it is important we write as a group to the minister in response to his correspondence to us,” Cr Williamson told the meeting.

“Firstly, it’s polite, he has invited us to respond. Also it’s an opportunity for us to clarify some matters in the minister’s correspondence, such as the length of our meetings.”

Council will seek clarification over a number of issues, including: how long the Minister believes meetings should last; how the ‘large’ number of code of conduct complaints raised against a councillor are being managed, and their status; and why the Minister requires council to always maintain a minimum

balance of $500,000 in unrestricted funds, and the rationale for the amount set.

Cr Rooney told the meeting the letter is not required and believed questioning points the minister has raised sends the wrong message to the community and NSW Goverment.

“This letter is combative and argumentative and more likely to provoke the minsiter,” Cr Rooney said.

“This PIO needs to come in.”

Council has also extended an invitation to the minister to visit the Snowy Monaro region to speak with councillors.

The letter endeavours to seek further information from the minister, and is not a submission for or against the PIO.



Monaro deputy mayor, Tricia Hopkins, and mayor, Chris Hanna, voted in favour of writing to the Minister for Local Government to seek further clarification on his intention to issue a performance improvement order.

U3A open doors to new members

THE Snowy Mountains University of the Third Age (SMU3A) will hold its annual open day on Wednesday January 22.

The public is invited to meet U3A tutors and the committee, to discuss possible courses and activities, and to meet people with shared interests.

The open day will be held from 10.30am to 2pm at the St Andrew’s Church hall in Soho Street, Cooma. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Universities of the Third Age, or U3As as they are more often called, are voluntary, non-profit organisations which aim to offer people low-cost educational opportunities operating in a pleasant, supportive social setting. There are no formal entry requirements, no examinations and no “awards”.

U3As are self-help groups built on the premise that collectively people have the skills and knowledge to provide learning opportunities (education) for themselves.

U3A is a world-wide organisation founded in France in 1968 and is the fastest growing adult education movement in Australia. SMU3A welcomes people over 18 to come and join in the group’s activities.

The Snowy Mountains U3A offers classes in Cooma with activities including: French language studies, Tai Chi, smart phones, computing and IT, poetry, crafts and history discussions.

Information about SMU3A is available from the SMU3A St Andrews Church Hall in Soho Street, Cooma or https:// snowymountains.u3anet.org. au

Men’s Table seeks Cooma co-ordinator

Organisation helps men make friends; improve health

By KAREN FORMAN

AN innovative notfor-profit organisation bringing men together to form friendships and improve their mental health is looking to establish itself in Cooma.

Men’s Table, which began in 2011 when a group of men decided to have dinner with the intention of having a place to connect with other men and talk about the highs and lows of their lives, is a national organisation that is all about men serving men.

It consists of a number of ‘tables’ which meet once a month for dinner and conversation and there are no membership fees.

The tables are supported by the Kitchen (central office) and trial events known as entrees are held in various areas to ascertain interest in hosting a table.

“It is a simple concept but it works,” organiser, Michael Collins, said.

Mr Collins has been in Cooma in recent weeks to meet local community leaders and ascertain interest in a Cooma and region Men’s Table.

“Men’s Table is about men meeting once a month ever since to talk, laugh and share about what’s going on for them, and forge meaningful relationships based on trust and acceptance of each other,” Mr Collins said.

“Belonging to a Men’s Table contributes to mental, emotional and social wellbeing whilst being a powerful support to individual members travelling their life journeys.”

get it going. There are no minutes, a light structure, just making space to listen and talk.”

Mr Collins said some funding had been made available through the Snow Foundation for him to visit the area to see if there is interest and appetite in setting up a Cooma Men’s Table.

“We need 16 guys to hold an entree.”

Mr Collins described the Men’s Table as a community-building initiative for men who might be fine right now, but perhaps needed to have in place a longer term plan for their own well being.

“A lot of fellows come to us looking for connection. There are other men’s organisations, but some are about promoting businesses and don’t have a space for men to talk to each other about personal issues,” he said.

Mr Collins supported the growth of Berry and Wollongong, then was asked to visit the South Coast and Snowy Valleys to host a regional Southern NSW and ACT event.

Prior to taking on the role, he worked in financial super management, hedge funds, spent 14 years in London, 14 years in Africa, but has a passion for helping men.

“We need to raise the voice of community, empower stronger communities for men to help themselves, provide greater support to others and a greater willingness to support the community,” he said.

“It is different to Men’s Shed which does social connection but not necessarily provokes different conversation.

“We have no fixed rules, other than that everyone speaks once before anyone gets to speak twice.

“These are practical guidelines drawn from the experience of existing tables,” he said.

“We need four hosts to take it on and we help

Mr Collins said each Table was distinct and had its own personality, guided by the fundamentals of the organisation.

“After the initial meeting, local councils were coming asking us to get something going in Sydney and by 2020 we had bushfire funding to set up the Berry Table just after the bushfires.”

Men’s Table is aimed at men between their 30s to 70s.

One of 15 employees in eight states and territories, Wollongong-based

“Confidentially is the second golden rule. We encourage guys to share from the heart, celebrate the good stuff.

“If men are really troubled, the Kitchen has referral services.”

Anyone interested in being part of The Men’s Table can email hello@ themenstable.org or visit www.themenstable.org

Council updates

Road resealing program begins

Road resealing works get underway in January 2025 until early February 2025, weather permitting, 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 region.

Visit https://qrco.de/2025reseal to see the schedule or find out more information about these works. We’re here to

Email: council@smrc.nsw.gov.au

Cemetery search and mapping

Council recently launched a new cemetery mapping platform, providing families, friends, genealogists, and historians with an easy way to locate burial sites across the region’s cemeteries.

The platform is available now on our website at https://qrco.de/SMRC_Cemetery, and QR code signage is already in-place at mapped cemeteries across the region to make access easy.

With this new service, users can:

•Search for registered burials using names or other details.

•Access dates of birth and death, where this information is available.

•Pinpoint the precise location of graves on an interactive map.

Minor errors may exist, particularly in older cemetery sections, as the mapping relies on historical records. Some areas of Bombala Cemetery remain to be verified.

Visit the link above to learn more.

Sign up for our newsletter

Want to stay informed about Council’s services and activities in our region?

Sign up for of our e-newsletter.

Council News is delivered direct to your inbox each fortnight, with a comprehensive round-up of all the latest information on our key decisions, projects, initiatives and events.

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

If once every two weeks isn’t frequent enough to get your news fix, visit the news page on our website and save a bookmark to ensure you’re always up to date.

Catch up on everything happening with your Council at https://qrco.de/SMRCnews.

We also publish regular opportunities for you to have your say on the future of our region on our Your Say Snowy Monaro consultation website at www.yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au

MENTAL HEALTH: Michael Collins (right) of The Men’s Table is calling for men in Cooma to help estabish a ‘table’ in the region. Mr Collins, based in the Illawarra, receives a letter of support from Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart.

PHOTO: Supplied

Slice of alpine paradise at Anglers Reach

69 Illawong Rd Anglers Reach

5 Bed , 2 Bath, 2 Car

$650,000

NESTLED in the serene Alpine Village of Anglers Reach, this charming two-storey residence at 69 Illawong Road presents an attractive opportunity for discerning investors. Boasting five well-appointed bedrooms

and two modern bathrooms, this house offers both comfort and style in a tranquil setting. The ground floor features three cosy bedrooms, accompanied by a contemporary bathroom, ensuring ample accommodation for guests or family. Ascend to the first floor to discover an inviting open plan living space, flanked by two additional bedrooms and a second, stylish bathroom. The heart of this home opens out onto an expansive deck,

offering stunning vistas of the picturesque Lake Eucumbene—a perfect backdrop for alfresco dining or quiet reflection. With a generous 664 square metre plot, this property includes parking for two vehicles and benefits from a fresh, renovated interior that adds a touch of sophistication to the rural charm. The inclusion of both wood heating and a reverse-cycle unit provides year-round comfort, whether it’s a cool summer evening or the depths

of winter. Located approx. 50kms from the esteemed Mt Selwyn Ski Resort and with summer fishing on the lake, this residence caters to all-seasons adventure. Currently tenanted with a handsome return of $800 per week, this house represents a solid investment with immediate income potential. This is an opportunity not to be missed— 69 Illawong Road is more than a house; it’s a chance to own a slice of Alpine paradise.

Panoramic views? Yes please!

Address: 91 Gunningrach Road, Bombala

Asking: $550,000

Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

Packed with mod cons and with space for all the family, there is so much to love about this property!

The home is nestled amongst beautiful established gardens, with an extensive water feature that

makes its way along one side and the front of the house. The house contains four bedrooms (two with built-in robes), spacious kitchen with walk in pantry, breakfast bar and dining area with slow combustion heater, loungeroom, sun/sitting room with glass doors, perfect for allowing the winter sun in and so that you can enjoy the beauty of the gardens and water feature.

Main bathroom with shower over bath, vanity and toilet and laundry/

mudroom at the rear of the house with the second shower and toilet. The home runs on tank water and also has access to town water if required. The yard is securely fenced and the backyard has beautiful views over the local countryside. Single car garage completes the package.

Minutes to town, metres from the golf course, this is a wonderful family home for an active family that also wants some space.

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.

The majestic grandeur and classic opulence of Stradone can’t help but turn heads.

• 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (1 upstairs, 1.5 downstairs)

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.

Christine McIntosh

50 Burton Street, Bombala

Lot 206 Delegate Road, Delegate

Stradone

‘Noamunga’ Rolling hills and river frontage.

Snowy Monaro

Panoramic views? Yes please!

Address: 91 Gunningrach Road, Bombala

Asking: $550,000

Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

Packed with mod cons and with space for all the family, there is so much to love about this property!

The home is nestled amongst beautiful established gardens, with an extensive water feature that

makes its way along one side and the front of the house. The house contains four bedrooms (two with built-in robes), spacious kitchen with walk in pantry, breakfast bar and dining area with slow combustion heater, loungeroom, sun/sitting room with glass doors, perfect for allowing the winter sun in and so that you can enjoy the beauty of the gardens and water feature.

Main bathroom with shower over bath, vanity and toilet and laundry/

mudroom at the rear of the house with the second shower and toilet. The home runs on tank water and also has access to town water if required. The yard is securely fenced and the backyard has beautiful views over the local countryside. Single car garage completes the package.

Minutes to town, metres from the golf course, this is a wonderful family home for an active family that also wants some space.

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.

The majestic grandeur and classic opulence of Stradone can’t help but turn heads.

• 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (1 upstairs, 1.5 downstairs)

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.

Christine McIntosh

50 Burton Street, Bombala

Lot 206 Delegate Road, Delegate

Stradone

‘Noamunga’ Rolling hills and river frontage.

Snowy Monaro

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 Name a source of electromagnetic radiation (6)

7 Who formulated the theory of relativity, Albert ... (8)

8 Which term describes lively intelligence (6)

9 To begin, is to do what (8)

10 Name a herb of the trifolium genus (6)

11 Which parts of the cricket ground are nearest the wickets (8)

14 What is a discussion between two or more persons (8)

18 Name an infectious, eruptive fever of warm climates (6)

19 Name a popular game played in the USA (8)

21 What are oval drupes more commonly known as (6)

22 Which small car is used to make short trips (8)

23 Name an open item of footwear (6)

DOWN

1 To have allayed or satisfied, is to have done what (8)

2 Which Tuesday is Pancake Day (6)

3 When one goes to bed, one is doing what (8)

4 Which prefix means “against” or “opposed to” (4)

6 To have become limp and drooping, is to have done what (6)

12 What are areas of land on which cattle are hand-fed (8)

13 Name a cake topping of nuts, sugar, spices etc (8)

16 Which term describes extra space, time money, etc (6)

17 What is a standardbearer known as (6)

20 What is a call used in hailing, especially on ships (4)

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

1 KERF

(a) A fair in the Low Countries

(b) A silk cloth made in Ghana

(c) The groove made by a saw

2 PHENOLOGY

5 What is Australian English, humorously regarded (coll) (6)

Letters

Some

15 Who used wings made of wax and feathers, and flew too close to the sun which melted his wings and he drowned in the Aegean (6)

E-QUATIONS

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

(a) The study of organisms as affected by climate (b) The practice of assessing a person’s character by the shape of the skull (c) The science of language

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Animal: ... Bear (5)

Cart (5)

Cavalry sword (5)

Cheap wine: red ... (Coll.) (3)

Energy Efficiency Ratio (3)

September (abb) (3)

Sundries (7)

Talks incoherently (7)

Wet paper pellet (3)

Wood nymph (5)

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

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 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: The Valley Of Love. (2023) 2.00 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 Home And Away. 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 36. Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes. 11.00 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. 11.45 Pam & Tommy. 12.45 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. 8.30 MOVIE: The Amazing Spider-Man 2. (2014) 11.15 MOVIE: Super Troopers 2. (2018) 1.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Penguin King With David Attenborough. 1.55 Fake Or Fortune? 2.55 Back Roads. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Long Lost Family. 9.20 Grand Designs. 10.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 Escaping Utopia. 11.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.25 Nella The Princess Knight. 5.20 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 72 Cutest Animals. 9.45 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 5. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 5. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 5. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 5. 12.00 New Amsterdam. 1.00 First On Scene. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 GolfBarons. 5.00 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 Galapagos. Final. 7.00 My Family. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow. 9.40 Gruen. 10.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Amazon:

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Newsreader. 2.00 The Split: Barcelona. Final. 3.00 Back Roads. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. 8.30

Poirot. 1.10 Creflo. 1.40 MOVIE: Holiday On The Buses. (1973) 3.30 Danger Man. 4.30 My Favorite Martian. 5.00 The Baron. 6.00 Beat Bugs. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00

6.00

SEVEN NINE TEN SBS

The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50

Night 6. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 6. 12.00 New Amsterdam. 1.00 First On Scene. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 5.30 Drive TV. 6.00 Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis PreShow. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 6. 6.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. 11.00 MOVIE: Misery. (1990) 1.10 Creflo. 1.40 MOVIE: Ransom. (1975) 3.30 Danger Man. 4.30 My Favorite Martian. 5.00 The Baron. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Big Brother. 1.20 My Kitchen Rules. 3.10 Around The World With Manu. 4.05 A Moveable Feast. 4.35 Bondi Vet. 5.35 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: Dakota. (2022) 9.05 MOVIE: We Bought A Zoo. (2011) 11.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Jamie’s Air-Fryer Meals. 11.30 Judge Judy. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 10 News First: Lunchtime. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 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: Cast Away. (2000) Tom Hanks. 10.20 10’s Late News. 10.45 The Project. 11.50

Cooma to celebrate Australia Day

By NATHAN THOMPSON

PASSIONATE volunteers, community events, sports stars and committed emergency services personnel will all be honoured at this year’s Cooma Australia Day awards ceremony.

The awards will recongise individual and community group efforts over the last 12-months with seven accolades to be presented.

Australia Day activities in Cooma on Sunday January 26 run throughout the day with the popular Cooma Car Club and Cooma Lions Club breakfast starting proceedings.

This year, the breakfast will raise money for the Monaro Family Support Service.

Starting at 7.30am at the Cooma Car Club on Bolaro Street, the breakfast usually attracts more than 100 people. $15 for adults and $6 for

children under 16.

Following the breakfast, activities start in Centennial Park from 10am. There will be live music, the Rotary Club

Jindabyne citizenship awards recognise community efforts

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 looking forward to recognising and celebrating those people who have been nominated.

“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 scientist Ethan Butson.

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

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.

Jindabyne set to rock on Australia Day

By NATHAN THOMPSON

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 wellknown 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. Bring your picnic blankets and chairs for a great afternoon.”

Monaro Regional Council is also a key supporter of the day. It’s a win-win for all.”

barbecue, emergency service displays, a game of cricket, and a car club display.

The official ceremony starts at 12pm with the Australia Day

awards to be presented.

The Cooma Australia Day ceremony is hosted by the Cooma Lions Club and Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Birchwood Cafe owners Kane and Laura Stamp. Pictured with Australia Day Ambassador Geo Coombes OAM (le ) and Snowy Monaro Mayor

Special Achievement Community Award recipient for 2024 Erin Lee with Australia Day Ambassador Geo Coombes OAM (le ) and Snowy Monaro Mayor Chris Hanna (right).

NEW EVENT: Jindabyne musician, 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.

Allan Spencer was last year’s Citizen of the Year.

Citizenship ceremonies are an important part of the Australia Day celebrations.

AUSTRALIA DAY: Local leaders come together with the community in celebration of the day.

COOMA

7.30am - 10am | Breakfast | Cooma Car Club, Bolaro Street

Australia Day traditional breakfast hosted by Cooma Lions and Cooma Car Clubs

$15 adults, $6 child (under 14). Proceeds donated to MEIS.

10am | Activities | Centennial Park Cooma

Live music by Steve Jackson, community stalls, Rotary food van with great Aussie sausage sandwiches, Cricket display and kids coaching, kid’s activities, Car Club and Emergency Services display, Lucky door prize.

12pm | Official proceedings

Naturalisation Ceremony and NSW Local Citizen Awards Australia Day Ambassador address by scientist Ethan Butson

JINDABYNE

Sunday 26 January, 9am | Soccer Fields at John Connors Oval

Jindabyne Local Australia Day Citizenship awards presented by Australia Day Ambassador, Ethan Butson.

Free entertainment with Jay Podger, loads of free food, giveaways fun entertainment & games for the kids, all provided by local community groups.

Followed by the annual charity Cricket Big Bash Game Bush Pigs Vs Snowy River Bears and the Oldies Vs Newboys.

Inclusive Community fun brought to you by NADC, Jindabyne Lions, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Capital Radio, Mitre 10 Jindabyne and The Monaro Post.

BOMBALA

Bombala Australia Day celebrations will be held on Saturday the 25th January 2025 at Bombala Show grounds, kicking off from 8am with registration for the Strong wool Championship shearing competition, which will run most of the day. This is great entertainment for spectators and visitors.

The main Australia Day awards and welcome to country will be held in the middle of the day. Hosted by Cr Bob Stewart and, Uncle BJ will deliver the welcome to country. We are also anticipating an Australia Day Ambassador for the presentations of the nominee winners.

Bombala Swim club is running the triathlon and mini triathlon with a few new events added and bigger prizes this year.

Come join in with art & painting workshop to unlock your creativity, run by The Artful Badger and our local art school.

There is a sausage comp for local butchers and local sausage enthusiasts, to be judged by the crowd .

FREE children’s attractions from 10:30am, like bucking bull, giant slide, obstacle course challenge, face painting and free kids corner.

There are lots of new food options & local vendors as well, such as Pitmasters Palace, Lyons Club Bombala, Nimitybell Lolly Shop and Twodays Coffee. There’s also the Year 6 Fundraiser Cake stall, who are raising money for their annual trip.

Our amazing raffle will have prizes such as three nights accommodation in Merimbula at Beaches Apartments, second and third prizes of dressed lamb and, fourth prize will be a ute load of firewood .

Please come and join the action-packed day full of fun for familles of all ages.

Mr Ethan Butson Scientist and Inventor

Ethan Butson, 28, holds an Advanced Science degree with a focus on Physics and Chemistry, and a Masters in Medical Physics from the University of Sydney. Currently training in Radiation Oncology Medical Physics, he is dedicated to treating patients to the highest standard of care and developing cuttingedge solutions for cancer treatment, leveraging his expertise in medical physics. A former finalist for the 2015 NSW Young Australian of the Year, Ethan also has a background iin disability support. Actively engaged with The Water Gift, he utilizes the SAFE Sticker to provide safe drinking water to underserved populations, making a tangible impact one drop at a time. Additionally, as a member of the AUSSEF Steering Committee, Ethan contributes to STEM education, aiding Australian students in presenting at the Olympics of Science, the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Ambassador boasts impressive CV

THIS year’s Snowy Monaro Australia Day ambassador has achieved more in his 28-years than most people would in a career spanning decades.

Mr Butson, 28, one of the nation’s leading scientists and inventors, has been unveiled as the region’s Australia Day ambassador.

Mr Butson will attend community events and awards ceremonies in Bombala on Saturday January 25, and Cooma and Jindabyne on Sunday January 26.

He holds an advanced science degree in physics and chemistry and a masters in medical physics from the University of Sydney.

Currently training in Radiation Oncology Medical Physics, he is dedicated to treating patients to the highest standard of care and developing cutting-edge solutions for cancer treatment, leveraging his expertise in medical physics.

A former finalist for the 2015 NSW Young Australian of the Year, Mr Butson has a background in disability support.

Actively engaged with The Water Gift, he utilises the SAFE Sticker to provide safe drinking water to underserved populations, making a tangible impact one drop at a time. Additionally, as a member of the Australian Science and Engineering Fair steering committee, Ethan contributes to STEM education, aiding Australian students in presenting at the Olympics of Science, the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Bombala ready for busy Australia Day

The Bombala Australia Day Committee will hold activities and awards on Saturday January 25 at the Bombala

The events will kick off from 8am with registrations for the Strong Wool Championship shearing competition which will run most of the day.

Kimm, said the competition would prove to be great

The main Australia Day awards and Welcome to Country will be held in the

The ceremony MC will be Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Bob Stewart, and Uncle BJ will deliver the

“We also welcome Ethan Butson as ambassador for the presentations of the nominee

Bombala Swim Club will run the triathlon and mini triathlon with a few new events added and bigger prizes this year.

“Come join in with art and painting workshop run by The Artful Badger and our local art school.

“There is a sausage competition for local butchers and local sausage enthusiasts to be judged by the crowd.”

The day will include free children’s attractions from 10:30am, such as bucking bull, giant slide, obstacle course challenge, face painting and free kids’ corner.

There are lots of new food options and local vendors as well, such as Pitmasters Palace, Lions Club Bombala, Nimitybell Lolly Shop and Twodays Coffee and the Year 6 fundraiser cake stall with students raising money for their annual trip.

“Our amazing raffle will have prizes such as three nights’ accommodation in Merimbula at Beaches Apartments, second and third prizes dressed lamb and fourth prize will be a ute load of firewood,” Ms Kimm said.

“Please come and join the action-packed day full of fun for families of all ages.”

Great family, community fun at Lake Williams

THE Nimmitabel Advancement Group has a top morning planned for Australia Day at Lake Williams again this year, starting at 8.30am with the Nimmitabel Lions Club cooking up their great Aussie breakfast for all to enjoy followed by the official proceedings at 9.15am.

The Nimmitabel Advancement Group’s Community Service Awards began in 2005 and are awarded each year in recognition and appreciation of the valuable time, effort and commitment a community member gives to their local community.

Past awardees are:

2005 Ester Buckley, Bill McDonald, Vi Kelly

COMMUNITY: Be

to

2006 Elaine Sage, Maryanne Garrard, John Alcock

2007 Ian Blyton, Dulcie McDonald

2008 Rae and Fred Stove, Christine Haylock

2009 Rae Blyton, Margaret Weston, Nancy Burke

2010 Richard Lawson, Howard Charles, Peter Crowley

2011 Leon Weston, Gazelle

and David Wicks

2012 Lainie Lawson, Richard Blyton, Cliff Richards

2013 Mary Murphy, Leonie Thistleton, Peter (Skeety) Evans

2014 Peter Lowry, Jim Jardine

2015 Paul and Bronwyn Fitzpatrick

2016 Robert (Pud) Parker, Jim Alcock, Colin Stopp

2017 Roger Haylock, Sister

The Nimmitabel Advancement Group’s Community Service Awards began in 2005 and are awarded each year in recognition and appreciation of a community member’s valuable time, e ort and commitment they have given to their local community.

Bernadette, Brad Austin

2018 Joan O’Reilly, Sue Jardine

2019 Jenny Hood, Chris McGregor, Vickie Pollard

2020 Judy Collman, Jenny Alcock, Nimmitabel RFS

Volunteers

2021 Pat Nichols, Jackie Thompson

2022 Fiona Richards, Helen

The

Drayton, John Jardine Jnr

2023 Taya Evans, Michael Pollard

2024 Noel O’Reilly, Rhonda McCarthy Special guests this year will include Snowy Monaro Regional Council Councillors, Tanya Higgins and Lynda Summers, Nimmitabel Show president, Ben Litchfield,

be once again

Charlotte Pateman who will be representing the community as the Nimmitabel Young Women in the Zone 6 competition, and Taya Evans who is representing the village in the 2025 Rural Achiever Program. Make sure you’re at Nimmitabel on Sunday January 26 for some great family and community fun.

AUSTRALIA DAY: Scientist, Ethan Butson, will be the guest of honour at the region’s Australia Day events this year. Mr Butson, 28, is a former Young Australian of the Year finalist.

PHOTO: National Australia Day Council

Nimmitabel Lions Club will

cooking up their great Aussie breakfast at the Nimmitabel Australia Day celebrations.

sure

get to the Nimmitabel Advancement Group’s Australia Day ceremony this year. Pictured are last year’s recipients Noel O’Reilly and Rhonda McCarthy (right) with Bronnie Taylor (second from le ) and Clr Narelle Davis. PHOTOS: File

WINNERS: Recipients from last year’s Australia Day Awards in Bombala.

PHOTO: Supplied

Engaging heads, hearts and hands

THE Alpine School in Cooma is looking forward to another year of educational and learning adventures.

The school is a Steiner inspired school, working closely with the indications of Rudolf Steiner, who founded Waldorf education, the fastest nondenominational education movement across the world.

At its core, the education in Steiner schools builds upon the importance of nurturing and educating each child to become an individual who is able to impart purpose and direction in their life with a sense of truth, responsibility and a capacity to think creatively.

The Steiner curriculum is approved by ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) with the intention to develop the faculties of thinking, feeling and willing.

In doing this, the curriculum contains learning experiences that engage the head, heart and

hands, and students participate in a range of educational and learning programs and experiences that support this.

The education has been described as a holistic education as each school day contains

academic learning (head), creative pursuits (heart), and practical and hands-on activities (will) to support the holistic development of each individual.

This year, students at the school will be progressing into

Year 11, with NESA (New South Wales Education and Standards Authority) giving the school the green light to proceed into the senior schooling years after a stringent accreditation process.

The school has a new building

which will cater for students who decide they would like to continue with their education into the senior years and there will be new staff who will be joining their teaching team to support this progression.

Students’ individual interests and learning styles are encouraged and explored.

Hands on learning is part of the holistic approach taken at The Alpine School.

Students at The Alpine School now have the opportunity to continue into Year 11 with NESA approving the school’s expansion into senior schooling.

STEINER: The Alpine School has an approach based on embracing each student as an individual. PHOTOS: The Alpine School

Monaro High School community looking forward to new year

AFTER a fantastic 2024, and a relaxing holiday break, the Monaro High School community is looking forward to the year ahead. All students will return to school on Thursday February 6.

In exciting news for 2025, the school is welcoming an experienced canteen operator. After a year without a canteen, this will be a great benefit for the students.

Offering delicious options for students from Tuesdays to Fridays, the new operator will have an online ordering and payment system available, with orders able to be placed up to 9pm the day before.

Students can also pay with card or cash directly at the canteen. Phones will not be able to be used, so students will need

a debit card if not using cash.

The school is also welcoming back principal Mr James Armitage, with 2024 relieving principal Mr Jai Lester returning to Bombala High School for 2025.

“It has been a tremendously fulfilling year and I feel blessed to have been able to work alongside such wonderful staff

and students,” Mr Lester said.

“We have seen amazing academic, sporting and cultural successes week in and week out, and I have been so proud to recognise the individual and collective achievements of the school.

“I know 2025 will be a fantastic year for the school and I look forward to hearing about

LEADERSHIP: Monaro High School has a committed group of school leaders for 2025. Jenika Chotar-Kent, Natasha Kelly, Alistair King and Alexi Alcock are ready for a productive year ahead. PHOTOS: Monaro High School

the successes of MHS from afar.”

The school will be operational from Friday January 31, with staff available for enquiries between 8.30am and 12.30pm before all students return on Thursday February 6.

For more information about MHS, visit the school website or Facebook page.

Monaro High School teachers, Phil Ingram, Michelle Pollard and Kari Ingram, helped organise a well attended careers expo at the school in 2024.

Year 10 recipients of Rowan Sandercoe awards in 2024. The awards honour the contribution of the late Rowan Sandercoe. Rowan’s son, Kristian, congratulates the recipients.

Rosie O’Sullivan School of Dance

By Rosie O’Sullivan

ROSIE O’Sulllivan School of Dance is heading into its 25th year and looking forward to some exciting events coming up.

There will be a few guest teachers in the next few months, starting with Matthew Slattery taking a ballet and contemporary workshop in early February.

Matthew is a former pupil of the school and has just retired from a professional career with Boston Ballet and Royal New Zealand Ballet.

The school is also adding some Hip Hop and Musical Theatre classes to the regular timetable along with some weekend workshops throughout the year.

Classes are available in Berridale and Cooma for all ages. The adult classes have proven very popular which add a unique dynamic to the school’s end of year productions.

Dance is a great way to exercise, stay fit and socialise. Give it a try.

For enquiries, please call Rosie on 0412 993 373 or attend the enrolment days in Berridale –Ziggiz Centre, William Street, Wednesday February 5, 2025 between 3pm and 6pm, and in Cooma – St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, Commissioner Street, Thursday February 6, 2025 between 3pm and 6pm.

Enrolment Days

Berridale - Ziggiz Centre

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

3-6pm

Cooma - St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall

Thursday, 6 February 2025

3-6pm

Kids and Exercise

WHEN most adults think about exercise, they imagine working out in the gym, running on a treadmill, or lifting weights.

But for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practise, while riding bikes, or when playing tag.

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise. Active kids will have stronger muscles and bones, leaner bodies, less risk of becoming overweight, a lower chance of getting type two diabetes, lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels and an overall better outlook on life.

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, fit kids sleep better. Exercise improves school performance and makes kids less likely to develop depression.

Kids who exercise regularly are also better able to handle physical and emotional challenges from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.

If you’ve ever watched kids on a playground, you’ve seen the three elements of fitness in action when they run away from the kid who’s “it” (endurance), cross the monkey bars (strength) and bend down to tie their shoes (flexibility).

Parents should encourage their kids to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all these.

Endurance develops when kids regularly get aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, large muscles are moving, the heart beats faster, and a person breathes harder. Aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells.

Improving strength doesn’t have

to mean lifting weights. Instead, kids can do push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises to help tone and strengthen muscles. They also improve their strength when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle. Muscle strengthening and aerobic exercises like running, jumping, and hopping, also help build strong bones.

Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids get chances every day to stretch when they reach for a toy, practice a split, or do a cartwheel. Dance, yoga, and martial arts, like karate, are examples of flexibility activities.

Parents and caregivers can help ensure that kids are active every day.

In its Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends for school-age kids, 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

For preschoolers, a set amount of time hasn’t been well defined, but a reasonable target could be three hours each day of light, moderate, and vigorous activities.

Help your kids do a variety of fun ageappropriate activities.

Set a regular schedule for physical activity.

Make being active a part of daily life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself, so you’ll be a good role model for your family.

Be active together as a family. Keep it fun, so your kids will come back for more.

DANCE: Rosie O’Sullivan School of Dance is looking forward to the new year, with many exciting events planned. This will be the school’s 25th year of operation. Pictured are the school’s mini martians. PHOTO: Supplied

Cooma North PS striving for the highest

Every student, every day, every opportunity

AS YOU step through the gates of Cooma North Public School (CNPS), you are immediately embraced by the school’s core values and surrounded by its meticulously maintained grounds, offering a sense of warmth and pride.

CNPS remains steadfast in cultivating a vibrant cultural tapestry, one that is deeply rooted in both the school’s heritage and its broader community. With a strong

emphasis on an inclusive and enriching curriculum, the school provides numerous opportunities for students to connect, flourish, and achieve success.

At CNPS, its vision is to actively engage the entire community as partners in nurturing the growth of students, guiding them to become respectful, responsible, and resilient individuals.

The school takes great pride in offering specialised support in

literacy, numeracy, english as an additional language or dialect and Aboriginal education, alongside a rich array of extra-curricular opportunities.

Students are encouraged to excel in snow sports, aquatic programs, and the creative and performing arts, with its participation in the esteemed Wakakirri competition earning widespread acclaim.

As a Positive Behaviour for

Learning school, CNPS is deeply committed to supporting the holistic development of every child, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

“We place a strong emphasis on cultural inclusivity and innovative educational practices, exemplified by our fruitful collaborations with Snowy Hydro on STEM initiatives,” principal, Jo Tozer, said.

“These partnerships have not only enriched our curriculum but also contributed to the establishment of the Snowy Mountains

COOMA NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL

Academy of STEM Excellence.

“Through our specialised STEM program and enduring community ties, CNPS continues to play a pivotal role in both educational advancement and community development.

“Our approach ensures that we do more than empower today’s learners; we cultivate the leaders of tomorrow through engaging, innovative teaching and learning experiences, all supported by our dedicated team of educators and staff.”

WELCOMES ALL NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS

‘Every Student… Every Day…Every Opportunity’

Cooma North Public School continues to honour its rich heritage while embracing a vibrant, diverse community offering exceptional learning opportunities for all students in visually and physically aesthetic indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Cooma North PS is committed to providing evidence-based, challenging and inspiring programs offering specialised support in

• Literacy

• Numeracy

• Aboriginal education

• Wellbeing, and

• English as an Additional Language or Dialect

Providing extracurricular activities including:

• Public Speaking and Debating

• snow sports to aquatic programs

• creative and performing arts – Wakakirri Dance Story, Monaro Performing Arts Festival, Artrageous and major school productions

• specialist STEM and robotics programs as part of the Snowy Monaro Academy of STEM Excellence (SMACE)

• adventure camps and excursions

• leadership and transition programs

As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) School we promote and acknowledge

• inclusion, diversity and cultural safety

• teamwork and collaboration

• student voice

• school and community partnerships

• innovation and achievement

Join us at Cooma North Public School

– empowering today’s learners … cultivating the leaders of tomorrow.

Principal: Mrs Jo Tozer

LEARN: Students having fun. PHOTOS: CNPS CNPS students taking part in an on-stage performance last year. Plenty of opportunities for engaging learning are available at CNPS.

Energise your classroom, ignite curiosity

Snowy Hydro offers STEM opportunities

BY Snowy Hydro

AS SCHOOLS prepare for another exciting year, why not energise your students’ learning with Snowy Hydro?

Whether it’s an unforgettable visit to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma or exploring a wealth of online resources, Snowy Hydro offers unique opportunities to inspire curiosity, innovation, and future career aspirations.

Located just an hour from Canberra and en route to the breathtaking Kosciuszko National Park, the Discovery Centre brings Australia’s renewable energy story to life.

Students can explore the pioneering history of the Snowy Scheme and learn about Snowy 2.0, an ambitious pumped-hydro expansion that will provide large-scale energy storage and help power Australia’s renewable future.

Beyond the Discovery Centre, Snowy Hydro’s Snowy STEM Academy’s website offers free curriculum-aligned resources designed to support teachers in delivering engaging STEM lessons. With video explanations of complex topics, including the science behind Snowy 2.0, and downloadable materials, it’s never been easier to bring renewable energy and engineering concepts into your classroom.

Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for the e-newsletter to receive updates on 2025 Careers Days, special events, and the Local School STEM funding program.

Snowy Hydro is committed to fostering the next generation of innovators, offering schools opportunities to engage with industry experts and discover exciting career pathways in renewable energy and beyond.

Whether through a hands-on excursion, leveraging online materials, or participating in upcoming events, Snowy Hydro provides a platform for students

to explore STEM in real-world contexts. It’s not just about learning, it’s about inspiring the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

Visit the Snowy Hydro website to explore the organisation’s resources, learn about Snowy 2.0, plan your next excursion, and subscribe to the newsletter. Let’s work together to empower your students to think big and help shape Australia’s energy future.

Ignite curiosity, inspire discovery, and shape the future with Snowy Hydro.

DISCOVER THE MIGHTY SNOWY SCHEME

Take your students on a journey of discovery at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma - the home of energised learning!

Conveniently located just an hour from Canberra and en route to the Kosciuszko National Park, our STEM-centric destination, it’s perfect for your next school excursion.

Explore Australia’s renewable energy journey, from the proud history of the mighty Snowy Scheme to Snowy Hydro’s current operations. Discover careers for the next generation of innovators with experiences supported by leading STEM industry experts.

Our tailored, curriculum-aligned experiences are designed to meet your unique learning goals, with our dedicated Education team supporting you every step of the way.

Book your unique STEM experience today! School sessions filling fast!

snowyhydro.com.au 1800 623 776

HYDRO: A unique learning experience. PHOTOS: Snowy Hydro Snowy ydro offers e citing isits for schools.

Students en oy the e citing information display at the centre.

Ensuring all school needs are met

Cooma’s Your Workwear has you covered

YOUR Workwear in Cooma is ready to assist with all Back-toSchool needs for 2025, making the return to school convenient and stress-free.

The business stocks uniforms for most schools in the Cooma district including, Saint Patrick’s Parish, Cooma North Public, Cooma Public, Michelago Public and Berridale Public Schools, Monaro High School and Snowy Mountains Christian School.

School uniforms such as dresses, skirts, polo shirts (long and shortsleeved), hoodies, jumpers, shorts, soft shell and polar fleece jackets and track suit pants are in stock from Kindergarten size through to senior school years.

Blazers can be ordered, as required.

There are also school bags, shoes, socks, hats and drink bottles available to purchase making it your one-stop shop for back-toschool needs.

Garments and drink bottles can be personalised as the business also has a logo embroidery and printing service, perfect for embroidering children’s names on their items, in case they are lost.

This service is done in-house and staff are happy to provide a quote.

With a focus on quality, the business’s onsite printing and embroidery service uses the world’s best embroidery software, Wilcom ES, and with over 20 years’ embroidery experience, the team is dedicated to excellence and customer satisfaction.

If you cannot get to the store in person, there is a website option to take the stress out of purchasing your child’s next school uniform.

Visit the website to check out what’s available to order on-line. You can pick up the order directly from the store or it can be shipped to a nominated address (at an additional cost).

Your Workwear is a 100

percent small local family-owned business which prides itself on employing professional and customer-focused local staff, providing the latest in top-quality brands workwear, as well as uniforms.

Your Workwear offers a hasslefree, fast, efficient and pleasant experience.

For 20 years’ Your Workwear store in Cooma has been committed and dedicated to a wide range of industries both here in the Snowy Mountains and its online customers Australia wide.

Your Workwear is located at 40 Bombala Street, Cooma (across the road from Monaro Tyrepower).

Your Workwear has Back-to-School clothing, footwear and other items covered.

Your Workwear has a wide range to choose from in uniforms and other items.

iT’S ALL HERE: Your Workwear store in Cooma offers a hassle free fast e cient and pleasant e perience.

PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Karate boosts focus, confidence

GO KAN RYU (GKR) Karate is the most popular martial arts club in Canberra and right across Australia.

GKR Karate has been teaching martial arts locally in Cooma for 30 years with a home at Cooma Public School. Karate is a major sport right across the community with students from kids, teens, and up to adults from all walks of life.

Many children and adults join and make friends as they train, and GKR provides the opportunity for families to train together.

As well as fitness and strong self defence, GKR values selfimprovement of students’ confidence, discipline, respect, and self control. Importantly, everyone also has fun.

Children who train in karate are encouraged to focus better

on their study and behaviour in school as well. Anti-bullying is a major reason for many children to start.

You don’t have to be fit to start karate - you just have to want to be fitter. Everyone trains at their own pace. Karate is ‘whole body’ exercise - great for improving coordination and overall strength.

About half GKR Karate students who join are girls and women - self defence and fitness in a friendly environment has made karate very popular for women, young and old. Classes in Cooma are led by Sensei David, the Regional Manager for GKR Canberra, on Wednesday afternoons and Sensei Ky on Friday afternoons.

For more information, contact Anja on 0401 978 064.

Talking about school with children, teenagers

By Raising Children

WHEN your child first gets home from school in the afternoon, they’ll probably be tired and hungry or thinking about other things. So easing the transition from school or after-school activities to home can help your child feel more like talking.

It’s best to avoid asking your child a lot of questions straight away – this can be overwhelming for your child. You can just let your child know that you’re glad to see them and talk about non-school topics for a while. Younger children will probably also like unpacking their bags and showing you things they’ve brought home before you ask about school.

If your child is old enough for homework, saving questions about homework for later can also take the pressure off.

Every afternoon or evening can be different. Even if your child usually likes to share their day with you, there’ll probably be days when they don’t want to talk. Sometimes it’s a matter of sensing your child’s mood and picking the right moment. Some

days there might not be a right moment at all, and that’s OK.

Simple, positive and specific questions about parts of the day can get your child talking. It’s good to use questions that invite more than a ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘OK’ response. For example:

- What’s the news from school today?

- What was fun?

- What did you like best at school today?

- What does your classroom look like at the moment?

- What did you do in class after recess?

- Who did you hang out with today?

- What subjects did you do today?

- What topics are you working on in science at the moment?

Tips for talking about school with primary school children

These tips can help you communicate well with your child:

- Make time to talk. This can often be when you’re doing something with your child. For example, your child might like to talk when you’re walking the dog or preparing dinner together.

- Give your child your full attention if they want to talk with you about their day.

- Take seriously whatever your child tells you. For example, you can say things like, ‘That’s interesting. Then what happened?’ or ‘And how do you feel about that?’

- Use respectful language when you talk about the school and teachers with or in front of your child. For example, ‘I can see that’s frustrating, but Ms Adams is your teacher and you need to speak respectfully to her’, or ‘Yes, that seems unfair, but perhaps you don’t know the whole story’.

- Use active listening techniques. These can help you pick up on your child’s feelings and work out whether they want to talk.

Tips for talking about school with secondary school children

As your child develops into the teenage years, they might want more privacy and time to themselves, which can make it harder to talk about school. Your child will still value their relationship with you. It’s just that getting distance from you is how your child becomes a more

independent individual.

Stay connected

Staying connected to your child can help you balance respect for their independence and privacy with your need to keep in touch with their life. It can also help you pick up on the moments when your child is ready to talk.

Ask about links between schoolwork and future plans

At this age, your child might be more open to talking about the links between their schoolwork and what they want to do when they finish school. So rather than asking about your child’s day-to-day activities, you could try focusing on future plans. For example, ‘How’s the webpage you were designing in information technology coming along? Are you still thinking you might want to get into web design after school?’

Look out for signs of problems

Even if you usually have a good relationship with your child, they might not always tell you when they’re having a tough time. If your child is upset or

nervous about discussing school or refuses to answer a question, there might be a problem at school.

If you’re worried, you could try talking to other adults who know your child. You could also make an appointment with your child’s year coordinator or the school counsellor to talk about what’s going on.

Stay calm around tricky topics

Conversations with your child about school might bring up tricky topics. Try to stay calm, listen without judgment and focus on how your child is feeling. This is a great chance for you to be supportive and show your child that you value their honesty. If your child complains about a teacher or student, remember that you’re hearing only one perspective. It’s good to find out more before contacting the school.

If your child doesn’t want to talk with you about a tricky topic, it might help to find another adult for them to talk with. You could suggest someone they trust and feel comfortable with, like a relative, teacher or counsellor.

POPULAR: GKR Karate Cooma has a wide range of ages attending classes. Karate offers many physical and mental benefits.

PHOTO: GKR Karate

Koala habitat project rolls on

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE Cold Country Koala Habitat Enhancement Project, designed to support the recovery of the endangered Koala populations and administered by Local Land Services, is approaching its fourth year on the Southern Tablelands.

The Monaro has been found to be home to a unique koala population, mainly located around the Area of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) - Numeralla, Peak View, Jerangle and Bredbo areas.

The project grant falls under the $190 million NSW Koala Strategy and supports the protection and enhancement of koala habitat in the ARKS between Tinderry and Kybeyan, facilitating land managers to protect existing koala habitat through fencing and weed management, and to increase habitat connectivity through the establishment of biodiversity corridors with koala feed trees.

Local Land Services (LLS) has partnered with Landcare to deliver the funding over a five-year period.

NSW Koala Strategy Regional Partnerships officer – Southern Tablelands, Dr Sally Miller, addressed a Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting in December to provide a report on the Cold Country Koala project.

“Up until recently this region has been undersurveyed relative to the significance of the koala population here. It was just never considered to be a really big koala stronghold, now it has been confirmed that it is,” Dr Miller said.

Historical and recent surveys have shown that this area’s koala population has a local and state-wide significance.

Under the NSW Koala Strategy, the Southern Tablelands includes one

of ten koala strongholds within NSW.

Dr Miller said it is vitally important to protect and enhance koala habitat through on-ground works and to conduct ongoing surveys to learn more about this population and how they can be helped.

“Southern Tablelands ARKS is marked as a priority population for investment. Across the State wherever there are these priority populations a regional delivery officer has been appointed to that region.

“The regional delivery model being used, in addition to a regional partnerships officer, funds an external officer and that is Kirrily Gould from Local Land Services. Kirrily and I work together on delivering the NSW Koala Strategy,” Dr Miller said.

“The strategy has four pillars of action and one of those pillars is supporting local communities to deliver koala conservation actions and that’s where this sits, under that pillar; our role is to support the community to deliver actions across all four of the pillars.

“The reason it is called ‘Cold Country Koalas’ is because Kirrily in her role with LLS was delivering a Commonwealth Bushfire Recovery Grant in this area following the 2019/2020 bushfires, and they called the project Cold Country Koalas.

“We are standing on their shoulders, and on the shoulders of some work done by Chris Allen through NPWS prior to that, and so the name was kept as a continuation of that work in this region.

“In managing this regional partnership between LLS and NSW DCCEEW, we have an advisory committee that supports us and reviews our activities, provides advice and recommendations and asks questions that we perhaps haven’t thought of.

“We have a representative from SMRC on that committee and they suggested a council meeting presentation was an avenue of community engagement.

“As my role is also being part of the community, as well as representing the strategy, I applied to deliver a presentation to council which I have delivered and will hopefully have positive outcomes for the koalas in the region.”

The Cold Country Koala habitat enhancement and survey project has enabled more than 30 landholders interested in becoming Citizen Scientists to protect and enhance koala habitat in South East NSW, around the Southern Tablelands ARKS. This has involved livestock exclusion fencing and/or revegetation planting as well as pest animal and weed control works. The project has also included an audio ‘Koala Karaoke’ surveyusing a small monitor to record male koalas during breeding season - which showed that the koala population in much of this area is going well despite the 2019/2020 bushfires.

“We don’t really know what the impact of the fires had on the koalas; we know a considerable amount of koala habitat was impacted and there were a number of koalas taken into care as a result of the fires, with mostly poor condition,” Dr Miller said.

“I don’t think there were many that were cared for suffering from burn injuries - for most of them their habitat was burnt, and before that they had managed to make their way through an extraordinary drought period so were in fairly poor condition. These koalas were re-habilitated and then released back into the wild.

“We are still obviously dealing with the impact of the fires, where some of the habitat has been

intensely impacted. I was at a property not long ago that was very hotly burnt, and there is not much in the way of habitat that has come back yet. So in terms of koala habitat, it’s a slow recovery,” Dr Miller said.

The Cold Country Koala project has support from local volunteers, who play a major role in implementing some of the project activities.

“There are many organisations working with us,” Dr Miller said.

“Along with the LLS, we have an informal partnership with the Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare Group and Upper Snowy Landcare Group. The co-ordinators in place at the time we started the project work very closely with Kirrily and myself to deliver a lot of these actions, and they have access to volunteers. LAOKO volunteers also assist us with some of our activities.

“Some of these is funding landholders to do work on their own properties, some is providing activities, survey and monitoring research, and in some circumstances, we use volunteers for this as well.

“We are always keen to get reports from community members, land holders, anyone driving through, if they see a koala. There is an ispy koala app that will allow you to report this. It goes into a database and those reports are really valuable to us.

“Kirrily or myself are happy to take phone calls or reports from local landholders if they are curious about what they may have on their property - if they have heard what might be koala calls on their land. We are able to support landholders in exploring that.

“In the presentation to SMRC I used Avonside as a case study of the work we are doing in terms of surveying, monitoring,

RESEARCH: NSW Koala Strategy Regional Partnerships o icer – Southern

habitat restoration and pest control.

“It also provides an awareness of some of the threats koalas face, such as vehicle strike, dog attack and fire, as well as disease.

“As the landscape is being broken up into small blocks, people having dogs and lots of vehicle movement, it increases the threat level for koalas - so we just ask people to be mindful of that and if they are looking for opportunities to minimise the impact on koalas while managing their land, we have a whole range of different activities landholders can do. It can be something as simple as reporting a koala.

“One of the things we are talking a lot about at the moment is controlling weed, particularly African love grass (ALG).

“ALG turns very hot, and if fire does get into the landscape again, and it hits ALG it will move much faster and hotter and will create much more of a threat for koalas.

“So controlling weeds is very beneficial for koalas and will make a big

difference as will controlling grazing herbivores - you can report feral species using the Feral Scan app, which helps land management groups such as the LLS to coordinate control programs.”

Dr Miller is passionate about koalas. She studied a PhD in koala ecology and has worked in NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Environment and Heritage Saving Our Species program.

“I love koalas, I find them immensely interesting,” she said.

“They have become really political - but that’s not their fault - they are just out there doing their thing.”

To report any sightings of koalas or to find out more about the NSW Koala Strategy and the Cold Country Koala Habitat Enhancement project contact Dr Miller on 0400 496 153 or Kirrily Gould, co-ordinator of the Cold Country Koalas Habitat Enhancement project South East LLS on 0429 692 550.

Tablelands, Dr Sally Miller, with a large female koala. PHOTOS: Dr Sally Miller, NSW DCCEEW

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BOWDEN, Harold Thomas.

A ectionately known as “George”, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Cooma Hospital, formerly of Nioka Place, Cooma. Aged 84 years.

Dearly loved husband of Nancy. Father of Natalie and Brad. Poppy to Marcus and Russell.

The relatives and friends of the late Harold Thomas Bowden “George”, are invited to attend his funeral service to be conducted by the Salvation Army and held at St Andrews Uniting Church, Cooma, on Friday, January 17, 2025, commencing at 10:30 am.

The family asks for donations to be made to The Salvation Army Cooma in honor of Harold “George’s’ fundraising e orts throughout his life. A erwards a private cremation will take place.

COLLMAN, Rodney Lawrence.

Died January 4, 2025 formerly of Stanton St. Nimmitabel, aged 73 years.

Second son of Daniel and Pamela Collman (both deceased)

Bother to Wayne;David and Darryl (all deceased), He is survived by his wife Judith and nieces and nephew. A private cremation was held.

POVEY,

Lola Cecilia. Passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Respect Hudson House Cooma. Formerly of Baron Street, Cooma. Aged 84 years.

Dearly loved wife of Colin (dec), mother of Craig (dec), Brett and Adam. Adored grandmother to Chelsea.

The relatives and friends of the late Lola Cecilia Povey are invited to attend her funeral service to be held in the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Cooma on Monday, January 20, 2025 commencing at 11am.

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

(02) 6452 2094

Ernie’s off to Tamworth again

By KAREN FORMAN

MOST musicians dream of being musicians from an early age. They might learn to sing or play an instrument as a child and then nurture a dream to perform or record and make it big.

Snowy Mountains country music star, Ernie Constance, however never entertained any such dreams. He had no reason to.

He grew up with nonmusical parents, went to Monaro High School in Cooma and helped out on the family farm he still works today.

What he did do, however was write poetry. And it was that poetry that saw him not only gain renown as a songwriter - mostly for legend Slim Dusty - but also take up the guitar and start performing, locally and further afield.

With eight albums under his belt, he is hoping to reach the golden figure of 10 before he “retires”.

This weekend, Ernie will head to Tamworth once again to perform his own and cover works in the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“I love going up to Tamworth,” Ernie said.

“I am a balladeer, so I perform where the balladeers perform and it is a great scene,” he said.

“I have been going up for years now, only missing it during COVID.”

A modest, unassuming type of bloke, the Numeralla farmer was born in Cooma and grew up in Peak View on his parents’ sheep and cattle farm.

“We didn’t have any musicians in the family but Dad used to recite bush poetry as he was working the cattle to sale. I had no reason to become a musician.”

when a young fellow who came to town taught him a few chords.

“I am a very basic player, I know just enough to accompany myself. I started putting music to my own songs.

“Then my whole career just evolved. I never set out to become a singer songwriter and musician, it just happened.”

A self-confessed workaholic, Ernie married and had four kids with his first wife and balanced family life with work on the farm and music.

“I started playing for lots of shows, like the old Numeralla concert which went for around 10 years, Cathcart and all the little places. I did some fundraisers for Yallambee Lodge and in 1993 recorded my first album at the Lindsay Butler Studio in Tamworth.”

Ernie went to the Tamworth Country Music Festival for the first time in 1988, starting out busking in the early years and building up followers until he started getting major gigs.

“I never dreamed I would become a recorded musician”

Ernie started writing poems when he was at school. He also enjoyed listening to country music and knew of Slim Dusty, Chad Morgan and Tex Morton, through the Hoedown program on the radio.

So he stuck his neck out and sent one of his poems to Slim.

“I found out Slim was recording other people’s poetry so I thought I might as well give it a crack,” he said.

“I heard on the radio that he lived in Metung in Victoria, so I sent off my poem addressed to Slim Dusty of Metung. I was in my early 20s at the time.

“I was pretty shy then;

I still am, but I must have had a bit of belief in myself.”

Still, Ernie admits to being surprised when Slim’s people got in touch and said he wanted to record his song.

“I remember the day. We had had 16 inches of rain over four days in June 1975 and we lived seven kilometres from our mailbox.

“The creek was on the way up. I rode our old horse out there and in the letterbox was a letter with a Slim Dusty logo saying he was going to record the song. It was one of the greatest moments of my whole life.”

Ernie earned a royalty through EMI in 1976 from

the song and it was the start of a long relationship, although Ernie says he wouldn’t describe it as a friendship.

“I met him, but never knew him,” he said.

“I remember when Slim did This Is Your Life with Roger Climpson. The camera crew went in to surprise him and Slim was recording an ad for the album, with my song playing. I didn’t know that was going to happen, I just happened to be watching the show on TV at the time.”

After that, Slim recorded 16 of Ernie’s ballads, which he is pretty proud of.

“I was only a small cog

in the huge wheel that was Slim Dusty, but it was amazing,” he said.

Along the way, Ernie took Slim’s advice to write “about the things I see around me” rather than the usual subjects like the outback and lost love.

“I was trying to write about the outback but I wasn’t living in the outback. The penny dropped, so I wrote the song using the name Things I See Around Me and it became the title track of an award winning album in 1976.”

Around 20 of his songs were recorded by other singers as well.

He didn’t pick up a guitar until around 1979

“I kept going every year and have been finalist in the Golden Guitar Awards twice and received a few other awards.” He married second wife, Debbie, in 2002, and has nine grandchildren today.

Ernie will play at the Back to the Bush concert on the Toyota Stage, at the Legends tribute concert on Tuesday night at the Uniting Church, at the Balladeers Homestead on Wednesday, The Pub and the Balladeers Homestead on Thursday and will present a couple of trophies at the inaugural Country Music Excellence Awards at the Balladeers Homestead.

After it’s over, he will concentrate on recording his next two albums.

Ernie’s music can be found on Spotify.

Local folk music talent prepares for annual festival

SNOWY Monaro musician Gabi Forman is heading to Tamworth for the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival where she will busk, perform and compete in three competitions. It is the first Tamworth festival for the 18year-old Berridale singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist who released her debut album I Feel You on CD and hundreds of streaming platforms in November.

The CMAA Country Music Association Australia Junior Academy, Illawarra Youth

Traditions and APRA AMCOSS Songwriters scholarship holder has been selected to contest the preliminary final of the FretFest regional song writing competition with two of her original songs on Friday January 24. She was also selected to contest The Courtys Busking Competition on January 21. Gabi will perform with her Academy classmates at a showcase on January 18. She will also perform at Baxter Boots January 21, 22 and 23. Due to her heavy

Tamworth commitments, she will miss the Illawarra Folk Festival where she was awarded a second scholarship to Youth Traditions for 2025.

“I cannot get from Wollongong to Tamworth in time and I am very sad to miss it but excited about not only attending but performing at my first Tamworth Country Music Festival,” she said.

Gabi, who has been performing consistently from across the south-east throughout the holiday period, has also been selected with her accompanists The K

Brothers Justin and Filip Klempfner to perform at Cobargo Folk Festival on March 30.

“I finished my HSC last year and was offered a Bachelor of Music position at UOW but have deferred for a year to perform, promote my album, record another single and music video and write more songs.”

She has performed more than 40 times since the start of 2024.

She can be found as Gabi Forman Music on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Spotify and Apple Music.

UNLIKELY MUSICIAN: Local country music singer songwriter Ernie Constance is heading to the Tamworth Country Music Festival next week.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

TALENT: Local musician, Gabi Forman, will head to the Tamworth Country Music Festival to perform alongside the nation’s best country musicians. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Game, set and fundraiser

THERE is less than a week to go until Cooma’s Royal Tennis Club holds 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 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 per player to take part in the event and this includes at least three sets, morning tea from the auxiliary (arguably one of the best going around), and a barbecue lunch.

Entries can be submitted to coomaroyaltennisclub@gmail. com or president, Mick Askell, on 0401 860 840. Entries close Wednesday January 15.

Sailors take to Lake Jindabyne during busy summer

ONE of the region’s most popular acitivites come the warmer months is sailing on Lake Jindabyne.

The Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club has been busy this summer with regular competition events and learn to sail days.

FUN: Tennis players of all ages will take part in the Cooma Royal Tennis Club’s annual doubles tournament on Sunday.

PHOTO: Cooma Royal Tennis Club

Competition and training days keep sailors of all levels interested.

With nice sunny days, Lake Jindabyne o ers a stunning setting to sail.

ADVENTURE: The Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club caters for sailors of all abilities and welcomes new members.

PHOTOS: Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club

Cooma rugby launches inaugural women’s side for 2025 season

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE 2025 season will be a historic one for the Cooma Rugby Union Football Club (Red Devils) with the club set to field its first senior women’s tackle side.

The Red Devils will enter a team in the Canberra region women’s 10s competition, joining sides from Jindabyne, Goulburn, Yass, Bungendore and a host of Canberra clubs.

All women interested in playing rugby union this year are encouraged to head along to training and become part of Cooma rugby history.

The club has unveiled the team’s coaches with Adam

Schofield named as head coach and Jamie Watkins as assistant.

Watkins’ announcement as assistant coach has been met with plenty of enthusiasm. Watkins is a talented rugby union player, having represented the South Coast Monaro representative side in recent seasons.

Watkins first played rugby in the Monaro High School’s 10s side, but it wasn’t until the Cooma product joined the Wagga Wagga CSU Reddies women’s 10s that she started competing at a competitive level.

Moving back to the region in 2020, Watkins joined the Jindabyne Miss Piggies

for a few seasons. Watkins started as a second-rower in 2021 and was awarded the best back for her efforts that season. As her fitness improved, Watkins moved into the scrum-half role.

Watkins captained the side and played lock in the representative side.

“Those years are an incredibly cherished time of my life and I’m so grateful for the journey I had there and I am looking forward to supporting the Cooma rugby women’s tackle team in 2025.”

Schofield played more than 90 first grades for the Cooma Red Devils. He was club captain for a number

of seasons and was highly respected for his leadership and passion for the jersey.

Schofield’s appointment as coach ensures the family name stays entrenched in Cooma rugby union with dad, Mick, a former first grade coach, player and a current life member.

The head coaching role will be Adam Schofield’s first exposure to senior rugby coaching. The club said he is looking forward to the challenge, and is calling for any new players to make contact as the side forms ahead of the season.

Training starts on February 4 at 6pm at Rotary Oval.

Red Devils continue partnership

COOMA Rugby Union Football Club (Red Devils), Sean Neilson, has nothing but praise for the club’s major sponsor, The Alpine Hotel Cooma.

The Alpine Hotel has signed-on for its 13th year as the Cooma Red Devils number one supporter, continuing one of the region’s longest major sponsorship partnerships.

Neilson thanked Alpine Hotel owners Michael, Kris and Daniel Sharkey for their ongoing involvement in Cooma rugby.

“We can’t thank the Alpine enough for their support over 13-years,” Neilson said.

“Whenever we have an event, a special day of rugby or even the Friday night jokers, the Alpine supports us tremendously.”

The Alpine Hotel has become the rugby union establishment of choice in Cooma over the 13-years. The club’s playing and life member honour board hangs proudly in the main bar area and a host of Red Devils trophies can be found at the hotel.

Each year, the Red Devils hold old boys’ day where more than 100 former and current players come together to reminisce and celebrate Cooma rugby. The popular event starts with the old boys’ day lunch at the Alpine Hotel.

Cooma’s Summer Cup heats-up

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

THE Cooma Golf Club had a strong turnout on Saturday for the hotly contested second round of the Summer Cup.

pin second shot on 18 went to De Zwart from Pambula Merimbula Golf Club.

Chris Brown was the overall winner on the day with 40 points, narrowing Dylan Litchfield’s lead in the Summer Cup to just three points. Litchfield still holds the lead with 78 points with Chris Brown, Gino Cerro and Tom Stewart in hot pursuit with 75 points.

The A Grade winner on Saturday was Tom Stewart with 37 points on countback from Dan Eade from Burns Golf Club Belconnen. The B Grade winner was Alan Kelly with 39 points and John Harris won C Grade with 38 points.

Balls went to Gino Cerro, Tony Clari, Eade, Mitch Hynes, Phil Amey, David Stewart, Colin Evans, Sean Bradshaw and Paul De Zwart.

Nearest the pin on the ninth went to Tony Clark, 11 went to David Goggin and 17 went to Litchfield. Nearest the

In Sunday’s stableford, the forecast rain didn’t eventuate and Colin Evans was the overall winner with 37 points. Balls went to Bailey Burke, Brad Freeman, Claire Caldwell and David Stewart. Roy Hankinson was the overall winner of the mid-week stableford last week with a very impressive 43 points. A Grade went to Col Langdon with 35 points on countback from Mitch Hynes, the B Grade winner was Mike Introna with 40 points and C Grade was claimed by Harry Mould with 40 points.

Balls went to Stephen Edgenton, Simon Allen, John Harris, Mark Kenmir, Mitch Hynes, Mark Rainsford, Kerry Blencowe, Tom Lloyd and Peter Devereux. Rainsford secured nearest the pin on 17.

Next Saturday is round three of the Summer Cup, Sunday is a stableford and the midweek competition is also a stableford.

Thursdays

But that’s not all.

Look up

2mno.org.au/programs for more country music programs. You’ll be surprised and delighted.

THANKS: Cooma Rugby Union Football Club president, Sean Neilson, (le ) thanks Daniel Sharkey of the Alpine Hotel Cooma for the business’ continued support of Cooma rugby.

PHOTO: Cooma Rugby Union Football Club

Golfers continue with good scoring

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

A LARGE Sunday field produced excellent scores with Sam Forster the best on the day winning with 44 stableford points followed by Elise Cave with 43 points and Sunhee Kim 42.

Playing off a handicap of 15, Forster shot the lights out with a 78 scratch, and two over par 38 on the back nine.

The round even included a wipe on the first hole, two four pointers and a swag of three pointers.

In A grade, Gregg Quinn had 39 points, the top for B grade was Sam Forster, and Elise Cave won C grade with 43 from Sunhee Kim with 42.

The men’s near pins were Chris Brown on the third, Damian Archer on eight, Ben Beattie on 15 and Nigel Bolton on 17.

The ladies near pins were Carolyn Major on eight, Elise Cave on 15 and Donna Tuckwell on 17.

Members should note, the new system for winning a ball is in overall scores, not individual grades.

The Sunday Ball Comp ran down to 37 points including Jye Kearney 41, Lochlin Colin 40, Nigel Emmery 40, Ross Thompson 39, Tony Perry 39, Michelle White 38, Owain Jones 38, Ben Hearn 38, Jayden Brown 37 and Kim Weston 37.

Last Wednesday, Glen Staker led the way with 38 points, runner up was Steve Young with 37 on a countback from Chris Brown, his third place also resulted on a countback.

Two steady nines of 19 points including six, three pointers, helped Staker on the day as he returned to the winner’s circle

for the first time in a while.

In A grade, Chris Brown had 37 points, Nigel Bolton 36, Andrew Haigh 35 and Owain Jones 34.

In B grade, Glen Staker had 38 points, Steve Young 37, Ross Thompson 37, Rainer Beisnner 35 and Ron Duncan 35.

In C grade, Roy Gabriele continued his form with 36 points, Ben Hearn had 35 points, Richard Hendriks 35, Scott Baker 34 and Kevin Cramer 33 points.

The men’s near pins were Steve Jermyn on the third, Chris Brown won the $150 eagles nest on 15, hitting a shot to about two-feet and making birdie, and Owain Jones snagged hole 17.

The ladies near pins were Carolyn Major on the 8th and Kylie Woodcock on 17.

Special mention to Ross Thompson who continues his good form and broke his age of 85 on his past two outings.

CLAY tennis courts will soon be available for community use in Cooma following the hard work of the Cooma Monaro Railway association in restoring two-courts at its station precinct.

After months of hard work from volunteers, the restoration of its 1928 tennis courts and Cooma Railway Institute building are nearing completion.

“Our volunteers have been busy completing landscaping and concrete pathways around the precinct as well as rolling the courts and installing the lines,” Cooma Monaro Railway president, Craig Moore, said.

“Unlike hardcourt tennis courts, our traditional

clay-based surface requires constant rolling and maintenance to keep it in top condition and ready to play.

“This has been a huge project for our team of dedicated volunteers who have put in hundreds of hours to get the project to where it is today.”

The Cooma Monaro Railway association will hold an official opening in the comings months with the courts ready for play soon after.

Elton finishes first in Bombala golf

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

SMALLER fields contested competitions and chicken runs during a quiet weekend on the Bombala golf course over the weekend with many members involved in other activities.

Saturday was a nine hole competition played on the front nine. Korie Elton came in the winner on 18 points from Dylan Elton 16 points.

Nearest the pin on the fifth was not won. The golden shot won by Kristen Peters.

On Sunday, the chicken run was played over 18-holes. The winner was Darren Forrester 34 points from Pepper Thompson 32 points.

Nearest the pin on 13 was

not won. The par threes proved difficult over the last few weekends. Golden shot went to Merv Douch.

Golf program Saturday January 18 - golf and bowls day. Nine holes, 9am hit-off. Names on noticeboard, and barbecue to follow golf before heading to the Bombala Bowling Club for 12-ends of bowls. Finger food to follow. Sunday January 19 - 18-holes, please note change to program. A reminder the club’s open tournament is on February 22 and 23. The club encourages golfers and community members to spread the word to family and friends who live out of town, and encourage them to come for the weekend.

Spinners lead way in Monaro cricket

By RUSS HAYLOCK

A FIVE-wicket haul for John Jumesh has helped lead Coffey’s to a 91-run win over Bombala. The home side was sent in to bat first and posted 8-214, with contributions from top three batters Rhys Brown (44), Dale Cook (36) and Nick Moon (35) forming a strong foundation.

Hunter Caldwell then struck 31 at better than a run a ball to end the innings in style, with Brent Lucas (4-46) the best of the bowlers for Bombala. Caldwell then followed it up with ball in hand, taking 1-8 off six overs to put Bombala on the back foot early.

In his return match to the competition, Mick Sullivan scored 26 and Jason Cikos made 21 to keep the victory target in sight.

However, it was Jumesh who took the wicket of Sullivan and then through the middle

order, taking 5-24 from his eight overs to secure his team top spot on the ladder heading into round five.

In Jindabyne, it was Rhythm who batted first, with opener Jack Watt top scoring with 40. Runs were hard to come by, with spinners Lucas Rixon (3-14) and Dave Oxley (2-7) the best of the bowlers as Jindabyne restricted Rhythm to 7-111.

In the chase, it was Rixon and Isaac Dawson who led from the front after the early loss of Andy Castle for a duck. Rixon (34) and Dawson (30) appeared to be taking the game away quickly, before young quicks Isiah Presley (2-15) and Gus Brabham (2-17) were introduced and picked up a flurry of wickets.

Luke Saare ensured his team made it home safely however, scoring an unbeaten 24 to wrap up a five-wicket victory.

ON TARGET: Glen Staker returned to the winner’s circle last Wednesday.

PHOTO: Coolamatong Golf Club

Triple treat

ON Saturday January 4, at the Cooma Bowling Club, the men’s triples championship was played in very warm conditions.

After winning elimination matches both teams took to the green with a level of confidence that a win was possible.

The team of Paul Fuller, Max Butler and

Phil Hunter played against Steve Lapham, Don Menchin and John Schoon.

After six ends, Steve, Don and John led 8-5 after good bowls from both teams. Then they won six ends straight to lead 18-5.

However, Paul, Max and Phil re-grouped and got back to 11-20 down after

17 ends. But the ‘bird had flown’ and it was too late.

After 20 ends the score was 25-11 in favour of Steve, Don and John and by the final and 24th end, it was 26-17 to their advantage.

This result sees Steve Lapham, Don Menchin and John Schoon as the men’s triples champions for the 2024/25 season.

WINNERS: Cooma triples champions John Schoon, Don Menchin and Steve Lapham at the Cooma Bowling Club.

Cooma Bowling Club

Parks lands leading role

OLYMPIAN and Jindabyne resident, Nicole Parks, is the latest member to join the National Snowsport Training Centre (NSTC) team as she steps into the role of program co-ordinator and emerging talent coach.

Parks competed in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games as a mogul skier, and it is her valuable experience as a professional athlete and coach that she brings to the NSTC team.

“Growing up in the area, I’ve been connected to these facilities for as long as I can remember,” Parks said.

“In the early days, trampolining was a small club where we had to set up and pack away each trampoline for every session.

“Later, as an elite athlete then coach with the NSWIS Mogul Team, I spent countless hours training and coaching in the gym.

“Watching this facility evolve into the world-class centre it is today has been incredibly inspiring.

“As a local, I understand how vital it is for both the community and athletes to have access to facilities like these. They provide

an incredible platform for growth, development, and success.

“I’m truly grateful to now be part of the Snow Australia NSTC team and to work in such an exceptional high-performance environment.

“Honestly, the facilities are so impressive, they almost make me want to get back into training myself.”

Transitioning into her new role, Parks will be able to help make an impact on those in all levels from participation to high performance.

“I’ve stepped into the role of NSTC program coordinator and emerging talent coach, which means I’ll be actively involved across various areas of the facility,” she said.

“This role gives me a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the centre and collaborate with programs at all levels.

“With my background and experience, I have a solid understanding of the needs of community programs, pathway athletes and high-performance teams alike.

“A key part of my role

is coaching and supporting the Emerging Talent Program across multiple disciplines.

“This is something I’m particularly passionate about, as it aligns closely with my background.”

Having been a professional athlete, Parks knows the importance of working hard on and off the snow, and she is looking forward to the opportunity to help the next generation of athletes.

“The NSTC provides athletes with incredible opportunities to train and pursue their dreams yearround,” Parks said.

“The ability to work on the air component of their sport, regardless of snow availability, using the airbag and acro centre is a game-changer.

“I’m excited to help guide the next generation of athletes and feel I have a lot to offer in this space.

“In addition to this, the gym facilities and the dedicated staff are setting a new standard for high performance in Australia.

“Having access to this facility and level of support is what enables athletes to take that crucial next step in their careers.”

PHOTO:

King’s titanic big bash

BERRIDALE OPENER BLASTS BEST

MONARO SCORE IN YEARS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

BERRIDALE opening batter, Thomas King, has blasted 197 off just 109 balls in an innings described as one of the best on the Monaro.

King demolished the Cooma Titans bowlers, hitting 20 sixes on his way to not only his maiden senior cricket century but Berridale’s second highest score.

Berridale, the Monaro T20 premiers, started its 40-over campaign in style with a 162-run win over the Titans.

King continued his form from the T20 competition, racing to his first senior century. After passing the milsetone, King continued the carnage, dispatching bowlers to most parts of the ground.

When dismissed for 197, there were still about five overs remaining. Berridale reached 9/310 off its 40-overs. In avoiding being bowled out, Berridale denied the Titans a bonus point.

Berridale and Monaro cricket stalwart, Ben Hearn, has labelled the innings ‘one of the best’ he has witnessed in almost 20-years playing locally.

“I had the best seat in the house. I umpired most of the innings. It’s one of the best for Berridale and one of finest on the Monaro that I have witnessed,” Hearn said.

Outside King’s titanic effort, next best for Berridale was Zac Mackenzie with 33 off 36 balls.

With rain approaching, Berridale looked to hurry through the first 15-overs to constitute a match. The homeside picked up the key wickets of big hitting Titans batters, Aqib Abassi, Hassan Nawaz and Babar Rehman. The Titans trio led the

side to a grand final spot in the T20 competition and have shown they are amongst the competition’s most destructive batters.

Berridale had the game almost wrapped-up when Titans Mirza Zeeshan fell for 23, leaving the visitors 6-53. Moishin Imran followed his three wickets with the ball to finish with a half century.

Harry Litchfield collected three wickets for Berridale and young fast bowler, Felix Bertossi, collected two in a fine bowling effort.

In the round’s other matches, a five-wicket haul for John Jumesh guided Coffey’s to a 91-run win over Bombala.

The homeside was sent in to bat first and posted 8-214, with contributions from top three batters Rhys Brown (44), Dale Cook (36) and Nick Moon (35).

Bombala’s Mick Sullivan scored 26 and Jason Cikos made 21 to keep the victory target in sight. However it was Jumesh who took the wicket of Sullivan and then through the middle order, taking 5-24 from his eight overs to secure his team top spot on the ladder heading into round five.

In Jindabyne, it was Rhythm who batted first, with opener Jack Watt top scoring with 40. Runs were hard to come by, with spinners Lucas Rixon (3-14) and Dave Oxley (2-7) the best of the bowlers as Jindabyne restricted Rhythm to 7-111.

In the chase, Rixon (34) and Dawson (30) appeared to be taking the game away quickly, before young quicks Isiah Presley (2-15) and Gus Brabham (2-17) were introduced and picked up a flurry of wickets. Luke Saare ensured that his team made it home safely. Cooma

HIRE: CANOE, SAIL, WAYDOOS +

RECORD: Berridale opener, Thomas King, has plundered 197 runs in one of the Monaro’s finest innings. It’s the highest score since Matthew Moxon’s 314 in 2019.

PHOTO: Berridale Cricket Club

Best light display in town raises thousands Locals lead search effort

By TRISTA HEATH

JOHN and Doreen

McLoughlin of Bent Street, Jindabyne raised $12,850 with their Christmas light display, over $2000 more than they’ve ever raised in previous years. John, known as Postman John amongst the locals, said over the more than four week period his lights were on display, Christmas Eve was by far the busiest night seeing at

least 800 people walk through his gates.

“This year was exceptionally great; Christmas eve was the biggest crowd I have ever seen walk through our gates,” John said.

On Wednesday January 8, John, Doreen and longtime sponsor, Director of Banjo Paterson Inn, Cam McKid, presented Thredbo Early Childhood Centre, The Fly Program and Snowy

Mountains Community Association, with a generous donation.

Thredbo Early Childhood Centre received a cheque worth $3,100, The Fly Program received $4,500 and Snowy Mountains Community Association received $4,500 with $500 earmarked for the Lake Light Sculpture later in the year, and the remaining funds keeping the account open

until next year.

Doreen said it is nice to know that the money donated is going towards great things to better the community and help others.

“We hope the money can make a difference to these groups and we hope that the fundraising efforts only continue to grow next year,” Doreen said.

■ Read more on page 4

By KAREN FORMAN

SNOWY MONARO emergency services personnel are resting and reviewing after a two week, multiagency search for a missing hiker in the Kosciuszko National Park ended happily last week.

More than 300 volunteers and paid professionals joined the search for Melbourne medical student, Hadi Nazari, who was reported missing from the lower end of the ‘toughest hike in the country’ - Hannels Spur track near Geehi on Boxing Day and found by hikers near Blue Lake close to Charlotte Pass last Wednesday. He was taken to Cooma hospital and spent two nights being treated for dehydration, and was discharged on Friday after issuing a statement through NSW Health thanking the public for its interest and concern, but asking for privacy to recover at home.

Mr Nazari, who survived on two muesli bars he had found in a remote hut, said he would not respond to any interview or photo requests.

Many local members of NSW SES units from Snowy River, Alpine Search and Rescue and Cooma Monaro, plus Rural Fire Service, joined the search along with visitors from Volunteer Rescue Association NSW’s search and caving teams.

SES Snowy cluster inspector, Malika Bailey, told The Summit Sun it was now time to rest and conduct post-action reviews as the organisation always learns from every job.

■ Further coverage on pages 3 and 7

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS: Ryan Rowson, Cameron McKid, Matt Tripet, Samantha Venn, Doreen McLoughlin, Joan Bird and John McLoughlin.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

King’s titanic big bash

BERRIDALE OPENER BLASTS BEST

MONARO SCORE IN YEARS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

BERRIDALE opening batter, Thomas King, has blasted 197 off just 109 balls in an innings described as one of the best on the Monaro.

King demolished the Cooma Titans bowlers, hitting 20 sixes on his way to not only his maiden senior cricket century but Berridale’s second highest score.

Berridale, the Monaro T20 premiers, started its 40-over campaign in style with a 162-run win over the Titans.

King continued his form from the T20 competition, racing to his first senior century. After passing the milsetone, King continued the carnage, dispatching bowlers to most parts of the ground.

When dismissed for 197, there were still about five overs remaining. Berridale reached 9/310 off its 40-overs. In avoiding being bowled out, Berridale denied the Titans a bonus point.

Berridale and Monaro cricket stalwart, Ben Hearn, has labelled the innings ‘one of the best’ he has witnessed in almost 20-years playing locally.

“I had the best seat in the house. I umpired most of the innings. It’s one of the best for Berridale and one of finest on the Monaro that I have witnessed,” Hearn said.

Outside King’s titanic effort, next best for Berridale was Zac Mackenzie with 33 off 36 balls.

With rain approaching, Berridale looked to hurry through the first 15-overs to constitute a match. The homeside picked up the key wickets of big hitting Titans batters, Aqib Abassi, Hassan Nawaz and Babar Rehman. The Titans trio led the

side to a grand final spot in the T20 competition and have shown they are amongst the competition’s most destructive batters.

Berridale had the game almost wrapped-up when Titans Mirza Zeeshan fell for 23, leaving the visitors 6-53. Moishin Imran followed his three wickets with the ball to finish with a half century.

Harry Litchfield collected three wickets for Berridale and young fast bowler, Felix Bertossi, collected two in a fine bowling effort.

In the round’s other matches, a five-wicket haul for John Jumesh guided Coffey’s to a 91-run win over Bombala.

The homeside was sent in to bat first and posted 8-214, with contributions from top three batters Rhys Brown (44), Dale Cook (36) and Nick Moon (35).

Bombala’s Mick Sullivan scored 26 and Jason Cikos made 21 to keep the victory target in sight. However it was Jumesh who took the wicket of Sullivan and then through the middle order, taking 5-24 from his eight overs to secure his team top spot on the ladder heading into round five.

In Jindabyne, it was Rhythm who batted first, with opener Jack Watt top scoring with 40. Runs were hard to come by, with spinners Lucas Rixon (3-14) and Dave Oxley (2-7) the best of the bowlers as Jindabyne restricted Rhythm to 7-111.

In the chase, Rixon (34) and Dawson (30) appeared to be taking the game away quickly, before young quicks Isiah Presley (2-15) and Gus Brabham (2-17) were introduced and picked up a flurry of wickets. Luke Saare ensured that his team made it home safely.

HIRE: CANOE, SAIL, WAYDOOS + MORE

RECORD: Berridale opener, Thomas King, has plundered 197 runs in one of the Monaro’s finest innings. It’s the highest score since Matthew Moxon’s 314 in 2019.

PHOTO: Berridale Cricket Club