Monaro Post and Jindabyne Summit Sun 170424

Brumby rally opposes cull

OPPOSITION: Hundreds turned out for a rally, calling on the NSW Government to stop the aerial cull of Brumbies and reopen the section of Kosciuszko National Park closes for four months.

Jen Sol Photography

THERE has been a strong local reaction to the closure of the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park as the aerial culling of Brumbies takes places.

A protest against the closure of the park on Easter Sunday at Long

Plain drew hundreds, who voiced their opposition to the culling, which many declared as ‘inhumane’.

Leisa Caldwell of Snowy Mountains Horse Riders and formerly on the Kosciuszko Wild

Horse Heritage Community Advisory Panel said the aerial shooting could never be considered humane.

“After the last few decades of mismanagement by National Parks and the anti-horse lobby they now only have themselves to blame for this ongoing issue,” she said.

“We agree that the Brumbies have always needed management

but National Parks need educating in that management from the horse experts. “We strongly reject the biologically impossible numbers stated, we believe they appear to be manipulated just to justify this slaughter, even though all surveys have only ever actually physically sighted a fraction of these numbers.”

■ Read more on page 5

Cr Davis pedals rail trail project

By NATHAN THOMPSON

SNOWY Monaro Regional Councillor

Narelle Davis is calling on Council to support the Monaro Rail Trail and work with the committee promoting the project to complete its business case for stage one.

Stage one of the Monaro Rail Trail project would link Queanbeyan to Michelago and Jincumbilly to Bombala. Cr Davis says the Monaro Rail Trail committee is waiting on Council to provide a clear direction on its aspirations for the project, and she hopes following the Council meeting on Thursday, that the project will progress.

Cr Davis has put forward a notice of motion, calling for Council to work with the Monaro Rail Trail committee to complete the business case for the first stage and commence applying for grant funding through the Regional Precincts Partnerships Program.

Carlo Botto, president of Monaro Rail Trail Inc, is calling for Council to support the project.

“It’s now up to our Councillors. If Council passes this motion, and resolve to direct Council staff to appropriately prioritise the MRT project and apply resources to achieve the timeframes set out, we will see job creation and economic benefits sooner and with greater certainty,” Mr Botto said.

“The Monaro Rail Trail is first and foremost an economic development project, which will create jobs and stimulate our local economy.

“But most importantly these jobs and economic stimulus will primarily occur in the towns and villages that are most in need of this stimulus.”

Council meets on Thursday in the Cooma office chambers for its April ordinary meeting.

PHOTO:

Gail receives official honour

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA’S Gail Eastaway OAM has o cially received her Order of Australia honour from Governor General David Hurley AC at an investiture ceremony last week.

Ms Eastaway was joined by family at Government House on Wednesday April 10 for the ceremony.

Ms Eastway’s Order of Australia Medal was announced in this year’s Australia Day honours list, in recognition of her 50-year career as a journalist, services to regional print media as owner/ editor of The Monaro Post from 2006 to 2023, and involvement with the Cooma Show and Cooma Races committees.

Mr Hurley AC praised Ms Eastaway for her longstanding contribution to the Monaro community.

Ms Eastaway said the experience has been quite humbling and she thanked whoever nominated her for the award.

“The actual ceremony was a tad nerve-wracking. I’m normal-

ly the rst person to trip or otherwise embarrass myself, but I managed not to do that,” she said.

“I was one of 20 recipients in that ceremony. His Excellency had a full week of pinning medals onto lapels – his last investiture ceremonies before he steps down from the role in a couple of months.

“It was very pleasant to speak with him – he has family connections with Cooma, with some relatives buried at Christ Church and others near Good Good and Jerangle. I’m on a bit of a mission now to photograph the headstones to send to him.”

Amongst the multiple community pursuits earning Ms Eastaway an OAM, her advocacy for country journalism ranks as a career highlight.

“Apart from the personal honour I have received, was the message which was delivered by others there, that being the importance of quality journalism, especially in the bush,” Ms Eastaway OAM said.

“One young lady approached me for advice as she is contemplating a career in journalism, another was appreciative of the number of cadets or young journalists The

and appreciated.”

Mr Hurley AC spoke of the importance of country journalism while presenting Ms Eastaway OAM with her honour.

“The Governor-General agreed with me that people in the bush need a voice and country newspapers are the best vehicle to get that voice heard, so my 50 years in the industry has been worthwhile, as has the time spent on a variety of committees for a variety of organisations.”

focus: McBain

WITH thousands more vehicles al on the region’s roads during the rst week of NSW school holidays, Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, is urging motorists to exercise greater care.

“Over the school holidays, I ask everyone in Eden-Monaro to prioritise safety on our roads,” Ms McBain said.

“With more children playing on and around our roads, now is the time to be more attentive and aware of your surroundings.

“It’s crucial to exercise caution and responsibility behind the wheel.

“Road safety a ects all members of the community, every day.

“Councils in Eden-Monaro have signi cant and ageing road networks to maintain, which is why the Albanese Government is partnering with them to deliver key safety upgrades.”s

More than $3.1 million has been delivered to Eden-Monaro councils, including Snowy Monaro Regional Council to improve their road networks. Funding has been delivered through the Roads to Recovery in 2023-24, with funding for Commonwealth road programs increasing from July 1.

“Deaths on our roads are not just a statistic; they are someone’s parent, child, sibling, colleague, or cherished friend,” Ms McBain said.

“Don’t be reckless behind the wheel – pay attention, buckle up, do not drink and drive, do not speed, and don’t take risks on our roads. It just isn’t worth it.

“Together, we can keep our roads safe for everyone, especially our children.”

Monaro Post has given a start in the profession and another was thrilled a country journalist’s work had been noticed

AWARD: Cooma’s Gail Eastaway OAM is presented with her OAM honour by Governor-General David Hurley AC.

PHOTO: Governor General’s o ice

SAP foreshore disappointment

sire to see the foreshore upgraded has been not funded rather money allocated for the planning stage.

By TRISTA HEATH

THE Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) announcement of $196 million in funding forseven key projects, has left community members disappointed and unsure how to progress with improvements to the Lake Jindabyne foreshore.

Set to commence within the next year, one of the key projects include plan and design enhancements for the Lake Jindabyne foreshore to improve amenity, community facilities and access for visitors.

The NSW Government said the investment of $196 million has been allocated in consultation with the community and will boost future opportunities in the area while also improving services for current residents.

Jindabyne Sailing Club member Steve Osborne said the sailing club is disappointed the community’s de-

“It’s been five years of work by local people to inform the planning bodies, hours of consultations, writing and meetings all during personal time to no avail,” Mr Osborne said.

“We’ve gone along to every meeting, supposedly to consult and we find that the fact that neither the town centre nor foreshore development are any part of future planning now and won’t be until at least the next election.

“In the past, Council has always said that the SAP money would go towards fixing the foreshore and now that seems to be off the agenda, and we feel that the past government and now the present government is in danger of beating out the community’s interest and involvement with the SAP.”

Another foreshore user, and holder of one of the region’s largest events, the Lake Light Sculpture announced late last year the event would not be going ahead in 2024 due to the damaged foreshore and unsafe pathways.

Lake Light committee member Steve Cooper said the committee find the lack of commitment to allocate this required and critical delivery funding very perplexing.

“The Lake Light Sculpture management committee’s view on the recent SAP announcement would no doubt echo many other community groups and individuals in the Jindabyne and Snowy Mountains community,” Mr Cooper said.

“In that we welcome the government’s investment on the necessary in-ground infrastructure projects that are a strategic requirement in all expanding regional towns.

“But it is impossible to mask our very significant disappointment that a key objective of SAP to improve amenity, community facilities and access for visitors only rises to the ‘plan and design’ stage with the lake foreshore precinct, with no allocated funding to deliver on those proposed future plans.”

Running for more than a decade, Lake Light is a favourite amongst locals and visitors and Mr Cooper said the decision to cancel this year’s event was difficult but necessary.

“Allocation responsibility sits squarely on the shoulders of our elected state, lo-

cal and federal politicians, and as such, some of the recent SAP announcement is challenging to absorb as it delivers no short to medium term solution to the current and real challenges of ensuring genuine access and amenity for many of our residents,” Mr Cooper said.

“The management committee has patiently and respectfully been involved all of the way alongside multiple other community groups throughout the past five years of consultation and discussion as we collectively worked toward what we were led to believe would be something special in respect to urban and economic renewal.

“We have watched as the available monies were effectively halved.

“Now the focus appears to be water treatment plants, sewerage treatment plants, enhanced electrical, water and sewer networks, and land acquisition.”

Whilst disappointed with the SAP announcement, the Lake Light Sculpture management committee is working hard to the return the event to the lake foreshore for the 2025 Easter weekend.

The committee hopes the foreshore is improved ahead of next year’s event.

“Together with many long-term Jindabyne residents, we question the slow repair and rejuvenation of the lake foreshore area,” Mr Cooper said.

“Jindabyne residents and landholders pay some of the highest land rates in any

Australian country town, and the township relies on return and year-round tourism with our lake foreshore area being one of the prime tourist destinations to view the magical combination of water and mountain views.

“We appreciate that our drinking water will improve, our waste water will be treated properly, and the lights will stay on as the state government works to future-proof services to foster our growing Jindabyne community.

“But the SAP announcement does little to inspire our volunteer community groups such as Lake Light Sculpture that future access and amenity experiences will be deliverable for that growing residential and tourist population.”

FUNDING SHORTFALL: Jindabyne community groups have expressed their upset the recent SAP funding only covers planning works for lake foreshore upgrades. PHOTO: Trista Heath

Currawarna finds place as community hub

By KAREN FORMAN

TWO months have passed since Bombala’s revitalised aged care facility, Currawarna Assisted Living, reopened under a new operational model and chairman Dr Keith Campbell is ecstatic with its progress.

Dr Campbell, who told the large gathering of politicians, healthcare providers, residents, community members and families at the official opening in February to ‘use it or lose it’, said the community was indeed using the facility and things were looking positive and going according to plan.

“As well as now having five residents with two more arriving this week, Currawarna has become a community hub and is starting to fulfil that aim the board had for community engagement,” he said.

“I am delighted to see the community making use of the facility, both through organisations having meetings there and also with carers dropping off their loved ones to our new social club to spend the day being spoilt while the carers have a break.

“The staff have settled in,

it is great to see some that some of the clients have really come out of their shells and are greatly appreciating they can socialise with other members of their community.”

The 33-bed facility, formerly a nursing home but closed three-years-ago, offers its meeting room, dining room, and other areas for club meetings and events and has already welcomed the Bombala Rotary Club, NSW State Forests and Bombala Men’s Shed, with the Bombala Lions Club next on the list.

Dr Campbell said the new hostel style operating model had proven to be successful with three of the current clients on level three and four Care at Home packages able to live at Currawarna with all expenses covered.

“This was something that we wanted to be able to provide - accommodation for people on modest incomes,” he said.

“The original calculations I made were aimed at making Currawarna a place people could afford to come and live and not have to sell their own homes to pay an entry fee like other facilities, and this has proven to

be correct. With the pension and level three or four Care at Home package, you can come and stay at Currawarna and we are now able to open that up to people with Care at Home packages with providers other than Sapphire Coast Aged Care. One had organised it through Cooma Challenge, the registered provider was Pearl, which is very cooperative in allowing us to broker our staff and put the process in place through their organisation as well.

“If people haven’t got a package they go through My Aged Care, a Federal Government website, and apply to be assessed as to what their needs are, then wait for a package to become available. At the moment there is a a bit of wait, due to a limited number of packages through the Southern Area Health District.

Dr Campbell is encouraging people approaching that stage of life, to get on and make an application ahead of time.

“Of course, people don’t need a package to come and live at Currawarna. Often if they own a home, they can rent it out and use the funds, along with their pension

Assisted Living chair Dr Keith Campbell is happy with the progress of the now two month old facility.

to come to Currawarna. If you have a substantial self funded retirement package, you are still very welcome to come, as the value we are providing is extremely good,” he said.

Dr Campbell said current resident numbers were right where he had expected them to be two months after opening.

“You cannot expect to be fully occupied overnight,” he said.

“Obviously the board will

be happier once we see levels of 85 percent, which is what our business plan requires to allow us to retain a reasonable portion of our working capital so generously donated by the community and the NSW Government. But at the current rate, this will be achieved within 12 months.

Currawarna will on April 23 host a number of health

professionals, including those providing Care at Home services , care navigators in the hospitals, doctors and allied health professionals, for three information sessions to let their know about Currawarna’s services and ask them how Currawarna can help them.

“We are keen to support any of the requirements we hadn’t thought of,” he said.

AGED CARE: Currawarna

PHOTO: Karen Forman.

Currawarna’s interior lounges and meeting areas and dining room can be used by community organisations for meetings and seminars.

Brumby culling commences

Strong reaction to aerial culling of iconic horse gg

THERE has been a strong local reaction to the closure of the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park as the aerial culling of Brumbies takes place.

A protest against the closure of the park for the next four months drew hundreds, who voiced their opposition to the culling, which many declared as ‘inhumane’.

A senior spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the estimated number of Brumbies in the park was generated using the best available science.

“There is no credible scientific evidence challenging the 2023 population estimate of 12,797 – 21,760. This estimate was generated using the best available science (distance sampling) and peer-reviewed by experts at the CSIRO and the Queensland Department of Agriculture,” the spokesperson said.

Bush poet and one of the key leaders of the Brumby protection movement, Richard Roberts, said the numbers were not biologically possible.

“National parks put the [parliamentary] committee up in a helicopter,” he said.

“They’ve got this number

between 14,000 and 23,000 horses; it was an opportunity to ask how many horses they saw. The Greens member said they saw ‘hundreds’ and Emma Hurst, the Animal Justice Party member, corrected them and said they’d seen 70.”

A NSW parliamentary inquiry into aerial culling in the national park, which concluded in March, supported the estimated numbers of Brumbies.

State Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe said the government is taking a ‘very conservative approach’ to the numbers.

“There is a view that we could have as many as 20,000 horses in the park, and we need to continually work through that to make sure that we get down to 3,000,” she told the inquiry.

“We’ve already proved that [number of Brumbies are] it’s over 3,000. Let’s just say that there is no chance or view that there is less than 3,000 because it’s already been proven not to be the case.”

Committee member and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP, Robert Borsak, raised his concerns regarding the large disparity in potential horse numbers.

Can I use machinery in any grass, crop or stubble land? This includes driving vehicles or using machinery such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, pumps and generators.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Yes, as long as any heated area of the machinery does not come in contact with combustible matter;

The machinery is in a good and serviceable condition; The machinery is fitted with a spark arrestor and you have the following prescribed fire safety equipment on site; 16L minimum capacity knapsack spray pump filled with water; or 9L minimum capacity liquid fire extinguisher; or 0.9kg minimum capacity dry powder fire extinguisher.

You should also check with your insurance company to understand your policy and ‘duty of care’ should your machinery cause a fire on a Total Fire Ban day.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Avoid machinery use in dry grass on hot, dry, windy days

• Consider early morning, avoid afternoons when the humidity is at its lowest

• Permanent pumps and generators should be housed in a clear area

• Call 000 immediately if you start a fire

For more information, contact the Monaro District Fire Control Centre on ph.6455 0455 Or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Monaro-Team-Rural-Fire-Service

For current incidents or major fire updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

“There’s a view that there could be as many as 20,000, even more, but there’s also a view that there could be less than 3,000 there now,” he asked the inquiry.

Environmental activists are concerned about the ongoing ecological damage of hard-hoofed animals in KNP.

Former NPWS ranger and organiser for the Public Service Association, Kim De Govrik, told the inquiry that introduced horses had reached a point where it had threatened the native species within it.

“We’re talking about Australia [as] the ‘extinction nation’. When people get emotional and start talking about the heritage value of wild horses - not in national parks. National parks are set aside for nature conservation and recreation,” he said.

Leisa Caldwell of Snowy Mountains Horse Riders and formerly on the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Community Advisory Panel said the aerial shooting could never be considered humane.

“The last few decades of mismanagement by National Parks and the anti-horse lobby now only have themselves to blame for this on-

OPPOSITION:

going issue,” she said.

“We agree that the Brumbies have always needed management but National Parks need educating in that management from the horse experts.

“We strongly reject the biologically impossible numbers stated, we believe they appear to be manipulated just to justify this slaughter, even though all surveys have

only ever actually physically sighted a fraction of these numbers.”

We strongly reject that aerial shooting could ever be considered humane in areas of dense forested mountains.

The NSW Department of Environment and Heritage, and NSW Parks and Wildlife Services could not comment on operational activity,

but in a release earlier this month, they said the closure is to ensure public safety during essential operations for feral animal control. This includes the use of aerial shooting,” the statement went on to say “the section to be closed is limited to 20 per cent of the Park. The winter re- sort areas are unaffected and re- main open for the season.”

Rocky Harvey and Dean Marsland attend the rally on Easter Sunday at Long Plain to oppose the park closure and Brumby cull. PHOTO: Jen Sol Photography

Council to decide on arts centre proposal

By KAREN FORMAN

THE future of the former Bombala infants school will come before Snowy Monaro Regional Council this week, with indications it may lean towards using the site as an arts centre rather than a childcare centre as more recently mooted.

Councillors will consider a two part staff recommendation regarding the site (which came into its possession in 2018) at its April meeting on Thursday.

The recommendation asks councillors to agree to Council seeking an amendment to a Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) grant of $896,645 which was provided for Bombala Arts and Innovation Centre (Heritage Property Conversion) to rejuvenate and convert the old school into a multi-purpose cultural and community venue.

The amendment would allow Council to complete a feasibility assessment for an arts and innovation centre at the site and a water and sewer site provision assessment, detailed design and construction as far as funds would permit.

It also asks Council to ‘accept that a childcare centre

at the site is not feasible in the current conditions’.

The possibility of the former school housing a child care centre has been raised more recently, with a community member approaching a Canberra-based child care provider to ask if it would be willing to operate a childcare centre in Bombala.

However, the report to Council’s meeting said it is apparent from discussions with the Canberra provider, Monaro Family Support Services, Wendy and Julie’s Daycare and Bombala PreSchool that there was not enough demand in Bombala, and/or inherent difficulties with the site, to make an additional child care centre viable at this point.

‘The best solution to the child care capacity issue appears to be promoting home daycare in Bombala as a means to plug any gaps in capacity for the present demand,’ the report, available on Council’s website, stated.

‘The main problem with this approach is finding willing home daycare providers, but perhaps there are ways Council could assist with this by offering incentives or assistance in becoming established as a

home daycare in Bombala.’

The report suggests the best option appeared to be ‘divest one lot to raise funds for a pre-fabricated modular arts and innovation centre to be housed on existing council land.

‘An investigation into the costs and feasibility of this proposal could be part of the amended BLERF grant and it is towards this end that it is recommended the council proceed,’ the report stated.

‘The recommendation to apply for a variation to the BLERF grant with the intent of further investigating the feasibility of an arts and innovation centre at the site and constructing some general water and sewer works to improve the suitability of the site for a future use is generally considered a low risk approach to the both the grant funds and the use of the site itself.’

Former Bombala Shire and Snowy Monaro Regional councillor, and arts and culture advocate Sue Haslingden has been involved with the arts centre proposal since 2018 when the Bombala Hub was formed to look into the idea.

She said the project had been had a ‘stalemate’ for some time.

Construction commences Depo yards

By NATHAN THOMPSON

CONSTRUCTION has started on the long-awaited Ryrie Street bridge at Michelago and once complete, Snowy Monaro deputy mayor and Michelago resident Tanya Higgins says the village will be reinvigorated and the response times for emergency services improved.

The new bridge will link residents on Micalago Road with Ryrie Street, slashing the time it currently takes to access the village.

Micalago Road residents are required to use the Monaro Highway to enter the village. With heavy traffic on the highway, especially during winter, safety concerns have been raised for a number of years by residents.

Cr Higgins said while the start construction has taken much longer than residents would have liked, many have welcomed the milestone.

“I’ve had people contacting me to say how pleased they are the work has finally started,” Cr Higgins said.

“The bridge will make such a significance difference to the village. It will be safer for Micalago residents and families coming to the village, be it for the general store or school, and it will be

quicker for our Rural Fire Service volunteers to access the station.

“Families will be able to ride to school and not have to drive onto the Monaro Highway.”

Cr Higgins said it has been a frustrating few years for locals after grant funding was secured was in 2021.

“Former mayor John Rooney advocated strongly for grant funding to build the bridge,” Cr Higgins said.

“There were a number of setbacks with UGL rail and the bureaucracy delayed the project.”

Constructed commenced last week and the new bridge is set for completion by the end of June 2024.

The 20-metre bridge of Michelago Creek will connect residents on the southern end of the village (along Micalago Road) to the village centre for the first time in years.

No detour will be in place during construction, with access between Micalago Road and the village centre along the Monaro Highway unaffected by this work.

“This bridge has been a priority for our community for some time, and we are thrilled to be getting underway with the construction of this important project,” Snowy Monaro mayor Chris Hanna said.

CONSTRUCTION: Stephen is all smiles as work begins on the new Michelago bridge. The bridge will connect residents of Micalago Road with the village.

“We are really grateful for the support of the Australian Government to get this project done, and I want to thank the many stakeholders involved in the approval process at the state level for working with us to reach this point.

“Council appreciates the Michelago community’s patience and support as we worked through the lengthy planning and

PHOTO: Supplied

approval process this project required.”

Cr Higgins believes the village will benefit from the bridge as more people will have improved access to recreational facilities and the general store.

“There will be a flow-on effect from the bridge with more people entering the village. The general store will benefit.”

mcCr fundraising success

THE Summit Soul Shakers fundraising event, Wunder-Bar was a huge success on Saturday April 13 as the community joined the dance crew to raise awareness and funds for the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr).

The fundraiser is part of mcCr’s Hot City Disco extravaganza that will see four groups of local ‘dancers’ perform across three big nights in May. The event is the organisation’s major fundraiser this year.

Summit Soul Shakers, a group comprising well-known locals from Jindabyne, Berridale and Dalgety, held their beer fest inspired event on Saturday. It was a day filled with German traditions including pretzels, kranskys, beer, cider and more. More than 100 locals gathered at Jindabyne Brewing to celebrate the spirit of an amazing community coming together to support Snowy Monaro families fighting cancer.

The crew raised thousands of dollars through lots of fun and games, yabby racing and raffles, all while listening to live music and enjoying that German ambience.

Bush balladeers entertain

ONE of Cooma’s great concerts saw more than 140 people pack the Cooma Car Cub for an enthralling evening of Australian bush ballads.

On a very cold night last week, locals braved the conditions to hear talented local balladeers Ernie Constance and Jay Podger. They were joined by Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson who travelled all the way from the NSW Central Coast to perform.

Dianne is the daughter of Reg Lindsay and Heather McKean (sister of Joy Mckean who was Slim Dusty’s wife) and her husband Peter Simpson who grew up in the Snowy Mountains where his dad worked on the Snowy Scheme.

Peter’s family lived in tents in the early days of the Snowy Scheme and was later relocated to the Eucumbene Dam

construction camp named Eaglehawk.

The many wonderful bush ballads had the audience spellbound as they sang the songs that were written and performed from the heart and often reflected many of their own poignant experiences.

The idea for the balladeers’ concert incubated at the Bredbo Markets during a discussion between Dianne and Peter, Jay Podger of Jay’s Doughnuts and Dave Miller of Coffee 2630.

When Ernie Constance was asked to join in, he willingly joined the troupe and acted as MC for the evening. The balladeers gave freely of their time to enable the concert to happen which was a fundraiser for Monaro Community Radio (2MNO).

The Cooma Motor Lodge generously provided free

accommodation for Dianne and Peter.

2MNO president Phil Daley thanked the musicians for their generous support of the radio

station. Phil said it was gratifying to see so many smiling faces in the audience and to receive so many positive messages from the attendees.

Council briefs

SNOWY Monaro Regional Council will hold its ordinary monthly meeting on Thursday April 18 in the Cooma office chambers.

The community can attend the meeting from 1pm or watch Council’s live-stream through its website. There is a busy agenda before Council.

Large lot development

Council will decide whether to proceed with a 37-lot (large) residential subdivision, plus one residue allotment in two stages, at Old Dry Plains, Cooma. The applicant is Cavallo Projects.

The recommendation before Council is to approve the development. A condition of consent requires contributions to towards rural roads, including Old Dry Plains Road.

Bunyan Quarry land

Council will vote on acquiring land to complete the ‘full footprint’ required for the Bunyan Quarry gravel extraction operations.

Council operates a gravel pit at Bunyan, extending onto neighbouring Crown land. Gravel from the pit us used on the region’s road network.

If approved, Council will proceed with the land acquisition process.

Open spaces committee

Council will appoint eight community members to its recently reformed open space and recreation facilities committee.

The eight members put forward include: Chris Reeks, Jim Johnston, Bill Euston, Louise Jenkins, Ineke Stephens, John Britton, Lorraine Alford, and Suzanne Dunning.

A councillor will also be appointed to the committee.

Questions for staff

Councillor Luke Williamson has submitted a four questions on notice to Council.

Cr Williamson’s first series of questions regard the installation of speakers in Cooma’s Centennial Park.

He has asked 13 questions of Council – relating to the speakers’ usage and cost. Council provided answers to each of Cr Williamson’s questions. His other questions concern Council’s offices at 81 Commissioner Street, Cooma, the new Cooma Regional Sports Centre, and the cost of operating the region’s pools.

Tickets still available

ARGUABLY the hottest ticket in town is for the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr) Hot City Disco fundraiser in May.

The mcCr is staging its next big fundraising event with around 40 locals putting on their dancing shoes for a great cause.

Tickets for the dinner and

show on May 23, 24, and 25 went on sale on Saturday with people lining up from 3am to snag a ticket.

At the Cooma Library, Maybe Decor in Bombala and Shear Delight in Berridale, the queues started in the early hours of Saturday morning. Tickets for the Friday and Saturday night were snapped up quickly. In good news for those who missed a ticket, there are some available for the Thursday performance.

Tickets will be sold on Saturday April 20 at the Cooma Library from 9.30am to 11.30am. Further information available on the mcCr Facebook page.

FUNDRAISER: The dance group, Summit Soul Shakers, raised thousands for the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research.

PHOTO: mcCr

LOCAL TALENT: Cooma musician Jay Podger entertains more than 140 people at the Bush Balladeers concert last week.

PHOTO: Monaro Community Radio

SUPPORT: Kylie Hain, Karen McGufficke and Sandy Schofield (standing)

First snowfall of year delights visitors

By KAREN FORMAN

BRISBANE visitors Abigail and William Walker never expected to see snow for the first time in Australia when they came to the Snowy Mountains to climb Mt Kosciuszko with family and friends in April.

The siblings, aged 14 and 12, were excited to see and play in around five centimetres of white powder at Spencers Creek (1730 metres) during the first snowfall of the 2024 on Tuesday April 9, 60 days before the official snow season is set to open.

Naturally, snowball fights between brother and sister were the order of the day.

“We were lucky we climbed Mt Koziuszco yesterday before the snow came,” William said.

“It would have been cold today.”

The snow, which had been predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology but is not deemed unusual, fell during a week-long cold spell which began with heavy rain around the state that wreaked havoc in some regions. The Snowy Mountains escaped the worst of the flooding.

Flakes began to fall as low as 1000 metres on the

Kalkite Rd outside of Jindabyne around 8am and by 10am local school students were shivering during their recess break as a brief snow shower dumped some wet flakes in town at 900 metres altitude. Snow was also reported at Bombala and Nimmitabel.

Kosciuszko Rd was covered in snow for the morning from around 1400 metres up to Charlotte Pass at 1800 metres, with the Summit Track to Mt Kosciuszko summit coated in snow and a few brave hikers setting off with several layers of warm and waterproof clothing.

Perisher resort reported a covering of five centimetres in emails to supporters but the resort’s snowstake later showed around eight centimetres before the storm passed.

Thredbo resort reported that ‘someone must have shaken a snow globe overnight’ with the resort - including the new $9 million Alpine Coaster ride that has replaced the luge - covered in white from early morning.

a snowball ready for war with his sister during the first snowfall of the year on Tuesday.

Wilderness Sports Jindabyne and Perisher proprietor Bruce Easton, who has lived several decades in the area, said the April snowfall was “nothing unusual” .

“Early snow is great to remind people that winter will be here sooner,” he said.

“Get their bookings in and take advantage of the weather to go check their gear and make sure it is all clean and servicerable. Ensure your pack and backcountry gear is good to go. It is time to get read for a season like no other”

Last year the first snow appeared on February 23.

The road into Charlotte Pass village was temporarily closed due to the icy conditions and Fire and Rescue NSW at Perisher Valley issued a social media caution to drivers to take care on the slippery roads.

APRIL SNOW: William Walker loads up

PHOTO: Karen Foreman

THRIVING: The presence of a juvenile Platypus could indicate successful breeding of Platypus originally taken from the Snowy Mountains region.

PHOTO: R. Freeman UNSW Sydney

Time to progress Monaro Rail Trail, support for Councillor motion

COUNCILLOR Narelle

Davis is putting forward a motion at our Council’s next meeting to direct staff to get on with developing the Monaro Rail Trail (MRT) project so that our local region will benefit from the economic growth it will deliver, and the region desperately needs as soon as practically possible.

The debates and discussions have occurred; detailed studies and reports have been prepared and now it’s time this important regional development project is finalised for Council approval and grant funding is sought based upon a solid business case.

As I have previously said, the Monaro Rail Trail is first and foremost an economic development project, which will create jobs and stimulate our local economy. But most importantly these jobs and economic stimulus will

primarily occur in the towns and villages that are most in need of this stimulus.

We recognise that the Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s finances are in a dire position. Something that has evolved over a number of years.

We support Council being “razor focused” on repairing the finances in the short-term. The business paper which contains Cr Davis’ motion is disappointing in that, although not reflecting on the merits or otherwise of the MRT project, Council’s leadership can not provide adequate resources to meet the timeframes in Cr Davis’ motion because it’s not currently a priority in this budget period.

This is despite the project being cited in a number of strategy plans and studies; providing badly needed economic growth; not materially requiring operations

and maintenance funding from Council for a number of years; and will strategically diversify the region’s tourism income.

It’s now up to our Councillors. If Council passes this motion, and resolve to direct Council staff to appropriately prioritise the MRT project and apply resources to achieve the timeframes set out, we will see job creation and economic benefits sooner and with greater certainty.

Assuming Council restores its financial position in the next year or so (it’s unlikely they have much more time than this), what’s next to get growth happening?

What do we have planned beyond the growth delivered by Snowy 2.0’s economic “sugar hit” to our region?

The MRT is a growth project which goes some way to

help us avoid an economic “death spiral”. We believe Council and its senior staff has the capability to focus on both restoring their finances AND work on our region’s economic growth in parallel!

Other rail trails in NSW and other states have met or exceeded the forecast economic forecasts.

We are missing out the longer we wait. Close to us is the Tumburumba Rail Trail, which is similar to the MRT segment from Bombala to Jincumbilly. NSW Government and local businesses report that the economic benefits of that rail trail have been outstanding and well beyond forecasts. Thankfully, with the benefit of a Federal grant, Council will shortly undertake the first 3 to 5 km of the MRT from Bombala. A great but modest start.

MRT Inc and Council staff

have successfully sought a grant for developing the start of the MRT in Bombala and done most of the work required to apply for a grant for the first major stage of the MRT. We have identified a Federal grant source which is ideal for the Council to apply for which would fully fund the first stage of the MRT. But any delay in Council applying will put that source in jeopardy due to the tight requirements on having the grant project finished within a certain timeframe.

MRT Inc and others who want economic growth that will be delivered by the MRT project, urges Council to support Cr Davis’ motion and resolve to direct Council staff to get on with this project - as described in the motion.

There is significant support for the MRT at federal and state government lev-

els, but it is up to our Council to take the lead.

As such, we trust that there will be “ownership” and a sense of urgency by Council staff for this project, and they find solutions to getting the MRT built so that parts of our region that are in desperate need of economic growth and jobs can benefit as soon as possible.

We applaud the Council’s focus on making the finances of the Council sustainable in the short-term, but a good portion of Council’s senior staffs’ role is to think and act strategically for the long-term economic sustainability of our region (and Council’s income) – so let’s make sure the MRT project is developed as soon as practically possible!

Affordable housing, road corridors missed in Jindabyne SAP funding

REGARDING the cover article in last week’s Post about the NSW Government’s announced funding $196M to fulfill seven priority projects as part of the Jindabyne Special Activation Precinct promises.

Priority number four got me to thinking about land being acquired for future housing development, including affordable housing projects, and to preserve the corridor for the Southern Connector Road.

We read and hear constantly these days about housing affordability but no one has defined what is

meant by housing affordability and how housing will be made affordable for those who can’t afford a house due to financial limitations.

A house costing $1M could certainly be affordable for a couple earning say $500,000 per annum but would likely be unaffordable for a couple earning $140,000.

About 20-years-ago the Snowy River Shire Council touted the land owned by Snowy Hydro (which became part of the Highview Estate) would be developed and there would be affordable housing in the released land. Did that happen? Of

course not.

The highly priced blocks being trickled onto the market kept the land prices inflated and precluded any affordability to wage earners. We now see housing blocks of land for sale in Jindabyne for $800,000, how can that sort of cost be affordable for average wage earners?

Those blocks would certainly be unaffordable for the lower income couple. Instead of grand announcements about solving housing affordability our government’s, State and Federal need to supply more detail in their throwaway media

releases and tell us what the grand plan is for affordable housing. Regarding the need to acquire land for the preservation of the corridor for the Southern Collector Road, that road corridor has been shown on planning maps for as long as I can remember. It surely must have been within Snowy Hydro (which we Australians own) owned land in the 80s so one has to ask the question why does the land or other land now have to be acquired in order for it to be preserved? I’ll tell you why, poor planning.

The land that was des-

ignated as road corridor many years ago on the eastern side of the Barry Way and was locally known as the Jindabyne bypass has now been partly developed as residential development even though the corridor was clearly designated on the planning and even the topographical maps at the time the land was purchased and when the development approval would have been given.

How can there be so much shortsightedness by our state and local government’s planners that this debacle be allowed to happen? What

will the cost of this oversight be to the state’s financial bottom line?

As taxpayers and ratepayers who fund this incompetence, we deserve better from our governments than political announcements purporting to do great things on our behalf.

Those great things were squandered through short sightedness and lost opportunities so long ago.

Is it any wonder Aussies think so poorly of all levels of government?

Phil Daley Berridale

Carlo Botto President MRT Inc

Science must prevail on Brumbies

WE thank Leisa Caldwell for her comprehensive account of why Brumbies are an important part of Australian heritage (Protect our Brumbies; respect our heritage, Monaro Post, April 10).

My husband’s family, for instance, drove cattle on their horses into the mountains in the summer months for decades, right up into the 1950s.

Nevertheless, while Brumbies might be an iconic species for non-Indigenous Australians, there are many other species, both plant and animal, that may not be as big, but are nevertheless important. They

have evolved over thousands of years alongside soft-footed animals, such as kangaroos and wombats.

These other species must be protected, be they the tiny Corroboree frog or the sphagnum moss that takes a century to grow an inch. Thirty species are endemic, that is, are found nowhere else in the wild.

Unfortunately, many are literally being trampled to extinction by Brumbies. There can be no denying that Brumbies cause terrible damage to the alpine landscape. They turn pristine creeks into stagnant mud-holes. They

overgraze grass so grounddwelling mammals have nowhere to hide from predators. The more of them, the more damage. During the three wet La Nina years we have just had, their numbers have grown to 23,000.

Aerial culling is the most humane way of dealing with the Brumbies. Re-homing them is not a viable option – there are too many.

If they are not culled, their numbers will build up and then they will be at risking of starving, as they were in the late 2010s after three years of drought.

European Australian heritage is important but should not override that of the heritage of Indigenous people for whom horses were only a recent arrival.

In the end, though, it is science that must prevail.

Decisions made at the highest level to cull the Brumbies are science-based. Underpinning everything is the need to preserve species like the Corroboree frog and Sphagnum moss that are already under threat from a warming planet.

Jenny Goldie Cooma

Cooma church services

EACH week, this masthead will include church service times. We start with churches in Cooma and will expand to cover the region in the coming weeks.

If your church would like to be included, please contact us - editor@monaropost.com.au or 6452 0313.

Cooma Baptist Church – 10am Sunday

St Patrick’s Catholic Parish – 10am Sunday

St Paul’s Anglican Parish of Cooma – 10am Sunday

St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church – 9:30am Sunday

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

Life on the funny farm

Riposte

By LISA ASHURST

YOU know that thing where you only need one or two things from the supermarket and you head in there intending to do a quick trip because, well, you only need those one or two things?

It’s a bit like thinking you’ll just do a quick check on your social media pages, just a fiveminute scroll.

I know, right? Doesn’t happen.

So you just need milk and a tub of butter and you figure you’ll just be in and out. You don’t take a bag. You don’t grab a basket. Like, why would you need either when you are just getting those two things?

No basket or bag is a silly idea because once you get in there and grab the two items you do need, you start seeing all those other items that are on a really good special. Items that you would normally buy (but don’t need at the moment).

Then you begin wandering down aisles that are aflutter with those yellow ‘special’ tickets and that’s it. You’ve already got the milk and the butter, so you really should leave while you’re ahead, but oh my! Look at all those specials.

So there I was, juggling the milk, the butter, toothpaste that I didn’t really need at that point but the special was too good to miss, some coffee, and a few other items.

I was contemplating grabbing a basket when I realised I should just quit while I still could.

Walking past the confectionery aisle was a challenge because there were loads of those yellow ‘special’ tickets down there, and perhaps the Fruit Tingles were one of them, but sanity ruled and I hauled myself off to the checkout before temptation got the better of me. Besides, I had heaps of Easter chocolate at home. I needed to grab one of their paper bags to cart everything to the car.

Usually if I need to do a supermarket shop, I take two bags with me. If I know it’s only for a few things, I’ll take one bag, the smaller one.

Either way, I will grab a basket because it beats trying to hold more that two items with only two hands.

I’m also generally pretty good with just sticking to getting only the items I came in for. Usually. But if it’s a trip that coincides with a day the store has more specials that one can throw oneself at, then I have to fess up that I can get caught up, especially if it’s things that I would normally buy from time to time.

So there I was in the checkout line, awkwardly balancing several items and wondering what I was thinking. Inwardly face-palming because I had only popped in for a quick trip to the fridges. Milk and butter.

But I’d been seduced by those yellow tickets and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who got enticed down aisles I didn’t need to be going down on what was supposed to be just a quick in and out. Perhaps I was just overly susceptible to specials that day.

By Paul Dorin

Whatever it was, I won’t need to buy toothpaste for a while now and the extra coffee won’t go astray either. I should have grabbed that basket to begin with. Or shown better restraint. But so much was on special.

Climate change - the greatest moral challenge of our time

KEVIN Rudd made the most profound statement of his political career when he described climate change as ‘the greatest moral challenge of our time’.

At the time, I thought it was an interesting choice of words.

Certainly a challenge - but a moral one? How could reducing CO2 emissions be a ‘moral’ challenge?

However Rudd’s words resonate when I look back over the 32 years the world has attempted to address climate change.

The first conference on climate change was held in Kyoto, Japan, 25 years ago.

The Kyoto Protocol generated from that conference was an international treaty extending the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that committed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 1992.

1992 was 32 years ago.

For almost one third of a century the world has been concerned about man made climate change and acted on it, but nothing has changed.

The saw tooth graph of rising CO2 levels continues ever upwards.

Back in 1992, I would imagine leaders would have realised the world would need time to react to an issue of this magnitude. Perhaps 10 years before we would see change? But here we are 32 years later and still no change.

And if you think the call to action has only recently reached the fevered pitch we hear now, think again.

For 32 years the media has been rigorously highlighting the dire consequences of inaction. Politicians and leaders have stood up year in year out for all that time and implored us to act. Legislation has been enacted and ‘binding’ agreements made. Windfarms and solar farms have gone up everywhere. Yet there has been no progress.

Perhaps some of those in favour of the Coonerang Windfarm are now saying I have just made their case even more compelling. However, unless we can address the major contradictions and compromises Australia and the world is engaged in, there is very little point.

We have, so far, been unable to address the “greatest moral challenge of our time”.

Three of the moral challenges are listed below.

Population Australia has one of the highest population growth rates in the developed world. Despite opinion polls regularly showing a desire among voters for low or zero population growth, high population growth remains mainstream policy on both sides of politics.

This is because population growth means economic growth and that’s good for election prospects. The link between population growth and economic growth is rarely mentioned or explained.

Also, those who are pro population growth argue that unless we have more

young people coming into the country all the time, our national age structure will be out of balance. They say we need more younger people working to support older people when they retire and become welfare dependent.

While this may be true it is short sighted and unsustainable because Australia is finite and these young workers will in time get old and then we will need even larger numbers of younger workers to support them. And so on. Then at some stage we will reach a point where we physically can’t take any more people.

Governments know this but are happy to take the easy option now and pass the buck to some other government, some years down the track, to deal with a really difficult problem.

Last year, Australia built 170,000 new homes. As part of the 2023 National Housing Accord, Federal, State and Territory leaders have agreed to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years.

A total of 240,000 new homes per year. The Federal government has promised $3 billion in funding to states and territories to achieve this goal.

Someva claims Coonerang will provide power for 65,000 homes. If that’s true, (albeit only when the wind blows) at current rates of population growth and home building, the Coonerang Windfarm will make a difference for about three to four months.

After that, as the popula-

tion and number of homes grow, we will need more energy and then more again and so on indefinitely - or until population growth stops.

Population growth is Moral Challenge No.1

Coal Australian governments have a completely contradictory policy when it comes to coal. It is considered absolutely essential to stop burning coal in Australia but completely fine to export and burn it overseas.

This is because coal is a huge export industry and generates enormous amounts of money for Australian governments through the payments of royalties and taxes.

If we removed royalties and taxes flowing from coal, Australian governments would not have enough money for many essential services.

In a recent article in the financial pages of a national newspaper, a coal industry leader said the coal industry could look forward to continued growth and prosperity ‘for decades to come’.

The article was looking at coal purely on the basis of its business prospects. Coal miners are bullish and despite those who say coal is a sunset industry, the facts speak very differently.

So hungry are state governments for the revenue flowing from coal and other minerals that last year the treasurer of Queensland threatened BHP with cancellation of its non operational mining leases telling them

they would be re-issued to other mining companies if BHP did not develop and start production soon.

The Coal Industry is Moral Challenge No. 2

China

Every 10 months greenhouse gas emissions in China go up by the equivalent of Australia’s total emissions.

In other words, if we reached Net Zero tomorrow, in 10 months time that achievement would be totally obliterated by the increase in Chinas emissions.

We are spending an enormous amount of money and causing an enormous amount of upheaval in this country for just 10 months of CO2 abatement. Recently our PM visited China and since arriving home has been telling us how he has improved our relations with China and export bans are being lifted. One of those bans was coal and China is now resuming imports of Australian coal.

China is our biggest trading partner and biggest export market. They are also a country that so far has not agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in any meaningful way until 2030 and will only become carbon neutral by 2060.

Their commitment is questionable to say the least –in the first half of 2023 China approved the construction of 52 gigawatts of new coal power. One gigawatt is the equivalent of one large coal power plant.

We take out sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine but do nothing to

Windfarm discussion must go beyond visual amenity

OPPONENTS of the proposed Coonerang Wind Farm are basing their opposition on the basis of loss of visual amenity.

While not an issue for some, we accept it may be so for others in line of sight of the turbines.

Nevertheless, the discussion must go way beyond the issue of visual amenity. It has to be set in the context of the worsening climate crisis that is an existential threat, that is, it threatens to destroy our existence.

Climate change is accelerating. Last week, three major global weather agencies – NOAA, NASA and the

European Copernicus Climate Change Service (ECCCS) - rated March 2024 as the warmest March on record, that is, for the past 160 years.

NASA said March was 1.62 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperature levels. 1.62 degrees. Let us not forget that the international community agreed in Paris in 2015 to try and keep warming below 1.5 degrees, yet we certainly breached it last month.

March was not an anomaly. ECCCS also said that the global average temperature for the past 12 months (April 2023 March 2024) was

the highest on record for any 12-month period, 1.58 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average. If we keep going like this, we will go past 2 degrees and enter very dangerous territory indeed.

The only solution is to rapidly shift away from fossil fuels to renewables (wind and solar) backed up by storage (batteries and pumped hydro). The high plains of the southern tablelands is prime wind territory because the winds sweep down from the mountains and build up speed across the plains. Turbines can capture that energy readily.

The Australian government is almost on track to meet its promise to lower its greenhouse gas emissions of 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. This is good but not good enough. The Climate Council, however, has just produced a report called ‘Seize the Decade’ that shows how we can reduce them by 75 percent by 2030, across four sectors.

It recommends supercharging solar, wind and storage to build a bigger electricity system and reach 94 per cent renewable energy in our grid by 2030. We need solar panels on another four million roofs, 24

GW of new storage, two million household batteries and 5,000 community batteries. For transport, one-third of all passenger kilometres must be travelled by electric vehicles and one-third of road freight carried by rail, by 2030. We also need a significant move away from private cars to ‘shared and active’ transport.

We need to adapt manufacturing and mining to use renewable energy where possible, and improve energy efficiency by five percent for iron, steel and chemical manufacturers, and 25 percent for cement.

We also need to recycle

penalise China (and India for that matter) for a potentially far, far more serious impact on humanity and the world. The reason is economics. Without China our economy would suffer.

China is Moral Challenge No. 3

Is there a way forward?

There is an old saying “If you correctly identify the problem, you are half way to finding the solution” The world has yet to correctly identify the problem as Kevin Rudd did. Politicians need to be honest with the people they represent and if they present the facts truthfully and humbly, and acknowledge we can no longer afford unfettered growth, they might be surprised at the acceptance they get.

I would also urge Sustainable Population Australia and other groups to lobby political parties hard for a referendum to ask the Australian people how big they want their country to be. A critical and fundamental starting point, We need sincere and honest evaluation as to how the world has reached the point its at and if we can do that we can change the trajectory we are on.

Acknowledging and understanding the greatest moral challenge of our time is the crucial first step.

When that happens I will sacrifice our landscape if necessary. In the meantime, there is very little point.

Jim Litchfield Hazeldean, Cooma

and re-use materials more. And for land use, we must not only end native forest logging and phase out land clearing, but also support farmers by helping them adopt such modern techniques of agriculture as feedlot additives, managing manure emissions and using slow-release fertilisers.

The situation is urgent. Wind is not the only solution but it is a critical part of the mix in our efforts to avoid an unliveable planet.

Ross Martin President Climate Action Monaro

Council News

HAVE YOUR SAY

Visit www.yoursaysnowymonaro.com.au to share your feedback on the following consultations:

•Adaminaby Big Trout final paint design

Closes Sunday 21 April 2024

•Draft Active Transport Plan

Closes Sunday 21 April 2024

•Polo Flat Masterplan

Closes Sunday 21 April 2024

•Snowy Monaro Tourism Survey

Closes Tuesday 30 April 2024

Help shape the future of the Snowy Monaro.

JOB VACANCIES

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

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

Listings updated regularly.

BERRIDALE WATER UPGRADES UNDERWAY

Water main upgrades and renewals have commenced in Berridale, with work on this significant maintenance project scheduled to run through until December 2024.

This essential work will improve the reliability of the town’s water supply, ensuring that Berridale residents will enjoy dependable access to clean, safe drinking water into the future.

This work will require some short-term disruptions to the water service supplying some homes and businesses in Berridale, with a minimum of two days’ advance notice provided.

SPORTSGROUND BOOKINGS

Sporting clubs, teams and community organisations are required to book Council's sportsgrounds, ovals and facilities through our online booking platform.

To secure your ground or facility today, visit https://bookings.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

When submitting bookings:

•Book training days and times separately from competition days and times

•Specify in booking notes if bookings are for senior or junior training and games

•Book for the actual duration that grounds will be used

•Read and agree to the terms and conditions before completing bookings

Clubs also need to record their lighting use on the Seasonal Sportsground Light Usage Form. Contact Council with questions or to learn more Email council@smrc.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 345 345.

OPENING DAYS CHANGED AT BOMBALA VISITOR CENTRE

Bombala Visitor Centre is now open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. This change is until further notice.

CORROWONG ROAD BRIDGEWORKS CLOSURE

Work to replace Rossys Creek Bridge on Corrowong Road, Corrowong begins Monday 22 April 2024, with an expected completion date of Wednesday 31 July 2024, weather permitting. Corrowong Road will be closed in both directions at Rossy Creek Bridge for the duration of the project. A detour along Browns Camp Road will be in effect, with more frequent maintenance scheduled for the detour route. Delays with other bridgeworks have resulted in a later starting date for this work.

Council regrets any inconvenience this date change may have caused, and thanks residents for their understanding while work is underway.

MICHELAGO RYRIE STREET EXTENSION UNDERWAY

Council is pleased to announce that construction of the long-awaited Ryrie Street Bridge in Michelago has commenced. This new bridge will improve safety and accessibility for local residents, and is expected to be complete by the end of June 2024, weather permitting. No detour will be in place during construction, with access between Micalago Road and the village centre along the Monaro Highway unaffected by this work.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS

We're hosting heaps of free activities and events for 12 to 17-year-olds these school holidays. For younger kids, our libraries have a program of great events and activites for the little ones. Places for the 12 to 17-year-old activities and events are limited, and you must register through our website to secure a place. Visit https://qrco.de/eventsSMRC to learn more, and RSVP today to avoid missing out.

ANZAC DAY 2024

Services and events are being held across the Snowy Monaro to commemorate Anzac Day on Thursday 25 April 2024.

Adaminaby

•10.45am: Marchers assemble at the Big Trout, march commences at 10.50am

•11am: Ceremony at the Adaminaby Memorial Hall

Berridale

•11.15am: Form up at Berridale Inn, step off at 11:30 am for ceremony at Memorial Park

Bredbo

•10am: Marchers meet at the corner of Walker and Bunyan Streets, march commences at 10.15am

•10.30am: Ceremony at the Bredbo Centennial Park Memorial

•Morning tea at the Hall following the ceremony

Bombala

•6am: Dawn Service at the Cenotaph

•10.45am: Assembly and march from Club Bombala to the Cenotaph

•11am: Service at the Cenotaph

Cooma

•5.45 am: Dawn Service at the Cenotaph

•10.30am: Morning Service at the Cenotaph

•10.30am: Commemoration march from the corner of Sharp and Bombala Streets to the Cenotaph

Delegate

•6am: Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, followed by gunfire breakfast at the RSL Hall

•10.30am: Marchers assemble on Bombala Street, march commences at 10.45am

•11am: Main service at the Memorial Park gates

•Anzac Day lunch and 2-up at the Delegate Country Club Jindabyne

•6am: Dawn service at Banjo Paterson Park, breakfast follows at Memorial Hall.

•9am: Marchers form up in the Town Centre carpark, step off at 9.30am for ceremony at Banjo Paterson Park

Michelago

•10am: Commemorative ceremony at the Michelago Railway Station

Nimmitabel

•10.30: Marchers assemble at the Pioneer Memorial Hall

•11am: Main service at the Cenotaph on Boyd Street

Council offices will be closed in observance of the public holiday, reopening as normal from Friday 26 April 2024.

Lest we forget.

COUNCIL E-NEWSLETTER

Did you know that Council has a fortnightly e-newsletter covering all the latest news and important information, direct from us?

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

DA APPROVALS

Development applications, modifications, reviews or complying development certificates have been approved by Snowy Monaro Regional Council in March 2024.

In accordance with Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, notice is given of Council’s determination. The public is advised that Section 4.59 provides that following this notice a period of three (3) months is allowed for the commencement of legal action as to the validity of the consent or certificate. Following this three month period, these consents or certificates cannot be questioned in any legal proceeding.

The applications are available for public inspection, free of charge, at Council offices during ordinary office hours.

For applications processed through the Cooma and Jindabyne offices, please visit Council’s website: https://qrco.de/DAapprovals

BOCO ROCK FUND COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS

Expressions of interest are sought for positions of community membership on the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund Committee, closing Friday 19 April 2024. Committee positions and the grant itself are now open to the entire Snowy Monaro region. Members are responsible for deciding which grant applicants receive funding based on clear assessment criteria.

Expressions of interest for positions of community membership from Snowy Monaro residents will be accepted until Friday 19 April 2024. For application forms, visit https://qrco.de/s355 or ask for a printed copy from Council offices.

WORM FARM WORKSHOP

Looking at getting into worm farming? Grab a ticket to our Worm Farm Workshop with worm wizard Caleb Hoffman on Saturday 27 April 2024 at Jindabyne Memorial Hall.

For only $5, you'll learn everything you need to know about composting with your own worm farm. Morning tea included in cost.

Visit https://qrco.de/LearnWorm2024 today.

COOMA SCRAPMART CLOSURE EXTENDED

Due to unplanned staff shortages, the ScrapMart tip shop at Cooma Landfill is closed until further notice.

Council appreciates the community’s understanding during this closure.

Visit https://qrco.de/ScrapMart for more info.

EXTRA COUNCIL MEETINGS

Two additional Council Meetings are to be held at Cooma Council Chambers on Thursday 2 May 2024 and Thursday 27 June 2024, both at 1pm. These meetings have been scheduled to ensure that legislatively mandated deadlines for important Council strategic and financial planning documents are met.

Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCmeetings for details.

Pygmy Possum fights for survival

By LUKE TREADWELL

THE Snowy Mountains endangered Mountain Pygmy Possum has featured on the BBC’s Our Planet Earth series highlighting the plight it faces regarding a critical food source, the Bogong Moth.

Highly endangered, the Mountain Pygmy Possum was first found as a fossil and thought to be extinct, before very small populations were discovered.

A new threat to the species has emerged. The Bogong Moth is a keystone species that has seen dramatic reductions in numbers and provides up to 50 percent of the possum’s diet in rich fatty proteins needed to survive in high altitudes.

The Bogong Moth makes one of the most amazing migrations of any creature on the planet.

Up to 1000kms away in high elevations of Kosciuszko, the Pygmy Possum awaits for the moth’s arrival from starting points all over south eastern Australia.

Guided by the stars and

the earth’s magnetic field as a compass, the moths make their way from grasslands to the highest point in Australia.

“Bogongs are very special creatures, because they are one of Australia’s truly iconic insects,” Professor Eric Warrant, Professor of Zoology at Lund University Sweden, said on the BBC program.

“It’s about 4.5 billion moths which arrive in the alpine areas from all over south eastern Australia, and they bring with them of course enormous amounts of nutrients which provide critical food sources for other animals that live in the alpine areas.”

The Mountain Pygmy Possum has a varied diet, but one of the most important parts of its diet is the migratory Bogong Moth, Dr Linda Broome, Senior Threatened Species Officer, National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Saving Our Species program said on the BBC Our Planet Earth series.

“At these high elevations it forms more than 50 per-

cent of its year round diet, and without that very highfat protein-rich resource, the possums would not survive as well as they do now,” Dr Broome said.

Paul Girrawah House, a senior Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian with Walgalu, and Wiradjuri ancestry said the Bogong Moth is a totem.

“It’s one of our provenance stories, the Country gives us our identity. It’s about the survival of our people on Country through the resources of the Bogong,” Mr Girrawah House said.

“The Bogong Moth is a highly nutritious food source for our people.

“Traditionally we invited neighbouring groups here on to Country to celebrate the arrival of the Bogong to feast, but also to exchange songs, kinship, stories, and to resolve disputes on Country.”

The BBC listed climate change, and pesticide use as key threats to the survival of the Bogong.

During drought in roughly 2017 – 2020, the Bogong

THREATENED:

Moth population plummeted by 99.5 percent, Professor Warrant said.

“It was quite a shock emotionally to arrive in the Bogong Moth caves as I normally did and discover that the cave I was visiting which would normally house tens of millions, possibly hundreds of millions of moths, contained almost no moths at all,” Dr Warrant said.

Dr Broome said a devastating affect of climate change currently happening is the higher frequency

of fires, and fires burning into the alpine system.

“The Mountain Pygmy Possum is such a special little animal, but there is this great threat of climate change hovering over us,” Dr Broome said.

“I would hate to see the Mountain Pygmy Possum become a fossil once more.”

Scientists and local custodians are working together to monitor the moths and better understand their habitat, behaviour and migration routes.

Identifying the threats they face in today’s world is the first step in finding ways to secure their future. Working together in partnership is crucial, said Mr Girrawah House.

“We need to use all the evidence, all the science, and develop short and longterm strategies to protect Country,” Mr Girrawah House said.

“We have to work hard to educate and protect our totems, our species, our resources.”

New Raglan exhibition showcases local photographer

By KAREN FORMAN

CHOCOLATIER Margot Seares never expected photographs produced for her Masters photography thesis at university two decades ago would find their way out of her cupboard and into a new exhibition officially opening at Cooma’s Raglan Gallery on Friday April 19.

The Jindabyne resident, who retired from her job as a commercial photographer (most often in the snowfields) a few years ago, said she had put the 15 images of ‘people who are not what they appear in a medium that is not quite what it appears to be’ away as she didn’t think anyone would want to buy them other than the subjects.

“I only got them out a few weeks ago because I was contacted by one of the subjects who wanted to buy hers, and when I had a fresh look, I thought, my God, these are still relevant to today and maybe need to be seen,” Ms Seares said, Ms Seares contacted the Raglan, which had a timeslot available and the result is the exhibition ALMOST REAL which comprises the series of portraits photographed using a lenticular process.

A gallery spokesperson says the works can best be appreciated when viewing them in person.

Born in Baden bei Wien, Austria in 1947, Ms Seares came to Australia as a two-year-old with her parents. She graduated from RMIT in illustrative photography in 1970, lived and worked in London, Paris and St Moritz, then returned to Australia permanently in 1992 and now is a Jindabyne resident.

She achieved a Master of Arts (Visual Art), at ANU in 2006 and has

won a number of awards including People’s Choice Award and Prometheus Award QLD, 2007.

Ms Seares was a finalist in the Phoenix Spiritual Art Award ACT 2005, Sculpture By the Sea Bondi NSW 2006, Josephine Ulrick Award QLD 2005 and 2007, and the William & Winifred Bowness prize VIC 2006.

“I realised there was no money in photography, so I returned to commercial photography and spent a lot of time working in the ski resorts. I got hit by a ski instructor so I stopped and now I make chocolates in Jindabyne including the Corroboree frogs, and sell them at markets and through various outlets,” Ms Seares said.

She said the idea of photographing people who were not what they appeared; in a medium that was also not quite what it appeared to be, led her to the body of work that has brought her out of photographic retirement - at least for now.

“All the men in my pictures are or were once biological females, and all the women are or were biological males,” she said.

“I wanted to present them as they see themselves: happy in the gender/bodies they have created, proud of who they are and where they’ve come from.

“I was very interested in the transgender experience when I was at university and had no trouble finding subjects to model for me. I was especially interested in hearing the stories, especially of some of the older men and women who had waited for their children to grow, and then become the person they had always felt they were, later in life.”

The photographs were shot using

ARTISTIC:

a five-lens camera and printed on thin paper which makes them appear almost 3D.

ALMOST REAL begins on Thursday April 17, with the official opening on Friday April 19 at 5pm.

Meanwhile, the Raglan has finalised its popular Just For Members exhibition in the Mitchell Gallery but Wendy McDougall’s show depicting images of well known bands and performers, ‘It’s Only Rock’n’Roll But I Like It’ will remain for another month.

The exhibition, Between Cultures is still showing in the Tillers Gallery.

Artists wanting to enter the Climate Action Monaro art awards have been encouraged to get their entries in to secure their place.

Forms are available at the Raglan Gallery, on Lambie Street, Cooma.

The Mountain Pygmy Possum has received international attention in its fight for survival after featuring on the BBC series Our Planet Earth. PHOTO: John Spencer, DPE.

Photographer Margot Seares with the 3D camera she used to shoot images for her ALMOST REAL exhibition opening at the Raglan Gallery on Thursday before an official opening Friday. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

One of the images of Jindabyne photographer Margot Seares who opens her photographic exhibition, ALMOST REAL, at the Raglan Gallery on Thursday April 19.

Buskers ready for national event

By KAREN FORMAN

JUDGES have been announced and entries are being called for the Cooma regional heat of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC) on Saturday April 27.

The judges are all Snowy Mountains locals - Snowy Monaro Arts Council and Cooma Little Theatre president, and singer and keyboard player for The Hip Replacements, Caroline Fox; Snowy Mountains Grammar Head of Music and musician Sue Sell and former ANBC performer now full-time busker Alex Eldred.

Busking championships president Allan Spencer said he was delighted to welcome the three judges to the team for the event, which was one of seven regional heats being held around Australia in the lead-up to the national finals in Cooma in November.

“It will be great to have Caroline, Sue and Alex on-board with us for this event,” he said.

“Caroline and Sue have a great deal of experience in the music industry and Alex is now making a living as a full-time busker. He has also recently come on-board the ANBC Committee and we are excited to have a young person who is working in the industry involved, to help us grow the brand and the events into the future.”

Mr Eldred was appointed along with Mr Spencer as president, Mathieu Nolte as vice president, Mr Spencer acting treasurer, Leslie Spencer as secretary, and Stephen Jackson and Laurent Steiger as committee members at the ANBC AGM on April 6.

Mr Eldred, who performs under the name EsperXD, said he was excited to see the talent on display at this year’s regional heat.

“As a judge who has been competing in these events previously and has won the ANBC Cooma back in 2022, I feel having been in their position and competed as a fellow busker myself, I can provide a different perspective with my judgement,”

the busking talent said.

“I am looking for busking presence; someone who engages with their audience. This is important for buskers, and shows skill and flair in their repertoire and/ or instrument. “

Ms Fox said she was honored to be invited to judge.

“I’m so happy to have been invited to get involved in this heat for the busking comp; to be part of a joyful and long-running event,” she said.

“I will be looking for performances that stand out because they are a bit different - such as a unique interpretation of a piece of music. And performers whose passion clearly shows - they play because they love to.”

Mrs Sell, who will also judge the ANBC Bombala regional heat on October

26 along with Simon Grace and Mr Spencer, said she was also excited to be on the judging panel.

“As a judge, I would be looking for artists who are passionate about their craft This would be evident in their preparation and delivery of their performances,” she said.

Mr Spencer encouraged performers to enter as soon as possible to assist with organisation, allocation of busking spots and prizes.

Buskers will be required to perform four, 30 minute sets at various busking stations located around the Cooma CBD during the day with a presentation at Centennial Park around 3pm. Performers not ready to compete can play on a stage set aside for non-competitive performers.

“The Cooma heat will be a great opportunity for musicians and performers to have a go at busking. There are categories for primary, secondary and open, solo, duo and bands,” Mr Spencer said.

“This regional heat will be relaxed and welcoming of all levels. We would love to see more locals get involved. Entry starts at just $20 and we have more than $6000 in cash prizes. Plus, winners of each category go through to the national grand finals and one busker will be gifted a recording package.

“It would be great if music teachers around the Monaro encouraged their students to give the ANBC a go. Of course, we welcome performers from anywhere and already have entries from Melbourne and Sydney as

New president for Ladies Probus

FOLLOWING the annual general meeting of the Cooma Ladies Probus Club in March, the organisation welcomed to the executive new president Lyn Brown and new treasurer Margaret Wainwright.

At the club’s April meeting, Liz Martin became the new speaker organiser.

Retiring treasurer Sue Hain was thanked for her efforts handling the club’s finances with such accuracy and precision and was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Hazel McKenzie-Kay was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her tireless efforts and support over many years as mem-

ber, past president and in particular, her latter role as speaker organiser. Probus welcomed and inducted two new members at the meeting, Jenny Borthwick and Gail Everest.

Guest speaker Angie Ingram, CEO of Cooma Challenge Foundation, spoke of the organisation’s history, its present functions and its hopes for the future. Cooma Challenge aims to connect people with disabilities to the community by creating new employment opportunities for them.

Aged care and making connections with services was also discussed in Ms Ingram’s address.

well as locally.”

Mr Spencer said 2024 would be a big year for the ANBC.

“We have a new committee, we are actively seeking membership and will be drawing up various membership packages, are looking at an internet radio station to support our buskers and various promotions, packages and so on.”

Vice president Mr Nolte said the formation of the ANBC committee had followed many years of Mr Spencer running the ANBC events on his own and would not only formalise the volunteer-run incorporated organisation, but provide support and growth opportunities.

Entry forms for the Cooma event can be found at www. busking.com.au

Well-known local musician Caroline Fox is looking forward to the busking regional heat. PHOTO: Contributed.

Sue Sell has been announced as a busking judge. PHOTO: Karen Forman.

Alex Eldred will judge the Cooma busking regional heat this month. PHOTO: Contributed.

The Cooma Ladies Probus Club executive committee has welcomed has some new members into key roles. The club is always looking for new members and offers a welcoming and friendly setting.

CONTRIBUTION: Cooma Ladies

Probus Club president Lyn Brown (right) thanks Hazel McKenzieKay for her efforts in Probus, particularly as speaker organiser. PHOTO: Cooma Ladies Probus

Cooma choirs call for men

By KAREN FORMAN

ARE you a male and do you like to sing? Then Cooma’s choirs are looking for you.

The town currently has three mixed choirs and all are seeking male voices to balance their sound and harmonies with the (usually) higher tones of the female singers.

Tein McDonald, who codirects the Cooma Cantabile Chamber Choir with Phil Horneman and sings in the Gracenotes Choir, said both choirs along with the Cooma Community Choir would all like to have more male members.

“We are thinking that perhaps some Australian men might think that singing in choirs is not for them, but times are changing and those that do come get a great deal out of it,” Ms McDonald said.

“Male voice choirs are actually increasing in Australia. A few I can name are Dustyesky, Spooky Men’s Choir and Men Wot Sing. Also there is the Bega Valley Male Voice Choir, but what we are hoping is that males will join the existing three choirs in Cooma rather than start new ones, boost the numbers and increase the range of singing.”

Ms McDonald said people did not need to be trained or even particularly talented singers to join a Cooma choir.

“Each of our local choirs might appeal to different people of different abilities and different aspirations,” she said.

“The Cooma Community Singers would be a great place for brand new people to start, as it is a particularly fun choir with eight or nine

members including three men, then we have the Gracenotes Choir which is very welcoming and the Cantabile Chamber Choir which is operating at a bit of a higher level, and does conduct auditions.”

Cooma Community Singers meets at the Cooma Multicultural Centre on Wednesdays at 5pm, and Cantabile on Wednesday evenings at St Paul’s Hall.

Phillip Currie, a member of Monaro Gracenotes Choir who is also involved with Cooma Community Singers, is a keen singer and is also passionate about getting more men onboard.

“I have been in choirs since I was a school student in New Zealand and later in Melbourne and Sydney,” he said.

“I also played piano and troimbone but had a few years away from music, working in HR technology, moving to Cooma, joining a choir, but then COVID hit. Monaro Grace Notes was born out of the ashes of that

choir which was stopped by COVID, but a few of us got together with local singer guitarist songwriter Simon Grace to create the new choir about a year ago. We have three men at the moment but would like more.”

Mr Currie said the choir, which meets at the Alpine School on Mittagang Rd, was a great place for all levels of singer.

“If they like to sing and want to learn more about music, or even if they are feeling intimidated at the idea of joining a choir, then this is a great place. It is comfortable, we don’t judge people and Simon is careful to choose songs that are right for the choir,” he said.

“We don’t have auditions, just a demonstration to give us an idea of placement within the choir. We don’t expect people to come in and be good, but come in and be open to learning. They don’t need to be able to read music and we are looking for all ages.”

Mr Currie said singing

was not as difficult as people might think.

“It is training and learning,” he said.

Mr Grace said Grace Notes was a casual group attempting a lot of variety in repertoire, singing in one to three parts.

“Singing is really just good for your soul,” he said.

“We mostly get together once a week at 5.30pm Tuesdays and do a performance or two during the year if we are lucky - at venues like the Anglican church hall, festivals and wherever we are asked to perform.

“I was approached and asked if I would take on this new choir and I do enjoy the challenge and arranging the music. I’ve had choirs all my teaching career in one form or another, I enjoy the fellowship and fun, the variety of music from religious to pop stuff and everything in between.

“I would like to have more males. If we had more we could do more three to four part harmonies. Men tend

to have voices in the bass to baritone plus tenor range, whereas women tend to be sopranos and altos. If you haven’t got the support of the male vocal underneath, it is difficult to liberate all the parts.”

Cantabile Chamber Choir member Dr David Learoyd said he found singing with a choir exhilarating.

“I think everyone likes to sing,” he said. “Singing in the shower. Singing along to your favorite band or artist. I have alays enjoyed singing and love listening to choral music. Singing in a choir adds a whole new dimension to that. When you sing a bass line, it is enjoyable. But when you combine it with the other parts, it is

amazing. There is a richness and a resonance that you just can’t get with one voice alone.

‘It’s the best example of the whole being much greater than the sum of its parts. It gives you a wonderful sense of what people can do when they come together to create something beautiful, meaningful and uplifting. Quite a spiritual experience, really.”

Join a Cooma choir contacts: Andrew Dawes, Cooma Community Singers 0411 260 977

Phillip Currie, Monaro

Grace Notes Choir 0439 332 745

Phil Horneman, Cantabile Choir 0401 624 138

David Learoyd is a keen member of the Cooma Cantabile Chamber Choir. PHOTO: Karen Forman.

ON SONG: Grace Notes Choir members with their director, Simon Grace. (from left) Emily Perkin, Hilary Keighley, Kathy Norton, Kathy Devonshire-Gill, Phillip Currie, Penny Vos, Amanda Beed, Trudy Sanderson and Tein McDonald. PHOTOS: Karen Forman

Character, charm with modern style

ADDRESS: 37 Wangie Street Cooma

Three bed, one bath, two car

ASKING: $545,000

WELCOME to your dream start on 37 Wangie Street, Cooma.

A delightful threebedroom, one-bathroom home perfect for firsttime buyers. Set on a generous 538

sqm parcel of land, this abode promises comfort and style within its beautifully renovated interiors. Step inside to discover a modern finish that extends throughout the home. From the contemporary kitchen, complete with sleek fittings and ample storage, to the separate dining area where you can entertain guests

or enjoy family meals.

The living space is made cosy with the inclusion of wood heating, as well as reverse cycle air conditioning to ensure your comfort no matter the season.

Enjoy the convenience of a double garage, ensuring your vehicles are secure and sheltered.

The front deck provides

a serene spot to unwind with your morning cuppa, whilst the enclosed back yard is a safe haven for little ones to play, or to host summer barbecues against the backdrop of manicured lawns.

This charming house is not just a place to live, but a warm and welcoming home ready to make your own. With its blend of

modern amenities and inviting outdoor spaces, 37 Wangie Street is a delightful find in the heart of Cooma.

ADDRESS37Wangie sqmparceloflandthis orenjoyfamilymeals aserenespottounwind modernamenitiesand

Don’t miss this opportunity to begin your home ownership journey in comfort and style.

An open house will be held on Saturday April 20 from 10am to 10.45am.

• Introducing a serene and picturesque opportunity for families to embrace

• Nestled on a sprawling 2.2-hectare estate.

• Designed for comfort and efficiency, features solar panels to reduce energy costs

• Double garage, additional carport, and an extra workshop at the rear

• Beautifully constructed brick residence, topped with a resilient Colourbond roof

• Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home

• Discover the quintessential country lifestyle.

• Step into the charm of rural living with this delightful timber cottage.

• This cosy abode features three well-appointed bedrooms.

• Relish the picturesque views over the Bombala River

• Stay warm and during the cooler months with both wood and gas heating.

• Direct access to tranquil walking tracks along the river

Promising Cooma home boasting plenty of options

BOLLER & Company is pleased to bring to the sales market, 4 Nimby Place, Cooma.

A fantastic opportunity for a first home buyer, family or investor, with the home providing plenty of options for its new owner.

Well-appointed on a manageable 1389m2 sized block, optimising outdoor living with easy rear yard, you will be free to spend your weekends as you please.

Well laid out and planned design provides ample living and sleeping areas. Kitchen and sun room that

flows on out to the covered patio and yard.

Boasting three bedrooms, all with built-in cupboards and the master with WIW and an ensuite, this is sure to please many.

FEATURES:

• Three bedrooms plus a small room which could be a fourth room or study.

• Office room.

• Built in wardrobes and walk in robe.

• Ensuite.

• Kitchen with pantry.

• Dishwasher.

• Meals area.

• Enclosed garage converted to large room with a workshop.

• Ducted gas heating and reverse cycle

• Covered entertaining area

• Low maintenance yards

• 1389 sqm block

Simply move into this beauty as it is, or take the time and make it your own as 4 Nimby Place really does provide you with so many options. Contact Tracy at Boller & Co on 6452 4155 for more information.

EOI close Friday!

ADDRESS: 612 Lower Bendoc Road, Bendoc

LOCATED six kilometres out of Bendoc in the highly regarded Bendoc valley, this rural block is worth consideration. Featuring 142.6ha/352.365ac of open native pastures with patches of light native timber for shelter and shade the property is divided into six grazing paddocks and two holding paddocks near the shearing shed. The shearing shed contains two

stands and a modest area for holding stock.

Fencing is mostly in good condition with new exclusion fence. The property is bounded by private farming land on three sides and the Mount Bendock Bushland Reserve at the rear.

Each paddock is watered by two to spring spring fed dams and water has historically been secure.

For sale by expression of interest, please have your submissions in by Friday April 19, 2024, at 5pm.

Perfect location, close to town

ADDRESS: 106 Blight Street, Cooma 2630, NSW

106 Bligh Street, Cooma, is situated in the perfect location for those wishing to live close to town, yearning the serenity of the bush as well as privacy, plus plenty of room for a horse or two.

Located on a picturesque parcel of approx. 2.20 hectares is a beautiful three/ four bedroom, one bathroom cedar clad home with double glazed cedar windows built circa 1986.

This house was built for entertaining with three separate outdoor entertaining areas, a formal and informal entrance, a formal dining room, sunroom, sitting room and family room, plus a lovely kitchen with an island bench and butler’s pantry.

The house features ducted underfloor gas heating, reverse cycle air conditioning, as well as a gas fireplace keeping you warm during those colder winter months. There is town water and mains power connected, plus a 4.3 KVA solar system on the roof.

Additional to the house is a quaker barn complete with the perfect man cave up-

stairs including a three-quarter slate snooker table, and room for four cars plus workshop on the lower level.

Not to mention, the perfectly manicured grounds, the poly tunnel and veggie patch, as well as the various trees including: Conifers, Pine, Oak, Silver Birch, and Olives.

106 Bligh Street has it all going for it and is not one to be missed. Contact the KMPL office to find out more and to schedule your private inspection.

Going to online auction on Tuesday April 30 at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

A renovator’s delight

ADDRESS: 12 Hill Street, Cooma NSW 2630

ARE you looking for next project to make your own? Look no further than 12 Hill Street, Cooma 2630, NSW.

This property is waiting and ready for its new owner.

Located on a gently sloping, 739.8m2 block is a quaint 1970s built brick veneer home, with a single car garage and carport, plus a fenced backyard.

entry level in an ideal location.

12 Hill Street is just a short stroll from all necessary amenities and Cooma CBD.

Don’t miss this opportunity, contact the KMPL office on 02 6456 6783 to coordinate your own private inspection.

Going to online auction on Tuesday April 30, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Presenting a unique opportunity to secure your first block or add-on block for neighbouring holdings. Dwelling entitlement exists with some magnificent possible building sites. Offering approximately 103.20 hectares or 255.01 acres, enough room to keep some horses or run a small herd of livestock. Undulating to hilly topography with some open plains.

Accessed by a Council-maintained gravel road, 15 minutes’drive south of Dalgety and only around an hour’s drive to Thredbo, Perisher and Cooma. Consisting of mostly decomposed granite soils, with some lighter sandy soils present. Approximately 50 percent timbered, varying in density with trees including apple gum, wattle,

black or native pine and apple box just to name a few.

The property is fenced into three paddocks, with some give and take fence in place. Water supply via two dams (including one spring fed).

In addition to this, other improvements include a comfortable cabin all powered by solar power and with all facilities including a kitchen, bathroom and fireplace (cabin currently not approved as accommodation). Horse yard, chook pen and shipping container with a lean-to.

Extensive views to the north and east for some possible building sites for your holiday getaway or dream house. Perfectly suited for an independent self-sustainable lifestyle capable of running 80-100 sheep or equivalent with some scope to improve on, seasons pending. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Fox Hill goes to online auction on Tuesday May 14, 2024, commencing at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

The house has been vacant for a number of years and is in need of some tender-loving care, perfectly suited for those looking to renovate their own home or as a project for an investment.

There is some termite damage throughout the house, however this property presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a property at market

Perfect opportunity for grazier or investor

ADDRESS: Snowleigh, 310 Campbells Road, Bungarby 2630, NSW

SNOWLEIGH presents a great opportunity to astute investors and graziers alike, spanning over some 769.869 hectares or 1,902.384 acres, RU1 primary production zoning and has a minimum lot size of 40 hectares under the current LEP.

Snowleigh, 310 Campbells Road, Bungarby 2630, is located some 40 kilometre south, southeast of Dalgety, bound along the entire western boundary by the Snowy River for approx. 3.5 kilometres.

Consisting of approximately 80 percent granite derived soils with the balance mostly consisting of transitional basalt derived soils, the property is fenced into 15 paddocks and is watered by 15 troughs with water pumped from the Snowy River into two holding tanks, reticulating back to individual paddocks, plus access to an unnamed creek, spring fed dam and riparian access to river.

In terms of pasture, the property is comprised of approximately 45 acres of lucerne, 150 acres of rye grass, plus phalaris, sub clover and red clover scattered throughout and the balance being predominantly native.

Snowleigh is well established, currently running 2,100 wethers and 50 head of cattle, and includes a small farm shed, a crutching shed, two sheep yards and steel cattle yards.

In addition to this, the property has a circa 1930s built homestead which hasn’t been lived in for about four years, however has established grounds, mains power and phone line.

Snowleigh presents a great opportunity to acquire an established rural property which has earned a reputation over the years for growing some outstanding wool, Merino sheep and cattle. Don’t miss this opportunity, contact the KMPL office to coordinate your private inspection.

Snowleigh goes to online auction on Tuesday April 30, 2024, at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

First time offered for sale in 150 years

ADDRESS: Spring Creek 126 Brooks Road, Berridale, NSW 2628

SPRING Creek is a well established grazing property close to all amenities with good Council road access not far from the highway.

Historically, always extremely conservatively stocked. Some 70 or so acres of lucerne flats yielding high quality fodder reserves for the winter months or simply another income stream if sold, plus a further 60 or so acres of lucerne set aside to finish lambs on.

The current zoning allowing some excellent alternative options for the astute purchaser looking to diversify.

Spring Creek is approximately 855.67 acres of excellent Monaro grazing country situated north-northeast of Berridale.

Bound by Wullwye Creek along part of the south-western boundary and by Spring Creek on part of the northern boundary. Both Wullwye Creek and Spring Creek transect the property providing a stable water supply, in addition to the two spring fed dams, soak and a concrete water tank supplying water to the house, yards and 11 troughs.

Roughly 50 percent of Spring Creek has been improved featuring two highly productive lucerne flats, phalaris, cocksfoot, white clover and red clover.

The balance of the land is mostly native vegetation with most of it having grown back after some improved pastures had run their course.

Spring Creek features a 1941 concrete block home which had been lived in until two-years-ago, a two stand woolshed, ram shed, two machinery sheds, mains power, landline phone, mobile reception, steel sheep yards, steel cattle yards, four silos, four shelter sheds and is fenced into 21 paddocks.

Currently the property is carrying 20 cows and calves, 450 ewes plus followers and 150 hoggets.

In addition to being a well established grazing property, Spring Creek has the added bonus of falling into two different zonings under the current LEP.

Currently to the west, 50 percent of the property is zoned R5 and the balance to the east is zoned RU1.

Spring Creek, 126 Brooks Road, Berridale, NSW 2628 goes to online auction on Tuesday May 14 2024 at 6.30pm via the Realtair website.

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to acquire quality Monaro grazing country, contact the KMPL team to coordinate your private inspection.

Merino lambs reach $160

Sheep 19000, lambs 45000: Wagga Wagga sale p,gggg

IN the bigger yarding, buyers initially approached the sale with some caution, not all diving in at the outset, despite all the regular buyers in attendance.

It took a bit of time for them to find their footing, resulting in significant price fluctuations.

Woolly covered lambs were marked down, while buyers eagerly sought after lambs with shorter skins, becoming increasingly willing to pay premium rates as the sale unfolded.

Support from feedlot and restock buyers helped underpin the trade market.

Overall, the sale softened $6 to $10.

In the trade market, prices were fluctuating, with lambs weighing between 20kg to 24kg fetching anywhere from $119 to $169, averaging 655c/kg cwt.

Meanwhile, lambs weighing between 25kg to 26 kg sold for prices ranging from $155 to $179/head.

Merino lambs ranged from $40 to $160/head. Lambs intended for the pad-

SALE:

dock or feedlots sold for prices ranging from $58 to $144/head.

In the export market, competition was inconsistent, with buyers showing a preference for larger, supersized types.

Prices softened by $5 to $10, with lambs weighing between 26kg to 30kg selling from $168 to $200, while those over 30 kg cwt fetched prices between $196 to $248/ head.

Additionally in the mutton sale, not all buyers participated or were present. Buyers interested in heavy sheep aimed to secure stock under 300c/kg cwt, with only a few sales surpassing this mark.

Prices for heavy sheep ranged from $67 to $115. Meanwhile, trade sheep faced varying levels of competition, resulting in an average price around 260c/kg cwt.

Partnership key in farm safety

NSW FARMERS has welcomed the state government’s efforts to engage the agricultural industry to develop proactive solutions for better farm safety.

A roundtable discussion convened by NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis to discuss improvements in agriculture safety was held last week.

NSW Farmers say primary production workers remain at risk of being killed or seriously injured despite a decade of safety campaigns.

NSW Farmers Workplace Relations spokesman Chris Stillard said education and awareness campaigns from government in partnership with the sector were vital to making sure workers got home safely each day.

“In the same way we have huge road safety campaigns and education projects, we need to have big farm safety campaigns

as well,” Mr Stillard said.

“Farm safety is not just a matter of compliance –it is a matter of protecting lives, livelihoods, and the very future of agriculture. In the heart of every farm lies a story of resilience, dedication, and hard work, but woven into the fabric of these stories are also the inherent risks and challenges that confront those who toil the land.

“We encouraged the minister and the government to continue to work with us to understand the challenges around work health and safety on farms, and continue to proactively promote safety messages as programs such as the Farm Safety Advisory Program.”

Mr Stillard said the challenges of farm safety were multifaceted and complex.

He said everyone in the agricultural sector has a role to play in ensuring

better safety on-farm.

“Unlike traditional workplaces, farms often blur the lines between personal and professional life, creating a dynamic environment where family members live, work, and play alongside farm operations, and this integration of home and work life adds complexity to farm safety management,” Mr Stillard said.

“Farms can be dangerous places to work, but they’re also vital to feeding the nation, and that’s why we need to see continued collaboration with farmers to make workplaces safer.

“With plenty of practical solutions raised by industry to improve farm safety outcomes during the roundtable discussion, we look forward to seeing what opportunities the NSW Government will invest in and deliver to ensure everyone on-farm can get home safely.”

LLS warns of Three Day Sickness

BOVINE Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as Three Day Sickness, is currently active in the region according to Local Land Services (LLS).

Three Day Sickness is a viral disease of cattle and buffalo spread by mosquitoes.

In the south east, outbreaks often occur on the coast through March and April.

This year, BEF infections began earlier than average with cases identified in the Shoalhaven in late February.

Following extensive summer rains, the virus is currently active in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla Shire and inland through the Southern Highlands and Palerang.

“Once bitten by infected mosquitoes, cattle experience a flu-like illness with

symptoms including fever, muscle pain, stiffness and joint swelling, lethargy and reluctance to eat,” a LLS spokesperson said.

“A nasal discharge or drooling is common, as well as a sudden and severe drop in milk production in dairy cows. Symptoms progress rapidly and often resolve within a few days.

“Deaths are uncommon, generally involving less than one percent of the herd, but some cattle may experience significant secondary complications.

“Larger or heavier cattle can get muscle damage from the pressure of laying down for extended periods of time.

“Some cattle may have difficulty swallowing and can get food, water or saliva into their lungs resulting in pneumonia.”

Bovine Ephemeral Fever is not a notifiable disease in NSW but can resemble several other livestock diseases.

Producers are encouraged to seek veterinary advice from their private veterinarians as medication is highly effective at bringing down fever and reducing down time from muscle and joint pain. Recovery is quicker with early treatment.

Once cattle have been exposed to the virus they will develop some immunity to the disease. Vaccination is encouraged for bulls and cattle.

More info on Three Day Sickness and managing cattle is available on the LLS website and NSW DPI website.

For further advice, contact your South East District veterinarian.

Last week’s Wagga Wagga sheep sale saw significant price fluctuations as prices softened. PHOTO: Supplied

Strong support for MLP weaner sale

THREE thousand two hundred mainly spring drop calves were yarded for Monaro Livestock and Property’s 14th annual weaner sale held on Wednesday April 3.

The sale saw 63 registered bidders from Packenham and Leongatha Victoria, Cowra, Albury, Dubbo, Junee, Wagga Wagga, Warren, Young, Boorowa, Corryong, Adelong, Gundagai, Goulburn, Coonamble, Yass, Forbes, Braidwood and Mt Gambier South Australia with strong support from local buyers.

Prices firmed considerably for straight black Angus steers whilst Hereford and Black Baldy steers remained firm on the back of a warm dry Easter with a strong forecast for rain post sale.

Prices for steer weaners sold out to $1480 with most sales for Angus steers above 300kg selling from $1250-$1400 with the mid run of steers selling from $1150-$1250, converting to $4.30-$4.60p/kg live weight.

Lighter weight calves sold from $700 to $1000.

The best spring drop heifer calves reached $1030 with most sales of the heavier drafts from $870-$990. Medium weight heifers sold out from $750-$850. Lighter younger heifer calves ranged from $500-$700.

The Monaro Livestock and Property annual ‘best

presented pen’ of steers and heifers sponsored by South East Rural, was judged by Chippy Boller, who awarded the best presented pen of steers to Merrigang Pastoral Co of Bombala.

Merrigang Pastoral Co won with a pen of 24 Angus Hazeldean blood steer weaners which sold for $1310.

The best presented pen of heifers was awarded to MN & S Gregory of Tharwa ACT, with a pen of 38 Angus Hazeldean blood heifers which sold for $990.

Will Dixon of Monaro Livestock and Property said their 14th annual weaner sale was a success with strong support from local buyers and buyers across

NSW and interstate. Mr Dixon said the quality of calves, particularly those who won best pen, was of a high standard.

“Congratulations to the Feilen and Gregory family for their outstanding respective lines of calves,” Mr Dixon said.

“Also congratulations to all vendors for their presentation on their calves with all calves showing plenty of weight and bloom on the back of a late but good spring and summer.

“We couldn’t run these sales without the huge effort from all yard staff, transport operators, vendors and buyers that help make this sale a success.”

Tohow16AA Steers$1,300

Loie Herbert10AA Steers$1,300

RA & RB McMahon23AA Steers$1,270

Spring Drop Steers 6-8 mths

R, L & J Hain15AAX Steers$1,480

JF & RJ Phillips25AA Steers$1,480

WG & MD Hampson17AAX Steers$1,420

BJ & LK Tozer10AA Steers$1,360

EBH221AA Steers$1,340

Timmins & Lucas12AA Steers$1,340

Merrigang Pastoral24AA Steers$1,310

BR & HA Read36AA Steers$1,260

Ryrie & Sons39AA Steers$1,230

Haylock Partners20AA Steers$1,230

Sherwood Past Co44AA Steers$1,220

K & G Kable16CHAROX Strs$1,200

LeTompe Partnership15AA Steers$1,200

Little Tinderry13PHFD Steers$1,100

G T Weston12Red Comp Strs$1,100

Spring Drop Heifers 6-8 mths

WG & MD Hampson28AA Heifers$1,030

MN & S Gregory38AA Heifers$990

RA & RB McMahon23AA Heifers$960

K & G Kable12CHAROX Hfrs$930

A & D Roberts12AAX Heifers$920

JF & RJ Phillips19AA Heifers$900

HGS & JR Dixon11AA Heifers$900

EBH220AA Heifers$900

Kingston Family9BB Heifers$900

BJ & LK Tozer12AA Heifers$900

Maxwell Bros9AA Heifers$890

JB & AM Starr9AA Heifers$870

TA & JL Lonergan13AA Heifers$850

Eveleigh P/ship13BB Heifers$810

The Wollondibby P/Ship18HFD Heifers$800

Nimmo Pastoral20AA Heifers$800

Lake Bullenbalong PC24AA Heifers$770

Patterson & Blyton6CHAROX Hfrs$750

The Monaro Livestock and Property team working hard at the weaner sale at the Cooma Saleyards. There is a good turnout from local buyers.

WEANER SALE: Monaro Livestock and Property held its 14th annual weaner sale earlier in the month with strong support from vendors and buyers. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. 10.30

That Pacific Sports Show.

Old People’s Home For Teenagers. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.40 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. 8.30 Grand Designs NZ. Final. 9.15 Antiques Roadshow. 10.15 Dream Gardens. 10.45 News. 11.00 The Business. 11.20 Love On The Spectrum.

11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.00 Queen Of Oz. 2.25 White Fever. 2.55 Old People’s Home For Teenagers. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.40 Grand Designs.

5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 Gardening Aust. 8.30 Happy Valley. Final. (M) 9.40 Hard Quiz. (PG) 10.10

The Weekly. 10.45 White Fever. (M) 11.10 News. 11.25

Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius. (M)

Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30

Morning News. 12.00 Movie: Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery. (2016) (PG) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Colin Fassnidge explore Uluru. Graham Ross visits the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. 8.30 To Be Advised.

(MA15+)

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Weekend

Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Call

The Midwife. 1.30 Murder In Provence. 2.55 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. 3.45 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time. 4.55

Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. 5.25 Landline. 5.55 Australian Story. 6.30 Bluey. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Murder In Provence. Final. (M) 9.00 Miniseries: The Suspect. (M) 9.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PG) 10.45 Happy Valley. Final. (M) 11.55 Rage. (MA15+)

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 Dream Gardens. 3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. 3.30 Cook And The Chef. 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. Final. 4.40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) 8.30

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. All Aged Stakes Day, Mornington Cup Day, Charity Race Day and Morphettville Race Day. 5.00 News. 5.30 Border Security. (PG) 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 7.30 Movie: The Mummy Returns. (2001) (M) Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz. 10.15 Movie: Gunpowder Milkshake. (2021) (MA15+) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 House Of Wellness. 1.00 Football. AFL. Round 6.

v Dolphins. From TIO Stadium, Darwin. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 Movie: The Rhythm Section. (2020) (MA15+) Blake Lively. 6.00 Getaway. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00

Norton Show. (M) 10.30 Fire Country. (M) 11.30 The Project. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Farm To Fork. 9.00 Exploring Off The Grid. 9.30 Food Trail: South Africa. 10.00 Ready Steady Cook. 11.00

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. 2.00 Buy To Build. Return. 2.30 Everyday Gourmet. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30

Prime Time TV Guide April 17–23

Movie: The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. (2009) (PG) Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole. A theatre company hides a secret. 10.25 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. Presented by Natasha Raskin Sharp.

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG)

A philanderer is beaten up.

8.45 Judge John Deed. (M) A young doctor is accused of murdering an elderly man in her care.

10.45 Air Crash Investigations: Meltdown Over Kathmandu. (PG)

11.45 Bargain Hunt.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG)

8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG) Narrated by Simon Reeve.

9.30 Highway Cops. (M)

10.30 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (MA15+)

11.30 World’s Most Shocking Emergency Calls. (MA15+)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: The 40-YearOld Virgin. (2005) (MA15+) Steve Carell, Paul Rudd. A man tries to lose his virginity.

10.50 Seinfeld. (PG)

11.50 The Nanny. (PG)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 As Time Goes By. Jean opens another secretarial agency.

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M) After a retired teacher is murdered, DCI Barnaby and Detective Scott investigate who would have the motive.

10.40 Forensics: Catching The Killer. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) A company’s CEO is accused of killing an employee.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Special Agent Ned Dorneget, from NCIS cyber operations, assists the team in a murder investigation.

9.25 Hawaii Five-0. (M) A vigilante is murdered.

10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan’s ex-wife, Kandi, is back in town.

9.50 Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

10.40 The Big Bang Theory. (M)

11.05 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. (M) Kembleford is threatened by an alien invasion.

8.30 Shetland. (M) Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez and his team look to a past crime to solve the present day murder of a girl.

11.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (M) 12.00 Father Brown. (M)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG) An antique arcade machine is on offer.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 6. St Kilda v Western Bulldogs. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Pawn Stars. (PG)

11.30 Storage Wars: Barry’s Best Buys. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Survivor 46. (PG) Hosted by Jeff Probst.

9.00 Movie: American Reunion. (2012) (MA15+) Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan. Old friends attend a highschool reunion.

11.15 Dating No Filter. (M) 11.45 Medium. (MA15+)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 RBT. (M)

8.30 Australia Behind Bars. (M) Presented by Melissa Doyle.

9.30 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners: Pike. (MA15+) Takes a look at people behind bars.

10.30 Police After Dark. (M)

11.30 The Real Murders Of Orange County. (MA15+)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M)

8.30 NCIS. (M) Terrorists try to buy bombs.

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M) Pride investigates a 20-year-old cold case.

10.20 Evil. (M)

11.15 Diagnosis Murder. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG) Erinsborough tackles a fresh crime wave.

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Penny considers going to Comic-Con.

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan decides to show his support for Kate by investing in her fashion line. 11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG) The railway celebrates the part it played in WWII.

8.30 Escape To The Country. Alistair Appleton travels to Norfolk to help a couple find a country pad with room for their four horses. 12.30 This Rugged Coast.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The staff is offered a valuable letter.

7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

7.20 Football. AFL. Round 6. Adelaide v Essendon. From Adelaide Oval.

10.30 AFL PostGame Show.

11.15 Armchair Experts. (M)

12.00 GetOn Extra.

7.30 Movie: Mirror Mirror. (2012) (PG) Lily Collins, Julia Roberts. An exiled princess tries to win back her kingdom.

9.35 Movie: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. (2013) (MA15+) Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton. Siblings help a town plagued by witches. 11.20 Dating No Filter. (M) 11.50 Medium. (MA15+)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Take Me Home. (PG)

8.30 Movie: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. (2015) (PG) Judi Dench, Bill Nighy. A hotelier deals with his upcoming marriage.

11.00 Casualty 24/7. (M)

12.00 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. (PG)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) The TAC offices are attacked.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Following a bombing that resulted in the death of an agent, the team investigates a global terrorist group.

9.25 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M) A navy deserter comes out of hiding.

11.15 Diagnosis Murder. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Sheldon pushes himself to the limit.

8.25 Two And A Half Men.

(M) Alan is alarmed by the news Jake is bringing home his 30-something girlfriend, a single mother, for a visit.

10.35 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) 11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 1. From Sydney Motor Sport Park, NSW.

9.30 Jeopardy! Hosted by Alex Trebek.

10.20 NITV News Update.

10.25 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) 11.20

8.40 Endeavour. (M) A professor is killed in a hit-and-run. 10.40 Hornby: A Model Empire. (PG) 11.40 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG) 6.00 Heathrow. (PG)

To The Country.

7.30 Movie: The A-Team. (2010) (M) Liam Neeson, Jessica Biel. Members of an eccentric special forces group are court-martialled for a crime they did not commit.

10.00 Movie: 2 Guns. (2013) (MA15+) Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg. Two undercover operatives go on the run.

7.30 Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013) (M) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are forced to compete in a special Hunger Games.

10.30 Movie: Ad Astra. (2019) (M) Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones. An astronaut searches for his father.

6.00 Imagine Holidays Iconic Rail Journeys. (PG)

6.30 Kath & Kim. (PG) 7.05 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG)

6.00 Border Security USA. (PG)

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG)

8.30 Movie: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004) (M) Matt Damon, Franka Potente. A former CIA agent tries to clear his name.

10.40 Movie: Baby Driver. (2017) (MA15+)

7.30 Movie: Edge Of Tomorrow. (2014) (M) Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt. A reluctant soldier relives the same day. 9.45 Aussie Lobster Men. (M) Follows six boat captains and their crews as they risk it all in search of the prized Tasmanian rock lobster. 10.45 Movie: Nobody’s Fool. (2018) (MA15+)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. Presented by Charlie Ross.

7.30 Doc Martin. (PG) Martin is concerned about Mark Mylow.

8.40 Foyle’s War. (M) An unexploded bomb at a busy shipyard leads to a startling discovery in the political world.

10.50 Railroad Australia. (PG)

11.50 Doc Martin. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG)

8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG) A tourist goes missing.

9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (M) Follows marine salvage and experts.

10.30 Deep Water Salvage. (PG)

11.30 Ax Men. Final. (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Gemini Man. (2019) (M) Will Smith, Clive Owen. A retired hit man battles his younger clone.

10.45 Seinfeld. (PG)

11.45 The Nanny. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Truckers. (M)

8.30 Aussie Truck Rehab. (PG) A rapid rehab threatens to blowout.

9.30 Mega Mechanics. (PG) Mechanics go into high gear.

10.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M)

11.30 American Wreckers. (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Sully. (2016) (M) Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart. A pilot is forced to make an emergency landing.

10.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

11.30 The Nanny. (PG)

12.00 Medium. (MA15+)

Chicago Med. (MA15+) 12.00 Ordinary Joe. (M) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 9. Western Force v Crusaders. From HBF Par, Perth. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. Post-match analysis and interviews.

9.45 Movie: The Man In The Iron Mask. (1998) (M) Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons. Three musketeers help the king’s twin brother.

6.00 JAG. (PG) Turner is sent aboard a US submarine.

7.00 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 25. Macarthur FC v Sydney FC. From Campbelltown Sports Stadium, NSW.

10.15 NCIS: Los Angeles.

(M) An NCIS mission to protect a compromised undercover agent goes completely sideways.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Sheldon is determined to procreate.

7.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M) Bernadette goes into labour.

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Sheldon and Amy visit his mother.

10.30 Friends. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 2. From Sydney Motor Sport Park, NSW.

9.30 Impossible Engineering: New Safe Confinement. (PG) Takes a look at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster 30 years later.

10.25 AK47: The Legend Behind The Gun. (MA15+) 11.20 Juice. (M)

Footy Classified. (M) 6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG) 8.30 Movie: Platoon. (1986) (MA15+) Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe. During the ’60s, a young, naive soldier encounters the horrors of war on his tour of duty in Vietnam.

6.30 JAG. (PG) A pitcher is charged with assault after he throws a baseball that nearly kills a batter in a navy-marines game.

7.30 NCIS. (M) Gibbs fights for his life aboard a US Navy hospital ship after being shot.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Walden decides to start dating Rose, despite Alan’s warnings about her behaviour towards the late Charlie. 10.00 South Park. (M) 10.30 South Park. (MA15+) 11.00 South Park. (M) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.05 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (PG) Part 4 of 5. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering: North Of The Wall. (PG) Explores rusting relics in the heart of Ethiopia and a top-secret facility in the Midwest. 8.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Men’s race. From Belgium.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) A video game player sues his ex-manager.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Vance returns to field duty with Gibbs to investigate a murder connected to a former agent.

10.20 NCIS: Los Angeles.

(M) The unit probes the death of a photographer.

11.15 Evil. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan moves in with Herb after he has a fight with Walden over a broken toaster.

10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update.

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Hosted by Jimmy Carr.

8.30 Taskmaster. (M) Hosted by Greg Davies.

9.25 Faithless. (M) Sam has an important meeting with a producer.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. (M) The team reopens the case of a DJ’s murder.

8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG) A plague of hate mail ends in a tragic suicide that Miss Marple finds suspicious.

10.40 A Wedding And A Murder: Murder Close To Home. (MA15+) 11.40 New Amsterdam. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) Mac defends a sailor accused of murder.

7.30 Bull. (M) Bull has Benny defend a whistle-blowing army analyst who is being court-martialled.

9.25 FBI. (M) After the son of a blogger is kidnapped, the FBI must search through her followers to find the culprit.

11.15 48 Hours. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 Big Bang. (PG)

7.30 The Big Bang Theory. (M)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) 10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG) 11.00 Frasier. 12.00 Shopping.

Travel Man: 48 Hours In Triste. Return. (PG) Joe Lycett is joined by Alan Davies.

9.30 Dark Side Of Comedy: Norm Macdonald. (M) 11.20 Count Abdulla. (M) 11.50 The Investigation. (M)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 What is a knightly or heroic champion known as (7)

8 Name a US seaport in western Washington (7)

9 What is a renewing of interest in a theory, etc, of the past (7)

10 What is the nickname of the Canberra NRL team (7)

11 Which protein hormone maintains the balance of glucose metabolism (7)

12 What is a returned soldier called (6)

14 Name a member of the clergy (6)

18 Which term describes

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

QUICK THINK E-QUATIONS MINI WORD FIND

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

WHICH WORDS

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU BIYWORD

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

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.

TRADESAND SERVICES

ROOFING

SNOWY MOUNTAINS ROOFING

0448 464 599

snowymountainsgroup@gmail.com

LIC: 350148C

WANT TO JOIN THE TRADES?

The Trades Directory is a great way to promote your business to potential customers.

It is cost effective, stress and hassle free, and most importantly, effective.

If you’re interested in booking your spot, contact our Sales team to discuss different options.

PHONE: 02 6452 0313

EMAIL: sales@monaropost.com.au

VISIT: 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630

As part of site preparation operations, Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) will commence a 1080 (Sodium Fluoroacetate) Rabbit Baiting Program on the 29th of April 2024 that will run through to the end of June 2024. These operations will be conducted throughout Bondi SF No. 128, Coolangubra SF No. 547, Craigie SF1069 and Nalbaugh SF 129, Towamba SF 908 where pine seedlings are going to be planted in the coming months. Baiting operations will be carried out according to the Pesticide Control Order 2020 and the Vertebrate Pest Control Manual. All operation areas will be clearly signposted.

Enquiries regarding the program should be directed to Tim Gillespie-Jones, Silviculture Coordinator, at the Bombala Office on (02) 6459 5200.

KPETERS REGIONALMANAGER

NOTICE OF AGM

Cooma Lambie Street Preschool Association Inc.

Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Time: 6.30pm

Location: Lambie Street Preschool, 3-5 Lambie Street, Cooma, NSW Preschool parents and interested community members are welcome to attend.

Written nominations for Management Committee positions will be accepted up to 7 days prior to the AGM.

Nomination forms are available from the preschool.

Ph: 02 6452 2669

Email: admin_lambiest@tpg.com.au

MONARO HIGH SCHOOL CANTEEN TENDER School Canteen Licence

Tenders are called for the licence of the Monaro High School canteen for the school year commencing June 1, 2024 for a term of three years with an option for 2 years.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Monaro High School on 02 6453 1500.

Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line and sent to:

The Principal: Monaro-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders close at 3pm on May 1, 2024

Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.

SNOWY 2.0 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Snowy 2.0 is the next chapter in the Snowy Scheme’s history. It is a nation-building renewable energy project that will provide ondemand energy and largescale storage for many generations to come.

It is the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia and will underpin the nation’s secure and stable transition to a low-carbon emissions future at the lowest cost for consumers.

We are looking for an Executive Assistant to be part of the 2.0 Project on a full time, 2-year contract.

The Executive Assistant is primarily responsible for providing administrative support by coordinating meetings, travel arrangements, establishing and maintaining strong working relationships. Additionally, they are also responsible for overseeing changing and conflicting priorities with agility to meet timeframes and objectives.

If you're ready to take on a fulfilling challenge and make a real impact, apply now! Send your CV to montanna.gauci@evolvetalent.com.au

FARM CLEARANCE SALE

AC/ SD JAUNCEY

PROPERTY SOLD

SAT 20TH APRIL 2024. 10am on site. Inspect from 9am ‘ANGLEDALE’ 826 ANGLEDALE ROAD, ANGLEDALE, NSW, 2550

To view photos of sale items, visit: property.ljhooker.com.au/msbfgn

·410 Fendt 4wd tractor with front loader bucket (unknown hrs) ·150 Fendt 4wd tractor · Luigong, 2009, 25 tone Excavator.

lot) · D65 P Komatsu Bulldozer (unknown hrs) · Bunning, Landaco, VT 180 mixer wagon · Duncan 740 Enviro Seeder triple disc

· 12 foot Nobili mulcher · Landaco TS 3000 Agri spread, Belt drive super spreader ·JBC 1998 Backhoe (unknown hrs) · Honda Pioneer

tank · John Shearer 24p 540 o/s disc plough · Berends Hydraulic 3 pt linkage Back Blade · Old farm trailer · ASP 520 BS NOV diesel Mono pump · 30 tone Hydraulic press ·Twin impeller Davey petrol 5000lt Diesel tank · Frasc air compressor ·Motor bike tyre changer ·3* 4 wheeler motor bikes (parts only) ·Numerous not working parts only Suzuki DR 200 motor bikes ·Tool boxes ·Oxy set (no gas with tyres · 50 lt bike spray pack · Mikita mitre saw · Manual 44 gal fuel pump · 20,000lt molasses poly tank · Numerous hay feeders · Numerous electric fence units and reels · Wire spinner · Old farm gates · 3 * 600mm concrete pipes · Old machinery garden ornaments · 3 pt linkage spray units (needs work) · 8+ calf/sheep panels · Poly water troughs · Numerous calf feeders · Black ridge comgreen line poly pipe · Homemade poly pipe reel · Plus numerous other assorted farm items.

ID. number system bidding

PAYMENT: CASH, APPROVED CHEQUE OR DIRECT DEPOSIT ON THE DAY

SELLING AGENTS: LJ HOOKER BEGA IN CONJUNCTION WITH PELL RIXON

Colin Anderson. Passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Cooma. Aged 89 years.

Dearly loved husband of Su, father of Peter, Paul, Amanda and Matthew. Adored grandfather to his many grandchildren.

The relatives and friends of the late Colin Anderson Cottam are invited to attend his funeral service to be held by the graveside in the Cooma Lawn Cemetery, Cooma on Friday April 19, 2024 at 11am.

William Bruce. Passed away peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Cooma Hospital. Formerly of Soho Street, Cooma. Aged 92 years. Dearly loved husband of Joan (dec). Father of Bill and John. Adored grandfather to Matt, Kate and Lilly

The relatives and friends of the late William Bruce Starr are invited to attend his funeral service to be held by the graveside at the Cooma Lawn Cemetery TODAY, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 11am. WALKER, Percy Andrew. 2/10/1916

Monaro High cut hair for a cause

By LUKE TREADWELL

TWO staff members and a student at Monaro High School have been growing their hair in anticipation of having it cut off for a cause.

Teachers Lee Riley and Emily Caldwell joined student Tash Kelly who was responsible for organising the event to have their plats removed as a part of the Kids with Cancer Foundation Wigs 4 Kids campaign.

After some further donations were taken, the show begun with those who had donated given the responsibility of cutting the hair.

The Wigs 4 Kids campaign allows people to make positive impacts on the lives of children suffering with cancer by directly donating their hair to the foundation’s wigmaker, Ella Wigmakers who turn the hair into wigs helping children with cancer feel more comfortable and special.

Lee Riley said she wanted to donate her hair for a young child who had cancer so that they can get access to a wig.

“It really helps them get their confidence back,” Ms Riley said.

“I also wanted to raise money for the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation because as a Lions member I’ve been to some of their conventions and seen the

amazing research they do in tackling kids’ cancer.”

Emily Caldwell who has a role in support education at the high school said she had been growing her hair for a few years now with plans to

donate it.

“I’ve had someone in my life I lost to cancer, so it’s important to me, something that’s certainly close to my heart,” Ms Caldwell said.

Student Tash Kelly said she believes the Wigs 4 Kids campaign is a meaningful thing to be a part of. “It’s a fantastic charity, and my hair had grown back to the right length since the

last time I did it two years ago,” Ms Kelly said.

“I know some friends that have recently been diagnosed with cancer so that’s provided motivation to do it again.”

WIGS 4 KIDS: Lee Riley (left), Emily Caldwell (centre), and Tash Kelly (right) had their plats removed to support children with cancer. PHOTO: Luke Treadwell

Bombala host mega carnival

ONE of the great country rugby league events was held in Bombala over the weekend as hundreds of players took part in the first Bombala Junior Footy Carnival.

Close to 100 teams from the Monaro, Canberra region, Far South Coast and South Coast contested the carnival across ages from under sevens to under 16s.

A mammoth day on Satur-

Traditionally, the event has been run as the Bibbenluke Carnival but for the first time it was held in Bombala at the racecourse.

day saw the Bombala racecourse turn into a footy haven as keen players started their season in style at the carnival.

The Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Football Club staged the event, and thanked the many helpers, players, coaches and parents for making the day one of the biggest sporting occasions the town has seen.

“Thank you to everyone who attended our first Bombala Carnival. The amount of teams and spectators in attendance was huge (pictures cannot do it justice) and your support has been greatly appreciated,” a club spokesperson said.

“Thank you to clubs for your assistance with scoring, reffing, first aid and tidy up of rubbish within your area.

“The committee worked tirelessly to ensure the day could successfully go ahead.

“It was great to see kids aged from under seven to under 16 playing the game we all love, across both tackle and league tag. Seeing the smile on their faces makes it all worth while.”

Showing

Running away from the defence is Maegan Sanderson for the junior Heelers under 12 league tag

PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Club

In the under nines, Hunter Jamieson makes valuable metres. PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Club

Leo Hall goes on the attack for Bombala. Leo played well for the under eights. PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Club

Bombala had eight age groups represented during the carnival. Mia Stone passes for the under 16 league tag team. PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Club

Cooper Ingram charges through the defence for his under 11s team.

PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Club

her speed and talent is Phoebe Ford in the under 10s league tag side.

PHOTO: Bombala Blue Heelers Junior Rugby League Club

The Colts under 13s were winners after a great day of footy. PHOTO: Cooma Colts

WINNERS: The Cooma Colts under 12 side celebrate winning their division of the Bombala junior rugby league carnival. Hundreds of players from Bombala, Cooma and the Far South Coast contested the competition. PHOTO: Cooma Colts

Walker-Broose crowned champion

By LUKE TREADWELL

THE Australian Rollerski Championships were held at Canberra’s Mount Stromlo over the weekend with local athletes reaching the podium.

There were strong results for Snowy Mountains based athletes with Cooma’s Bentley Walker-Broose taking out the freestyle criterium 10km event.

Walker-Broose said the win was fantastic, especially after missing a year due to injury.

“I’m super stoked to have been able to lay it all out on the track and push on the redline for the first time in a long time,” he said.

In the women’s open freestyle sprint, Jindabyne’s Satara Moon took out top spot in 2:54.73 ahead of Hannah Price and Anna Wilford, with fellow Jindabyne local Harriet Greville finishing seventh.

Moon also finished on top of the open women’s criterium in a time of 26:26.892 taking two from two wins at Mount Stromlo. Walker-Broose also fin-

ished second in the men’s open freestyle sprint in 2:26.80 just behind rival Jayden Spring in 2:25.88.

“It’s an FIS event, an internationally sanctioned event which means it counts towards points systems, so it’s very closely monitored and controlled,” Jim Walker-Broose (Bentley’s father) said.

After eight laps in the Criterium, Bentley finished on top with a time of 22:08.252 ahead of Jayden Spring in second and Adam Barnett in third.

“It’s a fantastic event and an emerging sport in Australia,” Mr Walker-Broose said.

“Being Bentley’s tenth year competing in the Rollerskiing Championships it was certainly nice for him to come out on top.

“It was a really big thing for Bentley as he has struggled with health issues over the last 12 months, and he is starting to get back to where he was.

“Where he is with his training he isn’t peaking, but it’s important to remember not to stretch

himself ahead of the winter with some room left for improvement.

“It’s done his psychology a world of good.”

Mr Walker-Broose said Bentley spends a fair bit of time training on rollerskis because of the lack of snow cover in Australia.

Colts shine at junior Bombala Football Carnival

Under 12s come together Spirits were high, and the under 12s were excited to be back together playing some sensational footy at Saturday’s Bombala Football Carnival.

Welcoming four new players to their team this season, including two Bombala legends, it was a great opportunity to get to know one another on and off the field.

It didn’t take long for these young Colts to find their groove, keeping the opposition’s defence on their toes. While making them work hard against a strong Colts defence, whose skill development from the preseason tackle clinic was on display, thanks to the side’s awesome coaches.

Two wins, and one close loss (by one point), saw the team tie for first place on the leader and head to the grand final against the Tathra Sea Eagles.

Colts supporters were on the edge of their seats throughout a nail-biting, thriller of a grand final match.

While both teams left everything on the field, scoring one try a piece. It was Cooma who scored first, which provided a bonus point, allowing the Colts to take the win 5 - 4.

The side thanked under 11 players Luca, Ollie and Peter for helping out on the day.

Colts under 13s in form

The Cooma Colts under 13s took out the grand final at the Bombala Football Carnival on

the weekend. It was clear that the team didn’t lose any momentum during the off-season, after last season’s grand final victory.

Stellar carnival for under 14s

The U14s competed at the Bombala Football Carnival on Saturday. They had an early start with the first game being at 8.35am.

The first game of the day was against the MerimbulaPambula Bulldogs. The team took advantage of some prime parking and some early mistakes from the opposition managed to score early which was important on the day, with the first try being worth five points and four for successive tries.

The Bulldogs woke up in the next section and were able to take advantage of some Colts mistakes, scoring a couple of their own.

In a close fought game it ended up three tries all, the Colts walked away victors 1312.

Next up was the Bega Roosters who always compete strongly. With the Colts big blokes running strongly and everyone defending really well the result ended up three tries to one - 13-4 to the Colts. Theirefforts in both defence and attack were excellent. The final match was a hard fought tussle between the Colts and a strong Narooma Dev-

ils outfit. A bit tired and sore at this stage the Colts started slowly and were lucky with a couple of great try saving tackles from Ashton Jamieson at the back, kept Cooma in the game. They got their mojo back to continue the great defence and determined running that they had showed early in the day. Winning this game 138.

This placed Cooma in first position and a spot in the grand final against the pretty slick Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs.

Coach Adam Lee was more nervous than his football weary team at this point but the boys rose to the occasion and with a great display of strong defence they were able to defeat the coastal boys and win the medal.

Locky Miners deserves a mention for his efforts in this game. Although the whole team should be very proud of the way they approached their football recovering from their mistakes and working hard for each other. The signs are looking good for the upcoming season.

The trophy winning team on the day was Tyson Reid,Tyler Lee, Stuart Perrin, Locky Miners, Toby McKenzie, Max Ward, Nathan Perrin, Ollie Paul, Ashton Jamieson, Nikkos Tsitsikronis, Matt Collins, Sean Reichenbach, and Kaleb Papalii, who travels from Bombala to train/play with the side.

CRITERIUM: Finn Marsland, head of AusXC with athletes: (left), Jayden Spring (silver), Bentley Walker-Broose (gold), Adam Barnett (bronze), and technical delegate Peter Cunningham. (right).

PHOTOS: Supplied

SPRINT: Alexi Sotskov, national coach with: (left), Satara Moon (gold), Heli Laajoki (silver), Rosie Franzke (bronze).

Whiteheads wins

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

THE Sunday scores would indicate conditions were not so easy at Coolamatong with only a select few bettering or equalling their handicap.

Lauire Whitehead had 38 points for the best score of the day, followed by Kim Weston on 37. There were three players on 36 points, Kevin Fielding, Jason Christie and Bryn Nicholas.

In A grade, Lauire had the 38 points, Kevin Fielding 36 and three players on 35 points, Mick Thoms, Josh Crawford and Soeron Stoettrup.

Kim Weston won B grade on 37, followed by Jason Christie on 36 and three players on 35 points, Mitch Canty, Alan Parsons and Geoff Murphy.

In C grade Bryn Nicholas had 36, Ben Hearn 35 points and Nigel Emery 33.

Only two ladies played on Sunday with Murren Rupcic the best score of the day over Jan O’Halloran.

Progress scores for the men’s eclectic has Peter Hastings and Nick Donnelly on minus 24 with John Dixon at minus 23.

If the rest of the filed want

By LUKE TREADWELL

IN EARLY March, the Jindabyne Bowling Club ladies hosted the regional Pennants play offs on their synthetic green.

Adaminaby competed in the grade three Pennants final against Tathra, going down by just a couple of points, the score 9 - 5.5.

The Cooma Bowling Club ladies took on Merimbula in the final of grade four Pennants, losing in an absolute thriller that was decided by just one point. This was a fantastic effort from a small club like

to catch them, they will need to start sinking some birdies, especially on holes you have strokes. It is a handicap event.

In the ladies eclectic, Maureen Rupcic and Elfie Doran sit atop the leaderboard on minus 21 with several players on minus 20.

A good field turned out for the mid-week stroke and four-ball-best-ball stroke event in conjunction on Wednesday April 10.

The overall winner on the day was Peter Hastings who had a fine 70 nett, just nudging in front of Roger White on 71 nett.

In A grade, Alan Butterworth had 72 nett, Mick Thoms 74 and Andrew Haigh in third place on a countback with 76 nett from Michael Miakishev.

The B Grade was won by Roger White with a wide margin, his 71 nett easily the best score. Robert Haigh had 77 placing him second on a countback from Terry Stevenson and Michelle White also on 77.

In C grade, Peter Hastings had 70 nett, Andrew Bicanic had 78 nett and Richard Hendricks 80 nett. In the four-ball-best-ball

Roger and Michelle White combined well for a 64 nett to easily win. Terry Stevenson and Andrew Haigh were next on 67, followed by Rainer Beissner and Alan Butterworth on 68. Wednesday near pins

were Alan Butterworth on three, no one hit the eighth, Andrew Haigh on 15 and Arthur Owens on 17.

The ladies near pins were Donna Tuckwell on hole eight Michelle White on the 17th.

ambrose tournament

Bombala golfers excel in top conditions

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

AFTER the fog lifted, there were two beautiful days for golf with large fields on both days.

On Saturday April 13, the event was a par for John Cherry Trophy. Neil Thompson had a very good round winning with a score of + 3. Thompson was followed by Glen Hampshire, Darren Forrester both on + 2 and Joel Cherry + 1.

These players were the ball winners.

Nearest the pin on hole 13 proved to be too difficult with no one finding the dance floor. Golden shot was won by Neil Thompson.

In Sunday golf, players took part in a stableford for Club Trophy Ind Acc. Good scores continued as Simon Stephen who had a few weeks off came in the winner on a countback

Busy March for ladies district bowls

Cooma coming up against the might of the south coast.

Also in the month of March, the Jindabyne pair of Del Turner and Coral Hume travelled to Dubbo for the state senior pairs play offs after qualification through winning the district event.

Del and Coral represented the region in good spirits but lost their first match to Forster at the Dubbo City Bowling Club 19 shots to 12. They went down in their second match against Bomaderry 20 shots to 11.

The Jindabyne ladies were outclassed in their third and final match against Double Bay, going down 28 shots to 0.

Jindabyne’s Del Turner and Coral Hume alongside triples partner Jenny Smith were runners-up in the regional senior triples in March rounding out a fantastic few months for the club.

March continued its busy theme and after Covid 19 and wet weather of recent years, Jindabyne hosted the Florry Bottom Shield with Cooma running out winners over Jindabyne.

from Pepper Thompson 38 points.

Daniel Douch continued hitting the ball well scoring 37 points, while Glen Hampshire once again the bridesmaid with 35 points.

Ray Fermor had a good round on 33 points. Bad luck he wiped the last hole Ray.

Nearest the pin on hole 13 was not won again. Golden shot won by Glen Hampshire.

Golf program

Ladies Wednesday April 17Stableford. Club Trophy

Members

Saturday April 20 - Stableford. D Forrester Trophy. Members

Sunday April 21 - Twoman ambrose. Club Trophy (choose partners).

There is a working ‘b’ on Saturday April 20 at 8.30am. A lot to do to prepare for the open tournament on May 1.

ON TARGET: Laurie Whitehead had the best score on Sunday with 38 stableford points. PHOTO: Coolamatong Golf Club

GRADE 4: The Cooma Bowling Club senior ladies regional Pennants team of Cheryl Meillion, Olga Jebbink, Fiona Richards, and Hazel Walker. PHOTO: Cooma Bowling Club

CHAMPIONSHIPS: The Coolamatong ladies main event of the year concluded last week with Michelle White (middle) winning the A grade club championships from Kylie Woodcock (right) and Carolyn Major. PHOTOS: Coolamatong Golf Club

Busy time for Berridale tennis

THE Berridale Tennis Club has been busy over the last month with its popular Easter event and night competition being run and won.

The club’s night competition plays a format highly regarded amongst its players. The format is flexible and allows players to compete when they can without affecting a team if they are not present.

Carl Fenton took out the Tuesday night competition. Isla Stockl finished second and Byron Rynehart was third. The junior winner was Molly Aitchison.

Easter in the region is wellknow for community fairs but over the last few years, the Berridale Easter tennis event has become a favourite for local players.

The club ran the event with support from the Cooma ExServices Club. A mixed doubles competition was held with Natalie and Michael Condello finishing first.

Runners-up were Ann and Martin Stockl.

An excellent day was had by all with players coming from across the region for the tournament.

Community group ready to tee off

THE successful Monaro Family Support Service - Incorporating Monaro Early Intervention Service - charity golf day will celebrate 21-years in 2024.

The event will be held at the Cooma Golf Course, Dry Plains Rd, Cooma on Saturday April 27.

Organisers are calling on golfers of all abilities to dust off their clubs and take part in the charity event. The format is a three-person ambrose event with a hot breakfast from 8.30am and a shotgun start at 9.30am. Lunch will be served on the greens and a drinks cart will travel the course throughout the day. Afternoon tea and a presentation with prizes will complete the day.

The annual MFSS Charity Golf Day, sponsored by Leed for the last three years, is the main fundraising event for the organisation, providing much-needed financial resources for the service and the children and families they support.

Funds raised in 2024 will be used to cover the cost of building and gardening works at 8 Hill Street, Cooma.

Money raised from previous golf days has contributed to the development of purpose-built facilities in Cooma and Jindabyne, educational resources and equipment, also speech

and occupational therapy services.

With 50 years of experience working in the community, MFSS has comfortably adapted and responded to our community’s emerging and changing needs.

In 2022, MFSS grew its services and Monaro Early Intervention Services (MEIS) merged with the organisation.

The merger brought on board a new team of members specialising in supporting children and youth aged 0-18 years old with disabilities and their families under the NDIS.

The two organisations have a long history of working together with strong ties to the community. Collectively they now have over seven decades of experience, local knowledge and relationships between the two organisations.

It further strengthens the

footprint of Monaro Family Support Service to deliver high-quality support programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, children, young people and families in the Snowy Monaro region.

MFSS invites businesses and individuals to enter a team in what is always a fun day out, while supporting a very worthwhile community service. For those who do not wish to participate in the golf day, any contribution via donations is warmly welcomed.

If you would like to take up this great offer of sponsorship and a great day of golfing, registration is available by scanning the QR code on the Golf Day flyer, with registration and payment required by April 21, 2024.

For more information contact MFSS – Phone: 02 6452 3450 or Email: cooma@ mfss.org.au

Ann and Martin Stockl with Robyn Reid following the completion of the Easter tournament.

Natalie and Michael Condello are congratulated by Berridale Tennis Club president Robyn Reid.

CHARITY DAY: The Monaro Family Support Service is looking forward to its next charity golf day on April 27. Last year, Jack, Peter and James Ewart joined Wayne Flynn for the event.

FUN: The Berridale Tennis Club’s night competition has finished for another season.

PHOTOS: Berridale Tennis Club

Stallions recover to post first win

By DAVID BRISON

THE Cooma Stallions first grade outfit has opened their account for season 2024 with a high-scoring win over Eden.

In front of their home supporters, the Stallions were quickly into their stride with some strong running by fullback Keegan Caldwell and returning centre Karlos Filiga which allowed rangy second rower Will Cahill to score. Halfback Astin Nunan converted 6-0.

Despite big New Zealand front rower William Tutai and second rower Kleis Kaiarake providing real go forward, the Tigers were the next to score off the back off three penalties in quick succession. Eden missed their conversion, Stallions lead 6-4.

Nunan produced a booming 40-20 and Filiga bullocked his way over for a converted try. 12-4. More strong running from the Stallions forwards allowed hooker Nic Zusak to weave his way over from about 10 metres out. Nunan converted, 18-4.

Fullback Caldwell defused a high ball but was trapped in goal resulting in a line drop out. The Tigers attacked strongly and a cross field kick was batted back and they scored, 18-10.

Eden scored again after a neat chip and chase bounced nicely for their centre, 18-14.

More solid go forward from Cooma, this time from

By DAVID BRISON

THE Cooma Stallions reserve grade side saw eight youngsters make their senior debut as the club kicked off round one of the Group 16 season.

Zac Lucas, Jack Newson and Tallon played in the Stallions under 18 side two years ago, while Jonah Perea, Thomas King, Ryan Cochrane, Angus Wood and Gus Brabham have progressed from the Colts or come across from rugby union. The latter are eligible to play in the under 18s should the Stallions success in fielding a side.

In the first match of the season, reserve grade took on Eden in tough encounter.

Eden, who finished second last season, started strongly and posted a quick try to lead 6-0.

Captain-coach James Boller playing at lock helped steady the ship with strong runs by Nathan Wren and Jake Byrne allowing Mitch Hynes to put fullback Declan Gregory in for a try. Robbie Smith converted from the sideline, 6-6.

Eden returned fire with

veterans Todd Williams and Tom Hampson led to Nunan finding some space to twist and turn and plunge over for a converted try. 24-14 at half time.

After lemons, the wheels fell off for the Stallions for the first 15 or so minutes. The Tigers found a yawning gap through the ruck and scored, 24-20.

They scored twice more in quick succession to lead by eight, 32 -24. Stallions five eighth Levita Levita produced some of his familiar magic and set up Kaiarake for a try. The Stallions reduced the gap two two points, trailing 32-30. A blind side raid by Caldwell and Filiga crashed over from short range.

The homeside hit the front again, 34-32. Williams provided some good return yardage before the play of the day saw Zusak slice through. He found new father, Luke Bracher, who slipped a deft pass to young winger Tom Bromfield who was over for his first try in the top grade, 3832.

Reserves fall in opener

another try to extend their lead to 12-6.

Eden broke through again but centre Lucas stopped a certain try centimetres from the line. But alas, Eden was able to score on the next play for an 18-6 lead.

Smith had a strong run and passed to Perea who also had a strong carry. Kelly took on the line and was stopped just short.

Hynes grubbered into the in-goal and Gregory grabbed the ball and scored his second try.

Ben Rodde was able to offload to Perea who showed some nimble footwork to score near the posts. Hynes converted, 18-18 at half time.

In the second half the wheels fell off for the Stallions to some extent. Eden

scored a couple of quick tries and forward Jake Byrne was able to add one for the Stallions and despite some really good defence by a couple of youngsters, Lucas and Newson in particular, Eden took their full time score to 46-22.

Three points to Kelly, two to Zac Lucas and one to Gregory. Player’s player went to Perea.

The Stallions forced a line drop on Eden. Cahill caught the ball and worked his way into the centre of the field allowing prop Tutai to cap off a strong game with a converted try to win 44-32 at full time.

Three points and player’s player to Tutai, two points to hooker Zusak and one each to Richard Bensley and

Caldwell.

On Sunday, the Stallions travel down to Pambula to take on the MerimbulaPambula Bulldogs.

The following weekend on Saturday April 27, the Stallions are at home for heritage round against Bombala. This year, the club is celebrating 40 years since winning the shield in 1984.

TOUGH TEST: The Stallions defence is tested in reserve grade’s first round loss to Eden.

PHOTO: Razorback Sports Photography

DEFENCE: Cooma Filly Chloe Trevanion stops an Eden attacker. PHOTO: Razorback Sports Photography

GROUP 16: The Cooma Stallions aim up in defence during first grade’s 44-32 win over Eden at the Cooma Showground.

PHOTO: Razorback Sports Photography

First place for Champagne in Lace

THE corks were popping for some local racing enthusiasts last Friday when

Champagne In Lace ($4.60) won Race 2 at Canberra, a Benchmark 50 Handicap over 1000 metres. Trained by Matt Kelley and ridden confidently by Billy Owen, the four-year-old mare led for most of the journey to win by about a half length from Forbidden Gemstone ridden by Teaghan Martin for Garry Kirkup.

Champagne In Lace is raced by Canberra lads ‘Dan’ Kelly and Matt Lane along with Cooma Locals David, Bill and Irene Snowden, Mick Schofield, Fran Caldwell, Narrele Kelley and Craig Kaufline.

Also at Canberra, John Nisbet trained two winners, Hold and Mountain Chatter, both ridden by his daughter Kayla.

The Joseph and Jones team rolled out Merc ($19) to win the TAB Federal over 1200 metres when ridden by Alysha Collett defeating the favourite Body Bob.

Seven-year-old Merc now has eight career wins for his big syndicate of owners. JJR also had a good day at the Sapphire Coast on April 5 with two winners, Lambay and Sturn Words. Lambay ($1.35 fav), which was rid-

den by Jack Martin, is raced by J J R Partnership, Peter Joseph, Matt and Diana Jones, Maree Guthrie-Curran, Mr R I Hitchcock, Dr Col Pate, Mike Walcott, Mr D J Quirke, Mrs J H Quirke, Ms S A Sproats, Mr D C Foley, Mr M Paul, Mr K G Eisenhuth, Mr R G Jennings, Mr B J Langtry, Bernigunpharloch and EB 2551. Sturn Words ($3.10 fav), ridden by Coriah Keatings, is raced by J J R Partnership, Peter Joseph, Matt Jones, Maree Guthrie-Curran, G J and Mrs J A Wilks, Dr F D Simonson, R I and BJ Hitchcock, A M and S D Caldwell, Mr L Lautier, Mr R J Hankins, Mr R Robinson, Mr K J McCloy, Mr A D Perry, Mooseheads Punters, Mid Richmond and Morgiewon.

Cooma’s little superstar, I’ve Bean Tryin’, headed back to Matt Kelley’s Canberra stables last Friday after a good spell at Cooma. Joining him on the journey was Super View and a two year old Alkest, by Bon Hoffa from Chaste Angel, the winner of six races.

Super View is raced by Keith Bottom and Stephen Johnson and they, along with Allan Guthrie, will race Alkest. After being broken in by Danny Brabon, Alkest has been educated by Stephen and Allan in readiness for his progression to the racetrack.

Canberra race again this Friday and Queanbeyan will have a meeting on Monday.

Car club motors along

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Cooma Car Club is usually a hive of activity but the last few weeks have been particularly busy for the organisation.

The club’s motoring museum has a new addition to its already popular and highquality collection following the arrival of a 1908 Black Motor Buggy.

Neville Marsden of Braidwood has loaned the prized vehicle to the club. The Black motor buggy was built in Indiana USA and is a model 112. The buggy has caught the attention of museum goers

who have taken advantage of the club opening its doors on the first Saturday of the month.

Recently, the Cooma Car Club has welcomed the Torana Car Club NSW and an Alfra Romeo club who both commented positively on Cooma’s vintage car collection.

An Alfa Romeo club visits the Cooma Car Club to inspect its quality vintage and muscle car collection.

VINTAGE: The Cooma Car Club has on-loan a 1908 Black Motor Buggy. It resides proudly in the club’s motoring museum.

WINNER: Champagne in Lace finishes first in Race 2 in Canberra last week. The mare is trained by Cooma’s Matt Kelley.

PHOTO: Bradley Photographs

Askell’s ace efforts honoured

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA’s Royal Tennis Club boasts a proud history. Across its 103-years, there have been thousands of sets played, thousands more aces hit, and possibly even more laughs.

In this long and decorated history, there have only been seven club volunteers inducted as life members.

Now, the club has its eighth, following the resounding acceptance of president Mick Askell as a Cooma Royal Tennis Club life member.

Askell was taken by surprise when fellow life member Kath Nichols put forward his nomination at last month’s AGM.

The Royal committee voted unanimously to induct Askell, honouring his 23-year dedication to the club’s executive committee. For 20-years of this time, Askell has been

the club’s president.

In his time as president, Askell’s hard work has seen the Royal Tennis Club increase its membership, continue to offer a place for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport and ensure the tennis centre has an active coach in Tom Perea.

Mrs Nichols and her late husband Bede were inducted as Cooma Royal Tennis Club life members in 2002.

The Nichols were the most recent life members until Askell in March.

Mrs Nichols has praised Askell’s efforts and called the Royal Tennis Club committee the ‘easiest’ committee you will be part of.

This is some praise with Mrs Nichols heavily involved in many community pursuits.

“Mick is a wonderful president. Our club is very fortunate to have him. He makes the committee work

By LUKE TREADWELL

SOUTH Coast Monaro Second Division rugby gets underway this weekend with local rivals the Cooma Red Devils taking on the defending premiers the Jindabyne Bushpigs in round one at Rotary Oval on Saturday.

The Jindabyne Bushpigs will be searching for the first ever three-peat in the competition’s history in 2024.

ACE EFFORT: Cooma Royal Tennis Club president Mick Askell has been recognised for his contributions to local tennis. Askell is the latest Royal Tennis Club life member.

very easy through his communication and willingness to listen to others,” Mrs Nichols said.

“The committee is by far

the best and easiest I have been part of.

“Mick and his family have given so much of their time to the Royal

club and his life membership was accepted very quickly.”

As well as his committee work, Askell is an active

Rugby rivalry launches season

“Pre-season training has been good seeing most of the boys putting in a big effort,” Cooma Red Devils head coach James Quodling said.

“Drawing Jindabyne, last year’s premiers in the first round will be a good local hit out and a good indication on how both sides have prepared for the season.”

Senior coach at the Jindabyne Bushpigs Matt Tripet said commencing the season with Cooma is a great way to start the year.

Last season the Cooma Red Devils had a year of re-building, the club was competitive in many games throughout the season often losing by just a few points.

“We know Cooma will bring a lot to the game and it will be a well-attended game,” Tripet said.

“We have a healthy rivalry with these boys and it’s nice for both clubs to play a local derby with our travelling supporters on board for round one.

“We certainly encourage all the Jindabyne and Cooma supporters to put round one of the rugby season in their calendars and get along to support some quality local rugby.”

DESPERATION: Jindabyne Bushpigs make a one on one tackle in last year’s local derby coinciding with the Red Devil’s 60th anniversary.

tennis player. While there is no longer Saturday competition tennis, Askell enjoys playing on a Wednesday in a social setting.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

BRUMBY CULLING COMMENCES

SUMMIT SOUL SHAKERS SUCCESS

BEARS WIN ROUND ONE PAGE2PAGES8

SPORT

April snow excites for season ahead

By TRISTA HEATH

IN STUNNING scenes, on Tuesday April 9 it was snowing all the way from the mountain resorts to Kalkite village.

Reaching a low of 1000 metres, this year’s first snow dusting saw both Perisher and Thredbo Resort record 10cm ‘up top’ as well as a whole lot of bookings roll through for accommodation providers.

Kosciuszko Rd was covered in snow for the morning from around 1400 metres up to Charlotte Pass at 1800 metres, with the Summit Track to Mt Kosciuszko summit coated in snow.

The team at Thredbo Resort said while it was not unusual for snowfall to start this time of year, any snow is a good sign for the ski season ahead.

At both resorts the snow kept falling from the early hours until midday with snow settling all the way down to their villages.

■ Read the full story on page 9.

SAP project upsets lake foreshore users

By TRISTA HEATH

THE Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) announcement of $196 million in funding will go to seven key projects, has le community members disappointed and unsure how to progress with the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore.

Set to commence within the next year, one of the key projects included the plan and design enhancements for the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore to improve amenity, community facilities and access for visitors.

The Government said the investment of $196 million has been allocated in consultation with the community and will boost future opportunities in the area while also improving services for current residents.

Jindabyne Sailing Club member Steve Osborne said the sailing club are disappointed and not just for themselves as a club but for the entire community.

“We’ve gone along to every meeting, supposedly to consult and we nd that the fact that neither the town centre nor foreshore development are any part of future planning now and won’t be until at least the next election.

“In the past, Council have always said that the SAP money would go towards xing the foreshore and now that seems to be o the agenda, and we feel that the past government and now the present government are in danger of beating out the community’s interest and involvement with the SAP.”

Another foreshore user, and holder of one of the region’s largest events, the Lake Light Sculpture announced late last year the event would not be going ahead in 2024 due to the damaged foreshore and unsafe pathways.

Lake Light committee member Steve Cooper said the committee nd the lack of commitment to allocate this required and critical delivery funding very perplexing.

■ Read the full story on page 3.

“It’s been ve years of work by local people to inform the planning bodies, hours of consultations, writing and meetings all during personal time to no avail,” Mr Osborne said.

FIRST SNOW: Siblings Abigail and William Walker enjoy a snowball fight during the first snowfall of the year, near Spencers Ck.

PHOTO: Karen Forman.

Bears run riot in round one

By LUKE TREADWELL

THE Snowy River Bears have been victorious in their opening round of Group 16 Rugby League competition taking down Snowy Mountains rivals the Bombala Blue Heelers in electric fashion.

The side played very well, we completed sets and defended as we had trained, Bears President Rob Freebody said.

“Everything worked quite well for us in our opening round, Bombala were understrength though, they were missing about five players over their first and second grade squad,” he said.

The Bears went into round one with plans of completing sets and playing disciplined football but conceded the first try of the match scored by Blue Heelers’ centre Bailey Rogers after 10 minutes.

Conceding early was all but a distant memory after 13 minutes when Bears winger Maika Rovouvou crossed for a four pointer. Bears winger Ravouvou crossed eight minutes later for his second try and the flood gates were just about open.

The Bears crossed again after 32 minutes before winger Akuila Masima Masima piled on more pain in the thirty sixth minute. Rovouvou was our play-

er’s player of the match and all in all it was a good team effort said Freebody. “The score didn’t reflect the game, Bombala played well starting fast and stuck in there despite being short with only two reserves.”

“Winger Aquila Asima Asima scored a sensational 70 metre try and forward John Field also played

well.”

Bombala hit back through second rower Liam Beazley to give the Blue Heelers some hope just before half time but a double from Dean ‘the jet’ Wilson and John Field, as well as a third and consequential hat trick of tries from Rovouvou in the second half saw the Bears kick

clear.

In the race for Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2024, John Field received 3 points, Adam Walters 2, and Maika Rovouvou 1.

The Snowy River Bears Reserves travelled to Tathra for their opening round of football, and it was always going to be a tough trip with Tathra last year’s

reserve grade premiers. Reserves started well scoring two early trys said Freebody.

“Our momentum took a big hit when some ill-discipline saw one of our players sin binned for 10 minutes,” Freebody said.

“Tathra spread the ball well through their backline and scored out wide against

a 12-man defensive line.”

We played very well in the last twenty minutes but ultimately couldn’t pull it back going down 38-18.

MVP points went to Tristian Hamilton with 3 points, Tupou Ahomee 2 points, Keelan Johnson 1 point, Joshua Dyball 1 point..

HAT TRICK: Maika Rovouvou scored three tries on debut for the Snowy River Bears finishing off attacking opportunities in style on the wing.

PHOTO: Steve Cuff