MP180625DigitalEditionAastaArctander by Provincial Press Group

Be better prepared for winter: Police, SES Industrial action paused

BACK COUNTRY HIKERS

URGED TO CARRY PLBS

PREPARE: Snowy River SES unit commander, Malika Bailey, and Monaro Police District Inspector, Andrew Woods, are urging hikers to plan ahead when venturing into the Kosciuszko National Park back country.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE RESCUE of two hikers in the Kosciuszko National Park has prompted Monaro Police and the Snowy River State Emergency Service to join forces in urging back country hikers to plan better. Monaro Police District acting Inspector, Andrew Woods, and Snowy River SES unit Commander, Malika Bailey, are calling on hikers to be more prepared.

Inspector Woods said hikers should plan ahead, consider the conditions, complete a trip intention form and carry a personal locator beacon. He said these simple steps can be lifesaving but not enough hikers are adhering to the message.

“Our message is to be prepared, ll out a trip intention form and pick-up a PLB from a National Parks and Wildlife Service o ce before heading out,” Inspector Woods said.

“Please tell someone where you plan to go and don’t travel alone.”

About 7.30am on Saturday, 7 June 2025, emergency services were called to the Kosciuszko Walking Trail, below Mount Carruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, following reports a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were stranded in blizzard conditions.

Inspector Woods said the rescue team was luckily able to make

contact with the pair through an app on their phone, but had they had a PLB, contact would have been easier.

“They went out the evening before the blizzard, and did not consider the conditions,”

Inspector Woods said.

“This is another opportunity to reinforce the safety message when going out to the back country be mindful of the weather, it can change quickly.”

■ More on page 5

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

BARGAINING meetings between the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and Webuild (Future Generation Joint Venture), are continuing with a pause on any additional industrial action for now.

The dispute between AWU members and Webuild is in relation to a pay parity discrepancy, the union said, between Snowy 2.0 project workers and their North East Link tunnelling colleagues working on a similar Webuild project in Melbourne.

Tunnellers working on Snowy Hydro are being paid less than workers on the North East Link, according to the AWU.

Secretary AWU NSW branch, Tony Callinan, said on Monday all industrial action has been paused for two weeks starting 16 June, as recommended by deputy president, Fair Work Commission, Tony Slevin.

Three bargaining meetings have been scheduled for this week, the third being held today, 18 June.

“These meetings are to work through the outstanding issues,” Mr Callinan said.

“Additionally, we have meetings scheduled with the workforce across the project next week.”

Greyhounds As Pets adoption success

Loving locals take on loveable pooches

By TRISTA HEATH

GREYHOUNDS As Pets (GAP) visited Jindabyne on Saturday, 7 June to host its rst adoption day, giving the community the opportunity to meet some of the greyhounds looking for their forever homes.

The not-for-pro t organisation places greyhounds with loving owners throughout NSW, bringing along greyhounds Janelle, Spud, Holly and Nate to showcase the breed’s gentle and loving nature.

Regional co-ordinator, Julia, was available for more information about this special activation as well as answering questions on the adoption and fostering process, drawing many people to their stand that day.

Jindabyne locals, Charlie Brown and Lawson Ovens, were on site with their foster greyhound, fouryear-old Nate, sharing their passion for the breed and fostering through GAP.

Having fostered Nate for seven weeks now, a er the sudden passing of their adopted greyhound, Jingles, they felt the void of having a loyal and loving dog in their home.

Charlie said it felt weird without the snu ing around of a greyhound, so they thought they would try their hand at fostering.

“Something we really enjoyed about adopting Jingles was watching him settle into pet life, and we thought we’d really like to be able to do that for another dog,” Charlie said.

“Since having Nate, we’ve watched that transition as he moves from a race dog into becoming a home body, seeing that change has been fun to experience.

“We contacted GAP and got in touch with Julia and ended up speaking on the phone for hours because if you give me the chance to talk about greyhounds, it’s hard to stop me.

“It wasn’t long a er that conversation that we travelled to Julia and met Nate and it immediately felt

like he chose us, he shoved his head into my armpit and just never let go so we took him that day.”

Describing Nate as a ‘sweet boy’, the couple has watched him gure out life as a pet rather than a racer, a very di erent lifestyle than what he’s known for most of his life.

Charlie said, as a foster, it is scary to know that at some point it is inevitable that you will have to say goodbye, but the satisfaction of knowing they’ve done a good job welcoming him into pet life and getting him ready for a wonderful new family is a heart-warming feeling.

“When we rst lost Jingles, we weren’t quite ready to have another dog of our own just yet; when the

opportunity to foster came up we knew we had to give it a go,” Charlie said.

“It has been healing for us to have Nate with us in our home, we’ve really enjoyed the experience and getting to know a new dog and all their little quirks and as they become the dog that they’re going to be.

“It’s been a beautiful thing, and we want to continue to foster and help these dogs nd their forever home.”

Knowing that Jindabyne is a dogloving town with plenty of walking and dog friendly options, it was Charlie who suggested Julia host the rst-ever Jindabyne GAP adoption Day.

Charlie said she was pleasantly surprised with how many people came along to the adoption day, though she did suspect there would be a lot of interest because of how much people in Jindabyne love

“There is something really special about greyhounds, they are the most calm, beautiful, gentle dogs that just love to cuddle,” Charlie

“I think that it’s so impressive that they can run 60 kilometresper-hour, but fundamentally are just big couch potatoes who want

“The more you get to know them, you really see their goofy personalities coming out, Nate likes to blow bubbles in his water

The couple said the fostering process with GAP was easy, informative and helpful in answering any kind of queries or worries they had and would highly recommend anyone wanting to foster or adopt to contact GAP.

“Give GAP a call, it’s been such a rewarding experience for us, and they have supported us every step of the way,” Charlie said.

“My advice would be to be very honest about what you’re looking for and what your limitations might be, because there’s every chance that GAP will have the right greyhound for you.”

Only hours a er the adoption day event, Nate was o cially adopted by Jindabyne locals who met him on the day. To see all the beautiful greyhounds looking for loving homes visit www.gapnsw.com.au

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is seeking expressions of interest for the lease and operation of a sports equipment shop at Smiggin Holes in Kosciuszko National Park.

Smiggin Holes is a small alpine village in the Snowy Mountains, only a two minute drive from Perisher Valley.

The area offers excellent year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation, including a range of snow sports, walking tracks, multi-day hikes and cycling trails.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced retail operator to develop a thriving business within the scenic landscape of Kosciuszko National

Submissions close at 3:00pm on Monday 1 September 2025. For further information, please email: commercial.enquiries@environment.nsw.gov.au Sports Equipment Shop 16 Link Road,

Jindabyne locals, Lawson Ovens and Charlie Brown, fostered greyhound, Nate, before he was adopted.

FOREVER HOMES: Greyhounds As Pets visited Jindabyne to host its first local adoption day event. PHOTOS: Trista Heath

Three plans proposed for Jindabyne waste facility Council discusses landfill’s future Key plans for adoption

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THIS week’s Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting shapes as one of the most important of the year with councillors set to adopt the operational plan and fees and charges for the next 12 months.

Following the community feedback period closing earlier this month, council will now vote on accepting its suite of integrated planning and reporting documents - operational plan 2025/26, fees and charges 2025/26, delivery program 2025/29 and revenue policy 2025/26.

Councillors will consider the postexhibition report for the documents at Thursday’s meeting in the Cooma o ce chambers. Council received 145 submissions on the documents, with the majority of feedback (134 submission) calling for Micalago Road to be sealed.

The report said a small number of submissions wish to see the mobile library re-instated, and for fees, charges and rates not to be increased.

In the report, prepared by council’s chief strategy o cer, it states councillors need to look at the sealing of Micalago Road from a region-wide perspective.

“In considering the request, councillors need to consider the issue in terms of the service levels provided to the region, not just as one road. The response to issues raised should be strategic and focused on the broader community”, the report said.

By TRISTA HEATH

RESIDENTS and commercial customers of Jindabyne Land ll attended a Snowy Monaro Regional Council community update session on Thursday evening at the Memorial Hall, to learn more about the ongoing planning and feasibility investigations into the future of the land ll site.

At each of the two sessions, attendees learned more about the three potential paths forward for Jindabyne’s waste facility and had the opportunity to ask questions.

Providing the update was council’s corporate projects manager, Greg Thompson; chief community services o cer, Tony Murray; supervisor of Jindabyne Land ll, Wayne Beswick; and senior project manager, Tyron Bicknell.

Since the Jindabyne land ll’s closure on 31 March, Mr Thompson said there has been many interim upgrades to the current site including improving drainage, the road base and signage as well as widening hardstands and the road to allow for better tra c ow.

“Improvements have been made to the entry and exit points of the site including adding an all weather gravel base and sufcient drainage systems to allow for better accessibility for the community,” Mr Thompson said.

“From a domestic point of view the waste services are unchanged, you can still dump your rubbish o , as well as green waste, recycling and concrete. We have worked tirelessly to en-

sure minimum disruption for the commercial side of the land ll use.”

presented to the audience and what each would mean for the community use of Jindabyne’s waste facility.

range from undertaking the ba sic additional works required to make the interim transfer point permanent, through to comprehensive plans for the construc-

tre (RRC) and option three is in troducing the full concept and design of Jindabyne’s RRC which is estimated to cost around $15 million.

Community feedback on these byne’s waste facility will be a key

munity for their input before councillors make a nal decision on the preferred option at the August council meeting later this year. This masthead will further examine the three options over coming editions.

Firewood

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Drive to the conditions: police

Road users urged to be prepared

By TRISTA HEATH

TRAFFIC and Highway Patrol

Command are reminding all road users to take extra care when driving in the snow elds.

With recent heavy snowfalls impacting these roads, drivers need to be prepared for changing conditions.

SES Assistant Commissioner, Colin Malone, said safety on the roads is paramount, the last thing that any of the SES crew want to do is to have to go out and rescue people from their vehicles or experience a fatality on the road.

“Drive to the conditions, you can drive the same road 50 times and the conditions can change a number of times, be mindful by checking the weather reports so you can have an understanding of what you’re driving through and be prepared with chains, check that you have the right tyres for the conditions, but most importantly be mindful that the road is going to be used by a lot of people especially leading in and out of the weekends,” Mr Malone said.

“We impress upon everyone to plan their trips, stay safe and take those breaks.”

Snow goers are urged to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy and well equipped with extra supplies should they become stranded in snowy conditions, as help can o en be a long way away.

Motorists shouls aldo carry chains and t them when directed; it is a good idea to practice tting chains before entering the area as trying to t them in blizzard conditions is not a good place to be learning this activity.

Superintendent and Commander of Tra c South, Joseph Thone, said Highway Patrol has a contingent of police permanently stationed in Jindabyne for the

entirety of the snow season.

“This will give us the capability to police road safety up to the doorstep of the snow elds, it also allows us to police on a daily basis the roads to the snow resorts and throughout the region,” Mr Thone said.

“Be patient in your travels and if you do drink, then have a plan B, there is no tolerance for alcohol or drugs in your system whilst you’re

driving and if you are detected you will be prosecuted.

“We also necessitate the closure of roads, when need be, which may mean you will be stationary on the roads, so we reinforce that drivers have the capabilities of keeping warm during these periods.”

Remember to leave extra distance between vehicles as braking distances can increase signi cantly and steering is also

limited.

Even 4x4 and AWD vehicles are not immune to icy roads and a large amount of these vehicles have already been towed out of dangerous positions over the long weekend due to driver error.

Take your time and arrive home safely, be courteous to other road users and keep everyone safe so you can come and enjoy the snow elds again.

• 10-12” Hardwood for Stove / Pizza ovens

• Bagged Firewood

• Bagged Kindling

• Bagged charcoal

• Bagged Ironbark –cooking

DRIVE SAFE: A vehicle rollover on snow-covered roads on the way to Perisher underscores the importance of driving to conditions this winter.

PHOTO: Transport for NSW

Police, SES issue winter warning

Back country hikers urged to be better prepared

By NATHAN THOMPSON

MONARO Police and local State

Emergency Services (SES) personnel have re-issued a simple yet important message for hikers in the Kosciuszko National Park - be prepared.

Monaro Police District acting inspector, Andrew Woods, is urging back country hikers to plan ahead, consider the conditions, complete a trip intention form and carry a personal locator beacon.

Inspector Woods joined Snowy River SES unit commander, Malika Bailey, last week, to urge hikers to be better prepared when venturing into the Kosciuszko National Park back country during winter.

Their plea comes following two walkers being rescued from the Kosciuszko Walking Trail a er becoming stranded in blizzard conditions.

“Our message is to be prepared, ll out a trip intention form and pick-up a PLB from a National Parks and Wildlife Services o ce before heading out,” Inspector Woods said.

“Please tell someone where you plan to go and don’t travel alone.”

About 7.30am on Saturday, 7 June 2025, emergency services were called to the Kosciuszko Walking Trail, below Mount Car-

ruthers, about three kilometres from Mount Kosciuszko, following reports a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were stranded in blizzard conditions.

About 12.15pm, the search party advanced to within about 1.2kms of the stranded bushwalkers before being forced to retreat due to strong winds and white out blizzard conditions.

About 10.40pm, trained alpine o cers from both the NSW Police Force and the NSW State Emergency Service hiked on foot to the stranded hiker’s location, while other operators established a

forward staging area and campsite due to the conditions.

About 12.25am on Sunday (8 June 2025), the hikers were escorted to the staging post campsite, where they remained for a period of time due to rising Snowy River levels, strong winds and heavy snowfall.

About 4.00am, the hikers were successfully extracted, with no injuries reported.

Inspector Woods said the rescue team made contact with the pair through an app on their phone, but had they had a PLB, contact would have been easier.

“They went out the evening before the blizzard, and did not consider the conditions,” Inspector Woods said.

“This is another opportunity to reinforce the safety message when going out to the back country be mindful of the weather, it can change that quickly.”

Ms Bailey said while it’s pleasing to see more people choosing to explore back country areas, you must properly plan before heading out.

“Adventure sports have exploded in popularity. We want everyone to enjoy the park but

you must have a good plan, even a plan b,” Ms Bailey said.

“There is lots of information out there. National Parks are there to help, seek the information before going.”

Inspector Woods said the message to plan ahead, ll out a trip intention form and carrying a PLB is getting through slowly.

“You would always like 100 per cent uptake but when it’s not mandatory it’s hard,” Inspector Woods said.

“The form is now online, it’s easy to complete. A PLB is free, please carry one with you.”

Development application

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

APPLICATION NUMBER 10.2025.104.1

PROPERTY ADDRESS

8 North Street, Cooma 2630

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Lot: 3 DP: 226204

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Three (3) Lot Subdivision

APPLICANT

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

CONSENT AUTHORITY

Snowy Monaro Regional Council

This application and its accompanying documents will be on display at all Council ofﬁces and online at Council’s website at https://qrco.de/SMRC-DA or https://qrco.de/masterview for twenty-eight (28) days, ending Wednesday 2 July 2025.

Council is seeking community comment on this proposal. All submissions should be made in writing to CEO Stephen Dunshea. All submissions will be treated as a public document. Any person making a submission is required to disclose any reportable political donations or gifts at the time of making the submission. For more information, please contact Council’s development and planning department at the Jindabyne Council ofﬁce. Visit our website at https://qrco.de/DAinfo to learn more.

24/7

SAFETY: NSW Police and SES personnel are urging back country hikers in Kosciuszko National Park to be better prepared following two walkers becoming stranded in blizzard conditions earlier this month.

PHOTO: NSW Police

Cooma Hospital performs above state average

THE latest quarterly health gures show that nine out of 10 patients started their emergency department (ED) treatment on time at Cooma Hospital, which is above the state average of hospitals of a similar size in NSW.

Southern NSW Local Health District’s latest healthcare report shows 2,753 emergency department attendances were recorded at Cooma Hospital between January and March 2025.

Almost all patients who arrived by ambulance (98.6 per cent) were transferred from ambulance to ED sta within the 30-minute benchmark, which is also better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (95.6 per cent.

Of those patients who were treated in the ED and did not require admission or transfer to another hospital, the majority (87.3 per cent) were discharged from the ED within four hours, which is better than the average for comparable hospitals in NSW (83.3 per cent).

There were 63 planned surgeries performed during the January to March 2025 quarter and all (100 per cent) were performed on time.

Southern NSW Local Health District is among the state’s top performers for emergency department and planned surgery performance, despite treating a high number of critically unwell patients during the January to March 2025 quarter.

The health district’s chief executive, Margaret Bennett, has praised the e orts of sta in providing high quality care to patients during this period.

“This latest Bureau of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly report for January to March 2025 shows our district was among the state’s top performers for key emergency department indicators including the percentage of patients starting their treatment on time,” Ms Bennett said.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated sta , as these impressive results are a testament to their hard work.”

The district performed 1,211 planned surgeries during the rst quarter of 2025, an increase of 16 surgeries, or 1.3 per cent, compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Jindabyne Chamber ready to connect local businesses

THE Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce will continue its mission to foster business growth and community collaboration by hosting the upcoming Jindabyne Connect event.

This bi-monthly gathering provides a platform for businesses to network and engage with key community stakeholders.

Scheduled for 26 June at Horizons in Jindabyne beginning at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. The June event promises a dynamic lineup.

Attendees will receive a comprehensive Snowy Hydro community update alongside a Snowy Monaro Regional Council brie ng detailing ongoing e orts to enhance the region. Additionally, a representative from Tourism Snowy Mountains, the leading marketing body for the area, will join us to share insights on driving visitor engagement.

The event is open to all businesses. Members enjoy complimentary admission, while non-members can participate for a nominal fee of $10.

“We encourage businesses to seize the opportunity to pitch ideas, share promotional updates, or discuss ongoing projects that could bene t from community support,” Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce president, Olivier Kapetanakos, said.

“Those interested in presenting are urged to contact the chamber for further arrangements.”

Chamber executives will also update attendees on the progress of various initiatives aimed at bolster-

BUSINESS: The

only

ing the local business landscape. We welcome businesses from all locations to join this networking event, reinforcing our commitment to community and economic development. Reservation via the destinationjindabyne.com.au website or via a call to Mr Kapetanakos on 0400868683.

“The Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and advocating for local businesses, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life in the region through active community engagement and strategic partnerships. Projects include illuminating Jindabyne, Re ections, The BIG chair li ,” Mr Kapetanakos said.

TAXTIME2025

BIG Chairli is

one project among many that the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce are involved in for the community.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Rangers urge parking compliance

By TRISTA HEATH

THE winter season has begun with snow settling on the mountains and resorts now spinning their li s, the town’s population is increasing with seasonal sta and visitors.

Jindabyne’s population uctuates dramatically between summer and winter, with the town’s permanent residential population now close to 5000, but this number can increase to more than 20,000 during peak winter periods.

With increased population comes increased tra c ow and a reminder that Snowy Monaro Regional Council rangers will be undertaking routine patrols with a focus on public safety and ensuring equitable access to parking, in compliance with the NSW Road Rules.

A Council ranger said the ski season brings with it a signi cant increase to the number of vehicles in the region and the frequency of patrols is proportionately increased during this peak period to match, Council also extends its patrol operations to include night patrols on Fridays and over weekends.

“The bulk of our work on these patrols is focused on ensuring people don’t park their vehicles contrary to the ow of tra c, compliance with no stopping and

no parking signage, compliance with disability parking bays, not blocking pathways and driveways, not blocking the ow of tra c and ensuring everyone has equitable access to our businesses by enforcing time-limited parking,” the ranger said.

Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre is the main shopping hub in Jindabyne and as such attracts the greatest concentration of vehicles to park.

The centre is fully sign posted, and time limited to ensure there is good turnaround for the many businesses based there.

There is no long term or overnight parking at the centre and Council rangers

park is also a very popular area with the large number of locals and visitors needing the service of the medical centre and pharmacy, this area will also be patrolled to make sure time limits are adhered to.

If skiers are heading up the mountain for the day on the bus or carpooling, they need to nd alternate long-term parking.

The closure of the Claypits car park at this very busy time for upgrades has placed extra short-term stress on day-long parking.

area along the embankment at John Connors Oval.

“If using parking spaces at John Connors Oval, please do not park in the sealed parking bays or in front of the stockyards, these locations are needed for our sporting clubs and community groups,” the ranger said.

“The other alternative is for visitors and sta going to Perisher is the use of the Ski Tube.

“There is ample signage in the form of no parking, no stopping, disability parking, loading zone, bus zone and

time limited parking signage and we ask that everyone

There are many o ences which can put other motorists or pedestrians at risk when not abiding by signage, including not parking facing the wrong way, parking too close to a corner, parking across pathways, footpaths and driveways, obstructing the ow of tra c and obstructing a re hydrant.

“Fines or cautions are issued to people found not parking correctly, but our o cers use their discretion and will always prefer to have a chat with drivers and give them the opportunity to do the right thing – where possible and appropriate,”

the ranger said.

“There’s nothing particularly special or unique about the parking rules in the Snowy Monaro, so as long people follow the same rules they do at home – there’ll be no problems.”

Council will be out and about enforcing the road rules this winter and hopes that people do the right thing and respect other visitors, and the local community, by parking safely, fairly, and in compliance with the road rules.

The ranger advised to leave enough time to nd parking, it’s the busiest time of year and as parking is going to be in very high demand, drivers need to plan ahead.

“Please be kind to other motorists and our rangers. If we work together, it will make for a safer and more enjoyable ski season for everyone,” the ranger said.

“The most common offences noted last winter were parking vehicles contrary to the ow of tra c, and parking on the nature strip at the Jindabyne Town Centre, both pose serious dangers for pedestrians.

“The next most common o ences were parking in no stopping zones and parking in a disabled parking bay without a permit. We would like to see less of these issues this season.”

CLOSED: Jindabyne Claypits car park is closed while construction is underway, alternative car parking can be found in other locations in town.

GOGO Jindabyne empowers women

Forming friendships, adventuring together

By TRISTA HEATH

A GROUP of Jindabyne women has started a new social group in town called Club GOGO Jindabyne, Girls Only Getting Out.

Creating a positive, inclusive, safe, and supportive network, founders, Nicole Weber, Peggy Wobith, Karen Forsstrom and Steph Vidler, saw the need for a social group for women in Jindabyne.

Evolving a er a co ee with friends, Nicole brought up the idea of wanting to do 50 fabulous things before she turns 50, and shortly a er organised a bushwalk with a bunch of girlfriends.

“We need to have more of a social world for the women of Jindabyne, and while there is lots to do in the area sometimes you don’t want to go and do it on your own,” Karen said.

“The idea came out of necessity almost, of people wanting to get together and do things in a social way so we created the group called Club GOGO Jindabyne on Facebook and we have already had 150 members join.

“There has also been a few women who have moved down here on their own or with their families and nd it hard to meet new people and

make new friends, so this is a safe space for girls to come together and do any activity.”

Launching the group in mid-May, more than 40 women turned up to the event hosted at Holly Go Lightly and immediately the networking began and the next get-togethers organised.

Everything from belly dancing to wine tasting, barefoot bowls to macaron cooking classes, empowerment and career planning to camping and walks in the national park, the sky is the limit, and the group of likeminded women hopes the trend will catch on to other communities throughout the country.

“There’s quite a lot of people who do nd it hard to make friendships and if you’ve got a group like this, you don’t feel that bad turning up to events on your own because you know that there’s going to be other people doing the same thing,”

Peggy said.

“We have already seen friendships being formed, just from these last few events we have had, and some said they never would have done these things if it weren’t for having the support of the strong women of Club GOGO Jindabyne.”

Club members have al-

ready participated in a book review, pubsong, bouldering, ping-pong, yoga and frisbee golf and have hosted a Biggest Morning Tea alongside the Jindabyne Snow Dragons, raising money for the Cancer Council.

“Club GOGO Jindabyne is a group that’s for you, run by you, the idea is that its a very supportive, positive, social group,” Steph said.

“People can organise and get involved in any kind of event, we are not here to promote business and not here to make money, this is about getting together with likeminded women to do something fun and not having to go alone.”

Members range from 20 years-old to 80 years-old and there is no limit, it’s for all with the ability to participate, socialise and meet new people.

Club member, Erin Lee, organised a learn to knit class for the group at the Jindabyne Bowling Club on Monday, 16 June where she taught her skills to the ladies all for a good cause.

“Erin taught us her knitting skills and we knitted squares that will go to the Knit One Give One (KOGO) not-forpro t organisation, which then they knit into blankets and scarves and donated to

STRONG WOMEN: The club GOGO founders, Nicole Weber, Peggy Wobith, Karen Forsstrom and Steph Vidler. PHOTOS: Supplied

people in need,” Peggy said.

“While we might do some fundraising events, it’s not all the time and we encourage our members to organise their own event and showcase something that you love doing and want others to get involved in.”

In celebration of the new club, Peggy is giving new members who attend their rst event a limited-edition keyring, with the aim to get all letters of G-O-G-O.

“Club GOGO Jindabyne is great for the community, it’s just another way to bring women together and to showcase who we are as a collective group,” Karen said.

“We have got some awesome residents in this town, and with so many new people who have come to town post-covid, this club gives them the opportunity to meet new people, gain new friendships and explore what our great town and area have to o er together, not alone.”

If you are a woman in Jindabyne looking to make new friends and explore the region join Club GOGO Jindabyne on Facebook to answer a few questions and become a member.

Club GOGO Jindabynecelebrates its launch night at Holly Go Lightly in early May.

Favourite Cooma location re-opens

For the best brew visit the Emu Crew

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Jindabyne’s ongoing infrastructure saga

I WISH to share a tale of neglect and missed opportunities that continues to unfold in Jindabyne’s town centre and its public toilets.

In 2009, the Snowy River Shire introduced the Jindabyne Action Plan, a visionary document recognising Jindabyne’s unique potential that saw the creation of fairway between the town centre and Nuggets.

Fast forward to 2016, as amalgamation brought a $1.3 million grant intended for re-locating the town centre toilets working towards that plan. However, the council, slow to adapt, shelved the project.

By 2018, state government support birthed ‘Go Jindabyne’, a strategic initiative that evolved into the 2024 Strategic Activation Precinct Delivery Plan.

Both the 2009 and 2024 plans envisioned transforming Snowy River Avenue into a vibrant main street, connecting the town centre with Nuggets, leading to a mixed-use site at the old school.

The current neglected area was to become a town square, a much-needed hub for community interaction.

Yet, in 2025, the council opted to ignore these detailed plans. Instead of creating a new town square to enhance connectivity, they chose to refurbish a 61-year-old building for $800,000, obstructing essential town development.

Alarmingly, they plan to spend $50,000 per restroom cubicle amidst a 10.75 per cent rate hike. This decision overlooks existing assets, including toilets at the visitor centre and Banjo Paterson Park, as well as those in the memorial hall, largely under-utilised.

Adding insult to injury, the council will hold an information session on 19 June, inviting residents to select colours for this misguided project. Are you outraged by this insult to our community’s plans and the wasteful squandering of resources?

If this story angers you as it does me, I urge you to contact a councillor, write to the council, or attend the information evening to express your dis-satisfaction with the waste, poor decision-making, and the steep rate increase.

Olivier Kapetanakos

Auxiliary busy as usual

THE Cooma Hospital Auxiliary has again been busy supporting the Cooma Health Service and Monaro community with its latest fundraising e orts leading to the purchase of new equipment.

The Cooma Health Service’s mental health area now has four new, t-for-

purpose chairs, thanks to e orts of the auxiliary.

At its May meeting, the auxiliary drew the winner of its Mother’s Day ra e and received a welcomed donation from the Cooma Health Service’s sta who donated

Photo of the week

captures a lovely winter setting in

last week’s snowfalls settling in many parts of the region, the

Margaret Wainwright (le ) and Sue Litchfield (right) of the auxiliary present Nat Jardine with a Cooma gi card for winning the group’s Mother’s Day ra le.

George the Elephant, Nimmitabel.

PHOTO: Caci Hildyard

Monaro Media Group has been inundated with contributions for this edition’s photo of the week. With

photo of this week

Nimmitabel.

Caci Hildyard took this image of George the Elephant just outside Nimmitabel Bakery in Nimmitabel.

Posted with Phil Daley

AT SNOWY Monaro Regional Council’s May meeting, the majority of councillors voted (8:2) against Councillor Rose’s well considered motion asking for a report to council on the utilisation rates for council’s plant eet.

That suggests to me that our council is simply not committed to nancial sustainability. But then nothing has changed, our councillors say nancial sustainability when it suits them but then block an excellent opportunity to examine the nancial and physical performance of a very important part of its operations, its plant eet.

While not a restricted fund, the plant fund relies on income from plant hire charged against its works to maintain all and replace particular plant items.

To audit how a particular plant item is performing, an

assessment of its utilisation is necessary.

There may be plant sitting in the depot for months at a time (perhaps with good reason) or maybe the use is excessive, which might indicate the need for an additional item to cover the extra demand.

Only with utilisation information will our councillors be able to make the decisions necessary for good nancial governance of its operations.

For example, in the operational plan for 2025/26 there is no plant income shown and there is no speci c plant maintenance and repair expenditure. There is however proposed expenditure for capital purposes of $6.707 million for eet replacements.

Nowhere in that document, are details of what plant items would be sold, replaced or purchased. Council is required under

Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

the Local Government Act to ‘direct and control the a airs of council in accordance with the act’ and, as well as ensuring nancial sustainability, to ‘keep under review the performance of the council, including service delivery’.

How can our council meet those requirements without having performance information on which to base its decisions?

The reasons given by sta for not providing the information were many and varied from ‘not having the information readily available’ to ‘sta resources will have to be pulled o other works’.

Really, what does the eet admin person do that prevents time being allocated to extrapolating that information from the time/plant sheets?

All the required information which is provided by operators/ drivers through their time and

plant sheets should be available through the nance system.

Expenditure against jobs is calculated using the hours worked or the kilometers travelled charged in accordance with Councils adopted fees and charges.

Likewise the income to the plant fund must have those gures to permit the income side of the ledger to be calculated.

In the end the comments from councillors ranged from ‘this is an operational matter’, (wrong) to ‘this is way too premature’ also (wrong). It will never be too premature for council to be provided with sound nancial and operational performance information to allow it to function according to its legislated mandate.

In the operational plan for 2023/24 and again in 2024/25 a project which was supposed to be completed in the nancial

year was a project to ‘improve information on utilisation of plant and eet’ to ‘implement systems that provide better data on where and how plant and eet is being utilised to provide information on what is required as well as support assessment of operational plant’.

Obviously, those targets were never met or the information requested by Cr Rose would be readily available.

That project has not been included in the 2025/26 plan so one has to wonder why a very important project to provide information to support the need for council to have sound nancial information has been scrapped.

Is the eet fund performing so poorly that the available information would be publicly embarrassing? Will we ever know?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lost horses, lost causes

IN REGARDS to my letter, ‘Green hypocrisy part II’ (May 21), I was implying why go from a supposedly bad system to another bad system?

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

JOURNALISTS

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

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

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

The water usage alone is horrendous in regards to processing rare earths, also the cooling of sever farms.

I think solar power is a good thing but I can’t see anything good about rare earths, electric vehicles (EVs) and the over use of social media.

I would hardly call mobile phones, screens or air-conditioning cultural items. I’ve always lived life well without these toys.

Treading light in every way, shape and form I feel is the answer, but I fear anybody who cares will see little of this happen.

Unfortunately bigger, faster, new, and more of, seems to be the Australian way.

The government, the corporations, the media encourage this way of life. It is great for GDP and shopping on line is a boon for land ll. To live humble, simple, close to the earth without the toys is not encouraged.

Even silence is almost frowned upon.

Yes, the horse has bolted, but I feel blessed I’m contributing as least as possible. Consumption is the problem,

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

ADVERTISING

Jim Walker-Broose 0408 425 484 jim@monaropost.com.au

Keely Pressley 0456 217 012 keely@monaropost.com.au

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

not the system, changing the system won’t stop cinsumption.

Meanwhile, exploitation of the unfortunate and the environment continues.

I’ve never been against conservation or treading light, but I am not sure what renewables are; it’s certainly not solar panels or lithium batteries. Meanwhile, due to a total lack of imagination, the will to kill and control, 11,000 horses in the Kosciuszko Park will not bolt again.

“Science without soul” seems to be the order of the day.

Waste not, want not always worked, but that’s common sense, hardly fashionable in this age of wind turbines, EVs and a climate that continues to warm.

1200 server farms in a droughtstricken Europe, each using 300,000 gallons of water per day is hardly kind to the environment.

From the South Pole to the moon, man seems determined to interfere, develop, destroy. Unless man changes his way, which is most unlikely, unfortunately so-called renewables will make little, if any di erence, but yes, we must try.

Greg O’Donoghue Riding on, solar powered

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Monaro

Snowy Monaro community.

the Group Editor Nathan Thompson on (02) 6452 0312 or call in to the Monaro Post o ice at 59 Vale Street between 9-5pm

Cooma fire station upgrades now officially open

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE opening of the renovated Cooma Fire and Rescue Station took place last Tuesday, June 10, with NSW Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib MP, attending along with Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM.

Local re and rescue personnel, past and present, along with family and community members, Cooma Public School students (who sang the national anthem) and members of various community groups and rescue organisations were also present.

The ceremony included a plaque unveiling by the Mr Dib, Commissioner Fewtrell and Snowy Monaro Regional Council deputy mayor, Cr Tricia Hopkins.

Cooma station has received a $1.7 million upgrade modernising conditions for re ghters and a $900,000 re-furbishment has also been completed at Thredbo Fire Station.

New features included future-proo ng the station through installing new engine bays and an extended driveway, better accommodating re engines of all shapes and sizes.

There are new washroom facilities for re ghters, a motion-sensor LED lighting system, as well as improved equipment storage space.

An automatic ventilation system has also been installed to remove fumes from engine bays as well as the establishment of improved clean-up facilities for the a ermath of a hazardous waste incident.

Upgrades at Thredbo station include modernised facilities, improved ventilation, and new roller shutter doors.

These upgrades improve the emergency preparedness of both stations.

extremely important for us,” Cooma Fire and Rescue Captain, Jimmy Nichols, said last week.

“They encompass the new clean and dirty area policies which separates our equipment and clothing from areas in the station that house diesel particulates and any unclean matter that’s brought into the building.

“It is also vitally important that we now have male and female separation for change rooms, lockers and showers making the station very comfortable for all our sta and enhancing our amenities for a changing landscape in emergency response.

“These upgraded works have certainly assisted in our team being able to comfortably protect the

to come.

“It’s been great to visit these stations as refurbishments are completed, and these are just some of the improvements Fire and Rescue NSW is rolling out at stations across the state.

“This is a signi cant commitment by the NSW Government to boost frontline re ghting in a bush re-prone environment and keep communities safe.”

FRNSW Commissioner Fewtrell, said the government and FRNSW have acted on the advice of local re ghters to customise the station to improve the facility.

“Local re ghters have told

emergency response needs now and into the future.

“Snowy Mountains re ghters work in unique conditions, and the improved design of their re stations re ects this.”

The ceremony featured presentations to local re ghters by Commissioner Fewtrell and an address by acting Deputy Commissioner, Cheryl Steer, who gave an outline of the history of the Cooma re station from 1918 to 2025. Cooma Fire and Rescue Deputy Captain, Glenda Bracher, received the rst Clasp of the long service and good conduct medal for 20 years’ service.

Retired firefighter, Adam O’Reilly, is given his 10 years’ long service medal from Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Fewtrell.

On-call firefighter, Charles Quodling, is presented his 10 year long service medal by Commissioner Fewtrell.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell (le ) and NSW Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib (right), with the Cooma crew of (from le ) Charles Quodling, Captain Jimmy Nichols, Steve Hamilton,Tara Pateman, James Ewart, Deputy Captain Glenda Bracher, Isaac Horneman, Andrew Dunkerley; Andrew Young; Erin Donelley; acting Deputy Commissioner, Cheryl Steer, and deputy captain, Nick Moon.

UPGRADE: Snowy Monaro Regional Council deputy mayor, Cr Tricia Hopkins, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell and NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, unveil the plaque at the official opening ceremony.

PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Cooma Fire and Rescue Deputy Captain, Glenda Bracher, receives the first Clasp of the long service and good conduct medal for 20 years’ service from Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell.

Retired firefighter, Ryan Morgan, receives a long service medal for 10 years from Commissioner Fewtrell.

Snow people on the move

By MELINDA CAIRNS-HACK

HAVE you noticed the friendly snow men in top hat, scarf and gloves waving from the top of shop front awnings in Cooma during the winter season are gone, and have been replaced by the Cooma Lions Club with ashy snowmen ags?

The timber snow people have been retired from service a er more than 20 years of welcoming visitors to Cooma, and a few of them are on a well-earned holiday, taking in some of the special sights, places and industries around the area and documenting them on the “Snow people on tour” Facebook group.

It’s an exciting time for these lucky snow people, having sat in the same spot for two decades, they are now able to roam around the countryside checking out the abundant natural wonders, facilities and industry of the magni cent Snowy Monaro.

A total of 50 timber snow people were removed from their lo y positions on top of awnings and buildings in the Cooma CBD.

Bernie McDonald of Rock Flat has come up with a novel way of repurposing four of them.

“Members of the Lions Club are getting older and can’t climb up a ladder as well as they used to,” Bernie said.

“It was easier to replace the timber snow men with ags, as they aren’t heavy, and the club decided it was time for a change.

“I bought them as it was more to do with reminding the local community what they have on their

Cooma Men’s Probus honour Roses

A SPECIAL presentation took place during the most recent meeting of the Cooma Men’s Probus Club with past president, Malcolm Rose, and his wife, Lindy, honoured for their contributions to the club.

The recognition came a er the Roses generously opened their home to club luncheons when members couldn’t gather at their usual Cooma Ex-Services Club spot during Covid-19 restrictions.

“During covid they unsel shly hosted multiple monthly luncheons in their home,” Cooma Men’s Probus Club, president, Simon Allen said.

On the citation presented to Malcolm and Lindy it said ‘a certi cate of heartfelt appreciation

awarded to Malcolm and Lindy Rose for opening their home during Covid-19 and hosting delicious lunches on consecutive days for the Cooma Men’s Probus to maintain fellowship. This was signed by Simon and members.

When Simon called Malcolm forward to receive his well-deserved honour, he was quite surprised. According to members, Malcolm was near speechless. For men interested in joining the Cooma club, the organisation o ers fun and friendship in retirement. All men are welcome. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at the Cooma Ex-Services Club, starting at 10.15am.

there, people take notice of them.”

Bernie said he is also trying to organise a community club pitch with the snow men too, as many local club’s memberships are dropping.

“It doesn’t take much to keep these clubs going. They are doing a lot of work around town and need new, younger members,” he said.

Bernie, a long-time local, is passionate about the area, its history and industry.

“The snowman idea is a simple one, just set them up, take a pic-

Visitors Centre, giving the snow people’s travels more exposure on social media through the sharing of posts on the visitor centre Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Keep an eye on the “Snow people on tour” Facebook page for more travelling adventures of the funloving snow people.

“It’s about showing the locals what they have got, there’s a lot out there when you start looking,” Bernie said, “and hopefully the photos put a smile on peoples’ faces.”

Council updates

Jindabyne information session

Council is coming to Jindabyne Memorial Hall on Thursday 26 June 2025 from 5pm to 7pm to discuss planned renovations for the Jindabyne Town Centre public toilets.

Urgent maintenance was completed last week ahead of the ski season, but substantial work is required to bring the facility up to a high standard permanently.

No RSVP required, all welcome to attend.

Council meeting

Councillors will be in Cooma on Thursday 19 June 2025 from 1pm for the June Ordinary Council Meeting.

Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCmeetings to view a copy of this month’s agenda.

The public are welcome to attend in person, or to view the live webcast.

A webcast recording will be available within 48 hours of the meeting’s end.

Don’t burn your bins this winter: Let your ﬁreplace ashes cool completely

Ashes from wood heaters and ﬁreplaces are able to reignite and cause serious ﬁres.

Avoid bin, house, and truck ﬁres. Always:

• Put ashes in a suitable metal container with a lid

• Only half-ﬁll containers, allow ash to cool

• Secure the lid: Starve smouldering ashes and prevent sparks or embers escaping

• Check the container regularly, add water, and stir to ensure any embers are extinguished over several days

• Bag your ashes for disposal when certain they have cooled

Damage caused to bins by hot ashes can be costly. If you burn down your bin, you’ll need to pay for a new one and ratepayers foot the bill when our trucks or facilities are damaged by ﬁre.

Hot ash from a household rubbish bin has caused ﬁres in Council’s waste collection trucks, and is the cause of numerous house ﬁres across Australia every year.

Do the right thing with your ashes this winter, and help keep our region safe.

We’re here to help.

Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund applications

Applications for the Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund are now open until Sunday 6 July 2025.

The fund provides grants to community groups, events, initiatives and organisers based anywhere in the Snowy Monaro.

The Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund reinvests a portion of revenue from the Boco Rock Wind Farm back into the local community through this yearly grant.

Visit https://qrco.de/bocorock today for eligibility criteria, application requirements, and application process information before applications close on Sunday 6 July 2025.

Key dates for 2025

• Application period opened on Monday 2 June 2025

• Applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 6 July 2025

• Payments to successful applicants will commence in October 2025

Learn more at https://qrco.de/bocorock.

Teaching an old dog new tricks

Local obedience classes for behaviour issues

By MELINDA CAIRNS-HACK

DO YOU have an adult dog with some behavioural issues but you don’t have the knowledge or con dence to tackle them yourself?

Sandy’s Grooming Tails and K9 cafe is currently running adult dog obedience classes, under the instruction and guidance of highly regarded local canine training specialist, Neil Lynch.

The casual classes are held on Saturday mornings for one hour from 9.30am at the Cooma Showground.

“Neil has been doing such a great job, we’ve had some real breakthroughs with behaviour issues such as pulling on leads,” Sandy’s Grooming Tails’, Judie Winter, said.

“One of our customers who has been to his class has said the improvement in her dog has been phenomenal.

“The classes help the owner to gain the con dence to move forward with the dog training themselves.”

Any size, from dachshunds

to great danes, are welcome.

“The dogs are kept ve metres apart so they are all safe and comfortable in their space,” Judie said.

“We have held a few classes so far, and they are very popular, we have had to cap the numbers at 10 per class, so book early is the best advice I can give.

“Neil will address individual issues so smaller classes are better. They are casual classes, you can go to one, or keep the training up each week.

“What’s been really lovely is that at the end of each class, a number of the class participants have been coming back to the shop, letting the dogs play in the indoor playground together and interact further, while the owners have a cup of co ee and socialise as well. It’s a good way way of other people meeting other dog owners too,” Judie said.

“We are honoured to have the incredible Neil pass on his knowledge so both dog

THE Snowy Monaro community is celebrating Pride month with the Pride ag ying high at the Cooma Corrective Services Museum throughout June.

A special ag raising ceremony was recently held at the museum with Jindabyne Pride Connect co-ordindator, Belinda Streete, Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Lynda Summers joining museum, corrective services sta and the community for the occasion.

“We had a wonderful turnout out with community embracing the event. Thank you to the Cooma Correctional Services for opening their doors for this event,” Belinda said.

“Thank you to Lynda Summers for sharing words from Snowy

owner and dog can learn and grow together through our training sessions and we thank him for giving his time to support our dog community.”

Neil’s lifelong dedication to dogs and his expertise in training have made him a respected gure in the canine world.

His passion for positive re-inforcement and his commitment to empowering handlers have contributed to countless happy and welltrained canine companions.

Being involved with dogs from a very early age, Neil realised this was the time that a dog needs to be taught manners and obedience.

“During my life, training working dogs to the advanced level, sheep dog trials became a passion with my Kelpie ‘Lil’ crowned NSW 2018 yard dog of the year.

“I also became involved with organising and running sheep working dog training schools over several years developing skills for both

handlers and their dogs.

classes were usually in groups of 20 handlers and mixed breed of dogs which was very informative and enjoyable for all involved.”

stand the four ‘R’s’ - request, response, reward, repeat.

classes regularly. Check the website or Facebook page for further details.

Pride flag flies proudly

Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna, while the ag was raised.

“A special thanks to Mark Salvestro and Caroline Fox for adding to the atmosphere with a reading from the play by Salvestro, ‘The Queens City of the South’.”

The gathering re ected on the history of Cooma Gaol’s history as the only known prison in the world specically used to incarcerate gay men, transwomen, and nonbinary people.

“We re ected on the past, stood proud together seeing the Pride ag being raised and looked forward to a brighter future for all,” Belinda said.

Cooma North Public School Early Act fundraising fun

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Cooma North Public School community came together for a heartwarming cause, and thankfully, the weather was on their side.

A er a week of bleak and chilly days, the sun made a welcome appearance on Friday, 8 June setting the perfect scene for a vibrant a ernoon of fundraising and fun.

The event organised by the school’s dedicated EarlyAct team (a group of community-minded students from stages two and three) was a resounding success.

Students enjoyed a range of engaging activities, from games and challenges, to cake and orange juice stalls, all designed to raise both awareness and donations for a worthy cause.

“A special acknowledgement must go to the very generous parents and grandparents who donated their time and resources to make the two stalls so suc-

cessful,” a Cooma North Public School spokesperson said.

“The generosity shown by students, sta , and families alike was truly inspiring. To add to the success of the event, our local Cooma Rotary Club are generously matching the donations, dollar for dollar,” the spokesperson said.

Every dollar raised on the day will go directly towards providing school packs for children in the Congo, helping to support their education and brighten their futures.

“It was amazing to see so many students getting involved and giving back,” one EarlyAct member said.

“We’re really proud of what we achieved together.

“Events like this not only demonstrate the power of teamwork and compassion but also remind us of the impact our school community can make when we come together for a common goal.”

$588 was raised in just one hour with close to $650 overall.

Sandy’s Grooming Tails also runs puppy pre-school (up to 16 weeks of age) and teen school (16-18 months)

CANINE SPECIALIST: Respected local dog trainer, Neil Lynch, is currently conducting adult dog obedience classes, through Sandy’s Grooming Tails.

Caroline Fox and Mark Salvestro read a section of Mark’s play - The Queen’s City of the South. The drama is inspired by the history of Cooma Gaol and its use as a homosexual prison in the 1950-60s.

DIVERSITY: The Pride flag is now flying at the Cooma Corrective Services Museum for the month of June (Pride month). PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Games and plenty of fun were had at the EarlyAct fundraiser earlier this month.

SUPPORT: Cooma North Public School EarlyAct co-ordinator, Paul Schultz, helps deliver a fun, fundraising event at the school.

PHOTOS: Cooma North Public School

New Australian citizens embraced

By NATHAN THOMPSON

A PROUD Snowy Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna, has welcomed the region’s newest Australian citizens at a special ceremony held last week.

The Cooma Multicultural Centre opened its doors on Friday as a dozen Snowy Monaro residents took the step to becoming Australian citizens.

Cr Hanna spoke of his family’s journey to becoming citizens, with his dad presented his citizenship certi cate from the then CoomaMonaro mayor.

The multicultural centre has become a popular location for the citizenship ceremonies over the last few years, with many of the new citizens familiar with the centre’s o erings.

Cooma Multicultural Centre manager, Yvi Henderson, provided another nice event with a morning tea and welcoming atmosphere.

Mohamad Mohamadi is one of 12 Snowy Monaro locals to become Australian citizens.

Shauna Mulholland is proud to become an Australian citizen. She stands in the middle of Cr Hanna and Cr Hopkins.

citizenship certificate. Cr Hanna and Cr Hopkins welcomed Emily as a new citizen.

mayor, Chris Hanna, and deputy mayor, Tricia Hopkins at last week’s ceremony.

Cr Hanna and Cr Hopkins welcome Avrie Wheatstine and Charmaine Hommen at the citizenship ceremony last week.

JOY: Snowy Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna (le ) and deputy mayor, Tricia Hopkins (right), congratulate Cecilia Backman on becoming an Australian citizens. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

ATO reminder on interest deductibility changes

ustralian axation Office O is reminding taxpayers, from , uly , interest charged by the O for late payments or underpayments will no longer be tax deductible he reasury Laws mendment ax ncenti es and ntegrity ct is now law his means any general interest charge C incurred on and after , uly , regardless of whether the debt relates to an earlier income year, will no longer be tax deductible Li e any other commercial loan, interest is applied if an amount of tax or other liability remains unpaid after its due date, or if there is a shortfall of payment due to an amendment or correction. his is designed to encourage timely payment of tax and

compensate the community for the cost of late payments he change is designed to ensure that taxpayers who do the right thing and pay their tax in full and on time are not disad antaged relati e to those who do delay payment ATO assistant commissioner, nita Challen, is reminding taxpayers to pay in full and on time to a oid general interest charge accruing on overdue debts.

hese changes will mean it will cost more to carry a tax debt and, while taxpayers won’t feel this change until next tax time, O general interest charge is currently charged at per cent and compounds daily ma ing it so important to get on top of your tax obligations, s Challen said f you ha e a tax debt

you’ e been putting off paying now is the time to pay etting aside your , pay as you go withholding and super from your business’s cash flow in a separate ban account can help ensure you ha e the funds a ailable when it’s time to pay s Challen said if you’re unable to pay on time and in full, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the O using its online ser ices, or you can contact your registered tax professional While debts are under acti e management in an agreed payment plan with the O, you will a oid debt reco ery actions.

nterest charged by the O that was incurred before , uly , can still be claimed as a deduction this tax time.

Navigating your property goals

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Tax time preperation steps

By SERVICES AUSTRALIA

MANY people lodge a tax return at tax time, which is from July to October every year. When you lodge a tax return, you report your income and claim deductions.

You’ll find out how much tax was withheld last financial year and if you owe any more.

If you need to lodge a tax return, you may need some information about the payments and services you get from Services Australia (SA).

Work out if you need to lodge a tax return

There are different reasons why you may need to lodge a tax return. This may be because you: had tax deducted or withheld from your income or Centrelink payments;

• need to confirm your income so SA can balance your Family Tax Benefit (FTB) or Child Care Subsidy (CCS); and have a child support assessment.

The easiest way to work out if you need to lodge a tax return is by using the do I need to lodge a tax return tool on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.

If you got FTB or CCS, you can also use SA’s checker tool to see what your family needs to do at tax time.

Get your information ready

If you need to lodge a tax return, there’s some information from us you may need to help you fill in your tax return. We’ll share some of your

payment details with the ATO so it pre-fills for you in your tax return.

A Centrelink payment summary shows most taxable and nontaxable payments you got from us within a financial year. The ATO needs to know about these. Most of these payment details will pre-fill in the ATO’s myTax by late-July.

You’ll need to know the details of any taxable payment you got

from us that doesn’t show on your payment summary.

If you’re not eligible for Medicare but need to claim the Medicare levy exemption at tax time, you’ll need a Medicare Entitlement Statement.

You’ll also need the amount of child support you paid in the financial year, if you paid child support. Read more about what to do at tax time if you paid or

Local leadership, client first focus Kenmir Accounting thrives in community

FOR the past three years, Kenmir Accounting has been under the passionate leadership of local partners and owners Mark Kenmir, Lisa Rowbotham, and Jodie Dobbie.

The trio, with nearly 90 years of combined experience in the accounting industry, is proud to have brought the business back to its community roots, having been initially established in Cooma by Mark back in 1996. Clients continue to enjoy the reliable, friendly service they’ve come to expect, however there’s a renewed energy in the firm with a strengthened commitment to the local community.

Kenmir Accounting also has an incredible local team of experienced accountants, book-

keepers and administration staff that offer businesses and investors sound advice and services in a relaxed, yet professional environment. With offices in both Cooma and Berridale and online appointments also available, Kenmir Accounting can tailor their advice and services to assist at a time and place that is convenient to you, allowing you time to focus on what you do best, whilst leaving the accounting and bookwork to its reliable team.

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received child support.

Read more about what to do before you prepare your tax return on the ATO website.

How to protect yourself online at tax time

Scams and identity threats often increase during tax time.

Scammers and online criminals may try to get your personal information, such as your myGov sign in details. They often contact

people pretending to be from Services Australia or myGov. They tell you to click on a link or give them information. They then use this to gain access to your account to conduct fraud, for example by claiming or redirecting payments. Find out how scams work and how to protect yourself against scams and identity theft. You can also learn how to avoid and report scams.

(1962) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Yes, Prime Minister. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Closer. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Remote Danger. (2021) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 7News @ 6:30. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 8.30 MOVIE: Hidden Figures. (2016) Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe. 11.15 To Be Advised. 1.15 Raines. 2.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 NBC Today. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Line Of Duty. 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 American Resto. 12.00 American Pickers. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator. 4.00 BBL/WBBL Draft. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 AFL Pre-Game. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 15. Fremantle v Essendon. 11.00 AFL Post-Game. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 2.55 Doctor Who. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 QI. 4.40 MythBusters.

5.30 Remarkable Renovations. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 9.10 Gruen. 9.45 Planet America. 10.15 Claire Hooper: So Proud. 11.10 ER. 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 The One That Got Away. 2.00 Restoration Aust. 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 3.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. 3.55 Love Your Garden. 4.45 Long Lost Family. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Joanna Lumley’s Danube. New. 8.50 Grand Designs Australia. 9.45 riff reat Au tra ian ai Trip. 10.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.15 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.10 Amazing Animal Friends. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00

4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Remarkable Renovations. 6.20 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Would I Lie To You? 8.40 MOVIE:

Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 15. Geelong v Brisbane Lions. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.15 GetOn Extra. 11.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 MOVIE: How To Win A Prince. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. Under-19s State of Origin. Queensland v New South Wales. 9.35 Under 19s State Of Origin PostMatch. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.20 Next Stop. 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 The Resident. 3.00 House Of Wellness. 4.00 The Goldbergs. 5.00 Toddlers Make You Laugh Out Loud. 6.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares USA. 8.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 9.30 Ramsay’s Costa Del Nightmares. 10.30 First Dates UK. 11.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 10 News First: Lunchtime. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 Airport 24/7. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 9.30 10’s Late News. 9.55 The Cheap

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. 5.30 Rugby League. Women’s Under-19s State Of Origin. Queensland v New South Wales. 7.30 Paramedics. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 TBA. 10.30 Panic 9-1-1. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 GCBC. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 News. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Family Feud. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Perfect Messy Love. (2020) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 16. Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Out Of Time. (2003) 12.45 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Halfway House. (1944) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Find My Country House Aust. 8.30 MOVIE: John Wick. (2014) 10.30 MOVIE: Under Siege 2. (1995) 12.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 The Resident. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.05 The Goldbergs. 4.35 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. 6.25 MOVIE: Matilda. (1996) 8.30 MOVIE: Couples Retreat. (2009) 10.55 MOVIE: Flightplan. (2005) 12.50 Shopping. 1.50 Late Programs.

ABC SEVEN NINE

Thriving Women 2025 to inspire, connect regional ag leaders

Monaro women play leading role in key national event

THE countdown is on for one of regional Australia’s most dynamic events for women in agriculture.

Thriving Women 2025, hosted by Women Together Learning, will take place on 18–19 August 2025 at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, bringing together more than 200 delegates for two days of connection, skillbuilding, and inspiration.

There is a strong Monaro connection to the Thriving Women conferences with Birdnest owner, Jane Cay, Jane Cay a previous keynote speaker. Sitting on the organising committee is Cooma Local Land Services o cer, Jo Powells, and former local and Monaro Farming Systems board member, Sally Martin.

This annual event is designed for women and men across all areas of agriculture - from farming and agribusiness to education, research, policy, and beyond.

With the theme ‘Women Shaping Agriculture’, the 2025 conference aims to celebrate the diversity and in uence of women in the sector while equipping them with tools to continue leading change in their businesses and communities.

“Thriving Women is more than a conference - it’s a

space where women from across the agricultural sector come together to grow, connect, and take time for themselves,” Ariah Park farmer and Thriving Women 2025 Conference Convenor, Robyn Buerckner, said.

“It’s an energising, future-focused event where ideas are shared, stories are heard, and networks are strengthened.”

Thriving Women 2025 features a robust and engaging program, including:

- Keynote presentations

from renowned speakers:

- Lucy Bloom, Sydneybased entrepreneur, author, and international aid leader, known for her bold, humorous, and insightful take on leadership and change.

- Stephanie Trethewey, founder of Motherland, 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, and a passionate advocate for rural mothers and mental health in agriculture.

- Kristina Hermanson, from Nuveen Natural Capital has more than 25 years of in-

ternational leadership experience and holding directorships at the Australian Farm Institute, AgSafe, CropLife Australia and Business of Development.

- 15 concurrent “Toolbox Talk” sessions across key themes such as business resilience, leadership, innovation, wellbeing, and community impact.

- A panel discussion on “Women Shaping Agriculture” featuring diverse perspectives from across the industry.

- Opportunities to connect with peers, speakers, and industry leaders during breaks, the conference dinner, and at the on-site trade exhibition.

- A coffee cart to keep energy levels high and conversations flowing. Attending Thriving Women 2025 is an investment in personal and professional development. Delegates will leave with practical skills, fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and expanded networks. The

conference is ideal for:

- Women working in agriculture, agribusiness, or rural communities

- Men who champion gender equity in agriculture\r- Employers looking to invest in their team’s leadership potential

- Organisations aiming to support and connect with regional women. For full program details, speaker bios, and ticket bookings, visit www.thrivingwomen.com.au

State government’s biosecurity budget boost

THE NSW Government will invest more than $140 million of new funding to safeguard the future of our state’s agricultural industry.

$100 million in new additional funding will be invested to further strengthen the state’s biosecurity detection, protection and response, bringing the state’s biosecurity budget to a historic $1.05 billion.

The NSW Government said

this funding will drive the development of a new, sustainable and integrated biosecurity model. It will enable strengthening of surveillance and improve the state’s emergency response capacity in the event of a biosecurity incursion.

This funding will build on the work undertaken over the past years, which has delivered:

• The appointment of the

state’s rst independent biosecurity commissioner.

The control management of more than 212,000 feral pigs and 18,000 feral deer

• More than 200 workshops with 5,000 attendees to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to undertake best practice pest control and management

• More than 39,000 one-onone consultations by Local Land Service biosecurity

o cers

• The investment of $95 million, more than any other state, to monitor, respond to and eradicate the threat of red re ants.

$41.2 million will be invested to modernise the primary industry research and development program, including upgrades to digital infrastructure to promote research in emerging areas such as AI assisted farming.

This funding will also support a graduate program to give a pathway to young scientists ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled researchers, safeguarding the productivity and e ciency of our state’s agricultural industry into the future.

“These signi cant budget investments build on the work we have carried out over the last two years to turbo charge the ght against ferals,

pests, diseases and weeds,” Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said.

“Biosecurity is receiving unprecedented attention from our government due to the increasing risk to our farmers and landscapes.

“We are standing with our farmers to show them the way on how to deal with these problems and to battle any feral problems head-on to make a real di erence.”

Heavy Merino lambs reach $258/head: report

Wagga Wagga sale yards 52,860 sheep, lambs

AT LAST week’s Wagga Wagga sheep sale, lamb numbers increased slightly and the quality was better with more heavy and extra heavy lambs coming o the feeders.

Trade weights were well supplied and there were reasonable numbers of lighter lambs mostly Merinos. The market sold to stronger trends.

mated weight of just under 40kg.

The highlight was a pen of 131 XB lambs reaching $424.20/head with an esti-

The trades were $15 to $20 dearer with lambs 20 to 24kg selling from $205 to $286/ head and averaged from 1050c to 1125c/kg.

Lambs 24 to 26kg sold

from $260 to $309 and averaged 1120c/kg and heavy lambs to 30kg sold from $280 to $358/head and the extra heavy weights reached $424.20/head averaging 1080c/kg.

Heavy Merino lambs reached $328/head and the trade Merino sold from $202

to $266/head and averaged from 900c to 950c/kg for the three and four score lambs.

The best priced hogget reached $258/head for heavy Merinos with a jacket.

Mutton numbers li ed and the quality was again mixed. Prices varied through the sale but overall the trend

was stronger with heavy ewes up $20 to $30/head and light and medium weights $10 stronger.

Very heavy crossbred ewes reached $320 and the best for Merinos reached $284/head. Most sold between 680c and 770c with several sales pushing into the low 800c/kg.

LEADERS: From le to right: Robyn Buerckner from Ariah Park, Sandra Ireson from Booligal, Sally Martin of Young, Sam Star from Coleambally, Kim Blenkiron from Springton SA, Lisa Anderson from Wagga Wagga, Toni Duka from Millicent SA, Lucy Blenkiron of Adelaide. PHOTO: Women Together Learning

Weekly cattle, sheep market report

By ERIN LUKEY, MLA SENIOR MARKET INFORMATION ANALYST

Cattle market

THE cattle market remained stable this week. Yardings eased 24 per cent to 56,797 head due to rainfall and the long weekend impacting some sales.

The Heavy Steer Indicator was the strongest performer, li ing six cents to 361/kg lwt. Demand in Victoria drove state heavy prices high, li ing the average price to 408/kg lwt.

All other indicators eased slightly week-on-week. Re-stocker heifers were unable to maintain the strong prices of the week prior, easing 11 to 319/kg lwt.

Sheep market

The sheep and lamb market remained rm as supply reduces through winter. Lamb yardings reduced 38 per cent to 132,105 head and sheep yardings eased 42 per cent to 59,637 head. These results were also driven by rainfall and a shorter operating week.

Markets were strong with records in all three nished prices. The Trade Lamb Indicator rose above 1000¢/kg cwt for the rst time ever, nishing the week at 1050/kg cwt. Trade lambs outpriced the Heavy Lamb Indicator at 1042/kg cwt which stayed strong. Light lambs li ed to 928/kg cwt.

Most major sales were strong. Wagga Wagga yardings and prices li ed with more fed lambs coming through. A pen of crossbreds just under 40kg record

sold for $424/head. Yass saw the rst sprinkling of new-season lambs.

Slaughter

Cattle slaughter remained stable week-on-week. WA’s short processing week was countered by a slight ve per cent li in NSW. National numbers remained within 570 head of the week prior with 152,530 head processed.

Year-on-year strength has maintained, now sitting 10 per

cent above 2024 numbers.

State-by-state breakdown of cattle slaughter:

- NSW: down ve per cent to 36,340

- Queensland: down one per cent to 79,652

- SA: down one per cent to 3766

- Tasmania: down one per cent to 5215

- Victoria: down three per cent to 25,534

- WA: down 22 per cent to 2023.

MARKET: Meat and Livestock Australia is reporting the sheep and lamb markets are remaining firm as supply reduces through winter.

PHOTO: Supplied

Lamb slaughter remained stable, li ing less than one per cent despite the short WA processing week. Increases across SA, Victoria and NSW countered declines in other states for a total of 461,658 head processed. Sheep slaughter also li ed less than 1000 head for 177,918. Combined slaughter was minimally a ected to 639,576 head.

State-by-state breakdown of

lamb slaughter:

- NSW: down three per cent to 113,155

- Queensland: down three per cent to 1493

- SA: down seven per cent to 58,276

- Tasmania: down four per cent to 9543

- Victoria: down four per cent to 230,588

- WA: down 23 per cent to 48,603.

Drought, flooding impacts tractor sales during May

By TRACTOR AND MACHINERY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

SALES of agricultural tractors have fallen dramatically in the month of May, down 23 per cent compared to the same month last year.

With around 800 tractors only sold this represents one of the lowest points in the cycle for around ve years and now sits at 12 per cent below the same time last year with decreases being felt across

all size ranges and all states. The combination of drought in the southern states of Victoria and South Australia and ooding in NSW has had a signi cant impact on demand and whilst there have been positive signs in the market for some time, these have now been dashed.

Looking around the states, Queensland was down 35.4 per cent for the month and now sits 12 per cent below

year to date. NSW had another signi cant drop, down 22 per cent to be 11 per cent down year to date.

Victoria was down once again this time by 23 per cent for the month and is now 19 per cent behind year to date and SA recorded another large drop of 35 per cent for the month since sitting 19 per cent down year to date.

Sales in WA, which have been steady for some time,

recorded a 10 per cent decline in May and are now even with the same time last year. Meanwhile in Tasmania, sales are up two per cent and the Northern Territory sales are now down nine per cent year to date.

Declines were seen in all of the four reporting size categories with the under 40 hp (30kw) range down 32 per cent for the month is now o three per cent year to date.

The 40 to 100 hp (30-75kw)

range had a 12 per cent drop and now sits seven per cent behind year to date, the 100 to 200hp (75-150 kw) was o 28 per cent and is now 14 per cent down year to date and the large 200 hp (150kw) PLUS range was o 19 per cent and is presently 25 per cent behind year to date.

Sales of Combine Harvesters enjoyed a small bump, up 15 per cent for the month and now sit 17 per cent ahead year to date albeit on

very small numbers. Expectations for the full year still sit at around the 700 harvester range compared to previous years of more than 1000 sales.

Baler sales were once again down dramatically, this time by 62 per cent for the month and are 39 per cent behind year to date and nally sales of out front mowers are down eight and now 31 per cent behind year to date.

Sheep

Rural splendour, modern comfort

ADDRESS: 467 Caddigat Road

Approx two hectares

Three bed, two bath, two car

ASKING: $795,000

NESTLED amidst the serene landscape of Dry Plain, this charming brick abode at 467 Caddigat Road offers a perfect blend of rural splendour and modern comforts, ideal for families seeking a lifestyle retreat.

This exquisite property spans approximately two hectares, providing an idyllic setting for both relaxation and recreation.

The home has been thoughtfully converted from a four bedroom structure into an expansive threebedroom sanctuary, boasting a spacious parents’ retreat with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.

The semi-open plan design integrates a modern kitchen, ensuring a seamless ﬂow for family living and entertaining.

Comfort is assured year-round with a ducted reverse cycle unit discreetly installed in the ceiling, keeping the space cosy in winter and cool during the summer months.

Surrounding the home, you’ll ﬁnd a well-maintained garden featuring established fruit trees, native ﬂora, and stately pines.

External amenities include a large shed with a convenient double carport and workshop space, catering to all your storage and hobby needs.

The property also beneﬁts from

an easement to Caddigat Creek for water access, with a ﬁltration system installed at the house. A solar system is also installed to keep costs down.

The expansive wide verandah encircling the home offers a peaceful vantage point to take in the tranquil surrounds.

Located a mere 25 to 30 minutes from Cooma, this property presents an unrivalled opportunity for families to embrace a peaceful country lifestyle without sacriﬁcing convenience.

Beautiful home, convenient location

ADDRESS: 191 Maybe Street, Bombala ASKING: $510,000

BEAUTIFULLY renovated with just a touch of country this home is in a fantastic location, walking distance to public schools and the local shopping centre.

In the heart of the home is a stylish modern kitchen with loads of storage, spacious island bench, luxury SMEG gas stove and all the expected mod cons.

The kitchen opens onto the dining and sitting room with slow combustion heater, perfect for those quiet nights in during the cooler winter months, backdoor leads out onto the private screened deck with a powder room making it an ideal space for outdoor entertaining in warmer months.

31 High Street, Bombala

Too hot to last long!

If you want bang for your buck, then check this out! Established dual occupancy! Main house features:

• 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, open dining and lounge, galley style kitchen

• Covered patio at rear suitable for outdoor entertaining, front veranda with views over the Bombala Railway precinct

Granny flat features:

• 1 spacious bedroom with WIR, open living/kitchen, ensuite bathroom

• Reverse cycle air conditioning

Good sized fenced yard for both to use, established gardens and lawns, 2 water tanks. Both the house and the flat are currently tenanted making this a solid investment.

The spacious lounge room at the front of the house contains natural gas heater and reverse cycle air conditioning.

Master bedroom features an ensuite, built in robe and reverse cycle air conditioning, and the two remaining bedrooms also contain built in robes.

Soft carpet under feet in the lounge room and bedrooms and timber ﬂooring throughout entry, kitchen, dining and sitting.

The backyard is secured with Colourbond fence and features a shed with one open carport bay, two roller door bays and workshop/storage space in the remaining enclosed bay. All weather concrete driveway from the street.

This beautiful home is now ready to inspect so make your appointment today!

Looking for something far from the maddening crowd but need to be close to town, this property could be your answer!

• 2 very spacious bedrooms with BIR, 1 bathroom/laundry

• Modern kitchen, dining room and good sized lounge room with reverse cycle air con and pellet heater

• Large deck with plenty of room for entertaining/outdoor living

• Large block 3022m2 (approx.)

• Fenced house yard with established lawns, gardens and dog run

• 3 Bay garage, additional shed with sliding door access - perfect for mancave/ teenage/retreat or guest bedroom

This is a fantastic opportunity to combine space and privacy, so book your inspection today!

2 Keys Street, Bombala

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 When one turns aside, one does what (6)

8 Which gland secretes important digestive ﬂuid (8)

9 That which has a harsh, disagreeable taste is called what (6)

10 Which city was formerly Constantinople (8)

11 What is something to be learnt or studied (6)

13 Name another term for wolfram (8)

16 To be deeply regretted, is to be what (8)

19 What is a person from whom a place takes its name (6)

22 Which key starts a car (8)

24 To make beloved, is to do what (6)

25 What are military commanders known as (8)

26 When one walks with a vain, pompous bearing, one does what (6)

DOWN

2 What is a sound uttered through the mouth of a human being (5)

3 What are council charges (5)

4 Name a full-speed runner (8)

5 What is a single thing (4)

7 Name a renowned European river (6)

12 Which pit, well, or the like, collects liquid (4)

14 Name an alternative term for nakedness (8)

15 What is larger than a village, but smaller than a city (4)

17 What, in golf, are scores two below par (6)

E-QUATIONS

6 What are enclosures for sports contests (6)

Letters have a number value

18 To linger idly, is to do what (6)

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

Letters

E-QUATIONS

20 To be of greater age is to be what (5)

21 Name a singlecelled fungus (5)

23 Baghdad is the capital of which Asian republic (4)

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

1 HUMDRUM (a) Having a low opinion of oneself (b) Monotonous (c) Humble in speech

2 INTRACTABLE (a) Undaunted (b) Genuine (c) Obstinate

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

CLUES:

Afﬁrmative vote (3) Bridle mouthpiece (3) Discard (5) Giant (5)

Indeﬁnitely long period (3) Italian bowls (5) Of yoga (5) Solo musical performance (7)

Unreﬁned iron (3,4) Upper limit (3)

FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025

& decorative

Landscaping - Tan Bark, Gravel, Sand, Aggregate, Bagged Cement, Concrete & Clay Pavers, Concrete Retaining Wall

Digging Up The Dirt On The Monaro For Over 40

TRADES AND SERVICES

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

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

Classifieds IN PERSON

COOMA

CAR CLUB AGM

12pm Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the Clubhouse.

COOMA NETBALL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday, July 7, 2025. 5.30pm for a 6pm start. At the Cooma Ex-Servicemens Club. Snowy Lounge

REGISTRATION OF ABORIGINAL INTERESTS

– HERITAGE ASSESSMENT MICHELAGO

PLANNED Town Planning Solutions have engaged Past Traces Pty Ltd to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the proposed re-zoning and future subdivision at 2-14 Ryrie St Michelago (Lots 27 & 28 DP11158 and Lot 29 DP1002933). Client contact is Elizabeth Slapp – 0457 786 776. Past Traces invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge in determining the signi cance of Aboriginal objects and or places in the area of Michelago to register their interest in a process of community consultation. The purpose of the consultation will be to inform the Heritage Assessment including any subsurface testing, and assist NSW Heritage in the determination of an AHIP application if required. For more information or to register in writing or by email please contact: Lyn O’Brien Past Traces Pty Ltd GPO Box 1584 Canberra ACT 2600 o ce@pasttraces.com.au Ph: 0403 021 296 Please note that under NSW Heritage guidelines registration for consultation does not guarantee employment. REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 5pm 23/6/2025

ORGANISER – NSW Branch

The CFMEU Construction Division nationally represents 80,000 members. The Union is currently in Administration, but its work goes on.

We aim to be a strong and activist union that delivers for members.

The union keeps workers safe on site. It protects and improves wages and conditions and campaigns for changes that improve the lives of members and working people. The Union is committed to being enduringly free from internal corruption and resilient to external corrupting influences.

As part of our rebuilding process, we are seeking to appoint new organisers. Our organisers must be of good character with courage, integrity, the capacity to talk to, listen and understand building workers, the ability to recruit workers to the union. They need to have leadership qualities that mean members feel confidence and trust.

CFMEU organisers are critical to building strength at the workplace through the identification and development of delegates and workplace leaders. The CFMEU encourages the employment of union workplace leaders and delegates.

Our organisers are very well paid, receive a car, as well as generous superannuation and leave provision. The location for this role is flexible within NSW/ACT.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to jobsnsw@cfmeu.org

DENNIS, Leslie William. Son of William and Myrtle Dennis (both dec).

Brother to Kathleen, Dorothy, Margaret and John (dec).

Dad to Craig, Kelle, Mandy and Nicki. Pop to Nathan, Gemma, Jessie and Johnothan. Great Pop to Oakleigh.

A memorial service of thanksgiving for Leslie, will be held in the Gundagai Services Club, 254 Sheridan Street, Gundagai on Friday, June 20, 2025, commencing at 11am.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

JACKSON, Scott “Harry”. Passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at home in Bungarby. Aged 51 years.

Dearly loved husband of Kirsten. Son of June and Martin.

Brother of Glenn, late sister Michelle and twin to Darren.

The relatives and friends of the late Scott Jackson are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ma ra (2474 Spring eld Road, Ma ra) on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 commencing at 11am.

A er which a private cremation will follow.

Please Dress warmly and bring a chair and blankets.

Locals star in Raglan’s latest offering

By NATHAN THOMPSON

IF YOU head into the Raglan Gallery before July 20, you can play a game of spot the local face.

The Raglan’s latest exhibition opening has been declared one of its best. The Heads Up Portrait Prize showcases Snowy Monaro locals from all walks of life.

The Raglan was full on Saturday as the award winners were announced. World-renowned and Cooma artist, Imants Tillers, was a special guest who handed out the awards.

The judges had the challenging task of deciding award winners. Judge, Denise Ferris, announced that she and Lucy Culliton [who couldn’t attend the event] were unanimous in their decisions. They praised the technical skills and the engaging results of all winning images.

“We are thrilled with how many people turned up - artists, sitters, art lovers, and those keen to see the show and people in the community,” Raglan board member, Wendy McDougall, said.

Bombala artist, Tracey Romans, claimed rst prize for her winning portrait titled ‘Tiger Bobbin’. Second prize went to Kiarna Murnane for a portrait of her brother, titled ‘Luscious Lips’, and third prize went to Cooma’s Andrew Dawes for his entry ‘Dorothy Venable Survivor.’

The youth award went to Jaymes McLean for his portrait ‘Nick’. Stanley Smith received a highly commended for his self portrait.

In the open section, an encouragement award was presented to Alexandra Weare for her portrait ‘KL by AW’.

The Raglan is encouraging people to head along and vote in the people’s choice awards. The gallery on Lambie Street is open 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesdays to Sunday.

Gaden Trout Hatchery upgraded visitor centre re-opens

THE visitor centre at one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing coldwater sport sh has been ocially re-opened, following a multi-million-dollar renovation which has transformed it into a premier destination for all things trout.

The $3.35 million upgrade to the NSW Government’s Gaden Trout Hatchery’s tourist centre is the latest investment in the Snowy region from the Minns Government.

The makeover has delivered a stylish modern facility that complements the updated and enlarged state-of-theart sh hatchery facilities opened by the Minister for Agriculture in late 2024.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the NSW Government is committed to building a recreational shing sector that thrives and supports the Snowy and other regional communities.

“This signi cant multi-million-dollar upgrade to Gaden hatchery’s tourist centre is a clear demonstration of the Government’s support to growing recreational shing and better understanding of

sustainable sh habitats and waterways,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The thousands of visitors to the Gaden hatchery each year, provides a signi cant boost to the local Jindabyne and Snowy economy, estimated at up to $4,500,000 per year.”

The now completed t out of the upgraded tourist facility enables a better learning and exhibition experience for visitors. The aim is to increase visitor numbers from the more than 2000 visitors who last toured the Gaden site annually.

The tourist centre features an expansive outside deck overlooking sh display ponds and includes audiovisual displays, trout shing memorabilia and conference room facilities.

Visitors are invited to come along for a guided tour of the hatchery by one of the experienced hatchery sta , partake in the feeding of the sh in the broodstock ponds or just simply enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Thredbo River.

The NSW Government has recently invested more than

$8 million in hi-tech aquaculture production upgrades to the Gaden Trout Hatchery to help futureproof NSW’s popular trout shery, which contributes a range of bene ts to regional development across the State.

Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said the Snowy Monaro region is renowned for its spectacular trout shing, bringing thousands of visitors to the region each year.

“The new world-class facilities at the Gaden visitor centre will ensure the hatchery continues to be a popular destination for tourists and students to learn more about the history, signi cance, and ecology of trout shing in the region,” Mr Whan said.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about breeding programs of different species, as well as the NSW Government’s native sh rehabilitation programs.

“A visit to the Gaden Trout Hatchery is truly a fantastic day out for locals and tourists to our region, and I encourage everyone to come along and check out the wonderful

RENOVATIONS: The newly upgraded Gaden Trout Hatchery is now o icially open to the public PHOTO: NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Atlantic Salmon have been produced at Gaden Trout Hatchery over the past three years and stocked into the dams and river systems of trout sheries across the Snowy-Monaro, Southern Highlands, Central West and New England areas.

Upgrades included a new hatchery featuring Recirculating Aquaculture Systems that control water temperatures to allow faster and

production, management of broodstock and capacity to rapidly rebuild sheries following adverse environmental conditions such as drought or ood.

The upgrades to the hatchery and visitor facilities will ensure that Gaden Trout Hatchery continues to be a popular destination for tourism and recreational shing education in the Snowy Mountains region.

Gaden Trout Hatchery, located on the Thredbo River, 10 km north-west of Jinda-

byne at 224 Gaden Road, is open weekends from 10am3pm with two tours daily. For more information about visiting Gaden Trout Hatchery and admission fees, visit https://www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/ sh-hatcheries/gaden-trouthatchery All proceeds raised through admission fees are invested back into the Recreational Fishing Trust and used to improve recreational shing in NSW.

Another terrific entry in the youth section was Ashton Farrell’s portrait of Cooma’s Igor King, titled ‘Magnificent Mr King’.

Stanley Smith stands in front of his self portrait. Stanley, at only seven-years-old, receives a highly commended in the youth section.

Kiarna Murnane’s portrait of her brother (le ) claims second place in the portraits exhibition.

WINNER: Bombala artist, Tracey Romans, is awarded first place in the Raglan Gallery’s Heads Up Portrait Prize. Tracey’s portrait of partner, Tiger Bobbin, impressed the judges and the hundreds who attended the awards presentation.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Paul Lester completes epic ride

By MELINDA CAIRNS-HACK

COOMA’S, Paul Lester, is in recovery mode as he slowly makes his way back to the Snowy Monaro a er nishing a gruelling bike race covering 6250 kilometres.

The 2025 Terra Australis Bike Epic, run by Breathtaking Events, a private events company, is an individual time trial [ITT] route suitable for experienced multi-day ultra endurance riders who have a demonstrated capacity of enduring the constant daily challenges, dealing with the elements and one’s changing emotional space.

Riders participating in such an event additionally need to have the knowledge and capacity to prepare, plan and execute their ride with a clear understanding of their personal needs to remain hydrated and fuelled to undertake and complete the ride without any outside support other than that which is available to any fellow competitor from commercial business providers or public facilities along the route.

Riders not only have to contend with the mental and physical challenge this route demands, but are at the mercy of unpredictable weather events (torrential rain in the mid-north coast and northern rivers of NSW en route this year caused dramas), ooded rivers and river crossings are all part of the adventure particularly at the most northern parts of Queensland, plus crocodiles, dingos, muddy and overgrown tracks, exhausting mountainous terrain, ferry breakdowns and mechanical repairs are thrown in the mix.

This year’s ride began from Wilsons Promontory in Victoria heading north up the eastern seaboard of NSW and then inland through central and northern Queensland to the tip at Cape York.

Paul’s Instagram account, regionservicestation, provides a diary of where he has been and his thoughts along the way. The posts include a mix of scenic panoramic images, towns and villages and some

video en route. They also capture some of the wildlife he encountered while in Queensland such as dingos and crocodiles. History shows most do not nish Terra Australis. DNF is standard. Paul was one of three competitors to complete the marathon ride, the other three having to withdraw within two weeks of their journey north. To have three nish from six riders is unusual and highly commendable.

Two of the six riders were from overseas (New Zealand and the USA).

Paul started the time trial on 1 May and completed the ride in 37d:09:33m behind Sydney-sider, Meredith Quinlan, who nished the race on 5 June in 35d:07h:55m.

In a comment on the Bikepacking Ultra Racing Australia Facebook page Meredith described the event as “not only a long race but a very di cult race, and that’s before the track conditions and weather are taken into consideration”.

When Paul reached Cape York, Breathtaking Events wrote “another super strong determined ride from Paul, his fourth attempt at this monster challenge. Paul also raced the Covid locked Byron BayCanberra leg in 2020 in addition to his attempts in 2019, 2022 and 2023. In all he’s completed 12,943km of this epic ride to nally nail a nish”.

For bikepacking enthusiasts, Paul rode a Salsa Model Cutthroat (AKA bumble bee) ultra-endurance mixed surface bike designed and built to cover long distances with speed and comfort; Gears: 1X 32 F 51-10 R, and carried Bivvy Tyvek / Sea to Summit R 4 sleeping mat using a Topeak back loader, Apidura frame bag, Restrap front roll.

His bikepacking experience consists of the US Tour Divide 2016, 2017; Terra Australis 2020, 2022, 2023 [all DNF]; Monaro Cloudride 1000 2023, 12 x Susitna Iditasport fat bike snow race, Alaska (all nished).

Paul said it was a great feeling to nally nish such a tough and at times brutal event and thanked all those who provided words of support over the 37 days.

THE Lake Jindabyne foreshore was awash in pink, sunshine and support on Sunday for an important cause.

Local, Lily Godding, held her Pink Fun Run over the weekend where she and the community raised $1096 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Lily thanked each runner, walker, ra e ticket buyer, donor and sponsor for making the event special.

Ms Godding said she is also proud to be running the City2Surf as a charity superstar, raising vital funds for breast cancer research.

“This mission is deeply personal. Last year, my Aunty was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she is now recovering, but her journey inspired me to take action for those still ghting, and for those we’ve lost,” Ms Godding said.

“I know it’s very close to a lot of people as well, and I’m nding out that more and more people have been a ected one way or another by breast cancer and the response so far has been amazing.”

Lily’s efforts raise thousands

PHOTO: Lyn French (Gilberton Outback Retreat)

Recently formed Club GOGO Jindabyne proudly supports Lily’s fundraising e orts.

SUCCESS: Jindabyne’s Lily Godding has led a community fun run to raise $1096 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. PHOTOS: Nicole McLeod

Stallions to celebrate 1993 premiership

THE early 1990s were a goldenera for the Cooma Stallions with the club’s reserve grade side winning the 1993 and 1994 premierships.

Past players will gather at the Cooma Showground this Saturday as the club celebrates the 1993 side for its annual heritage round.

Led by captain/coach, Dean Lynch, the ‘93 side defeated Eden in the grand nal.

The Stallions will face Eden in league-tag, reserves and rst grade, in what will be three tough and exciting matches.

A busy Saturday kicks o at 10.30am with the Stallions under 18s taking on Moruya. The Fillies then run out at 12pm, before reserve grade at 1pm and rst grade at 2.30pm.

A special jersey presentation will take place at 1.30pm with players from the 1993 side presenting the current rst grade side with their heritage round jerseys.

If all that wasn’t enough to whet the footy appetite, the Stallions are also hosting ladies day on Saturday. Following the Fillies encounter, there will be champagne and nibbles to celebrate all the women involved in Cooma rugby league.

Mixed results for Stallions, Fillies league sides

FOUR games at three venues saw the Cooma Stallions and Fillies head to di erent corners of the South East for the latest round in the Group 16 competition.

The Fillies took on a strong Tathra side in Tathra, going down 34-4. Despite the score, the side once again delivered a committed e ort and continue to improve in defence and attack.

Best for the Fillies were Alyssa Arnold who collected three player points, two to Ruby Barnes the lone try scorer, and one each to Jordy Breden, Jess Clark, and Esther Robinson. Players’ player went to Breden.

THE Snowy River Bears have honoured former player Andy Wallace with a special tribute to the Bears player who passed away while playing for the club in 2001.

The Bears and Binalong Brahmans contested the inaugural Andy Wallace Memorial Shield.

Andy passed away during a match between the Bears and Brahmans in 2001.

The under 18s faced Batemans Bay in Cooma, winning a tight match 26-14. The best for the Stallions were Judah Fai-Filiga with three player and one to George Tsiksikronis and Dempsey Woolf. Tsiksikronis was awarded players’ player.

to Brendan Bamblett, two to Jake Byrnes and one to Lee Morgan. Josh McDonald was players’ player.

In reserve grade, Cooma su ered a heavy defeat to Moruya in Moruya. The Stallions lost 46-4.

First grade registered consecutive wins for the rst time this season with a gritty 26-14 win over Moruya.

several times, the Stallions edged ahead in the last 15 minutes. Tries went to Riley Casey who snared two, James Cahill, Jake Clare and Keegan Caldwell.

Three player points went to Caldwell, two to Noah Sad-

Andy Wallace, forever a Snowy River Bear Bushpigs set for legacy day fundraiser

Andy was a born and bred local who had a long involvement with the Bears.

Former teammates, friends and family gathered at John Connors Oval to remember Andy. In the ladies’ league-tag game, Binalong was too strong, registering a 30-0 win. In the men’s match, a tight encounter went down to the nal seconds as Binalong won 26-24.

A HIGHLIGHT on the Jindabyne Rugby Union Club’s calendar is its annual legacy day. This year, the club is raising money to support its recently created community investment fund. The fund will go towards improving local sports facilities and helping the Jindabyne community. All dollars raised will go straight into the fund to back long-term upgrades while still supporting locals and good causes in the region.

An exciting day at John Connors Oval will see juniors matches in the morning before the Miss Piggies and Bushpigs take on Bungendore at 1.15pm and 2.30pm respectively.

The fundraising dinner is at Clancy’s Brasserie at the Banjo Paterson Inn, tickets $70 per person. A ticket includes a two-course dinner, drink on arrival, along with entertainment and the live auction of the club’s 2025 playing jerseys for the Miss Piggies and Bushpigs.

HISTORY: The Cooma Stallions reserve grade premiership winning side of 1993 will be celebrated as part of the club’s heritage round this Saturday.

PHOTO: Supplied

In the Snowy River Bears league-tag game, Sheryl Baird, makes a break for her side. Andy, who passed away while playing for the Bears in 2001. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Cricket boost for Bombala

By NATHAN THOMPSON

FOR a town previously without cricket nets open to the community, Bombala has produced more than its fair share of top cricketers.

The Bombala District Cricket Association is a regular contributor to the region’s junior representative sides with players selected in the South East side, and then onto higher honours in the Southern Districts teams.

Last year, Bombala’s Lakyn Tonks represented NSW in the National Primary School Championships. Lakyn was selected as one of the best primary school cricketers in the state.

All this success has come without access to nets for many years. Bombala cricketers once used school nets but for the last few years they have had to become inventive.

A makeshi batting cage

was used as a substitute for nets, but soon, local cricketers will be batting, bowling, and making good use of new nets.

The nets have been built as part of upgrades to the Bombala Exhibition ground, the town’s one and only sports precinct. Snowy Monaro Regional Council secured funding to enhance the exhibition ground, and new cricket nets are part of the upgrades.

Bombala District Cricket Association president, Hugh Kater, said the two nets will be a major boost for cricketers in the district.

“Not only will the new nets help our juniors and seniors improve their training, they will also attract more people to the sport,” Kater said.

“There will be more of a visual presence for cricket in town. We are all looking forward to using the nets when they open in September.”

Cooma Golf Club foursome winners decided

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

THE Cooma Golf Club held its men’s and ladies’ foursomes on Saturday with a strong eld contesting the event.

Across the 27 holes, nett winners on the day were Mark Burke and Neil Mackenzie with a score of 110.5 nett. The foursome championship winners were Dave Stewart and Tom Stewart with a gross score of 120.

Place-getters were Tim Bedingeld and Steven Wheatley, Greg Abraham and Brian Tugwell, Mitch Hynes and Mark Cooper, and Dave Stewart and Tom Stewart.

The foursomes format involves two players forming a team and playing one ball alternately.

Nearest the pin went to Mark Rainsford on four and Mackenzie on nine.

In the stableford competition

By BOMBALA BOWLS

on Sunday, Garry Cornish was the overall winner with a score of 35 points on a countback. Placegetters were Mark Burke, Jason Brazulaitis, David Robinson, Roy Hankinson, David Stewart, Ken McGrath, Wayne Flynn, Frank McKnight, Mark Kenmir, Lindsay Blewitt, Claire Caldwell and Leo Percy.

The midweek stableford competition on Wednesday, 11 June was won by Simon Allen with 34 points. Steven Wheatley followed closely behind with 33 points on a countback.

Wayne Flynn was nearest the pin on nine. Place-getters were Garry Batten, David Stewart, Frank McKnight, Colin Langdon, Mark Kenmire, Tim Beding eld, Martin Gelling and Mark Rainsford.

This week, the Saturday and Sunday competitions are a stableford, with Saturday including a four-ball-best-ball multiplier.

Kerry

and David

are

Gulliford, Peters claim tight Bombala wins

THERE was a very good roll-up on Saturday with the fog lifting just as golfers were about to hit off, making it a pleasant after-

noon.

The event was a par for club trophy. The scores were tight with a number of countbacks.

Shannon Gulliford was the winner ahead of Joel Cherry and Glen Hampshire all coming in square.

Balls were won by Gulliford, Cherry, Hampshire, Linden Hampshire, Oscar Gough and Ray Crawford all minus two.

Nearest the pin was not won. Golden shot went to Daniel Douch.

With the Bombala Blue Heelers in action on Sunday, numbers were down as golfers contested a stableford for J. Ingram trophy.

Kristen Peters on 33 points was the victor, ahead of Ray Crawford 32

points and Wayne Elton 31 points. These players were also the ball winners.

Nearest the pin on 17 and golden shot on five were won by Elton.

Program for the week Ladies

Wednesday, 18 June - stableford, club trophy

Members Saturday, 21 June - stableford, L. Jones trophy

Sunday, 22 June - three stick event, stableford, club trophy.

Fantastic Fenton fires to winin cool conditions

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

COOLER weather did not deter golfers, or their scoring with junior Aaron Fenton winning Sunday’s stableford competition with 39 points.

Two steady nines of 19 points and 20 points included an impressive seven

three pointers to assist his card.

Mick Thoms’ 38 points earned him the runner-up position, his round also including birdies on the third hole and the eleventh.

The ball competition ran down to 32 points including Owain Jones 36, Ron Duncan 35, Gregg Quinn 35, Jan

O’Halloran 33, Kevin Cramer 33, Jye Kearney 32 and Alan Butterworth 32.

Near pins for the men were won by Mick Thoms on three, Felix Bertossi on eight, Alan Butterworth on 15 and Felix Bertossi on 17.

The ladies near pins were won by Kylie Woodcock on three, Michelle White on

eight, Maureen Rupcic on 15 and Jan O’Halloran on 17.

Several players opted to contest the mixed Keno two-person ambrose, with Andrew and Megan Haigh winning the day on 69.5 nett, with runner up Michelle and Roger White on 71 nett.

An update on the eclectic sees Nigel Bolton leading the gross with an impressive -17, and in the nett eclectic there are three golfers on -25, Aaron Fenton, Cole Haigh and Glen Staker.

Last Wednesday, David Dubin won the day with 34 points in a low scoring affair with three players on 33

points, Michael McIntosh, Jayden Brown and Michelle White.

The match play will be starting in July, if you have not registered talk with captain Geo Murphy. Membership renewals are due soon, with all details on the website play golf page, and links for payments.

LOCAL SPORT: Bombala cricketers (le to right) Mark Tonks, Zane Smith, Lakyn Tonks, Joey Sullivan and Bombala District Cricket Association president, Hugh Kater, in front of the new Bombala cricket nets at the exhibition ground.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

COMPETITION:

Blencowe

Goggin

looking forward to their round at the Cooma Golf Club.

PHOTOS: Cooma Golf Club

Dramatic finish to men’s pairs

By COOMA BOWLS

THE final of the Cooma Bowling Club’s men’s pairs championships has been declared by spectators as one of the most dramatic finals played in years.

Geoff Venables, fresh from his singles championship win, teamed-up with long time bowler, Colin (Red) Roberson. Their opponents were another long term bowler, Terry Croker and a new club member, Mick Janes (a sub for the injured Rob Roberson).

Geoff and Red were off to a flyer with four shots on the first end. They produced 14 shots from ends three to seven. They led 15-1 after seven ends.

Terry and Mick picked up five shots over the next six ends. However, by the end of end 14, Geoff and Red led 20-6.

At this point the game took a big twist. Terry and Mick took charge and over the next five ends, they scored a two, three, three, three, and two (13 shots).

In quick-time, the score was reduced to 20-19 in favour of Geoff and Red, with the match on the line.

On end 20, the leaders scored two to extend their lead to 22-19. Terry and Mick needed three to tie the final.

They produced a one shot end, to lose a thriller 22-20. Geoff Venables and Red Roberson are the pairs champions.

For Geoff, this caps off a terrific season as the singles and pairs champion.

Nominations are now being sought for the men’s minor pairs championship. All male bowlers can play in this championship. Winter social bowls

Despite the change in temperature, the regular social bowlers and some newcomers are having fun and enjoying their bowls.

On rink one last Wednesday, Louisa Kinggee (new bowler), Peter Harris and Graham Vale (regular visitor) were too strong for Wendy Nixon, Wayne Kinggee and Bruce Mc-

Dermott. The former won 20-8.

On rink two, Carmel McDermott, Diane Wilkins and Max Butler were cruising and led 12-4 after nine ends. Their opponents, Wendy Spender, Bruce Stewart and mary Bowerman then rallied to win the final five ends, scoring nine shots, including four shots on the last end to win 13-12.

On rink three, Mick Boyce and Don Menchin were off to a good start against Ross Lawley and Steven Bowerman. However, the good start was short-lived due to some excellent draw bowling from Lawley.

After five ends, Mick and Don led 9-1 after nine ends it was 9-9, and by end 13 Ross and Steven were leading 15-10. By now, Ross continually attacked the jack and set up a scoring shot.

On the last four ends, Ross and Steven scored eight shots to win comfortably 25-14 on end 22.

Social bowls is on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. All are welcome.

Stallions’ heritage round

PAGE 33

Triple treat for Blue Heelers

ROGERS STARS AS BOMBALA SECURES

FIRST WIN

By NATHAN THOMPSON

BOMBALA Blue Heelers fullback, Bailey Rogers, has produced arguably his best performance for the club to li the rst grade side to its rst win of the season.

Rogers starred in the Blue Heelers’ dominant 60-0 win over the Batemans Bay Tigers in front of a large Bombala home crowd.

In the space of 15 minutes, Rogers tore through the Tigers’ defence, crossing for a hat-trick in the rst half. Bombala raced to 60

LARGEST RANGE IN THE REGION

points by the 60th minute with the match ended early.

The win is Bombala’s rst of the season and li s the side to sixth in what is proving to be a close Group 16 rst grade competition.

The opening 20 minutes of the match saw both sides regularly drop the ball. The Blue Heelers missed two scoring opportunities down their le edge when close to the tryline with passes missing winger Daniel Douch.

Repeat infringements by the Tigers and strong carries from the

Blue Heelers forwards, allowed the home side to dominant possession and territory.

Bombala’s rst try came through a de chip and chase from hooker, Albert Kaloma, who re-gathered to cross between the posts. From here, it was one-way tra c as the Blue Heelers attack clicked.

Rogers nished o a swi backline move, receiving a nice pass from ve-eight Alex Rosten. Rogers went over largely untouched for the rst of his three tries.

His second try came a er he beat multiple Tigers defenders from 20 metres out to again slice through their right edge defence.

The tries kept owing for Bombala into the second half to cap o a memorable day for the club.

The Bombala High Heelers secured the rst of the club’s three wins on Sunday with another top performance. The High Heelers were too strong from the Tigers, nishing 56-0 victors.

In seven matches, the High Heelers have only conceded one try.

The Blue Heelers reserve grade outfit took on an understrength Tigers side. The Tigers played with just 11 players all match.

Best for Blue Heelers was halfback, Rylee Holland, who scored 28 points in the the 66-6 win.

All three sides are in action at home this Sunday against Moruya.

J INDABYNE

DOMINANT: Bombala Blue Heelers forward, Nathan Robinson, delivers a strong carry for his side.

PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

INSET: Bombala Blue Heelers fullback, Bailey Rogers, scored a hat-trick to lead the first grade side to a 60-0 win.

Be better prepared for winter: Police, SES

BACK COUNTRY HIKERS

URGED TO CARRY PLBS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE RESCUE of two hikers in the Kosciuszko National Park has prompted Monaro Police and the Snowy River State Emergency Service to join forces in urging back country hikers to plan better.

Monaro Police District acting Inspector, Andrew Woods, and Snowy River SES unit Commander, Malika Bailey, are calling on hikers to be more prepared.

Inspector Woods said hikers

should plan ahead, consider the conditions, complete a trip intention form and carry a personal locator beacon. He said these simple steps can be lifesaving but not enough hikers are adhering to the message.

“Our message is to be prepared, ll out a trip intention form and pick-up a PLB from a National Parks and Wildlife Service o ce before heading out,” Inspector Woods said.

“Please tell someone where you

plan to go and don’t travel alone.”

Inspector Woods said the rescue team was luckily able to make contact with the pair through an

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Landfill options

By TRISTA HEATH

RESIDENTS and commercial customers of Jindabyne Landfill attended a Snowy Monaro Regional Council community update session on Thursday evening at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall, to learn more about the ongoing planning and feasibility investigations into the future of the landfill site.

At each of the two sessions, attendees learned more about the three potential paths forward for Jindabyne’s waste facility and had the opportunity to ask questions.

Providing the update was council’s corporate projects manager, Greg Thompson; chief community services officer, Tony Murray; supervisor of Jindabyne Landfill, Wayne Beswick; and senior project manager, Tyron Bicknell.

app on their phone, but had they had a PLB, contact would have been easier.

“They went out the evening before the blizzard, and did not consider the conditions,”

Inspector Woods said.

“This is another opportunity to reinforce the safety message when going out to the back country be mindful of the weather, it can change quickly.”

■ More on page 5

Since the Jindabyne landfill’s closure on 31 March, Mr Thompson said there has been multiple interim upgrades to the current site including improving drainage, the road base and signage as well as widening hardstands and the road to allow for better traffic flow.

■ More on page 3

Bears honour Andy Wallace

TEAMMATES REMEMBER A ‘BEAUTIFUL’ MAN

By NATHAN THOMPSON

WHEN the Snowy River Bears and Binalong Brahmans met on Saturday, the result didn’t matter. The clubs came together to play the inaugural Andy Wallace Memorial Shield, and in doing so, paid tribute to a former Bear and ‘beautiful’ man.

Andy passed away while playing for the Bears in 2001 against Binalong. To honour his

contribution and standing in the club, the Bears hosted a special occasion on Saturday where Andy’s former teammates, friends and family gathered to remember him.

Andy was a member of the Bears 1996 premiership winning side and a key gure throughout the 1990s.

A er overcoming cancer, he made a comeback to play in 2001 aged 39.

Former teammates described his comeback as inspirational, saying

the younger players in particular had plenty of respect for Andy.

Mick Hamilton was playing in the same team as Andy when he passed away. He said Andy was a much loved player and will forever be remembered as a great mate and Snowy River Bear.

“Andy was a gentle giant. He was a beautiful man,” Mick said.

“It was a hard day, I can’t remember the result. It was really hard for our boys and the club.”

Brahmans secured the rst Andy Wallace Memorial Shield with a 26-24 win. The visitors overturned an 18-4 half time de cit to claim the shield.

Captain Jesse Jackson led the way in the rst half, with strong performances from Harrison Denford in what was a very physical game in the middle.

Jason Dyball made metres when he came on and halfback Wayne Crisp led the team around the park

capably.

The young and inexperienced backline put in a sturdy e ort and they are improving with each game.

In the league-tag xture, an ever-improving Bears side went down 30-0 to Binalong. The Bears showed plenty of ght in the second half.

Both Bears sides take on Googong this Saturday in away clashes.

HIRE: CANOE,

J INDABYNE

LARGEST RANGE IN THE REGION

The

LEADER: Jason Dyball provides a strong run for the Snowy River Bears during their clash against Binalong. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

MP180625DigitalEditionAastaArctander

Be better prepared for winter: Police, SES Industrial action paused

BACK COUNTRY HIKERS

URGED TO CARRY PLBS

Greyhounds As Pets adoption success

Loving locals take on loveable pooches

Three plans proposed for Jindabyne waste facility Council discusses landfill’s future Key plans for adoption

Firewood

Drive to the conditions: police

Road users urged to be prepared

Police, SES issue winter warning

Development application

Cooma Hospital performs above state average

Jindabyne Chamber ready to connect local businesses

TAXTIME2025

Rangers urge parking compliance

GOGO Jindabyne empowers women

Forming friendships, adventuring together

Favourite Cooma location re-opens

SPONSORED CONTENT

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Jindabyne’s ongoing infrastructure saga

Auxiliary busy as usual

Photo of the week

Posted with Phil Daley

Life on the funny farm

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lost horses, lost causes

Cooma fire station upgrades now officially open

Snow people on the move

Cooma Men’s Probus honour Roses

Council updates

Jindabyne information session

Council meeting

Boco Rock Community Enhancement Fund applications

Teaching an old dog new tricks

Local obedience classes for behaviour issues

Pride flag flies proudly

Cooma North Public School Early Act fundraising fun

New Australian citizens embraced

ATO reminder on interest deductibility changes

Navigating your property goals

to help

Tax time preperation steps

Local leadership, client first focus Kenmir Accounting thrives in community

Thriving Women 2025 to inspire, connect regional ag leaders

Monaro women play leading role in key national event

State government’s biosecurity budget boost

Heavy Merino lambs reach $258/head: report

Weekly cattle, sheep market report

Drought, flooding impacts tractor sales during May

Rural splendour, modern comfort

Beautiful home, convenient location

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

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E-QUATIONS

FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025

Digging Up The Dirt On The Monaro For Over 40

TRADES AND SERVICES

Classifieds IN PERSON

ORGANISER – NSW Branch

Locals star in Raglan’s latest offering

Gaden Trout Hatchery upgraded visitor centre re-opens

Paul Lester completes epic ride

Lily’s efforts raise thousands

Stallions to celebrate 1993 premiership

Mixed results for Stallions, Fillies league sides

Andy Wallace, forever a Snowy River Bear Bushpigs set for legacy day fundraiser

Cricket boost for Bombala

Cooma Golf Club foursome winners decided

Gulliford, Peters claim tight Bombala wins

Fantastic Fenton fires to winin cool conditions

Dramatic finish to men’s pairs

Stallions’ heritage round

Triple treat for Blue Heelers

ROGERS STARS AS BOMBALA SECURES

FIRST WIN

Be better prepared for winter: Police, SES

BACK COUNTRY HIKERS

URGED TO CARRY PLBS