MP190325DigitalEditionAastaArctander by Provincial Press Group

Bombala Bob recognised

By KAREN FORMAN

SNOWY Monaro Regional Councillor, Bob Stewart, has been honoured for 30 years of service to local government and many years of service to his beloved Bombala community.

The Snowy Monaro’s longest serving councillor was presented with a certificate by Member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain, and two beautiful artworks by former Bombala councillor Sue Haslingden during the official opening of the Bombala Show on Saturday.

Cr Stewart has spent the majority of his three decades in local government as the former Bombala Shire Council mayor.

An emotional Cr Stewart accepted the artworks and spoke of his passion for the Bombala community.

“We have a great community here which works together. I just do what I

think should be done and work for the community.”

The artworks depict a drone-generated picture of his property and an oil painting of his home as a thank you for his contribution to the community over many years.

“Bob is synonymous with Bombala and very passionate about things including not being amalgamated,” Mrs Haslingden said.

Welcoming locals, visitors and special guests, Bombala Exhibition Society president, Sophie Campbell, told the large crowd she was proud to be part of the team of volunteers who had put this special Bombala Show together.

■ More coverage on pages 3 and 24

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Council to debate record number of motions

Visitor centre review, meeting locations on busy agenda

By NATHAN THOMPSON

Twenty four motions are on the agenda for Thursday’s ordinary meeting in Bombala, the most motions since council formed in 2026. The two dozen motions will be put forward between Cr Reuben Rose, Luke Williamson and Andrew Thaler. Cr Rose is calling for a review into council’s visitor information centres in Bombala

and Cooma. His motion, if successful, will see a review included in the 2026 draft and operational plan to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and if the current funding allocation provides the best return.

“Ensuring that the council invests in the most effective tourism support strategies is essential for maximising

COOMA FURNISHING CO

 HONOUR: Bombala icon, Bob Stewart, has been recognised for his long service to the community as a councillor.

Dr Lee helps cut three-month wait list

Cooma GP shortens wait for ultrasound guided injections

By KAREN FORMAN

WHAT do you do if you are a regional general practitioner frustrated by long waits for your patients to receive ultrasound guided steroid injections that can ease pain and inflammation?

If you are Cooma’s Dr Jae Lee, you go and complete a special qualification so you can do it yourself. And then you personally buy the $10,000 machine you will need to perform the procedure so you can get right on with it.

Dr Lee, a member of the team at the Monaro Medical Practice, started offering a new ultrasound guided injection service this week and such was the demand for the service, he had 20 bookings before he even began.

The service adds to the sleep clinic the practice decided to set up late last year and the psychology service it will be offering soon, so that not only their own, but any local patients could access sleep studies in their own homes without having to go on long waiting lists and travel to Canberra or further afield for overnight studies.

“We really want to provide services for our patients who tend to miss out because they live in a regional area,” he said.

“Our patients have to travel

away for many services and then there can be long waiting lists.

“Our goal is to continually build our practice so that we are able to provide more services locally.”

Dr Lee said ultrasound guided steroid injections were used to provide pain and inflammation management for a range of conditions including bursitis of the shoulder, frozen shoulder, knees, carpel tunnel, thumb tendonitis, osteoarthritis in joints, plantar fascitis, bursitis in feet, tendinopathies and more.

But they need to be administered by a qualified medical professional.

“A radiologist visits Cooma once a week in winter and once a month in summer so it is actually quicker to get the treatment here in the winter,” he said.

“But there is a three month wait at the Cooma hospital radiology department and people are getting desperate.

“That is why I thought I might as well do it myself, what’s stopping me?”

He attended a four-day course on the Gold Coast to obtain his Certificate in Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections.

“I already knew how to do it, but you need a qualification. Then I had to buy the machine, which is very small and just

plugs into my tablet. The quality is equal to that in the emergency department at the hospital,” Dr Lee said.

Steroid is injected into the affected areas guided by ultrasound to ensure precision of placement. The success rate, according to Dr Lee, is 66 per cent with no ultrasound.

Patients can have up to four a year.

The service is open to patients from outside the practice who are referred by their doctors and many treatments are covered by Medicare.

Meanwhile, Monaro Medical Practice’s sleep clinic has been running smoothly and delivering valuable insights for its patients.

Practice manager, Stefanie Storey, said since its launch, doctors had seen a positive response from individuals seeking help with sleep disorders.

“The in-home nature of the study has made it more convenient and accessible, allowing patients to get an accurate diagnosis without the need to stay overnight in a sleep lab,” she said.

“The data collected from these studies - ranging from heart rate to oxygen levels - has enabled our sleep specialist to identify sleep conditions like sleep apnoea more effectively and create personalised

treatment plans. As a result, many patients have reported significant improvements in their sleep quality and overall well-being.

“We are proud to be offering

a service that not only helps diagnose common sleep disorders but also empowers patients to take control of their health, all while prioritising their comfort.”

WAIT LISTS: Cooma’s Dr Jae Lee has self funded a special ultrasound machine and undertaken additional training so he can o er ultrasound guided steroid injections to local people, avoiding a three month wait list at Cooma Hospital.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Bombala celebrates 150 years of shows

Cr Stewart honoured for local government service

By KAREN FORMAN

FORMER Bombala mayor and current Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Bob Stewart, was honoured twice over during the opening of the Bombala Show.

A humbled Cr Stewart tearfully accepted from Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain, a certificate honouring his 30 years of service to local government.

“This is very humbling I can assure you,” Cr Stewart said.

“We have a great community here which works together. I just do what I think should be done and work for the community.”

Former Bombala Council representative, Sue Haslingden, gave him two artworks, depicting a drone-generated picture of his property and an oil painting of his home as a thank you for his contribution to the community over many years.

“Bob is synonymous with Bombala and very passionate about things including not being amalgamated,” Mrs Haslingden said.

Jenny Brownlie was honoured with a life membership in her absence.

their hands up to help with next year’s show.

“Every single cog in the wheel is important and it takes hundreds of volunteers thousands of volunteer hours to make the show happen,” she said.

The show took in all aspects of a typical country show, with hot competition in the pavilion, horse, showjumping, sheep, cattle, poultry exhibits, a

daredevil motorbike rider, a magician, dodgem cars, jumping castles, food and community stalls.

The show was officially opened by Bombala Historical Society past president, Stuart Hood, who gave an entertaining and informative history of the show.

He said a fire at the Bombala Times office had destroyed many early records making research tricky.

He told the crowd the show had been held for the first time in 1870, with the Bombala Agricultural, Pastoral, Industrial and Mining Exhibition Society formed in 1873.

“The name didn’t last long and by 1883 it was back to Bombala Exhibition Society,” he said.

“The first shows were held on the riverbank until the current site was purchased and finances

were always a challenge but never insurmountable.

“A weatherboard pavilion was built in 1884 which put them into debt and they were going to sell in 1886 but then along came a guarantor and a bank loan and they were off again.

“In 1896 they couldn’t pay the prizemoney as they had extended the pavilion and had a 500 pound debt, but with careful and frugal management they were out of debt in 1906 and built a ladies toilet. I don’t know what the women did before that, I thought it would have been an early priority.”

He paid tribute to the community which had always supported the show, including raising 1000 pounds towards the 3000 pound new pavilion with a Back to Bombala Week celebration.

“Getting a position on the committee was a very prestigious honour, it was as big as a shire election,” Mr Hood said.

“I am pleased to see so many young people exhibiting and hope they will continue to support our show.”

Mrs Campbell added she was pleased to say the show was not in debt and that the election process was now easy, but “obviously still prestigious”.

GREG COWELL LANDSCAPING

PLANT YOUR BULBS

SPRING COLOUR

CELEBRATE: Bombala Historical Society past president, Stuart Hood, opens the show flanked by Far South Coast Snowy Monaro Group Six secretary, Lindsay Boyton, and Bombala show president, Sophie Campbell. PHOTO: Karen Forman

Cooma crisis accommodation units near completion

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE construction of six emergency accommodation units in Cooma is expected to be completed next month, providing safe places for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.

The units are on track to be available for occupancy by the end of May, and are much needed according to Southern Cross Housing CEO, Alex Pontello.

“Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children across Australia, which is why we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Albanese Government to deliver this new emergency accommodation in Cooma,” Mr Pontello said.

“We’re proud to be the largest community housing provider in South Eastern NSW, stretching from Wollongong to Eden across to Cooma and Jindabyne – and we welcome this $1.2 million from the Federal Government, because it means we can offer the Cooma community more support.”

The Federal Government is delivering $1.2 million to Southern Cross Housing to support the construction of the self-contained emergency accommodation units in Cooma. The funding will also see construction of an onsite meeting and common room for support services.

Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, joined Mr

Pontello, last week to inspect the progress of construction.

“Having a safe place to go can be the difference between leaving a violent relationship or staying, which is why I’m incredibly proud $1.2 million in federal funding is supporting Southern Cross Housing deliver six emergency accommodation units in Cooma,” Ms McBain said.

“This accommodation will not only support women and children fleeing domestic violence access a safe place when they need it most, it will also connect them with specialised services and supports that meet their needs.”

Delivered under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program, this funding builds on Southern Cross Housing’s $1.1 million investment in this project, which is also supporting construction of an onsite meeting and common room for support services.

The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program provides a capital investment to fund the building, renovation or purchase of emergency accommodation to support women and children in circumstances, where staying safely at home is not possible.

Cooma jail listed on state heritage register

By NATHAN THOMPSON

COOMA Correctional Centre’s challenging history as the only known prison in the world specifically used to incarcerate gay men, transwomen, and nonbinary people, has been formally recognised with its listing on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Established in 1873, NSW’s oldest operational jail was exclusively used between 1957 and 1984 to imprison men based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The inclusion of the centre on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the jail’s legacy and the individuals who suffered within its walls.

“Cooma jail’s imposing gate and towering granite walls have stood as an enduring feature of Cooma, serving as a visible reminder of our heritage as one of the state’s original prison towns,” Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.

“The State Heritage listing is a recognition of the jail’s historical significance, not a change to its current operations and I want to assure the community that the prison will continue to function as a correctional facility, just as it is.”

For decades, gay men, transwomen, and non-binary people were incarcerated at the jail for the crime of homosexuality, a crime that remained illegal in NSW until it was de-criminalised in 1984.

The centre was central during the early push for law reform, serving as a focal point for the first public campaigns to decriminalise homosexuality.

The formation of the Homosexual Law Reform Society in Canberra in 1969 and Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) Inc in Sydney in 1970 were direct responses to the injustices faced by those imprisoned at Cooma.

Today, the centre remains operational as a minimum and medium security facility.

The Cooma Correctional Centre now also features the ‘Crime Through Time’ museum, a living museum that showcases the history of corrective programs and services in NSW since 1788.

The listing of the jail on the State Heritage Register will be marked with an appropriate and respectful permanent commemoration at the centre.

Development application

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

APPLICATION NUMBER 10.2025.24.1

PROPERTY ADDRESS

94-98 Commissioner Street, Cooma 2630

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

Lot: 1 DP: 537182

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Construction of a 4-storey mixed-use building with basement carparking, commercial premises, hotel and shop top housing

APPLICANT

Hugh Gordon Architect Pty Ltd

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 April 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 customer service line 1300 345 345 E council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

9.30am

for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, and Southern Cross Housing CEO, Alex Pontello, for a tour of the units.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Multicultural festival attracts record crowd

By NATHAN THOMPSON

A PROUD Yvi Henderson has declared this year’s Cooma Multicultural Festival the best yet with a record crowd and a busy program showcasing the region’s diversity.

Ms Henderson, Cooma Multicultural Centre manager, said the 2025 edition of the festival attracted more people and more dancers from across the South East and Capital region.

“We had the biggest crowd in the festival’s history. With the good weather, it was a perfect occasion to celebrate our multiculturalism,” Ms Henderson said.

“Staging the festival is a lot of hard work but our community really embraces it. We love bringing so many nationalities and cultures together here in Cooma.”

Local dance groups joined performers from Canberra and Queanbeyan, including Sri Lankan, Indian, Serbian and Ukrainian groups, among others. Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain, and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, spoke at the festival’s opening about the importance multiculturalism plays in the Snowy Monaro region and nation.

Historic Monaro church commemorates 180 years

By NATHAN THOMPSON

ONE of the South East’s most historic and iconic churches will commemorate its 180th anniversary on Sunday.

Christ Church Maneroo is the oldest church on the Monaro. A special service will see the church full on Sunday as the community celebrates 180 years of the iconic church. The service starts at 9.30am with morning tea to follow before lunch at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Cooma.

A fundraising effort in recent years led to the

restoration of the church with Monaro residents and families supporting the initiative.

Located five minutes from Cooma, at the intersection of the Maffra and Myalla roads, the building is a popular place for visitors. Its cemetery is the final resting place for several Monaro pioneers.

In February 1845, Bishop Wiliam Broughton laid the foundation stone. It was used as a regular place of worship until 1872.

The church now holds occasional services and other gatherings including weddings and funerals.

Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads

Representing the Serbian Folklore Canberra group are Dunja, Igor and Catherine. It is their first time at the Cooma Multicultural Festival.

DIVERSITY: The Cooma Multicultural Festival has attracted its largest crowd. Cooma Multicultural Centre manager, Yvi Henderson, declared this year’s event one of the best. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

HISTORY: 180 years of Christ Church Maneroo will be honoured this weekend with a special service in the iconic church. The church has and remains an important part of the Monaro community. Pictured is the wedding of Iona (nee Litchfield) and Oliver Robertson in 2021 at Christ Church Maneroo.

PHOTO: Supplied

Cycles on the Green ready to race

New Nimmitabel event for mental health awareness

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

MOTORCYCLE and car enthusiasts are getting excited for a new Nimmitabel event, Cycles on the Green.

Taking place from 10am this Saturday, 22 March at Nimmitabel, Cycles on the Green is not just an event for motorbike riders and car lovers to get together and talk all things garage.

The event will put mental health in the spotlight and will have something for everyone - including families, with free entry making it accessible to everyone.

Snowy Mountains Motorcycle Club, which has members across the Snowy Monaro, is organising the event.

“We were looking for somewhere we could hold an event to showcase not only some of our vehicles, but ones from other clubs, and from the general public,” co-ordinator, Pete Lowry, said.

A Cycles on the Green subcommittee was established, and

with the Nimmitabel Country Club offering to host the day, the event has become a reality.

“The Snow Mountains Motorcycle Club does historic registration on vehicles, so there are historic cars and motor cycles in the club, then it morphed into a major community event in Nimmitabel,” Mr Lowry said.

Cycles on the Green has been made possible through sponsorship, support and merchandise donations for raffles from groups including Moto National, Trade Mutt, Healthy Communities, The Black Dog Institute and many local businesses.

If any businesses would like to be a part of this new local attraction, there is still time to become a sponsor by phoning Mr Lowry on 0488 394 284.

“The theme behind the day is mental health. We have representation from groups and organisations relating to mental health and they will have information and merchandise available,” Mr Lowry said.

“Hopefully, if there is some left over money from the day we can

donate to one or more of those groups.

“We have had fantastic support from local businesses. I have been blown away by just how supportive the locals have been from right across the community, it’s been great.

“Everyone is excited and enthusiastic, there’s been a lot of interest from around the place, we are hopeful we get a good crowd and we’re looking forward to a big day. Hopefully the weather will be good.”

The exhibits will include classic and historic cars and motorcycles, as well as about 20 market stalls, displays and food and drink (bar) options.

The Cooma RFS has confirmed two motorcycles from the brigade, used to fight fires, will also be making an appearance (provided there is no major fire activity on the day).

“The RFS firefighters are keen to show people how the bikes are used to fight fires. I think a lot of people will find that interesting,” Mr Lowry said.

Anyone with a bike or car they

would like to show, is encouraged to bring it out to Cycles on the Green.

There will also be entertainment, starting with Cooma musician, Michael Horneman, from 1-4pm and later Cooma band, Three Below Zero.

“Once again the Nimmitabel Country Club has been fantastic, and has really embraced the event,” Mr Lowry said.

The bike and vehicle display will be set-up on a disused bowling green - hence the name Cycles on the Green.

“If we fill that, we will have

quite a show, as it will take well over 100 bikes,” Mr Lowry said.

Those who attend the show and would like to make a day and night of it can do so by utilising the Nimmitabel Caravan Park, which is conveniently located next to the club.

“This helps people who have a caravan, camper, tent or swag to stay overnight so they can enjoy the party and music at night,” Mr Lowry said.

“I think most of the accommodation Nimmitabel has is booked out for that night, which is encouraging for local business.”

Perisher preparing for snow season ahead

By TRISTA HEATH

PERISHER is preparing the resort for the approaching 2025 winter season with not only the much-anticipated Mt Perisher 6, but also upgrades to its snowmaking infrastructure.

The snowmaking crew has had another busy summer maintaining and improving Perisher’s snowmaking capabilities, ensuring they are ready to deliver the best possible skiing and boarding experience from day one of the season.

The crew has swapped out five of its old A30 lance guns on Front Valley and replaced them with TechnoAlpin TL8s - some of the best in the game for snow quality and output.

The TL8 offers next-level efficiency, with multiple control settings that adjust water flow to make sure they are pumping out the best snow possible, even in marginal conditions.

The snowmaking crew has been busy improving its snowmaking capacity well beyond Front Valley including two new fan guns for Centre Valley, a fan gun at the bottom of the new Mt P 6 and more.

Perisher has consistently invested in advanced snowmaking technology to enhance the guest experience and ensure reliable snow cover throughout the winter season.

Since 2007, Perisher has allocated over $22 million towards improving and expanding its snowmaking system, including the installation of new automated, energy-efficient snow guns.

There are more than 280 snow guns in Perisher’s fleet, enabling snowmaking across key resort areas.

Also, the new Mt Perisher sixseater chairlift will be primed and ready for the season to increase uphill capacity, reduce lift lines, and provide improved

access to some of the resort’s most beloved terrain.

“This is a history-making season at Perisher with our new Mt Perisher 6 chairlift spinning for the first time, almost halving lift times and opening up exciting terrain,” Perisher’s resort services director, Andrew King, said.

“We can’t wait to share chairlift conversations with our guests and amazing mountain views from Australia’s highest lifted point.”

In addition to this summer’s works, upgrades in recent years include enhancements to the pipework at Smiggin Holes, the acquisition of six new mobile fan guns, and the installation of snowmaking equipment at the base of the Interceptor Chair, further expanding Perisher’s snowmaking capabilities.

IMPROVEMENTS: Mt Perisher 6 during construction phase.

VINTAGE: Cycles on the Green is a new bike and car show to be held at Nimmitabel Country Club this Saturday.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Salvos hope to connect community

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE doors of the Salvation Army Cooma ‘Community of Hope’ in Vale Street have been open now for four months, and the demand for this space is increasing.

To meet this need, the Salvation Army is asking for more volunteer assistance to ensure the multi-use space can continue benefiting the region.

The service is currently open on a Tuesday and Wednesday between 9.30am-12.30pm; known as drop-in days open for community members to visit and have a chat.

“In the last six to eight months we are seeing more need in the area to assist the community,” Salvation Army Cooma auxiliary lieutenant, Debbie Bartlett, said.

Some of the space is used for offices, but it is

also used for small group meets.

“We want to make it a place where people can connect and they feel like the belong, and a part of something,” Lieutenant Bartlett said.

“It’s a place for someone who is looking for something to do, where they can play games, have a coffee and connect with people...it’s a non-confrontational, comfortable space, it doesn’t feel like a traditional church. There are a lot of different things we can do with the space. It also has all-ability access and bathroom.”

There isn’t a youth drop-in or support program as yet as the Salvation Army is building its volunteer base.

“Anyone can help us out,” Lieutenant Bartlett said, “we’d like to create a very safe and welcoming space for everyone, we love all people and we

want to show Jesus’s love to others.

“We need volunteers who can be a listening ear, are comfortable to talk to others, make a cuppa, run a program for people - the opportunities are endless.

“We would love to see how we can partner together and expand our service.

“We have NDIS workers who call in on our drop-in days and have a coffee with their clients - which gets the clients out to a different place, talking to others and somewhere to go.

“We also do financial assistance, and connect with other services - there might be someone who needs help with electricity bills, we can connect them to the people who can help.

“We’ve had a few people in who are living rough or on the verge of homelessness so we have connected

Emily to represent zone

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

2025 Cooma Show Young Woman, Emily Lucas, is Sydney Royal Easter Show bound after being selected as Zone 3 NSW Young Woman at a function hosted by Nimmitabel Show Society on Saturday.

Emily was one of 11 finalists in Zone 3, and is the third Cooma Show Young Woman in a row to be selected as the Zone 3 finalist, following in the foot steps of Florance McGufficke and Emily Rowson.

Emily has been congratulated by members of Cooma P and A Association, describing her as a fabulous ambassador for Cooma Show and young rural women.

Emily is from Adaminaby and is studying a Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University.

She entered the Master of Ceremonies judging the entrants.

them to the homeless support services in the area.”

The community facility is funded and run by The Salvation Army.

“We need more funds, we are self-funded; what we raise locally, stays local,” Lieutenant Bartlett said.

“Any money we have is used to help people who are in need of financial assistance.

“We have seen a massive increase in this, so we are always needing more funds.”

One of The Salvation Army Australia’s best known fundraising events is the annual Red Shield Appeal.

The Red Shield Appeal runs through the months of April, May and June each year.

In 2025, the national door knock will take place on 24 and 25 May.

The appeal is an

SUPPORT: At the o icial opening of the ‘Community of Hope’ space in Vale Street, Cooma, last December. The Salvation Army Australia auxiliary Lieutenants, Bryan (le ) and Debbie Bartlett, with Salvos area manager, Dean Clarke, and Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Cr Chris Hanna.

opportunity for the community to support the work their local Salvation Army branch does in delivering vital community programs and social services.

There are many ways to get involvedwhether it be knocking on doors, collecting in local shopping centres or starting a digital fundraising page.

Sections of shared trail complete

THE final phase of the Jindabyne Shared Trail kicks off later this year, following the completion of upgrades in recent months across the trail network as part of the ongoing project.

Council approved the development application for the Tyrolean/Mill Creek section of the trail at its February meeting, clearing the way for work to begin by mid-2025 on new mountain bike trails, a new parking area at the eastern trailhead, and improved connections.

The upcoming works are one of the last milestones in a project that will deliver an improved 29km network of connected trails, wrapping around the southern end of the lake from Jindabyne to Tyrolean Village.

“Substantial work has been completed since the last project update in October 2024, with

final preparations for planning approval of the East Jindabyne trail connection also underway,” a Snowy Monaro Regional Council spokesperson said.

Works completed in the last six months include 150m of new concrete pathways between Banjo Paterson Park and Cobbon Crescent, 2.3km of upgraded shared trail between Cobbon Crescent and the Lake Jindabyne Dam Wall, and a renewed 5.2km trail section between the Claypits Boat Ramp and Hatchery Bay.

“It’s really exciting to see just how much progress has been made on the Jindabyne Shared Trail these last six months,” Mayor Chris Hanna said.

“This project is a huge win-win. Communities either side of the lake are already better connected than ever, and the

completed trail network is going to be another headline outdoor attraction that drives the local visitor economy year-round.

“Local kids in East Jindabyne will be able to ride to and from school safely and easily, and with all the path and trail improvements that are already finished, it’s never been easier for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Construction tenders for the Tyrolean/Mill Creek trails are now being finalised before work gets underway in the coming months, with overall project completion expected by mid-2026, weather permitting.

Trail users in the Jindabyne area should expect temporary closures and other minor impacts during the upcoming works.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

New lights switched on at JJ Connors Oval

By TRISTA HEATH

THE lights are shining bright at Jindabyne’s JJ Connors Oval in time for the 2025 rugby union and rugby league seasons through $170,000 from the Federal Government.

Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, joined the Jindabyne Bushpigs Rugby Union Club last week to flick the switch on the new LED lighting system, and to mark the delivery of her 2022 election commitment.

The upgraded lights replace ageing infrastructure that did not meet Australian Standards for ball sports, and means that Jindabyne sporting clubs no longer need to train and compete in lowlight conditions.

Ms McBain said from the Bushpigs, the Snowy River Bears, and the Jindabyne Tigers – JJ Connors Oval is the heart of sport in Jindabyne, which is why she is proud to have delivered this lighting upgrade for the community.

“We want to see the

Bushpigs take out a fourth consecutive premiership, the Bears to get back to back titles, and for the number of kids and adults playing across codes to continue growing – which is exactly what upgrading this muchloved ground will support,”

Ms McBain said.

“These upgraded lights will improve player safety throughout the year –particularly during the main footy season when rain and snow is a fixture, but also for the summer touch comp, which continues to draw bigger numbers.

“I want to thank all the volunteers who worked tremendously hard to campaign for this project – something I’ve delivered for our community, as part of my commitment to investing in Jindabyne’s local priority projects.”

Extending the use of this busy oval into the evening will be a major boost for the Jindabyne Bushpig’s summer touch football competitions, for training throughout the peak rugby union and league seasons,

and for player safety throughout the year.

Bushpigs fundraising manager and membership officer, Damon Purcell, said for all who use the oval at night are in a great situation now that the new lights are installed and people can utilise the field after the sun goes down.

“These lights will last for the next 25 years and are bright enough to play cricket, touch football, rugby and a whole range of different things,” Mr Purcell said.

“JJ Connors Oval can now be a focal point for the entire community, it is a really worth-while piece of infrastructure that I hope the community appreciates.”

Snowy Monaro Shire Council Mayor, Chris Hanna, said they are really excited to see the new lighting at JJ Connors Oval all finished and ready for the footy season.

“This upgrade is going to make a big difference to all our local sporting clubs and codes through autumn and

winter,” Mr Hanna said.

“It’s always so great to partner with Kristy McBain to deliver these important projects for our growing region, and Council wants to give a huge thanks to the Jindabyne Bushpigs for all their work to deliver this upgrade at the oval.

“Our community deserves high-quality sport and recreation facilities and we’re really grateful to Minister McBain for her continued support that makes these grassroots initiatives possible.”

This significantly enhanced lighting was delivered in partnership with Snowy Monaro Regional Council and the Jindabyne Bushpigs – and was something the Jindabyne community had long campaigned for.

The upgrades were funded by the NSW Government, with $90,000 under the Investing in our Communities Program, and a further $80,000 under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

Tender bids open for Jindabyne Claypits carpark upgrades

JINDABYNE’S Claypits carpark is set for a major upgrade, with work commencing in April as part of a joint initiative between the Australian Government, NSW Government, and Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

Stage one of the Claypits Foreshore Upgrade Project is now open for tender bids and will see the current dirt lot replaced by a paved parking area with marked spaces that accommodates significantly more vehicles.

The new carpark will be built above the high-water level of Lake Jindabyne to protect against the risk of future flooding and includes accessible pathways to make it easy for everyone in the community to visit the park or get down to the water. This project will significantly improve safety and accessibility for the growing number of residents and visitors accessing the foreshore year-round.

“Our community in

Jindabyne has been asking for this upgrade to the Claypits for a long time,” Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna, said.

“This upgrade to the Claypits carpark represents a significant step forward in supporting the growing community and tourism in Jindabyne,” Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said.

“We are ensuring that this popular location remains accessible and

safe for residents and visitors alike, now and in the future.”

Details for a planned second stage of enhancements will be confirmed once work on stage one is complete, but will require additional funding to be sought. Council will provide progress updates and regular community impact notices throughout this project. Visit https:// qrco.de/Claypits to keep up-to-date.

These works will

impact public access to the Claypits and Lake Jindabyne foreshore.

The Claypits carpark will be closed from Monday, 28 April when construction begins, weather permitting. The site will remain closed until work is complete early next year.

Events booked at the Claypits stage during this period will be re-located to other venues, and holes one and two of the Jindabyne disc-golf course will be closed.

Access to some parts of the foreshore will be restricted while construction is underway, with alternative routes in place for affected trails and shared pathways. Any tree removals required as part of this work will be replaced with new mature plantings. The landscaping plans for stage one will see the total number of mature trees in the precinct increase, not decrease, once the new carpark is complete.

DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU

•How dry is the grass where you are about to carry out hot works?

•Do you have a fire extinguisher with you? You must have a 16L minimum capacity knapsack spray pump filled with water; or 9L minimum capacity liquid fire extinguisher; or 0.9kg minimum capacity dry powder fire extinguisher

•Whilst carrying out hot works we also recommend you have ready access to a farm firefighting unit with ample water to extinguish any fire outbreaks. Have someone as an observer to watch for any sparks entering the dry grass.

•Consider carrying out hot works in early morning, avoid afternoons when the humidity is at its lowest

•Avoid working on hot, dry, windy days

•General-purpose welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting works or any other work that is likely to generate sparks cannot be carried out in the open on Total Fire Ban days

•Call 000 immediately if you start a ﬁre

For more information, contact the Monaro District Fire Control Centre on 6455 0455 or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Monaro-Team-Rural-Fire-Service For current incidents or major ﬁre updates visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

LIGHTING UP: Michael from Hextra, Damon Purcell, Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, Jean Monique, Simon Partell, Liam Seiler and Matt Want.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Record prize money a drawcard for returning artists Community supports Lake Light

By TRISTA HEATH

JINDABYNE’S Lake Light Sculpture returns this Easter long weekend with record prize money up for grabs.

The committee is hard at work tidying up the foreshore as they anticipate the event’s return to its popular foreshore spot after a three-year hiatus.

Lake Light Sculpture’s most successful year was 2021 with 120 sculptures featured and the committee has confirmed 50 artists so far. They are still hoping for more as they extend the entry period.

Committee chair, Dani Kell, said they aim to get enough artists engaged and excited about exhibiting on the lake foreshore again so they can bring the event back to what it was before.

“The community support has been amazing, we have a record prize money totalling $42,500,” Ms Kell said.

“The main prize donated by Mountainside is $10,000 as well as $10,000 from Snowy Hydro towards community prizes.

“Another record prize money is $6,000 for the community choice award, the most offered ever for that category.”

Ms Kell said they are very thankful to all sponsors for the funds donated and to the outreach from the community on lending a helping hand to get the event back to the foreshore.

Small sculptures will also return to Horizons with a lot of the larger sculpture artists entering a small sculpture too.

“We have some bigger sculpture artists returning this year, which they are really excited about exhibiting again and we are glad to be able to feature their work once again,” Ms Kell said.

“Feedback we received from artists in the lead up to the event

of prize money that can be won during the event this year.”

In the lead-up to Easter, the committee will be working closely with Council to rectify pathway issues, making it wheelchair accessible and ensuring all safety protocols can be set in place to ensure the safety and access for all to enjoy the Lake Light Sculpture 2025 event.

Ms Kell said the committee has noticed, since announcing the return of the event along the foreshore, the community has pulled together to help the committee in making this year a great success.

donations and putting their hand up to volunteer,” Ms Kell said.

“We certainly think that is a sign that the community of Jindabyne want this beloved event back in our town.”

Still in the planning stages, the committee is on the lookout for entertainment and urges anyone interested to contact the committee.

The committee is also calling for more community groups to get involved, enrol a sculpture and enter the draw to win $10,000 for a community organisation.

The 2021 event featured 120 sculptures along the foreshore.

Environmental Awareness Award winning sculpture in 2021.

FORESHORE: The last year Lake Light Sculpture took place along the Jindabyne foreshore was 2021. The committee is excited for its return to the foreshore in 2025.

THE Cooma Multicultural Festival has been running for 19 years and the 2025 edition has been declared by organisers and many community members as the biggest yet.

Dozens of nationalities were represented as Cooma and the Snowy Monaro celebrated its diversity. From the music, dancing, and food, the festival was a terrific showcase of why Cooma is so proud of its multiculturalism.

The Cooma Multicultural Centre, led by Yvi Henderson, should be proud of their efforts in hosting the festival.

Another organisation proud of its efforts would be the Bombala Exhibition Society. 150 years of Bombala Shows were celebrated on Saturday, capping off a memorable show season in the region.

A special presentation took place at the show’s opening ceremony to recognise the contribution Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor and Bombala stalwart, Bob Stewart, has made to the Bombala district.

Bob was honoured for his 30 years service as a councillor, the majority as mayor of the Bombala Shire Council, and tireless work for the community.

Councillors will come together on Thursday for the March meeting. It will be held in the Bombala community centre.

A record 24 notices of motion are listed in the business paper, put forward by councillors Reuben Rose, Luke Williamson and Andrew Thaler.

Motions cover a range of issues, including the possible re-location of the Michelago bank of bins, calls for an independent audit by council’s audit risk, and improvement committee into council’s handling of complaints relating to alleged dumping/ placing of unapproved materials at a property on Micalago Road, holding council meetings only in Cooma and a review into council run visitor information centres.

There is plenty to get through in the meeting, a few cups of coffee will be needed for those following.

Region requires annual kerbside clean-up service

ON BEHALF of the community of the Snowy Monaro region, I earnestly request the introduction of an annual council-provided kerbside clean-up service for bulky household waste.

This service – a scheduled collection of large unwanted items from the kerb – would be immensely beneficial for our residents, our environment, and the Snowy Monaro Regional Council itself.

It addresses a clear community need and aligns with modern waste management practices.

In council’s own recent consultation, there was ‘overwhelming support for this service’ from residents.

We urge the Council to act on this support by implementing an annual hard waste collection program for all

households in our region.

Experience of other councils

Many councils across Australia successfully provide free or subsidised kerbside cleanup programs, demonstrating both feasibility and popularity.

For example:

- City of Sydney offers a free weekly pick-up of bulky items for its residents, underscoring that even in a large city, regular kerbside collections can be run as a routine service.

- Lane Cove Council (NSW) provides four free kerbside clean-up collections per household each year, allowing residents to dispose of large items quarterly at no direct cost.

- Central Coast Council (NSW), serving a mix of urban

and rural communities, gives residents up to six on-call kerbside collections per year (each up to 2m of waste) as part of its waste service – a testament that high-frequency clean-ups are manageable even across dispersed townships.

- Fairfield City Council (NSW) recently began a trial providing four free booked kerbside clean-ups per household in a year due to strong community demand.

- Brisbane City Council (QLD) conducts an annual citywide kerbside collection, rotating through suburbs so each area gets a pickup once per year

Notably, when Brisbane tried to cancel this service in 2020, public outcry led to its swift re-instatement the next year. A clear indication that

Extreme weather events will only get worse

MANY of us living on the Monaro had friends and relatives in Queensland and northern NSW who have just endured Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

I kept in contact with one friend living in a low-lying suburb of Brisbane.

On the Monday, after it had passed through, I asked how she was. She replied, ‘no damage to house but there’s garden debris to clean-up sometime’.

She was exhausted – preparing for Alfred for four days, then two days of cyclone.

“Tired today (didn’t sleep much), then maybe from tomorrow it’s untie all the

things I tied up around the yard, move things back into their proper place from the shed, from inside the house, and under the house, maybe chuck some things. Endless,” my friend said.

This is the reality of extreme weather. It may not destroy your house but it can wear you out and disrupt your life.

While tropical cyclones have always been part of life for many people in northern Australia, climate change is making them more destructive.

The Climate Council notes our climate is warmer, wetter, and more energetic than before. Thus, ‘tropical

cyclones may intensify more quickly, may reach stronger wind speeds, and may dump more rain. They may also retain their strength for longer, and move more slowly – meaning they linger longer over a given area, causing more damage’.

Because Alfred weakened to a tropical low as it hit landfall, Brisbane was spared the very strong winds of a cyclone, but the flooding was severe and extensive, reaching north to Hervey Bay and south to Coffs Harbour. Dorrigo to the west of Coffs Harbour received more than 800mm rain.

Extreme weather events like Tropical Cyclone Alfred will

residents deeply value these services. Brisbane’s program, which serves over half a million households, costs about six million dollars per year (roughly $12 per dwelling) a relatively low cost per household for a well-loved service.

The Snowy Monaro region should not be left behind. Our residents deserve the same level of service and convenience enjoyed elsewhere, especially as we seek to attract and retain people in our towns and promote a high quality of life.

I urge all residents to contact our Councillor’s and Mayor if you agree with this letter.

Garry Maher

Editor’s note - A second part to Mr Maher’s letter will appear in next week’s paper.

only get worse with climate change unless we can turn the situation around.

The only way we can do this is to make a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Nuclear energy will not cut it.

As the House of Representatives Select Committee on Nuclear Energy interim report concluded recently, nuclear ‘cannot be deployed in time to support Australia’s critical energy transition targets and climate commitments’ and ‘would cost consumers more to use’. Jenny Goldie President, Climate Action Monaro

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

Email editor@monaropost.com.au Address 59 Vale Street, Cooma

Adaminaby

Business award finalists announced

THE Snowy Monaro region is set to celebrate business excellence with the announcement of the 2025 Snowy Monaro Business Awards finalists.

These prestigious awards recognise outstanding contributions to the local economy, innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and excellence across various industries.

Finalists have been selected across a range of categories, reflecting the diverse and thriving business community within the Snowy Monaro. From small startups to established enterprises, this year’s finalists showcase the talent, resilience, and dedication of local businesses and individuals.

Finalists for the 2025 Snowy Monaro Business Awards are:

Outstanding employee

• Hextra - Kristy Stillie – www. hextra.com.au

• Hextra - Rikai Blondel – www. hextra.com.au

• High Country Fitness - Pablo Urena Vega – www.highcountryfitness. com.au

• wildbrumby Distillery - Sebastian Druege – www.wildbrumby.com

• Employer of choice

• Hextra – www.hextra.com.au

• Kenmir Accounting – www.kenmiraccounting.com.au

• wildbrumby Distillery – www. wildbrumby.com

• Excellence in innovation

• Behind the Boots – www. behindtheboots.com.au

• Berridale Pharmacy –www.berridalepharmacy.com.au

• Hextra – www.hextra.com.au

• Michelago General Store and Café –www.michelagogeneralstore.com

• Sandys Grooming Tails and K9 Café – www.sandysgroomingtails.com.

• SKIP Regional Dance Company –www.skipdance.com.au

• wildbrumby Distillery – www. wildbrumby.com

Excellence in sustainability

• Birchwood Jindabyne – www.birchwoodjindabyne.au

• Eagles Range – www.eaglesrange. com.au

• Meadow Store – www.meadowstore.com.au

• Snowy Mountains Eucalyptus Oil – www.snowymountainseucalyptusoil.com

• wildbrumby Distillery – www. wildbrumby.com

Outstanding community organisation

• Cooma Monaro Race Club Inc –www.coomaraceclub.com.au

• Monaro Family Support Service –www.mfss.org.au

• National Snowsports Training Centre – www.snow.org.au/nstc

• Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre – www.raglangallerycooma.com

• Snowy Brumby Horsemanship Inc.

– www.snowybrumbyhorsemanship.com

• Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue (LAOKO) – www.laokosmwr.org

• The Fly Program – https://www. flyprogram.org.au

Outstanding new business

• Alpine Alignment Chiropractic –www.alpinealignment.com.au

• Around the Weld – www. aroundtheweld.com

• Contoured Land Services – www. contouredland.com.au

• Eagles Range – www.eaglesrange. com.au

• Monaro Medical Practice – www. monaromedicalpractice.com.au

• Rockstock Deli – www.rockstock. net.au

• Rogue Ascent Group – www. rogueascentgroup.com/home

• Scout Sign + Design – www. scoutsigndesign.com

• The Kitchen Bench Cooma –www.thekitchenbench.com.au

Excellence in Micro Business

• Behind the Boots Pty Ltd – www. behindtheboots.com.au

• Chalet Alpina – www.chaletalpina. com.au

• Feldmark Pottery – www.feldmark. com.au

• High Country Insurance Brokers –https://www.hcib.com.au

• Lou Lou’s – www.loulous.net.au

• Outback Fudge – www.outbackfudge.com

• Quality Matters Consulting – www. qmconsulting.com.au

• SKIP Regional Dance Company –https://www.skipdance.com.au

• Snowy River Holiday Park – www. snowyriverholidaypark.com.au

• Troldhaugen Lodge – www.troldhaugenlodge.com.au

Excellence in Small Business

• Berridale Pharmacy – www.berridalepharmacy.com.au

• Birchwood Jindabyne – www.birchwoodjindabyne.au

• Forbes Stynes Real Estate, Thredbo and Jindabyne Ski Accommodation – www.//fsre.com.au

• Hextra – www.hextra.com.au

• High Country Fitness – highcountryfitness.com.au

• Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety Cooma – www.hippocketworkwear. com.au

• Michelago General Store and Café – https://www.michelagogeneralstore.com

• Monaro Dance Centre – www.

GROUP EDITOR

Riposte

By LISA ASHURST

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

AWARDS: Fiona Latham-Cannon, Olivier Kapetanakos and Kerin Jarvis winning the local outstanding chamber award at last year’s Far South Coast Business Awards.

PHOTO: Supplied

monarodancecentre.com.au

• Pacific Furniture and Bedding Cooma – www.pacificfurniture. com.au

• TRC Trails – www.trctrails.com.au

• Wildbrumby Distillery – www.wildbrumby.com

Excellence in diversity and inclusion

• High Country Fitness – www.highcountryfitness.com.au

• Sandys Grooming Tails & K9 Café –www.sandysgroomingtails.com.au Outstanding Visitor Experience

• Charles Davis Photography –https://charlesdavisphotography. com

• Dalgety Brewing Company – https:// dalgetybrewingco.com.au

• Imperial Hotel – www.imperialbombala.com.au

• Sip the Snowies – www.sipthesnowies.com.au

• Snowy Scheme Museum – snowyschememuseum.com.au

• wildbrumby Distillery – www.wildbrumby.com

Excellence in sustainable tourism

• Avonside Alpine Estate – www. AvonsideAlpineEstate.com.au

• Chalet Alpina Jindabyne – www. chaletalpina.com.au

• Hygge Eco Cabins – www.hyggeecocabins.com.au

• wildbrumby Distillery – www. wildbrumby.com

The Snowy Monaro Business Awards would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors, who continue to champion and celebrate local business excellence. Join the chamber for a night of celebration on Friday, 28 March at The Station Resort, Jindabyne.

The 2025 Snowy Monaro Business Awards is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re a finalist, a business leader, or a community supporter, this is your chance to come together, network, and celebrate the region’s best and brightest businesses.

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

I HAVE never really thought about how the children of parents, who use a card to pay for everything, could be impacted until I gave my son-in-law a ten dollar note to pick up the Sunday papers for me, while I was on a recent weekend visit, and he was nipping out on the Sunday morning. My eight-year-old granddaughter asked what it was and when my son-in-law replied it was money, both she and her five-year-old brother were intrigued. They knew about coins, as they get them for pocket money, but it turns out they had never seen a note. Was it “real money?” they asked. Could you really use it to buy something? How do you get “paper” money? Where does it come from?

We explained that yes, it was real, it could be withdrawn from a bank, you could use it in a shop and if the item you bought cost less than five dollars you’d probably get a five dollar note with some coins in your change. “So there’s other paper moneys?” they asked. My granddaughter had a good look at it, held it up to the light to check out the translucent section and, as my son-in-law explained that the different value notes were different colours she handed it back, and said it was “the most beautiful thing” she’d ever seen. Grandson then started wondering if coins were real money, seeing as they were not paper.

Sure, notes are plastic that looks more like paper these days, but why confuse them further. Anyway, they are fascinated with cash now because the notes are “so pretty”!

I use my card a lot, but still use cash too, because I can still see the validity of keeping cash in the system. In the event where some disaster or other causes almost everything to shut down, not having cash on you could leave you in a bind. I saw that myself during the bushfires of 2020 and was so glad I was carrying some. So no, I don’t support a cashless society, because I believe it still has its place.

But the response from my grandchildren to a ten dollar note was a bit of a moment. Their fascination was genuine and it was quite the talking point with them for a while. They asked a lot of questions.

I’m guessing this is what happens when children only see card transactions. Last year I saw a media post where a young girl was holding a five dollar note and wondering what to do with it and I thought “Oh for goodness sake! It’s money! You spend it! How could you not know that??!” But now, after the recent ten dollar note thingy with my grandchildren, I’m starting to wonder. Perhaps she really hadn’t any idea. I know that’s hard to believe, but then, I grew up with cash, and I’m guessing now that she didn’t. Like my granddaughter didn’t know that note was currency and you could spend it. Sort of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

Whatever, for now cash is still in circulation and it’s legal tender. Paying in cash avoids all those surcharges, so bypass businesses that refuse to accept it. Cash is still an essential. And besides, it’s “so pretty!”

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

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

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Member

Snowy Monaro community.

Jindabyne Lions prepare for easter art show and sale 2025

ANU Medical students welcomed by CWA

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

FOUR ANU School of Medicine and Psychology

students living, training and studying in the Cooma and Snowy Mountains areas for the 2025 academic year have been officially welcomed to the Cooma Health Service and the region.

Each was presented with a gift comprising of a box of chocolates and a $40 Cooma card from the Cooma branch of the CWA, and words encouragement to return to the Cooma Health Service when they have completed their studies.

CWA president, Margaret Peterson, and secretary, Kaye Anderson, welcomed the group with a selection of homemade cakes and slices at a special morning tea function held at the ANU School of Medicine and Psychology - Rural Clinical School on the Cooma Health campus.

“We welcome you all to Cooma and hope you enjoy your 12 months with us. We hope you get to know the town, meet some locals, learn a lot about rural practice and come back to work in Cooma,” Ms Peterson said.

Autumn dance in Shannons Flat a hit

WHILE good old fashioned dance nights might almost be a thing of the past, the Shannons Flat community is working hard to keep the tradition alive.

On Saturday, 8 March, the Shannons Flat hall hosted a popular autumn dance.

About 70 people were in attendance, much to the hall committee’s delight.

“This year, the committee was pleased to see a number of new families and of course, thrilled to catch up with old friends as well,” committee member, Laura Luton, said.

Also in attendance were three third-year short-term, six-week stay students who were equally warmly welcomed by the CWA members and senior lecturer, academic co-ordinator and local GP, Dr Robert Wiles.

“If you’re interested in rural this is just a taste. Everything in medical school is a taste,” Dr Wiles said.

“The further you go from the city, the faster the learning because of the additional responsibility you are given.

“When you are an intern, a resident, a registrar - even if you want to be a linear accelerator, like a radiation oncologist - do some rural terms as part of your training and it will not only help your learning, but enrich everything you do; it also helps the rural communities,” Dr Wiles said.

The students appreciated the efforts, words and welcome from the Cooma branch of the CWA and are looking forward to

Council updates

Development applications online

Did you know that you can see everything to do with local development applications (DAs) on Council’s website?

If you’re looking to comment on recent DAs, track development progress, or just want the latest local development information, Council’s Masterview platform is the place to ﬁnd it all. Visit https://qrco.de/DAonline today.

Jindabyne’s Claypits carpark is set for a major upgrade, with work commencing in April 2025 as part of a joint initiative between the Australian Government, NSW Government, and Council.

Raffle prizes and sausages were donated by generous community members, allowing much needed funds to be raised hall maintenance and repairs.

learning about rural practice and living in the local community.

“The spirit of mateship and looking after each other is alive and well in Shannons Flat,” Laura said.

“The committee thanks the wonderful musicians - Nick, Mike, Andrew and Beverley. Their talents kept the dance floor full of happy guests. The committee also thanks everyone who came along, brought a plate of food and made the dance such a great success.”

Hit the road for a good cause

More volunteer drivers are needed for our community transport service to help local residents in need access essential services.

If you can drive and can spare even a few hours a month, your help will make a big difference to your local community.

Call 1300 345 345 today to register as a volunteer driver, or email us for more information at council@smrc.nsw.gov.au.

Tender bids open for Jindabyne Claypits carpark upgrades

The new carpark will be built above the high-water level of Lake Jindabyne to protect against the risk of future ﬂooding and includes accessible pathways to make it easy for everyone in the community to visit the park or get down to the water.

This project will signiﬁcantly improve safety and accessibility for the growing number of residents and visitors accessing the foreshore year-round.

Cooma Landﬁll closed

Thursday

Roadworks at Cooma Landﬁll will see the facility closed on Thursday 20 March 2025 for the ﬁnal stage of internal roadway resealing, weather permitting.

Preparations start Wednesday 19 March 2025, with crews and equipment on-site at Cooma Landﬁll ahead of the Thursday closure. Delays can be expected.

Visit https://qrco.de/wasteinfoSMRC for info.

Public impacts: Claypits upgrades

From Monday 28 April 2025 to early 2026

• Claypits carpark closed

• Claypits stage events relocated

• First two disc golf holes closed

• Foreshore access impacted

• Trees removed will be replaced, with total tree numbers increased by 2026.

We’re here to help. Contact our friendly customer service team today. Email: council@smrc.nsw.gov.au

SOCIAL: The Shannons Flat community enjoys its latest dance a ernoon. An autumn dance raising funds for ongoing hall maintenance and repairs. PHOTO: Laura Luton

WELCOME: Soojin Lee (le ), Jerome Arrow, Cooma branch CWA president, Margaret Peterson, CWA secretary, Kaye Anderson, Jesse Spratt and Olivia Dalton – Year 3 Cooma Rural Stream students. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Jay Ivers (back le ) and Jesse Spratt, (middle from le ) Soojin Lee, Jerome Arrow, CWA president, Margaret Peterson, CWA secretary, Kaye Anderson, Deborah Eades, (front from le ) Olivia Dalton and Chloe Hinckfuss.

Powering the future: SNOWY HYDRO’S COMMITMENT TO BOOST STEM TALENT

Snowy Hydro is proud to play our part in strengthening the talent pipeline in the energy sector by advancing gender diversity in STEM.

Through our partnership with the ATSE Elevate program, we are providing life-changing scholarships to two talented young women, Courtney Bulgarelli and Jessica Thomson.

Originally from Mount Isa, Queensland, Courtney will study Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. Jessica, from Darwin in the Northern Territory, will pursue a Bachelor of Engineering at Monash University.

Snowy Hydro will support Jessica and Courtney pursue their careers with $30,000 over three years, along with mentoring, professional development, and access to ATSE’s vast network.

This partnership complements the Snowy STEM Academy, which is equipping future engineers and scientists with the skills to power Australia’s energy transition.

ATSE CEO Kylie Walker delivered an inspiring keynote at the Snowy STEM Academy High Tea for International Women’s Day at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. The event connected local Year 11 and 12 students with Snowy Hydro STEM experts for speed-mentoring sessions, inspiring discussions about STEM careers. Kylie, an advocate for STEM equity, highlighted the power of mentorship at all career stages.

To learn more about our partnership with ATSE, visit www.snowyhydro.com.au/ourpartners/ATSE/

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE SNOWY HYDRO COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

Snowy Hydro’s Community Grants Program is supporting local initiatives that create lasting benefits across the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and Towong regions.

With more than $400,000 available annually, notfor-profits can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to drive positive change.

Since the program was formalised in 2022, Snowy Hydro has invested $860,000 into 142 local projects, including CUC Snowy Monaro’s Speak Up program, which equips young people (16–18) with public speaking skills through workshops, mentorship and hands-on training.

The funding for the Speak Up program covered essential costs like venue hire and mentor accommodation, enabling the program to reach more participants.

CUC Snowy Monaro’s Centre Manager Nadine Holland noted its significant impact, with participants emerging as motivated, engaged and proactive contributors to the community.

The Community Grants Program is designed to support projects and initiatives that address local needs and create long-lasting benefits.

To learn more, visit snowyhydro.com.au/ communitygrantsprogram

ATSE CEO Kylie Walker (left) and Snowy Hydro Head of Social Impact and Community Sarah Norris (right).

CUC Snowy Monaro’s Nadine Holland (left) and Snowy Hydro’s Sarah Norris (right) hold the $5015 cheque which is going towards the Speak Up: Empowering Future Leaders of Snowy Monaro program.

LEARN MORE

59 YEARS OF GEEHI DAM

Completed in February 1966, Geehi Dam is an embankment dam on the Geehi River. In December 2022, it underwent its first-ever controlled spill, testing the spillway’s function. The controlled spill allowed the Snowy Hydro team to closely monitor the dam, assessing how it performs under high water levels.

During the controlled spill, the maximum flow reached 90 cubic metres per second. That’s enough water to fill an Olympic size swimming pool in under 30 seconds!

Building

innovative solutions through the

SNOWY HYDRO LOCAL SCHOOL STEM FUND ENVIRONMENTAL GRADUATE AT SNOWY HYDRO MAJA

HEATH

What inspired your interest in environmental science, and why did you apply for the Graduate Program at Snowy Hydro?

My interest in environmental science grew from appreciating nature while growing up in the country. Through my career, I aim to make a meaningful impact on preserving the environment for future generations.

I applied for Snowy’s Graduate Program to gain experience in the various environmental teams within the company and pursue a career in renewable energy, focusing on sustainability.

Thanks to the Snowy Hydro Local School STEM Fund, Year 5/6 students at Sacred Heart School, Corryong designed innovative farm equipment using Lego Education Spike Essential Kits.

Their project addressed a real community need, applying STEM learning to improve farming efficiency in Corryong and surrounding areas. A STEM showcase, attended by parents, carers and Snowy Hydro, celebrated their achievements.

By funding hands-on projects like this, the Snowy Hydro Local School STEM Fund empowers students to create real-world solutions for their communities.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 What is a reading desk (7)

8 To which animal kingdom does a rattlesnake belong (7)

9 Who is the supreme commander of a navy (7)

10 Name another term for a rabble-rouser (7)

11 To be ill-fated, is to be what (7)

12 Who prints copy on a machine (6)

14 What is a systematic plan for a course of action (6)

18 Which king of England was known as the Lion-Heart (7)

21 What is a document conferring a qualiﬁcation (7)

22 Name an alternative term for a waterfall (7)

23 What is the Canberra NRL team known as (7)

24 Which people herd sheep (7)

DOWN

1 Name a patron saint of Ireland (7)

2 What is another term for foam or froth (5)

3 What are Australian returned soldiers called (7)

4 Which term describes an association of sporting clubs (6)

5 What is a dromedary (5)

6 What is otalgia more commonly known as (7)

7 Name a colloquial term for cheap wine (5)

13 Name a Spanish painter and sculptor, Pablo ... (7)

15 Which is a more difﬁcult type of crossword puzzle (7)

16 Name the ofﬁcial headquarters of an ambassador (7)

17 What are venomous snakes called (6)

E-QUATIONS

18 To have hurried, is to have done what (5)

Letters have a number

Some values are in the right hand cells.

19 To astonish greatly, is to do what (5)

20 Who was the reputed author of the Iliad and Odyssey (5)

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

Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

Letters

E-QUATIONS

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:

A recognised truth (5)

Earth Resources Centre (3) Felt sorrow (7) Guided (3)

March (abbr.) (3)

One in love (5) Praise greatly (5) Removed centre of apple (5)

Sicken (3) To the letter (7)

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. 12.00 Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Auction Squad. 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 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

2.50 Doctor Who. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.35 MythBusters. 5.25 Heartbreak High. 7.00 My Family. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Hard Quiz. 9.00 The Weekly. 9.30 Gruen. 10.10 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL. 10.40 Planet America. 11.15 ER. 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Unforgotten. 2.00 Grand Designs Aust. 3.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Within These Walls. (2020) 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 Britain’s Got Talent. 9.45 The Amazing Race. 11.15 The Disappearance Of Gabby Petito. 12.30 Damnation. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Force: Behind The Line. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Storage Wars: NY. 4.00 Storage Wars: Barry’s Best Buys. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 2. Carlton v Hawthorn. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 Kick Ons. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: Best Interests. 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. Final. 2.55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.05 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. Final. 8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. Final. 9.15 Grand Designs Revisited. 10.05 The Role Of A Lifetime. Final. 10.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Odd Squad. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. New. 9.20 Chopped Jnr. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.30 Mr Mayor. 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 3. Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers. 9.55 Thursday i t n ff. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 Outback Opal Hunters. 12.05 Tipping Point. 1.00 Next Stop. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 1.50 Yes Minister. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Don’t Bother To Knock. (1961) 5.20 Your Garden Made Perfect. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 My Feet Are Killing Me. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Angel. 3.00 Malaysia Kitchen. 3.30 Black-ish. 4.00 Glee. 5.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 8.30 Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back. 11.30 First Dates UK. 1.40 Kitchen Nightmares. 2.40 Ramsay’s

5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 2. Western Bulldogs v Collingwood. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Today. 9.00

5.05 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Under The Vines. 9.20 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. 9.50 Hard Quiz. 10.15 Spicks And Specks. 10.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40

(2018) 2.00

3.00 Tipping

9News

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 3. Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017) 12.45 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Judge Judy. 10.30 Australian Survivor. 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 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.55 A+E After Dark. 2.55 Antiques Roadshow. 3.25 MOVIE: Carry On Cruising. (1962) 5.20 Your Garden Made Perfect. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. 8.40 MOVIE: Wedding Crashers. (2005) 11.05 MOVIE: Love You Like That. (2021) 1.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Angel. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Malaysia Kitchen. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: The Mitchells Vs The Machines. (2021) 9.20 MOVIE: The Sixth Sense. (1999) 11.30 MOVIE: The Invitation. (2022) 1.40 Shopping. 2.10 Late Programs.

ABC SEVEN NINE TEN SBS

Located on the edge of Bibbenluke, this is a great opportunity to immerse yourself into a village lifestyle.

•Currently features a concrete tennis court, vacant block/paddock and house

•Large block 1.29ha/3.187ac (approx)

•House features 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, open living, kitchen/dining

•Single car garage accessed by concrete driveway completes the residential package

•Rain water tanks and bore

•Substantially commenced, 7 lot staged subdivision approved over the property

Embrace the relaxed village lifestyle or invest to develop, the choice is yours!

Exuding charm and grace

Address: 21 William Street, Delegate

Asking: $410,000

Agent:

Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

Lovingly restored with a mix of modern and heritage hues, this grand old dame is ready for an owner with a passion for the past.

Featuring beautifully restored pressed metal ceilings, original fireplaces and timber linings the home gives a graceful nod to its original heritage, while a modern kitchen and bathroom seamlessly blend the old and the new. The home features four bedrooms, open split-level lounge, dining and kitchen - complete with spacious walk-in pantry, office and second living/rumpus room so there’s oodles of space for all of the family. The front porch is perfect for watching the children play in the yard and with 2023m2 (approx) there is room enough for extensive gardens and shedding if desired. In a convenient central location, Delegate Cafe, General Store and the local Public Primary School are all just a few minutes’ walk from your door. With new carpet and curtains and freshly painted throughout, there is nothing to do but move in and start calling it home.

Looking for a lifestyle opportunity with little to do? Glenidle inspections will not disappoint!

•Located 5 minutes from Bombala along the sealed Bucky Springs Road

•Renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom homestead set amongst 23.07ha/57.006ac

•Secure fenced house yard and established low maintenance gardens

•large fenced/netted raised vegetable garden

•Water security with good rain water storage, 3 spring fed dams and bore

•Additional improvements include double garage, 3 bay machinery shed, meat safe/cool room, 1 stand shearing shed, cattle yards with crush and loading ramp.

Don’t delay, grab this wonderful lifestyle opportunity while you can!

Proven grazing land with endless opportunities

Address: “Clovelly” The Snowy River Way, Jincumbilly NSW 2631

“Clovelly” is a stunning rural grazing property situated on 885 hectares or 2,186.87 acres (approx.) and is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed! The carry capacity under current management has continuously been in the range of 6-7 DSE/ Ha, and BOM rainfall records show a 100 year average of 650mm/PA (approx.). Over the past decade or so, the vendors have undertaken revegetation projects throughout the property, conducted re-generation of some dry gullies, and implemented strategic fencing to ensure the long term success of “Clovelly.”

The particulars: “Clovelly” is

gently undulating, comprising of predominantly basalt derived soils with some granite and shale present. Strategically fenced into 17 paddocks with a standoff electric wire on all fences, boundary and internal. You will find a secure water supply via the 25 dams, two creeks – Bruces Creek and Walkers Creek, numerous springs, leaky weirs, plus a bore running on mains power, pumping to three elevated tanks holding a combined 60,000L (approx.) which reticulates to 14 troughs situated on the property. The property is estimated 90-95 per cent arable with scattered stands of Eucalypts throughout. The vendors estimate current pasture development to be around 40-45 per cent.

Locatedabout70kmsouthofCoomaandsome20kmtothewest ofBombala,withdirectaccessfrom TheSnowyRiver Way, abitumenroad.

Fenced into 17paddocks,withastando electricwireonallfences.

Securewater supplyvia25dams,BrucesCreek,WalkersCreek,numerousspringsplusleakyweirs, borerunningonmainspower,pumping to threeelevatedtanksholdingacombined60,000L (approx.),reticulating to 14troughsacrosstheproperty.

Thelandgentlyundulating,predominantlybasaltderivedsoilswithsomegraniteandshalepresent. Sca eredstandsofEucalyptsthroughoutwithanestimated90-95 arable.Currentpasture developmentisestimatedataround40-45 byvendors.Some60Hacurrentlysowed downtowheat asawintercropplusafurther60Ha to pasture.

Improvementsincludecrutchingshed,steelandtimbersheepaswellasca leyards. ThezoningisRU1,thecurrent LEPallows foraminimumlandsizeof40HaasperBombalaLEP 2012, Clovelly thereforeholdsnumerousdwellingentitlementsandcouldbesubdividedsub ect to approvalsfromallrelevantauthoritiesofcourse.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

Propertiessuchas Clovelly arearare ndindeed,thecarrying capacityundercurrent managementhascontinuouslybeen intherangeof6-7DSE/Ha,theB Mrainfallrecordsshowa 100yearaverageofapproximately650mm/PA.Regenerationof somedrygulliesaswellasrevegetationpro ectshave alltaken placeover thepastdecadeorso,withstrategicfencinginplace to ensurelongtermsuccess.

Clovelly wouldbetheperfectstandaloneorperhapsaddon blockwithampleroomtofurtherimprove, perhapsbuildyour dreamhomeplus sta orfamilyaccommodation.

Aonceinalifetimeopportunity,sodon twaitand call

Contact: Nick Kirshner Maddy Kirshner P: 0264567232 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday15thApril2025 Commencing6:30pm Venue: nline&InRoom 1ParkStreet, Berridale NSW 2628

Inspect: By Appointmentwith Exclusive Agent nly.

Approximately 60 Ha is currently sown down to wheat as a winter crop, plus a further 60 Ha to pasture. In terms of infrastructure, “Clovelly” features a crutching shed, steel and timber sheep and cattle yards.

“Clovelly” is zoned RU1 – Primary Production, and as per the Bombala LEP 2012, the location of “Clovelly” allows for a minimum land size of 40 Ha. This means that the property holds numerous dwelling entitlements under the current LEP and could be subdivided, subject to approvals from all relevant authorities of course. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to secure a large rural holding located about 70km south of Cooma and some 20km west of Bombala, with

holding or for an add on block to your current enterprise, there is ample room to further improve. Perhaps consider building your dream home to complete the image, as well as staff accommodation, or accommodation for family and friends, the opportunities are endless.

“Clovelly” The Snowy River Way, Jincumbilly NSW 2631 goes to auction – online and in room – on Tuesday, 15 April, 2025 at 6:30pm! Contact the sales team on 02 6456 7232 to schedule your inspection. Online – Realtair website. In Room – 1 Park Street, Berridale NSW 2628.

Located about 30 minutes drive NNW of Bombala and less than 1 hours drive south of Cooma with good all weather access via Snowy River Way and Gunningrach Road.

Gentlyundulatingandpredominantlybasaltderivedsoilswithsmallpockets ofgranitebasedsoils present, minimal shale.

Secure water via Stockyard Creek, three spring fed dams as well as two natural basalt lakes. Reticulating water trough system feedingatotalof10troughs. Two standwoolshedonmainspower,sheepyardsandca leyards.

Soundfertiliserhistory, vast pastureimprovementprogramsconducted over theyears,including lucerne,phalaris,cocksfoot, rye grass,subclover,fescue to name usta few, balancenative. Estimated10 lightlytimbered,including red gum, grey box,peppermintandyellowbox.

Exceptionalcarryingcapacity.

Minimal noxious weed burden.

Spacious circa 1954 built cement block home, updated around 1966, bedrooms, 2 living areas, originalkitchenwithwood red stove, features2bathrooms.

Mains power, landline phone. Fully fenced house yard. 486.965 Ha or 1,203.31 Acres (Approx.)

Outbuilding double garage with storerooms plus meat room and laundry.

House water supply via rainwater and creek.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

Located in the renowned Gunningrah area, “Talbot” is being o eredforthe rst timein75years.Thedurationofthistenure speaks clearly for itself. This is an outstanding opportunity, to perhapsonceinalifetimesecureanexceptionalgrazing property with basic infrastructure in place. There may well be plenty of

Snowy Monaro

Perfectly located, comfortable home on quality small acreage

Address: Kalkite Park Homestead, 115 Hilltop Road, Hill Top NSW 2628

KALKITE Park Homestead is a quality small acreage block located some 15 minutes drive east of Jindabyne with a comfortable four bedroom home and established infrastructure. This property offers everything you could want out of a lifestyle block, situated on approximately 3.303 hectares or 8.16 acres with reliable water supplied from a share bore pumped by

a Southern Cross windmill and rainwater harvesting. Not to mention the sound established infrastructure, the large L-shaped workshop shed was originally designed and built to accommodate a joinery business and builder’s shed and features three roller doors, plus three PA doors.

About 25 per cent of the shed is currently fitted out as horse stables and tack room, offering versatility for any prospective purchaser.

Located only 15 minutes drive east of Jindabyne.

Access via Hilltop Road, a council maintained gravel road, plus a short ROC to the homestead.

Circa 1960s built, completely refurbished and renovated around mid 1990s.

Comfortable bedroom home (currently used as bedroom plus study).

Country style kitchen with breakfast bar, open plan living and dining, opening on to northeast facing undercover verandah.

Slowcombustionwood replacecentrallylocated.

Mudroom,large laundry, storeroom,bathroomcompletewithbathandunderfloorheating,second separate WC.

Large L-shaped workshop shed, roller doors, plus PA doors, approximately 25% of the shed currently edoutashorsestablesandtackroom.

Water supply via share bore, pumped by a Southern Cross windmill, drinking quality, rainwater harvestingplus1dam.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

“Kalkite Park Homestead” is perfectly located with easy access to Jindabyne, mountains, Berridale and Cooma alike. Zoned RU1 a second detached dwelling may be allowed under the current LEP subject to the usualapprovalsfromallrelevantauthorities.Thehomeitselfisextremelywellkept andinoutstanding conditionforitsage.Theworkshop/L-shapedshedwasoriginallydesignedandbuilttoaccommodatea

joinery business and builders

Contact: Nick Kirshner Maddy Kirshner P: 02 6456 7232 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commencing 6:30pm

Venue: Online In Room Inspect: By Appointment with Exclusive Agent Only.

KIRSHNER

The home comprises four bedrooms, a bathroom with bath and underfloor heating, plus a second separate WC. Built circa 1960s, it was completely refurbished and renovated around the mid 1990s.

Throughout the house you will find a lovely country style kitchen with breakfast bar, open plan living and dining, which opens on to a northeast facing undercover verandah. Picture yourself sitting around the centrally located slow combustion wood fireplace on

those cold winter nights, and take advantage of the finer features like the mudroom, large laundry and storeroom for additional convenience!Kalkite Park Homestead 115 Hilltop Road, Hill Top NSW 2628 goes to auction on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at 6:30pm. This auction will be online via the Realtair website and conducted in room at our office –1 Park Street, Berridale NSW 2628. Contact the KMPL sales team on 02 6456 7232 today to schedule your own private inspection.

Located15minutesdriveeastofJindabynewithdirectaccessfromHilltopRoad. Fenced into 5paddocksincluding2smallerholdingpaddocks. riginallythebackboneofthewellrenowned KalkitePark Simmental Ca leStud,withtheca le yards,hay, machineryshed,andworkshopalllocated onthenorthernsideofHilltopRoadandthe balanceofthelandonthesouthernsideofHilltopRoad. onedRU1, KalkitePark bene tsfromabuildingentitlementunderthecurrentLEP(dual occupancypermissible),sub ect to approvalsfromallrelevantauthoritiesofcourse. Awindmillandbore,aswellas2gooddamsensuringasecure water supply.

In1999allof KalkitePark wassowed downtoamixtureofCurrieCocksfoot,AustralianTriumph TallFescue,GoulburnSubClover, Holdfast PhalarisandHiafa WhiteClover, witharegularfertiliser programcontinuing over theyears.

Allsoils are granitederivedwithsomeheavyalluvialsoilspresentinthe low lyingareas.The topographyisrangingfromhighplains to gentlyundulating.

Anestimated5-10 ofthelandislightlytimberedwithspeciesincluding MannaGum,BlackSallee, WhiteSalleeandsomeWa le.

AGENTS COMMENTS: Thisisthelastparcel oflandformerlypartof KalkitePark ,a rst classopportunityindeedtosecurean extremelywellmaintainedandcaredforruralsmallholdingclosetoJindabyneandthemountains.An

outstandinglocationtobuildyourdreamhome,plentyof

Snowy Monaro

Conveniently located grazing/lifestyle block

Address: “Muriel’s Paddock” Gullies Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627

Located only 10 minutes drive south of Jindabyne is “Muriel’s Paddock”, a 184.50 hectare or 455.91 acre rural/lifestyle block, home to stunning views of the Main Range and an emu or two. Comprised of granite derived soils, some shale, and scattered stands of Eucalypts including Manna Gum, White Sallee, and Snow Gums.

“Muriel’s Paddock” is fenced into two paddocks, mostly sheep proof with some areas of give and take fencing. The property is bound by

Over the years, “Muriel’s Paddock” has traditionally been stocked with 180 – 200 wethers, mostly merino.

Consider the opportunities this property presents, a blank canvas, plenty of room for a farm shed, cattle, sheep, or horse yards. Perhaps consider a tiny home or two, all subject to any current local or other government requirements of course.

Don’t miss this opportunity, contact our sales team on 02 6456 7232 to co-ordinate your own private inspection. “Muriel’s Paddock” Gullies Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627 goes to auction – online & in room – on Tuesday, 15 April

Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627

Locatedonly10minutesdrivesouthofJindabyne,accessedviaGulliesRoadandfurtherviaR C alongacurrenttrackinuse.

BoundbySteelsCreektothewest,fencedinto twopaddocks,boastingthreedamsandsomeof ld HutCreekfencedin to thesoutherneasterncorner.

Allfencesmostlysheepproofwithsomegiveand take fencinginplace. Granitederivedsoilswithsomeshalepresent,sca eredstandsofEucalyptsincludingMannaGum, WhiteSalleeaswellasSnowGums.

Native pasturescurrentlya ected by SerratedTussock,StJohn sWortplusothers. Muriel sPaddock hastraditionallybeenstockedwith180-200mostlymerinowethersover the years. StunningMainRangeviews.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

ThecloseproximitytoJindabyneandmountainscombinedwithsizeput Muriel sPaddock intherare category. Thepropertywouldbestbedescribedasagrazingandorlifestyleblock. Plentyofroomforfarmsheds,ca le,sheep,orhorseyardsandperhapsatinyhomeortwoallsub ectto any currentlocalorothergovernmentre uirements.

Muriel s Paddock formspartofthe estate ofwellrenownedmountainhorsemenBrian Dooley Pendergastandmustbesoldaspartofwindinguptheestate. Don thesitateandcontactoutoffice now for your own privateinspection

Contact: Nick Kirshner Maddy Kirshner P: 0264567232 W: kirshnermackay.com.au

Online Auction: Tuesday15thApril2025 Commencing6:30pm Venue: nline&InRoom 1ParkStreet, Berridale NSW 2628 Inspect: By Appointmentwith Exclusive Agent nly.

Snowy Monaro

Wagga Wagga lamb sales invigorated

By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA

THERE was an increase in lamb numbers, with quality remaining fair to very good across the board at last week’s Wagga Wagga sheep sale.

A notable mix of grainfed and grass-finished lambs were available.

The return of key domestic buyers, who had been absent from the market for an extended period, further invigorated sales, leading to a more competitive atmosphere at the top end of the trade lambs.

All other buyers were at the market but not all were operating.

Trade lambs were in reasonable supply, but the spotlight was on grain-fed lambs with short skins, which were particularly sought after by buyers.

Grass-finished lambs found a market among a smaller group of processors, indicating a targeted interest in shape and yield.

For lambs weighing between 20-24kg, prices remained firm, to $3 dearer.

These lambs fetched prices ranging from $150 to $204/head.

LIVESTOCK: Strong numbers and the return of domestic buyers saw a re-invigorated Wagga Wagga sheep sale last week.

In the 24-26kg category, lambs experienced a firming trend after an initially slow start, averaging 784c/kg cwt.

Feedlot buyers were particularly active, seeking out well-presented lambs with good weight.

These well bred lambs sold for between $151 and $194, while store lambs ranged from $90 to $156/ head, reflecting a healthy interest in both finished and store stock.

On the export front, bidding for lambs in the 26-30kg cwt range showed some volatility, with prices ranging from $209 to $255, averaging around 800/kg cwt.

Lambs more than 30kg saw a slight decrease in

prices, easing by $3 to sell between $250 and $285/ head.

It was a bigger group of processors competing in a very mixed yarding with more leaner types now being offered compared to the previous month.

Trade sheep were keenly sought by a bigger group of buyers which resulted in a lift in prices.

Trade sheep sold between $75 and $118 to average 400c to 440c/kg cwt.

Heavy sheep were keenly sought by three key processors with some sales jumping $19/head.

Heavy sheep made from $127 to $185/head to average 439c to 475c/kg cwt.

Yass cattle market firm to dearer

By MLA

CATTLE numbers lifted and the quality was good.

There was a better line up of trade steers and a heavier run of feeders.

Grown steers and bullocks were better supplied but prime heavy grown heifers were still limited.

Just under 200 cows were penned. The market was firm to dearer.

Just a few weaner heifers were penned and reached 330c/kg. Medium weight feeder steers were firm selling from 320c to 366c/kg and heavy weights were 13c stronger 322c to 368c/kg.

Feeder heifers were firm to three cents softer ranging from 265c to 326c/ kg.

Trade cattle were steady with heavy trade steers reaching 350c and heifers sold from 310c to 342c/kg.

Grown steers and bullocks also remained similar selling from 315c to 355c/kg but the limited supply of prime grown heifers lifted in value reaching 341c/kg.

Cows were the big improvers lifting between 15c and 20c on the heavy weights, selling from 270c to 312c/kg and medium weight two score cows were firm, 230c to 275c/ kg.

NSW declared feral capital

SNOWY Monaro farmers have called for more funding to get feral pests under control as a new report finds NSW has the highest number of feral mammal species in the nation.

NSW Farmers conservation and resource management committee chair, Bronwyn Petrie, said the data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics had come as no surprise to farmers battling a surging number of pests across the state.

“It’s little wonder we’re the feral capital of Australia – we’ve got hordes of feral pigs and packs of wild dogs as well as feral deer, foxes, cats,

rabbits and mice to boot,” Mrs Petrie said.

“This is just the start of a long list of feral species that farmers are battling to control as these pests wreak havoc and harm production across the key agricultural regions of our state, trashing crops and pastures and even killing livestock.”

More funding to deliver co-ordinated, long-term, cross-tenure pest control programs around the state would be critical to get NSW’s pest problems under control, Mrs Petrie said, with animal pests expected to cause damages in excess of $489 million annually by 2026.

“This destructive front

Landcare diary dates

Save the date for the 2025 Muster for Landcare

SOUTH East Local Land Services region will hold the Landcare Regional Muster on Thursday, 29 May.

The event will be held at The Carrington Inn, Bungendore from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Those interested are encouraged to attend to help the region take shape.

2025 Landcare conference

The 2025 Landcare Conference and National Landcare Awards is now open for registrations, with early bird discounts still available.

Head to the National Landcare website for more information and to book.

Location: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dates: Sunday, 21 SeptemberWednesday, 24 September

Program rundown:

Sunday, 21 September - First Nations Landcare Gathering and NextGen Landcare Summit

Monday, 22 September - Conference and evening Welcome Reception

Tuesday, 23 September - Conference and evening 2025 National Landcare Awards Gala Dinner

Wednesday, 24 September – field trip program.

If you are part of an organisation interested in partnering with Landcare for this event, or looking to get involved in sponsorship or exhibition opportunities contact melissa.higgins@landcareaustralia. com.au

Local Land Services re-vegetation and splatter gun demonstration day

Royalla re-vegetation and splatter gun demonstration day will be held on Saturday, 12 April.

Practical re-vegetation and weed control skills are a must have for landholders planning or completing environmental rehabilitation works.

This workshop will demonstrate and discuss:

Re-vegetation techniques including information on site preparation, planting and follow up maintenance;

Re-vegetation around farm dams to improve biodiversity and reduce water loss;

Information on Landcare’s Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network;

The use of a splatter gun for woody weed control including information on calibrations, application techniques and appropriate use.

This is a practical outdoor event with the option of hands-on

re-vegetation work so come prepared for the conditions.

A light morning tea will be provided.

To help reduce waste, where possible please bring along a keep cup and a water bottle. A camp chair might also be handy for a rest.

Time: 9.30am-12.00pm

Where: Royalla TSR, Old Cooma Rd

Royalla Register online or contact Jack McGrath, Land Services officer, 0418 718 500 or email jack.mcgrath@lls. nsw.gov.au

Mulloon Institute riparian tree planting event

The Mulloon Institute will hold a volunteer planting event on 29 and 30 March, 9am - 4pm, Carwoola NSW. This planting event is part of a larger project to re-habilitate and re-hydrate the Molongolo catchment at Captains Flat in the NSW Southern Tablelands.

Transform the landscape into a healthy vibrant ecosystem that captures flood sediments, cycles nutrients and provides valuable habitat for the nationally endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.

Targeted interventions, including instream structures and floodplain earthworks, have been implemented to restore the natural function of the landscape.

Volunteer activities – information session introducing the project and looking at design and construction of instream and floodplain works; planting native seedlings in the riparian zone

What to bring – water, snacks and lunch, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, gloves, long plants and sleeves, and your favourite planting tools if you have them (some tools and gloves provided). Supervised kids welcome. No experience necessary. Limited places, bookings essential. Contact: Penny Cooper on pennycooper@mullooninstitute.org Register on the Mulloon Institute website.

of feral species are not only putting a chokehold on food and fibre production, but the costs to control them are huge, and farmers can’t fix this problem alone,” Mrs Petrie said.

“The number of feral species has been growing since 2010, and no doubt there will be more feral animal species, in increasing numbers, to come.

“Consistent, co-ordinated funding for feral animal control is what our state needs if we want to get these pests under control for the benefit of our landscapes, environment, biosecurity and biodiversity – four things critical to our future.”

PLANTING: The Mulloon Institute will hold a volunteer planting event at Carwoola.

PHOTO: Mulloon Institute

PHOTO: Supplied

Celebrating 150 years of Bombala Shows

Shows

SHOW TIME: The ring events were again popular at the

150 years of

Despite some tough conditions, the produce section was strong at this year’s Bombala Show.

The Alcocks of Greenland Merino Stud win champion fleece of the show. The Alcocks have enjoyed a successful show season.

Karen Baird wins the most outstanding article in crochet classes. The pavilion was a highlight of the Bombala Show.

The horse section at the show attracted riders from across the region.

Bombala Show. The show society celebrated

shows in the Bombala district.

There is plenty of entertainment on o er at the Bombala Show each year.

Meg Clancy celebrates winning best art exhibit.

Manfred Koch is delighted with his win in cake made by a male at the Bombala Show. He made this hummingbird cake.

Celebrating 150 years of Bombala Shows

Rockton’s Lynette Summers with her first prize for seascape. Her painting was judged by renowned artist, Lucy Culliton of Bibbenluke.

FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

Classifieds IN PERSON

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment: Proposed upgrades at the Lake Jindabyne Works Depot, Lake Point Road, Jindabyne, NSW. Noti cation and Registration of Aboriginal Interests

National Parks and Wildlife Service (the proponent) has engaged Apex Archaeology to assist in preparing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) for proposed upgrades at the Lake Jindabyne Works Depot, Lake Point Road, Jindabyne NSW. The area of proposed works is located within the Snowy-Monaro Local Government Area (LGA).

These works may result in the application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) under Section 90 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

A process of Aboriginal community consultation in accordance with the Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation requirements for proponents 2010 is being initiated by Apex Archaeology on behalf of the proponent. The purpose of consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the Department Secretary in their consideration and determination of the application.

The proponent invites Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the cultural signi cance of Aboriginal objects and places within the study area to register an interest in the process of Aboriginal community consultation.

Please note that details of the Aboriginal people or organisations who register an interest in consultation will be forwarded to both Heritage NSW and the Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council. Please advise at the time of registration if you do not wish for your details to be forwarded to either entity.

The proponent’s project manager is Joshua Crawford who can be contacted via email at Joshua.crawford@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Aboriginal stakeholders can register their interest by post to PO Box 236, Nowra, NSW 2541; via phone on 0482 646 644; or via peta@apexarchaeology.com.au. Please include the name and contact details of your preferred contact person in your registration. Registrations will be accepted until COB 2 April 2025.

BOMBALA RSL CLUB LIMITED

A.C.N. 001 050 255

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Bombala RSL Club Limited will be held at Club Bombala at 2pm on April 12, 2025 in the main bar.

All members are invited to attend

CURRAWARNA ASSISTED LIVING LTD AGM Wednesday, March 26, 2025 6pm at Currawarna.

COOMA SNOWY TENNIS CLUB

Invites members to the 2025 AGM which will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the clubhouse at 7pm.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Anglican Parish of Southern Monaro will take place at 10.30am on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at St Matthias’ Parish Hall, Cardwell Street, Bombala.

POSITION VACANT EVORO HR/HC DRIVER

Evoro are looking for a reliable and experienced HR/HC Driver to join our Cooma team!

As an HR/HC Driver, you will be responsible for safely operating a Heavy Rigid vehicle in the Snowy Mountains region, transporting and collecting recyclable and general waste streams. Our fleet includes hook, flatbed, pantech, vacuum and rear li trucks.

A strong focus on safety, exceptional customer service and communication is essential. We o er well above award pay, overtime, flexible work, and opportunities for career growth including gaining HC and DG licences. If you’re ready for a rewarding role, apply now at cooma@evoro.com.au or call Jonathon on 0461 335 400

CLEARING SALE

Saturday 29th March 2025

210 Middlingbank Road, Berridale NSW 2628 A/C: G Zulian

Vehicles/Machinery – 1992 Suzuki SJ 413 Soft Top 4WD; 1995 Suzuki Soft Top 4WD; Isuzu tray back truck; Nissan Navara 1994 Single Cab Farm Ute; 1986 Toyota Hilux 4WD 2.4D with hiab; Daihatsu dual cab truck; Tadano crane 3T/12m boom on tracks; Hilux wheels; Caterpillar backhoe 4x4 plus buckets; Landcruiser rims/tyres; Building Materials, Workshop Equipment & Tools – Tow along welder/generator; Lincoln welder generator; Conveyor belt; Assorted steel (type & lengths); Corrugated iron; Assorted timber planks; Metal steps; Metal walking grids; Assorted packs of flooring; Ladders; Concrete pipes; Roller door; Steel cable; Farming Equipment & Materials – Bombardier Rotax Quadbike; 2 ½ inch suction/delivery hoses; Assorted drums; 3PL 5ft Blade; Stick rake; Auger; Round bale feeder; 3PL Chisel plough; Household Items – Gas stoves; Fridge; Miscellaneous – Solar panels; Outside Entries:

1. S L Constance – Twin box Sunbeam wool press (orange, working order); Portable wool bin. Plus so much more!

Inspections: 8am | Auction: 9am

Pre-registrations available via the KMPL office Refer to kirshnermackay.com.au for further details, photos & inventory.

SALE 1993 NISSAN PATROL DX 4L Diesel, running and registered up to 2023 (AD01LY). $1500. WENATEX ADJUSTABLE ELECTRIC BED Queen size, split bedframe. $500. 2007 7x4 BOX TRAILER Good condition, unregistered,

JOHANSEN, Norman Egil. Passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025 at David Harper House, Canberra. Aged 89 years.

Dearly loved husband of Bodil. Father and father-in-law of George and Mary, Lindy and Paul, Roy and Anna and adored Grandfather.

The relatives and friends of the late Norman Egil Johansen are invited to attend his funeral service to be held by the graveside in the Gegedzerick Cemetery, Berridale on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 12 noon.

LARRIT, George Thomas Gri th. A ectionately known as “Mick” passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Aged 94 years. A private family service was held at “Woodstock” to celebrate his life.

MOORE, Rodney ‘Rod’ Noel. 22/12/1937 – 6/3/2025

A gentle soul, loved by all. Now at rest. Much loved son of Ivy and Jack (both dec). Brother to John and Greg (dec). Husband of Jocelyn (dec) and Maureen (sep).

Loved and loving father of Peta and Melanie.

Adored Grandpa Rod to Billy and Shantani, Ceri, Bradley and Brendan. Friend to many in Queenstown, Canberra, Jindabyne, Kiama and Sydney. Rod believed in “Always being yourself, so wear whatever you want and be happy” The funeral service for Mr Rodney Moore was held at the Norwood Park Crematorium on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. A livestream link is available on the Simplicity Funerals website under ‘Upcoming Funerals’: www.simplicityfunerals.com.au

PALMERANI, Mario.

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Cooma District Hospital, Cooma, formerly of Nambucca Street, Cooma. Aged 96 years.

Dearly loved husband of Anne (dec). Father and father-in-law of Anita and Otto, Tony, Joe and Leonie, and Louise and Ken.

Loved grandfather of Leanne, Jessica, Ian, Ashleigh, Lachlan and great grandfather of Dominic, Zoe, Emily, Benny and Dusty.

The relatives and friends of the late Mario Palmerani are invited to attend his funeral service to be held at the Norwood Park Crematorium, Mitchell on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10:30am.

Alan Dodd – Director Family owned and operated (02) 6452 2094

In loving memory of our beloved wife and mother

FREESKIER Abi Harrigan has broken through to claim the first World Cup podium of her career, finishing second in the slopestyle event overnight in Tignes, France.

The 2022 Olympian qualified for finals in sixth place with a best score of 64.66, also advancing to the 10-woman final was teammate Daisy Thomas in seventh on 62.58.

In the best of two run final high up in the French Alps, Harrigan put two down clean runs, scoring 67.85 for her first run, and then improved in the final run with a score of 75.41 to put her in second place, securing Australia’s first World Cup ski slopestyle podium since Russ

Henshaw in 2017, and just the second Australian female to do so joining former X-Games and World Champion Anna Segal.

Harrigan’s silver medal run included a right spinning 540 with grab on the first jump, switch 720 with grab on the second jump, smooth rail sections and left spinning cork 720 with grab on the final jump.

Joining Harrigan on the podium in first place was Kirsty Muir of Great Britain on 77.98, third place went to Ruby Star Andrews of New Zealand on 72.75

17-year-old Thomas finished in eighth place, with her best score of 59.83 coming in the second run.

LisaBrooks Lisa Brooks

21/7/1962 - 20/03/2017

Eight years have passed since you le us

Deeply loved and sadly missed Your loving husband Tony and devoted

In loving memory of Lisa-Ann Brooks. 21/7/1962 – 20/3/2017

Dearly loved daughter of Jan and Ray Askell. Sister to Michael, Christopher and Kathleen Forever in our hearts.

Jindabyne’s Harrigan claims first career ski slopestyle podium in France

“Feeling pretty surreal to get my first podium here at Tignes,” 22-year-old Harrigan from Jindabyne said.

“I had a large training block after the Laax open, got a lot of stuff done, but also just had a blast skiing and love the sport so much right now which has given me a new mindset towards competing.

“This is the best thing leading into World Champs. It’s definitely going to give me a big confidence boost. Just stoked to ski a new course and see what we can get done.”

The podium performance improved Harrigan’s final World Cup slopestyle ranking to 11th, with Thomas in 17th. In the big

air discipline, Thomas finished the season ranked 14th with Harrigan 21st. The freeski season will now conclude with the prestigious FIS World Championships in St

Moritz, Switzerland, slopestyle qualifications are on 19 March and finals on 20 March then big air qualifications on 27 March and finals 29 March.

Coolamatong scores blown in the blustery wind

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

BLUSTERY conditions played a key hand in scoring for the first round of the Coolamatong men’s club championships, but not all golfers succumbed to the elements.

Nigel Bolton leads A grade after shooting a sensational five over par 76 where most other A grade golfers struggled to play to their handicaps.

Steve Dunn sits just off the pace with an eight over 79 and Jordan Sell is by no means out of contention after shooting 81. There must have been a common denominator in Bolton’s group, as B grade leader Peter Hastings and C grade leader Benje Munce all played in the same group.

Bolton started his round with a double bogey, was three over par after three holes, and five over par after nine holes, but this did not faze him.

Although the weather deteriorated as the day went on, he managed to shoot par figures the back nine with one birdie on 12, and a lone back nine bogey on his last hole of the day.

Steve Dunn admitted after his round the going was ‘tough’, but after a 42 front nine, he fought back with birdies on 10 and 12 and finished with 37 on the homeward nine to be in the mix for the final two rounds.

In B grade, Peter Hastings and Ken Kable both shot very good scores of 84, a great result considering the conditions.

Hastings had a nice birdie on

the difficult 16th hole, and Kable completed his round with a great 15-foot birdie putt on his final hole.

They lead B grade over Alan Parsons who shot 85, and Lochlann Colin who shot 86.

In C grade, Benje Munce continued his recent good form with 98 and leads young Cole Haigh by three shots and Richard Hendriks by five shots.

Munce’s score would have been much lower except for a double figure score on the hole 13, but that was the nature of the day for most golfers.

An honourable mention to 16-year-old junior Cole Haigh who hits the ball a long way for his age plus he managed to chip in for birdie on the 14th.

Other notable mentions were

Rainer Beissner who had backto-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes, and Mitch Canty who hit a bomber drive on the 12th, a great second shot to greenside and chipped in for eagle.

In the overall nett scores, Peter Hastings had 69 nett to win the day on a countback from Lochlann Colin.

In the A grade nett, Nigel Bolton had 71, Jason Christie 73, Steve Dunn 73, Ross Thompson 74 and Stephen Jermyn 74.

In B grade nett, Peter Hastings had 69, Lochlann Colin 69, Ken Kable 70, Alan Parsons, 71 and Reiner Beissner 74 nett.

In C grade nett, Cole Haigh had 77 and Benje Munce 78.

The ball comp ran down to 75 nett.

In the ladies competition,

Maureen Rupcic had 78 to win on a countback from Vicky Roarty on 78.

The men’s near pins were won by Peter Hastings on three, Glen Staker on 8, Jason Christie on 15 and the eagles nest and Lochlann Colin on 17.

The ladies near pins were won by Carolyn Major on eight and Jan O’Halloran on 17.

The final two rounds of the men’s championship will conclude on the weekend. Saturday players can book in for their preferred time, and Sunday’s times are a seeded draw. Looking ahead, the ladies start their championships at the end of this month.

The Diggers Day is on 12 April and open to all golfers with, or without a handicap.

SILVER: Abi Harrigan a er winning World Cup silver in Tignes with team mate Joey Elliss, le , and their coach Leon Tarbotton, right.

PHOTO: OWIA

SPORT

son Daniel

Bombala golf stalwart farewells committee

By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB

FOR the past 40 years, Brendan Weston (Westy) has been an integral part of the Bombala Golf Club Committee.

Thirty years ago the Bombala Golf Club was in great financial difficulties and on the brink of losing it all. Westy took on the presidency and during that 30 years it has been his life.

He has steered the committee, always there to advise, direct and work on the course. For many years, all work inside and out has been on a voluntary basis.

Westy has always put his hand up whether it was in the bar or leading work on the course. He has been there to support members who suffered bereavement or to help celebrate special occasions. There are only a couple of others who have given their all to the club.

When the club finally got into the black he said ‘I didn’t think I would live to see the day’. At the club’s AGM last week, an emotional Westy advised he would be retiring from the committee.

“We are sorry to see Westy hand over the baton but we sincerely hope he will be there to guide the new committee to continue the great work you have done over the years for the club,” Bombala Golf Club’s, Di Ingram, said.

“Westy will be a hard act to follow and we will miss you at our meetings.

“Congratulations Westy on all you have achieved in keeping our club afloat. We thank him sincerely for the years he has given to the club.”

Golf results

On Saturday, members

played a stableford for club trophy. There was a good field even though it was extremely hot.

There were some good scores with Daniel Douch coming in the winner with 39 points, closely followed by Wayne Elton on 38 points, Pepper Thompson 38 points, Shannon Gulliford 37 points, Brad Yelds 36 points, Steve Tatham 36 points, Darren Forrester 36 points and Brendan Weston 36 points. All were ball winners.

Nearest the pin on 17 was claimed by Brad Yelds, golden shot went to Wayne Elton.

Sunday was the foursomes championships over 27 holes. With pleasant conditions there was a good field to contest the foursomes.

As usual with golfers there were some sad stories, one group for nine holes only found the fairway twice, another group were out of bounds with the first shot and his partner just passed the ladies tee.

The foursomes champions for 2025 are Korie Elton and Nick Ryan 118 from Brendan Weston and Wayne Elton 129. The same result and margin from the 2024 championships.

Handicap champions for 2025 are Pepper Thompson and Merv Douch 112 from Simon Stephen and Brad Yelds 115.25.

Golden shot went to Elton and Ryan.

Golden Shot went to Korie and Nick.

Golf program

Ladies

Wednesday, 19 MarchStableford, club trophy

Members

Saturday, 22 MarchStableford, club trophy

Sunday, 23 March - Par, two Bob trophy

Closest cricket season in years reaches finals time

By RUSS HAYLOCK

THE stage has been set for the semi finals of the Monaro District Cricket Association Alpine Hotel one day competition, with Coffey’s, Jindabyne Tigers, Cooma Titans and the Berridale Whitetails advancing to the final four. Dalgety went within a whisker of knocking Berridale out of contention. Needing to defeat Coffey’s to secure a spot in the finals, the final over

of the match was another thriller between the two sides.

Coffey’s Jumesh John iced the match with two boundaries. In a special moment for John, his son Ethan was at the other end to watch him hit the winning runs.

Dale Cook’s 41 put Coffey’s in a solid position to chase their target of 178, but a flurry of wickets put Dalgety in control. John’s efforts, alongside some good hitting from

Kye Harrison secured Coffey’s the win and minor premiership.

At Jindabyne, the Whitetails put in a fight with bat and ball, but watched the match slip away at crucial stages. The fall of Russ Haylock (42) to leave the score 5-122 led to a calamitous collapse as the Whitetails finished 145 all out.

Dave Oxley’s leg-spin was both measured and brave, allowing him to pick up figures of 4-21 and

decimate Berridale’s lower order.

In the chase, the Tigers were halted at 3-16 with openers Zac McKenzie (2-11) and Jack Dunn (1-28) taking critical early wickets. Dave Tickell then stepped up for his team, scoring a half century and, with the support of Oxley, guiding his team to 3-92.

A brace of quick wickets to Haylock (2-38) gave the Whitetails the hope of a comeback, but despite a late wicket for Dan Watts

(1-43) this proved a bridge too far as young batter Mason Marks (17*) helped to guide the hosts home.

The Cooma Titans tuned up with a solid win over Rhythm, their fourth victory on the bounce to put their opponents on notice.

As ever, their big hitting brought them an above par score of 240, and despite being unable to bowl their opponents out they wrapped up a 95-run win and a berth in the semi-finals in their maiden season.

On Saturday, 22 March the Titans will travel to Jindabyne for their semifinal, while Coffey’s hosts Berridale at Rotary Oval. Despite their superior positions on the ladder, Coffey’s and Jindabyne have not been able to beat their prospective opponents so far this season, with a chance at the grand final open to any of the four teams as the competition reaches its climax.

Jindabyne sailors win in Wallagoot regatta

LAKE Jindabyne Sailing Club members have competed in the annual Wallagoot Lake Boat Club Regatta over the weekend on 8,9 March. It was a fantastic regatta with strong winds. Wallagoot is a saltwater lake and benefits from some strong winds as the sea breeze blows in when

the land warms up. There were five races, with 10 separate fleets (with some combined starts).

In the catamaran fleet of Nacras and Maricats 5.0, Jindabyne sailors dominated the leaderboard with Alan Davis first, Adam Robinson second, and Doug Paterson third.

In the Monohull fast fleet, the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club had six competitors, with Dave Reuben first, Vardon Robson second and Hamish Greenwood third. On Wednesday, 12 March, the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club held its second autumn pointscore series back on Jindabyne Lake.

The wind at 6pm was non-existent, so the sailors and motor boats waited on shore until the wind arrived at about 6.40pm. A windward return course was set with the start just outside the club and the far mark being the peninsular mark.

The wind was still very light and a number of the

monohulls decided not to race, leaving only two division one competitors. Division 1 sailed one lap and was won by John Kleven, who was without a crew for his usual boat (flying fifteen) so was sailing a laser full rig instead. Division 2 had nine competitors, sailed two laps and was won by

Matt Mason and Wayne Ryan on their Nacra 5.8. There are only a few more races left for the season. If you would like to join the club for these final few races, or wish to chat about joining next season, join sailors from 6pm on Wednesdays and stay for a barbecue dinner afterwards.

DEDICATION: Bombala Golf Club stalwart, Brendan Weston, will finish up on the club’s committee a er 40 years service. Golf club members have praised Weston for his e orts.

PHOTO: Bombala Golf Club

Delegate relay swimmers off to state

Principal Bannister praises students for hard work, success

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

FOUR students from Delegate Public School are travelling to Sydney Olympic Park’s aquatic centre next month to compete in the NSW State Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Swimming Championships, an achievement which has made the school and Delegate community extremely proud.

The Snowy Mountains District PSSA has seven swimmers qualifying for the State Swimming Carnival in Sydney with Delegate Public School’s Lily Kading, Abbey Gilbert, Thomas Kading, and Alisha Ingram, making their way to the Small Schools relay.

A total of 56 students from Berridale, Bombala, Cooma North Public School, Cooma Public School, Delegate, and Jindabyne competed at the NSW South Coast School Sports Association Swimming Championship in Dapto on Monday, 10 March.

The third place podium finish by Delegate Public School relay team was a highlight.

Teacher and principal, Brad Bannister, said for such a small school, it’s a huge effort.

“For six years in a row, the school relay team has travelled to the Dapto carnival. It’s now been four years in a row the kids have made it to the state carnival.

“I am a bit biased but this is the best school I have ever taught at and the kids here are just amazing. It’s so wonderful to see them get this opportunity to head to Sydney.

“For three of our competitors when they swam at Dapto, that was the very first time they had a full 50 metre lap of the pool because there are no 50-metre pools in the Snowy Mountains. They have all swum 50 metres before but it was the first time they had seen and swum in a 50-metre pool.”

Mr Bannister said the students, teachers and parents are all very excited.

“As a school we make a big deal of this for them - drive them to Sydney, accommodate them and their families, buy their uniforms. We believe in

promoting excellence in our school and these kids have done an excellent job to get this far.

“They love the whole concept of being a ‘team’. They are so proud of what they have achieved.

“Our goal will be hopefully to finish in the top 20 out of the 25-26 small schools there. They are a much younger group then the kids we’ve had represent the school in the last couple of years.”

Swim skills are developed through a swim program Mr Bannister introduced three years ago.

“I have made sure every single kid in this school gets 18 free swimming lessons each year. We go to Pambula Aquatic Centre, because it is heated and indoors - and we have seen some massive improvements. Four lessons in term 2 and four in term 3 and 10 in term 4 - it’s a valuable part of our school curriculum and for me, it gives me peace of mind to know that when kids go swimming in the rivers and dams around here that they can swim to the edge if they need to and also for

Bushpigs coach has premiership hopes

By TRISTA HEATH

WHILE the Jindabyne Bushpigs rugby union club has a new head coach for its men’s side in 2025, the club’s premiership aspirations remain the same.

The club has unveiled Liam Seiler as the new coach of the Bushpigs side, taking over from Matt Tripet.

Seiler is no stranger to the club, with more than 15 years as a player, including being a key member of the team’s success over the past three seasons.

Seiler has coaching experience with various junior teams over the years, but this will be his first big test in the senior ranks.

Seiler said having been a player since the under 10s, he has had a lot of coaches in his time. With plenty of playing experience under his belt and learning from some of the club’s top coaches, Seiler said he is ready to make the move into the coaching ranks.

“I want to see what I can do for the club other than just play,” Seiler said.

“I am taking points from some of my previous coaches and idols I have had since my under 10s coach through to Matt

Tripet who was the men’s coach last year, hopefully with that I can create my own coaching style and lead the team to more victories.”

With a wealth of experience and a passion for the game, Seiler is ready to lead the Bushpigs to new heights this season, bringing in fresh ideas and approaches to the club.

“My experiences as a player have always been good, I was once told by an old coach that I was an odd kid but no matter where I

some kids it’s given them an opportunity to compete in swimming events like the state carnival.

“My philosophy as principal here is to find what the kids love and are good at and then allow them to express themselves in that way, whether they are an artist, a sportsperson, mathematician, a scientist. Each kid is going to find their own niche and we as a school try to accommodate it and promote excellence in all areas.

“I am just wanting the kids to have these opportunities as we are so far away from everything.”

AJ Moon, Billy Percy, and Jarrah Riley are the other three students from the Snowy Mountains District PSSA who are competing in Sydney in the 13-year-old individual freestyle events.

go, I should play rugby as I’ll always have 15 mates, whether they like you or not,” Seiler said.

“That’s always what it has been, everywhere I have gone I’ve joined a rugby team and gained 15 mates and I hope I can share positive rugby experiences with others.”

Seiler said he is thrilled to step into the role of coach for the upcoming season and to be part of a new re-building phase and watching the next generation of players come through.

“My hopes for the team this year is to win a premiership like all coaches want,” Seiler said.

“It will be challenging this year with a whole new re-build for the team, we have lost some older players that have been around for a while, however, we do have a lot of new blokes willing to stand up and hopefully take us all the way through.

“I’m excited to work hard alongside the team as we set our sights on claiming another title in 2025.”

Describing the team, Seiler said this year’s team is motivated, new and full of international and experienced players.

“Up the Pigs,” Seiler said.

 Lily Kading, Tom Kading, Abbey Gilbert and Alisha Ingram make up the Delegate Public School relay team which is heading to Sydney Olympic Park aquatic centre in April to compete in the NSW PSSA Swimming and Diving Championships.

RUGBY: Bushpigs new head coach, Liam Seiler, is excited to bring home more titles for the team. PHOTO: Supplied

SYDNEY BOUND: The Delegate Public School’s relay team claimed third place in the NSW South Coast School Sports Association Swimming Championship held in Dapto last week, which means the team has qualified for the State Championships. PHOTOS: Delegate Public School

Dr Systermans heads back home after national team duties

By KAREN FORMAN

JINDABYNE general practitioner Dr Brenton Systermans is winging his way from the Italian Dolomites back to the Snowy Mountains after an exciting three-week stint working as team doctor for the Australian moguls and aerials team.

While he loves all things sports medicine, Dr Systermans, who was part of the Australian medical team for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, says being on hand when local skier Charlotte Wilson, 20, won her first FIS World Cup gold medal on the Olympic course at Livigno, was “absolutely the highlight” of his trip.

“To be part of the team and see a local skier become the third-ever Aussie female to win a moguls World Cup event, after Britt Cox and Jakara Anthony, was fantastic,” he said.

“It was Charlotte’s first season on the World Cup Tour and she has made massive improvements over the past 12 months.

“She was the first Australian ever to win (FIS Freestyle moguls) Rookie of the Year and then she came out with this win in the dual moguls.”

Apart from the Olympics, Dr Systermans has also travelled with the aerials and moguls team to the 2023 FIS World Championships in Bakuriani, Georgia.

While he is beloved as a general practitioner at Snowy Mountains Medical Centre and hones his emergency skills outside the winter months as a VMO at Cooma Hospital, his special interest in expedition and wilderness medicine, mountain and altitude

medicine, mountain bike, snow board and ski trauma has taken him around the world.

Dr Systermans has been working as lecturer, unit coordinator and now A/Course co-ordinator with the University of Tasmania’s Healthcare in Remote and Extreme Environments program to educate and develop the next generation of expedition medics.

“This is an exciting program

that continues to grow,” he said.

“I also have an appointment with the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia providing care for our Professional Winter Athletes. I’m excited to work with the team as we build towards the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina.”

From an expedition perspective, Dr Systermans has deployed with the Australian Army on humanitarian

programs, worked with the Himalayan Rescue Association at both its Pheriche and EverestER Aid Posts, worked in Antarctica with the Australian Antarctic Division.

He has guided with various companies, but in particular, Climbing the Seven Summits (CTSS).

“I look forward to returning to guiding over the next few years.”

Outside of work, Dr

Systermans pursues an active lifestyle, regularly training for his next adventure.

He particularly enjoys back country skiing, trail running and road cycling.

Next up, however is the Australian snow season, when he will return to work in Jindabyne as well as at Thredbo and Perisher medical centres where his love for emergency and snow related medicine gets a good workout.

Bombala bowlers continue singles championships

BOMBALA Bowling Club has continued its singles championship during the month of March, with four games played last week.

Matt Cootes played Herbie Elliott with Elliott coming out strong to winning the first four ends and leading 7-0.

Cootes fought hard taking a few shots from Elliott but with Elliott’s many years of experience

it was no match against new bowler Cootes taking the game 25-9.

John Ryan played Neil Brotherton with the match starting out even but Ryan caught Brotherton napping, taking five ends in a row.

By end 16, Brotherton had caught up to be only one shot behind.

Ryan put some great bowls

down on the next end taking four shots and the game fluctuated with the players winning alternate ends.

However Ryan was making two shots to Brotherton’s one and took the game 25-17.

Chris Ingram played Noel Batey. Batey gave himself a great lead over Ingram, winning the first four ends taking seven shots, then each player then took

Monaro Shield enters round two

ROUND two of the Monaro Shield was held at Cooma Bowling Club on 9 March. It was a great day of bowls enjoyed by everyone who played and the sport was followed by a social gathering catered by the club and members.

Jindabyne 1 comprising Dean Pusey, Michael Hamilton and Dell Turner defeated Bombala 1 comprising Eileen Hampshire, Reigh Calloway and Chris Shiaxiates 40-13.

Jindabyne 1 comprising Cathy Burn, Mick Towner and

Hans Stoers defeated Bombala 1 comprising Mal O’Brien, Billy Calloway and Russell Yelds 20-9.

Bombala 2 comprising Matt Cootes, Aurora Reed and Kyle Richardson defeated Jindabyne 2 comprising Brenda Byrne, Ken McCorie and Steven Old 38-12.

Bombala 2 comprising Warrick Ingram, Art Frances and Greg Griggs defeated Jindabyne 2 comprising Jenny Smith, Jack Van Dongen and Coral Hume 24-21.

Cooma 1 comprising Bruce

Stewart, Kathy Venables and Cheryl Meillon defeated Cooma 2 Diane Wilkins, Judy Locker and Leonie Snell 21-20.

Cooma 1 comprising Fiona Richards, Gayle Schouten and Steve Bowerman defeated Cooma 2 comprising Paul Fuller, Mary Bowerman and Olga Jebbink 20-15.

POINTSCORE:

Bombala 2 - 12 points

Cooma 1 – 9 points

Jindabyne 1 -9 points

Cooma 2- 6 points

Jindabyne 2 -0 points

Bombala 1 -0 points

turns winning the end and Chris struggled to score more than two shots on his winning ends leaving Batey with a significant lead taking the match 26-20.

Peter Jones played Tony Shaw.

Jones started the game with some brilliant shots taking the first three ends but Shaw fought back only dropping one end in the next five ends and on end 11 it was 10-8 to Jones.

During the next 10 ends, Shaw would be holding one or two shots but Jones’ talent shone through with many of his final bowls threading their way between Shaw bowls and sitting on the jack so frustrating for Shaw.

The final score of 25-14 doesn’t reflect the tight fought game between these two bowlers.

Tied finish in pennants

WITH the lawn bowls season in full swing, some tightly fought matches have taken place in recent weeks.

Cooma travelled to Bombala on Sunday, 8 March and a great tournament occurred over three matches.

With one end to play in the final match, Bombala needed to score four shots to win the day on aggregate.

With accurate bowling, Bombala scored three, which made the day’s bowls a tie on 57-57.

Cooma won two matches to one, therefore the points score was 5.5 Cooma, 4.5 Bombala.

The final match in Cooma between Bombala/Cooma will be a grudge match.

Social bowls

Rink 1: Wendy Nixon (new bowler), Ross Lawley and Leonie Snell always were in front of Mick Boyle, Ines Rees and Steve Bowerman, and they won 20-14 after 20 ends.

Rink 2: Iganzio Mondello, Shirley Brnes and Bruce McDermott were on fire against Carmel McDermott, Bruce Stewart and Mike M. After eight ends, they led 11-1 and 19-13 after 17 ends.

After 20 ends, the score was 25-15 to Bruce’s team.

Dr Brenton, le , at home in Jindabyne with colleague, Dr Jeremy Byrne.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

AUSSIES TOGETHER: Jindabyne’s Dr Brenton Systermans with Charlotte Wilson in Livigno where she won the dual moguls World Cup.

PHOTO: Contributed

Gold for Wilson

Jindabyne talent breaks moguls record

JINDABYNE mogul talent, Charlotte Wilson, is still riding high following the most successful week of her career.

The former Snowy Mountains Grammar student started the week with the honour of being named the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) World Cup Mogul Skiing Rookie of the Year.

Wilson showed why the rookie of the year accolade was well deserved, only a day later winning World Cup gold in Livigno, Italty.

Wilson stunned the FIS World Cup circuit to claim her first career victory in the dual moguls event on the site of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The path to gold saw Wilson defeat the world number four, world number three, the 2018 Olympic champion and then current world number one in the final.

Her gold medal run sets a new record for the fewest amount of starts by an Australian mogul skier to win World Cup gold.

In just her tenth start of her first season, Wilson became only the third Australian female mogul skier to win a World Cup event, following Britt Cox and Jakara Anthony.

Just a day after she was named FIS World Cup Mogul Skiing Rookie of the Year and placed eighth in the single moguls competition, Wilson

started the dual moguls strongly, defeating world number four Canadian, Maia Schwinghammer, 18 to 17 in the round of 32. Wilson then defeated world number three, Rino Yanagimoto, of Japan in the quarter-finals 23 to 12 to set up a semifinal match up with 2018 Olympic Champion and world number two, Perrine Lafont, of France.

In the semi-final, Wilson won a close dual against the French champion 18-17, to advance to the gold medal dual with current world number one, Jaelin Kauf, of the USA.

Wilson continued her incredible form against the American, winning 22-13 for the first podium and victory of her career.

In the men’s event Cooper Woods had his best finish of the season finishing in fifth place, pushing

Olympic gold medallist and World Cup wins record holder Mikael Kingsbury in his quarter-final, beating the Canadian across the line, but a stumble cost him on the last turn and the judges awarded the win to Kingsbury 22-13.

Olympic medallist, Matt Graham, was unable to compete in the dual moguls after a crash yesterday in the single moguls super-final. Graham went to hospital for precautionary scans which came back negative for any damage. Graham is aiming to compete next week at the World Championships.

The final competition of the season is the prestigious FIS World Championships, which will take place in the iconic Swiss resort of St Moritz, featuring the moguls event on 19 March and dual moguls on 21 March.

Wilson stands proudly on the podium, etching her name in the Australia mogul record books.

Wilson about to win gold during her final run of the World Cup meet in Italy.

CHAMPION: Jindabyne’s Charlotte Wilson (centre back) is surrounded by her team mates and sta to celebrate her World Cup gold.

PHOTOS: Chris Hocking/Olympic Winter Institute of Australia

Red Devils eye finals return

By NATHAN THOMPSON

A MONTH out from the start of the season, Cooma Red Devils head coach, James Quodling, is confident a larger playing squad will help the men’s side reach its first finals series in 10 years.

The South Coast/Monaro rugby union season starts on Saturday, 5 April with the Red Devils hosting an exciting first round encounter against local rivals, the Jindabyne Bushpigs.

Quodling believes the Red Devils will be much improved in 2025 following a busy pre-season.

With more players added to the squad, including a Welsh talent, three New Zealanders and nine Papua New Guinean players (currently working in Cooma), Quodling said his chargers are excited for the new season.

“Our preparation has been pretty good. We have had good numbers for pre-season training,” he said.

“The off-season has been solid, one of our best for a long time. The side is putting the work in.”

The Red Devils headed to Thredbo recently for a training

camp. Players were put through a series of fitness tests and team building scenarios.

“Our camp in Thredbo went really well. The players all put the hard yards in,” Quodling said.

Red Devils captain, Damien Roach, has praised his players’ work ethic during pre-season training. Roach said a fitter and larger playing squad has the side ready for its best season in a number of years.

“Building our depth has been important. There will be pressure on players for spots and we will be able to better

Where the Flick

cover any injuries,” Roach said.

Last season, the Red Devils lost four games by eight points or less. Roach said fewer penalties and a more attacking mindset will be key to the Red Devil’s finals hopes.

“Probably our main area of improvement is our discipline,” Roach said.

“We will also look to shift the ball wider this year, and use the speed of our backs.”

Roach said there is plenty of talent in this year’s squad. He made mention of returning prop, Nic McLean, and backrower, Jake Quodling. Both had

outstanding seasons for the Red Devils in 2024.

The Red Devils head to the Boorowa rugby sevens tournament on Saturday, 29 March before starting the season the following Saturday at 2.30pm at Rotary Oval.

In an exciting move for the club, there will be a women’s rugby side in Cooma for the first time.

About a dozen players have been training hard ahead of the women’s season with Cooma poised to enter a side in the 10s competition.

■ Read more on page 32

FOCUS: Cooma Red Devils men’s captain, Damien Roach, and coaches, James Quodling and Geoff Stokes, say the side is ready for its best season in many years.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Local talents shine on international stage Busiest agenda yet

By NATHAN THOMPSON

By TRISTA HEATH

SNOWY Mountains snow athletes have proven a force during the northern hemisphere snow season with four Jindabyne stars claiming podium positions in the last few weeks.

Josie Baff, Charlotte Wilson, Adam Lambert and Abi Harrigan have all secured medals, competing against the world’s best.

Over the weekend, Harrigan claimed the first World Cup podium of her career, finishing second in the slopestyle event in Tignes, France.

“Feeling pretty surreal to get my first podium here at Tignes,” the 22-year-old said.

“This is the best thing leading into World Champs. It’s going to give me a big confidence boost. Just stoked to ski a new course and see what we can get done.”

Baff raced to her third podium of the season in Erzurum, Türkiye, in a close final that went right to the finish line earning Baff a bronze medal in early March.

Baff, 22, said it was the most demanding course on her tour.

“The high altitude has really tested a lot of us with the base level around 2500m. The course was fast too, so I’m happy to end the day with another podium,” she said.

Wilson followed with her first career victory in the dual moguls event in Italy in midMarch where she set the record for the fewest amount of starts by an Australian mogul skier winning her the World Cup gold.

Wilson said it still hasn’t sunk

in yet, it was an incredible day and an incredible feeling.

“It’s a good confidence boost leading into next year, top-10 and a win. The next 11 months are going to be tough and hard work, but I really like the venue and next year is going to be awesome,” Wilson said.

Lambert also achieved his first podium performance of the season recently, finishing second in the Snowboard Cross World Cup event in Gudauri,

Lambert said the men’s big final is always competitive, but it’s fun to race all day and not go out in the early rounds.

“I don’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on myself, I feel if I race like that, I’ll have a good chance of doing it again, but anything can happen, it’s boarder cross,” Lambert said.

A RECORD number of motions are set to come before Snowy Monaro Regional Council, including a review into council-run visitor information centres, the location for future council meetings and if councillor briefing sessions should be open to the public. Twenty four motions are on the agenda for Thursday’s ordinary meeting in Bombala, the most motions since council formed in 2026. The two dozen motions will be put forward between Cr Reuben Rose, Luke Williamson and Andrew Thaler.

Cr Rose is calling for a review into council’s visitor information centres in Bombala and Cooma. His motion, if successful, will see a review included in the 2026 draft and operational plan to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and if the current funding allocation provides the best return.

“Ensuring that the council invests in the most effective tourism support strategies is essential for maximising economic benefits in our region,” Cr Rose said.

COOMA FURNISHING CO

Georgia, giving the 27-year-old the fourth World Cup podium of his career.

LOCAL STAR: Jindabyne’s Abi Harrigan scores first career World Cup podium with silver in France.

PHOTO: Mateo Sgambato/Agence Zoom

Finals time in Monaro cricket PAGE 32

Wilson shocks world

JINDABYNE MOGUL TALENT

RACES TO GOLD

JINDABYNE mogul skier, Charlotte Wilson, has stunned the FIS World Cup circuit, claiming her first career victory in the dual mogul’s event on the site of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, next February.

Wilson set the record for the fewest amount of starts by an Australian mogul skier to win World Cup gold, in just her tenth start of her first season competing at the highest level.

competing at the highest level.

Wilson is only the third Australian female mogul skier to win a World Cup event following in the footsteps of World Champion, Britt Cox and Olympic Champion, Jakara Anthony.

Just a day after she was named FIS World Cup Mogul Skiing Rookie of the Year and placed eighth in the single moguls competition, Wilson started the dual moguls strongly, defeating world number four Canadian, Maia Schwinghammer, 18 to 17 in the round of 32.

Schwinghammer, 18 to 17 in the

Wilson then defeated world number three, Rino Yanagimoto, of Japan in the quarter-finals 23 to 12 to set up a semi-final matchup with 2018 Olympic Champion and world number two Perrine Lafont of France. In the semi-final, Wilson won a close dual against the French champion 18-17, to advance to the gold medal dual with current world number one Jaelin Kauf of the USA. Wilson continued her incredible form against the American, winning 22-13 for the first podium and victory of her career.

Wilson said the win will give her a confidence boost leading into a gruelling 12 months. Wilson spoke with media following her win last Wednesday.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet, this is an incredible feeling. I spoke earlier about wanting that momentum from yesterday to carry on and I really think it did today,” the 20-year-old said.

“I was just trying to do my run today, blinkers on and put down the best run I could, I knew I would have to really push the speed today and I obviously managed to do that.

“It’s a good confidence boost leading into next year, top-10 yesterday and a win today, the next 11 months are going to be tough and hard work, but I really like the venue and next

Where the Flick

year is going to be awesome.”

In the men’s event Cooper Woods had his best finish of the season finishing in fifth place, pushing Olympic gold medallist and World Cup wins record holder, Mikael Kingsbury, in his quarter-final, beating the Canadian across the line, but a stumble cost him on the last turn and the judges awarded the win to Kingsbury 22-13.

medallist, Matt Graham, was unable to compete in the dual moguls after a crash yesterday in the single moguls super-final. Graham went to hospital for precautionary scans which came back negative for any damage. Graham is aiming to compete next week at the World Championships.

■ Read more on page 35

Olympic

CELEBRATION: Jindabyne’s, Charlotte Wilson, is all smiles following her World Cup triumph in Italy. Wilson’s success has set a new record for fewest starts before winning World Cup gold.

PHOTO: Chris Hocking

MP190325DigitalEditionAastaArctander

Bombala Bob recognised

Council to debate record number of motions

Visitor centre review, meeting locations on busy agenda

COOMA FURNISHING CO

Dr Lee helps cut three-month wait list

Cooma GP shortens wait for ultrasound guided injections

Bombala celebrates 150 years of shows

Cr Stewart honoured for local government service

GREG COWELL LANDSCAPING

PLANT YOUR BULBS

SPRING COLOUR

Cooma crisis accommodation units near completion

Cooma jail listed on state heritage register

Development application

Multicultural festival attracts record crowd

Historic Monaro church commemorates 180 years

Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads

Cycles on the Green ready to race

New Nimmitabel event for mental health awareness

Perisher preparing for snow season ahead

Salvos hope to connect community

Emily to represent zone

Sections of shared trail complete

New lights switched on at JJ Connors Oval

Tender bids open for Jindabyne Claypits carpark upgrades

DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU

Record prize money a drawcard for returning artists Community supports Lake Light

Region requires annual kerbside clean-up service

Extreme weather events will only get worse

Business award finalists announced

Riposte

Jindabyne Lions prepare for easter art show and sale 2025

SPONSORED CONTENT

ANU Medical students welcomed by CWA

Autumn dance in Shannons Flat a hit

Council updates

Development applications online

Hit the road for a good cause

Cooma Landﬁll closed

Thursday

Powering the future: SNOWY HYDRO’S COMMITMENT TO BOOST STEM TALENT

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE SNOWY HYDRO COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

LEARN MORE

59 YEARS OF GEEHI DAM

Building

SNOWY HYDRO LOCAL SCHOOL STEM FUND ENVIRONMENTAL GRADUATE AT SNOWY HYDRO MAJA

HEATH

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

E-QUATIONS

E-QUATIONS

Exuding charm and grace

Agent:

Proven grazing land with endless opportunities

Perfectly located, comfortable home on quality small acreage

Conveniently located grazing/lifestyle block

Wagga Wagga lamb sales invigorated

Yass cattle market firm to dearer

NSW declared feral capital

Landcare diary dates

Celebrating 150 years of Bombala Shows

Shows

FOOTY TIPPING COMP 2025

Classifieds IN PERSON

POSITION VACANT EVORO HR/HC DRIVER

CLEARING SALE

LisaBrooks Lisa Brooks

Jindabyne’s Harrigan claims first career ski slopestyle podium in France

Coolamatong scores blown in the blustery wind

Bombala golf stalwart farewells committee

Closest cricket season in years reaches finals time

Jindabyne sailors win in Wallagoot regatta

Delegate relay swimmers off to state

Principal Bannister praises students for hard work, success

Bushpigs coach has premiership hopes

Dr Systermans heads back home after national team duties

Bombala bowlers continue singles championships

Monaro Shield enters round two

Tied finish in pennants

Gold for Wilson