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Ace club reaches milestone

STORIES of missed putts, holes-in-one, and good times were shared on Saturday night as members and friends of the Coolamatong Golf Club celebrated the club’s 70th anniversary.

A sold-out dinner at the Berridale Golf Club drew golfers from across the region, with many long time members of the club.

A highlight of evening was Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, presenting a life membership badge to John McCullough. Mr McCullough dedicated many

years to working on the golf course and is now a key figure in running the town club in Berridale.

Club president Alan Parsons thanked all the hard-working volunteer members, and elder statesmen who have dedicated much of their life to keeping the club running.

He noted special mentions to Bill Quin, Lauire Whitehead, Ross Thompson, Brian O’Halloran, the late Bob Keys, Roger White and Terry Stevenson for their contributions.

CONTRIBUTION: Ross and Kim Weston have long connections with the Coolamatong Golf Club. The couple joined hundreds to celebrate 70-years of the club. PHOTO: Coolamatong Golf Club

Calls for improved Cooma paediatric services

By KAREN FORMAN

WHY does Cooma Hospital as the major hospital for in the Snowy Monaro, not have a paediatric outpatient service and why is it not set up for paediatric overnight admissions?

After a health scare involving her toddler son, Jindabyne’s Rachelle Edwards began an online petition highlighting the need for 24-hour healthcare

services in Jindabyne and improved paediatric services at Cooma hospital.

A Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) spokesperson told The Monaro Media Group there were no current plans to relocate Cooma hospital, or to change Jindabyne HealthOne’s opening hours.

“SNSWLHD regularly reviews district and local clinical

services plans to ensure communities have access to safe, high-quality care as close to home as possible,” the spokesperson said.

“All facilities across our district are fully networked and operate within a tiered system to ensure all patients receive safe, timely and compassionate care in the most appropriate setting.

“Cooma Hospital currently

provides high quality paediatric care through the emergency department and has pathways in place for specialist consultations where needed.

“Paediatric service capabilities are regularly reviewed at Cooma Hospital, in consultation with staff, to look for opportunities for expansion or improvement.”

The region is serviced by the 41-bed Cooma hospital, two

medical centres in Jindabyne, three in Cooma, one in Berridale, one in Bombala and the Bombala hospital, which includes a 24-hour accident and emergency department.

Patients needing higher level care are sent to Bega or Canberra, both of which can be more than a two hour drive for Snowy Monaro residents.

■ Story continued on page five

RFS

urges vigilance after fire

RURAL Fire Service crews supported the National Parks and Wildlife Service remote area fire fighting team at a fire at Bungarby at the weekend.

The local team was alerted to the fire, burning in remote terrain in the Kosciuszko National Park, south of Dalgety and about 70km from Cooma, on Saturday afternoon.

Snowy Monaro RFS district coordinator Ash Morrow said it was believed the fire was started by a lightning strike.

“It is that time of the year when we have storms so we encourage people to be vigilant and if they see a fire to call triple zero,” he said.

Mr Morrow said as six hectare fire was in the national park, the lead agency was the NPWS specialisied remote area fire fighting team, but the locals went in to support it.

“As it was in a remote area, heavy plant and aviation was used to contain the fire, which occurred by Sunday,” he said.

“Initial observations are that it was potentially started by lightning.”

Mr Morrow said although the summer fire outlook had not yet been released, it was certainly dry in the northern region.

Coolamatong Golf Club celebrates milestone

THE Coolamatong Golf Club celebrated its 70th anniversary last Saturday night, with a sold-out dinner at its Berridale club.

Many of the guests were long time members and they reminisced over the club’s history that was presented in both picture, video and verbal discussion.

Long standing member, John ‘Macca’ McCullough, who spent years working on the golf course and is now instrumental in the operation of the town club, was presented with a life membership badge from Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, who attended the event.

Kim Weston and Ross Thompson entertained the crowd with their memories of the club dating back many decades, with attendees now well informed as to how each of the nine holes were developed.

Club president Alan Parsons thanked all the hard-working volunteer members, and elder statesmen who have dedicated much of their life to keeping the club running.

He noted special mentions to Bill Quin, Lauire Whitehead, Ross Thompson, Brian O’Halloran, the late Bob Keys, Roger White and Terry Stevenson for their past on ongoing work.

Last high-flow water release scheduled

A RISING river alert for the Snowy River between Jindabyne Dam and Dalgety has been issued ahead of the final environmental release this week.

The river will rise due to the last high-flow event in a series of eight planned high-flow environmental releases from Jindabyne Dam via the spillway to the Snowy River during 2024.

The alert is for Thursday November 21.

A daily flow volume of 2,410 megalitres will be released over 24-hours from Jindabyne Dam from midnight on Thursday.

The release will include a peak flow rate from 8am to 4pm equivalent to 3,837ML per day for the eight-hour period.

The flow rate will drop to a target of 751ML per day on Friday 22 November.

The river level at Dalgety is expected to rise by approximately 0.4m. These levels do not include the effect of rainfall or wet conditions in the catchment, which may increase flow rates and water depths.

A NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water spokesperson said the environmental

benefits from this release are expected to be greatest between the dam wall and the junction with the Delegate River. The spokesperson said the flow will be noticeable further down into Victoria.

Natural tributary inflows will also contribute to water levels as the release moves down the Snowy River.

Water released from the Jindabyne Dam may take six to 10 hours to reach Dalgety Weir at this flow rate and around three to four days to arrive at Orbost in Victoria, subject to catchment conditions.

“Landholders downstream of Jindabyne Dam are advised to take all necessary precautions with stock, fencing and property in proximity to the river. As the release flows through the system people should refrain from entering or crossing swollen waterways,” the spokesperson said.

“Conditions will be closely monitored in the lead up to the release.

“Planned flows may be modified or cancelled subject to weather, environmental or operational conditions nearer to the release.”

RECOGNITION: Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, presents Coolamatong Golf Club life membership to John ‘Macca’ McCullough.

Inquiry chair slams report’s findings

into aerial shooting of brumbies

By NATHAN THOMPSON

CHAIR of the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into aerial shooting of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park, MP

Emma Hurst, has said she is ‘bitterly disappointed’ by the final report.

“The recommendations and findings in this report are far removed from the original recommendations and findings I had proposed as chair, Ms Hurst said.

“Instead, the inquiry report was gutted by Labor and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party leaving an entirely unbalanced report that is fully supportive of the government’s shooting program – when that is not reflective of community views, or the evidence we received at this inquiry which confirms the government’s aerial shooting program is causing a bloodbath,” Ms Hurst said.

“I am sorry to all the statisticians, local community members, vets and other animal welfare experts who generously gave their time and expertise to this inquiry.”

The report handed down eight findings and six recommendations. It found the count methodology

used by the NSW Government uses ‘best global practices’ and that aerial shooting of brumbies should continue.

‘Aerial shooting is the only method that allows the NSW Government to reach the legislated target of 3,000 horses in the park by the 2027 deadline.

All other methods are unable to reach the target number by the deadline’, finding three of the report, released last week, stated.

Ms Hurst of the Animal Justice Party rejected this finding and the rest in the report.

“I have never seen such a blatant attempt to bury one side of the evidence in an inquiry,” Ms Hurst said.

“I am particularly disappointed that the Shooters Party, long time advocates against aerial shooting, have decided to fully support aerial shooting and the National Parks and Wildlife Service killing program going forward,” Ms Hurst said.

“Chairing this inquiry and hearing all the evidence, it was clear to me that the aerial shooting of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park is not justified and can never be justified.

“The evidence we heard at the inquiry was clear.

CONCERN: Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the aerial shooting of Brumbies, Emma Hurst, has criticised the final report, saying it does not reflect much of the evidence the committee heard.

PHOTO: Supplied

“Brumbies have suffered, and will continue to suffer.

“The inquiry heard extensive evidence about the inaccuracies and flaws in the government’s population count methodology, and the lack of regard given to humane alternatives such as rehoming and fertility control.

“We also heard extensive evidence about the many weaknesses and welfare risks in the government’s own Standard Operating Procedure that will likely cause immense suffering to the animals shot.

“This is not over.

“There is a clear and humane way forward and I will continue to advocate for that in parliament.”

Invasive Species Council welcomes final inquiry report

THE Invasive Species Council has welcomed the final report from the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the aerial shooting of brumbies, with council director, Jack Gough, declaring the report should end the debate into whether aerial shooting is an acceptable method of controlling brumby numbers.

“The strong cross-party support from Labor, Liberals, Greens and independents for effective control, including through aerial shooting, reflects the strong public support for action to protect our wildlife and streams from being trashed, trampled and polluted by feral horses,”

Invasive Species Council advocacy director, Jack Gough, said.

“Aerial culling by highly trained professionals is the only viable way of reducing numbers and saving the national park and our native animals that live there.

“This report should once and for all end the ridiculous anti-science questioning of the feral horse count figures by a small minority that do not want to see a single feral horse removed from the National Park.

“The ongoing harassment, abuse and intimidation of National Parks staff by some

extreme individuals must also cease.”

Mr Gough said the council has confidence that NPWS staff are undertaking these important operations professionally, safely and humanely, as has been confirmed by numerous independent reviews, including by the RSPCA and vets.

“No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine rivers, and the decline and extinction of native animals and their homes,” he said.

“For the first time in two decades, we are finally seeing our sensitive national parks healing from the destruction of feral horses. The recent successful control programs in Barrington Tops and World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests, as well as Blue Mountains World Heritage areas, are testament to the commitment and leadership on this issue from the Minns Government.

“The NSW Parliament should now repeal the ridiculous Barilaro law that still prioritises feral horses over native animals in Kosciuszko National Park.”

Nurses strike for a third time

Cooma midwives, nurses receive strong local support

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

FOR THE third time this year, members of the NSW Nursing and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) have taken industrial action across the state.

Throughout this year, the NSWNMA has been in discussions with the state government for a number of demands, including a one-off 15 percent pay rise.

Last Wednesday the nurses rallying in Cooma received strong support from the community, with motorists (including passing-by paramedics and police) honking their horns, waving and giving the thumbs up as the nurses stood at the Sharp and Bombala Streets roundabout with placards, flags and signs.

One Cooma resident, Paul Sanders, joined the rally with his own sign to express his support.

“As an oncology patient, I am in and out of hospital all the time.

“Family members have been nurses and I was in the police force, so had a lot to do with nurses. It’s frustrating for the nurses who are told they can only

be given three percent and the government has just given the police a 40 percent pay offer.

“They are a hardworking profession. We’d be lost without them,” Mr Sanders said.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Clr Chris Hanna, also stopped to show his support, while in the CBD.

“It’s great to see everybody out here today, we need to get behind the nurses, they do an amazing job. The Minns’ Government needs to step up and start providing them the wage they’re entitled to.

“It’s important on days like this that people support these nurses, they deserve a pay increase - it’s a last resort for them to impact patient care by taking strike action,” Clr Hanna said.

According to the NSWNMA statement, after weeks of negotiations, the NSW government is not willing to put any new money on the table to pay nurses fairly for the work nurses and midwives do.

The association states

not only does it not have a solution to address the interstate pay and gender pay disparities, but it is also actively trying to silence the union.

“It is clear the government thinks you’re worth only three percent per annum for three years. Shame on them.

“Call your local MP to demand they take action to ensure nurses and midwives are paid what they deserve or they risk losing your vote. Make your calls between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.”

Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, said the industrial action resulted in planned surgeries being postponed and longer wait times in hospital emergency departments.

“Over the course of four weeks of intensive negotiations we have reached agreement on all of the association’s non-wage claims, as well as put forward a range of options to fund and deliver a new increased wage offer,” Mr Park said.

“The association had previously agreed to cease industrial action

contingent on the government paying nurses and midwives an interim increase while work towards a final settlement remains on foot, in order to shield patient care from impacts arising from industrial action.

“I am disappointed the association has walked away from this commitment to the Industrial Relations Commission and the community.

“As the president of the Commission has said this ‘is a failure by a major industrial party to abide by a commitment given to this Commission’ and ‘industrial action is unnecessary. It will cost nurses pay and cause inconvenience and worse to patients and their families’.”

Branch secretary and branch delegate of the Cooma branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, Eileen Pevere, said the repeat industrial action is not an ideal situation.

“We don’t like going on strike, but the government hasn’t shifted in their decision, we haven’t been able to negotiate any further so we decided we have to do something.

“Other professions, such as the police, teachers and Health Services Union, have got a pay rise, we seem to be stuck on the three percent for us and the pay gap is just getting wider and wider.

“I don’t know how long it will go on for, it’s up to the government and what they are going to do for us.”

Pictured right, Paul Sanders of Cooma stood alongside local nurses during the nurses’ strike on Wednesday.

Nurses gathered in Centennial Park hold up placards protesting the NSW government’s pay o er. Pictured (back, from le ) Miriam Gallard, Claire Sagan, Eileen Pevere, Tania Turner-Mann, Kyoungi Kim, Kylie Chenery, and (front) Jarda Kyral, Szu-Chiao Feng and Marcia Archibald with son, Jordan. PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack

Doctors call for regional paediatric service

By KAREN FORMAN

■ Continued from page one

BOMBALA, with a population of around 1892 people, has a hospital with 10 acute and residential beds, a 24 hour emergency department and aged care services.

Cooma, an hour’s drive away, with a population of 6714 , has a hospital with a 24-hour emergency department, 41 beds, renal and oncology outpatient services, but no specialist outpatient paediatric services.

Jindabyne, with a population of 4839 (non snow season) is 61km away from Cooma and has two medical centres, one which was almost forced to close earlier in the year due a lack of GPs being willing to work in the area.

The other private clinic is based at the HealthOne building, a governmentoperated centre which offers various services, but not paediatric.

Berridale, with a population of 1826 is 33km away from Cooma hospital, Perisher 93km away and Thredbo 94km away.

Berridale has a medical centre with two doctors. Cooma has three medical centres.

Population not enough to support Jindabyne hospital: Dr Systermans

Dr Dom Manasssa, who works in private practice and in the Cooma hospital emergency department, says while he understands why Jindabyne doesn’t have a hospital (and doesn’t believe it has the population to support one), he believes a paediatric service is desperately needed for the Snowy Monaro region.

“I understand why we don’t have a hospital in Jindabyne,” he said.

“It is not realistic based on population numbers.

Although there is a huge surge in winter and visitor numbers increase in summer, Jindabyne is not centralised, it is in the mountains, it makes no sense to set up a hospital there, especially with

Cooma only 45 minutes away.

“Maybe a temporary makeshift hospital during the winter season might be feasible.”

Commenting on the call for higher level paediatric care, Dr Manassa said that was desperately needed.

“Wait times in Bega and Canberra are really excessive and Bega is dealing with catchment of the South Coast,” he said.

“We need a dedicated clinic. We did have a dedicated service at one point, two years ago, offered through Cooma Hospital.”

Jindabyne GP, Dr Brenton Systermans, agreed that Jindabyne did not currently have the population for a 24-hour

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emergency department and hospital.

He said he is, however, hopeful when Cooma Hospital reaches the end of its life-span, it could be replaced by a greenfield hospital in the central location of Berridale.

“Berridale is roughly half way between Jindabyne and Cooma; as well as central to Dalgety and Adaminaby and closer to the ski-fields,” he said.

“This would of course have implications for Cooma and Bombala but be much more equitable for the populations of Adaminaby, Berridale, Dalgety and Jindabyne.”

Meanwhile, three GPs based out of the Snowy Mountains Medical Centre – including Dr Systermans - have further qualifications in paediatrics as do a number of Cooma doctors, so the area, he said, is not completely without paediatric care.

Cooma GP obstetrician Dr David Learoyd, said the issue at Cooma Hospital with overnight admission for paediatrics (as opposed to outpatient services) was a lack of doctors, lack of skilled

nurses and doctors able to look after paediatric patients on the wards.

“Back in the days when we had very stable and experienced local workforce, both doctors and nurses, it was a different story,” he said.

“But these days we have lots of locums, with markedly varied skills and insight and I would not support increasing our scope to include children.

“Many nurses and doctors are not experienced in paediatrics.

“Expectations are very different these days and our hospital Scope of Practice is significantly constrained so we are not allowed to look after paeds in Cooma. They need to be and should be in a place where doctors and nurses have specific training, resources and experience to manage sick children.

“It has been this way for a long time and it is the same in nearly all smaller country hospitals.”

Dr Learoyd said the chances of attracting experienced, qualified paediatricians to a small town like Jindabyne were extremely low.

“I think people need to be aware of that,” he said.

emergency department nurses and doctors able “I think people need to

“It is not a flaw in Government policy. It is a fact of demographics and population distribution.”

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, Cooma Hospital Branch Secretary, Eileen Pevere acknowledged Cooma Hospital was struggling with staffing shortages, like other regional hospitals.

“There needs to be significant investment in the education and training of the local nursing workforce to meet the community’s need for paediatric care,” she said.

“We need the focus to be on active recruitment and retention of nurses in Cooma and surrounds.

“If the NSW Government doesn’t deliver competitive rates of pay, we will continue to see more nurses and midwives move across the border to the ACT for better pay and conditions.”

Ms Pevere said any enrolled or registered nurse could work in paediatrics, but it tended to be a field that required extra training to carry out.

CENTRAL: Cooma Hospital serves the Snowy Mountains region and there are no plans to replace it or build a second hospital

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Three decades for Gordon Litchfield Wool

By ELLE THOMPSON

GORDON Litchfield

Wool (GLW) has reached a milestone of 30 years in business.

As a small family business, Gordon and his wife Kate say the success really comes down to a hardworking team and loyal clientele.

“Gordon was working for NZT Wool and one day he came home to me and our one-year-old, in our little Springwell cottage and said we were going out on our own,” Kate said.

Gordon said he wanted to start something with a different angle, something that growers really wanted.

“We started out in a section of the Allanspach Steel building, who we were very grateful to for giving us our start,” Gordon said.

“After about five years we moved over to our current location, which we finally purchased ourselves about six years ago.”

The GLW team behind them has stayed fairly constant over the years.

“Kate was on board from the beginning and we have been lucky to have some longevity with our staff here, who we are proud to have as part of our team,” he said.

“The Maxwell boys were

Trust, community support key to successful business

with us from the early days, and then Pauline Bolton joined us and stayed on for about 20 years. Sam Green was with us for 17 years and Vicki Flynn has been here for 25 years.

Steven Roberson joined us through Workability 18 years ago and has been really valuable to the team.

There have been many others who have all done a great job here and we have been very lucky with our staff.

“As a family business, you really need a great team behind you.”

Another important member of the team is ‘Cleo’ the core testing

machine. After looking into purchasing one after about five years of operating, Gordon realised they could not afford a brand new one, with a price tag of more than $100,000.

So, he purchased several secondhand ones and built ‘Cleo’ himself. Gordon spent many late nights tinkering on the machine, leading to Kate christening her ‘Cleo’ – the other woman.

After 25 years, ‘Cleo’ is still going strong and with the top 10 percent of core testing machines across NSW and Queensland testing 41.3 bales per hour, ‘Cleo’ manages to

JUST ONE SPARK CAN START A FIRE

get through 52.2 bales per hour.

Gordon says forming relationships with their clients over the 30 years has been another special part of the journey.

“One really big highlight for me is that we are now dealing with third generation clients. That is something really special. We also have some clients who have been with us right from the beginning,” Gordan said.

“To have clients who have been with us so long and who have confidence in us to make decisions for them in the sale room

is really rewarding.”

Expanding the business into Yass, Goulburn and Dubbo over the years, these days GLW sells at Sydney auctions weekly, and regularly in Melbourne also.

Over the 30 years, Gordon says the quality of Monaro wool has come a long way.

“When we started, we were mostly dealing with 20 or 21 micron wool, but we don’t have any of that now,” he said.

“It’s mostly 14, 15 and 16 micron these days, which you would never see back then.”

Gordon has also been involved in the national

wool community through positions such as director on the Australian Wool Exchange, chairman on the Inland Wool Brokers Association and a member of the National Auction Selling Committee, among others.

Locally, he and Kate are also big supporters of the community, helping to support causes where they can.

Gordon has been the president of the Cooma Show Society and the junior rugby club. The GLW shed is also used as a storage area for local groups such as the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research, Cooma Community Chest, Cooma Car Club and the Cooma Rugby Union Football Club. In 2016, the shed also hosted the Cooma Community Chest’s ‘Fashionation’, a charity auction showcasing local designers and handmade fashion featuring wool. They also host Cooma Car Club junior development days and a recent national Holden FX judging event.

In celebration of the milestone, Gordon and Kate held an event on Saturday night with more than 130 of their clients and staff as a thank you for the support.

The anniversary was on Monday.

CHEERS: The team at Gordon Litchfield Wool celebrate 30-years of business. Gordon (far le ) and Kate Litchfield (centre) say trust is key in business. The business is recognised as a leader in the wool industry. PHOTO: Gordon Litchfield Wool

Fresh approach to shape regional rail

Progress association continues calls for Canberra to Eden line

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

COOMA and Monaro Progress Association (CMPA) members backing a Canberra to Eden rail link proposal are encouraged by the NSW Labor government’s announcement last month, green lighting the development of a new strategy for a better regional rail network for passengers and freight.

The Regional Network East/West Uplift (RNEW) program has been established to create a 10-year investment pipeline and strategy for rail infrastructure in regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the NSW government is committed to providing rail networks across the state that are effective, efficient and reliable for all users –freight and passengers.

“The RNEW program will take a fresh look at where regional rail infrastructure investment is needed, while putting proper evidence-based decision making at the forefront of planning, and giving industry, the government and the public a clear vision for the

future of the network,” Ms Aitchison said. “It will allow us to better understand, manage, forecast, and deliver improvements on the state’s regional rail network, bringing projects under one banner to ensure a holistic and strategic approach.

“Under the former government, regional rail infrastructure investment was determined on an ad-hoc basis without proper regard for the needs of the regional rail network in its entirety.

Industry partners and other stakeholders were not always properly consulted, with initiatives like Fixing Country Rail, lacking a holistic, strategic focus, and projects often stuck in limbo for years.

“Regional communities have been calling for investment in rail infrastructure in the regions. This program will ensure any investment is made on the basis of robust planning and development to enrich our state.”

The program will have a focus on opportunities to improve the Country Regional Network (CRN) which includes over 2,300 kilometres of operational

rail lines and is vital for transporting 2.7 billion gross tonnes of freight annually and delivering more than 120 passenger services per week.

Linkages between the broader regional rail network and existing projects such as Inland Rail, the Freight Policy Reform and Regional Level Crossing programs will also be explored by the program team.

The RNEW program team will start engagement with freight industry, rail operators and users, and local government in 2025, with the strategy to be delivered in 2026.

CMPA rail plan co-ordinator, Richard Hopkins, said this new program to shape the future of regional rail infrastructure could offer positive prospects for the Canberra to Eden rail link.

“This could be opening the door a bit,” Mr Hopkins said.

“Minister Aitchison mentions projects stuck in limbo for years, I take it that one of the projects could be the Canberra to Eden initiative.”

CMPA’s initiative did not receive support from the former NSW government

Community Information Sessions

Come along to one of these sessions to ask questions and provide feedback.

based on the economic results of a feasibility study, but undeterred, CMPA, with specialist reviews, refuted those results and later submitted its recommendation to the new government.

“It was the former Cabinet who accepted the feasibility report after three successive submissions through Transport for NSW. The economic results came back as devastatingly low.

“That result is like saying give up on the idea. We do not give up on the idea; we have demonstrated those figures are invalid and have submitted and later published specialists’ figures which are positively promising,” Mr Hopkins said.

Earlier this year the NSW Labor government announced its decision to run independent Freight Policy Reform consultations - the program is being informed by the Freight Policy Reform Advisory Panel and delivered by Transport for NSW, with the Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, retaining responsibility for program oversight and decision making.

In the consultations

CMPA submitted the proposed Canberra to Eden railway, in May 2024.

“On railways, CMPA has been concentrating more recently on the NSW Freight Policy Reform program,” Mr Hopkins said.

“It is a one-in-20-year event that the NSW government would conduct a freight policy reform program and appoint independent specialists to an advisory panel.

“The advisory panel in September 2024 published an Interim Directions paper, and invited responses to that, which we duly gave in October.”

The Interim Directions paper marked some immediate actions for government and industry to undertake ahead of the policy’s finalisation by the end of the year.

The paper looks at the end-to-end freight logistics chain, focusing on both industry and network policy.

The paper also makes recommendations on network issues such as pricing, infrastructure resilience and the future of ports, rail and road within the freight system.

CMPA’s initiative can be found at www.coomansw. com.au

Jindabyne | 21 November, 6pm

Jindabyne Bowling Club, Bay St

Adaminaby | 26 November, 6pm

Cooma | 27 November, 6pm

Cooma Ex-Services Club, Vale St

School of Arts & Community Hall, Denison St

Canberra and Yass. This was designed in 1969 by Commonwealth Railways with the major part in NSW contributed by NSW Government Railways. This railway would provide Melbourne with completed rail access to Canberra.

PHOTO: Supplied

Historic display draws strong crowd

By KAREN FORMAN

THERE were a lot of great things to look at and experience at Bombala Historic Engine and Machinery Society’s annual open day, but Adrian Cowell the blacksmith was probably the most popular exhibit.

Sponsored to attend the two-day event by Bombala Tyres, Mr Cowell drew a crowd throughout the two days as he worked over the society’s old fashioned firedriven anvil to shape and create horseshoes.

The 200 or so patrons also loved the Crossley engine, which was started every hour during the event.

The Crossley engine originally drove the power supply for the town of Bombala and was procured and restored by the society in the past year or so.

Blacksmith popular at Bombala historic engine, machinery day

“We do it every year but this was the first time we have run it over two days,” he said.

“Our best crowd was on Saturday when quite a lot of people came out to have

Society president, Scott Peadon, said he was pleased with the weekend event, which had exceeded his expectations.

a look at all the displays and enjoy some of the food for sale, but there were still people around on the Sunday as well and I think we will do it this way again.

“Obviously at our next meeting we will talk about how it all went and start planning for next year, but I think overall it was a great

Forty exhibitors from Bega, Berridale, Hayfield, Gippsland and Yay near Melbourne mounted displays and the society’s sheds were open with all its restored engines and machines on display.

“The Lions Club provided its donuts and hot chips, the club did a barbecue.

“Club member Trevor Richards conducted demonstrations on the Grey Ferguson tractor, which people liked as well.

“And the weather was

“Lots of locals came out especially on Saturday for the exhibitons and the food,” Mr Peadon said.

perfect for the weekend.”

The event was the third major event to be held in three weeks in Bombala, with the annual races, the Australian National Busking Championships regional heat held on preceding weekends.

“It’s busy in Bombala,” Mr Peadon said.

Dry lightning starts grass fire near Cooma

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

NSW Rural Fire

Service

- Snowy Monaro District units responded to a grass fire, started by a lightning strike, adjacent to the Monaro Highway on Wednesday.

With the recent storm activity, local landholders and land managers are being advised to inspect their property after thunderstorm events across the Snowy Monaro.

At About 12.20pm on Wednesday November 13 crews from the Cooma and Brothers Rural Fire Brigades responded to reports of a lightning strike fire on Maffra Road. After further investigation it was found the fire was behind the Cooma landfill site on the Monaro Highway.

Crews got to work quickly to extinguish and bring the running grass fire under control which had burnt two-hectares by that stage.

Corrowong, Craigie, Bombala and Mila, assisted by Forestry Corporation and Snowy Forest crews, together with heavy plant contractors - using a dozer and a grader - were able to contain the fire at around 8pm with a total area lost of 87 hectares.

Inspector Gould said this incident serves as a timely reminder to anyone undertaking burning off activities need a valid permit and notification in place, with adequate fire suppression equipment to control their fire.

Even though the grasses were dry, the fire was slow moving, due to the eatenout pastures.

“The fire weather was not of concern, as the temperature was lower and humidity higher and more importantly, no wind,”

for Semester 1, 2025

district officer, Monaro team, Thomas Phillips, said.

“This fire started with what we refer to as dry lightning - where there is storm activity, but no rainfall.

“No rain was received during this fire, there may have been some after the fire was extinguished, but there was none before or whilst crews were there.”

A 000 call was received at 2.11pm on Monday November 11.

Local crews recently responded to a fire at a property on Tombong Rd, Tombong, near Delegate.

Inspector Langdon Gould said the fire began after a landowner was unable to control their burn.

Brigades from Delegate,

“With the very dry conditions currently being experienced across the Snowy Monaro, the RFS is highlighting the importance of managing ignitions with the aim of preventing these fires from occurring.

“To do this we need the help of the community in not taking actions that cause fires to ignite.”

A slow-moving grass fire behind the Cooma landfill site last Wednesday started from a dry lightning strike.

LIGHTNING STRIKE: RFS crews responded to a grass fire last week near the Monaro Highway. PHOTOS: NSWRFS Monaro District

Bombala Historic Engine and Machinery Society was visited by around 200 people for its annual display.

Blacksmith Adrian Cowell shows visitors how to make horseshoes the old fashioned way, over a fire driven anvil.

POPULAR: Bombala Historic Machine Club members John Kimber and Trevor Richards. PHOTOS: Contributed

Rallying for Camp Quality Local leads call for nationwide public bank

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

COOMA’S Vince Miller is looking forward to another esCarpade motoring adventure with Camp Quality in 2025 after having recently returned from this year’s event.

The trip from Canberra to Geelong, via Echuca, was full of fun and adventure (and perhaps a bit of hooning on dirt roads) and would not have been possible without the generosity of local sponsors.

Vince has thanked the Cooma Ex-services Club, Alpine Motor Group, Lockton Traffic Solutions, Cargo Packaging, Your Workwear, Cooma Autoelectrics and Tyrepower for supporting the Camp Quality cause.

“They put the money in to get the car on the road as they see the value in what Camp Quality does for kids with cancer and their families,” Vince said.

At the time of going to print, the entrants raised $862,000, while Vince and wife, Mary, in his Lightning McQueeninspired vehicle, raised $20,823 of this amount.

Vince said his car didn’t miss a beat.

“It was a hell of an adventure, fantastic. I am going again next year for the third time.”

In 2025 the charity rally will be from Tamworth to Griffith, a 722-kilometre distance using regular roads, however, the

Cooma couple put pedal down for cancer charity

esCarpade route is always challenging, taking in plenty of back-country scenery. The percentage of dirt and bitumen can change from year to year but, on average, around 80 percent of the route is on dirt.

Vince said the activities and educational programs during the group’s school visits en-route are a highlight.

Camp Quality programs and services help families build optimism and resilience through community, education and fun.

“When we stop in towns along the way we educate kids at schools that students with cancer need their support.

“We do puppet shows about

what Camp Quality does and aim to bring happiness back to these kids and their families.”

The organisation is available for kids (0-15) dealing with their own cancer diagnosis, or the diagnosis of a sibling or parent in hospital, at school, online, and away from it all at camps and getaways.

To enter the rally, there is no need for a vehicle 20 years or older. Any registered, roadworthy 4WD will do now, if it has a radio, and some lights on the roof.

The minimum amount each car needs to raise is $5,000. Funds will go towards activities such as cancer education programs, family fun days and

three to five-day family camps.

The event not only assists Camp Quality, but over the seven days it also pumps money into towns off the beaten track.

“When we stop at towns along the way there are always service groups like Lions, Rotary and Scouts, there providing us with food and drink – so we pay for the food and give them donations.

“With usually 60 cars entered, it gives business in these places a financial boost and adds to the local economy.

“We often have escorts when we arrive at these small towns, and involve the community and schools in our visits.”

By NATHAN THOMPSON

DALGETY’s Wayne Ditchburn says the region is playing an important role in calling for a nationwide public bank to be established, declaring the time is right for Australia’s banking system to be overhauled.

Mr Ditchburn is continuing to work alongside the Australian Citizens Party (ACP) with the organisation’s key focus to create a public post office bank in Australia.

Mr Ditchburn and the ACP have been encouraged in their pursuit of a people’s bank following a parliamentary inquiry earlier this year recommending ‘the Australian Government commission an expert panel to investigate the feasibility of establishing a publicly owned bank’.

“The movement is growing stronger as more people become aware of how a people’s bank, run out of our post offices, would benefit them,” Mr Ditchburn said.

“A bank owned by the people which exists for the people would shake-up our banking sector. It’s just what we need and now.

“A lot of locals are talking about a public bank, the feedback has been positive.”

Australian Citizens Party research director, Robbie Barwick, said it’s been a busy time for the group in its push to see a post office public bank created.

“The Senate acted on what they’ve heard, and squared up to the major banks with recommendations that, if implemented, will improve Australia’s banking system with compulsory standards of conduct and service,” Mr Barwick said.

The ACP said the following considerations are needed when developing a people’s bank: service first, full service bank, support the postal network, targeted lending, and a national development (infrastructure) bank.

Mr Barwick said a public bank would help ease the cost of living crisis through cost of housing, help the nation’s gas and electricity networks, and assist with financing major rail and roads projects.

Vince and Mary Miller of Cooma entered the Camp Quality esCarpade event which this year took the back roads from Canberra to Geelong.

ROAD TRIP: Putting the fun in fundraiser is Vince Miller in Lightning McQueen during last month’s Camp Quality esCarpade.

PHOTOS: Noni Carroll Photography

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Oops that hurt, letter ru les a few feathers

OOPS, it looks like I may have ruffled a feather or two as a result of my letter to you in the Post on November 6.

It’s a shame the replies to my letter were not addressed to the Post instead of onto some online platform that does not allow your readers the opportunity to consider both sides of the argument.

I hope the affected person might reply through the Post next time so that your readers could see how some of the people associated with our councillors can twist statements to suit their own agenda whilst ignoring the content of the letter I actually wrote to you.

A reply to my letter was posted online by Mr Chris Chan, who your readers will recall was on the same group ticket as elected councillor Reuben Rose.

BOM,

So, it seems he feels obliged to reply to my letter on behalf of what he describes as the ‘new councillors and their independent colleagues’ and in doing so he has altered some of my statements to suit his arguments and assertions.

Firstly, I did not suggest that ‘ratepayers and new councillors should ignore the financial and governance mishaps of the past’. Through your paper, I have been highly critical of all of our councils since the merger in 2016 and of the Snowy River Shire Council prior to the merger.

For the record Mr Chan, I do not have ‘friends on council’, I recognise and encourage persons (councilors) who I expect will represent me and my fellow ratepayers in a way that will ensure we have an efficient and

effective local government council serving the needs of everyone in our community but I do not have what you infer are my mates on council.

Every thinking ratepayer is concerned that there is insufficient transparency in council but wasting valuable meeting time without getting to the crux of the issue is deplorable and will achieve nothing.

Mr Chan states in his online document that I mentioned ‘professionalism’ which allowed him to expand on his dubious statements. I did not mention the word professionalism anywhere in my letter of November 6. Similarly I did not raise the issue of the Cooma water reservoir failing Mr Chan, even though you used that issue to further your argument and denigrate my letter.

The failure of that reservoir is certainly a concerning issue for the affected residents who need/needed to be recompensed for their loss. You stated in your correspondence that I was concerned with the cost of holding extra meetings.

I did not mention that in my letter, you have me confused with Narelle Moody’s letter of the previous week. I am sure all of our councillors realise that in democracies decision making is a numbers game and incoming councilors should feel their way in order to convince their fellow councillors of their point of view and the change in policies needed to achieve real change.

Bombarding the returning councilors the way the first two meetings evolved will and has achieved nothing except strengthen

CSIRO climate report demands urgent response

CLIMATE Action

Monaro (CAM) is calling for an urgent response by government to the Bureau of Meteorology’s and CSIRO’s 2024 State of the Climate report released this week which says the state of climate is bad and getting worse.

The only response to the report is to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible for climate change.

The report found

Australia has warmed by 1.51 degrees Celsius since 1910, with more extreme heat events over land and oceans, longer fire seasons, more intense heavy rainfall and sea level rise.

1.5 degrees C was the guardrail set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and yet we have already exceeded it here in Australia, if not globally.

That in itself must ring alarm bells.

2019 was Australia’s warmest year on record, while eight of the nine warmest years on record have occurred since 2013. Australia is now facing more periods of extreme heat. Extreme heat causes more deaths than any other natural hazard, as well as having impacts on natural systems, like forests, and on infrastructure. It’s not just on land. Temperatures are

increasing significantly in the oceans around us leading to more frequent and intense marine heatwaves. These have devastating effects on coral reefs, kelp forests and seagrasses and the species that depend on them.

As oceans warm they expand and, along with melting glaciers and ice sheets, this leads to sea level rise. We are already seeing damage to coastal

their resolve to stick together as a group and block any ideas of change. The new councilors have failed so far in their endeavors to encourage the returning councilors to change their view on how the organisation should be managed financially and structurally.

Of course reviewing the whole structure of council is an essential starting point. There has never been a full structural review considered by councilors since the merger of the three councils and the initial structure was flawed from day one. The resultant cost blowouts from having staff located in the wrong areas and the wrong mix in the structure is part of the reason our council is in trouble today. In fact the previous council did not review the staff structure even though it

is mandated to be done within the first 12 months of the election. This merger could have worked and I am convinced that with the best resolve of all of our councilors and staff it can still work and real change can be achieved for the betterment of our community. It is the councilors role to introduce and set the policies proposed by staff that will ensure the efficient and effective operation of our council.

If some of those policies conflict with the regulations mandated by the NSW State Government then so be it, that is just another battle to win. I sincerely hope we see a change in the way our council meetings are conducted in the immediate future for the betterment of the organisation.

Phil Daley Berridale

properties in Australia.

The report found south-east Australia – that includes the Monaro - has seen a decrease in cool season rainfall of about nine per cent in the past 30 years.

That has huge implications for farmers and graziers. If the trend continues, farming in much of the Monaro may not be viable in another 30 years.

Also worrying is the report’s warning that the

fire season becoming longer and more intense with fires occurring as early as late winter or early spring and even into late autumn. We have to turn the climate situation around before it becomes even more dire. We have to make the transition to clean energy as soon as possible.

I RECKON YA HAVE TA DO A LONGER EXPOSURE WITH A SMALLER APERTURE. MAYBE USE A HIGHER ISO RATING?

YEAH, I TRIED THAT, BUT LATER DISCOVERED IT WAS OVER EXPOSED. I ALSO DIDN’T LIKE HOW MUCH GRAINIER THE RESULT WAS.

OK, I THINK YA GOT SOME ISSUES THERE. NEXT TIME YA IN YA DARK ROOM I’LL POP OVER AND WE’LL SEE WHAT DEVELOPS. JEEPERS! HOW DID THE TOPIC OF A ‘PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION’ SUDDENLY CHANGE TO SOMETHING LIKE THIS?

Jenny Goldie Climate Action Monaro president

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Science before romance

Is this what we have?

Just kill the bloody horse

Show them no love

Always it’s science

The great justification

To kill the regal horse

... make legal, abortion

Science distorting the truth

Having its way

To hell with aftermath

Later we pay

A world with no soul

Just the imprint of man

No mare with its foal

Just science, its plan

Sixteen rare earths

In each and every phone

Slave labour, death

And poison condoned

We mess with the moon

We drive upon the land

All this condoned

Is this science and its plan?

Science as an atrocity

An excuse to hide behind

As man has his way

And killing his crime

The horse and its damage

It is bugger all

What about your fridge

The aircon on your wall?

Your screen and “the cloud”

Do you live without?

As the world, it screams loud

As the water runs out

Slave labour abounds

As you make your call

As science does its round

By screen and email

You do not really care

Your science is all false

You murder the foal, the mare

The wild mountain horse

Your treads so very heavy

Your conscience is nil

As science has its way

You kill and kill and kill

The horse it is justified

Your science it is not

Science, again has lied

As again the horses rot.

Church service times across the Snowy Monaro region

Cooma Baptist Church: 10am Sunday

St Patrick’s Catholic Parish: 10am Sunday, Weekday mass 10am Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays

St Paul’s Anglican Parish of Cooma: 9.30am Sunday

St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church: 9.30am Sunday

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

Cooma Presbyterian Church: 9am Sunday

St John’s Anglican Church Adaminaby: 3pm first and third Sunday each month

St Peter’s Anglican Church Nimmitabel: 11.30am third Sunday each month

St Andrew’s Catholic Church Nimmitabel: Saturday vigil mass 5pm on the weekend of the third Sunday, Liturgy with Holy Communion other Saturdays 5pm

Alpine Uniting Church Jindabyne: 9.30am Sunday

Village Church Jindabyne: 5pm Sunday

All Saints Anglican Church Berridale: 9.30am Sunday

All Saints Numeralla: second Sunday of the month liturgy 5pm, Fourth Sunday of month 5pm mass

If your church would like to be added to this list, please contact us editor@monaropost.com.au

Life on the funny farm

By Paul Dorin

By LISA ASHURST

I WILL be going through withdrawal over the next week or so, because The Block has aired its final episode and what am I going to do without my fix?

As I’ve mentioned in this column before, I don’t do reality television, the dramas and the carry-on just don’t interest me, and yes, I can hear you thinking ‘are you kidding me? You watch The Block’.

But The Block is different because in between any dramas and carrying-ons the contestants renovate houses and apartments and some of them have really clever ideas and I like clever renovation and styling ideas.

Admittedly, I am not doing any renovating myself and if I was, I do know what I like and that’s what I’d go with, but still, I like the whole concept of turning a total dump into something beautiful and watching the major transformations of The Block properties is pretty interesting. And any dramas just add some spice.

But the season only goes for 12 weeks and then that’s it; all over for another year and the evening time slot it ruled is suddenly a barren place until I get over the loss.

Yes, I know there are bigger issues in the world right now and in comparison, no fave reno show until next year is hardly the end of everything, but it still feels like a big downer right now.

Sure, he’s done his fair share of building etc, but only because it was a job that needed to be done, not because he was just busting to get on the tools and get into some painting (he doesn’t really like painting) and get full-on into a big building/renovating project merely for the heck of it. So no, The Block doesn’t do a lot for him. Perhaps he hasn’t watched enough seasons to kickstart an addiction yet.

Whatever, my addiction to this program kicked off about ten years ago and while the first episode I ever watched didn’t hook me initially, by the time that particular season had ended it had definitely grabbed my interest, so it’s been an annual thing ever since. And I’m not the only one. I know plenty of others who are also hooked on this show and sometimes we’ll even share opinions like ‘how gorgeous was that lounge room’ and ‘OMG what on earth were they thinking?’ along with the occasional expletive if whatever is happening requires it. And sometimes it does. Like one of this season’s bathrooms. I mean, seriously, what were they thinking? Dropped a couple of clangers when I saw that.

Email: editor@monaropost.com.au

or not to print letters. The editor’s decision is final.

Address: 59 Vale Street, Cooma

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

GROUP EDITOR

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

JOURNALISTS

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The Bloke is probably quietly relieved though, because I’m not sure The Block is his thing, but if he happens to be at my place on a Block night he’s going to get stuck with it, like it or not.

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

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

So unless SBS comes up with some really interesting documentaries for that time slot, I may be wandering around my lounge room like a lost soul for the next week or two. On the other hand, I have got several books I haven’t read yet and that may save my sanity, being a big reader and all. Some nice gutsy crime novels would definitely offer some solace while I work through the end of The Block 2024. That’ll work.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au

FEATURES WRITER

Lisa Ashurst

Member

Greg O’Donoghue Bendoc, Victoria

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

Monaro High dancers shine on stage

MONARO High School

students performed a dance piece at the Canberra Youth Dance Festival earlier this month, with the group chosen for the closing per formance on the Canberra Theatre Stage.

Students in Years 7, 8 and 11 took part in the per formance. The group has worked together all year, first performing a version of the piece at the Snowy Monaro Festival run by the arts unit in May.

During Term 3, the students and their teacher Ms Holly Preston reworked the piece and extended it for the Canberra Youth Dance Festival.

The theme for the festival, for its 40th anniversary year, was ‘What Do You Dream?’ Monaro High School’s piece was entitled ‘Glad Tomorrow’ and was inspired by the poetry of Oodgeroo Noonuccal, which has been reworked by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Katie Noonan. The dancers represented the sun on stage, rising and setting, with a message of hope and opportunity for a better tomorrow.

Ms Preston said the organisers of the festival

thought the piece worked well with the theme and its lyrical style was an appropriate ending for the show.

“The students danced beautifully and had a wonderful day out in Canberra,” Ms Preston said.

“Dancing on the Playhouse stage is always an amazing experience and we enjoy returning to the festival each year.

“I would like to thank Monaro Dance Centre for their support with costuming for the students.”

The Canberra Youth Dance Festival, presented by Ausdance ACT, is a mix of live dance performances created by secondary schools from all over Canberra and regions for three nights at the Canberra Theatre Centre.

The Canberra Youth Dance Festival encourages a student-led approach to dance making, choreography, theatre and film making and provides a shared artistic experience and professional mentoring.

Roundtooit event

Donation assists excursion

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

HAPPINESS and inclusivity for school students is being able to travel with your mates on a school excursion and not be left behind due to limited family finances. Thanks to a generous donation from the Cooma Ex-Services Club, Cooma Public School (CPS) stage 3 students are all able to travel to Sydney in a couple of weeks to experience the city’s attractions together.

The school was provided with funding assistance of $4000 from the club’s Community Grants Program.

“From our perspective, it means no student is now disadvantaged financially, so that’s important,” P and C vice-president, Alicia Bolton, said.

“The school has contributed to the cost of the camp, as has the P and C and now with the assistance from the ex-services club, it’s made it possible for all students to be able to go.

“Some of these kids have never been to Sydney and may not be able to go for a long time, so they get to have this experience together – it’s great life skills, great learning and a great way to finish their primary school years for some of them too. them.”

The itinerary includes climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge (or visit Sydney Aquarium for those not keen on the bridge climb), an overnight stay at Taronga Zoo, movie night, Chinese friendship gardens, Chinatown for dinner, among other activities.

Principal, Karen Butchers, said the children viate the costs associated

A total of 57 students will travel to Sydney, with some from Adaminaby

“We invited our small schools, so stage three kids from Adaminaby are

“It’s a major transition for those kids going to a bigger school next year, so they get to spend time with some of the kids they are going to be in high school with.”

Ms Butchers always accompanies the students on their excursions.

“It’s important to be with the students on these camps,” she said.

STARS: Monaro High School dancers impress at the Canberra Youth Dance Festival last month. PHOTO: Supplied

PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack

Council News

BOMBALA STREET STALL APPLICATIONS OPEN

Council invites applications from organisations wishing to secure a 2025 street stall date as part of the annual Bombala Friday Street Stalls initiative, giving local organisations the opportunity to host a stall on a nominated Friday in 2025 outside the Friendly Grocer. Applicants must complete the Bombala Street Stall Application, available from our website at https://qrco.de/bombala2025 or from the front counter of Council’s Bombala office.

Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 22 November 2024. Contact us to find out more or visit https://qrco.de/bombala2025.

FUNDRAISING BINS

We have ten free Return and Earn fundraising bins available for local community groups and charities across the region.

If your community group doesn't have a free fundraising bin and would like to start collecting bottles and cans, please contact our team.

Email council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au or call the team today on 1300 345 345. Bins will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so get in touch today to avoid missing out.

You can exchange eligible drink containers for a 10-cent refund in major town across the region:

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

Volunteer drivers are urgently needed across the Snowy Monaro to ensure local community transport and meals on wheels services can continue providing essential support to older people and people with disability.

Whether you can volunteer two hours a month or twenty, by generously donating your time as a volunteer driver you’ll be helping other Snowy Monaro locals who really need your help.

Contact us today at council@smrc.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 345 345 to help support our community.

PESTICIDE USE NOTICE

For the period 1 October 2024 to 30 June 2025. Notice is given pursuant to Part 5 of the Pesticides Regulation 2017 that Snowy Monaro Regional Council will be carrying out the following herbicide applications on roadsides, reserves, operational lands and selected crown lands within the Snowy Monaro region: Flupropanate products for the control of serrated tussock, African lovegrass, Chilean needle grass, Coolatai grass and other exotic, perennial grass weeds.

Glyphosate 450 for the control of exotic, perennial grass weeds as detailed above, in addition to the non-selective control of general weeds around guideposts, signs, under guardrails and in urban situations.

Roundup Biactive or alternative aquaticapproved glyphosate formulation for the nonselective control of weeds in aquatic situations. Grazon Extra, metsulfuron-methyl, or equivalent products for the control of woody weeds, including but not limited to sweet briar, blackberry, St John’s wort and Scotch/English broom.

MCPA or Dicamba formulations for the control of thistles and other susceptible weeds. Bromoxynil for the control of fireweed. For more information call 1300 345 345 or email council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

Updates | Information | Consultation

MOBILE LIBRARY CHANGES NEXT MONTH

Snowy Monaro Regional Library’s transition to a new operating model for the Mobile Library is almost complete, with the service now known as the Library Outreach Service relaunching in early December 2024.

Replacing the truck-based Mobile Library, this new operating model provides a monthly prebooked pick-up and drop-off library service to residents in the areas around Adaminaby, Berridale, Bredbo, Dalgety, Delegate, Michelago and Nimmitabel.

How the Library Outreach Service works

• Monthly timetable of in-person collection and drop-off points in Adaminaby, Berridale, Bredbo, Dalgety, Delegate, Michelago and Nimmitabel

• Pre-order library items by phone, email, or reserve items online

• To order by phone, call (02) 6451 1630

• To order by email, contact books@ snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

• To reserve online, visit www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/Library

• Collect and return orders at one of the collection points across the region

Library Outreach Service timetable for 2024

DateLocation Time

Monday 9 December

Michelago Public School 10.30–11.30am Bredbo Public School 12.45–1.45pm

Berridale Council Office 9.15–10.15am

Tuesday 10 December

Dalgety Campbell Street 10–11am Adaminaby Baker Street Playground 1–2pm

Wednesday 11 December Nimmitabel Police Station 10–11am

Thursday 12 December Delegate Bombala Street 2–3pm

Dates and times for 2025 will be released by the end of December 2024.

Council is aware of ongoing councillor discussions regarding a potential move to return to the truck-based Mobile Library service model.

We will inform the community in the event of any further changes to this service.

WEED OF THE WEEK

Our annual Weed of the Week series brings you the information you need to know about weeds and biosecurity in the Snowy Monaro. Last week we looked at the potentially deadly silverleaf nightshade. Coming this Friday, we take a broader look at the emerging weed threats taking hold in neighbouring regions. Whether you work the land or just like spending time in the great outdoors, these articles help you play your part in keeping our region safe from local weed incursions and emerging biosecurity threats.

Visit our website to catch up on this year's articles, with new pieces published Fridays at https://qrco.de/SMRCWeeds

LOCAL CITIZEN AWARDS

Nominations for our region’s Local Citizen of the Year awards are open now until early January. You're invited to nominate a local legend in the Bombala, Cooma, or Jindabyne areas who has made a substantial contribution to our region and its people over the past 12 months.

Nomination forms are available online now at https://qrco.de/SMRCawards or in-person from all Council offices. Completed forms can be submitted by email, post, or over-the-counter at your local Council office.

For 2025, our Bombala, Cooma, and Jindabyne Australia Day committees are accepting nominations across seven awards categories, including adult and youth citizen and sportsperson of the year, environment award, young environmental citizen of the year, and seven special achievement of they year awards.

TENDERS SOUGHT

VP436848: Dewatering and disposal of biosolids from sewage treatment plants Council is seeking tenders from suitably qualified contractors for dewatering and disposal of biosolids from sewage treatment plants. Interested parties must obtain copies of the tender documentation from Council’s e-tendering system www.vendorpanel.com.au

A non-compulsory site visit at Jindabyne STP is scheduled for Wednesday 27 November 2024.

CLOSING DATE: Tenders close at 5PM AEDT on Thursday 19 December 2024.

Tender enquiries should be directed to the VendorPanel online forum.

SUBMISSIONS: Completed responses can ONLY be submitted via the electronic tender box using the Word version of the schedule(s). Respondents will receive a successful submission receipt timed and dated upon completion.

Should assistance be required please use the online manual on the portal under Support/ Online Manuals/Making a Submission or contact the VendorPanel customer support team at support@vendorpanel.com.au or (03) 9095 6181.

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

POOL OPENING DATES

Council is excited to share the opening dates for public pools across the region.

Cooma: Open now until Monday 31 March 2025. Bombala: Open now until Saturday 22 March 2025.

Berridale: Open from Monday 25 November 2024 until Sunday 2 March 2025.

Adaminaby: Open from Monday 2 December 2024 until Sunday 2 March 2025.

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

SNAKES SIGHTED

As the weather continues warming up, our slithery friends are on the move again across the Snowy Monaro.

Please keep an eye out for snakes whenever you're out and about this spring and summer and take care when visiting our waste facilities.

CAM will support vigil against fossil fuel expansion

SNOWY Monaro residents concerned about climate change are invited by Climate Action Monaro (CAM) to travel by bus to Parliament House in Canberra on November 27 for a peaceful vigil against fossil fuel expansion.

The vigil, over the last three sitting days of Parliament before the summer break, will follow Rising Tide’s blockade of ships exporting coal from Newcastle Harbour on November 22-24. Those in the blockade will be demanding an end to new fossil fuels and transition funding for workers and communities.

CAM president, Jenny Goldie, said people attending the Parliament House vigil will be asking Prime Minister Albanese when will he stop new coal and gas?

“We are now in the lead-up to the next federal election and Labor has to understand that they will lose votes to Greens, Teals and climateaware Independents if they continue to export coal and gas,” Ms Goldie said.

“Burning of coal and gas may not add to our own domestic emissions but they do add to global warming.

“We are in a climate crisis. Look no further than the growing number of extreme weather events that are wreaking havoc around the world, most notably, the recent floods in Spain. Before that were Hurricanes Helen and Milton in the American Southeast. All were made worse by climate change.”

Ms Goldie said the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has just announced that summer in northern and eastern Australia will be wet and hot with some ‘unbearable’ nights. Canberra has a 75 percent chance of recording an extreme summer overnight average.

“The signs are all there that climate change is already with us. We know what causes it: greenhouse gases from the burning of coal and gas. We have to stop opening new coal and gas mines and stop extending them. We have to stop exporting coal and gas.

“Rising Tide’s protesters in Newcastle – now threatened with arrest if they participate thanks to a ruling by the NSW Supreme Court – are modern day heroes. They are bringing the world’s attention to the insidious export of coal.”

CAM holds regular events, and offers annual membership at $20 per household, $15 per individual and $10 per concession.

For more information about the group and any upcoming events, visit their Facebook page or www.climateactionmonaro.org.au

Jindabyne garden event raises much-needed funds for mcCr

By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK

THE recent Jindabyne Open Garden fundraising event turned out to be a great occasion, and well-supported, according to organiser Edwina Seaton.

The total funds raised from the day for the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr) was $1767.

“There weas a steady stream of people who came to see the garden, and many were amazed it is only just over three years old,” Ms Seaton said.

“The majority of guests commented on the long beds with the same plant and said this added a huge impact to the garden.

“They had a lot of questions and took away many ideas from the plant names, information and gardening tips I shared.

“The temperature was perfect and there was hardly a breath of wind. Gazebos and umbrellas remained in situ all day.”

Ms Seaton said the Snowy Mountains Grammar School student musicians who performed and their music teacher, Sue Sell, added ambiance and enjoyment for those wandering around the garden or those relaxing and enjoying a cuppa and cake using the seating provided.

“The students were talented and enthusiastic and I couldn’t be more grateful.

“After lunch, local talent and singer/song writer, Gabi Forman, performed playing her guitar, and singing brilliantly for a couple of hours.”

Catering was by members of the Jindabyne branch of the CWA who were more than happy to support the mcCr fundraiser.

“It’s a pleasure to help, that’s what the CWA is about,” CWA member, Sheila Bollard, said.

“Our branch loves to help out and take part in any of these sort of functions.”

The CWA made an incredible contribution by providing a stall full of delicious scones, slices and mini cup cakes for $1 each.

At the end of the day their contribution, which was 75 per

cent of the takings, amounted to $224.70.

First prize in the raffle on the day, a $100 voucher from Mitre 10 Jindabyne and a small pot plant, went to Maree Eishold; second prize was won by Peta Oatley - a hot pink clematis plant from The Little Garden Nook, Bombala; and third prize - a bottle of Seasol and a container of rose osmocote fertiliserwas won by Kerri Robinson of Berridale. Each of the three prizes included a calendar for 2025, created by Edwina Seaton. The calendar has photographs of her garden and of the Snowy Monaro.

Ms Seaton made special mention of friends and family who helped and assisted in the lead up to the day and on the day.

“I am grateful to my daughter, Saskia Fawcett, for all the design work for the poster and flyers, partner Rob Allan, cousin, Tina Hunter, and great friends, Steve Cooper, Nira Windeatt, Terry Daish and Montana O’Neil; without their help the day wouldn’t have been a reality,” she said.

Ms Seaton, a palliative care nurse, said the day was about patients who have cancer and need financial assistance while undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“mcCr is an incredible charity in the Snowy Monaro and so many cancer patients are the beneficiaries of this wonderful organisation,” she said. She thanked those who attended and others who couldn’t be there yet still donated.

Friends Terry Daish (Bombala) and Montana O’Neil (Jindabyne) with open garden host Edwina Seaton (centre).

Edwina Seaton’s garden features numerous sculptures placed throughout the garden beds.

GARDEN DELIGHT: Jindabyne branch of the CWA members, Sheila Bollard (le ), Marika Huopainen, Terry Aiton, Anna Smith and Lorriane Phillips, provided food and beverages for the open garden event. PHOTOS: Trista Heath

Busking nationals attract star performers

By KAREN FORMAN

TEENAGE international blues sensation, Lil G (also known as Guitar Gem), will head the guest star line-up at Cooma’s Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC) grand finals event on November 30.

ANBC president, Allan Spencer, said he was “over the moon” to secure the services of the “incredibly talented’ 13-year-old singer guitarist, who released her first single ‘So They Say’ earlier this year after recording it in America, for the event.

“Gemma comes from the Central Coast and has been part of the busking competitions here in Cooma before and now she is coming back as a special guest artist, and I am really excited,” he said.

“She will play at the welcome party at the Alpine Hotel on the Friday night, on the main stage in Centennial Park during the day, and at the after party on the Saturday night.

“Cooma really will be the place to be on November 30, with so much free entertainment provided by top performers, as well as the buskers in the competition, who have won their way into the national grand finals through the seven regional heats around Australia.”

It is not the first time Lil G has been a guest of the ANBC.

Lil G, The James Brothers coming to Cooma finals

Last year, she ran some workshops and played live.

Gemma took up guitar in 2019 after listening to a variety of musicians and genres who have since played an influential role in shaping her signature sound.

Earlier this year she toured in America and was invited to perform at the national Museum of African-American music in Nashville, the world famous Reds Juke Joint in Clarksdale Mississippi.

ANBC grand final a er winning secondary and primary

PHOTO: Karen Forman

Join in a paddock plant walk on the Monaro

PADDOCK plant walks across the Monaro over the next couple of months, hosted by South East Local Land Services (LSS), aim to educate people about grassland species and their management.

The walk is to discover the diversity in the region’s paddocks and learn how to identify and manage grasses, legumes, native plants, and weeds.Attendees are encouraged to bring along any plants they are curious about. For biosecurity reasons, LLS requests samples to be placed in a plastic bag and include as much of the plant as possible. Participants should dress for the outdoors – hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and sturdy shoes are essential for this field walk

To register contact African Lovegrass co-ordinator, Jane Tracy, email jane.tracy@lls.nsw.gov.au, phone 0429 116 830.

The walks are at Bungarby (952 Bungarby Road) on November 28, Shannons Flat (1206 Bobeyan Road) on November 30, Mila (Mila Country Club, 868 Mila Rd) on December 6, Grosses Plain (Moonbah Travelling Stock Reserve) on December 12, Dry Plains (Murroo Travelling Stock Reserve) on December 17 and Bibbenluke (Black Lake 2 Paddocks) on January 10, 2025.

Storms result in shortfall of lamb, sheep numbers at Wagga sale

Total yarding: 59,800 (-8458)

Sheep yarding: 17,500 (-1950)

Lamb yarding: 42,300 (-6508)

SEVERE storms swept through key regions last week leading to a notable decrease in lamb and sheep supplies.

Agents reported a shortfall of 10,000 lambs and 5,000 sheep to what was anticipated. This reduction in supply created a ripple effect throughout the sale, influencing prices with stronger demand across most categories.

The quality of the lambs offered varied considerably. While some pens were outstanding new season lambs, others exhibited extreme dryness in their wool. Notably, more than half of the lambs

presented for sale were under 21kg carcass weight, which added another layer of complexity to the market dynamics.

As the sale progressed, competition intensified, particularly among the heavier lamb classes, which were in limited supply.

Store buyers and feedlots played a crucial role in boosting the market for lighter weight classes, leading to a noticeable uptick in prices for lighter lambs and light trade lambs.

In the trade lamb sale, competition was very strong, especially for fresh lambs. Bidding duels became a common occurrence, particularly for lambs weighing

between 21-24kg, which saw price increases ranging from $2 to $8, selling between $172 and $210 to average around 810c/kg cwt.

Quality lambs in this weight category averaged between 830c and 860c/kg.

The market for lambs weighing 25-26kg also experienced a positive trend as prices climbed as the sale progressed, prices ranging from $203 to $234/head.

The presence of numerous store and feedlot orders underscored the demand, with plenty of buyers keen to acquire the lightest lambs available following the recent price correction.

This resulted in a $4 lift for these lighter lambs, with

prices ranging from $66 to $107, while those with weight and frame sold between $108 and $165/head.

In the export market, prices showed an upward trend as the sale progressed, with some sales exceeding 900c/kg cwt.

Buyers were eager to secure weight, leading to a gain of $11. The bulk selling from $228 to $282/head. It was a mixed quality yarding of mutton and more buyers made it to the sale.

Competition for trade sheep intensified with prices lifting $5/head. Most sales ranged from $61 to $97 to average 340c/kg cwt.

Heavy sheep sold from $92 to $132/head to average 320c to 348c/kg cwt.

Feedlot re-stockers impressed by young cattle, Yass sale sees increased numbers

By DAVID KENT, MLA

YOUNG cattle suiting the feedlot buyers and re-stockers made up the bulk of the increased yarding of 1070 mixed quality cattle.

All the usual buyers were operating, selling to a mostly softer market.

Yearlings to suit the trade were back seven cents, selling from 220c to 340c/kg. Feeder

There was a limited supply of finished yearlings, along with some good pens of heavy grown steers, and there were 140 cows.

steers were firm to a few cents easier, making from 255c to 338c/kg.

Heifers to feed, price unchanged, to average 281c/kg.

Young cattle returning to the paddock were cheaper, with the steers ranging from 199c to 338c, and the heifers sold from

180c to 296c/kg.

Heavy grown steers were up to 10 cents dearer, selling from 290c to 336c, and the betterquality grown heifers made from 280c to 321c/kg.

Heavy four score cows fell six cents, reaching 282c/kg. Bulls to process topped at 275c/kg.

COOMA CATTLE SALES

700HEAD HEAD700

COOMA SPECIAL STORE & SCALE CATTLE SALE FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2024 COMMENCING 10AM | 700 HEAD BOOKED

A/c EBH2 Pty Ltd (MLP)

25 X 25 Angus Cows, Mixed Ages with Aug/Sept Drop Calves at Foot by Rosskin Angus Bulls.

Depastured 1/11/24 Back to Rosskin Angus Bull.

5 X 5 Black Baldie Cows, 3 Years Old. Aug/Sept Drop Calves at Foot by Rosskin Angus Bull. Depastured 1/11/24 Back to Rosskin Angus Bull.

10 Angus Heifers 14 Months. Rosskin Blood. Nsm.

A/c A M REID & Co (MLP)

12 X 12 Angus Cows, 4 Year Old. Bongongo Blood With July/Aug Drop Calves at Foot By Onslow Bulls. Depastured back to Onslow Bull 15/9/24 Until 17/11/24.

12 Mixed Sex Weaners, Onslow Blood 8/9 Months Old – Yard Weaned.

A/c G & K LITCHFIELD. (MLP) 10 X 10 Hereford & B/Baldie Cows. Mixed Ages with Aug/ Sept Drop B/B Calves at Foot. Not Rejoined

A/c MONTREAL PARTNERSHIP (MLP)

42 Poll Hereford Heifers. 12-14 Months Old. Nsm. Billilingra Blood.

A/c SCARLETT FAMILY TRUST (MLP)

27 Angus & B/Baldie Heifers 1415 Months Old. Nsm. Hazeldean & Brookfield Park Blood.

A/c J & J CROWE (MLP) 11 Speckle Park Blood Heifers 24-25 Months. Minnamurra Blood. Nsm 7 Speckle Park Blood Heifers 12 Months. Minnamurra Blood. Nsm.

A/c R & T WARD (MLP)

20 Angus Cows, 3 Year Old. Hazeldean Blood. Nsm

A/C FRASER MCDONALD(NL)

30 Angus Steer Weaners, Kelton Plain BLD, WEANED.

AC GLENBERNIE PAST CO(NL)

25 Angus & BB Mixed Sex Weaner, April Drop, HAZELDEAN BLD.

A/C TD LEWIS(NL)

25 Poll Hereford Mixed Sex Weaner, Billilingra BLD. Weaned.

A/C CHALLENGE(NL)

13 x 13 Hereford & BB Cows & Calves, Cows Mixed Ages, Calves 2mths. 20 Mixed Sex Hereford & BB Weaners

A/C MURPHY & THISTLETON(NL)

18 Mixed Sex BB Weaners.

A/c SHOREHUNT PTY LTD (MLP)

17 Angus x Red Shorthorn steer weaners 10-12 months. Spry Blood. Weaned

14 Angus x Red Shorthorn Heifers weaners. 10-12 months. Spry Blood. Weaned

Weed of the week: alligator weed

By SNOWY MONARO REGIONAL COUNCIL

IT’S WEEK seven of Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s Weed of the Week series for the 2024/25 spring and summer season. This series of articles provides the community with information and advice on new, emerging and established invasive plant species threatening our region.

Whether you’re living on the land, living in town, or just passing through – we all have a part to play in protecting our natural environment and agricultural land from invasive plants and weeds.

This week we look at alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), a potentially devastating weed that grows in water and on land, affecting both waterways and floodplain areas.

Native to South America, alligator weed is a perennial plant that grows on land in damp soil, or on water as dense floating mats. Alligator weed affects water flow, water quality, native plants and native animals, and has major economic and social impacts.

Overseas experience indicates that alligator weed’s potential impacts in Australia could be devastating.

Alligator weed leaves are shiny, dark green with a distinct midrib and are on opposite sides of the stem. The flower heads are small, white and papery to

touch. The flowers occur at the end of a stem up to nine centimetres long and arise from the leaf-stem junction. One of the most distinguishing features of alligator weed is its hollow stem. Dispersal occurs through the transportation of plant fragments on recreational equipment like boats and kayaks, or excavated material like sand and soil. Interestingly, the plants produce no viable seed in Australia. Spread occurs entirely through the movement of plant fragments.

Alligator weed is high on Council’s alert list due to its known presence within the Australia Capital Territory, Sydney, Newcastle and isolated sites around Batemans Bay, Nowra and the Illawarra. What do you have to do if you suspect the presence of alligator weed?

If you suspect the presence of alligator weed, you are required by law to immediately contact Council’s biosecurity team on 1300 345 345. As alligator weed is not currently known to occur

within the Snowy Monaro region, responding immediately gives us the best opportunity to eliminate any incursion and limit the impact on our community.

Do not try to control alligator weed yourself prior to contacting Council. It is very difficult to control and poorly performed control efforts can help spread the weed and exacerbate the problem.

Alligator weed is subject to a Biosecurity Zone in NSW. Outside of Greater Sydney

and parts of the Hunter, land managers must eradicate the weed or destroy as much of the weed as practicable and suppress the spread of remaining plant material.

Council’s biosecurity team will provide prompt and thorough weed identification and will assist in control efforts to ensure the best chance of elimination.

As with all weeds, prevention is the best control option.

Take precautions when introducing sand and soil to your property and clean down boats and other recreational equipment carefully before transporting them.

Council is here to help. If you have questions about alligator weed, or any other weeds on your property, contact Council’s specialist biosecurity officers for advice and assistance.

Call 1300 345 345 or email council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov. au to get in touch.

Can’t identify a weed? Send in some photographs or arrange a free onsite inspection and one of our staff will promptly respond.

Download the free NSW WeedWise app for detailed information on how to identify and manage weeds. Visit www. dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/ weeds

Visit the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website for information on weed control methods at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ biosecurity/weeds/weed-control

Koala Karaoke projects map local populations

LANDHOLDERS across the Monaro are being encouraged to help South East Local Land Services (LLS) to expand the reach of its innovative koala monitoring project.

The citizen science project, known as Koala Karaoke equips landholders with audio monitors to record the distinctive bellows of male koalas, which are used to attract females and deter rival males.

These recordings are then analysed to help map, understand and protect local koala populations and their habitat. Following successful surveys in the Southern Tablelands

Area of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) and Avonside areas, the project is looking to work with landholders across the greater Monaro, to gain a further understanding of the local koala population.

Landholders in places such as Michelago, Bredbo, Burra and as far south as Nimmitabel are encouraged to join the program and take part in upcoming surveys by registering their interest online.

“Over my years talking to landowners in our area, I have observed a change in attitude with many now keen to find

out if they have koalas on their land. That seems to be resulting in more sightings and, with this program, a much better appreciation of where they are and what management is needed to ensure they thrive,” Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.

“It is also very clear that koalas and working farms can co-exist and that is an important message.

“This is a terrific program which goes hand in hand with some good work already from our local communities and agencies.”

The Koala Karaoke project

is run by South East Local Land Services in conjunction with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. This project is also funded from the Australian Government’s Saving Koalas Fund.

Since its inception in 2021, the Koala Karaoke project has seen more than 130 people deploy some 200 audio recorders on private properties and within National Park reserves. Surveys over the past three years have covered approximately 700,000 hectares across the ARKS and surrounding areas.

The region-wide survey results from 2022 found koala presence within the ARKS was detected on 72 percent of the recorders.

Outside the ARKS, koalas were detected on six percent of sites, indicating koalas continue to occupy areas across the Monaro and Southern Tablelands.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Forest Science team also collaborated on the project by using in-house AI to detect koala bellows from the thousands of hours of sound recordings.

WEED OF THE WEEK: Native to South America, alligator weed is a perennial plant that grows on land in damp soil, or on water as dense floating mats. Alligator weed a ects water flow, water quality, native plants and native animals, and has major economic and social impacts.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Impossible Builds. 3.30 Left O The Map. 4.00 Surf Patrol. 4.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. 10.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.50 Late Programs.

Games. (2022) 2.00 Your Money & Your Life. 2.30 Border Security: International. 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 The Force: Behind The Line. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Front Bar: Year In Review. 10.00 Ricky Ponting’s Test Match Preview. 10.30 Jimeoin: Result. 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Highway Patrol. 2.00 The Force: BTL. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Cricket. Women’s BBL. Sixers v Scorchers. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 35. Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades. 10.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 1.00 My Way. 1.30 Getaway. 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 A air. 7.30 RPA. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Casualty 24/7. 11.50 Resident Alien. 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Golf. Australian PGA Championship. First round. 5.00 As Time Goes By. 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.00 Tennis. a is p. arter final. A stralia SA. 3.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Home Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Bu y The Vampire Slayer. 3.00 Modern Family. 3.30 Bondi Vet. 4.30 Glee. 5.30 Jabba’s Movies. 6.00 Modern Family. 6.25 First Dates UK. 8.35 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. 9.35 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. 10.35 Ramsay’s Costa Del Nightmares. 11.35 Late Programs.

Left O The Map. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30 Storage Wars: New York. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Pickers. 6.00 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 6.20 First Test. Aust v India. Late afternoon session. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 8.00 Cricket. Women’s BBL. Heat v Stars. 9.00 MOVIE: Men In Black 3. (2012) 11.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas By Chance. (2020) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current A air. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. 8.40 MOVIE: U.S. Marshals. (1998) Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Robert Downey Jr. 11.20 Inside Beverly Hills. 12.15 Tipping Point. 1.05 Helloworld. 1.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Bu y The Vampire Slayer. 3.00 Modern Family. 3.45 Bondi Vet. 4.45 Australia’s Got Talent. 6.00 MOVIE: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. (2018) 8.30 MOVIE: Phenomenon. (1996) John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker. 11.00 MOVIE: The Empty Man. (2020) 1.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Shark Tank. 11.40 Entertainment Tonight. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 10 News First: Lunchtime. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No

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6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Golf. Australian PGA Championship. Second round. 5.00 Keeping Up Appearances. 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 Shark Beach With Chris Hemsworth. 9.30 Narco Wars: The Mob. 11.30 Late Programs.

‘That A Way’owner says sell

ADDRESS: That A Way

Delegate, NSW

264 HA / 654AC

AGENT: Elders

A WONDERFUL opportunity to purchase a productive rural property located only seven kilometres from the town of Delegate in southeast NSW, that comprises 264 hectares (654 acres). This is a gem with plenty of potential that has bitumen main road frontage.

Consisting of a mix of improved granite and native pastures plus a small number of scattered gums. The country is gently undulating and would really suit further pasture improvement.

Fencing is a standout feature with the property subdivided into 12 paddocks with lane ways servicing three strategically located sets of cattle yards.

There is ample water supply that included the Riverview Creek plus many spring fed and runoff dams.

Delegate enjoys an annual average rainfall of around 700mm.

Improvements include a three-bay Colorbond shed with one of the bays fully enclosed. There also is an extra shed containing two 20-foot shipping containers.

Key points:

• 264 Hectares | 654 acres*

• Seven km bitumen road frontage from Delegate

• Suitable for cattle, prime lambs and cropping

• Ample water and 700mm rainfall

• Three sets of cattle yards

• Excellent fencing, 12 paddocks and lane ways

• Colorbond shed and two 20-foot shipping containers.

• Don’t delay, call the Elders sales team for an inspection

eldersrealestate.com.au

Snowy Monaro

Potential on tap – yours for the taking

Address: “East View” 10 Granite Street, Berridale NSW 2628

Agent: Kirshner Mackay Property and Livestock

Address: “Clearview” 1999 Dry Plains Road, Dry Plain NSW 2630

Agent: Kirshner Mackay Property and Livestock

“Clearview” presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to find their forever home or perhaps a tranquil escape for a holiday home set in the Snowy Mountains with some of the best trout fishing on your doorstep.

Located within close proximity to Cooma and Adaminaby alike sits this four bedroom, two bathroom, weatherboard cottage. Featuring formal dining with wood fireplace, separate living room with a second wood fireplace, main bathroom with spa bathtub, abundant built in storage throughout, large laundry and undercover verandah.

Further to the home is a 12m x 13m workshop or shed with concrete floor, a single car garage, garden or storage shed, chook pen, dog runs, well maintained grounds and garden, plus a variety of fruit trees. All of this while still allowing enough space for your horses or maybe some sheep or a few head of cattle.

nantly native pastures, basalt as well as shale derived soils present. Secure water supply through Pat Anne Creek, a reliable well, plus rainwater. Solar panels feeding excess power back into the grid. Well sheltered with Manna Gum, White Gum, Peppermint and Wattle making up the majority of trees.

Tempted? This complete package is awaiting its next custodians. Visualise yourself in this charming cottage, taking in the stunning easterly views as far as the eye can see! Don’t miss your chance to make it your own.

“Clearview” 1999 Dry Plains Road, Dry Plain NSW 2630 goes to online auction on Tuesday December 10, 2024 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website! Don’t miss out, contact the KMPL office to book your private inspection today.

• Locatedabout30minutesorsodrivenorth west ofCooma.

• Fourbedroom, two bathroom, weatherboard cottage onmains power, featuringformaldiningwith woodfireplace,separateLshapedlivingroomwith yet asecondcombustionwoodfireplace.

• Mainbathroomwithspabathtub.

• Amplebuiltinstoragethroughout.

• Largelaundrywithdirectaccess to backyard.

• Under cover verandah.

• Furtherinfrastructureincludesa12mx13mworkshoporshedwithconcrete floor,single car garage andagardenorstorageshed.

• Chookpen,dogruns,wellmaintainedgroundsandgardenincludingavarietyoffruittrees.

• Solarpanelssupplementingpowerduringthe day feedingexcesspowerback into thegrid.

• Secure water supplyvia Pat AnneCreek,areliablewellplusrainwaterharvesting.

• Predominantlynativepastures,basaltaswellasshalederivedsoilspresent.

• MannaGum,WhiteGum,Peppermintand Wattlemakeupthemajorityoftrees,fenced intothree paddocks.

AGENTS COMMENTS:

“Clearview”isthecompletepackageindeed,locatedwithinclosestrikingdistance to Coomaand Adaminabyalike.Theperfectpermanentresidenceorholidayhomewithsomeofthebesttroutfishing

close by. Plentyofroom for ahorseorfour,maybesomesheep ora few headof cattle.Wellsheltered,boastingstunning easterlyviewsas far asthe eye can see! Ifallthissoundslikeyou,don’thesitate and contactoursales team now for your own privateinspection!

Contact: Nick Kirshner & Aaron Mackay P: 0264566783 W: kirshnermackay.com.au Online Auction: Tuesday10thDecember2024 Commencing6:30pm Venue: OnlineAuctionWebsite Realtair

Located just a few minutes drive southeast of Berridale, “East View” offers an outstanding opportunity to secure a lifestyle parcel of land with easy access via bitumen road and in close vicinity to town.

The property includes a 50 square metre shed built to lock up stage and approved as a dwelling under the existing DA, zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential with dual occupancy permissible under the current LEP, the current DA also includes a three bedroom, two bathroom home and approved onsite sewage management system, single phase power connected to shed, secure water

supply via town water, spring and a dam. All the hard work has been done here that’s for sure.

Fenced into one paddock plus a yard fence around the shed. The block itself is a gently undulating east and north facing block showcasing outstanding views as far as the eye can see, naturally lightly timbered with Manna Gum, Hickory and Wattle. Additionally, there are several other species of trees which the current owner has planted.

The sale of “East View” presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a great starter block with an impressive head start, awaiting you to make it your own. Don’t miss your chance to secure this great property!

“East View” 10 Granite Street, Berridale NSW 2628 goes to online auction on Tuesday December 3, 2024 at 6:30pm via the Realtair website. Don’t out, contact the KMPL office

• Locatedonlya few minutesdrivesoutheastofBerridale.

• Bitumenroadaccess.

• Boastingspectacularviewseastandnorthas far asthe eye can see

• Gentlyundulatingeastandnorthfacingblock,naturallylightlytimberedwithMannaGum,some ickoryaswellasWattle.Furthertreespeciesplanted bythecurrent custodianincludeRedGum, ellowBox,Se uoia, apaneseMaple,AppleBox,MountainAsh,SnowGum,SheaOak,RiverRed Gum, imalayan Cedar,SpottedGum,Ironbark,OliveTrees,WheepingWillows, SilverBirch,Western Red Cedarwithroom for plentymore.

• onedR5LargeLotResidential,withdualoccupancypermissibleunderthecurrentLEP.

• Afi ys uaremetreshedbuilt to lockup stage andapprovedasadwellingundertheexisting DA.

• Thecurrent DAalsoincludesathreebedroom,twobathroomhomeandapproved onsitesewage management system.

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AGENTS COMMENTS: Thesaleof“East iew” o ers anexcellent opportunitytoac uirealifestyleparceloflandclosetoBerridale witheasyaccessandasolidheadstartwithshed,powerand water inplaceaswellasacurrent DA for a

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Snowy Monaro

‘Noamunga’ rolling hills, river frontage

Address: Lot 206 Delegate Road, Delegate

Auction January 16, 2025

Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala

LOOKING for the perfect property to start your own rural dreams or additional country to complement your existing holdings? Noamunga is your answer.

Located 3.7km west of Delegate, bisected by the sealed Delegate Road, the property is easily accessible for all vehicles, making stock and machinery movements a breeze.

The property features improved pastures on undulating hills that are lightly timbered.

The west paddocks are perfect for lambing and calving with a favourable

aspect and native timber for shelter and shade. Pasture improvement includes rye grass and sub clover with extensive fertilising history.

Water is a feature with 1.1km frontage to Delegate River that feeds a reticulated trough system and complimented with both run off and spring fed dams.

Additional improvements include a raised board three-stand shearing shed, powered by 10kva generator, steel cattle yards with crush and loading ramp, steel/timber sheep yards, and storage machinery shed.

Going under the hammer January 16, 2025, 11am at the Delegate Country Club, now is the time to book your inspections or contact the agents for further information.

Christine McIntosh 0427 584 004 or Matthew Green 0429 991 241

Snowy Monaro

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 To be bold or intrepid, is to be what (6)

7 To be reluctant to give, is to do what (8)

8 Name the short, thick inner digits of the human hands (6)

9 What is a deep cleft in the ice of a glacier (8)

11 When one walks laboriously, one does what (7)

13 Which blue mineral is a gem of moderate value (7)

15 Name an earlier Australian painter and sculptor, George Washington ... (7)

17 To be the least rapid, is to be the what (7)

20 Which device controls the amount of fuel being fed to an engine (8)

23 What is a chest in which to stow things (6)

24 Which portable shade is used for protection from rain (8)

25 What is a young swan called (6) DOWN

1 Which term describes an inheritor (4)

2 To be more courageous, is to be what (6)

3 What are bookmakers’ prices known as (4)

4 To discourage from acting, is to do what (5)

5 What are boxing matches split into (6)

6 To be imposing in appearance, is to be what (5)

9 Which devices are used for fastening objects together (6)

10 What is surreptitious procedure (7)

12 Name an agricultural implement for mowing grass, etc (6)

E-QUATIONS 7

14 To rouse from sleep, is to do what (6)

Letters have a number value

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

E-QUATIONS

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

16 Who is the head male servant of a household (6)

18 To be extremely foolish, is to be what (coll) (5)

19 To walk pompously, is to walk how (5)

21 Name a red variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem (4)

22 To which plant group does the fleur-de-lis belong (4)

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

1 HACHURE

(a) A chopping block (b) A hill-shading line on a map (c) An American tree allied to the elm

2 IATRICAL

(a) Related to medicine or physicians (b) Satirical in verse (c) Of Spain and Portugal

BIYWORD

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

CLUES:

Cotton twill fabric (5)

Fuel-carrying transports (7)

Indian stringed instrument (5)

Prefix: grandfather’s father (5)

Quote: “to ... is human” (3)

Sleeveless garment (4,3)

Soiled wool piece (3)

Category (5)

US: auto fuel (3)

Witty remark (3)

Solve

TRADES AND SERVICES

59 Vale Street, Cooma (02) 6452 0318

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND BEING A GREAT FIT FOR OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY? OUR BEFORE AND AFTER- SCHOOL CARE AND HOLIDAY PROGRAM SERVICE IS LOOKING FOR A SERVICE COORDINATOR!

COORDINATOR: BREDBO PUBLIC SCHOOL

SUBMIT YOUR DETAILS TO: RECRUITMENT@THEIRCARE.COM.AU

Job available: General Assistant

Nimmitabel Public School is currently looking for someone to fill our ongoing (permanent) general assistant role 1 day a week.

This job involves general grounds and school maintenance jobs. More information available in the general Assistant role description found in the online job ad via the iworkfor.nsw.gov.au website (search for ‘Nimmitabel General Assistant’)

Job applications are due by 4pm, November 27, 2024 and must be submitted via the “I work for NSW ‘website. For more information, please contact Relieving Principal: Rosie Allen On 02 6454 6205 during school hours

inc GST on farm location. Newmerella, Victoria. Phone 0429 797 054.

Stewart

- 17/11/2018

Hundreds attend hospital auxilliary garden party despite weather

By KAREN FORMAN

TORRENTIAL rain did not deter hundreds of people from venturing to Kiah Lodge at Berridale on Sunday for the Cooma Hospital Auxilliary’s garden party fundraiser.

The umbrellas and wellies came out and patrons enjoyed a trek around the particularly green gardens of the

historic homestead before indulging in a huge array of delicacies and beverages under the cover of the wide verandah encircling the homestead.

One of the most excited visitors was three year old Liliana Mcgrath from Dalgety, who with her dad and grandmother ventured around the gardens, stopping to smell the flowers, totally

oblivious to the dampness of the rain brought by a storm front.

Auxilliary president Sue Litchfield said the organisation had been delighted at the response to the event, particularly when the heavens opened and the rain came down just as it was starting.

“It was very kind of the owners Suzannah and Sterling Plowman to open

their heritage garden to the public so that we could run this event,” she said.

“This was the first time we have done this here and although we don’t have full numbers, with some people prebuying tickets and others purchasing them at the gate, I would say it has been a success.”

Kiah Lodge was originally created by Richard

Brooks, the first white settler on the Monaro.

He established the Gegedzerick property north of Berridale in 1827 and built the first section of the Kiah Lodge homestead in 1850.

The house was expanded over the years by subsequent inhabitants, with orchards and a wheatfield.

The Plowmans arrived

in 1983 at the end of a long drought, with the only water supplied by a windmill. They sank bores and later constructed a large dam fed by Stoney Creek, to start a garden project.

Mrs Plowman said she was pleased to share the couple’s garden for an important cause and wished all an enjoyable afternoon.

Coolamatong golfers reflect on 70-busy years

GOLFERS, volunteers and community members celebrated 70 years of Coolamatong Golf Club on Saturday with a dinner bringing current and former golfer and volunteers together.

Kiah Lodge’s wide verandahs make the perfect shelter for garden party attendees to enjoy a ernoon team.

Kiah Lodge owner Suzannah Plowman with Deborah Bowen at the garden party fundraiser.

Kiah Lodge gardens were beautifully green for the Cooma Hospital Auxilliary’s fundraiser.

Liliana McGrath, 3, of Dalgety stops to smell the flowers at the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary’s garden party fundraiser at Kiah Lodge.

Kathleen Henderson and Pam Stewart behind the hot drinks table at the Kiah Lodge fundraiser for the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary.

FUNDRAISER: Cooma Hospital Auxiliary volunteers Mary Hayden, Leonie Snell and president Sue Litchfield serve up a ernoon tea at the garden party fundraiser. PHOTOS: Karen Forman

strong crowd to celebrate the club’s seven decades in the community.

Bill and Helen Quinn are two of the club’s active golfers and volunteers.

Betty and Ross Thompson enjoy their time at the dinner.

CELEBRATIONS: Jan and Brian O’Halloran reflect on 70-years of the Coolamatong Golf Club. PHOTOS: Coolamatong Golf Club

Adaminaby Races

By LISA ASHURST

THE Adaminaby Racecourse has been operating as a very successful country racecourse since its inception in the mid 19th century, with the first meeting recorded as having taken place on Monday April 6, 1863, when it was known as the Seymour Races. Also called the Chalkers at one time, the event would

eventually become better known as the Adaminaby Races in 1882, following a meeting held on June 28 in the same year.

The card that year comprised of a Maiden Plate, which was won by a horse named Deerfoot, owned by Mr J Higgerson.

Deerfoot did very well, winning by two lengths.

The racecourse was

Adaminaby Races celebrating 160 years

re-located to its present location when Adaminaby was moved to make way for the Snowy Scheme and the creation of Lake Eucumbene. The racecourse buildings were transported from their original site in the old township of Adaminaby, seeing as the old course was set to end up under water, and then re-established on the present site on Bobeyan Road.

HISTORY: Left - Adaminaby Jockey Club president, Lynley Miners, has dug into the archives to find a programme of the races included in the Adaminaby Advocate in 1929. Above - Johanna Delaney and Mick Russell ahead of a race meet. PHOTOS: Adaminaby Jockey Club

Adaminaby Races

THE Adaminaby Racecourse, ensconced on its new site, made its movie debut when it became the chosen location in 1959 for the film, The Sundowners, which brought Hollywood stars Robert Mitchum, Debra Kerr and Peter Ustinov to the Snowy region. In 1984, the racecourse made its second big screen appearance when it stood in for Mexico in the Australian film Phar Lap starring Tom Burlinson.

The races quickly became a popular social event around the region and the November race meeting is one of the biggest annual events held in the Snowy Mountains.

The Adaminaby Cup has also proudly enjoyed strong local sponsorship for many years. Today, the race meeting attracts racegoers from as far afield as Sydney and Canberra and, of course, from right across the Snowy region.

It is a very popular event and with its relaxed picnic atmosphere, it makes a great day out for the whole family.

The local community do a fantastic job in stepping in to help with preparing the track, plus the working hours needed for planning and hosting such a fabulous event.

This year will see the races continuing with the theme tradition, with this year’s being traditional and heritage and the organisers are hoping to see as many racegoers as

possible arriving in theme dress.

Fashions on the field, another popular part of race day, will have lots of categories this year too, including tiny tots boys and tiny tots girls (both for those aged six years and under), best dressed boy and best dressed girl (for 13 years and under), best dressed filly and best dressed colt (14 - 18 years), fashionista on the field (19 - 40 years) and classic lady on the field (over 40 years).

The full list of categories can be found in the race book on the day.

Buses will be travelling to and from Cooma, leaving from the bus zone situated in Bombala Street at Centennial Park, at 11.15am and returning to Cooma from the races 40 minutes after the last race is run, generally around 4.20pm.

Tickets are $40 per person, which includes bus travel and gate entry.

Tickets can be purchased from Mack’s Auto and Tyre Plus and as seats are limited, it is recommended those wishing to travel by bus should purchase their tickets prior to Thursday November 21.

ICONIC: Kiandra races were held in the late 19th century. PHOTOS: Adaminaby Jockey Club

Top - An extract from the Sydney Mail in 1877 about the Adaminaby Races.

Above - Horses were brought to the races on the back of trucks for much of the 20th century.

By LISA ASHURST

ONE of the staple events on race days across the nation is fashions on the field. Racegoers heading to the Adaminaby Races will be delighted to find there are plenty of categories listed for this year, so there will be something for everyone.

The Adaminaby Races choose a dress theme each year. In 2004. it was ‘think pink’, in support of the McGrath Foundation to help place McGrath Breast Care nurses in communities right across Australia.

In 2020, the theme was all about feathers, frills and finery.

This year’s is traditional and heritage, which should see a great show of traditional costumes among those opting to dress up with the theme in mind.

But whether dressing traditionally or just in the fashions of today, dress in your very best and take part in the fun of fashions on the field.

Categories for this year are:

- Tiny tot girls and tiny tot boys (both six years and under);

- Best dressed girl and best dressed boy (both 13 years and under);

- Best dressed filly and best dressed colt (both 14 to 18 years);

- Fashionista on the field (19 to 40 years);

- Classic lady on the field (over 40 years);

- Best hat ladies;

- Best dressed man;

- Best dressed couple;

- Best single or pair in theme;

- Best group theme

While dressing to the theme is not mandatory, it is fun, but

whatever way you choose to go, donning your finest is all the go on race day, and with the number of categories covering all the age groups, the fashions on the field events are something the whole family can take part in and the children will love dressing up. It just adds to the fun of the day. come race day.

Have fun with fashions on the field

Best dressed categories for men are hotly contested each Adaminaby Races meet.

FASHIONS: One of the favourite events each year at the Adaminaby Races is the fashions on the field. This year’s dress theme is traditional and heritage.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Adaminaby Races

Bus travel on offer for smooth race day

BUSES will be travelling to and from Cooma to the Adaminaby Races on Saturday November 23, through support from Future Generation JV.

Tickets can be pre-purchased from Mack’s Auto and Tyre Plus, 90 Sharp Street Cooma.

Tickets are $40.00 per person.

This includes bus and gate entry.

As seats are limited, it is recommended to get in early and purchase your tickets before Thursday November 21 to avoid disappointment.

The buses will leave the bus zone at Centennial Park, Bombala St, Cooma at 11:15am and will return to Cooma from Adaminaby Races 40 minutes after the last race, usually around 4:20pm.

Note: It will be at driver discretion – for those travelling on the bus, bad behaviour or intoxication will not be tolerated and may void your bus ticket to and from the races.

By LISA ASHURST

THERE’S nothing like an enjoyable day at the races, and the Adaminaby Races promises to be a great day for everyone.

Gates open at 11am, with the first race scheduled for 1.30pm.

The last race of the day will be run at around 4.30pm.

There will be both ATM and EFTPOS facilities available at the track but organisers have suggested racegoers still bring along some cash, on the offchance there are technical difficulties on the day.

There will also be bookmakers on site for everyone who enjoys a flutter.

sure to bring some cash along in case the EFTPOS fails.

And when the hunger bites, there will be plenty of food stalls to cater for everyone, plus some fun entertainment for the children as well.

Bar facilities will also be available and the organisers have advised that, as alcohol will be available at the track, they have implemented a strict NO

Coming prepared on race day

BYO policy, so leave the esky at home, seeing as you won’t need to bring any with you.

It’s set to be a fabulous day, and as one of the major social events in the Snowy region, at an iconic racetrack, it’s one you shouldn’t miss.

Join thousands on Saturday for one of the great occasions.

OUR SPONSORS 2024

Bookmakers are ready to help racegoers have a flutter. Roger Norton is a favourite on race day. Remember, gamble responsibly.

Athletes off to terrific start

ATHLETES and helpers at the Cooma Athletics Club have settled into the season well with Saturday competitions running smoothly.

The club is seeing outstanding results across the board this season with five new records already set.

Josh Magadzire has set a new under six boys’ record of 11 metres. In the under 12 girls’ 80m hurdles, Emily Payne recored a new club best of 16.38s.

Angus Linton is enjoying a fine start to his season with two records set - 16.19s in the under 17 male 100m hurdles and 25.49s in the under 17 male 200m. Angus had the previous the record of 25.75s.

As the records tumbled, so did many personal best efforts. Paige Irvine in the under six girls’ shot-put threw 1.80m. Ugo recorded a 2.25m effort in the long jump, while Lily Dawson in the under eight girls threw the vortex 11.29m.

In the under nine boys, Bryce O’Reilly has a personal best of 90cm in high jump. Matteo Henkel ran the under 10 boys’ 400m in 1.36.11s for a personal best.

Joe Lloyd jumped 2.02m in the under 11 boys. Also in the under 11 boys, Cooper Shaw threw the discus 16.70m. Wynter O’Reilly recorded 2.20m in the under 11 girls, Bella Schofield’s 3.93m in the under 12 girls’ long jump is her new best.

Chantelle Douglass finished her 200m in the under girls 15 age in 29.93s.

Fine day on track for Joseph and Jones Racing

THE very popular Snake Gully Cup racing carnival was conducted over Friday and Saturday of last week at Gundagai with the feature Snake Gully Cup, over 1400 metres, with a total of $100,000 in prizemoney, being won by Clever Art trained by Mitch Beer at Kembla Grange. Asgarda, last year’s Country Championship winner, was second and Body Bob was third.

The Joseph and Jones training partnership (JJR)

had a carnival to remember with two winners on the Friday followed by another two on the Saturday.

Recent Queanbeyan winner Sun ‘n’ Sand made it two wins from two starts in taking out the Class 1 Hcp over 1400 metres with Quade Krogh riding. Sun ‘n’ Sand is raced by an ownership group which includes Mike Walcott and ‘Boco Bill’ Garnock.

Lambay, ridden by Patrick Scorse, was the next stable winner in

the BM58 Hcp over 1400 metres. Lambay is raced by a group which includes the J J R Partnership, Peter Joseph, Matt and Diana Jones, Maree GuthrieCurran, Colin Pate, Mike Walcott, J and Mrs J H Quirke, Ms S A Sproats, Mr D C Foley, Mr M Paul, Mr K G Eisenhuth, Mr R G Jennings, Mr B J Langtry.

On Saturday, Snowy, ridden by Patrick Scorse, won the Class 1 over 1180 metres, making it two wins from two career

starts. Snowy is raced by a group including the J J R Partnership, Peter Joseph, Matt and Diana Jones, Maree Guthrie-Curran, Colin Pate and Mike Walcott.

In winning, Snowy defeated the Matt Kelley trained Getty who had led everywhere but on the line to go down by a nose margin. Getty is raced by some Cooma locals including Noelene Whiting.

JJR’s last winner for the carnival was Prophet’s

Magic, ridden by Patrick Scorse, in a 1200 Maiden Hcp. Prophet’s Magic is raced by an ownership group including Peter and Barbara Joseph and daughter-in-laws, Diana Jones and Maree Guthrie-Curran along with Cooma locals Ross and Lorraine Bottom.

Adaminaby will hold its annual meeting on Saturday with horses expected to travel from as far away as Victoria to contest for the good prizemoney. Local trainers

‘Skeet’ Walder, Georgie Boucher, Stephen Johnson, Clare Mansell and David Kelley will be endeavouring to keep the big end of the money in the district.

I’ve Bean Tryin’, raced by a group of Cooma locals, will step out at Canberra on Sunday in the $200,000 Community Chest Race over 1400 metres. The winner of seven races, I’ve Bean Tryin’ ran third over 1800 metres on the Kensington track at Randwick three weeks ago.

Blustery weather dampens Sunday golfer’s enthusiasm

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

GOLFERS were confronted by strong winds to start their Sunday round, which soon escalated into heavy rain and more blustery windy conditions.

Hence, several groups opted to not finish and stay dry with on only 18 players completing their rounds.

Tom McIntosh, competing in the 36-hole monthly medal final had no thoughts of finishing early, and no wonder, he (and his group) persisted where he carded a sensational 63 nett of his 18 handicap.

It’s rare you see such a great stroke round,

especially when mother nature is determined to make the day, and weather somewhat nasty.

Tom won both the day and the 36-hole medal final, with Chris Brown runner-up on the day’s event with 71.

The overall 36-hole monthly medal standings were Tom McIntosh 133 nett, Andrew Haigh 145 and Soeron Stoettrup with 147. In Sunday’s A grade, Chris Brown had 71 nett and edged out Damien Archer on a countback, also returning a fine 71 nett.

In B grade, Tom McIntosh streeted the

field with 63, followed by Gregg Quinn with 72 and Dan Wilson with 74.

The C grade was won by Jye Kearney with 73 nett who edged out Roy Gabriele with 74.

The ladies’ event was not completed, like many on the day they did not finish due to the weather.

Near pins for the men were Michael Justen on the 15th and Jason Christie on 17th. Near pins for the ladies on the front nine were Kylie Woodcock on both the third and eight.

It’s been a while between celebrations for Chris Brown, but the club’s favourite baker finished on the top step of the

podium last Wednesday.

One of his best rounds for a while, Brown posted 40 points with two nines of 20 points apiece.

Four three pointers on the front nine and a further five on the back nine set up a great round. Runner up on the day was Steve Young with a steady 38 points as he continued his recent good form.

In A grade Michael Justen had 35 points followed by Michael Mosely with 32.

In B grade, Chris Brown had 40, Steve Young 38, Geoff Murphy 36, Rainer Beissner 36 and Ron Duncan 35.

In C grade Brian Clayton had 35 points, Bruce Foote 35, Rob Haigh 34 and Richard Hendriks 34.

The ladies competition was won by Michelle White with 37 points followed by Maureen Rupcic and Donna Tuckwell both with 33 points.

The ladies near pins were won by Kylie Woodcock on the third and eight, Carolyn Major on 15 and Michelle White on the 17.

The men’s near pins were won by Peter Hastings on eight, Roy Gabriele on 15 and Michael Justen on 17.

On Sunday November 24, book in for the Ron Duncan Trophy stableford

event. Ron has been a great member of the club for many years.

Two ball ambrose Coolamatong will host a two- ball ambrose on Sunday December 1. This event will be in support of the Jindabyne Swimming Club, so bring along a few extra dollars and purchase raffle tickets.

There will be great prizes on the day including for nett and scratch scores. It will be a shotgun start at 9.30am and the booking sheet is now open. The day is open to everyone, handicap or non-handicap.

Cooma athletes enjoy the long jump competition on Saturday.

STARS: Angus Linton and Emily Payne has set new records at the Cooma Athletics Club. PHOTOS: Cooma Athletics Club

Busy weekend of equestrian events

HORSE riders at the ‘Bemboka at Cooma Working Equitation’ last Saturday, and those staying for the ‘Dressage by the Mountains’ on the Sunday were pleased to pack the two days of competition in before the gale force winds and rain took hold.

Twenty horses entered for the working equitation, a threephase event with dressage, obstacles and speed. Saturday’s event was the first working equitation competition run on the Monaro according to the rules of Australian National Working Equitation Inc.

“We had seven new riders entered in the first timers” class. Those who managed to compete seemed to have a great day and I expect they will now be hooked now on Working Equitation,” Sue Wallace, judge of the obstacles and speed phases, said.

“The Cooma Showgrounds looked spectacular with such smooth manicured turf, so green in the sunshine. Riders from Canberra and the coast were quite envious of the venue.”

By Sunday though, the weather became ominous with 20ml rain and gale force winds forecast for later in the morning. The dressage competition had light entries and the organisers were able to hurry through the program so most of the riders avoided the worst weather.

“The weekend was such a success and the committee of the Monaro Equestrian Association are grateful for the support given by all the sponsors of this event,

Monaro Equestrian Association hosts working equitation

SUCCESS: The Monaro Equestrian Association host a popular weekend of events at the Cooma Showgrounds.

particularly Agriwest Cooma, Abbey Equine Products and Snowy Monaro Regional Council,” Ms Wallace said.

Results Working Equitation,

Saturday

First Timers

Introductory

First Lydia Jamieson, Peppercorn Pepzi; second Lisa Stuart, Seventh Seal; third Joley Hessenberger, Willows Secret; fourth Krista Mower, Kaizen; and fifth Aribella Dickerson, Salisbury Mastermind.

Equibility

First Craig Johnson, Rueben; and second Vicki Buckley, Lukey.

Introductory

First Lisa Parry, Haluma Park Sian; and second Louise Curzon, Doolittle.

Preparatory

First Sarah Keevers, Claytons Little Lola; second Lydia Jamieson, Eltyme Cruze Control; third Gayl Dobbin, Rupert Bear; and fourth Helen Thompson, Hoya Starlight.

Preliminary

First Pam O’Brien, Ela Hawk Debutante

First Michael Godding, Wal I Am.

Dressage results, Sunday Preparatory 2

First Lydia Jamieson, Peppercorn Pepzi 69.0; second Vicki Buckley, Lukey 63.3; third Michele Balaz, Glory Days 59.7; and fourth Annie Morris, Woranora Sapphire 53.7.

Preparatory 3

First Michele Balaz, Flory Days 62.1; second Lydia Jamieson, Peppercorn Pepzi; third Annie Morris, Woranora Sapphire 43.2; and fourth Eloise Oliver, Keyi Wood Nymph 41.6.

Prelim 1.2

First Krista Mower, Emmaville Eagle 65.9; second Skye McCoullough, Frosted Dash 65.0; and third

Large fields contest Cooma competitions

Schofield secures first hole-in-one, skins tournament upcoming

By COOMA GOLF CLUB

A LARGE field contested the stroke competition at the Cooma Golf Club on Saturday with Sean Smith the overall winner.

Smith finished with the excellent score of 69 nett.

The A Grade winner was Col Langdon with 70 nett, Wayne Flynn took out B Grade with 70 nett on a countback from Phil Amey. The C Grade winner was Col Evans with 73 nett.

Balls went to Phil Amey, Bailey Burke, Gino Cerro, Chris

Aribella Dickerson, Sailisbury Mastermind 60.5.

Prelim 1.3

First Pam O’Brien, Ela Hawk 67.5; second Skye McCoullough, Frosted Dash 62.5; third Krista Mower, Emmaville Eagle 61.9; and fourth Aribella Dickerson, Salisbury Mastermind 54.2.

OC Prelim 1.2

First Clare Buckley, Panorama Black Jack 65.5, 65.714; and second Debbie Seymour, Lambourne Park Couperin 62.9, 66.071.

OC Prelim 1.3

First Debbie Seymour, Lambourne Park Couperin 64.6, 61.875.

Novice 2.2

First Skye McCoullough, Absolut Crush 70.2; second Kim Kleven, Windermere Vincent 69.8; third Merran Wallis, Arthella Superwoman 68.1; fourth Clare Buckley, Panorama Black Jack 67.3; fifth Skye McCoullough, Favours the Brave 65.2; and sixth Pam O’Brien, Ela Hawk 64.1.

Novice 2.3

First Kim Kleven, Windermere Vincent 68.9; second Skye McCoullough, Absolut Crush 68.4; third Merran Wallis, Arthella Superwon 67.4; and fourth Skye McCoullough, Favours the Brave 65.6.

Medium 4.2

First Indiana Burke, Rubinz MJS 66.6

Medium 4.3

First Indiana Burke, Rubinz MJS 64.5

Equibility

First Craig Johnson, Rueben 67.6; and second Vicki Buckley Lukey 64.4

Brown, Phil Ingram and Brian Tugwell.

Nearest the pin on the fourth was claimed by Wayne Flynn, the ninth went to Matt Shigelski, hole 11to Simon White and 17 to Phil Ingram.

In Sunday’s stableford, the winner was Jonathon Kenmir from Gold Creek Country Club with a great score of 42 points. Balls went to Mark Kenmir, Wayne Fynn, Stephen Young and Simon Allen.

The overall winner of the midweek stableford last week was Dylan Litchfield with 41 points.

The A Grade winner was Col Langdon with 39 points on countback from Mark Rainsford, the B Grade winner was Gaye Wilson with 39 points and the C Grade winner was Craig Schofield with 38 points. Craig also snared his first holein-one on 17.

Balls went to Mark Rainsford, Gino Cerro, Wayne Flynn, Colin Burgess from The Country Club St Georges Basin and Barry Williams.

Nearest the pin on nine went to Dylan Litchfield and 17 to

Craig Schofield. There is Just under a week to go until the Snowy Mountains Skins Tournament. There is a $3000 prize pool up for grabs and this event is open to all golfers with an official handicap! Book your ticket online : https://www.trybooking.com/CWTWJ

ACE EFFORT: Cooma golfer Craig Schofield is all smiles following his first hole-in-one. Schofield’s ace comes on hole 17 of the Cooma Golf Course.

PHOTO: Cooma Golf Club

Snowsports athletes take flight at training camp

HOSTED at National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne, the NSW Institute of Sport Park and Pipe camp has been flying high as athletes are hard at work sharpening their skills.

The camp provides its high performance athletes an additional 29 airbag training sessions throughout the month

of November to increase their degree of difficulty, ensuring that their tricks are competition ready as they prepare for the northern winter season.

NSWIS winter sports manager, Peter Topalovic, said the camp is important for athletes to undertake in their training regime.

“Over the duration of the camp, the athletes

will have a greater understanding of what a competition trick looks like,” Topalovic said.

“They learn how many reps it takes to make an airbag trick ready for snow, and the art versus the science behind it.

“The sessions also teach the athletes what trick quality on the airbag makes it ready for snow,

as well as executing at different speeds, a variety of grabs ensuring a consistency of execution.”

The camp sessions also cover key themes such as ‘prepare and train like a pro’ and ‘gaps to podium sessions’.

NSWIS athlete Josh Robertson-Hahn said he thoroughly enjoyed the camp, finding the timing

perfect ahead of his first World Cup of the season.

“The camp has been extremely productive for me and the timing is perfect,” Robertson-Hahn said.

“I am fine tuning my new tricks on the airbag that I hope to use at the Beijing, China World Cup in two weeks.”

Involved in the airbag

camp, are 15 NSWIS Park and Pipe scholarship athletes, including snowboard athletes Emily Arthur and Ally Hickman and ski athletes Daisy Thomas, Abi Harrigan and Joey Ellis, amongst others. Several Snow Australia Emerging Talent athletes have also been involved to attend the airbag camp.

PHOTO: Monaro equestrian Association

Monaro claims Martin Schoo Memorial Shield

MONARO High School

hosted St Patrick’s School in the Sports Hub for the Martin Schoo Memorial Shield basketball competition last week.

Monaro High School won the shield this year, with a score of six rounds to two. Each school had a boys team and a girls team from Year 7 to Year 10 competing. St Patrick’s Year 7 and Year 9 boys won their rounds, with Monaro High School winning the rest.

Martin Schoo was a student at both Monaro High School and St Patrick’s. At 22 years old, he died by suicide, 42 years ago.

The event is a way of bringing students together for the sport Martin loved, and spreading awareness to the students about mental health.

Martin’s friend and sister-in-law, and Monaro High School’s School Administration Manager, Vicki Schoo spoke to the students about the impact the loss still has on the family.

“Martin died in December and each Christmas we remember him and how long it has been since he died,” Mrs Schoo said.

“It is so important if you notice a mate or if you

yourself are not feeling well, please reach out and ask. If you notice someone is a bit quiet, just ask if they are ok. You don’t need to give them advice, just hold space and listen to them.

“You could be the person who will make a difference and stop a whole family from being flattened by losing someone they love, like ours is.”

After a few years off, this is the first time the competition has been held due to COVID-19 and a lower number of students.

If you need help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au.

Jindabyne sailing club on hunt for new volunteers

LAKE Jindabyne Sailing Club is made up mostly of sailors who are part of the club so they can go sailing. However, others join the club for the social side.

The sailing club is looking for people who would like to get involved in the on-water volunteering: starting and finishing the races and looking after the sailors if they get into trouble.

It could be that you’re a sailor who’s ‘between boats’. You could be a non-sailor who’d like to get on the water

and be part of a fun racing programme.

The club would love you to come down and have a lookthey sail every Wednesday at 6pm and every Sunday at 3pm.

The club can provide all training and support, and you can do as little or as much as you like. There’s something for everyone.

Come and talk to Rod Baillie, who looks after the sailing side of the club as club captain, or Steve Osborne - the club commodore. The club can be contacted via Facebook.

are o and racing during Wednesday night

Berridale tennis seeks more Monday players

EVERY group must have a leader and for the Monday social group at Berridale tennis courts, that leader for a very long time was Bill Smits.

New people to Berridale have enjoyed meeting others over the tennis banter and the one to bring them all together was Bill, always supported by his wife Fay.

But Bill and Fay have moved on.

As local Louise Hendriks said, there comes a time when the racquets have to be hung up and new racquets and players fill the void.

“We all know that Berridale is growing, but retired players who ‘fill the ranks’ of Monday tennis, are very few indeed,” she said.

“Berridale has it all – a golf club, tennis club, exercise classes with Rosie and swimming at the Berridale pool, when it opens, but a meet and greet for the retired happens over tennis, a cuppa and a biscuit.”

Bill and Fay’s departure leaves eight players turning up at 9am to noon on Mondays. Some come from East Jindabyne, but the

majority come from Berridale.

“As a collective we know that we live longer when we play tennis together, and it is a good use of the skills we had as kids,” Louise said.

“Now we are looking for more people to come and join us on Mondays. We like meeting new people, soon to be friends.”

Berridale Tennis Club offers memberships, social and competitive groups, coaching and casual court hire. Social tennis is held Tuesday nights 6pm to 9pm.

Lasers

sailing.

VOLUNTEERS: The Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club is looking for new volunteers to help the club run its races and continue its good work in the community.

PHOTOS: Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club

MATCH OVER: Bill Smits has said goodbye to the Monday tennis group he has organised at Berridale for many years. PHOTO: Contributed.

Cooma Bocce

Competitors and spectators came from across NSW and interstate for the famous Cooma Bocce Club’s Cooma Cup.

Bocce club celebrate

PAGE 35

Monaro cricketers among state’s best

SOUTHERN ZONE TAKE ON FINEST NSW COUNTRY CRICKETERS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Monaro has been well represented at the NSW Country Cricket Championships with three players featuring for the Southern Districts side.

Jindabyne Tigers cricketers, James Joyce and Lucas Rixon, and Berridale’s Russ Haylock took on the state’s best country players at the four-day carnival.

Joyce and Rixon were selected in the 13-player squad before Haylock entered the fray after two players were unable to feature in Saturday and Sundays fixtures. Haylock also acted as the team’s manager.

Joyce started the championships in fine form when he collected 1/10 off three overs in the opening T20 against Western Zone.

His opening spell, alongside Highlands’ Mason King who rattled through Western’s top order, had Southern well placed to restrict the opposition to a score under 120.

Some late order hitting from Western took the outfit to 153. Southern fell seven runs short in their chase.

The match was round one of the NSW Regional Plan B Bash where sides from across the state compete for the chance to be crowned the top T20 side and play the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Western defeated Riverina to progress to the final at the SCG.

Southern met Greater Illawarra later in the day for the second T20. A stunning 28-ball century to Greater Illawarra opener, Jayden Zahra-Smith, set the tone for the match.

The 50-over matches commenced on Friday with Southern

facing Riverina. Joyce was rested from the fixture but Rixon was in the 11 as a bowling all-rounder.

Batting first, Southern lost regular wickets. Opener Ben Wright showed resolve and negotiated a tough opening spell from Riverina’s bowlers. Southern finished with just 94.

In reply, Riverina chased the total with eight wickets to spare.

Rixon collected a wicket in his three over spell.

Saturday’s 50-over match saw Southern take on Greater Illawarra again. Southern posted a very respectable 174 with 60s from Highland’s, Jack Whitfield, and Far South Coast and Southern captain, Dylan Jordan.

Zahra-Smith again stole the show with a 21-ball 61 run effort taking the side to a nine wicket win.

In Southern’s final game of the championships, the side suffered

Where the Flick

a heavy defeat to Western.

Bowling first, Southern had Western in trouble at 4/47 when King ripped through the top order. King finished with 5/27 off five overs before coming off the field injured.

Joyce opened the bowling, finishing with figures of 1/57 off eight overs. After his first spell conceded 30-runs off four overs, his second spell at the end of the Western innings slowed the

scoring, with a yorker removing a Western batter.

Rixon bowled a very economical spell during the middle overs. Some latter order hitting took his figures to 0/47 off seven. His first six overs were the tighest of the innigns, leading the way for the Southern bowlers.

Joyce and Haylock both took exceptional catches.

The batting again let Southern down, falling 199-runs short.

HONOUR: Local cricketers James Joyce, Lucas Rixon and Russ Haylock represent the Monaro in the Southern Districts side at the NSW Country Championships.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

BRUMBY REPORT

GIDDY-UP FOR RACES

National honour for cafe

LAURA and Kane Stamp will soon be running out of space in their Jindabyne cafe to display their awards following the latest accolade for the pair who run and operate Birchwood cafe.

Birchwood has been recognised on a national stage with silver in the breakfast restaurant category of the 2024 National Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

The awards are judged anonymously each year in early winter.

Laura says the award is nice recognition for the hardwork of the Birchwood team and support the cafe receives from the Jindabyne community.

day, our families who support us and

“This achievement is a testament to everyone who makes Birchwood what it is: our amazing team who bring their passion and hard work every day, our families who support us through it all, and our loyal community and friends and visitors from near and far,” Laura said.

By KAREN FORMAN

WHY does a major tourist town like Jindabyne not have a hospital or at least a 24-hour emergency health service?

Why does Cooma Hospital as the major hospital for the Snowy Monaro, not have a paediatric outpatient service and why is it not set up for paediatric overnight admissions?

After a health scare involving her toddler son, Rachelle

Edwards began an online petition highlighting the need for 24-hour healthcare services in Jindabyne and improved paediatric services at Cooma Hospital.

A Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) spokesperson told The Monaro Media Group there were no current plans to relocate Cooma Hospital, or to change Jindabyne HealthOne’s opening hours.

Jindabyne hospital not ‘practical’: local GPs say

“SNSWLHD regularly reviews district and local clinical services plans to ensure communities have access to safe, high-quality care as close to home as possible,” the spokesperson said.

“All facilities across our district are fully networked and operate within a tiered system to ensure all patients receive safe, timely and compassionate care in the most appropriate setting.

“Cooma Hospital currently provides high quality paediatric care through the emergency department and has pathways in place for specialist consultations where needed.

“Paediatric service capabilities are regularly reviewed at Cooma Hospital, in consultation with staff, to look for opportunities for expansion or improvement.”

The region is serviced by the

41-bed Cooma hospital, two medical centres in Jindabyne, three in Cooma, one in Berridale , one in Bombala and the Bombala Hospital, which includes a 24-hour accident and emergency department. Patients needing higher level care are sent to Bega or Canberra, both of which can be more than a two hour drive one-way.

■ Story continued on page five

SUCCESS: Kane and Laura Stamp have another honour to their name following a silver award at the 2024 National Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

PHOTO: Birchwood Cafe

Sailors on course

Monaro cricketers among state’s best

SOUTHERN ZONE TAKE ON FINEST NSW COUNTRY CRICKETERS

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Monaro has been well represented at the NSW Country Cricket Championships with three players featuring for the Southern Districts side.

Jindabyne Tigers cricketers, James Joyce and Lucas Rixon, and Berridale’s Russ Haylock took on the state’s best country players at the four-day carnival.

Joyce and Rixon were selected in the 13-player squad before Haylock entered the fray after two players were unable to feature in Saturday and Sundays fixtures. Haylock also acted as the team’s manager.

Joyce started the championships in fine form when he collected 1/10 off three overs in the opening T20 against Western Zone.

His opening spell, alongside Highlands’ Mason King who rattled through Western’s top order, had Southern well placed to restrict the opposition to a score under 120.

Some late order hitting from Western took the outfit to 153. Southern fell seven runs short in their chase.

The match was round one of the NSW Regional Plan B Bash where sides from across the state compete for the chance to be crowned the top T20 side and play the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Western defeated Riverina to progress to the final at the SCG.

Southern met Greater Illawarra later in the day for the second T20. A stunning 28-ball century to Greater Illawarra opener, Jayden Zahra-Smith, set the tone for the match.

The 50-over matches commenced on Friday with Southern

facing Riverina. Joyce was rested from the fixture but Rixon was in the 11 as a bowling all-rounder.

Batting first, Southern lost regular wickets. Opener Ben Wright showed resolve and negotiated a tough opening spell from Riverina’s bowlers. Southern finished with just 94.

In reply, Riverina chased the total with eight wickets to spare.

Rixon collected a wicket in his three over spell.

Saturday’s 50-over match saw Southern take on Greater Illawarra again. Southern posted a very respectable 174 with 60s from Highland’s, Jack Whitfield, and Far South Coast and Southern captain, Dylan Jordan.

Zahra-Smith again stole the show with a 21-ball 61 run effort taking the side to a nine wicket win.

In Southern’s final game of the championships, the side suffered

Where the Flick

a heavy defeat to Western.

Bowling first, Southern had Western in trouble at 4/47 when King ripped through the top order. King finished with 5/27 off five overs before coming off the field injured.

Joyce opened the bowling, finishing with figures of 1/57 off eight overs. After his first spell conceded 30-runs off four overs, his second spell at the end of the Western innings slowed the

scoring, with a yorker removing a Western batter.

Rixon bowled a very economical spell during the middle overs. Some latter order hitting took his figures to 0/47 off seven. His first six overs were the tighest of the innigns, leading the way for the Southern bowlers.

Joyce and Haylock both took exceptional catches.

The batting again let Southern down, falling 199-runs short.

HONOUR: Local cricketers James Joyce, Lucas Rixon and Russ Haylock represent the Monaro in the Southern Districts side at the NSW Country Championships.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson