Monaro Post and Jindabyne Summit Sun 240424

Busking bonanza Rail trail support

MAJOR EVENT: The Cooma regional finals of the Australian National Busking Championships are set to attract hundreds of spectators. Front row: Local performers Gabi Forman, Paul Shorten and Bella Ward.

Back row: ANBC president Allan Spencer and judge and previous winner Alex Eldred. PHOTO: Karen Forman

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE president of the Monaro Rail Trail (MRT) organisation has declared the Snowy Monaro region is a step closer to seeing a rail trail from Queanbeyan to Bombala following a Council decision to seek grant funding.

Council unanimously supported a motion from Councillor Narelle Davis, calling for staff to work with the MRT to deliver a business case for stage one of the project, linking Queanbeyan to Michelago, and Jincumbilly to Bombala.

Monaro Rail Trail president Carlo Botto said the decision has given the group greater confidence that Council supports the project and its forecast economic benefits for the Snowy Monaro.

Cooma regional heat attracts record local field

By KAREN FORMAN

COOMA’s claim as the nation’s busking capital will strengthen this weekend when a record local field compete for their shot at a spot in the Australian National Busking Championship finals.

Cooma will host the regional heat of the busking championships on

Saturday April 27 with more local performers than ever before ready to play. Buskers from Cooma, Berridale, Bombala and Jindabyne will take to Cooma’s CBD and Centennial Park stage, hoping to impress the judges and wow audiences.

While the music will be a highlight, ANBC president Allan Spencer said the event is also a major economic driver for town.

“We have hundreds if not thousands come through for the busking. They stop, watch the performers and spend money in our

Winners in their respective categories will book their ticket for the busking grand finals in November, and a chance to be crowneed Australia’s best busker.

businesses,” Mr Spencer said.

“There are more locally based buskers than we have ever had, it’s a great response.

“With dozens of local buskers, as well as those travelling from near and far, we expect town to be very busy on Saturday.”

■ More busking coverage on page 8.

“Our in-depth studies and research, and experiences other regions have had with rail trails, all indicate that a rail trail in the Snowy Monaro would deliver a major economic boost,” Mr Botto said.

“Our group has more confidence now that Council sees the project as a prioirty. The support of Cr Davis’ motion is a good outcome for the future of a rail trail.”

■ Read more on page 6.

Locals encouraged to pause, reflect

COOMA residents are being encouraged by RSL Sub-branch president Ray Peters-Smith to pay their respects this ANZAC Day with dawn and morning services to honour those who have served their nation.

ANZAC Day services will be held on Thursday April 25 at the Cooma Cenotaph. The dawn service commences at 5.45am with people intending to march, assembling in Centennial Park at 5.30am.

The morning service will start at the Cenotaph (opposite the Cooma Post office) at 10.55am, following the march through the main street. Veterans, family members of those who served, and community organisations taking part in the march will assemble on Mack’s corner (corner of Sharp and Bombala streets) at 10.30am. The parade steps off at 10.45am.

Cooma-Monaro RSL Subbranch president, Mr Peters-

Region remembers our service men, women

By NATHAN THOMPSON

FOR a number of years now, Cooma’s Jim Johnston has coordinated efforts to honour the region’s fallen soldiers.

Mr Johnston, the regional facilitator for Honour Our Fallen - We Will Remember Them on Monaro, places Australian flags alongside the graves of the region’s service personnel.

Smith, said family members of passed service men and women are encouraged to march, and wear their ancestor’s medals on their right hand side.

Mr Peters-Smith hopes a large crowd will gather to commemorate the 109th anniversary of ANZAC Day.

“Our Sub-branch is proud to play its part in maintaining the ANZAC spirit and to ensure people honour the contributions and sacrifice of the men and women who served their country in all conflicts,” Mr Peters-Smith said.

“I encourage locals and visitors to join us in our commemorations and pay respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may enjoy our

freedoms we have today.”

This year’s march will feature the Cooma District Band and will once again be led by the Kakoda Company from the Royal Military College Duntroon.

The guest speaker for the morning servie is Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, RAN, Commander Maritime Border Command.

Community members wishing to lay wreaths are asked to register their details atCooma-MonaroSB@rslnsw. org.au - indicating if they prefer the dawn or morning service.

A list of ANZAC Day services and times in the Snowy Monaro region can be found on page 13 in this edition of the paper.

This ANZAC Day, Mr Johnston and his We Will Remember Them On Monaro committee will place around 800 flags throughout the Snowy Monaro.

The placing of flags in an initiative of the organisation, Honour Our Fallen.

Hundreds of flags were placed in the Cooma Cemetery over the weekend with Mr Johnston encouraging family members wishing to place a flag next to a loved one, to contact the organisation.

“We have been doing this for a few years now where we place flags next to those who served our nation,” Mr Johnston said.

“We aim to honour and preserve the memory of those deceased military

REMEMBERING: Honour Our Fallen regional facilitator and president of We Will Remember Them On Monaro, Jim Johnston, is helping place around 800 flags across the region to honour the men and women who have served our nation. Mr Johnston is placing about 300 in the Cooma Cemetery.

personnel, buried in the regoin, who served in all conflicts and missions since the Boer War.

“There’s been a great response from the community who appreciate our efforts.”

Mr Johnston has also been busy, along with members of the CoomaMonaro RSL Sub-branch, tidying up Cooma’s Memorial Drive. A group of dedicated volunteers used

Nathan Thompson

Clean-Up Australia Day to improve the site.

Running alongside the Monaro Highway, just a few kilometres north of Cooma, Memorial Drive has been transformed into a site where people can stop and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served in all conflicts and missions.

We Will Remember Them On Monaro can be contacted on 0459 216 582.

COMMEMORATION: Don Murphy of the Cooma-Monaro RSL Subbranch is calling on locals to pay their respects this ANZAC DAY in Cooma. Last year, hundreds turned out for the march through the CBD and service at the Cooma Cenotaph.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

PHOTO:

Childcare centre closing

By TRISTA HEATH

SNOWY Mountains Care and Early Learning Centre (SMCELC) has been working with Jindabyne’s newest childcare centre, Whispering Gully Childcare, to provide support and options to staff, children and families following news the Bent Street facililty will close.

A decision not made lightly, the recent announcement took place at the centre on Monday April 15 during a parent information session where SMCELC Director Moira McAspurn and Whispering Gully Operations Manager Nikki Collins assured families their enrolments would be transferred between centres.

Ms Collins said she understands the pressure this news may place on families, and will be offering places to families, and supporting enrolments from SMCELC to Whispering Gully.

The SMCELC Management Committee said they were saddened to make the

DIFFICULT DECISION: Snowy

Mountains Care and Early Learning Centre makes the hard decision to close the centre after more than 30 years.

PHOTO: Supplied.

decision to close the centre in the middle of 2024 after serving the community for more than 30 years.

“The centre has been facing a number of challenges in recent years and challenges include land ownership issues with our playground, lack of long term lease from council, maintenance issues with the facility, compliance issues, viability of the management committee structure, and staffing challenges,” the committee said.

“In recognising the challenges SMCELC is facing, the committee identified the opportunity to undertake a controlled closure and coordinate with the new childcare centre opening up, Whispering Gully Childcare,

to provide continuity of care for families and employment.”

Ms McAspurn has been part of the SMCELC family since 2022 and said she is deeply saddened by this news, but does support the decision by the Management Committee, as hard as it is to realise, due to the wonderful nature of what SMCELC stands for.

“I have seen a significant number of challenges regarding overall operations, strategic business planning and day to day management and of course, the decision to close the centre was incredibly difficult for all concerned,” Ms McAspurn said.

“I understand the surprising news will affect many

people, especially in the wider community of Jindabyne.

“I value the structure and history of SMCELC, but I can’t help but support the necessary decision to act now knowing the challenges we face.

“Our priority remains ensuring all families have access to childcare and by making this difficult decision, we can provide ample time for families to secure alternative arranged care options within Jindabyne.”

Ms Collins, a former resident of the Jindabyne area, said Whispering Gully is dedicated to supporting the Jindabyne community and are a 92 place service who look forward to welcoming

many of the local families as they move towards their mid-year opening.

“Since the SMCELC committee reached out to us about their current situation, we have been working closely with them to establish a collaborative relationship and both parties are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all involved,” Ms Collins said.

“Whispering Gully recognises the vital role that childcare plays for many working families.

“Whispering Gully is an established family business and has evolved over the past 31years, providing high quality childcare on the Gold Coast, and in Warwick QLD.

“The three business

partners have strong ties to the local area and our hope is that Whispering Gully becomes a supportive business within the local community.”

The SMCELC Committee said they will be working with Whispering Gully Childcare over the next few months to work out the details and coordinate the closure, with a focus on supporting families and staff and providing continuous care and employment for them.

Families at Monday’s meeting were assured that the priority for both centres was to minimalize disruption to their child’s childcare enrolments and urged to accept an offer to tour the new centres premises once building finalises.

“Our priority is to support the families of the Jindabyne community and to be honest and true in facing some harsh realities regarding the future of our operations,” Ms McAspurn said.

Ms Collins said they are aware of SMCELC’s long traditions, its history, and contributions to Jindabyne and hope to continue supporting those wonderful attributes as the staff, children and families find a welcoming home within the new Whispering Gully Jindabyne service.

Jindabyne mountain bike, adventure park tipped to benefit Snowy region

By TRISTA HEATH

THE NSW Government and Snowy Monaro Regional Council have committed funding to deliver a Jindabyne mountain bike and adventure park as part of the seven key projects identified in Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) funding.

Delivering $196 million to the region, the investment in the park is to attract yearround tourism and enhance recreational amenities.

Snowy Monaro Mayor Chris Hanna said the region is renowned for sports tourism and is delighted with the Jindabyne mountain bike and adventure park investment.

“The investment and activation of this park will put Jindabyne on the map as a must visit location for mountain bikers and families seeking excellent downhill trails and modern facilities,” Mayor Hanna said.

The Snowy Mountains has a reputation for being a mountain biking destination and a large proportion

of the community participate in mountain biking.

Local schools provide high level, targeted mountain biking programs, with both schools ranking highly in interschools competitions at both state and national levels.

The Jindabyne Trail Stewardship (JTS) initiated and identified the need to develop and manage mountain biking trails in

and around Jindabyne.

Trail stewardship president Sam Bishop said the JTS, stakeholders and members of the community originally came up with the idea of the park, long before SAP.

Once SAP was in the equation it was brought to the planning department and has now been confirmed as a key project.

“The community has noticed a trend in the last year

or two that bikers are still coming down, even in the middle of winter, putting the ski rack and the bike rack on,” Mr Bishop said.

“The aspect of where the Mountain Bike Park will be, we have identified that with a northerly aspect it is likely that during winter it will stay dry, it won’t get the frost thaws that we get on the Tyrolean trails, making it a good location for year round trail riding, and the views obviously.

“This means once the park is complete if we have a bad winter season the conditions around Jindabyne are going to be a lot more favourable for riding and will draw in year round tourism no matter the time of year.”

The park is to sit amongst 500 hectares of undulating and rocky land at the western edge of Jindabyne accessed via Alpine Way.

The park will consist of more than 100 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails for different skill sets and mountain biking types.

Owner of Sacred Ride in Jindabyne Nic Davoli said this project, if run and built properly with consultation of the right people and being planned accordingly to the demand will be an awe-

some asset for the tourism industry in the region.

“I believe the project being included in the SAP funding is great and hopefully gives us a chance to keep improving our mountain bike playground in the Snowy Mountains, it has been a long time coming,” Mr Davoli said.

“Too many tracks are closed for winter and when it is too wet so I believe in order for this to be successful in Jindabyne it will have to be an add on to what already exists with long term thoughts.

“Too many times we had new projects that were already too small or not appropriate by the time it was built, and most importantly it will need to be affordable for everyone.

“We have been talking about putting in a riding path going all around the lake for the last 20 years, we had the funding for it, and it’s all gone pear shape, we can only hope this project will definitely happen.”

Mr Davoli said he hopes this project will go ahead, it will be just what the town needs to bounce back after bushfires, the Covid-19 pandemic, two years of flooding, a couple of lazy winters and the cost of

living or visiting that has gone through the roof.

“For the local businesses, we can expect to get back at least to the numbers we were doing a few years ago and even grow from there,” Mr Davoli said.

“We can expect to get those gaps in between seasons to fill up again and definitely become an all year destination, for the locals and the tourists it will be great to be able to ride their bike all year around.

“For the local kids to have such a facility, especially for the ones that are taking it to the next level, and hopefully we will get some Olympians or world cup champions out of it, as we have been getting for many years with the winter sports.

“This project will definitely be a huge bonus and could be a step forward to regain the title of being the mecca of mountain biking in OZ.”

The sub-precinct is located around three kilometres from the town centre and is currently unused aside from electricity infrastructure located on the site.

A site for commercially operated adventure activities as well as retail stores and cafes have been included in the plans for the park.

POSITIVE PROJECT: Local children enjoying the trails of Tyrolean in Jindabyne. PHOTO: Karen Forman.

Council progresses infants school

By KAREN FORMAN FORMER Bombala Shire and Snowy Monaro councillor

Sue Haslingden has welcomed a council decision to finally use grant funds received six years ago to upgrade the former Bombala Infants School (opened in 1863). Bombala based Ms Haslingden, an emerging artist who is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Fine arts and culture), and had put up the original proposal for Council to a 355 management committee for the arts when she was still a councillor, said she was “absolutely over the moon,” about the decision at Council’s April meeting on Friday to spend the $896,645 Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF), on essential improvements.

“The building is sitting there neglected, this is a fabulous decision,” Mrs Haslingden said.

She said she had written to councillors prior to the meeting, asking them to consider commencing the project immediately because the grant had already been extended and asking for council to make public the full balance of funding.

“BLERF provided $896,645, (then Member for Monaro) John Bariliaro $207,430 and Bombala council $150,000. Where is the rest of the money? Surely with this sort of funding, the Bombala Arts and Innovation Hub will finally

become a reality,” she said in the letter.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council had been sitting on the BLERF funds while a decision was made on whether to proceed with plans to turn the former school, which was signed over to Council by the State Government, into an arts centre. In more recent times, there had been discussion about the possibility of allowing it to be used for a child care centre or doing nothing with the building at all.

In recent times, the council has resolved to not take on any new projects that would require funds for ongoing operation, in a bid to save money, but funding for the school building development into an arts centre had been received prior to this decision.

“The project has received considerable funding as you are aware, but management has not lifted one finger to progress this, rather it has always been put to the bottom of the pile year in and year out.”

Council officers had recommended Council seek an amendment to the BLERF grant which was received in 2018 . The amendment would have allowed Council to complete a feasibility assessment for an arts and innovation centre at the site. The officers also recommended Council accept a childcare centre was not feasible on the site in current conditions.

However, Cr Tricia Hopkins moved an alternate motion that Council proceed with spending the existing funding, doing high priority works on the building.

Cr Bob Thompson handed up an alternative, that Council pursue an arts and innovation centre with public works to begin a development and management program, and the innovation arts and culture committee to assist and advise on the process. Cr Hopkins’ motion was passed after a considerable debate in committee.

Ms Haslingden said she had tried to get arts and culture committee together, as it was lacking, to advise council on “anything arty.”

“As a councillor, I represented the former Bombala council on the board of NSW Government’s South East Arts in 2016, then the councils merged and I didn’t run for office once my term was up, but remained on the board.”

She said she had started to wonder if the school to arts centre proposal had become a white elephant.

“I thought about it and wondered, but I was reading the Outback magazine’s April May issue, and there was a great story on Bega’s new contemporary art gallery that has just been opened and the gallery director has given a fab back story to how the original Bega gallery was so small and couldn’t do a few things,” she said.

Rail trail group welcomes decision

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE president of the Monaro Rail Trail (MRT) organisation says the region is a step closer to becoming home to a world-class rail trail following Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s decision to pursue grant funding for the project.

Council unanimously supported a motion from Councillor Narelle Davis, calling for staff to work with the MRT to deliver a business case for stage one of the project - a trail linking Queanbeyan to Michelago, and Jincumbilly to Bombala.

Monaro Rail Trail president Carlo Botto said the decision has given the group greater confidence that Council supports the project and its forecast economic benefits for the Snowy Monaro.

“Our in-depth studies and research, and experiences other regions have had with rail trails, all indicate that a rail trail in the Snowy Monaro would deliver a major economic boost,” Mr Botto said.

“Our group has more confidence now that Council sees the project as a prioirty. The support of Cr Davis’ motion is a good outcome for

Cooma TAFE traineeship supports young people

A COOMA teenager who is working at Snowy Hydro is encouraging school leavers to consider a TAFE NSW traineeship to give them a running start to a successful career.

Brooke Fletcher, 19, shared her ‘huge advantage’ of completing a business traineeship through TAFE NSW and Snowy Hydro in 2023, which led her to secure a position in the company’s organisation development team.

Ms Fletcher, who completed a Certificate III in Business at TAFE NSW Cooma, received on-the-job training at Snowy Hydro, allowing her to ‘earn and learn’ simultaneously.

the future of a rail trail.”

Councillor Narelle Davis’ original motion called for Council to complete a business case for stage one by the end of May. Following feedback from Council CEO David Hogan the timeframe could not be met, Cr Davis put forward an amendment motion giving Council staff until the end of the year.

Mr Hogan said the timeframe was more reasonable, and the 11 Councillors voted in favour of progressing the

business case and applying for grant funding.

“The revised timeframe has put the Monaro Rail trail project in Council’s priorities,” Mr Botto said.

“Councillor Davis has supported this project and we are ready to help Council with our expertise to progress a business case and eventually funding for the first stage.

Councillor Davis’ motion came before Council at last week’s meeting.

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“The ability to secure a TAFE NSW certificate while earning money was the perfect way to get qualified,” Ms Fletcher said.

“Completing a traineeship, you’re able to put into practice what you’re learning at TAFE NSW and practical, on-the-job training suits my learning style.”

Group Executive Safety, People, Community and Services, Gabrielle Curtin says Snowy Hydro has been running school-leaver programs for 30 years.

“We are extremely proud to continue investing in local young people and our fu-

ture workforce,” Ms Curtin said.

“Developing a pipeline of highly-trained staff right across the region is critical to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to keep driving the business and the renewable energy transition.

“Brooke is an excellent role model for other teens as she epitomises our Snowy Values, especially teamwork and decency. As a finalist in our 2023 Values Awards, we are thrilled that she chose to stay with Snowy and undertake a second traineeship to further develop her skills in

human resources.”

TAFE NSW Cooma teacher Elizabeth Willett said a business traineeship provided a solid foundation for a variety of careers.

“The traineeship program ensures students are exposed to practical skills and work experience and graduate with a nationally recognised qualification,” Ms Willett said.

“This program is so valuable to a regional town because it allows young people to have access to top quality training and work at the same time, without having to leave home.”

SUPPORT: Snowy Monaro Regional Council has voted in favour of progressing with a business case and funding for the Monaro Rail Trail Project. Frank Bakker and Carlo Botto of the Monaro Rail Trail Inc say the decision has given their group greater confidence the project will progress.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

CAREER: Cooma’s Brooke Fletcher is pursuing a career in businesses after completing a TAFE NSW traineeship.

PHOTO: Supplied

By TRISTA HEATH

Winter rental numbers similar to last year Southern Health seeks committee members

AS temperatures begin to drop and local businesses continue the hunt for winter staff, the region’s social media pages and real estate offices become swamped with rental enquiries in the hope of snaring a place for the season.

In early November 2023, the peak housing body, National Shelter and SGS Economics released their Rental Affordability Index which stated Jindabyne as ‘extremely’ unaffordable for renters.

Experienced Jindabyne realtor Joan Bird said the index has failed to take into account the high seasonal demand for shorter ‘winter only’ residential leases.

“These properties are provided fully furnished and equipped and do demand a higher pric,” Ms Bird said.

“Unfortunately most sit vacant for the remainder of the year or are used by owners who prefer summer in the mountains.”

With the combined cost of living pressures, increased electricity, water and mortgage rates, renters have not seen a reprieve in rental costs.

Ms Bird said while there may seem like there is a rental crisis with the influx of winter staff posting on social media sites, you almost never see them post twice.

“Winter numbers are similar to last year, but we have noted an earlier demand on local social media housing sites,” Mrs Bird said.

“As an avid advertising and rental data tracker, I have noticed increased advertised listings and I suspect that after the poor winter of 2023, the lack of numbers during Covid-19, increased mortgage rates, and the ever-increasing investor builds in the area, some owners prefer the security of a fixed lease over the winter.

“I have also noted a ‘generational’ shift of ownership in older properties in the area.”

Jindabyne is widely known for its seasonality and fluctuating

COOMA’S NEW CENTRE FOR YOUR HEALTH

population throughout the year and for that reason, most real estates in town offer three different residential lease types including summer, winter, and long term permanent leases.

Ms Bird said listings are still being advertised for both longterm 12 month and winter leases.

“Whilst we do see a lot on social media looking for rooms or properties, it appears that those requests do not stay online for long,” Ms Bird said.

“In 2023, there were 115 bonds lodged against rentals in Jindabyne, 10 percent increase on 2022 for lodgements on seasonal rentals.

“What we do not know, of course, is the number of

properties leased that do not have bonds, suspected to be as many again.”

A small portion of housing is organised through the ski resorts while the rest are sought privately through the town’s real estate offices.

According to Destination NSW, Jindabyne is the largest winter tourism destinations in the country with a season that theoretically runs for 16 to 18 weeks with a high period of about 12.

Thousands of jobs are advertised through the ski resorts and local businesses bringing in roughly 5000 seasonal staff each winter and attracting about 30,000 visitors a week.

By KAREN FORMAN

Southern NSW Local Health District is seeking community members to join two new Network Community Engagement Committees (CECs)one each for the Inland and Coastal networks. Applications close April 30.

The CECs will help Southern deliver on one of the six strategic priorities of the NSW Regional Health Strategic Plan for 2022-2032, aimed at keeping communities informed, building engagement and seeking feedback.

The Inland network covers Cooma, Jindabyne, Braidwood, Crookwell, Delegate,Bombala, Goulburn, Queanbeyan, Yass and surrounding towns. The Coastal network covers Batemans Bay to Eden, or the south eastern coast of NSW.

The Strengthening Community Engagement framework was launched in January after being developed with input from a broad range of community members and partner organisations.

The framework will actively involve communities in Southern’s key decision-making processes across systems, processes, governance and administration.

Application/expression of interest is online at www.nsw.gov.au/ departments-and-agencies/snswldh/ community-engagement/networkcommittees

WINTER: Ski resorts offer minimum help with accommodation for staff leaving many unable to find housing for the season.

PHOTO: Trista Heath

Record local busking field

By KAREN FORMAN

A RECORD number of Snowy Mountains performers will contest this Saturday’s Cooma regional heat of the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).

Of the 18 acts, nine come from the region - specificially Jindabyne, Bombala and Berridale - and three of those are duos. Others will travel from Victoria and the ACT.

ANBC president Allan Spencer said he was excited to see the response from the local community and couldn’t wait to see the local talent on display.

“The Cooma regional heat is a great opportunity for locals, especially younger and newer performers, to have a go in a low key and supportive atmosphere,” Mr Spencer said.

“Hopefully they will bring their families and friends to cheer them on, and they can then enjoy the extra activities that make up the carnival atmosphere of the day, like yoga and drumming workshops which will be held in Centennial Park, markets and food stalls and then

the after party at the Alpine Hotel on Saturday night.”

Locals include singer guitarist Tulli Oayda (Tulli Naje) from Jindabyne in the secondary division,

who won the division last year and received an encouragement award in the national grand finals in Cooma in October.

Ron Milliner and daughter Gaylene (Ron and Gaylene) from Bombala will make an appearance in the open division.

“I am 78, I was doing music all my life and we just thought we would give this a go,” Mr Milliner said.

“I was away from it for a bit, but now I’ve semi retired I’ve decided to muck around with it again. I competed in one of the first ones with the family but haven’t done it for a while.

“We are pretty straight country music, we both play guitar with backing tracks.”

Marley Jacobsen (Marley J) from Jindabyne in the Secondary division.

Bella Ward (Bella), 14, from Jindabyne in the secondary division, is competing for the second year.

“Last year I had a backing track, this time I am playing guitar and singing,” Bella said.

“I like pop music, such as Taylor Swift.”

Bella has had singing lessons for seven years and guitar for about four years.

“My goal is to have as much fun and be proud of myself,” Bella said.

Paisley Coulson and Emily Willsmer (Em and Pais) from Jindabyne are Year 12 music students at Snowy Mountains Grammar School (Paisley is Arts Captain) and will have their first ANBC experience in the secondary division. Emily is a singer guitarist, Paisley plays guitar.

“We are going to do some indi acoustic music, some older stuff, all very mellow.” Emily said.

“We thought it would be fun, we have been performing at school and play together a lot, but wanted to see what we could do outside of school. Plus schools friend have done it and it seems like fun.”

Paul Shorten, 11 from Jindabyne in the primary division is the youngest competitor.

Filip and Justin Klempfner (The K Brothers) from Berridale will compete in the primary division. They are old hands, having won second place in both primary and people’s choice at the national grand final last year.

Meanwhile, regular visitors Will and Annie Hollier-Smith (Will and Annie) will be back from the ACT in the secondary category, while the ever popular Irishman John Curran will travel from Melbourne to

contest the adult division for the third time.

An ex-nurse aged in his late 60s ‘representing the old fogies’, he plays guitar, harmonica and sings. John is well known as a great supporter of the younger and newer musicians.

“I first appeared on stage in 1972, and was playing from the ages of 14-24,” he said down the line from Melbourne.

“Five years ago I chopped the top off an important finger, which set me back and I thought I could never play again. But I persevered until stumpy could play and after about a year and a half I found I could play better than ever.”

Buskers will perform at stations around Cooma’s CBD from 10am-2.30pm on Saturday.

The presentation will be held on the stage in Centennial Park at 3pm.

People’s choice tokens will be available to buy to vote for your favorite busker, with funds going to the Cooma Community Chest which support local families in need.

Public wellness workshops involving drumming, ukelele, music, meditation and yoga will be held in the park throughout the day.

The winners will progress to a national final.

LOCAL TALENT: Filip and Justin Klempfner (The K Brothers) from Berridale will compete in this weekend’s Cooma regional busking heat. The brothers are pictured with their award for finishing second in the primary category at last year’s national busking finals in Cooma.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

Building struggles being felt locally

By TRISTA HEATH

THE BUILDING industry is being squeezed by labour shortages and inflated material costs, and isn’t keeping up with demand, says a local builder.

This is leading to an increase of construction companies entering administration.

According to data from the Australian Security and Investments Commission (ASIC), between July 2022 and April 2023, 1709 construction companies across the country entered administration.

The most common cause of failure nominated by construction businesses was inadequate cash flow, high cash use and trading losses.

Local builder and owner of Dovetail Constructions in Jindabyne, Mel Kroenert has been in the building industry for more than 20 years and said he believes the residential building industry as we know it, is in serious trouble.

“Builders in the industry, especially regional areas, are in short supply, high demand, increased costs of material and labour and

the responsibilities and risk for the young generation is too high so we are seeing less enter the workforce,” Mr Kroenert said.

“The trouble is that most up and coming builders will look at the red tape, the cost, line of responsibility and bureaucracy and say, not for me,”

Mr Kroenert is a member of the Master Builders Association and ad-

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

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

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

• Call 000 immediately if you start a fire

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

dresses his concerns with the amount of government and non-government bodies that builders have looking over their shoulder as well as all the costs associated with completing a single build.

According to BuildSkills Australia, the construction industry is headed for ‘a lot more pain’ as tearaway inflation in materials, labour and consistent delays

worsen and the threat of new work drying up and competition intensifying. There are fears that the National Housing Accord implemented in June 2023 to deliver 2,100 of the 3,100 affordable housing dwellings in NSW, which will require 90,000 extra tradies, is unattainable during the current building industry crisis with calls for more to be done.

CONSTRUCTION: A local builder has concerns for the future of the industry.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ON Thursday April 25, we will pause and remember those who have served and those currently serving in our armed forces.

ANZAC Day is a special and reflective occasion as we stop to say thanks to the brave men and women who have fought in all conflicts and undertaken peace-keeping missions.

Our RSL Sub-branches and local organisations have once again worked hard to prepare ANZAC Day services. Your attendance means a lot to them and to those who have served their nation.

Lest we forget.

Last week, Snowy Monaro Regional Council held its monthly meeting.

Councillor Narelle Davis put forward a motion, calling for Council to pursue grant funding to engage an independent consultant to undertake a business case on the Monaro Rail Trail.

Her motion was unanimously supported and came much to the delight of the Monaro Rail Trail Incorporated.

The group’s members say the decision is a vote of confidence in a project they say will deliver significant economic benefits for the region.

Bombala’s old infants school was again the source of much discussion. Community members have expressed the need for the school to become an additional early childcare centre. Others wish to see the school turned into a arts and cultural precinct.

The future of Bombala’s livestock yards were discussed. The yards have remained open after a report to the March Council meeting recommended their closure.

Discussions centred on working with livestock yards users on how best to improve the facilities and properly charge for its use.

If you haven’t secured your tickets for the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research’s Hot City Disco, there’s still a few left for the dinner and show on Thursday May 23.

The Postman is joining about 40 locals from across the region taking part in the dancing fundraiser.

With all dancers working hard to learn their moves, and the Postman trying hard to remedy two left feet, the occasion is set to raise tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands

Council’s nationwide staff search confusing

YOUR recent article advising Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s nationwide recruitment push to fill executive positions has left me a little confused.

This confusion stems from a previous piece announcing a bill before parliament to give communities a vote on demerging.

Further research reveals there are two separate bills currently before our state government both proposing changing the law to allow councils to demerge.

Clearly something is happening on the de-merger front. How is council possibly going to attract any decent candidates worth their salt to work here in

such turmoil?

Surely any prospective applicant worth employing will have thoroughly researched the demerge potential and turned the other way.

Who would relocate themselves, and perhaps family, find a house, school the children etc while there is a reasonable chance your new employer is likely to not exist within 12 months?

Anyone who still applies for a job under such an environment tells me watch out, no serious long-term contender who is here for our community will be applying, leaving us to select from a sub-optimal team of candidates.

Can you imagine the successful candidate that didn’t do a check on the prospective employer’s financial state and the possibility to be a non-entity in the future suddenly without a job. At the very least they maybe offered a position by one of the now smaller Council with a lesser salary.

At the worst it’s back home with their tail between their legs wishing they had remembered the saying, ‘Fools Jump in where angels fear to tread’.

How about we put the recruitment on hold at least until we hold our own de-merger poll in September.

Would that not be the prudent thing to do? But Oh wait this is

Managing land for the benefit of stock

THE recent contributions to this publication by Leisa Caldwell, Rocky Harvey, Dean Marsland and other members of a vocal minority who support the protection of feral horses in our national parks seem to have neglected a very important fact that is close to the hearts of our high-country communities, particularly our farming community.

They do not seem to realise

that managers of national parks and managers of agricultural lands have much in common in the ways that they manage different aspects of our natural and cultural heritage.

• Both seek to manage the land according to carefully developed plans to meet their objectives.

• Both manage the land for the benefit of the plants and the different breeds/species stock

on that land.

• Both cull animals that damage their feed resources or kill their stock.

• Farmers cull rabbits, deer, foxes, pigs and yes, even feral horses that ruin their feed or compete with their stock.

• Managers of national parks also cull these same species that compete with native stock or destroy their food and water resources. These culling

Science must prevail on Brumbies

I AM just a simple person but it seems to me that the people who are pro-aerial culling of the Brumbies either haven’t seen an aerial cull, are chasing votes or chasing money to fund their idealistic organisations.

I don’t want to see Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) become a park full of the bleached bones of wild horses and known internationally as the horse graveyard.

There is a very good reason the aerial culling of wild horses was banned after the Guy Fawkes slaughter where horses were shot in the stomachs, shoulders, jaws, necks and legs and some left to suffer for many days.

And if you believe the same

thing isn’t happening in KNP then you are dreaming. If you have never seen an aerial cull then I highly recommend you watch the footage and see if you still believe it’s a humane death.

My way of thinking is, if you wouldn’t do it to a domestic animal then you don’t do it to a wild animal, they feel pain just the same way.

As far as I am aware the native animals and plants have lived side by side with the Brumbies without issue for many years before the park became a park.

Blaming the horses for the effects of fungal disease and climate change isn’t going to help anything. Kill all the horses and the disease and climate change

will still be there. Saying it’s a non-Indigenous thing wanting to preserve the presence of Brumbies in KNP I think can be seen as a little shortsighted.

Let’s not forget the many Indigenous expert Brumby horsemen and wranglers who were rightly proud of their skills and made the horses a part of their culture.

I have spent whole days, from sunup to dusk, in the northern end of the park.

What I saw was very little horse damage, multitudes of wildflowers and native grasses along with the unfortunate results of humans in the form tyre tracks and discarded rubbish.

In one whole day recently I

the organisation that can’t paint a giant fish without a consultation. Or, until the outcome of the two bills before parliament are known.

To proceed under the current uncertainty will leave us having to make a choice from a diminished field of candidates which is something we can ill afford, we have had plenty enough of incompetence shown by this council.

The de-merger issue should be just one of the key questions put to prospective Councillors for the September election to find where they stand one the issue.

Mick Newman Cooma

programs assist in the conservation of our unique high country native species – some of which exist nowhere else in the world. Their unique heritage goes back thousands of years, not just a few hundred. Rural property owners/managers continue to cull feral animals on their land. So do managers of national parks.

Ross McKinney Jindabyne

saw less than 30 wild horses in an area that is supposed to hold thousands. Where were the thousands? If there was 23,000 as some claim I would have been surrounded by them.

Pretty telling when you have to use binoculars to find any of them. If the numbers being toted by the government are right then I need new glasses!

Hiding behind the word ‘science’ does not in any way justify cruelty or human greed.

Science is not infallible, when you read a scientist saying that herbivore animals are cannibals then you know to take every bit of science with a grain of salt!

Denise Osborne Cooma

Working on Lake Jindabyne foreshore funding

A RESPONSE to a couple of items in The Monaro Post last week. First your correspondent on affordable housing.

Yes, there is a definition of affordable housing in NSW and a comprehensive set of ministerial guidelines. It is defined as affordable if the cost is not more than 30 percent of gross household income.

Obviously, there are also more specific definitions around income levels etc in-

cluded in the guidelines.

One of the key reasons the Snowy SAP involved purchase of land for housing, is that when government owns and releases the land, we can specify a percentage of development that must be affordable.

That is the intent in Jindabyne and in Cooma with the development near Cooma East.

As local member, I remain committed to working to in-

Cooma

crease social and government housing in addition to affordable housing (they are different). We have seen a decade where that housing was sold off and not replaced, I will be working to reverse that.

I made it clear when I was elected, a year ago, that my priority was not grandstanding with giant cheques, it was working on basic services first.

Consistent with that, I will

also be working to get funding for Jindabyne foreshore improvements, when we have ‘shovel ready’ projects. But my first priority is working on services, and as part of that, trying to work out why the Nationals thought a 40year plan for Jindabyne didn’t need to include planning for health care.

Steve Whan Member for Monaro

church services

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

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

Cooma Baptist Church – 10am Sunday

St Patrick’s Catholic Parish – 10am Sunday

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

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

Lifegate Christian Church – 9:55am second and fourth Sunday each month. 4pm first and third Sunday each month. Presbyterian Church - 9am at the Trinity Church, Boobah St, Cooma

By Paul Dorin

By LISA ASHURST

MY daughter doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry when she sees items familiar to her from her childhood in the ‘90s listed as retro and occasionally even vintage.

Well I get that, especially when I see items from my childhood and teens listed as vintage.

Oh my, if there’s one word that can make you feel like you have well and truly passed your use-by date, it’s vintage.

Even worse is to hear one of today’s teens refer to something from my salad days as ‘so last century’. Trying to console daughter with that was a mistake, because as she pointed out ‘But mum, I was born last century’. Oh, so she was.

I remember my kids, as teens, wanting to know what kind of computer my electronic typewriter was? They’d found it in a cupboard and were fascinated. I told them it was a typewriter and fortunately, they decided it was “so cool!!” I didn’t feel as bad about that as I would have had they fallen down laughing. But they thought manual typewriters were a bit weird because they didn’t do anything other than type.

Seems today’s youngsters though are bemused by things like telephones with dials and cords that permanently anchored them to the wall with a receiver permanently anchored to the phone. “So how did you do speed dial?” asked one friend’s granddaughter, looking in puzzlement at an old dial phone. “You didn’t,” my friend answered. Apparently that was decidedly uncool. Also uncool was that you couldn’t take it with you when you went out. Those of us who grew up with “oddities” like house landlines just have no idea how deprived we were. Friend’s granddaughter was appalled.

But it’s not just phones and typewriters. It’s fashion, toys, games and the like. But I get a bit of a jolt every time I see something I remember well being termed vintage. However, it could be worse. What if something familiar from my early youth popped up labelled as (heaven forbid) antique? I’d probably faint.

But is my generation heading towards that word faster than we realise? Well, while those who really have no idea persist in labelling our childhood, and even our early adulthood as vintage, it could be. Even retro is pushing it, but given the choice between vintage and retro, I suppose I could stomach retro. But only just. At least retro doesn’t have quite the same connotation as vintage. Vintage is only fine when talking about wine. Or one of those lovely old cars. It is not fine when talking about me. Or the everyday things I grew up with for that matter. Antique applies to my grandmother’s era as far as I’m concerned and I’m a long way along the timeline from her.

Meanwhile, I’m only half-laughing at vintage. Whoever put that label on items from my growingup years has got it all wrong. Whoever put the label on things dating from the 90s and early 2000s definitely has it all wrong.

Is daughter right to be amused/distressed about seeing her own childhood listed as retro and sometimes even vintage? Sure she is. How could we both be vintage? There is no way my child is vintage, I mean, how would that make me look? Do not say antique.

Time to prepare for Steampunk

NIMMITABEL has its annual Steampunk festival coming up on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5 with the event set to be a fantastical experience.

Whether or not you have been to SteamPunk @ Altitude yet, come one, come all; there is an extra Circus vibe this year and everyone is invited.

Stepping into the village of Nimmitabel during the festival is like stepping into another time, a time that never was.

You will see layered ruffled skirts, corsets over blouses, top-hats, goggles and brass cogs sewn to random clothing, they are all the rage at SteamPunk @ Altitude. Why? Because the SteamPunk@Altitude Festival in Nimmitabel brings fictional times and places combined with modern to the Monaro.

Steampunk is where the Victorian steam era and the Wild West meet with the fantastical style of punk, adding a sprinkling of time travel.

At SteamPunk @ Altitude you can peruse curios and oddities, experience highjinx, race a snail, parade a pet, parade yourself, challenge a friend with tea duelling, or teapot racing.

Visit Nimmitabel’s unique buildings and historic spaces, hear the Nimmity Bell toll. There will be music in the mill, poetry in the pub, an evening steampunk dance party, live theatre, a uni-cycle and penny farthing riding by, plus more. There is free entry with on street activities, market stalls, delicious food and plenty to see in a unique whimsical village atmosphere.

There will be vintage and steampunk inspired games, circus activities and workshops, music, theatre and markets, iconic build-

ings and locations, plus all stores on the main street of Nimmitabel open.

It’s a circus Clockwork Circus is excited to be journeying to Nimmitabel for the SteamPunk @ Altitude Festival with their SS Artificer Airship, with their unique blend of steampunk and circus. With the SS Artificer as their base, they be offering circus workshops for festivalgoers.

The Clockwork Circus troupe will also be wandering the festival with roving performances of juggling and stilt-walking and they’ll have some circus goodies for sale. A great addition to Steampunk @ Altitude, family fun for everyone.

The Pioneer Memorial Hall will be the location for Speranza Starburner’s circus inspired show, a one man act that is sure to enter tain; either day come by 9.30am and be the first to see him. Speranza Starburner will also ride his unicycle on the street, which will you see him do first?

Dijor’s Re- purposed Fun and Follies combination of Victorian era, circus themes, and steampunk elements has a fascinating collection of items to see.

Sanjex Seratti attends as a late Victorian era Steampunk navigator and his curious engineering nature can be seen in his games and steampunk contraptions. Professor Justin Time will be exhibiting his mechanical wonders and sculptures.

Paint a Steampunk sheep

On offer Saturday May 4, 3.30pm in the Nimmitabel Country Club by Art by Netty. There is room for groups so gather your friends and make some great memories, and get a little discount. Netty will provide all the inspiration, the paint, brushes, canvas

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and aprons. You just need to bring yourself, and a snack if you like. The bar will be open at the Nimmitabel Country Club for you to purchase your Sip.

Friendly competition

Friendly competition is a big part of the steampunk genre, and the Capital Tea Duelling Society returns with their tea and biscuits, the cometary and the suspense.

Saturday at 1.30pm is the best dressed fashion competition, where bringing your friends maybe to your advantage.

Pets are welcome at the festival, on leash of course, and are included in the festivities with their own Steam-Pet parade and competition held 11am Sunday, be sure to dress them in their Steampunk finest.

Sunday the Grand Teapot Race is at 12pm, to be called by the Bega Town Crier, who hasn’t missed a Steampunk @ Altitude yet. A Teapot Racer workshop will be held Saturday, bring your own racer vehicle and teapot, they will help you sort out the rest. Be sure to read the guidelines on the event’s website.

Royal Arms Guesthouse

The Royal Arms Guesthouse is opening their tearoom for three High Tea sessions for Steampunk @ Altitude.

Indulge in a scrumptious array of savouries and sweets, served on elegant tiered stands.

Experience the elegance of a bygone era with their traditional high tea service. Sip on fragrant tea from a

wide-selection of blends, and soak in the ambience of their historic venue.

Booking required and can be made through the website or direct on 0429 312 302.

the festival activities on offer are varied to ecnourage engagements, creativity, entertainment and fellowship.

The Nimmitabel Chamber of Commerce wants you

to come and have a go, the Steampunk way.

There is no general entry fee, you can support the businesses and vendors with your patrongage.

Be sure to check out the Facebook page and website.

www.steampiunk.in

Facebook: Steamnpunk At Altitude.

Sautday - 9am until late Sunday - 9am to 3pm

A remote control ‘The Tea Tank’ teapot racer of Skav’s Steampunk workshop. PHOTO: Wanda Lach

A steam-pet from a previous Steampunk @ Altitude Festival. PHOTO: KyloFoto Images STEAMPUNK: A favourite each year at Nimmitabel’s SteamPunk @ Altitude is Sanjex Serrati (left). Sanjex is joined in 2023 by a Steampunk visitor, eager to inspect Sanjex’s pennyfarthing. You can see Sanjex on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5. PHOTO: Vee Jay

Region to remember fallen

Adaminaby

10.45am - Marchers to assemble at the Big Trout, march commences at 10.50am. 11am - Ceremony to commence at Adaminaby Memorial Hall followed by morning tea.

Berridale

6am - Dawn service at the Memorial Park.

11:15am - Form up in front of Berridale Inn.

11.30am - Step off for ceremony at the Memorial Park.

12.30pm - BBQ Lunch and two-up, fundraiser event at Coolamatong Country Club.

Bredbo

10am March from corner Walker and Bunyan St to the Memorial at Bredbo Centennial Park. 10.30am Service, followed by two-up at Bredbo Inn from 2pm.

Bombala

6:15am - Dawn service at Cenotaph. 11am - Service at the Cenotaph. Cooma 5.30am - Dawn service meet at Centennial Park for march to Cenotaph.

10.30am - Meet at corner Sharp and Bombala Streets for commemoration march

10.45am - Step off

Delegate

6am - Dawn service at the Cenotaph followed by Gunfire Breakfast ($5pp) at Delegate RSL Hall. 10:30am Marchers to assemble on Bombala Street. From Memorial Gates for 11am - commencement of main service. Lunch at 12pm Delegate Country Club.

Jindabyne

5.45am for 6am - Dawn service in Banjo Paterson Park, followed by breakfast in the Memorial Hall.

9am - Form up in the Town Centre carpark

9.30am - Step off and march to Banjo Paterson Park for ceremony. Followed by CWA morning tea in the Memorial Hall. Luncheon Banjo Paterson Inn for service and ex-service personnel and invited guests from 1pm.

Nimmitabel

REMEMBERING: The region will pause to reflect on the sacrifices of our service personnel during Australia’s war and peacekeeping missions.

Michelago

10.30am - Marchers to assemble at the Pioneer Memorial Hall. 11am Main service at the Cenotaph, followed by lunch at Nimmitabel Country Club

10am - Commemorative ceremony at Michelago Railway Station, followed by morning tea at Memorial Hall

Anti-scam forum to help locals

COOMA residents are being encouraged to attend an antiscam forum hosted by Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones.

The forum will be held at the Alpine Hotel in Cooma at 1pm on Tuesday April 24.

This event follows a series of hugely successful local forums held in Narooma, Queanbeyan, and Merimbula. These forums have been critical in raising

awareness and have equipped residents with the information and tools to protect themselves against scammers.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones will be providing Cooma residents with information about common scams, tricks that scammers use to target victims and will provide an update about what the Australian Government is doing to protect Australians from scams.

The National Anti-Scam

Centre (NASC) was officially launched by Minister Jones in 2023 and brings together the best expertise and resources across government agencies, law enforcement and the private sector.

“People in Cooma are busier than ever and access more key services through mobile devices and on online – which is convenient, but increases the likelihood we’ll encounter scam activity,” Ms McBain said.

“Australians lost over $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone, which is why we’re working with the private and public sector through the National Anti-Scam Centre to fight these criminals.

“It’s important Cooma residents are alert to scams, and know how to protect themselves. I encourage community members to attend next week’s Anti-Scam Forum to access essential advice to do just that.”

Berridale water main upgrades

WATER main upgrades and renewals have started in Berridale with work on the significant maintenance project scheduled to run through until December 2024.

Sections of the town’s water mains, totalling four kilometres in length, will be upgraded, maintained, or replaced by the end of 2024.

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

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

A majority of this scheduled maintenance work is concentrated along Myack Street, with most water supply interruptions affecting properties on this street. Properties in other locations across Berridale will also be affected on occasion.

Contractors performing this essential maintenance will require access onto private property to connect individual homes and businesses to the new water mains. This stage of the project is not scheduled until later 2024, and all affected properties will be notified in advance.

Crews are set to begin preliminary investigation works on Monday 8 April 2024. Water supply will not be affected during this first stage of the project.

Motorists are asked to be mindful of workers and machinery that will be present on and near roadways from April to December 2024.

Men’s sheds call for younger members Jindabyne tidy-up

By KAREN FORMAN

IF YOU are a male over 16 and looking for a community organisation to join, your local Men’s Shed might just be for you.

If you are interested in meeting other men of all ages and from all walks of life, building friendships, developing new skills, helping in the community, then the Men’s Shed is the place to be.

Men’s Shed is a national service provider/not for profit recognised as one of the Australia’s largest male-based community development organisations. It was established in 2007 by a collection of Australian independent community-based Men’s Sheds to represent, support and promote the Men’s Shed movement.

However, Men’s Shed is struggling, not only in the Mountains (Snowy Monaro LGA) region, which has 14 Men’s Sheds, but nationally.

Attracting new and younger membership was one of the main points discussed when the Mountains division, which represents six Men’s Sheds, met at Nimmitabel’s Federal Hotel last week.

Host and Nimmitabel Men’s Shed spokesman Kelvin Fahey said members from Nimmitabel, Bombala, Cooma, Bredbo and Jindabyne Men’s Sheds were in attendance. Mr Fahey said the organisation has a lot to offer men of all ages, but with mostly an

older membership, many were struggling with numbers. The Adaminaby Men’s Shed had recently closed, with 12 members diminishing to just two.

Men’s Sheds each have a base with different groups opening at different times, some once or twice a week, for members to get together.

Nimmitabel’s shed was started by local men with the support of the Nimmitabel Lions Club in 2014, and meets in the disused railway station at 53 Miller Street.

NSW Branch Australian Men’s Shed Association Inc Zone 2 representative Lou Busuttil, who chaired the Nimmitabel meeting, said the organisation was looking at ways to encourage more men to consider joining.

“There seems to be a misconception that to be in a Men’s Shed you need to be older and retired,” he said. “But we accept and encourage members from the age of 16 and believe we have a lot to offer men of all ages,” Mr Busuttil. There are 1200 Men’s Sheds across Australia, with more than 2500 Men’s Sheds operating in 12 countries with more than 50,000 Australian men taking part.

“We are encouraging more members to join. The shortage is endemic around Australia, memberships are declining. At Bombala the blokes are in their 80s, and they are concerned that they are elderly, with no one to take over the executive roles. There is a misconception you have to be old, retired and a pensioner to be a

member of a Men’s Shed,” he said.

“There is no discrimination with ages, race, religion. It is a place for men to go to meet, to make friends, comradery, help men talk about problems, mental and physical, a place for assistance and mateship. A small membership fee covers public liability. Some drink coffee and chat, others do woodwork, metalwork, play pool.

“The catchphrase is All Men Work Together Shoulder to Shoulder. So, people can just go in and have a chat, you don’t have to do anything, just have a chat. The whole ethos is looking after each other.”

For more information or to find a Men’s Shed, visit www. mensshed.org

SNOWY Monaro Regional

Council and Sustainable Snowies are calling on Jindabyne residents to lend a hand and help have town looking its best ahead of the busy winter season, by joining in a community cleanup.

The clean-up is set for Wednesday May 8 at the Lake Jindabyne foreshore and Jindabyne town centre.

Starting at 3.30pm and running through till 5.30pm, the crew of valiant volunteers will meet at Jindabyne Skate Park off Kosciuszko Road before getting to work.

Council and Sustainable Snowies will provide bags, gloves, and litter-picking claw tools.

There will be a free sausage sizzle for all volunteers at the end of the afternoon’s work.

“Heading into the busy winter tourism period, it’s the perfect time for the local community to come together and give our town a spruce up. It’s in all of our interests that Jindabyne is looking its best for residents and visitors alike,” a Council spokesperson said.

This event is being delivered as part of the Sustainable Snowies Litter Prevention Strategy, which aims to reduce waste and keep the region’s towns and natural environment clean.

No registration or RSVP is required.

Nimmitabel.

PHOTO: Karen Forman

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A tribute to Gordon Weston

“A mountain man who lived life to the fullest”

By JAN SLOAN (GORDON’S DAUGHTER)

THE Snowy Monaro lost one of its well-known identities earlier this year.

Gordon Weston passed peacefully away at Moruya District Hospital on February 1 after a short battle with pneumonia.

He was privately cremated at Broulee Memorial Gardens with a memorial service held on March 1 at Narooma Golf Club.

More than 70 people attended from far and wide, including his older brother, Vic and younger brothers, Ray, Leon and Don.

Even though he was 93-years-old, his death took many people by surprise. Given his history, it’s not surprising. He seemed to be one of those indestructible types from pioneering stock.

Gordon was the third son of Eric and Eileen Weston of Jindabyne with three more brothers to follow.

Eric was the only child of William (Bill) Weston and Mary McGufficke of Leesville, while Eileen was the eldest daughter of seven girls to Albert and Isabel Girvan (nee Wallace)

Gordon spent his younger days living in an idyllic setting in Jindabyne, near the banks of the Snowy River. He rode horses, trapped rabbits in the mountains, worked on the family farm and attended school when he could fit it in.

He did well academically but the constraints of school life didn’t fit him particularly well so he left early to help his father on the farm.

These were the war years. Life was tough but going to dances on a Saturday and sometimes Friday was the highlight of the week. Gordon said that he would run from the rabbiting hut on the Alpine Way to Jindabyne just to attend the Friday night dance.

Gordon was a natural sportsman. He skied competitively, played representative football (he was a member of Jindabyne’s Group 19 premiership team in 1954), played representative tennis around the state and also played A Grade cricket for the town.

His friend, Sandy Wallace gave him a set of golf sticks one year. Gordon took the game seriously and was down to a handicap of four within four years. His love of golf would continue throughout his life.

In 1953, Gordon married Marie Hedger, eldest daughter of Jack and Alice Hedger, from “Middle View”, Numbla Vale.

After living in a primitive hut for a while, Gordon and Marie moved to Ando, where they had two children, Ian and Jan. Gordon was constantly travelling between properties owned by EW Weston and Sons and helping out on which ever property needed it.

Most were running sheep in those days. A few years later they moved to Nimmitabel where they had their third child, Lynette, but she was born prematurely and sadly only lived for 11 hours.

They then finally moved to “Avoca”, a property just south of Cooma where they lived for 16-years, farming both sheep and cattle.

During this time, Gordon continued to be involved in football (refereeing), tennis and golf and served on their committees (as president in two).

Gordon was also actively involved in the Cooma P&A Association,

becoming one its longest serving presidents. He worked hard for the show, helping to build much of the infrastructure at the showground.

Fellow life member and former Cooma Show president, Gail Eastaway, paid tribute to Gordon’s work with both the show and the rodeo.

“Between Gordon and Les Venables, the show had horse stalls, tie-up stalls and yards which probably would not have happened otherwise,” Gail said.

“I served on the show committee with Gordon at various times from the lead-up to the 1975 centenary show. I seem to remember Gordon just about always being the publican at the show. There were many memorable moments around that bar for very many people over many years.

“I also worked on the rodeo committee with Gordon when it reformed. Apart from the meetings, some of my friends and I also helped with the stockwork, mustering the horses at various paddocks and bringing them into town.

“Of course, these chores were usually followed by a compulsory, and often protracted, “countery”, usually at Bundys.”

In 1979, Gordon and Marie sold the farm and moved into Cooma. Gordon thought he would focus on building instead of farming so he bought a large shed at Polo Flat and filled it up with ‘useful’ equipment.

He built sheep and cattle yards for a while and various other structures but the call of the land was too strong and he again, bought two adjoining properties near Slacks Creek, on the Snowy Mountains Highway.

He turned his hand again to cattle farming, this time, Black Angus. As well as continuing to farm cattle, Gordon worked for Monbeef in later years.

In the late 1980s, Marie developed early onset dementia requiring Gordon to develop his cooking, caring and housekeeping skills. Sadly, Marie needed to be placed into permanent care in 1992 and Gordon had to adapt to life on his own at the age of 61.

From an early age, Gordon always had an interest in horses so he started going for horse-riding treks in the mountains with different groups.

In 2020, Gordon bought a house in Dalmeny right next-door to his son, Ian, permanently moving there in 2022. Cooma winters were playing havoc with his arthritis and many old friends had either died or moved away. It was time for a change.

He became a regular attendee at Club Dalmeny, making new friends and getting involved in the footy tipping competition, coming second in his first year.

He even had a full knee replacement so he could continue to play golf, but he didn’t end up playing as much as he’d hoped.

In the last few months of his life, his ‘get up and go’ had got up and gone. He’d just run out of steam. Time to go.

Gordon was a man of the mountains. He always rose to a challenge and enjoyed life to the full.

He spoke his mind and liked doing things his way, but was a good mate to many and very generous to those who needed it. He had a great sense of humour and a memorable chuckle.

Gordon’s contributions had a big impact and he will be greatly missed, not only by friends and family but by the communities he lived in.

Gordon Carlisle Weston is survived by his son, Ian Weston, his daughter Jan Sloan, his grandchildren Emily Weston, Tim, Alex and Evelyn Sloan and his great grandchildren Freya and Michael.

Wally Weston, Gordon Weston and Vic Weston enjoyed playing footy together growing up.

Gordon in the mountains, a place he loved spending time.

FAREWELL: Gordon Weston’s remarkable life is being remembered fondly by family and friends.

PHOTOS: Weston family

11.50 A+E After Dark. (M) 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Movie: A Royal In Paradise. (2023) (G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Manly Sea Eagles v Parramatta Eels. From 4 Pines Park, Sydney. 9.55 Golden Point. Postmatch NRL wrap-up. 10.40 Movie: The Jackal. (1997) (MA15+) Bruce Willis.

6.00 Getaway. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Explore TV. 1.00 Ageless. 1.30 Explore. 1.45 Innovation Nation. 2.45 LEGO Masters Aust Vs World. 4.00 Saltimbanco To Luzia: 25 Years Of Cirque Du Soleil. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 8.30 Movie: Midway. (2019) (M) 11.10 Movie: Valkyrie. (2008) (M)

Movie: A League Of Their Own. (1992) (PG) Tom Hanks, Geena Davis. A group of women forms a baseball league.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. A rare Harry Potter book goes under the hammer.

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG) Mike’s career is put on the line.

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

10.45 Air Crash Investigations: Mission Disaster. (PG)

11.45 Bargain Hunt.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The staff checks out a campaign ribbon. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 7. Richmond v Melbourne. From the MCG.

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

11.00 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (M)

12.00 Storage Wars. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: In Time. (2011) (M) Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried. A man challenges the status quo.

10.40 Seinfeld. (PG)

11.40 The Nanny. (PG)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 As Time Goes By. Jean and Lionel travel to Los Angeles.

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M) DCI Tom Barnaby investigates the murder of a member of a horse-racing syndicate.

10.40 Forensics: Catching The Killer. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) A skydiving parachute is sabotaged.

8.30 NCIS. (M) After a petty officer is murdered, the team investigates whether he was the victim of a serial killer.

9.25 Hawaii Five-0. (MA15+) McGarrett heads to Montana.

10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Walden falls for Charlie’s daughter.

10.00 Rules Of Engagement. (PG)

QI. (PG) 11.55 Close To Me. (M) 7.05 Karma’s

7.05 Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? Final. (PG) 8.30 Movie: City Of Angels. (1998) (M) Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan. An angel falls in love with a mortal.

Would I Lie To You?

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. (M) Flambeau is incarcerated for murder. 8.30 Shetland. (M) An old acquaintance of Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez dies in a suspicious car accident on the island. 11.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (M) 12.00 Father Brown. (M)

6.00 American Restoration. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 7. GWS Giants v Brisbane Lions.

7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG)

8.30 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. (PG) Hosted by Terry Crews.

10.30 Movie: The Water Diviner. (2014) (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG) 7.30 Survivor 46. (PG) Hosted by Jeff Probst.

9.00 Movie: The Nice Guys. (2016) (MA15+) Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling. A thug-for-hire joins forces with an inept PI. 11.20 Dating No Filter. (M) 11.50 Medium. (MA15+)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. Hosted by Fiona Bruce.

7.30 RBT. (M) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Movie: Unbroken. (2014) (M) Jack O’Connell, Garrett Hedlund, Domhnall Gleeson. During World War II, a US Olympian who joined the air force is imprisoned by the Japanese.

11.10 Police After Dark. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M)

8.30 NCIS. (M) Amateur sleuths interfere with a case.

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (PG) The team uncovers a sinister plot.

10.20 Evil. (M)

11.15 48 Hours. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Sheldon decides to teach the guys a lesson.

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) After Jenny and her friends show up on Walden’s doorstep, they engage in a game of strip poker.

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG) North Yorkshire Moors Railway hold their autumn steam gala. 8.30 Escape To The Country. Alistair Appleton is challenged to find a perfect property in a country a woman has never visited before. 12.30 This Rugged Coast.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The staff is offered a rare print.

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

7.20 Football. AFL. Round 7. Port Adelaide v St Kilda. From Adelaide Oval. 10.30 AFL PostGame Show. 11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) 12.00 GetOn Extra.

7.30 Movie: Hercules. (2014) (M) Dwayne Johnson. A Greek hero tries to end a civil war.

9.30 Movie: Mortal Kombat. (2021) (MA15+) Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee. An MMA fighter is recruited to be a hero. 11.30 Medium. (MA15+)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Take Me Home. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Dunkirk. (2017) (M) Mark Rylance, Fionn Whitehead. A mission is launched to rescue stranded soldiers.

10.30 Movie: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017) (MA15+)

6.30 JAG. (PG)

7.30 Bull. (M) Bull and Chunk’s bond is tested.

8.30 NCIS. (M) Insurgents in Sudan attack a group of doctors, murdering some and kidnapping others.

9.25 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M) Captain Milius returns to Hawaii as the NCIS team works to catch a dangerous high-value target.

11.15 48 Hours. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Penny reveals her true feelings about Amy.

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Walden and Alan secure dates with two ideal women, but Lyndsey’s jealousy throws a spanner in the works.

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

7.05

7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8.00 QI. (M) 8.30 Louis Theroux Interviews... (M) 9.20 You Can’t Ask That. (M) 9.50 The Beast Must Die. (M) 10.40 Movie: A League Of Their Own. (1992) (PG)

6.00 Heathrow. (PG)

6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG)

7.30

6.00 Pawn Stars. (PG)

The staff takes a look at a brass hand cannon. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 7. Fremantle v Western Bulldogs. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Movie: Unhinged. (2020) (MA15+)

7.30 Movie: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. (2014) (M) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson. The rebellion endeavours to recruit Katniss. 10.00 Movie: Warcraft. (2016) (M) Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton. A group of orcs invade a world inhabited by humans.

7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 10. Queensland Reds v Blues. From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. Post-match analysis and interviews.

9.45 Movie: Blown Away. (1994) (M) Jeff Bridges, Tommy Lee Jones. A bomber terrorises Boston.

7.20 Soccer. A-League

Men. Round 26. Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers. From AAMI Park, Melbourne.

10.15 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M) The team investigates the apparent suicide of a US Navy intelligence officer who leapt to his death.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M) Howard and Sheldon bond.

8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) Sheldon and Raj confide in Bernadette when they can no longer handle Amy and Howard working together.

10.30 Friends. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

6.00 Imagine Holidays Iconic Rail Journeys. (PG)

6.30 Kath & Kim. (PG)

7.05 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG)

8.30 Endeavour. (M) Morse’s intellect is taxed by a suicide.

10.30 Hornby: A Model Empire: Intercity 125. (PG)

11.30 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG)

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) Narrated by Grant Bowler.

8.30 Movie: The Bourne Ultimatum. (2007) (M) Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn. A former secret agent is once again hunted by the agency that created him.

10.50 Movie: Lock Up. (1989) (M)

7.30 Movie: Patriots Day. (2016) (M) Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman. In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, a community comes together to hunt the perpetrators. 10.10 Aussie Lobster Men. (M) Follows six boat captains and their crews as they risk it all in search of the prized Tasmanian rock lobster.

6.30 Movie: M*A*S*H: Goodbye, Farewell And Amen. (1983) (PG) Alan Alda.

9.00 Movie: Battle Of Britain. (1969) (PG) Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine. During World War II, the RAF tries to stop the Luftwaffe after it launches a prolonged air assault. 11.45 Chicago Med. (MA15+)

6.30 JAG. (PG) Mac undergoes surgery after receiving some troubling medical news.

7.30 NCIS. (M) A petty officer tries to clear his name after his murder case is dismissed due to mishandled evidence.

6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M) Howard and Sheldon bond.

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Jake comes home for the weekend and confesses he cheated on his older girlfriend with her daughter.

10.00 South Park. (M) 11.30 South Park. (MA15+) 12.00 Home Shopping.

7.05 Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey.

Would I Lie To You? (PG)

MythBusters. (PG)

George Clarke’s Adventures In Americana.

Louis Theroux: Return To The Most Hated Family. (M)

Would I Lie To You?

QI.

6.30 Bargain

(PG)

11.40 Doc Martin. (PG)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG)

8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG) A monster storm causes problems.

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

10.30 Frozen Gold. (PG)

11.30 Mountain Men. (PG)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Mr & Mrs Smith. (2005) (M) Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie. A couple hide their jobs from each other.

11.00 Seinfeld. (PG)

12.00 Love Island UK. (M)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M) The police station becomes a crime scene.

8.40 Harry Wild. Premiere. (M) A newly retired Dublin literature professor embraces a new calling as a detective.

10.40 Agatha Christie’s Ordeal By Innocence. (MA15+)

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) Mac and Harm investigate a marine’s death.

7.30 Bull. (M) A lawyer is on trial for murder.

8.30 NCIS. (M) After the passengers of a plane are poisoned, the evidence points to Abby’s brother.

10.20 NCIS: Los Angeles.

(M) NCIS investigates a kidnapping.

11.15 NCIS. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (M)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) The house comes alive with carols.

10.00 The Neighborhood. Return. (PG)

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

7.05 Karma’s World. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8.30 White Fever. (M) Jane attends a dinner for Korean adoptees. 9.00 Upstart Crow. (PG)

Portlandia. (PG)

Would I Lie To You? (PG)

Movie: City Of Angels. (1998) (M)

Call The Midwife. (M) Jenny works with an intimidating surgeon. 8.30 A Touch Of Frost. (M) DI Frost investigates a person from his past who is a suspect in a series of assaults on children. 10.40 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG) 11.40 Bargain Hunt.

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG)

7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG)

8.30 Aussie Truck Rehab. (PG) The team takes on a Mack Superliner restoration.

9.30 Mega Mechanics. (PG) The team overhauls a huge off-road truck.

10.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M)

11.30 American Wreckers. (M)

6.00 Everybody Loves Raymond. (PG)

7.00 The Nanny. (PG)

7.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

8.30 Movie: Wonder Woman 1984. (2020) (M) Gal Gadot, Chris Pine. Diana must contend with two new enemies. 11.30 Seinfeld. (PG)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. (M) Gerry meets his heroes.

8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG) Miss Marple joins forces with a brother and sister to investigate a murder and the abduction of their aunt.

10.40 A Wedding And A Murder: Deadly Triangle. (MA15+)

11.40 New Amsterdam. (M)

6.30 JAG. (PG) Chegwidden’s replacement is announced.

7.30 Bull. (M) Bull aims to prove temporary insanity at a murder trial for his client Troy Dickerson.

9.25 FBI. (M) Maggie and OA investigate after a frontrunning female presidential candidate is targeted with a car bomb.

11.15 48 Hours. (M)

6.00 Frasier. (PG)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M) Alan and Walden throw a bachelor party.

10.00 Impractical Jokers. Return. (M)

11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. 6.40

6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News Update.

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M)

8.30 Hoarders. (M) A woman is given one more chance to clean

11.10 Juice. (M)

(MA15+)

10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG) 11.00 Frasier. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping.

Begin here first!

ADDRESS: 44 Jonas Street, Bombala

ASKING: $390,000 THIS property is perfect for first home buyers and investors alike. Located in Jonas Street, the property has a lovely rural outlook, with all the conveniences of in town living. The home boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious open lounge and kitchen and a good sized study. Heated and cooled by reverse cycle air conditioner, there are solar panels on the roof to help offset the costs. The backyard contains single car garage and small carport as well as garden shed for tools and supplies. Low maintenance, established gardens complete the package. First home buyers and investors, book your inspections today.

ADDRESS: 44 J Jonas StreetBombala sizedstudyHeatedandcooled

Perfect opportunity for grazier or investor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First time offered for sale in 150 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A renovator’s delight

ADDRESS: 12 Hill Street, Cooma NSW 2630

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

This property is waiting and ready for its new owner.

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

entry level in an ideal location.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1079

$1,980,000

Your dream lifestyle sanctuary

WELCOME to your dream lifestyle sanctuary nestled along the banks of the mighty Snowy River. This remarkable 160-acre property offers not just a home, but an unparalleled lifestyle.

Boasting over 700 meters of prime river frontage with secluded natural beauty, breathtaking views, private billabongs, deep swimming holes, and unrivalled fishing spots; 1079 Avonside Road presents a rare and unique opportunity for those seeking to disconnect and embrace their natural surroundings.

As you enter the home and step into the expansive living area, you are welcomed by natural light and views of the surrounding mountains.

The spacious open floor plan includes a well-appointed kitchen that caters for the culinary enthu-

siast, ensuring that every meal, from daily dining to festive meals, is an effortless delight. The veranda seamlessly connects the indoor and outdoor living areas, inviting you to indulge in the panoramic mountain vistas.

Each bedroom features built-in wardrobes and private views of the Snowy Mountains. The master suite is a private oasis, complete with a spacious ensuite designed with both comfort and functionality in mind.

A dedicated study offers an ideal workspace for those who work or study from home.

Additionally, this property features an attached fully selfcontained one-bedroom, onebathroom flat which also includes full kitchen facilities, a private balcony, a fireplace, and a private entrance - ideal for accommodat-

ing guests, teenagers, extended family members, or a potential source of income.

Ideal for growing and active families, the property also has access to Avonside Road via a six kilometre bitumen road and a bus stop at the Avonside/Kosciuszko Road entry. Resting in a prime location, just two hours from Canberra, 20 mins to Jindabyne, and 50 minutes to Thredbo/Perisher ski resorts, offers easy access to both urban amenities and thrilling outdoor adventures.

Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the serenity of the Snowy River and surrounding mountain views at 1079 Avonside Road – where family living and natural beauty intertwine to create the ultimate retreat.

Contact Michael Henley on 0403 165 563 to arrange a private

inspection.

Residence Overview:

•4 Bedrooms

•3 Bathrooms

•Master bedroom with ensuite

•Open plan living/kitchen/ dining with study nook

•2x Kitchens

•Main kitchen with breakfast bar, Aga wood oven, dishwasher, and gas cooktop and hot water heating

•Internal laundry with underfloor heating

•Underfloor heating in 2x bathrooms

•2x Combustion fireplaces

•Reverse cycle air-conditioning

•Wrap around undercover

balcony

•Fire pit entertaining area

•Established vegetable garden and fruit trees

•Double garage with internal

access, workshop area and ski drying room

•Solar 10kW

•House can be divided into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom main residence + a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom flat

•Property Overview:

•65.7 Hectares with 700m Snowy River frontage

•Electric front gate

•Bore water and 8x water tanks with over 120,000L

•8x8m shed plus separate large stables/ shed

•2x Stables with round yard and tack room

•Chook shed

•Bus stop located at the end of the 6km newly constructed bitumen road

•Located 2 hours from Canberra and 50 minutes to Thredbo/Perisher ski resorts

Weekly cattle, sheep market wrap

By EMILY TAN, MARKET INFORMATION ANALYST

THE cattle market eased for all indicators with the restocker yearling heifer indicator performing the strongest.

Yardings reached 84,609 head with a notable increase of 15,339 head positioning it as the fourth largest yarding of the year.

The feeder steer indicator eased by 17¢ to 317¢/kg liveweight (lwt), a slight increase in yardings.

After the high prices from last week, feedlot buyers were more reserved at NSW and Queensland saleyards, focused on light weight steers and medium weight heifers, thus supporting the price of the re-stocker yearling heifer and steer indicator.

The eastern states young cattle indicator eased by 30¢ to 596¢/kg carcase weight(cwt). Strong prices last week lifted yardings from 7,110 to 22,807 head, as producers attempt to capitalise on high prices.

Sheep

The sheep and lamb market has eased for all indica-

tors with yardings easing by 79,690 to 301,153 head, largely driven by lambs yardings easing by 34 percent - a reduction of 65,427 head.

Sheep yarding also eased by 14,263 to 106,663 head after last week.

The light lamb indicator declined by 91¢ to 486¢/kg cwt with yardings eased by 28 percent to 21,801 head. The conflict in the Middle East and the recent Dubai floods has impacted logistics and transportation costs as the majority of light lambs are destined for the Middle East.

The mutton indicator eased by 58¢ to 218¢/kg cwt, with prices across all states easing. Yardings eased by 12,097 to 67,662 head – a 22 percent reduction. As slaughter continues to reach new records, it indicates processors are near or at capacity. According to market reports, buyers were more selective in their choice of sheep as some buyers were reluctant to pay for sheep over $100 regardless of weight.

Slaughter

Cattle slaughter lifted by 31,831 to 131,061 head, a 32 percent increase after the

Easter break, supported by slaughter increasing in all states.

Queensland slaughter increased by 18,445 to 67,125 head.

The National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) on average tracks about 20 percent below the Australian Bureau of Statistics quarterly slaughter figures, slaughter continues to track 14 percent higher when compared to the same time last year indicating the industry is tracking well towards Meat and Livestock Australia slaughter projection figures.

Sheep and lamb slaughter rose by 125,918 to 692,682 head, the largest combined sheep and lamb slaughter on record.

Largely supported by the largest sheep slaughter on record at 221,623 head, a 46 percent increase after the Easter break. Lamb slaughter lifted in all states except South Australian and Tasmania easing by a combined 17,000 head over the week.

Slaughter continues to track above 2022 and 2023 with year to date, slaughter increasing by 210,560 – a 43 percent increase.

Mixed offering at Wagga Wagga

By LEANN DAX, MARKET REPORTER

THE market saw a decline in numbers, despite no sale the this week due to the public holiday.

Notably, both export and domestic buyers were missing from the sale, particularly those who typically acquire lambs for the Middle East market.

There was a significant drop in the overall quality this week, with nearly half of the available stock classified as secondary types.

In the trade sale, major domestic buyers took centre stage, striving to secure all the better-presented trade lambs.

Top-quality trade lambs

commanded prices above 700c/kg cwt, while plainer types struggled to maintain their value.

Lambs weighing between 20kg to 24kg fetched prices ranging from $115 to $168/ head, with good lambs averaging 680c/kg cwt.

Heavy trade lambs sold for $158 to $174/head. Store lambs sold from $60 to $115/ head and lambs to feed on made from $115 to $135/ head.

Light lambs to the processors saw a marked decline of $20 to $40/head. In the heavy export sale, there was a noticeable absence of large quantities of grainassisted lambs compared to previous weeks.

Lambs weighing between

27kg to 30kg sold for $168 to $195, averaging around 624c/kg cwt. Lambs over 30kg were in high demand, fetching prices ranging from $192 to $248.

The sheep sale saw a very mixed offering and not all potential buyers were present.

The atmosphere was relatively subdued in terms of bidding, except for when it came to the top pens of Merino wethers and crossbred ewes. Prices experienced a decline, dropping by $10 to $15/head on average.

The highest bid was for big wethers at $110, while heavy crossbred ewes fetched prices ranging from $75 to $100, with the majority selling for under $95/head.

Fire ant funding requires urgent boost: NSW Farmers

A MAJOR whole-ofgovernment response is urgently needed to stamp out red imported fire ants in Australia, according to a Senate Inquiry report handed down last week.

Describing fire ants as one of Australia’s greatest biosecurity challenges, the report recommended state and federal governments provide uninterrupted funding to eradicate the pest within Australia by 2032.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin welcomed the findings of the inquiry, which confirmed the need for further funding and support to prevent the spread of the pests nationally.

“Fire ants should have been eradicated 20 yearsago, but successive governments have failed to act quickly, decisively and effectively to stamp them out,” Mr Martin said.

“If these pests infest the whole nation, it is estimated that 83,100 Australians could need medical attention for fire ant attacks each year, while our agricultural industry could see its output reduce by up to 40 percent.

“As well as being potentially deadly to humans, fire

ants can sting native and domestic animals, harm livestock, ruin our natural environment and wreak havoc on fruit trees, beehives, pastures and crops.

“This is not just any another ant, and we have no choice but to eradicate these pests and fast if we want to spare our nation ongoing and serious pain.”

Moving forward, Mr Martin said it was critical both state and federal governments heeded the report’s recommendations and scaled up biosecurity funding and efforts to eradicate the ants before it was too late.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to use every resource

it has to stamp out these ants while we still can,” Mr Martin said.

“The potential costs to the nation are too high and the risk to human health is too great – we simply cannot sit by and let this insidious pest take over.

“If we don’t throw everything we can at fire ants to stop them in their tracks, we will be left with land and water that we cannot use to produce the food that feeds our nation, and a deadly pest that is changing our way of life in our communities.

“Clearly, this is not a fire drill, and there is no room for inaction or error when it comes to a threat as significant as this.”

Letters

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK THINK E-QUATIONS MINI WORD FIND

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

WHICH WORDS

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU BIYWORD

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.

NotificationofIntentionto 1080BaitRabbits

Forestry Corporation of NSW Snowy Region Bombala Management Area

Notice of 1080 Aerial Baiting

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting aerial baiting programs using meat baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs. The program will be CONDUCTED between Monday 29 April 2024 and Sunday 12 May 2024. Baiting programs will be conducted in the Rocky Plain, Snowy Plain, Thredbo/Ingebyra, Adaminaby/Yaouk, Dalgety/Paupong and Corrowong/Tombong/Merriangaah Wild Dog Plan Areas. This includes the following sections of Kosciuszko National Park: the Eucumbene; Happy Jacks; Snowy Plain; Kalkite Mountain; Thredbo Valley; Moonbah; Ingebyra; Paupong; Numbla Vale; the Snowy River; Byadbo Wilderness Area and Corrowong. Baiting programs will also be undertaken in Scabby Range, Yaouk, Merriangaah and Quidong Nature Reserves. All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.

Please be reminded that domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS Estate. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance. For further information please contact the NPWS Jindabyne Office (02) 6450 5555

BERRY COTTAGES

44 Mackay Street, Berridale, NSW

The legacy of the late Amy and Ron Berry providing independent living for the aged/disabled in a carefree and secure environment.

Cottage 7 is nearing completion and will be available for tenancy shortly and interested persons are encouraged to make an initial confidential enquiry, re-eligibility and tenancy conditions with one or more of the following Board Members:

Chair Don Clinton, Robyn Woodhouse, Fay Smits, or CEO/Secretary Bill Smits who can be contacted on (02) 6456 3573 to make the necessary arrangements.

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

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

MONARO HIGH SCHOOL CANTEEN TENDER School Canteen Licence

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

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

Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line and sent to: The Principal: Monaro-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders close at 3pm on May

K PETERS REGIONAL MANAGER

GOUDIE, Trevor Robert. Passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Cooma Hospital, Cooma. Formally of Niangala Street, Cooma. Aged 78 years. Dearly loved husband of Lyndell. Father to Scott, Cameron and Lauren. Father-in-law to Caroline. A private cremation was held for Trevor.

Michelago volunteers recognised

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE hardwork, bravery and commitment of nine Michelago Rural Fire Service volunteers has been honoured with members receiving long service citations at a special ceremony.

The brigade was joined by Monaro RFS District Manager, Jim Darrant, at the Michelago fire shed on Sunday to recognise more than 100-years combined service.

Mr Darrant praised the efforts of the entire Michelago brigade and thanked the recipients for their work over many years.

“We thank each of the recipients for their commitment to serving their community,” Mr Darrant said.

“These occasions where we gather to reflect on the achievements of our volunteers are special. They allow us to pause and reflect on their great work.”

The medals were presented by Mr Darrant, Michelago brigade president and group captain, Brent Wallis, and brigade captain Keith Howker.

Long service medals were awarded to:

Rob Smith

Rob was initially a member of the Smith’s Road Brigade before joining Michelago. During that time, he has served as training officer on two occasions between 2017-18 and 2020-21.

John Taylor

John joined the brigade in 2008 and has been a quiet achiever who without fuss has just kept turning up to training and callouts.

In recognition of his skills, John was elected deputy captain in 2016 and he held that position until 2022.

Kylie Kenyon

Kylie joined the brigade in 2010 and has participated in all aspects of brigade life.

A regular at training and callouts, Kylie’s good humour and positive attitude have contributed to the morale of the brigade, particularly during the long periods of ‘hurry up and wait’ during major fires.

Kylie was elected to the vital role of catering officer between 2012 and 2014, and she made such a success of it that she was re-elected in 2016 and served till 2021.

Peter Butler

Peter initially joined the RFS in 2011 in the Cumberland District on the Penrith/ Blacktown outskirts of Sydney and served there until he took a tree-change and moved to Michelago in 2014.

Peter was elected training officer in 2016 and held that position until 2019. During that time he has contributed to training exercises across the region.

Anna Bunston

Anna joined the brigade in 2008, and quickly established herself as a reliable, and effective member.

She served as vice president in 2010, and as secretary from 2011-14. This was at a time when the secretary’s role was fast evolving into a more demanding position as the volume of correspondence and recordkeeping increased.

In 2010, a community fire unit was located at the Bunston’s property on Clear View Road, and Anna and her husband Dave have been responsible for that

unit in the decade since then.

David Bunston

Dave joined the brigade in 2007 and was quickly promoted to vice president in the same year, He also served as equipment officer between 2008 and 2015.

In addition to his regular member duties of attending training and callouts, Dave also performed the thankless role of auditor of the brigade financial statements for several years until the rules changed and a non-member had to perform that role.

Lauren Wallis

Lauren joined the brigade in 2010 and like many of her fellow members, has juggled her RFS commitment with family and work duties. Lauren was elected ca-

tering officer in 2012 and fulfilled that role with distinction until 2019. As part of those responsibilities, she has been one of the key planners preparing for our annual Bunnings fundraising barbecues.

Abby McPherson

Abby joined the brigade in June 2011 and within 12 months had been elected to the crucial role of catering officer.

Abby is another quiet achiever in the brigade who in addition to her RFS role, juggles other responsibilities such as her family, assisting with her husband Troy’s construction company, and being a valued staff member at the Michelago school.

In 2017, Abby was elected brigade president and

served in that role with distinction for more than five years as the brigade expanded and we moved into its new shed.

More recently she was elected to the important position of senior deputy captain.

Lee Harris Lee Joined the brigade in August 2010 and has been a dedicated, quiet achiever since then: the sort of member who turns up to training and callouts regularly and just gets on with it.

In 2019, he became secretary.

Lee’s efficiency in developing failsafe record procedures has been instrumental in ensuring that the brigade meets its responsibilities, something most members may not realise.

The Michelago Rural Fire Service brigade came together on Sunday to thank their hard working and dedicated volunteers.

RECOGNISED: Monaro RFS District Manager, Jim Darrant (far left), Michelago RFS president and group captain, Brent Wallis (far right) and Michelago RFS captain Keith Howker (second from right) congratulate some of the brigade’s female members on their long service awards. Abby McPherson, Kylie Kenyon, Anna Bunston, and Lauren Wallis were praised for their efforts. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Gourmet delights for Raglan exhibition opening attendees

By KAREN FORMAN

ATTENDEES of the opening of Jindabyne photographer Margot Seares’ new exhibition at Cooma’s Raglan Gallery, Almost Real, were treated to a poignant, sensitively shot display of portraits of men and women who had become the sex they had felt they were meant to be.

Seares has been retired from her job as a commercial photographer for some time, but now makes her way as a chocalatier, and served up some of her wares at the official openeding attended by around 30 family, friends and members of the public on Friday.

The exhibition, which is open until May 15, stands out from others because of the lenticular technique used by the photographer when she shot the series almost two decades ago,

while studying photography at university. The technique, achieved by the use of a six-lens camera, was used by artists in the 16th century and provides an almost three dimension af-

fect on some parts of the images, for example, hands and eyes.

Guest speaker, photographer Denise Ferris said she had first seen the collection “almost a lifetime ago”

and said the subject matter was just as relevant today as it had been.

“Taking a quote from Emile Zola, we are like books, most people only see our cover, the minority

read only the introduction, many people believe the critics. Few will know our content,” she said.

“The people in these portraits are revealing their actual content, determined

to reveal who they are. They want the cover and the content to match. Margot has managed to photograph them insightfully, frankly, with authenticity and a beautiful innocence.”

Almost Real opening night crowd at the Raglan Gallery.

Simon Blazey and Allan Oliver.

Margot Seares and Lea Monticone at the opening.

EXHIBITION: The Raglan’s Jenny Coles (right) with photographer Margot Seares. PHOTOS: Karen Forman.

Chocolate art by photographer Margot Seares was a popular addition to the Almost Real exhibition opening.

Tough loss for Red Devils

THE Cooma Red Devils have started their 2024 rugby season with a tough first round loss to the Jindabyne Bushpigs.

The Bushpigs showed why they are the current premiers, racing to a 82-7 win.

Rotary Oval welcomed a large crowd for the Monaro rugby derby on Saturday April 20.

The Red Devils started well but with no trial games in the pre-season, it soon showed as the Bushpigs took control of the game.

Prior to the seniors taking the field, a juniors trial between Cooma and Jindabyne took place.

Both sides enjoyed the opportunity to play, particularly in front of a large crowd.

The junior’s players of the match went to Nate McMahon of Jindabyne and Ashton Jamieson on Cooma.

For the Red Devils seniors, there were strong games from Leo Dwyer (three player of the year points), Will Bucknell (two points) and Josh McDonald (one point and player’s player).

This weekend, the Red Devils seniors head to Braidwood.

Southern Cats hunt early win

THE Southern Cats are looking forward to the start of the new season following a productive pre-season that brought new players into the squad and a renewed focus for the 2024 campaign.

The side faces Eastlake in round one of the Canberra AFL third grade competition on Saturday. Cats fans can head along to Kambah Oval from 2.30pm to watch the side.

Cats president Anthony Sexton says the club is confident of a strong showing this year, and are particularly excited to be playing four home games in Cooma, the club’s original home.

“Our season preparation has gone well. We have a lot of fresh faces and a much younger than we have fielded in many years,” Sexton said.

“Our four home games are because the club loves the region

and we want to have a larger presence in Cooma, particularly with our efforts to get a women’s team. We are bringing the best sides from last year to Cooma and hope to use our home ground advantage to get some wins.”

The Cats will celebrate their 1984 premiership winning side with a 40th anniversary weekend in Cooma on June 22. The side will take on Goulburn before a reunion event at the Cooma Hotel.

The club is hopeful of securing a trial match on June 22 for the Cats women eager to play Aussie Rules Football. The club came close to forming a women’s side and are working on building numbers for next season.

Leading the Cats this year is Jarad Clarke. Despite a number of experienced players retiring, Sexton said the club has a good balance of ‘older’ heads and younger players.

The junior Red Devils spread the ball wide during their match with Jindabyne. PHOTO: Em Rolfe

Ethan Cawthorn breaks through the defence and is headed to the tryline. Cawthorn proves a handful for the Red Devils.

Cooma’s Joseph Winstanley reaches out to score his side’s sole try for the match.

LEADERS: The Southern Cats leadership team comprises Alistair Pollard, Jordan Lopes, Jarad Clarke and Edward Habel. The club starts its season this Saturday against Eastlake. PHOTO: Southern Cats

TACKLE: The Bushpigs defence effect a solid tackle on Cooma’s Josh McDonald. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson

Nate McMahon and Ashton Jamieson are awarded player of the match honours in the junior trial game. Cooma senior player Dom Giagios presents the players with an award, donated by Dom at the Cooma Barber.

PHOTO: Em Rolfe

Blake Davis off to nationals

COOMA talent Blake Davis will take on the nation’s best junior athletes when he competes in the Australian Little Athletics Championships.

Blake is headed for Adelaide this week as part of the ACT team. He was selected following an excellent showing at the ACT Championships and is looking forward to representing Cooma on the national stage.

Blake is competing in the under 13 age group and is just one of eight athletes selected for the under 13 boy’s ACT team.

The promising junior athlete has a busy schedule coming up across the weekend’s competition.

Blake will compete in the 200m hurdles, 80m hurdles, javelin and 1500m.

“We are very proud of Blake’s achievements. Blake’s hard work and commitment has paid off,” Cooma Athletics Club secretary Katrina Payne said.

NATIONALS: Cooma’s Blake Davis will compete in the Australian Little Athletics Championships this weekend. PHOTOS: Cooma Athletics Club

Bowls back in full swing

By COOMA BOWLS

DURING March, the Don Povey green at the Cooma Bowling Club was renovated and top dressed by Ben Nielson.

The result is that that green is now in beautiful condition and the bowls are running fast and true.

Importantly, there is a lot of bowls being played in lovely autumn weather.

Round two of the major pairs championships were held on April 20.

On rink one - Mick Mayhew and Phil Hunter played outstanding bowls to defeat Peter Marsicano and Mark Buckley 20-6.

On rink two - a tight match saw Don Menchin and Colin roberson win by one point, 20-19, over Terry Croker and Rob Roberson.

On rink three - favourites, Geoff Venables and Mel Storta, won 12 of 21ends to defeat Daphne Buckley and Tony Gray 31-13.

In social bowls, there has been strong numbers in recent weeks.

Bowls on Wednesday April 17 saw C.McDermott, M.Zasson and D.Menchin defeat K.Venables, B.McDermott and L.Snell 15-12.

R.Douglass, R.Winckel

and G.Tilbrook couldn’t match P.Harris, I.Rees and M.Minnile, losing 22-14.

Rounding out social bowls last week, D.Wilkins, b.Stewart and S.Bowerman led all the way of 18-ends to beat M.Bowerman, M.Butler and k.Rees 22-13.

Social bowls on Saturday April 20, saw R.Douglass and G.Tilbrook jump to an early lead against B.Stewart and M.Butler. Douglass and Tilbrook won 18-9.

In the other match, S.Venables and M.Buckley had a close game against T.Venables and K.Rees, finishing 16-all.

TALENT: Blake with his coach Kate Reid, training before his national championships.

BOWLS: Beautiful autumn poplar trees border the new greens at the Cooma Bowling Club. Cooma registered their first win of the Pennants season. PHOTO: Don Menchin, Cooma Bowling Club

STALLIONS HERITAGE ROUND

Stallions outclassed

By DAVID BRISON

THE Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs were quickly on the attack and shredded the Stallions left edge defence with an 80 metre run for the first of three tries to their speedster Luke Rixon, 0-6.

Minutes later and almost the same play resulted in Rixon’s second try, 0-12.

Young Stallions centre Jonah Perea in his first grade debut and produced some strong runs. He looks to be a solid defender.

The Bulldogs, playing at home, scored another quick try, 0-16, before Cooma, best lead by Todd Williams, Nic Zusak and Richard Bensley got a chance.

Big prop William Tutai made a great burst through the middle of their ruck and was stopped just short. Riley Casey pressed the line before Tutai crashed over from dummy half. Zusak converted, 6-16 at the break.

After the break, a knockon near the Stallions line saw a scrum to the Bulldogs. A sweeping back line movement saw Rixon grab his third try, 6-20.

Whilst the Stallions didn’t

By DAVID BRISON

DESPITE some really strong carries and defence by the forwards, led by Mill Issa and Jake Byrne, the Bulldogs were first to score, 0-6.

Young Lee Morgan, playing his first senior game for the Stallions, was in the thick of the action and made a great try saving tackle, only to have the Bulldogs score in the next play, 0-12.

Brock Halls made a couple of great runs including one of about 70 metres only to be cut down just short of their line. The opposition quickly counter-attacked before Stallions winger Ryder Cochran saved a try just before half time for a 0-12 scoreline at the break.

After the break, Talon Kelly, captain-coach James Boller and forward Josh McDonald made some good inroads, but Cooma couldn’t get anything really started in attack until half Thomas

give up, their propensity to drop the ball anytime they had possession didn’t held the cause.

Special mention to Josh McDonald who made a couple of try-saving tackles after a full reserve grade game. The final score of 6-42 probably flattered the Stallions.

Three points to Bensley, two to Zusak and one to Williams. Players’ player, William Tutai.

Saturday April 27, the Stallions are at home at the Cooma Showground to Bombala. This will be heritage round commemorating the 1984 team in their win in the grand final against BombalaDelegate.

There will be two games, at this stage Fillies will kick off at 1.30pm and first grade at 3pm.

Stallions Lucky Joker is on at the Cooma Hotel this coming Saturday, $9000 on offer.

Stallions reserves much improved

King plucked a chip kick out of the air and ran 70 metres to score under the posts. Robbie Smith converted, 6-12.

The Bulldogs attacked strongly and Boller made the tackle of the game stopping a certain try on our line. Not to be denied a couple of sets later and they were over, 6-18.

Halls chimed into the back line and made a break of about 50 metres before again being rounded up.

The Bulldogs again attacked strongly and again kicked to King who this time ran about 90 metres to score under the posts. Declan Gregory converted, 12-18.

With minutes left, the Stallions attacked strongly and Tom Bromfield was stopped just short of the line by solid defence.With a minute or so left, the Stallions had a scrum on their 20 metre line but somehow the Bulldogs managed not to pack it (and there is no time off in re-

serve grade), so Cooma was unable to snatch a draw. Three points went

Fillies secure first win

By DAVID BRISON

ANOTHER beautiful autumn day down at the Pambula Showground as the three Cooma teams took on the MerimbulaPambula Bulldogs.

The Fillies got into stride early with Ash Steinke showing some good leadership skills and stability in both attack and defence.

Chloe Trevanion with quick hands got the ball away to winger Alyssa Arnold who was over out wide for the Fillies’ first try of the 2024 season. Trevanion was unable to convert, 4-0.

The Merimbula-Pambula Hot Doggies got on a bit of a roll and only good defence by Brynne Wittig saved a certain try. Nevertheless, on the back of a couple of back to back

penalties, the Hot Doggies were able to score, 4-4.

The Fillies made some good ground and Steinke, Grace Prendergast, Jessica Clarke and Arnold were all stopped just short of the line by some spirited Pambula defence for a 4-4 half time score.

After the break, they dropped the ball and winger Callie Allcock grabbed it and ran 30 metres to score, 8-4. Trevanion’s attempt hit the goal post but the ball bounced back. Dannielle Barron made three in a row, must make, tackles to defuse a Hot Doggies resurgence before Steinke put Prendergast over for a late try to seal the game 14-4.

Three points to Jessica Clarke, two to Erin Trevanion and one to Callie Allcock.

to Jake

Byrne, two to Kelly and one each to Halls and King. Players’ player went to King.

Kicking for goal during the trial match is Astin Nunan. Nunan has started the season at halfback for the Stallions and is a key player for the side.

MILESTONE: Stallions talent Lee Morgan makes his senior debut against the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs. Morgan is pictured during a trial match for the Stallions.

PHOTO: AS Photography

TOUGH LOSS: The Cooma Stallions were unable to topple last year’s premiers, the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs. Pictured is Stallions hooker Nic Zusak in action against the Bulldogs during a trial match last month.

PHOTOS: AS Photography

STALLIONS HERITAGE ROUND

Reliving Stallions 1984 premiership triumph

IN the Cooma – Monaro Express on Thursday September 20, 1984, a detailed account of the Cooma Stallions’ 1984 premiership win delighted readers.

‘How the Stallions Won’ By Mick Glasheen.

IT’s Cooma, Cooma, Cooma! And Stallions go, go go – I’m still hoarse from shouting so much!

Eighty minutes of football is a long time and weren’t we treated to spectacle of great grand final football last Sunday.

In case you haven’t heard, the Cooma Stallions first grade won the Group 16 rugby league premiership at Bega last Sunday.

Unfortunately, after putting in a wholehearted effort, the reserve grade squad went down to the Bega side.

In the main game, Cooma came out very strongly and dominated the first 15-minutes of play.

On several occasions, the Stallions looked as if they were going to break clear. Chris Mould, Mark Weston, Craig Schofield and Graham Elliot all looked threatening.

On several occasions, when Bombala-Delegate were caught down in their own half, they sought to kick out.

On each occasion, Mick Thomas and Johnny Crisp were there to recover and take the ball back into the Bombala-Delegate half.

After the 15th minute, BombalaDelegate found more ball coming their way and for the first time they looked threatening.

Cooma’s defence, put under pressure for the first time in the match, momentarily wilted and Bombala-Delegate’s Calloway, taking advantage weaved through to score.

The conversion was unsuccessful.

Cooma, unfortunately, was not given much respite and BombalaDelegate was in again to score several minutes later through winger, Ingram.

Again, the conversion was unsuccessful but the scoreline read eights points to nil.

Cooma has developed a great will to win over the season and it was this attitude which brought them right back into the game.

Craig Schofield made very strong run up the centre of the field, but he lacked support and was tackled on the Bombala-Delegate quarterline.

Cooma needed points on the board and they came in the form

of a penalty goal, successfully kicked by Johnny Crisp.

Attempts at field goals seem to be an integral part of the BombalaDelegate game and so it was with only minutes to go before half time that their captain coach Steve McKenzie put one over. At half time the score was 9-2.

Rod Harrogan failed to come out in the second half and was replaced by Dean Lynch, who did a fine job.

Harrogan did a lot of defence in the first half, including a matchwinning covering tackle, and was injured midway through the half.

Soon after half-time, BombalaDelegate pushed their way into the Cooma half and Steve McKenzie had another shot at field goal.

This was waved away. Now it was Cooma’s turn and with Mick Tilse coordinating play, they threw everything at Bombala-Delegate.

Craig Schofield was having a blinder and made several breaks.

Cooma was throwing the ball around and eventually around the 20th minute, Bernie Shaw went in to score in the corner after a sweeping backline movement

Cooma’s defence held true and at the bell, the Stallions were premiers for 1984, 12 points to 9 over Bombala-Delegate.

PHOTOS: From the Cooma-Monaro Express, 1984, Thursday September 20 edition.

Legacy day success

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

THE Legacy Golf Day held at Coolamatong Golf Club on Saturday was a success with a large field of both club members and visitors.

While the exact amount raised for the Cooma-Bombala Legacy will be confirmed this coming week, Betty and Ross Thompson from the Coolamatong Golf Club believe this year’s fundraising effort will be the best yet and is set to surpass $5000.

“It was a great day, and we are very thankful to everyone who attended and supported the annual event,” Betty said.

“Besides a perfect day for golf, the attendees were very generous with purchasing raffle tickets and bidding for the auction prizes.”

There was a $5000 hole-inone cash prize sponsored by Cooma Ex-Services Club on offer on hole 15.

The prize wasn’t won with the breeze blowing for much of the day, making the 134-metre par three much harder than normal and not one player hit the green.

While the money was not awarded, the food and drinks served on course kept the golfers’ mood jovial and resulted in a wide-ranging set of scores.

The best nett score for players with a handicap was David Douglas with a four under 67 nett from a handicap of 16. He won on a countback from Mitch Canty who also shot 67 nett.

The best scratch score of the day went to Alan Butterworth who shot 79. For non-handicap players, Mark Brown had the best score shooting 83.

In the ladies competition, Mary Obermaier had a 75 nett score and Carolyn Major won the best scratch score of the day with 95.

The club welcomed several junior golfers on the day with Owen Freebody claiming first prize from runners up Jack Dunn, William O’Keeffe and Isaac Freebody.

In the longest drive competition, Coolamatong’s Josh Shortland, a renowned big hitter claimed the men’s prize and the ladies longest drive went to Carolyn Major.

Nearest the pins on the day were Adam Foster on the third and Kim Weston on 17.

Jan O’Halloran claimed

the ladies on hole three, and Carolyn Major on both holes eight and 17.

The Coolamatong Golf Club thanked the individuals who donated and all business for their support, including: Cooma Ex-Services Club, Monaro Wool, Litchfield Wool, Carmichael & Co Woolbrokers, Banjo Paterson Inn, Mainstreet Clothing, Hip Pocket Workwear, South East Rural Supplies, Berridale Chemist and Snowy River Holiday Park at Dalgety.

Tight finish for Coolamatong Scramble

By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB

THE Scramble ambrose event was held at Coolamatong Golf Club on Sunday with teams vying to qualify for the regional round later in the year, in what is one of the biggest events on the Australian golfing calendar.

After playing 18 holes the winners were decided in an astonishing countback with Ewan Murdoch, Josh Shortland, Rod Caldwell and James McFarland winning with 57.87 nett, their back nine one stroke better than the second team.

The ambrose format of playing the best shot of the group always produces good scores, and the winning team had their fair share of highlights.

Starting with two birdies in the first four holes and another on the ninth, setup a three under front nine.

WINNERS: The victorious team of Josh Shortland, Rod Caldwell, James McFarland and Ewan Murdoch with event organiser Mick Bottom. They qualify for the regional event later in the year.

Another four birdies in the first five holes on the back nine capped off with a birdie on the last hole sealed the win.

Runners-up were Greg Quinn, Chris Brown, Alan

Butterworth and Jason Christie who also had the same nett score and produced some great golf between them.

Third place went to Soeren Stoettrup, Bryn

and C Grade was won by y

Fine scores for

Golf Club

Nicholas, Toby Peterson and Jordan Sell. Of the 12 groups there were very good scores across the board and if a few more putts had dropped they would have been right in the mix.

Mitch Canty plays a nice shot during the Legacy golf day at Coolamatong.

PHOTO: Coolamatong

LEGACY DAY: Dean Linton, Ben Sim and Rod Baillie at the Cooma Ex-Services Club sponsored hole- in-one par three, 15th hole. PHOTOS: Coolamatong Golf Club

Lodge’s success earns award

AWARD: Jindabyne’s Lottie Lodge in action during the Freestyle Skiing Women’s Dual Moguls at the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Lodge has been awarded the Snow Australia junior mogul skier of the year. PHOTO: IOC/OIS

Jindabyne skier declared athlete of yyyear

JINDABYNE mogul talent

Lottie Lodge has enjoyed a sensational 12-months with her success recognised as the Snow Australia mogul junior athlete of the year.

The Snow Australia awards honour the achievements of the nation’s snowsport athletes over the past 12 months on the world stage.

The organisation has released its list of 2024 Junior Athletes of the Year as nominated by their respective National Discipline Committees.

Lodge won silver in the Freestyle Dual Moguls at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (WYOG) in Gangwon, South Korea in January.

The event marked the first time dual moguls has been on the WYOG program, with Lodge’s medal the second for team Australia at the fourth edition of the Games.

The 17-year-old won three of her four duals to progress through to the semi-finals where she then defeated USA’s team dual bronze medallist Abby McLarnon.

Mogul Skiing Junior Athlete of the Year - Lottie Lodge

A debut appearance at last year’s Junior World Championships set Lottie up for a strong 2023/24 campaign.

After competing in North America in December, Lottie represented Australia at the Youth Winter Olympic Games, combining with Edward Hill for a quarterfinal appearance in the team event before taking dual moguls silver. She was only beaten by an athlete who has since stood on the World Cup podium next to Jakara Anthony.

Alpine Skiing Junior Athlete of the Year - Harry Hoffman

Harry Hoffman cracked the sub-30 FIS points mark twice this season, a true mark of his progression.

The results achieved in Europe and North America place Harry in the top 15 in the world for his age in slalom skiing. He scored two top 20 national championships results in Italy and scored his first FIS race victory in giant slalom at Snow King Mountain Resort, Wyoming in January.

Cross Country Skiing Junior Athlete of the YearJayden Spring

Jayden Spring made his first appearance at the Junior World Championships in Slovenia and qualified for the top 30 in the Sprint.

Jayden’s sprint ability on the international stage was foreshadowed during the domestic season when he finished first in sprint qualification for both classic and freestyle against athletes with far more experience on the world stage.

Freeski Park and Pipe Junior Athlete of the YearDaisy Thomas

Daisy Thomas kick-started her 2023/24 campaign with a big air seventh place at the Junior world Championships in New Zealand.

She went on to make her World Cup debut at Cooper Mountain in December where she qualified for the big air final and finished seventh overall. After being selected for the Youth Winter Olympic Games, Daisy scored a top five finish in slopestyle, before landing a podium finish in big air by taking the silver medal for Australia.

Ski Cross Junior Athlete of the Year - Duncan Cowan

After strong Australia New Zealand Cup performances in the domestic season, Duncan travelled to Canada and scored two top five Nor-Am Cup results, only beaten by far more experienced campaigners.

He went on to be given the honour of carrying the Australian flag at the opening ceremony of the Youth Winter Olympic Games, finishing sixth in the individual ski cross and 14th in the team event.

Snowboard Cross Junior Athlete of the Year - James Johnstone

A Junior World Champion alongside Josie Baff last season, James Johnstone this season started to make his mark in the senior ranks.

On top of making his World Cup debut in December, March saw James score his maiden Europa Cup victory in France, then back it up the following day for back-to-back wins. He finished the season with three Europa Cup podiums, five top-six results and fourth on the overall standings.

Snowboard Park & Pipe Junior Athlete of the YearAlly Hickman

Ally Hickman was a start of the Junior World Championships in New Zealand, picking up slopestyle bronze as the youngest athlete in the field.

She went on to score a top ten in big air at Junior Worlds, before backing that up with two more top tens at the Youth Winter Olympic Games in Korea. Ally rounded out the season with her second FIS victory, a slopestyle gold in March at Winsport Calgary, Canada

High y Hi h

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Jindabyne Bushpigs have started their premiership defence in emphatic style with an 82-7 win over Monaro rivals, the Cooma Red Devils.

Round one of the South Coast/Monaro rugby union season kicked-off with a local derby as the Bushpigs sounded an early season warning to their rivals.

The 2022 and 2023 premiers showed no signs of off-season rust, racing in 12 tries in an attacking masterclass.

The Bushpigs brought their popular running rugby to Cooma’s Rotary Oval as a large crowd gathered for the first game of 2024.

Bushpigs inside centre Jackson Stewart led the way for his side, setting up multiple tries and scoring one himself.

Stewart and flyhalf Dylan Johnson delivered early ball to the Bushpigs backline who had far too much speed for the Red Devils defence.

The opening 10-minutes was a tight affair before the Bushpigs opened up a 24-nil lead inside 20-minutes.

Another break down the left side opened up the tryline for Ethan Cawthorn. Cawthorn, who starred in the Bushpigs 2023 finals campaign, found the line

Brilliant Bushpigs

to open his account for the season.

The start of the second half favoured the Red Devils who maintained possession close to the tryline. The homeside crossed for their sole try of the encounter when outside centre Joseph Winstanley barged over from close range.

The Red Devils kept the Bushpigs scoreless for about 12-minutes into the second

stanza before the visitors again found the tryline.

While the outside backs were slick for the Bushpigs, the side’s forwards delivered multiple turnovers at the breakdown. Boasting a similar forward pack to last season, the side will be tough to beat throughout the year.

Further long-range tries took the Bushpigs past 80.

A highlight of the day took place before the first tackle,

when club stalwarts Harry Cummins, Nick Elliot and John Mcloughlin presented the side with their jerseys. The trio spoke of the club’s history and standing in the community.

The Bushpigs now turn their attention towards their first home game of the season on Saturday April 27. The Bushpigs host Yass at John Connors Oval with kick-off at 2.30pm.

The Jindabyne Miss Piggies faced a tough test against Canberra Royals, going down 77-0. The side will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when they return home for the first time

in 2024.

The Miss Piggies take on Yass, kick-off 1.30pm. The side enjoyed a fine season in 2023, reaching the finals in what proved to be a tough competition.

LEGENDS: Jindabyne Bushpigs club stalwarts Nick Elliot (life member),’Postman’ John Mcloughli(well-known community member), and Harry Cummins (club founder), presented the Bushpigs side with their jerseys and spoke about the club’s history. PHOTO: Jindabyne Bushpigs

ATTACK: Jindabyne Bushpigs fullback Dominic Squires beats a Cooma Red Devils defender as he goes on the charge for the defending premiers. The Bushpigs opened their season with a fine 82-17 win.

PHOTO: Nathan Thompson

llback Red he 82-17 win.

CHILDCARE CENTRE CLOSING

RAIL TRAIL TO GO AHEAD

PAGE3PAGE6

BUSHPIGS BEAT RIVALS

SPORT

Jindabyne dominates busking nominations Mountain bike park funds welcomed

By KAREN FORMAN

JINDABYNE will be well represented in the $6000 Cooma regional heat of the Australian National Busking Championships this Saturday.

The Jindabyne continent of performers includes longtime busker and former national champion, Tulli Oayda, who will defend her 2023 regional winner’s title in the Secondary division. Singer guitarist Tulli

won the 2019 Primary event and has been a regular competitor each year.

Gabi Forman, who was third last year in Secondary but moves up to the Adult division this year, is competing for the fourth year, while 14 year old Bella Ward has entered for the second year and will also be in the Secondary category.

This year’s Secondary category will see two new faces in Paisley Coulson and Emily

WIllsmer, who will perform as a duo.

“We play together all the time at school and we wanted to see what we could do outside school,” Emily, 17, an HSC music student at SMGS said.

“Paisley, who is Arts Captain at SMGS, plays guitar and I sing and will be playing guitar and we are excited to be involved for the rst time. We have seen (schoolmate) Gabi do the ANBC and it looks like

fun, so we decided to have a go this year.”

As The Summit Sun went to press, 18 acts including six duos had entered the event, which will be held between 10am and 2.30pm in Cooma’s Central Business District on Saturday, April 27 with each act playing four, 30 minute sets at various busking station.

■ Continue reading on page 8

By TRISTA HEATH

THE NSW Government alongside Snowy Monaro Regional Council committed to investing in and activating a Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park as part of the seven key projects identified for the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct funding. Delivering $196 million to the region, the park investment in the park is to attract year-round tourism and enhance recreation amenities.

Mayor Chris Hanna said the Snowy Mountains are renowned for sports tourism and they are delighted with the Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park investment. “The investment and activation of this park will put Jindabyne on the map as a must visit location for mountain bikers and families seeking excellent downhill trails and modern facilities,” Mayor Hanna said.

The Snowy Mountains has a reputation for being a mountain biking destination and a large proportion of the community participate in mountain biking.

Local schools provide high level, targeted mountain biking programs, with both schools ranking highly in interschools competitions at both state and national levels.

Now the region is lacking in the quantity and quality of new trails, now with this recent announcement and commencement to take place within the next 12 months, Jindabyne will have the amenities it needs to become one of Australia’s best Mountain Biking locations.

■ Continue reading on page 4

MUSIC: ANBC performers Jindabyne’s Gabi Forman (left) and Bella Ward (right), with Cooma’s Paul Shorten (centre). PHOTO: Karen Forman

Stallions celebrate heritage

PAGES 36-37

High derby

By NATHAN THOMPSON

THE Jindabyne Bushpigs have started their premiership defence in emphatic style with an 82-7 win over Monaro rivals, the Cooma Red Devils.

Round one of the South Coast/Monaro rugby union season kicked-o with a local derby as the Bushpigs sounded an early season warning to their rivals.

The 2022 and 2023 premiers showed no signs of o -season rust, racing in 12 tries in an attacking masterclass.

The Bushpigs brought their popular running rugby to Cooma’s Rotary Oval as a large crowd gathered for the rst game of 2024.

Bushpigs inside centre Jackson Stewart led the way for his side, setting up multiple tries and scoring one himself.

Stewart and yhalf Dylan Johnson delivered early ball to the Bushpigs backline who had far too much speed for the Red Devils defence.

The opening 10-minutes was a tight a air before the Bushpigs opened up a 24-nil lead inside 20-minutes.

Another break down the le side opened up the tryline for Ethan Cawthorn. Cawthorn, who starred in the Bushpigs 2023 nals campaign, found the line

Brilliant Bushpigs

to open his account for the season.

The start of the second half favoured the Red Devils who maintained possession close to the tryline. The homeside crossed for their sole try of the encounter when outside centre Joseph Winstanley barged over from close range.

The Red Devils kept the Bushpigs scoreless for about 12-minutes into the second

stanza before the visitors again found the tryline.

While the outside backs were slick for the Bushpigs, the side’s forwards delivered multiple turnovers at the breakdown. Boasting a similar forward pack to last season, the side will be tough to beat throughout the year.

Further long-range tries took the Bushpigs past 80.

A highlight of the day took place before the rst tackle,

when club stalwarts Harry Cummins, Nick Elliot and John Mcloughlin presented the side with their jerseys. The trio spoke of the club’s history and standing in the community.

The Bushpigs now turn their attention towards their rst home game of the season on Saturday April 27. The Bushpigs host Yass at John Connors Oval with kick-o at 2.30pm.

The Jindabyne Miss Piggies faced a tough test against Canberra Royals, going down 77-0. The side will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when they return home for the rst time in 2024.

The Miss Piggies take on Yass, kick-o 1.30pm. The side enjoyed a ne season in 2023, reaching the nals in what proved to be a tough competition.

LEGENDS: Jindabyne Bushpigs club stalwarts Nick Elliot (life member),’Postman’ John Mcloughli(well-known community member), and Harry Cummins (club founder), presented the Bushpigs side with their jerseys and spoke about the club’s history. PHOTO: Jindabyne Bushpigs

ATTACK: Jindabyne Bushpigs fullback Dominic Squires beats a Cooma Red Devils defender as he goes on the charge for the defending premiers. The Bushpigs opened their season with a fine 82-17 win. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson