Irish icon honoured Water tank issues debated
RECOGNITION:
no investigation decided
By NATHAN THOMPSON
THE collapsed Cooma North water tank will be replaced and outstanding claims from affected residents to be settled in the immediate future following an extraordinary Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting last week.
Council met for its third extraordinary meeting since December, this time to discuss the collapse of the Snowy 1 reservoir at Cooma North on January 4, 2020. Councillors Rueben Rose, Andrew Thaler and Luke Williamson called the meeting.
The meeting ran for longer than four hours as councillors debated seven motions put forward by Cr Rose. The motions called for Council to launch an investigation into the tank’s collapse, determine responsibility for its collapse, seek funding to replace the asset and expedite settlement claims from affected residents.
By NATHAN THOMPSON
PADDY Kerrigan has called the Snowy Mountains home for more than 70 years.
The loveable Irishman moved to the region in 1953 and hasn’t looked back.
Mr Kerrigan, 94, was
a popular choice for the Cooma citizen of the year award at the Australia Day ceremony on Sunday January 26.
Mr Kerrigan received the honour for his significant contributions to the region’s tourism industry, particularly advocating for the
Adaminaby region. Australia Day awards were received by community members in Adaminaby, Berridale, Cooma and Michelago.
A special award was presented to Cooma Lions Club stalwart, Chris Reeks, honoured for his efforts
in organising Cooma’s Australia Day ceremonies over eight years and community work across more than 40 years.
■ Coverage on Australia Day celebrations from across the Snowy Monaro region on pages 6, 7, 8 and 9
When the tank collapsed, a number of homes were destroyed, dozens more damaged and close to 30 vehicles affected when 4.5 million litres of water came rushing down the Cooma North reserve. The tank was filled during a declared state of emergency with bushfires throughout the region and close to Cooma.
Council’s current delivery plan includes funding to replace the tank. Councillors were in agreement the tank needed to be replaced.
Councillors disagreed about the need to undertake an independent investigation.
At the time of going to print, minutes from the meeting were yet to be published.
Paddy Kerrigan’s significant community contributions are celebrated at Cooma’s Australia Day awards with the 94-year-old receiving the citizen of the year accolade. Australia Day ambassador, Ethan Butson, presents Mr Kerrigan with the award.
PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
No sale: more store closures confirmed
Cooma Rivers to shut by mid-April
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
THE receivers and managers of Mosaic Brands have confirmed the Rivers brand, and all Rivers stores, will be closing.
In a statement issued last week, the receivers and managers of Mosaic Brands Group said despite the best efforts of the Mosaic Brands Group team, the receivers (KPMG) and voluntary administrators (FTI Consulting), a sale of the Rivers business has not been achieved.
As a consequence, all remaining Rivers stores will close by midApril 2025, including the store on the corner of Bombala and Commissioner Streets, Cooma.
The receivers are continuing to work on a transaction for the remaining brands in the Mosaic portfolio, including Millers and Noni B.
KPMG partners David Hardy, Gayle Dickerson, Ryan Eagle and Amanda Coneyworth were appointed as receivers of the Mosaic Brands Group entities on October 28 last year.
“Unfortunately, a sale of Rivers was not able to be achieved,” KPMG turnaround and re-structuring partner, Mr Hardy, said.
“This means the receivers have made the difficult decision to wind down this iconic Australian brand.
CONFIRMED: Rivers in Cooma is closing following an announcement last Thursday by the parent company’s receivers and managers.
“The receivers thank the Mosaic and Rivers employees who have all worked tirelessly during this difficult period.
“They thank Rivers’ loyal customer base as well, which has continued to support the brands.”
The closure of the Rivers brand will impact 136 Rivers stores and approximately 650 employees.
The timing of individual store closures will vary and be largely dependent on stock levels and sell through.
Sale events and promotions will
be run in all stores and the receivers encourage customers to visit their local store or the ecommerce site while stocks last.
Last week, the president of Cooma Chamber of Commerce, Lynette Armour, expressed the chamber’s disappointment in the confirmed closure of Millers in Centennial Plaza, as did many disgruntled local residents who are now questioning where they can shop to buy mid-priced clothing, underwear and shoes in the Snowy Monaro region.
Alpine Way upgrades
MOTORISTS using Alpine Way at Thredbo will benefit from essential maintenance work starting next month on large drains, known as culverts, located underneath the roadway.
Transport for NSW regional director south, Cassandra Ffrench, said the work will be carried out from Monday February 3, about five kilometres southwest of Thredbo Village.
“Inspections found the culverts at the crossing of Thredbo River on Alpine Way have become deformed and have moderate corrosion,” Ms Ffrench said.
“Maintenance work is required to rehabilitate the culverts and improve the strength of the structure to prevent future erosion, stabilise the road and allow motorists to safely cross the river long into the future.”
Work will involve relining the culverts, construction of
a new retaining wall on the upstream side, and placement of scour protection downstream.
The project will be carried out in three stages during 2025 and early 2026 with the full program of work expected to take up to five months, weather permitting.
Work will be carried out from 6am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.
Single lane closures with stop/slow traffic conditions and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place until work is completed for the safety of motorists and workers.
A dedicated walkway will be maintained through the project site during work hours to allow access to the Cascade walking track, however the carpark at Cascade trail will be closed so visitors will be directed instead to park in the Dead Horse Gap car park.
MAINTENANCE: Upgrades to the Alpine Way will begin next month.
PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack
PHOTO: Contributed
Investigations ongoing into vandalism incident
By TRISTA HEATH
EARLIER this month, Jindabyne Police were notified of extensive damage to the Banjo Paterson Park toilet block.
The damage consisted of broken toilet seats and vanity, toilet roll and hand soap dispensers being ripped off the walls and smashed and the removal of drainage pipes.
A Snowy Monaro Regional Council spokesperson said it’s expensive to repair or replace vandalised public property and infrastructure.
“Instead of the significant financial and staffing resources this work requires being directed to any of the essential services we provide for our community, they are instead re-directed to deal with this intentional damage,” the spokesperson said.
“Every act of vandalism on public property reduces Council’s ability to deliver the projects and services that our community relys on, in addition to the immediate impact of temporary closures at damaged sites.
“This means that these senseless acts have a direct negative effect on everyone in the Snowy Monaro, which includes the perpetrators, their friends, and their families.”
Police believe the vandalism took place sometime between 8.30pm on Friday January
10 and 8.30am on Saturday January 11. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police say the community can help put a stop to vandalism by keeping an eye out and reporting suspicious activity and incidents of vandalism.
Graffiti can be reported to the NSW Graffiti Hotline on 1800 707 125 between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday; or to NSW Police online at www. nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/ preventing-or-reporting-crime/ protecting-your-community/ reporting-graffiti. Reports can
be anonymous.
If you see vandalism in progress, call 000 immediately.
Non-emergency reports can also be made by calling the NSW Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
If you see something suspicious, take note of the time, date and location, and a description of the person and what they are wearing if relevant, but do not engage, and never put yourself in danger.
If you have any mobile phone or dashcam footage advise NSW Police when giving information.
Recognising local business excellence
NOMINATIONS are now open for the Snowy Monaro Business Awards (SMBA) 2025. Celebrating excellence, innovation and community spirit in business across the Snowy Monaro region, the SMBA will be held on Friday March 28 at The Station Resort. Award categories include:
• Outstanding Employee –recognising an employee who consistently goes above and beyond;
• Employer of Choice (20 employees and under) –Showcasing businesses that create outstanding workplace cultures;
• Excellence in Innovation –Celebrating businesses that drive change through creative; and forward thinking solutions
• Excellence in Sustainability –Recognising commitment to sustainable business practices;
• Outstanding Community Organisation – Honouring organisations making a positive impact in our region;
• Outstanding New Business (under two years) –Recognising businesses that have made a strong impact since launching;
• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Highlighting businesses championing inclusivity in their workforce and operations;
• Excellence in Micro Business (under five employees) –Showcasing the resilience and success of small enterprises;
• Excellence in Small Business (five to 20 employees) –Recognising outstanding small businesses driving local economic growth;
• Outstanding Visitor Experience – Celebrating businesses delivering exceptional experiences for visitors; and
• Excellence in Sustainable Tourism – Recognising outstanding visitor experiences with eco-friendly practices. Nominations close on Friday February 28, and can be made online at snowymonaro.awardsplatform.com
The People’s Choice Awards will also be available to vote on throughout March. Businesses, employees, or community groups, have the chance to be recognised for their achievements.
Self nominations are encouraged, with businesses and individuals invited to put themselves forward.
VANDALISM: Damage caused to the men’s toilets at the Banjo Paterson Park amenity block.
PHOTO: Darrell Worley
WINNER: Diana McInnes from Design & Detail - Mountain Style won the Retail Business of the Year and the Jindabyne People’s Choice Award in 2023.
PHOTO: Supplied
Taylor joins mental health fight
Motherland welcomes former nurse, politician
By ELLE THOMPSON
FORMER politician, oncology nurse and mother-of-two Bronnie Taylor has been appointed to the board of national charity Motherland, which is on a mission to reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes for rural mothers.
Her appointment as a non-executive director comes amid a first-ofits-kind national survey into rural motherhood. Motherland is calling for submissions from rural women to help address gaps, identify pain points and enable impactful solutions, which the charity will take to decision makers across all levels of government.
Mrs Taylor, who last year retired from a decade-long career in politics, had previously worked as a rural nurse for 20 years, and did so while raising two daughters alongside her husband on their family farm on the Monaro. As a passionate rural health advocate, she’s the latest voice to throw her support behind the national survey to help Motherland change the lives of more rural mums.
During her political career, Mrs Taylor held the positions of Minister for Women, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Regional Youth and Women, as well as serving as the Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party.
Prior to that, she was a registered nurse, working most notably in the fields of palliative care and oncology and became one of the first McGrath Foundation Breast Care nurses and then Director of Cancer Services in the Southern NSW Local Health District.
Mrs Taylor says she is thrilled to join the board of Motherland, an organisation which helps eliminate the crippling isolation many rural mums face by connecting them to a supportive online community and offering a range of services including an innovative online rural mothers group program that rural women can access, regardless of their location.
“I moved to the country for love at the age of 26, and having raised our two daughters on our farm, I understand the challenges many rural mums face when it comes to finding
their community because you live so far away from a physical support network,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Country mums are known for their get-onwith-it attitude, but it can be tough, and I’m so thrilled to be working with Motherland because it creates community and connection no matter where you live.
“Rural mums are so innovative and capable and they can make enormous contributions if they feel supported. The great thing about Motherland is they make it fun and if you can bring happiness and joy to that support, it can be really beneficial.
“Having worked across the rural health sector, both in a clinical and political capacity, I’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be to access critical support when you live in isolated communities. We don’t have the same access to support as those in the city - and that’s why Motherland is having a real impact to help address this gap.”
Mrs Taylor is now calling for rural mothers to have their say and help provide a snapshot of what support they need by participating
holistic insight and data.
“Mums are the lifeblood and backbone of our rural communities, wearing many hats and juggling many balls. That’s why it’s so important they receive the support they needbecause access to support shouldn’t be defined by where you call home,” she said.
“To make change on a national scale, we need more women to have their say. It will give us a better idea of the current state of play and what’s needed to bridge the city-country divide when it comes to accessing critical services for rural mums.”
Motherland Founder and CEO, Stephanie Trethewey, said the charity had a proven track record
isolation of mothers living in rural areas - but more needs to be done.
“Over 90 percent of farms in Australia are family owned or operated, but unfortunately, despite being the glue holding rural households together, rural mothers are underrepresented when it comes to having their say on a national scale, which is why this survey is so important,” she said.
“Motherland’s National Survey on Rural Motherhood will address the gap in reporting of rural mothers to identify their key concerns, uncover mental health trends, unlock insights into their emotional wellbeing, and assist Motherland in advocating
and providing improved and additional support services for rural mothers and their families.
“This understanding will assist our charity to develop programs and services that will further reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes. It will also help policymakers, service providers, and communities better understand the problems women on the land face to provide impactful solutions.”
Motherland’s National Survey on Rural Motherhood is open to rural mums nationallywith the charity planning to take the findings to Parliament House in Canberra.
Complete the survey here: motherlandaustralia.com.au/yoursay
SUPPORTING MOTHERS: Kate Brow, Bronnie Taylor, Sahra Dixon, Alana Platts and Stephanie Trethewey are focussed on supporting rural mothers.
PHOTO: Motherland
Touching service remembers Bomber-134
Water treatment plans near completion
Everyday our thoughts are with them: Captain Barron
By NATHAN THOMPSON
THE courage and sacrifice of the three United States firefighters who died while protecting the Peak View community has been remembered, five years since their aircraft crashed on January 23, 2020.
A memorial service was held at Peak View to honour their lives before a flag raising ceremony took place at the Peak View Rural Fire Service (RFS) shed and community hall.
Dozens of local RFS volunteers, Snowy Monaro RFS officers and Peak View community members were joined
by RFS commissioner, Rob Rogers, former commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, and other dignitaries for the service.
The service was held at the monument near the crash site, erected in honour of Bomber134 aircrew - Ian McBeth, Paul Hudson and Rick DeMorgan Jr.
Peak View RFS captain, James Barron, delivered a touching tribute to the US firefighters. Captain Barron praised their bravery, saying the community will forever remember their sacrifice.
“We honour the lives of the three men we never had the privilege of meeting but gave
us their all,” Captain Barron said.
“Everyday our hearts and thoughts are with them and their families. Their service and sacrifice will long be remembered.
“Our initial gratitude when we saw Bomber-134 coming over turned to devastation. It remains the worst day Peak View has seen and is the greatest tragedy in our community.”
Wreaths were laid at the memorial, and at the Southern Cloud Memorial site in Cooma where a monument to the aircraft and its officers was unveiled last year.
Region’s bus service review underway
SNOWY Monaro residents can have their say on proposed NSW TrainLink coach timetable changes that are due to come into effect in mid-2026 to better meet the needs of the travelling public.
The proposed changes to NSW TrainLink’s coach services include adjusted timetables to meet passenger needs, new routes, additional services on some existing routes, new stops to improve local access and connections to rail and reduced travel times.
“Very pleasingly, Jindabyne would receive increased service frequency and Bombala would be served by a
new, more direct route to Cooma and Canberra,” Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.
“Cooma passengers will also have the choice of a morning service to Canberra seven days per week and an afternoon service to Canberra four days per week, both with ongoing rail connections to Sydney.
“These services are vital to many people in our communities, and I welcome the proposed changes. However, I recommend everyone have their say, so we can ensure the needs of our region are known to TfNSW.”
The planned changes are based on extensive
IMPROVED drinking water will soon flow from the taps in Bombala and Delegate as completion nears on two, new water treatment plants.
The new $15 million infrastructure, funded by the NSW Government Safe and Secure Water Program, will reduce the risk of boil water alerts and improve quality and efficiency.
Bombala’s new water filtration plant will use the latest technology including carbon filtration systems and UV disinfection to improve water taste and quality.
It will also use a high degree of automation including continuous remote online water quality monitoring, which means less time and resources spent by Snowy Monaro Regional Council operators on-site, and a more consistent service for the town’s residents.
Delegate’s new water treatment plant will be a landmark development for the town, delivering a completely treated supply to residents and businesses for the first time.
The smaller facility uses similar technology to Bombala and includes a new storage reservoir, so locals can drink with confidence knowing their tap water is clean and safe.
“These new facilities for Bombala and Delegate are keenly awaited by the community. For a long time,
community and stakeholder feedback from a range of sources including regular customer and operator feedback, and the NSW Bus Taskforce. The proposed coach timetable would not impact train times or services.
Following public consultation, a final service plan will be developed, and coach operators will be able to apply for new NSW TrainLink contracts that are proposed to take effect from mid-2026.
Community members can find details of the proposed routes and provide feedback at South TrainLink Coach Network Review, Have Your Say until Friday, February 14.
the residents have been calling for the need to modernise their water treatment systems,” Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said.
“It’s unfortunate that the people of Delegate have had to boil their water for so many years and we’re excited to see this finalised in coming months.”
Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Chris Hanna, said both projects will be a ‘game-changer’ for each community.
“These water treatment plants are massive projects for Bombala and Delegate and getting them across the line means we will finally be able to deliver reliable, top-quality water to these communities,” Cr Hanna said.
“Having clean drinking water straight from the tap will be a game-changer, especially for our Delegate community who have been doing it tough. They have been boiling their water or relying on rainwater tanks which is not what you expect in 2024, so getting this done has been a real priority for us.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the NSW Government on these $15 million projects. By working together, we can deliver worldclass infrastructure for our region in a way that makes sense for our ratepayers and is the kind of smart, long-term investment our communities deserve.”
Former RFS commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons, and current commissioner, Rob Rogers, lay a wreath at the memorial near the crash site of Bomber-134.
A large contingent gathered at the Peak View RFS memorial for Bomber-134. The Australian and United States flags were flown in honour.
HONOUR: James and Julie of the Peak View Rural Fire Service brigade pay their respects to the three United States firefighters. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Irish icon receives top gong
By NATHAN THOMPSON
A MUCH-loved Old Adaminaby icon, a community event raising close to $300,000 and a wildlife volunteer of 30-years, are among Cooma’s Australia Day award recipients.
Community members and groups were honoured for their contributions to the Snowy Monaro at the Australia Day awards ceremony in Cooma on Sunday January 26.
Awards were shared by residents and groups from Adaminaby, Berridale, Cooma and Michelago.
The Cooma Citizen of the Year was awarded to Paddy Kerrigan for his seven decades of championing tourism in the region, advocating for new Australians working on the Snowy Scheme and for preserving local history.
The nearly 95-year-old is a Snowy Mountains icon. Mr Kerrigan lived in Old Adaminaby for more than 40 years. His honour recognised many achievements, one being establishing a thriving tourist venture on Lake Eucumbene.
During the Australia Day awards, Mr Kerrigan’s carpentry skills were praised. In the 2000s, Mr Kerrigan repaired the Adaminaby School of Arts and huts in the Kosciuszko National Park.
Special achievements awards recognised a range of individuals and groups.
Community involvementPeter Brennan. Mr Brennan was honoured for his dedication to veterinarian services to the Monaro for more than 50 years.
Community involvementBill Smits. Mr Smits has a long involvement with the Berridale and Snowy River Shire communities. He has played a leading role in establishing Berry
Australia Day honours shared across region
Cottages, a series of cottages for older residents and people with a disability to live in a carefree and secure environment.
Community involvementJim Johnston. Mr Johnston was recognised for his work on Remembrance Drive and dedication to remembering past ex-service members.
Environment - Jackie Povey.
Ms Povey’s efforts with wildlife rescue group, LAOKO. Ms Povey is well known for rescuing and caring for native animals.
Community event - Monaro Committee for Cancer Research (mcCr). The mcCr received the
honour for holding the Hot City Disco fundraiser which generated close to $300,000 for cancer patients and services in the region.
Community event - Cooma Monaro Race Club. The club’s 150-years of running the Cooma Cup and other race events saw the organisation win another Australia Day award.
Village community involvement - Michelago General Store. Belinda Hayes, owner of Michelago General Store, accepted the award. Ms Hayes’ contribution to Michelago saw her receive the award for village
community involvement. Village community event - Adaminaby Easter Fair. Tim Corkill and Heather Quinlan of the Adaminaby Easter Fair committee were on hand to accept the award.
Community involvement for sport - Riley Kane. Mr Kane received the accolade for his efforts in running the popular line dancing at the Cooma Bowling Club, participation in the mcCr fundraiser and volunteer work with the Southern Cats Aussie Rules team.
Community involvement - Chris Reeks. Mr Reeks of the Cooma Lions Club was honoured for his work in running the Australia Day awards for close to 10 years, Lions work over decades and time with the Cooma Fire and Rescue NSW.
Members of the Monaro Committee for Cancer Research accept their award from mayor Hanna.
Bill Smits of Berridale is presented a community achievement award for his service to the Berridale community. Australia Day ambassador, Ethan Butson, has the honour of handing Mr Smits his award.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, thanks Belinda Hayes for her help with the Michelago General Store.
Chris Reeks is praised for his e orts running the Australia Day awards ceremony for the Cooma Lions Club. Mayor Chris Hanna presents Mr Reeks with his award.
Gail Eastaway and Mick Schofield of the Cooma Monaro Race Club committee receive their community event award from Mrs Overall.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, presents Jackie Rovey with an Australia Day award for the environment.
HONOUR: Member of the Legislative Council, Nichole Overall (centre) congratulates Adaminaby Easter Fair committee members, Tim Corkill, and Heather Quinlan. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Bombala’s best honoured
Australia Day awards recognise community e orts
By NATHAN THOMPSON
ONCE again Bombala has turned out in strong numbers to celebrate Australia Day and recognise the achievements of its hard working community members and groups.
Recently retired veterinarian, Stephen Reed, was awarded the 2025 Bombala citizen of the year for his decades of service to the southern Monaro community. A popular choice for the
accolade, Mr Reed served as the Bombala district’s vet for more than four decades. Mr Reed provided unwavering care to the community, making himself available to help treat animals 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Currawarna Assisted Living received the community group of the year award in recognition of its hard work and commitment in reopening the Currawarna facility in March 2024.
Currawarna is a 33-bed supported housing facility offering affordable and supported housing to people transitioning from independent at home living.
Through the dedication of Currawarna’s board of volunteers and the community’s support, more than $300,000 was raised to help re-open the facility.
Talented cricketer and golfer, Lakyn Tonks, received the special achievement honour. Tonks represented the Mackillop primary school team in state golf and the NSW schoolboys cricket side at the national championships.
Lakyn, 12, is regarded as one of the promising junior cricketers in country NSW.
The sportsperson of the year honour went to Australian OzTag representative and Bombala High heelers premiership winning captain, Patrice Clear.
More on Clear and Tonk’s efforts can be found in the sport section of this masthead.
Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Nick Elliott, Mr Butson, and Cr Stewart enjoy the Bombala Australia Day event.
PROUD: Bombala Australia Day award recipients are honoured for their community contributions. The winners include citizen of the year, Stephen Reed (far left); young sportsperson, Lakyn Tonks (bottom left); community group of the year, Currawarna Assisted Living represented by its board members (centre of image and far right); and sportsperson of the year, Patrice Clear (second right).
PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Australia Day ambassador for the Snowy Monaro, Ethan Butson; Bombala special achievement of the year, Lakyn Tonks; and Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Bob Stewart.
housing facility offering affordable
Ethan Butson and Cr Stewart congratulate the Bombala Australia Day Sportsperson of the Year, Patrice Clear.
Raising funds for the Bombala Public School year six excursion are Sam, Brad and Summer Tonks (le ) and Chloe and Tom Edgecombe (right).
Awards presented to Nimmity leaders
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
NIMMITABEL’S Australia Day ceremony at Lake Williams included the annual presentation of Service to Community awards.
This year’s worthy recipients are Gary Hayes and Linda Evans.
The certificate citation reads: “In recognition and appreciation of the valuable time, effort and commitment given by you to the local community”.
A large crowd was in attendance to congratulate this year’s award recipients and enjoy the celebrations, hosted by the Nimmitabel Advance Group (NAG) and Nimmitabel Lions Club.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Councillors Tanya Higgins, Linda Summers and Narelle Davis, Nimmitabel Show Society president, Ben Litchfield, Nimmitabel Show Society Young Woman of 2025, Charlotte Pateman, and Rural Achiever program representative, Taya Evans, were part of the official ceremony.
Councillor Higgins opened the official proceedings by welcoming all in attendance including fellow Clrs, Andrew Thaler and Tricia Hopkins and acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, the Ngarigo people, paying respect to all Elders past and present and Aboriginal people attending the ceremony.
Nimmitabel Show Society president, Ben Litchfield, was given the opportunity to speak about next Saturday’s 2025 Nimmitabel Show and also introduced two younger generation volunteers, Taya Evans and Charlotte Pateman, and Councillor Narelle Davis addressed those gathered at the ceremony.
The first of the two Community Service awards was presented to Gary Hayes by Clr Linda Summers.
NAG president, Vickie Pollard, said Mr Hayes has contributed to various groups and organisations in Nimmitabel for more than 20 years.
The second community service certificate was awarded to Linda Evans, presented by Clr Higgins.
“Linda is always reliable and willing to make an ongoing commitment to any organisation so that together they serve their community and help make a difference,” Ms Pollard said.
Both awardees stated how honoured they were to receive the award, and to be a part of a fantastic community and village.
HONOURED: Nimmitabel Advancement Group’s award recipients for Community Service 2025 were presented to Gary
and Linda Evans.
district travelled from the coast to be part of the Australia Day celebrations at Nimmitabel.
Liz Blyton (le ), Peter Evans, Vicki Haylock and Jim Haylock were among the large group of residents and visitors who attended the
Enjoying the morning’s festivities were (back from le ) Steve Lucas, Sue and Isabella Lucas, Graeme Thistleton, (front) Lucy Lucas, Vicki Robinson holding Violet Lucas, Layla Robinson (in stroller) and Brent Lucas.
Colleen, Beryl and Geo Macklan attended the Australia Day celebrations.
Nimmitabel Show Society Young Woman of 2025, Charlotte Pateman, and Nimmitabel’s Rural Achiever program representative, Taya Evans, were presented with flowers at the ceremony.
Nimmitabel Lions Club provided a breakfast barbecue for the Australia Day ceremony on Sunday.
Hayes
PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack
Jindabyne residents recognised
worthy locals
By TRISTA HEATH
THE Jindabyne community gathered at John Connors soccer fields on Sunday January 26 to celebrate the 2025 Australia Day Citizenship Awards.
Nine pillars of the community were recognised for their contributions to the town and involvement in various events and groups that make Jindabyne the town it is today.
The prestigious Citizen of the Year award went to well-known resident, business owner and olympian, Manuela Berchtold.
Her hard work and dedication has seen her business, High Country Fitness, steadily grow, and for the past 20 years has provided Jindabyne with a wonderful facility to enhance health and fitness.
Manuela is passionate about facilitating opportunities for the youth of Jindabyne, inspiring them to strive for their goals.
Amongst the citizen of the year award recipient, other locals including Terry Chalk, Melissa Phillips, Jodie Evans, Malika Bailey, Todd Costa, Marty Firle, Hunter Clark and Nira Windeatt were recognised and honoured for their hard work and community involvement.
There to announce the awards was Nira Windeatt with the Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna and Australia Day Ambassador, Ethan Butson, presenting the awards, a gift bag and flowers to each recipient.
Another great Australia Day ceremony with many community members and visitors showing their gratitude to the award winners as well as partaking in the
Event organiser and volunteer for the Jindabyne Lions Club, Nira Windeatt, was recognised for her community involvement and for always putting on a great Australia Day event.
Jindabyne’s Young Citizen of the Year Award went to Hunter Clark.
Jindabyne’s Special Achievement for Sport went to Marty Firle, accepted on his behalf by wife Desiree.
Jindabyne’s Special Achievement for Art and Culture went to Todd Costa.
Jindabyne’s Special Achievement for Emergency Services went to Malika Bailey for her involvement in Snowy River Unit SES.
Jindabyne’s Special Achievement for Business went to Jodie Evans for her restaurant, Crackenback Farm and Guesthouse.
Jindabyne’s Special Achievement for Education and Community went to Melissa Phillips.
Jindabyne’s Special Achievement Community Event Award went to Terry Chalk for his work for the annual Jindabyne Lions Easter Art Show and Sale.
AWARDED: Jindabyne’s Citizen of the Year Award for 2025 went to Manuela Berchtold.
PHOTOS: Trista Heath
Australia Day –worth celebrating
AUSTRALIA Day and its national holiday weekend has seen a new Australian of the Year announced by the Prime Minister, along with Senior Australian, Junior Australian, and Local Hero of Australia awards.
Closer to home, local Australia Day Awards were featured by our council to recognize and celebrate a range of local community contributors.
For all this, Australia Day, has in recent years, been questioned as an official day of celebration.
Federal, state and some councils have been ambivalent, tending to side with minority groups’ sentiments around the debate.
This is not just a rejection of the date but a lack of recognition of what has been achieved by this relatively young country, a foundation from which set a course based on colonisation but with democracy and the rule of law, and shaped by immigration and opportunity.
Some councils have sought compensation from the Federal Government for citizenship ceremonies, citing extreme heat and irregular working hours as justification, prompting the Opposition leader to produce a plan to make the ceremonies mandatory.
While the date of Australia Day, January 26, continues to be debated, the question of citizenship ceremonies on the day can be separated from the
issue of whether it is the best date to recognize our nationhood.
For those councils who continue the long-standing tradition of awarding citizenship on Australia Day, it marks a recognition and respect for our national ceremonies.
As with the indigenously inspired Welcome to Country, our new countrymen and women who have chosen to embrace Australia by becoming citizens, are welcomed, and embraced into an increasingly multicultural country.
A recent survey by the Institute of Public Affairs has shown that 69 per cent of Australians say Australia Day should be celebrated on January 26, which is up from 63 per cent 12 months ago; a majority of age groups also support the day.
Of the world’s approximate 200 countries, only a few do not have a national day; many have undergone tortuous journeys of war and revolution in their national days becoming integral to their culture.
Without denying the special place for our Indigenous First Peoples, their culture and future wellbeing, Australia’s national day whatever the date, needs to be more collectively celebrated for the country’s cultural, geographical, and historical threads and achievements, which offer common values and a future worth preserving and living.
Tank meeting raises important questions
AT LAST Friday’s extraordinary Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting it was disappointing, albeit not surprising, to hear one councillor proclaim that the day had been wasted to enable some councillors to grandstand whilst another complained about a blame game- no, no, no.
I believe the objective of calling the meeting was to ensure that those still suffering from the tank collapse some five years ago would be finally satisfied, the
loose asbestos issue professionally addressed and that lessons learned to improve the management of like future events.
With this in mind I was somewhat curious to hear that a request for tender for a replacement tank is underway. Given that mention was made about the issues of fire protection, drought proofing and probable major electrical outages in the future, it is strange that Council is about to raise a request for tender for a replacement tank.
Men’s breakfast a welcoming place
YOU’VE heard the song, ‘I’ve been everywhere man’. Now, hear from the man who has been everywhere, Peter Bartholomeusz.
Peter will be our guest speaker at the Monaro men’s breakfast on Saturday February 1 at 7.30am at St Paul’s Anglican Church hall. Peter has a long list of accomplishments, including: missionary work in South America; computer operations in the Queensland public service; database manager for Scripture Union; training officer in Australian Navy; ordained for
ministry 2023 and working with an aviation company.
We welcome Peter as our speaker and encourage men of the district to come along. Breakfast is just $7. Please RSVP to assist with catering - 6416 0124 or online - cooma.mensbreakfast.com.au
The Cooma men’s breakfast has been operational in one form or another for more than 20 years. It was originally conceived by Envoy Ian Ross from the Salvation Army, and run under the auspices of the Cooma Ministers Association.
As a minimum one would expect that a professional ‘needs analysis’ covering positioning, capacity, tank(s) design and access in the event of an emergency as part of the tender process has been undertaken. How I wish ‘this faithful servant and ratepayer could depart in peace’.
The concept of the breakfast is to build relationships between men across denominational barriers and to encourage and facilitate peer support.
Over the years, we have learned much from a variety of speakers including doctors, lawyers, politicians, police (state and federal), defence force personnel, chaplains, ministers, youth workers, scientists, and many other interesting people.
Cooma men’s breakfast organisers
Life on the funny farm By Paul Dorin
Lindy Rose Cooma
Folkies get their folk on at annual annual Numeralla festival
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
NUMERALLA Folk Festival celebrated its 48th year over the Australia Day long weekend with the free festival, as usual, drawing a crowd of entertainers and those who just love to listen to all things folk.
It’s one of the last traditional folk festivals in Australia, offering free entertainment and camping, and attracting “folkies” from all around the country to this family-friendly event.
Creative juices flow at the Numeralla Folk Festival and anyone is welcome to sign up to the Blackboard concert to perform music, recite a poem, or spin a yarn.
Informal impromptu sessions are encouraged, with the sounds of folk music ringing through the mountains from the outside of the Numeralla Hall, to the more formal performances inside.
Workshops and plenty of food, drink and dancing are all part of the popular event.
The kitchen, barbecue, bar, raffle and merchandise sales contribute to the cost of running the festival and a donation from the remaining funds is given to guest performers, community groups and towards the maintenance of community facilities.
By LISA ASHURST
REMEMBER the days when you knew you were feeling okay because, well, you were feeling okay? No aches, no pains, no anything else that might indicate you were feeling a bit under the weather? Because once upon a time you knew how you were feeling all by yourself.
But now we have wearable tech, which is evolving at such an accelerated rate it’s sure to give you palpitations.
And you’ll know if it does because the latest gadgetry will tell you ‘Yo! You’re palpitating! Take a breather’ although it will probably tell you in numbers. Like, how many heartbeats per second or something.
So what gives? We can no longer feel our own heart thumping into overdrive? I’m pretty sure we still can, but I’m guessing physical indicators are no where near as cool as having a sleek little gadget tell you.
‘Helloo-oo, you’re hungry’ via an empty grumbling tummy.
Independent newspapers serving the Snowy Monaro Region. Subscribe to our Digital Edition at www.monaropost.com.au
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JOURNALISTS
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Karen Forman 0425 675 555 kforman@monaropost.com.au
Melinda Cairns Hack (Cooma) (02) 6452 0312 mcairnshack@monaropost.com.au
And these new finger adornments are sleek. As stylishly glossy wearable tech goes, Smart rings are the new ‘it things’ to roll out of the wellness industry and if you are really into this kind of thing you must be panting by now.
Smart rings are capable of managing your fitness, sleep and cycle tracking, plus heart rate, stress and so on. Plans are afoot to develop further censoring to enable smart rings to sort out your personalised nutrition, your blood sugar and in time will be able to decode the relationship between your meal times and your body’s natural rhythms. And to think, here I’ve been all these years, under the misconception that our bodies send us very clear signals, all on their own, when we need to take a break and eat, as in
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Published by Hartley Higgins for Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd (ABN 121 288 060), 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Group Editor Nathan Thompson. Copyright: All advertising and editorial content of this issue is copyright of Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd and cannot be used without the company’s permission. The Monaro Post is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Monaro Post itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.
Well silly me! Well maybe not so silly. Wearable tech is somewhat gimmicky when you really get down to it. But looking at the smart ring, does it have novelty value? Sure, for a while, I think it will. Is it pretty? Yes, it looks very nice. Is it pretty pricey? You better believe it! Do we really need personal wearable gadgetry to tell us how we are actually feeling? No. We have emotional and physical sensors that can do this very well, without the hefty price tag, and (hopefully) we also have enough common sense to see that. Humans have relied on their body’s messages for thousands of years to get them by, and managed to survive without clever mini gadgetry telling them when they should eat and how many steps they took while tracking that fleet-footed meal. Which leads to the question of whether we really need wearable smart devices so we can health-check ourselves every five minutes. These wellness accessories are being touted as the major on-trend must-have items for this year, with the smart ring probably leading the pack, so if your life is governed by regular personalised data updates, you’ll probably be hot-footing it to the nearest high tech store to grab the latest in finger-tech, because why listen to your body telling you how you feel when you can get far more information than you’ll ever need from the ring on your finger?
It will cost you $500 to $700 but you’ll be kept informed to within an inch of your life! But is that a good thing? No.
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Aasta Arctander aasta@monaropost.com.au
FEATURES WRITER
Lisa Ashurst
Member
Folk musicians kept the crowds clapping and toes tapping at the Numeralla Folk Festival.
Terry Murphy, Petra Murphy and Therese Kinch enjoying lunch in the hall’s dining area while attending the Numeralla Folk Festival.
FOLK FEST: David Williams, Mark Bennett, Trevor Vansomeren and Bob Peel performing outside the hall.
Bill Mustard, Col and Lyndell Lyons enjoying the festival.
One of 20 performers, Ereignis, plays as part of the Blackboard concert on Saturday.
Laurie Brett, Penny Vos, Pete Wardrop and Clare O’Dwyer playing together on the lawns of the Numeralla Hall.
Heads and Tails Part II on display at Raglan
Exhibition features a special installation ‘Asteroid Farm’
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
CONTEMPORARY artist, Benni Phillips Nozdrachev, has returned home after more than a decade in Europe to take up residence at his Numeralla property and continue his artistic endeavours in Australia.
Benni has mixed feelings about being back in Australia and is open and frank about how his multi-disciplinary artistic expression is received by the general Australian public.
“This was my home area, but I have been out of the country for 11 years,” he said.
“There’s good parts and bad parts about being an artist and exhibiting here, it’s not all sunshine and lollipops. I am not sugar-coating things, this area, in general, is not very supportive of the arts.”
Benni’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums and symposiums in Australia, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Italy and Canada.
Benni expresses his art through objects he sees and gathers when walking outside in nature - the finished work is either in painting or installation form.
His works are currently on display in Cooma’s Raglan Gallery - the first of the two-part exhibition opened in late November last year.
When asked how Part I of the Heads and Tails exhibition was received, Benni was refreshingly honest with his answers.
Five of his art works sold, but to Benni it’s not about the number of sales.
“I don’t know about how it went, it’s not something I think about, I just do it. The sales are not the important part of it - they are small miracles,” he said.
The second instalment of his exhibition is now open and features his latest artistic projects, including a unique installation which he describes “weird and wild”.
The installation is titled ‘Asteroid Farm’, a futuristic vision of 25 individual architecturally-designed ‘asteroid buildings or constructions’.
“Asteroid Farm could be on an asteroid, or it could be on earth,” Benni said.
“I often make these kind of architectural pieces, there’s a different type of art involved in these works. I have made similarly designed work mainly in Finland or Germany, it’s normally outside but sometimes inside.
“This has been in my mind for a while, I am very happy with it,” Benni said.
The installation will have an audio as an accompaniment in
the background. The recording, mainly comprising of the sound of frogs, came from the same area where material for the installation was collected on his Numeralla property.
Paintings hung in Part II of Benni’s exhibition have been newly produced and created in the last six weeks.
“There is no theme or order to the two exhibits,” he said.
“I don’t work in themes, it is up to people to come and look at it, and they can decide what it is.
“It can change over time also, even when I am creating something new it can change and evolve from when I worked on it the day before.
“It’s like nature you can look at anything and call it art, so it just goes like that and then eventually I figure it out - most of the time, not all of the time!”
Benni recognises the importance of the Raglan Gallery in Cooma, acknowledging the volunteers who keep the gallery operating.
“We need volunteers to do these things.
“This gallery is great, but it’s been quiet. Exhibiting in Cooma, or this area, is difficult.
“What I have said, it’s not positive or negative, it’s just the truth,” Benni added.
Having resided in Germany for five years and more recently, Finland for the last six years, he
has experienced the different reactions to art as an occupation while living and working in Europe, and in Australia.
“Being back here, the main question people ask, if you’re an artist, is what’s your real job?it’s the basic attitude I often get here, which is different to where I was living in Finland and Germany. It’s totally accepted and understood there what I do, and is considered as work.”
Benni has presented more than 80 exhibitions in the last 12 years.
“I am in Australia indefinitely, but will be going back to Finland at some point. I am not very concrete, I’m just doing whatever I can to survive, like everyone else.
“What I do is no different to anyone else, it’s not special, it’s just work - but I don’t always get paid for my work.”
When it was suggested his exhibition would be special for Cooma, Benni humbly responded, “I have had exhibitions here before over the years... if you want to know more about how my work is received then it would be best to talk to the gallery volunteers.”
Raglan exhibitions co-ordinator, Jen Coles, has confirmed how it is, in fact, special for Cooma to have Benni’s work hanging in the local gallery.
“There has been a lot of interest in the exhibition. It’s
being contemporary art, which is great to have here in Cooma. Outside of a big city, you don’t get too many contemporary art exhibitions in the country.
“Not everyone likes contemporary art, they prefer their landscapes, but part of our role is to bring different styles of arts to people locally.
“Benni’s installation in the back of the gallery is very different - we’ve never had something like that, which is fantastic - in somewhere like Finland where Benni has lived, it would be quite a normal thing for him to be given a grant to create something like that - so it’s there for people to see and think about.
“Whereas, our relationship with art is not the same - maybe in Melbourne and Sydney, but not particularly in other places like here.
“Like all of Benni’s work, everyone can see something else in his art; you might like how it looks, you might like the colours...his art doesn’t have to be of something.
“It’s a different arts scene here in Cooma. Benni has a studio in Helsinki, it can be quite isolating here, away from what he is used to, but we’re really excited we have something like this to show in our local gallery,” Jen said.
‘Heads and Tails Part II’ runs until March 2.
COOMA
MUSIC
Asteroid Farm is a contemporary installation which comprises 25 individual “buildings”.
ASTEROID FARM: Part II of Benni Phillips Nozdrachev’s Heads and Tails contemporary art exhibition at Raglan Gallery features an installation specially created for the gallery.
PHOTOS: Melinda Cairns Hack
Principal swaps tropics for snowies
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
NEWLY appointed principal of Saint Patrick’s Parish School, Dr Sean Mangan, officially started in his new role the week of January 13, and has hit the ground running.
Already there has been an informal meet and greet gathering of parents and students, held at the Cooma Swimming Pool on January 19.
Dr Mangan and wife, Rachel, have two children who will be part of the school, Parish and wider community.
“This is our first time to Cooma and already my family and I have been made to feel very welcome and we sense that there is great pride in the town.
“I am looking forward to leading and being part of and contributing to the school and Parish community, and for us to meet people through community events,” Dr Mangan said.
Having recently moved from the tropics of North Queensland, the Mangans are excited about exploring the Snowy Monaro region.
“We have heard about the wonderful landscape, bushwalks and alpine terrain,” Dr Mangan said.
New St Pat’s leader ready for fresh
challenge
“I have lived in Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns and participated in half Ironman Triathlon events in Cairns, so I believe in trying to keep active, healthy, and fit.”
The Snowy Mountains offers a completely new and different environment and the family is looking forward to having the four seasons, with a cooler climate.
“Cooma was attractive to me as it is a well serviced and established regional town positioned well to the coast, Canberra, and the snow fields.
“The town has a deep and enriched history, with a pioneering spirt attached with the Snowy Mountain region and Snowy Hydro projects.”
Dr Mangan has been an educator for more than
30 years, most recently as principal at St Andrew’s Catholic College, Cairns. He has also held other interstate positions, including as principal at Blackfriars Priory School, acting principal and deputy principal at St Francis de Sales College, South Australia, assistant principal and acting deputy principal at Christian Brothers College
Council updates
Michelago Bank of Bins closed
Residents are advised that the Michelago Bank of Bins is closed until further notice due to safety concerns.
The facility is currently being subjected to serious, repeated, and ongoing vandalism, with NSW Police investigating additional reports of alleged threatening and violent behaviour being directed towards members of the public using the facility. Council will not reopen the facility until it is satisfied that the safety of service users, staff, and the public can be guaranteed.
In addition to the police investigation, a comprehensive structural assessment of the building needs to be undertaken and necessary repairs completed.
Temporary Michelago waste and recycling collection service
From Saturday 1 February 2025, Council will hold a weekly waste and recycling collection service each Saturday from 8am to 10am near the Michelago sportsgrounds until the Bank of Bins reopens.
in Adelaide, and as South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) implementation officer and senior education adviser (Data Analysis) at Catholic Education Office, South Australia.
He holds the tertiary qualifications of Doctor of Education from University of Adelaide, Master of Business Administration from Torrens University,
Graduate Certificate in Catholic Education from University of South Australia, Master of Education from Deakin University and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) from University of Melbourne. Further to this, he is currently working at the tertiary level, teaching undergraduates in Primary Education –Numeracy, Literacy and Development Psychology and supervising students on their places at Central Queensland University.
Dr Mangan is keen for the new school year to formally start and has congratulated former Saint Patrick’s Parish principal, Frances Robertson, on her past 11 years, wishing her every success into the future.
“The school’s enrolments have been growing, so my aim will be to work with staff and parents on continuing to provide an exceptional educational program for all students, especially for our international families,” he said.
“I am dedicated to whole school improvement, focusing on high-performing teams, teacher and leader development, and student and staff well-being.”
Adaminaby highway parking areas
Construction starts Monday 3 February 2025 on new heavy and light vehicle highway parking areas in Adaminaby.
A 40km/h roadworks speed limit will be in place for the duration of these works.
Two new parking areas for trucks will be built, with an overhaul of the existing car parking area at the Baker Street Playground to accommodate caravans.
Light vehicle parking at the Baker Street Playground and amenity block will remain open during the first stage of works.
Once the new truck parking is complete, the contractor will move on to the parking area at the Baker Street Playground. This area will be closed until work is complete.
These works are made possible by a grant received under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, proudly cofunded by the NSW Government and the Australian Government. Council also thanks Snowy Hydro for their vital support of this project.
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WELCOME: New St Patrick’s Parish principal, Sean Mangan, meeting some of the school’s students and parents at a gettogether at the Cooma Pool.
PHOTO: Melinda Cairns Hack
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 1.00 Australian Of The Year 2025. 2.15 Fake Or Fortune? 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Back Roads. 8.30 Long Lost Family. 9.15 Grand Designs. 10.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. 11.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust vEngland. Afternoon. 4.30 The Women’s Ashes Tea Break. 5.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust vEngland. Late arvo. 7.00 Dinner Break. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News At Noon. 1.00 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 2.00 Women’s Ashes Pre-Game. 2.30 Cricket. Women’s Ashes. Test. Aust vEngland. 3.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 7News Local. 6.30 News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. 8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. 8.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. Late arvo. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 The Force: BTL. 3.00 Billy The Exterminator. 3.30 Storage Wars: NY. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. Morning. 5.30 The Lunch Break. 6.10 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. Afternoon. 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust v England. Evening session. 10.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. 1.30 Mr Mayor. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. 9.00 Becoming Madonna. 11.00 9News Late. 11.30 Resident Alien. 12.20 Tipping Point. 1.10 Hello SA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Back With The Ex. 1.10 My Kitchen Rules. 3.00 Anh Does Vietnam. 4.00 Glee. 5.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Judge Judy. 7.30 Kitchen Nightmares. 8.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. 9.30 Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back. 10.30 First Dates UK. 12.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 10 News First: Lunchtime. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. 6.30 The Project. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 ER. 2.45 Doctor Who. 3.35 Speechless. 4.00 QI. 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 Love Your Garden. 6.10 Amazing Spaces. 7.00 My Family. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 Hard Quiz. 9.00 Gruen. 9.40 Shaun Micallef’s MAD AS HELL. 10.10 Planet America. 10.40 ER. 11.25 Not Going Out. 11.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.10
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC
6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.50 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Nella The Princess Knight. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 72 Cutest Animals. 9.45 Doctor Who. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 To The Manor Born. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: At The Earth’s Core. (1976) 5.30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Poirot. 10.40 Dalgliesh. 11.40 Late Programs.
Ashes. Test Match. Aust v England. Afternoon. 4.30 Tea Break. 5.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust vEngland. Late arvo. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 Late Programs.
At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.55 Forever Summer With Nigella. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. Final. 8.30 Silent Witness. 10.15 Optics. 10.45 Hard Quiz. 11.20 ABC Late News. 11.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.25 Nella The Princess Knight. 5.20 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 Doctor Who. 3.35 Speechless. 4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 Love Your Garden. 6.10 Amazing Spaces. 7.00 My Family. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Would I Lie To You? 8.30 MOVIE: A Perfect Murder. (1998) 10.15 ER. 11.00 Not Going Out. 11.35 Rage. 12.35 QI. 1.05 Speechless. 1.30 Late Programs.
7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 8.30 MOVIE: The Intern. (2015) Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo. 11.00 My Life As A Rolling Stone. 12.10 Tipping Point. 1.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00 10 News First: Lunchtime. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Family Feud. 4.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Towies. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30 Storage Wars: NY. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. Morning. 5.30 The Lunch Break. 6.10 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAust. Afternoon. 7.00 Dinner Break. 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust vEngland. Evening session. 10.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.50 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Beautiful Stranger. (1954) 5.30 Our Yorkshire Farm. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Yes Minister. 8.30 TBA. 12.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 11.50 Back With The Ex. 1.00 My Kitchen Rules. 4.15 A Moveable Feast. 4.45 Bondi Vet. 5.35 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: Uncle Buck. (1989) 9.00 MOVIE: Alice. (2022) 11.20 MOVIE: Mexico City. (2000) 1.00 Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.
SEVEN NINE
NIMMITABEL SHOW
2025
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Nimmity Show, one of the best
By BEN LITCHFIELD, NIMMITABEL SHOW SOCIETY PRESIDENT
THE Nimmitabel Show returns again this year with the committee and community working hard on a full program of events.
This year, we will have entertainment from Australian country music star, Amber Lawrence, to keep the crowd entertained. Amber will start her performances from 3.30pm with a children’s show before her first show at 6pm. This will be a great part of the show.
All our various sections will be up and running, with displays of produce, competitions and exhibits.
Our pavilion will be a busy centre of our show with all the favourite displays - flowers, fruit and vegetables, cooking, craft, needlework, photography, wood and stalls.
Outside the pavilion, the ring and the horse section will be in full swing.
The yard dogs will be in action for their competition, the shearing will be operating, and the chainsaws will also be a great event to see.
The show committee is anticipating the shearing competition to be very popular. Last year’s competition drew a strong field
and had plenty of spectators. The chainsaw racing will also be held as one of the show’s popular outside events. This
Displays around the ground will be operating with the historic machinery and the side show amusements for the youngsters.
section is always a crowd pleaser with the noise and excitement of the competition delivering great audience entertainment.
The livestock pavilions will be in full swing, showcasing the best of the district’s sheep and cattle. There will also be the young judging competition during the day.
The Nimmitabel district has always been proud of its show
and we look forward to the wider community of the Monaro and the coast, and those further afield, coming to experience and enjoy a fantastic Nimmitabel Show. It’s a true country show. Thank you to our hard working committee for all their efforts in preparing what will be another terrific Nimmitabel Show. See you at the show on Saturday February 1.
NIMMITABEL SHOW 2025
The Nimmitabel Show Society would love to welcome you to our 2025 show on Saturday 1st February for a fun filled family day out. There is something for everyone. There are many opportunities to participate in events or just come along and watch the show and enjoy the entertainment. We look forward to seeing you there!
WEL ME Nimmitabel Show Society president, Ben Litchfield, is looking forward to one of the best Nimmitabel Shows yet.
PHOTO: Supplied
Another exciting horse ring section is expected come show time. The region’s best riders will be in action. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Charlotte honoured to represent show
Nimmitabel Show young woman a popular choice
By NATHAN THOMPSON
WITH a love for her local show and the Nimmitabel district, Charlotte Pateman is looking forward to representing her community as the Nimmitabel Show Society young woman in 2025.
Ms Pateman was born in Cooma in 2006 and has lived on the Monaro most her life.
Ms Pateman moved to the Bega valley with her mum in 2010 but missing farm life too much, she returned to the sixth-generation family farm at Greenlands in 2015.
Ms Pateman attended Nimmitabel Public School before heading back to the Bega Valley where she continued school in Bega.
A desire to finish senior school at Monaro High School brought Ms Pateman back to the Monaro. She went on to complete her Higher School Certificate.
In September 2024, Ms Pateman was excited to learn
she had been accepted into the University of Wollongong to study a Bachelor of Nursing. Ms Pateman will commence her degree in March this year.
Ms Pateman said she is passionate about working in rural communities and hopes to enter the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“After completing my nursing degree, I wish to go and work in low socioeconomic areas like Broken Hill and Alice Springs, while gaining what is hoped to be valuable experience,” Ms Pateman said.
“After two to three years of gaining nursing experience, I wish to complete a one-year master’s degree in midwifery, where I will then be able to work with the Royal Flying Doctors Service, giving back to rural communities.”
Ms Pateman has become a key part of the Nimmitabel Show over the last few years. Ms Pateman has shown her talents as a judge, winning reserve
champion in 2024 at the state finals for Merino wool judging.
“The Nimmitabel Show has always been a highlight of my year, and in the last few years I have come to learn and appreciate the show for more than just fun and games,” Ms Pateman said.
“In 2022, 2023 and 2024 I found a passion for junior judging in beef cattle, meat and Merino sheep as well as Merino wool.
“In 2024 I was awarded reserve champion at the state finals for Merino wool judging which has definitely been a highlight of all my show accomplishments.
“I wish to continue this passion for the next few years.”
The Nimmitabel Show is a family occasion for Ms Pateman with her parents and grandparents heavily involved in the lead-up to show day.
Ms Pateman said she is excited to represent the community as the Nimmitabel Young Woman in 2025.
Evans’ rural efforts recognised
By NATHAN THOMPSON
TAYA EVANS is well-known throughout the Monaro for her shearing talents and wool classing expertise.
Ms Evans’ contributions to the shearing and wool industries on the Monaro has led to the honour of being named the Nimmitabel Show Society’s rural achiever for 2025.
Ms Evans now holds the titles of rural achiever and young woman - where she represented the show in 2022 at the zone six finals.
The Nimmitabel Show is a favourite time of the year for Ms Evans who has enjoyed a long involvement with the society. From drawings, showjumping and shearing, Ms Evans has competed in many events come show day.
“The Nimmitabel Show has been a massive part of my life and an annual highlight,” she said.
“Entering art works and cooking items in the Nimmitabel Show was my first insight of what agricultural shows have to offer. This then developed into competing in the horse events, and later chainsaw racing and shearing competitions.”
In the last few years, Ms Evans has competed across Australia in sports shear events at agricultural shows. A favourite of the Nimmitabel Show shear competition, this year’s show will look a little different for Ms Evans. She will spend a large part of the day chatting with show-goers and representing the society.
Ms Evans said she is looking forward to taking part in the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Rural Achiever program.
“I would love the opportunity through the rural achiever program to meet more likeminded people who see a strong future in agricultural shows and their rural communities,” Ms Evans said.
“I believe that the program is an amazing opportunity to showcase talent and strengths that rural youth bring to their communities.
“I also believe it would provide a great learning opportunity to help me contribute more to my own show society.
“I am extremely proud to be a part of the Nimmitabel Show Society and the Nimmitabel community, and would love the opportunity to represent our wonderful town in the 2025 rural achiever program.”
Ms Evans grew up in
ever since.
“After eight years in the industry I am now a competent
the Monaro.
The Evans family is seventhgeneration farmers on
HONOUR: Nimmitabel’s Taya Evans is the Nimmitabel Show Society’s 2025 rural achiever. Ms Evans is pictured with her brother Paddy Evans. In 2022, Ms Evans was the Nimmitabel Show Society Young Woman.
PHOTO: Monaro Media Group
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Nimmitabel Show innovates through video Lights, camera, action
ONE of the first agricultural shows of the year will also be one of the first to showcase video, with locals encouraged to submit their best footage.
A special feature of the photography section of this year’s Nimmitabel Show is the addition of a video component. This provides an opportunity for moving image enthusiasts to submit entries in the categories of: nature, people, culture, rural life and humour.
Nimmitabel Show’s photography steward, Chris Clarke, said the video section is an exciting addition.
“We feel the new category will create an opportunity for the community to expore their everyday life in a different way,” Chris said.
“Photography captures an interesting moment in time and the moving image is an enhancement of that.
“These are two different art forms, but they very much tell a story of how we’re living life right now.”
Mother-daughter team, Chris and Laura Clarke, have been volunteering as photography stewards at the Nimmitabel Show for more than a decade.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Nimmitabel Show photography stewards, Laura and Chris Clarke, are calling on videographers to submit their work in a special addition to the already popular photography section.
Laura runs a small video business and will be sponsoring the new section.
The team is encouraging the community to reach for their phone and send through clips showcasing life.
“If you have a smart phone, you have the ability to submit a moving image to the show. We’re looking forward to seeing the mighty Monaro and beyond from your perspective,” Chris said.
Submissions are required on or before Wednesday January 29. Chris and Laura can help with additional information.
Clips can be up to 90-seconds long and should consider cinematography as well as the background, action and subjects.
Submission for children 12 years and under is free, youth 50c and adults $1 per entry. A maximum of four clips are welcomed in each theme. This exciting new section is sponsored by Hickory Hill Productions.
The Nimmitabel Show schedule detailing the technical aspects of the competition can be found at local shops and online at – NimmitabelShow. com.au
Nimmitabel sheep section showcases district’s best
NIMMITABEL Show on February
1 will again showcase high quality show sheep.
The Nimmitabel Show being the first of the region’s local shows sets the tone and standard for the rest of the district’s agricultural shows.
Last year, a team of Merino sheep went on to win the Sydney Royal Easter Show Stonehaven Cup and Great Southerns Roger Birtles Group.
The 2025 sheep section has more than $2000 worth of prizes thanks to the show’s valued sponsors. It’s the only show where you can win a top Di-Fly Extra for champion ram, champion ewe and supreme exhibit.
The Nimmitabel Show sheep section caters for March and August shorn Merino sheep with separate classes.
The show is always well supported by the local stud Merino breeders. This year, some Merino studs from outside the district will
be in attendance.
“We value their support and the high standard of exhibits with many of these sheep going onto the Sydney Royal and the National Sheep Show at Bendigo, many achieving championships and even supreme at these famous shows,” Nimmitabel Show sheep section steward, Jenny Alcock said.
“The sheep section appreciates the support of our very valued sponsors, who have given over $2000 worth of prizes to offer at this years show, Abbey Animal Health, Agriwest Cooma, Sullivan Family, Greenland Merino Stud, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Haylock Partners and Southern Farm Supplies Bemboka.
“We look forward to seeing all our fellow sheep breeders at the Nimmitabel show on Saturday February 1.”
For entries, contact John Alcock on 6453 6244.
Wool & Pastoral Agency Ltd:
Monaro Wool Services & Schute Bell Badgery Lumby
PHOTO: Nimmitabel Show Society
CHAMPIONS: Greenland Merino Stud won the prestigious Sydney Royal Easter Show Stonehaven Cup in 2024. The Merino sheep progressed through the Nimmitabel Show sheep section. PHOTO: Greenland Merino Stud
lick go the Nimmity shears
A FAVOURITE event on show day will be the Anneleigh Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Stud Show shear.
The shearing section at the Nimmitabel Show is a welcoming space with plenty of seating for onlookers to enjoy the action.
Show organisers said the new improvements to the shed worked well last year with the dust held back, allowing for high-quality entertainment.
Shearers compete against each other to remove the wool from several sheep in the heats. They are scored on how clean they shear and how quickly they do it.
Following lunch, the top eight from each section will battle it out to claim top prize.
There will be the Gordon Litchfield open section, Jemalong Wool senior section, Hazeldean intermediate section and the Monaro Livestock and Property novice section.
The competition will showcase shearing talent from young up-and-comers all the way through to the shearers doing it as their daily job.
Don’t miss the Riverina Wool testers golden oldies section, where the older shearers will show they can still compete with the younger crew.
Wool handling skills will be on display throughout the day in the Monaro Wool Services wool handling competition. The wool handlers will make sure they sort the wool, which inevitably impacts the value of the product.
Through the generosity of local sponsors there is more than $8000 worth of cash and prizes on offer.
pgrades to the shearing shed at the
for
Make sure you don’t miss the Anneleigh Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Stud Show shear at this year s Nimmitabel Show.
Nimmitabel Showgrounds have improved the space
shearers and the crowd.
goers is the shearing.
M E N he Nimmitabel Show shearing competition brings together the best shearers in the district.
Monaro s best wool fleeces on show
PETER South and Leita
Moreing from Nutrien Wool will be the wool fleece judges in 2025 at the Nimmitabel Show.
Peter has worked in the Nutrien Goulburn office for 55 years. Leita is Nutrien’s Monaro wool representative. The Monaro has had a mixed season, mostly dry.
Despite seasonal conditions, fleeces will present well. Organisers are expecting to see good support from regular
exhibitors.
The wool section provides a rural focal point in the pavilion at the Nimmitabel Show.
This year, there is $600 in prize money. At the request of the judges, judging will occur on Friday January 31.
Entries need to be at Monaro Wool or Richard Blyton by Thursday January 30.
Further information available by contacting Richard Blyton 0428 546 385.
espite seasonal conditions, fleeces are expected to present well at this year s show.
Young judges put skills to test at Nimmitabel
NIMMITABEL Show is currently one of the most unique shows around the district. Not only does it have many activities for all ages, but it hosts the zone finals for four young judging sections. These four sections include Merino sheep judging, meat sheep judging, Merino fleece judging, and beef cattle judging.
The beef cattle parading section will still be run at Nimmitabel but will not be in the zone finals. These sections are assets to the Nimmitabel Show as they give young adults between 13 and 25 years-of-age the chance to improve their judging skills and something to do at the show.
Through participating in these sections, young adults have the opportunity to meet new people, gain life skills and also have the chance to go on to the Sydney Royal Show to compete against all finalists in the state final, should they acquire first or second place in a section and to become judges in their own right.
The overall champion judge of all five sections will win the Emily Alcock Memorial Perpetual Trophy. This competition is run on a point score system.
The young judges can compete in all five sections and it doesn’t matter if they win each section or not, they will receive points for participation in each section.
Each section has an age limit for those who go onto the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but if you are under 25 and would like to come and participate then this is a sure way of meeting new people and gaining further knowledge in the rural sector.
Last year, Chloe Bailey, Miranda McGufficke and Charlotte Pateman travelled to Sydney Royal Easter Show to compete in four sections of the state finals of the Young Judging Competitions. The Royal Easter Show judges’ opinion is, youth is the future of the industry. These young people are needed and the judges have welcomed the level of enthusiasm and interest.
The Nimmitabel Show Society
is proud of the champion young judges who go to Sydney and receive champion or reserve champion at the State Finals.
Over the years success has come for: Maryanne Burns 2003 NSW State Champion Young Merino Sheep Judge, Andrew Rolfe 2006 NSW Reserve Champion Young Merino Fleece Judge, James Fletcher NSW Reserve Champion Young Merino Fleece Judge, Greg Alcock 2013 NSW Champion Young Merino Sheep Judge, Australian Reserve Champion Young Merino Sheep Judge, Jerod Blyton 2017 NSW Young Merino Fleece Judge, Sarah Blyton 2018 NSW Reserve Champion Young Merino Fleece Judge and Grace Burns 2021
NSW Champion Young Beef Cattle Judge at Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The Nimmitabel Show Society would like to thank Major Sponsor Elders Insurance, and sponsors Tyrepower Cooma, Kenmir Accounting, Emily Alcock Memorial, Bush Basics, Cooma Furnishings, Inspiration Paints, Howard Charles, South East Tile, Haylock Partners, Mainstreet Clothing, Office Play Cooma Sportspower and South East Rural Supplies for their sponsorship.
Some of the prize money goes to the zone finalists who attend the state finals at Sydney Royal Show for travelling money.
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Pavilion perfection
Produce, flowers, condiments - Nimmity Show has it all
FLORAL FUN
WITH the extended dry period, gardeners are busy watering to keep flowers and vegetables alive and thriving.
Nimmitabel Garden Club members, Denham Williams and Marie Hampson, are the flower section stewards for this year’s show. The duo is encouraging keen gardeners to enter an exhibit.
“While you are busy watering look for flowers you could bring along to exhibit in the flower section of our show,” the pair said.
“We are still hoping for lots of entries in all classes. Think of all the different flower arrangements you could create for the floral art classes, let your imagination have a free rein and create a ‘wild and windy’ arrangement.”
Thanks to some generous sponsors, there is good prize money on offer. Children can collect generous winnings in the junior flower section.
Entries can be brought to the pavilion between 4pm to 6.30pm on the Friday before the show or before 9am on show day. Judging starts at 10am.
Exhibitors are asked to bring their flowers in suitable containers.
Any queries, call Marie on 6454 6428 or Denham on 0428 546 366.
GET CREATIVE
In the arts and craft section of the show there are a couple of changes this year. Steward, Leonie Thistleon, advises class eight has changed to any handmade card.
Age groups for primary section artwork are: class 27 artwork (oil acrylic paint) age groups are 27. Five and under; 27a. 6 to 9 years; 27b. 10 to 12 years. Class 28 Artwork (Pencil Lead or Coloured Crayon) Age Groups 28. and under; 28a. 6 to 9 years; 28b. 10 to 12 Years.
TIME TO SNAP AWAY
Everyone has the ability to take a great photo. It doesn’t
matter how young, or how wise. It doesn’t matter what camera, fancy or phone. It is estimated that 1.94 trillion photos were taken last year, and we want yours.
We invite you to enter your photographs for display at the Nimmitabel Show. This is a great excuse to go through those countless images you’ve taken on your phone or camera and share your experiences with the community. While we encourage as many entries as possible, a maximum of four photographs will be accepted into each of the following themes:
1. Floral
2. Landscape
3. Animals
4. People
5. Still Life
6. That’s funny
7. Sunset / sunrise
8. Snowscape / seascape
9. Buildings
10. Any other subject
The cost of entering is free for children and only 50c per photo in the youth category, or $1 for adults.
Prints can be developed for as little as 10c per copy, so there really isn’t any excuse not to give it a go. We simply ask that you come with a white or black border around your images for pinning. Where possible, submissions on the Friday before the show as it takes time for volunteers to prepare the exhibition.
Enquiries can be directed to Chris and Laura Clarke on (02) 64 546 408, or via email laura. clarke1@gmail.com.
LET’S
JAM
Do you make your own jams or chutneys? If so why not enter a jar into the Nimmitabel Show this year. There are many jam classes for every type of local fruitplum, cherry, raspberry, apricot, and chutneys, relishes and pickles too - including tomato, peach, zucchini, and cucumber.
For more information, visit the Nimmitabel Show website and download the schedule. Bring your entries to the show pavilion.
either on Friday between 4 and 6pm or before 9am Saturday. For enquiries, contact steward Lainie Lawson on 0418 546 307.
FRESH, FRESH, FRESH
Do you grow your own fruit or vegetables? The Nimmitabel Show has lots of different categories to enter such as: plums, strawberries, rhubarb, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucumber and plenty of more. But don’t worry kids you don’t have to compete against the adults as there is a high school and primary school section. Go to the show website and download the schedule for all categories that you can enter.
also fruit cake classes.
TIME TO GET BAKING
In the food section there are a variety of cakes classes you can enter such as orange, banana, or a favourite, chocolate. There are
There are two sections for children, 16 years and under and 12 years and under.
Exhibits are to be on disposable plates and covered
with oven bags. Flour should be dusted off scones, no cake rack marks on cakes and no frosting as icing.
Why not enter in as many classes as possible to win.
he flower section is a popular part of the show.
A L N he Nimmitabel Show is renowned for its excellent pavilion exhibits. PHOTOS: Monaro Media Group
8am Yard dog trials commence
8.30am Horse rings 1, 2 and 3 commence
8.30am Show shearing registrations
9.00am Side show activities open
Be a show judge to keep local shows alive Program of events
9.30am Zone finals of young judging competition
10am Animal nursery opens
10am Open judging in the pavilion
10am Sheep judging commences
10am Cattle judging commences
11am Chainsaw competition starts
12pm OFFICIAL OPENING
12.15pm Poddy calf ride
1pm Cluckarama in pavillion
2pm Nimmitabel bush kids challenge
2pm CWA scone extravaganza afternoon tea
3.30pm Amber Lawrence performance
6pm Open dog high jump
6.30pm Amber Lawrence main stage
HAVE you ever thought about being a show judge? Do you want to have the privileges at a local show that the judges have.
This year, the Nimmitabel Show has a new section in the pavilion for all adults who would like their name written on the list of show judges with a chance to judge at other local shows then progress onto Canberra, Bega, Goulburn and even Sydney.
The list of judges is getting smaller all the time and without any new judges being added to the list, so this is your opportunity to
Pavilion judging for adults who would like to become a show judge need to be at the pavilion for a 9am start. The sections to be judged are: food, condiments, fruit and vegetables, flowers, needlework
required to be present at 9am while the overjudge of each section judges some of the classes and
Country shows are run through the
and dedication of volunteers, such as show judges. If you would like to learn more about show judging, head along to the
selected classes.
Beef, sheep, wool challenge
NIMMITABEL Show goers
Winners will receive Yeti cups donated by H and A Charles, J Thompson and TC Thistleton.
going to the local Nimmitabel
PARTICIPATE: Show goers are encouraged to take part in the beef, sheep and wool challenge. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
about each class. You will have the opportunity to compete as a judge for four
These four classes are to be chosen on the day, from a selection of classes with the most entries.
BUSY: There is a full program of events for the Nimmitabel Show. Starting at 8am and running through the night, there is plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Show society president, Ben Litchfield, will again conduct the official opening. PHOTO: Nathan Thompson
VOLUNTEERING:
hard work
Nimmitabel Show on Saturday February 1.
PHOTO: Monaro Media Group
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Country music star headed for show
By NATHAN THOMPSON
AMBER Lawrence is one of the nation’s most popular and highly acclaimed country music stars. For just the cost of entry into the show, Nimmity show-goers can see Lawrence live on stage.
Lawrence is no stranger to the Snowy Monaro, having performed in Peak View twice in the last few years.
A passion for country regions, particularly the Snowy Monaro, will see Lawrence return on Saturday February 1 for the Nimmitabel Show.
The 2023 Australian female artist of the year will perform not one but two shows when in Nimmitabel. Lawrence is headed our way thanks to the Your Town Your Tour promotion the star runs.
The Nimmitabel Show Society and sponsors have helped secure Lawrence’s services for the big day.
Lawrence said she is looking forward to taking the stage come show day.
“I’m excited to be heading back to the Snowy region for two performances at the Nimmitabel Show,” Lawrence said.
“I’ll be performing my children’s songs for the youngsters in the afternoon which I love doing and then a collection of my songs and covers in the evening.
“I love the country and I can’t wait to perform for you all.”
The six-time golden guitar winner will take to the stage at 3.30pm for the children’s bush concert and then at 6.30pm.
Nimmity Bell point-score attracts top showjumpers
THE Nimmity Bell showjumping point-score will bring riders together from across the region.
This competition is run over four shows – Nimmitabel, Delegate, Dalgety and Bombala.
The Nimmity Bell trophy will be awarded to the horse and rider combination with the highest point score in open competition over four shows.
This will be awarded at the completion of EA events at the Bombala Show.
1. Only horses registered with the EA of NSW are eligible for the point-score. Horses can only score in EA events in classes 1.10m or higher, the event has a total prize pool worth $100 or more, the event is officiated by an EA accredited judge and course designer.
All entrants in these events will be eligible for the Nimmity Bell point-score regardless of the total amount of entries in one class.
2. A horse and rider combination can only score once at each show. This score will be their
LEAPING: The Nimmity Bell point-score is a hotly contested competition each year across four local shows. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
best placing from that show. If a horse fails to place in an event, it will score zero for that show. The points will be awarded as follows: first = five points, second = four points, third = three points, fourth = two points,
Showjumping is always a well-watched event. Riders come from across the region.
fifth = one point, no placing yet eligible = 0 points. In the case of “tied” placings the points will be spilt, the same way as prize money.
3. Horses and rider combination must compete at all four
shows to be eligible for the Nimmity Bell point-score.
The only exception will be if an official vet / doctor’s certificate is presented to the official scorer indicating the horse / rider’s inability to compete at one of the
4. Results will be forwarded to officials for recording from the official judge/show committee of each show and then allocated points according to the rules
Any disputes regarding the Nimmity Bell point-score must be directed to the official pointscorer to be dealt with.
Official protest/s must be made in writing within one hour of the class being completed and must be accompanied by $50.00 and presented to the official
All events are EA events and will be run in accordance to EA
5. Please note: It is requested that EA summer dress standards apply for competitors at all four shows (no polo shirts – shirt with tie or stock to be worn).
6. Overall prize money will be awarded to the top five place-getters at the completion of events at Bombala Show.
The event is one not to miss at the Nimmitabel Show.
Your authorised Husqvarna retailer in the Snowy Monaro
COOMA
STAR: Australian country music sensation, Amber Lawrence, is excited to perform at the Nimmitabel Show. Lawrence said she is looking forward to her third performance in the Snowy Monaro.
PHOTO: Amber Lawrence
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Honouring Nimmity Show’s life members
THROUGHOUT its proud history, the Nimmitabel Show Society has had many dedicated volunteers. Those who have gone above and beyond have been honoured with life membership of the Nimmitabel Show Society.
Life members are:
Peter Haylock
Isabel Rayner
Eileen Tindall
Howard Charles OAM
M&P Kobold
Peter Crowley
Rod Hassall
Rae and Fred Stove
Myrtle and Peter Evans
Pat Tozer
Leonie Thistleton
Rae Blyton
Rick Hain
Pam Shelley
Stewards working hard to deliver another great show
NO
Open dog high jump
Jerod Blyton 6454 6385
Bush Kids Challenge
Kate Waldren 6454 6146
Poddy Calf Rides
Phillip Clarke
Stockman’s Challenge
Sami Rudd 0459 789 988
Chainsaw events
Liam Graf 0423 855 398
Judging competition
Maryanne Burns 0488 535 575
Yard dog trials
Dean Incher 0422 740 127
Photography
Chris Clarke 6454 6408
Schoolwork
Nimmitabel Public School
Art and craft
Leonie Thistleton 6454 6256
Needlework
Sarah Buick 0425 234 610
Condiments
Lainie Lawson 6454 6307
Food
Barbara Scanes 6452 3010
Fruit and vegetables
Vicki Pollard 6454 6232
Flowers
Nimmitabel Garden Club 6454 6366
Show shear
Huey and Grace Green 0417 900 826
Cattle - Stud
John Cullen 0419 257 051
Cattle - Commercial
John Cullen 0419 257 051
Wool Ben Litchfield 0428 445 064
Stephen Rolfe 6454 6334
Richard Blyton 6454 6385
Sheep
John and Jenny Alcock 6453 6244
Simon Pateman 6454 6245
Horses
Taya Evans 0419 595 221
Pam Shelley 6452 2913
Ben Litchfield 0428 445 064
TEAMWORK: The yard dog trials start at 8am on show day. The close bond between handler and dog are on show. Dean Incher (not pictured) is the dog trial steward.
Margaret Barron, Kaye Anderson, Sue Jardine and Joey Herbert are show stalwarts on the Monaro - at the Nimmity Show and Cooma Show. They enjoy catching up in 2023. This
PHOTOS: Monaro Media Group
2025 NIMMITABEL SHOW
Heading to the show, what you need to know
ONE of the best days on the rural calendar is the Nimmitabel Show. Come Saturday February 1, there are a few key points the show society would like show goers to be aware of to enjoy their day.
The show has two days of action. The main day is Saturday February 1 and then on Sunday February 2 there is a terrific
line-up of horse events.
Gates open from 7.30am. Adults (no concessions) are $15, aged pensioners $10, children 13 to 16-years-of-age $5, and children 12 and under are free.
Membership is just $10.
Entries to the pavilion will be accepted on Friday January 31 between 3pm and 7pm, and until 9am on the day of the show.
Exhibits may be removed at 4pm on show day. Entries maybe accepted prior to the show by phoning the section steward.
All exhibitors attending on show day must pay gate entry fee.
All competitors and exhibitors competing outside of the pavilion must sign a waiver form available at the secretary’s office or online.
ATTRACTIONS: At the show, the Cooma Car Club’s display is always
will show his car again on February 1.
David
Dogs are discouraged from being on the showground at must be on a two metre lead.
BBQ, bar, luncheon pavilion
There will be plenty of food and drink options at the show.
The Nimmitabel Lions Club will be running the BBQ near the bar areas.
The luncheon pavilion will be run by Berties Cafe. There will be
an array of lunches, soft drinks, coffee and tea available.
Sit down and relax in front of the horse ring next to the secretary’s office.
Morning and afternoon tea still available.
At 2pm there is the CWA scone extravaganza with afternoon tea commencing in the main pavilion.
An acknowledgement of country and Indigenous performance was held at the show in 2024.
Come show day, there is so much to see and do. From livestock judging to the pavilion exhibits, don’t miss the out.
Displays from the Bombala Historic Engine and Machinery society are set to return.
popular.
Wicks
PHOTOS: Monaro Media Group
back at Nimmity Show in 2024
FAMILY: Barry and Isabel Rayner with daughter, Isabel Harrington, at the 2024 PHOTOS: Monaro Media Group
Nimmitabel Show Society president, Ben Litchfield, and show stalwart, Marg Weston, at the official opening in 2024.
The cattle section will show the Monaro’s best livestock. Exhibitors of all ages are encouraged to partcipate.
Ken Bowerman of the Snowy Mountains Historic Equipment Association shows off this Forson Major he drove as a child.
Showjumping
from across the south east to compete at the Nimmitabel Show.
Lower than average falls observed locally in 2024
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
AN INTERESTING observation about last year’s rainfall patterns was discussed at the first Upper Snowy Landcare committee meeting of 2025.
This co-incidentally follows on from a story published in this masthead last week regarding historical rainfall figures in Cooma.
Upper Snowy Landcare Network co-ordinator, Maggie Lemcke, said many members of the committee observed lower than average annual falls in their local area last year and are interested in sharing and comparing their data with others.
One member, Shane Trengrove, shared his personal records of the Jindabyne area at this meeting as can been seen in the graphs (pictured right).
“This data compares monthly rainfall between the East Jindabyne and Cooma areas, as well as yearly rainfall compared against Shane’s long-term average.
“As well as engaging with local data gatherers, you can access comprehensive climate data from the My Climate View Website,” Ms Lemcke said.
Mr Trengrove lives in the village of East Jidabyne and has been involved in tree planting in the East Jindabyne area, and all sites Upper Snowy Landcare has planted, since the dieback project began in 2016.
“I have been keeping rainfall records here since July 2003. I follow the rainfall more closely since I got involved in the tree planting projects to help guage when new plantings might need some watering to help them through the early stages of establishment.
“Using only my 21 years of data, it is interesting there was quite a dry period until 2010 (part of the Millenium drought I believe), followed by a generally wetter period from then until about 12 months ago.
comparing their data.
Quality mostly secondary, Wagga
7200 (+1090)
By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA
QUALITY was mostly secondary with a lot more plainer yearlings in the mix at the Wagga cattle sale on January 20. The market experienced fluctuations due to plainer types and fewer buyers operating across feeder categories. There were fewer buyers in the market from the north last week also. The market for wellfinished trade cattle weighing between 400-500kg tightened, driven by a short supply. Lightweight steers, typically returning to the paddock, sold to strong demand commanding prices ranging from 340c to 428c/kg. However, medium-weight feeder steers faced weaker competition for
certain breeds, resulting in a price decline of 17c/kg. Better types sold from 312c to 392c/ kg. Feeder heifers were in reasonable supply however struggled to capture the usual buying group. Prices slipped 18c to 22c, with the bulk selling from 285c to 344c/kg. Trade cattle were limited, with prices ranging from 310 to 370c/kg. In the export run, heavy steers were in high demand from processors, leading to a price increase of 7c to average 350c/kg. Bullocks also attracted keen interest, fetching prices from 312c to 397c/kg. The market saw a mixed yarding of cows, with not all buyers participating in the sale. Heavy cows experienced a slight decline, easing by 7c/kg and selling between 276c and 323c/kg. Leaner cows weighing under 520kg dipped further, losing 16c/kg and achieving prices from 255c to 299c/kg.
Sheep numbers drop before long weekend
51100 (-8908)
By MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA
unchanged to $5 dearer. Lambs 20-24kg sold at $148$204, averaging 780-790c/kg cwt. Store lambs with some weight and frame fetched $100-$157/head.
“Last year was the driest since I have lived here, so where rainfall patterns are going now is pretty unclear, but it will be interesting to see if we are entering another dry period or we are having shorter alternating dry and wet periods,” Mr Trengrove said.
COOMA MONARO
| Wednesday 19th March 2025 | Wednesday 9th April 2025
The other interesting year was 2022 where he recorded more than 1000mm of rainfall, way above the average of 600mm.
“I only use Cooma Airport data as a comparison (reference) site as it is about the same elevation as Jindabyne and the data is easily accessible from the BoM website.
Entries are now being taken for these two feature sales. Please
“It is often interesting that on a day of rainfall one location may receive rain, but the other may not, though the averages and the annual patterns work out quite similarly in the end,” Mr Trengrove said.
LEADING into the Australia day holiday, numbers declined at the Wagga sheep sale on January 23. However, quality improved notably, with plenty of grain-finished lambs across trade and heavy export classes. There was a good supply of secondary lambs, but not the big tail seen in recent weeks. Not all buyers were in attendance, and there wasn’t the usual number of re-stockers active. The market remained solid throughout the sale over most categories. Trade lambs were well supplied, and quality was very good. The market was
On the export front, not all buyers operated fully, impacting prices for lambs weighing more than 30kg cwt. Lambs 26-30kg sold from $218-$255/ head. Big heavy lambs over 30kg slipped $12 due to weak competition, with prices ranging from $243-$291/head. Mutton supplies slipped back moderately. Quality was quite mixed with a lot more plainer conditioned ewes in the offering. Heavy sheep sold to a small field of buyers with prices ranging from $93 to $ $148 to average around 350c to 360c/kg cwt. Trade sheep varied in quality, with prices between $63 to $106/ head.
Shane Trengrove, a member of Upper Snowy Landcare, shared personal rainfall records of the East Jindabyne area at a recent USL meeting.
RAINFALL: Many members of Upper Snowy Landcare (USL) have observed lower than average falls in their local areas and are interested in sharing and
IMAGES: Supplied
Bombala Australia Day competition results
SHEARING WINNERS LIST
Learners: First
Fourth - Steve Platts – 44.1625
Fifth – Bert Thompson – 44.214
Sixth John Moreing – 57.3965
Seventh – Chris Clarke – 57.4655
REG BAIRD Local Learner
Shearer - Abbey Boreham
Peter Kimber Shield - Luke Kimber
- All events heat scores (with time)
Bombala Apex Monaro
Shearing Championship Mick Brownlie - All events heat scores (without time)
LOCAL SHEARER TROPHY
WINNER - Mick Brownlie
Bombala Apex Local
Shearing Comp winnerPaul Robertson - Overall Open Winner
Calcutta winners:
First - Lyndelle - $1831.50
Second - Lyndelle - $1098.90
Third - Bob Stewart - $732.60
Opens: First – Paul Robertson –36.0545 – BOMBALA APEX LOCAL SHEARING COMP WINNER
Second - Mick Brownlie – 41.5155
Third - Dean Miners
– 44.367
Fourth – Warren McCole – 46.1435
Fifth - Blake Thompson – 46.375
Sixth – Luke Kimber – 53.959
Seventh – Gary Brownlie – 55.60
Eighth – Scott Moreing
– 56.8105
Veterans:
First – Paul Myers – 30.6265
Second – Justin May
– 30.8965
Third – David Bruce
– 37.4795
Wool handlers
First – April Kimber and Addison Clarke
Third – Paisley Hall; James Miners; Zac Kimber; Brynn Kidmann
Open – Maureen Cadet; Philip Clarke; Eliza Booth
Art Prizes – Adult
First – Stewart Lee = Second – Nola White & Jenny Chaplin
Art Prizes - teenager
First – Mikalyla Heywood
Second – Maya Chaplin
Raffle winners
First. Kelly Stoddard
Second Tracey Power
Third Wendy Bruce
Fourth Kelly Stoddard
Sausage competition – Best Shop Sausages – Field of 12
First - Monaro MeatsCheese & Veg (H)
Second - Monaro MeatsHerb & Garlic (A)
Third - Bega Valley MeatItalian Lamb (D)
Sausage competition – Best Homemade Sausages –Field of 10
First - Chris BensonCheese Kransky (e)
Second - Tim IngramTraditional Pork Breakfast (b)
Third - Chris Benson- Pork venison Pepperoni (j)
Mini Triathlon Results
Mixed mini boys and girls (under eights)
First - Louie Mooney; Josie Clear; Nash Elton
Second - Hariette Murdoch; Gus Gillespie Jones; Arlo Campbell
Third - Charlotte Black, Maisie Clear; Eliza Coates.
Mixed junior boys, girls (eight-12yrs)
First - Bel Grasso; Brad Grasso; Cruz Henderson
Second - Phoebe Ford; Bridget Clear; Dwight Kelland
Third - Immy Mooney; Abbey Elton; Jono Mooney
Mixed open teams (16+ Yrs)
First - Simeon Cody; Johnathon Connolly; Brodie Caddis
Second - Paul Perkins; Mal Stone; Matt Stone
Tales from the Cooma Show
By COOMA SHOW
2025 MARKS the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association.
While ploughing competitions were held around the Cooma Monaro district for some years prior to this, 1875 is the year the association was formed.
Early ’shows’ were held where Centennial Park is now, then moved to the police paddock, then onto land where the railway station is now.
The arrival of the railway to Cooma saw the show relocate again, to the showgrounds. The pavilion was transported from the railway station to the
showground and was first used for a grand banquet and ball to mark the official opening on the railway on 1889. In 1901, the grandstand was used for the first time.
In the lead-up to the 2025 Cooma Show, the Monaro Media Group is partnering with the show to run a series of articles reminding readers of the show’s impressive 150-plus year history.
To get the ball rolling, who can identify these Monaro farmers? Who are they?
Hint: they are members of the junior cattle judging class of 1968. See next week’s paper for the answer.
Third - Sam Stewart; Bailey Jones; Ben Mooney
Open women’s individual triathlon
First - Sam Stewart
Second - Amy Stone
Third - Tori Adamson
Open men’s individual triathlon
First - Simeon Cody
Second - Johnathon Connolly
Third Tyler - Eckerst
CLEARING SALE
“THREE OAKS” 320 GREENLANDS ROAD, NIMMITABEL PROPERTY SOLD Saturday 15 February 2025 from 10.30am
Vehicles and Machinery: Deutz-Fahr 97Hp 4WD Agro farm 420 tractor Trima X56 FEL with 4 in 1 bucket, heavy duty bale forks and pallet forks; EastWind 40Hp 4WD tractor with Hanmey FEL and 4 in 1 bucket, combo pallet and bale forks; Toyota Hilux ute 1996 2.8D with rego until May 2025; Box trailer 7 x 4 with rego until Jan 2026; Postie bike CT110.
Equipment: 3pl Posthole digger with 4 different size augers; 3pl Super Spreader; 3pl Slasher; 3pl Stick rake 1800mm; 3pl Grader blade with tines 1800mm; 3pl Single tine ripper / pipe layer; 3pl Carryall; Drag Harrows; 600Ltr Rapidplas spray unit with 100 metre remote control wheel; Generator 8Kva; Fencing gear incl. Spinning Jenny, post puller, driver etc; Chainsaw 390 Farm boss; Garden rotary motor hoe; Cement mixer; Backpack sprayers; Hand mower; Pressure washer. Farm Items: Hinge Lock, chicken wire, gates; Electric fencing braid wire and posts; Calf puller, calf chains, feeding bottles, splints and calf rugs; Cow sling; Saddles plus saddlery gear; Horse rugs; Poly and PVC pipe and accessories; Jerry cans; Endless chain; Motor oil for 4WD & tractors.
Household: Chest freezer - 700 Litre; Fowler jars – many sizes; Home brew beer bottles; Grolsch swing top bottles; Snowboards and boots; Large industrial stainless-steel sinks; Patio heater; Full gym set; Clothes dryer; Office desk x 2; Printer; Bookshelves – large and small; 5 shelf stereo stand; Chest of drawers and bedside tables; Bunks beds x 2; Coffee tables; Buffett; Outdoor table; Outdoor chairs – small and large; Kitchen cookware; Glasses; Underfloor heating (hydronic) pipe; Double glazed window (landscape).
Workshop Items: Large heavy-duty workbench 3 metre; Hardwood sleepers; Natural stone for landscaping or paving; Besser blocks and bricks; Shelving, cupboards – many; Ladders; Trolley; Tools – gardening; Multiple buckets of nuts, bolts and everything in-between; Fluro lights x 5; Old Golf clubs; Landcruiser Roof racks; Possum trap; Egg incubator; Heavy duty marine battery (new); Extension cords.
more information, contact: Damien Roach | Nutrien Ag Solutions Cooma | 0427
Snowy Monaro
Secluded off grid living at ‘Yaraandoo’
Address: 844 Richardsons Road, Bungarby
Asking: $900,000
Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala
IF LIVING amongst nature and enjoying the beauty of the Australian bush are on your wish list, then look no further! Yaraandoo is located in the
hilltops to the north of Merriangaah Nature Reserve and is completely off grid powered by solar power and backed up by generator. The homestead features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, formal sitting and dining and an open kitchen with slow combustion stove for heating the hot water and gas cooking, open living with slow combustion heater and dining area that leads to the front verandah
Merriangaah and lovely views over the local practices have been maintained
and lovely views over the local bushland.
Connectivity is maintained with satellite for internet and TV. The home is all ability friendly with ramp access internally and externally.
Water storage is sound with 118,000 litre tank to store captured rainwater along with three dams on the property. The property was organically certified until 2011, and
practices have been maintained should the new owners want to get back to the property being certified. One fenced paddock, formerly for horses and the house is surrounded by established gardens and lawns. The home is bushfire prepared with sprinkler system installed to protect the house. If you are ready to embrace tranquility, then book your inspection today.
• 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, open dining and lounge, galley style kitchen
• Covered patio at rear suitable for outdoor entertaining, front veranda with views over the Bombala Railway precinct
Granny flat features:
• 1 spacious bedroom with WIR, open living/kitchen, ensuite bathroom
• Reverse cycle air conditioning
Good sized fenced yard for both to use, established gardens and lawns, 2 water tanks. Both the house and the flat are currently tenanted making this a solid investment.
•
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•
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Masterclass in modern architecture
$1,100,000
NESTLED in the picturesque township of Cooma, 14 Alkoomi Place offers a serene family retreat, freshly completed in 2023 with striking views that span across the charming local skyline.
This contemporary fourbedroom, three-bathroom abode stretches across a generous 661 square metre parcel, promising a luxurious lifestyle amid
A masterclass in modern architecture, the property is characterised by its meticulous design and high-end finishes that resonate luxury and functionality.
The lower-level features polished concrete floors, giving way to an expansive, open-plan living and dining area, anchored by a sleek kitchen equipped with top-tier appliances and a butler’s pantry.
The dedicated home office study presents a versatile space ideal for
remote work or academic pursuits.
The allure of this home extends upstairs, where the master bedroom serves as a sumptuous sanctuary, complete with a spacious walk-in robe and an elegant ensuite.
A further lounge area provides an intimate space for relaxation, while the additional three large bedrooms, two with walk-in robes, cater to the needs of a growing family.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the house boasts practical in-slab hydronic heating, ducted heating,
and an internal access double garage, ensuring comfort throughout the seasons.
The private yard invites outdoor leisure and relaxation, while the contemporary designed bathrooms strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. This is a rare opportu nity to secure a turnkey property designed for family living in a thriving community. 14 Alkoomi Place is not just a home; it’s a statement of refined elegance and convenience.
Snowy Monaro
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Which shortened Latin term means “for the time being” (3,3)
8 What is an orchestral composition forming the prelude to an opera (8)
9 Name a private or personal concern (6)
10 Which persons fix windows with glass (8)
11 What is a fleet of warships (6)
12 Name a coastal resort in SEFrance, on the Riviera (4)
13 Who wrote The War of the Worlds, and The Time Machine, H G ... (5)
16 Name late Australian Aboriginal rock singer, Archie ... (5)
19 What is a colloquial term for an earlier pound note (4)
21 When one circulates counterfeit money, one does what (6)
22 Which dog originated in Newfoundland, Canada (8)
23 Name a renowned USband leader, Woody ... (6)
24 Name a former English colony on the Atlantic coast of North America (8)
25 To have brought forward any point for discussion, is to have done what (6) DOWN
2 Name another term for an umpire (7)
Letters
Some
3 What is physical exertion, especially when painful (7)
4 Daniel who, was known as “Mad Dog” (6)
5 Name the owner of a rural property on which sheep or cattle are pastured (7)
6 Which contagious disease resembles scarlet fever (7)
7 Name a title applied to Jesus (7)
13 Name an English crime novelist, Edgar ... (7)
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number
14 Who was an Australian painter and sculptor, born in Russia, George ... (7)
15 What are sudden strong winds also called (7)
17 Toronto is the capital of which province in Southern Canada (7)
18 Name an alternative term for butchery (7)
20 Name a county in northeastern England (6)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 AUTONYM
(a) Hallucination of an image of one’s body
(b) An author’s real name
(c) A true impress or copy of the original
2 EQUIVOCAL
(a) Of doubtful meaning
(b) Without ghorsereat variations
(c) In the direction of the equinox
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES: At the earliest (7) Desire strongly (5)
Each (5) Fish (3)
Graph: ...-chart (3) Insect (3)
Irrefutable evidence (5) Letter (3)
Openings (5) Player piano (7)
TRADES AND SERVICES
CLEARING SALE
Alt Saturday 8th February 2025
Notice of Ongoing 1080 Ground Baiting
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting an ongoing ground baiting program for wild dog and fox control. Dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) will be deployed in rugged and remote areas, aiming to reduce wild dog and fox numbers. The ongoing baiting is planned to be undertaken between Saturday 8 February 2025 to Thursday 7 August 2025. This program is part of an integrated pest animal control strategy aimed at minimising the impacts of these pests on neighbouring stock.
Baiting programs will be conducted in the Adaminaby/Yaouk, Snowy Plain, Thredbo/Ingebyra, Dalgety/Paupong and Corrowong/ Tombong/Merriangaah Wild Dog Plan Areas. This includes the following sections of Kosciuszko National Park: the Yaouk/ Adaminaby area from Lone Pine Trail to Lake Eucumbene; Denison; Happy Jacks; Snowy Plain; Kalkite Mountain; Thredbo Valley; Moonbah; Ingebyra; Paupong; Numbla Vale; the Snowy River; Byadbo Wilderness Area and Corrowong area. Baiting programs will also be undertaken in Scabby Range, Yaouk, Merriangaah and Quidong Nature Reserves.
All baiting locations will be identifiable to the public through signage erected around the baited areas. Domestic pests are highly susceptible to 1080 poison. Dogs, cats and other pets and domestic animals are not permitted on NPWS estate.
For further information please contact the NPWS Jindabyne O ice (02) 6450 5555 or the NPWS Tumut O ice on (02) 6947 7000.
Outside entries are welcomed! If you have an item you would like to enter as an outside entry in the sale, contact the KMPL office to find out how! Farming Equipment & Materials – URSUS 3512 Tractor (Approx. 50hp, 1,576 hours); Yamaha 350 Quad bike; Berends 3PL slasher; Hay rake (needs attention); 3PL Carry all; 3PL Rear blade; 3PL scarifier; 3PL finger mower; Small harrows, Rear bucket scoop; Old style super spreader, 3PL: 3PL Rear hay forks; Ferguson TEA tractor blade (suit grey fergy); Nudge gate; Post lifter; Poly pipe; Steel gates; Steel tanks; 44 gallon drums; Steel posts; Building Materials, Workshop Equipment – Wooden ladder; Drop saw; Cement mixer (Honda motor); Wooden door; Flooring sections; Steel trusses; Railway line; Assorted iron (heavy & light); Steel pipe lengths; Ridge capping; Steel cylinders; Scrap steel; PTO Lincoln welder on trailer; Horse/Saddlery – Rope halter; Outdoor/Garden Equipment – Husqvarna TS 242 Ride on mower (near new); Honda whipper snipper (4-stroke, straight shaft); BBQ; Outdoor setting; Push mower; Weed sprayer; Household Items – Lockable broom cupboard; Steel trunks; Fridge; Dining table; Display cabinets; Lounge; Wardrobe; Sideboard; Assorted household effects; Outside Entries:
1. W & J Crowe - Air compressor x 2; 395 Husqvarna chainsaw; CF Moto 4-wheeler 500; 50 sheets particle board; Antique furniture; Round cedar table & chairs; BBQ; Fence energisers; Power tools; Honda 4-stroke post driver; 2. A & M Burchall
Inspections: 8am | Auction: 9am Pre-registrations available via the KMPL office Refer to kirshnermackay.com.au for further details, photos & inventory.
Cooma Bocce Sporting Club INC. Sunday, February 2, 2025
1.45pm for a 2pm start Cooma Bocce Sporting Club, Numeralla Road, Cooma All members encouraged to attend
LENNON, Janet Elizabeth. 31/1/1959 – 20/1/2025
Late of ‘Weona’, Numbugga.
Beloved wife of Stephen. Loving mother and mother-in-law to Katrina, Billy and Sam, Kristy, Scott and Brianna, Zoe and Rory, Cory and Kim, and Dylan (dec). Devoted Nan of Lochlan, Hayden, Bailey, Imogen (dec), Phoenix, Yasmin, Maya, Opal, Jasper, Grietja, Daxton, Harrison, Tahlia and Zoe.
The funeral for Janet will be held in St John’s Anglican Church, Bega at 11am, Friday, February 7, 2025 and burial will follow in the Bega Cemetery. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend.
For further information and livestream details, please email admin@whymanfunerals.com.au
John R Whyman Funeral Services Bega (02) 6492 4111
SHANLEY, Marg.
Late of Brisbane. Passed away peacefully a er a long illness.
Aged 87 years.
Beloved daughter of Charlotte and Carl Shanley (both dec), Adaminaby. Survived by nephew Stephen. Private cremation held prior to Christmas 2024.
TAYLOR (nee Scho eld), Joan Mary.
Passed away at home on Monday, January 20, 2025 of Settlers Village, formerly of Simkin Crescent, Wagga Wagga.
Beloved wife of the late Alan Taylor. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Frances and Tony Trench, Stephen Taylor, Janet (dec) and Glen Allardyce, MaryAnne Taylor-Gibson and David Gibson, Margo and Kerry Woods and Nicholas Taylor. Loving grandmother of fourteen grandchildren and great-grandmother of sixteen great-grandchildren.
Aged 92 years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be o ered in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lake Albert Road, Kooringal on Thursday, January 30, 2025 commencing at 11am.
Joan’s committal prayers will take place on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 1pm at the Cooma Cemetery, Mittagang Road, Cooma. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
For those unable to attend Joan’s Mass, livestreaming will be available by accessing this link funeralsofwaggawagga.com.au/services (02) 6921 8218
First ‘Rocking the Lake’ success
By TRISTA HEATH
JINDABYNE Chamber of Commerce
hosted its first annual ‘Rocking the Lake’ music festival where hundreds gather to the Claypits stage for an afternoon of free local entertainment.
The event featured local talent from across the region including Tully Naje, Gabi Forman, Cool Change, The Chuffs and The Hip Replacements.
From 2pm to 6pm, there were market stalls, face painting, blacksmith demonstrations, barbecue and coffee and drinks.
Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce stated this free event celebrates the Snowy Mountains’ unique diversity and togetherness, bringing together locals, visitors, and seasonal workers from across the globe.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Jindabyne, Rocking the Lake promised an unforgettable afternoon of live music and community connection.
The event is supported by the National Australia Day Council and other valued
The Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce members Kerin Jarvis and Olivier Kapetanakos. Dalgety cricket team hosted the barbecue for the a ernoon, raising funds for its club.
Hundreds flock to the Claypits stage in Jindabyne for the first annual
Cool Change members Tracey Cli on, Erin Lee and Sue Sell entertain the crowd.
the crowd at the ‘Rocking the Lake’
PHOTOS: Trista Heath
Berridale Blacksmithing members give a demonstration on how they create amazing steel pieces.
Gabi Forman singing much-loved tracks as she takes to the stage for the ‘Rocking the Lake’ music festival.
Hot scores at Coolamatong
By COOLAMATONG GOLF CLUB
THE final round of the Summer Cup was played on Sunday with Roy Gabriele winning the overall event with his best four rounds totalling 149 stableford points.
His best four rounds during January were 41 points, 37, 36 and 35 points.
In runner-up position was Michelle White with 148 and Gregg Quinn in third with 147.
The winner of the day’s event was Tom McIntosh with 41 points, on a countback from Joel Patton. Bill Quin continued his recent form placing third with 39 points.
In A grade, Soeren Stoettrup had 37 points to win the grade. In B grade, Tom McIntosh was best with 41 points and Laurie Whithead with 36 points. In C grade, Joel Patton had 41 points and Bill Quin with 39.
In the ball comp rundown went to 34 points, including Laurie Whitehead 36, Brad Jasper 36, Jesse Nelson 36, Nadine Archibald 36, Kim Weston 35, Roy Gabriele 35, Nigel Bolton 34, Kevin Cramer 34, Owain Jones 34 and Geoff Murphy 34.
The men’s near pins were won by Laurie Whitehead on three, Sam McCance on eight and Nigel Bolton on 15.
The ladies near pins were won by Carolyn Major on eight and 17.
Last Wednesday, Terry Stevenson had his second best round, shooting 84 scratch off his 17 handicap to win the day with 40 stableford points and pip Quin by one point with 39, on a countback from Geoff Murphy, also with 39.
Consistency off the tee was Stevenson’s key weapon, plus
holing a few nice puts to help the score. Starting on the back nine, he had 21 points with three - three - pointers and came home steady with 19 points including one three pointer.
Quin had a mixed bag in his 39 points for runner up, starting on the tenth and having 24 points including a wipe, five - three - pointers and a very rare five pointer birdie three on the 16th. His back
nine only produced 15 points, but still a great round.
In A Grade, Mick Thoms had 39 points including a birdie 4 on the 13th hole, and six 3 pointers overall.
In B Grade, Terry Stevenson was top with 40 points and in C Grade, Bill Quinn with 39.
Ball competition
The ball competition ran down to 33 points on Sunday including Geoff Murphy 39, Jayden Brown 37, Roy Gabriele
37, Steve Cuff 36, Elfie Doran 35, Gregg Quinn 34, Donna Tuckwell 34, Ross Thompson 34, Bob Haigh 33 and Richard Hendriks 33.
Near pins for the men were Terry Stevenson on three, Chris Brown on eight, Mick Thoms on 15 and Geoff Murphy on 17.
The ladies near pins were Donna Tuckwell on eight, Sunhee Kim on 15 and Karen Caban on 17.
Bowlers prepare for pennants season
COME February, the Cooma bowlers will be involved in the district pennants competition.
Matches this year are against Eden, Merimbula, Bega, Bombala and Tathra.
The competition is played on a home and away basis.
It is noticeable that several social bowlers are using the casual atmosphere to practise for pennants.
Social bowls 18/01/2025
Rink 1: Mack Buckley, Grant Tilbrook and Bob Douglass were too good for Bruce Stewart, Mick Mayhew and Red Roberson 19-17.
Rink 2: Jen Newton, Daphne Buckley and Don Menchin were always chasing Shirley Barns, Ernie Lapham and Phil Hunter and lost 15-19.
Rink 3: Neil McGregor, Max Butler and Mike Mannile were always in front against Neil McGregor, Peter Marsicano and Guilo D’Amico and won 24-17.
Social bowls 22/01/2025
A happy group turned out on a lovely morning.
Rink 1: Bob Douglass (swing lead), Carmel McDermott and Don Menchin won convincingly against Bob, and Shirley Barnes and Phil Hunter 24-14.
Rink 2: Ed Shanley, Judy Locker and Steve Bowerman bowled consistently to defeat Diane Wilkins, Bruce McDermott and Leonie Snell 23-12.
Rink 3: In a very close match Kathy Venables, Mary Bowerman and Mike Mannile led all the way to defeat Ross Lawley, Bruce Stewart and Cheryl Meillon 22-19.
Leaner bowlers are welcome each Wednesday (9.30am) and Saturday (12.30pm).
Litchfield secures Cooma Summer Cup win
By COOMA GOLF CLUB
DYLAN Litchfield has claimed the Cooma Golf Club’s Summer Cup, finishing with 118 points across his three best rounds.
Litchfield started the Summer Cup with an impressive 45 points in round one. Despite a few challengers closing in during rounds two and three, he extended his lead in the fourth and final round.
In Saturday’s round four
of the Summer Cup, Helen Crawford had a fantastic round with 42 points after shooting 79 off the stick. A well deserved win for Crawford who regularly shoots at or below her age.
The A Grade winner was John Gargett with 38 points, Wayne Ryan won B Grade with 38 points on countback from Rodney Baker and the C Grade winner was Gary Batten with 34 points. Balls went to Baker, Leo Percy, Richard Hanna, Alan Kelly, David Goggin,
Litchfield and David Douglass. Nearest the pin on the fourth was won by Mark Rainsford, the ninth went to David Goggin, 11 to Lyndon Taylor and 17 to Emily Stewart.
In Sunday’s stroke competition on the orange course, Stephen Young set a new men’s orange course record with 62 gross, winning the overall competition with 68 nett, followed by runner-up David Stewart with 69 nett. Crawford also set the
ladies’ orange course record with 73 gross.
Balls went to Marty Janota, Val Leitch, Helen Crawford, Mary Obermaier, Peter Ewart, Sean Smith and Terry Schofield. Nearest the pin on nine went to Young and 12 went to Claire Caldwell.
In last week’s midweek stableford, Ken McGrath was the overall winner with an amazing score of 41 points. The A Grade winner was Josh Rainsford from Narooma Golf Club with 38 points, Peter
Ewart won B Grade with 36 on countback from Frank McKnight and the C Grade winner was Adam Jakins with 39 points.
Balls went to Mark Rainsford, Frank McKnight, Shannon Fergusson, Phil Ingram, Wayne Flynn, Harry Mould, Brian Johnson, Bailey Burke and Brian Searl.
This Saturday is the monthly medal and Sunday is a stableford. The men’s pennants is due to start on Sunday
and the Cooma Golf Club will be hosting the scratch pennants for the first round.
The midweek competition is a stableford.
The Snowy Mountains Short Course is coming up in just a couple of weeks. Saturday is an open single stroke competition and Sunday is a two-person ambrose.
All welcome to play in either event - tickets are available now: https:// www.trybooking.com/ CXYFP
Bombala golfers ready for busy month ahead
By BOMBALA GOLF CLUB
AT the Bombala Golf Club on Saturday there was only a small field with a number of members involved with Australia Day celebrations. The club congratulates Stephen Reed on winning the citizen of the year award. Stephen has always been there for golf members when their animals needed vet care, no matter the day or time.
Crawford won the golden shot, nearest the pin was not claimed.
Members played 18-holes with Ray Crawford producing a very good round winning with 40 points ahead of Phillip Shilling on 36 points.
Sunday saw a strong turn-up with the field playing 18-holes. Shilling had a win after a number of runner-up efforts.
Shilling came in with 37 points, just edging out Wayne Elton on 36 points. Balls went to
Shilling, Elton, Crawford on 33 points and Darren Forrester on 32 points.
Nearest the pin on 13 was not won again. There will be a handy little nest egg when someone finds the dance floor.Golden shot was won by Elton.
Golf program
Saturday February 118-hole chicken run
Sunday February 218-hole chicken run
Last chance to win a chicken
Saturday February 8 - Tony Brady Memorial Day. Four-man ambrose. Draw for partners. 10am shotgun start, back and egg roll breakfast. BBQ lunch. Everyone welcome
Sunday February 9Opening day. Chapmans (choose partners). C.Stewart and D.Douch trophies. Don’t forget the men’s open tournament. Open day Saturday February 22 and four-ball-bestball Sunday February 23. Make it a fun weekend of golf.
ALL SMILES: Roy Gabriele wins the Coolamatong Summer Cup ahead of Michelle White. PHOTO: Coolamatong Golf Club
Miss Piggies welcome new head coach
BURKE READY FOR NEW ROLE
By TRISTA HEATH
MISS Piggies welcome new head coach, Rhianna Burke for the 2025 season after returning to her hometown of Jindabyne last year.
With extensive ties to the rugby community, Burke looks forward to installing her knowledge of the game to her team for a successful year of women’s football.
Playing for the junior Bushpigs team in 2009 as part of an all-girls and mixed squad, Burke moved away and furthered her rugby resume playing the sport in both Canberra and Wagga Wagga where she was titled the development officer for four years.
Refereeing and playing at a high level, Burke made the Canberra Brumbies team and continued refereeing as part of the Rugby Australia development team and has travelled to officiate matches.
After an injury that took Burke off the field, she moved back to Jindabyne and quickly reached out to the Bushpigs to offer her support.
Burke said she started to attend training sessions and games to give support to former head coach and now assistant coach, Leanne Sarre, then was
approached by the club to take on the head coach position for the 2025 season.
“I have played rugby since I was little and I’ve watched girls grow in the sport and I am so excited to be able to teach girls new skills and watch them become comfortable being uncomfortable,” Burke said.
“We’ve already had new girls at training pick up contact within two or three sessions, we are working on tackling and passing, and these are skills I am there to teach you, and help you progress on.
“Any experience is good experience; no experience is great as well because we’ve got a lot to work with.”
Jindabyne
Training has already begun, and the club have had 10 girls come along to training so far, which is already a huge improvement from last year.
Burke said they are hoping to have 15 players in the squad for the season and are seeing players come from as far as Bombala, Berridale and Jindabyne, some being players who have previously played and others who have come back after a break.
She said she will be there to guide and mentor through training, building session plans and season plans and looks forward to changing things up a little bit this year.
“I am excited to come into the training season,
we have a whole new men’s squad also after losing 12 players from the men’s team last year,” Burke said.
“We are building a whole new culture around the club between the men and women teams working together.
“Within the women’s space we are playing a whole new format this year, while details are yet to come, we know we will be playing more football and less weekends which will benefit our team.
“We are a winter town, and women need to work on the weekends, so it really benefits our team having a shorter comp with more football in it.”
players, this year she hopes to build their foundation skills and start building their rugby IQ to be able to play a smarter game as well as taking them out of their comfort zones.
“It is exciting, I go back to 2009 when I started playing, amongst big players like Sharnie Williams, Tayla Stanford, Peta Cox and Kate Brown, all of which have gone on to play for Australia, knowing their rugby journey started right here in Jindabyne,” Burke said.
that’s very exciting for me being back at home and being able to give back to my community after they gave so much to me in my rugby journey, it’s really special.”
Described as a full circle moment for the family, Burke’s father, whom was a former Bushpigs president, her uncle, a classic wallaby (retired in the 60s), and her twin sister who now plays for the Australian Defence Force, are excited for Burke’s next rugby challenge and look forward to cheering her and the team on from the side lines this season.
Pre-season training is on the JJ Connors oval, eachTuesday from 6pm, all new and returning players are
Cycling Club takes on new heights
Cyclists conquer 3 Peaks Challenge
By TRISTA HEATH
JINDABYNE Cycling Club members will challenge themselves like never before on Sunday March 9 as they try to conquer the ‘Jindy 3 Peaks Challenge’.
The ‘Jindy 3 Peaks Challenge’ is a fully supported ride, where you can choose between three levels of difficulty.
A gruelling and most difficult 178-kilometre ride leaving from Jindabyne riding up and over Deadhorse Gap, down to Leather Barrel Creek, then back up and over Deadhorse Gap, down to Jindabyne then on to Charlotte Pass, returning to Jindabyne.
The ‘2 Peaks Challenge’ will leave Jindabyne riding up to Deadhorse Gap, then head back down to Jindabyne, then up to Charlotte Pass before returning to Jindabyne.
The least, but still very challenging route, ‘1 Peak’, will leave from Jindabyne heading directly to Charlotte Pass, then back to Jindabyne.
Based off the Victorian version of ‘3 Peaks’, now a well-known event all over the world, Jindabyne Cycling Club member, Sheryl Rotondo, came up with the Jindabyne concept of ‘3 Peaks’ to challenge her fellow cyclists and give them something to train for.
Jindabyne Cycling Club president, Kent Carpenter, said since the cancellation of various cycling events hosted in Jindabyne, the club wanted to challenge its members to keep them on the bike.
“There’s no events for cyclists to train for in Jindabyne anymore, with LeTape and now Snowy Classic being cancelled, we want to give our members a challenge to train for and get excited about,” Carpenter said.
“The club use to do an event called ‘around the block’, starting from Jindabyne to Adaminaby, Khancoban and over to Thredbo before returning to Jindabyne, it was a three-day event.
“Three years ago, that event was amended, and
cyclists would ride the more than 100 kilometres from Jindabyne to Corryong until we had to rest on that idea for this year.
“To give our members something to look forward to, Sheryl came up with the 3 Peaks idea for the club, which is not a race and not timed, and while only starting off small this year there could be potential for growth in the future.”
For members only, around 40 members and 15 guest cyclists are expected to take on the challenge, finishing up with a complementary dinner hosted by the club afterwards.
Carpenter said the Jindabyne region is very popular for cyclists and out-of-towners looking for cycling events in the region to travel and participate in.
Carpenter said assessing the success of its first event, there could be potential of opening entries to the wider community and cycling enthusiasts for everyone to join.
“It could be something
great for the region and draw a lot of people into Jindabyne,” Carpenter said.
With a strong on-road and mountain bike presence, the Jindabyne Cycling Club currently have around 140 members, 50 of those being active in almost all events.
The club are also very active behind-the-scenes as they get involved in other community events and groups, as well as teaming up with emergency services to ensure safety on the road for cyclists, local and tourist traffic.
In conjunction with
Biathlon Australia and the NSW Ministry of Sports, the club has been collaborating in the build of a multi-purpose track for cross-country roller skiers, cyclists and human powered vehicles as well as a biathlon laser range.
Located at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, once complete the new multi-use track will be a venue for all to use safely, on a road environment without the traffic.
The Jindabyne Cycling Club meets every Sunday for a group ride out on Eucumbene Road,
meeting at 8am at the Kalkite crossroads. It is a social ride to get members and like-minded people together.
“We encourage people to come along, for a noncompetitive ride, staying as a group. It is a fun way to keep active and healthy, then we meet for coffee afterwards,” Carpenter said.
To enquire about joining the club or extra information on events visit the Jindabyne Cycling Club Facebook page or contact info@jindabynecycling. com.au
community sport. Burke is ready for a successful season.
PHOTOS: Supplied
CHALLENGE: Jindabyne Cycling Club take on ‘Windy 3 Peaks Challenge’ as they complete a 178 kilometre ride in March. PHOTOS: Supplied
Snow Dragons look forward to year ahead
By TRISTA HEATH
JINDABYNE Snow Dragons are ready to take on the year with plenty of events on the horizon for its paddling members.
Dragon boating is a fast and furious, paddledriven water sport that is popular amongst paddlers throughout Australia, not to mention the benefits the sport has for social, mental and physical health.
The modern sport sees crews of up to 20 paddlers, 10 for small boats, plus a sweep and drummer, train and race in wood & fibreglass boats with decorative Chinese dragon heads, tails and drums.
Competitions (known as regattas) are held all over the world offering international, national and local competition, Dragon Boats ACT & DBNSW hold several regattas each year.
Coach and treasurer for Jindabyne Snow Dragons, Jacky Wood, said this year the club wants to focus on building the club and its members.
“Our main goal is to build our numbers and increase qualified people in the team,” Wood said.
“We have new coaches coming through as well as new sweeps (dragon boat steerer) which is great, but the more people we can get qualified the better, that way it isn’t a big task for any one coach or sweep and we are able to rotate and also paddle.
“We have five sweeps at the moment and when two or three sweeps go away for competitions or travel, we are only left with minimum numbers so we are always looking
to qualify people, that way we have always got people on the water.”
The club currently has 38 members who train two to three times a week on Lake Jindabyne from October to May.
The club currently owns one dragon boat and borrowing two from the very generous, Merimbula Water Dragons.
Jindabyne Snow Dragons secretary, Jacqui Neijens, said the club is purchasing a brand-new dragon boat which will arrive before winter.
“With a new boat comes extra expenses including insurance, new covers, a trolley and transport to Jindabyne so we are hosting a trivia fundraising Hawaiian-themed event at the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club on Saturday February 15 to help raise money for these extra costs,” Neijens said.
After announcing the cancellation of the Flowing Festival event late last year, the club still wanted to mark the occasion and have paddlers visiting.
“Some teams still wanted to come to Jindabyne and enjoy our lake, so for a fun experience the clubs will partake in some friendly dragon boat activities and competition before heading to the trivia fundraiser,” Wood said.
Wood said the club had quite a lot of great new recruits over the past couple of years, but the men’s team is still lacking in numbers.
“This means we can’t take a men’s team away for comps and we end up having to combine as a mixed team, we really want to work on building
the men’s numbers this year,” Wood said.
“When travelling to compete in regattas there are men everywhere, where here in Jindabyne only about ten men have joined the club, and it’s not enough to make a team, we need at least 12 to make up a men’s team.”
With the near perfect conditions for training on Lake Jindabyne over the past months allowing the team to train strongly, the club looks forward to attending at least another two Canberra regattas in the coming months.
They haven’t decided whether or not to compete in States or National AusChamps yet, with both being held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in 2025.
Neijens said the Jindabyne Snow Dragons women in a combo team came first in its last regatta during the two-kilometre race.
“We were all stoked, considering many other clubs do some sort of training through winter and we don’t, it goes to show the strength of our team and how well we work together,” Neijens said.
The Jindabyne Snow Dragons club is always looking for new members and encourages the community to challenge themselves with a wholebody workout, strength training, cardio burning, but most of all a fun, social sport like Dragon boating. So come and be part of the team.
To get in touch with the club to enquire about paddling contact Jindabyne Snow Dragons through its Facebook page.
TEAM: Jindabyne Snow Dragons members excited to compete in upcoming 2025 events.
PHOTO: Supplied
Patrice, a clear winner
INSPIRING ATHLETE WINS
TOP SPORTS
HONOUR
By NATHAN THOMPSON
2024 will be a year hard to beat for Patrice Clear. The talented Bombala athlete won gold with the Australian over 37 women’s Oztag side, was awarded the NSW OzTag senior player of the year and added another Group 16 premiership to an already impressive list of achievements.
Clear has another trophy to add to the cabinet, this time, the Bombala sportsperson of the year. Clear’s stellar 12-months has been capped off with the Australia Day award, presented in front of family, friends and hundreds of community members at the Bombala celebrations on Saturday.
Clear praised her family and the community for their support.
“I am very humbled to win this accolade. There are some pretty inspirational sports people in the community so to be up there with them is a real honour,” Clear said.
“2024 is a year I won’t forget. I was chasing a dream I didn’t realise was still achievable at my age.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of family and friends, I saw my dream come to fruition by winning gold for Australia.” Clear had the honour of representing her country alongside sisters Maree Coates and Brooke Morey. The sister act has represented the ACT, NSW and Australia.
LARGEST RANGE IN THE REGION
2024 was another successful year for Clear and Bombala High Heelers. The side, captained by Clear, won another Group 16 title when they defeated Eden 20-0.
Clear, Coates and sister, Monique Perkins, were key players in the premiership winning effort.
Upon accepting her sportsperson of the year award, Clear shared some inspirational words from her OzTag coach.
“My ACT coach gave a speech that really resonated. At our age it is an absolute privilege to take part in sport,” Clear said.
“If you want to and can, then do it.”
Clear’s sporting achievements also include coaching a junior Bombala league-tag side and member of the Mila Tennis Club.
Bombala junior cricketer and golfer, Lakyn Tonks, was awarded a special achievement
award for his sporting pursuits.
state golf titles
Lakyn, 12, represented the NSW Schoolboys cricket side, contested state golf titles and cemented his place as one of best junior cricketers in country NSW.
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J IND ABYNE
Lakyn’s strong work ethic and passion for cricket and golf were recognised with the award.
RECOGNITION: Patrice Clear receives her Bombala Australia Day sportsperson of the year honour from Australia Day ambassador, Ethan Butson, and Snowy Monaro Regional Councillor, Bob Stewart. PHOTOS: Nathan Thompson
Lakyn’s strong work ethic and
Lakyn Tonks is a cricket and golf star in the making. He receives terrific support from his family, including grandparents Michael and Marilyn Pope.
Jindabyne community celebrates local legends
Water tank issues debated
AUSTRALIA DAY 2025 AWARDS CEREMONY
RECOGNISES TOWN SUPERSTARS
By TRISTA HEATH
NINE Jindabyne locals were recognised at the Australia Day 2025 Awards ceremony held on the soccer fields at John Connors sports field on Sunday January 26.
Community members and visitors gathered to celebrate the award recipients and their achievements.
The community-voted awardees included Manuela Berchtold, Terry Chalk, Todd Costa, Jodie Evans, Melissa
Phillips, Malika Bailey, Marty Firle, Hunter Clark and Nira Windeatt.
Event organiser, Nira, received a special recognition award.
Australia Day Ambassador, Ethan Butson and Snowy
Monaro Regional Council mayor, Chris Hanna, presented the awards and thanked the community for supporting the event and its award winners for 2025.
■ Read more on page 9
By NATHAN THOMPSON
THE collapsed Cooma North water tank will be replaced and outstanding claims from affected residents will look to be settled in the immediate future following an extraordinary Snowy Monaro Regional Council meeting last week. Council met for its third extraordinary meeting since December, this time to discuss the collapse of the Snowy 1 reservoir at Cooma North on January 4, 2020. Councillors Rueben Rose, Andrew Thaler and Luke Williamson called the meeting.
The meeting ran for longer than four hours as councillors debated seven motions put forward by Cr Rose. The motions called for Council to launch an investigation into the tank’s collapse, determine responsibility for its collapse, seek funding to replace the asset and expedite settlement claims from affected residents.
When the tank collapsed, a number of homes were destroyed, dozens more damaged and close to 30 vehicles affected when 4.5 million litres of water came rushing down the Cooma North reserve.
The tank was filled during a declared state of emergency with bushfires throughout the region and close to Cooma.
Council’s current delivery plan includes resources to replace the tank. Councillors were in agreement the tank needed to be replaced.
Councillors disagreed about the need to undertake an independent investigation.
At the time of going to print, minutes from the meeting were yet to be published.
CELEBRATED: (Back row from le ) Mayor Chris Hanna, Terry Chalk, Todd Costa, Manuela Berchtold, Jodie Evans, Melissa Phillips, Malika Bailey, Ambassader Ethan Butson, (front row from le ), Desiree Firle collecting award for Marty Firle and Hunter Clark. PHOTO: Trista Heath
Burke ready for challenge
Australia Day match raises $2000
SPORTING CODES COME TOGETHER FOR GREAT CAUSE
JINDABYNE Tigers Cricket Club held its annual fundraising event on Sunday January 26, raising funds for Myeloma Australia.
The successful T20 big bash event raised more than $2,000 as the town’s local footy sides and cricket club came together for two exciting matches.
A highlight of each Australia Day, the cricket games bring together the Snowy River Bears, Jindabyne Bushpigs, and former and current Tigers cricketers.
In the first match of the day, the Bears showed their skills with bat and ball. When it looked like they were out of the running, they produced a comeback effort to defeat the Bushpigs.
A high scoring affair in the Jindabyne Tigers old boys and new boys fixture saw the old boys smash their way to 213 runs. Their effort with the bat secured the win.
Both matches delivered excellent cricket as players and supporters raised thousands for Myeloma Australia.
Jindabyne Tigers Cricket Club president, Simon Partell, said the day was a success and thanked all those for donating and participating.
“Our annual cricket fundraiser was a huge success. Thanks to all the volunteers and players from the Bears, Bushpigs and Tigers.
“Thanks to everyone who came out and supported both matches.”
The charity fixtures were supported by the Lake Jindabyne Hotel and Woolworths who supplied food for the day. Sam Shiel from ISC Sport was in attendance on the day.
Jindabyne
LARGEST RANGE IN THE REGION
The Snowy River Bears and Bushpigs came together to raise money for Myeloma Australia foundation.
SUCCESS: The
Tigers old boys were too good for the new boys in the Australia Day charity match. PHOTOS: Supplied