HSC success Council conduct under scrutiny
NERVOUSNESS turned to excitement for many Snowy Monaro Year 12 students, who earlier this month celebrated the release of their Higher School Certificate results and Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR).
For Monaro High School student, Leanne Adams, her hard work paid off with an ATAR of 94.
By NATHAN THOMPSON
SNOWY Monaro Regional Council is set to be placed on a performance improvement order following the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, raising concerns over councillor behaviour and the financial viability of the organisation.
“I was very happy when my score came through, I looked straight away,” Ms Adams said.
Ms Adams received a prestigious Australian National University Tuckwell Scholarship earlier this year, and will study in the engineering and scientific fields.
Twins, Samuel and Michael Pevere, have completed 13-years of schooling
together and said they were pleased with their results.
“I’m happy with how I went. I received early entry so that helped take some pressure off,” Samuel said. Students from across the region share their thoughts on the end of their school journey. See inside for more success stories.
■ Read more on page 14
In a letter to Snowy Mayor mayor, Chris Hanna, and interim CEO, Stephen Dunshea, Mr Hoenig said Council needs to address its behaviour or risk facing suspension orders. Mr Hoenig said the order is partly the result of councillor conduct in the Council chambers, in correspondence, and on social media. The minister also identified areas where councillor actions could hinder the organisation’s financial viability.
Council held an extraordinary meeting on Monday December 23 to discuss the minister’s intention to issue the order. At the time of going print (before the meeting), it was expected a majority of councillors would accept the order and the reasons for it being implemented.
In Mr Hoenig’s correspondence, he referred to the conduct of Cr Andew Thaler, who has 19 misconduct allegations against him.
“A number of these complaints deal with conduct that is alleged to constitute bullying, harassment and/or behaviour which would bring the Council into disrepute,” Mr Hoenig said in his letter to Council.
Cr Thaler has rejected Mr Hoenig’s assertion, saying via a statment these allegations are unproven.
“The only response from the Council to the Minister should be that it is completely inappropriate for the Minister to pass judgement on a councillor who has not been found to have breached the Code of Conduct,” Cr Thaler said.
■ Read more on page 3
HAPPY: Monaro High School students Samuel Pevere (back left) and Mia Crawford (back right), celebrate their HSC results with Zenith Leadbitter (left), teacher Lee Riley, and Leanne Adams (right).
PHOTO: Monaro High School
School site closes after more than 60 years
By TRISTA HEATH
STUDENTS, staff and the community reminisced on memories, and in history books, of packing up the old Jindabyne school and trudging up the hill to its new site in the new town, with the new name of Jindabyne Central School.
Now known as Jindabyne High School and Jindabyne Primary School, the students walked through the school gates for the last time on Friday December 20 and will begin at the new Jindabyne Education Campus in Term 1, 2025.
The McLoughlin family sat in the lounge room of their family home on Thursday December 19 sharing stories of three generations attending the school.
Shaun McLoughlin said it was an excellent school as it represented freedom.
“The school was big, it had tennis courts, an oval, cricket nets, play equipment and things that schools don’t have these days,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“The school was never locked up, there was no after school care back then so the kids would stay on the school grounds and play with balls, rackets and other equipment which was left for the kids to play with after hours, something that doesn’t happen now.”
Mr McLoughlin fondly remembers getting out the Hurley sticks with his dad and playing on the school’s oval.
Roisin Molloy said her fondest memory was the harmony day celebrations the staff used to host for its students.
“The parents of different origins would bring dishes in to share with the students, and because of all the different countries the students came from it was always memorable for me,” Mrs Molloy said.
“Ms Sevenoaks was my favourite teacher, I think because back then it was a small school the teachers adopted you as if you were their child, they looked after you like part of the family.”
Doreen McLoughlin’s mother used to clean the school back when it was brand new to town and she remembers staying back after school to ride on the floor polisher and help her mother with the cleaning, a tradition then passed onto her children.
Mrs McLoughlin said she remembers the day the students from the old town gathered their belongings and climbed the hill to the new town and new school.
“That school site is much larger than the previous building of only two classrooms, a weather shed and
a cement square outside, known as the quadrangle,” Mrs McLoughlin said.
“Entering the new school was completely different, with brand new buildings and none of the kids knew what to expect, but we all settled in quite well.
“There were a lot of German, Italian and other international descendants prominent in the town back then and we were all a very close knit cohort.”
Both Mr McLoughlin and Mrs Molloy lived across the road from the school, making the daily commute very easy for the family.
Mrs McLoughlin said her husband, John McLoughlin, would often wait at the gate once the lunch bell went off at school to handover his famous hot chips to granddaughters, Mickayla and Tegan Molloy.
Jindabyne High School principal, Kelly Henretty, said to farewell the school grounds, the school hosted an alumni event bringing students back from all generations to celebrate the school and its students in September.
As the new school site readies for Term 1, 2025, the Jindabyne High School and Jindabyne Primary School will host an open day to the community on February 5, giving students and the community the
opportunity to tour the new site and see the stateof-the-art facilities.
“We will have a brand new commercial kitchen for vocational education and training (VET) hospitality courses, metals and timber workshops now giving the ability to run VET constructions in 2025 and space for VET entertainment to run VET coaching,” Mrs Henretty said.
“I think it is going to be a beautiful space to offer more curriculum specialties for local kids and courses that suit them and they want to go into.”
Mr McLoughlin said 60
years ago the kids entered their new school and didn’t know what to expect and now there’s a whole new generation about to start another journey, as they move to the new school site next year.
“My message to the students as they enter a new school is to embrace the change, change is a re-occurring thing when growing up so when you’re young just go with it and enjoy the experience and keep moving forward, embrace the future,” Mr McLoughlin said.
No decision has been made regarding the old Jindabyne school site.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education said a decision will be made through consultation with the community next year.
“A community send-off for the grounds has not yet been decided and likely won’t be until community consultation has been completed and site development decisions are made,” the spokesperson said.
Project updates will be made available through the Department of Education and Infrastructure website when information becomes available.
Supply
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is seeking quotations from suppliers, via a request for quotations (RFQ) process, to deliver a schedule of prices for uniforms and protective clothing, including footwear.
Interested parties must obtain copies of the quotation documentation from Council’s e-tendering system at www.vendorpanel.com.au, or via email at procurement@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au.
Open and closing dates: RFQ opens 2pm AEDT Thursday 19 December 2024 and closes at 4pm AEDT on Thursday 30 January 2025. Submissions must be fully received by this time.
Submissions: Completed responses can be submitted via VendorPanel or email, to the address listed above, using the Microsoft Word version of the response schedule. Respondents will receive a successful submission receipt, timed and dated upon completion.
If assistance is required, please use the online manual on the portal, or contact VendorPanel customer support at support@vendorpanel.com.au.
Submissions must be fully received by the closing time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Council is not bound to accept the lowest priced quotation or all or any part of a quotation and reserves the right to conduct the Request for Quotations process and select the successful respondent(s) as it sees fit. Any questions related to the request for quotation should be submitted through the relevant VendorPanel portal and will be answered accordingly via the same portal.
FAREWELL: The Jindabyne Public and High School site is closed a er 60 years.
PHOTO: Trista Heath
Whan worried
MEMBER for Monaro, Steve Whan, said he is concerned Snowy Monaro Regional Council is not operating in a cohesive and structure manner with the organisation set to receive a performance improvement order.
“The vast majority of Snowy Monaro people voted for councillors who they wanted to be constructive contributors to the running of the council.
I am confident that strong majority would agree that councillors should adhere to the code of conduct,” Mr Whan said.
“This preliminary step indicating the intention to issue a performance notice is the result of a large number of disclosures by staff about conduct and behaviour directed toward them, I met with the Office of Local Government some time ago and asked them to stay closely engaged and I am pleased to see that is what they have been doing.
“I have seen many councils operating over my years in politics and I want to be very clear that staff have a right to be treated with courtesy and without feeling threatened; and very importantly that there is a very big difference between accountability and pure obstructionism designed to make a council dysfunctional.”
Nineteen code of conduct complaints against Cr Thaler Councillors’ behaviour under minister’s watch
By NATHAN THOMPSON
SNOWY Monaro Regional
Council has been issued a performance improvement order by the Office of Local Government, following concerns over councillor conduct and the organisation’s financial viability.
Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, has cited councillor conduct in the council chambers, in correspondence and on social media, as ares requiring urgent attention.
Mr Hoenig wrote to Snowy Monaro mayor, Chris Hanna, on December 16, expressing his intention to place Council on a performance improvement order. Council held an extraordinary meeting on Monday December 23 to discuss the notice.
This edition went to print before the extraordinary meeting but it was expected the majority of councillors would accept the order. In the meeting business paper, interim CEO, Stephen Dunshea, recommended councillors receive and note Mr Hoenig’s intention for
the improvement order and accept the decision without providing a submission on the matter.
In his correspondence with Council, Mr Hoenig referred to multiple alleged incidents involving Cr Andrew Thaler, that the minister said have contributed to his intention to issue the performance improvement order.
The Office of Local Government has received 19 misconduct allegations against Cr Thaler during October and November. These have been reported by councillors, Council staff and the community.
In his correspondence, Mr Hoenig said these complaints ‘deal with conduct that is alleged to constitute bullying, harassment and/or behaviour which would bring the Council into disrepute’.
“I understand there is evidence within the complaints, discussions with Council staff and an independent witness, that the actions of some councillors, including Cr Thaler, are posing psychosocial risks to councillors and council staff,”
Mr Hoenig said in his letter to Council.
“This includes causing councillors and Council staff to feel anxious, intimidated and concerned for their safety which is affecting work performance.
“ I am informed that one staff member has been physically ill on two occasions as a direct result of an interaction with Cr Thaler.”
Cr Thaler’s alleged misconduct referrals include ‘intimidating’ emails sent to councillors and staff, offensive language on social media when talking about fellow councillors, and allegations Cr Thaler disclosed confidential information via his social media accounts.
Cr Thaler has refuted the allegations against him, saying they are ‘unproven’.
“Our electoral system is not a winner takes all system. The Minister for Local Government must respect the fact some people vote for candidates that others have contempt or disdain for,” Cr Thaler said via a statement.
“The only response from the Council to the Minister
should be that it is completely inappropriate for the Minister to pass judgement on a councillor who has not been found to have breached the Code of Conduct.”
Government, Ron Hoenig, has issued his intention to place Snowy Monaro Regional Council on an improvement performance order. He cited the behaviour of Cr Andrew Thaler (pictured) as one of the reasons for the order.
PHOTO: File
Healthcare accommodation boost Road names out for comment
COMMUNITY feedback is being sought on the first collection of names proposed for inclusion in Council’s new Road Name Bank.
These names will be used for future streets and roads across the region as new subdivisions, developments, and other housing and industrial projects are developed.
The proposed names were collected late last year through a community submissions, with the first set of names now ready for public review at and comment before being formally added to the Road Name Bank. Visit https://qrco.de/roadnames
“Getting a list of pre-approved road names together just makes sense.
“It’ll speed things up for developers, but more importantly, it means our new streets will have names that really mean something to our region and tell our story,” Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna, said.
“These names are going to be around for a long time, so we want to get them right. That’s why we’re asking everyone in the community to jump on and have a look at what we’re proposing for our first lot of names to be added to the new Road Name Bank. Your feedback is the most important of this whole process.”
Residents can review the first batch of proposed names and provide feedback until 11.59pm on Sunday February 2, 2025 through: online submission form at https://qrco.de/roadnames; email: council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au; post: PO Box 714, Cooma, NSW, 2630.
Following the consultation period, approved names will be added to the Road Name Bank for use in future developments.
HEALTHCARE workers in Cooma will soon have access to modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation, following the arrival of 12 new units to support staff at Cooma Hospital and Health Service.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, toured the new key worker accommodation units earlier this month.
The accommodation units are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation Program.
The self-contained units are currently being installed on the hospital grounds, on the Bombala Street side of the Cooma Health Service.
Each unit will be fully furnished, and feature a lightfilled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, an internal laundry, and screened veranda.
“Cooma faces very real housing shortage pressures,” Mr Whan said “Over the last decade the affordability of the area has declined.
“One private sector report last week rated Snowy Monaro as being in parts ‘severely unaffordable’.
“It’s been driven by a number of factors including people living in Cooma and
working in Canberra and the (welcome) influx of Snowy 2.0 workers.
“That has made it very difficult to attract people to fill much needed positions in our health workforce.
“That is why this key worker accommodation is so important.
“It’s been discussed for a while, but I am very pleased that this Government has allocated the resources needed to get design, construction, and installation actually done.
“Cooma Hospital is a vital health facility for our region and ensuring full staffing means addressing all the factors that could help to attract and retain staff.”
The accommodation complex will be two storeys with six units on each floor, and will feature a communal unit and deck, providing a recreational space for healthcare workers.
Secure access to each unit will be provided.
There will also be lighting and landscaping around the units.
The pre-fabricated units were built off-site and modelled on the Key Worker Accommodation Program Prototype Unit completed earlier this year.
Healthcare workers are
expected to move into the new accommodation early next year, once installation, connection of services, fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of the new units is completed.
Southern NSW Local Health District is one of three regional local health districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Worker Accommodation Program.
Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said the new accommodation is designed to provide
a relaxing and welcoming environment for workers.
“The availability of new healthcare worker accommodation on-site at Cooma Hospital will be another boost to help recruit and attract health workers to the region.
“One of the unique features of the Cooma key worker accommodation is the communal unit and deck.
“This deck will enable those living there to relax and socialise with one another, which will be hugely beneficial for staff who may have re-located for work,” Mr Park said.
Happy New Year!
HEALTH: New accommodation will provide modern facilities in e orts to attract more health workers to the region.
PHOTO: NSW Health
Local photographers set for Snowy Mountains Monopoly honour
THE three winners of the Snowy Mountains Monopoly photo competition have received their prizes.
The winning entries will feature on the board or box of the special edition Snowy Mountains Monopoly board game, expected to go on sale at the start of the 2025 winter season.
The competition was organised by SERVICE ONE Mutual Ltd which is sponsoring the new game.
Entrants were asked to send in photos of ‘What the Snowy Mountains mean to me’.
There was an excellent response from the local community.
“It was a real privilege to review the entries,” CEO of the Mutual, and one of the competition judges, Ivan Slavich, said.
“Having provided banking services in this region for the last 60 years, it confirmed for us what makes this region so special for the people who live here.
“The photos beautifully captured a variety of local landmarks, community events, farm life, incredible sunsets and mountain vistas.
“However, we could only
choose three winners and I’m thrilled to be able to present them with their prizes.”
Prizes of $250, $200 and $150 accounts were donated by Community Bank Cooma (Bendigo Bank) and bags of outdoor gear worth up to $500
from Rhythm Snowsports. Winning entries were:
First – The A Team by Miranda McGufficke; Second – Aries Tour by Emma Chapman-Davis; and Third – Snowy Mountains looking towards Victoria by Jack Davis.
The composition of the Monopoly board has been finalised.
“We’re delighted to have secured the support of Perisher and Thredbo resorts, Snowy Hydro, Red Energy, Rhythm Snowsports, Monaro Tyrepower, Community
Bank Cooma (Bendigo Bank) and several other local organisations.”
In line with the Mutual’s vision to give back to local communities, a portion of the proceeds from game sales will be donated to local charities, including The Community Chest
Cooma, Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue (known locally as LAOKO), and ski patrols. Mr Slavich thanked his fellow judges for giving up their time to support the competition: Dale Hackett from Winning Moves and Wendy McDougall from Raglan Gallery Board. In recognition of the community embracing the photo competition, Mr Slavich invited all competition entrants to contact Community Bank Cooma to receive a voucher for their free copy of the game upon its release.
“We can’t wait to launch the Snowy Mountains Monopoly edition next year,” Mr Slavich added.
“We know it’s going to be a great initiative to promote the region and bring enjoyment to local residents and visitors alike.”
The theme of the board is ‘The Road to the Snow’. Starting from GO, the first side of the board will feature Cooma businesses, the second side to include Jindabyne businesses, the third side hotels/restaurants/ leisure and the final side will feature ski resorts.
Expression of interest
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for appointment to chair Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
The objective of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee is to provide independent assurance and assistance to Council on risk management, the control framework, legislative compliance, internal audit and external accountability responsibilities.
The appointment will be for an initial period of up to four years, with an additional appointment of equal length available, subject to a satisfactory performance assessment of their contribution to the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
The information pack outlining required skills and experience is available on Council’s website or by contacting the Chief Strategy Officer’s executive assistant.
Questions about the role of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and its membership should be directed to the Chief Strategy Officer. Email david.rawlings@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6451 1223.
Submissions close on Monday 6 January 2025 at 4:30pm.
Skills and experience required
The external independent members of the committee, taken collectively, will have a broad range of skills and experience relevant to the operations of Council. For this recruitment, Council is seeking relevant appropriate analytic and strategic management skills, with a focus on infrastructure and asset management.
Visit https://qrco.de/SMRCjobs to learn more, or submit your expression of interest today.
Chair of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee
PRIZE WINNERS: Snowy Mountains edition of the Monopoly board game photo competition winners (second from le ) Jack Davis, third place, Miranda McGu icke, first place, and Emma Chapman-Davis, second place, with CEO of SERVICE ONE Mutual Ltd, Ivan Slavich, right, and Bendigo Bank community relations o icer, Rhiannon Shaw. PHOTO: Damien Bond
Calls to overturn DA decision
Jindabyne residents urge re-think on development
By TRISTA HEATH
MANY Cobbon Crescent residents in Jindabyne say they are shocked and upset Snowy Monaro Regional Council approved a development application (DA) that will see hundreds of trees removed to make way for a 34-dwelling housing developmentJindabyne Lakeside.
Council approved the DA (six votes to four) at its November meeting, despite residents and some councillors calling for the matter to be deferred.
The application was open for submissions for an extended 28-day period, during which 24 submissions were received as well as a petition with more than 500 signatures objecting to the proposal.
In response to community feedback and additional requests from Council, revisions were made to the design, adjusting the number of dwellings from 35 to 34 and the maximum building height was reduced to nine metres.
The DA saw community members attend the meeting to speak against the approval.
A Cobbon Crescent resident said she was
disappointed by the outcome and how councillors came to their decision.
“With only five minutes in the public forum, I didn’t just want to come with problems but also solutions although the time didn’t allow for any kind of opportunity for us and the developers to talk about ways forward that would be mutually beneficial for everyone,” the resident said.
“Reducing the development by taking out one of the smaller residences and by just keeping within the current nine-metre height restriction is a very small concession for this multimillion dollar development and it is still a very disappointing outcome.
“While all documentation provided looked glossy and positive, limitations in the actual reports for the application weren’t documented clearly. The area contains a critically endangered ecological community and this was raised by one of the councillors.”
Another resident said he found the reports to be contradictory, overwhelming and very lengthy.
Annaliese Knight, GM of Brother Nature who is responsible for the
urban planning, design and build for this DA said the development is community designed with environmental consciousness in mind.
“We put forward a thoughtful and responsible proposal which seeks to add value to the Jindabyne community and support Jindabyne’s transition to a year-round economy,” Ms Knight said.
“It doesn’t seek to take away character, it is development, growth and change for the good of the town.”
Dabyne Planning, a town and environmental planning consultancy for the development, provided councillors with a masterplan of the site with a DA to remove the pine trees and start earthworks.
Councillor Andrew Thaler recommended Council defer the matter to December’s meeting, after access to information only became available on the Monday night before the Thursday meeting.
Speaking against the concept DA, Cr Thaler said with significant material provided and as a new Council, they hadn’t had the proper time to read and consider the DA to its full extent and asked for a deferral.
tourists. He believed this was a good way of addressing this issue.
“The concept the developer has shown us is very attractive in my eyes, I think this would be a very desirable place to live and will be very popular. I believe it has been sensibly developed and therefore shouldn’t be delayed.”
Cr Summers shared Cr Rooney’s sentiment and said while she is sympathetic to those wanting to preserve the pine trees, the approval is imminent.
The motion was carried with Crs Summers, Rooney, Higgins, Elliott, Davis and Hanna in favour and Crs Stewart, Rose, Thaler and Williamson against.
Cobbon Crescent resident, Katrina, said she was gobsmacked by the decision.
“It is upsetting that a brand-new Council, with a few of them acknowledging they hadn’t had time to even read the documents and questioning what a concept DA is, passed this motion,” Katrina said.
“Some concerns have come to me from residents, I would urge Council, because of the significant body of information before us and the strong community concern, that we have the opportunity to conduct a site visit before considering the DA,” Cr Thaler said.
“The opportunity to have further discussions with the community and developer to get some clarity over the clearing would be beneficial before passing such a proposal.”
Cr Reuben Rose and Cr Bob Stewart shared Cr Thaler’s views stating it wouldn’t be a fair decision based on the little knowledge councillors have on the concept DA.
“I don’t think we can make a fair decision given the input we’ve had from the community today and the expanded number of signatures against this DA, I don’t think we can make a decision appropriate from today’s meeting,” Cr Rose said.
Speaking for the motion, Cr John Rooney, said everyone is aware of a significant shortage of housing across the state right now including Jindabyne, which has a shortage of housing for seasonal workers and
Another resident commented, “It is not the design itself that is the issue, for Councillors to make comments about the aesthetic and to express a desire to live there, diverts from the real issue which is the appropriateness of the development at this location. There are specific areas in Jindabyne allocated for this sort of large-scale development and this area is not one of them.”
Another resident commented “This sort of development does not offer affordable housing for tourists and seasonal workers or even Jindabyne residents. These will be million-dollar properties.
Shortage of housing in Jindabyne from empirical evidence is not an issue at all. An agent told me recently the rental market has plummeted even lower that the sales market. Just ask any agent how many empty long and short-term properties they have on their books and look at the number of lots for sale and houses being built for what yearround resort facilities?”
A resident living on Cobbon Crescent said she was upset to lose the amenity of the pines and did not want to live with the sound of logging and construction over the next five years or to deal with the congested traffic. She was told was told by an agent that due to the downturn in properties and the development in front of her property, the value had plummeted by around 21 percent.
“For them to be able to pass something that effects this entire community was extremely disappointing.
“Their jobs as Councillors are to look after the community and when you have a petition of more than 500 people against this development, that’s a very large part of this community that is opposed to this, we would have expected diligence from them but never got it.”
A public forum speaker against the development, said she felt the process was “rushed through, voted on and passed, most Councillors didn’t have a chance to read the DA, let alone all the attachments.
“Being a new Council, we would have hoped most councillors would have welcomed more time to review the whole document before making a decision. Councillor Thaler was asking for one month,” she said.
“If Council had deferred the matter for a month, had a proper briefing and time to consider all information in the 700 to 1000 pages of documents and been able to answer some of the questions from the community, this could have been a very different outcome,” a resident said.
“Instead this was a lesson in how limited the genuine desire really is for the mayor, the acting CEO and for some councillors to represent the best interests of their community, as opposed to one developer.”
DEVELOPMENT: Cobbon Crescent residents say they are in disbelief a er Council passes motion for a 34 dwelling development on their road.
PHOTO: Supplied
Architectural perspective on the intermediary spaces.
PHOTO: Supplied
A passionate local tourism advocate
By TRISTA HEATH
FROM growing up on Sydney’s beaches to joining the weekend warriors headed to the NSW ski fields each snow season, Dr Gary Grant has become a pivotal part of the Jindabyne community.
Dr Grant now travels the world for his job, but no matter where his work takes him, there is no place like home.
Living locally for more than 25 years, Dr Grant is a passionate advocate for tourism and community development.
He has a diverse background and boasts extensive knowledge and skills in the industry.
He has two children, who were raised in Jindabyne and attended the Jindabyne Central School, participating in ski club and other community events.
Holding roles such as director and chair of Tourism Snowy Mountains, advisor to Destination NSW, general manager of Marketing, Sales, and Hospitality at Perisher Blue and now a valued Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce member, Dr Grant dedicates a lot of his time to improving the community.
Dr Grant brings his wealth of knowledge in tourism, event management and regional planning to support the community.
in Canada, his knowledge of the industry is endless. Now in discussions for resorts in Altai, the birthplace of skiing, and its neighbour Kazakhstan, Dr Grant is well aversed in the snow industry.
His lengthy career with Perisher Blue and more than a decade stint on the TSM board has helped with grant applications and further funding opportunities for the
Dr Grant has previously worked as a ski instructor and occupied the position of vice president of the Australian Ski Patrol Association and president of the NSW Ski Patrol Association.
He has worked on ski patrols in Australia, and
He has also consulted on event management for several international and world championship events both in Australia and overseas.
In addition to part-owning a ski lodge in Japan, he was involved in the bid process for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
Holding a Master of Commerce, a Bachelor of
An avid skier and travel enthusiast, he also lectures in tourism development, marketing, and management at university.
Council repairs on Polo Flat Road underway
SNOWY Monaro Regional Council is undertaking further repairs to Polo Flat Road following recent hot temperatures affecting the road surface.
A Council spokesperson said the organisation is aware of ongoing issues with the road that services Cooma’s industrial hub and is the preferred route for heavy vehicles travelling to and from the southern Monaro, Far South Coast and eastern Victoria.
Just prior to Christmas, Council spray-sealed the damaged section of the road.
“This is a short-term solution completed before Christmas.
“It will improve the condition of the road until comprehensive repairs are completed in the New Year,” the spokesperson said.
“Council is aware of the ongoing
problems with Polo Flat Road.
“Since the last update in October 2024, our maintenance teams have been patching damaged sections of the road surface to limit further deterioration.”
Recent high temperatures have caused surface bleeding – where the bitumen expands through the roadbase to form a film over the surface of the road – in addition to the existing problems with the road surface.
Crews on-site have been using a water cart to limit this by cooling the pavement.
Repairs are being made to other defects as they form.
Traffic control measures will be in place while the work is underway.
Road users are advised to follow the direction of roadworks signage and workers on-site.
From working as part of an international team on creating a tourism plan for Tibet, advising
ski resorts in China that were in the early stages of opening, to the development of larger ones bidding for the right to host the Olympic Games, assisting some smaller ski resorts in Hakuba Valley, Japan and advising resorts
His extensive event management background has helped the chamber in their fundraising efforts through the Snowball and other projects run by its members.
Due to travel to China soon, Dr Grant will continue to advocate for the community, and help the chamber’s mission.
Request for Tenders and Request for Quotations Restoration works: Delegate area
Snowy Monaro Regional Council is inviting tenders and requests for quotations (RFQ) from qualified contractors for a restoration project. This initiative is financed through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The scope of work involves restoring the assets to their original condition or to a modern equivalent that meets current compliance standards.
All activities, documentation, and timelines must adhere to the stipulations outlined in the DFRA guidelines pertaining to the relevant damages.
Interested parties must obtain copies of the tender documentation from Council’s e-tendering system at www.vendorpanel.com.au under reference SMRC2024-CONSTUCT52-DRFA.
Do you love country music?
Especially our own Aussie singers. Many of 2MNO’s presenters play country music.
Thursdays are a particular country music day from 10am through to 4pm, non-stop. But that’s not all. Look up 2mno.org.au/programs for more country music programs. You’ll be surprised and delighted.
Open and closing dates: Tenders and RFQ open at 10am AEDT on Thursday 18 December 2024 and close at 5pm AEDT on Friday 7 February 2025. Submissions must be fully received by this time Enquiries should only be directed to VendorPanel’s online forum.
Submissions: Completed responses can only be submitted via the electronic tender box using the Microsoft Word version of the schedule(s). Respondents will receive a successful submission receipt, timed and dated upon completion.
Should assistance be required, please refer to the online manual on the VendorPanel portal, contact the VendorPanel support team by phone at (03) 9095 6181, or email support@vendorpanel.com.au.
Submissions must be fully received by the closing time as late submissions will not be accepted. Council is not bound to accept the lowest priced tender or quotation, or all or any part of a tender or quotation, and reserves the right to conduct the Request for Tender and Request for Quotations process and select the successful respondent(s) as it sees fit. All responses must be made by online submission. Any response made by any other means (open email, facsimile, post, or in person) will not be considered.
Commerce and a Diploma of Education from the University of NSW, Dr Grant’s career has led him around the world.
COMMUNITY: Dr Gary Grant, high in the Taihang Mountains of China.
PHOTO: Supplied
Riposte
By LISA ASHURST
IF YOU’RE reading this, then you have survived Christmas, which means you should be fit as a fiddle now to celebrate yourself silly tonight. But if you’re planning on celebrating to the utmost, remember that Plan B thingy and leave your car at home if your celebrations will be happening elsewhere.
Okay, now that’s out of the way, what are you planning for tonight? A quiet one at home with just your closest friends and family, or an all-out night of celebrating to the max? That could depend, I guess, on how you felt immediately after those Christmas festivities.
If Boxing Day is a painful memory for you, then you must have given Christmas your all and seeing as it was only a week ago, you may still be feeling a bit seedy at the thought of doing it all again! No worries, no one will judge you for exercising a little (or a lot, depending on how hungover you were on Boxing Day) restraint.
Just say you’re opting for minimalist this New Year for the sake of the Planet and you’ll sound really cool and sophisticated.
You don’t have to mention that mother-ofall-hangovers.
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve gathering at home then that will mean food and drink, but you can work the minimalist thingy here too, if you like, to cover for your total lack of interest in doing another big spread of too-rich food because you did that only a week ago and your stomach is still recovering.
Arranged artfully on platters, you can get away with putting out simple finger food with
a lot of greenery. Of course, if you’re feeling hale and hearty enough to go out, you won’t have to worry about feeding anyone plus you’ll come home to clean floors and no dishes. That’s about as good as it gets when you come tripping through the door in the early hours of the morning; no mess to clean up.
At this point it’s probably a good idea to think about those New Year resolutions. Unless they are going to be something you know you’ll be able to stick to, it’s probably better not to make any, or if you do, just don’t tell anyone. That way if you fall off the wagon before the end of January no one can say anything, because they had no idea those nightly aerobics classes you started, or those weeks of abstaining from your regular fix of cherry liqueur chocolates was a resolution.
So they won’t even blink if you drop the classes and go on a crazy choc-binge. Like, doesn’t everyone? So now you can consider yourself all prepared to throw yourself into celebrating the New Year. Be it low-key or total abandon, you can head confidently into the last hours of 2024 in the full knowledge that you’ll probably survive the night, total abandon or not, and therefore experience the first day of 2025 hungover or not. If it’s total abandon though, I hope it’s not your turn to host the New Year’s Day family lunch. It doesn’t bear thinking about, does it.
Anyway, I hope next year is a wonderful one, and may those resolutions hold fast for those who make them. Here’s to 2025.
Busking Championships funds boost The Community Chest coffers
By KAREN FORMAN
COOMA-based charity
The Community Chest has been boosted yet again by another donation from the Cooma-based Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).
The charity’s founder and chair, Marnie Stewart, received a cheque for $1563 from ANBC president and founder, Allan Spencer, along with a thank you card for its volunteers who helped out during the ANBC national grand final on November 30.
This is the fifth year the ANBC has donated funds to The Community Chest and Mr Spencer said it would not be the last.
“We admire what The Community Chest does for the community and are pleased to be able to help them by donating funds raised through the People’s Choice Awards at both the Cooma regional heat and the national grand final events,” he said. The funds came from the sale of tokens used by patrons to vote for their favourite buskers.
Mr Spencer said he was
GENEROUS: ANBC president, Allan Spencer, presents The Community Chest’s, Marnie Stewart, with a cheque for funds raised during the national grand busking championships on November 30. PHOTO: Contributed
delighted with the money raised, particularly considering the event coincided with a day of heavy rainfall.
“Despite the inclement weather people came out to watch the busking and enjoy the street parade, markets and entertainment, and put their hands in their pockets to buy the tokens to vote,” he said.
“We are delighted with the results.
“This was a great result, especially as we were concerned about the weather. We were not sure how many people would come out and watch.”
As is the way of the ANBC, The Community Chest as charity partner, sent volunteers to sell the tokens, count the tokens and answer enquiries at Busking HQ.
Mr Spencer said the event could not happen without all of the volunteers who helped out on the day, including members of the ANBC board, representations of community organisations and members of the public.
“We are so grateful to all the other volunteers who came out on the day and helped set up and pack up.
Even our illustrious Mayor Chris Hanna was there counting the tokens for us.”
The Cooma Community Chest was set up after Ms Stewart was approached by Kaye Chapman from Cowra Community Chest to form a Community Chest in the region.
Ms Stewart contacted various community groups to attend a public meeting held at the Cooma Monaro Historic Auto Club, a committee was formed and The Community Chest Inc was launched in April 2013 at the Raglan Gallery. The organisation assists those who have fallen on hard times and operates the Keeping Kids in Sport, Early Education and Arts and Academia foundations to foster, encourage and support families with the costs of supporting their children in the sporting and academic interests. It also supports people who have fallen victim to homelessness, domestic violence and significant health issues and recently launched the Mental Health and Wellbeing foundation.
60th wedding anniversary celebrations
FAMILY and friends gathered to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of George and Nancy Bowden on December 7.
Nancy first met George when he played for the Cooma Rovers Rugby League side, and their love blossomed from there.
They have lived in Cooma for most of the time they have been married, except for a seven year stint in Goulburn when George was a training officer for the then Telecom.
George and Nancy have two children, Natalie and Brad, and two grandchildren, Marcus and Russell, who all attended the celebration, along with cousins, neighbours and friends.
The Bowden’s thank everyone for their well wishes and support throughout their marriage.
A FRICKEN SNAKE SLITHERED OVER ME FOOT THIS MORNING.
COS I DON’T WANNA SPOOK HIM. HE’S CURLED UP BEHIND YA LEFT FOOT.
AUGH GEEZ! HOW CAN YOU STAY SO CALM AFTER SOMETHING LIKE THAT?
DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY: Cooma residents, George and Nancy Bowden, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this month, with family and friends.
PHOTO: Supplied
Council business paper brevity
I CAN understand where Councillor Reuben Rose is coming from with his vision to reduce the size of meeting reports/business papers supplied to Council.
The current document format contains far too many pages of unnecessary supportive information. A condensed statement from the reporting officer should indicate where the item conforms or does not conform with Council’s policies or state/federal legislation and a recommended position.
I started making approaches
to the former Snowy River Shire Council regarding the excessive number of pages in its business papers as early as 2010 only to be told by the general manager that the way the reports were presented to Council was considered by the Department of Local Government to be the best in the state.
Unfortunately that reporting framework has carried over to the merged council. Item 8.1 of the December 12 report is a great example of where an accurate report of no more than a page should have been
Hottest year on record, time for action
2024 will almost certainly be deemed the hottest year on record, breaking the record set last year in 2023. 2024 will the first year in which average global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees celsius above preindustrial levels.
There have been some other worrying trends, not least the Arctic tundra shifting from being a carbon ‘sink’ - which pull and store greenhouse gases from the atmosphere
- to a “source” of emissions because thawing permafrost is releasing trapped organic matter.
Unfortunately, global CO2 emissions are set to hit a record high this year. Over four-fifths of our total energy supplies still come from fossil fuels. Until we can get that figure right down closer to zero, emissions will continue to trap heat in our atmosphere, and temperatures will rise.
Church service times across the Snowy Monaro region
Cooma Baptist Church: 10am Sunday
St Patrick’s Catholic Parish: 10am Sunday, Weekday mass 10am Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays
St Paul’s Anglican Parish of Cooma: 9.30am Sunday
St Andrew’s Cooma Uniting Church: 9.30am Sunday Lifegate Christian Church Cooma: 9:55am second and fourth Sunday each month, 4pm first and third Sunday each month
Cooma Presbyterian Church: 9am Sunday
St John’s Anglican Church Adaminaby: 3pm first and third Sunday each month
St Peter’s Anglican Church Nimmitabel: 11.30am third Sunday each month
St Andrew’s Catholic Church Nimmitabel: Saturday vigil mass 5pm on the weekend of the third Sunday, Liturgy with Holy Communion other Saturdays 5pm Alpine Uniting Church Jindabyne: 9.30am Sunday Village Church Jindabyne: 5pm Sunday
All Saints Anglican Church Berridale: 9.30am Sunday
All Saints Numeralla: second Sunday of the month liturgy 5pm, Fourth Sunday of month 5pm mass
If your church would like to be added to this list, please contact us editor@monaropost.com.au
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
necessary to reach the same conclusion as the 41 page report in the business paper.
That report related to granting a licence to the Cooma Rotary Club to hold its monthly markets in Centennial Park, Cooma. The recommending officers report listed in great detail every planning document and risk assessment considered for the assessment of the recommendation.
What should have happened was the report should have consisted of a description of what decision was being sought from the councillors and a statement that the officer,
Two months ago, the United Nations Emissions Gap report warned that current climate policies will result in global warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Since then, the Melbourne-based Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration has addressed what three degrees celsius will look like in a report called ‘Collision Course’. It does not make for happy reading.
“In a three degrees celsius hotter world,” it says, “new extremes – of rainfall and
had considered all relevant legislation and council policies and found the application to hold the markets complied. That should have been followed by a recommendation stating the conditions that would apply to the approval. If the recommendation was to refuse the application then the reasons for refusing the application should have been listed.
That item could have been reported in no more than one page of report and however many pages were needed to allow Councillors to view and consider the conditions placed on the approval.
unliveable heat, flooding and drought – beyond past human experience will occur. And a committed sea-level rise of several metres will be in the process of inundating coastal cities and deltas. Large parts of the tropics will suffer ‘near-unliveable’ extreme heat conditions and the dry subtropics will dry out and desertify, together having catastrophic impacts on food and water scarcity.” Australia will not be immune with much of northwest WA and the NT becoming
Life on the funny farm
By Paul Dorin
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If
Similarly, the 62 page delivery program progress report which was forced on council by the Office of Local Government at the time of the merger is clunky and needs to be honed to give better reports to our councillors. It might be suggested that to only report the essentials will lead to accusations of lack of transparency but our council does not need to see every nut and bolt that has been used to assemble the report.
If the councillors need more information they can request it in their briefing meetings.
Phil Daley Berridale
unliveable. Closer to home, inflows into the MurrayDarling Basin (MDB) have already halved in the past 20 years with serious implications for irrigated agriculture.
Prof Ross Garnaut warned more than a decade ago that, under a high emissions scenario, irrigated agriculture in the MDB would halve by 2050 and end by 2100. On current trends, it may well come sooner than that.
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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.
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issues in the Snowy Monaro community.
you have a story lead or prepared article and photographs you’d like published contact the Group Editor Nathan Thompson on (02) 6452 0312 or call in to the Monaro Post o ice at 59 Vale Street between 9-5pm
Jenny Goldie president Climate Action Monaro
Free mental health support available
THE festive season is generally a time to celebrate, but for many people it’s the most challenging time of the year.
COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network is emphasising the importance of prioritising your mental health during Christmas and the new year.
COORDINARE’s Director Commissioning, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Melissa Neal, is encouraging people to be selfaware of their mental and physical capacity and to set boundaries.
“Be honest about what you can commit yourself to. If you are feeling overwhelmed, voice those concerns to your family, friends, and social networks; you’ll probably be surprised how many people are feeling exactly the same way,” Ms Neal said.
“It’s common for self-care practices to be overlooked amid holiday preparations. Keeping up with key self-care habits like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, limiting your alcohol intake and taking personal downtime can help you feel calmer and better able to cope with stress.”
Ms Neal said it is important to stay connected to friends, family and support networks.
“Identify what your warning signs might be if you’re not traveling well, so your support network knows what that looks like, rather than keeping it to yourself,” Ms Neal said.
“If you’re spending Christmas alone, it’s important to know there are ways to help keep you connected. Reaching out to your support network, national hotlines, or a small group of friends or trusted family can make a significant difference.”
Should you, or someone you know, need support, there are a number of different avenues to obtain help:
The Head to Health phoneline is a free service that will connect people to mental health support.
By calling 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, excluding public holidays), people will talk to a friendly mental health professional who will take the time to understand your needs and find support that is right for you.
Speak to your GP about what you or your loved one is experiencing – they can offer you options for support in your local area or make a referral to someone who can help.
A Beyond Blue mental health coaching service, NewAccess, is available across South Eastern NSW via face-to-face, phone or video call sessions. There’s no waitlist and it’s free. To sign up and register with a coach, call 1300 921 535 or visit www. wellways.org/our-services/newaccess
If you or a loved one need crisis support, you can call one of the following services which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Lifeline on 13 11 14
13Yarn on 139276
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Beyond Blue Support line: 1300 224 636
Domestic and Family Violence Support
Line: 1800 RESPECT
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm to midnight)
If someone is injured or at immediate risk, call 000 immediately.
Jindabyne CWA raffle winners announced
JINDABYNE Country Womens Association (CWA) Day Branch has been selling Christmas hamper raffle tickets for the past few weeks and the winners were announced on Friday December 13.
Jindabyne NewsXpress owner, Lisa Williams, drew the raffle tickets alongside CWA president, Sheila Bollard, and member, Terry Ation.
First prize winner of a hamper of Christmas goodies went to Owen Davis, second prize went to Donna Bennet and third prize went to June Wellsmore.
All proceeds from the raffle go back into the Snowy Monaro community.
“Thanks to the local business owners who generously donated prizes for the hampers and vouchers,” a Jindabyne CWA spokesperson said.
2024 is parkrun’s 20th anniversary
JINDABYNE parkrun organisers celebrated the 20th anniversary of parkruns worldwide in early October.
Running in Jindabyne since 2018, the focus for this year’s worldwide anniversary was to ensure accessibility for everyone.
After re-establishing Jindabyne parkrun by the lake, after high lake levels required a move to Jindabyne Sport and Recreation, the fivekilometre event now welcomes an average of 50 participants each week.
Long standing event co-director, Erin Lee, said Jindabyne parkrun is attracting more locals than it has ever before.
“We had a huge weekend with 123 participants during the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko weekend - not quite a record but very close to it,” Ms Lee said.
“The local GPs have been ‘prescribing’ parkrun to some patients to assist with injury recovery and general overall health.
“Jindabyne parkrun, and other parkrun events from
across the world, are free for everyone, forever, there is no requirement to be an athlete or to be able to run, we have plenty of joggers and walkers as well as runners.
“We welcome kids, as long as they’re with an adult, prams and dogs. Parkrun is always there every week, and anyone can either come to participate or volunteer without pressure or judgement.”
Loris Stefani from Cooma is the event’s first participant to reach 100 parkruns in Jindabyne and is impressed with event organisation and its volunteers.
Jindabyne parkrun will be holding an event on New Year’s Day, along with the normal Saturday events either side. Volunteers would love people to come and have a go and see what parkrun is all about.
The event is entirely run by volunteers and offers a good networking opportunity for people new to town and a great experience to younger people who want to contribute to the community and learn the ropes.
More information about Jindabyne parkrun and the course can be found on its parkrun Facebook page, including times the event begins.
Collaboration helps identify Upper Snowy koala populations
A TEAM of five from the Bega Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has joined South East Local Land Services (South East LLS) to deploy a mini array of koala audio monitors in the Upper Snowy region.
This initiative is part of the Habitat for Cold Country Koalas project, funded by the Australian Government, which has been investigating
the koala population in the Avonside area over the past two years.
Using a combination of audio monitors and thermal drones, researchers have had promising success detecting koalas.
The project has also sparked greater awareness among landholders, some of whom are now actively searching for and reporting
koala sightings and calls on their properties.
South East LLS worked with the Bega LALC to deploy an audio monitoring array of 25 monitors in a grid covering 100ha on their property outside of Berridale, which links directly to the north of the existing study area.
Working with the LALC gave South East LLS the opportunity to extend the
work LLS has been doing and see what South East LLS can find.
The aim is to capture the calls of male koalas, and if multiple calls are detected, it could provide valuable insights into the density and health of this significant extension of the Avonside population.
The data analysis is expected early next year.
CELEBRATE: Jindabyne parkrun has been operating for 20 years, thanks to volunteers.
PHOTO: Supplied
WINNERS: Sheila Bollard, Terry Ation and Lisa Williams draw the winners of the Jindabyne CWA Christmas ra le. PHOTOS: Supplied
Local service clubs’ year in review
By MELINDA CAIRNS HACK
THERE are many volunteer service clubs and groups in the Snowy Monaro quietly doing amazing things for the community, year in and year out. The following reports are from just a few of those clubs, summarising what the members have accomplished, and contributed, over the last 12 months.
Cooma Hospital Auxiliary
The auxiliary currently has 20 members. In June two long-standing members, Robin Fletcher and Robin Mould, retired, but the auxiliary also welcomed five new members.
Major fundraisers for the auxiliary were the Mother’s Day raffle, curry lunch and recent Open Garden at Kiah Lodge, Berridale.
The auxiliary was supported by the Royal Tennis Club family day, catering for the P and A, Cooma Bridge Club day, Cooma Ex-services Club and Nimmitabel Garden Club.
Members also appreciate the generous donations from the Cooma Car Club Motorfest, Mt Selwyn Volunteer Ski Patrol and Cooma Lions Club.
The coffee and snack vending machines in the hospital continue to be valuable moneyearners for the auxiliary with net takings this year to date totaling $9,250.
Members service the machines twice a week and the group also appreciates health service staff support with fundraising throughout the year.
President, Sue Litchfield, thanks all those organisations, groups and individuals who have supported and donated to the auxiliary during 2024 enabling an amazing contribution of $28,608 for equipment to the Cooma Health Service this year.
Secretary Berridale Lions Club, Iain Schofield, said the club has had a busy and successful year contributing many hours to the community.
Three new members were inducted into the club bringing the total to 14. Anyone who would like to join is more than welcome.
Popular annual fares have all been held - Easter, Spring and twilight Christmas.
The members have been involved in other events, such as barbecues/catering for clearing sales, the recent dog trials at Dalgety, charity par 3 golf competition at Coolamatong Golf Club.
Forthcoming events include a garage sale in the new year, the second time the club will hold one.
The Light up Berridale competition received a great response, with cash prizes for the best decorated awarded on December 16.
“As a Lions member, there
helping out the community and those in need.
“You can meet new people, within the organisation and at events, and this widens their network,” Mr Schofield said.
Funds raised go to various projects the club undertakes around the local and wider community.
“We also make donations to local and Australia wide causes, like the Cancer Council, Diabetes, Guide Dog Society, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Berridale Public School.”
TS Orion Cadets
Sailing adventures, volunteering for community events, plus much more, TS Orion continues to strive towards the betterment of the community.
The local navy cadet unit, known as TS Orion, has had a year bursting with activities: sailing, powerboating, nationwide events and who could forget the countless hours devoted across the community.
where the members have contributed the most activity.
Kicking off the year TS Orion gained a whole new cohort of cadets.
During March cadets volunteered their time for a cycling “The Snowy Classic”, they also had a sausage sizzle/barbecue to raise funds for future events.
“It was good getting out into the community and getting to support everyone who participated, it’s always good to have someone cheering you on from the sidelines, so hopefully that helped them out too,” Leading Seaman, William Almond, said.
During June, cadets went on a statewide camp, focused on teaching all of the different electives offered in cadets: powerboating, sailing, drumming and promotional courses; they were all taught over the weeklong camp. They also got the chance to perform for many dignitaries from across the state.
Cadet Able Seaman (CDTAB), Ella Owens, after participating in the final parade, felt both honoured and proud for TS Orion as a community.
“I felt really honoured to be able to perform the skills we learnt within our unit, especially for the big boss, I felt really proud of TS Orion as a community,” CDTAB, Ella Owens, said.
More recently TS Orion volunteered their time at the Jindabyne Lions Club annual Senior Christmas lunch, where they had the opportunity to interact and serve food to the seniors. TS Orion also volunteered at the Jindabyne Carols where they were selling hotdogs to raise funds for future activities.
Cadet Chief Petty Officer
January’s unveiling of the 2020 Peak View Plane Crash Memorial in the Southern Cloud Memorial Park was a major undertaking from the Cooma Lions and Rotary Clubs.
“For many members of the community the memorial is a special memorial to a very tragic event. This latest memorial is the newest addition to the Park after the Southern Cloud and Polo Flat Plane Crash and Tumut Ponds Bus Crash Memorials.
“The projects team has continued improvements to the Yallakool Road Lions Park and only last week with the Cooma Rotary Club laid another 35 metres of path along the Cooma Back Creek.
“This path will be completed in early 2025 with the addition of a new steel bridge thanks kindly to a grant from the Bocco Rock Wind Farm Grants Committee,” Mr McGufficke said.
A project which has taken most of the year, and the Lions Club members’ involvement, is the Cooma Lions Club Santa tear drop flags - recently installed throughout Cooma. After 22 years of loyal service the timber Santas and snowmen, which Cooma has fallen in love with, needed to be updated and the design and implementation has been a long process.
Mr McGufficke added after many months of discussion, 80 local business expressed interest in the flags. Flags and brackets were ordered from South East Printing, brackets were installed and finally the flags were put up.
“They look amazing and something the Cooma Lions Club and community should be proud of,” Mr McGufficke said.
“Another activity the club is involved is the education
support at Cooma North Public School where members help the school students with reading and woodwork skills throughout the year. An activity loved by the members and appreciated by the students and school.
“As with all of our activities the support of the locals and the business community has been at times overwhelming.
“This incredible support is shown every year with one of our major annual club eventsthe Christmas raffle and Lions cakes sale, running throughout December at the Outdoor Store in Sharp Street – with over $4000 worth of prizes donated by the local business community.”
Throughout 2024 the Cooma Lions Club has continually donated to local community groups needing support and something every club member is extremely proud of.
2024 has been a busy year but it is looking like 2025 will be just as busy and the Cooma Lions Club is looking forward to continuing its support of this amazing Cooma community.
Cooma Monaro Historic Automobile Club
The club has had another busy year - the first event being the Australia Day breakfast, held at the clubhouse with proceeds on aid of CoomaBombala Legacy, followed by a display of cars in Centennial Park.
In February the club held the Billy Cart Derby at the Cooma Showground, which attratced more than 50 entries from service clubs and the Rural Fire Service.
Museum open days on the first Sunday of the month have been popular, with good crowds enjoying the cars on display and cafe.
The Tuesday working bees
have been well-attended with members carrying out new works and general maintenance. Car clubs and a variety of other clubs, some from interstate, have made the trip to Cooma to see the club’s vehicle collection.
A regular visitor is the Life of Riley touring groups.
Since the museum opened in February 2022 more than 12,000 people have passed through the doors.
The club has conducted a number of day runs to various towns and villages in the area and held a general meeting at Bombala with Bombala Lions providing lunch.
The major event of the year, the Cooma Motorfest, raised funds for the Cooma Hospital Auxiliary and The Community Chest, with a crowd of more the 4,000 in attendance.
A Motorkhana was held for junior members in October, where they spent the day learning driving skills in a safe, supervised environment.
Thanks to Gordon Litchfield of Gordon Litchfield Wool who lets the club use his premises for the day.
Two two-day Hillclimbs at Mt Gladstone were held in March and November, both were very successful, with many entrants from out of town.
Next year sees the inaugural Tri-series Hillclimb with Cooma hosting the first event.
2024 saw the club celebrate 25 years since forming in 1999, with a Gala dinner.
The year ended with the club’s annual treasure hunt, followed by awards and presentation and a Christmas dinner provided by the club.
The president and members thanks the local community for its support during the year.
Berridale Lions Club
Julia shares her musical passion
By KAREN FORMAN
MUSIC is not just a hobby, but a way of life and a lifelong pursuit.
And, it’s not just for people with particular talents or genetics.
Professional viola player, music teacher, singer and songwriter, Julia Horneman, who has recently returned to live in Cooma after years away working as a musician and a music teacher around Canberra, believes music is for everyone, whether they were born with musical genes or not.
The Cooma-raised musician is so passionate about sharing her love for music and encouraging people to explore singing and playing instruments, that she has made herself available to teach again, even though she had had a different plan for returning home.
She also has a dream to set up a local ensemble orchestra.
“I am a fairly busy single mother of three children and yes, they are all into music so that keeps me fairly busy,” she said.
“Andre is learning guitar and drums and sings, Abel plays drums and sings and Adelle is musical but also is busy with her own crochet business, selling things she makes at the markets.
“Once moving back I had intended to concentrate on raising the children and recording the original songs I have been writing since my mother’s death nine years ago.
“That takes a lot of work, especially working with various producers to try to find the right fit. I am also still playing professional gigs in Canberra sometimes.
“But I really love to teach and encourage people to explore music in their own unique way, embracing their creativity as a creator and artist, so I have decided to take on some local students.
“I want them to unleash their curiosity, and together, we aim to create sounds and experiences that resonate with their souls.
“Whether their aspiration is to pursue a career in music or to seek the countless social,
Not just a hobby but a way of life for Cooma musician
emotional, and physical benefits of practicing music, I want to help people unlock their potential and help them find joy and fulfilment in music.”
Julia’s students range from the youngest (she will start from around five years of age) to 60s and 70s.
She said while there was a lot of benefit in starting young, as she did growing up in a big musical family, people could still start out in their latter years, if they were prepared to practice. Another subject she knows a lot about.
“It really is one percent talent and 99 percent perspiration.
“Heaps of people have more talent than me, but in the end it comes down to practice.”
Julia moved to Cooma from Canberra with parents Phil and Margaret and her siblings when she was five years old.
She was home schooled for a time, then was part of the founding cohort at the Snowy Mountains Christian School in Cooma, where she was taught by her dad, Phil.
Phil, a musician, is the founder and director of the Cooma Cantabile Chamber Choir, and well known in the local region.
He and his late wife Margaret, were both talented musicians and fostered a musical environment for their large family.
“We all played multiple instruments as kids and as a family we’re always playing and singing,” Julia said.
“We spent a lot of time practicing, but we also had a lot of fun together.
“Cooma always had a great musical culture and we saw a lot of good performers here while
growing up. That shaped us to want to pursue music.”
Julia was seven when she started violin lessons, then added viola lessons at 10.
Violins are smaller than violas and have a higher pitch. Their strings have different tunings and the bows are shaped and weighted differently. She loves both.
“I played violin then viola, piano, cello, trombone, piano and even had a go at bass guitar for a while.
“The music stayed with us. I had eight siblings and five of us are musical as adults.”
Later, Julia attended Monaro High School. At 16 she achieved eighth grade in viola studies - “the only exams I did” and attended TAFE to do a bridging course for university.
“I got into the Catholic University in Canberra to
do primary school teaching but it wasn’t for me and I changed to a Bachelor of Music Performance.”
Living in Canberra, she played in various orchestras and quartets including the Canberra Symphony, married and had her three children (now eight, 11 and 13), and indulged in another love - sewing.
“I made gowns for weddings and events and I also love painting,” she said.
Ironically, despite her success as a professional musician, Julia admits she doesn’t exactly love performing.
“For me I enjoy the process, the rehearsing, the preparation,” she said.
“Performing is stressful. You have to be selfish to be a top professional musician, you have to have a single focus to do something well and I never feel satisfied, I always want to be doing better.
“Music like any art is addictive, you can’t just put it down and walk away. It is always such a mystery. I am always amazed at how a couple of chords can make you feel different emotions, like pain, love, loss. It is so simple, yet it is not.”
Julia returned to Cooma when her mother became sick and then back to Canberra in 2015, when she played with the Grevillea Quartet, worked for agents who booked musicians for weddings and other events, and ran her music studio.
She returned to Cooma this year with a goal to record music she had written since her mother died.
While she leans towards playing classical music with her stringed instruments and is still commuting to Canberra to play professional gigs and teach some long-standing students, Julia was, and still is, a singer and has written multiple songs. “I found writing songs was an outlet for my grief and feelings after mum died and I want to explore that more.
“If one of my songs was remembered in 20 years’ time and was a comfort to someone, or tied to a special memory or special time in their life, then I feel I have succeeded as a song writer.”
COOMA
SHARING THE MUSIC: Julia Horneman is back in Cooma a er years working as a professional musician in Canberra.
PHOTO: Karen Forman
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 What are vestiges (6)
8 Which term describes a shed or a lean-to (8)
9 To have the means, is to do what (6)
10 What do we call one who undertakes to murder (8)
11 To be dormant, is to be what (6)
13 Which term describes the Western Hemisphere (8)
16 To have touched gently to show affection, is to have done what (8)
19 Which wading birds are allied to the herons (6)
22 What might we call an atheist (8)
24 Which term suggests that which is characterised by affectation (6)
25 What is something new or novel (8)
26 Name a former county of SE England (6)
DOWN
2 What are more or less rigid floating platforms (5)
3 To suffocate, is to do what (5)
4 What are effervescent beverages (4,4)
5 What are estimated times of arrival (4)
6 To be ordered around, is to be what (6)
7 To appoint to a post, is to do what (6)
12 Name a Shakespearean king (4)
14 What are supplements to wills (8)
15 Which persons collect discarded betting tickets (coll) (4)
E-QUATIONS 7
17 When one excites to wrath, one does what (6)
Letters have a number
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters
E-QUATIONS
18 Which term describes that which is ample (6)
20 What are fetters and chains (5)
21 What is a prolonged separation from one’s country (5)
23 Name an armoured, selfpropelled combat vehicle (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 COMPLACENT
(a) Legally qualified (b) Self-satisfied (c) Ready to condone
2 EXEMPLAR
(a) One who is exempt (b) A person or thing to be imitated (c) Biblical interpretation
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:
Escape key (3)
Master of ceremonies (5)
Moose (3)
Moving gradually (7)
Plus (3)
Printer’s measures (3)
Road surfacing material (7)
Short sharp sound (5)
Spacious (5) University heads (5)
Solve the
Snowy students embrace HSC success
Hard work, commitment pays o for Year 12
WEDNESDAY December 18
was a red letter day for around 100 Snowy Mountains Year 12 students, with the NSW Higher School Certificate results released via text and Australian Tertiary Admission Ranks (ATAR) via email.
The results were quickly followed with many with university offers via email. Across the region, students have reflected on their effforts, proud of completing 13-years of school.
Bombala High School
Bombala High School had 19 students sit for the Higher School Certificate in 2024, about average, and they returned what principal, Doug Whitaker, said was ‘an excellent’ result.
“I am really, really happy with sound results across the board,” he said.
“We have had three students accepted for early entry into universities.
“Some of the kids who eventually will go to university will go straight away, some will have a gap year.
“A number are following vocational pathways and have already secured work.”
Mr Whitaker said the school’s results were a representation of what Bombala High has to offer, offering different pathways to suit different students.
“The school prepared the students with tutorial support in the library, the year advisor, Scott Challman, was fantastic with pastoral care and all stage six staff when above and beyond making themselves
available for the kids.”
The next Year 12 will be a larger cohort of 20 and was last week already heads down and tails up for 2025, fully engaged with course work.
“We had a very pleasing attendance on the last day of school today,” Mr Whitaker said.
“For a small rural and isolated school of 145 students, we once again prepared our kids for any pathways they wish to choose.”
Snowy Mountains Grammar School
Snowy Mountains Grammar School is the top-performing school in the Snowy Monaro region and among the leading schools in the wider region with an overall rating of 178.
This year’s achievements reflect the dedication and teamwork of its 2024 cohort, supported by the passionate and hardworking teachers.
Seventy-one percent of its students achieved results in the top two bands, 10 students achieved band 6 results and 50 percent of subjects offered achieved band 6 results.
SMGS Distinguished Achievers with three or more band 6 results were Lottie Lodge, Jack Perkins, Elise Philpott and Charlotte Walker-Broose.
SMGS staff said this year’s achievements reflect the dedication and teamwork of its 2024 cohort, supported by passionate and hardworking teachers.
“We also extend heartfelt thanks to parents and carers for their unwavering support
throughout this journey,” SMGS staff said.
“The countless hours of coursework, preparation, and determination have delivered outstanding results, including exceptional individual performances across multiple subjects.
“Congratulations to our students for their hard work and success, you’ve truly earned this moment.”
Seventy-six percent of students applied for university with 93 percent of those students receiving an early offer in a broad range of courses.
Five percent of students are applying for TAFE while eight percent of students are applying for an apprenticeship and eight percent have alternative plans.
SMGS student, Charlotte, received a 97.25 ATAR. She said her hard work has paid off.
“The process was tough but it was worth it,” Charlotte said.
“With this result it gives me the scope to be able to do anything I wish to do, making all the effort a great success.”
Jindabyne High School
Jindabyne High School principal, Kelly Henretty, said she is over the moon with the 2024 results which have improved from previous years.
“Our goal this year was personal best in growth for each student, we’ve got 70 percent of our results in bands 5 and 6 with no band 1s,” Mrs Henretty said.
“A lot of the graduates have
early entry to universities, which can cause some loss of motivation towards the end, but we’ve talked with the students to push for their personal best results even when they’ve already got that early entry and I think that’s exactly what they’ve done which is fantastic.”
Nate Green secured a band 6 in drama and music, Bridie Linton received a band 6 in music and extension English and band 5s in her other subjects.
Nate said all this pressure built up to get a good result and its finally released when finding out on Wednesday.
“After 13-years of school and hard work, I am so happy that my two best performing subjects were the subjects I love the most,” Nate said.
Planning for the future, Nate will take a gap year to work at SnowFM radio, while pursuing performing arts, music and auditions before moving to Sydney in 2026 to complete tertiary education for performing arts and music.
Nate said what got him through the past 12 months was family and support from his teachers and peers.
“The year 12 class has grown together and the teachers have been so supportive throughout the process,” Nate said.
“Everyone in the community, especially my family, have been so supportive. As a year group we’ve gotten close and connected, to be able to share this moment as we receive our results and celebrate for one last hurrah is great.”
When receiving her results, Bridie initially thought it was a mistake as she came to terms with her high scores and achievement through year 12.
“I made a lot of sacrifices for my academics and I was very excited and happy that it paid off,” Bridie said.
“I was really happy that all my hard work paid off in the end.”
Waking her mother up early in the morning to share her excitement, Bridie looks forward to moving to Wollongong to study a bachelor of law with a Bachelor of Arts while majoring in music.
“My schooling years have been memorable and while it was long and hard work I felt very connected to my classmates and felt a lot of growth in my senior years,” Bridie said.
RESULTS ARE IN: Jindabyne High School students Nate Green (le ) and Bridie Linton (right) with JHS principal Kelly Henretty.
PHOTO: Trista Heath
Snowy Mountains Grammar Schools year 12 class of 2024. PHOTO: Supplied
Students learn vital fire safety tips
By TRISTA HEATH
TWENTY Jindabyne High School (JHS) students have graduated from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) secondary schools cadet program, developing vital fire safety education, leadership training and hands-on firefighting experience.
During a ceremony at JHS, the awards were presented by Snowy Monaro Regional fire service operational officer, Tom Phillips.
The graduating students were: Lincoln Adam, Matilda Almond, William Almond, Mitchell Bush, Kaydence Clark, Charley Craig, Cruz D’Helin, Mason Dwyer, Benny Faulkner, Toby Flanagan, Bronte Hearn, Abbie Ross, Zak Russo, Maks Sowa, Nixon Stewart, Frances Whittington, Lawson Willmott and Kobi Woods.
The milestone 20th year of the program highlights its enduring value in equipping young people with life skills and fostering a strong sense of community service. This year, 47 schools across the state partnered with the RFS to deliver this valuable initiative offered to students in years nine and ten.
Rob Rogers, extended heartfelt gratitude to the more than 240 RFS members who dedicated their time and expertise to making the program a success.
Jindabyne High School is among the schools to see its students don their cadet uniforms with pride, graduating as confident, capable, and community-minded young individuals.
Commissioner of the RFS,
“Our volunteers and staff are the backbone of this program. Their passion and commitment to mentoring the next generation of community leaders is what makes this initiative so impactful,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“As the program continues to grow, its legacy is evident in the number of former cadets who have gone on to join local brigades or become staff members, contributing further to their communities. We also sincerely thank the schools for their partnership and recognition of the program’s importance in empowering students and strengthening local communities.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, praised the program for its enduring impact on young people and fostering local connections.
“This program is a testament to the work of the RFS in empowering our youth and connecting them with the important work of our emergency service volunteers. It not only builds critical skills but also fosters a strong sense
of civic responsibility and resilience,” he said.
“Initiatives like these are so important in encouraging the next generation of volunteer firefighters as well as supporting younger people on their path to future careers. Congratulations to all the 2024 graduates, and here’s to another 20 years of inspiring and preparing the future leaders of NSW.”
Mitchell Bush receiving his graduation certificate from Tom Phillips.
Charley Craig receiving his graduation certificate from Tom Phillips.
SKILLS: Abbie Ross receives her graduation certificate from Tom Phillips. PHOTOS: Supplied
FROM BUSINESSES ACROSS THE SNOWY MONARO
Lesley Keevers Sewing
A slice of alpine paradise
69 Illawong Rd Anglers Reach
5 Bed , 2 Bath, 2 Car
$650,000
NESTLED in the serene Alpine Village of Anglers Reach, this charming two-storey residence at 69 Illawong Road presents an attractive opportunity for discerning investors. Boasting five well-appointed bedrooms
and two modern bathrooms, this house offers both comfort and style in a tranquil setting. The ground floor features three cosy bedrooms, accompanied by a contemporary bathroom, ensuring ample accommodation for guests or family. Ascend to the first floor to discover an inviting open plan living space, flanked by two additional bedrooms and a second, stylish bathroom. The heart of this home opens out onto an expansive deck,
offering stunning vistas of the picturesque Lake Eucumbene—a perfect backdrop for alfresco dining or quiet reflection. With a generous 664 square metre plot, this property includes parking for two vehicles and benefits from a fresh, renovated interior that adds a touch of sophistication to the rural charm. The inclusion of both wood heating and a reverse-cycle unit provides year-round comfort, whether it’s a cool summer evening or the depths
of winter. Located approx. 50kms from the esteemed Mt Selwyn Ski Resort and with summer fishing on the lake, this residence caters to all-seasons adventure. Currently tenanted with a handsome return of $800 per week, this house represents a solid investment with immediate income potential. This is an opportunity not to be missed— 69 Illawong Road is more than a house; it’s a chance to own a slice of Alpine paradise
Looking for the perfect property to start your own rural dreams or additional country to compliment your existing holdings? Lot 206 Delegate Road is your answer!
• 3.7kms west of Delegate and bisected by the sealed Delegate Road
• Improved pastures on undulating hills that are lightly timbered with extensive fertilising history
• West paddocks are perfect for lambing and calving
• Majority of fencing in new condition
• 1.1km frontage to Delegate River and annual rainfall approx. 644mm
• Run o and spring fed dams complimented by reticulated trough system
• Raised board 3 stand shearing shed, powered by 10kva generator
• Steel cattle yards with crush and loading ramp, steel/timber sheep yards
• Storage machinery shed and grain silo
Going under the hammer 16th January 2025, 11am @ the Delegate Country Club, now is the time to book your inspections or contact the agents for further details.
River frontage, acreage minutes from Bombala
Address: Lot 50 Delegate Road, Bombala
Asking: $790,000
Agent: Nutrien Harcourts Bombala
LIFESTYLE acreage this close to town with river frontage wont last long!
“Messmate” as the property is affectionately known, is located 3.5kms west of Bombala along the sealed Delegate Road and location is just one of the many features this property has going for it. Water security is genuine with an approx. 650m frontage to the Bombala River along with Parsonage Creek traversing the property.
Working your way through the lightly timbered native pastures to the top of the hills, you are rewarded with 360-degree views over the local country side and in some positions, you can see all the way to the Snowy Mountains.
Improvements include a 2-stand shearing shed run by generator and timber sheep yards.
Zoned RU1, 72.72ha/179.691ac in size and with frontage to a council-maintained road, building entitlement should be permissible
under the current LEP, however, should be confirmed with the local council (Snowy Monaro Regional). No matter your plan, beat the rush and book your inspection today.
The majestic grandeur and classic opulence of Stradone can’t help but turn heads.
• 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (1 upstairs, 1.5 downstairs)
• Large open kitchen and dining room, sunken living with slow combustion heating
• Modern conservatory with French doors and reverse cycle air conditioning
• Rumpus room with private patio
• Beautiful pressed metal ceilings
• Sweeping verandah around two sides
• Established trees and gardens
• Paved driveway around to single carport
• Short stroll to the main shopping centre/centre of town
Once in a lifetime properties of this stature come on the market, now is the time to make Stradone yours.
Christine McIntosh
50 Burton Street, Bombala
Lot 206 Delegate Road, Delegate
AUCTION
AUCTION
Stradone
‘Noamunga’ Rolling hills and river frontage.
Snowy Monaro
Young stockmen of the Snowies: part one
Charlie, 17, sets out on his own with his horse, dog
By KAREN FORMAN
CHARLIE Rogerson couldn’t be more different to what one might consider the typical 17- year-old.
Rather than waiting for his ATAR results, hanging out with mates, going to parties and considering university, this admirably mature and personable young man is busily working for himself in the business he has set up in a field not many teenagers choose, a stockman.
Charlie, who has been living away from home for more than a year to gain experience and qualifications, has set up Snowy Mountains Stockman Contracting, a sole trader business involving him, his horse and his dog.
Now living back home with his mum, Claire, on their property outside of Dalgety, Charlie accepts jobs from people needing their cattle and sheep rounded up, moved or handled.
He also does some horse training, having worked with brumbies all his life, but a broken back suffered while breaking a new horse a few years ago, has resulted him in being less keen on that avenue of work.
Seeing him in jeans, boots, Akubra and western style shirt, standing in the dust on the property on a hot summer’s Snowy Mountains day, it is hard to reconcile the former Jindabyne Central School student as the top Interschools champion snowboarder and mountain biker he once was.
But this life, he says, is his passion.
And it’s such a good life that he has encouraged his best mate into working on the land as a ringer in the Northern Territory. More on that in the second part of this series.
Charlie was born in Cooma and has lived in the Snowy Mountains all of his life.
His dad was involved in earthmoving and truck driving and Claire still has a horse training business outside of Dalgety, working with brumbies.
She was also recently elected the president of the re-formed Dalgety Chamber of Commerce.
“I have been riding horses since I could walk,” Charlie said.
“I used to race bikes and snowboards and I guess I was fairly good at it, as I got second in the nationals, but I’ve been drawn to the horses.”
He left school in Year 11 and spent two years working for Clea Pastoral Company near Jerangle.
“I was doing all stockman work, learning everything,” he said.
“I was living up there and I liked working there, but my girlfriend is here in Jindabyne and I wanted to be back here.
“Setting up the business was my own idea. I thought I could put all my skills to use at once.
“I talked to my boss about it and he was understanding and will contract me back to them which is good.
“It is a bit of a leap of faith especially at 17 but I’ve always been ahead of my age.”
Charlie is open to work all around the region and has been surprised at how many enquiries he has already had for his services.
“I can do a fair bit on my own,” he said, “especially if the cattle are what you call educated cattle. If they are educated, I can handle 150-200 head, if not 30-50.
“It is not an easy task, but my dog is amazing and I have four horses I can use.”
Charlie talks knowledgably about the three zones that come into play when mustering cattle: the safe zone when they are
stopped quick, I jarred and locked my back and had three compression fractures.
“It mostly affects me with stiffness and pain but I manage it with treatment.”
When he’s not working with stock or hanging out with his
0268 514000 0267 607577 0264 523130 Forbes: Tamworth: Cooma:
girlfriend, whom he says is his “greatest support”, Charlie does a bit of welding for a contractor in Dalgety.
“I am so lucky that I get to do
what I like for work. I enjoy it and I have the best partners, my animals.”
Charlie can be contracted via his Facebook and Instagram.
Farm fire fighting vehicle trial
VEHICLES used to respond to an emergency bush fire incident may not need to be registered under a Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles (FFFV) Trial running until March 31, 2025.
This trial follows an initial trial which occurred between December 2023 and March 2024. The new trial will enable more feedback to be obtained to inform future options for a longer-term solution.
Participants in the first trial need to nominate FFFVs again to participate in the second trial.
Trial conditions
A vehicle nominated for the FFFV trial must be declared suitable for safe use and in thoroughly serviceable condition by the owner and can be used only in connection with emergency bush fire incidents on road or road-related areas within a 100km radius of the storage address.
To ensure that the FFFV is suitable for the trial, owners should refer to the safety guidance included in the Farm Fire Fighting Vehicles Trial factsheet (PDF 170.11KB NSW Government website) before nominating their vehicle, in addition
to consulting the NSW Rural Fire Service Operational Guide.
How do I participate in the trial?
To nominate a FFFV for the trial, submit the digital Farm Fire Fighting Vehicle Nomination and include the required photographs (details are in the factsheet (PDF 170.11KB).
Once the form is submitted, the nominee will receive an acknowledgement with a copy of the nomination by email. These must be produced to police or authorised officers upon request.
The nomination is valid from the time the acknowledgment is received until the trial ends on March 31, 2025, after which the exemption will no longer apply.
Transport will review nominations and contact customers if there are any safety concerns with a FFFV or if it must be withdrawn from the trial for safety reasons.
Vehicles in the trial are exempt from registration and number plates are not required. Any old number plates on the vehicle should be removed and returned to a Service NSW service centre.
BRIGHT FUTURE: Teenaged stockman Charlie Rogerson.
PHOTO: Karen Forman
TRADES AND SERVICES
The Trades Directory is a great way to promote your business to potential customers. It is cost effective, stress and hassle free, and most importantly, effective.
If you’re interested in booking your spot, contact our Sales team to discuss different options.
PHONE: 02 6452 0313
EMAIL: sales@monaropost.com.au
VISIT: 59 Vale Street, Cooma NSW 2630
TRADES AND SERVICES
•Structural
•All
•Consulting arborist
THOMPSON, Julieanne Margaret. Passed away peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Kogarah. Formerly of Chandler St, Rockdale and Dalgety. Aged 59 years. Daughter of Helen (dec) and Clarence Thompson. Partner of Raymond. Sister to Jason. Sister in-law to Lynne. Aunty to Many.
The relatives and friends of the late Julieanne Margaret Thompson are invited to attend her funeral service to be held by the graveside at the Numeralla Cemetery at 1pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Alpine School students get creative
By WILL ALMOND, WORK EXPERIENCE
FROM frosty peaks to new heights, Alpine School students continue to soar above and beyond.
Over the last six months, class 8 students from The Alpine School have been tasked with the challenge of creating something unique, as well as something that individualises themselves and reflects their own personal interests.
This challenge is called a Personal Interest Project (PIP). Personal interest projects aim to allow students to drive their own learning and to devote their time into areas they typically wouldn’t at school, as well as something they are passionate about.
“Quite often in Steiner schools they give the students the opportunity to develop their interests, we find it really helps students become more active with their learning in and out of school,” principal, Eric Hopf, said.
Life-sized dogs made of cake, wooden trains that move by themselves, even a chair made of skis, a dry ski slope in the backyard and more. The students’ skill and talent demonstrated in this project is a true testament to their hard work and dedication.
Teacher and parent, Trisha Bush, remarked on how the students’ dedication and
persistence really showed on the day.
“There was brainstorming, planning, measuring, budgeting, sourcing of materials and tweaking that went into the students’ projects. The results speak for themselves and is the reward of lots of trial and error.
“Everyone who completed their PIP should be extremely proud of their final product and their efforts. Well done Class 8!”
Ms Bush said.
As well as formulating, then creating their projects, students had to present their projects and their research to parents and carers.
After the presentation, a tour of all the different pieces was offered and parents and carers were given the opportunity to marvel at their child’s innovative and creative projects.
Primary principal, Nicki Wallis, remarked on the dedication and outstanding results achieved by the students.
“The Personal Interest Project evening was a remarkable success,” Ms Wallis said.
“Throughout semester two, each student invested both time and effort in class and at home, to develop a project that reflected their personal interests.”
Ms Wallis then continued to comment on each student’s exceptional project.
“Arthur’s meticulously handcrafted, fully operational train; Wade’s impressive bookcase that doubled as stairs; Lolise’s beautiful, sculpted dog cake; Alice’s handcrafted stool and bread case; Jesse’s expertly crafted skinning knife; Ella’s characters in her very own anime series; Riley’s summer skate ramp and rail and Abby’s outdoor chair made from recycled skis ... this inaugural group has truly set the bar high with their remarkable accomplishments,” Ms Wallis said.
Jindabyne students get a taste of working life
By WILL ALMOND, WORK EXPERIENCE
THE daunting task of work experience was met with anticipation by Jindabyne High School students who continued to demonstrate their unwavering dedication, and hard work, during their work experience week.
In the last full week of the school term, the students were all engaged in the pursuit of gaining real life, hands-on experience across the community.
Every year Jindabyne High students do work experience. This is to help prepare them for the nine to five working week in the future, figure out what they may want to do, and to help develop their social skills in a professional setting.
There was approximately 50 students from Jindabyne High who did work experience across the region.
From Snowy Hydro to Birdsnest, students were truly everywhere.
For those students still uncertain about their potential career paths, this provided an insight into what these businesses and organisations do on the daily.
Work experience student, Natasha Barton, who undertook her placement at Cooma Hospital, commented on how work experience has really helped her figure out what she wants in the future.
“I think its taught me a lot of things about all of the different future career choices in medicine and health, and that there’s so many options depending on how much school you want to do and what your strengths and weaknesses are,” Natasha said.
Over her week Natasha was guided and experienced demonstrations on the many aspects of health and medicine Cooma Hospital provides the community.
“Learning all of this stuff has definitely opened my eyes a bit on what I want to do, but it’s also closed some doors as well. We’ve looked at physiotherapy, cancer treatment, pharmaceuticals, all of them were so interesting,” Natasha said.
After Natasha’s week she also commented on the
demanding aspects and work needed to run a hospital.
“Some definitely weren’t for me but others were really awesome and have really broadened my understanding of the actual amount of work and education needed,” Natasha said.
Another student, Ellise Graf, did her placement at Birdsnest. During her placement she had the opportunity to work in a variety of different sections, and learnt about all kinds of aspects of the fashion industry.
“I’ve been doing so much cool stuff, I’ve been learning about dispatching parcels, warehousing; making sure everything is in its positions,” Ellise said.
As well as learning about the different areas of the fashion industry within Birdsnest, she has also been on
multiple excursions during her placement.
“On Tuesday I got to see a live shoot which was awesome and really cool, I also went to a photoshoot which was awesome, it’s all just been really cool and just something a bit different than usual,” Ellise said.
Another work experience student Will Almond has done his placement at The Monaro Post. While on his placement he was given the opportunity for: photo journalism, journalism, photography and article writing.
“It’s been really awesome learning and putting into practice everything I’ve learnt this past week”, said Will. Over the week he was also given the opportunity to photograph and interact with local community members, including Mayor Chris Hanna
and local Member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain.
“It was interesting to meet so many prominent figures in the community and get some insight into what they do around the Snowy- Monaro region”, said Will.
He also commented on how work experience really builds up your skill set for the future.
“Work experience was really good in the way that it got me into that professional environment and it gave me so many new social and practical skills that I can now put to use in my everyday life”, said Will.
Work experience is a valuable exercise in broadening students understanding of workplaces and the options available to them beyond school life.
Lolise Wykes’s dog sculpture made of cake at the class 8 PIP presentation.
with her ski chair.
PHOTOS: Will Almond Arthur Gibson posing with his 1:8 Barclay Shunter 235 Train.
Will Almond spent his week of work experience at The Monaro Post learning journalistic skills and putting them into practice.
Ellise Graf enjoyed her time experiencing packing, photoshoots, and designing at Birdsnest.
EXPERIENCE: Tash Barton spent a week at the Cooma Hospital. PHOTOS: Will Almond
Stewart sets Cooma course record
By COOMA GOLF CLUB
COOMA Golf Club captain, Tom Stewart, has set a new course record after shooting a 64 gross (45 points) during the ham-hit-out.
Stewart was the overall winner on Saturday December 18 with his 45 points. The grade winners were an all Smith family effort with Sean winning A Grade on 41 points, Ben took out B Grade with 39 points and Donna on C Grade with 40 points. Each took home a ham for their efforts.
Balls went to Sean Bradshaw, Fletch Jones, Wayne Ryan, Matthew Shigelski, Gino Cerro and Stephen Young.
The winners of the ham raffle were Greg Abraham and Bailey Burke, and the golfers raffle prize donated by Helen Crawford went to Jenny Rainsford.
Nearest the pin on the fourth went to Jason Brazulaitis, the ninth went to Col Evans, the 11 was won by Stewart and 17 was claimed by Sean Bradshaw.
The captain against president’s cup was held in conjunction with the ham-hit-out. The captain’s team won definitively with 11.5 points to the president’s team 7.5 points.
The club held its presentation day where all the major trophies awarded during the year were handed out.
This year, Helen Crawford celebrated a huge milestone, her sixth career hole-in-one on the ninth hole.
That is an incredible achievement, but it also happened to be her first hole-in-one on the ninth, after already hitting aces on all the other par threes.
Helen is the club’s first lady golfer (and second ever in the history of the club) to get a hole in one on all four par threes at the course.
Helen has now been added to the ‘Grand Slam of Aces’ honour board, alongside the late Terry Johnston who was the first (and only other) person to achieve this incredible milestone.
Helen also won the Mabel Mackenzie Brooch in Division 1, which is a statewide competition held by the Veteran Womens Golfers’ Association.
Below is a list of all the major trophy winners throughout the
C Grade Net - Frank McKnight
Ladies Net - Claire Caldwell
Summer Cup - Jai Burke
Autumn Cup - Helen Crawford
B Grade Gross - Adam Schofield
B Grade Net - Wayne Flynn
C Grade Gross -
Winter Cup - Ben Rolfe and Sean Smith
Spring Shield - Steve Young and John Gargett
Championship - Col Langdon and Tony Venables
Easter Cup - John Gargett
Klein Trophy - Mark Burke and Dave Goggin
Fireman’s Shield - Jeff Burgess
Mens FoursomesTerry Schofield and Peter Ewart
Gaye Wilson (F)
Four-ball-best ball champions are Tony Venables (le ) and Col Langdon.
WINNERS: Cooma Golf Club captain, Tom Stewart (left), is presented the Grade Gross Champion trophy by club president, Lyndon Taylor. PHOTOS: Cooma Golf Club
The ladies nett champion is Claire Caldwell.
Frank McKnight takes home the C Grade trophy for a stellar season.
Helen Crawford is one of just two Cooma golfers to have hit holes-in-one on each of the par threes.
Shooters cap-off terrific year
THE Cooma Sporting Clays have finished off their year in style with a well attended shoot on December 15.
Eighty seven shooters competed in the club’s side-by-side and under/over shoot.
The day consisted of two ranges with 35 targets on each one with many different varieties thrown about, including a handful of springers for the club’s springing teal challenge.
Following the shoot, the club held its end-of-year presentation where shooters and volunteers were recognised for their efforts in 2024.
Results from the day:
Under/Over
HIGH GUN Warren Thorpe - 65
AA GRADE
First: Matt Hall - 56
Second: Dane Robert - 55
Third: Alister Scott - 50
A GRADE
First: Andy Vaccaro - 65
Second: Christopher Donnantuoni - 60
Third: Robert Shaw - 60
4th: Christopher Raabe - 58
5th: Ian MacFarlane - 55
B GRADE
First: Craig Cotterill - 58
Second: Luke Bayley - 56
Third: Barry Dunn - 56
4th: Aaron Mackay -55
5th: Mark Coleman - 55
C GRADE
First: James Povey - 59
2nd: Glenn Blizzard - 56
Third: Steve Blyth - 54
4th: Justin Mann - 53
5th: Wayne Harris - 50
Ladies
First: Jan Redman - 50
Second: Penelope Irvin - 47
Third: Michelle Craig - 43
Fourth: Robin Perkins - 42
Fifth: Catherine Ash - 37
Juniors
First: Zack Poucher - 62
Second: Montana Schofield - 53
Third: Ryan Vaccaro - 53
Fourth: Jake Blyth – 49
Fifth: Maxx Povey - 46
Side-by-side:
High Gun: Darren Redman - 65
AA GRADE
First: Douglas Alcock - 61
A GRADE
First: Chris Davis - 60
Second: Mark Corbett - 59
Third: Dan Davis - 58
B GRADE
First: Leigh Hansen - 49
Second: James Byrne - 48
Third: Adam Mower - 47
Fourth: Terrence Thistleton - 38
Fifth: Alan Edwards - 36
C GRADE
First: Trevor Heise - 51
Second: Richard Warner - 46
Third: Edgar Osolins - 45
Fourth: Bryce Kelland - 42
Fifth: Shaun Rowling -40
Club Champions 2024 - SxS – Chris Davis, open – Douglas Alcock; handicap- Adam Mower; ladies – Penelope Irvin; juniors – Zack Poucher; and teal challenge – Dan Davis.
WHILE the World Cup season moves into full swing in the northern hemisphere, the Snow Australia pathways continue to operate on the homefront.
Though the mercury is on the rise, five separate camps involving New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) and Snow Australia Emerging Talent Program (ETP) athletes have taken place throughout November and December.
A three-week NSWIS Park and Pipe Airbag camp took place at the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) from November 1, led by coaches Leon Tarbotton and Nick Lamont.
At the same time, the Moguls ETP skiers took advantage of the world class Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre at Brisbane’s Sleeman Sports Complex for a solid block of training guided by Paris Speirs and Ben Chapman.
Following the NSWIS camp at NSTC, the talent program park and pipe athletes moved in for two separate blocks of training under Tarbotton and Cam Hoddle. These
camps were focused on developing an understanding of what it means to ‘train like a pro’, understanding individual’s current level of performance and focusing on the international training and competition period. Recently, it was the Snowboard Cross riders from both the ETP and NSWIS
riders using the airbag at NSTC. While the facility usually caters to park and pipe athletes launching into new tricks, the airbag provided the SBX riders with a unique training environment to hone their efficiency on jumps to maximise speed. Off the Park, athletes undertook performance psychology education
No snow, no worries for emerging talent
and worked on developing performance-focused training habits.
The week prior to Christmas the NSWIS Park amd Pipe crew were back at the NSTC, with many athletes putting in their final off-snow training block before competing in the northern hemisphere early in 2025.
have arisen for our emerging athletes to train alongside those who are in the state institute framework, which is a deliberate part of our talent development philosophy.
“Just like our our institute athletes working with our World Cup-level skiers and snowboarders, it is important to expose our emerging talent to training environments which help them understand what it takes to go up another level.”
Eighty seven shooters took part in the club’s side-by-side and under/over shoot on December 15.
C Grade winners accept their prizes following the club’s Christmas shoot.
SUCCESS: The Cooma Sporting Clays junior shooters are recognised for an oustanding year. PHOTOS: Cooma Sporting Clays
There was plenty of Christmas cheer at the Cooma Sporting Clays shoot earlier this month.
TRAINING: Athletes in Snow Australia’s Emerging Talent Program have been busy honing their skills at the National Snowsports Training Centre in Jindabyne. PHOTO: Supplied
Contributing to our community
LOCAL SUPPORT: The
contributions
delivers generous $42K donation
By TRISTA HEATH
ESTABLISHED in 1967, Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club, situated on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, has grown with the community. Over the years, it has become a generous supporter of community, and sporting groups.
Chairperson and board member for more than four years, Nick Oakman, said the club has been a long-standing supporter of various community groups and has always tried to support where they can.
“We are a sports, bowling and community club, that tends to get approached by local groups seeking funding and after putting some sponsorship guidelines in place, we’ve been able to help more groups and make it more public that we can help,” Mr Oakman said.
“We’ve been communicating with stakeholders about how we can work with you as a group.
“We have found that members really value the contribution that we are making to their cause. For us it’s about giving what we can to the community.”
The club has nine board members, elected by community members for a three-year term via its AGM.
Contributing financial support, totalling $42,000, to eight different community groups, the club wishes to be known as not just a sports and club venue but a community hub, a space it can serve its community.
“We want to ensure the club is financially sustainable for the long term, known for growing with and for the community as well as offering great activities and hospitality. We want to be a venue that the entire community can be proud of,” Mr Oakman said.
“We are a community club for local members, that is who we want to represent and who we want to benefit.”
The Jindabyne Swim Club recently received donations from the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club to help the swim club pay for its race race nights. The donation saved hefty fees being imposed on families. A spokesperson for the Jindabyne Swim Club said without the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club’s support, the swim club would have had difficulty continuing.
The Jindabyne Lions Club has held board meetings, dinner meetings and changeover lunches at the club.
“They support Jindabyne Lions Club events, including our popular Seniors Christmas luncheon, and many other fundraisers and we are very grateful for their support,” Lions Club member, Nira Windeatt said.
The club donates its dining room space each week to the senior’s exercise group, it allocates space for the Jindabyne CWA to meet each Tuesday for a coffee and to socialize, and offers free kids play time in their indoor playground and more.
The club also recently donated money to the Jindabyne Carols in the Park for its annual event to host an impressive fireworks display.
Carols organiser, Sue Sell, said she appreciates the support and generosity from the club.
The club boasts sporting facilities including a sevenrink lawn bowling green, two tennis courts and four indoor squash courts, the club hosts an array of other activities including poker night, trivia, and darts competitions.
The club’s goal is to provide quality hospitality services, sporting, social and entertainment experiences for its customers with the club serving as a local hub for members, the local community, and interest groups.
Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club regularly makes financial
to the region’s community organisations.
PHOTO: Trista Heath
Sim recognised
JOHN HONOURED
FOR SNOWSPORTS SERVICE
COOMA’S John Sim has been recognised with the Service to Snowsports award as part of the 2024 Snow Australia Community Sport Awards.
Spending many years involved with NSW Cross Country and National Cross Country, John said he is humbled to be recognised, and thanked his family for their ever-present support during his career.
“It is a big thrill to be recognised,” Sim said.
“That recognition goes to my family as well. The time spent attending meetings, organising trips and being away from home can not occur without family support.”
Over the years, Sim’s most significant highlight has been supporting young athletes develop their competitive careers, while they push their personal limits.
“The most significant highlight would be having the privilege of watching young athletes develop their skills and then to follow their competitive career right up to the World Cup and the Olympics,” he said.
“Also seeing the wonderful support athletes give to each other whilst racing.
“When racing they push their personal limits and compete to win, but at the end of a race they always congratulate or console each other.”
Holding positions in event management and support for junior athletes, John’s passion for these areas came through his own enjoyment of skiing.
“Snow and cross country skiing have been my passion since I was at school,” he said.
“So it was only natural that when I became a teacher, I passed on my enjoyment of skiing to the students of Monaro High School in Cooma.
“Being part of the cross country ski world for so many years has allowed me to accumulate skills in
skiing technique, navigation, appreciation of nature and build a self-confidence in supporting others to enjoy skiing.”
During his time involved with snowsports, Sim has learnt many lessons and shared the most important one is to do something you enjoy.
“The big lesson in any volunteering role is that you are doing something that you enjoy,” he said.
“Then the time you spend in organising, supporting and cleaning up is so others get to enjoy the experience.
“Never expect thanks but enjoy those moments when it happens.”
Not only passing on his love for the snow onto his students, but also his own children and grandchildren has brought immense pride to Sim.
“Proud moments accumulate,” he said.
“I have grandchildren who love cross country skiing and no doubt that is due to the enthusiasm passed on by my children who skied and competed from a very young age.
“I am also proud of all the school students and scouts with whom I travelled since the 1980s to various areas for ski camps and events who are now involved in leadership roles and giving back to the sport.
“If I could get just one big message to parents of children who aspire to compete, it is this: That adults should always be the support for their children, not the push behind their children.
“The greatest success comes from self motivation.”
HIRE: CANOE, SAIL, WAYDOOS +
J IND ABYNE
ICON: Cooma’s John Sim has dedicated decades of service to Australian snowsports. He has been honoured with a Snow Australia Service to Snowsports award.
PHOTO: Snow Australia
60 YEARS OF SCHOOLING AT JINDABYNE CENTRAL SCHOOL
By TRISTA HEATH
STUDENTS, staff and the community reminisced on memories, and in history books, of packing up the old Jindabyne school and trudging up the hill to its new site in the new town, with the new name of Jindabyne Central School.
Now known as Jindabyne High School and Jindabyne Primary School, the students walked through the school gates for the last time on Friday December 20 and will begin at the new Jindabyne Education Campus in Term 1, 2025.
The McLoughlin family sat in the lounge room of their family home on Thursday December 19 sharing stories of three generations attending the school. Shaun McLoughlin said it was an excellent school as it represented freedom.
“The school was big, it had tennis courts, an oval, cricket nets, play equipment and things that schools don’t have these days,” Mr McLoughlin said.
“The school was never locked up, there was no after school care back then so the kids would stay on the school grounds and play with balls, rackets and other equipment which was left for the kids to play with after hours, something that doesn’t happen now.”
Mr McLoughlin fondly remembers getting out the Hurley sticks with his dad and playing on the school’s oval.
Mr McLoughlin said 60 years ago the kids entered their new school and didn’t know what to expect and now there’s a whole new generation about to start another journey as they move to the new school site next year.
■ More on page 2
By NATHAN THOMPSON
SNOWY Monaro Regional Council is set to be placed on a performance improvement order following the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, raising concerns over councillor behaviour and the financial viability of the organisation.
In a letter to Snowy Mayor mayor, Chris Hanna,
and interim CEO, Stephen Dunshea, Mr Hoenig said Council needs to address its behaviour or risk facing suspension orders.
Mr Hoenig said the order is partly the result of councillor conduct in the Council chambers, in correspondence, and on social media. The minister also identified areas where councillor actions could hinder the organisation’s
financial viability.
Council held an extraordinary meeting on Monday December 23 to discuss the minister’s intention to issue the order. At the time of going print (before the meeting), it was expected a majority of councillors would accept the order and the reasons for it being implemented.
In Mr Hoenig’s
Three generations remember Council conduct in spotlight, Minister concerned
correspondence, he referred to the conduct of Cr Andew Thaler, who has 19 misconduct allegations against him.
“A number of these complaints deal with conduct that is alleged to constitute bullying, harassment and/or behaviour which would bring the Council into disrepute,”
Mr Hoenig said in his letter to Council.
Cr Thaler has rejected Mr
Hoenig’s assertion, saying via a statment these allegations are unproven.
“The only response from the Council to the Minister should be that it is completely inappropriate for the Minister to pass judgement on a councillor who has not been found to have breached the Code of Conduct,” Cr Thaler said.
■ Read more on page 3
REMEMBERING: Three generations, Tegan Molloy, Doreen McLoughlin and Roisin Molloy reminisce on their schooling years at the Jindabyne Central School after the site closes and transitioning to the new site begins.
PHOTO: Supplied
Sim recognised
JOHN HONOURED FOR SNOWSPORTS SERVICE
COOMA’S John Sim has been recognised with the Service to Snowsports award as part of the 2024 Snow Australia Community Sport Awards.
Spending many years involved with NSW Cross Country and National Cross Country, John said he is humbled to be recognised, and thanked his family for their ever-present support during his career.
“It is a big thrill to be recognised,” Sim said.
“That recognition goes to my family as well. The time spent attending meetings, organising trips and being away from home can not occur without family support.”
Over the years, Sim’s most significant highlight has been supporting young athletes develop their competitive careers, while they push their personal limits.
“The most significant highlight would be having the privilege of watching young athletes develop their skills and then to follow their competitive career right up to the World Cup and the Olympics,” he said.
“Also seeing the wonderful support athletes give to each other whilst racing.
“When racing they push their personal limits and compete to win, but at the end of a race they always congratulate or console each other.”
Holding positions in event management and support for junior athletes, John’s passion for these areas came through his own enjoyment of skiing.
“Snow and cross country skiing have been my passion since I was at school,” he said.
“So it was only natural that when I became a teacher, I passed on my enjoyment of skiing to the students of Monaro High School in Cooma.
“Being part of the cross country ski world for so many years has allowed me to accumulate skills in
skiing technique, navigation, appreciation of nature and build a self-confidence in supporting others to enjoy skiing.”
During his time involved with snowsports, Sim has learnt many lessons and shared the most important one is to do something you enjoy.
“The big lesson in any volunteering role is that you are doing something that you enjoy,” he said.
“Then the time you spend in organising, supporting and cleaning up is so others get to enjoy the experience.
“Never expect thanks but enjoy those moments when it happens.”
Not only passing on his love for the snow onto his students, but also his own children and grandchildren has brought immense pride to Sim.
“Proud moments accumulate,” he said.
“I have grandchildren who love cross country skiing and no doubt that is due to the enthusiasm passed on by my children who skied and competed from a very young age.
“I am also proud of all the school students and scouts with whom I travelled since the 1980s to various areas for ski camps and events who are now involved in leadership roles and giving back to the sport.
“If I could get just one big message to parents of children who aspire to compete, it is this: That adults should always be the support for their children, not the push behind their children.
“The greatest success comes from self motivation.”
HIRE: CANOE, SAIL, WAYDOOS +
JINDABYNE: 1/3A
J INDABYNE
ICON: Cooma’s John Sim has dedicated decades of service to Australian snowsports. He has been honoured with a Snow Australia Service to Snowsports award. PHOTO: Snow Australia