Snowy Mountains Magazine - Autumn 2023

SK I

& B O A R D A R O U N D T H E W ORL D

P ERISHE R K E E R C S L L A F H O T HA M A N D MO R E

E P IC A U S T RALIA P AS S . C O M .A U

* F o r c o m pl e t e d e t a i l s o n N o r t h e r n H e m i s p h e r e ho l id ay a n d l i m i t e d r e s t r i c t io n s t h a t a pp l y t o t h e Epi c A u s t r a l i a Pa s s , a s w e l l a s ex p lan a t io n s o f o u r p r o d u c t a g e g r o u p i n g s , pl e a s e v i s i t e pi c a u s t r a l i a pa s s c o m a u

Va i l R e s o r t s M an a g e m e n t C o m p a ny Tr ad e ma r k s a r e t h e p r o p e r t y o f t h e i r r e s pe c ti v e o w n e r s

Features

PAGES 29-35

Lake Light Sculpture

Jindabyne’s flagship event returns with the new exciting 2023 Street Edition.

PAGES 14-15

Easter Guide

We have highlighted some of the best Easter 2023 attractions in one easy guide.

PAGES 16-17

Mountain Bike Adventures

If you are new to the area, check out this feature on some of the best rides.

PAGES 22-23

Country Show Time

Visit one of the country agricultural shows this autumn for a great day out.

PAGE 38

Land Rover 75th Anniversary

A street parade through Cooma will highlight this 75th anniversary at Easter.

PAGE 40

Snowy Classic Returns

Over 1500 riders will test their snowy cycling stamina with two race distances.

PAGE 7

SAP Update

The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct master plan starts in 2023.

PAGES 8-9

Cooma Railway Museum

The CMR team have big plans for 2023 aiming to reintroduce tourist train rides.

PAGE 18

Falling Leaf Festival

The street parade returns to the centre of Tumut for this popular autumn festival.

PAGE 27

Thredbo Mountain Bike

New to mountain biking and want to explore Thredbo, read our beginners guide.

PAGE 36

Snowy Trout Festival

Catch a tagged rainbow trout and enter to win cash prizes in this great competition.

PAGE 45

Climb Mount Kosciuszko

Reach the top of Australia with this bucket list Snowy Mountains adventure.

PAGE 47

Kosciuszko Huts Rebuild

Eleven Kosciuszko huts destroyed in 2019-20 bushfires are being rebuilt.

PAGES 48-49

Prepare For Winter

Autumn is the perfect time to plan and book your 2023 winter snow holiday.

PAGE 51

Perisher Boss Interview

Perisher’s Belinda Trembath offers her thoughts on the Perisher snow season.

PAGES 52-53

Autumn Fashion

Treat yourself this autumn season with some fine new stylish fashions.

MANAGING EDITOR

Steve Cuff

DESIGN & ARTWORK

Chris Febvre and the NEM Creative team.

CONTRIBUTORS

Charles Davis, Christie Hampton, Boen Ferguson, Matt de Waard, Nick Waygood, Adam Kroenert.

ADVERTISING SALES

Steve Cuff

Ph: 0418 620 651

E: stevecuff@snowymagazine.com.au

PRINT & DISTRIBUTION

Snowy Mountains Magazine is a free publication published 7 times per year and distributed to over 170 locations.

2023 Autumn Edition

21,000

1300 Sydney, 2000 Canberra

17,700 Snowy Mountains region and surrounding areas.

DIGITAL ONLINE EDITIONS

Free E-Editions are available via nemedia.pressreader.com or search for the North East Media App at the Apple, Google Play or Windows App Stores.

PUBLISHER

Snowy Mountains Media

Hartley Higgins and Steve Cuff

SNOWY MOUNTAINS MAGAZINE PO Box 406 Jindabyne NSW 2627 Admin: Wangaratta Ph: (03 5723 0100)

DISCLAIMER

No material, artwork or photos may be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher. Snowy Mountains Magazine takes care in compiling content but cannot accept responsibility for any errors. Every effort is made to confirm events and calendar dates however dates can often change and errors may occur.

NEXT EDITION

2023 Snow Holiday / June

Advertising bookings prior to March 31

COVER PHOTO

Enjoying Lake Jindabyne with a leisurely paddle. PHOTO: Steve Cuff

Page 29

Page 18

Page 47

Page 48

Page 22

Visit the Snowy Hydro CentreDiscovery

Discover the Snowy Scheme like never before!

Explore the past, present and future of Snowy Hydro at one of the Snowy Mountains’ must-see attractions!

Discover the Scheme’s proud history, learn about renewables and keep up-to-date with the new Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro expansion mega project.

Immerse yourself in the interactive displays, exhibition space, and state-of-the-art theatre!

The Discovery Cafe is open daily, take a break and enjoy a delicious barista-made coffee and light refreshments.

VISIT US

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and cafe

Monaro Highway, Cooma

Open 7 days

Weekdays 8am - 4.30pm

Weekends and public holidays 9am - 2pm

snowyhydro.com.au

1800 623 776

The First Word

START your autumn holiday planning well in advance, as when you realise the exploring options you may just want to extend another week. Yes, there is an abundance to explore with new additions since your last visit.

It may be only short, but the lower Thredbo Valley Track (TVT) extension from Gaden Trout Hatchery to the Kosciuszko Road Thredbo River picnic area is rather stunning. The National Parks and their trail building crew have produced a stellar 1.5km trail. The trail is perfect for everyone, walking or riding, including families with young kids who are looking for adventure. Either end has an ideal picnic area plus stunning Thredbo River views from the trail.

Hikers climbing Mount Kosciuszko will notice some changes at the summit, with works ongoing to improve accessibility. This bucket list walk is one everyone should experience.

On the western side of the mountains the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail is perfect for those with time on their hands. The trail runs through four towns across 100km, with the easiest viewing at Adelong where they have multiple sculptures on one trail. Batlow,

Tumbarumba, and Tooma complete the trail. Keep your eye on the Warby Motorsport Facebook page for their next outing at Tumut’s Blowering Dam in their quest for the World Water Speed Record. They are ready to ramp up the speed well beyond 400km to test the boat performance. If all goes well this autumn, they will then make plans for the record attempt.

The autumn event calendar is full, the Country Shows always popular, plus numerous events during Easter. The Land Rover 75th anniversary and the Jindabyne Lake Light Sculpture are among the highlights.

I am no train enthusiast, but I might become one after seeing the work the Cooma Monaro Railway volunteer group have completed. Their new museum is a great asset to Cooma, and they are planning to run tourist train rides. Combined with the Cooma Car Club Museum, they have the automotive scene covered and both are must visits.

◼ A competitor in the national mt bike championships taking in views of the Thredbo Merritts Gondola.

PHOTO: Steve Cu

Steve Cu MANAGING EDITOR

Master Plan Delivery Starts In 2023

By STEVE CUFF

THE Snowy Mountains $391 million Special Activation Precinct (SAP) master plan will be a hot topic of conversation in 2023 as residents and interested visitors to Jindabyne and Kosciuszko National Park await the next phase.

In December 2022 a new 43-member community advisory group were updated with information about what to expect in 2023. The meeting did not necessarily offer any new key detail, keen observers were mostly aware of the content discussed.

The good news for 2023 is the master plan moves into the delivery stage with the release of key documents available for public discussion (see summary). The NSW Government also have appointed new personnel in various departments to implement the next stage.

When the documents are exhibited, the community will be informed about more exact detail on subjects including building height, built form, road networks and landscaping. These will all be included in the Development Control Plan (DCP). The three main areas the government

will focus on are the new Southern Connector, Catalytic Tourist Opportunities and Utilities.

Southern ConneCtor

This new road bypassing Jindabyne is in planning stages. It will comprise stage 1 from Kosciuszko Road prior to entering town to the Barry Way. Stage 2 will be Barry Way to an intersection towards the Alpine Way. More design detail to be revealed in 2023.

Each intersection will have new roundabout junctions and the road will be single lane each way. There will be provision for dual lanes and pedestrian lanes in the future. At the Barry Way there will be a 250 space Park and Ride car park and pickup facility. The SAP team are aware that with the continued winter bus trial to the resorts, until the road is built a temporary car park should be arranged.

CatalytiC touriSt opportunitieS

The Town Centre public realm, Lake Foreshore and the Mountain Bike and Adventure Park development are the key aspects of the Catalytic works. Design and detail of the lake foreshore will be released in early 2023. This will

include Banjo Paterson Park and its immediate foreshore being raised to a height where it will never be impacted by high water lake levels. The work at Banjo Paterson Park area is not likely to occur until 2024, although everyone is aware, including government, of the public urgency and outcry to rectify this situation.

The Mountain Bike and Adventure Park near the Alpine Way will be a 100km park with gondola to mid station in stage 1, and then a chairlift to the top in stage 2. There will be funds invested by the government in consultation with a private sector developer. Tenders and negotiations will occur from 2023.

utilitieS infraStruCture

The procurement process is also well underway for key major infrastructure contracts. Due to commercial arrangements, government did not afford breakdown costs on individual elements of infrastructure. With future population and tourism growth, the current systems will not cope.

Utility upgrades include sewer treatment plant, potable water treatment plant and electrical upgrades to the town.

Memories are made here

Discussions have commenced with Essential Energy as to the electrical outcome required. As these are big projects, planning is underway with actual work start dates unknown at this time.

Summary

In mid-2023 three key documents will be exhibited for public consultation.

Jindabyne Development Control Plan (DCP) will be exhibited and available for comment.

Snowy Mountains Delivery Plan (DP) is for areas identified as catalysts precincts. The Regional Growth Development Corporation will be responsible for implementing the development in these precincts.

Alpine Development Control Plan (ADCP), this will be the first DCP in the alpine region and is under the Department of Planning and Environment jurisdiction.

You can read all detailed SAP documents via: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ snowymountainssap

Cooma Railway Museum Future Rolls On

SINCE the official opening of the Cooma Monaro Railway Museum in December 2022 visitors have been praising the efforts of the volunteer group who have restored the railway precinct. But the railway has greater ambitions than just a museum, with the aim for 2023 to have trains running again.

“Our ultimate goal is to have tourist trains running again between Cooma and Snowy Junction by December, in time for the 30th anniversary of the Sundowner Cup at the Cooma Race Club. There is a lot of

work to do and a few things that need to fall into place for that to happen, but it would be amazing,” said Cooma Monaro Railway vice president Craig Moore.

The volunteer group are about to complete the restoration of their Power Van which will be on display at the northern end of the platform. These wagons were used to transport explosives down to Cooma during the original Snowy Hydro project.

They are also awaiting confirmation they have been accredited by the Office of the National Railway Regulator (ONRSR) as both a Rail Infrastructure Manager (RIM) which allows them to maintain, repair and manage railway infrastructure, as well as a Rail Transport Operator which allows them to operate trains.

Initially, this only covers the use of the track machines and Hyrail road-rail vehicle to allow completion of repairs to the track. Once those repairs have been completed, the accreditation will be amended to include the diesel rail motors.

“Our previous Heritage Operating License (HOL), which is effectively the lease of a section railway corridor, has been re-activated. This means that Cooma

Monaro Railway now hold a lease on, and are responsible for, the section of railway from north of Chakola down to the Monaro Highway road bridge south of Cooma Station. The section is a little over 20km.”

Once signed off, this section of track will become an active railway again. The existing road level crossings will be reactivated, and a consultation phase with the community will begin to educate them about what it means to have an active railway again.

As soon as the track is repaired within the yard, rail motors will be parked at the station for visitors to explore. There are also plans to restore two pieces of rolling stock.

“The other big item for the first half of the year is we are expecting delivery of our steam locomotive, 3203, from Broadmeadow in the next 3-4 months. This loco has been cosmetically restored and will eventually be put on display at the station. We also intend to restore the loco to operating condition for use on longer tourist trains to Rock Flat and beyond.”

◼ Cooma Monaro Railway’s Craig Moore and Gordon Strachan at the official opening with Member for Monaro Nichole Overall.

◼ One of the many displays inisde the museum.

Railway Museum

Bradley Street, Cooma

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am-3pm

Wednesday 10am-3pm Saturday 10am-3pm

Easter 2023

The railway station precinct has been meticulously restored and is available for viewing during opening hours. There is a wealth of information on the history of Cooma and the station, including the Snowy Express, local train drivers and people of the railway.

TASKS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE TRAINS CAN OPERATE:

• Complete training and certification of volunteers to work on the track and operate track machines. (February)

• Commence discussions with Snowy Hydro NextGen to re-instate the Polo Flat Road level crossing. (Discussions have commenced)

• Source funding for repairs to the burntout culvert at the northern end of Cooma yard and purchase of additional sleepers. (Multiple applications are currently in play)

• Complete track repairs in Cooma Yard to allow the Rail Motors to travel up to the Station Platform. (est. June)

• Complete track repairs between Cooma Station and Snowy Junction (est. November)

• Become accredited to operate tourist trains with passengers (est. November)

• Re-commence tourist trains to Snowy Junction (est. December)

◼ A train stands at the Cooma Station in 2012. Train rides are hopeful for a return in later 2023. PHOTO: CMR

Cooma Monaro

Does Your Tourism Business Need a Digital Health Check?

By CHRISTIE HAMPTON Marketing and Communications Manager, Tourism Snowy Mountains

AS part of its Tourism Business Development Program, Tourism Snowy Mountains recently held a master class for local businesses to assist with building their digital presence and improving their ability to connect with customers online. The master class was led by Todd Wright, Director of Three Sides Marketing, a Canberra based marketing, digital, PR and training business that has been in operation since 2007. During his presentation, Todd asked the group to share their websites with him. He then proceeded to go through each website page by page and o er a real time analysis of what it would be like to use the website as a potential customer.

To say the least, for most of the business owners, Todd’s attempts to book their products was an eyeopening experience. For others, it was downright confronting as Todd muddled his way through their website, trying to decipher how he could contact the business or, once he’d made a booking, how to get physically get there. So, inspired by Todd’s struggles, I think it’s an important exercise for any tourism businesses to sit down, look at their

website and ask themselves; ‘is this a good experience for my customers?’

Here’s a fantastic checklist (kindly provided by Todd and reprinted with his permission) that might help you answer that question:

CUSTOMER FEATURES:

1. Can I work out who you are and what you do?

2. Does it look good and look ‘worth it’?

3. Can I book or buy right now?

4. Can I book easily?

TECH FEATURES:

1. Is it made for mobile?

2. Does it load easily?

3. Is it search engine friendly?

4. Do you have a security certificate?

YOU FEATURES:

1. Can you update it easily?

2. Do you have analytics installed (and can access it?)

3. Do you update it when your business changes?

Remember, audiences today have very short attention spans and desire immediate satisfaction. This means, at any time, they need to be only 2-3 clicks away from booking their product or experience on your website. Otherwise, they’ll click o and find what they need somewhere else.

Another aspect of the digital world that sparked a lot of interest was, of course, social media. One excellent piece of advice Todd had regarding social media presence was to work out which platform works best for your business. Once you understand this, make this platform your focus, rather than spreading yourself thinly from Facebook to TikTok and everywhere in between. Then it’s time to start investing in quality content and / or working with other people who are willing to share their quality content with you.

A great way to build your social media audience is to work closely with organisations like Tourism Snowy Mountains, who love sharing beautiful images and video on their own channels. At TSM, we see social media as an invaluable tool for communicating our brand’s tone, values and the region’s unique qualities. Via Facebook and Instagram, we aim to spark a sense of adventure and a need to explore in our audience. By sharing authentic experiences, local knowledge and carefully curated content, we hope to cultivate a deeper connection with both locals and visitors. If you are interested in being featured on our Instagram and / or Facebook pages, please feel free to get in touch so we can provide you with our content guidelines.

◼ Tourism Snowy Mountains most liked, shared and engaged with image for 2022 was this wildflower shot taken at Guthries, Charlotte Pass by Matt de Waard and shared on his Instagram page @mjdphotosdotcom.

PHOTO: www.mjdphotos.com

Sign up for newsletter from the website and email Christie for more guidelines to help your business.

Email - christie@snowymountains.com.au

Instagram - snowymountainsnsw

Facebook - SnowyMountains www.snowymountains.com.au

Snowy 2.0 Continues On Several Work Fronts

THE Snowy 2.0 project within Kosciuszko National Park continues to progress on several main fronts and deploys a large workforce. Three trunnel boring machines are in various stages of their individual tasks, work on intake and adits at both Talbingo Dam and Tantangara and underway plus the surge shaft at Marica. As stated in the media recently, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) Florence that was launched in March 2022 at Tantangara is currently paused as ground is assessed. Snowy Hydro executives, including newly appointed CEO Dennis Barnes also fronted a senate estimates committee. As much as these aspects of the project draw negative headlines, there is a huge scope of others works continuing.

TBM Kirsten has almost completed excavating the 11-metre diameter 2.9 kilometre emergency, cable and ventilation tunnel (ECVT). The TBM has passed the location of the underground power station and has installed 13,200 locallymanufactured concrete segments to line this tunnel.

The TBM Kirsten has now been modified

for its next task, a complex excavation on the 25 degree angle to create the inclined shaft, which links to the headrace tunnel from Tantangara Reservoir. Extensive modifications of the TBM included installing a screw conveyor (or auger) to extract excavated rock from the cutterhead to a sandwich conveyor system, alterations to the conveyor belt system and converting all walkways into steps and ladderways.

The ECVT will also have a monorail and manrider installed in the top of the tunnel for workers to access the TBM, along with a station platform to access the manrider. A rack and pinion system (similar to the Perisher Skitube) will also be installed to pull the multipurpose special vehicles up the tunnel.

At the Talbingo intake, excavation continues with almost one third complete and 190,000 cubic metres of rock removed so far. At the Talbingo adit, the enormous 150-tonne main drive and the front and middle shields have been lifted into the TBM cradle as the reassembly of TBM Lady Eileen Hudson continues with the addition of some new components. Lady

Eileen Hudson had recently completed the first main access tunnel (MAT) down to the underground power station location and will commence the tailrace tunnel excavation later this year.

At Tantangara Dam, work on the intake extends below the water level and is about 70% complete with an expected finish later in 2023. The excavation of the gate shaft will start shortly.

Drill and blasting will commence soon on the underground power station cavern, the location for the six generating units that will provide an additional 2,000 megawatts of dispatchable, on-demand generating capacity and approximately 350,000 megawatt hours of large-scale storage to the National Electricity Market. Snowy Hydro have updated their target commercial use date to 30 December 2027.

There are more than 2,200 people directly employed on Snowy 2.0 and more than $100 million has been spent with local businesses so far. The services and supply chain benefits locally are also considerable.

Workers are housed in various camps with over 1700 beds available and complete. Lobs Hole has accommodation for 1124, there are 350 beds at Tantangara, 100 at Marica and 126 at Joule Ridge in Cooma. The Marica works are most visible o the Snowy Mountains Highway near Kiandra.

Snowy 2.0 is the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia. The Snowy Hydro website has visual flyovers of the camps and work areas, plus detailed information on the Snowy 2.0 project. You can also sign up to their newsletter via www.snowyhydro.com.au.

◼ BIG: TBM Kirsten at its launch in December 2021. It has nearly completed 2.9km of tunnelling and will soon start the incline shaft.

Duckling Huddle

Wood Duck, Chenonetta jubata

STORMS in the mountains can happen at any time of the year. Snow in summer is rare but it does happen, and when it does, its often just a dusting and melts quickly. Although not quite summer, the storm that hit the mountains in late November 2022 was definitely unusual. This storm was a product of a cold southerly system fuelled up by tropical moisture that provided enough cold air for a foot of snow that lasted two days.

Knowing that something strange was surely to be found with such late season snow I headed up the mountain with high hopes. It wasn’t till late afternoon that I pulled into Smiggin Holes. With snow piled up on all sides of the

road I could see there was an odd shape in the wheel rut. Like a bag flapping in the wind, it was dark brown with flecks of white. On a closer look I could see it was a duck, but it just didn’t look right, it looked very oddly proportioned.

It wasn’t till the wind stopped blowing that the duck stood up revealing 9 fresh baby ducklings. Obviously newly hatched in a tree nearby they had become lost in

the snow drift on the way to their first swim and safety.

Moving from the road things did not become easier, the wind would blow, and the little ducklings would be blown away, the mother would chase after the tumbling individuals only to have the ones she had left also blow away. It was a hard scene to watch and also adorable at other moments.

As time progressed it was apparent

that the local ravens had also seen the potential snack sized meals being blown around. I decided to break a rule of not interfering and started to herd the little family to the creek. Eventually after a few protests from mum we reached the water, mother jumped straight in and with a few nervous jumps the little ducks were in the water, tucked under their mum and looking much happier.

I’ve

The story behind the picture

Skiing O The Roof Latest Edition

Rick Walkom’s latest edition of his very popular Skiing O The Roof co ee table book brings the history of skiing in NSW, particularly around Charlotte Pass, fully up to date. It contains 450 wonderful photos, many rare and historic, many in colour. The book is a fascinating, joyful celebration of the history of snow sports in our magnificent Snowy Mountains - about the legendary pioneer skiers, back-country adventurers, snowboarders, summer stockmen, nature lovers, Monaro locals, environmental warriors, ski club members, and mountain sta - the colourful characters who have carved deep tracks on

‘No sport and few occupations bring man in closer contact with nature and

- Bill Hughes, 1930s pioneer skier.

Kosciuszko’s slopes over the past century.

“My previous three editions covered the period up the 1980’s and it obviously needed a major update,” said Rick of his previous editions.

“I quickly discovered that there had been plenty of dramatic changes in the snow sports industry and in the Kosciuszko region over the last thirty years. For example, there was the snowboarding invasion, the introduction of helmets, the introduction of snow grooming and snowmaking and the revolution in ski design.”

“The Skitube was built; school holidays were changed from three to four per year; the interschools race programmes were introduced; there was a name change for ‘Kosciuszko’ and there was a steady resurgence in back-country ski touring. The technology revolution hit the industry and the demand for short stays upended the traditional week to week bookings.

“Skiers decided to hit the slopes in Europe, USA and Japan and buy discounted

Icon and Epic’ passes. More recently, mountain biking, excellent tourism programmes and wonderful new walking tracks started to attract summer visitors in droves.

“Up to the 1980s I recall that skiers rarely expressed much concern about climate change, global warming, shrinking snow seasons and the threat of dieback and feral animals. The mountains are now being increasingly impacted by horror bushfires, droughts, erratic seasons and, of course, Covid. Yes, ... there have been many changes over the last thirty years but thankfully our ski industry remains very resilient and there will still be plenty of skiing and boarding to be had in the decades to come.”

“Over the last hundred years there have been countless visitors to Charlotte Pass area. Almost all have been enchanted by the mesmerising, brooding expansiveness of the Main Range, by the fragility of the environment and, of course, by the exhilaration, freedom and challenges the

slopes represent for skiers, snowboarders and summer hikers.

“The place is like a poem of many stanzas, each richly infused with precious memories of family holidays, of fears conquered, goals achieved, lives enriched and friendships formed.”

www.skiingo�theroof.com

her laws than skiing’

Skiing O� The Roof can be purchased on the author’s website.

◼ Kit Kingsley and Olive Lamble at the Chalet in 1937 (Author collection)

2023 Easter Guide Snowy Mountains

THE Snowy Mountains always celebrate the Easter holiday period in style, plus it’s the perfect time of the year to visit.

With a multitude of sightseeing venues and places to visit, including the Easter weekend events, you will have numerous options to keep you well entertained. Here is a quick guide of select events to help you plan your Easter getaway.

JINDABYNE LAKE LIGHT SCULPTURE

April 6 - 10

Stroll through Jindabyne’s 2023 Street Edition of the Lake Light Sculpture. With water levels high in Lake Jindabyne a ecting the foreshore path, this revised venue will see attendees now follow a sculpture trail through the CBD of Jindabyne. Upwards of 20,000 visits are recorded each year at this popular event. See feature on pages 29-35.

TUMUT EASTER MARKETS

April 7-8

9am - 4pm Easter Friday and Easter Saturday

Free entry to this annual great Easter markets where visitors can find loads of great bargains and stalls o ering craft, books, antiques and great collectables. The kids will be eyeing o the toys and mum the jewellery stalls and there is everything from clothing, handbags to fruit and cakes, plus more.

Located at the Boys Club Hall, 76 Fitzroy Street in Tumut.

JINDABYNE EASTER ART SHOW

AND SALE

April 7 - 10

The annual Easter art show at Jindabyne’s Memorial Hall will see a great selection of paintings, photography and art on display. All entries are on sale for buyers interested in updating their artwork. See page 28 for opening details.

B r i g h t m o d e r n a n d f r e s h p h o t o g r a p h y f o r b u s i n e s s e s a n d b r a n d s a c r o s s t h e N S W S n o w y M o u n t a i n s r e g i o n a n d b e y o n d P a c k a g e s a v a i l a b l e f o r t e a m s c r e a t i v e s r e t a i l s e r v i c e b a s e d b u s i n e s s e s a n d m o r e !

COOMA RAILWAY MARKETS

Easter Sunday

The CMR Fresh Produce Markets run monthly on the 2nd Sunday of the month trackside of the Cooma Monaro Railway Station.

Come and enjoy a lovely morning on the historical railway, and enjoy local fare from producers such as Co ee 2630, Ironpot Artisan Alpine Bakery, Monaro Produce Growers, Curiosity Chocolates, Tandarra Hilltop Farm, Two Chooks Cook, Aura Jamu, Eucumbene Trout Farm, and Snowy Mountain Estate.

THREDBO EASTER ADVENTURE CARNIVAL

April 7 - 25

The two-week Easter and school holiday extravaganza has a mountain of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Explore over 40kms of mountain bike trails, hike to the top of Australia and ride the Merritts Gondola on the Easter Long Weekend. There are kids bike races, face painting and arts and craft, plus Rowdy, Thredbo’s Easter bunny arrives on Easter Sunday at 10.00am with chocolates on the Village Green. See page 26 for more details.

The The The

People Engineering Construction

◼ Thredbo Easter

75TH LAND ROVER ANNIVERSARY COOMA

April 7-10 Cooma Showground

Sunday April 9 - Grand Parade through Cooma 10am to 1pm

Land Rover Australia and Exhibitors will have displays at Cooma Showground over three days of Easter from April 7-9 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Land Rover in Australia. The highlight of the event is the grand parade through Cooma. Plus, Easter Sunday Land Rover Awards and show and shine at the showground. More details on page 38.

ADAMINABY EASTER FAIR

Easter Saturday from 9am

Join in the celebrations of the 50th year of the Adaminaby Easter Fair with loads of action and events scheduled the whole day. Be sure to partake in the trout tossing (plastic trout not the real fish), the Easter bonnet competition, tug of war and watch the kelpies climb the boards in the dog jumping event, one of the show’s highlights.

Kids are allowed to get messy in the watermelon eating competition, plus

the pie eating competition and there is a kid’s zone, school of arts and much more. Be sure and stay for the famous wacky quacky duck race that is full of excitement for the family and highly entertaining. Proceeds from the duck race support local community groups and activities.

In what is the Chinese year of the rabbit, perhaps that means the chocolates will be extra lucky as the Easter bunny makes an appearance later in the day to hand out treats.

In between events, venture across the road to the Snowy Scheme Museum and see great history and memorabilia of the scheme. The museum hosts a fascinating depiction of life during construction of what is described as one of the engineering wonders of the world.

Facebook - Adaminaby Easter Fair

Lake Jindabyne Scenic Flight (Approx. 10mins)

Join us on a stunning scenic flight over Lake Jindabyne, the dam wall, and Jindabyne township itself. With views towards the Snowy Alpine region, and birds-eye-view over the local Jindabyne area. $115 p/p*

Mt Kosciuszko Scenic Flight (Approx. 30mins)

View the majestic sights of Australia’s highest peak; Mt Kosciuszko, as well as Blue Lake, Watson’s Crags, the Rams Head Ranges and the world-famous ski resorts. $295 p/p*

Wilderness Picnic

A truly secluded and romantic Snowy Mountains picnic, including a 50 minute flight, a gourmet picnic hamper for two, and a bottle of sparkling wine to indulge, whilst taking in the views from the deck of a remote mountain hut. $1370 for 2 people

All flights depart from Jindabyne airport, only a few minutes from Jindabyne. Winery Tours, Wedding Charters and group transfers are also available.

*Minimum of two passengers required per flight.

BERRIDALE EASTER FAIR

Easter Saturday 8.30am - 2.00pm

The Berridale Lions Park comes alive with stalls o ering great bargains, the kids will love the big slide, there is live music, entertainment and great atmosphere.

The Cooma Car Club have their annual display of classic cars plus and you can purchase tickets in the huge ra e. The extensive collection of historic cars is a must for motoring enthusiasts. Also take a short stroll next to Shut The Gate cellar door to see the large Antar trucks used on the Snowy Scheme.

You can find everything in the stalls from clothing, nursery items for the garden, tasty treats and many di erent gift options.

Kids will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Easter bunny and his scattering of Easter eggs creating a fast dash for the eggs. Lots of fun for the kids.

Facebook - Lions Club Of Berridale

The Snowy Scheme was an engineering wonder of the world with fascinating stories of its multicultural workforce, the hardship and environment they worked in. To this day people are still fascinated by its history.

Visit the Discovery Centre in Cooma to see memorabilia and dioramas of the project, where electricity is currently being generated and learn about the new Snowy 2.0 project.

The immersive theatre with flyovers of the region o ers a great understanding of the varsity of this huge project that spanned decades to build.

Open every day except ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. See ad on page 5.

Fly the Snowy Mountains

Scenic Flights - Charter - Photography - Aerial Surveys - Aerial Crane - Bushfire Support 1300 950 718

◼ Adaminaby Easter Fair dog jump.

◼ Lake Light Sculpture Jindabyne

SNOWY HYDRO DISCOVERY CENTRE

◼ Berridale Easter Fair

Explore Snowy Mountain Bike Region Trails

MOUNTAIN bike riders love the Snowy Mountains for the variety of trails across the region and its mixed terrain to suit all levels. And the beauty of this time of year, the autumn season o ers the perfect weather to get out onto the trail.

THREDBO GRAVITY TRAILS

Thredbo have all your gravity trails covered, where lifts whisk you to the top of the mountain and you cruise down on the network of trails. While it is all downhill in theory, there is still pedalling required, and the thrill of negotiating the numerous gravity trail options a huge attraction.

Arrive on a weekend at Thredbo and you could see thousands of riders, all kitted out in their armour protection ready to roll. And don’t for one minute think it is just the younger brigade wanting to show their bravado. No, all ages love the gravity trails, and it’s a real family a air.

THREDBO VALLEY TRACK - TVT

The Thredbo Valley Track (TVT), the signature cross-country trail that starts in Thredbo and weaves its way to Lake Crackenback Resort, and then further onto Jindabyne, is popular for countless reasons.

The flowing picturesque 17km upper TVT crosses the Thredbo River five times via scenic steel suspension bridges. The predominately single track o ers riders of all levels hours of enjoyment.

The lower 18km TVT is a much harder trail, and you should be aware that there are only two exit points, the start and the finish. While there are more technical sections, some people have opted to walk any steep rocky declines and then proceed. For the advanced mountain bike enthusiast this is a great trail ending at the Gaden Trout Hatchery near Jindabyne. There are shuttle bus options available

at Thredbo, Lake Crackenback Resort and Snow Connect (ph 0455 577 478) operates shuttles to all areas from Jindabyne if you want to leave the car at home.

LAKE CRACKENBACK RESORT

Home to the Snowies Mt Bike Festival in early February, riders have great options from within the resort where you will find 18km of scenic single track trails.

The resort is also the launchpad for easy access to link up with the Thredbo Valley Track, and is the ideal halfway stopping point on the TVT. With bike hire at the activities centre, it’s very easy to hire and ride within minutes with perfect terrain for those looking to have a cruise. The trails on the south side of the Thredbo River, and out to the camping grounds o er cruisy riding.

◼ Leisurely bike ride around Lake Crackenback Resort.

◼ Tegan Molloy gravity riding at Thredbo.

PHOTO: Nick Waygood / Thredbo Resort

JINDABYNE

Jindabyne riders have always had great a ection for the Mill Creek and Tyrolean trails which can be accessed from town via Banjo Paterson Crescent. The Jindabyne Trail Stewardship are the predominant custodians of the trails where working groups attend to any maintenance, and they have paid workers keeping trails and its surrounds in good order.

The first section out to the Jindabyne dam wall has a series of small climbs and switchbacks, and once over the dam wall you are into bushland where you have numerous choices of green, blue and black trails with scenic views over the lake and town.

Currently in Jindabyne high water levels are impacting the lake foreshore path, and the Hatchery Bay trail. These trails which are well suited to lower end and intermediate riders will be back for next summer once the lake levels reside.

COOMA MT GLADSTONE

Mountain bike enthusiasts have realised any visit to the area deserves a stop at Mt Gladstone mountain bike park on the

outskirts of Cooma where you find gravity and cross-country trails.

The beauty of Mt Gladstone riding is easy access for car shu e or make use of the Snowy MTB Shuttles (0437 402 800) to loop from the bottom of the trails back to the top.

Starting from the lookout riders will find several blue intermediate trails, plus black advanced options. On the lower sections there are great green crosscountry trails. The enthusiastic work of the Snowy Mountains MTB Club develop and maintain the trails in good order, and you can support the club by purchasing supporter packs.

TUMBARUMBA

Great news recently out of Tumbarumba is they have started building their mountain bike park after the community purchased the land with the assistance of businesses and a charity fundraiser.

Headed by the Cycle Tumbarumba Club, the community raised more than their $235,000 target to purchase the land plus combined with grant money for infrastructure enabled the project to start. Renowned trail builders Craig Stonestreet from Natural Trails and Craig Meinicke from Blue Sky Trails have been tasked with the build.

The Tumut MTB Park o ers a variety of trails that weave through native bushland of the Tumut State Forrest and o er stunning views from its high vantage point overlooking the Tumut Valley. With over 20km of single track trails there is a mix for all levels.

The trails are located near the centre of town o Sydney Street near the golf course. The MTB park also play host to the annual Tumut MTB 3 Hour Enduro each May, with details found on the Tumut MTB Facebook page. There are also numerous fire trails around the Tumut region for those looking to explore.

TUMUT

◼ Scenic views over Lake Jindabyne from Tyrolean trails.

PHOTO: Sacred Ride

◼ Tumbarumba is a real family mt bike community.

PHOTO: Cycle Tumbarumba Facebook.

Tumut Autumn Festival Returns To Town

CELEBRATE the autumn season and Tumut’s best weekend of the year in style when the 2023 Falling Leaf Festival returns to Wynyard Street in the centre of town.

A major highlight of the Snowy Valleys event calendar, this year, with the return of the highly popular street parade, alongside the comedy gala there will be entertainment galore for family, friends and visitors. The outstanding markets including local produce, arts and crafts and the always popular live music stage will ensure the 2023 Festival is not to be missed.

Falling Leaf Festival president, Michael Cichocki said, “We are really pleased to be able to bring the Falling Leaf Festival back to the main street of Tumut. Community and visitor feedback has shown that the street parade has been missed - and we hope it will be better than ever before in 2023.”

The Friday night comedy gala will again be hosted at the Montreal Community Theatre and the main festival hub on the Saturday will be in Wynyard Street, seeing a strategic move away from Bila Park. There will be creative and cultural workshops around town in the morning, as well as markets and live music throughout the day. The whole family will be kept busy with roving entertainment and plenty of kids’ activities.

The main event of the Festival, the street parade at 1pm on the Saturday will be huge. Crowds line the route as a procession of colourful costumes, people, vintage cars plus community groups celebrate the falling leaf and autumn season parading through town.

Businesses, community groups and sporting clubs are invited to get in touch with Festival organisers via the Festival website to express interest in running workshops and taking part in the street parade.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Tumut and surrounding areas to get really involved in the Falling Leaf Festival. The Festival prides itself in showing o the best of what the region has to o er at the most perfect time of year- when Tumut is at its most beautiful. The Parade is a great way to really express our spirit as a community and local businesses, schools, service groups and clubs are invited to take part,” said Michael Cichocki.

With an influx of visitors to Tumut, the captive crowds on-hand throughout the central business district over the entire

weekend will see the town thriving and the place to be as eateries, pubs and clubs and businesses come alive for the Festival. For visitors looking for an extended stay, the surrounding towns are ideal for sightseeing and Tumut has accommodation in the centre of town, perfect to park the car and walk everywhere. For all Festival information visit the event website.

◼ Crowds flock to watch the parade.

◼ Wynyard Street will see markets, stalls and the centre of activity.

◼ EXCITEMENT: The Street Parade will be a highlight for Tumut’s Falling Leaf Festival.

PHOTOS: Steve Cu

◼ You never know who you will meet at the festival.

THE task for Dave Warby to break his father’s world water speed record was never going to be as simple as build a boat, drive it fast and the record would be broken. Ken Warby set the world water speed record in October 1978 at 511.09 kmh (317.58 mph) at Blowering Dam near Tumut and it still stands today. But, if everything had gone to plan minus the pandemic, crew chief Phillip Frawley thinks the record would have been broken by now.

“We’re two and a half years behind now because of the bloody COVID you know. We’d have a record by now there’s no doubt in our minds that we’d have the record by now if it hadn’t been for COVID,” said Warby Motorsport crew chief Phillip Frawley.

The plan this autumn is to return to Blowering Dam and resume high speed testing. The exact date is unknown, they are negotiating with council for use of Blowering Dam. So, keep an eye on social media channels for updates.

The most recent testing was November 2022 where the Spirit of Australia II boat tested new rudders on the Manning River at Taree. The new rudders were machined to fine tolerances “and we just wanted to

make sure that they worked properly,” said Frawley.

The sti breeze of 25 knots did not help their cause in Taree, but they are confident that the rudders, with two di erent profiles, are looking good at this stage.

When asked did the boat need the open water now to ramp up the speed and see how it performs, Frawley agreed. He stated “we think we’ve got the stability where it needs to be, it’s just a case of gradually increasing the speed”.

“We had it up to 400 k’s as you know, and it was a fair bit unstable as Dave

reported, and then we made a whole bunch of modifications since then. We’re pretty confident that we’re very, very close to having the boat exactly where we need to have it.”

The good news is the boat has recently been tested in a wind tunnel, and the results received in January. “We know that the computerised wind tunnel testing that they did says that the boat is safe, well beyond the speeds that we’re looking for. So that was a good outcome.”

The team have had great support from the Newcastle University faculty for fluid

dynamics, and defence force individuals have volunteered their time in a nono cial capacity, Frawley mentioned when discussing the ongoing behind the scenes work.

Dave Warby has mentioned numerous times at Tumut that boat speed has never been the issue and he has never pushed the accelerator too far. They need to wait to have the boat performing smoothly before they really up the ante. A visit this autumn with favourable weather conditions should set them up for the next leg of their journey.

◼ SPEED: Dave Warby during a 2020 trial on Blowering Dam near Tumut.

PHOTO: Steve Cu

Batlow Grows On Apple News

THE Batlow community has had a well-publicised battle since the 2019-20 bushfires significantly impacted their area. Since then, they have been on the steady road to recovery.

Talking with orchard owner Greg Mouat to gauge how Batlow is faring this past summer from the tourism point of view, he said, “there are people moving around, we have had people in with camper vans, and spending money”.

Greg sells his produce from his farm gate stall and converses well with his customers to keep his finger on the pulse. When asked had the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail created tourism change he commented, “I think there’s a combination, it’s not only the sculpture trail on its own, it’s also the rail trail at Tumbarumba, both of those things has an impact on the amount of people who come through (Batlow), in a positive way.”

Apples are always in demand in Batlow, and Greg sees a good picking season this autumn. “The crop this year in Batlow is looking very good, good high quality, good

volume, the weather has been very good. So overall we are looking at a pretty good season with high quality fruit coming out of it.”

Besides the big apple you see on your travels, there are big plans for Batlow which will have an impact on tourism to the town. The Apple Thief brand relocated their entire operation to Batlow in 2022. After matching grant money, Dave Purcell and his team will build a new Apple Thief Cider House at his orchard north of town.

The Cider House will see a new purposebuilt venue constructed where they will welcome guests to the full apple produce experience, including his selection of apple ciders. “The cider house will be where people can actually drive into the orchard, park in the orchard and see the apples on the trees as they walk into the cider house,” said Dave.

Employing a wine maker who makes cider across the road from the Cider House, you know the produce is home grown. Campbell Meeks was a wine maker at Charles Sturt University in Wagga

Wagga for ten years doing research and commercial before spending time in Canberra.

“I think I met Dave ten years ago at the cider conference when it first started out,” said Campbell.

Commenting on his task of producing cider as opposed to wine, he said, “it’s very similar, a lot of the testing and the processes and the way we clarify and the way we treat it are very similar, I think it’s the carbonation that’s di erent. We carbonate in these pressure vessels, filter carbonated beverages as well as still beverages.”

With a mix of apple varieties in the orchard, Campbell is relishing his new venue. “I think we are all very excited to get the ten cider varieties in. Some are bitter sharp, sharp and then some sweet and bitter sweet, there are some like the kingston black that you could just use the one apple and make a really good cider. We will treat them all separately and make blends out of those to make that perfectly balanced cider.”

You can visit the Apple Thief now at Batlow, with their new premises expected to open next summer.

◼ The Apple Thief’s cider maker Campbell Meeks with owner Dave Purcell. PHOTOS: Steve Cu

◼ Greg Mouat packaging his Batlow farm gate apples.

Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail Expanding

THE Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail has expanded with two new sculptures from respected Australian and international artists unveiled recently. The number of works in the permanent public collection that stretches from Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tooma now stands at 30 from 10 countries around the world.

Tumbarumba’s Courabyra Wines now has its second sculpture, ‘The Family’ by Austrian artist Andreas Buisman which joins ‘Thinking Red’ by Haruyuki Uchida at the vineyard.

At Nest Cinema and Café, the interesting

‘Heads It Is’ sculpture by West Australian artist Paul Caporn resides on the café lawn and will certainly gain public interest at this popular café.

David Handley, Founding CEO and Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea and the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, said, “With every new sculpture in the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail the collection changes and takes on di erent characteristics. Paul Caporn’s sculpture is the wonderfully comical, and the first absurdist artwork in the collection, while Andreas Buisman’s sculpture adds to the tactile and stunning stone sculptures from Adelong to Tooma.”

Sculptor Andreas Buisman splits his time between Austria and Australia, collecting basalt and granite rocks and transforming them into artworks. ‘The Family’ consists of three separate pieces that Buisman has polished, cleaned and transformed while respecting the given form of the basalt, and ultimately revealing their hidden identity.

Paul Caporn is based in Perth and is one of Australia’s most respected sculptors. ‘Heads It Is’ is described as an unmonumental monument, pointing to the idea that the way we memorialise and celebrate our great moments and people in recent history requires a rethink in current times. The sculpture was part of Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2022.

Both Andreas Buisman and Paul Caporn were in Tumbarumba to unveil their work.

Joining them at the unveiling was Hanne Bache, the President of the Friendship Society of Denmark, Australia and New

Zealand, which funded the first three sculptures installed in Tumbarumba as part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail as a gesture of international friendship in response to the Black Summer fires. A plaque commemorating Hanne’s visit was unveiled at the Tumbarumba creekscape.

The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, which launched in May 2022, is a permanent and growing public collection by renowned artists from across Australia and the world. The next sculptures will be installed in April and May in Batlow, Adelong and Tumbarumba, taking the collection to over 35 sculptures.

Stretching over 100km in the Snowy Valleys region, the sculptures are showcased in collections across seven locations in the towns of Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba, the hamlet of Tooma and the Tumbarumba wine region cellar doors at Courabyra Wines, Johansen Wines and Obsession Wines.

The project was conceived in partnership with the local communities and the Sydney-based Sculpture by the Sea to aid in the socio-economic recovery of the Snowy Valleys after the 2019

- 2020 bushfires. The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail has been funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, cofounded by the Australian and NSW governments.

◼ The ‘F.E.H.’ sculpture by Lubomir Mikle is a prominent piece on the Adelong trail. PHOTO: Steve Cu

◼ Paul Caporn’s ‘Heads It Is’ at Nest Cafe in Tumbarumba.

◼ ‘The Family’ by Austria’s Andreas Buisman is the second sculpture at Tumbarumba’s Courabyra Wines.

PHOTOS: Brooke White

Big Day Out At The Country Show

THE annual country agriculture shows are a fantastic day out for the whole family. Scheduled from February to March, each show has its own individual program but all portraying a rural theme. A day out consists of everything from cattle and sheep being judged, horse jumping, fun rides and sideshow alley for the kids. O cial awards are presented to life members and show girl, kelpies round up sheep in the time trials, the smell of BBQ is in the air and thousands of people roam in every direction looking to witness the next event.

Yes, there is something for everyone!

WOODCHOPPING

Always popular at every show is the woodchopping, so we enquired with one of the most experienced campaigners about the challenges of this exciting spectator event.

Damien Hopkins from Jerangle has spent 24 years wood chopping at country shows, starting out as a 16-year-old and working his way not only through thousands of blocks of wood, but to be recognised as

one of the elites in the region. Visitors to the Monaro region shows may have witnessed Damien swing the axe with the ferocity that makes short work of any log in sight. When asked what keeps him returning each year to the woodchopping arena, Damien said, “Just the camaraderie and competitiveness of it”.

“A lot of training, good axes and allround knowledge of what you’re doing really,” is how Damien described the way to stay competitive.

Spectators easily notice the skilful contestants, not only by how fast they chop but also the chunks of wood despatched with each blow.

“Speed and technique” were the keys for Damien to excel at his craft, with an emphasis on the latter. “Probably technique is more important than anything,” he said. He described the key performance features as “good slope and angles on your axes, so it gives it further secant in the wood”.

Competitors start at di erent times, each having a handicap depending on their skill level, how they have previously

JUMP ON BOARD!

performed or events they have won.

Damien has scored his fair share of victories, resulting in him often being the last to start and always giving valuable time head starts to opponents. When asked about playing catch up to other competitors, and what sort of challenge that encountered, he replied, “it makes you cut properly, you don’t muck about,” he said laughing.

Age and gender are not barriers in the sport, the women’s event and that of older people are just as exciting to watch. Asked how long he will compete, Damien said he could see his longevity in the sport and will be around for many more years.

BE A PART OF THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS DESTINATION MARKETING CAMPAIGN!

Tourism Snowy Mountains has launched a major destination marketing campaign to build year-round visitation to the region. Scan the QR code to find out how your business can participate and benefit from this stunning campaign.

Contact Leonards for more information: info@leonards.net.au

◼ Damien Hopkins in full flight at the 2022 Cooma Show woodchopping.

PHOTOS: Steve Cu

“They have veterans’ events for people over 50, over 60’s ages.”

The local country shows are a build up for the more serious axemen to then proceed to the royal shows, including Canberra and Sydney. Damien has contested in Sydney numerous times at the Royal Easter Show. When asked how he performed, he commented, “not too bad, as a younger man”.

When you watch the woodchopping at your local show this year, consider the

e ort and skill that is required to excel at the sport and keep an eye out for Damien. He may be the one starting last but may well be the one finishing first.

CATTLE JUDGING

Check your country show program and be sure to watch the cattle judging where you will see the best breeds parading in an always tightly contested arena.

A noticeable di erence you may observe is the highland cattle breed, who certainly stand out when competing against the more traditional hereford and angus breeds of cattle.

Jacqui and Jon Percy from Avonside near Jindabyne breed highland cattle, which is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle, very distinctive in their appearance with their long horns and shaggy coat.

“We thought that the highland cattle were an attractive looking cow with so many benefits, particularly for this climate we live in,” said Jacqui.

The Percy’s breed them not only for themselves but for other breeders and for people who want to own the cattle for their own pets. They are a very intelligent animal and easy to train, with Jacqui stating, “They make amazing pets”.

Their cattle are registered purebred with fully imported bloodlines, and the quiet temperament make the cattle easy to handle.

Each year they show their highland

cattle by attending both the Cooma and Dalgety shows, plus the Canberra Royal Show. As with traditional cattle they are halter trained. Jacqui saying they spend time with the animals, so they’ll walk beside when parading and perform as they want them to perform at the shows.

“We make an e ort to try and get to both those two local shows and then some years we try and go to other ones as well,” said Jacqui.

“We’ve always been awarded a ribbon or two which is quite di cult considering you’re up against hereford and angus. So you really need to take your best animals if you’re going to go up against a stock that is twice the size.” The larger hereford and angus are classed as large beef breed, and the highland as medium to large beef breed.

Commenting on their results from the

Country Show Dates

Support the local shows this year by visiting for a great day out.

Nimmitabel Show

Saturday 4th February

Delegate Show

Saturday 4th March

Tumut Show

Saturday 4th March

Dalgety Show

Sunday 5th March

Adelong Show

Saturday 11th March

Cooma Show

Saturday 11th March

Bombala Show

Saturday 18th March

Tumbarumba Show

Saturday 18th March

Batlow Show

Saturday 25th March

Canberra show, Jacqui said, “the last two years we have been very surprised but extremely thrilled we’ve taken out grand champion female in the highland cattle breed.”

This year they also have their sights set on the 2023 Australian Highland Cattle Society Inc National Show at Junee in NSW. They have a goal to win at this prestigious show scheduled for June this year.

◼ Crowds flock to the rides and sideshow alley at Cooma Show.

◼ Jon and Jacqui Percy with their highland cattle at the Cooma Show.

Plan Your Thredbo Winter

SEASONAL visitors at Thredbo are constantly looking ahead and planning their next alpine adventure in this year–round sought after destination.

Voted Australia‘s best ski resort for the 6th year running, plus voted Australia‘s best family resort, winter, snow and village exploits are always on the minds of the Thredbo loyalists even in autumn. In March, Thredbo will release their winter season passes along with their lessons and rentals. Expect the season

passes to be snapped up quickly, as they were last year. Accompanying the pass release will be the launch of another exciting entertainment and events calendar which Thredbo do exceptionally well. This year expect the biggest winter calendar ever.

With a swathe of on–mountain experiences to choose from, an abundance of live entertainment that only adds to Australia‘s best après scene, plus family events and festivals, it‘s

often hard to know what you are visiting for. Great skiing and snowboarding, or the village après life with events, bars and restaurants. All of the experiences are popular and will book up fast.

Thredbo ambassadors have been keeping the winter flame burning in their norther hemisphere season. From snowboard sensation Valentino Guseli making history as the first Australian to win a World Cup series title in Big Air, Ben Tudhope winning back–to–back gold at the Phya SBX World Cup and Jindabyne‘s Josie Baff taking home her first World Cup, Thredbo‘s ambassador crew continues to shine.

There are many opportunities during winter to meet the ambassadors, the kids will love interacting and seeking their autograph, or even taking a few laps on the mountain.

The athletes are also heavily involved attending events, and the line up is stellar including the Thredbo Snow Series, Transfer Banked Slalom, Tess Coady‘s Bush Doof, Uni Week, Environment Week and the traditional Thredbo Masters races.

Weekends are popular for snow getaways and can you think of a better location than Thredbo Village. Upon arrival you immediately sense the village vibe, and the tempo remains constant whether you are cruising the famous Supertrail, chasing powder in the Golf Course Bowl or visiting The Denman‘s Après Bar.

4 Banjo Drive, Thredbo Ph: 02 6457 6370 | 0499 576370

E: bookings@kasees.com.au

W: www.kasees.com.au

Planning ahead will present the best deals, with the weekly packages and weekend ticket rates purchased online in advance offering discounts. Booking your ski and snowboard lessons, and

◼ STYLE: Book your lessons online ahead of the 2023 winter.

particularly July school holiday kids lessons and private lessons at the time you purchase your skiing tickets is highly recommended.

You can find all the information on the Thredbo website when the winter pricing is released in March. Stay tuned.... www.thredbo.com.au

◼ CHAMP: Thredbo ambassador Valentino Guseli.

◼ FUN: Kids enjoying the Thursday evening flare run.

PHOTOS: Thredbo Resort

Alpine O Road Thredbo Adventures

With the 75th anniversary for Land Rover being celebrated in Cooma this Easter, Land Rover and Thredbo have joined in the celebrations by o ering an adventure of a di erent kind, their alpine o road adventures presented by Defender. This autumn groups can join in with a guided drive in the luxury of a Land Rover Defender, who are sponsors of Thredbo Resort, and discover remote areas of picturesque Kosciuszko National Park. Thredbo guides lead the way while you and your friends follow in your privately booked Defender. Explore above and beyond the alpine way; unsealed roads, across rivers, wildlife spotting and taking in the idyllic scenes of this

iconic countryside.

There are many four wheel drive tracks in the region that are not that often explored. With the knowledge of the local guide, you can experience terrain you may otherwise never have ventured.

The Defender vehicles are booked for an entire group of 1-4 people, with guests expected to supply their own food and beverages for their group. Water is supplied by Thredbo for the entire group.

Starting each Saturday from March 4 until April 15, the guided tours will be approximately five hours in duration.

The Land Rover was synonymous with the building of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme which spanned 25 years from 1949 to 1974. The toughness of the Land Rover is legendary, and the 75th anniversary in Cooma will showcase an array of models including the Defender (see page 38)

During winter the all-wheel drive capability of the Land Rover Defender is welcomed as drivers often navigate through snow and negotiate winter road conditions. This all wheel drive also allows the Defender to explore the o road trails in the region, and on Thredbo mountain itself.

Alpine O�-Road Adventures presented by Defender Saturday March 4 - Saturday April 15

Time: 9am (approx. 5 hours)

Meeting spot: Defender banners near the Info Centre (Thredbo) or Jindabyne Info Centre. *Adventures vary depending on weather conditions. To book visit the Thredbo website events page.

www.thredbo.com.au/events/

Two Week Thredbo Easter School Holiday Adventure Carnival

KIDS and families will love the twoweek Easter school holiday carnival where Thredbo have daily events to keep the young ones fully entertained. Plus a special visit from Rowdy Rabbit, Thredbo’s Easter Bunny who will spread his chocolate love on Easter Sunday. Here is a guide to get you started on your adventure.

EASTER BUNNY

When: 9 April Easter Sunday

Where: Village Green

Time: 10.30am

Cost: Free

Thredbo’s Easter Bunny, Rowdy, loves chocolates and will have baskets of Lindt Chocolate for all his favourite kids. Rowdy will cruise from the top of Thredbo and then catch a ride in the fire truck to the Village Green. Listen out for the sirens and get ready to grab your chocolates.

LINDT LUCKY GONDOLA

When: Easter Weekend

Where: Merritts Gondola

Time: 9.30am - 4pm

Not only is it one of Thredbo’s favourite lift rides, but during the four days of Easter take a ride on the Merritts Gondola for your chance to win a chocolate goody box courtesy of Lindt Chocolate.

Every hour one lucky gondola will arrive at the bottom with the chocolates and you could be there to win. All you have to do is line up and take a ride for your chance to win.

DAILY EVENTS

Starting at the Thredbo Information Centre from 8.30am each day, the kids will love these daily events.

Thredbo Amazing Race - Follow secret clues to find hidden treasure, the first clue at the Information Centre.

Bike Challenge - Grab a location sheet, search for listed mountain bike trail heads and collect stickers to win prizes.

Hike Challenge - Collect stamps at the four hiking trail heads and collect your prize from the Information Centre.

Nature Bingo - Grab a free Nature Bingo sheet and head on a walk or hike with your friends or family. Complete a bingo row to collect your prize.

Did you say cocktails?

Courtesy Bus

When: Saturday 8 April though to Sunday 23 April

Time: 8:00am to 5:30pm Daily

Cost: Free

SPORTS SESSIONS

When: 14, 15 & 16 April

Where: Village Green

Time: 10am - 12pm & 1 - 3pm

Cost: Free

Are you the next sports star? You could be after you hone your skills with this interactive sports day. A variety of sports including soccer, cricket, football, hockey and more. Turn up for a quick game or stay all day with some fun drills. Programs are aimed at younger kids 7 and under that introduces them to the world of sports with a specialty coach on hand. Also games for the big kids to join in.

FLYING FRUIT FLY CIRCUS

When: 22 & 23 April

Where: Riverside, opposite the Information Centre

Time: 11 - 12:30pm & 2 - 3:30pm

Cost: Free

Everyone loves the circus tricks, now you can learn to tumble, juggle and more with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Join in the 30 minute workshops and who knows, you may want to run away to join the circus. Each session is limited to 16 spots, just turn up and put your name down to enrol.

◼ Pump track bike action.

There are a host of events including Giant Games, Kids Movie Night, the popular Sendy Kids Bike Race for those under 7 year olds, Tree Planting afternoons, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting and Slackline Fun. The kids can also join in the K7 Adventures late afternoon bouldering clinics at the Thredbo Leisure Centre.

Junior Mountain Biking Clinics are held daily for 7-14 year old riders to tweak their skills with bookings essential and the Alpine Bobsled is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Plus take the Kosciuszko chair ride and walk to the top of Australia.

THREDBO LEISURE CENTRE

Open Daily 7am - 6pm - Costs apply. Exercise and play during the holidays with indoor basketball and soccer courts. Take a swim in the pool or enjoy some family splish splash on the fun waterslide.

The Mission Inflatable is popular to test your skills and make it through the course. Add on cost, enquire at leisure centre.

THE FINE ZEST offers: Cocktail & gin masterclasses

Mobile bartending for private events

com

◼ Ride the Alpine Bobsled.

◼ Meet Thredbo’s Easter Bunny Rowdy.

PHOTOS: Thredbo Resort

To view full Easter School Holiday schedule visit the website: www.thredbo.com.au/events/2023/easter-adventure-carnival/

The free Route 3 Courtesy Bus will operate from Friday Flat to the village Information Centre and return.

Mountain Bike Beginner Guide To Thredbo

THREDBO have the best mountain bike terrain and all accessible via their lift network that whisks you to the top of the mountain. In February they also hosted Australia’s biggest mountain bike event, the Cannonball Festival plus the Australian championships where thousands of riders competed.

Not everyone is at that level to ride the advanced trails and compete, although many do aspire to improve their skill and eventually hit the exciting gravity trails.

The MTB Beginner Guide on the Thredbo website has all the important information to get you started riding mountain bikes. The Guide takes you through all stages so you can understand the di erent elements to make your riding more enjoyable. Plus, there is a full breakdown

on what bikes are suited to what terrain. You can start by assessing your own level via the mountain bike quiz before planning your next stage. The guide also recommends all the equipment and safety gear you will require so you can plan before you arrive to either purchase or hire what is required.

As with any improvement, tuition is key. Establishing the right technique from the outset is the cornerstone of any sport, and your first two hour clinic will be your starting point. Thredbo certified instructors familiarise you with your bike, and then teach you the basics in a safe learning area.

Practicing your technique in the Beginner Skills Park will gain you confidence to nail the basics before progressing to riding the easier trails around the village.

The easier Pipeline Path and Friday Flat Loop will allow you to gain confidence and understand how your bike works before you progress to the next stage. Should you wish to continue with the crosscountry trails, the Thredbo Valley Track is most popular.

understanding of the di culty rating and trail system.

This summer Thredbo introduced the new Cruiser MTB Area allowing beginners and intermediates to build up their confidence and skills.

Easy Rider is the new signature beginner gravity trail making its debut this summer and starts from the top of the Cruiser Chair. This is the perfect starting point for those new to mountain biking.

◼ THRILL: Learning correct mt bike technique in a Thredbo lesson

Once you have the fundamentals you are ready for the chairlift to access the easier gravity trails. Reading the ‘Trail Map Explained’ online page or observing the mountain bike map will give you a solid

Take a few Easy Rider laps to gain confidence and experience the gravity sensation. To return the bottom you then either download the Merritts Gondola or move onto the easy Sidewinder flow trail descending from the Gondola to the valley

floor. Graded as a beginner trail, Sidewinder o ers a roller coaster experience with little pedalling and braking required. There are various clinics that will help you progress further even if you are a regular mountain bike rider. As you progress you will want to work on the correct body position, braking techniques and master bike control and cornering. The clinics also range in class size and cater to all levels from Intro, Fundamentals, Essentials, Progression and the private and junior race lessons. Bike hire and gear sales are also available at Thredbo via the Thredbo MTB Retail and Rental at the base of Kosciuszko Chair or the Sacred Ride shop in the village.

The Thredbo website has all information from first arrival at the resort, where to park, accessing the mountain plus how to purchase tickets and book any required guides or lessons.

www.thredbo.com.au/activities/biking/

◼ SPACE: The views from the new Cruiser Area this summer.

PHOTO: Adam Kroenert / Thredbo Resort

PHOTOS: Nick Waygood / Thredbo Resort

Stage Set For High Country Artists

THE Jindabyne art scene comes alive at Easter with the Jindabyne Lions Club Easter Art Show and Sale attracting not only the artists to exhibit, but the viewing public eager to add to their collection.

From the opening Thursday night gathering, to the end of the Easter weekend, visitors and residents eagerly file into the Memorial Hall where they will find a great mix of water, acrylic and oil paintings, drawings, craft creations and stunning photography framed and ready for sale.

With the beautiful surrounds of the alpine environment to inspire, much of the works resemble the landscape and iconic landmarks. The paintings of idyllic snow scenes, which several artists are fond of creating are particularly suited to the area. It never surprises to see the sold stickers placed on the best of these paintings early in the show. This year with the Lake Light Sculpture

Street Edition anticipating thousands of people wandering through the CBD of Jindabyne, expect the sales to be placed early as buyers ensure they obtain their desired choice.

which often involves submitting sculpture creations for the Lake Light event also.

the high alpine region and nature captured magnificently.

As part of your Lake Light journey, when at the Town Centre area take the detour into the Memorial Hall. Think of it as an extended art trail that offers something for all.

Local artists contribute heavily to the show, Kerry Wooden, Sylvia Wall and Terry Chalk always presenting fine paintings. Kerry Wooden received a highly commended for this acrylic painting titled ‘Landscape Intersections’, and her piece titled ‘Me Too’ (both pictured) was purchased. The local schools are encouraged to enter which sets them on their path of artistic creation, many pieces being very high standard for their age. In future years expect many an aspiring artist to have evolved from this early beginning,

The photography section has seen an increase of entries in recent years at the art show. Local photographers Luke Hasaart, Mike Edmondson, Matt de Waard, Brendan Neville, and others have all entered stunning images with

To Enter Art Show

All artists can enter their works at the show. Simply visit the Jindabyne Lions Club website, download the entry form and have your work delivered by April 2. www.jindabynelions.org.au

Easter Art Show & Sale

With the rugged Snowy Mountains presenting the perfect palette for any art medium, expect this year to have a full collection of works at the Easter Art Show. The show has been bringing high country art with altitude for over 25 years. JINDABYNE

◼ Visit the show to see hundreds of art pieces.

◼ A beautiful painting by Vipapan Rodd.

◼ Brendan Neville’s stunning sunrise with kangaroos fighting.

◼ Kerry Wooden’s ‘Me Too’.

◼ Kerry Wooden’s ‘Landscape Intersections’.

Street Edition Lake Light Sculpture 2023

Thursday April 6 to Sunday April 9

SCULPTURE JINDABYNE

7 Page Feature

Lake Light Sculpture returns for the 2023 Easter weekend with an exciting twist. With high lake levels impacting the Lake Jindabyne foreshore, the 2023 “Street Edition” event will weave its way through the CBD of Jindabyne. Read our 7 page feature on this year’s event.

The Creative Village

The small, but active, arts and culture sector in Jindabyne continues to show diversity, tenacity, and creativity to produce events that our community can still enjoy and appreciate. Lake Light Sculpture is committed to creating new ways of delivering a high-quality event in very challenging times and circumstances.

In 2023, Lake Light Sculpture is continuing the tradition of the event, in a new way, by taking the event to

the streets. The Lake Light Sculpture Committee embraced the di cult task of planning the event with a bit of reimagining and a lot of pivoting. With essential sponsorship secured from Snowy Hydro Limited, the possibility of continuing the outdoor sculpture experience was secured for 2023.

Lake Light Sculpture Inc has a strong belief in the essential benefits of public art. The event in 2023 provides a promenade

experience that takes advantage of the unique geography of Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains on Ngarigo land. 2023 provides an opportunity for audiences to experience a safe event that celebrates collaboration, community, and engages with local business.

Easter is a time where significant tra c is exploring the region, and along with the Lions Club Easter Art Show & Sale we aim to showcase the cultural heart

of the community.

This year the committee has programmed a dedicated Community Day focused on the schools and community entrants, specifically to connect the local community who have supported this event since it began.

The Lake Light Central Hub is situated at the Lions Park, next to Nugget’s Crossing on the corner of Kalkite Street and Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne.

Lake Light Sculpture 2023 - Street Edition Volunteers, The Invaluable Contribution To Our Community

VOLUNTEERISM is alive and well in the Snowy Monaro. Many events in the region are supported by a volunteer workforce, and without them a number of our key events would be in jeopardy. Lions Club (Art Show, Easter, and Christmas Fairs) Rotary (weekend markets), Dragon Boat Festival, along with many of the cycling, running and mountain bike events sit alongside Lake Light Sculpture in trying to attract volunteers.

Lake Light Sculpture is a small-scale community-based organisation that produces a big event. An event with over 26,000 visitors, which continues to grow, cannot exist without volunteers to support the small Committee.

Community engagement is a core value and volunteering at Lake Light Sculpture is a fantastic way for anyone with an interest in arts and events to get involved with a flexible, rewarding, short-term commitment.

“I remember it was my first-time volunteering at Lake Light Sculpture. I was rostered onto the main tent, giving out information brochures and encouraging people to fill out the people’s choice nomination form. It had a great buzz to the night. I was surprised at the number of people coming to see the sculptures, even on a chilly night.” Jen

Lake Light Sculpture aims to engage volunteers in a mutually beneficial relationship by engaging with, and promoting, concepts of learning, culture and community. LLS is not unusual in the landscape of regional and remote community arts events in their reliance on the volunteer workforce. Through sponsorships and income from sales at the event, they survive. It is only through the support of volunteers that small arts events can overcome limited budgets and provide a region leading event for the community. Every person that has volunteered since

the events inception has contributed to its success.

“When I attended the 2020 Lake Light exhibition it was as a re-emerging artist / sculptor. After many years focused on work commitments, I returned to my passion - sculpting in wood. Lake Light gave me the opportunity to exhibit and contribute firsthand in the groundwork setting up the exhibition trail. I was able to meet and talk to many like-minded people, artists and public. I found the experience extremely rewarding. Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to returning in 2023 to this great location.” Peter

Volunteers at the event are the most frequent visitors to the event and area, they know the history of the place and the significance of the event itself better than most. The community own Lake Light Sculpture and are integral to its

ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE LAKE LIGHT SCULPTURE?

The LLS committee volunteer their time to organise the event, a huge task, and they need help prior and during the event. Please make contact via the website contact page if you can assist during the 2023 Street Edition event. www.lakelightsculpture.com.au

delivery each year.

“I always try and make myself available to do at least one volunteer shift for the Lake Light Sculpture each year - it’s the least I can do to support this amazing local event. Always a great vibe at the Park really enjoy being a part of it.” Jo D, TRC Tourism & TRC Trails

The purpose and role of the volunteer is far more complex than recruiting “free” labour and relies on multifaceted purpose, needs, and objectives of the Lake Light Sculpture, the artists and the community. Volunteers participate in the event planning and delivery with dynamic and purposeful involvement from community members whose passions are equally aligned.

In 2023 LLS are focused on recruitment, induction, and training for all our volunteers for the smooth running of the event. Lake Light can o er exposure to community driven art, fresh air and one of the best views in the region.

Cherie McNair, Chair Lake Light Sculpture said “It is because of our dedicated team of volunteers, Lake Light Sculpture can continue as a free exhibition to the public. We are proud to have volunteers aged from 16 years to 80 years.

“Lake Light Sculpture Inc also proudly endorses the Statement of Principles for the Recognition of Volunteers that clearly articulates that volunteer roles are respected, and their contributions valued.”

◼ Lisa, Selena, Annette, Monica, Jan and a volunteer with guests at Lake Light Sculpture.

Lake Light Sculpture 2023 - Street Edition

Memorable School Inspirations

Government and Independent schools, along with Early Childhood Centres across the Snowy Monaro Region are working toward a celebration of the wonderful outdoor alpine and Monaro environment through a reactivation of the inspiration that comes through the return of Lake Light Sculpture - Street Edition, over the Easter period this year.

“This year, the Easter break falls at the end of school term one, and the start of the school holiday period. This will provide students and staff with almost 10 weeks to explore artistic concepts and actively engage students in one of the primary forms of communication in contemporary society, providing those students with a unique means of personal growth and development,” said LLS Committee member and retired art teacher, Steve Cooper.

In the 2021 LLS exhibition, five local schools - Berridale Public, Dalgety Public, Jindabyne Central, Snowy Mountains Grammar, and St Patrick’s Parish Cooma, together with Snowy Mountains Care & Early Learning Centre and the Thredbo Early Childhood Centre created 18 separate works of art.

“The standard of school entries in 2021 was truly memorable,” commented local arts educator and LLS Committee member Jan Owens.

“Such was the standard that it was too close to call a single winner of the $550 Schools Award, with it being shared between JCS’s Years 8 and 9 entry -

Oblivious to Oblivion, and the school’s Year 4 entry - Faces of the Future,” Jan added.

Jan has been involved with the LLS management committee for more than 15 years, and throughout that time, Jan has witnessed an increased love and level of excitement in arts education made possible through the involvement of local school communities, which often brings students, parents and staff together at exhibition time.

“The art critic David Byrne said that modern art as a concept only exists when it is exhibited, and the act of hanging and displaying the work completes it when viewed by the audience, the spectator,” explained Jan.

“Lake Light Sculpture enables our local students to both learn and enjoy the process of art making, then provides them with an exciting and relatively immediate vehicle to display their work and share in the immense satisfaction with family, friends, and over 25,000 other visitors - that can be very exhilarating and rewarding for our young artists,” said Jan.

Local school communities have welcomed the additional inspiration that the new ‘Street Edition’ route has facilitated this year, with the LLS pathway passing by the front corner of Jindabyne Central School on the corner of Kalkite and Clyde Streets and finishing at the Barry Way corner location of Snowy Mountains Grammar School.

“With the introduction of the Thursday 6 April Community Day, together with the addition of a Street theme alongside the Lake and Alpine/Monaro theme, we look forward to some new creative developments from our schools’ entries in 2022,” said LLS ChairpersonCherie McNair.

The history of schools’ involvement in Lake Light Sculpture began as early as 2007, when three schools participated. Over the past 17 years, as many as

thirteen schools have exhibited in any one year.

During that time, a number of art educators have also conducted ‘Outdoor Studios’ during the LLS exhibition period, whilst in other years schools have engaged in long-term and collective projects to create much admired additions to the lake pathway, such as the ‘Park your Arts’ project.

Art teachers’ Sallianne Greentree and Katie Lew with students from JCS and SMGS created a long-lasting ‘seat’ legacy through the development of an organic double-sided ceramic seat, and it remains in good repair despite the rising lake levels over the past couple of years.

“The benefit of such an activity to the community in processing skills, creating and expressing their awareness of their sense of place in different aspects is considerable” said arts educator Sallianne Greentree.

“When community and schools are involved in working together to produce something tangible and lasting, camaraderie and caring for the built environment are the satisfying outcomes. The value of sitting for some time and enjoying places and so allowing reflective time is unquestionable,” she added.

Local schools and childcare centres welcome the return of outdoor visual art experiences through involvement in ‘Lake Light Sculpture 2023 - Street Edition’.

◼ Faces of the Future entry by Jindabyne Central School year 4 students in 2021.

“Lake Light Sculpture enables our local students to both learn and enjoy the process of art making, then provides them with an exciting and relatively immediate vehicle to display their work and share in the immense satisfaction with family, friends, and over 25,000 other visitors - that can be very exhilarating and rewarding for our young artists”

◼ Art teachers and local students created the double sided ceramic seat near the Strzelecki monument on the lake foreshore path.

Sculptors from around Australia have been invited to enter the Lake Light Sculpture 2023 Street Edition to showcase their outdoor contemporary sculptures in the alpine setting of Jindabyne. Normally displayed on the Lake Jindabyne foreshore, this year due to high

Lake Light Sculpture

water levels impacting the shoreline and exhibit area, artists and visitors will stroll through the Jindabyne township.

Returning artists and visitors will still receive the same welcoming community, enthusiastic volunteers and art loving public that engages with the event. The

LLS committee are determined to create something di erent, but just as exciting, and hope the event inspires artists to create their usual spectacular exhibits.

Lake Light Sculpture welcomes all forms of sculpture, encourages environmental messages, and o ers a creative space

Snowy Hydro Community Day

The Snowy Hydro Community Day on Thursday April 6 is to reengage the local community with the event after the cancellation of 2022 and to thank them for the support of past years. Visit the opening day where artists, residents, local schools and the arts community from across the Snowy Monaro region are encouraged to view the sculptures. Community day is proudly supported by Snowy Hydro Limited, delivered in partnership with Jindabyne Central School and Snowy Mountains Grammar School.

for artists to show their work to over 25,000 visitors each Easter. The event is a platform for emerging, mid–career and professional artists alike, along with schools and community groups.

Lake Light Sculpture 2023 - Street Edition

An Artistic Eye

From behind the scenes to front of house, with Artistic Director Ben Eyles

LOCAL art identity and teacher Ben Eyles has been the Lake Light Sculpture Artistic Director since 2017, taking over the role from Todd Costa. This role followed on from Ben’s involvement for a number of years on the committee along with increasing success with his own sculptor journey.

Retracing that Lake Light journey from 2015’s ‘Pandamonium’ which was a favourite among visitors, Ben continued to investigate the fragility of nature and its many wondrous creatures, including 2016’s ‘Why so Blue ?’ - inspired by the Blue Whale, 2017’s ‘Now you see me: Soon you won’t’ - inspired by the Siberian Tiger, and 2018’s ‘Reverberate’ - inspired by the beauty of Lake Jindabyne and its people.

Ben’s sculpture journey took a political road with 2019’s ‘We’re gonna need more eggs’, which explored themes of racism and xenophobia. 2021’s ‘Lil’ Scotty from Marketing’ continued the political protest theme, whilst Ben’s major work ‘All Beyond is Worth Protecting’ proved to be a significant entry/departure focus for the Lake Light Sculpture Trail and was inspired by his love and respect for the environment and Japanese culture.

During his time as Artistic Director from 2017 to 2022, Ben has worked alongside

the LLS Committee through a period of significant growth as well as major disruption with the 2020 Event being cancelled due to Covid, and the 2022 Event being unable to proceed due to high lake levels and flooded exhibition areas.

“Lake Light Sculpture has experienced a period of change and development over the past 6 years that will continue with a significant change in the location for the 2023 exhibition, but I am equally excited that this change to a predominantly Jindabyne street trail path will also inspire new and wondrous sculptures,” said Ben.

“When I became Artistic Director in 2017, I followed on from Todd’s focus on attracting ‘good art’ and encouraging artists to exhibit more than one sculpture, and it has been very satisfying to see the exhibition numbers grow from 75 in 2017, to 161 in 2021, which included the introduction of the ‘Smalls’ sculpture category in 2019.”

“As I reflect upon my contribution as LLS Artistic Director, I believe that maintaining an open dialogue and friendship with the exhibiting artists and wider arts community has provided a sense of connection and confidence with the event, alongside gaining an understanding of their individual and personal sculptor journeys - this is a critical relationship in building a successful and annual major exhibition, as without the artists, there is no event. In addition, as I review my notes throughout my term as Artistic Director, I am proud to see that my focus and belief that art plays a major role both locally and throughout the world, has been a recurring objective and theme,” Ben added.

A review of Ben’s Director’s notes over the years includes:

2017 - “With the political state of some places in the world, art is more important than ever to allow us to express ourselves freely, raise awareness of issues that we have a passion for, or to merely create something beautiful for others to enjoy.”

2018 - “One of the major objectives of the original organising team was that the event was for all artists, from amateurs and emerging artists, school

and community groups, through to professional and exhibiting artists. We are committed to nurture and ensure that all budding artists have the opportunity to express themselves and showcase their artistic abilities.”

2019 - “By making art that reflects what we love in nature that we now have a chance of losing, we are raising awareness of certain issues, or simply reminding people of what is at stake if we don’t care for our environment.”

2021 - “Given the losses of 2020 with bush fires and Covid, it is worth remembering that art is something that endures, alongside the creativity of our wonderful artists and their ability to open the viewers’ eyes to the beauty and inspiration of our world”.

Lake Light Sculpture chairperson Cherie

McNair said, “The LLS Committee and the Snowy Monaro Community is deeply thankful for Ben’s significant contribution to the arts over the past 10 year period, and whilst Ben will move to assisting in the background in 2023 as he and his family explores a new location to call home in the future, his influence on the exhibition direction will continue on”.

◼ Ben’s sculpture Why so Blue? won the 2016 Illumination Award.

◼ The 2017 sculpture ‘Now you see me: Soon you won’t’ was inspired by the Siberian tiger. PHOTOS: Steve Cuff

◼ Lale Light Sculpture Artistic Director Ben Eyles.

Lake Light Sculpture 2023 - Street Edition

Highway Vignettes

The Monaro Highway from Canberra to the Snowy Mountains has many sculpture creations.

GREEN MOUNTAIN BLUE II

Heading north towards Canberra, the work of American artist Charles Ginnever, Green Mountain Blue II is visible on the western side of the Monaro Highway south of Bredbo.

Commissioned by property owner John Kahlbetzer in 1978, the steel artwork

was painted blue to harmonise with the Monaro skies. Measuring 21 metres long by 8 metres high, it is made from four steel I-beams, a tension cable and situated in a paddock high above the highway.

The sculpture was donated to the National Gallery of Australia in 1981, who undertook extensive conservation work in 2007. The entire surface of the sculpture was sandblasted to remove the damaged paint layer and corrosion, then primed and repainted. A sample of the original blue paint was taken for future reference before applying the new colour, ‘Harbour Blue’, chosen in consultation with the artist and curatorial and conservation sta .

LEGIONNAIRE

At the time of construction of this work in 2000, legionnaire’s disease was the headline news story that inspired artist Ian Houssenloge. Created for an exhibition at Cowra’s Japanese Gardens Look What I Found in the Sheds, it celebrated found or

unused materials. A timber structure, stainless steel ducting and high tensile nuts and bolts, this landscape dominating sculpture even has glow in the dark eyes. The work was installed near Royalla just before the 2000 snow season and in its original form, had water jets and halogen lights.

SNOWY RIVER SPHERE

Just north of the Snowy Mountains Airport the five metre Snowy River Sphere was commissioned by Snowy River Shire Council in 2011 and creates a gateway to the snowies. Created from the salvaged curved steel shoring beams from the Skitube tunnel, the work is an enduring reminder of the regions outdoor sculpture event.

The artist Richard Mo att from Bega stated, “The random lineal surface is indicative of many interconnecting pathways which cross over to connect the Snowy Mountains community. The lines recognize the journeys undertaken by our indigenous forebears, foot tracks of past

settlers, the gold seams followed in the 1800s, agriculture with animal tracks, river systems especially the Snowy River, the pipelines of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electricity Scheme, roads, now defunct railways, phone lines, ski runs of our favourite mountain playgrounds, high altitude jet streams and futuristic invisible cyberspace connections.”

Mo att is recognised throughout the region for his large scale sculptures which use recycled industrial parts, and are often inspired by the natural environment.

Our berridale Cellar Door is open daily offering tutored tastings across a wide range of wine styles. Kick back and enjoy a glass of regional small batch wine in comfortable lounges or in our private garden. We offer a delicious range of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and local produce to match with your choice of wine by the glass or local craft beer.

“Where the expected meets the unexpected, united by quality” James halliday

◼ ALL PHOTOS: Matt de Waard

Anglers Reel In Tagged Rainbows

FISHING across the Snowy Mountains region has been fantastic during the summer and some of the best for years. Anglers have been reeling in decent size trout with conditions expected to continue this autumn.

Among the many fish caught are the tagged Snowy Trout Challenge rainbow trout. Up until mid-February over 175 people have managed to land a tagged trout. Good news for anglers, there were 500 tagged trout released for the competition, so you still have a chance.

For the lucky anglers who have caught and registered their tagged catch they enter the draw for cash prizes. Every two weeks there is a winner drawn who takes home the $1000 cash prize.

In January, Tumut’s Sam Read was one of the prize winners after he snared a 56cm long whopping 2kg rainbow. Staying at Providence Portal and fishing in Lake Eucumbene, Sam pulled this beauty in on a fly fishing from a boat in the early morning. Recent winner David Daniels from the Central Coast caught tagged fish number 53, a 51cm long 1.2kg rainbow trout. Fishing from a boat in Lake Jindabyne, David had an attractive lure to tempt his trout.

Apart from the tagged fish, check out the huge trout young 13-year-old Caleb from Canberra caught in the Thredbo River this summer. He was proud to show o his photo to Brian Burns at the Lakeside Lure & Tackle.

The Snowy Trout Festival runs until the end of April to enter any tagged 2022-23 rainbow trout. You can also enter into the registration draw where at the end of the

competition you could also win a cash prize. Looking at the postcodes on the entry list for tagged fish, and for those who have registered for the event, people have travelled from afar to cast a line.

A huge shout out to all the sponsors who have contributed to making this season’s Snowy Trout Challenge the best ever. The Snowy Mountains really is a great destination for fishing, and while you are here please support the sponsors who have been generous with their support.

Be sure to like and follow the social media pages where updates are posted regularly.

◼ Visiting from Canberra, 13-year-old Caleb caught this beauty in the Thredbo River.

◼ Sam Read from Tumut caught this tagged rainbow trout at Lake Eucumbene.

◼ Margaret Fairman from Queensland entered this tagged rainbow fish caught in Lake Jindabyne.

500 Tagged snowy Rainbow TRouT

Catch a STC 2022-23 yellow tagged rainbow trout, photograph and record fish details via the Catch Entry Form to go into the draw for $1000 cash prize every fortnight.

Lake e ucumbene – Lake Jindabyne – Lake c rackenback

7 MonThs of fishing

fiRsT dRaw Sunday november 13

Then every 2 weeks until end of April

The Snowy Trout challenge is an initiative of nSW dPi Fisheries, Snowy monaro regional council, Tourism Snowy mountains, Lake eucumbene chamber of commerce and Jindabyne chamber of commerce.

all participants can also register for the “Participation draw” cash prize drawn end of april.

gold sponsoRs silveR sponsoRs bRonze sponsoRs

Celebrate Land Rover 75th Anniversary at Cooma This Easter

Cooma will play host to the 75th Land Rover Anniversary at Easter with thousands of Land Rover enthusiasts plus visitors expected for the classic event. The 75th Land Rover anniversary will bring together vehicles, the people, and the stories behind the global name to celebrate Land Rover’s amazing history over 75 years.

Land Rover anniversaries in Cooma have become synonymous around the world with the milestone celebrations starting in 1998 for the 50th. Owners Australia wide plus international visitors will attend to be involved in the anniversary, bringing with them their families creating an atmosphere that will bring Cooma alive. With the event headquarters at the Cooma Showground, guests can purchase tickets for all days to view exhibitions, listen to informative talks plus the Easter Sunday afternoon grand display.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Grand Street Parade through the main street of Cooma. When Land Rover celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2018, the streets were lined with people, all wanting to get a glimpse of this classic 700 vehicle parade, many of which were vintage and proudly driven by their owners.

It is here in Cooma where the Land Rover journey really started with the Series 1 Land Rover.

The iconic Land Rover vehicle was instrumental in the building of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme where it was relied upon for its toughness under extreme conditions thrown at it

by the rugged Snowy Mountains climate and terrain. The Snowy Scheme was constructed over a 25 year period from 1949 to 1974.

Land Rover was launched in Amsterdam in 1948 and introduced to Australia in 1949 as a vehicle for the Snowy Scheme. Over 800 Land Rover vehicles were acquired during the Snowy Scheme and there are numerous iconic images of the vehicle during the construction period. This reputation has continued through the decades and Land Rover collectors, connoisseurs, preservationists, restorers

and enthusiasts will be eager to again join in the festivities for the 75th anniversary.

Star of the show in 2023 will be Oxford, the Series 1 from the first Overland Expedition in 1955. Visitors will be able to view the vehicle on the Classic Land Rover stand along with many other unique Land Rovers from around Australia and the world.

COOMA SHOWGROUND EXHIBITION

The showground will be home base for the 75th Anniversary with a gathering of Australian Land Rover clubs, various exhibitions and awards plus a very special early evening showing of the First and Last Overland Expeditions from 1955 and 2019. Sunday evening there will be gala dinner with early bookings essential.

There will be food and beverage facilities with Perentie Beer the o cial beer sponsor for the showground event. Many club day trip events will depart from the showground to various destinations within the Snowy Monaro.

To attend all days you must pre-purchase $65 tickets via the website.

EASTER SUNDAY GRAND STREET PARADE

Free - 10am to 1pm

The Grand Street Parade through the

main street of Cooma will see over 700 vehicles of all vintages join together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Land Rover. Visitors can line the street to watch with many vantage points throughout the CBD area on Sharp Street.

EASTER SUNDAY GRAND DISPLAY

From 1pm Cost $10

After the Street Parade on Easter Sunday, visitors can purchase a $10 day ticket at the Cooma Showground to view the grand display of Land Rovers from 1pm. Here you can walk among and admire all the vehicles up close.

◼ Visitors can watch the Grand Street Parade on Easter Sunday in Cooma.

◼ Snow covered houses in Cabramurra with Land Rover vehicles, synonymous with the building of the Snowy Scheme.

PHOTO: Snowy Hydro / National Archives of Australia

◼ Land Rover vehicles during the street parade in 2018.

PHOTO: Steve Cu

◼ Visit the Cooma Showground for the Grand Display on Easter Sunday afternoon.

Snowy Classic Attracts 1500 Riders

CYCLISTS will be relishing the start of the second Snowy Classic on April 1. With two distinct course distances, the 170km maxi and 110km challenge courses, riders will be in their element on their return to Jindabyne.

The cycling terrain in the Snowy Mountains is the best in Australia, and a huge attraction for visiting riders. The Snowy Classic courses, and particularly their climbing sections are legendary among cycling enthusiasts, and a major drawcard for cyclists.

“We’re so excited to be returning for our second Snowy Classic cycling event. With over 1500 cyclists from across the country heading to the Jindabyne starting line this April 1st, and an influx of their family and friends in support to the stunning Snowy region, its sure to be a fabulous spectacle,” said a Snowy Classic event spokesperson.

One of the key event attractions is riding on closed roads, with riders starting and finishing at the Jindabyne Town Centre.

With scenic Lake Jindabyne views greeting the competitors from the outset, the route then continues via Berridale, the Monaro plains towards Dalgety before riders negotiate the first big challenge of the day. The Beloka climb, known as “The Wall” is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in Australia. With an average grade of 10.6% and a maximum of 14.7%, this will challenge even the best. While riders dread this climb, they all relish the challenge, and it’s always a focal point of conversation at the finish.

The 110km competitors then finish in Jindabyne, the longer 170km route will see riders ascend the 33km to Perisher before returning back to the Jindabyne finish. Last year local rider Lachlan Harrigan was leading with just kilometres to go, but was passed by teammate Cameron Fraser. Fraser knows the course well, having attended high school in Jindabyne. He said he was aware Lachie wanted the race so bad. “We pulled Lachie in within the last k, I had a quick word with Lachie but we

only had a kilometre to work out who was going to go for it,” said Fraser.

“Definitely as we were going up higher and higher I could feel the lack of oxygen start to take its toll. That’s where my legs were burning the most, it felt it was like a slow sort of fatigue setting in today,” commented Fraser on Perisher climb.

This year more riders will race, and combined with their entourage it will be a great spectacle and fantastic atmosphere at the finish line.

JINDABYNE TOWN CENTRE VILLAGE

The Jindabyne Town Centre carpark will be home to the 2023 village. Their will be restrictions from Friday March 31 and race day on Saturday April 1. All competitors will be registering from 3pm on Friday afternoon. The village will have merchandise and event stalls, and Saturday all riders will finish at the village area.

April 1st Road Closures

The Snowy Classic event will have rolling road closures throughout the day extending from Jindabyne to Hilltop, Rocky Plain, Berridale, Dalgety, Beloka and Perisher Valley. Residents and visitors are urged to plan ahead and be mindful of how rolling road closures could impact them.

The organisers have discussed the road closures with NSW Police and have made adjustments from 2022, and will open up promptly once last riders have passed. They have introduced a number of planned escort runs along the East Jindabyne to Jindabyne stretch and vice versa to allow access to and from town from road closure time (7:15am) until the start of the event at 8:00am. Improvements have been made to the tra�c plans for Kosciuszko Rd through Berridale to ensure tra�c movement is continuous as a “hold/release” managed by Tra�c Controllers and Police on the day.

Organisers are always open to discuss any required movements and they encourage locals to reach out via email. All information including road closure interactive map are listed on the website or get in touch via email info@snowyclassic.com.au. www.snowyclassic.com.au

◼ Cameron Fraser wins the innaugural 170km maxi ride.

PHOTO: Steve Cu

◼ A Lake Jindabyne backdrop for Snowy Classic riders.

PHOTO: Snowy Classic

WE’RE COMING TO TOWN! SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2023 2023

The Snowy Classic course is on fully closed roads, extending from Jindabyne to Hilltop, Rocky Plain, Berridale, Dalgety, Beloka and Perisher Valley. There will be rolling road closures throughout the event day (Saturday 1 April 2023). Detailed road closure information can be found at cyclingclassics.com.au/snowy/community.

Live Traffic NSW will be updated with all event road closures closer to the event date www.livetraffic.com

Scan the QR code to view a complete list of road closures and to view on a Google Interactive Map.

We are always open to discuss any required movements and we encourage locals to reach out on our infoline for assistance info@snowyclassic.com.au

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Our hard-working volunteers add to the event’s success and help create a safe and enjoyable experience for riders. If you want to be a part of the action, volunteer at the Snowy Classic April 1st, and help over 1,500 participants reach the finish line safely. Express your interest now!

volunteers@ cyclingclassics.com.au

A Bright Spark

Anna started her full-time, all-yearround, electrical apprentice role in September 2022, but it wasn’t her first time on the mountain, having spent two winter seasons as a lift operator and lead hand, then another two seasons as a trade assistant at the Blue Cow area of the mountain.

“When I worked on the lifts, I was always really interested in learning more about them, especially the electrical side,” said Anna. “I put my name forward and my supervisor and manager were so welcoming and keen to help me, but I had to wait a year until someone had left and a role became available.”

Since January 2022, Perisher has taken on eight new apprentices with three being female. Although representation in the trades team is skewed towards male employees, it’s encouraging to see more females taking interest in rewarding trade careers.

“I thought it would have been harder to get in being a female, but everyone was so welcoming and even encouraging me towards leadership roles,” said Anna. “I had two male and one female lead hand when I started and I was always looking up to my female supervisor as a role model.”

Anna says a lot of females think they are not strong enough to do a trade, but the real surprise for her was that she was and that picking up how to use the tools came really easily to her.

“I went into the job not having much electrical knowledge and I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it,” said Anna. “But, I’m really glad I got the job, I’m really enjoying it and learning lots each dayit keeps the brain active and there’s no downside to the job at all.”

Anna

Ski

She said the whole team are good teachers and really open to showing her how to do things.

“They’re always happy to help and there’s no hierarchy - I get treated the same as everyone else, not just as the apprentice, or the female,” said Anna. “I have friends who work as apprentices o the mountain and that isn’t always the case - I’ve heard some terrible stories and just feel so thankful to be where I am.”

Every day at work is so di erent for Anna and she could be working up a tower on the chairlifts one day and on a control

panel or working on fibre another day. There are also the domestic electrical needs around the resort, which allows her to travel all over the mountain.

“It’s a great place to do an electrical apprenticeship because you can work on ski lifts, but also the basic household electrical work that you could do o the mountain,” said Anna.

There’s also no need to be out in rough weather when there’s still things to fix indoors and when the weather is fine, the team will make the most of it and climb each of the towers to do checks.

“I love it all - I just love coming to work and feel like I’m living the quote about never working a day in your life if you love what you do,” said Anna. “My advice for other females thinking about this career is to never think you can’t do something until you’ve had a red hot crack at it - you will surprise yourself sometimes and that is the best feeling in the world.”

There are many opportunities to live, work and play on the mountain at Perisher, visit www.perisher.com.au/ perisher-jobs for the latest roles.

◼ Perisher’s electrical apprentice Anna Burrows has an interesting job working across the entire mountain.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on the mountains?

Burrows, Perisher

Resort’s electrical apprentice can’t think of one bad thing about it.

• Multiple delivery and pick up days Jindabyne and resorts with no additional charges.

• All linen washed beyond Australian standards for thermal sanitisation.

Over the past 5 years we have owned “Snowy Laundry”, we have continued to supply our customers with the highest level of service and quality linen. Based in Jindabyne, our high volume laundry has state of the art equipment plus dedicated and experienced staff to cope with any demand. We know there has been change in the mountain laundry landscape this past year, and we are here to help with local options for all your laundry needs when required. We are proud to support the local economy with employment and to also sponsor local sporting organisations. Should you require a quote for your business, please call at any time. We would be happy to discuss all your laundry requirements - Mick and Rebecca.

Snowy Mountains and South Coast NSW

We are proud sponsors of Snowy River Bears Rugby League Club

The Best Season For Alpine Hiking

AUTUMN is the perfect season to explore Kosciuszko National Park and our alpine region has endless options to explore. With temperatures on the cooler side and the march flies less annoying, strap on the hiking boots and venture out.

SNOWIES ALPINE WALK

The Snowies Alpine Walk is a $27 million project involving multiple stages to create a multi-day world class walk across the alpine roof of Australia. On completion it will link Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Perisher, Guthega and Lake Crackenback. The stage 2 section of Charlotte Pass to Guthega has been hugely popular since its opening in 2022. The 9km each way walk follows the contours of the Snowy River with a highlight being the Spencers Creek suspension bridge at the confluence of the Snowy River and Spencers Creek. At 1640m above sea level it is the highest suspension bridge in Australia. Walkers can start either end with breathtaking scenery at every turn. Closer to Guthega you also see the Illawong suspension bridge, with this section of walkway being upgraded in the past 12 months. If you could arrange a car drop you would only have to walk one way.

to Perisher via Porcupine Rocks is approaching the finish stage in early autumn and will allow walkers the opportunity to see a vastly di erent landscape on the 9.8km walk. Stage 1 was the upgrade of sections of the Main Range Track, a 22km loop from Charlotte Pass Lookout that also takes in Blue Lake. This track is a 7-9 hour hike and you would require a good level of fitness.

The final stage from Perisher to Lake Crackenback has commenced to install rock paving and elevated steel mesh boardwalks to protect sensitive habitats in the sub-alpine and montane areas. This stage is expected to be completed next summer and by all accounts from trail builders will be awesome.

RAINBOW LAKE

This short 2.5km return hike is ideal for the family, the sparkling Rainbow Lake your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. One beauty of this walk is its lower elevation being more sheltered from weather.

Depending on time of year wildflowers may be blooming as you meander among the snowgums. On reaching the lake you can wander to the water’s edge and it is the ideal picnic area for the friends and family. Look for signposts on Kosciuszko Road at Dainers Gap.

NEW THREDBO VALLEY TRACK EXTENSION

The new extension of the TVT is perfect for a short hike or ride, especially for young families. Located near Jindabyne, you can start at either Gaden Trout Hatchery or the Thredbo River Picnic Area on Kosciuszko Road. Both areas have nice

picnic areas. At only 1.5km each way, bring the bikes or take a stroll and see spectacular views of the Thredbo River rapids from the elevated walkway. The wide path winds its way through bushland with many scenic sections.

YARRANGOBILLY CAVES

Plan your day and allow time to arrive early as there is much to see and do here in northern Kosciuszko National Park. Apart from the exciting caves to explore, stroll the scenic river walk to the thermal pool which has BBQ facilities and is an ideal lunch venue. The thermal pool is heated to 27 degrees year-round. Book ahead for guided tours to Jillabenan and Jersey Cave or purchase tickets for the South Glory Cave self-guided tour where you can stroll at your own pace and admire nature at its finest. Bring your own food and drinks as the visitor centre only have minimal snacks.

Stage 3 from Charlotte Pass Village

◼ Walking at Yarrangobilly Caves: PHOTO: Destination NSW ◼ Scenic Rainbow Lake.

◼ Snowies Alpine Walk Spencers Creek suspension bridge is a highlight of the stage 2 section.

PHOTO: DPE / Boen Ferguson

EXPLORE

Walk To Mount Kosciuszko Summit

AUSTRALIA’S highest mountain at 2228m above sea level, Mount Kosciuszko may well seem daunting for those unaware of the process. But when you consider it’s as easy as following a path all the way to the summit, the task is very achievable. There are a few considerations for planning, the key one being check the weather which at altitude is vastly di erent to the valley below, particularly with wind. You will need outdoor essentials for protection, plus pack your lunch, snacks and water, there’s no café awaiting your order on the route. Once you depart you are in somewhat remote territory, so you need to be selfsu cient.

Hiking from Thredbo

4-6 hours

The easiest and shortest route is from Thredbo, where you need to purchase a lift ticket for the chair ride and then walk 6.5km each way from the top of Thredbo. Fifteen minutes on the chair allows for your first does of sight-seeing, and it will continue all the way to the summit. The path is a mix of paved rockwork and raised meshed walkway, all designed to protect the environment you are in and limit any erosion from the hundreds of thousands of people who make the trek annually. Points of interest worth stopping for are the Kosciuszko Lookout, about halfway, where you can see the summit in the distance. Along the

route you will encounter wildflowers and running streams, and the spectacular Lake Cootapatamba not far from the summit. A snack break here to take in the scenery is advised, and to spot the significant red Cootapatamba Hut in the distance.

Hiking From Charlotte Pass Lookout

6-8 hours

The hike from Charlotte Pass Lookout is longer at 9.3km each way so you will need to allow more time. Park where you can near the lookout and then look for signage at the turning circle. This is also the starting point for the Main Range Track, Blue Lake walk and Snowies Alpine Walk to Guthega.

Here you follow the gravel Summit Road which is also used by mountain bike riders enroute to Rawson Pass. On this route you cross over the Snowy River at one of its highest points, and if you consider it reaches the ocean at Marlo in Victoria, it has a long way to travel.

You will encounter a steeper rise

on the road approaching Seamans Hut in the distance. This iconic rock hut is a must do photo stop and an ideal place to pause and catch your breath. The scenery on the road to Seamans Hutt is totally di erent to that coming from Thredbo.

Rawson Pass and Summit

Both routes meet at Rawson Pass where you have Australia’s highest toilet, and always advisable to take advantage of these facilities. You still have another 1.6km of hiking to the top, so another great spot to rest. This autumn the National Parks are doing upgrades to the summit area for easier accessibility, so you will encounter a possible detour and ongoing works.

X-COUNTRY

◼ The summit of Mount Kosciuszko.

PHOTO: Thredbo Resort

Reaching the top of Australia is a must do bucket list item when visiting the Snowy Mountains. And the beauty of climbing Mount Kosciuszko, it’s easily achievable just by walking.

Visitor Information

Snowy Mountains Magazine

snowymagazine.com.au

Snowy Mountains snowymountains.com.au

Adaminaby visitadaminaby.com.au

Berridale www.snowymagazine.com.au

/berridale-dalgety

Bombala

www.snowymagazine.com.au

/bombala-delegate

Charlotte Pass charlottepass.com.au

Delegate delegate.nsw.au

Cooma

visitcooma.com.au

1800 636 525

Corryong towong.vic.gov.au

Dalgety www.snowymagazine.com.au

/berridale-dalgety

Jindabyne

Snowy Region Visitor Centre nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

02 6450 5600

destinationjindabyne.org.au

Khancoban (NPWS)

02 6070 8400 visitsnowyvalleys.com.au

Lake Crackenback Resort lakecrackenback.com.au

Perisher perisher.com.au

Thredbo

thredbo.com.au

1300 020 589

Tumbarumba 02 6948 3333 visitsnowyvalleys.com.au

Tumut Region

NPWS Visitor Centre 02 6947 7025 visitsnowyvalleys.com.au

ROADS AND RESCUE

Emergency 000

Cooma Police 02 6452 0099

Jindabyne Police 02 6456 2244

RTA Road conditions 132 701

LAOKO Wildlife Rescue 02 6456 1313

Snowy Mountains

Touring Map also available on website snowymagazine.com.au

Kosciuszko Huts Rebuild Program

WHEN the 2019-20 bushfires raged through Kosciuszko National Park and adjoining towns, it left a swathe of destruction. Included in the burnt rubble were many destroyed Kosciuszko Huts.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) initiated a rebuilding program in 2022 to restore 11 of the huts back to original condition. NPWS builder Roger Rosenboom, Field O cer Peter Dow, project manager Megan Bowden, plus volunteers from the Kosciuszko Huts Association (KHA) and associated families have been working to steadily restore the destroyed huts.

Sawyers Hut on the Snowy Mountains Highway between Adaminaby and Kiandra was the first hut completed in 2022. Sawyers Hut had also been badly damaged in the prior 2003 fires, and many of the huts destroyed in the 2019-20 fires were also damaged or destroyed in 2003.

National Parks said the rebuilding program is full steam ahead in 2023, and although there have been time frame setbacks due to weather, including February snow, rebuilding is underway on Delanys and Vickery’s huts.

Delanys Hut was destroyed in both the 2003 and 2020 bushfires, the latest rebuild nearing completion in autumn 2023. There will be an o cial opening of both Delanys and Sawyers planned for Saturday 1st April for interested parties.

One of the more interesting rebuilds is Vickery’s Hut which was originally constructed in 1938. The log hut has been pre-fabricated in a work shed in Tumut. In early 2023 Vickery’s Hut was then dismantled and transported to site at Jounama Creek near Talbingo with the help of Wagga 4WD. NPWS o cers Roger and Peter then reassembled the log hut, completed the roof and fitted the verandah. Timber used to rebuild the huts has been sourced from local mills.

Tumut business Tom’s Outdoors, who supplied the photo of Peter Dow at work on Vickery’s Hut, have been documenting the rebuild program and will release videos at select times during the building program.

In March the hut rebuilding team are also involved in the Alps Heritage Huts workshop. The workshop, to be held for three days from March 10-12 at Currango Homestead will further educate sta and volunteers in heritage hut and other heritage structures management, maintenance and restoration work and projects. There will be both theory and

practical work including splitting slabs and weatherboards for the future rebuild of Four Mile Hut.

Planning and consultation is continuing with caretaker groups and families regarding other huts, including Harvey’s and Bradley/O’Brien’s Hut which are scheduled to start this autumn. More families associated with the huts have been making contact which is adding to the rich history of each place and connections with other places.

(KHA) is a voluntary association formed in 1971 and for more than 50 years has carried out maintenance activities on most of the remaining huts and homesteads in KNP.

Each hut has its own unique history, some built for stockmen who grazed cattle in the mountains, some used by miners and cross-country skiers. To read more history on all the huts, you can visit the Kosciuszko Huts website where they itemise each hut, and significant time periods in each hut’s history.

www.khuts.org

Rebuilding Program (subject to change)

Rest House at Sawyers Hill: Completed 2022

Vickery’s: February 2023

Delany’s: March 2023

Harveys/Tantangara: March/April 2023

Bradley/O’Brien’s: April/May/June 2023

Brooks: September, October, November 2023

Happy’s: December 23, January, February 2024

Four Mile: March/April/May 2024

Fifteen Mile/Linesmans: December 24, January, February 2025

Round Mountain: March, April, May 2025

AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

The Jindy Inn is a warm and friendly lodge central to town and located only 200 metres from local shops, restaurants and cafes. We offer on-site guest parking and restaurant/bar.

Guests also have access to free Wi-Fi, guest kitchen/laundry, a drying room and tastefully appointed and updated rooms. Breakfast is included in the tariff.

The Kosciuszko Huts Association

◼ IMPRESSIVE: Megan Bowden with Tumut & Distrcit Bushwalkers volunteers at Sawyers Hut in January 2023.

PHOTO: NPWS

◼ CRAFT: Peter Dow stripping logs for Vickery’s Hut.

PHOTO: www.tomsoutdoors.com.au

Your 2023 Winter Snow Holiday

WINTER will arrive before we know, so have you made plans yet? This winter be prepared so when you hit the snow slopes you can make the most of your time. Autumn is the best time to book and plan your snow holiday, here are the essential tips to get you started.

WhaT ResoRT To VisiT

NSW has four snow resorts, Charlotte Pass, Perisher, Selwyn and Thredbo. Each resort has their own pros and cons, so conducting personal research will be beneficial to your final decision. Spending 30 minutes browsing through a resort website now will benefit your future holiday.

Selwyn Snow Resort is ideal for beginners and snow play. They have gentle beginner runs, the ticket prices are more affordable and if you like snow play, they have a dedicated toboggan park with a magic carpet lift.

Charlotte Pass Resort is an idyllic snow bound village accessible only via oversnow transport from Perisher Valley during

winter. You can purchase day tickets, but most guests stay at the resort for their duration.

Perisher is Australia‘s most popular resort and its biggest with over 1200 hectares across four resort areas. The terrain is suited to all levels from beginner, great intermediate terrain stretched across the resort and advanced trails. Their Epic Australia Pass is the most popular season pass.

Thredbo is a European style village with atmosphere to match. The longest vertical of skiing in Australia is welcomed by winter enthusiasts who relish the 672m vertical drop. A designed beginner area at Friday Flat, and the intermediate Cruiser area are popular. Revellers also embrace the village après scene and the live entertainment.

Book YouR accommodaTion

Some people wait until the last minute and then decide, hey let‘s go to the snow tomorrow. That usually results in not being able to find a room. Winter is popular and thousands of people have already booked for 2023. The earlier you book usually

results in the better deal you can secure.

WheRe To sTaY

Depending on what resort you want to visit, that decision will determine where to stay.

Selwyn Snow Resort is re–opening this winter, so guests wishing to ski at Selwyn should stay at Adaminaby, Cooma or at Talbingo, Tumbarumba and Tumut. There is no on snow accommodation at Selwyn.

Visitors for Perisher or Thredbo often choose to stay off the snow in the vibrant town of Jindabyne. Located 35km from the snow, you have choices for restaurants and bars and commute each day to ski. The towns of Berridale, Cooma or Dalgety also have accommodation, but you will have to travel further each day.

On snow accommodation means you stay

Recycling YES

Glass bottles and jars, firm plastic bottles and containers, metal cans, aluminium foil and trays, clean paper products, newspapers and long life cartons.

Plastic bags, soft plastics, packets or wrappers, nappies or hygiene products, polystyrene, clothes, shoes, food scraps, electronic items, building materials, wood or batteries.

Landfill YES

Consider home composting for food and garden waste. Recycle soft plastics at supermarkets via REDcycle program.

Recyclables, building materials, gas bottles. batteries, fluorescent globes or tubes.

at the resort itself. Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass have numerous on snow accommodation, so depending what resort you are planning to ski will determine where you book.

Hotels and lodges all have varying prices depending on their location to the slopes, rating of the premises, rooms and other benefits such as breakfast and dinner included. Book directly with the venue for best price and information.

You will find prices more expensive staying on snow than in the adjoining towns, but it means you don‘t travel each day to the slopes, simply walk (or lodge oversnow transport) to the mountain.

PuRchasing TickeTs and Passes

Each resort has season passes which are ideal for multiple season long visits. If you

Drop-off problem waste at Community Recycling Centres

Paint

Gas bottles and fire extinguishers

Fluorescent globes and tubes

Household and car batteries

Smoke detectors

Motor oil and other oils

Cooma Landfill open

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm

Saturday 1pm to 5pm

Sunday 11am to 5pm

Closed Public Holidays

Jindabyne Landfill open

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm

Saturday & Sunday 10am to 3pm

Closed Public Holidays

1300 345 345

www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/141

@snowymonaroregionalcouncil

◼ Thredbo Village under a blanket of winter snow.

PHOTO: Thredbo Resort

are just doing one weekend, or one midweek trip, purchasing day tickets online well in advance will get you the best price. Note, Thredbo season pass goes on sale in March and will sell out quickly. Each resort has di erent price tickets, structures and options, so once you decide what resort book your tickets early. You get the best deals booking online well in advance.

INTERNATIONAL SNOW HOLIDAYS

Season passes at Perisher and Thredbo also have benefits for overseas snow travellers.

The popular Epic Australia Pass covers Perisher plus Hotham and Falls Creek in Victoria. This pass also has great benefits overseas including unlimited skiing at some major North American resorts. Some resorts may have holiday blackouts and other resorts in Japan and Europe have select number of days you can use the pass. Either way, this is a very popular pass for good reason, purchase early before it goes o sale in June.

The Thredbo season pass was capped in 2022, selling out quickly once it was on sale. The Thredbo pass has a liation with the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective where you receive a select number of days at other resorts, and then discounted prices. Check for your own knowledge the exact details.

SNOW TRAVEL EXPO

Snow enthusiasts, or those looking for more information on anything to do with snow should plan to visit the Snow Travel Expo. Held in Melbourne and Sydney (see dates below), this snow show attracts thousands of visitors each year plus all the big resorts under one roof. Here you can meet and greet with knowledgeable resort representatives who can o er you tips and deals to visit their resort. The show has airlines, ski and snowboard equipment and often great travel and equipment competitions.

PREPARE YOUR GEAR

If you have your own gear, unless you ventured overseas, what‘s the chance you have even looked at your gear since last winter. Most likely not.

Having tuned equipment is essential to assist you on snow. Wax is the key to smooth gliding and good sharp edges essential to carved turns. Take your skis and board to your nearest ski shop and ask them for a wax and edge, or full tune if warranted. You don‘t want to ruin your first day with sluggish equipment.

It‘s always good to double check your clothing and accessories before leaving home. Jacket, pants, gloves, thermals, goggles, helmet, should all be packed in one bag and tick them o .

HIRE YOUR GEAR

If you are a first timer, no problem, there are numerous hire shops where you can book ahead for the week and lock in all your gear. Hiring gear in the mountains also means you don‘t have to lug it from home.

Skis, poles, snowboard, boots, helmet, plus jacket and pant can all be hired and at reasonable costs. The beauty of hire is you can try the sport and decide if you like the snow. Then for next year, purchase your own gear with the knowledge you have gained.

Some items you can‘t hire such as gloves, goggles and thermal underwear. Big tip, buy warm waterproof gloves, not just the cheapest brand. Cold hands equal an unhappy day on the slopes. Sunglasses

don‘t work well on snowy days, so goggles are essential. And it‘s cold in the mountains, so jeans don‘t work too well. Thermal underwear and waterproof gear keep you warm, even on cold days.

◼ Carving up fresh powder snow at Perisher. PHOTO: Perisher Resort

Technical data supplied by the Snowy Hydro Limited, Cooma North. Snow Depth readings were carried out at the Snowy Hydro Limited sampling course located at Spencers Creek. There are seven sampling points situated at an elevation of 1,830 metres. The records do not relate to any one particular ski resort, but the course is situated between Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass.

Chart © CopyrightSouth East Printing P L Cinema Complex, Commissioner Street Cooma2630

Phone (02) 6452 2614 Fax (02) 6452 4857

Email: info@southeastprinting.com.au Web: www.southeastprinting.com.au

Perisher General Manager Interview

PERISHER Resort’s new general manager Belinda Trembath spoke with Snowy Mountains Magazine in late 2022 for a twopart interview on a range of subjects.

Belinda was experiencing her first season overseeing Perisher Resort in 2022, having presided over Hotham for well over a decade. Having worked in various departments including ski instructing and marketing roles, she has a comprehensive knowledge of the snow industry.

We published the first part in our summer edition, and here we continue with key points the public would find both topical and interesting. It must be commended that Belinda answered openly and honestly on a range of questions.

Always a question of interest is the sale of season passes and how busy the resort is as a by-product of the popular and well-priced season pass. In our December summer edition Belinda explained that season pass and ticket sales are the cornerstone of their business strategy, and that limiting or capping the Epic Australia Pass season pass or day ticket sales are not on the agenda.

SMM: Let’s talk about tra c on the roads to Perisher Valley and parking. Have the NSW Government failed that responsibility through lack of infrastructure to address this problem?

BT: I think the work that’s gone into the Special Activation Precinct for the snowy region has obviously been significant, there’s been a lot of community consultation. I think it’s time for the rubber to hit the road. They (government) have announced some funding to the region and we’re really keen to continue to work with government and all the agencies involved, and there are many, to get some investment into this region. It is overdue, there’s no doubt about it.

I think when you reflect back on why

Skitube was built in the first place, this area has been popular for a really long time, and it’s popular for good reason, it provides a great experience for people and we want that to continue. Obviously road access is one thing, public transport is another. The success of the bus trial was great to see. Very, very buoyed by early indications from the department of transport that that trial may continue next year, or may even expand. We’re certainly supportive of a multi-pronged approach to accessing the resort, which includes Skitube, includes obviously parking, for those who want to head up in their own vehicle, it would be great if more people carpooled.

SMM: You have come from Hotham with good on snow bed numbers. Can we compare beds in Perisher, it is not a very good ratio of beds to visitation in the resort?

BT: I think the beds are absolutely another part of the solution and working with government to understand how those beds can become unlocked is a priority for us. There’s absolutely not enough beds on mountain at Perisher when you look at the size of the resort. My view is Perisher should be and is the jewel in the crown of Australian skiing, and we just need to make sure that the facilities are balanced to provide the experience that people deserve.

SMM: Could you see someone investing tens of millions into hotels in Perisher Valley, do you think there is an investment return there? Do you think there is still appetite for someone to invest into a winter only season?

BT: I think if we look at the investment that’s occurred over the past couple of decades, whether it’s up here in the snowy region generally, or whether it’s down

in Victorian resorts, I think there is an appetite for people to invest in the resorts, absolutely. Perisher at the moment is predominantly a winter destination, but you know there’s investment going into walking trails. I’m a firm believer that if we are able to create a village that people want to be in, that there’ll be some visitation that flows in the summer months as well. I think there’s resorts, whether here or our (Vail Resorts) resorts in North America, that are certainly great examples of that.

SMM: Across the board everyone had 2022 sta ng issues, how did Perisher deal with sta ng numbers, were you short in areas in di erent departments?

BT: We were obviously laser focused on sta ng coming into the season, and not at all immune from the pressures everybody’s facing. We worked really hard to ensure that we were sta ed appropriately to get the lifts running and to open our essential services. But there’s no doubt there was some challenges around skilled sta such as chefs, and ski instructors. We certainly felt that we had sta ed

our ski school to the right level. But the demand from lessons was really high this year. The real di erence that we saw right across our Australian resorts was that demand for private lessons. Perhaps that’s a factor of COVID, where people were not wanting to go out with others, particularly early in the season when omicron was still circulating.

We were pleased with the sta ng levels that we went into season with, but we had to change up our product o ering. We’ve got some work to do improving our F&B o ering on mountain, some of that will come more easily with the availability of hopefully more chefs coming into next season. Also, we did have to change some opening hours of our F&B outlets, we weren’t able to get some of them open as frequently as we would have liked. That is something we are looking to improve upon.

SMM: Continuing on from the sta ng question, Belinda did elaborate on changes for 2023 to the children’s programs.

BT: We will be going back to full day children’s programs in 2023, obviously during COVID we pulled back the children’s program, to avoid having a large number of kids inside eating lunch all together, with their instructor. We’re certainly seeing our way to returning to full day programs next year, which I think will be a really welcome return to those programs for families.

Stay tuned to our website and four winter editions for more news on Perisher and the snow industry as a whole. To see previous interview 1 with Belinda, visit this web page.

www.snowymagazine.com.au/newsperisher/belinda-trembath-interview

Lowndes Supercars Legend Tyrepower Ambassador

◼ Perisher Resort’s general manager Belinda Trembath.

Mountain Spirit

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JINDABYNE DINING GUIDE

BIRCHWOOD CAFÉ

◼ Breakfast - Lunch - Jindabyne Ph 6456 1880

Start your day in fine style with house favourite dippy eggs with fried zucchini or the popular avo on three mills sourdough toast. The nourish bowl is full of goodness with vegan option and served all day and for lunch the animal style burger with two beef patties will appease your hunger. Specialty co�ee by Single O is very popular and perfect when served with house made carrot cake. Plus Birchwood is licensed and have great cocktail choices.

RED DOOR

◼ Breakfast - Lunch - Jindabyne Ph 6457 1112

A local favourite in the Town Centre of Jindabyne, start your autumn day with superb in house roasted co�ee and all day menu in an alfresco setting. Try the classic egg and bacon roll on Turkish, the tasty ham and cheese croissant or scrambled eggs on toasted sourdough. The chicken avocado on Turkish is delicious and a house favourite. Perfect venue for cake with co�ee, fresh juice and look for blackboard specials.

SEASN TERRACE CAFÉ

◼ Breakfast - Lunch - Jindabyne Ph 0451 800 671

Visit the newly fitted out rustic and relaxed Seasn Cafe with lake views serving up Canberra’s finest speciality ONA Co�ee. Raspberry candy is one to try if you haven’t yet?

The sweet potato hash stack benedict with your choice of bacon, salmon or avo is a crowd favourite and so is the nourish bowl that is packed with nutrition and vibrance which also has the option to be vegetarian or vegan. Great alfresco atmosphere.

WELL. THAT’S A WRAP. WE’VE PUT SUMMER BEHIND US AND NOW BUSY RAMPING-UP FOR AUTUMN. THIS NATURALLY MEANS A FEW ALTERATIONS TO OUR SEASONAL MENU WE’LL CONTINUE TO SERVE-UP COFFEES AND TASTY, HEALTHY (AND HEARTY), MEALS & TREATS ALL MADE IN-HOUSE USING THE FINEST LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS, BEFITTING THE UPCOMING

TUSCANY IN DALGETY

◼ Lunch Only - Bookings call 6456 5060

Autumn weekend lunch with a scenic drive is all part of the charm at Tuscany in Dalgety. Multiple share plate choices including steamed ginger prawn dumplings and Peking duck pancakes, both delicious and perfect with a glass of white wine. The Spanish style garlic prawns or tiger prawns tossed in chilli Napoli sauce are house favourites. Excellent dessert choices including pecan pie and the ladies will love the fashion shop.

LITTLE MESSA

◼ Lunch - Dinner - Jindabyne

Little Messa serves great flavoursome fresh Greek street food with an array of tempting burgers and Yiros. Try the zeus burger or the apollo burger with double angus beef and double cheese, or the Hellenic southern fried chicken burger. Traditional Yiros choices wrapped in pita of lamb, chicken or haloumi, plus vegan options, and add a side of cauliflower bites or Greek salad. Little Messa is licenced plus serves great co�ee and milkshakes.

BASECAMP CAFÉ

◼ Breakfast - Lunch - Guthega Ph 0458 931 521

Spectacular views to Guthega Dam and alpine region plus great food makes the Basecamp Café your perfect venue for alpine breakfast and lunch. Stop in for delicious gourmet pies, co�ee and cake or the popular nourish bowl, perfect after your Snowies Alpine Trail hike. The pulled pork porker, Kosci wrap and panini choices are all delicious and a cold Jindabyne Brewing craft beer is a perfect match to relax in the alpine atmosphere.

JINDABYNE EMPORIUM

◼ Lunch - Dinner Ph 0438 427 680

Succulent burgers and the best comfort food in the mountains is what you find every day for lunch and dinner at Jindabyne Emporium. Choose from beef, mushroom, Jindy fried burger, pig mac or the vegan jackfruit burger plus a side of fries. The corn ribs tossed in creole spice are sensational. Ideal family venue, just venture upstairs and dine with lake views.

JINDABYNE BOWLING CLUB

◼ Lunch - Dinner Ph 6456 2133

Casual relaxed environment with scenic lake views for lunch and dinner, plus the kids play zone. For lunch the Szechuan squid or prawn cutlets are ideal. For dinner the Thai beef salad and chicken parmigiana are popular, or from the grill the 500g pork ribs or juicy scotch fillet steak with chips and salad are delicious. Members also receive discounts.

ELSEWHERE JINDABYNE

◼ Dinner Ph 0426 799 445

A unique atmosphere with funky Asian cuisine, visit Elsewhere Jindabyne for fresh tasty dishes. Try the slammin pork torcino skewers or the deep fried house spiced Chicken pinjoy with banana ketchup. The Filipino eggplant or chicken bao buns are popular and Ube brownie for dessert. Great cocktail choices and fully licensed and located in the Jindy Inn.

C.B.D COffEE, BEAtS, DRINkS

◼ Breakfast - Lunch - Jindabyne

Looking for great coffee with a relaxing Jindabyne vista in a unique environment, then C.B.D in the Town Centre is your new venue. Located on the corner as you drive in, dine on scrumptious ham, cheese and tomato toasties as you sip on superb coffee. Plus, they serve great cocktails, the best local Jindabyne Brewing beers in a secluded courtyard.

Great Food with Sensational Lake Views

JINDABYNE BREWING

◼ Lunch - Dinner Wed-Fri 3-9pm. Sat-Sun 12-9pm.

Great atmosphere, beer vats as your backdrop, great food and locally brewed craft beer is all you need to celebrate the autumn season. The lamb skewers and grilled Szechuan calamari are perfect shared plates and melt in your mouth and the veal schnitzel if you have an appetite. The grazing board is ideal to share or the pulled pork chips for a snack. Plus choose from numerous craft beer flavours on tap, cheers.

BANJO PATERSON INN

◼ Lunch - Dinner - Jindabyne Ph 6456 2372

Multiple dining options at the Banjo, the Clancy’s Brasserie with its stylish new refurbishment an ideal venue for lunch and dinner serving all your favourite dishes. The roasted pumpkin and beetroot salad a great choice, the slow cooked lamb shanks or veal schnitzel popular and the grill serves the best steaks in town.

Upstairs the Overflow bar o�ers casual dining for the whole family with great flavourful pizzas and juicy burgers. The cider and chipotle braised pulled pork burger a favourite or the Cajun chicken pizza a popular choice. Try the Kosciuszko Pale Ale on tap.

SHUT THE GATE BERRIDALE

◼ Gourmet Food + Wine Ph 6456 4601

Autumn is the perfect season for wine tasting with nibbles, and Shut The Gate in Berridale is your prefect location. Select from gourmet cheeses, pate’s, the finest artisan crackers and scrumptious breads to create your own menu masterpiece. Then choose your favourite wine and venture to the relaxed setting of the chill garden, a surprise venue to all newcomers. The stylish wine tasting lounge is a must visit.

LAKE CRACKENBACK RESORT

◼ Brunch - Lunch - Dinner Alpine Larder 6451 3060

Casual relaxed dining and great food greets you at Alpine Larder Café. Try the deluxe bacon and egg roll for brunch and the salt and pepper squid a tasty lunch choice. The tender sirloin or battered whiting fillet are popular for dinner and the family will love the woodfired pizza options, the margherita and Hawaiian all very tasty.

THREDBO Dining guiDe

DISCOVERY CENTRE CAFÉ COOMA

◼ Breakfast - Brunch - Lunch 8am-4.30pm

Absorb the history of the mighty Snowy Scheme plus enjoy the spacious café for just coffee or something more. After browsing the memorabilia, sit down and enjoy tasty pies, sausage rolls, a delectable cake with your barista made coffee or a selection of freshly made sandwiches and rolls. Very relaxed setting with outside lawn area for the kids.

THE DENMAN THREDBO

◼ Après + Dinner PH 6457 6222

The Après Bar is your starting venue for fresh oysters, calamari fritti or the deli-man board for autumn après. For dinner, the Terrace Restaurant is a Thredbo favourite with confit pork belly or smoked trout croquettes for entrée. The Parisian gnocchi puttanesca, pan seared barramundi or juicy tender eye fillet steak perfect dinner choices.

SANTE THREDBO

◼ Dinner - Bookings via santethredbo.com Ph 6457 6083

Vibrant restaurant in Thredbo’s Village Square, start with the panko cauliflower arancini or garlic lime and chilli pan seared prawns for entree. The wagyu beef grain fed steaks are Sante signature dishes, the eye fillet with marble score AA 9+ a perfect choice, or the sirloin and rump. The sumac duck breast or prawn and blue cod moqueca are delicious.

CASCADES THREDBO

◼ Breakfast - Dinner Ph 6459 4270

Popular Thredbo venue offering a selection of healthy and hearty breakfast choices and modern cuisine for dinner from head chef Seb Doyle. The sauteed gnocchi or pork cutlet are great choices, and the chef’s choice steak served medium rare with truffled mashed potato and charred broccolini will melt in your mouth and the lemon cheesecake cocktail for dessert.

LOCAL PUB THREDBO

◼ Lunch + Dinner Ph 6459 4200

Casual dining ideal for the family, the Local Pub has all your favourites. Graze and share with pork gyoza or chicken wings and nachos. Try the caesar salad, garlic prawn skewers and tasty burgers including the vege burg, plus the classic chicken schnitzel with rainbow slaw is popular. Steak lovers will love the 250g grain fed chargrilled porterhouse steak.

BACCO

◼ Lunch - Dinner - Jindabyne - Restaurant 6456 1420 - Pizza 6457 1080

Vibrant and popular restaurant in Nuggets Crossing, start with great entrée options, calamari and pickled zucchini with rocket or beef and mozzarella arancini. The panned seared snapper with tomato, rosemary and green olive with grilled polenta or the tagliatelle with braised pork shoulder ragu, tomato and fennel seed will both be great main choices. A favourite venue for takeaway pizza and pasta with great options to suit all tastes. Try the popular traditional special and Hawaiian, or gourmet roast vegetable pizza, or spaghetti prawns is a favourite takeaway pasta.

Hottest

HOLLY GO LIGHTLY

◼ Après and Dinner

- Jindabyne

Welcome to Hollys, Jindabyne’s hottest new venue where beer garden beverages, vino, cocktails including the margarita and expresso martini, great burgers and friendly vibe greet you each visit. A tasty range of southern American style street food with burgers the menu heroes. Try the best chicken burger, beef, bacon and cheese, the tasty portobello mushroom or the Go Lightly fish sambo. The cauliflower bites and beef empanada are also fantastic. Great selection of craft beers to quench any thirst and keep an eye on their socials for DJ’s and autumn menu specials.

Shop 10, Nuggets Crossing - Jindabyne, NSW 2627

TRANSPORT

reliable local private transport service available all year throughout the snowy Mountains.

Available in Winter & Summer providing private vehicle transfers between Jindabyne, Thredbo, Perisher & Charlotte Pass

Airport transfers available from Cooma & Canberra airports

Secure Park & Ride transport options available

Ski & MTB Shuttles

Hikers & Back Country Transfers

Phone: 0455 577 478

E: info@snowconnect.com.au

www.snowconnect.com.au

lANDScAPiNG SERVicES

Digital Grade Dirt

Grading services & Driveway specialists

Grading and Shaping all Types of Gravel Driveways

New and Existing Rural Driveways Winding Driveways

 Hillside Driveways  Decorative Driveways

Tom Jungmayr (East Jindabyne)

P: 0421 704 160

UNDERGROUND UTiliTY lOcATiNG

Accurately locating all underground utilities for water, sewer, power, gas and communications.

• Fully Certified DBYD (Dial Before You Dig) Locators - Telstra & Optus

Accredited

• Radio Detection equipment

• Vacuum Excavation (non-destructive)

• A range of reporting options

• Servicing Snowy Mountains, ACT & South Coast. contact: Andrew 0429 899 777 Email: info@livelocates.com.au www.livelocates.com.au

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

KiTchENS & BAThROOmS

tumut Valley Kitchens

• Supplying the Snowy Mountains region with the Highest Quality custom built kitchens.

• Individual 3D computer aided kitchen design.

• Kitchens, Bathrooms, Stone benchtops, Farmers kitchens, Wardrobes, Vanities.

• Follow on Facebook & Instagram: Tumut Valley Kitchens

• Lic. 232913C

Ph: (02) 6947 3004 • 1/180 Adelong Road Tumut Email: tvk05@bigpond.net.au tumutvalleykitchens.com

BAThROOm & wATERPROOFiNG

start 2 Finish

• Waterproofing & Leaking Shower Repairs.

cABiN AccOmmODATiON

Anglers reach Lakeside Village

• 20 fully equipped self-contained cabins on Lake Eucumbene.

• Ideal location to stay all year round.

• Perfect in summer for trout fishing, mt biking, cycling, hiking • 4WDriving, bushwalking, wild brumbies spotting.

• Suited for large groups, team building, school or family reunions. contact michael & Sal | Ph : 02 6454 2276

3 illawong Road, Anglers Reach NSw 2629 info@anglersreachcabins.com.au www.anglersreachcabins.com.au

KiTchENS – BAThROOmS – JOiNERY

DLc Joinery

UPhOlSTERY

scHuLZ uPHoLstery

• Custom made sofas

• Re - upholstery

• Soft furnishing

-Sofa beds - bedheads - ottomans - cushions

• Foam cut to size

Over 30 Years in Business

Phone Adam Schulz 0408 975 457

Factory & showroom

30 Lee Avenue, Leesville estate, Jindabyne

Highest Quality Kitchens and Joinery based in Jindabyne

• Custom Design & Built Kitchens, Wardrobes & Bathroom Vanities

• Solid Timber Woodwork

• Utilising World’s Number 1 Design Software and Computer-Controlled Machinery

• Fully Licensed all Work Guaranteed LIC 222989C

Phone: Dean Linton 02 6456 1536

PEST cONTROl Hammond Pest Management

Locally owned and operated business in Jindabyne & Snowy Mountains region.

• Experienced Reliable Professional Service

• Pest Management

• Termite Barriers

• Expert Advice

• Testing Bird Control

• Email: dean@dlcjindabyne.com.au

ATV & OVERSNOw VEhiclES

terrence’s oversnow & AtV

• Deodorising

• Inspections/Protection

• Family run business

• 10yrs experience

Phone: 02 6457 2713 or 0404 446 334

E: info@hammondpests.com.au www.hammondpests.com.au

cONVEYANciNG

Denise Ackary conveyancing

With over 10 years of experience we offer a professional alternative to having your property transaction handled by a Solicitor.

Areas of expertise include:

• Contract for Sale preparation for Sellers

• Contract for Sale review for Purchasers

Residential property - Strata properties - Rural Land - Vacant

Land - Subdivisions • First Home Owner’s - Thredbo Subleases - Lake Crackenback Resort.

Phone: (02) 6457 1863 Suite 7/3 Gippsland St, (2nd Floor - The Office Hub) Jindabyne www.dackaryconveyancing.com

Servicing JINDABYNE AND THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

• Specialists in all types of Waterproofing including new homes, bathrooms and decks, plus waterproofing certificates supplied. is your shower leaking?

Servicing JINDABYNE AND THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS Servicing JINDABYNE AND THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

WATER PROOFING + LEAKING SHOWERS PLUS ALL BATHROOMS; GROUT AND DECK REPAIRS LIC. 71602C

• Fix leaking showers, grout repairs and tiling services.

• Established 1994 - Licence No 71602c contact mark 0417 652 575 start2finishbathrooms@gmail.com

LIC. 71602C Specialists

PH: 0417 652 575 start2finishbathrooms@gmail.com Specialists IN WATER PROOFING + LEAKING SHOWERS PLUS ALL BATHROOMS; GROUT AND DECK REPAIRS

<<< FRONT OF TRAILER FRONT OF TRAILER >>>

REAR OF TRAILER FRONT OF TRAILER

• Now doing automotive repairs on all makes & models

• Sales - Service - Spare Parts

• Agents for Yamaha Snowmobiles

• Argo & Polaris ATV’s - Husqvarna - Rover - Cub Cadet

• Repair & service of all types of ATV’s, snowmobiles, horse floats, mowers, tractors, small engines.

• Second hand machine sales

to ThREDBO PlUmBiNG SERVicES OB NO: 3793 DIELINE N/A Rockerfella INDUSTRIES 1/15 PERCY HARRIS ST. LEESVILLE ESTATE JINDABYNE NSW 2627 0416 284 719 blaze@rockerfellaindustries.com

cnr lee Ave & Baggs St leesville, Jindabyne

Phone: 02 6456 2222 Fax: 02 6456 2200

Email: terrences1@bigpond.com

Terrence’s Oversnow & ATV lOcKSmiTh Jindabyne Lock & Key opening the Doors to the snowy Mountains • Automotive  Spare Key  Lost Keys  Locked Out • Residential and Commercial • Digital and Electronic Locks Master Lic 000 104 627 Phone: 0411 617 937 Email: jindabynelocksmith@bigpond.com PO Box 186, Jindabyne NSW 2627

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Move Mountains Physio

• Holistic whole-body physio to treat the root cause of your problem.

• Chronic, recurrent and stubborn injuries.

• Acute injuries and post-op rehab.

• Specialising in snowsports, riding, running, hiking and contact sport injuries.

• Treatment available in-clinic and online via video link.

4 Gippsland Street, Jindabyne

Phone: 0436 307 639

Email: admin@movemountainsphysio.com

Website: movemountainsphysio.com

MEDICAL SERVICES

Jindabyne Medical Practice

Excellence in Healthcare for our Community

CUSTOM BLINDS AND WINDOW COVERINGS

We supply and install quality, custom-made window coverings across the Snowy Mountains.

• Roller Blinds and Day/ Night Blinds

• Roman Blinds (Standard and Classic)

• Venetians (Aluminium/PVC/Timber)

• Plantation Shutters • French Woven Blinds

• Sheer and Blockout Curtains

Residential and Commercial Experience

suppliers: National Blind Suppliers, Capitol Shutters, Peter Meyer Blinds, Warwick Fabrics, Wilson Fabrics

Free measure and quote: Meagan Cutcliffe 0477 047 331

Email: jindabyneblindlady@gmail.com

• Full range of GP Services from experienced GP’s and nurses • X-ray - Bulk Billed

• Fracture and injury management

• Elements Skin Cancer Clinic

• Paediatrician and Orthopaedics

• Telehealth availability for eligible patients • Flu and other Immunisations

• Covid 19 Vaccination Accredited Provider

• Refer to website for all opening hours Integrated service with HealthOne - previously Community Health GP (Super Clinic) | 5 Thredbo Terrace Jindabyne | Phone: 6457 1221

Online bookings available | www.jindabynemedical.com.au

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Conveniently located within High Country Fitness gym, patients enjoy free use of the gym facilities whilst being treated by a physiotherapist.

Appointments: 02 6456 1476

Address: 1 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

Online Appointments: www.elevatephysio.com.au

PHARMACY

summer opening Hours

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM saturday & sunday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• All Prescriptions Welcome

• All Compounding Prescriptions Welcome

• Try our Famous Alpine Pain Gel

• Australia’s Biggest Range of Knee Braces

NEGOTIATION

your negotiator

• Workplace mediation and dispute resolution

• Negotiation

• Community Consultation

• Group Strategy Facilitation

NMAS Accredited

NSW Small Business Commission Mediation Panel

Phone: 0419 419 149 Email: edwina@yournegotiator.com.au

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Co-working space with desks, meeting and conference rooms in a professional, quiet and air-conditioned location.

• Workspace: Flexible plans for desks by the hour, day/s, season & full time.

• Meeting Rooms: 4 & 10 person meeting rooms with 50” smart TV & whiteboards.

RETREAT

your energy evolution

Snowies Healing Retreats

Relax, Connect & Reset

• Meditation & hypnotherapy

• Sound healing & drumming

Yoga

• Breathwork

• Bushwalks

Ph: 0419 419 149

• River & Waterfall swims

TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)

• Shamanic healings & Channelling

• Australian Dreaming Wheel

• Delicious, vegetarian meals

E: edwina@edwinagriffin.com www.healingretreat.com.au

MEDICAL SERVICES

snowy Mountains

Medical centre

Full General Practice Service including:

• In house X-ray facility

• Acute injury management

• Immunisations, Travel medicine

• Skin checks, minor surgical procedures

• Wound care

• Nutraceuticals & Vitamins

• Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Range of LEGO

• Masks - Great Prices

Conveniently located Upstairs at Nuggets Crossing

Phone: 6456 2977

Fax your prescription to 6456 1095

Email Prescription to: jindabynerx@gmail.com

Open every day of the year

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Peak Physio Plus

Bruce Wilson

M.Hlth.Sci.Spo.Phty

• Highly experienced Physiotherapist

• 20 years in the Snowies

• New fully equipped premises in Berridale

• HICAPS instant health fund rebates

• Fast, reliable WiFi with comfortable breakout space for informal meetings. Entry next to the Commonwealth Bank ATM, Nugget’s Crossing. Book your visit online at jindyworkspace.com.au

• In house pathology collection

Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

Rockerfell INDUSTRIES

Phone: 02 8320 0588 Email: hello@jindyworkspace.com.au

WELLBEING

Learn Meditation

Increase your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, in a safe, calm environment.

• Wednesday 10am “The Shed” Lake Crackenback Resort

• Saturday 9am Jindabyne Library

• Beginners, groups and private classes available

• Deepak Chopra Certified Instructor

Bookings via phone Call Karin 0432 844 075

KARIN 0432 844 075

@meditationwithkarin Meditation with me

• Diabetes management

PH: 6456 2545 | Nuggets Crossing, Jindabyne (Upstairs opposite the Pharmacy)

PHYSIOTHERAPY

snowy Mountains Physiotherapy

• Sports Physiotherapy

• Back and Neck Pain

• Pre Operative

• No referral necessary

opening hours to Monday-thursday 9:00am -5:30pm

Phone: 02 6456 3993

1/72 Jindabyne Rd, Berridale

Centre Future Snowy Alpine Heritage

By STEVE CUFF

The Snowy Mountains is recognised as an iconic region of Australia with a long, fascinating and incredibly important history. There is no one venue housing this information and the Snowy Alpine Heritage Association have a desire to document and showcase that history via a new heritage centre.

The idea evolved decades prior from the Man from Snowy River Awards, and the association, formed in 2006, have been working in the background gaining momentum with their endeavour to make the project a reality.

Jindabyne’s Tom Barry and Leisa Caldwell have been key driving forces behind the project. On board more recently is Wayne Kirkpatrick who has a wealth of tourism experience having previously been Thredbo Managing Director, on the board of Tourism Australia, the board of Tourism Tasmania plus several years as Chairperson for Tourism Snowy Mountains.

In 2019 Jindabyne consultancy business TRC Tourism completed a feasibility study on behalf of the Snowy Alpine Heritage Centre.

The association presented the feasibility study to the NSW Government for consideration in their 40-year Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct (SAP) master plan. The association believed their project was viably strong both financially, plus ticked all the boxes of the 40-year SAP vision.

After all, a new heritage centre would create a tourism product that would entice a new demographic outside of the outdoor summer tourists, and the snow

season visitors. The beauty being though, hundreds of thousands of existing annual visitors would add financial viability to the project. It will be a world class, unique attraction that broadens appeal of the region in summer and a much needed activity during inclement weather in winter.

The association was very disappointed they rated only a mere mention in the final master plan. And no glimpse of any funding. The location proposed was within the new Mountain Bike Adventure Park precinct on the Alpine Way overlooking Lake Jindabyne. This co-location sharing car parking, water, power installation, will reduce infrastructure costs for both projects plus the café in the heritage centre will service all visitors to the site.

“We have now reached a critical point and crossroads where we either keep on going or we give up. To put it bluntly, coming back to the community, do you want us to go on,” Tom Barry stated in January 2023.

“As a community do you want us to go on. If you do, let’s start not just showing your support, but having your support. It is one thing to show it, it’s another thing to give it.”

The association have just created a website where they will further inform the public of their project. Plus, they need to garner support from the wider community as they seek grant funding going forward.

In summary, the Snowy Alpine Heritage Centre would be a grand style of building catering to main galleries showcasing the entire history spectrum of the Snowy Mountains. From the Aboriginal people as the first peoples, early European settlers and explorers, the pioneers, the cattleman of the high country, the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme to the

evolving snow industry that followed. It will be a high tech, immersive, experiential centre, it won’t be the archetypal museum with static displays.

“We have letters of support for the project from various historical societies, both state and national, and the various ski museums, there is a groundswell of support behind, we just need to put it up in the spotlight again,” said Wayne Kirkpatrick.

“Clearly there was some infrastructure necessary to support population growth, but the essence of the SAP was to generate tourism visitation outside of winter,” commented Wayne on his bemusement of the SAP rejection of inclusion.

They are currently in the process to update their 2019 feasibility study to current financial status, hopefully with the support of the NSW Government. Another goal is to employ an historian who can capture more stories and compile information.

“I have advocated to the Deputy Premier to support the Snowy Alpine Heritage Centre with $25,000 towards their business case - this will be a huge step to assist the further progress of the concept

of the Snowy Alpine Heritage Centre,” said Member for Monaro Nichole Overall.”

“I acknowledge the hard work by Tom Barry and the Snowy Heritage team in looking to establish this amazing visitor experience that has incredible potential for economic and social benefits for our region.”

They have also reached out to Iris White, a Monero Traditional Custodian and Knowledge Holder who is fully supportive of the project. The heritage centre would house much of the Aboriginal history in one prime location.

“I think that it would be a real opportunity to share our traditional and historical information. We’ve got our history, but we’ve also got the shared history. And that will tell our stories, and I think it’s important that those stories are told. I think that there could be no better place than something like that heritage centre, to be able to facilitate the telling of those stories,” said Iris White.

“I just think it would be a great opportunity for not just our traditional history, but also, our contemporary and shared histories to be able to share that with the broader community.”

Connecting with our Planet, our People, and our Commmunity

At Alsco, sustainability is our guiding principle. We recognise that becoming a sustainable business is about connecting with our People, our Planet and our Community.

It’s about looking after those less fortunate, sourcing products ethically, minimising waste, caring for our customers and employees and just generally doing good work and doing the right thing.

We have created 4 Big Bold, meaningful goals to reach by 2030, and we’re committed to working with our customers, our employees, our suppliers and the community, to create positive change and build a sustainable future.

To learn more about Sustainability at Alsco, visit our Sustainability Page via QR code or www.alsco.com.au/sustainability

◼ An artist impression from the heritage centre feasibility study.