Paramedics to hit the ground in Young
Following continued consultations Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced more than twenty additional paramedics will be deployed throughout the Cootamundra electorate to strengthen the region’s frontline emergency workforce.
Sixteen paramedics will be based out of Young while seven will be stationed in Temora, with all to commence work in the coming weeks.
MsCooke welcomed the announcement, stating increased resources are urgently needed across regional and rural New South Wales.
“Any investment which aims to improve health outcomes for residents within the Cootamundra electorate is a wel-
come one,” Ms Cooke said.
“In an emergency, every minute counts. It’s my hope that today’s announcement will reduce wait times and improve the level of care provided to local patients.”
Last week it was announced by the NSW Government that 125 paramedics have been deployed across regional and rural NSW, as part of the State Government’s Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, following 125 starting last year as part of the program aiming for 500 over a four year period.
“Removing essential drugs and equipment from nonCategory A and B ambulance stations and vehicles is putting lives at risk,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our Intensive Care Paramedics’ have the knowledge to perform lifesaving care, but the Government continues to keep their hands tied.”
The Health Services Union has welcomed the rollout of the second phase of extra paramedics for regional New South Wales.
paramedics. Communities in the bush deserve the same level of care as the major centres and cities,” Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes said.
“This will help ensure they get that care.
“This is also about ensuring paramedics are supported in their jobs.
medics to Tamworth, Moree, Young, Blayney, Deniliquin and Temora.
The 500 paramedics are being rolled out over a four year period, and are set to improve response times and patient outcomes in regional and rural communities.
Ms Cooke however said the fight to return vital intensive care resources to ambulance stations across the Cootamundra electorate continues.
An additional 125 paramedics will start working across the state over the coming months, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s promise to deliver 500 extra paramedics to the bush.
“Our paramedics are hardworking all-rounders that rural communities rely heavily on. More staff means better response times, and will help avoid burn-out.”
The first tranche of paramedics started working last year, in locations including Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Albury.
“An extra 500 paramedics is a great start, but we would like to see Specialised Paramedics rolled out as part of this commitment,” Mr Hayes said.
“Sometimes, an ambulance service is all the community has if it’s remote, so we need highly skilled people in those areas.”
“We welcome the second stage of this rollout of more
Consultations are also underway to get more para-
Specialised paramedics receive additional training to perform more complex medical treatment and care.
Security Doors
MADE TO MEASURE AND INSTALLED
DA for Young Cemetery approved
Hilltops Council voted unanimously to approve a development application (DA) for the establishment of a cemetery accommodating up to 1,650 double depth burial plots, amenities building, maintenance shed and boundary fencing at 145 Thornhill Street, Young.
Hilltops Council Director of Planning Jamie Dyhrberg made the recommendation that Council grant consent for the DA which consists of a 6.43ha development site that encompasses ve lots.
“It’s been a while coming,” Mayor Brian Ingram said before moving the recommendation.
“I am not going to say too much about this because the sooner I get the majority of the hands in the air the work can start.”
Cr Mary Dodd welcomed the addition of accessible car parking.
“I was pleased to see that there’s extra accessible parking proposed, because I think that’s a really goof idea,” Cr Dodd said.
Deputy Mayor Tony Flanery congratulated the sta , however, did have a few comments on the aesthetics.
“I congratulate the sta on bringing this forward,” he said.
“I would like to see a couple of things, rstly, I’d like to see something more aesthetically pleasing that a Colorbond shed, but I guess we need some sort of storage, but what other options would there be and what costing do we have on it?”
Mr Dyhrberg explained that the details will be ‘attended to via the landscape plan’.
“The hat we’re wearing today is in our regulatory capacity of approving the DA,” he said.
“We are not, from a planning perspective, actually interested in the optimal design, it’s the design that the applicant has put forward to get their DA consent.”
Mr Dyhrberg said the aesthetics could be dealt with a er consent for the DA had been approved.
Deputy Mayor Flanery asked if the proposed Chapel should have been included in the DA application and was told that it would be considered at a future stage with the Master Plan and was le from this application to simplify the process.
“If we approve this today, how soon will it all begin?” Deputy Mayor Flanery asked.
“Preliminary works will start this nancial year, but the main construction won’t start until 2526 nancial year,” Director of Infrastructure Duncan McGregor said.
Cr Fiona Douglas asked if Council had looked to the future.
“We also looked at our plans for the future, so once we build this and we ll that one up, we looked at areas around that to grow,” she said.
Mr Dyhrberg said the cemetery when fully designed has capacity for around 100 years and will be suitable for the ‘foreseeable future’.
The recommendation was then put to a vote with Cr Dodd, Cr Langeld, Cr Blackwell, Cr Davis, Cr Mackay, Cr Douglas, Cr Flanery and Cr Ingram who were all in attendance voting to approve the DA.
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Cameras capture conservation wins
Southern Tablelands landholders are hoping to catch a glimpse of rare and endangered species on their properties with a new initiative launched by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
A workshop was delivered as part of the Land Libraries program at the Clover Leigh Golf Club in Young this month, giving 19 landholders the equipment and skills to monitor species on their conservation areas and log them on the online platform NatureMapr.
The information they collect will be used to guide management of their conservation area, as well as support ecological research, feed into future conservation decision making and underpin government policy making.
Each landholder was loaned wildlife cameras and audio recorders to capture evidence of the biodiversity of fauna on their properties.
The images and audio will be veri ed using a combination of Arti cial Intelligence, manual validation by BCT ecologists, and con rmation by NatureMapr expert moderators before being added to the biodiversity database NSW BioNet.
Participants are among the 1,700+ existing landholders across NSW that have permanent conservation agreements on their land.
This means the native vegetation on their properties is protected forever and the conservation area is registered on their land’s title.
They carry out regular maintenance activities like weed control to protect the environment and provide habitat for important native species.
“Empowering landholders to capture this information provides them with instant feedback on their e orts to protect our precious environment,” NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust Education Team Leader Alice McGrath said.
“Knowing all that hard work is paying o , and our important native species are bene ting, is a real boost to them, personally, but also to our state’s scienti c data on native species and their distribution” she said.
Landholders interested in learning about how the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust supports conservation on private land can visit bct.nsw.gov.au, or phone 1300 992 688.
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Unapproved restricted access vehicle roads identified by Council
At the February 2025 Hill tops Council ordinary meet ing a question was taken on notice asking for a list of roads that trucking compa nies use outside their per mits, with a report submitted to Council at the March 2025 ordinary meeting identifying 11 roads that have possibly been accessed without ap proval or authorisation.
A restricted access vehi cle can be assessed on its total length, weight includ ing what it is carrying, to tal width, total heigh or any combination of those factors.
Most commonly restricted access vehicles include B Doubles, A Doubles, Road Trains, Stock oats (height clearances), cranes, over width, controlled access for buses, Defence Force vehicles, concrete pumps, bucket trucks, truck mounted boring rigs and large over length/width loads such as wind farm components.
According to the report to Council restricted access vehicles need a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) issued permit or must travel a route that has been assessed and approved for use for that vehicle type.
Council uses tra c counter data and used suitable data collected over the past three years to identify suspected unapproved restricted access vehicle trips on 11 roads:
- Frogmore Road
- Grassy Creek Road
- Jugiong Road (South to Futter Park Road)
- Kenyu Road
- Kingsvale Road (Young to Boundary Road)
- Murringo Road
- Murringo Gap Road (Murringo to Chews Lane)
- Old Forbes Road
- Rugby Road
- Rye Park Road
The full report had a breakdown of approved routes and the ndings from monitoring with a number of what appeared to be unauthorised movements along the roads above.
“Council will continue to monitor data to identify priority areas for enforcement actions or road upgrades,” the report reads. “Any enforcement action would need to be undertaken by the South East Weight of
Loads Group, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator or NSW Police Force.”
At the March meeting Cr Flanery asked for an amendment that another report come back.
“Can we have another report come back with a list of outstanding applications for heavy vehicle access, because I think this report’s missed the mark,” he said.
Cr Flanery went on to say that he thought the original question was asked to nd out what heavy vehicle access is being utilised or required throughout the Council.
“I was particularly alarmed when I saw that follow up action will be for enforcement at Council on page 455,” he said.
“I think the frustration of heavy vehicle operators is their lack of access, not to be further logged on being
on the roads that they may choose to run down in trying to do their jobs.
“I note somewhere else in the report it says agriculture is the main industry of this Hilltops Council so we need to nd out what applications are in and what roads we need to look at upgrading or doing improvements on.”
Cr James Blackwell questioned if it is in Council’s ‘capacity’ to upgrade the roads and maintain them to the standard they would need to
be to sustain the heavy vehicle access.
He also asked ‘to what extent should we consider people who may actually want less truck capacity on their road?’
He gave Murringo Gap Road as an example.
“To what extent is this something we can event take action in ownership of feasibly in terms of our budget and our organisational capacity, but also in terms of are we looking at managing
roads that actually aren’t safe for vehicles and perhaps residents concerns about trucking?”
Director of Infrastructure
Duncan McGregor said that it is Council’s responsibility.
“As the road authority to ensure that only the vehicles that can safely use a road are using that road,” Mr McGregor said.
“So certainly, some of our roads would be cost prohibitive to upgrade to the required standards for restricted access vehicles, but a lot of them also conversely wouldn’t.
“The rst step is to assess the road comprehensively, and we’re actually being included in a program run by Transport for NSW in terms of pre-classifying roads so that less operators have to go through the permit application process to get access.
“However, that’s a process that we’re very early on, so it’ll take time to get into that program fully so that access is streamlined.”
The report can be read in the Hilltops Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 26 March 2025 in section 12.9 on page 451.
Cr Fiona Douglas also asked a question to the director in relation to the Milvale Road truck stop which the Director took on notice and will bring back to Council.
PFA testing in Boorowa returns below risk results
As part of Council’s ongoing commitment to provide a continuous drinking water supply that meets the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), sample analysis for PFAS (per- and poly- uoroalkyl – substances) was conducted on the Boorowa water supply system in November 2024.
PFAS is a group of chemicals commonly used in a variety of consumer products which include food packaging and industrial processes and can be present in soil and water in the environment.
The results of the testing showed that the levels of PFAS in the Boorowa water supply were well below the current limits set in both the current and proposed new Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG), con rming that the water is safe to drink.
Please nd a summary of ndings in the below table:
While these results are well below levels of risk, Council will continue to work closely with the regulators to ensure the ongoing quality and safety of the community’s water supply.
For further information in relation to PFAS please refer to the following:
NSW Government Information and Updates: www.nsw.gov.au/pfas
NSW Health Additional Information: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/Pages/pfas.aspx
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Review of PFAS: https://www. nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/environmental-health/water/PFAS-review
Bribbaree water supply options to come back in October
Hilltops Council received a report on supply options for water for the village of Bribbaree at its most recent Ordinary meeting held in Young.
According to the report presented to Councillors on July 24, 2024 Council resolved to investigate the feasibility of transfer of the Bribbaree water supply to Council.
“On 14 February 2024 Council received the nal report into options for village water supply across Hilltops,” the report read.
“The report included a conservative estimate for the cost of bringing the Bribbaree water supply up to industry standards and provide human health protection of $2.43 million including contingency and development of a new surface water supply.”
The summary went on to say that collecting more information about the condition of existing components of the system could result in a ‘signi cant’ estimate cost reduction given the limited
asset information.
“Some treatment is required even if the water supply is considered non-potable, to protect against human impacts from exposures other than drinking, such as inhalation or aerosols, eye and skin contact.” the summary read.
“The cost estimate includes raw water supply, treatment and renewal of degraded distribution infrastructure.”
Cr James Blackwell ques-
tioned the Director of Infrastructure, Duncan McGregor, what still needed to be done and who needed to be spoken to in regards to the report as it ‘didn’t read to be a lot of answers in this report.’
“Good luck with the answer,” Mayor Brian Ingram said before Mr McGregor responded with ‘thank you Mr Mayor.’
“In short this report is provided to this meeting because there was a Council resolution to provide a re-
port,” Mr McGregor said.
“It is an update as you noted, and the information that we don’t yt have and that we will be seeking is information from the Association (Bribbaree Water and Progress Association) about the state of their assets and their customer base.”
Mayor Ingram explained to Cr Blackwell that the issue isn’t a new one.
“I can tell you Cr Blackwell, this has been an ongoing issue for a number of years,”
the Mayor said.
“It’s very in-depth and there’s no easy x.” Deputy Mayor Tony Flanery asked that he move an amendment that a report be brought back to Council in October.
Councillors voted unanimously to resolve that the report be received and noted and that a report be brought back to the October Ordinary Meeting.
HILLTOPS COUNCIL
YOUR COUNCIL - YOUR NEWS HILLTOPS COUNCIL
PLANNED COUNCIL WORKS
UNTIL WEEK ENDING THURSDAY 10/04/2025
The following planned works are underway in the Hilltops Council areas:
ROADWORKS
Maintenance Grading
• Back Jugiong Road
• Bennett Springs Road
• Calabash Street
• Cocomingla Lane
• Creamery Road
• Jerrybang Lane
• Little Plains Road
• Newington Road
• Nindi Rd
Gravel Re-sheeting
• Back Jugiong Road
• Bennett Springs Road
• Cocomingla Lane
OPEN SPACES
Mowing Ovals/ Maintenance
• Alfred Oval
• Cranfield Oval
• Cullen Oval
• Doolan Oval
• Hall Bros Oval
• McLean Oval
• Recreational Oval
• Roberts Park
• Sawpit Gully Oval
• Showground – Fields
Mowing/Maintenance Parks
• Anderson Park
• Arboretum Park
• Carrington Park
• Chinaman Dam
• Coddington Park
• Dr Kelf Park
• Newson Park
• Recreation Park
• Rintoul Park
• River Walk
Line Marking Cricket Pitches / Ovals
• Athletics tracks
• Football Fields
• Rugby Union
• Soccer fields
• Touch Football fields
CBD Works
• Bins checked / rubbish picked up
• CBD Boorowa, Harden and Young
• Cleaning public toilets
• Garden maintenance – town parks
• Playground inspections / maintenance
Cemeteries
• Funerals
• Lawn Cemetery Boorowa/Young /Harden
Maintenance
• Monumental Cemeteries Boorowa / Harden / Young
• Slashing cemetery road - Boorowa
Irrigation
• All Ovals/Parks/Cemeteries - Boorowa/Harden/ Young Maintenance / Street Trees
• Little Plains Road
• Newington Road
• Nindi Road
Sealed Road Repairs
• Nil Construction Projects
• Nil Road Maintenance Council Contract
• Minor Patching on:
• Burley Gri in Way
• Lachlan Valley Way
• Olympic Highway
• Tree pruning / removal - Harden/Boorowa/ Young
Rest areas
• Bins emptied
• Rest areas maintenance
• Services cleaned
• Tree pruning
Spraying
• Cumbungii
• Love Grass
• Roadside / Blackberry spraying in all areas
• General weed spraying
• Road shoulder spraying - highways and local roads
Town Entrances/ Rural villages/Town Streets
• Footpaths / Streets - Villages
• Reserves / parks non-irrigated areas
• Town streets (pruning)
• FRS slashing
Water Supply & Sewerage Works
• General operation, routine maintenance and inspection of treatment plants and reservoirs
• Hydrant maintenance throughout towns including stop valves
• New sewer connections
• New water service connections
• Routine operations and maintenance
• Routine plumbing maintenance in Council owned buildings
• Routine water quality testing and monitoring
• Water main replacements – Jugiong High, Riverside Drive
• Planned works are subject to change due to Council resources, sta ing availability, shi ing priorities and weather conditions. Speed restrictions will be in place and minor delays may be experienced. Road users should reduce their speed and exercise caution when travelling through roadwork sites.
Motorists are advised that Roadwork Speed Limits are enforceable by the NSW Police.
PLEASE DIRECT ANY ENQUIRIES TO CUSTOMER SERVICES ON 1300 445 586.
PUBLIC NOTICES
CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE AT HARDEN LIBRARY
Please be advised that a customer service o ice is operating out of the Harden Library (based in the Trinity Centre on East Street).
This is a temporary arrangement and hours of operation will align with that of the library which are Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 5pm (the cashier closes at 4.30pm)
Visit during these times or please call 1300 445 586.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION OF DRAFT HILLTOPS DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT POLICY
At the Hilltops Council Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 February 2025, the Council resolved to exhibit the dra Hilltops Development Assessment Policy 2025 as Council’s response to the Ministerial Statement of Expectations Order for Development Applications to be ‘assessment ready’.
The dra policy recommends placing an emphasis on front-loading the process where Council o icers will provide more pre-lodgement advice, publish detailed checklists, and make
direct contact when the documentation submitted does not meet the ‘assessment ready’ standard. In return, applications that are not assessment ready will be returned prior to lodgement and determined when ‘stop the clock’ requests for further information are not met in a timely manner.
The dra Hilltops Development Assessment Policy 2025 will be on public exhibition from Monday 3 to Monday 31 March 2025, with the submissions period closing at 5.00pm on Monday 14 April 2025
The dra Hilltops Development Assessment Policy 2025 can be viewed at https://www. hilltops.nsw.gov.au/council/have-your-say/ or hard copies are available for viewing by the public at the Council administration o ices at Boorowa, Harden and Young.
Any person may make a written submission to Council in relation to the dra Hilltops Development Assessment Policy 2025 and can do so until 5.00pm, Monday 14 April 2025 Submissions can be made via www.hilltops. nsw.gov.au/council/have-your-say/ or BY LETTER TO: The General Manager, Locked Bag No. 5, Young NSW 2594.
PESTICIDE & HERBICIDE USE NOTIFICATION
UNTIL WEEK ENDING THURSDAY 10/04/2025
Planned pesticide and herbicide use by Council works crews will be conducted on:
• All roads in Hilltops Council - Young, Boorowa and Harden areas;
• Shire parks, ovals, laneways, cemeteries and some town areas;
• All villages, rest areas, rural tips and reserves; and
• Rural and regional road shoulders. And may include the use of:
• Round Up, Round Up Ultra Max, Wipeout 450, Glyphosate 450, Brush O , Starane, Basta, Bi o, Sharpen, Striker, Amitrol, Simaganz, Weedmaster, Dicamba, Kamba M, Metsulfuron, Grazon, Primo, MCPA 500, Ken-Met, Taskforce, Para-Trooper, Spraytop, Devour, Verdict, Pyrethrum, Broadstrike and Fusilade;
• Confidor for aphids;
• Access for wild fruit tree control;
• Various wetters to enhance the e ectiveness of chemicals; and
• Naturalure Fruit Fly Bait to target the control of fruit fly.
In accordance with Hilltops Council’s Pesticide Notification Plan, signs and flashing lights will be provided on vehicles applying pesticides. Escort warning vehicles will be used for the 2024/2025 road shoulder program. Signage will be placed to inform the public where required and will remain on-site for 24 hours a er spraying. Road users should exercise extreme caution when passing these vehicles.
Planned pesticide and herbicide use is subject to change due to Council resources and weather conditions.
PLEASE DIRECT ANY ENQUIRIES TO CUSTOMER SERVICES ON 1300 445 586.
Exhibition a beautiful and moving success
The 17th Annual Lambing Flat Sculpture Wood and Big Art Exhibition was an out standing success, with 56 art ists submitting works.
Over 700 visitors attended, supported by YSA members who managed the door and those who purchased art works.
YSA members wish to thank all those who partici pated in the event.
The 2D People’s Choice award was won by Robyn Wheeler for her painting “Sunset A er the Rain.”
The 3D People’s Choice award was won by David Schulz for his sculpture “Anubis.”
Ra e winners:
1st Prize - Pyrography Sa-
vory Tray donated by Robin Moore, won by Suzanne Taylor.
2nd Prize - Painting donated by Heather Ruhl, won by Margaret Rhodes.
3rd Prize - Pyrography Lazy Susan donated by Young Society of Artists, won by Margaret Atkinson.
The next Burrangong Gallery Exhibition at the Young
Visitors Centre, will take place on April 11 at 9.30am. Young Society of Artist inc have invited Denise ScholzWul ng and Kirsten Grifths to exhibit their unique prints and etchings, a er an outstanding exhibition in Boorowa Museum as a part of the recent Hilltops o the Beaten Track Art and Cultur-
YSYYSA, Hilltops Arts, Reload Production and Hilltops Connect are pleased to announce that there will be a lunch time Screening of ‘Scratch the Surface’ at 12.30pm Friday April 11 at the Southern Cross Cinema. The public are invited to bring a bite to eat and step into the world of three ex-
ceptional Hilltops artists in a captivating documentary produced by Kevin Greeves from Reload Productions, this documentary on three local artists.
Visual artists Therese Crowe from Murringo Bar racks art Gallery, Wood Sculptor Je Peady and Com poser and Conductor Ricca rdo Barone from the Young Regional Conservatorium.
Kevin uses his cra to transport the audience into the world of the artist and uncover the secrets behind their passion, cra ing the story and mastering the art of documentary interview.
HEATHER RUHL
Final stage of Wallendbeen Bridge project welcomed
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement by Transport for NSW that the nal stage of the Wallendbeen Bridge project is set to begin, with early works starting later this month.
“This announcement is a welcome step forward for the Wallendbeen community and all road users who rely on this vital freight and transport corridor,” Ms Cooke said.
“A er years of frustration, ongoing delays, and signicant disruption due to detours, we are nally seeing real progress towards opening the long-awaited new bridge to tra c.”
Ms Cooke shared the community’s concerns and has consistently raised issues about the impact of the bridge closure, including safety risks and access challenges.
“I’ve been calling for a new Wallendbeen bridge to be constructed from the moment the original bridge failed in early 2021,” she said.
“While it’s taken far too long, I’m relieved to see the road approaches are now the focus, with early works commencing on Monday, 31 March and major construction planned for May, weather permitting.
“As the new bridge has been built to a higher elevation to accommodate future freight needs, raising the road approaches is a critical part of the nal stage.
“Once complete, the community will bene t from a wider, safer and stronger two-lane crossing.”
Ms Cooke has once again thanked the community.
“I want to thank the community again for their patience and perseverance over the years,” she said.
“I’ll continue to pressure the NSW Government and Transport for NSW to deliver this work as quickly and safely as possible so we can see the new bridge nally opened.”
Motorists are reminded that reduced speed limits and minor delays will be in place during construction and are encouraged to stay up to date via Live Tra c and Transport for NSW channels.
New online training launched to help combat Varroa mite
Beekeepers have another tool at their disposal to ght Varroa mite with the roll-out of a new online training program.
Launched and developed by the National Varroa Mite Management Program (NVMMP), the ‘Introduction to Varroa management’ course takes beekeepers through a range of online topics that help them prepare for the bee-a icting mite.
National Varroa Transition to Management (T2M) Coordinator Tamara Prentice said the online program provides beekeepers with critical in-
formation to manage the mite.
“Following the decision to transition to management of the mite in early 2024, the National Management Group agreed that widespread education and training was essential for industries to continue to move forward,” Ms Prentice said.
“The Introduction to Varroa management course is a key component of our commitment to help beekeepers and the broader honey and pollination-dependent industries.
“The free online course allows beekeepers to learn
about the mite at their own pace and convenience.
“Included are topics that will help beekeepers familiarise themselves with the pest and how best to safeguard their hives.”
Subjects include mite monitoring and surveillance, cultural and mechanical controls, synthetic and non-synthetic chemical use, recordkeeping, safety measures and more.
At the completion of the course beekeepers will have a greater understanding of the lifecycle of the mite, its e ect on bees and colonies, and the importance of inte-
grated pest management.
Beekeeping will change as Varrroa spreads, with a greater need for recordkeeping with mechanical and chemical controls.
Each topic can be typically completed in 15-30-minutes with beekeepers able to log back in at any time.
Ms Prentice said the ‘Introduction to Varroa’ course complemented existing training and education programs provided by the NVMMP.
“Another great resource we encourage beekeepers to take advantage of is our faceto-face Varroa Mite Manage-
ment Workshops,” Ms Prentice said.
“In twelve months more than 6,000 beekeepers have taken part in over 80 workshops across the country.
“This cohort of beekeepers trained manage more than 35 per cent of all registered hives nationally.
“But even beekeepers who have attended an in-person workshop will bene t from completing the online Introduction to Varroa course.”
The NVMMP also provides beekeepers with regular electronic communications, online webinars and video learning resources.
To access the ‘Introduction to Varroa’ online course, visit - https://www.varroa.org.au/ online-training
To view all upcoming Varroa Mite Management Workshops, visit www.varroa.org. au/training. For more information on the National Varroa Mite Management Program, visit www.varroa.org.au.
To receive regular news from the NVMMP, sign-up at National Varroa Mite Management Program e-newshttps://bit.ly/4iEp8br
Steph Cooke MP with Cootamundra-Gundagai Mayor Mr Abb McAlister at Wallendbeen Bridge. PHOTO: Supplied.
David Schulz’s sculpture ‘Anubis’ on display at the exhibition.
The opening night of the Lambing Flat Sculpture, Wood and Big Art Exhibition. PHOTO: Maree Myhill.
Boorowa CEF giving education inequity the boot
Country Education Foundation of Boorowa laced up their boots and stepped up for rural and regional students as part of Boot Bash 2025, a national fundraising and awareness campaign hosted by the Country Education Foundation (CEF).
Last week, Boorowa Central School (BSC) and St Joseph’s Primary School, Boorowa hosted a Boot Bash event to raise awareness of the challenges faced by rural and regional students in accessing education and training and raising funds to support their local students.
According to CEF’s CEO, Wendy Mason, students from rural and regional Australia face signi cant challenges in accessing education.
ing, and apprenticeships. For further details contact boorowaeducationfoundation@gmail.com or Boorowa – Country Education Founda-
“We know that almost 80 percent of CEF students have to move away from home to access further education or employment opportunities and the cost of relocating from a regional area is a huge nancial burden and a major barrier to higher education for many of the young people we support ,” she said.
Young
“The Boot Bash is a fun way for everyone to get behind CEF and raise awareness of the critical work our local
people to pull on their favourite boots and donate to the campaign to give rural and regional youth a fair go at further education.”
CEF Boorowa President,
Justin Fleming spoke to the children at Boorowa Central School alongside Murray Armour CEF Boorowa Alumni and BCS ex student about the di erence the grant made in supporting him through his studies. Murray now has his own building business in Boorowa and employs an ap-
prentice bene tting from a CEF grant.
Since 1993, CEF has pro vided almost $17.5 million in nancial support.
To date, this has helped more than 8,000 students access scholarships, grants, and other assistance to pur sue further education, train
Camera Club April meeting coming up soon
Young Camera Club will be holding its next monthly meeting on Wednesday April 9 at 6.30pm.
The meeting will be held at the Club Room at 2 Campbell Street next to Green Chontelle Perrin, an award winning local photographer will be our guest pre-
She will also judge the monthly competition which includes feedback to help your photography.
All are welcome.
Ph Trevor on 0414 649 500.
Come along to Young Camera Club’s next monthly meeting on Wednesday, 9 April, and be inspired by an award winning local photographer, Chontelle Perrin.
She will share her photography knowledge and love of photography, having over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Chontelle has experience in many areas of photography and has her own business, Chontelle Perrin Photography.
She will also judge the monthly competition, which will include feedback to help you with your photography.
We will meet at 6.30pm at the club room. All are welcome.
Come and visit the Photography, Pyrography and Porcelain Exhibition at the Burrangong Gallery, located at the Visitor Information Centre.
This includes photography by Young Camera Club members as guest presenters, and works by the Young Society of Artists.
Don’t miss out, as this exhibition closes soon and runs until Saturday, 12 April.
The winners of Camera Club’s monthly photo competition were:
Subject (Shoes/Boots): 1st - Dale Hartnell, 2nd and Highly Commended - Fiona Coupland, Commended - Jenny Ball
Open: 1st - Liam Howard, 2nd - Maree Myhill, Highly Commended - Rod Smith, Commended - Alison Smith
Our Club Room is located at 2 Campbell Street, next to the Green Ivy Cafe. For more information on Young Camera Club please visit our Facebook page or ph Trevor on 0414 649 500.
NARELLE HOWARD
Double-barred finch by Liam Howard (1st open), March 2025.
Youth Week 2025 in the Hilltops
As Youth Week 2025 approaches, the Hilltops Youth Action Group (HYAG) is bringing a dynamic lineup of events designed to empower, educate, and entertain young people across the region. From creative workshops to workforce training and a high-energy themed disco, there’s something for everyone to.
One of the standout events this year is the HYAG Disco at Young Town Hall on April 14th.
Open to young people aged 12-18, this event promises a night of music, fun, and Aussie pride with its Aussie Icon Theme.
Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favourite Australian personalities for a chance to win a prize, kindly donated by SIM.PLE in Young, making it a fantastic opportunity to celebrate national culture while dancing the night away.
With appearances from beloved characters like Bluey and Bingo, as well as the convenience of a bus service from Boorowa and Harden.
Beyond the dance oor, Youth Week o ers handson experiences for young people eager to develop new skills.
Painting with Megan Holt (April 9th in Boorowa) invites 12–24-year-olds to explore their creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Barista Training with Art of Espresso (April 16th in Young) provides a professional certi cation opportunity, equipping 14–24-year-olds with valuable skills for entering the workforce.
Mechanics 101 with Council (April 17th in Harden) is designed for L and P platers, o ering practical knowledge on vehicle maintenance and repairs to foster independence and con dence on the road.
These events showcase a well-rounded approach to youth engagement - blending fun, education, and personal development.
The initiatives led by HYAG, with the support of the NSW Government and Hilltops Council, demonstrate a commitment to nurturing young individuals, equipping them with skills for the future.
To secure a spot in the workshops scan the QR codes on the yers or visit Eventbrite.
To secure a spot on the bus from Boorowa or Harden email your details to youth@hilltops.nsw.gov.au
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this empowering celebration - Youth Week 2025 is yours to embrace!
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Which term describes a mother or a father (6)
7 Who has terminated a marriage (8)
8 What are heavy steel blocks on which metals are hammered (6)
9 What is the art of prose (8)
11 To be trembling, is to be doing what (7)
13 Name a tropical American pear-shaped fruit (7)
15 Which animal has eight sucker-bearing arms (7)
17 Which contrivance is used to support a horse rider’s foot (7)
20 Name an alternative term for theology (8)
23 What do pilots earn their money doing (6)
24 To weaken, is to do what (8)
25 What is a superabundance (6)
DOWN
1 To yearn or long, is to do what (4)
2 Which term implies a relationship to literature in verse form (6)
3 What is a mark left by a healed wound (4)
4 Name a drupaceous piece of fruit (5)
5 To take back, is to do what (6)
6 Name a noted Australian painter, Sir Sidney ... (5)
9 When one responds, one does what (6)
10 What is any of two or more forms of a particular chemical element (7)
12 Who played the role of Mrs Miniver, Greer ... (6)
14 To be bear-like, is to be what (6)
E-QUATIONS 7
Letters have a number value
16 What are wild, drunken festivities (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
18 Name a once popular two-way communications system (5)
19 When one prompts, one does what (5)
21 What is another term for an elevator (4)
22 What is another term for lubricates (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 PECCADILLO
(a) A trifling fault
(b) A hog-like South American animal
(c) An old gun for discharging stones, pieces of iron etc
2 SOJOURN
(a) To dwell for a time
(b) To comfort in distress
(c) To use flattery
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Chinese complementary force (3)
Documentaries (coll.) (5)
Hindi film genre: ...wood (5)
Japanese monetary unit (3)
Nocturnal flying animal (3)
Organic poison (5)
Peaceful (7)
Screw-like curves (7) Tiny (5)
Tributary of Derwent River (Tas.) (3)
STUD TO CELEBRATE SILVER MILESTONE AT SYDNEY ROYAL
The Royal Agricultural Society is preparing to bring the country back to the city once again, as people across the region gear up for the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Inside this special edition of The Farmer, we spotlight some of the region’s brightest young talents in agriculture—future leaders who will showcase their skills in everything from judging to auctioneering.
Among the long-time contributors to the Show is Hollywood Angus Stud from Peak Hill, which is celebrating 25 years of recognition by the Royal Agricultural Society. Founded in 2000 by Lyn and Ian Frecklington after decades of breeding commercial Angus cattle, the stud has become a fixture in the industry.
This year, Lyn Frecklington takes on a busy role as breed captain, bringing eight adult cattle and two calves to the Show, supported by a team of four helpers.
Continued page 11
Advocacy
groups call for parties to declare support for farmers in lead up
With Australia heading to the polls on 3 May, the National Farmers’ Federation is calling on all parties to commit to our farming future.
“This election comes at a critical moment for Australian agriculture and every family that relies on farmers for a ordable food and bre,” Federation President
David Jochinke said.
“The choices made by the next government will shape our ability to feed Australians for generations to come.”
The Federation is calling for immediate action on:
Developing a National Food Security Preparedness Strategy;
Reducing regulatory bur-
dens and maintaining vital support programs; Investing in practical environmental solutions led by farmers;
Addressing critical labour shortages and enhancing safety;
Strengthening trade relationships and boosting export competitiveness;
Fixing unsafe rural roads and delivering on regional housing and childcare.
“Australian agriculture stands at the intersection of major global trends that will reshape farming and food prices,” Mr Jochinke said.
“From rising input costs to climate pressures, our $80 billion export industry faces
A critical time for ag
to Federal election
unprecedented challenges.
“But with the right policies, we can turn these challenges into opportunities – keeping food a ordable while growing towards our goal of becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.”
The Federation spoke on the Federal Budget - delivered earlier in the week.
“While we acknowledge some new funding targeting the sector – especially the $3.5 million for a National Food Security Strategy, a key election ask – the budget falls well short of the investment needed to unlock agriculture’s full potential,” Mr Jochinke said.
■ Continued page 4
Search on for next generation leaders
A statewide search is underway for five young rural leaders as NSW Farmers opens applications for its 2025 Tertiary Scholarships.
Each worth $4000 annually, the NSW Farmers 2025 Tertiary Scholarships will be awarded to members or their children in their second year of study for a university degree or vocational qualification, in a field relevant to regional and rural Australia.
NSW Young Farmers Chair Martin Murray said the scholarship program aimed to build the farm communities of the future.
“As the state’s peak farm body, we exist to help farmers right now, but also in the future – and this scholarship program is part of our commitment to help the next generation access opportunities and careers in rural Australia,” Mr Murray said in a NSW Farmers announcement to the media.
“Investing in skill development and building capacity is essential if we want these future leaders to find their passion and get the head start they need to achieve their goals.”
2024 scholarship recipient and Rural Science student Jennifer Corderoy said the program had proved pivotal in unlocking new resources and experiences on her journey into the agricultural sector.
“This scholarship truly reflects the community unique to our industry, in which one generation gives a ‘leg up’ to the next,” Ms Corderoy said.
“By studying Rural Science, I am being equipped to address farming challenges, and I hope that the contributions of my career to our industry will be a return on the investment of NSW Farmers in me.”
Applications for the Tertiary Scholarships program close on 11 May.
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, commitment to agriculture and rural communities, and all-round ability including leadership qualities and communication skills.
For information or to apply, visit the NSW Farmers website www.nswfarmers.org.au
Tasha’s life-long passion for ag and her community
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Tasha Hurley is one of eight in the state heading to this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show as a Rural Achiever nalist.
The Rural Achiever competition recognises young leaders working hard to make a signicant contribution to their local community, show society and Australian agriculture.
Tasha threw her hat in the ring and was surprised when she found out she had been selected as a nalist.
“I was very excited, I’ve spent a bit of time with the Rural Achievers in previous years as I was on the Royal Ag Society Youth Group so it’s quite an honour to be associated with them,” Tasha said.
Growing up on her family farm 100kms north west of Condobolin, Tasha has never considered a career outside of the agriculture industry.
She has completed a Bachelor of Agriculture Business Management and spent three years at Forbes Livestock Agency as a Livestock Marketing and Business Development O cer before moving to On The Box as an Agency Representative.
She now hopes to go into the grassroots of the industry, working on farm with producers.
“I’ve grown up surrounded by agriculture and love it so much, so I want to be able to contribute to the industry,” she said.
Tasha has already been recognised for multiple leadership roles: as a Red Meat Ambassador for Meat and Livestock Australia, and as the chair of the Royal Agricultural Society Youth Group when she was 21 years old.
THEN
NOW
ty: volunteering is something the Rural Achiever nalist is most passionate about.
“Growing up I absolutely loved my childhood in Condobolin where you could play pretty much every sport in the world and all the events that were on too,” she said.
When Tasha came back to the family farm for her gap year in 2018 during the drought she saw the closure of many shops, the end to local events and the folding of sporting teams.
“Obviously when farmers aren’t going too well the town struggles a bit too and it clicked with me that year and I was like, wow, people don’t shop local, help out and join committees,” she said.
Condobolin didn’t have a rugby union team for three years, a netball team for ve years and even a rugby league team for a while.
son all these people are having so much fun’.”
From events to the agriculture industry the people is what Tasha enjoys the most.
“Growing up we spent a lot of time with our neighbours who were obviously farmers so I think the people of agriculture are very resilient, they all have a good sense of humour because you need it, they are all hard working and I think they all have the features of great leaders and people,” she said.
Looking towards the Sydney Royal, Tasha is looking forward to catching up with people and being part of an exciting experience and professional development.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the other nalists so it should be a great week,” Tasha added.
Our region’s Young Achievers
“I really want to contribute and be on all of those committees because these events are my favourite parts of the year,” Tasha said.
bassador Award recognising his enthusiasm for community engagement and agricultural advancement.
Brooke Watts from Molong founded The UpGen Project and oversees operations at her family owned company, Bralca.
Bralca which o en hold events and work with people in our region.
Brooke has deep roots in agriculture, growing up on her family farm in Molong.
Armed with a Bachelor of Business Management, she leverages her wealth of knowledge and passion to ignite innovative conversations in industry.
Editor: Renee Powell Mobile 0448 238 032 rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au 50B Kendal Street, Cowra NSW, 2794
In the industry’s future Tasha would love to see every person in Australia have a basic understanding of agriculture, where their food and bre comes from and why the industry is so important to everyone in Australia.
Sales Courtney Gambrill Manager Mobile 0448 248 080 cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au
“I think there is a growing divide between the city and the country and it’s getting harder with some people just not really appreciating agriculture for what it is,” she said.
“Being able to educate everyone to understand we’re doing our best, we’re doing it because we love it and we’re also feeding and clothing the nation, so it’s not an industry to be laughed at.”
Outside of the paddock you can nd Tasha in the communi-
Tasha is the founder and event manager of Condobolin’s successful Oktoberfest.
Last year Tasha was part of the team that raised more than $30k from this event which goes towards local sports clubs.
“Seeing this event grow each year and make a tangible impact on the community has been incredibly rewarding,” Tasha said.
“It’s not hard to join committees and it’s very satisfying at the end of the event when you get to look around and go, ‘I helped make this happen’, ‘I’m the rea-
From eight Rural Achiever nalists four, including Tasha, have a connection to our region.
Jacob Moriarty from Canowindra discovered a passion for agriculture following high school.
Jacob is currently completing a Diploma in Agriculture while working as an assistant farm manager in Canowindra.
This Rural Achiever has been recognised for her leadership being named a 2024 nalist for Western NSW Outstanding Young Business Leader of the Year and a nalist for 2023 Charles Sturt University Young Alumni of the Year.
Brooke has a passion for inspiring youth initiatives in agriculture and an increased adoption of ag tech.
Roy Elder from Wongarbon managed the construction of the multi-million dollar grain silo and railway upgrade at Red Bend and managed the build of a new silo factory at Forbes.
In this role Jacob’s responsibilities include, enhancing soil carbon levels in dryland cropping and managing livestock in the mixed farming system.
He is an active member of the Canowindra Show Society and serves as the organiser of the Canowindra Crop Competition.
Last year saw Jacob honoured with the Canowindra Rural Am-
Roy is a project manager delivering infrastructure to improve the competitiveness of Australian grain growers holding a Master of Construction Project Management and a Bachelor of Architecture and Environments.
He is involved with local tree planting and river clean up initiatives.
Tasha has always had a love for agriculture. PHOTOS: Supplied
Tasha Hurley is one of eight Rural Achiever finalists at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Quality offering at Reiland bull sale
The autumn Reiland Angus bull sale is set for Wednesday 16 April at Killimicat Station, Brungle.
Several new sire lines will be represented via Reiland Republic who is an Ashland son with tremendous so ness, growth and marbling focus.
This drop represents his rst sire group from a two-year-old joining.
An additional sire line is that of Reiland Speculator S257, who currently is ranked in the top one per cent on both $A an $ A-L indexes.
The bulls that represent this sire will impress buyers by his moderate frame, low birth, high growth and exceedingly positive carcase data
of +12.7 EMA, positive fat and +4.0 marbling.
Reiland has used Speculator S257 widely in 2024 AI joining programs and is looking forward to o ering expanded numbers from this industry leading sire.
Popular AI sires who are represented include: Baldridge Goalkeeper, Millah Murrah Paratrooper, SS Brickyard, Landfall Mainland, Sterling Paci c. The sale comes on the heels of recent Reiland Premier female sale where cows and calves topped at $3300 per unit and PTIC heifers made $2100 in a challenging southern season.
Call for federal candidates to show support for ag
From page 1
“Farmers are grappling with major geopolitical, environmental and societal shi s,” the National Farmers Federation presi-
“We need a sharper focus from Government to ensure we keep farmers farming, and keep food a ordable for Aussie families.”
Mr Jochinke said trade was a worthy focus for the agriculture portfolio, and showed the Government was listening to farmers’ increasing concerns about the changing trade environment.
“Farmers export about 70 per cent of what they produce, so undoubtedly any threats to market access are top of mind,” he said.
The budget includes $6.8m for international engagement and market access, as well as $20m
for a Buy Australian campaign.
“We acknowledge funding for new and existing infrastructure and $2.9m to help fresh produce suppliers better negotiate with supermarkets,” Mr Jochinke said.
“We need billions more invested in xing potholed rural roads. We need innovative approaches to stimulate regional housing and overcome workforce challenges.
“We need major investment in our waterways and in ecosystem services to protect our environment.”
NSW Farmers also put the spotlight on poor infrastructure, telecommunications and biosecurity.
“Billions have been promised to x roads and rail in the cities, but we don’t know whether there will be any allocated to x the
roads, railways and bridges that are falling apart throughout the bush,” NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said.
“Meanwhile, our telecommunications are in ruin and farmers are ghting a losing battle against a growing number of biosecurity threats.
“Promises to upgrade the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and deliver $11 million to ght pests, weeds and feral animals are only a drop in the ocean, and we need much more funding to deliver a serious biosecurity regime that will defend our industry and assure our food security into the future.”
Funding commitments to keep Rex Airlines a oat and regional bank branches open were welcome, alongside commitments to
drive competition reform, create a National Food Security Strategy and deliver cost of living relief for communities Australia wide.
However, Mr Martin warned more targeted investment in regional, remote and rural communities would be essential to ensure farmers could keep growing the Aussie food and bre the nation needs.
“Investing in farming communities drives productivity and will deliver food security,” Mr Martin said.
“Our government keeps talking about a future made in Australia, but how about a future grown in Australia?
“As we head to the polls, our politicians can’t forget the fact that people need fresh, Aussie grown food at fair prices.”
Lot
National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke PHOTO: Supplied
Every Easter, the country’s best young auctioneers put their skills to the test under the bright lights of the Sydney Royal ampitheatre.
Each has three steers to sell - prime stock of Sydney Royal competition to showcase their skills in commanding the room and getting the best price for the vendor.
This year, central west auctioneer Darcy Howard will step up to the microphone to represent NSW in the competition at a national level as the reigning champion from the NSW title this time last year.
The ampitheatre at Sydney Royal Easter Show is a far cry from the Central West Livestock Exchange and Cowra saleyards, and it does take some adjustment.
“You’ve just got to do a little bit more practice focussed on that competition,” Darcy said.
“I feel very privileged to go down there and represent NSW, I want to give it my best shot.”
But for Darcy, it’s about more than just the competition - it’s about people and his passion for agriculture and the ever-evolving livestock industry he loves.
The young auctioneer has had a whirlwind 12 months, busy across the Forbes and
Cowra selling centres but also in business, becoming a director of the new Cowrabased MCC Howard Oliver.
“It’s been a big 12 months but a very exciting 12 months as well,” he said.
The competition is just one part of the job and the industry he loves.
“There’s a few facets to it but I really enjoy being able to work with my clients,” Darcy said.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing them have good results in di erent sales whether it be in the yards or over the hook.”
There’s just nothing better than partnering with clients to grow their business and seeing them reach their goals: in this industry clients become friends and Darcy counts himself very lucky to work with very good people.
“I love the industry in terms of it’s very competitive but some of my best friends are in the industry as well that are competitors,” he said.
Being part of the Young Auctioneers competition has grown the opportunities to expand those networks.
“The biggest thing is the exposure you get from being in the competition and the networking that comes from that,” Darcy said.
“It’s just such a good op-
portunity for agents across the country to put a face to the name - you meet a lot of people down at the shows.
“The networking with other people in the competition and other people down there, that’s invaluable for your business.”
It’s a business Darcy has long-term con dence in, despite seasonal variations and market uctuations.
“In agriculture we are so reliant on rain and on the seasons, and in Australia we’re so reliant on export markets, there’s going to be times where the industry’s tested,” he said.
“But we’ve got a growing population in the world and the world needs protein.
“In Australia we can produce high end quality red meat and that gives us a big competitive advantage on the world stage.
“Our animal welfare standards are better than anywhere else in the world and I think that’s something we can be really proud of in Australian agriculture.”
And the season ahead?
Seasonal rains will make all the di erence.
“The livestock job’s all set up to be really, really strong going into the winter but we just need a bit of rain to make that happen,” Darcy said.
Darcy Howard, MCC Howard Oliver, pictured right with Craig Oliver, will represent NSW in the national Young Auctioneers finals. PHOTOS: Supplied
Experience vital in Jack’s Sydney bid
Jack Whitty reckons he’s a better auctioneer and a better person for his 2024 Sydney Royal experience in the State Young Auctioneersnal - and he can’t wait to open bidding in this year’s big event.
Jack was just 19 when he contested his rst State nal, an experience that’s shaped both the day-today of his job and his preparations for this year.
“Last year was a really good building block,” he said as he looks to the 2025 event scheduled for Friday 11 April.
“I’m a lot better auctioneer for it.
“I learnt plenty of di erent techniques o the back of it and a different style of selling so I’m really looking forward to going to Sydney again and giving it another crack.”
Jack grew up around cattle and shows and then followed dad Luke - a former winner of this competition - into the business at a young age.
His dad has obviously been one of his key mentors both in getting established as a livestock agent, but in knowing the value of the Young Auctioneers competitions.
There are some key di erences between selling at the sheepyards at the Central West Livestock Exchange of a Tuesday morning, and selling at Sydney Royal.
Just getting used to a microphone and using that to your advantage is key - but so is adjusting your tempo and intensity to create atmosphere within the very different environment that is Sydney Royal.
“You need to be able to take your
intensity to another level to engage 3000 people,” Jack said.
“With a bit of experience and practice coming into the competition this year I feel as though I’ve got that ability to engage a crowd.”
Jack’s plan for the main event is
to have as ordinary a morning as possible, and to keep his sale approach simple.
“Going over those steers and picking out four or ve key aspects or each steer to emphasise - emphasising those key factors rath-
er than trying to do and say too much,” he said.
“That’s probably where my focus is this year: say more numbers than words.”
But there’s so much more to this event than making a sale.
“I really like livestock and probably more so connecting with people through the industry,” Jack said.
“That’s where my focus is and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do it all again.”
Jack Whitty, KMWL, is preparing for the 2025 NSW Young Auctioneers finals at Sydney Royal.
PHOTOS: Supplied
Jack Whitty’s dad Luke is his mentor in business and the Young Auctioneer competition.
Lockie’s set for next steps in livestock industry
the opportunity to go to Syd-
The increasingly popular competition attracted about 40 young auctioneers from around the State and in itself opened up great opportunities - because the industry is as much about connections as
training and learning, each of the contenders had their chance to sell three steers for
The opportunity to meet and work with people is a huge part of what attracted Lockie to the business and what he hopes to gain from Sydney.
It’s what he loves about his
“I love that I can do my job where my Pop is, one of my best friends, it’s really good having someone like that as
“He’s a very good mentor and I’m very lucky to be under
Matthew Lennon is another in the business who’s showing the next generation the way.
“They’ve taught me a lotand obviously there’s still plenty to learn,” Lockie said.
“They’re steering me in the right direction anyway.”
KMWL today is based in Forbes with a vast reach and Lockie’s work most frequently takes him to the north and west - between Parkes and Dubbo, to Nyngan and Cumnock.
While he’s had plenty of selling experience at Forbes’ Central West Livestock Exchange, Lockie’s been preparing himself for Sydney by working with mentors with competition experience and watching videos of previous winners.
Lockie Miller, KMWL, will contest the State Young Auctioneers final at Sydney Royal. PHOTOS: Supplied
The Mechanics of Nutri-Life Platform TM
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Biological seed dressing protects crops against disease and pests
Biological and mineral seed dressings are essential tools in modern grain production, o ering economic and ecological bene ts.
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In return for nutrients the plant dumps more carbon (sugars) into the root zone resulting in the continuous multiplication of roots cells and soil microbes and above ground productivity.
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Hollywood Angus to celebrate Sydney Royal milestone
From page 1
“Sydney is one of the most prestigious cattle shows in Australia so the competition will probably be the best in Australia,” Lyn Frecklington said.
“You always hope you can win your class at Sydney but we just hope to be competitive and pick up a few ribbons.”
Hollywood Angus has already seen some promising results this Show season, claiming Junior, Senior and Grand Champion Angus Bull titles at the Canberra Royal Show.
Hollywood Top O’ The Morning was awarded Senior and grand Champion Angus Bull which he also won last year at the Canberra Royal.
“His half brother and half sister won the sires progeny and the breeders group in the Angus as well and his younger half brother, Hollywood Vaya Con Dios, won Junior Champion Angus Bull,” Lyn said. All four of these cattle are the progeny of Hollywood Longmire who Hollywood Angus Stud bred themselves.
“That made us really happy. When you use your own bull and they’re capable of winning at the Royal Shows, it’s pretty good,” Lyn said.
Hollywood Angus Stud place strong emphasis on structural correctness, feed e ciency, good growth and docility within their Angus cattle.
“We like structurally correct cattle which is why they do well at shows,” Lyn said.
“I don’t like looking at ugly cattle and when you go to sell them it’s the good looking ones, the structurally correct ones, that people prefer and that’s why we like breeding them.”
Lyn prefers the Angus breed as she sees them as the premiere breed and sees more demand for
Angus cattle through the sale yards and from the processors.
“The Angus Society does a good job at marketing them but it’s not just Australia, it’s the same in America and Canada. Angus are sort of a premium, therefore Angus beef,” she said.
“Angus beef have certain standards that it has to achieve or they won’t get the grading, Certi ed Australian Angus Beef (CAAB), and apart from just being black they have to have certain meat quality characteristics to pass to get graded that way.”
Apart from Canberra and Sydney Royal, Hollywood Angus will only be competing in local shows around the Central West this year and are excited to have the opportunity to display some of their cattle at the Angus World Forum.
Held every four years the Angus World Forum sees Angus studs from around the world and this year it will be held in Australia allowing Australian Angus studs to display a representation of their herd to the world.
“We went to the Angus World Forum in Scotland in 2017 and it was absolutely fantastic and we thought we’d really like to be part of the Australian one.”
This will be the rst Angus World Forum since 2017 with the original forum being scheduled in 2021 being cancelled due to Covid.
The event is also promising to be the largest gathering of registered Angus cattle ever held in Australia.
“They are expecting a lot of Angus breeders from all over the world to come out here and be part of it and look at Australian Angus,” Lyn added.
Looking ahead, Lyn and Hollywood Angus are looking forward to an exciting 2025 marking 25 years of Hollywood Angus.
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Sizzle set to return to beef prices
By KIM WOODS
There are golden times ahead for the nation’s cattle producers with a “new norm” of 630c/kg liveweight for feeder steers next year as the markets enter a sevenyear period of stability.
Market analyst Simon Quilty, Global AgriTrends, Wangaratta, delivered his price forecast out to 2028 at the Pasture Agronomy Service conference at Gundagai on March 10.
Mr Quilty forecast 2026 average prices to reach 630c/kg liveweight for feeder steers, 510c/kg LW for Jap Ox, 420c/ kg LW for cows and for the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) to peak at 1277c/kg carcase weight.
This would be up on the strengthening 2025 prices of 490c/kg for feeder steers, 410c/kg for Jap Ox, 325c/kg for cows and an ECYI of 954c/ kg carcase weight.
Prices have been tipped to remain elevated through 2027 but begin trending downwards in 2028 with feeder steers slipping 80c/kg LW as the national herd rebuild grinds to a halt.
Overall, the cattle market has recorded a ve per cent
(up from 276c/kg in southern Queensland), driven by exceptional price levels for grinding meat at a time when we hit the herd rebuild.”
Mr Quilty has the nominal yearling carcase weight indicator entering a seven-year period of stable prices this year until 2032, o the back of a decade long transitory period when prices rose 35 per cent since 2015.
in Queensland and northern NSW a month earlier than normal due to the lack of cattle in the south.
“This year I expect these Victorian processors to travel north even earlier by late March/early April due to more processor capacity in Victoria and NSW, and further herd liquidation.
tralian imported prices are tipped to move higher on the back of rocketing domestic prices and Brazilian product becoming uncompetitive due to tari s.
this year.
“They see shortages with the liquidation and the increased global demand.”
Market analyst Simon Quilty, Global AgriTrends.
Supplied
fall in March due to Cyclone Alfred closing major ports, with Meat and Livestock Australia quoting yearling steers trading at 370c/kg, feeders averaging 356c/ kg, heavy steers at 342c/kg, heifers 299c/kg and cows at 284c/kg.
Mr Quilty expects the market to move upwards in late April for feeder steers to 536c/kg by September.
“A good quality Angus feeder steer is 410-420c/kg liveweight today in the market and lot feeders are willing to pay 420-430c/kg now for forward cattle,” he said.
“In terms of cows, we are still talking around 440c/ kg by the end of this year
“Input costs have run ahead but by the start of 2027 to 2032, those input costs will be in line with your returns.”
Processing capacity in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland has risen to 3600 cattle per day, o the back of the herd liquidation for at least seven quarters.
The herd liquidation has resulted in a 60-80c/kg LW discount on heifers relative to feeder steers across Queensland. Heifers are trading at a 70c/kg discount in NSW and 90c/kg in Victoria.
Mr Quilty said northern processors would be squeezed as young cattle ow from the southern states to Queensland and older heavier cattle ow to southern processors.
“Last year, Victorian processors bought heavier cattle
“We are about to go into a staggered rebuild phase where prices for heifers go back to a premium if good rain comes to the southern Australia in July. If we don’t get the rain, liquidation will stop, and the herd will hover in a holding pattern for six months.
“The rebuild will start in Queensland, move into northern NSW and by the end of this year and early next year, southern NSW and Victoria will be in a rebuild, resulting in higher prices.
“We are expecting the steer kill to subside over the next six months – add that to the female kill and suddenly supply is getting tight.
“The higher prices from this rebuild are potentially coming this year and will carry into next year.”
Grinding beef is at record levels of 385 USc/lb and Aus-
“Price rises in America on all beef cuts are so bene cial to us – if consumers cannot pay the price for cuts, they go into the 90CL pack (90 per cent lean meat). The higher the 90CL price goes, the less US exports and the more Australia becomes the player in those markets,” Mr Quilty said.
The makeup of Australian feedlots is changing with less Wagyu cattle on feed and mid-fed programs switching to larger short fed programs of 110-120 days.
There is a record number of Australian cattle on feed at 1.45 million head with that forecast to increase to 1.6 million by the end of 2025.
“Flatbacks are playing a huge role in the Japanese market – marble score doesn’t matter any more, they just want 100-day grain fed cheap beef and atbacks provide that,” Mr Quilty said.
“There is genuine concern from the major players on how many Angus feeders will be around at the back end of
Mr Quilty said the long fed Wagyu market had been challenging with marble score 8-9 falling in the US from US$53/ lb in June 2022 to US$28.50/lb in February 2025. Australian Wagyu prices in the US have seen tenderloins fall in value by 33 per cent, ribeyes by 48 per cent and striploins by 57 per cent.
“In the US, Australia Wagyu F1 marble score 3-4 and 4-5 now trade at a discount to Prime, Certi ed Angus, Choice and just above Select – equating to a 77 per cent fall in price,” he said.
“Wagyu marble score 6-7 plus still sit at a signi cant premium in the market. Australian Wagyu numbers on feed have come o a peak of 306,000 in 2022 to 275,000 head and at the moment Australian domestic supply is outstripping demand.”
“We have unsold Wagyu F1 cattle, poor quality cattle and it will be a year before we start to see some of the old premiums that we are used to. Poor quality Wagyu F1 steers will trend at a discount to Angus.”
Roots on the le showing active rhizosphere where YLAD Living Soils Seed Dressing treatment was applied – Roots on the right are without seed dressing.
PHOTO: Supplied
PHOTO:
Young judges set to shine in Sydney
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
The Central West and Hilltops will be well represented in young judges competitions at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.
It has been 105 years since the rst young judges competition kicked o at the Sydney Royal in 1920 with the competition continu ing to improve the youth of agricul ture’s knowledge and skills.
Qualifying for young judges com petitions including beef, dairy, meat breeds sheep, Merino sheep, Merino eece, fruit and veg and grain were held at multiple shows around the state last year.
One passionate Grenfell young judge, Heather Walker, has quali ed to compete at multiple com petitions at the Sydney Royal once again.
This year she quali ed for eece judging and meat sheep judging at the Henty Show (Group 8), meat sheep judging at the Cootamundra Show (Group 9) and grain judging at the Dubbo Show (Group 11).
At Sydney Heather will also be entering into the poultry and pigs young judges competition and the soil young judges competition which is a new competition at the Sydney Royal.
Heather will be aiming to place in events that will qualify her to compete at Nationals later in the year at the Melbourne Royal Show.
Heather started competing in young judges coemptions when she was in year 9 and continued to compete in the competitions as she is studying to be an agriculture teacher.
“My drive to do shows was because I wanted to be one of those
ag teachers who has the skill set,” Heather said.
“I don’t want students to feel lost, I want them to know they are being taught by someone who has been in their position and I was that person standing in front of the judge with mic really scared.”
A big achievement for Heather
this year in young judges was quali fying for beef cattle judging.
She is currently working with Forbes Livestock Association and says this experience has had an inuence on how far she has come in beef judging.
“I have never made it past the oral class to speak on my placings
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in beef judging and to actually take out the competition and have the opportunity to speak about the class of beef cattle was really exciting and something new I’ve chucked into the mix this year,” she said.
Heather enjoys getting the ribbons but also loves hearing from the judges and building connections and networking.
“I enjoy learning new things, every time I go to a show there is something new,” she said.
“When I’m looking at a eece, I’m looking at something that I’ve liked and then I hear a judge and they tell me what they see and it’s like, ‘oh, I’ve never thought of that’, so it’s the journey of learning that I enjoy.”
Heather’s favourite young judges competition is anything to do with sheep.
“For anyone that knows me, I’m a big sheep lover, I love judging meat sheep,” she said.
The passionate young judge’s advice for anyone who wants to have a go at young judges competitions is don’t be scared, embrace the experience and learn from the judge.
“No body is exactly right but if you can explain yourself and use the correct terminology it will get you through and don’t be afraid to say, ‘honestly, I don’t know, can you explain?’
“When I was competing as a year 9 student I never use to get ribbons or placings, it does come instantly for some but give it some time and practice because you never know where it will take you,” Heather added.
Young Judges competitions at
this year’s Sydney Royal will be held from 12 to 22 April.
Our Young Judges From Group 10 Shows including Bedgerabong, Cowra, Eugowra, Forbes, grenfell, Koorawatha, Murrumburrah Harden, Parkes, Peak Hill, Trundle, Tullamore, Woodstock and Young the following young judges have qualified for the Sydney Royal: Beef: Jess Tudgey and Alana Haynes
Dairy: Lily Eagles, Jess Tudgey and Abby Fuge
Meat Breeds Sheep: Eli Brown and Rhys Knight
Merino Sheep: Bryce Tandy
Merino Fleece: Lachlan Haynes and Anderson Ball
Fruit and Veg: Sienna Pearce, Lila Gascoigne and Marnie Noakes
Grain: Anderson Ball and Lila Gascoigne
Beef Paraders: Ava Rouse, Claire Wilkins, Chelsea Hall, Max White, Jack Smyth, Sam Garvin, Lachlan Haynes, Maddy Lawry and Issy Pearce.
From Group 11 Shows including Canowindra the following young judges have qualified for the Sydney Royal:
Beef Young Judges: Alana Haynes and Issac Bennetts
Meat Breeds Sheep: Alexis Farrugia and Marc Presnell
Merino Sheep: Mary Westwood
Merino Fleece: Brendan Mitchell and Zachery Charlton
Fruit and Veg: Immy Ousby, Tegan Godwin and Lachlan Hooper
Grain: Immy Ousby and Heather Walker
Beef Paraders: Lachlan Hooper, Angus Johnson, Jack Taylor, Faith Green, Sophie Lockyer, Max Taylor, Charlie Lockyer, Marcus Wythes, Fraser Gill and Amelia Miller.
Dealership gong for AGnVET team
AGnVET with Darling Irrigation have received the 2024 Top Dealership Award for the Asia Paci c region from Lindsay Corporation.
Darling Irrigation’s business manager Sam Maroulis accepted the award on behalf of AGnVET at the International Dealer Convention in Costa Rica.
Gustavo Oberto, Lindsay President Agricultural Irrigation, said the organisation was proud to recognise AGnVET and Darling Irrigation on their outstanding achievement.
“We congratulate our award winners for their relentless commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction,” he said.
Sam Maroulis founded Darling Irrigation in Bourke, NSW with his
have nine outlets across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
“This award is testament to the
daily basis are delivering legendary service to our farming customers across our network,” Sam said.
“The dynamic and changing nature of the irrigation, water and pumping industry means that we always need to be at the cutting edge of technology and innovation, so we value solid relationships with leading manufacturers such as Lindsay, who manufacturer Zimmatic irrigation infrastructure and FieldNET remote irrigation management technology.”
AGnVET is only the second dealer in the APAC region to receive this prestigious award, making the occasion even more special for the Australian company.
Founded in 1915 by Harry Walker in Forbes NSW, AGnVET has
years to a network of businesses in the broadacre cropping, irrigation and mixed farming areas across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Darling Irrigation is its specialist water and irrigation business and excels in water use e ciency and advanced irrigation services.
With Darling Irrigation branches located in Bourke, Dubbo, Latrobe, Launceston, Leeton, Narromine, Rochester, Scottsdale and Wagga Wagga, AGnVET provides readily available, high-quality products and services across Australia.
Lindsay dealers are selected for a variety of awards based on their dealership’s performance in the categories of overall sales, FieldNETâ„¢ subscription sales, FieldNET Advisorâ„¢ sales, a ermarket
sales, top-performing new dealer, marketing, and the coveted Zimmerer Entrepreneur Award, which recognises the dealer who demonstrates innovation, creativity, and the drive to make a di erence.
An awards ceremony is held biennially to recognize all winners in their respective category.
With a global network of authorised dealers and manufacturing facilities, Lindsay stands at the forefront of agricultural innovation and irrigation solutions.
“It’s an exciting time for AGnVET, Darling Irrigation and our clients and partners,” Mr Maroulis said.
“Our team looks forward continuing to provide expert service, products and advice that clients and businesses can count on.”
Region’s women share their passion and purpose
Passion and purpose were front and centre as rural women celebrated International Women’s Day in Forbes.
Central West Farming Systems hosted a lunch and learn event, with some 60 women from the central west gathering.
“It was great to see Forbes buzzing celebrating International Women’s Day,” Brooke said.
“The energy in regional NSW is contagious and has a bright future.”
The national industry-led Carbon Farming Outreach Program was the rst topic for the day, with plenty of discussion in the room with presenters Emma Ayli e and Central West Farming Systems’ Diana Fear.
This program is supporting more than 3500 farms with carbon reduction tools, and ensuring access to independent advice on low emission farming.
COWRA REGIONAL LIVESTOCK SELLING CENTRE
Prime lamb and Sheep Sale every Wednesday 11:30am.
• Selling Agents • Allan Gray & Co • Normal C. Bellamy
• JJ Dresser & Co • James P Keady • Elders – Cowra
• Kevin Miller Whitty & Co • Landmark Cowra
A panel discussion on passion and purpose followed with Emily Sinderberry, Tasha Hurley and Chiara Stommel, facilitated by Brooke Watts.
All had plenty to share to inspire and empower others.
Diana Fear is the CEO of Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), an independent, not-for-pro t, farmerdriven organisation based in Condobolin.
Under her leadership, CWFS oversees agricultural projects across 14 million hectares in the lower rainfall, mixed farming regions of Central West NSW.
Chiara Strommel is the trials agronomist at Central West Farming Systems, designing and managing eld trials that address the unique challenges of the region’s mixed farming systems.
Tasha is a State nalist for the 2025 RAS Rural Achiever Competition, and has served as Chair of the Royal Agricultural Society Youth Group and as a MLA Red Meat Ambassador.
Brooke Watt’s dedication to industry growth and sustainability has earned her recognition as a nalist for 2024 Western NSW Outstanding Young Business Leader of the Year and 2023 CSU Young Alumni of the Year Finalist.
She too is heading for Sydney Royal this year as analist in the 2025 RAS Rural Achiever competition.
More about them on page 2 of this edition of The Farmer. This event was delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Carbon Farming Outreach Program in collaboration with the Grower Group Alliance.
Weston, Julia
Darling Irrigation; Randy Wood, Corporate President and CEO.
Trundle Back In Time
Green machines take centre stage
The Trundle Showground was almost glowing green as hundreds of tractors young and old were on display for Trundle Back In Time.
The display was bolstered by a range of John Deere tractors to mark the celebration of just over 100 years of the company manufacturing its own tractors.
And among them was one close to Chris Green’s heart.
Chris, along with his three-year-old son Al e who are from Forbes, spotted a John Deere Model D tractor that belonged to his grandfather Jack Green who owned it in the late 40s and early 50s.
While it’s no longer in the family, Chris didn’t want to miss the opportunity to have a photo with the tractor on Saturday a ernoon.
The John Deere Model D tractor was introduced in 1923 and became the rst tractor built, marketed, and named John Deere.
It replaced the Waterloo Boy in the company’s product line.
The two-cylinder kerosene-burning engine produced 15 horsepower at the drawbar and 22 at the belt, and was the longest model run of any John Deere tractor.
Attendees over the weekend of 15 and 16 March were very fortunate to see one of these original 100-year-old Model D’s in Trundle and in action in the precious parade.
Andy Mackenzie and his father Norm came over from Molong with Andy’s
John Deere D Spoker tractor.
The Spoker style was produced from 1923 to 1926, and as the nickname suggests, the ywheel had spokes like a wagon wheel.
Only 5846 of these were produced.
The father-son duo have restored the tractor and it looked in spectacular condition for the parade.
“There’s only four or ve [of these] in Australia,” Norm said.
“It took us six months to restore it, there wasn’t much to do.”
While there are many activities taking place at Trundle Back In Time - like car and engine displays, sheaf toss, market stalls, kids entertainment and a great opportunity to catch up with friends - the event very much focuses on tractors.
And those who are very passionate about these machines are very much in their element.
Like central west farmer Edgar Orr, who is very well known in the Parkes Shire and those in the vintage machinery circle for his John Deere tractor collection.
Edgar had 14 tractors on display at Trundle Back In Time, including a ride-on tractor, and has a collection of about 30.
His oldest is a 1925 John Deere model.
Sporting bright green and yellow John Deere suspenders, Edgar was found among the tractor display only too happy to share his knowledge and stories on the tractors with visitors.
Tractors make tracks to Trundle
More than 100 tractors and their drivers from near and far showed spectators their tracks in one of Trundle Back In Time’s best tractor pull competitions yet.
Organisers of the biennial tractor pull and the annual vintage rally, Trundle P&A Society were delighted with this year’s results with some entrants coming away with multiple awards and placings across the 20 competing classes in the tractor pull, including a ladies class.
It all took place at the Trundle Showground on 15 and 16 March.
John Deere tractor collector and Goonumbla farmer Edgar Orr not only took home the Rob Goodsell Memorial Trophy for Best Looking Tractor with his John Deere 5020, but his John Deere 720 also won Best John Deere Tractor on Ground.
Andrew McKenzie’s 100-year-old
John Deere Model D Spoker was the Best Restored Tractor and Duncan Howe with his International Crawler B-TD6 won Most Original Tractor.
The Show Us Ya Tracks Best Track on Ground was Scott Goodsell’s TD 24 Crawler.
Meanwhile the remaining machines at the event weren’t forgotten with the Best Restored Truck going to Peter Thomas from Trundle for his Furphy Chevrolet and Most Original Truck to Andre Moser and his 1922 Renault.
Tony McGrath had the Best Re-
stored Car, the 1937 Ford Coupe ute and Most Original Car was Kellie Thomas’ 1982 Chevrolet.
The Best Restored Stationary Engine went to Joe Collet, Most Original Stationary Engine to Mick Buezell and Best Display Stationary Engine to Eddy Gould, who all had their entries featured in the weekend’s Stationary Engine Display.
2025 TRACTOR PULL RESULTS
Class is listed above, tractor make is listed a er the winner’s name and the distance pulled in their rst, second and third attempts listed last.
Under 20 HP
First Peter Thomas, Hart Parr 16/30: 60m, 45m.
Second Joe Collet, Lanz Bulldog “J”: 20m.
Under 25 HP
First Digger Anderson, McCormick Deering 15-30: 39m, 24m.
Second Will and Terry Charlton, Case Dexter: 37m, 24.5m.
Under 30 HP
First Rob Robertson, Oliver Hart Parr 28-44: 70m, 55m, 52m.
Second Bruce Capps, Lanz Bulldog “K”: 70m, 51m, 49m.
Under 35 HP
First Scott Walder, Inter WG: 70m, 54.5m, 55m.
Second Digger Anderson, Massey Harris Model 25: 20m.
Under 40 HP
First Geo Heinjus, Hanomag
R40: 51m, 56m, 70m.
Second Murray Mitton, John Deere Model “D”: 47m, 63m.
Under 45 HP
First James Hetherington, John Deere Model “R”: 62m, 61m, 70m.
Second Jason McCutcheon, John Deere Model “R”: 49.5m, 48m, 70m.
Under 50 HP
First Mick Umback, International WD-40: 75m.
Second Claude Fuller, Chamberlain 9G: 61m, 67m, 70m.
Under 55 HP
First Warren Krause, John Deere 730: 48m, 68m, 70m.
Second Geo Heinjus, Chamberlain 55 DA: 62m, 63.5m, 70m.
Under 60 HP
First Norman Bush, Case 500: 76m, 68m, 64.5m.
Second Claude Fuller, Chamberlain 60 DA: 74.5m, 60.5m, 59.5m.
Under 70 HP
First Warren Krause, Internation-
al 756: 76m, 65m.
Under 80 HP
First Murray Milton, International 660D: 80m, 80m. Under 90 HP
First Graham Pont, Chamberlain 354: 80m, 80m.
Second Matt Vella, Fiat 900: 77.5m, 63m.
Under 100 HP
First James Hetherington, Minneapolis Moline G1000: 80m, 80m. OPEN
First Ben Armstrong, Massey Ferguson 4800: 80m, 80m.
First James Hetherington, John Deere 4630: 80m, 80m.
Second Bill Shandley, John Deere
6030: 80m, 80m, 76m.
Crawler Under 30 HP
First Jason Goodsell, International T20: 48m.
Crawler Under 40 HP
First Steven Umback, McCormick
TD 35: 80m, 80m.
Second Peter Thomas, McCormick TD 35: 80m.
Crawler Under 50 HP
First Duncan Howe, International B-TD6: 78m, 61.5m.
Second Peter Thomas, Fiat Crawler: 67m.
Crawler Under 70 HP
First John Glanville, Caterpillar D4D: 80m, 80m.
Second Patrick Umback, International TD9: 70m, 80m, 80m.
Crawler OPEN
First Scott Goodsell, International TD24: 80m, 80m.
First Chris Axiah, ANS Crawler, 80m, 80m.
First Jason McCutcheon, International TD-18 1946: 80m, 80m.
Ladies Class
First Zoe Herbet, John Deere 8960 (Open): 80m.
Second Maree Krause, John Deere 2010 (U40 HP Class): 33m, 40m.
ABOVE: Andy Mackenzie from Molong showing his 100-year-old John Deere D Spoker tractor. RIGHT: Chris and Alfie Green from Forbes with Chris’ grandfather Jack Green’s John Deere Model D tractor from the 40s-50s.
PHOTOS: Christine Little
Edgar Orr, beaming in his John Deere braces, had 14 tractors on display at Trundle Back In Time. Here he is catching up with Bob Wythes from Forbes.
Peter Thomas from Trundle finished the tractor pull with a first in the Under 20 HP class and two seconds in the crawler classes.
Hilltops Councillor Column
Finally, the trees and owers on Harden’s main street are starting to regain their leaves.
I would like to begin my column by expressing my gratitude to all the people who have supported my hometown of Harden following our recent natural disaster.
This includes General Manager Anthony O’Reilly, Mayor Brian Ingram, Steph Cooke MP, the SES, RFS, and NSW Fire and Rescue, Vet Steph Ellis, Wildcare, and of course, the incredible council workers who arrived before 6am and worked tirelessly throughout the day.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped on that di cult day!
I was at the post o ce when the storm hit, and it was a terrifying experience.
We were fortunate to only sustain minor damage compared to some who have lost so much.
As a small town, we are all doing our best to rebuild and move forward, and I encourage everyone to support local businesses by popping in and making a purchase if you can. Unfortunately, some businesses have yet to reopen due to the severity of the damage,
and others may take months to complete repairs.
In the meantime, there have been some exciting developments at the Council, including the installation of new shade sails at the Boorowa Skate Park, Coddington Park in Harden, and Tresillian Park in Young.
We have also begun exploring new o -leash areas for the Hilltops LGA, with speci c grant funding allocated for an o -leash dog park in Harden.
Council is also in discussions to establish a Companion Animals Committee, so stay tuned for updates!
On that note, I urge all residents to ensure that their pets’ microchip details are accurate and up to date.
You can pick up a form from the Council or the Harden Post O ce.
Once completed, return the form to the Council, and your details will be updated free of charge.
A huge thank you to the leaders of the mosque for their kind invitation to the Young Mosque I ar Dinner on Tuesday, 25 March.
It was a wonderful evening that brought the community together.
As Ko Annan said, “We
may have di erent religions, di erent languages, di erent coloured skin, but we all be long to one human race.”
Lastly, the Hilltops Youth Action Group (HYAG) will be hosting a disco from 6.30 to 9.30pm on Monday, 14 April, at the Young Town Hall.
The event is open to 12- to 18-year-olds, with an “Aussie Icons” theme.
Buses will be available from Boorowa and Harden.
To reserve your spot, email youth@hilltops.nsw.gov.au with your full name and the contact details of yourself and your guardian.
Councillor Michelle Gallo
Helmut Hiebl: A master craftsman
Erna Hiebl donated four glass objects: a vase, two goblets and a mushroom paperweight, to the Young Historical Museum in 2015.
In the photograph above, from the National Archives of Australia, Erna and Helmut stand outside Helmut’s glass studio in 1977.
Since 2015, the Museum has received further donations of Helmut’s glassware from Margaret Smith, Sandra Jenner and D & A Gri ths.
Helmut Hiebl was born in 1943 in Schneegatern, Austria, to Matthias Hiebl and his wife Maria Karrer.
A er leaving school at the age of 14, Helmut worked at the Austrian-Bohemian glass factory owned and operated by Processor Claus Josef Riedel for four years.
There he learnt to blow glass.
Helmut was supposed to go to a ceramic factory but fate intervened.
His brother Heinrich and sister Maria were already in Australia, so Helmut and his mother applied to migrate as well.
His mother changed her mind, however,
and by that time the only place that Helmut could get a job was at the glass factory.
From 1961 to ‘64, Helmut attended the Glasfach Art School of Glass, at Kramsach in the Austrian Tyrol, where he learnt engraving and decorating.
A er this, he worked in Bavaria, Germany, as a senior designer for the Zwiesel company, before returning to Austria where he set up his own glass business.
A major commission at this time was a
Inquiry in cat population management holds second hearing
The Upper House committee inquiring into the management of cat populations in New South Wales held its second hearing on Tuesday 1 April 2025 at NSW Parliament in Sydney.
A wide range of stakeholders appeared before the committee, including wildlife organisations, animal welfare groups, veterinarians and those involved in animal care at a grassroots level. The committee will also heard from local councils and representatives of the NSW Government.
‘It is clear that cats are a companion and source of joy for many in the community,” Inquiry chair of the Animal Welfare Committee Emma Hurst MLC said.
carved crystal design of the Austrian House of Parliament, given to Queen Elizabth II during her state visit in 1971.
In 1972, some designers from Steuben, part of the Crown Corning glassworks in New York, o ered him the opportunity to work with them.
Helmut took his wife Erna and their veyear old son to the USA for three years.
The family came to Australia in 1976, rst staying in Young for two months, with Hel-
mut’s brother Heinrich, before moving to Murringo.
In a 2007 interview, Helmut stated, ‘When I rst arrived here there was no glass available for me to engrave on, which is why I had to start with glass blowing that I set up in an old blacksmith shop’. He blew his rst glass at Murringo on 1st October 1976: ‘My wife was the only assistant that I have ever had, even with no experience in glass blowing. I had to gather the glass and she was holding it. I had to build everything myself because all that was available were the raw materials. You could not buy the equipment locally and importing them was much too expensive’. Helmut Hiebl exhibited internationally as well as in Australia, o en selling to tourists who came to see his demonstrations of glass blowing and engraving at Murringo. He died in January 2013 and is buried at Murringo.
Karen Schamberger - Young Historical Society
Hilltops weather forecast
Friday April 4 - Sunny throughout the day and partly cloudy into the night. A top of 23 and a low of 10 degrees Celsius.
Saturday April 5 - Sunny throughout the day and a clear night. A top of 19 degrees Celsius and a low of 7.
Sunday April 6 - Partly cloudy throughout the day, clear overnight. A top of 20 and a low of 10 degrees Celsius.
Monday April 7 - Sunny during the day and clear through the night. A top of 19 degrees Celsius and a low of 8 overnight.
Tuesday April 8 - Partly cloudy during the day and throughout the night. A top of 20 and a low of 9 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday April 9 - Partly cloudy during the day and a 60 percent of rain overnight. A top of 21 and a low of 12.
Thursday April 10 - Partly cloudy through the day and night. A top of 22 and a low of 10 degrees Celsius.
Friday April 11 - Partly cloudy throughout the day and into the night. A top of 24 degrees Celsius and a low of 13.
Saturday April 12 - Sunny during the day and clear overnight. A top of 25 degrees Celsius and a low of 12.
“The appropriate management of cat populations is an important issue that must be approached thoughtfully and with careful consideration of the various options available.”
Prior to the second hearing Ms Hurst said they were looking forward to hearing from everyone and the valuable information they would be able to provide.
“It will be a valuable opportunity for the committee to further deepen its understanding of the issues that may result if cat populations are poorly managed, as well as providing insight into various strategies that may be utilised in response,” she said.
“The evidence from both hearings, as well as from the large number of submissions we have received, will help inform the committee’s report as well as the recommendations we ultimately put to the NSW Government.”
For more information on the inquiry please visit https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ committees/inquiries/Pages.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Dancing With The Stars: All Stars. 3.30 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: Babe: Pig In The City. (1998) 8.55 MOVIE: Tooth Fairy. (2010) 10.55
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.10 ER. 2.55 Doctor Who. 3.40 Would I Lie To You? 4.10 MythBusters. 5.00 Heartbreak
8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 10.35 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. The Star Championships Day and Caulfield Race Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016) Dwayne Johnson. 9.45 MOVIE: Battle Los Angeles. (2011) Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez. 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Better Homes. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. The Star Championships Day and Caulfield Race Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol.
6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 12.00 The 4WD Adventure Show. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Motor Racing. Shannons SpeedSeries. Round 1. Day 1. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Football. AFL. Round 4. North Melbourne v Sydney. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.40 MOVIE: Uptown Girls. (2003) 3.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. 8.30 MOVIE: Black Adam. (2022) Dwayne Johnson, Sarah Shahi, Aldis Hodge. 10.50 MOVIE: Shazam! (2019) 1.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Dream Home. 1.40 Holey Moley Australia. Final. 3.10 My France With Manu. 4.10 Dodger. 5.15 MOVIE: The Tiger Rising. (2022) 7.30 MOVIE: Jumanji. (1995) 9.35 MOVIE: The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty. (2013) 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Intrepid Adventures. 12.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 2.30 Taste Of Aus: BBQ. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30 Dog House Aust. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. 8.30 Gogglebox
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Extras. 3.10 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Live At The Apollo. 8.50 Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow. 10.50 ER. 11.35 Rage. 12.40 Heartbreak High. 1.25 Extras. 1.55 QI. 2.25 ER. 3.05 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Figure Skating.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Offsiders. 11.00 Compass. 11.30
12.00 ABC
At
12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. 3.30 Grand Designs Revisited. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Darby And Joan. 8.15 Unforgotten. 9.05 Boat Story. 10.05 MOVIE: Ali’s
(2017) 11.50
Programs.
Rocket. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.10 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
Hustle & Tow. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The King’s Man. (2021) 11.10 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022) 1.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Hello SA.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Doctor Who. 3.25 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI.
Kids’
3.00
3.25 Octonauts And The
Of
4.45 Gardening Australia
5.10 Peter Rabbit. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) With change dominant this week, don’t be surprised to find new emerging facts that could put a slant on a situation and offer you another choice. Think it through before you decide.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) There could be some lingering problems from a previous matter that involved a decision you felt you had to make. Resolve the situation with your strong Taurean no-nonsense approach.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The Gemini’s carefully made plans could be undone by someone’s unexpected decision. Getting the full story behind a surprise move can help you decide how to deal with the matter.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Recently uncovered information might put a new light on a situation you thought had been resolved. Keep an open mind about possible changes that you might have to consider.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.15 MOVIE: The Brigand Of Kandahar. (1965) 3.00 MOVIE: The Day The Earth Caught Fire. (1961) 5.00 MOVIE: Vera Cruz. (1954) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 8. Western Force v Highlanders. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific PostMatch. 9.45 MOVIE: Rocky Balboa. (2006) 11.45 Late Programs.
Morning Programs. 11.00 My Market Kitchen. 11.30 Buy To Build. 12.00 Australian Survivor. 1.10 Good Chef Bad Chef. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 2.30 Expedition: Australia’s West Coast. 3.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00
NRL. Round 5. Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. 8.50 60 Minutes. 9.50 9News Late. 10.20 See No Evil. 11.20 The First 48. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 My Favorite Martian. 1.00 Avengers. 2.00 MOVIE: The Man Who Haunted Himself. (1970) 3.55 MOVIE: The Cruel Sea. (1953) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Fugitive. (1993) 11.10 The Closer. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.30 Dream Home. 1.10 My France With Manu. 2.00 Home And Away. 4.00 Australian Idol. 5.00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) With a potential revision of an old agreement, you can’t beat the Big Cat for knowing how to sharpen a “clause” to the best advantage. Meanwhile, someone close could have the news you’ve been waiting for.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Certain issues in the workplace could put you in the middle of a dispute you’d rather not deal with. Express your honest feelings before the pressure to take sides builds up.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might feel uneasy disagreeing with someone you’ve been close to. But your relationship should be able to withstand and even thrive when you confront your true feelings.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A romantic situation seems to be creating more confusion than you can handle. If so, own up to your feelings. The sooner you do, the better your chances are for working things out. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) With change directing the Archer’s aim, consider a second look at your plans and see where they might benefit from a revision. In other news, a workplace matter is close to a resolution.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) New contacts help you learn some important information about upcoming developments. The week calls for the Sea Goat to be more flexible than usual in a number of matters.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) With both change and uncertainty in your aspect, you might feel less confident in a previous decision. This is OK. Check it out and see where it could be modified, if necessary.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Old relationships that seemed to be sinking are buoyant again, and new relationships are benefiting from Cupid’s loving care. This could be a good time to make a major move!
Classifieds
Anniversaries ====
BRADDON, Errol and Leonie. Happy 70th Wedding Anniversary!
9th April 1955
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone with love, Zeta, Leanne and Michael, Craig, Janelle and Craig, Greg and Alana, along with 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and your many friends.
Wishing you both a day lled with love and cherished memories. xx
Mrs Gabriella Dedé
The death has occurred of Mrs Gabriella Dedé. Passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025 at her home. Much loved wife of Johnny (dec). Devoted mother and mother-in-law of Marco and Melissa, Manuela and Damian. Cherished Nonna of Roberto and Siobhan, Luciano, Nathanael, Vincenzo, Celine and Alessandro and Cherished Bisnonna of Leonardo, and babies to come. Survived by loving sisters Laura and Maria Teresa. Sadly missed by all extended family and friends. Late of ‘Eden Brae’ Kingsvale. Aged 84 years. Rest in peace.
A Requiem Mass to celebrate Gabriella’s life will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at St Anthony’s Catholic Church Harden, commencing at 11am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Following the Mass, Gabriella will be taken for private cremation.
Mr Donald Francis Smith “Don”
The death has occurred of Mr Donald Francis Smith better known as Don. Passed away on 23rd March 2025. Much loved husband of Christine. Devoted father and father in law of Peter & Natalie, Anne & Garry Bell, Jillian Murray, Donnie & Lauren, Susie & Gen Fleeton-Smith, Evonne & Ian Gould. Cherished Pa of Jordan, Laura, Hayden, Morgan, Josslyn, Madeline, Ethan, Abigail, Jack, Dorothy, Margaret, William, Sophie and Zoe. Loved brother of Paul & Maureen, Ken (deceased), Lesley & Jim Zickefoose and Jennie & Ripper Rintoul. Sadly missed by extended family and friends. Late of Toompang Street, Young.
Aged 80 Years Rest In Peace
A Catholic Mass to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Wednesday 9th April 2025, at St Mary’s Catholic Church Young, commencing at 11.00am.
02 6382 5217 pattersonbrothersfunerals.com.au
The cortege will then leave for the Young Lawn Cemetery.
Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at the service toward the St Mary’s Catholic Church restoration, in memory of Don.
For those unable to attend Don’s service, it will be viewable via the livestream link on the Patterson
Patterson Brothers Funerals
95 Main Street, Young N.S.W 02 6382 5217 pattersonbrothersfunerals.com.au
Travla Beer and Rugby Festival
The weather may have been wet and cold, however, the action on the elds at the Boorowa Rugby Club last Saturday was hot with teams from across the region and Canberra facing o for the 2025 Boorowa Rugby Club Travla Beer and Rugby Festival.
There were some fantastic games played across both elds, with plenty of Australian classics and great food throughout the day keeping spectators and players alike entertained.
Games were 20 minutes each with mens and womens sides taking to the elds.
Sides competed to compete included Cowra Eagles, Uni Norths Owls, Parkes Boars, Harden Red Devils, Cooma, Wagga Ag College, Boorowa Goldies, Queanbeyan, Gri th and Young.
Congratulations to Boorowa Rugby Club on hosting such a fantastic day ahead of the 2025 season and to all of the teams who took to the eld to play.
Junior Soccer come
This Saturday sees us kick o our juniors, super excited once again to nally get started! Under 5’s 8.30
urday are not the proper teams, and all games should be played in a friendly manner with the option of swapping players at half time if you wish. The purpose is to grade new players, work out coaches and managers and basically meet and greet.
Your age group is determined by the age you are turning that year, with that it mind certain allowances can be made, you just need to contact the club.
We will have Coach/Managers looking a er each ground.
and try day on this Saturday
the coaches /managers who will have a vest on.
Please ensure you have shinpads and soccer shoes. Shirts will be given out on the day but need to be returned.
If you have any shirts from last season, please bring them back.
Our home ground is Gus Smith Oval located in Trafalgar St.
To Register please Head to the play football website and enter under YoungLionsLachlan.
at 12 and 2 at Hall Bros oval, de nitely worth the watch on Saturday.
Please arrive well before scheduled game to allow teams to be picked.
Teams you play in on Sat-
All you need to do is turn up to your scheduled ground 20 minutes before kick-o and make yourself known to
With the completion of our Come and Try days you need to be registered by Friday the 25th of April (ANZAC DAY), so teams can be selected for our GALA Day on Saturday the 3rd of May with our season o cially kicking o on the 10th of May and nishing on the 30th of August.
Age groups start from under 5s to under 17s.
Cost is $100 for all age groups but we encourage you to use your active kids voucher from Service NSW.
Socks and shorts will be available to buy on the day, $15 socks and $25 shorts and all children are encouraged to play with football boots if possible and shinpads.
Just a reminder if you are interested, our under 18’s and rst grade men’s team will be playing semi- nals in the Riverina Cup kicking o
Our Canteen will be operating this weekend and we have Gabby King from Yeah Brew making all your fresh co ee, hot chocolates and tea.
We encourage any parents to step up and maybe be a game leader especially in our younger age groups.
Once again we Thank You for choosing to play soccer and we hope you have a wonderful year.
Keep Kicking PAUL CAMERON
Rowing into the Australian Champs
Boorowa rower Harry Dymock competed for Kinross Wolaroi School, Orange in ve events at the National Rowing Championships held in Tasmania last week.
The week long championships were hosted at Lake Barrington in the north of the state with the regatta holding 134 events and over 600 individual races between the heats, semis, repechages and nals with 2118 athletes.
Harry’s rst race was the Under 21 Lightweight Men’s Single Scull, rowing in heat two, the local teen came in second by 0.8 of a second to Garvan Hayes of Marist College in Canberra in a time of 8 minutes and 31 seconds.
The next race for Harry was the nal of the single scull which was won by Lakshan Lakshan rowing for the Indian Army Rowing Pod who crossed the line in
a time of 7 minutes and 29 seconds, with Harry coming in second with the time of 7 minutes and 32 seconds.
He followed up the single with a heat of the Under 23 Lightweight Men’s Double Scull.
Rowing in the event with Luke Purdie from Hunter Valley Grammar, the pair won their heat in a time of 6 minutes and 41 seconds.
In the nal where the pair were up against older rowers they ran in third place behind Esk Rowing Club and Adelaide University in a time of 6 minutes and 41.28 seconds.
His next event was a heat in the Under 19s Men’s Quad Scull Fours, where the team were up against composite crews from all parts of eastern Australia.
In their head the team nished in third behind the
Hunter Valley composed and the Kand Composite Crew with the Kinross side nishing in a time of 6 minutes and 26 seconds.
They met Hunter Valley and Kand again in thenal where the result from the heat was mirrored with Hunter Valley crossing rst, Kand second and Kinross nishing in third in a time of 6 minutes and 25 seconds.
In the Coxed Quad Sull Four with the crew of Ollie Smith, Oscar Cleary, Tobby Buckland, Harry and coxed by Henry Baker the team won their heat in 6 minutes 30.8 seconds.
They went on to win their semi- nal in a time of 7 minutes 16 seconds.
The nal was a very close race from start to nish with the Kinross crew being run down in the last few strokes by the crew from Marist Col-
lege in Canberra.
The winning time was 6 minutes and 36 seconds with Harry’s crew running a close second in 6 minutes 38 seconds.
Harry’s nal event was the 500m sprint.
In this event the hand brakes were o and the crews y at out from the start.
The Kinross crew won their heat in a time of 1 minute 42 seconds.
In the nal they were pipped at the line by the Pembroke School, Tasmania, with a time of 1 minute 28.34 seconds with Harry’s crew close behind in 1 minute 34.72 seconds.
Alice Dymock also competed throughout the week, representing Kinross Wolaroi.
Well done to both of the locals who represented not only their school, but Boorowa, proudly throughout the week.
Brumbies to visit Junior Yabbies this Friday
Training is on tonight for all our age groups at the new times, any changes to these times will be communicated through your team group chats.
Player Registrations:
All players must be registered to TRAIN and PLAY. Registration can be completed via Rugby Xplorer: https:// myaccount.rugbyxplorer. com.au/register.
- We’ll need to nalise
team numbers for all age groups in the coming weeks, so please ensure all players are registered.
- Any players wanting to play up or down an age group must submit their dispensation consent forms when registering, so this can be approved by SIRU.
- If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us or speak to a committee member at training.
Player Kit Pickup – Available again this week for all registered players. Kits include shorts, socks, a training t-shirt, and Yabbies Jibbitz.
Yass Rugby Juniors PreSeason Gala Day – 5th April Some of our teams will be involved in trial matches next Saturday. Communica tions have been sent to your group chats - please con rm your availability with your
coaches as soon as possible so we can nalise teams for the day.
SIRU Rep Trials 6th April
- Any U12s and up players interested in trialing for the SIRU Rep teams and being part of this program, please submit your nominations ASAP via the following form: https://form.jotform.
Last but not least… We’re excited to welcome some Brumbies players to our training session on Friday, 4th April! They’ll be involved in our training, and there will be opportunities for photos and autographs. Looking forward to a big week ahead - see you all at training!
Croquet Matters: Judy Honeman tells her story
This week’s report features a new progressive members pro le with Judy Honeman telling her story.
I was born and educated in Sydney, in particular, Merrylands, Wentworthville and Blacktown region.
In 1972, we made the decision to move to the country with our ve children.
Living in the Sydney area had become quite stressful and busy, not a place we wished to bring up our children.
We chose Young because my husband, Robert, had a sister already living there.
Robert’s parents also moved with us.
Our four younger children attended Maimuru Public School, with the oldest child o to Young High School.
I became quite involved in the voluntary roles associated with most schools, from sports days to fund raising days.
For several years, I managed and organised the supervision teams for the annual School Certi cate and Higher School Certi cate examinations held at Young High School.
I met some kind and genuine people during that time, and have remained friends over the years.
I worked with Edna Kelly for many years, sewing sheepskin coats.
We had such fun, and I hold some very dear memories from that time.
I was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for a long time.
I started decorating cakes for Wilders a er 1984.
I decorated wedding, birthday, christening, Christmas and special cakes for many, many years.
At school, I learned dressmaking skills and was able to put them to use as my daughter grew.
I made her special occasion dresses, including her wedding dress and her bridesmaid’s dresses.
When we moved to our farm at Maimuru, I had to learn how to milk a cow.
We had a cherry orchard, so picking cherries was also on my list of things to do.
I also worked at a local orchard in the packing shed.
We kept pigs as well, and that was an interesting time.
Robert and I had an interest in greyhounds when we lived in Sydney, and brought that passion with us to Maimuru.
We met many people in the greyhound community, some of whom we still keep in touch.
Sadly, my husband, Robert, passed away in 2016.
But with the love and care of my family, I have been able to remain on the Maimuru property.
I have lived here for 53 years.
I am a proud mother of ve children, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
I am blessed that the family do not live too far away, Canberra, Junee and Young.
I joined Young Croquet Club this year.
I have renewed relationships with club members whom I knew many years ago.
It has been wonderful to catch up and relive old times.
I nd playing croquet is very rewarding.
There is nothing like the feeling when the ball goes through the hoop!
It is challenging, there is a lot to learn, but the club members are encouraging and happy to help you along the learning journey.
Also, the members just love her cooking, especially the Lamingtons. President and Secretary Leonie and Peter Druitt took time out at the weekend to travel to Canberra to see the live show with Anthory C and Tim Campbell. By all reports it was a good show.
The Business House Competition will wind up next week, with play this week determining who will be playing in the nals.
Just a reminder that from next Monday play will be back on with a 9am start.
SHIRLEY CLOSE
Sectional games to begin this week
There is a much shorter report this week now that the Pennants sectional games have nished and the green being closed on Saturday due to overnight rain.
On Thursday a ernoon there were 14 players on the green in quite pleasant conditions.
Glen Phillips and Les Fanning won their game 23–9 to
claim the vouchers for the day.
Albert Carter and Greg Woods won their game 23–12 and in the triples game Tom Preston, Brian Christie and Tony Ruhl were the winners 26 shots to 17.
In the Guy Pickering Charity Challenge on Wednesday night the SMJ team were the winners on a count–back.
On Thursday night the Fill Ins team scored 16 points to be the overall winners.
Two teams – The Blockers and DCA – both had scores of 15 points.
The Bowls NSW State Championship Finals commenced on 24th March. The nals are being played at three clubs – Ballina, Lennox Head and Alstonville.
There are two teams from the Young Bowling Club that have quali ed for the State Finals a er winning the Riverina Murray Region competitions.
Jenny Holt, Lisa Boyd and Kate Cooper are drawn in Section 1 of the State Women’s Triples. Unfortunately, during last week Jenny had to withdraw from the team due
to injury and a player from Ballina is taking her place in the team.
Jonathon Watson, Damien Miller and David Quigley are drawn in Section 2 of the State Men’s Triples.
The format for these events is that the sixteen teams that quali ed are drawn into four sections.
In the sectional play each
Ball competition played at Young Golf Club over the weekend
On Saturday the Men played a ball competition as the single stableford sponsored by Gus Stinson and GS Tiles and Floor Coverings was washed out.
The winner was Peter Kirkwood (6 balls) with 39 points, runner up was James French (4 balls) with 38 points on a countback from Mark McCormick (3 balls).
Grant Noakes (2 balls) had 37 points on a countback and there were 25 players.
Balls went down to 31 points on a countback.
The Deluxe Blinds & Shutters eagles nest jackpot on the 1st will be $140 next week.
Updates from The Ray White Young & Harden nals scratch matchplay event.
The nal matches are in A.Grade Aaron Mur tt V Levi French. In B.Grade Sam Langford V Jim Glasheen and in C.Grade Ben Murray will play Col Blizzard.
The Matchplay Super Sunday nal is from 11.30am 6th April.
You are invited to spectate as players from all 3 grades battle it out in the Ray White Young & Harden 2025 Scratch Matchplay.
Upcoming events - Saturday 5th April Cooltech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning April Monthly Medals and Medal of Medals.
Saturday 12th April- Yellow ball 3 person- Nolan Shearing. Playing rules are that holder of the Yellow Ball has their score doubled and added to the next best score from the other two players.
Players must decide before teeing o who will have the Yellow Ball rst, then second and third.
This order is maintained for the 18 holes.
The Wednesday Medley was won by Brett Scelly with 40 points and he won 12 balls.
Runner up was Peter Hogan (9 balls) with 38 points on a countback
from Peter Terry (7 balls).
Don Cruickshank was fourth (5 balls) with 37 points on a countback from Craig Webber (3 balls) and Adrian Hanrahan (2 balls).
The Pro Pin on the 7th was won by John Jones with 52cm and he receives a Pro Shop voucher.
Balls went down to 31 points on a countback and there were 62 players.
The Friday Medley was won by Jamie Canellis with 40 points and he won 4 balls.
The runner up was Mark Shipp (3 balls) with 36 points on a countback from Ian Tierney (2 balls).
Balls went down to 33 points on a countback and there were 15 players.
The Kyle McGovern Electrical Sunday medley was won by Michael Duval with 40 points and he won 8 balls.
Calum McCafery (6 balls) was runner up with 40 points and third was Ian Wells (5 balls) with 38 points.
Dom Scott (4 balls) had 37 points on a countback from Luke Corcoran (3 balls) and Tim Norman (2 balls).
Dean Scho eld won the Pro Pin voucher with 195 cm.
The Watson Toyota secret birdie hole was the 6th and was not won.
Balls went down to 31 points and there were 46.
The Sunday Social Club played a 14 hole event which was won by Darren Eastwood with 46 nett.
Will Albert was runner up with 50 nett and Shannon Genge was third withn 51 nett.
The jackpot sits at 30 balls.
The winning combination was an 9 on the 6th.
Junior League Town Comp trials kick
off on Thursday night
The Young Junior Rugby League Town Comp kicks o this Thursday with its rst trial games.
Please see the team lists below.
Under 6s Sharks: Coach - Daniel Woods Carson Shipp, Hunter Martin, Jhye Cummins, Nash Robinson, Brianna Woods, Max Sharman, Ruebyn Logue, Harry Stapleton, Archie Loader.
Under 6s Eels: Coach - TBA Kaiden Byrnes, Charles Gibson, Lewis Brown, Nixon Hardy, Carter McInerney, Logan Marsh, Oscar Holmes, Cohen Langford.
Under 7s Panthers: Coach - TBA Finn Eades, Myles Sullivan, Samel Bridge, Charlie Wilkes, Jack Robinson, Nathan Cruz, Nate Campbell, James Roche.
Under 7s Broncos: Coach - Craig Gault Ardy Comerford, Jack Gault, Ra y Richens, Sonny Walker, Harvey Palmer, Henry Rielley, Nate Wilmot.
Under 9s Storm: Coach - Shaun Brown Nixon McInerney, Declan Brown, Clayton Stevens, Jude Maxwell, Erik Taylor, Noah Causer, Max Gardner.
Under 9s Sea Eagles: Coach - Brent Isaac Hunt, Cruz Freeman, Levi Walsh, Jaxon Sheather, Lucas Cowled, Zander Rodger, Richie Robinson, Al e Friend.
Under 9s Raiders: Coach - Geo Palmer
Lewis Palmer, Dustin Bruce, Wasim Dib, Darcy Arabin, Oscar Hardman, Nixon Kinlyside, Billy Deasey.
Under 9s Rabbitohs: Coach - Keiren Davidson
Spencer Hardman, Jett Pritchard, Thaine Rodger, Hunter Davidson, Rex Eades, Dustin McKenzie, Archie Spring.
Under 11s Tigers: Coach - TBA
Lachlan Corbett, Riley Walker, Charlie
Davis, Elliott Palmer, Hudson Pettit, Joey Morris, Nixon Clissold, Archie Moles, Cooper Spring, Jake Murray, Matt Gibbons.
Under 11s Bulldogs: Coach - Matt Kyanah Cummins, Vinnie Wark, Cruz Mills, Lenny Thornhill, Hamish Reynolds, Seifeddine Abbas, Muhammad Roumieh, Nicholas Wilkes, Charlie Dean, Jack Lawrence-Lyall, Lachlan McCallum.
Under 11s Roosters: Coach - Marc Owen
Tate Owen, Issa Ghoneim, Jake Apps, Billy Jasprizza, Axel Pritchard, Mitchell Scott, Alex Holt, Henry Maloney, Jack Baker, Charlie Shipp.
Under 11s Dragons: Coach - Rod Berry
Angus Cartwright, Jonathan Eastwood, Louis Clark, James Sinclair, Oliver Dawe, Tyree Christian, Angus Berry, Brodi Berry, Ashton Callaghan, Kobie Ginn.
DRAW
Under 6s and Under 7s players - 6pm - assemble at road side top goal posts. Please make sure you are at the ground 15 minutes before the game time so coaches can get your teams tags organised.
Under 9s - roadside eld
6pm - Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles
6.40pm - Raiders vs Storm
Under 11s - grandstand eld
6pm - Tigers vs Bulldogs
6.40pm - Dragons vs Roosters
Picker Chicks kicked o their Town Comp trials on Monday night with some great games played under the lights.
Be sure to keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram for all of the latest from the Club and the upcoming trial games.
CRAIG WATSON
Tipperary
Golf Club ready for anniversary
First was Geo Nott, second going to Geo Taylor.
Least putts went to Richard Dennis. Terry Casey and Lindsay Sheather each had a birdie.
Richard, Garry Cummins and John Gibbons had one gobble each.
Sponsor of the week was Young Tyre Power. Well, the day has arrived, Sunday is our 30th Anniversary.
Golf begins 9am with a two person Ambrose, followed by party mode.
The day is free, barbecue etc. Everyone welcome to attend.
Please phone Garry on 0439 455 454 or Kaye on 0403 290 885.
VERA MCMILLAN
team plays against the other three teams in their section.
The winners of the four sections qualify for the semi–nals and the winners of these games progress to the nal. The rst sectional games for both the men’s and women’s competitions were scheduled to be played on the morning of Monday 31st March.
Mylan Davidson was the winner on Wednesday with 33 points.
On Wednesday the ladies played a Single Stableford.
Winner: Mylan Davidson 33 pts - 5 balls
Runner-up: Sandra Holmes 33 pts – 4 balls
NTP’s : A Grade 16th sponsored by Gail Hanigan – not hit
B Grade 7th sponsored by Elegant Timbers, Shutters and Blinds – Noela Hardman C Grade 13th sponsored by Uplands P/L – not hit
Ball winners – Joy McCormick 32 pts (2) and Gail Hanigan 31 pts, Cathy Aiken 31 pts, Liz Harding 31 pts, Leanne Slater 30 pts, Karen Hamilton-Gibbs 28 pts and Marg Kinlyside 28 pts (1 ball each)
There was no play on Saturday due to the inclement weather.
Next Saturday will be a Single Stroke being the 2nd round of GNSW Saturday Medals and Wednesday is a 4BBB Stableford.
PAMMIE MCCLOY
A er this month’s social bowls, the trophy was won by Mark Dwyer on 80 Second was Garry Dwyer on 75 points and third was a wounded John Piper on
Mark Dwyer on 27 points followed by Social bowls are on as usual Thursday at the Ex Services Club, 12 noon or as daylight saving nished there may be a change. Ring the Club to get actual times.
JOHN DYMOCK
YOUNG JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB
Young brings home the YouCow Cup for 2025
It was a big day of trial games for Young Junior Rugby League on Saturday with the younger
games for the Under 8s,
Pickers hit out and into the finals
It was a big weekend for the Cherrypickers ahead of the Group 9 opener with First Grade playing in the Hotel Leeton Yanco Wamoon Hawks 9s and the Cherrybombs tackling the Junee Diesels in Cootamundra.
The Pickers played three games on Saturday in Leeton ahead of the nals going up against Cobar, Yenda, Darlington Point/Coleambally.
In the rst game the Pickers secured an easy win against the Western NSW side defeating Cobar 16-4.
The second game for the boys was up against the Riverina side of Yenda with the Pickers backing up for another win 16-8.
Making it three for three for the day and securing their way into the nals the Pickers took out the Darlington Point/Coleambally side 22-6.
The boys then secured their spot in the grand nal with a very convincing win against Gri th 22-6.
In the nal the Pickers faced o with hosts Yanco Wamoon Hawks in what was
a very close game, with the boys just missing out on the big win 10-16.
“The boys threw all we had against the hungry home town team and we’ll dust ourselves o and look forward to good times ahead,” the Club said.
“Shoutout to our younger Pickers tting right in, plenty to be proud about.
“And special thanks to Hotel Leeton Yanco Wamoon Hawks for putting on a chill day, enjoy the celebrations.”
In the Cherrybombs rst hit out for the year it was not meant to be with an understrength side being defeated 30-18 against the Deisels, however, the team will be looking to the start of the season and working hard to bounce back for the kick o .
“The Cherrybomb’s rst hit out was impressive with only 11 girls taking on the Junee girls,” the Club said.
“They played so well and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
“Outstanding job girls.”
Coming up next Friday is the Cherrypickers Season
Launch with special guest in former local and Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon.
“The Young Cherrypickers are ready for the 2025 season and are looking to be backto-back premiership winners,” the Club said.
“Nathan is an absolute superstar in the test cricket arena, with over 550 test wickets - the third highest Australian bowling performer ever.
“He was born and raised in Young and so very proudly we claim him as one of our own.”
Nathan is looking forward to being able to catch up with old friends and support his home town as they get ready to kick o the 2025 Group 9 season.
The season launch will be held at the Young Services Club on Friday April 11. Doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Table prices etc are available through the Cherrypickers Facebook and Instagram pages.
For table bookings please call Sam on 0409 335 000.
Pickers bringing home the YouCow Cup for 2025.
With
Under 9s, Under 10s League Tag, Under 10s Tackle, Under 11s, Under 12s League Tag, Under 12s Tackle, Under 13s Tackle, Under 14s Tackle, Under 14s League Tag, Under 16s and the Under 16s League Tag sides playing against the Cowra Magpies Junior Rugby League side at Riverpark in Cowra.
Young Junior Rugby League president Kent Woods was presented with the YouCow Cup at the end of the day with some fantastic games played by the Young sides in the lead up to the 2025 Group 9 competition.
PHOTO: Young Rugby League Football Club.