In an impressive display, the Southern Cats Football Club (SCFC) clinched their second win of the season, showcasing their prowess in a commanding match against the Cootamundra Blues at Holt Oval. The Cats triumphed with a score of 107 (15.17) to 31 (5.1) in round 3 of the AFL Canberra Community Men’s Division Two competition on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
PHOTO: The Cats men are starting to believe in season 2025CREDIT: Luke Humphris
The victory, coming off a bye round, was crucial to the team’s momentum. Southern Cats President Anthony Sexton attributed the win to a strong team effort, particularly praising the midfield’s performance. “We had a strong team, particularly the midfield who got on top in the second quarter,” he noted, highlighting their dominance as a big part of the Cats’ strategy.
Cameron Moore was a standout performer, kicking an impressive 10 goals. Sexton described Moore’s performance vividly: “Cam just knows where the ball is going to be, his opponent would try to wrestle and get overpowered. Then when they made a change, Cam just took marks out on the lead. He is dangerous from any angle in the forward 50.”
PHOTO: Cameron Moore in action against Batemans Bay Seahawks in round 1 CREDIT: Luke Humphris
Yet, football is a team sport, and Moore was not alone in his efforts. The midfield dynamo Bryn Larkin was crucial in securing clearances, while Ioan Perkins exhibited remarkable skill and speed from the half back flank, contributing a goal. Alex Clark’s hard tackles on the wing and Will Saddler’s defensive interceptions further underpinned the Cats’ collective strength. “No one had a bad day today,” Sexton affirmed, underlining the team’s comprehensive performance.
Looking ahead, the Cats aim for a third consecutive victory as they face the ANU Griffins in Round 4 at ANU South Oval on Saturday, May 3, with the match kicking off at 12 pm. The team is aware of the Griffins’ formidable forward line.
Sexton explained their preparation strategy: “ANU has a great forward line so we will work on putting pressure on their midfield to prevent easy lead up marks.” He also noted the importance of not getting complacent ahead of the match, as the Cootamundra Blues in their first year of 2nd Division competition were a bit undermanned.
Before the men’s match, the Southern Cats Women will also take to the field against ANU, playing at the same ground from 10 am and fresh off a bye.
In a remarkable opening to their 2025 season, the Cooma Red Devils have notched up three consecutive victories in the 2nd Division South Coast Monaro Rugby competition. Their latest triumph was a closely fought 27-25 win over the Yass Rams, on home turf at Rotary Oval Cooma.
PHOTO: Red Devils get behind new club culture CREDIT: Lissy Giagios
The Red Devils have demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess, conceding just 40 points across their matches so far. Coach James Quodling attributes this defensive strength to rigorous training and a strategic focus. “Defence has been an important part of our structure at training this year; it is something we continually work hard on,” Coach Quodling commented.
Reflecting on the team’s performance and the atmosphere at the Cooma Rugby Union Football Club (CRUFC), Quodling revealed, “It has been quite a while since Cooma has had such a strong start to the season, winning three in a row. The feeling around the club is very positive and exciting.”
PHOTO: CRUFC Coach, James Quodling
As the club gears up for their first away game against the Taralga Tigers on May 4, Quodling stresses the importance of maintaining focus despite their successful start.
“Next week is a very important game for us as we go into our first away game. It is very important we do not become complacent after the score line that Jindabyne put on Taralga. I know Taralga will be a lot stronger at home,” he said.
PHOTO: The Red Devils are now three wins from three starts CREDIT: CRUFC
Round 3 saw standout performances from Nico Maclean, who was named players’ player, Jake Quodling, and both James Moore and Michael Oaniu. Maclean was noted for his strong ball carries and defence, with big tackles making a difference for his side.
PHOTO: A proud Cooma Women’s ACT 10s team under the scoreboard at Rotary Oval Cooma CREDIT: Tania Quodling
The women played their first home match of the season in a much anticipated return of Women’s Rugby in Cooma, taking down the Yass Ewes 29-10.
With the Federal election looming on Saturday, May 3, the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce organised a distinguished Meet the Candidates event on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Horizons Lake Jindabyne. This vital assembly provided an opportunity for constituents of Eden Monaro to engage directly with prospective candidates, each of whom articulated distinct positions on critical issues, some of which included nuclear energy, Snowy Hydro 2.0, insurance, tourism, and aged care.
PHOTO: Rapid fire questions yielded two unanimous results on the support of tax code reform, and cash staying in the economy.
Kerrie Harris, a primary school teacher from Cooma’s St Patrick’s Parish School, was invited along as an independent figure campaigning for the Federal Senate, and she joined the other house of representatives candidates for the evening.
Emma Goward from the Greens was notable absence, represented instead by her proxy, John Castellari, due to family health issues.
PHOTO: John Castellari, Greens proxyon behalf of Emma Goward.
Nuclear Power:
The topic of nuclear energy elicited varied responses. Expressing scepticism about nuclear reactors, independent candidate Andrew Thaler quipped, “We’ve already got a nuclear power plant, it’s the big yellow thing up above.” While Thaler, not against nuclear technology acknowledged the inefficacy of current economic models supporting nuclear fission, Greens representative Castellari concurred, citing the sun as a free fusion reaction offering abundant energy.
From the Heart Party, Fraser Buchanan wouldn’t rule in or out in any technology, asserting, “We’re looking for the most efficient energy sources.” Contrastingly, Wade Cox of the Trumpet of Patriots dismissed the notion of coal causing global warming, implicating it as a deceitful conspiracy, professing, “It’s a scam. You’ve been had.”
PHOTO: Labor remain opposed to nuclear power, condemning the idea of a reactor in the Snowy Mountains.
Kristy McBain, the current Member for Eden Monaro, supported retaining focus on sustainable landscapes, condemning nuclear plant propositions with a pragmatic, “There is nowhere in the world where a small modular reactor is working.”
Liberal candidate Jo van der Plaat endorsed a balanced energy mix, but offered to fight ardently for or against nuclear developments in the Snowy Mountains depending on public sentiment.
The Snowy Hydro 2.0 Project:
Snowy Hydro 2.0’s implications drew criticism regarding its financial and environmental burden. Both Thaler and Buchanan detailed concerns about its cost overruns and community impact, with Buchanan forewarning it could potentially blow out to $30 billion.
Mr Cox said, “We need to get coal fired power stations back in operation, and stop the con.”
Ms McBain recognised its negative town impacts but advocated completing the initiative: “Now that it’s started, it needs to be finished.”
Mr Castellari said, “I don’t think we should go any further than Snowy Hydro 2.0, I think it is largely an energy white elephant. It is not anywhere near the efficiency of a battery, and battery technology.”
PHOTO: Liberal candidate Ms van der Plaat highlighted the negative impacts of the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project on housing market affordability.
Ms van der Plaat also touched on the community impact saying, “I wouldn’t support anything beyond Snowy Hydro 2.0, rentals have skyrocketed to the point where we’ve had people leave the town because they can’t afford to live here and that not that’s not something that I want to see continue.”
Insurance Challenges:
Candidates voiced opinions on insurance-related challenges amidst escalating natural disasters and cost. Mr Buchanan suggested insurance firms exploit climate narratives for profit; “I think the insurance companies are using this climate narrative, this climate emergency hysteria, to take advantage of us.”
Whereas Kristy McBain noted existing government reinsurance models in cyclone-prone regions could be expanded. “The government already has re-insurance for strata towers in North Queensland, because all of those strata towers can no longer get insurance because of cyclone risk, it’s something I think will have to be looked at, down the line, maybe expanding it to other areas.” Contrastingly, Ms van der Plaat suggested, “The best way to try to tackle insurance costs is to get inflation down.”
PHOTO: Mr Thaler shared the law of nature, suggesting if you have been flooded, then you shouldn’t re-build there.
Castellari promoted government-backed insurance solutions due to exorbitant disaster-related costs, while Mr Thaler said, “You’ve got to make better choices about where you live, and I understand that people are pressured into what they can afford, but this comes back to our local government who in charge of a lot of the maps. We need better conversations with our communities about where you can and can’t live.”
LocalTourism:
Tourism’s role, especially within the Eden Monaro electorate, stimulated lively debate. Andrew Thaler proposed lowering park entry fees to enhance the tourist experience, while Ms van der Plaat advocated for the continued focus on being a year round destination.
“If I’m elected, obviously, I live in this place. I want to see it thrive. I want to make sure that I’m going to be able to be able to deal with all levels of government, to make sure that we continue to grow into an all year round tourism destination,” Ms van der Plaat said.
Mr Buchanan supported a targeted levy on ski field users to relieve local ratepayers, saying, “I’m in support of some sort of a levy on the park fees coming in from the people who take advantage of the ski fields saying. To continue to impose the cost of tourism upon the ratepayers, is just over the top. The rates are obviously extremely high, and the bang for the buck is very low.”
PHOTO: Mr Buchanan advocated strongly for a levy on ski field users.
Ms McBain highlighted federal investments in caravan park upgrades and the importance of marketing, noting the local council retreat from tourism promotion.
“We’ve increased a whole range of council funds, but at the end of the day, I’d say it’s up to council as to what it funds, and to explain why they’ve moved out of tourism marketing,” Ms McBain said.
Addressing Aged Care Complexities:
Addressing community aging concerns, nearly all candidates acknowledged aged care strategies need refinement.
Ms McBain shared, “What we are hearing more and more from the communities is they want to stay at home for as long as possible, which is why we’ve delivered extra Home Care Packages right around the country. We also contributed a million dollars to the local council so that they could work with Respect Aged Care to ensure we didn’t lose more beds in Cooma.”
Mr Castellari favoured government-managed models to ensure quality, resonating with public sentiment towards in-home longevity.
PHOTO: Ms Harris advised having a local representative in the Federal Senate would mean she can advocate on local issues.
Ms Harris advocated easing regulations hindering green flats as a remedy to housing and aged care woes sharing, “I think that green flats are a great solution to this problem. It’s really hard to put a green flat in your backyard. There’s a there’s a lot of red tape around it. It would also help with our housing supply issue, because it would help us free up some housing if we moved our elderly parents into our green flats.”
Van der Plaat outlined a mixed model, promising choices and support for community elder care needs. She shared her disappointment in the lack of services in Jindabyne, “When I leave Cooma, and I drive to Jindabyne. There’s nothing, no aged care. It’s a disgrace. I don’t want to see people leaving town. If you were born here and you grew up here, you had a business and raised a family, you deserve to stay here.”
The one thing each candidate would do if elected:
The candidates’ pledges articulated diverse visions. Mr Thaler vowed to “fight for the truth,” Mr Buchanan aimed to counteract globalist influences for national sovereignty, and Mr Cox prioritised national defence reorganisation. Ms McBain identified healthcare resourcing, especially hospital funding, as her principal focus. Ms Van der Plaat advocated rural healthcare enhancements, particularly doctor recruitment, underscoring her commitment to local well-being.
As the voter decision-making timeline narrows, dialogues such as these offer an opportunity to illuminate complex policy intersections and candidate ideologies.
In a gripping start to the Group 16 Rugby League season, the Cooma Stallions secured a hard-fought victory over their Snowy Mountains rivals, the Bombala Blue Heelers, with a final score of 13-6 at the Cooma Showgrounds on April 25, 2025. The match, held on the significant occasion of ANZAC Day, delivered excitement to a large crowd on a day filled with remembrance and special moments.
PHOTO: Ruck infringements were an issue in the match with neither side less guilty of the discipline.
The first half of the derby was an intense battle, with both teams showcasing strong defensive skills, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline at halftime. The second half saw Cooma open the scoring, but Bombala quickly matched their effort, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
PHOTO: Stallions half back Luke Bracher digs deep into the defensive line.
A crucial moment came with an extended defensive effort by the Stallions during a repeat set on their defensive line, which turned the tide in their favour. Cooma capitalised on this momentum turn, scoring again and sealing their victory with a field goal.
James Cahill, Captain of the Cooma United Rugby League Football Club (CURLFC), praised the team’s resolve: “I think what got us over the line was a lot of heart, to be honest. We made a lot of errors but we ended up cancelling that out with our defensive effort. Bombala were great; both sides defended well.”
PHOTO: Stallions Captain, James Cahill.
Despite the evident early-season rustiness, with several players suffering from cramps due to the exertion and both teams committing a fair share of penalties and handling errors, the defensive displays from both sides were impressive.
CURLFC Coach Jason Kelly acknowledged the tough competition: “Round 1, I won’t say we did it easy, because that would be disrespecting our opposition.”
PHOTO: Coach Jason Kelly addresses the team after the match in the sheds.
“The Blue Heelers showed a lot of heart today… If you are upset with you’re team from Cooma or Bombala today, you are very hard to please.”
Todd Williams, CURLFC President, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s commitment: “The grit, and defence of the boys today was unreal… it shows a lot of determination.”
From the Bombala camp, starting hooker Bailey Jones expressed both disappointment and pride: “It was a tough loss knowing how close we were to a big season opening win. It was surreal playing an ANZAC Day game… It definitely had a lot of meaning to a lot of people, and something not many country footy teams get an opportunity to play in.”
PHOTO: Bombala’s backline were slick at times making several line breaks.
Reflecting on the match’s significance and looking ahead, Jones added, “Heading into round 2, having a nine-day turnaround will be handy travelling to Narooma, so preparation should be second to none, and the guys will do everything they can to get a much important win on the road next week.”
As the season unfolds, both teams will need to work ball handling, with Cooma enjoying a bye next week while Bombala prepares to face the Narooma Devils at Bill Smyth Oval, from 2:30pm on Sunday, May 4.
The call for increased income support grows louder, with Independents, Greens and other crossbench candidates leading demands for a substantial raise in welfare payments. The move, prompted by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, continues to impact the lives of many residents within the Eden-Monaro electorate.
PHOTO: Cooma Services Australia branch.
With the possibility of a minority government after the election, Labor offered no guarantee they would work with the crossbench by raising the rates of JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, with Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain saying, “Labor remains committed to reviewing the rates of income support payments ahead of every Budget.”
PHOTO: Kristy McBain at the meet the Candidates talk in Jindabyne.
In response to the crisis, a coalition of 74 independent and minor party candidates, alongside respected community leaders and economists, has signed a statement urging the next government to address the inadequacy of current JobSeeker and Youth Allowance rates.
The statement, which includes support from figures such as Zali Steggall MP, highlights the daily struggle of individuals living on as little as $56 a day. Steggall remarked, “With an election on the horizon, we’re seeing the major parties announce big spending to win over marginal seats—but who is standing up for the most vulnerable?”
PHOTO: Zali Steggall – Member for Warringah
The Labor Government advised they have introduced several measures to ease cost-of-living pressures. Kristy McBain, the Member for Eden-Monaro, outlined these efforts: “This includes delivering an average tax cut of $1,600 to every Eden-Monaro taxpayer. $300 in Energy Bill Relief for every household, and $325 for small businesses. Cheaper childcare, free TAFE, increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and cheaper medicines.”
“As a result of our increase to working-age and student payments, combined with regular indexation, the base rate of JobSeeker has increased by $138 per fortnight since Labor was elected in May 2022.”
PHOTO: Kristy McBain, Member for Eden Monaro
Ms McBain then focused on regional health, saying, “Our increases to the bulk billing incentive are not only about bringing down costs for patients, but attracting more doctors to our regions.”
Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), expressed exasperation at the current state of income support, declaring, “It’s a disgrace that in one of the world’s wealthiest countries, our Government continues to ignore the expert advice about the most important action needed to tackle poverty, raising the rate of income supports.”
This sentiment is shared by Senator Penny Allman-Payne of the Greens who insists that “everyone on income support should receive a guaranteed liveable income above the poverty line.”
As Eden Monaro residents an Australians alike grapple with the cost-of-living before they cast a vote in the upcoming election, some may choose to turn to alternative and minor candidates to get their message heard.
A man has been charged with more than 75 alleged historic domestic and sexual violence related offences following an investigation in the state’s far south. On Wednesday (April 23, 2025), police arrested the 61-year-old man whilst in Correctives custody and he was charged with 78 domestic and sexual assault related offences.
PHOTO: The man was charged while in Corrective custody CREDIT: NSW Police.
On Friday 13 December 2024, police attached to Monaro Police District responded to reports of a domestic violence incident at a home in Adaminaby.
A 61-year-old man was arrested at the location and taken to Cooma Police Station, where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (Domestic Violence), assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday December 14, 2024, and remains before the courts.
A spokesperson for NSW Police said, “Concurrently, officers also commenced an investigation after reports of alleged historic domestic and sexual violence offences towards a 68-year-old woman.”
Police will allege the offences occurred at a home in Adaminaby and Nangus; near Gundagai, between 2007 and 2024.
He was refused bail to appear at Cooma Local Court yesterday, (Thursday, April 24, 2025).
Police are again out in force across the state this Anzac Day long weekend, with a warning to drivers that one bad decision can take a life and changes others forever. NSW Police has launched Operation ANZAC Day 2025, which includes a high-visibility presence. Double demerits are now in effect until Sunday, April 27 2025.
PHOTO: NSW Police have warned the state’s drivers CREDITS: NSW Government
The reminder comes after three people lost their lives over the Easter long weekend. Sadly, this brings the number of lives lost to 107 compared to 106 lives lost for the same period last year.
The police operation coincides with the end of the school holidays when many families are expected to return home from their travel destinations.
Police from all specialists areas will be supporting the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, with extended patrols across metropolitan and regional NSW. This includes support of officers from general duties, the Public Order and Riot Squad, the Operations Support Group, the Mounted Unit, PolAir and Licensing Police.
Police will target risky driver behaviour such as drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving, as well as speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and mobile phone use.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said all road users are being warned that if they do the wrong thing, then police will catch them.
“If you’re thinking about speeding, texting while driving, or getting behind the wheel after a few drinks – think again,” Minister Catley said.
“It’s not worth your life, or the life of someone else.
“Make this weekend one to remember for the right reasons. Slow down, stay sharp, and make smart choices on our roads.”
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, is reminding motorists to expect traffic delays, be patient with other road users, and focus on everyone returning home safely.
“Don’t gamble with your licence or any lives this long weekend. And don’t let an irreversible decision behind the wheel change the course of your life,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Driver said police are particularly concerned about motorists driving with alcohol and drugs, being distracted or speeding.
“During the Easter Long Weekend Operation, 1 in 10 drivers who were subject to random drug testing tested positive to the presence of illegal drugs in their system. This is very concerning, and people need to understand that any presence of illegal drugs detected is not acceptable,” he said.
“Alcohol also affects people in different ways. Motorists are reminded that they could still be affected by alcohol the following day, which could push them over the legal limit.
“I ask that people think carefully and make wise decisions about how much alcohol they have had before they get behind the wheel.
“Drivers also need to understand that seconds of inattention can have disastrous consequences, for example, if you’re travelling at 100km/h and you glance down at your phone, by the time you look up, you’ve travelled the length of an Olympic pool.”
“Any level of speeding decreases your ability to stop and increases the consequences of a crash. Don’t put other road users at risk by breaking the law.”
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) announced the immediate closure of Craigie Range Road between Delegate and Craigie in the southern Snowy Monaro, due to the deterioration of local road and driving conditions following recent wet weather.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “To protect motorists and limit further damage to the important regional thoroughfare, this closure will remain in place until lifted by Council when conditions have improved.”
This closure does not apply to local residents.
Residents must travel in vehicles with four-wheel drive (4WD) under three tonnes (3T) in weight. No towing is permitted.
Craigie Range Road is closed to all other traffic.
Council advised it will continue to monitor this situation closely in the coming days. Further advice will be issued once weather conditions have improved and an assessment of the roadway has been undertaken.
Contact Council on 1300 345 345 or by email at [email protected] for more information, or with any questions or concerns.
Visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest traffic information in the Snowy Monaro and across New South Wales.
In an tale of community spirit and artistic endeavour, Jindabyne has become the latest Australian town to install “a BIG thing,” joining the ranks of attractions like the Big Banana and the Big Pineapple. This time, the spotlight is on the Big Chairlift, a large-scale sculpture that has captured the heart of the Jindabyne community, with the story of its creation as captivating as the art itself.
PHOTO: Darragh Walsh’s vision becomes a reality CREDITS: Darragh Walsh
Darragh Walsh, a talented artist based in Dalgety, in the Snowy Mountains, is the creative mind behind this remarkable sculpture. Walsh, originally from Victoria, moved to Jindabyne 17 years ago and has since been a part of the local arts scene. Specialising in sculptures, Walsh creates his works from scratch, often beginning as chalk drawings on a concrete floor. He doesn’t use modern techniques like computer numerical control routers, instead relying on his innate artistic vision—a talent he shares with his father, an accomplished artist and industrial designer.
The Big Chairlift is a nostalgic nod to the old double chairlifts found in Thredbo and Perisher, alongside inspiration Walsh had during his travels overseas. After photographing an iconic chair at a resort in Europe, Walsh began crafting miniature sculptural versions before finally realising his dream of creating a giant chairlift sculpture. The shift from idea to reality came about with the return of the Lake Light Sculpture Jindabyne event, prompting Walsh to make it happen, as he had been waiting for the right moment for some time.
“There’s Adaminaby and they have the Big Trout. Other places have big things too, and I thought it would be perfect for our community to have the Big Chairlift,” said Walsh.
To bring the sculpture to life, Darragh collaborated with a friend to obtain accurate measurements of classic double chairlifts, which he then scaled up by 400%.
“There’s a fine line between making something big, or making something that looks cartoon big. Imagining it in Jindabyne and how the landscape might impact it was quite an interesting aspect of design as well.”
Practicality played a significant role, as the chair was designed to be low enough for easy access, inviting visitors to interact with it and capture memorable family photographs.
“I wanted to keep it under a certain height off the ground, so it was made bar stool height, so you can kind of lean back and sit on it or climb up, but it doesn’t require all the safety requirements, if it was set up high. I wanted people to pile up on it and get big family photos and sit across it, that sort of thing, because of the novelty aspect of it,” Walsh expressed.
PHOTO: From a workshop in Dalgety the sculpture made it’s way by truck.
The community’s excitement was matched by a collective effort to secure the sculpture’s home within Jindabyne. Olivier Kapetanakos, President of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded a GoFundMe campaign to purchase the Big Chairlift, raising over $25,000. “We reacted to the community, and saw what an opportunity could be made of having a BIG thing in Jindabyne,” he said, highlighting the town’s eager embrace of this unique landmark.
A spokesperson from Lake Light Sculpture Jindabyne praised the project, stating, “Thanks to an incredible community effort, over $25,000 has been raised to purchase the sculpture and keep it right here in town.”
Discussions are underway about its permanent location, with Banjo Paterson Park being a favoured option, offering a picturesque backdrop of the lake and providing a warm welcome to visitors entering Jindabyne.
The Big Chairlift not only stands as a testament to local heritage and artistic creativity but also fits the landscape. As Jindabyne celebrates this new addition, the Big Chairlift promises to be a cherished symbol of the town’s vibrant snow identity.
The tranquil foreshore of Lake Jindabyne transformed into a dazzling promenade as the Lake Light Sculpture 2025 closed its curtains on what has been an extraordinary event. Attracting nearly 22,000 attendees, the festival made a remarkable comeback after years of challenges, including adverse weather and event relocations.
Over the span of four illuminated nights, visitors were treated to the spectacle of 70 large-scale sculptures accompanied by over 30 smaller works housed at Horizons, Jindabyne. The impeccable weather worked its magic, drawing in visitors to revel in the festivities, particularly the much-loved ‘Light It Up’ nights that showcased sculptures in their glowing grandeur against the backdrop of a starry night sky.
PHOTO: Sian Watson’s “Gathered Skylark” CREDIT: Raglan Gallery Cooma
The festival not only enchanted visitors but also celebrated local and emerging artists, with $43,500 in prize money awarded across 13 categories. The experienced eyes of Rebel Penfold-Russell, Denise Ferris, and Anwen Keeling evaluated the entries. Sian Watson took home the Major Award with her piece “Gathered Skylark,” while the People’s Choice Award went to Madelaine Last for her work “Conspiracy at Copper Tom.”
PHOTO: Madelaine Last’s “Conspiracy at Copper Tom” CREDIT: Madelaine Last
In a memorable twist, “The Big Chairlift” by Darragh Walsh, a much-adored piece, will remain permanently in Jindabyne following a successful community fundraising campaign. Supported by local organisations and individuals, the fundraiser, which included a significant contribution from Doppelmayr, exceeded $25,000. Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna and the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce were among the enthusiastic supporters who rallied to keep this local favourite.
PHOTO: Darragh Walsh with his Big Chairlift piece CREDIT: Darragh Walsh
“The organising committee, volunteers, and the entire community deserve immense credit,” said Dani Kel, Chair of the event committee. “Twenty-five years is a huge milestone, and we’re already gearing up for a spectacular celebration in 2026.”
The dedication of more than 70 sponsors and tireless volunteers played a crucial role in bringing this year’s event to life. Visitors and organisers alike heralded the event’s success. Ingrid Solomons remarked, “Well done to all the artists, volunteers and organisers – it’s so great to see Lake Light back.”
As anticipation grows for its 25th anniversary in 2026, the committee is calling on artists, schools, and sponsors to begin planning for what promises to be an unforgettable milestone. Feedback is being actively sought to further enhance the event, with everyone encouraged to share their thoughts via a post-event survey.
For further updates and to follow the journey to 2026, enthusiasts can connect through Instagram @lakelightsculpture or visit the festival’s website at lakelightsculpture.com.au.
Award Winners:
– Major Award: Sian Watson – Gathered Skylark (#52)
– People’s Choice Award: Madelaine Last – Conspiracy at Copper Tom (#12)
– Illumination Award: Jordan Tarlinton – Clarity (#13)
– Clean Energy Environment Award: Ulan Murray & Rachel Burns – Echo of the Ribbon Gums (#62)
– Emerging Artist: Tom Buckland – Flock (#42)
– Youth Award: Jessica Hellyar – The Everlasting Whoops-a-Daisy (#31)
– Waste to Art Award: Madelaine Last – Conspiracy at Copper Tom (#12)
– Secondary School Award: Snowy Mountains Grammar School – We Live Among the Stars (#29)
– Primary School Award: Jindabyne Public School Year 1 – Joyful Jingling Jellyfish (#30)
– Early Childhood Award: Gidgillys Childcare – In the Night Garden (#48)
– Community Award: TS Orion – Navy Cadets – TS Scrapwave (#45)
– Newcomer Award: Michael Ferris – Framework of Growth (#17)
– Smalls Exhibition Major Award: Maria Zylinski – Cocoon
– Smalls People’s Choice Award: Alexander Dalton – Patch and Mum (#96)
