The winner of the Monaro Woman of the Year has been announced with Elaine Lollback taking the honours in 2025. Elaine and her team are well known in Queanbeyan and the surrounding area for the work of St Benedict’s Community Centre.
PHOTO: Steve Whan (left), Elaine Lollback (right) presented with the Monaro Women of the Year award.
Based in the former Annie’s Place site, St Benedict’s has been assisting the community for several years with housing and food security. It is wholly volunteer run and relies on funding from donations and government grants.
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said, “Since I was last the member, I’ve noticed a decline in the availability and affordability of housing not just in Queanbeyan, but across Monaro. This isn’t to say it wasn’t an issue when I was last in Parliament, but the situation has become more dire over the years.”
PHOTO: St Benedict’s Community Centre celebrating Elaine Lollback.
“That’s why someone such as Elaine is a wonderful role model for our society – someone who runs on faith, goodwill, and chocolate to ensure the people who come to St Benedict’s are receiving as much assistance as humanly possible. My staff have mentioned receiving calls on weekends and after hours where Elaine is still busily working away, fighting for a good outcome.”
“Elaine never asks for anything in return, and never judges anyone or their circumstances. She is inspiring, and someone we could all learn from. This is why I have awarded her the title of Monaro Woman of the Year 2025.”
This Saturday, the historic Cooma Showgrounds will host the highly anticipated 2025 Community Bank Cooma Show, marking a grand 150-year milestone in Cooma’s rich agricultural history and tradition. With an exciting array of events and activities planned, the March 8 show promises to captivate both young and old alike.
PHOTO: The Cooma Show has events and exhibits to entertain almost anyone CREDITS: Cooma Show
Speaking proudly of the event’s legacy, a spokesperson from the Cooma Pastoral and Agricultural Association remarked, “We are thrilled to celebrate 150 years with a day full of entertainment for the whole family—cattle, sheep, poultry, horse events, and more.”
“The show will be officially opened by The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at midday.”
Gates open at 7:30am, with $12 admission for Adults, and a $6 ticket price for Children aged 5-17 years.
This year, Cooma’s Young Woman Competition representative is Emily Lucas. Growing up in Old Adaminaby on her family’s farm, Emily has always been deeply rooted in rural life. Coupled with her experience studying at Charles Sturt University, she aims to be an ambassador for Cooma and the agricultural community. Emily eagerly anticipates meeting other like-minded individuals and contributing to the show’s success.
PHOTO: Cooma’s Young Woman – Emily Lucas
Cooma also has a promising Junior Young Woman candidate in 2025, Mary Kimber, a Monaro resident since age two. A year 10 student at Monaro High School, Mary juggles her studies with numerous interests, including sports, horse riding, and cooking. After returning from an enriching exchange in Italy, she is thrilled about her role in the Cooma Show, eager to learn and contribute to her community.
PHOTO: Cooma’s Junior Young Woman – Mary Kimber
Sarah Fraser is acknowledged as the Rural Achiever. With a background deeply connected to Cooma and its surrounding agricultural environment, Sarah is committed to showcasing the town’s agricultural strengths. Currently working as a soil scientist in Wagga, she views the show as an opportunity to highlight the community’s assets and remains passionate about promoting agriculture’s integral role in Australia’s future.
PHOTO: Cooma’s Rural Achiever – Sarah Fraser
The much anticipated Beef Paraders Competition – Zone 6 Group Final is set to be a crowd favourite. The event offers a platform for young farmers aged 13-25 to showcase their skills in cattle handling. The aspiring paraders, who may lead a steer, heifer, or bull, are meticulously judged on their ability to present and parade their animals. With fine attention to presentation required, it offers young participants a chance to step into the spotlight on a state level, with pathways to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
PHOTO: The Junior Beef Paraders Competition – Zone 6 Group Final is sure to be a crowd favourite.
Among the various attractions, entertainment includes Airtime FMX’s thrilling motocross displays and Ranger Nick’s popular camp oven cooking demonstrations. Live music, a dog high jump event, and the Elders Farmers Challenge ensure that attendees are thoroughly entertained throughout the day.
PHOTO: Airtime FMX are set to thrill spectators young and old
The celebrations will culminate in a vibrant fireworks display by Mr Boom Boom Fireworks at approximately 9pm, ensuring the Cooma Show ends with an unforgettable bang. As the community comes together to celebrate this monumental anniversary, the Cooma Showgrounds will undoubtedly bustle with activity, tradition, and innovation, symbolising the enduring spirit of Cooma’s agricultural heritage.
Following extensive testing, Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has lifted the conserve water notice for properties connected to the Nimmitabel town water supply and ended the blue-green algae alert for Lake Wallace Dam and the MacLaughlin River.
As of 9.30am Wednesday 5 March 2025
Nimmitabel town water can be used without restriction
Stock watering sourced from the MacLaughlin River and Lake Wallace Dam can resume as-normal
All other restrictions imposed by the algae alert and conserve water notice no longer apply
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Ongoing water quality analysis and testing results show that all indicators have returned to safe levels, and are remaining stable.”
“Council appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation while this conservation notice and algae alert were in place.”
Contact Council’s water and wastewater team on 1300 345 345 or by email at[email protected]for further information.
Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated return of the Lake Light Sculpture event, set to transform the stunning foreshore of Lake Jindabyne from April 18th to 21st, 2025. Artist applications, which close today March 5th, offer artists 13 diverse awards. This flagship summer festival will once again offer visitors and locals an exciting artistic showcase over the coming Easter long weekend.
PHOTO: Lake Light Sculpture returns to Jindabyne in 2025 CREDIT: Destination Jindabyne.
This beloved event is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of community spirit, with a prize pool of over $40,000, including a $10,000 major award. A spokesperson from Lake Light Sculpture said, “We’re so excited to celebrate the artists, schools, and community groups bringing their creativity to Lake Light Sculpture this year. Thank you to all of our sponsors for making this happen – we couldn’t do it without you.”
The festival’s unique allure lies in its enchanting evening illuminations. As darkness falls, the sculptures are brought to life with light, creating a captivating experience that can perfectly align with the full moon of Easter. Visitors will delight in the artistic interpretations reflecting the landscapes of the Snowy Mountains.
PHOTO: Art installations look fantastic in the day time too, not only at night CREDIT: Visit Cooma
There are different award categories (full list below), from the Youth Award for young artists aged 12-24 years, to the Waste to Art Award for environmentally themed creations. The event also promotes community engagement, with the People’s Choice Award allowing attendees to vote for their favourite small-scale sculptures.
The Major Award honours artists or collaborations showcasing exceptional creativity and skill with site-specific installations in Jindabyne. Judging focuses on creative interpretation, supported by the artist’s statement, design quality, technical execution, material choice, finish, site awareness, and accessibility for viewing.
Community involvement is paramount in ensuring the successful return of this iconic event, as noted by the event organisers. Get ready to embrace art in its most illuminating form, where creativity meets nature’s splendour on the Jindabyne foreshore. For more details and to be part of this artistic renaissance, visit the Lake Light Sculpture website.
The Federal Government’s announcement of a new national food security strategy, “Feeding Australia,” is set to engage the agriculture and food production sectors in the Snowy Monaro, and across the nation. This initiative, introduced by the Albanese Labor Government, aims to enhance supply chain resilience and mitigate food production risks, benefiting both local and national stakeholders.
PHOTO: Farmers at the 2025 Dalgety Show presenting cattle that support the nations’ food chain.
Recognising the vulnerabilities induced by climate change and global supply pressures, the strategy promises a comprehensive approach to securing food systems. With a commitment of $3.5 million for the development of the strategy, Feeding Australia will consult farmers and stakeholders nationwide, with a focus on ensuring their voices are the key element in addressing the underlying industry challenges.
A pivotal feature of the strategy is the establishment of a National Food Council. This body, comprising industry and community experts, will oversee the strategy’s development, ensuring it remains non-partisan and inclusive. This collaborative approach aims not only to stabilise food prices but also to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers in rural and regional communities.
PHOTO: Heat stress negatively impacts tomato crops, especially when temperatures consistently rise above 29°C
Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) warmly welcomed the government’s commitment. As a prominent advocate for the agricultural sector’s role in combating climate change, FCA highlighted the importance of acknowledging climate change as a core risk to food security.
Natalie Collard, FCA’s CEO, lauded the Government for its commitment to incorporate practical, science-backed solutions, including exploring the potential of a biofuels feedstock industry.
“The plan to work with farmers and industry experts, while addressing the growing impact of droughts, fires, and floods worsened by climate change, is to be applauded. Food security is national security,” Ms Collard said.
“A focus on greater food supply, stronger food security, and sustainable agriculture will help safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and provide greater certainty for consumers.”
PHOTO: Grapes are particularly susceptible to climate change, even small temperature shifts can significantly impact growth, and wine quality.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) also endorsed the strategy, emphasising the need for food systems that consider the health of natural ecosystems. They called for the strategy to reward farmers who contribute to biodiversity and the health of farmlands.
Australia’s Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins, remarked on the importance of the strategy, reinforcing that food security equals national security. By addressing future trends, trade dynamics, and the impacts of natural disasters, Feeding Australia is set to equip farmers with the tools to face the future confidently.
PHOTO: Agriculture Minister, Julie Collins.
“When our food and supply chains are secure, it reduces financial strain on households, helping all Australians. I’m excited to see the final strategy and work towards a stronger and more robust and resilient food system.”
Josie Baff has enjoyed a remarkable weekend on the snowy slopes of Erzurum, Türkiye, showcasing her talent and determination in the world of Snowboard Cross. In the individual event held on Saturday, Baff clinched a well-earned bronze medal, marking her third podium finish of the season.
PHOTO: Josie Baff (right), Charlotte Bankes (centre), and Lea Casta (left) CREDIT: Snow Australia
Under the sun-drenched skies of Erzurum, the 22-year-old navigated the course with precision and speed. The demanding layout, situated at a challenging altitude of around 2500 metres, saw Baff advance through her quarter-final convincingly and grasp second place in the semi-final, propelling her to the Big Final.
During the thrilling final race, Baff maintained her pace to secure third position, closely following Lea Casta of France, who took second by a mere 0.12 seconds, and Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes, the winner, who was just 0.19 seconds ahead. “This has been the most demanding course so far on tour,” Baff commented. “The high altitude really tested a lot of us. The course was fast too, so I’m happy to end the day with another podium.”
But the triumphs for Baff didn’t stop there. The following day, she teamed up with Cameron Bolton to make history, clinching Australia’s first-ever World Cup gold medal in the snowboard cross mixed team event. The duo faced fierce competition but emerged victorious, finishing ahead of teams from Great Britain, Austria, and the USA.
PHOTO: Baff and Bolton secure gold by four hundredths of a second CREDIT: Snow Australia
In the medal round, Bolton delivered a stellar opening run, besting the USA and handing Baff a slender lead. Baff held onto this advantage with determination, fending off a strong push from Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes to secure gold by just four hundredths of a second. Rounding out the podium was the Austrian team in third place.
Josie expressed her delight at the landmark achievement, saying, “Cam and I had been wanting to be in a team for a while and he gave me the perfect amount of lead that I needed. I knew that if I had the track to myself, I was going to be hard to pass.”
As the snowboard cross season continues, Baff now sits third in the overall standings with 310 points, trailing Casta with 365 and leader Bankes with 450 points. Next, Baff and her fellow athletes turn their attention to an upcoming World Cup double event in Georgia this weekend.
Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) is witnessing a significant reduction in its wild horse population, with numbers now estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000, marking a substantial decrease from the 17,000 recorded a few years ago. This reduction aligns with the NSW government’s strategy to manage and protect the park’s fragile alpine environment by limiting wild horse numbers to a maximum of 3,000 by mid-2027.
PHOTO: Feral horses head for the trees, Long Plain, KNP CREDIT: Reclaim Kosci
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told the parliamentary committee that preliminary figures were provided to her which showed “numbers are way down” and “we are around the 3000 to 4000 mark”. Ms Sharpe said the final figures will be released following peer review.
Invasive Species Council Interim CEO Jack Gough applauded the progress, stating, “It reflects the commitment of the Minns Government to back national parks staff who have been conducting aerial shooting operations professionally, safely, and effectively.” He emphasised the importance of maintaining the population below 3,000 to adhere to the legal requirement and prevent rebound growth.
The cull has primarily been achieved through aerial shooting, a measure introduced in late 2023, alongside other initiatives such as ground shooting, passive trapping, and rehoming. While aerial shooting has paused temporarily, it remains a tool that could be employed if necessary to continue reducing horse numbers.
PHOTO: Main Range walk alpine herbfields, Kosciuszko National Park CREDIT: E Sheargold (DPIE)
Despite the reduction in numbers, Mr Gough cautioned that the “Wild Horse Heritage law” hampers conservation efforts by requiring a portion of the park’s area to accommodate 3,000 feral horses, thus impacting native species. The threat posed by wild horses is recognised at the national level, with significant concerns raised about their effect on native habitats and species extinction.
With public and political support for reducing the horse population, efforts are set to persist. Mr Gough advised, “For the sake of our precious wildlife and sensitive alpine ecosystems, we urge Minister Sharpe to err on the side of caution.”
The programme highlights the ongoing acute challenge of balancing heritage values with ecological conservation in Australia’s national parks.
In a recent shift, the Albanese Labor Government announced a two-year freeze on the draught beer excise, a move that comes after decades of biannual tax hikes, with the decision expected to relieve some financial pressure on pubs and their patrons. It comes into effect from August 2025 and is anticipated to benefit regional tourism and local businesses throughout the country.
PHOTO: Jindabyne Brewing is owned by local entrepreneur Karl VeissCREDIT: Jindabyne Brewing
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving landscape for small and medium enterprises, stating, “Freezing the excise on draught beer is a common sense measure that is good for beer drinkers, good for brewers and good for pubs.”
However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm for this policy. Karl Veiss, owner of Jindabyne Brewing, expressed concerns about the larger issues affecting Australia’s brewing industry. According to Mr Veiss, while a freeze on excise is a step forward, it does little to alleviate the pressing challenges faced by smaller breweries.
Karl argues that the focus should be on providing “cheap, reliable energy” to benefit all businesses, pointing out, “The excise doesn’t go far enough; we need cheap, reliable energy that would help everyone out, across the board.”
PHOTO: Karl Veiss brews craft beer in Jindabyne, providing jobs to many locals.
Due to escalating energy costs, Jindabyne Brewing has had to reduce shifts, impacting local employment and economic activity in the community, despite the installation of solar panels at the brewery.
With Australia’s energy policies increasingly prioritising environmental concerns, Mr Veiss criticises the lack of cost-effectiveness and its impact on business profitability. He said, “If you maintain a base stock of energy supply for all Australians before exporting it all, or concentrating too heavily on renewables, you can then bring the costs down.”
PHOTO: Energy costs for small businesses can impact profitability.
“Business has been steady, our sales year on year are very consistent, we’re not down on sales, like a lot of other businesses are, but what is hurting, is there’s no profitability left because every month there’s a new bill that goes up.”
“We’ve had to let go of six shifts per week, which is someone full-time, two casuals in a regional town. So I don’t employ those people, and I just do the extra work because I can’t afford it.”
“If people aren’t worried about their power bills, they’re going to go out, they’re going to spend more money, businesses manufacture more, and in turn more jobs are created.”
The Brewers Association of Australia welcomed the excise freeze and acknowledged the positive impact on both brewers and beer drinkers.
CEO John Preston praised the government’s decision, seeing it as a necessary intervention after years of steep beer tax escalations.
“After more than 40 years of twice-yearly beer tax increases, which has given Australians the third highest taxed beer in the world, we welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to step in.”
As the government plans to consult further with the sector, the brewing community remains hopeful for more comprehensive measures to support small and regional businesses.
The annual West Wyalong Knockout, a staple in the rugby league calendar now in its 52nd year, lived up to expectations with thrilling matches and spirited performances over the weekend. Held at the iconic Ron Crowe Oval, the competition showcased teams from across Groups 9, 10, 11, 16, 20, alongside the Canberra Rugby League teams, vying for a $20,000 prize.
Local heroes, the Cooma Stallions and Bombala Blue Heelers, experienced mixed fortunes in this year’s tournament. Bombala faced a challenging first round against Orange CYMS, where they were edged out with a 12-6 loss.
PHOTO: The Bombala Blue Heelers defence heated up in the second half with three converging in this tackleCREDIT: AS Photography
Despite the defeat, Bombala’s starting hooker, Bailey Jones, reflected positively, “We took a lot of positives out of the trip, such as our defence especially in the second half when we held them to nil. It was our first hit out with a few of our regular first graders missing so overall, we are very pleased with the boys’ effort.”
PHOTO: The Cooma Stallions kicked off their 2025 campaign in Wyalong CREDIT: AS Photography
The Cooma Stallions delivered a promising performance in their opener, holding last year’s champions, Woden Valley Rams, to a 6-6 draw. The resulting advancement to round 2 was praised by Stallions President Todd Williams, “The boys took a lot of confidence out of the tournament… it was a great opportunity for the squad to get to know each other as there are quite a few new members.”
PHOTO: Determined run by the strongly built Stallions’ front rower James Cahill CREDIT: AS Photography
However, their journey was halted in round 2 by Forbes with a 16-0 defeat. Reflecting on the tournament, Williams remains optimistic, noting the squad’s potential and the valuable experience gained: “Moving forward, the club is in a great position and looking forward to the season starting.”
Williams highlighted the effort to match it with last years winners, a much bigger Woden side and progressing to round 2, were major accomplishments for the club.
As the tournament wrapped up, it left the community in excitement, with Stallions and Blue Heelers fans now eagerly looking forward to Group 16 action.
The 81st Dalgety Show, fondly themed “The Year of the Farmer,” produced a predicted record crowd, and entertained the township of Dalgety on a vibrant Sunday, March 2, 2025. This historic event brought the community together at the scenic Snowy River banks for a celebration of rural life, showcasing everything from agricultural displays to junior art competitions.
PHOTO: The famous Dalgety Show Platypus Plunge delighted spectators.
Julie Hedger, President of the Dalgety Show, commended the hard work and dedication involved in making this event a resounding success. “It’s been brilliant,” she expressed, reflecting on the collective efforts that culminated in the cherished day.
The day was kicked off by John Warlters, from Rural Aid, whose contributions to the community were warmly acknowledged. The show highlighted a robust programme offering a diverse range of attractions, from the charming Yard Dog Trials to the spirited Woodchop, and even the famous Platypus Plunge. The bustling showground was alive with the sound of laughter and the sight of vibrant displays, proving why the event was pushing a record turnout of around 3000, as Secretary Natalie Freebody revealed.
PHOTO: Local legend Jay Weston with ‘Rowdy’.
Adding to its success this year were new committee members, who were praised for their outstanding efforts. Meanwhile, Annie O’Keeffe, Publicity Officer and newly inducted Life Member, took a moment to reflect on the meaningful experiences gained from her involvement, highlighting the vital role of many dedicated women in the show’s history.
PHOTO: New Life Members of the Dalgety Show, Annie O’Keeffe (left), and Christie Glasson (right).
“When I first joined the Dalgety Show Committee, I had no idea what I was going to be in for, but my goodness, what an honour it has been. I also want to pay special thanks to strong ladies that have served on this committee, or they’ve been stewards. I feel very privileged to have worked with some of the iconic names of the Dalgety Show, so ladies like, Sheila Robertson, Judy Walters, and Nita Wallace,” Annie O’Keeffe said.
“If you ever get the opportunity in life to work alongside people that you Love and trust and enjoy coming and doing something like this with please do it because it is something quite amazing to do in your lifetime. I’ve got three great loves in my life, my family, the Collingwood Football Club and the Dalgety Show.”
Treasurer of the Dalgety Show, and 2025 inducted Life Member Christie Glasson thanked the committee for recognising her contribution. “I feel honoured to have been your treasurer for the last nine years, and I’ve been part of the committee now for 11 years. I was introduced to the show by my parents in law because I married into the Dalgety community, and I really feel blessed to have been embraced and to be working alongside a literal powerhouse of females.”
PHOTO: Australian Ladies National Whip Cracking Champion Emiliqua East thrilled the crowd with demonstrations.
Whilst show goers were enjoying the variety of different foods, stalls, and shows on offer, many organisations were out offering a friendly ear, or answering questions. The Snowy Monaro Regional Council were at the show this year, talking to residents and better getting to know their needs.
PHOTO: Deputy Captain of the Dalgety RFS Tom Beck (left), with Captain Tony Lemerle in front of the brand new Dalgety 7A, received in early February.
The Dalgety Rural Fire Service (RFS) were entertaining children on the day with a fire hose extinguishing task, as well as selling raffle tickets to support the station. Captain of the Dalgety RFS Tony Lemerle said, “We are very appreciative for the front row spot we have here at the show, the raffle supports us to purchase new equipment which supplements our station. While we are funded by the RFS, it’s community events like this that really make a difference for us.”
Full list of 2025 Dalgety Show results TBCby committee:
