In an effort to strengthen collaboration with Aboriginal communities, the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has announced another opportunity for Aboriginal people of Monero-Ngarigo descent and those with cultural ties to Monero-Ngarigo country to join the Southern Snowy Mountains Aboriginal Community Advisory Committee.
PHOTO: Monero-Ngarigo country.
The committee is essential for maintaining and enhancing communication between NPWS and the Aboriginal community, promoting the protection and management of cultural heritage in areas such as the southern part of Kosciuszko National Park. The partnership stems from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) established in 2016, which underscores NPWS’s commitment to working alongside Monero-Ngarigo communities in preserving their cultural heritage sustainably.
The Advisory Committee comprises a minimum of five and a maximum of ten members, including at least two Monero-Ngarigo Elders. It plays a vital role in advising NPWS on issues related to cultural interpretation, conservation, and tourism within the area, thus ensuring culturally-sensitive management of national parks and reserves.
The NPWS will cover travel expenses for committee members, who volunteer their time, and membership is set for a three-year term. Interested persons are urged to submit a nomination form, with expressions of interest closing March 16, 2025.
The Raglan Gallery is captivating art enthusiasts with renowned Ngarigo country (Numeralla, Cooma) based artist Benni Phillips Nozdrachev’s latest exhibition, “Asteroid Farm”, running until March 2nd. Known for his intriguing use of recycled materials, Phillips Nozdrachev impresses with works that embody a unique blend of intricacy and rustic charm.
Wendy McDougall, a board member at the gallery and local artist herself, praises Benni’s distinctive style, describing him as a person who “sees the world in a unique way,” who shies away from the spotlight but captivates audiences with thought-provoking art. “Almost every bit of the Asteroid display is made from salvaged parts of his old artworks,” McDougall notes, highlighting how the artist repurposes fragments of time into new narratives.
“We have realised we have to use and promote his work otherwise, we don’t know how far it could go. He just plods along, he’ll be one of these characters that, you go, I’ve got to buy his art, and you probably can’t afford it later down the line.”
“Take the time to look at his work from every angle you can and find your own story and meaning about this intriguing piece. No one will ever truly understand an artists reason and purpose of a work, the joy of art is finding your own from how you feel about it. What itch does it scratch.”
PHOTO: Raglan Gallery board member Wendy McDougall.
Benni Phillips Nozdrachev is a self-taught artist who has honed his skills across Europe and is based in based in Helsinki, Finland. His work encourages viewers to explore meaning through personal interpretation, perhaps prompting questions about sustainability and the essence of value.
PHOTO: Thought provoking angles in the “Asteroid Farm”.
The display which was created on-site, intrigues the gazing eye, and shows the careful observer a hidden lens of inspiration. A secret message perhaps, of being ‘ok’ with the imperfect nature of things if they serve a purpose. The display for some, may raise questions of how far we have drifted as a society from the essence of what we truly need.
In addition to “Asteroid Farm”, the gallery also features Benni’s “Heads and Tails – Part 2”, a painting installation created as a follow on from last year’s Part 1. According to Wendy McDougall, this may be the last opportunity to witness these installations before they disappear, unless they find a home in a private collection, they are of course likely to be recycled.
PHOTO: “Heads and Tails – Part 2”.
Phillips Nozdrachev’s art invites reflection on humanity’s progress and consumption, offering a rare window into different perceptions of everyday life. Visitors are encouraged to take their time when exploring these detailed creations, each telling its own story.
The Snowy Mountains played host to an exciting weekend of grueling feats and triumphant finishes, captivating participants and spectators alike at the Trail Run Australia (TRA) and TreX Cross Triathlon events. Powered by In2Adventure, the high-country setting provided a stunning backdrop for over 1000 athletes to showcase their stamina and skill across various competitions.
PHOTO: TreX Cross Triathlon male Australian National Champion Ben ForbesCREDIT: IN2Adventure.
Amidst the stunning scenery, Ben Forbes from Brisbane and Laura Gillard from Albury emerged as the new Australian National Champions, leaving their mark on the region in 2025, with line honours in the Elite female category going to Solenne Billouin from France, one the top off road triathlon athletes in the world.
PHOTO: Laura Gillard (left) and Ben Forbes (right) CREDIT: Delly Carr – AusTriathlon.
Event Director at In2Adventure Robyn Lazenby said, “Ben Forbes only started racing with us a few years ago on the Sunshine Coast. So he started off racing very casually, and he has gone ahead in leaps and bounds.”
“Last year he had really bad mechanical, he was going neck and neck with Ben Allen, but then with the mechanical, had to pull out. So this year, for him to come back and to take out championships, it was really great for him.”
Meanwhile, the Trail Run Australia Ultra50 saw an inspiring performance by Joshua Mcnab of Monavale, NSW. The debut ultra runner dashed to victory in an impressive 4:18:07.66, noting afterward in his interview with In2Adventure’s Wes Heather, “This is my gateway to trail running, this is my first ever ultra.” Grace Harrison from Vaucluse NSW clinched the female category, conquering the course in 5:16:32.17.
PHOTO: In2Adventure’s Wes Heather with TRA Ultra50 winner Joshua Mcnab.
Robyn Lazenby gave some insight into Joshua saying, “He is an amazing athlete and an amazing person as well, what a tremendous performance. He even overtook the some of the 30k event runners at the finish as well.”
In notable performances by locals, Andrew Clarkson of Cooma came sixth in the TRA Ultra50 male category, and Amy Parnell of Jindabyne ran tenth in the TRA 21km female category.
Robyn Lazenby summed up the event saying, “It was an epic showdown of grit and speed, and pure determination, every athlete brought their A-game and made it unforgettable.”
PHOTO: TreX Cross Triathlon female National Champion Laura Gillard CREDIT: In2Adventure.
The Minns Labor Government has announced a significant $10 million investment aimed at improving accommodation for health workers, particularly paramedics, in regional New South Wales. This initiative is part of the broader $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program, which seeks to attract and retain over 500 health workers across rural and remote areas of NSW.
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, emphasised the importance of supporting the regional health workforce, stating,
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.”
PHOTO: Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park.
The program, which encompasses more than 20 projects, will secure around 120 new and refurbished dwellings, enhancing the living conditions for health workers. Investment in key worker accomodation is crucial for regions like the Snowy Mountains, where the demand for housing is intensified due to the rise in short-term rental accommodations.
Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, highlighted the critical nature of worker accomodation in the region, stating, “The population of Snowy towns like Jindabyne explodes over winter, and these booming periods are increasing each year. That’s why we need stable accommodation for our key workers.”
“We know that the inability to get housing is a key reason why public sector workers sometimes knock back a job in Jindabyne, and we know that if people are part of a great community, they are much more likely to stay.”
PHOTO: Member for Monaro Steve Whan, at the key worker accomodation next to Cooma hospital.
The addition of key worker housing in locations such as Cooma is expected to alleviate housing pressures, but it’s unclear at this stage whether or not any of the 120 dwellings will be based here in the Snowy Mountains.
Mr Whan added, “The key worker accommodation in Cooma is just about to open, and that will not only free up housing for other people, but ensure our health workers have somewhere guaranteed, which will attract more to our area.”
“I continue to work on other accommodation to build on the new Cooma key worker accommodation.”
“Overcoming shortages is a key part of better health care. When you’re a part of a community, and form these strong bonds with it, you want to stick around. That’s the sort of stuff that will bolster healthcare in our regions.”
Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary, also welcomed the initiative, noting, “The housing crisis can become a healthcare crisis for rural and regional towns if we can’t provide safe and secure housing for essential workers.”
The investment reflects a significant step towards addressing the intricate linkage between housing availability and the health sector’s viability in NSW’s rural communities like the Snowy Monaro.
In a landmark move, the Albanese Labor Government has announced an $8.5 billion investment to enhance Medicare, marking the largest single investment since its establishment over four decades ago. Aimed at delivering an additional 18 million bulk billed General Practitioner (GP) visits annually, the initiative also includes hundreds of nursing scholarships and a scheme to train thousands more doctors, promising a significant boost to Australia’s healthcare system.
Under this investment, the government plans to expand bulk billing incentives to all Australians, offering new incentive payments for medical practices that fully embrace bulk billing. According to Health Minister Mark Butler, this will result in 9 out of 10 GP visits being bulk billed by 2030, potentially tripling the number of fully bulk billed practices nationwide to approximately 4,800.
PHOTO: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right), and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain (left) present united front on Medicare funding.
Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said, “Whether your family needs urgent or ongoing healthcare, under Labor, every Australian will have access to free healthcare with their Medicare card.”
“This builds on the work we’ve already done, like tripling bulk billing incentives and opening 87 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the country, including here in Eden-Monaro.”
PHOTO: Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain at a family practice in Queanbeyan.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed, “Labor built Medicare, and we will protect and improve it for all Australians.”
In response to Labor’s bold Medicare expansion, the opposition Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, committed to a slightly larger $9 billion investment to address what they describe as Labor’s “healthcare crisis.” The opposition claims bulk billing rates have plummeted from 88% to 77% since Labor’s tenure began, arguing that this has forced millions of Australians to forego necessary medical visits, exacerbating pressure on the nation’s hospitals.
The Coalition’s plan also includes a $400 million initiative to cultivate a pipeline of domestic GPs and incentives to encourage training in community settings. Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health, underscored the urgency of addressing bulk billing declines, particularly in regional areas like Eden-Monaro, where GP visits have significantly decreased.
PHOTO: Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health engages with health care workers.
The Labor Government’s initiative seeks to rectify previous funding freezes, reportedly leading to a $8.3 billion reduction in Medicare funds initiated under Mr Dutton’s term as Health Minister. The Coalition, on the other hand, credits their previous administration with strong economic management that enabled substantial healthcare funding, including the creation of the $22 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
As both parties gear up for the forthcoming election, the future of Medicare and the accessibility of GP services will be a pivotal concern for Australians nationwide, but critical for residents of regional rural areas like Eden-Monaro which have rates of bulk billing availability well below the nation’s average.
The latest round of the Monaro District Cricket Association One Day competition witnessed thrilling encounters and impressive performances across the board, with Jindabyne taking the top spot on the ladder.
In an important clash, the Jindabyne Tigers visited Bombala, where Bombala chose to bat first after winning the toss. Opening batsman Mark Tonks set a promising tone by scoring 42 runs before falling victim to the skilled bowling of Jindabyne Captain, Lucas Rixon. Jason Cikos, maintaining his remarkable season average of 70.13, added 47 off 28 balls contributing significantly to Bombala’s total.
PHOTO: The ‘on-fire’ Jason Cikos carefully watches as the Jindabyne Tigers look to pounceCREDIT: Joey Sullivan.
Joey Sullivan’s disciplined 24-run innings brought Bombala to a score of 139, all out by the 29th over. Rixon’s prowess was central to Jindabyne’s bowling attack, claiming 3/39.
Jindabyne’s reply saw a stellar start from Issac Dawson, who remained unbeaten on 60, and Luke Saare, who scored 24. Together with a solid 35 from Dave Tickell, the Tigers were well ahead and finished strong with a contribution from Rixon. Despite Brent Lucas’s best efforts for Bombala, capturing 1/20 in 5 overs, Jindabyne secured a comfortable victory.
As Bombala looks to refine their strategies, a spokesperson for the club said, “The match was played in great spirits, and Bombala would like to extend appreciation to Jindabyne for their sportsmanship and banter throughout the day. Bombala will look to bounce back in their fixture next week against Rhythm at Nijong Oval, working on middle-order stability and tightening our bowling.”
Meanwhile, at Nijong Oval, Cooma Titans emerged victorious over Rhythm Cricket Club. The Titans overcame early setbacks with cohesive performances from their middle order. Hassan Nawaz (44), Mirza Zeeshan (42), and Moshin Imran (41) were instrumental in setting a challenging target of 226. Gus Brabham’s commendable 3 for 39 for Rhythm provided some resistance.
Rhythm’s chase began promisingly but faltered under increasing run-rate pressure. Despite Stuart Wood’s 37 and Nemasha Ambagahawatte’s 32, Rhythm was all out for 127 in 31.4 overs. The Titans’ strong bowling attack were hard to get away and pivotal to their win, each very economical, but there was one standout performer, Babar Rehman 6/8 from just 3.4 overs.
The Berridale Whitetails hosted Dalgety Cricket Club with Berridale opting to bat first. Despite setbacks, including the early loss of Captain Russell Haylock, Thomas King’s brisk 31 and Justin McCarey’s consistent 49 anchored the innings. The team totaled 175 before being dismissed.
Dalgety’s John Stanford showcased his prowess with a rapid 59, guiding his team to a victory with contributions from a disciplined middle order.
Reflecting on the match, Dalgety’s Simon Freebody expressed enthusiasm: “Today’s match in Berridale was a fantastic effort and proves we can mix it with the best.”
With Jindabyne leading the ladder on 29 points, important battles loom next week as the competition intensifies in the final rounds. Next week Rhythm host Bombala, Dalgety travel to Jindabyne, Coffey’s host the Cooma Titans, and Berridale have the bye.
The much-loved Monaro Billy Cart Derby returned on Sunday with excitement and community spirit at the Cooma Showgrounds. Organised by the Cooma Car Club, the event drew a healthy crowd of families from all around the Snowy Mountains for a day of nostalgic fun and friendly competition.
PHOTO: The Monaro Billy Cart Derby has grown to inspire all sorts of interesting builds.
Now a staple in the local calendar, the Derby was hosted by Cooma Car Club President Tony Nassar, who emphasised the day’s focus on getting children outdoors and engaging with the community. “The Derby is all about having kids experience real-world fun and community spirit,” he said.
This year’s event was particularly memorable with Alan Roberts setting a new speed record of 45km per hour, surpassing the previous 41km per hour record, and winning in the 18+ category with a time of 15.36 seconds.
PHOTO: Alan Roberts sets a new speed record of 45km/hr – WATCH the record breaking runhttps://fb.watch/xXy8TFnEg0/
Other notable winners included Mateo Henkel (5-9 years, 16.48 seconds), Will May (10-17 years, 16.11 seconds), and Ross Jelbart in the Classic Cart category with 16.01 seconds. The Novelty category was taken by David Thompson (16.56 seconds), the Business category won by Isaac Horneman (16.23 seconds), Emergency Services won by Tom Brown RFS (18.23 seconds), and Judges Choice Archie Lee.
Amongst the crowd was Silvio Pagnamnta, who brought an antique wooden Momo steering wheel, steeped in family history, for his grandkids’ billy cart. “This wheel is at least 70 years old,” he shared proudly.
PHOTO: Silvio Pagnamnta with his grandkids and antique momo steering wheel.
Fathers and ‘billy cart engineers’ such as Mr Redden were thrilled to support his son Charlie and family members as they raced in four carts on the day.
Charlie Redden said some of the carts had come from as far as “Leeton and Nowra” before being worked on for the race.
PHOTO: Charlie Redden (left) with family, proudly showing off one of four carts.
Ministers Bryan and Debbie Bartlett from the Salvation Army offered free sun protection, water, and a friendly ear for members of the community.
After a great day, many reflected on the importance of such community-driven gatherings. As Tony Nassar said, “You don’t have to enter the race to enjoy the day. It’s about community spirit, and family fun in the outdoors.”
Proceeds from the day went to the Cooma Community Chest with Chairperson Marnie Stewart saying, “We come down here to support the community by collecting a gold coin donation, we put that into our funds which go directly back into the community.”
PHOTO: Cooma Community Chest members Marnie Stewart (left), Lizzy Scarlett (centre) and Michelle Burke (right).
“This is a great day for all these kids, they can come and get there billy carts out, it’s fantastic. When we were young out on the farms we did all sorts of things so it’s great to see the kids get to do something for fun in the fresh air away from the computers.”
The success of the Monaro Billy Cart Derby ensures it remains a highly anticipated annual event, appealing to those eager to blend tradition with competition, and a dose of good family fun in the outdoors.
The motion to reinstate the Monaro Rail Trail project into the Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s delivery and operational plan has been passed, but not before sparking intense debate among councillors, reflecting a mix of enthusiasm for potential economic rejuvenation and caution over possible risks and costs.
PHOTO: A section of rail line on the proposed route in Tuggeranong CREDIT: Monaro Rail Trail (MRT).
Councillor Davis, a chief advocate for the project, underscored its significance during the recent council meeting. She argued that the motion focused on completing a critical business case to assess the feasibility of the rail trail stretching from Michelago to Bombala.
“This motion is about getting this project back into the delivery and operational plan,” she stated, emphasising the necessity of this step for informed decision-making. She added, “We’ve spent half a million dollars on reports to build the business case, and without completing this process, we can’t even justify the expenditure.”
The Monaro Rail Trail proposal envisions converting the old Queanbeyan to Bombala railway into a 213-kilometre recreational trail for cyclists and walkers, potentially spurring tourism and economic growth in the region.
PHOTO: The proposed rail trail would travel through regional towns from Queanbeyan to BombalaCREDIT: MRT.
According to Monaro Rail Trail Inc., this initiative aims to elevate local economies by attracting visitors, similar to New Zealand’s Otago Rail Trail, which significantly contributed to its regional economy.
However, not all councillors share Councillor Davis’s optimism. Councillor Thaler criticised the proposal, suggesting that the council’s resources would be better utilised addressing fundamental infrastructure needs. “I would rather put our efforts into more urgent priorities,” Thaler expressed, highlighting concerns over diverting resources away from essential services.
Councillor Rose echoed these reservations, voicing concerns about potential environmental issues and hidden costs in regards to the potential presence of heavy metals and asbestos under railway lines in the region.
In support of Rose’s cautionary perspective, the Cooma Monaro Progress Association released a press statement detailing environmental and financial ramifications. Ian Ware, representing the association, expressed apprehension over maintenance costs and ecological impact, calling for alternative proposals.
PHOTO: Track work near Cooma CREDIT: Cooma Monaro Railway Inc. (CMR)
Councillor Stewart backed the motion, advocating for the potential benefits to the local economy and tourism. “A lot of rail trails have tried to be the boost to help battling communities,” Stewart argued, claiming significant local support in the Nimmitabel-Bombala area. Stewart further pointed out the potential for long-term economic opportunities, particularly for younger residents seeking economic stability in the region.
Councillor Higgins called for a forward-thinking approach, recognising the rail trail as a pivotal opportunity for economic diversification and community enrichment. “We’ve spoken about this ad nauseam, about the smaller towns needing an economic boost,” she argued. Emphasising the project’s potential to foster a vibrant future for the Snowy Monaro region, Councillor Higgins advocated for the project progressing beyond stagnation, and to watch closely Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council’s progress on their rail trail during the period of the performance improvement order.
PHOTO: Cooma Railway Station on CMR Artisan Market day CREDIT: CMR.
Despite these divergent views, the conversation continues to pivot on weighing potential economic gains against environmental and fiscal prudence. The outcome of this debate remains pivotal for the council as it considers the implications for its operational strategies as well as community welfare. Ultimately, whether the Monaro rail trail project proceeds hinges on balancing visionary aspirations with pragmatic considerations.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised residents essential road resealing works will resume across the Snowy Monaro from early next month, with crews coming to roads across the region through to the end of March 2025, weather permitting.
Continuing from Monday March 3, 2025, works are scheduled for selected roads in Avonside, Chakola, Cooma, Delegate, Bredbo, Jerangle, Nimmitabel, Numeralla, and the wider Jindabyne/Dalgety area.
Council advised works will take place between 6am and 6pm on scheduled days, with affected property owners receiving direct notification at least 48 hours in advance of work commencing.
Traffic control will be in place at all worksites. Motorists are asked to follow signage, observe reduced speed limits, and expect short delays while works are underway.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “To ensure the safety of workers and the community, on-street parking will not be permitted on roads undergoing resealing during the works period. Residents and business owners are encouraged to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements where necessary.”
“Access to properties will be maintained, subject to minor delays of up to 10 minutes during work hours.”
“While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, some noise and dust should be expected. Residents are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed during works and ensure pets remain indoors.”
“Newly resealed roads will be reopened to traffic as soon as work is complete, with drivers asked to avoid excessive speed, sharp turns, and heavy braking for the first two weeks to allow the new surface to settle.”
For further information, you can contact Snowy Monaro Regional Council on 1300 345 345 or email [email protected].
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has announced the success of the 2024 Garage Sale Trail, where local residents embraced the annual event in record numbers. Over two weekends in November, a staggering six tonnes of second-hand goods were diverted from landfill, as the community turned what could have been rubbish into valuable resources.
PHOTO: The 2024 Garage Sale Trail was a record breaking year in SMRC.
The program aims to increase community reuse of textiles and household items, reducing reliance on landfill for disposal and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
This year’s Garage Sale Trail impact report followed the National Guidelines for Measuring Reuse created by Monash University, and draws on research recently completed by Charitable Reuse Australia and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority.
Participation in SMRC saw a significant increase from the previous year, with 107 sales and stalls, up from 71 in 2023. According to a spokesperson for SMRC, “This was a record-breaking year, as 2,630 locals took part to declutter their homes and uncover bargains. Many items, 42 percent of the 10,455 sold, were saved from a fate in the bin.”
The event proved financially beneficial amidst the current cost-of-living crisis. Sellers pocketed an average of $519 each, with buyers collectively saving around $130,000 compared to the cost of purchasing new items. “It was a boon for our community, providing a much-needed financial boost while promoting sustainable consumption,” the spokesperson said.
PHOTO: Garage sales in Cooma.
Participation in the event has had lasting effects on the community’s consumption habits. “Eighty-eight percent of sellers and 65% of buyers reported they are more likely to resell items and buy second-hand, respectively,” highlighted the spokesperson, underscoring the positive shift towards reducing consumer impact on both the environment and personal finances.
SMRC advised residents eager to participate again need not wait until November 2025, as council supports year-round sustainable shopping through ScrapMart buyback tip shops.
The Garage Sale Trail, a national event, continues to grow and evolve, with over 400,000 Australians participating and diverting millions of kilos of goods from landfill annually. For those looking to join the trail next year or learn more, further information is available at www.garagesaletrail.com.au.
