About 10.20am on Thursday (5 June 2025), police were called to a Snowy Mountains skatepark on Bay Street, Jindabyne, following reports of a man exposing himself.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District attended and were told the man was allegedly carrying out a sexual act in the skate bowl in front of children.
PHOTO: Officers attached to the Monaro Police District attended the scene CREDIT: NSW Police
A spokesperson for NSW Police said, “The 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Jindabyne Police District where he was charged with carry out sexual act with another without consent and wilful and obscene exposure in/near public place/school.”
PHOTO: Jindabyne Skate Park – where the alleged sexual act took place.
He was refused bail and appeared before Cooma Local Court the same day, Thursday (5 June 2025).
In a significant move to protect the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog, Snowy Hydro Limited has agreed to pay $400,000 to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). This commitment is part of an enforceable undertaking (EU) negotiated with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) following a 2023 pollution incident. This incident involved elevated nitrate levels detected in both surface water and groundwater at the Snowy 2.0 construction site at Lobs Hole in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP).
PHOTO: The critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) CREDIT: ACT Government
The agreement, recently finalised, outlines Snowy Hydro’s responsibility to fund the establishment of two new enclosures in the wild. These enclosures aim to protect the Northern Corroboree Frog from the chytrid fungus, a deadly threat to amphibians globally.
Additionally, the agreement stipulates that Snowy Hydro must cover the EPA’s legal and investigative costs, amounting to $90,000.
Steve Orr, Director of Operations at the EPA, commented on the enforceable undertaking: “National parks, including Kosciuszko, are State protected areas and strict environmental laws are in place to protect their delicate ecosystems.”
PHOTO: Steve Orr, Director of Operations at the EPA CREDIT:LinkedIn
“The EPA expects licence holders to comply with these laws and to take all necessary steps to prevent harm to the environment. This EU was considered an appropriate regulatory response to the incident because it provides tangible and long-term benefits for the surrounding environment.”
In December 2023, Snowy Hydro received a Clean-Up Notice which mandated the cessation of adding nitrate-rich materials to spoil areas at the construction site. As a response, the company implemented a Nitrogen Management Plan, a first for New South Wales, alongside other measures like enhanced monitoring systems and new water treatment facilities.
PHOTO: The EU is expected to provide tangible benefits to the KNP environment in which Snowy Hydro operates CREDIT: Snowy Hydro
There has been no evidence to suggest the pollution incident adversely affected the Northern Corroboree Frog or its close relative, the Southern Corroboree Frog, which is endemic to Kosciuszko National Park.
The Bungendore Sports Hub was alive with the spirit of rugby union today as the Monaro representative squads faced off against the Southern Inland Rugby Union (SIRU) teams in the 2025 Brumbies Provincial Championships. Despite challenging conditions and fierce opponents, both Monaro men’s and women’s teams displayed resilience and determination up against very physical and large packs.
PHOTO: Cooma’s Emily Quodling dives over to score, as Brianna Rankin (18) is elated for her Devils’ Angels playing partner CREDIT: Bar TV
In the day’s opening match, the Monaro women faced a physical and fast running SIRU side. The Southern Inland women made an early impression with a try just 10 minutes in, thanks to a robust effort from Wagga Agricultural College’s Ellie Burnett. The match continued in SIRU’s favour as they capitalised on a strong scrum to score again in the 26th minute. Another try followed shortly before half-time, courtesy of Kara Yelland, extending the lead to 19-0 at the break.
PHOTO: Proudly representing the Monaro, the CRUFC Devils’ Angels women CREDIT: Brianna Rankin
Despite facing a daunting scoreline, the Monaro women showed admirable tenacity. They remained competitive throughout the second half, and their perseverance was rewarded when Cooma Devils’ Angels winger Emily Quodling crossed in the corner, scoring Monaro’s only try. Quodling shared what the moment meant to her, saying, “It was a great feeling to end the game with a Monaro try, after a challenging game, we were able to showcase our back line.” After 80 minutes of action, the game finished with the SIRU women victorious 24-5.
Cooma Rugby Union Football Club’s (CRUFC) Brianna Rankin said shortly after the match, “It was a crazy feeling playing at a higher level. It was a different type of pleasure to put the Monaro colours on and run out in them.”
“The game was very tough from the beginning and the rain didn’t help. We kept muscling up though, and had to play 13 on 15 for a while, so we had to lift our work rate as well. It was a huge effort in defence for us, we never gave up.”
Quodling shared further the achievement of the Monaro women, highlighting the limited preparation time. “Despite having just one run together before hand, we managed to mix it with SIRU with a lot of our women playing 15-a-side rugby for the first time.”
PHOTO: The Monaro women defending their line over and over CREDIT:Bar TV
The Monaro men’s team took to the field next, hoping to turn the tide against a powerful SIRU squad. SIRU’s weight advantage in the scrum and swift ball movement saw them hit the score board early, with rampaging break-away loose forward, Eparama Tuvunivono from the Wagga Waratahs running in the first try. Tom Murphy extended the lead further, and as the flood gates opened, SIRU had scored 50 points at half time.
PHOTO: The massive and mobile Eparama Tuvunivono makes a 30m bust at rapid speed before putting a team mate away with the deft touch of a playmaker CREDIT:Bar TV
The Monaro men refused to concede without a fight though, and in the second half, they found their rhythm, with Cooma’s Damien Roach igniting a spirited attack after a strong run up the middle. The momentum allowed Bungendore Mudchook, David Cox to score twice in five minutes, showcasing a great piece of individual excellence as he reached out for his second. Despite Cox’s heroics in the corner, SIRU’s size dominance proved too much, as they added a further three tries to finalise a 72-10 victory.
PHOTO: Bungendore’s David Cox reaches out full length to score his secondCREDIT:Bar TV
Expressing pride in the Monaro jersey, Jindabyne Rugby Union Club’s (JRUC) Billy Small said, “With players from all around the competition who you play against week in week out, the Monaro jersey is always fun to pull on, and be a part of.”
“SIRU is always a big mobile pack and definitely showed us a level of footy we have to play at to compete in this championships. At half time we just spoke about how we could rise to their level. We knew we had to work for 40 minutes, and it was a much improved effort in the second half.”
“I’ll definitely take plenty back to club level, more in the training aspect of things, but also a different side of football to look at as well.”
PHOTO: SIRU spreads the ball quickly as Cooma’s Jake Quodling (left) desperately tries to close the gap and coverCREDIT:Bar TV
Each of the Monaro players, who, despite the losses, represented their region with a never-give-up attitude. The CRUFC were represented by Red Devils Connor Campbell, Nico Maclean, Jake Quodling, Damien Roach, and Devonik Saumalu. While captain of the Bushpigs Billy Small from JRUC, featured for the men.
PHOTO: Proudly representing the Monaro, the CRUFC Red Devils senior men CREDIT: Tania Quodling
Selected for CRUFC in the women’s sqaud from the Devils’ Angels was Sophie Caldwell, Paige Jardine, Emily Quodling, Brianna Rankin, and Natasha Kelly. JRUC had two selections from their Miss Piggies side in Leanne Saare and Berni Lai.
Reflecting on the occasion, CRUFC President Marcus Caldwell shared his sentiments via social media, “It was a great result for Cooma Rugby Union Football Club to have 10 players named in the representative teams. We are proud of their efforts today and wish them continued success.”
“We also had our women’s assistant coach Jamie Watkins appointed as the Monaro women’s assistant coach.”
Monday, June 9, 2025 is the King’s Birthday public holiday and most Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) facilities and services will be closed to the public. Regular hours for all facilities and services will resume from Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Council’s visitor centres in Cooma and Bombala will continue to operate to their normal schedule over the long weekend.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Scheduled kerbside bin collection services will be going ahead. All other facilities and services will be closed on Monday June 9, 2025.”
“This includes all Council offices, waste facilities, libraries, community support program offices, and the public pool in Jindabyne.”
“If you’re travelling this long weekend, please drive safely. Double demerits are in effect until 11.59pm on Monday June 9, 2025.”
Council’s customer service line is available 24/7 over the long weekend for any urgent matters. Call 1300 345 345 to speak with our after-hours team.
For non-urgent Council queries, reports, or requests, please contact us by email at council@snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au, or lodge a report through the Snap Send Solve app or website.
Snowy Monaro regional Council (SMRC) is pleased to announce that repairs to the Michelago Bank of Bins are now complete and the facility will reopen on Friday, June 13, 2025.
This marks the end of a months-long closure, which began in January 2025 due to extensive vandalism and resulting public safety concerns.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Council appreciates the community’s patience during the closure. To support residents through the upcoming transition, the temporary Saturday morning waste collection service will continue to operate until Saturday 21 June 2025.”
“Residents are asked to assist in managing demand during the initial reopening period by limiting their disposal volume, and to be mindful of increased activity at the site from next Friday. Households may dispose of up to 120 litres of waste and 120 litres of recycling each week at the Michelago Bank of Bins.”
“Service user access codes have been updated. Subscribed households will receive their new code by post, with letters having gone out earlier this week. Please contact Council if you are a paid user and do not receive a letter with a new access code by Friday 13 June 2025.”
“For residents with disposal needs beyond the 120 litre waste and recycling limits, please visit the nearby Bredbo Transfer Station or one of Council’s other waste facilities across the region to dispose of any large loads or excess waste and recycling.”
“Patrons are asked to be courteous and mindful of neighbouring homes in the area, and to please limit noise and disturbance as much as possible when accessing the Michelago Bank of Bins.”
“Council looks forward to welcoming the Michelago community back to the Bank of Bins from Friday June 13, 2025.”
For further information, please contact Council at council@smrc.nsw.gov.au, or phone 1300 345 345 to speak with our resource and waste team today.
To learn more about waste and recycling services in the Snowy Monaro, please visit Council’s website at https://qrco.de/wasteinfoSMRC.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised restoration works for Lake Jindabyne foreshore erosion and bank stability protections that were damaged during the period of high lake water levels in 2022 and 2023 will begin Wednesday June 11, 2025, weather permitting.
Contractors will be working across two sites in Jindabyne to rebuild the damaged foreshore rock batters over the next several weeks. Weather permitting, these works are expected to be complete by the start of August 2025.
PHOTO: Lake Jindabyne foreshore.
The first worksite is located at Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club, with crews moving on to the second location off McClure Circuit between Leo Barry Park and the caravan park once work at the first site is complete.
Work hours will be between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, beginning Wednesday June 11, 2025 until works are complete. Worksites will be closed to the public during this time.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Footpaths and pedestrian access to the foreshore will remain open.”
“Council will update the community if there are any changes to the project schedule, or the expected start of August completion date (weather permitting).”
These works are the final local grant-funded restorations made possible by the Australian Government and NSW Government’s joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) grant program.
Council was awarded this DRFA funding to address damage to public areas of the Lake Jindabyne foreshore, following the extended period of inundation due to high lake water levels throughout 2022 and 2023.
Once complete, this rehabilitation and restoration project will help protect the foreshore area from the effects of future flooding, and improve public safety and visual amenity in the vicinity of these erosion embankments.
NSW Police have launched Operation Snow Safe for the 2025 ski season, a high-visibility initiative aimed at ensuring the safety of visitors and residents in the Snowy Mountains. The operation commences today, Friday, June 6, and will continue until Monday, October 6, coinciding with the official ski season opening on Saturday June 7, 2025.
PHOTO: Operation Snow Safe commences on Friday June 6, 2025 for winter CREDITS: NSW Police
This extensive operation will see increased police deployment from across New South Wales, focusing on anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related crime in licensed venues, and dangerous driving on roads to the snow. The operation involves general duties officers from the Monaro Police District and specialist units, such as Southern Region Licensing Police and the NSW Dog Unit, among others. They will also conduct search and rescue operations, collaborating with various emergency services.
PHOTO: Senior southern region police joined emergency services and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Jindabyne today for the launch.
The initiative coincides with the King’s Birthday road safety operation, reinforcing double demerits from June 6 to 9, 2025. Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM, emphasised preparation: “The main message is for people to be patient and be prepared. Plan regular breaks, check weather conditions, and make sure your car can manage hazardous conditions.” He also advised, “Carry snow chains and pack essentials in case of emergencies.”
PHOTO: Anti-social behaviour and alcohol related crime will be in focus.
Mark Peacock, Director of Southern Ranges for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, urged hikers to plan thoroughly: “We all need to respect our surroundings to ensure we stay safe. Carry a personal locator beacon, travel in groups, and complete a Trip Intention Form.”
Recently, there was an incident involving three men hiking in unsuitable conditions, and without adequate preparation or a Trip Intention Form. They were rescued without injury but the timely event highlighted the importance of safety precautions in alpine environments.
About 10:30am on Tuesday June 3, 2025, emergency services were called to Seaman’s Hut on the Kosciuszko National Park Main Range, after three men were attempting to hike between Charlotte Pass and the Mount Kosciuszko summit and had to seek shelter from a snow storm.
PHOTO: Operation Snow Safe is not just about general duties, police also actively participate in, and conduct search and rescue operations.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District Alpine Operations Unit with assistance from the State Emergency Service and NSW Ambulance responded. The three men were transported by emergency services back to Charlotte Pass. They were uninjured and were assessed by paramedics but did not require transport to hospital.
A spokesperson for NSW Police said, “While we are pleased the men were not injured, they were not dressed for the conditions, were not carrying sufficient water, did not have a Personal Locator Beacon and had not filled out a Trip Intention Form.”
PHOTO: Stop into the Snowy Region Visitor Centre before heading into the park to ensure you have what you need to return safely.
Perisher, along with Falls Creek and Hotham, is set to welcome visitors to the 2025 snow season this Saturday, June 7, thanks to a significant early-season snowstorm and extensive snowmaking efforts. With up to 80cm of fresh snow anticipated, all three alpine resorts, operated by Vail Resorts Australia, will open for an event-filled long weekend.
PHOTO: Perisher have been hard at work snow making and grooming the slopes
Nathan Butterworth, Vice President and General Manager of Perisher Ski Resort, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests back to Perisher after Mother Nature brought some snow and colder temperatures in the past week. We look forward to watching guests discover, or re-discover, their moment at Australia’s largest ski resort,” he stated. Butterworth highlighted the preparations made by the team, including the opening of the new Mt Perisher 6 chairlift, which promises to enhance the guest experience.
Front Valley Perisher – Friday June 6, 8:15am AEST CREDITS: Perisher
The festive atmosphere at Perisher will include skiing and boarding activities, with options for kids and beginners. A mini park will be installed on Front Valley, and the PEAK music festival will provide entertainment, accompanied by cultural events such as the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
This weekend not only marks the beginning of the ski season but also the final opportunity to purchase the 2025 Epic Australia Pass, offering access to these resorts and international ones, including Whistler Blackcomb. With special discounts and numerous events, all three resorts are poised for an unforgettable start to the season on Saturday June 7, at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham.
Thredbo Resort has just unveiled their line-up of music artists set to headline this winter’s calendar of freeaprès events, now officially dubbed Après Club. The massive line-up features 10 headline acts to entertain travellers from far and wide, including Hot Dub Time Machine, Sneaky Sound System, Peking Duk (DJ SET), Yolanda Be Cool, Little Fritter, and many more.
PHOTO: This year’s Après Club music line-up has something for everyone CREDITS: Thredbo Resort
A spokesperson for Thredbo Resort said, “We have Australia’s biggest winter calendar of live music and entertainment. Thredbo has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable, high-energy music events that have cemented Thredbo après on the international map.”
New this year, Thredbo’s live music series is now officially known as Après Club – the home of the best après events in Australia. Each headline act will be joined by an exciting mix of culturally programmed, established and emerging talent, including Mell Hall, Enn, Beverley Kills, Michelle Owen, Sam Jake, Shimmy, LO’99, and many more. This year’s line-up is brimming with talent, promising non-stop dancing and good vibes at Après Club– and best of all, it’s all completely free.
PHOTO: Crowd favourite Sneaky Sound System are back again for their high energy annual Thredbo takeover.
Australia’s Biggest Après Calendar
• June 7: Hot Dub Time Machine presented by Balter
• July 26: Peking Duk (DJ Set) presented by Canadian Club
• August 2: Yolanda Be Cool presented by Hyoketsu
• August 9: Argonaut & Poof Doof Ski Club presented by Brookvale Union
• August 16: Sneaky Sound System presented by Hyoketsu
• August 23: Special Guest presented by Pirate Life
• August 30: Little Fritter presented by Monster Energy
• September 6: Mad.Day presented by Smirnoff
• September 13: Morning Maxwell presented by Smirnoff
• September 20: Fin Sullivan presented by Smirnoff
PHOTO: Thredbo hold their signature Flare Run and Fireworks every Saturday
Non-Stop Entertainment
In addition to Après Club’s huge line-up of headline acts, Thredbo’s winter calendar is packed with daily live music and entertainment to keep the good times rolling all season long.
Big Deck Energy at Black Sallees
With a stunning view, delicious Japanese food, and a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Black Sallees has become one of the hottest on-mountain après destinations in Thredbo. Guests can soak up the après vibes on the Black Sallees deck with live music every Saturday from July 26 to August 23.
Balter Deck Sessions
Every Sunday afternoon, the iconic Merritts Mountain House Deck comes alive with the Balter Deck Sessions. Skiers, snowboarders, and foot passengers arriving via the Merritts Gondola can grab a cold one and enjoy a DJ set in the mountains, featuring crowd-favourite tunes — all completely free.
Flare Run And Fireworks
A signature Thredbo experience, theFlare Run and Fireworks Spectacular lights up the village every Saturday night throughout winter. Whether you’re dancing to your favourite DJ at Alpine Bar or watching the mountain sparkle with the whole family, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Winter 2025 Opening Weekend
With only 16 days to go until Opening Day on June 7, Thredbo is gearing up for a huge weekend of celebrations.
To kick things off, Hot Dub Time Machine presented by Balter will bring the village to life with an unmissable Après Club event at the Alpine Bar – the perfect way to launch the season in style.
Local residents and commercial customers of Jindabyne Landfill are invited to the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) community update sessions next week at Jindabyne Memorial Hall, to learn more about the ongoing planning and feasibility investigations into the future of the landfill site.
At each of the two sessions on Thursday June 12, 2025, attendees will learn more about the three potential paths forward for Jindabyne’s local waste facility.
• Session One: Residents and non-commercial customers • Time: 5pm to 6pm
• Session Two: Commercial customers • Time: 6pm to 7pm
• Location: Jindabyne Memorial Hall, Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “No RSVP is required for the upcoming sessions. All members of the local community are welcome, and staff will be taking questions about what the proposed plans would mean for attendees and their use of Jindabyne’s waste facility.”
“The three potential options range in scope from undertaking the basic additional works required to make the interim transfer point permanent, through to comprehensive plans for the construction of a new Resource Recovery Centre facility.”
“Councillors will make a final decision on the preferred option at a Council meeting later this year. Community feedback on these potential future paths for Jindabyne’s waste facility will be a key factor in the councillors’ final decision.”
Please get in touch with Council to find out more about the upcoming community update sessions in Jindabyne. Phone 1300 345 345 or email council@smrc.nsw.gov.au.
