News

Twin Tons and Lots of Runs

Round 8 of the Monaro District Cricket Association Senior Men’s One Day Competition was highlighted by twin tons and big totals in an all important weekend of cricket in the Snowy Mountains.

Dalgety hosted the Jindabyne Tigers in the only lower scoring match of the round, seeing a very close contest.

Dalgety batted first and were restricted to 8/136 from 40 overs. It was an all round stellar bowling display from Jindabyne considering they were a player short.

John Stanford was in the runs again, stitching together the Dalgety innings and notching up a score of 48 to continue his run of good form. Stanford was well supported by Owen Freebody (37), who fell to Lucas Rixon. Rixon claimed 2/9 from 8 overs of superb bowling which included four maidens.

In response, Jindabyne were 3/81 at drinks, Captain Lucas Rixon led the way with a half century. Five more wickets fell leaving Chad Stevens and Cooper Tickell at the crease, and with the game well and truly on the line, the pair managed to get the Tigers home with just eight balls to spare, Stevens remained not out on 31.

The Dalgety opening bowlers were effective, Aaron Fenton was the pick of the pair with his figures of 3/21 from eight overs, Owen Freebody claimed 3/24 from eight.

Senior Jindabyne Tigers player Issac Dawson said the win was highlighted by a heart warming moment for the club, with Vice Captain Dave Tickell’s son playing his first senior game.

“Cooper Tickell didn’t even want to play juniors at the start of the year, and yesterday outscored his old man and helped us snatch victory from the jaws of defeat,” Dawson said.

PHOTO: Cooper Tickell (right) with Chad Stevens (left) in his first senior game for the Jindabyne Tigers.

In a spectacular round 8 showdown at Rotary Oval, Cooma, Bombala Cricket Club emerged victorious against the Cooma Titans in the Monaro District Cricket Senior Men’s One Day Competition. Led by Jason Cikos’s extraordinary innings, Bombala set a formidable target, overcoming Cooma Titans by 27 runs.

Bombala Cricket Club’s performance was highlighted by Jason Cikos, whose impressive innings of 174 runs dazzled spectators and dismantled the Cooma bowling lineup. “Cikos’s ability to rotate the strike and his precision in boundary-hitting made all the difference,” remarked a spokesperson from Bombala Cricket Club.

Supporting Cikos, Oliver Chapman contributed a steady 33 off 86 balls, helping stablise after initial setbacks. Bombala’s score of 5/255 in 40 overs set a daunting challenge for the Titans.

Despite a promising start, Cooma Titans’ innings struggled under the precision bowling of Bombala’s J. Sullivan, who took a brilliant five-wicket haul, restricting Cooma to 228 off 37.5 overs. “Sullivan’s accuracy and strategic variations were key in disrupting Cooma’s chase,” the Bombala spokesperson added.

Acknowledging the spirit of the game, Cooma allowed their junior players to field for Bombala, showcasing commendable sportsmanship. The thrilling match underscored the essence of competitive yet friendly cricket.

In an electrifying match at Berridale, the Berridale Whitetails stunned Coffey’s Cricket Club with a formidable victory in Round 8.

Berridale amassed a staggering 5/350 in 40 overs. Star batsman Justin McCarey was unstoppable, smashing 107 runs off just 51 balls. His explosive innings, punctuated by seven fours and 10 sixes, set a blistering pace.

Berridale Captain Russell Haylock (56) from 84 balls, and Zac McKenzie (98) from 56 balls, kept the scoring rate ticking along, with McKenzie narrowly missing a century.

Kye Harrison was the best of the Coffey’s bowlers, he picked up 2/39 from six overs. Harrison is proving to be a go-to option for the club, and was admirable on a day when most of the bowling attack was taxed heavily.

Despite Nathan Thompson’s valiant 67* for Coffey’s in which he played the senior role, the chase was too steep. Thompson was supported by Nick Moon (25), and Hunter Caldwell (30), but ultimately, Berridale’s bowlers were far too economical, culminating in Coffey’s first defeat of the season.

Alex Thompson bowled exceptionally well for the Whitetails. The opening bowler delivered an impressive performance, recording 0/19 from 8 overs, including two maidens. This effort was crucial in slowing Coffey’s scoring pace. Zac McKenzie backed up his performance with the bat and also bowled efficiently claiming 1/20 from his seven overs.

Rhythm host the Cooma Titans in round 9, Dalgety travel to Berridale, Bombala are at home to Jindabyne, and Coffey’s have the week off.

Delivering a Safer Brown Mountain

OPINION PIECE

Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

As a major highway linking the Coast with Canberra, we all know how vital Brown Mountain is for our community.

I drive up and down Brown Mountain several times a week and, like you, know how frustrating the continual landslips, rockfalls and delays are.

These issues aren’t new – we’ve been tackling closures for decades.

The Highway is state government-owned, and the Federal Government has been partnering with the Minns Government to repair the damaged road.

Two landslip sites were recently completed, with almost 150 soil nails installed – each up to 11 metres long – into the damaged slope and under the road, and more than 700 metres squared of mesh and sprayed concrete to secure the area and prevent further erosion. Work is planned on a further two landslip sites, which are due to be completed by the end of this year.

Dollars talk when it comes to road repairs – more than $7.09 million has been spent in disaster recovery funding for Brown Mountain repairs by the Labor NSW state and Labor federal governments since we came to government.

This is significantly more than the $4.06 million spent by the Liberal NSW state and Liberal federal governments between 2015 and 2022.

The fact is, we’re getting on with delivering these important upgrades, not just whinging about it.

Improving road safety is a priority of the Albanese Government – we have doubled Roads to Recovery funding, which has seen local governments in Eden-Monaro receive a funding boost of more than $26.3 million. This takes the program’s funding to more than $63 million dollars over the next five years for our region.

We’ve increased the Road Black Spot Program, rising from $110 million to $150 million, meaning more money for improving some of the most dangerous sections of our roads.

The new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program has $200 million available per year, $50 million more than was available for the two programs it replaced.

We have also committed to improving data collection, providing $21.2 million to the National Road Safety Data Hub, and providing $10.8 million for a National Road Safety and awareness campaign.

There is no doubt that we need a long-term solution for the Snowy Mountains Highway, which is something I have been advocating for in my time as Mayor of the Bega Valley and as the Member for Eden-Monaro.

But your voice is important too. The Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for South East and Tablelands is currently seeking community feedback.

The plan will provide a 20-year vision of the key transport priorities for our region. You can have your say at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/south-east-and-tablelands

I will continue to work with the community to deliver the services and infrastructure our community needs – including a safe Brown Mountain.

It’s critical for our safety, economy and way of life that the road is made more reliable and I’m getting on with the job of delivering it.

Cannonball MTB Festival 2025: A Thrilling Week in the Snowy Mountains

Thredbo was once again the epicentre of mountain biking exhilaration as it hosted the 2025 Cannonball MTB Festival, presented by Boost Mobile, drawing 750 competitors and thousands of enthusiastic spectators. This thrilling event, celebrating its 11th anniversary, proved to be an unforgettable week of intense racing and vibrant festival vibes.

PHOTO: Thredbo’s MTB Festival celebrates 11th anniversary – Supplied.

The festival, recognised as a cornerstone event in the Australian mountain biking calendar, featured six major events including the much-anticipated Oakley Pump Track Challenge and the Rockshox Australian Open Downhill.

Tim Windshuttle, Thredbo MTB Business Manager, remarked, “Cannonball MTB Festival continues to stand out as a premier event in the Australian mountain biking calendar. Seeing our local riders and ambassadors take centre stage at an internationally recognised event is, and has always been, a defining moment of this festival.”

Despite the challenges brought by unpredictable weather, Thredbo’s community and organisers ensured a seamless execution of all events. The final day witnessed the rescheduled Oakley Pump Track Challenge where Caroline Buchanan dominated the women’s category, while Bailey Mears snagged the top spot in the men’s.

PHOTO: After a delayed start, competitors were eager to claim victory in the Oakley Pump Track Challenge.

Riding high on adrenaline, the Rockshox Australian Open Downhill took centre stage, attracting 562 competitors to tackle the legendary Cannonball Downhill course. With the largest cash prizes in Australian downhill history, stakes were high. Troy Brosnan emerged victorious in the pro men’s category, while Sian A’Hern triumphed in the women’s category, showcasing her unparalleled prowess.

PHOTO: Rockshox Australian Open Downhill took centre stage in Thredbo.

The climax of the festival was the crowning of the 2025 King and Queen of Cannonball. After amassing points over various competitions, Sian A’Hern and Luke Meier-Smith were officially declared the festival champions, a testament to their consistent performances across the week’s events.

Beyond the thrilling races, the festival has proven to be a major draw card for the Snowy Mountains region, providing significant economic benefits through the influx of visitors.

PHOTO: Sian A’Hern and Luke Meier-Smith were crowned the 2025 King and Queen of Cannonball.

As the festival wrapped up amidst the jubilant Boost Mobile Cannonball Afterparty featuring Babe Rainbow, anticipation already builds for what the 2026 edition will bring.

Cooma Correctional Centre Linked to Claims Scandal: Investigations Launched

In a shocking revelation, investigations into fraudulent child sexual abuse compensation claims have revealed that one third of inmates at Cooma Correctional Centre have submitted allegedly deceitful applications.

This discovery is part of a wider investigation into a sophisticated crime syndicate alleged to have coached individuals to falsely claim compensation under schemes including the National Redress Scheme.

The alleged operation was uncovered following the arrest of seven individuals, including the alleged masterminds of the scheme — 23-year-old Ky Manser from the Gold Coast and a 55-year-old man from Sydney.

PHOTO: Seven people have been charged following the discovery of alleged fraudulent child sexual abuse compensation claims – Supplied NSW Police.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja commented, “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve got a very, very large problem here.”

Superintendent Arbinja further explained the operation’s mechanics: “Detectives revealed there were several claims farmers that were spooking for business… They coached and incited several people to make false claims.”

The so-called “claims farmers” would allegedly submit these falsified claims to Sydney law firms to receive a kickback of $2,200 per claim, the profits referred to as ‘bum money’.

The Superintendent went on to say, “I can’t say whether they (law firms) knew they (claims) weren’t true, that’s still under investigation.

“I can say now that on a typical claim, a $300,000 claim, which is average in this scheme, the law firm would take at least a half of that in fees.”

In light of these revelations, police executed search warrants at a law firm in Sydney, seizing documents that may implicate other firms.

PHOTO: Police arrest one of the seven, a 52-year-old woman in Horsley.

Superintendent Arbinja reassured legitimate victims, stating, “The New South Wales Police support legitimate victims. They should be compensated, and that’s why the system was introduced in the first place.”

However, he pointed out the system’s vulnerabilities, noting its exploitation by the syndicate due to its low threshold, which was originally set in good faith to aid genuine victims.

“It’s a low threshold… So what we intend to do, is work with our state partners, and we’ve had dialogue with the government to strengthen the scheme.”

The impact of such fraudulent claims has been substantial, with the scheme reportedly outlying nearly $1.3 billion. Superintendent Arbinja highlighted the severity of the situation: “All I can talk about is the ones that I’m looking at, and I can tell you now the overwhelming majority, if not all, were fraudulent.”

Investigations have been underway since February last year, and in a decisive move, police intervention prevented a further $30 million at least, from being paid in dubious claims.

Bliss n Eso to Ignite Jindabyne with ‘Party on the Moon’ Tour in August 2025

Australian hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso have announced an upcoming stop in Jindabyne as part of their epic ‘Party on the Moon’ Australian tour.

PHOTO: Australian Hip Hop pioneers Bliss n Eso announce gig in Jindabyne.

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the dynamic pair will perform at The Station, offering local fans a unique opportunity to experience their high-energy performance.

The tour spans from May to August 2025, celebrating the release of their latest album, The Moon (The Light Side), due out on April 11th. Bliss n Eso, who have been pioneers of Australian hip-hop for over two decades, promise a show filled with explosive energy, curated from their nostalgic return to the “golden era of party-rocking hip-hop vibes”.

“Making our new album The Moon (The Light Side) was honestly one of the most fun times we’ve had in the studio in years. We wanted to return to the essence of what made us fall in love with Hip Hop when we were kids,” said Bliss.

“We’ve been blessed to have built up an incredible fan base over the years and when making this album we constantly envisioned playing these new songs and the electric energy they would create between us and the crowd. We’re so pumped to take it to the next level on this tour and to bring this album to life for the first time.”

Bliss n Eso’s ‘Party on the Moon’ tour will give fans a chance to enjoy their new tracks like ‘Feeling Fly’ and ‘Party on the Moon’. Joining Bliss n Eso on this tour is the talented Melbourne rapper, singer, and songwriter Ivan Ooze, promising a night full of electrifying performances.

Frontier Member presale commences Tuesday 18 February 11am local time before the on sale on Thursday 20 February 11am local time. Tickets and tour info via: frontiertouring.com/blissneso.

Limited VIP / Meet & Greet / vinyl / merch bundles available for all shows via: frontiertouring.com/blissneso

Adaminaby Pool: Staff Shortages Cause Two Day Closure

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised Adaminaby Pool will be closed on Monday 17 February and Tuesday 18 February 2025 due to ongoing staff shortages.

The pool will reopen as-normal from 1pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025. A Spokesperson for SMRC said, “Council appreciates the community’s patience in light of these staffing-related closures, and continues to work on a solution.”

“Despite our efforts to secure coverage of these shifts, including reaching out to former employees and contractors, we have been unable to find the number of suitably qualified staff that are required keep the pool open safely.”

For more information about public pools in the Snowy Monaro, please visit https://qrco.de/SMRCpools or email us at [email protected]. 

Bombala: Conserve Water Notice in Effect Following Major Intake Pump Failure

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised residents and businesses in the Bombala area that a conserve water notice is now in effect for all properties connected to town water as of 2.30pm Thursday 13 February 2025.

Council asked that everyone in the Bombala area limit their water usage as much as possible to conserve the town’s water supply, following a major intake pump failure.

The failure comes just 11 days after the failure of one of Bombala Pool’s main water pumps causing the Council to quickly locate a replacement pump motor.

SMRC advises the conserve water notice will remain in place until this situation can be resolved and that Council will notify the community when the conserve water notice can been lifted.

Town water in Bombala remains safe to drink and use.

Bombala water conservation measures: In effect from 2.30pm Thursday 13 February 2025

Water usage location / ActivityConservation measures
Private gardens and lawns, parks, sport amenities and public gardensAt all times gardens, lawns and plants should only be watered without causing pooling or runoff. Watering between 6pm and 9am will minimise evaporation.
Watering systemsSprinklers and irrigation systems can be used to water lawns and plants. Use between 6pm and 9am will minimise evaporation.
Hand-wateringA handheld hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket, or a watering can may be used at any time.
Washing vehiclesVehicles should be washed on a lawn or other porous surface wherever practicable, only using a bucket or watering can, a high-pressure low-volume cleaner, or a handheld hose with a trigger nozzle.
Swimming poolsPools and outdoor spas should be covered to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Bowling greensNo measures in place.
Paved areasWater should not be used to clean paved areas. If required due to emergency or accident, only use a bucket and brush or high-pressure low-volume cleaner.
Washing of windows and buildingsGutters may be cleaned at any time using a hose with a trigger nozzle. Windows may be washed at any time.Other parts of a building may be washed at any time using a bucket, mop and brush and rinsed with a trigger-nozzle hose or high-pressure low-volume cleaner.
Construction and related activitiesWater should only be used for dust or pollutant suppression using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a vehicle fitted with sprinklers. Use non-potable water wherever possible.
General exemptionsFire-fighting.Water not sourced from town water supply, including tanks, dams, reclaimed water, and greywater.

Heads Up: Celebrating Community Through Art at Raglan Gallery

The vibrant art community of the Snowy Mountains is set to shine once more as the Raglan Gallery gears up for its highly anticipated “Heads Up” Portrait Art Prize and Exhibition in June.

Encouraging artists from all walks of life to delve into the rich tapestry of local personalities, the event promises to be a celebration of both art and community.

Open to all artists, the competition asks that the subjects of the portraits are local residents of the Monaro region. Wendy McDougall, a valued member of the Raglan Gallery board, and prominent local artist, explains, “Any medium can be a portrait, but the main criteria is that the sitter needs to come from the Monaro region.”

“We want the focus to be on who is in our community, the artist, however, can be from anywhere. Maybe they’re a caricature artist, a sculptor, a painter, or a photographer, the medium doesn’t really matter, everyone is welcome.”

PHOTO: ‘Rowena Evans’ by Merilyn Minell – Supplied

In total, there are four major prizes on offer: a first prize of $1000, second prize of $600, third prize of $400, and a youth award of $200, welcoming entries in any artistic medium.

The works must be created within 24 months of the competition (commenced after May 2024), and artists are encouraged to capture the spirit and character of their subjects.

“For me, as an artist myself, I think that the person you choose sort of helps dictate what you might want to do, how you see them, because the whole point of a portrait is to say something about that person,” McDougall added.

Jacki

PHOTO: ‘Jacki’ by Wendy McDougall

The entry fee is set at $30 per work, with youth entries costing $20 each. Artists are allowed to submit up to two works, which should not exceed 130cm x 100cm, except for sculptures, which must remain portable. The competition also upholds a professional standard by requiring all entries to be new, original works, not previously awarded prizes in other exhibitions or shows.

The event isn’t just about art, it’s an opportunity to acknowledge and honour the diverse personalities within the Snowy Mountains community. As Wendy passionately notes, “They might be a serious kind of character, or someone who’s doing really fantastic work in the community, maybe it’s your next door neighbour who just looks after 10 kids all the time and never gets recognised for the work.”

“I think, in any piece of art, the artist can’t but help be in their work, because that’s their style, but when you have a criteria to answer, you really do have to look at the person you’re choosing, and you have to say something about them.”

PHOTO: Wendy McDougall ‘self portrait’.

Entries must reach the Raglan Gallery by 3:30pm, June 2, 2025, and anticipation is already building ahead of the exhibition’s opening on the 14th of June. The gallery’s celebration culminates on the 20th of July when the exhibition closes.

Art enthusiasts keen to support the event or reward the creativity of participating artists are encouraged to engage with the gallery.

“We’re still looking for some more sponsors who might want to support the event, and anyone who’s interested in being a sponsor could do so in the form of a prize, it doesn’t have to be cash it could be anything.” McDougall said.

“Art is important in our life, and in this instance, it’s the people of the community that make this place, and that’s a big part of why we’re doing portraits, and why it’s called Heads Up.”

For more details, interested parties can contact the Raglan Gallery directly at [email protected] or by calling 6452 3377. Artists can also collect an entry form from the Raglan Gallery in Cooma.

Wendy advised artists submit entry as early as possible to secure a spot in the competition, as entries could fill up fast.

NSW Government Appoints First Statutory Agriculture Commissioner

The NSW Government has appointed Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner to boost agricultural representation, supporting farmers and fulfilling an election promise.

PHOTO: Newly appointed Agriculture Commissioner Alison Stone CREDIT: Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The Minns Labor Government, as part of its commitment during the state election, has established this role to provide independent advice and conduct reviews on pressing agricultural matters that impact agricultural practices right around the state, including here in the Snowy Mountains.

Commissioner Stone’s responsibilities include tackling issues such as productivity, land use conflicts, and food security.

Commissioner Stone’s role also includes providing input on renewable energy infrastructure impacts on landholders and promoting collaboration across various government levels.

With over 40 years in primary industries, Alison Stone will guide the NSW Government with her 25 years experience as a farmer, roles in policy areas such as land management, forestry, and disaster resilience.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, hailed Ms Stone’s appointment, stating, “The Minns Government has delivered another key election commitment by ensuring farmers and the agricultural sector has a dedicated and independent Agriculture Commissioner to advise me and the Government on best options for matters such as land planning in regional NSW.”

Ms Stone is set to serve an initial three-year term, during which she will assist in developing a system for mapping agricultural lands across NSW and progress a pilot Farm Practices Panel to address land use conflicts.

Ms Stone said “Agriculture is the backbone of our state.”

“My role is to collaborate with government, landowners and industry leaders to drive tangible, on-the-ground  outcomes and practices to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector.”

“NSW’s primary industries sector is one of the most diverse in the country, with a wide range of agricultural commodities and farming systems. While this presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth and innovation.”

“One of my key priorities is helping government to protect and support our agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda alongside its priorities for renewable energy and housing.”

“I am honoured to be endorsed by the NSW Government for the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner and to work alongside Minister Moriarty and the farming sector to build a more resilient and prosperous future.”

The establishment of this commissioner role is part of broader efforts by the Minns Government, including appointing the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and creating a $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund.

Unusual Summer Snow Possible for Snowy Mountains Amidst Cold Snap

In an unexpected twist to the Australian summer, residents and visitors of the Snowy Mountains should brace themselves for a rare weather phenomenon this weekend.

A cold front is set to bring a blast of winter-like conditions, with temperatures plummeting to a potential minimum of -3°C and the possibility of snow at high elevations such as Thredbo and Perisher on Sunday, February 16, and Monday, February 17.

Meteorologist Marina Neuman, from Sky News explained that the cool change will move through southern New South Wales and the ACT region around 12pm, Friday, February 14.

PHOTO: Marina Neuman shows the forecasted movement of the system.

The impending cold front is the result of Antarctic air moving northwards, sweeping over Tasmania and reaching as far as southern New South Wales, with Jindabyne expecting a sharp drop from 28°C today to just 13°C over the weekend.

The unusual weather conditions come as a warning to hikers and those enjoying the landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park and the wider Snowy Mountains region, to be prepared.

Despite being summer, visitors and residents alike are advised to prepare adequately for the approaching cold spell. Such conditions, while rare, are a reminder of the volatility of mountain weather systems even in the warmer months.