The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in New South Wales has announced its intention to appeal the sentence handed to former police officer Kristian White for the manslaughter of 95-year-old Clare Nowland. The announcement follows criticism from the Nowland family, labelling the sentence as a “slap on the wrist”
The DPP’s decision to appeal, as reported by News Wire, intends to address what the DPP consider to be an inadequate sentence.
A spokesperson for the DPP said, “After careful consideration of the judgment, the director has determined to file an appeal against the inadequacy of the sentence imposed in this matter.”
PHOTO:Mrs Nowland one week after the incident just before her death CREDIT: NSW Police.
According to Sydney Criminal Lawyers‘ (SCL) interpretation of the NSW Supreme Court processes in a recent article, the appeal would be heard by a three-judge bench in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. The DPP must demonstrate an error in the sentencing judge’s discretion, and convince the appeal court to reconsider White’s sentence.
Kristian White, previously a senior constable, was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order with 425 hours of community service, avoiding a custodial sentence.
PHOTO: The moment Kristian White enters the aged care facility on May 17, 2023 CREDIT: NSW Supreme Court CCTV footage.
On the day of the incident, White and another officer were called to the facility after receiving reports of Mrs Nowland, who suffered from dementia, holding a knife. Witnesses described her as frail, weighing just 45 kilograms and requiring a walking frame for mobility. After several minutes with those present trying to convince Mrs Nowland to put the knife down, White said, “Nah, bugger it,” and tasered Mrs Nowland, resulting in her sustaining a fatal head injury.
PHOTO: Mrs Clare Nowland CREDIT: NSW Police.
Although convicted of manslaughter, a crime carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment, the NSW Supreme Court judge, Justice Ian Harrison, cited White’s actions as a misjudgement. He deemed the crime’s objective seriousness as low, arguing against a custodial sentence, which he described as disproportionate.
The SCL highlight the uniqueness of the non-custodial sentence.
The article refers to statistics from the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, which show 98.6 percent of manslaughter cases typically result in imprisonment, with an average full term of 8.5 years.
Australia’s largest renewable energy project, Snowy Hydro 2.0, continues to forge ahead with substantial progress reported across multiple facets, despite recent setbacks due to safety concerns. According to a recent update from Snowy Hydro, the development of the power station complex is advancing steadily, with notable milestones achieved in various sections of the project.
PHOTO: An aerial view of the Snowy Hydro projectCREDITS: Snowy Hydro.
Excavation and the installation of rock support within the caverns have reached over 35 percent completion. The transformer hall is now almost halfway excavated, while the machine hall has reached a depth of 28 metres. The complex’s drill and blast tunnels, which provide access across various levels, are over 93 percent complete.
Deputy Project Director, Mark Fox said, “The power station caverns are developing into huge spaces, and are some of the largest ever built underground within the hydropower industry. The power station cabins will be big enough to fit the Sydney Opera House inside.”
PHOTO: Deputy Project Director, Mark Fox.
According to Snowy Hydro, the project has made significant headway in excavating the 266-metre-long collector waterway tunnels, achieving 80 percent completion. Meanwhile, the upper Tantangara reservoir intake is advancing with the aid of a 40-metre tower crane, while the lower reservoir intake has 370 metres excavated from its connection tunnel.
PHOTO: Snowy Hydro – underground in one of the excavated tunnels.
The Marica surge shaft has been excavated to a depth of 151 metres. When completed, it will be one of the widest and deepest operational shafts in the world. The downstream surge shaft’s upper chamber is 68% completed, designed to handle water storage and pressure relief roles.
Mr Fox advised a key part of the power station complex now under construction, are the three downstream waterway tunnels. “These tunnels will hold 266 meter long collector tubes, which are very large steel pipes that pass water to the tail race tunnel and onto Talbingo Reservoir after the water has passed through the six power station generator units.”
“When Snowy Hydro 2.0 is operating at near full capacity, these pipes will pass enough water to fill 40 olympic sized swimming pools every minute.”
The project employs several tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to drive forward excavation progress. TBM Florence is more than 3 kilometres into the 17-kilometre head race tunnel, and TBM Lady Eileen Hudson has completed 85 percent of the tailrace tunnel. TBM Kirsten continues to excavate the inclined pressure shaft, with 14 percent completed to date. A fourth TBM is expected to begin by the end of 2025, following approval to bolster tunnelling capacity.
PHOTO: A fourth TBM is expected to begin work by the end of 2025.
After recent disruptions, underground operations, including work by the TBMs and cavern excavations have resumed progressively over the past few weeks. Above-ground activities remained unaffected and progressed as planed.
PHOTO: (From left): Aux-Lieut Bryan Bartlett, then Area Officer, Major Dean Clarke, Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Councillor Chris Hanna and Aux-Lieut Debbie Bartlett in front of the new Cooma Community of Hope.
When Auxiliary-Lieutenants Bryan and Debbie Bartlett were appointed to the NSW Snowy Mountains town of Cooma in January 2024, they arrived at a location without a building. Since then, God has been directing their hearts towards an unmet need.
When the Bartletts moved to town, the Salvation Army was celebrating its 70th anniversary since Major and Mrs. Gordon Fletcher arrived in Cooma to begin operations in the district with the Snowy Mountains Field Unit.
The Army did have an earlier flurry of ministry way back in 1887 when Captain H.B. Steven rolled The Salvation Army Cavalry Fort ‘Aggressive’ into town, with ‘converts rapidly increasing in number’, according to the then Salvation Army publication Full Salvation. But the fire didn’t last, and the Bartletts took on a ministry that really got underway in the 1950s, with the first corps building opening in 1959.
Over the past five years, it has been identified that the physical distance between the Cooma Corps building and the main areas of Salvation Army mission and ministry was creating a barrier to effective ministry.
The former corps leaders, Auxiliary-Lieutenants Anthony Barford and Sandra Mortimer, took on the project of relocating The Salvation Army’s presence from an outer suburban property into the heart of Cooma township – in a building right next door to the newly relocated Salvos Store.
PHOTO: The Cooma Community of Hope is located right next door to the town’s Salvos Store.
COVID-19 lockdowns and building delays meant that the new Cooma Community of Hope wasn’t yet complete when they received farewell orders to Katherine in the Northern Territory.
Enter the Bartletts.
“The fact that the building wasn’t yet open gave us time to build some really good foundational contacts within the community,” said Bryan. “Which I don’t think we would have had if we were running programs straight up.”
We want Cooma Salvos to be a safe space, no matter your background, beliefs or life journey – if you are in crisis, then this is a safe place for you and a listening ear.”
It also gave them space to pray, dream and ask God to give them a vision for what he was planning for Cooma Salvation Army.
“Debbie and I believe that we are called to the marginalised,” said Bryan. “If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us.” But what did that calling look like in Cooma?
During a strategy day, the Bartletts’ then-Area Officer, Major Dean Clarke, mentioned ‘Empowered Faith Communities’ – an organisation passionate about assisting churches in developing faith communities with people on the margins. The Empowered Faith Communities website says these communities are centred on “community gatherings in and amongst people living in poverty. Empowerment is central to the model, underpinned by proven principles for sustainable, long-term human flourishing.”
This spoke directly to Bryan and Debbie’s hearts, and they contacted the organisation and attended an information session. They have since had an opportunity to visit a practising Empowered Faith Community at Rosebud in Victoria, which runs in partnership with the local Baptist Church.
“We want Cooma Salvos to be a safe space, no matter your background, beliefs or life journey – if you are in crisis, then this is a safe place for you and a listening ear.”
Fast-forward a few months, and Bryan and Debbie are in full swing with their Empowered Faith Community Training, and the new Cooma Salvos Community of Hope building has opened its doors.
The opening, in December 2024, was attended by community members, people from other local services, staff and volunteers from Salvos Stores and Employment Plus. The Cooma Community of Hope is now open four days per week, offering financial assistance through SAL Connect, referrals, and a welcoming place where people can chat, relax, play games and have a cuppa.
PHOTO: Auxiliary-Lieutenant Debbie Bartlett speaks at the opening of the Cooma Community of Hope.
“We have a lot of community support workers here in Cooma and there are not a lot of places to take their clients. We have one worker coming in regularly with his client just for coffee and a chat,” says Bryan. “Other people are just walking in off the street wanting to know what we’re doing. We are having some great conversations.”
At this stage, Bryan and Debbie believe the Empowered Faith Community, to be launched next year, will be held on a weeknight and centre around a meal and what Bryan calls “couch church”.
Several people within the community and members of other churches have expressed a desire to be involved. The Bartletts’ would love to see members from all of the different churches in the town of 7500 people come together to support the Empowered Faith Community.
This will be held on a day different to the traditional Sunday worship and positioned towards people in the community who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional church setting.
PHOTO: Former Cooma Corps Officer, retired Major Louise Nicholson, attended the official opening of the new Cooma Community of Hope in December 2024.
“We are wanting to create a safe, healthy place for people to belong,” said Bryan. “Everyone can be part of that.”
In an effort to provide more recreational areas for families and communities, certain schools across New South Wales have commenced the Share Our Space Time Trial, which allows public access to school outdoor facilities after school hours. The trial includes 11 schools statewide, where community members can now utilise school ovals, sports courts, and playgrounds every day of the week.
PHOTO: Delegate Public School oval is now available for community use CREDIT: Delegate Public School (DPS)
The NSW Government’s existing shared spaces program already opens up almost 200 schools’ outdoor facilities during school holidays for public use, however, it does not permit the opening of ovals outside of school holidays.
Brad Bannister, Principal of Delegate Public School, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “This term our school is a part of the Share Our Space Time Trial. Our school outdoor spaces are always open to community use, whether it be playing on our Play Equipment, Cubby House, Basketball and Tennis Courts, and our magnificent School Oval. During this Term 1 specific program, I have certainly seen extra use of our school facilities and this makes me both extremely happy and very, very proud.”
PHOTO: The Delegate community will benefit from use of facilities like the tennis court and basketball hoopCREDIT: DPS
The NSW Government, led by Premier Chris Minns, has launched this program with the vision of unlocking more green spaces at a time when encouraging outdoor activities is vital. “I’ve never been a fan of locking up school grounds to the public. I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours. It’s why we’re throwing the gates of this public land open,” Minns commented, highlighting the importance of creating more recreational opportunities for communities, especially those living in apartments.
The trial supports a broader initiative where the state government has been upgrading various facilities to ensure both students and community members can safely enjoy these spaces. For instance, Kogarah High School’s sports field has been recently upgraded, with enhanced fencing and accessibility features like new stair entrances and an access ramp.
PHOTO: Parents now have vital access to additional recreational activities for their children CREDIT DPS
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car, noted: “The new trial of the Share Our Space program will give people across the state greater access to green spaces throughout the school term,” emphasising the government’s commitment to enhancing public education facilities and expanding recreational spaces.
These efforts are part of a larger plan by the Minns Labor Government, which includes nearly $9 billion in the 2024-25 budget dedicated to new and upgraded schools, aiming to ensure all children in NSW have access to world-class public education.
The Albanese Labor Government and the NSW Minns Government have announced a significant infrastructure investment in Cooma, amounting to $23.6 million, aimed at addressing the housing shortage in the region. The project, centred around the Cooma North Precinct, plans to unlock 177 new homes by developing essential infrastructure such as roads and the delivery of electrical, water, sewer, and telecommunications systems, with work to commence this month.
PHOTO: Member for Monaro, Steve Whan (left), Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain (centre), and Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna – at the Cooma North Precinct this morning
The eventual development will transform a previously unused 12.6-hectare NSW Government land site, located merely two kilometres north of Cooma’s town centre, into a comprehensive housing precinct.
PHOTO: The precinct is located 2kms outside of the Cooma CBD CREDIT: NSW Land and Housing Corporation (NSW-LHC)
This will include a diverse mix of housing options: 127 private market lots, 26 seniors living apartments, 12 social housing duplexes, and 12 duplexes for key workers and affordable housing.
PHOTO: Aerial view of the proposed Cooma housing site CREDIT: NSW-LHC
Kristy McBain, Member for Eden-Monaro, highlighted the urgency of increasing the housing supply in Cooma, stating, “Boosting housing supply is a huge priority for the Cooma region, and that starts with getting the enabling infrastructure in the ground.”
Ms McBain added that the $23.6 million joint investment would pave the way for “more social housing, more homes for growing families, and more housing to attract and retain the key workers Cooma needs.”
PHOTO: Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain
This infrastructure investment is crucial to the next stage of development, with planned housing construction scheduled to commence by June 2026, following infrastructure works.
PHOTO: The project utilises vacant state government land CREDIT: NSW-LHC
NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, noted the strategic use of vacant state government land in delivering essential housing, citing that the development would provide immediate support to clear the priority social housing waitlist in the region.
Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, expressed the critical nature of this development, reflecting, “When you are hearing stories of people sleeping in cars over a Snowy Mountains winter you know there is a serious problem.”
PHOTO: Member for Monaro, Steve Whan
Mr Whan emphasised that the mixed housing approach taken by the project would foster better social cohesion within the community.
PHOTO: The announcement was made today, Wednesday April 9, in Cooma
The Cooma North Precinct development is poised to bring substantial benefits to the region, but with the completion of new homes some time away, so to, is relief for locals struggling to find an affordable home, or meet the cost-of-living.
Jindabyne is set to play host to an exhilarating weekend of BMX racing as it welcomes Round Two of the 2025 AusCycling BMX Racing ACT/NSW State Series. Taking place on April 12-13, the event promises to draw BMX enthusiasts from across the region to the newly upgraded Snowy Mountains BMX Track.
PHOTO: The track is now up to the national standard for BMX racing CREDIT: Snowy Mountains BMX Club.
Due to a $291,205 investment from the NSW Government, the facility has undergone substantial upgrades, elevating it to a National competition standard. Improvements include sealing of the track, bitumen installation on all berms, a new start hill cover and finish line structure, as well as enhanced storage and landscaping. This transformation has been a game changer for the club.
Mike Daly, President of the Snowy Mountains BMX Club, expressed his excitement. “We had a regular cohort of local riders but now we’ve been able to bring the track up to the national standard for BMX racing, and we are so excited that Jindabyne gets to host a round of the NSW/ACT State series for 2025,” he said.
President Daly added that hosting a State round was a long-term goal for the club, achieved sooner than expected due to the remarkable upgrades.
BMX rider John Graham praised the revamped track, mentioning, “The new track is one of the best I’ve ridden in the entire ACT/NSW area. It is fantastic with a great design – it’s fast and fun and offers options for riders of all levels to test their skills.”
PHOTO: The track caters for riders of all skill and ability levels.
The Member for Monaro, The Hon Steve Whan MP, noted the significant impact of the event on the local community. “It’s wonderful to see an event of this calibre come to Jindabyne and we hope it’s the first of many more to come,” he stated. Mr Whan highlighted Jindabyne’s appeal as a destination, especially over the Easter break, and emphasised the potential boost to local businesses.
The event is set to be inclusive, with participation open to riders aged between three and 60. As the region continues to bolster its reputation as a cycling hub with projects like the Jindabyne Mountain Bike Park and Rail Trail upgrades, the BMX championships mark another step forward.
A man will face court today, facing an additional charge of attempted murder following a fail-to-stop crash in the state’s south, earlier this year. About 1:30am on Saturday January 4, 2025, emergency services were called to Mittagang Road, Cooma following reports of a crash.
PHOTO: The man attended Queanbeyan Police station the following day, January 5, where he was charged CREDIT: Monaro Police District
On arrival, officers attached to Monaro Police District found a 23-year-old man suffering serious injuries after allegedly being hit by a car.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old man, allegedly left the scene prior to police arrival.
The 23-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a head injury before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
About 3:30pm on Sunday January 5, 2025, a 22-year-old man attended Queanbeyan Police station where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle, fail to stop and render assistance, not give particulars to other driver and drive while license suspended.
PHOTO: The man will appear in Cooma Local Court today, Wednesday, April 9
Following further enquiries, on Monday March 31 2025, officers laid a further charge of attempted murder. He remains in custody and will appear in Cooma Local Court today (Wednesday April 9, 2025).
As Australia grapples with a cost-of-living crisis, innovative solutions like agritourism and tiny homes are providing a glimmer of hope for communities such as Braidwood, a heritage-listed town in the Snowy Mountains. Recent research by Good360 Australia reveals that the financial strain on households across the country has intensified for some Australians, with 34 percent of respondents reporting the crisis feels more severe than last year.
PHOTO: Tiny homes could hold the key to rapidly alleviating the housing shortage CREDIT: Adapt Homes
This dire financial stress many Australians find them selves enduring is made no easier amidst an on-going housing shortage. Shortages of accomodation in towns can lead to greater travel times and additional pressures on household budgets when families are forced to live further from regional centres.
In Braidwood, with a population of 1,700, the housing shortage for essential workers adds to the challenges. “We’ve got a real problem with ensuring we have enough houses for the people we need to keep Braidwood ticking over. It’s hard to attract people to work here when there isn’t enough housing available,” explains George Sherriff, Chair of the Braidwood and Villages Chamber. He further notes that quality tiny houses could rapidly alleviate the shortage, enabling local growth and stability.
Adapt Homes, established by retired Naval Commander Geoff McGinley, is spearheading the tiny home movement in the region. These homes are uniquely designed to meet high standards including 7-star energy efficiency and bushfire resilience.
“Communities across Australia are facing the same issues,” McGinley notes. “Tiny houses built to the same standards of traditional homes can provide an essential lifeline for these communities.”
Agritourism has surged nationally, according to Adapt Homes, with operators increasing by 50 percent between 2020 and 2023. The sentiment is reflected locally with operators beginning to raise their voices.
Helen Faulkner, owner of Saddle Camp in Braidwood, asserts that tiny homes have turned their fortunes amid drought, welcoming global visitors while offering diverse income. “Bringing quality tiny houses to Braidwood would not only create new income opportunities, it would also build resilience in our town, whether dealing with natural disasters or tackling the current housing shortage,” she says.
PHOTO: Helen Faulkner, owner of Saddle Camp, BraidwoodCREDIT: Saddle Camp
To help landowners explore the opportunity, the Chamber is hosting a Farm Stay Tiny Home Field Day at Braidwood Farm Stay on April 9, 2025. The event offers hope for a region and community amid crisis.
PHOTO: Adapt Homes will be at the Braidwood, Farm Stay Tiny Home Field Day CREDIT: Adapt Homes.
The ideas for innovation come amid broader national struggles. Good360 Australia’s survey underscores the harsh reality faced by many Australians: 20 percent have forgone buying clothing, and 19 percent have cut back on food and healthcare to afford basics. The distress also impacts mental health, with 14 percent reporting adverse effects.
PHOTO: Good360’s survey reveals the dire situations everyday Australians find them selves in CREDIT: Good360
Alison Covington AM, Founder of Good360, stresses, “This is more than just an economic issue; it’s a crisis affecting people’s quality of life, mental wellbeing, and dignity.”
PHOTO: Alison Covington AM, Founder of Good360CREDIT: Good360
Good360 calls for greater government and retail support to alleviate some of these burdens, highlighting how $2.5 billion of unsold goods could assist those in need instead of going to waste. “There’s so much that can and should be done,” adds Ms Covington.
Upgrades to the Snowy Mountains Highway are underway with improvements coming thanks to a $36 million investment. Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments under the Road Safety Program, the first two of four projects stretching almost the full 333-kilometre length of the Snowy Mountains Highway commenced today, with all projects expected to be completed by mid-2026.
PHOTO: The Snowy Mountains Highway, has a 129km stretch between Cooma and Tumut CREDIT: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service – Murray Vanderveer
Kristy McBain, Member for Eden-Monaro, stressed the significance of these upgrades amidst rising traffic: “The Snowy Mountains Highway is busier than ever… which is why we’re committed to making this critical road network safer.”
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that while regional NSW houses a third of the state’s population, it accounts for nearly two-thirds of road fatalities. “This investment is a crucial step toward making [road safety] a reality,” she stated.
PHOTO: NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.
The highway serves as the main artery for freight and tourism, linking regional New South Wales with the South Coast and facilitating connections for the local timber industry to major ports in Sydney and Melbourne.
PHOTO: Map of Snowy Mountains Highway – CREDIT: NSW Government
Recognising its importance, the project will introduce multiple safety measures. These include tactile line markings, also known as rumble strips, which Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, explains, “alert a driver through noise and vibration” and potentially reduce crash risks by up to 25%.
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, and Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, advocated for the project, citing the potential for safety barriers and other measures to drastically reduce accident severity.
“I’m pleased the state and federal Labor teams are working together to deliver this $36 million safety boost. Safety barriers have been found to reduce the severity of run-off road crashes and will go a long way to improving safety on the Snowy Mountains Highway,” Mr Whan said.
PHOTO: Member for Monaro, Steve Whan.
Later this year, Transport for NSW will also start work on upgrades to the intersection of Black Creek Road, west of Adelong, by realigning tight radius curves, widening shoulders, improving drainage and installing new safety barriers.
The community will be notified of any changes to the work schedule as work progresses.
A recent survey conducted by the NSW Teachers Federation indicates concerns among teachers in the Eden-Monaro electorate regarding feared education funding cuts under Peter Dutton. Out of nearly 6,000 public school teachers surveyed statewide, 178 responses were reportedly collected from teachers in Eden-Monaro. The findings claim that 70.1 percent of these teachers are worried that Mr Dutton might repeal a landmark funding agreement for public schools.
PHOTO: NSW Teachers Federation is asking voters not to risk Peter Dutton at the upcoming election CREDIT: NSW Teachers Federation.
The funding agreement is designed to elevate public schools to 100 percent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), and would be a result of raising the federal contribution from 20 to 25 percent.
The survey was revealed today, despite the Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson saying last week, “While the Coalition will match these agreements dollar for dollar, we are concerned they contain little in the way of specific reforms which are crucial to raising academic standards.”
PHOTO: Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson.
NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, asserted, “This funding agreement is not just important — it’s essential. Teachers from Bungendore to Bombala are telling us exactly why. Their schools are under-resourced, their students are missing out, and they’re afraid that Peter Dutton would take us back to the days of deep education cuts.”
PHOTO: Bombala Public School – The NSW Teachers Federation claims teachers from Bungendore to Bombala have told the federation they are under resourced, and afraid of cuts under Peter Dutton CREDIT: BPS
Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson asserts the Albanese government hasn’t revealed the true details of its 10-year school funding and reform agreements. “Of the additional $16.5 billion promised, only a mere $407.5 million will be delivered in the next four years. That means a Year 7 student today will see no meaningful benefit before they finish school,” Ms Henderson said.
The NSW Teachers Federation survey also shows supposed insights into the specific needs within Eden-Monaro, with 66 percent of local teachers who responded, expressing that students with disabilities or learning difficulties would gain the most from the continued funding.
Mr Rajendra emphasised before a rally at Karabar High School today, “Teachers don’t trust Peter Dutton on education. They remember what happened last time the Coalition was in power, and they know their students can’t afford a repeat,” he said.
PHOTO: NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra.
