News

Jindabyne Tigers Win Three Straight MDCA Premierships

The Jindabyne Tigers Cricket Club (JTCC) have won the Monaro District Cricket Association (MDCA) Senior Men’s One Day Grand Final in emphatic fashion, defeating the Berridale Whitetails on a wet Saturday, March 29, at Rotary Oval Cooma, claiming the club’s third straight Grand Final victory.

PHOTO: Jindabyne cruise to three straight MDCA premierships CREDIT: JTCC

Captain of the Jindabyne Tigers Cricket Club Lucas Rixon shared with elation, “We are really proud to complete the three-peat with a solid core group, and a side that always plays to the very end.”

“The semi-final performance and then to do what we did today, shows what a solid all round team we have. Game winners across the park, but a team effort all the way through the season.”

Berridale Whitetails Captain Russell Haylock said, “Congratulations to Jindabyne on their victory, making it three in a row. This was the closest year of our competition for at least a decade and I hope its a proud title for them, any of the seven teams could have won it this summer.”

Berridale won the toss and elected to bowl, which initially looked promising, as the in-form Issac Dawson was dismissed early courtesy of Berridale’s Jack Dunn.

PHOTO: Jindabyne’s Luke Saare facing the Whitetail’s Billy Small.

From there opener Liam Robinson made his way to 63 from 43 balls, and formed an aggressive partnership with Luke Saare (59). The pair dispatched the Whitetail bowlers all around the park, totalling 13 boundaries between them, the score was 2/156 after 23 overs.

Whitetail’s medium pacer Billy Small took two quick wickets in one over to give Berridale hope of limiting the total. More wickets fell soon after, with Jindabyne Captain Lucas Rixon (35) the last batsman to score well. Jindabyne finished 7/196 after 32 overs, in what was a good response from Berridale’s bowlers.

In reply, Berridale were in trouble early losing star batsman Justin McCarey in Liam Robinson’s first over, caught at cover off a leading edge.

PHOTO: Whitetails star batsman Justin McCarey dismissed by Liam Robinson.

From there, Zac McKenzie (13), tried to steady things with opener Thomas King, before King (4) was unable to negotiate a beautifully bowled off-spinner from Jindabyne’s Captain Lucas Rixon, which was sharply caught in the slips by youngster Mason Marks.

PHOTO: King edges an off-spinner from Rixon to Marks in the slips.

When McKenzie was caught in the deep, again off the bowling of Lucas Rixon, it was panic stations in the Berridale camp. Captain Russell Haylock (12) from 30 deliveries was valiant in his efforts to steer his side out of trouble.

Haylock partnered with senior batsman Ben Hearn (5), but when Hearn was caught and bowled by Jindabyne’s Chad Stevens, it was just about all she wrote, the score 5/48 after 13 overs.

Wickets continued to tumble and a collapse saw the last five Whitetail batsman score 10 runs between them, Jindabyne cruising to victory, bowling out Berridale for 64 in 18.3 overs.

PHOTO: Jindabyne bowled out the Whitetails in 18.3 overs – rain increasing

The best of Jindabyne’s bowlers was Captain Lucas Rixon, who was instrumental in his side’s victory. Rixon claimed 3/24 from 7 overs with the key wickets of Berridale’s King and McKenzie.

Jindabyne’s Chad Stevens picked up 3/4 off 2 overs, mopping up the tail for the Tigers. Jindabyne’s Luke Saare was presented with the MDCA Grand Final ‘Best and Fairest’ award at the Alpine Hotel after the match.

PHOTO: Jindabyne’s Vice Captain Dave Tickell receives his premiership medal CREDIT: JTCC

Taking a moment to reflect on what’s been an incredible turn around for the Berridale Whitetails during season 2024-25, Haylock said, “I couldn’t be more proud of my team for getting all the way to the grand final, it hurts that we went down, but we went down fighting, and gave everything to try and get a result.”

“What brought about an improvement in our performances was a more dedicated attitude to playing and training, which led to a greater love and passion for the game within the club, and I look forward to picking up where we’ve left off when we start again next summer.”

Tourism Research Australia: Snowy Mountains Records State’s Highest Growth in Regional Occupancy Rates

In positive news for local business, the New South Wales (NSW) visitor economy has reached unprecedented heights, with the Snowy Mountains emerging as a standout performer. According to the latest data released by Tourism Research Australia, the Snowy Mountains recorded a year-on-year occupancy rate growth of 8.9 percent, the highest in regional NSW, while the Blue Mountains followed closely with a 7.2 percent increase.

PHOTO: International visitation has surged to 3.8 million visitors this year in NSW.

NSW has solidified its reputation as the leading destination for travellers, with historic record breaking visitor expenditure reaching $53.2 billion — a 3.6 percent increase from the previous year, the highest among states in Australia. The robust recovery of the tourism sector is marked by an increase in both international and domestic visitors. Notably, international visitation surged by 11.1 percent year-on-year to 3.8 million visitors, contributing $12.0 billion in expenditure, a 10.7 percent rise from the previous year.

A spokesperson for the Cooma Visitors Centre shared in regards to a busy morning in February, “It’s been a busy morning and we’re feeling the love, with visitors in from QLD, NSW, SA, WA and Canada. They are armed with free maps and advice, ready for a travelling adventure around the Snowy Monaro.”

PHOTO: The Cooma Visitors Centre has a busy morning with domestic and international visitors CREDIT: Cooma Visitor Centre.

Outside of the Snowy Mountains and Blue Mountains doing well, the North Coast of NSW recored the state’s highest increase in regional visitation, up 11.1 percent to 6.3 million visitors, showing significant recovery from previous flood impacts.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper praised the positive trajectory, stating, “The NSW visitor economy has surged past $53 billion for the first time in history, with more people visiting and spending in our state than anywhere else in the country. This is delivering real benefits for local businesses and supporting thousands of jobs across NSW.”

PHOTO: Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper.

He acknowledged the challenges faced during the COVID years but emphasised the resilience and subsequent growth in the tourism sector.

NSW experienced overall high accommodation occupancy rates, with the state achieving an 81 percent rate, while Sydney reached 87 percent, and regional NSW recorded a respectable 70 percent.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to enhance NSW’s tourism appeal, including significant investments such as the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, aimed at boosting international flights and attracting more visitors.

Former Police Officer Spared Jail Time Over Death of 95-Year-Old Grandmother

Kristian White, a former New South Wales police officer, will not serve a prison sentence after being found guilty of manslaughter in relation to the tragic death of 95-year-old grandmother, Clare Nowland. On Friday March 28, Justice Ian Harrison sentenced White to a two-year Community Correction Order.

The incident occurred on May 17, 2023, at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home in Cooma, where White used a taser on Mrs Nowland, an elderly dementia patient armed with a knife, after she did not comply with instructions. She subsequently fell and suffered a head injury, which led to her passing a week later.

PHOTO: Mrs Clare Nowland CREDIT: NSW Police

In November 2024, a jury at the NSW Supreme Court found White guilty of manslaughter. Yesterday, according to reports from the ABC, Justice Harrison described White’s decision to use the taser as a “terrible mistake” that could have been managed differently.

PHOTO: The moment Kristian White enters the aged care facility on May 17, 2023 CREDIT: NSW Supreme Court CCTV footage.

Mrs Nowland’s son, Michael Nowland, expressed his frustration outside the court, calling the judgment “a slap on the wrist.”

Justice Harrison explained his decision by stating that White’s actions were at the “lower end of objective seriousness” for manslaughter and deemed imprisonment “disproportionate” given that White no longer posed a risk to the community.

PHOTO: Mrs Nowland one week after the incident just before her death CREDIT: NSW Police

According to the Guardian, the judge also took into account White’s remorse, alongside his diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD, which have influenced his decision to move away from Cooma due to local hostility. As part of the sentence, White is required to complete 425 hours of community service and must report to a community corrections officer.

Council Brings World-Class Water Treatment Plant Online in Bombala

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised work has been completed on Bombala’s brand new Water Treatment Plant (WTP), and the Council has successfully brought this state-of-the-art facility online. This milestone marks the conclusion of a major project that ensures a safe, modern, and reliable drinking water supply for one of the Snowy Monaro region’s key centres.

PHOTO: Bombala’s new WTP is officially operational and supplying water.

The infrastructure project has been fully funded by a $15 million investment from the NSW Government under the Safe and Secure Water Program. This programme is set to introduce new water treatment facilities to both Bombala and Delegate by 2025.

Bombala’s new WTP has now officially taken over the town’s water supply duties full-time, following months of rigorous testing and independent verification. These processes have confirmed that the water produced by the new plant meets or exceeds all drinking water standards, governmental guidelines, and safety regulations.

SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna said, “This new plant, funded by the Safe and Secure Water Program, is a big commitment that shows the Bombala community that state and local government are united in our belief in the future of the southern Snowy Monaro. Bombala now has the infrastructure in place to support this important local hub of industry and tourism as its population continues to grow.”

PHOTO: SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said, “This is another great state government investment in Bombala’s future, I’m delighted to see it switched on and supplying the community.”

The new plant incorporates the latest in water treatment technology, featuring automated testing and safety mechanisms that monitor water quality in real time. These systems promptly alert on-site technicians to any potential issues, allowing for quick resolutions without disrupting the water supply.

Earlier this year, the plant’s treated water quality successfully passed extensive preliminary testing and two separate final supply trials.

These tests confirmed that each stage of treatment was functioning as intended before the final switchover from the old plant. Soon, Bombala’s new Water Treatment Plant (WTP) will be joined by a second facility funded by the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program.

The upcoming completion of the new Delegate WTP will provide the village with drinkable tap water for the first time in its history.

Find out more about water and wastewater in the Snowy Monaro on the SMRC website: https://qrco.de/SMRCwater, or call 1300 345 345 to speak with Council.

SMRC advised it will issue further updates on the Delegate Water Treatment Plant as the completion date is finalised in the near future.

Delegate Transfer Station Closed Tuesday April 1st 2025

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised residents and business customers in the Delegate area that Delegate Transfer Station will be closed Tuesday April 1, 2025.

A spokesperson for SMRC said, “This is a one-off temporary closure for this date only. Delegate Transfer Station will open as scheduled from 9am to 12.30pm this Saturday, before next week’s closure.”

“As an alternative option for waste and recycling disposal, Bombala Landfill is open from Saturday 29 March 2025 to Monday 31 March 2025 between 10am and 4pm.”

“Council apologises for any inconvenience.”

Visit https://qrco.de/wasteinfoSMRC for more information on waste and recycling in the Snowy Monaro.

You can contact SMRC on 1300 345 345 or at [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding this closure.

Extraordinary Council Meeting: 1pm Thursday April 3rd 2025

Snowy Monaro Regional Council is holding an extraordinary meeting in Cooma at 1pm on Thursday 3 April 2025 to consider outstanding matters carried over from last week’s March Ordinary Council Meeting.

The business paper for next week’s extraordinary meeting is available on Council’s website at https://qrco.de/2025businesspapers.

Members of the public can attend in-person on Thursday April 3, 2025 from 1pm at Cooma Council Chambers, located at 81 Commissioner Street, Cooma.

The upcoming session will be livestreamed on Council’s website from 1pm next Thursday, at https://qrco.de/webcastSMRC.

Council advised a recording of the webcast will be available at the same link within 48 hours of the meeting’s close.

Stunning Makeover Brings Accessibility to Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool

The Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Kosciuszko National Park, has unveiled a major upgrade, enhancing both the charm and accessibility of this naturally heated marvel. Known for its year-round temperature of 27ºC, the pool offers a unique blend of relaxation and natural beauty, making it a favourite spot for visitors seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

The transformative $1 million upgrade, funded by the NSW Department of Planning and Open Spaces’ 2022-23 Places to Swim programme, has revitalised the site, providing not only aesthetic enhancements but also a reimagined and more inclusive visitor experience.

PHOTO: The project was delivered due to a $1 million upgrade, funded by the NSW Department of Planning and Open Spaces CREDIT: NSW NPWS

Recent enhancements include the addition of a ramp and new seating, more suitable now for different mobility needs. These improvements particularly benefit those who may find using the traditional vertical ladders challenging. New walkways have been designed to connect the brand-new toilet block and change-rooms, ensuring a smooth transition for guests moving between facilities. Alongside these, shelters around the pool have been revamped and others newly constructed.

PHOTO: Recent enhancements like the addition of a ramp mean the pool is more accessible than ever before CREDIT: NSW NPWS

A spokesperson from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service highlighted the importance of accessibility in the design process, acknowledging the challenges posed by the site’s geography and geology. “While it’s difficult to make the site fully independently accessible, these upgrades aim to welcome more people to enjoy the stunning thermal pools,” they stated.

PHOTO: The Thermal pool is known for its year-round temperature of 27ºC CREDIT: E. Sheargold (DCCEEW)

The Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool is more than just a place to swim; it’s an experience. The main pool overflows into a children’s wading pool, providing fun for all ages. Whether you’re visiting in the summer for a refreshing swim or winter to enjoy the contrast of warm water against a snowy backdrop, the pool is open year-round for both relaxation and adventure.

PHOTO: New walkways have been designed to connect the brand-new toilet block and changerooms CREDIT: NSW NPWS

For more details, or to plan your visit, contact the Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre on 02 6454 9597. or visit the NSW National Parks website.

Smoky Mouse Returns to South East Forest National Park

The critically endangered Smoky mouse has been successfully reintroduced into the Nungatta Feral Predator-Free Area within South East Forest National Park. This marks a significant milestone for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and its partners, who aim to restore the park’s ecosystem and reinvigorate its biodiversity.

PHOTO: Smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) released into enclosure, Nungatta Feral Predator-Free Area, South East Forest National Park CREDIT: (DCCEEW)

“NSW NPWS is establishing a network of 10 federal creditor free areas that will cover a combined area over 65,000 hectares that will be free of cats and foxes and other feral predators,” stated Katie Oxenham, Project Officer Ecologist for NSW NPWS.

Almost 50 Smoky mice have been released with plans to introduce up to 120 annually. “We’ve released smoky mice from two different captive breeding facilities. What we’re finding through monitoring we undertake since the release is that they’re mixing with each other, and some are dispersing over quite long distances,” Ms Oxenham explained.

PHOTO: There are plans to release up to 120 more annually CREDIT: NSW NPWS

The project, a collaboration between NPWS, the NSW Government’s Saving our Species (SoS) program, the National Threatened Species Institute, and the University of Canberra, also anticipates the return of other locally extinct species like the Long-footed potoroo and Eastern quoll.

David Kelly, Manager Threatened Species NSW NPWS, noted, “The return of the smoky mouse is the first step in a major ecosystem restoration project.”

PHOTO: Once all sites are established, almost 65,000 hectares of national park estate will be free of feral predators CREDIT: NSW NPWS

While the smoky mouse has re-established in Nungatta, a population still resides in Kosciuszko National Park. The effort is part of a broader strategy targeting zero extinctions in NSW national parks. The feral predator-free areas aim to alleviate pressures from cats and foxes that have caused significant declines in species like the Smoky mouse.

Jindabyne Touch Football Association Celebrates Grand Final Victories and Season Success

The Jindabyne Touch Football Association (JTFA) wrapped up an exhilarating 2024/25 season with thrilling Grand Finals last night, Thursday March 27, showcasing talented athletes across various divisions. This year five premiers were crowned after successful seasons.

PHOTO: Winner of the Seniors 21-34 years division – “Chafing the Dream” CREDITS: JTFA

In the Cadets A 10-14yrs Division, “Don’t Touch Me” triumphed with a decisive 10-2 victory over the Dill Pickles. The Cadets B division saw a closely contested match, with the “Lil Rebels” edging out “Little Rascals” 5-4. The Young Guns 15-20yrs Division showcased high energy, with “Soggys Team” defeating “Off in Church” 13-10. In the Seniors 21-34yrs Division, “Chafing the Dream” emerged victorious, besting “Try Hards” with a 12-5 win. The Masters 35+yrs Division concluded with “Easier Said than Run” overcoming “Touched Up” by 7-4.

PHOTO: Winners of the 35+ years division – “Easier Said than Run”

President Nicole Raine expressed her gratitude towards the volunteers and participants who made this season memorable. “The Touch Football 24-25 season saw six divisions of play, including the introduction of the Masters competition dedicated to players aged 35+ which was a great success,” she remarked. President Raine also highlighted the success of the kids clinic for 6 to 10 year olds, which attracted over 30 enthusiastic participants.

“This great initiative is sponsored by local businesses, RipCurl Jindabyne, First Tracks Boardstore, Hextra, Sticky Fingerz, Mountain Munchies and Jindabyne Bowling & Sports Club,” she said.

“We now shift our focus to the upcoming rugby union season with the Bushpigs set to play their first trial match this weekend. Junior registrations are now open too.”

Head to https://bushpigs.rugby/ for further details.

Don’t Touch Me
Lil Rebels
Soggys Team

Community Delivers Petition to Repeal Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act

Yesterday, March 27, at NSW Parliament House, a coalition comprising community members, and political representatives assembled to deliver a petition with over 11,000 signatures. The petition demands the repeal of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018, with the Invasive Species Council (ISC) asserting it reflects growing environmental concern.

According to parliamentary procedures, the significant number of signatures automatically initiates a debate in the legislative assembly. The petition was formally presented to Dr Joe McGirr, the Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, and will now be tabled by Dr McGirr for debate in NSW Parliament.

PHOTO: A cross-party coalition – Members of Parliament joined reclaim Kosci to deliver the petition CREDITS: Reclaim Kosci

Linda Groom, a volunteer and Reclaim Kosci petition coordinator, emphasised, “The Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018 is a bad piece of legislation because it protects a feral animal in one of our most glorious national parks.” She added that public sentiment has markedly changed, with increasing support for measures, including lethal control, to safeguard the park’s wildlife and streams.

Dr Joe McGirr, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, who tabled the petition, remarked, “The petition will trigger a debate in parliament which will be an important opportunity for all MPs to debate the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act – a counter-productive law that prioritises an introduced species over native flora and fauna.”

PHOTO: Under NSW Parliament rules, the size of this petition triggers a parliamentary debate.

The Act, introduced by former Deputy Premier John Barilaro, mandates a minimum of 3,000 wild horses in KNP, which protestors argue harms native species such as the Corroboree Frog. Richard Swain, an Indigenous Ambassador for the Invasive Species Council, asserted, “There should be no laws on the books that protect a feral animal over our native animals.”

However the move has upset other groups, with The Australian Brumby Alliance (ABA) yesterday vehemently opposed to the call from the ISC to repeal the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018. The ABA rejected the ISC’s claim to represent the broader NSW or Australian community.

The President of ABA, Mrs Nikki Alberts, called for a balance to be restored to this debate, following the release of numbers she said indicate the original estimates of brumbies in the Park were grossly inflated.

“Only a small number of wild horses remain, following the ISC’s campaign to reinstate aerial culling resulted in the slaughter of over 7,000 horses, Mrs Alberts asserted,” said Mrs Alberts.

“These unique and historically significant wild horses are deeply important to so many everyday Australians, and this was reflected in the 2018 Act after broad and genuine consultation.”

“Yet following the biggest slaughter of horses since WW1 over the last 2 years they are now facing the risk of extinction.”