News

Monaro Colts Fall Short in Semi-Finals Against Northern Rivers Titans

The Monaro Colts faced a tough defeat against the Northern Rivers Titans at the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) Men’s Country Championships semi-final held at Collegians Sports Stadium today, March 23, 2025. The Titans outperformed the Colts 56-12, securing their place in the Grand Final where they will meet the Newcastle Rebels, who booked their spot earlier with a 20-0 win over the Western Rams.

PHOTO: Titans’ Zacharia Roberts goes over in the corner CREDIT: NSWRL – screenshot.

Despite the loss, the Snowy Mountains were well represented by local talents Luke Ingram and Noah Saddler. Ingram, who Captain-Coaches for the Bombala Blue Heelers, demonstrated his valued leadership and skill set on the representative stage. Ahead of the match, the Bombala Blue Heelers expressed their support, stating, “Good luck, and a massive congratulations to our first grade Captain Coach Luke Ingram.”

Noah Saddler, who played at centre for the Colts in today’s semi-final, also showcased his abilities. Saddler, who previously played in the Canberra Region Rugby League, was noted by the Cooma Stallions for his “impactful” running as a second-rower when signed by the club for the upcoming season in November last year.

PHOTO: Snowy Mountains, Group 16 stars Luke Ingram and Noah Saddler share a high five after a Colts Try CREDIT: NSWRL – screenshot

The match kicked off with an quick start as Titans’ back rower Jacob Kernick scored in the 3rd minute. Titans’ centre Adam Walker contributed significantly for his side, securing an early double. Winger Zacharia Roberts kept the momentum going, creating a notable highlight with a chip and chase on the left edge to score just before halftime.

Despite a spirited effort, the Monaro Colts struggled to maintain pace with a fit Titans side. Zachary Patch’s early second-half efforts provided some hope, but the Titans’ relentless play and speed out wide was too much to handle for the Monaro Colts.

Cooma Residence Restrained in Child Abuse Material Case

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT) has restrained a property in Cooma believed to be worth $370,000 following charges against a 71-year-old New South Wales (NSW) man for alleged child abuse material offences. The individual was charged in June 2023 for offences related to possessing, accessing, and transmitting child abuse images and videos via a carriage service. After pleading guilty in July 2024, he will next face court for sentencing in March, 2025.

PHOTO: Inside the restrained Cooma residence CREDIT: AFP

On March 5, 2025, the CACT – which brings together the AFP, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, and Australian Border Force – applied to the Supreme Court of NSW to have the alleged offender’s home restrained under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

The restraining order was granted, which prevents the man from disposing of the house, or otherwise benefitting from any sale of the house, until the Supreme Court of NSW makes further orders.

Commander Jason Kennedy of the AFP’s Criminal Assets Confiscation emphasised the significant powers at their disposal to confront such crimes. “Online child abuse is an abhorrent crime, exploiting some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” he stated.

“Operations such as this act as another warning of the consequences offenders who engage in this horrific behaviour can face.”

This case marks the fourth instance where the CACT has restrained the home of an alleged online child sex offender using the Proceeds of Crime Act. Previous cases involved properties in South Australia and the Northern Territory, with significant financial penalties following convictions.

The CACT, established in 2012, targets the illicit wealth of high-profile criminals in Australia.

To date, it has restrained nearly $2 billion in criminal assets. Restraint and forfeiture are enacted on a civil standard of proof, with proceeds designated for community programs addressing crime prevention and drug issues.

Snowy Mountains SBX Stars win two Silver Medals: World Cup – Austria

Australian snowboard cross athletes Josie Baff and Adam Lambert from the Snowy Mountains shone brightly at the World Cup event over night, March 23, in Montafon, Austria, capturing two silver medals ahead of the World Championships. The impressive performances by the duo has created a buzz around the Australian snowboard cross team as they prepare to compete in the iconic St Moritz, Switzerland, next week.

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Adam Lambert showcased his expertise in the individual event on Friday, advancing confidently through each round and securing a spot in the big-final. Facing a challenging line-up against French riders Loan Bozzolo, Aidan Chollet, and Merlin Surget, Lambert demonstrated his prowess by swiftly moving from mid-field to snag a second-place finish, marking his fifth World Cup podium. Bozzolo claimed victory, with Chollet and Surgent taking third and fourth positions, respectively.

Josie Baff also highlighted her stellar skills in her fourth big-final appearance of the season. She finished fourth in the women’s category, trailing behind French competitors Lea Casta and Julia Pereira de Sousa, along with Great Britain’s Charlotte Bankes, who took the top three spots.

The dynamic duo continued their success into Saturday’s mixed team event, securing a silver medal.

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Despite a challenging start with Lambert finishing fourth in his heat, Baff displayed remarkable resilience. Her swift and skilful runs brought the team close to victory, ending in a tight finish against Team France 2. The Australian pair were mere three-hundredths of a second shy of first place.

PHOTO: Josie Baff and Adam Lambert take plenty of momentum with them on their way to St Moritz, Switzerland, next week CREDIT: Olympic Winter Institute Australia.

The World Championships in St Moritz will see Josie Baff, and Adam Lambert, alongside others representing Australia, aiming to build on this momentum and achieve further success on the global stage.

Upcoming Safety Work at Cooma Showground to Remove End-of-Life Trees

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised nine trees will be removed along the western edge of Cooma Showground from the middle of next month, with the ornamental non-native species reaching the end of their safe useful life expectancy (SULE) this year. All of the trees removed will be replaced with new plantings.

PHOTO: The area highlighted in blue indicates tree removal, while the green shows a tree that needs trimming CREDIT: SMRC

SULE is a standardised measure used in civic planning to ensure decorative plants are safe, healthy, and beneficial to the public spaces in which they are planted.

A spokesperson for SMRC said, “These grant-funded public safety works begin mid-April 2025 and will see six cottonwoods and three willows removed.”

PHOTO: The area of the Showground where trees are slated for removal – 2025 Cooma Show.

“One additional cottonwood tree will be pruned and have dead limbs removed.”

“Community groups and organisations that use Cooma Showground will be invited to work with Council to develop the replanting program that will determine species, placement, and numbers for the future replacement tree plantings.”

Essential information 
Start date:Mid-April 2025, weather permitting
Location:Western edge of Cooma Showground
Trees affected:Six cottonwoods (Populus deltoides), three willows (Salix babylonica)
Reason:End of safe useful life expectancy (SULE)
Additional work:Pruning and dead limb removal affecting one cottonwood tree

A map of the works area is available online at https://qrco.de/Works-Apr2025, by clicking the link in the related documents sections of this page, or embedded in the article below on supported devices.

Walkers and cyclists can expect minor delays and disruptions along the showground pathway while these works are underway.

For more information, contact Council’s civic maintenance team by email at [email protected] or phone 1300 345 345.

New Learning Hub Unveiled at Snowy Mountains Grammar School

Jindabyne was a site of ceremony today, Friday March 21, as a new state-of-the-art learning hub called the Curiosity Centre, at Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) was officially opened. The event reflected on the growth and aspirations of an education institution celebrating its 30th anniversary year.

PHOTO: Michael Jones – Chairman (left), School Captain – Morgan Tonkin, Member for Monaro – Steve Whan, SMGS Principal – Dr Andrew Bell (right).

Ngarigo Elders commenced the ceremony with a smoking ritual performed by Uncle David Dixon, followed by Aunty Glenda Dixon’s welcome to country. Michael Jones OAM, Chairman of the Board of Directors at SMGS, set the tone for the event by acknowledging dignitaries and the building’s symbolic representation of the school’s evolution. He remarked, “This new building is a physical symbol of Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s coming of age.”

PHOTO: Students are now utilising all aspects of the building.

The construction of the $12.7 million learning hub was supported by a substantial $4.5 million grant from the New South Wales Government’s Building Grants Assistance Scheme (BGAS), aimed at enhancing educational infrastructural capacity. Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, highlighted the facility’s potential in addressing regional educational needs, stating, “This funding has created contemporary facilities to meet the needs of current and future students.”

PHOTO: The ART classroom has a huge variety of different equipment.

The hub’s facilities are cutting-edge, offering a visual arts classroom, gallery space, design and technology workshops, science laboratories, digital and learning studios, and open learning areas. Mr Whan said, “I’m particularly impressed with the educational focus of this facility; it will make STEM subjects more attractive, encouraging students to pursue further training in science, engineering, technology, or maths.”

PHOTO: SMGS students can now access business quality media tools where they can work on things like podcasts.

Principal Dr Andrew Bell discussed the building’s adaptation to teaching needs, noting its seamless integration into the school culture. He expressed, “In days of its initial use, we saw teachers and students immediately taking to the building, applying their culture and practices, you would have thought they’d been doing that for months, if not years.”

PHOTO: Jo Larkin – Director of Marketing and Enrolments SMGS, with Member for Monaro – Steve Whan, in the brand new design and technology classroom.

Michael Jones acknowledged the project’s complexities, including delays and financial challenges, while acknowledging partnerships with Westpac Bank, Spectrum Property and Projects, and Munns Sly Moore architects. He also thanked the contractors from the Patterson Building Group for their dedication to completing the project.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s Year 11 Student Ambassadors, Oscar White and Charlie Pearce, guided Snowy Mountains News through the new facilities after the ceremony. The tour showcased incredible learning tools, such as, 3D printers, an automated laser cutting machine, and a flight simulator, testimony to the school’s commitment to providing a high tech, high quality learning environment.

PHOTO: Oscar White, and Charlie Pearce with laser cut timber projects.

This Curiosity Centre signifies a commitment to fostering academic excellence in the region, whilst broadening opportunities for students particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash: Kiandra

A motorcyclist has tragically died following a single-vehicle crash in the Snowy Mountains region this afternoon, Thursday March 20, 2025. About 3:15pm, emergency services were called to Snowy Mountains Highway, Kiandra following reports of a single vehicle crash.

Officers attached to Monaro Police District were told “a motorcycle has lost control before it crashed.”

PHOTO: Highway Patrol – Monaro Police District.

The rider – a man believed to be in his 40s was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he could not be revived.

A spokesperson for NSW Police said, “The body of the man is yet to be formally identified, and there were no other injuries reported due to this incident.”

“A crime scene has been established and the motorcycle was seized to be forensically examined. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.”

As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident or who has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

American Influencer Criticised for Baby Wombat Incident in Snowy Mountains

In a controversial event that unfolded in the Snowy Mountains, American influencer Sam Jones, also known by her online pseudonym Samantha Strable, has faced severe backlash for filming herself taking a baby wombat from its mother on a roadside. The footage, which went viral on social media, has sparked debates over ethical wildlife interactions and the influence of social media on wildlife conservation.

Ms Jones defended her actions, claiming she intended to move the joey away from potential traffic danger. In her apology on Instagram, Ms Jones expressed remorse, saying, “I have learned from this situation, and am truly sorry for the distress I have caused.” Despite her apology, criticism came from multiple corners, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

PHOTO: Sam Jones with the baby wombat – A screenshot taken from the Instagram account ‘samstrays_somewhere’.

The Prime Minister condemned the act as an “outrage” and challenged the influencer to attempt handling other Australian wildlife with similar disregard.

PHOTO: The baby wombat’s mother was near by and visibly stressed.

The incident has prompted Australia’s Department of Home Affairs to investigate whether Ms Jones breached her visa conditions. Dr Meg Shaw from Monash University highlighted the broader implications of such incidents, stating, “This incident highlights the broader issue of posts on social media platforms normalising harmful interactions with wildlife.” Dr Shaw pointed out the risks of these interactions, including increased stress and reduced breeding success among wildlife.

Dr Di Evans from RSPCA Australia, as reported by The Guardian, described the video as showing “blatant disregard” for the welfare of the animals, noting that such separations can be harmful to the joey and its mother. The incident also prompted discussions on legal repercussions, as it is generally illegal in Australia to harm or take native wildlife without the necessary permits.

Biosecurity Team Seizes Regional Priority Weed from Cooma Residence

Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) advised Council’s biosecurity team were recently alerted to the online sale of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), a regional priority weed, from a residence in Cooma.

The plants were initially purchased interstate by the individual who was unaware of its status as a regional priority weed. 

PHOTO: Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), native to Asia and Africa.

Once biosecurity officers explained the status of the weed and its potential to impact on the environment the plants were surrendered for destruction, preventing the risk of spread and safeguarding local waterways from potential harm.

A spokesperson for SMRC said, “This swift response highlights the critical role biosecurity plays in protecting our environment and economy from the threat of invasive species.”

Water lettuce is one of several aquatic weeds that pose significant risks to local ecosystems, recreation and tourism.

Invasive aquatic species can rapidly infest waterways, blocking sunlight, depleting oxygen levels and disrupting aquatic life. They can also impede access for boats and people, reducing the recreational value of water bodies in the region.

PHOTO: Water lettuce forms dense mats over water ways CREDIT: Charlie Mifsud – New South Wales Department of Primary Industries.

The SMRC spokesperson said, “Council urges the public to be aware of the risks associated with purchasing plants or seeds from unregulated online sources, especially those offered for sale from other states. Legislation governing the sale, transport, and introduction of certain plant species varies between jurisdictions, and what may be legal in one area could be a prohibited weed in another.”

“Council’s biosecurity team will continue to monitor and address emerging threats to the region’s environment and economy, but the public’s support in staying informed and following local regulations is crucial to protecting our natural resources.”

For a full list of state and regional priority weeds, their status and control objectives visit the South East Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2023-2027.

Residents are encouraged to contact Council’s biosecurity team on 1300 345 345 or [email protected] for more information on priority weeds, or to report any suspicious plant sales or sightings.

More Support for Franchising Sector in Eden-Monaro

The Federal Government is set to bolster support for the franchising sector in Eden-Monaro, with new measures aimed at strengthening the Franchising Code of Conduct. This initiative will extend protections against Unfair Contract Terms and Unfair Trading Practices to all businesses regulated under the Code, as outlined in a recent announcement by Kristy McBain, Member for Eden-Monaro.

PHOTO: Strengthening enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct aims to ensure there are consequences for bad behaviour.

In a move to back local enterprises, particularly automotive dealerships in the region, the government is committing $7.1 million over the next two years to enhance the enforcement capabilities of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This funding will underpin the ACCC’s efforts to uphold the new Franchising Code of Conduct, which takes effect from April 1, 2025.

Kristy McBain stated, “Strengthening enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct and extending greater protections to all businesses regulated by the Code will not only promote healthy competition, but it will ensure there’s consequences for bad behaviour.”

PHOTO: New Toyota Landcruiser at High Country Automotive Group – Cooma CREDIT: High Country Automotive Group.

Franchisees often face vulnerabilities due to Unfair Trading Practices, where franchisors may control critical business aspects such as branding and supply chains. The upcoming reforms aim to rectify such power imbalances, fostering fairer relationships between franchisees and franchisors. “Our local businesses work hard, they employ and up-skill our local people, and they’re critical to our local economy,” Ms McBain commented.

In addition, the Government will prioritise work to count emissions under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard at the point of sale, rather than when a vehicle is imported to Australia.

These steps are part of a broader strategy to prevent adverse impacts from international business practices and were spurred by feedback from Eden-Monaro’s automotive businesses about significant power disparities in the sector.

Brown Mountain Repairs to Enhance Travel Between Snowy Mountains and South Coast

A significant funding boost of $1.6 million has been announced by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments for repairs on the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain. This investment targets one of the two remaining landslip sites, with over $8.6 million committed to repairs since the current governments took office.

PHOTO: Brown Mountain is a notoriously dangerous section of the highway.

The repair work, managed by Transport for NSW and contracted to Piling and Concreting Australia (PCA), will commence immediately, aiming for completion by the end of June 2025, weather permitting. It will employ advanced techniques such as installing soil nails to stabilise slopes, along with mesh and spray-on concrete to prevent erosion, ensuring the network’s resilience against natural calamities.

Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said, “As someone that drives up and down Brown Mountain several times a week, I know how frustrating the continual landslips, rockfalls, and delays are – which is why we’re getting on with this important repair work. “From getting to important health appointments, keeping our local businesses running, and ensuring the broader region can experience everything that our community has to offer – it’s critical.”

PHOTO: Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, emphasised the collaborative effort and its importance for the region: “Getting these repairs done has been a joint effort between Governments… This will make a safer, more disaster-resilient road.”

Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega, praised the past year’s progress and the challenging yet successful execution of repairs: “The work has been carried out under difficult conditions…with machinery often operating in spaces narrower than a standard single car garage.”

Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, adhere to traffic controls, and expect minor delays during the phased repair works. A 300-metre section of road will be reduced to a single lane for the duration of the work with temporary barriers and traffic lights in place to manage traffic flow – with a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h to be implemented.

Existing traffic lights at the last landslip site to be repaired will also remain in place – with planning underway for this site, and work expected to begin later this year.

Further information can be accessed at the Live Traffic NSW website or app.

https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/224930