The Snowpost June 2021 Edition by Monaro Media Group

GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

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Cover photograph courtesy Balloon Aloft Canberra and contents courtesy Thredbo. EDITORIAL Gail Eastaway Nathan Thompson Richard Wilkins Trista Parker Sam Tonks Elena Guarracino Mark Salvestro NPWS Snowy Valleys Council ADVERTISING Tracy Frazer Leanne Christie Jim Walker-Broose Jess Plumridge PRODUCTION & DESIGN James Hanna Jen Stockl Breanna Arnold ACCOUNTS Louise Platts @themonaropost @themonaropost @themonaropost PUBLISHER Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd

INSIDE

ACN 121 288 060

DRIVING IN THE REGION

PARK PASSES GO DIGITAL

THREDBO UNVEILS WINTER EXPERIENCE

E-FOIL ADVENTURES

COVID-19 AND SKI SEASON

HOT AIR BALLOONING

BIG BANG IN BOMBALA

30 - 31

KIANDRA RISES FROM THE ASHES

34 - 39

THREDBO HISTORY

54 - 55

WINTER FASHION

59 Vale St, Cooma NSW 2630 PO Box 1227, Cooma NSW 2630 CONTACT US Phone: (02) 6452 0313 Website: www.monaropost.com.au Editorial: editor@monaropost.com.au Advertsing: sales@monaropost.com.au Accounts: accounts@monaropost.com.au The publisher accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, notice or letter published. Any advertisement, notice or letter is published at the risk of the contributor who accepts liability for any intended publication. A ll such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to indemnify the publisher a nd warrant that the material is accurate and neither deceptive, misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws and regulations. Please be aware that all material published in THE SNOWPOST is subject to copyright.

JUNE 2021 ISSUE NO. 78 NEXT ISSUE JULY 2021 ISSUE NO. 79

THE SNOWPOST

DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS

Snowy

Transport NSW has joined forces with local authorities to encourage motorists in the region be patient and drive according to the conditions. The Sharing the Road campaign launched to increase motorist’s awareness when driving through the Snowy Mountains and exercise caution around heavy vehicles. With the Snowy 2.0 project ramping up, the region’s roads are busier than ever. The campaign provides practical tips for sharing the road with heavy vehicles and encourages all motorists to drive more safely. “The Snowy Mountains provides access to some of the country’s prime tourism spots across all seasons not only during the winter snow season,” Transport NSW said. “It is home sweet home for the locals and is one of the primary heavy vehicle routes used to move goods from one side of New South Wales to the other.” Lynley Miners, owner of Miners Transport at Adaminaby, is encouraging motorists to show greater patience when sharing the road with heavy vehicles. “Too many people take too many risk. Folks coming from other regions find these roads tricky,” Lynley said. “The horsepower we have with trucks these days is pretty good, so is our average speed. People

seem to want to be in front of a truck, they just need to be a bit more patient. “The Snowy Mountains is unique, there is no other place like it.” The campaign calls on motorists to be aware of the Snowy 2.0 project with the majority of vehicle movements taking place on the Snowy Mountains Highway. “With the Snowy 2.0 project now underway, heavy vehicle movements, particularly on the Snowy Mountains Highway between Cooma, Cabramurra, Adaminaby and Tumut will increase,” Transport NSW said. “Transport NSW is dedicated to ensuring that all road users experience a safe journey and we are working alongside Snowy Hydro, to inform road users on the localised traffic impacts.” Transport NSW has also provided advice for motorists driving in the snow. In winter, the roads can become very busy with tourist traffic heading to the ski fields, and the weather can make driving conditions hazardous. The Snowy Mountains is not a place you want to rush through. Take your time, stop regularly and explore the local towns. When you’re travelling around the Snowy Mountains, be patient and remember you are sharing the road with other motorists.

JUNE 2021

SNOWY

WHAT IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING WITH

2.0?

Polo Flat segment factory The construction of two automatic carousels is well advanced, with 100 people working onsite, which is great for the local economy. These carousels will produce about 500 rings - each with nine segments - per month. Until then, we are pouring segments manually for our first tunnel boring machine. Local business Britton’s Concrete and Landscape Supplies is producing the mix for the segments The segments weigh about seven tonnes and are cured in situ. Then they’re removed by crane and placed outside for storage. On average, 2.5 rings or 22-23 segments are being produced each day, until the carousel production begins. The initial segments for our first tunnel will be transported to the construction site on semi-trailers, but later this year we will use special custom-made trailers with three axles designed to carry nine segments at a time. To ensure traffic can flow freely during peak periods like Easter, or on Friday and Sunday evenings during the snow season, we have installed a temporary traffic signal in Cooma that will be activated only when needed. Snowy 2.0 update Construction is ramping up at multiple workfronts at Snowy 2.0 sites, with more than 1,000 people working on Snowy 2.0.

Part of the Tunnel Boring machine (TBM) travelling through Cooma.

THE SNOWPOST

At Tantangara work is focused on building the worker camp, with earthworks well underway, along with the adit for the headrace tunnel.

At Lobs Hole a water treatment plant to supply the construction camps and tunnelling works is being installed with storage tanks and pumping equipment. The exploratory camp accommodation has about 300 workers and work is underway on the nearby main camp. The Lady Eileen Hudson tunnel boring machine (TBM) is set to start excavating the Main Access Tunnel very soon, with commissioning and testing almost complete. Transporting large cargo for the final Snowy 2.0 TBM from Port Kembla through Cooma has started again. The largest loads transporting TBM cargo through Cooma to Lobs Hole will involve some disruptions to traffic. Deliveries are scheduled at night time and early mornings when there is less traffic on the road and minimal impact to motorists. Keep an eye on the www. futuregenerationjv.com.au website (Traffic page) for up-to-date information about further large loads in coming weeks. Tantangara access The following recreational areas are currently OPEN to the public: Tantangara Reservoir (except areas usually accessed via Quarry Trail Road) and Tantangara Road - please be aware that there may be heavy vehicles, project vehicles and traffic control on the road, seven-days-a-week. Please slow down and drive to conditions. Quarry Trail Road on the western side of the Tantangara Reservoir is closed to the public.

JUNE 2021

THREDBO RESORT UNVEILS

WINTER 2021 EXPERIENCE Winter 2021 will see Thredbo bring back the incredible village atmosphere that the resort is renowned for, with a full calendar of events including live entertainment, kid’s festivals, skiing and snowboarding events, terrain parks and a range of new unique mountain experiences. Some of the new mountain experiences in 2021 include: • Sunrise Sessions: Get exclusive early morning access to view the sunrise over the Snowies from Australia’s Highest Lifted Point before enjoying breakfast at Australia’s Highest Restaurant and then be the first to ski down Supertrail, Australia’s Longest Run. • Merritts Mountain Haus Feast & Snowcat Experience: Take Saturday night to a whole new level. Ride under the stars in Australia’s Only Alpine Gondola to Merritts Mountain House to enjoy a Bavarianinspired feast. The ride down is unforgettable with views of the Thredbo Village lights below. Guests can also enjoy a Snowcat tour to Kareela Hutte to watch the iconic Saturday Fireworks Spectacular and Flare Run before returning for dinner (optional add-on). • Kareela Snowcat Dinners, presented by G.H. Mumm: Travel in style in Thredbo’s passenger snowcat to the iconic Kareela Hutte onmountain restaurant for a 4-course dinner and wine experience overlooking the

lights of Thredbo Village below. This is a premium experience designed to take the Thredbo experience to the next level. Stuart Diver, continued, “We are excited to be getting ready to welcome guests to the mountain this winter having taken the challenges of a COVID operating environment and adjusting to deliver an unmatched snow experience, one that will ensure our guests can enjoy the on mountain and off mountain après ski experience in a COVID-world.”

“The team at Thredbo are very experienced in delivering a COVID-safe season, having delivered a successful 2020 winter and summer season. We continue to remain committed to providing our guests the very best experience under this new way of operating, so while the season will be different, the things that people love about Thredbo – the atmosphere, the amazing team and community, the spectacular terrain, fantastic events and experiences – will be even better this winter.” Thredbo boasts a variety of alpine terrain suitable for all abilities and ages. Beginners benefit from a purpose built area designed to progress skills in a safe environment, while intermediate skiers and snowboarders can enjoy Australia’s longest runs and the wide variety of topography on offer. Guests with more advanced skills will find endless on and off piste challenges, powder bowls, natural features and a selection of terrain parks.

. . . p e t s r o o d r u o y n o y a w a A world

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Take me back

PARK PASSES HAVE GONE DIGITAL

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is making the snow season easier for visitors with new digital annual pass entry to Kosciuszko National Park. NPWS Director of Southern Ranges Branch Mick Pettitt said that tor the first time, when visitors buy a new digital annual pass from the NPWS website before leaving home, it will be automatically linked to their vehicle registration and ready for immediate use. “Snow seekers with the digital pass can now bypass the vehicle entry stations without queuing and get up to the mountains quicker,” Mr Pettitt said. “Visitors can no longer buy annual passes from entry stations and will instead need to pre-purchase their new digital annual pass online from nswparkspass.info/buy. “For concessions and discounts, apply at least three days before travel to allow for approval and processing, or you can visit a local NPWS visitor centre and remember to bring your supporting documentation,” he said. “Day passes are still available to buy at entry stations and from NPWS visitor centres in Jindabyne, Khancoban and Tumut.” “Additionally, many COVID-related restrictions have eased since last year’s snow season. “The only entry requirement for Kosciuszko National Park for the 2021 snow season is a valid NSW Parks Pass.”

“Snow play activities such as tobogganing, sledding and snowtubing are back on and visitors are also welcome for general sightseeing, stays and off-snow activities like hiking.” “A number of campgrounds are open for winter, with all campers required to book before arriving via the NPWS website or by calling 1300 072 757. “Backcountry camping is allowed, but campers must fill out an online Trip Intention Form to register with NPWS. “Adventurers planning activities such as cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and backcountry skiing and snowboarding must also complete a Trip Intention Form and ensure they have suitable skills and equipment.” “Travellers to the Snowy Mountains should plan ahead and check with individual ski resorts and other venues about their COVID-19 restrictions, venue capacity and booking requirements.” “To keep everyone safe this snow season, NPWS reminds visitors that they must follow all Public Health orders, including leaving an area if physical distancing is not possible. Some restrictions may remain in place, particularly for indoor venues.” “NPWS may need to make changes or bring in restrictions if the COVID-19 situation or Public Health Orders change in the lead-up to, or during the 2021 snow season. “Always check the NPWS website for up-to-date information, alerts and closures.”

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JUNE 2021

PHYSICAL DISTANCE? – SNOWSHOES

simple and easy

A new way to visit the mountains and go for a walk. No lift pass required! Snowshoes give you a fun way to travel over snow and virtually you willonly need the gear you would use for a day walk in the mountains or use to go skiing. You can hire snowshoes from a number of places but you can make it really simple and contact Wilderness Sports who have experienced guides and a store in Jindabyne where you can hire or buy a wide selection at a range of prices. Even easier, go to Perisher where they have another store plus guides who can show you the easiest way to get out and explore the mountains, no matter what the weather or snow conditions. It is simple and affordable as you do not even need a lift pass or ticket to access the resort. Perisher has a number of trails you can use that are a short distance to self guide with ease, or longer tours to explore the winter wonderland but safely. Take a small pack with some

safety items including a map and compass (know how to use) as well as a PLB (personal locator beacon) just in case of emergency. A picnic lunch ensures you can travel away from the resort areas and even follow the summer walking trails, or venture off and make your own tracks.

Wilderness Sports also offer a wide range of tours from a half to a full day and even into Spring offer multi day tours to camp in the snow for the more adventurous and those with camping experience. Any age, from young children to older, can have fun and go at their own pace, so fitness is not an issue to enjoy and experience Kosciuszko National Park in its winter coat. Other adventures available are sunset tours plus moonlight snowshoe tours where we venture beyond the resorts, with headlamps to weave new tracks, among the glorious and unique snowgums that make the Snowy Mountains such a wonderful place to visit. Better yet, come back and walk in summer.

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WINTER ONLY NPWS Building, Kosciuszko Road, Perisher Valley P 02 6457 5966 E perisher@wildernesssports.com.au

Our qualified & experienced staff cater to skiers from the first timer through to the experienced skier.

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REthynk

adventure

EXPERIENCE EFOILING THIS WINTER A new and unique experience has arrived at Lake Jindabyne thanks to Jindy local Jason Gammel, who is looking to make the sport of efoiling available to anyone keen to give it a try. An experience as novel as it is unique, efoiling is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new activities to hit the region. Jason’s company REthynk provides a variety of adventurous outdoor experiences now including hot air ballooning and more, but his two new state of the art Fliteboard efoils are the star attraction. “It’s really about getting people outside and promoting healthy adventurous fun,” Jason said. “Efoiling is just the perfect thing for Jindy, it’s a great way to explore the lake and there’s no experience quite like it. I haven’t taken anyone out who didn’t love it, it really does feel like you’re flying.” An efoil is essentially a surfboard with an electric motor and a hydrofoil wing on the underside that provides lift much like on an aeroplane. The

effect is that the board itself can lift above the water providing a unique experience that can only be described as flying. Jason has spared no expense on his two efoils either, with Fliteboard providing the first and undoubtedly still the best efoils on the market. The Fliteboard was awarded Australian Innovation of the Year by Australia by Design, the German Design Award by the German Ministry for Economics and Technology, among many more. Despite its appearance, efoiling is surprisingly approachable and you don’t need to be experienced with board sports. With a learning curve that you can really take at your own pace, it’s accessible to a wide audience. REthynk efoil sessions include dry suits, lifejackets and helmets with a built-in speaker making it easier for the teacher and student to communicate while on the water. All sessions also include lessons and safety instructions before entering the water. The electric motor provides

propulsion that the rider can increase at their own discretion and every lesson starts out riding on your belly, then your knees and when you’re ready, you can hop up onto your feet, which again is surprisingly easy. Once you gain enough speed, the underwater wing will provide lift and you’ll start to fly. The feeling can take a bit of getting used to but if you fall, it’s a soft landing into the water. Don’t think this is only a summer activity either. With dry suits that are designed to go over the top of your clothing or snow gear ensuring you keep warm, as well as the use of booties, gloves and hoods, Jason plans for this to be a year-round experience, one that will undoubtedly prove popular with the winter crowd. So, if you’re looking for a new and unique eco-friendly way to experience Lake Jindabyne or just some good old-fashioned adrenaline fuelled fun, why not head on down to the lake and give it a go. To find out more, check out the REthynk Facebook page or get in touch with Jason on 0413 642 061 or at jason@rethynk.com.au

JUNE 2021

Visitors to the Snowy Mountains this June long weekend are being urged to slow down to avoid collisions with wildlife. NRMA Insurance is warning motorists to take extra caution on the roads as recent claims data reveals winter is the riskiest time for crashes involving animals, with drivers most likely to collide with a kangaroo in a crash.

swerve as this may cause a collision with other cars,” he said. Kangaroos still top the list of animals most likely to be involved in a road accident, followed by dogs, wombats, cattle and cats.

Luke Gallagher, IAG Executive General Manager Direct Claims said drivers are being urged to be alert behind the wheel as NRMA data shows NSW had the highest rate of animal collisions in the country.

WINTER WARNING DRIVING TIPS FOR A SAFE LONG WEEKEND

WHAT’S ON

Above and right: Wombat joey ‘Rosso’ was rescued on January 4, 2020 weighing just 260 grams. He was removed from his dead mother’s pouch by Perisher firefighters on the Guthega Road. He was recently released back into the wild at 20kg.

“We want to encourage drivers to slow down when driving, particularly at sunrise and sunset as this is when kangaroos are often most active and looking for food and an increased number of collisions occur,” Mr Gallager said. “With international travel off the cards for the remainder of this year, we’re expecting more people to head out of town to see our beautiful state, so we want to remind drivers to stay alert at all times, take note of any signage about local wildlife and slow down particularly if you’re driving at dawn and dusk. “Wildlife can be unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere, so it’s important to be aware of your environment, especially when you’re driving on roads that aren’t familiar. Colliding with wildlife is not only traumatic for both the animal and driver but can cause considerable damage to cars and also result in injury. “If you spot an animal on the road while driving, remember to brake but don’t

FRIDAY MEMBERS DRAW THURSDAY SPIN & WIN MEMBERS DRAW

Members of the local wildlife group – LAOKO (Looking After Our Kosciuszko Orphans) carry fluorescent spray paint to mark dead animals on the side of the road to show they have been checked for pouch young.

The wildlife rescue group in the Snowy Mountains - LAOKO (Looking After Our Kosciuszko Orphans – Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue) president Lisa Petroff, confirmed that winter is the busiest time for the group. “As most Australian wildlife is nocturnal and are grazing beside the roads and crossing the roads, at dawn, dusk and at night time, unfortunately, this is also when cars are on the road, Ms Petroff said. “And that spells disaster for wildlife and drivers,” Ms Petroff said. “It is terrible for visitors to the region to be involved in a crash with a native animal. It is very upsetting and may ruin their holiday if the car is damaged and has to be towed away,” Ms Petroff added.

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“It also creates a huge demand of LAOKO volunteers who are called to help injured or orphaned wildlife as a result of the collision.”

What are the crosses for? The cross signifies that the native animal on the side of the road has been checked, to ensure it is dead and see if there is a surviving joey in the pouch. Members of the local wildlife group – LAOKO (Looking After Our Kosciuszko Orphans) do this to save others from stopping and checking the same animal.

LAOKO provides a 24 hour emergency phone service staffed by volunteers who will respond to calls from members of the public to provide assistance to injured or orphaned wildlife. Often a badly injured animal will need to be euthanased and if there is surviving pouch young, the joey will be taken into care. Ms Petroff said if do hit an animal, you should stop to check it. “But put your safety first. Park your car well off the road, put the hazard lights on, and then carefully move the animal

off the road if you feel safe to do so,” Ms Petroff said. “If the animal is still alive, do not risk an injury to yourself. If you are not confident, call LAOKO or the police for assistance.” NRMA Insurance – Animal collision data across NSW and the Snowy Mountain region. ANIMAL COLLISION DATA Suburb Number of collisions with animals Dubbo 262 Goulburn 187 Armidale 178 Mudgee 167 Cooma 146 Muswellbrook 144 Jindabyne 142 Orange 139 Singleton 118 110 Wagga Wagga *Based on NRMA Insurance claims data from the past 24 months. Snowy Mountain region collision data Cooma 584 Jindabyne 405 Tumut 352 Tumbarumba 129 Thredbo 84 Adaminaby 50 Khancoban 12

of 160 volunteers and incurs about $35,000 worth of expenses each year. Cost involve specialised feed for injured and orphaned wildlife, veterinary costs, medical supplies, as well as the wombat mange treatment program. This does not include volunteers’ time or travel expenses. Apart from a yearly donation of $2,500 from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, LAOKO relies on donations and fundraising to cover costs. LAOKO provides an emergency phone service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In the last 12 months (2020 / 21) LAOKO received about 1,000 calls for assistance for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife from members of the public. Around 800 animals and birds were rescued, some sadly died of their injuries and some had to be humanely

euthanased due to the severity of their injuries. About 160 wombats with mange were also reported and treated. LAOKO also conducts training and education of volunteers in all aspects of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release and wombat mange treatment. LAOKO engages with and educates members of the community through stories in the local paper, radio, their Facebook page, regular e-newsletters and website along with monthly community markets in the region and presentations to community groups and schools. For assistance with an injured or orphaned animal call the LAOKO Emergency Helpline on 6456 1313. For more information or to donate, go to: https://laokosmwr.org/

*Based on NRMA Insurance motor claims data from the past 24 months. LAOKO was established in 1988 and is one of the longest running wildlife groups in NSW. LAOKO operates in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council area, covering an area of 1,515,815 ha or 15, 158 square kilometres with a population of 20,795 people. LAOKO has a current membership

2 Bay St, Jindabyne | 02 6456 2133 | jindabynebowlingclub.com.au JUNE 2021

COVID-19 AND OUR ANNUAL SKI SEASON

Last year the COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to our annual ski season.

only has the capacity to intubate one patient temporarily, before they can be transferred to either Canberra or Bega.

While 2021 is faring better in terms of COVID outbreaks caution is still required, with social distancing a basic hygiene measures still applicable.

The snow season always puts more pressure on the local health services. Jindabyne’s population alone usually triples during the winter months.

At the time of going to press, Victoria had just been plunged into its fourth snap lockdown in 12 months.

With more people, and increases in injuries presenting from the slopes, our hospitals and medical centres are already stretched. Should a COVID-19 outbreak occur as well, the local facilities simply do not have the resources to cope. This is why local health workers and our local community implore everyone who visits our beautiful region to abide by the social distancing regulations.

NSW was in a better position, but we cannot afford to become complacent. Our ski resorts all have their own COVID safety plans in place and the NPWS is guided by the NSW Health regulations. But the basics apply – if you are unwell, get tested and isolate until given the all-clear. Get vaccinated. Vaccinations are available to eligible people locally, but if you can get the jab before heading to the slopes, that is advisable. Health facilities in our region are limited. Cooma Hospital is the main hospital for the Snowy Monaro region. It does not have an Intensive Care Unit and

If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms while visiting the Snowy Monaro, such as a fever, sore throat, head ache, fatigue, aches and pains, runny nose, cough or breathing issues the best thing to do is get tested. Vaccination Online bookings are now availableYou can check your eligibility and book an appointment by going to the Australian

Government’s Healthdirect Covid Vaccine Eligibility Tracker. The new online booking system went live on Monday, May 24.

Vaccinations are being delivered in Southern NSW Health LHD at South East Regional Hospital, Bega, and at mobile clinics throughout the LHD. Mobile clinics are currently planned for Queanbeyan, Jindabyne and Goulburn. More sites may become available soon. Available vaccines People aged under 50 years of age – Will be offered a Pfizer vaccine People aged 50+ years of age – Will be offered an AstraZeneca vaccine For more information visit covidvaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility or phone HealthDirect on 1800 571 155. COVID-19 Testing Anyone who presents for COVID-19 testing, even if asymptomatic, will be tested. Tests are FREE of charge. Appointments are not required.

1800 318 248. Our support line is open daily from 7am – 5pm or use our enquiry form.It’s OK to get tested more than once, if you have symptoms at different points in time. How do I get my results? Following your attendance at the COVID clinic, you will receive instructions on how to get your COVID test results. Clinics: Cooma Hospital Drive through clinic.Enter driveway off Victoria St, near Community Health / Maternity Buildings Victoria St, Cooma NSW 2630 Monday to Friday 9am - 3pm Saturday & Sunday 9am - 1pm Pre-register or enquiry - call 1800 318 248 Bombala Multi-Purpose Service Online bookings are now available. Wellington Street Bombala. By appointment only Monday to Thursday

We recommend the community preregister for a COVID-19 test by calling

beautiful retail store.

of suggestions, you can also check out the Corroboree frog display, local artwork and photographs, children’s educational toys and books, and natural body products and gifts.

BAD WEATHER OPTIONS

So you’ve booked your day pass, and are keen to hit the slopes after months of lockdown.

But, instead of the bluebird day you were hoping for, the weather turns nasty and now you don’t know what to do. Don’t worry. There is still plenty of great things to do in the Snowy Mountains to make your trip worthwhile. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and cafes across the region. The Snowy Mountains are known for beautiful fresh produce, and most eateries like to source their ingredients from the region where possible. Check out our Visit Eat Drink page on pages 60-61 for more details on some great local restaurants.

In Cooma, there are some fantastic local art galleries to check out. Full of exceptional pieces by local artists are the Raglan Gallery in Lambie Street and the Little Gallery in Sharp Street. The NSW Corrective Services Gaol Museum is another one to check out. If you are curious about the rich penal history of NSW, this is the museum for you. The museum provides an insight into the daily routine of gaols from past and present. There are some really interesting pieces on display, including original hanging gallows from Bathurst, whipping posts and stocks. If you feel like a bit of retail therapy, stop in at Birdsnest. The clothing store has become an icon in online sales, and Cooma is proud to be home to the

The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre is a state of the art education facility showcasing the amazing history of the Snowy Scheme. There are theatres showing short films through the day, as well as displays, exhibits, gift shop and a café. If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Snowy Scheme, Adaminaby has the Snowy Scheme Museum. Here the displays celebrate the people, the engineering and the construction of the scheme. In Jindabyne the Snowy Region Visitor Centre is a great place to start if you find yourself there on a bad weather day. Not only are the staff friendly with plenty

The Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery is a great place to stop for a schnapps tasting that is guaranteed to warm you up. Paired with the delicious German and Austrian style food, the definition of comfort food, it is the perfect place to call into on a miserable day. There is so much to do in the Snowy Monaro. The Cooma Visitor Centre is the best place to call into if you are looking for any details on the places listed above, or any other options for a bad weather day.

Come see how premier sport fish are bred and raised!

OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM-4PM

Video Show • Exhibits • Aquariums Fish Feeding • Education • Smoked Trout For Sale Picnic Area Open Daily

224 Gaden Road, Jindabyne. Enquiries 02 6451 3400 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/info/gaden *CLOSED CHRISTMAS, BOXING AND ANZAC DAY

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE

JULY

Tuesday 1

National Yowie Day – Federal Hotel Nimmitabel

Saturday 5 Adaminaby CWA Markets On the Green Adaminaby, 8.30am -1.30pm Jindabyne Hall Markets – Jindabyne Memorial Hall, 10am – 2pm Sat 12–Mon 14 Winter 2021 Opening Weekend Saturday 12 Macenmist Truffle Hunt & Lunch – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095 Bombala Fireworks Night – Apex Park Bombala, 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm. YuleFest 2021 – Valhalla Perisher, 5.30 pm Snow Bunnies & Ski Bums – Cooma Hotel, from 9.00 pm Sunday 13 CMR Fresh Produce Markets – Cooma Railway, 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Macenmist Truffle Hunt & Lunch – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095

Repeating Tuesday Trivia – Banjo Paterson Inn, from 7pm. Bookings required 6456 2372 Every Tuesday & Thursday - Top to Toe Knitted Sock Workshop - Made in the Monaro Cooma, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm Thursday 1 Spoken Word Poetry Event – Dorothy Dickens Books & Music, 5.30 pm Friday 2

Northern NSW & QLD Interschools – Perisher Valley

Saturday 3

Jindabyne Hall Markets – Jindabyne Memorial Hall, 10am – 2pm

Macenmist Truffle Hunt & Brunch – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095 Sun 4 – Fri 9

The Sydney Interschools Snowsport Championships

Friday 9

Cooma Lights Up the Night – Cooma Showground

Saturday 10 Macenmist Truffle Hunt & Lunch – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095 Sunday 11

Torah Bright Mini-Shred – Thredbo, 9.30 am – 3.30 pm.

G.H. Mumm Long Lunch – Thredbo Village Square, 11.30 am – 3.00 pm. Bookings 6459 4200

Macenmist Truffle Hunt & Lunch – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095

Tuesday 15

YuleFest 2021 – Valhalla Perisher, 5.30 pm

Mon 12 – Fri 16 Thredbo Uni Week – Thredbo Alpine Resort

Saturday 19

YuleFest 2021 – Valhalla Perisher, 5.30 pm

Saturday 17

Open Mic Karaoke Afternoon – Royal Hotel Cooma, from 4.00 pm

Sunday 20 Cooma Rotary High Country Markets – Centennial Park, Sunday 18 Cooma Rotary High Country Markets – Centennial Park, 8.30am- 1.30pm 8.30am- 1.30pm Macenmist Truffle Hunt & Brunch – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095

Monday 19 Hike for POW Environmental Week – Thredbo to Mt Kosciuszko, 8.00 am.

Tues 22–18 Sept Neon Night Skiing & Boarding – Perisher Valley, Enviro Talk for Environmental Week – Thredbo Alpine Resort 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Fri 23 – Sat 24 Thredbo Masters – Thredbo Alpine Resort Wednesday 23 YuleFest 2021 – Valhalla Perisher, 5.30 pm Saturday 24 Macenmist Family Truffle Hunt – Macenmist Truffles Bredbo, 11.00 am. Bookings 6454 4095 Sat 26 – 11 July Kids Snow Festival – Thredbo Sunday 27

Bredbo CWA Village Markets – Bredbo Hall, 9.00 am – 3.00 pm

YuleFest 2021 – Valhalla Perisher, 5.30 pm

Sunday 25

Bredbo CWA Village Markets – Bredbo Hall, 9.00am – 3.00pm

Fri 30 – Sat 31 Rossignol Ladies Day – Thredbo Alpine Resort

We’re here to help you discover more… …about our alpine playground.

Take a road trip and discover the beauty of our Snowy Region, from Canberra to the Victorian border. You’ll ﬁnd wide open landscapes as you rise up to alpine high country. Our small villages and vibrant towns across this vast region are ready to welcome you. Your job is to stop, explore and be rewarded. Rug up it’s winter. Often sunny mornings reveal amazing views of the white peaks above and you feel the pristine groomed slopes calling. Go on, it’s time you had a really good look around the Snowies to discover the diverse range of activities, heritage, arts and unique wildlife of this region. Cooma Visitor Centre | 119 Sharp Street, Cooma | 1800 636 525 | Open 9am to 3pm (7 days) | visitcooma.com.au Bombala Visitor Centre | 41 Monaro Hwy (Mahratta St) Bombala | 02 6458 4622 | Open 10am to 4pm (closed Sunday)

#oursnowymonaro #snowymountainsnsw @coomavisitorscentre @visitbombala

JUNE 2021

MYTHREDBO CARD KIOSKS LAUNCH FOR WINTER 2021

Guests can get onto the lifts and score fresh tracks faster with 24-7 MyThredbo Card Kiosks this winter. Launching for winter 2021, MyThredbo Card Kiosks will be conveniently located at Friday Flat and Valley Terminal in Thredbo as well as outside Thredbo Guest Services at Nuggets Crossing in Jindabyne.

Guests simply purchase lift passes, lessons and rentals online before heading to one of five kiosks to collect their MyThredbo Card using a printed receipt or digital barcode on their mobile phone.

Thredbo Marketing Manager, Caroline Brauer speaks to the new offering and says “The MyThredbo Card Kiosks will enable guests to collect their passes at a time that is convenient to them without being restricted by Guest Services office hours. We chose locations in Jindabyne and Thredbo with those arriving after-hours in mind. The contactless nature of the kiosks will also deliver an extra layer of safety in the ‘new normal’ we now face.” Guest Services offices in both Thredbo and Jindabyne will continue to operate to allow guests to receive face-to-face service if required.

Thredbo staff testing the new card facility.

25 BOMBALA ST COOMA 106 CARP ST BEGA

02 6452 3392 02 6492 0025

cooma@pacificfurniture.com.au

FURNITURE & BEDDING

Turin corner lounge Lounges

THE SNOWPOST

Beds

Mattresses

Dining

Outdoor

Office

Manchester

Cushions

Rugs

Chairs

JUNE 2021

SELWYN TO IN 2022

reopen

The Blyton Group recently nnounced the official re-opening date for Selwyn Snow Resort will be Saturday June 11, 2022.

‘All New In 2022’ will see the resort transformed for its grand re-opening, with the expected completion of the significantly expanded and integrated ‘Selwyn Centre’ that will house all guest facilities and services in the one building. The new Selwyn Centre will house an expanded Ski & Snowboard Hire, enhanced food and drink offerings and improved toilet amenities. The 2022 snow season will also see the completed full upgrade of the New

Chum Chairlift and the re- opening of 100% of the resort’s skiable terrain.

The relocation and expansion of the Snowsports Learning Area will also be complete, with the installation of two brand new dedicated snow carpets for guests to perfect their turns on. The relocated and expanded Toboggan Park will also open in Winter 2022, offering the best tobogganing experience in New South Wales. Selwyn’s snowmaking capability will significantly increase, with the installation of state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment provided by TechnoAlpin. Selwyn Snow Resort will

be the first snow resort in the Southern Hemisphere to install the brand new TT10 snow machines.

Chairman of the Blyton Group Kevin James Blyton, said he is looking forward to the reopening of the resort for 2022. “With the long-term future of Selwyn secured and construction underway, we look forward to the community being able to experience the new and improved Selwyn in Winter 2022. We remain fully focused on the rebuild and are excited for the future of the resort.” Reconstruction of the electrical supply to the resort is underway, with a full restoration of the network expected

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FROM 5:30PM SHOP 5 TOWN CENTRE JINDABYNE | www.cocina.net.au

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THE SNOWPOST

in early 2022. Resort infrastructure sourced from overseas including grooming & snowmaking equipment is still on-route and is expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Work continues with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment to finalise the remaining planning approvals. Public access to the resort is not currently possible while construction works are being undertaken. Updates and progress photos of the resort rebuild will be available at selwynsnow. com.au.

Want a completely different perspective, a bird’s eye view of the beautiful town of Jindabyne, the lake, snow-capped mountains and surroundings this winter season?

With more than 30 years of experience conducting balloon flights, in Canberra and NSW, Balloon Aloft Canberra is acknowledged as the leader in commercial hot air ballooning.

Adrenalin sports enthusiast and business entrepreneur Jason Gammell began his business REthynk last year starting with Fliteboard efoils and has now partnered with Balloon Aloft Canberra to bring the amazing experience of hot air ballooning to Jindabyne.

Balloon Aloft realise that hot air ballooning is a once in a lifetime experience and know it’s important that you have the very best flight team for your hot air ballooning adventure.

What started as a dream over a decade ago, has taken Gammell a lot of energy and effort to bring REthynk to Jindabyne. He is excited to welcome Balloon Aloft Canberra for their first winter season in the Snowy Mountains. In 1980 Balloon Aloft Canberra offered the very first passenger hot air balloon flights in Australia and forty years later remain the market leader, delivering the highest quality hot air balloon flights and service. Balloon flights take place at sunrise, when weather conditions are most stable; when the winds are light, temperatures are cool, and atmospheric conditions calm. It is suggested that when ballooning, to wear layers and clothing suitable for walking or hiking and enclosed waterproof shoes. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended. While it is no colder flying in a balloon than being on the ground, the small decrease in temperature as the balloon gains altitude is offset by the burners overhead. Balloons fly at heights anywhere between tree top height and 3,000 feet. All balloon flights are conducted by CASA approved pilots with safety and enjoyment being the primary considerations at all times.

Who better to make your hot air balloon ride absolutely perfect than the skilful, enthusiastic and highly experienced team from Balloon Aloft Canberra?

HIGH FLYERS FEEL THE MAGIC, SOARING OVER AMAZING LANDSCAPES THIS WINTER SEASON

Experience floating over the spectacular landmarks of the Snowy Mountains and enjoying the tranquillity and peace and quiet that is ballooning. All this and more is on offer from June 7, 2021. You don’t want to miss out on this fantastic experience brought to you by REthynk so it’s time to support local and ensure hot air ballooning continues to return to the region. Make your booking today to experience this unique balloon flight where you have exclusive use of a hot air balloon at an affordable price. Packages start from a 45-minute flight to a 75-minute flight. Offering specialised flight packages, you will enjoy privacy, an opportunity to enjoy a quiet serene experience with time to simply enjoy a very special time spent flying over one of the most picturesque areas of Australia. Bookings are essential, so book now to avoid disappointment. To book your hot air ballooning experience today contact Jason from REthynk on 0413 642 061 or jason@ rethynk.com.au and visit www.rethynk. com.au for more information.

Feel on top of the world

Roslyn and John Rudd OAM

“…..the Granddaddy of all riding establishments” Julie Miller Travel Sun Herald

KOSCIUSZKO RIDES

Ride Kosciuszko National Park.

Phone now for availabilities and bookings Ride “MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER COUNTRY” With the pioneers - 50 years’ experience | Eco Tourism Award 2004 - John Rudd OAM 3 day/4 night or 5 day/6 night treks from Oct to end April. School Holiday Homestead Horse riding packages also available Reynella Rides, 699 Kingston Road Adaminaby NSW 2629 T: (02) 6454 2386 or (02) 6454 2469 | Toll Free: 1800 02 9909 | Fax: (02) 6454 2530 | reynella@activ8.net.au | reynellarides.com.au | facebook.com/reynellarides

JUNE 2021

When you’re driving in the Snowy Mountains, stay cool on the road.

Be careful Be patient Drive to the conditions

Top tips for driving safely in alpine conditions: nswroads.work/snow

THE SNOWPOST

SAFEWORK

SLIDES INTO SNOWFIELD’ S WORKPLACES SafeWork Inspectors have begun this year’s NSW Alpine Ski Area safety compliance program with an industry roundtable involving all snowfield operators to discuss the safe operation of passenger ropeways including chairlifts, surface ropeways and gondolas. SafeWork Executive Director, Tony Williams, said that in the past seven years SafeWork had responded to 21 dangerous incidents related to passenger ropeways including eight serious injuries to passengers and visitors, and three serious injuries to operators. “Following COVID restrictions on the 2020 snow season, as well as a focus on NSW tourism this year – it is expected this snow season will busier than usual in 2021,” Mr Williams said. “We held this roundtable at the start of May to ensure all NSW Alpine Ski Area operators know what their obligations are in relation to chairlifts, as well as giving the industry a report on incidents, and their causes over recent years. “The approach to the season is the busiest part of the year for many of the operators as they undertake construction, upgrades,

repairs and maintenance across their operations. “It will see a surge of thousands of new workers in hospitality and tourism-related work arriving on the snowfields before the season begins, and we want to influence their attitudes to safety as they start their work. “SafeWork’s dedicated teams of construction, WHS and engineering inspectors will be across the NSW Snowfields throughout the winter and will be periodically be visiting Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. “And while our focus will remain on the safe operation, inspection and maintenance of chairlifts and surface ropeways, we will also be ensuring compliance measures to minimise risks associated with COVID-19 and social distancing requirements,” Mr Williams said. SafeWork NSW has a number of resources to help seasonal workers start their job safely, like the Young Workers etoolkit, which can be found at https://www. safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/ young-workers-toolkit

106 Sharp St, Cooma Ph: 02 64 522729

www.youroutdoorstore.com.au JUNE 2021

2021 EPIC AUSTRALIA PASS

Skiers and riders have justtwo weeks to lock in their 2021 Epic Australia Pass, which will go off sale on June 15 Priced at AU$1049 for adults, AU$599 for students (up to year 12) and AU$819 for seniors (65+ years), the Epic Australia Pass pays for itself in just six days, with season-long skiing and boarding at your favourite Australian resorts, Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham. Additionally, Epic Australia Pass offers the best value for skiers and riders, with six Bring-a-Mate tickets and pass holder discounts. 2021 Epic Australia Pass access runs from Australia’s opening day, 12 June, through the 2021/22 snow season in the Northern Hemisphere. Vail Resorts Australia does not anticipate requiring mountain access reservations during the 2021 season;

should capacity restrictions be required, all resorts are prepared to adapt their systems and update guests accordingly. The Epic Australia Pass includes Epic Coverage for all pass holders, which provides refunds associated with certain resort closures, including those due to COVID-19, as well as personal events, including illness, job loss and injury. Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham will offer a full range of lift tickets, snowsports school and rental products for the 2021 season, available for purchase in the coming weeks. For more information on Epic Australia pass access, as well as additional savings and benefits, visit https://www. epicaustraliapass.com.au/.

LOCAL PUB | AWESOME ATMOSPHERE | GREAT FOOD | FAMILY FRIENDLY

COOMA HOTEL

COOMA HOTEL BISTRO 79 Massie St Cooma

THE SNOWPOST

6452 2003

coomahotel.com.au

info@coomahotel.com.au

BISTRO HOURS: Monday To Sunday Lunch: 11am - 2:30pm Dinner: 5pm - 9pm

5th June

17th July

28th August

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winterbites.com.au

An Australian Government

Celebrate the amazing food, wine, beer, cider & spirits of the SNOWY VALLEYS with three delicious new events this winter Tickets on sale now via Moshtix or winterbites.com.au

featuring

BUSBY MAROU Tumbarumba

KASEY CHAMBERS Adelong

Headliner announced soon Batlow

with additional artists to be announced enjoy a range of exciting fringe festival events across the towns of the Snowy Valleys each festival weekend - see the website for details

TUMBARUMBA • ADELONG • BATLOW JUNE 2021

BIG BANG IN BOMBALA JUNE WEEKEND

Once upon a time the June Long Weekend in Oz was all about ‘Cracker Night’, and in 2021 in Bombala, it will be again! The Bombala Motorcycle Association is very excited to be presenting a big Fireworks Night on the Saturday, and it’s all about supporting the community. “Ever since we had our fireworks display at the 2018 Bombala Bike Show we have maintained a great friendship with ACT Fireworks, and have been keen to do it again,” the BMA’s Alan Talbot said. But the Fireworks Night has developed into something more than just a

fun event for the community and its visitors. When 14 year old Bombala girl, Charlie Campbell revealed that she was starting a Bravehearts fundraising campaign to help fellow young sexual abuse victims, the BMA jumped on board. “Chaz’s story blew us out of the water, and we decided to get 100% behind her and dedicate our Fireworks Night to her campaign,” Alan said. “We’d already wanted to do a community fireworks night, and this gave us a concrete reason to go ahead and turn it into a charity event as well.”

Bravehearts is Australia’s leading child protection organisation working holistically to prevent child sexual assault and exploitation, and the charity was of course happy to partner with the BMA. “This is purely donation based, and we already have donation boxes out there collecting money for Chaz’s campaign to help others,” Alan said. The event itself will quite literally go off with a bang, with Gail of ACT Fireworks generously matching the BMA dollar for dollar when it comes to the actual fireworks display. Apart from the spectacular sky show, there will also be live music and

refreshments at the recreation ground adjacent to the Bombala caravan park where all of the action will be enjoyed alcohol free. Popular local band Frock n’ Troll will keep everyone entertained while they wait for the sparks to fly, with an auction of school student drawings also planned, and a sausage sizzle to keep things rolling. It’s not that often that we get a proper Cracker Night on the June Long Weekend these days, so get yourself to Bombala and make the most of it on June 12 - and toss a few coins into the donation boxes while you’re at it!

High Altitude Adventures ski • board • bike • hike

SUMMER MTB TRANSFERS • TVT SHUTTLES Jindabyne • Gaden • Crackenback to Thredbo

WINERY & BREWERY SHUTTLES Shut The Gate • Dalgety Brewery • Jindy Brewery

WEDDING & EVENTS TRANSPORT & SHUTTLES Lake Crackenback • Thredbo • Jindabyne FULL DAY TOURS • Yarrangobilly Caves

WINTER SKI SHUTTLES & TRANSFERS Jindabyne • Thredbo • Perisher • Charlotte Pass

LUNCH or DINNER TRANSFERS Wildbrumby Distillery • Crackenback Farm

LUXURY PRIVATE TRANSFERS Canberra • Cooma • Jindabyne • Ski Resorts

AIRPORT TRANSFERS & CHARTERS Sydney • Canberra • Snowy Mountains • Cooma

EXCLUSIVE & SECURE PARK ‘n’ RIDE VALET Charlotte Pass • Perisher • Thredbo

for more information & bookings visit :

WE’RE

www.snowlinkshuttle.com.au or email : info@snowlinkshuttle.com.au

0438 385 961 available all year • 6am to 9pm

THE SNOWPOST

8 E s t . 2 0 1

WHAT LIFT, LESSON AND RENTAL PRODUCTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR

PERISHER SNOW SEASON

A full range of lift tickets, lessons, rentals, Skitube and Winter Sports Club programs will be available this season including: o o o o o o o o o

2021 Epic Australia Pass 1 – 7 Day Lift Tickets Snowsports Lessons & Program Private Lessons (Adults & Kids) Adults Group Lessons Half Day Kids Group Lessons (Ages 3+) Winter Sports Club Programs Skitube Ski & board equipment, helmet and clothing rental

Will there be limited access to lifts and lessons this season? For Epic Australia Pass holders, we do not anticipate 2021 Epic Australia Pass holders will need to make reservations to ski or ride at Perisher, Falls Creek or Hotham this season. However, in the event the resorts need to manage capacity to allow for physical distancing, Vail Resorts may manage access through a reservation system that prioritises pass holders. We encourage guests to book online in advance to avoid disappointment as lift tickets may sell out.

What will you do if there is a COVID-19 case detected in resort? In the event of COVID-19 detection we will provide a coordinated response with the State Health Department. Although this process will be directed by the State Health department, it will likely involve isolation of the impacted guest or staff member and contact tracing support procedures to identify all at-risk people who may also be required to enter a period of quarantine. The resort will follow the directions of the State health Department to undertake reactive cleaning and sanitation protocols.

How are you protecting the health and safety of guests, employees and resort communities? We will continue to operate within relevant Government regulations as and when they evolve relating to COVID-19 and resort operations. This may mean we need to operate with capacity limits at certain times of the season. Physical distancing will be actively promoted throughout our resorts in lift queues, on lifts, within indoor facilities and on transport. We will continue to implement enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols including staff training, provision of hand sanitisation stations.We are respectfully asking guests who are feeling unwell to not visit our

resorts. Cash will not be accepted by outlets operated by us. We’re limiting venue occupancy to align with the Government’s regulationsand using QR check-in codes at indoor venues. We will adhere to limits on public gatherings and events.  We recommend you wear a face mask if it is hard to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others or if you have COVID-19 symptoms. We encourage guests to download and use the VIC/NSW State Services app to enable seamless check-in at venues for contact tracing related to coronavirus (COVID-19).

NEED A SPACE FOR YOUR UPCOMING EVENT? We have three rooms available - the “Function Room”, “Board Room” and our newly renovated high tec “Snowy Room”. If you would like more information about these rooms and availability, contact our events coordinator on the details below.

106 VALE STREET, COOMA • P: 6452 1144 coomaexservices.com.au • events@coomaexservices.com.au JUNE 2021

WINTER SOLSTICE

Fresh from a wonderful visit from ABC’s Costa Georgiadis, the Bombala Preschool is planning its next great community event, with a firey Ngulla Garden Solstice Ceremony in the works.

With Nathan playing the Yidaki – or didgeridoo – an Acknowledgment of Country will be made before the tall central fire is finally lit.

And once again the preschool will be welcoming a very special guest, with River Cottage Australia’s Paul West set to be a big part of the festivities on June 22.

From here a flame will be carried to the nearby yarnin’ fire, with the group then sharing time watching the shadows of the mandala change as the central fire burns down.

As always, this latest Ngulla Garden project will closely involve local schools, with the day prior being used to set up the site for a solstice fire surrounded by a sand mandala with the help of Bombala High students.

The event will be similar to another very successful fire ceremony held in Bermagui that was also organised by Dan Bakker of Eat Dirt Permaculture, who is the project manager of Ngulla Garden in Bombala.

The big day itself will see Paul joining Ngulla Garden cultural adviser, Nathan Lygon and primary and preschool students as they decorate the rings of the sand mandala throughout the day.

“It will be a rather significant event given we will be initiating the cultural fire that Nathan, Paul Parker and I have been working on these past months,” Dan said.

The children will use items from nature as well as hand and finger prints to decorate the fine sand rings, which will then cast interesting shadows when the central fire is lit later in the evening. Paul will stay on for the night’s activities which will begin with a potluck dinner as families attending bring a plate to share before the ceremony begins. The preschool students will then make a lantern procession down to the ceremony site, setting them up around the outer rings of the mandala.

“With June 22 signalling the shortening of the long nights, the waxing of our days and being central to winter we feel this a special time to energise the project and give life to the fire circle.” Some of the final details are still being finalised, and numbers will be strictly limited, but the Solstice Ceremony will certainly make for a very exciting event for the Bombala Preschool community and its friends. To find out more, please email the Bombala Preschool at bombalapreschool@gmail.com

Award Winning Rainbow Pines Tourist Caravan Park sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Eucumbene with the breathtaking Snowy Mountains as its backrdrop. You can relax on the verandah of our deluxe cabin or sit under a tree in our camping sites and feed the wild birds or catch a gilmpse of a wallaby or echidna.

DELUXE CABINS • ENSUITE CABINS • PINE LODGE • BUNGALOWS • ENSUITE CAMPING SITE • POWERED & UNPOWERED CAMPSITES

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THE SNOWPOST

LOBS HOLE

“The ( Hollow”) (Courtesy of the Kiandra Historical Society) The dramatic scenery in the Lob’s Hole/Ravine area, at the junction of the Yarrangobilly and Tumut Rivers, is claimed to have been the inspiration for “The Hollow” in Australia’s premier bushranging novel - Rolfe Bolderwood’s “Robbery Under Arms” - though others believe it was the Burragorang Valley. “The Hollow” was the secret place, ringed by mountains, where the bushrangers hid out between forays. Lob’s Hole (or Lobbs Hole) was located on one of the routes from Victoria to the Kiandra diggings. The approach to Lob’s Hole was so steep it was claimed horses had to ride down Brandy Mary Spur on their haunches (this has been disputed by people who know something about horses). Mining for gold was followed by mining for copper, with the establishment of the Lobbs Hole Copper Mine in 1908. Copper had been identified in the valley at the time of the discovery of gold but at that time it had been thought the

country was too inaccessible to allow extraction (see below). For many years after the gold rush residents of Kiandra used this sheltered valley to escape the rigours of the Kiandra weather. The river junction is now flooded by the Blowering Dam but the mud brick walls of the old hotel at Ravine are still partly standing. HISTORIC DESCRIPTIONS Lob’s Hole was the subject of two articles in the Sydney Morning Herald titled “Alpine Sketches” at the time of the Kiandra gold rush. Following are extracts: October 27, 1860 LOB’S HOLE. - This peculiar feature of the Alpine regions is situated about seven miles from Kiandra, lying somewhat north-east from the township, and to the left of the Tumut Road and telegraph line. It affords a short cut for foot passengers and horsemen from Victoria, but no dray or wheeled vehicle can be made to ascend its rough and jagged heights.... ‘Tis seldom we have beheld such a bold wild chaotic scene. It bursts upon you at once, for whilst walking a few hundred yards on the level table top and stooping down to examine the fused calcined quartz that crops out around, you suddenly come upon an upheaved bed of slate, whose shaly edges jut out perpendiculary from between the quartz, and form a kind of rampart to the wide volcanic basin beneath. Another step, and the eye measures an almost perpendicular depth of 2400 feet. The eye wanders over the tops of thickly growing gum trees, extending from beneath the feet down, down over seven measured miles into the valley beneath, where, like a silver ribbon, winds the river of the Tumut, until lost at the extreme end of the vista between its rugged guardian ranges..... December 15, 1860 LOB’S HOLE. - Descending. Down, down. - From the sumit of Lob’s Hole, down steep, rugged, winding paths, over out-cropping quartz rock intermixed with slate, now slipping

down slopes of forty-five degrees, now winding along the backs of ridges, now carefully threading narrow paths, with barely a foothold for a horse along the sides of steep hills, where one false step would send horse and man rolling down into a ravine many hundred feet below - down, always down hill, for nearly eighteen hundred feet, through brushwood and stunted gum for about three miles, with occasional prospects of never-ending hill and vale, until the sound of falling water strikes refreshingly on the ear..... Then, by pleasant ascents and descents, following the stream - o’er hills clothed with verdure and covered with myriads of delicate wild flowers we halt again on the banks of the ever widening brook, about ten miles from the summit. Here lie riches whose extent remain - and, from the formation of the country probably ever will remain - unexplored. The sun strikes on the lode, the ground glows with all the hues of the rainbow, and copper of superior richness stands revealed - the lead cropping out for many yards on the bank, and runing across the bed of the creek. A small hole has been dug, specimens obtained, and declared by the Mint authorities to average nearly 40 per cent of pure copper. Pity ‘tis that from the inaccessibility of this vale such deposits must remain unproductive; and pity ‘tis so - for until the iron horse is superceded by the aerial machine, they must remain the property of mother earth..... The house kept by a Mr Horsely is neat and clean, the cheer good and moderate, and seldom have I enjoyed my ease in mine inn more than on this evening, when, after a good dinner and a soothing pipe I lay me down to rest in as good a bed as any Sydneyite could desire. An account of Lob’s Hole also featured in the Adelong and Tumut Express at the time of the establishment of the Lobbs Hole Copper Mine in 1908. See below article about Lobbs Hole in the Adelong and Tumut Express, December 18, 1908.

Dr Julie Dibden, consulting archaeologist from NSW Archaeology, has advised: The area has been referred to as Lobbs Hole since at least 1856. This name referred to the whole valley including the Lobbs Hole locality at the junction of the Yarrangobilly and Tumut River. However, unusually for the time, the locality is also referred to as Lobs Hole on at least one early map of the area. All the early copper mines with Lobbs Hole in the name were spelt with two ‘b’s. The official town in the valley was officially declared the Village of Ravine on January 5, 1910, but this name didn’t stick nor did the village flourish. The area is now called Lobs Hole with one ‘b’ , or Ravine. The number of ‘b’s’ has certainly changed over time, but we don’t know why or exactly when the change occurred. There is a Snowy Mountains Authority diagram from the 1950s that shows the name as Lobs Hole. Information about Lobs Hole is provided in the heritage reports for Snowy 2.0 Exploratory Works and Main Works. I used the contemporary spelling Lobs Hole except for when a specific older name is referred to, such as for example, Lobbs Hole Copper Mine, when the original spelling was used.

JUNE 2021

Photograph courtesy of Jackie Perry

D I S COVE R

Caves

Yarrangobilly

AND

Thermal Pool

PURCHASE YOUR TOUR TICKETS AT NSWPARKS.INFO/TOURSYARRANGOBILLY

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION AT NSWPARKS.INFO/YARRANGOBILLYSTAY For information about the caves and tours go to www.nswparks.info/toursyarrangobilly or 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) To contact Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Information Centre directly, email yarrangobilly.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au or call us on 02 6454 9597

GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE Contact us for information on which cave tours are available on the day.

Take a self-guided walk through the South Glory Cave or book a guided tour. Unwind and stay in the historic Caves House.

THERMAL POOL OPEN DAWN TO DUSK Escape, offload and relax while soaking in a natural thermal spring surrounded by native bush. Listen to wonderful birdsong and the nearby flowing Yarrangobilly River as you soak.

Photographs courtesy of Gillian Crundwell

KIANDRA COURTHOUSE RISES FROM THE ASHES

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the historic Kiandra Courthouse, is being given a new lease of life after it was almost destroyed in the bushfires that tore through the area on January 4 last year.

The Kiandra Courthouse was almost destroyed by the Dunns Road fire which swept through Kiandra on January 4, 2020.

With only the walls remaining, the restoration of this significant heritage building has commenced. The Courthouse is sporting a new roof to protect the structure of the walls, but National Parks and Wildlife Services spokesperson said decisions are yet to be made regarding the future management of the mountain huts and Kiandra Precinct, including the Kiandra Courthouse. “Detailed planning is underway to

Before the 2020 bushfires - The restored Kiandra Courthouse. The restoration was undertaken by National Parks and Wildlife Services and volunteers and completed in 2010. Photos courtesy of Paul McIver.

decide the future of the mountain huts and Kiandra Precinct, including the Kiandra Courthouse,” NPWS spokesperson said It was only 10 years ago that the courthouse restoration by National Parks and Wildlife Services and volunteers was completed. NSW Government Architect James Barnet built the Kiandra courthouse in 1859 during a short gold rush period in the area. It was the first substantial public building in the Kiandra township which included a police quarters and courtroom. The building was later modified and

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6 Thredbo Terrace Jindabyne (Corner of Park Rd, Next To The Ambulance Station) PHONE [02] 6456 1988 | www.sacredride.com.au ALSO: Shop 2 Snowline Centre, 5/6532 Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne (Alpine Way Turnoff) 6 Thredbo Terrace Jindabyne (Corner of Park Rd, Next To The Ambulance Station) PHONE [02] 6456 1988 | www.sacredride.com.au ALSO: Shop 2 Snowline Centre, 5/6532 Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne (AlpineOUR Way $40 Turnoff) ASK ABOUT 1/2 DAY BIKE HIRE AND LUNCH DEAL! THE SNOWPOST

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expanded in the 1950s and 60s. Kiandra is known as the birthplace of Australian snow skiing, and the courthouse was transformed into a chalet in the late 1950s with extensions to the ground floor and a first floor addition. It was also used to provide accommodation for workers on the Snowy Mountains Scheme and later used as a base for snow clearing operations from the early 1970s until 1999. The courthouse was added to the NSW State Heritage Register in 1999 and many of the 1960s additions were removed. Along with the courthouse, Selwyn Ski Resort and at least 10 of the mountain huts in Kosciuszko National Park have been destroyed by the Dunns Road fire, including Delany’s Hut, Sawyers Rest House, Wolgals Lodge, Matthew’s Cottage, Brooks Hut, Pattinson’s House, Round Mountain Hut, O’Briens Hut and Four Mile Hut.

Only the walls of the Kiandra Courthouse remained after the January 4, 2020 bushfire.

Originally built to provide accommodation for stockmen, prospectors, fishermen, skiers and Snowy workers, the high country huts are part of Snowy Mountains folklore. But they had another purpose in more recent times, providing shelter for bushwalkers and visitors seeking protection from the extremes of alpine weather, be it rain, wind, sun or snow. The Dunns Road fire also destroyed homes, buildings and a school in Cabramurra, which houses staff at Snowy Hydro, and caused damage to equipment at Lobs Hole, which is being used as the construction base for Snowy 2.0.

Rebuilding of the Kiandra Courthouse has started.

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6456 2523 COVID 19 RESTRICTION ARE IN PLACE BOOKINGS ADVISABLE

JUNE 2021

A Fishy tale The June long weekend marks the end of what has been a particularly busy trout fishing season with anglers and holiday makers travelling to the regions rather than internationally due to the impacts of COVID.

This past season also saw particular interest thanks to the inaugural Snowy Trout Challenge, an initiative that saw more than 450 tagged trout released into local waters, each with an associated prize. Trout spawning season officially began on May 1. During this time, local streams and rivers such as the Thredbo and Eucumbene Rivers will see a minimum size limit of 50cm, daily bag limit of one and possession limit of two trout which will be in effect until the end of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. “Restrictions are in place to provide protection for early spawning brown trout,” NSW DPI Senior Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway said. “The restrictions also provide fishers with the opportunity to catch a trophy sized trout – in particular the Eucumbene River has provided excellent fishing for large brown trout over the past few years.” The Snowy Trout Challenge officially ended on April 30, having been run across the entire the 2020/2021

trout fishing season and seeing great success with hundreds of prize fish caught and thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes won. The Snowy Trout Challenge began in October last year and was brought about as a joint initiative between the Eucumbene and Adaminaby Chambers of Commerce as well as the Gaden and Eucumbene Hatcheries in an effort to boost tourism and encourage trout fishing within the region. It was supported by numerous local businesses who also helped provide the prizes for the competition. More than 450 tagged trout were released at Lake Jindabyne, Lake Eucumbene, Lake Crackenback, Lake Williams in Nimmitabel, Cooma Weir and the Bombala River and over the course of this fishing season, more than 200 have been caught. Each tagged trout carried prizes which ranged from ‘cash catches’ to holiday packages, products and services from local Snowy Mountains businesses and much more. Major prizes included two $4,500 cash prizes donated by Snowy Hydro, with one being caught in Lake Jindabyne and one in Lake Eucumbene. Other prizes included gift vouchers, fishing gear, giveaways and much more, all donated

spawning trout.

generously by local businesses and organisations. The Snowy Trout Challenge organisers wished to thank all sponsors for their support of the initiative and particularly to major sponsors Snowy Hydro, RWW Group, First National Kosciusko - Jindabyne, Eucumbene Lakeview Cottages, Eucumbene Trout Farm Kristy McBain MP, Snowy Mountains Laundry,High Country Outfitters, For the Love of Jindabyne, Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa and The Fly Program. “The Snowy trout challenge has been the most significant initiative to assist with recovery from the drought, bushfires and COVID impacts,” Eucumbene Chamber of Commerce President Peter Cottrell said. “It will have long term ongoing benefits for the Snowy Monaro region. The challenge of a few with very limited resources is of significance note, a vision of what has been an ailing yearround activity has now led a local revival of trout fishing which has much to offer the region in the years to come.” A Snowy Hydro earthworks project to stabilise eroded embankments at Providence Portal has recently been completed and the popular fishing spot is expected to be reopened to the public in the coming weeks without compromising the expected run of

“The Monaro Acclimatisation Society has engaged with Snowy Hydro to identify an initial release program that will not compromise the expected run of spawning fish that will be in the Eucumbene River,” Monaro Acclimatisation Society President Steve Samuels said. “The initial flow down the outlet is likely to be discoloured so we are investigating the option of timing the first releases to supply a gradual flow during a rain event that will shandy the water and keep the downstream reach of the river as clean as possible. It is anticipated that the commissioning flow will occur after the closure of the trout season.” While the end of the trout fishing season will see streams and rivers closed to trout fishing, lakes and dams such as Lake Jindabyne, Eucumbene and Tantangara will remain open to fishing. The Murray Cod season will also remain open until the breeding season closure on September 1. And of course, you can pull as many carp and redfin out of the water as you like, all year round.

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THE SNOWPOST

FULL STEAM AHEAD COOMA MONARO RAILWAY MARKETS

If you are curious about chocolate or ready to go nuts for fudge, then don’t miss the next popular Cooma-Monaro Railway Fresh Produce Markets.

The Cooma Monaro Railway (CMR) started hosting the markets last year, and is encouraging visitors to the region to come along and purchase the best local produce the Snowy Monaro has to offer. The Cooma Railway Station is the perfect setting for the markets with stalls set up along the grand platform. Not only can market lovers enjoy the tastes and delights of the region, they can immerse themselves in railway station’s history. Whether it is fresh fruit and vegetables, or something sweet and savoury, the next produce markets are scheduled for Sunday June 13 from 9am to 1pm. CMR President Gordon Strachan said the Cooma Railway Station is an ideal location for a community produce market because it combines the picturesque setting of the historic precinct with the benefits of local produce. “The station is self-contained for parking, power and facilities, plus the platform verandah provides cover for smaller stores,” he said. “It is the perfect setting for an escape from the everyday, where you can buy local produce, admire the museum and enjoy the flavours of the coffee and food stalls. CMR has engaged with growers, farmers, produce makers and food stall holders to create the market. Interested parties are welcome to contact CMR organisers by email: markets@cmrailway.org.au The following stall holders are regulars at the produce markets: Curiosity Chocolates, Ironpot Artisan Alpine Bakery, Eucumbene Trout Farm, Monaro Produce Growers, Coffee 2630, Two Chooks Cook (cakes, slices, jams), Carwoola Honey, Snowy Mountain Estate, Let’s Go Nuts and Fudge, Tandarra Eggs, Snowy Mountains Eucalyptus Soap, RSPCA Cooma Branch, and Outback Fudge.

COME AND TRY OUT OUR E-FOILS AND JET BOARDS THIS WINTER!

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Winter offers some of the most magic days on the lake. We have dry suits (meaning you wear warm clothing under the dry suit to stay toasty warm) or stick with the traditional steamer wetsuit — your choice!

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We also have state-of-the-art Waterproof blue tooth hands free headset Walkie-talkie so you can easily chat with your friends and instructors while you’re on the water.

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JUNE 2021

THREDBO

THREDBO RESIDENT AND LEGEND FRANK PRIHODA TURNS 100 One of the Thredbo Historical Society’s honoured Faces of Thredbo, Frank Prihoda is a big part of this mountain’s history.

Frank went skiing for the first time at the age of 8, before picking up the sport more seriously at the age of 13 meaning he had spent 77 years on skis.

Thredbo’s oldest resident and Australia’s oldest living Olympian, Frank will be celebrating a massive milestone this year as he turns 100 years old.

The story of this Czech influence in Thredbo began more than 70 years ago, a story that has remained at the heart of Thredbo residents and visitors to the area. He was born in the Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia) in 1921 into a middle-class family where his father owned his own business as a manufacturer. Frank’s father passed away young in 1937 when it became Frank’s responsibility to take over the family business at only 19 years old. His mother had a stroke and was unable to work shortly after his father’s passing and Frank was the sole supporter for his family.

Last year, Thredbo honoured Frank’s 99th birthday by renaming ‘The Tors’ run to ‘Frank’s Face’, a proud moment for Thredbo’s history and one that Frank and his family will continue to cherish in years to come. Starting from Australia’s highest lifted point, this intermediate run is in great company. ‘Frank’s Face’ cements Thredbo’s deep European roots, sitting between the run ‘Sasha’s Schuss’, named after Frank’s sister, and ‘Karel’s T Bar’, named after Frank’s brother-in-law and Sasha’s husband Karel Nekvapil. Thredbo explained that ‘Frank’s Face’ is the perfect homage to this mountain pioneer’s huge impact on Thredbo.

THE SNOWPOST

In 1948 there were great hardships imposed upon the Czech Republic and while Frank was working hard to keep his business afloat he was considered an ‘enemy of the people’ and it became quickly apparent there was no longer a future for him in the Czech Republic.

The two men continued on, having many ventures in their quest to escape their home country including travelling through many countries and experiencing many life-changing ordeals. They went on to obtain false documents and identity cards as Austrian citizens enabling them to pass through the relevant countries traveling west to St Anton, crossing through the Russian zone and it was in St Anton where Frank was introduced to Tony Sponar. Frank later arrived in Australia planting his roots in Melbourne in February of 1950 where he remained for more than 24 years. Soon after his arrival, he commenced skiing on weekends at Mt Buller, Victoria. He quickly built a name for himself, taking up some informal coaching and competing in the Victorian, NSW and national ski championships. Eventually, he was selected in the Australian team for the 1956 Olympic Winter Games, his naturalisation requirements fast-tracked

to ensure his nomination. Frank competed in the Giant Slalom and Slalom events at Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956, Australia’s second appearance in Alpine skiing. His sister Sasha Nekvapil had already become an Olympian in 1948, representing Czechoslovakia at the St Moritz Olympic Winter Games before deciding to flee her native country and joining her brother in Australia. Later after falling in love with Australia’s alpine area, Frank moved to Thredbo in 1972 where for 27 years he ran a shop selling souvenirs and gifts before moving on to start one of Thredbo’s very first ski-lodge businesses. He was integral in developing skiing in Thredbo by helping import the famous Arlberg technique (the blueprint of many ski schools worldwide). Frank and his family opened Sasha’s Lodge which was named after Frank’s sister, now known as Black Bear Inn, in 1959 where it remained in the family for many many years.

After escaping from his native country in 1949 with his brother-in-law, he left the country under the pretence on going on a skiing trip in an area outside southern Bohemia and being that it was in their winter months the lake was frozen and the two men skied into freedom. After reaching the border Frank said they bribed the Austrian police with $10, considered a fortune back then.

Frank Prihoda competing in the 1956 Winter Olympics.

history Having had contributed to Thredbo’s history greatly over his many years in living at the resort he was also very active in the community, becoming a foundation member of the Thredbo Historical Society and carrying the Olympic Torch in 2000, when he lit the cauldron on the Village Green on the torch’s journey towards Sydney. Frank is a skiing legend in his own right, other than being an Olympic celebrity competing in the 1956 Winter Olympic Games Frank also recently was awarded the Snow Australia Medal, a new award recognising Australians at the very highest level of winter sport. Frank and his sister Sasha Nekvapil.

officially hang up his skis until he turned 90 years old. “My life in Thredbo has been a very happy one, I am very thankful and obliged to Thredbo,” says Frank. “Not every moment has been a happy or easy one, there were also hard times but I am very happy and live a nice life, especially after leaving Melbourne and moving here to Thredbo with my immediate family next to me.” “I have met some great people in Thredbo and have lived very happily here so thank you Thredbo and all the management.”

THREDBO SKI PATROL

Frank retired in late 2001 but did not One day while strolling the streets of Perth Tommy walked past a store with a poster of the mountains covered in snow. Initially Tommy thought it was a picture of New Zealand but enquired within the store and found out it was a picture of Charlotte Pass in NSW. Tommy was unaware Australia even had snow and after this revelation Tommy bought a car, quit his job and moved himself to Cooma NSW to be close to the snow.

with Tommy Tomasi Founder of Thredbo Ski Patrol, Tommy Tomasi looks forward to celebrating 95th Birthday Born in 1926 in the mountains of Northern Italy, Tommy Tomasi had already picked up the skill of skiing at only four years old and it became a great passion for him. Tommy moved to Australia in 1949 and has called Jindabyne home since 1953. Tommy’s life has not been short of interesting moments - he has lived

Photos credited to Randy Wieman and Thredbo Resort.

a fascinating life and has greatly contributed to the history of the Snowy Monaro area including Snowy Hydro and Thredbo Resort. Tommy’s life changed forever in 1943 when the war began in his country and after serving in the war and being sent to a concentration camp and long after he had decided it was time to say goodbye to Italy and made his way to Australia. Leaving for Fremantle in Western

Australia on February 1, 1949 Tommy arrived on Australian soil on March 7 after spending 34 Days on a boat crossing the Indian Ocean.

Shortly after moving Tommy got a job working on the Snowy Mountains Scheme, where he drove a bulldozer, eventually applying for a ski instructor’s job at Charlotte Pass in 1953.

Tommy got a job in the mines near Kalgoorlie where his expert use of explosives from the war soon came in handy.

It was at Charlottes that Tommy met his wife Joyce who was working as a bookkeeper, and friend Tony Sponar (founder of Thredbo).

After working in the mine for some time a friend of Tommy’s was tragically killed and it was time for him to take a break.

Continued on page 36

JUNE 2021

From page 35

based volunteer organisation with the sole purpose of providing high level emergency care to snow users at the Thredbo Ski resort. Tommy foresaw the need for a ski patrol to save the legs and lives of the weekend warriors in the dangerous terrain as well as providing general emergency care to those who injure themselves while on the mountain. Tommy said that while today it is easy to find good skiers, it was difficult to find patrollers who were good on skis and this led to Tommy approaching Snowy Mountains Scheme workers who were from all over the world and who knew how to ski.

After two seasons, Tommy went back to Snowy Mountains Scheme, where he worked in the hydrology department for the next 10 years. Tommy and Tony became great friends and often skied out from the main range together. One day Tony shared his dream of wanting to create a resort right there where they skied and in 1956 the build began and Thredbo Resort started to take form. Tommy suggested that once the resort was completed he’d like to start the ski patrol and, a year after the resort was built, 1958 saw the formation of the Thredbo Ski Patrol, the very first ski patrol in the country. “I had an accident myself back home in Italy while skiing and the people helped me. I said one of these days I will pay them back,” Tommy said. “And this had always been at the back of my mind to be thankful for what they did and that is what led to me wanting to start the Thredbo Ski Patrol.” The Thredbo Ski Patrol is a community

THE SNOWPOST

“The Thredbo Ski Patrol became a very unique ski patrol as we had 17 different nationalities amongst 70 men, which was incredible” Tommy said. In the mid-sixties, Tommy took his young family to live in Sydney and began ski equipment retail, driving back to Thredbo each weekend to work on

the ski patrol. By 1967 the birth of the Australian ski industry was booming and Tommy began Stein Tours to take the first Australian ski tours back to Europe, and later America. During the Australian summers, Tommy spent 19 years of those in Europe and 17 years in America meeting many people in the process whom he still meets with for a ski every now and then. After many years in Sydney, Tommy moved his family back to Jindabyne where he has remained to this day. Over the years, Tommy Tomasi has built and nurtured a world class and worldrenowned ski patrol at Thredbo and has his spot in the Thredbo Alpine Museum where his contributions are recognised and praised by many. Now a life member for both ski resorts, Thredbo and Perisher, over his lifetime Tommy was part of ski patrolling for 73 years.

As part of Thredbo Ski Patrol, he was on duty as a rescuer for 37 years but continued as part of the patrol as captain, president then vice president and the titles continued. Even at 95 years old Tommy continues to strap on his boots, pull on his Rosignol snow gear and hit the slopes every winter. “I won’t give up skiing! I know I can ski better than I can walk and though I may not do it as much as I used to I will continue to ski for as long as I can”, he said. Tommy said that Thredbo ski resort was always extremely supportive of the patrol since its beginning and backed its every need to ensure a successful team and thanks to them they were able to help protect skiers on the mountain and for that he is grateful. Photos courtesy of Thredbo Resort

THREDBO RESORT

THE ENLIGHTENMENT OF ITS RICH HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS Celebrating its 65 years of existence in 2022, Thredbo has an enriched history that very few know about. This popular, year-round resort which has won ‘Best Australian Ski Resort’ four years in a row, has overcome many devastations which are vastly outweighed by many milestones that the resort has celebrated over the past 60 plus years. Let’s start from the beginning…

In 1840 when Polish explorer Count Pawel Edmund Strzelecki became the first person to summit the peak. An exploration party led by Strzelecki and James Macarthur, along with Indigenous guides Charlie Tarra and Jackey set off on what was called Strzelecki’s Southern expedition. Macarthur was seeking new pastures while Strzelecki wanted to investigate the climate, geology, palaeontology and geography of NSW and to publish his findings which included identifying Australia’s highest summit. Strzelecki climbed the Kosciuszko summit alone, reaching the top on March 12, 1840. Strzelecki named Mount Kosciuszko after his hero, the famous Polish-Lithuanian military leader General Tadeusz Kosciuszko who died in 1817.

Thredbo known for its snow play. More than 20,000 years ago the Snowy Mountains had been home to many Aboriginal tribes. They were coming to this area during the summer months to carry out their ceremonies and to feast. One of the Aboriginal groups was the Ngarigo people, who are traditionally from the Monaro, Australian Alpine regions of Victoria and NSW. These tribes were coming to the upper slopes of the Thredbo Valley during the summer months to hunt Bogong moths. They would harvest the moths making nutritious meals cooking them in the ash. In 1834 it was recorded that an eccentric explorer and naturalist, John Lhotsky led a scientific expedition to the Snowy Mountains travelling through the Thredbo, Snowy River and Monaro area.

From 1860 onwards, a brief gold rush attracted prospectors to the Thredbo Diggings area really putting Thredbo on the map for outsiders. Many travelled to the area during this period in the spring and summer months and hunkered down during the colder months before the hype of the gold rush dwindled and the focus shifted. It wasn’t until August 19, 1897 when the brave Charles Kerry led the first winter ascent of Mt Kosciuszko on skis, reaching the summit from the Thredbo Valley all while using skis in certain places. This crucial event caused others to follow in his footsteps by strapping their skis on and giving it a try themselves. Other mountain pioneers Tom Mitchell and George Day followed by the first winter descent from Dead Horse Gap to the Thredbo River in 1937. In 1950 a frequenting visitor to the

Snowy Mountains with a passion for skiing, Charles Anton realised the Thredbo Valley would be a perfect site for a ski resort. It was evident to him that accommodation was needed on the main range to make use of the descents on the western faces. It was then that he founded and presided over the Ski Tourers’ Association.

In 1961 Dick Dusseldorp and his Lend Lease company purchased the Thredbo Head lease from the original Kosciusko Thredbo Ltd company after they gained

Between 1954 and 1955 the Snowy Hydro Electric Authority (SMHEA) built the Alpine Way, providing vehicle access to the Thredbo Valley. Later in 1955 Tony Sponar, Eric Nichols, Geoffrey Hughes along with Charles Anton formed the Kosciuszko Chairlift and Thredbo Hotel Syndicate, later joined by Thyne Reid. The syndicate obtained the lease to establish a ski resort on the Thredbo River in 1957 and after a share-float it formed Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd. Shortly after The Lodge and Crackenback Ski Club opened, and a rope tow installed followed the next year by the construction of the Crackenback chairlift. On the June long weekend of 1957 local legend Tommy Tomasi and Danny Coleman, both employed by SMHEA as hydrographers, and Geoff McClutchey, co-founded a small informal group of volunteers to assist skiers who found themselves in difficulty; which in 1958 saw the formation of the Thredbo Ski Patrol. John Rumble was the first secretary who incorporated the informal patrol to Thredbo Ski Patrol Association in 1962. Adrian Studley and John joined together with Danny Coleman, Tommy Tomasi, Noel Weston and Doug Thatcher and that was the nucleus of the ski patrol then.

Thredbo Ski Patrol 1969 from left, Jim Cleary, Rick Naylor, Wally Saar, John Rumble, Tommy Tomasi, George Weiss, George Freuden, John Barkley, Adrian Studley, Ludwig Rabina and Tom Freece. a 99-year lease from the Kosciusko State Park Trust in 1957. Dusseldorp and the Lend Lease company managed to turn the resort into a bustling village welcoming visitors from all over the country. The following year the Coach House Inn, now known as the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, officially opened their doors to the public and other than extending to include a reception, lounge and tower structure in 1967 this historical building remains the same today. Thredbo celebrated a great milestone in 1968 as they welcomed the completion of the Merritt’s double chair, the Duplex T-bar and Ski School rope tow which soon after led to the opening of the Merritt’s ski area. Continued on page 38

Segreto

Thredbos exclusive late-night supper club, speak-easy vibes into the hazy hours of the evening JUNE 2021

Meadows to Crackenback base allowing the resort to make man-made snow. 1987 marked the end of Lend Lease company as owners of Thredbo as Amalgamated Holdings, now known as Event Hospitality and Entertainment

Coach House Inn. From page 37 Later in 1977 Anton’s T-bar was completed followed shortly by the Sponars T-bar in 1979 and the highest lift in Thredbo, the Karel’s T-bar in 1980. The resort was starting to look more and more appealing for snow holiday makers and it was continuing to install facilities to attract the crowds. In 1987 the new technology of snowmaking machines was installed from

Young lawyers with the drive unit of the first Thredbo rope.

THE SNOWPOST

Crackenback Chairlift opening, 1958. Limited, purchased Thredbo’s head lease. In 1988 the Friday Flat development opened giving beginners a specifically designed slope for those just starting out. Friday Flat is still where lessons are constructed and Thredboland and kid’s programs take place.

Thredbo hosted the only FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Thredbo’s FIS Ski World Cup in 1989, they staged the slalom and giant slalom in the Men’s Ski World Cup where all the big names of men’s skiing at the time made the trip to the Snowy Mountains, and the racing was conducted successfully on the southern flank of the Ramshead Range.The Kosciuszko Express Chairlift replaced the original Crackenback chairlift in 1990 followed by Merritt’s duplex T-bar replaced by Cruiser Quad Chairlift in 1994 and remains the same today.

Thredbo Ski Racing Club at the FIS Ski World Cup in 1989.

Friday Flat Thredbo Land.

Completion of the gondola was celebrated in June introducing the Merritt’s Gondola as a high speed, eight-person gondola that takes passengers from the village to the base of the Cruiser Area in approximately six minutes. A very exciting attraction to the resort and one that will be utilised for years to come. Thredbo also celebrated its 30 years of Gravity bringing mountain bike enthusiasts together from all over the country the biggest mountain biking season the resort has ever seen. Thredbo Valley bushfires, 2003. Thredbo resort has celebrated many milestones since its creation and in 2017 it celebrated its 60th anniversary with numerous events and installed a commemorative ‘2037’ bell at the top of the highest lifted point in Australia, the top of Karels T-bar.

Thredbo Alpine Hotel around the 1970’s. Thredbo resort began to feel homelier in 1996 when the Thredbo Chapel was constructed and opened to the public and now serves as a place of worship all year round. It has evolved into one of Australia’s most popular wedding destinations. The resort continued its fierce growth by opening the Australian Institute of Sport and Thredbo Alpine Training Centre in 1997 which contained a heated pool, café, retail space and gym making it the ultimate training facility in the area. The Thredbo resort was left devastated in July of 1997 after a catastrophic landslide rocked the village and ski resort leaving two ski lodges destroyed and 18 people dead. There was only one survivor as tonnes of liquefied earth and debris came down the slope and changed the resort’s history forever as those who lost their lives will be forever remembered.

The Bell, placed at 2037 metres above sea level, has become a great addition to the resort as many make their way to the top to give it a ring. SES workers at the landslide site, 1997. As the new millennium approached Thredbo resort was given the opportunity to be a host community for the Sydney Olympics Torch Relay in 2000 symbolising the resort as a prominent and well-deserved community. In 2003 tourists and residents were evacuated from the Thredbo village as it came under threat from several bushfires sweeping through the region. More than 80,000 hectares of pristine alpine bushland was destroyed during the fires. Luckily Thredbo was unharmed though much of the landscape had been scorched.

In 2019 Thredbo resort was evacuated once more due to threat of a bushfire which came to a stop at Dead Horse Gap, a mere five kilometres from the village. The village was opened again in January of 2020 with thanks to all NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and the National Parks Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff as they diligently kept the resort from harm’s way.

As 2021 evolves, Thredbo has some very exciting announcements ahead of the upcoming winter season, including its first introduction to a range of mountain experiences that have never been on offer before. These experiences will be ones to keep in the memory bank for years to come. Thredbo Resort is filled with a rich history that will be forever cherished and as the resort continues to grow and better with each passing year. It is the true mountaineers who discovered the resort who deserve all the praise. Plan your trip to Thredbo Resort today. We would like to acknowledge the Thredbo Alpine Museum for their contribution of information and images, as well as Thredbo Resort for their contribution of images.

2020 - what began as a trying year with the spread of the COVID-19 global pandemic, was also one filled with milestones for the resort as it began the construction of Australia’s only alpine gondola.

Mountain Dining + Modern Cuisine

JUNE 2021

THE

art

The unrivalled beauty of the Snowy Mountains is an artists’ dream. From the snow-capped mountain peaks to the rolling hills of the Monaro, there’s an image for every artistic taste. Explore the unique history and beauty of the Snowy Mountains through its spectacular art galleries. Bundian Way Gallery, Delegate Located in Delegate, close to the Victorian border, the Bundian Way Gallery showcases Indigenous artwork

GALLERY TRAIL

and exhibitions. The gallery is named after the Bundian Way, an ancient Indigenous pathway that links Mt Kosciuszko (Targangal) to Fisheries Beach (Bilgalera). The gallery highlights the cultural heritage elements of the Bundian Way and is a wonderful way to experience the history of the Snowy Mountains. The gallery is situated in the historic bank building in the main street of Delegate.

Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 3pm (closed Tuesday, Sunday) 66 Bombala St, Delegate

Borderline Gallery, Delegate Next door to the Bundian Way Gallery is the Borderline Gallery, which is also run by the Delegate Progress Association in the bank building. The gallery features work from a range of our local artists and craftspeople, including paintings, photography, pottery, woodwork, mosaic, glasswork, jewellery and metalwork.

The Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, Cooma The Raglan hosts regular exhibitions by local and travelling artists. The historic building was constructed in 1854 as an Inn and had a variety of lives before it was purchased by council and approved for use as a community gallery. The beautiful building is now one of Cooma’s most frequented attractions,

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THE SNOWPOST

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62 Sharp Street COOMA NSW 2630 P. (02) 6452 1499 F. (02) 6452 4840

situated on historic Lambie Street. It’s not too late to catch Peter AP Mortimore’s ‘Drawn’ exhibition, which is running until 22 October. Open Wednesday - Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm. 9-11 Lambie St, Cooma. Monaro Art Group’s Little Gallery, Cooma The Monaro Art Group consists of artists, craftspeople and writers in the Snowy Monaro region who display and

sell their works at the Little Gallery. The gallery has recently moved to a new location in the main street of Cooma and displays paintings, photographs and sculptures all by our local talented artists. Currently on display is the gallery’s Spring Exhibition, which brings the gallery walls to life with colourful oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel and mixed media artworks. Open Monday - Friday 10am to 4pm,

Saturday 10am to 1pm, every third Sunday (market day) 10am to 1pm. 118 Sharp St, Cooma.

printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, woodwork, crafts and more.

Jindabyne Art Gallery, Jindabyne The Jindabyne Art Gallery is the only volunteer run gallery in town exhibiting artworks from local artists around the region. The gallery is always looking to showcase the talents of more locals and invite them to share their work within the gallery. Artworks on display come from a range of different visual arts including painting, drawing,

The Jindabyne Art Gallery is not only for showcasing beautiful pieces but also doubles as a art space to host a variety of art workshops for the public. Open Wednesday to Monday 10am to 5pm (closed on Tuesdays). Jindabyne Memorial Hall (along Thredbo Terrace), Jindabyne.

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walk around Jindabyne going from coffee shops to restaurants and pubs when they noticed something was missing. “While we were walking from place to place we noticed the lack of restaurants open on a Monday and Tuesday night in the off season and thought there was a real need for somewhere people can go when others are shut”, Hannah said.

the world to running trivia at the Jindy Bowlo and now she has taken on the challenge of opening her own bar.

Hannah Kirsh has spent many years jet-setting all across the world gaining extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and it is now her turn to enter the industry as an owner. Welcoming Pinot’s Wine Bar to Jindabyne’s Nuggets Crossing shopping complex Hannah officially opened her doors on Friday May 21. Located on the upper level of the complex, Shop 18b and open from 4pm to late seven days a week, this one-ofa-kind wine bar is the first of its kind in Jindabyne. Hannah has a wealth of experience working in hospitality, from five-star hotels, to managing ski lodges all over

Hannah and her partner, Stu made the permanent move to Jindabyne last year after doing back to back winter seasons and decided this was where they wanted to plant their roots. In October last year the couple then introduced their newest member of the family, Pinot the dog who became the inspiration of the name ‘Pinot’s Wine Bar’. Pinot’s name came from Hannah and Stu’s great memories of their time living in the French Alps. Hannah says the concept of opening the bar came after taking Pinot for a

What was only a thought later turned into a passion after realising her love of wine can be transformed into offering Jindabyne its first classy wine bar. “After months of searching for a perfect location, planning and executing our ideas, we are very excited to be introducing Pinot’s Wine Bar to Jindabyne.” Hannah has a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management and has had a dream of opening her own place with accommodation and hopefully down the track this will be something she can look into but for now she is excited to focus on wine, cheese, and jazz.. From all her travels she especially fell in love with mountain towns and has taken her ideas gathered from different parts of the world and combined them to

create her wine bar and this will reflect through her menu. “I have absorbed things from different cultures and tried to make it a really rounded experience,” Hannah said. “There is a heavy focus on Australian wines but when coming to Pinot’s Wine Bar be sure to expect amazing wines, amazing cheeses and great jazz tunes.” Her friendly and knowledgeable staff will match the different cheeses to the wine and can offset their knowledge to the customers while serving up their grazing boards. There will also be four beers on tap from local breweries including Jindabyne Brewing, Dalgety Brewing and a selection from a rotating tap. Come on in and try the delicious and quirky range of wines and craft beers after long day on the mountain, but most importantly stop in and say hello. . For more information on Pinot’s Wine Bar visit www.pinotswinebar.com.au or their Facebook pagefacebook.com/ pinotswinebar

New Podiatry Practice Located within Alpine Ultrasound, Lower level, Jindabyne Medical Practice, 5 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne

Coming Soon 42

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OPENING Monday, 5th July from 8.30am (appoinments are essential). After hours and Saturday mornings (by appointment only). Private health fund rebates. Hicaps & Medicare referrals for eligible clients. No referral necessary. Jindabyne Podiatry is a division of Lane Cove Podiatry | Podiatrist: Stephanie Vidler Email: feet@lanecovepodiatry.com.au | www.lanecovepodiatry.com.au BOOKINGS / ENQUIRIES: 0416 124 457 Free Drop-In to meet & questions: 4 - 5pm Monday 5th July 2021.

QANTAS

begins flights FROM COOMA Sydney to Cooma – return flights will operate three days per week starting 1 July until 26 September 2021. Brisbane to Cooma – return flights will operate two days per week starting 1 July until 26 September 2021. The Brisbane flights operate Fri/Sun and Sydney flights on Thurs/Fri/Sun. The flights from Sydney are timed to allow travellers to depart after work on a Thursday or Friday and return Sunday evening, which enables them to enjoy a long weekend of skiing without needing to drive. The flights from Brisbane will also offer Queenslanders the only direct airline connection to the snowfields this season. Both routes will be operated by QantasLink’s turboprop Q400 aircraft, which seat 74 passengers. Fares for flights between Sydney and Cooma are available from $179 one-way and flights from Brisbane to Cooma are available from $239 one-way at qantas. com or through Travel Agents. Qantas Frequent Flyers can book reward seats from Sydney to Cooma for 8,000 Qantas Points one-way and from Brisbane to Cooma for 12,000 Qantas Points one-way,

plus taxes, fees and carrier charges. Ski and snowboard equipment can be included as part of the checked baggage allowance. QantasLink CEO John Gissing said at the March announcement: “With international border closures meaning more Australians are planning their next holiday closer to home, we are creating more travel options where there is demand,” said Mr Gissing. “We’re expecting these flights will be popular with skiers and snowboarders who might not have been able to hit the slopes through COVID last season in Australia or overseas.” “Our new direct flights to Cooma will mean ski enthusiasts can spend less time on the road and more time on the mountain,” added Mr Gissing. “We’ll be working with the major ski resorts and transport operators to promote these new flights to millions of our frequent flyers around the country, with connections from our large domestic network through Sydney or Brisbane making a trip to the snowfields more accessible”, Mr Gissing said.

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JUNE 2021

SNOW AUSTRALIA INTERSCHOOLS EVENTS

The widely supported Interschools Snowsport Championships will make a return to full event operations at the Perisher and Thredbo Resorts in 2021.

“When last held in 2019, over 3,480 school students from 415 NSW/ACT/ QLD schools competed at the Regional and State Championships over 18 days of competition throughout July and August, and we are confident that we will see similar participation numbers this year from students eager to compete after a year of no events in 2020 due to Covid” said Snow Australia’s National Events Coordinator – Wendy Olsen. “The pathway into competitive snow sports in Australia begins with the grassroots Interschools Snowsports competition where Kindergarten to Year 12 athletes get their first experience of the thrill of racing or competing on the slopes,” Olsen added. Interschools events will commence with the SUBARU Northern NSW & QLD Championships at Perisher on June 28. The following week of the school holidays will see the SUBARU Sydney Championships being held at Thredbo. For the first time Interschools is offering schools in the South-West area of NSW a new opportunity to compete

in a combined South Australian and South-West NSW Championships at Falls Creek in Victoria. The final Regional Championships is the SUBARU Southern NSW & ACT Championships at Perisher at the end of July. At Regional Events, competitors can participate in Alpine & Snowboard GS, and Ski Cross & Snowboard Cross Events. Competitors in the Regional Championships will have the chance to qualify for the SUBARU NSW/ACT/ QLD State Interschools Snowsport Championships at Perisher in late August, where Moguls, Slopestyle and Cross-Country events are added to the competition schedule.

In an exciting 2021 initiative, Interschools intends to welcome back Year 12 students from 2020 to compete in a new ‘Year 13’ category. “ We appreciate that 2020 was a very difficult and challenging year for most and in particular our students completing Year 12 studies, who missed out on the opportunity to compete in Interschools Snowsport events during their final year of schooling”, said National Interschools Chairperson - Steve Cooper. “In an effort to put the fun back into our sport and to enable Y12 2020 students the opportunity to relive the dream, we will hold a ‘Year 13’ Interschools

year that the snow industry and community has ever faced, Snow Australia looks forward to continuing previous events for the Jindabyne community, including the return of the Jindabyne Snow Sale on the June long weekend.

To host great Snowsports Events, good snow depth is also required. Supplementing the NSW Resorts’ excellent snow-making capacity, Interschools Snowsports shares a unique partnership with the allusive Snowy Mountains snowman - Stefano Couvier’e. Stefano has indicated that “With no La Nina and very neutral Ocean conditions surrounding us, the wombats in Australia’s High Country have started to dig deeper to escape the coming winter with higher than average snowfalls predicted for 2021.”

With the change of ownership of Action Sports Training (AST) to Snow Australia in 2020, Snow Australia is continuing the tradition of running the long-standing community event - the Jindabyne Snow Sale, as a fundraiser toward the maintenance and upgrades for the AST facility. AST operates community acrobatic programs from the custom-built training facility inside the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.

Stefano added that, “The first small snow dump of 37cms will happen on Saturday 5th June, commencing at 3.45pm and will take 18 hours to fall, whilst the really big snow dump of 94cms will happen on Sunday 20th June, commencing at 6.45am and will take only 14 hours to fall. It will be a deep, heavy and fast snowfall !” Jindabyne snow sale returns in 2021 Whilst 2020 was the most challenging

SUBARU – Interschools Participation Time Trial – June 20 at Perisher SUBARU Northern NSW & QLD Interschools Snowsport Champs – June 28-July 2 at Perisher SUBARU Sydney Interschools Snowsport Champs – July 5-9 at Thredbo South Australia & South-West NSW Interschools Snowsport Champs – July 14-16 at Falls Creek SUBARU – Southern NSW & ACT Interschools Snowsport Champs – July 20-23 at Perisher SUBARU – NSW ACT QLD State Interschools Snowsport Champs – August 23-27 at Perisher Australian Interschools Snowsport Champs – September 8-12 at Mt Buller SUBARU – Interschools Participation Time Trial – September 18 at Thredbo

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“The Snow Sale will be held over the June long weekend at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall and is a great opportunity to buy and/or sell new and pre-loved snow sports equipment ahead of the season. A full range of new and preloved snow sport equipment will be available, perfect for skiers and snowboarders new to the sport and for families upgrading their gear. See you all there !” commented Snow Australia Administration Manager & Snow Sale Coordinator – Cathy Lambert.

interschools.com.au

Event Dates 2021

Competition aligned with our Division 1 (Year 11 & 12) State Events at Perisher in 2021 - be sure to check out our new website at www.interschools.com. au for further information on all of the Interschools Championships”, Cooper went on to say.

RAGLAN If you consider yourself a bit of an art enthusiast, be sure to pop into Cooma’s Raglan Gallery for their esteemed Raglan Art Awards Exhibition before it closes on June 20. Located on Cooma’s picturesque and historic Lambie Street, The Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Walk the history-soaked floorboards of the gallery and spoil yourself visually with a range of exhibits, from oil to acrylic and watercolour to mixed media.

art awards 2021

This year’s exhibition theme is the alltoo-familiar word “Pivot” in response to the last 12 months’ extraordinary circumstances.

Exhibition Coordinator Jenny Coles said that, ironically, exhibiting artists have somewhat steered away from exploring Covid in their work. “Each artist has responded to the theme quite differently,” Jenny said. “We’ve got a number of works exploring renewable energy, as well as a wooden animal sculpture, and a painting of one

GIVEaway NAME CONTACT NUMBER ADDRESS To enter, fill in the form and return it to The Monaro Post at 59 Vale Street, Cooma or post to PO BOX 1227, Cooma NSW 2630. Entries must be received by 17 September, 2021 with the competition drawn on 22 September, 2021. The winner will be drawn randomly. No photocopied entries accepted.

of the old bridges in the region.”

Another great feature of the exhibition is a mosaic torso, exploring a woman’s body following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Another reason to visit The Raglan is to admire its history. “The building, built in 1854, is a great example of early architecture on the Monaro,” Jenny said. “There’s also the modern and oldfashioned gardens to explore, including sculptures by local artist, Jesse Graham.”

If you’ve got a spare spot on your wall at home, you might even fall in love with one of the many exhibits, which are all for sale. There is also a shop with a variety of ceramics, cards and jewellery available for purchase.

When you next visit the Snowy Mountains, take a turn off Sharp Street, and onto the historic Lambie Street, at the south end of Cooma, and treat yourself to an historic and artistically delightful visit to The Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre.

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JUNE 2021

BERRIDALE HEART OF THE SNOWIES

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Their portfolio of wines range from their winemaking base in the Clare Valley to Adelaide Hills, Wrattonbully and, from recent vintages, the high altitude region of Tumbarumba in the Snowy Mountains. Pop in for a relaxed tasting or enjoy premium wine by the glass with a DIY selection from their Providore Store.

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Berridale sits in the heart of the Snowy Monaro, centrally located in the middle of three gateways, south to the snowfields, north to Canberra and east to the coast. A unique landscape of granite boulders scattered across the rolling Monaro plains, the ever changing colours of towering poplars line the streets of a charming and picturesque village that has everything... Whether you are on your way to the alpine snowfields or taking a scenic drive through to the coast, experience a warm township with plenty of atmosphere and heart.

Berridale is sometimes known as the ‘Crossroads of the Snowy’.

the finest stands of yellowing poplars anywhere in the Snowy Mountains.

In the 1850s when miners and prospectors were making their way to the goldfields at Adaminaby and Kiandra from the port at Twofold Bay (Eden as it is called today) they had to pass through the tiny village and hence the name.

It has been modified in recent years, as age has taken its toll on some of the trees, but new plantings have taken place.

Berridale is a small service town which lies on the main road between Cooma and the snowfields of Thredbo and Perisher Valley. It is 860 metres above sea level . Berridale lies between Cooma (33km away) and Jindabyne (24km away) and is 432 km south-west of Sydney. William Oliver, who settled the area in the early 1860s and the Berridale Inn in 1863, named the town after his home in Scotland. The Poplar Drive The main attraction of the town is the genuinely impressive poplar drive which, in autumn, has one of

of the nineteenth century. Of particular interest is the gabled roof and the unusual curved corrugated iron roof. They are actually two separate buildings which have been joined together.

It is a reminder that the early settlers loved the trees of England and Scotland. A in Lions Park records that in 2007: “Snowy River Shire Council commemorates local children who in the 1930s planted poplar trees lining Berridale’s main thoroughfare. Under the tutelage of Mr G J Colditz, Berridale Public School students and other local children cultivated, planted and nurtured many of the established trees you will see in this area.” It lists a total of 67 children. Berridale Public School Located in Oliver Street, the old schoolhouse dates from 1883 and is listed by the National Trust. Although the buildings have had extensions it is still possible to see the essence of a small country school at the end

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Aitchison Cottage Very much a work in progress, Aitchison Cottage is being restored and, when it is completed, it will lay reasonable claim to being a building which started its life in the 1830s when a blacksmith first arrived in the settlement of Berridale. It was originally a slab hut but over the years it evolved into a comfortable small house which was occupied by the Aitchison family until the death of Mary Aitchison in 1954. From 1954 to 1983 the cottage was used as a boarding house. It was then sold to the Snowy River Shire Council. At the moment it is being restored by the volunteer work of the Aitchison Cottage Steering Committee. It is located behind the Lions Park with access from Jindabyne Road.

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FOUR CAR CHECKS

With isolation restrictions continuing to ease across the country, many of us are looking for opportunities to safely head back on the road for longer drives. Before setting off, however, it’s wise to spend some extra time making these pre-drive checks at your service station. Washer bottle and windscreen Clear, unimpeded vision is a crucial part of safe driving. If your windscreen is streaked with mud, dried leaves, bugs, road grime and other gunk you might miss seeing something dangerous, so use the squeegee and bucket provided to give it a good clean-up. Also check and, if necessary, refill your windscreen-washer bottle. Tyres Incorrectly inflated tyres are detrimental to your car’s fuel economy, comfort and safety, so head over to the tyre inflator/pump to check and reset pressures while looking for cuts, debris or other issues. Don’t know what pressure your tyres need to be? Look for the manufacturer’s recommendations somewhere around the driver’sdoor area or in the handbook. And don’t forget to include the spare in your checks – you might end up needing it! Oil and coolant Pop the bonnet and check your oil and coolant levels. Identifying an issue with either crucial system in the safety of a servo parking area, where you might be able to source products that could aid or even fix the issue, is infinitely preferable to finding out in a cloud of steam or smoke by the side of the road. Luggage, racks and trailers Your fuel tank is full, your tyres tip-top, your windscreen clean, washer bottle full and your oil and coolant look good. But before you jump in the driver’s seat, check any luggage is packed securely. If you’ve got a roof-box or bike rack, or you’re towing, a quick check of the attachments and other vital securing devices should be added to the list.

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THE SNOWPOST

A WINDOW INTO LOCAL HISTORY As the access and availability of genealogy records continues to improve, there has been an increase in families heading to the Snowy Monaro to find out more about their ancestors.

Cotter is a well known name across the Canberra region with the Cotter River and Cotter Dam in the Australian Capital Territory named after him. A convict, Cotter was born in County Cork in 1802.

During this venture to learn more about their ancestors and the interesting stories of relatives past, more families than ever before are taking an interest in visiting the region’s cemeteries.

Noelene Whiting, of Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s Environmental Management team, oversees the management of the council run cemeteries. Ms Whiting has noticed a rise in the number of people visiting cemeteries across the Snowy Monaro.

The Michelago Cemetery offers a window in the history of district when the earliest European settlers arrived. From bushrangers roaming the mountain ranges to one of Australia’s leading political and military figures, the cemetery is one of the most popular in the region for visitors. Buried in the Michelago Cemetery is Sir Granville De Launne Ryrie. Born in Michelago in 1865, Ryrie enjoyed a distinguished political and military career. Ryrie served in the Second Boer War and World War One. In September 1919, Ryrie was promoted to commander of the Australia Imperial Force in Egypt. Buried in the Michelago Cemetery in 1886, Garrett

“Cemetery trails are becoming increasingly popular as people have better access to family records when researching their ancestors,” Ms Whiting said. “Our cemeteries provide a history of the towns and localities in the region. There’s a lot of interesting information at each cemetery.” Council has made significant improvements to most cemeteries in the Snowy Monaro with driveways upgraded, paths repaired and signage installed to provide more detailed information about each site. “In the last few years, significant upgrades have

occurred to ensure each cemetery is accessible and well maintained,” Ms Whiting said. “Signage has been erected to provide visitors with the history of the cemetery and of the people buried there. In Cooma, the Christ Church Cemetery was the earliest official cemetery on the Monaro. It is the resting place for many of the district’s early European settlers and ancestors of local families. Buried at Christ Church Cemetery is John Lambie, the public official of the district and first magistrate to adjudicate in Cooma. People seeking assistance to find the burial locations for their ancestors are able to contact Ms Whiting on 1300 345 345. “I can help people find where their relatives have been laid to rest. We have extensive burial records as do many of the local historical societies,” Ms Whiting said. A list of the region’s cemeteries is available on council’s website, alongside directions and historical information.

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JUNE 2021

GOOD SPORTS SNOWY MONARO OFFERS ACE SPORTING PURSUITS Away from the slopes, visitors to the Snowy Monaro can enjoy an extensive range of sporting options.

bowls all year round and a helpful club member will get you started with a set of bowls and a quick tutorial if needed.

Amongst the many sporting pursuits on offer, the region boasts excellent facilities for the budding tennis player and well-maintained bowling greens for those seeking a social game of lawn bowls. What better way to warm up this winter than getting the blood flowing through a sporting or recreational pursuit.

Social bowls is arguably some of the cheapest fun on offer with a game only $5 for non-members. Call the club on 6452 1229 to make a booking.

In Cooma, the largest town in the Snowy Monaro, there are many sporting organisations awaiting a visit from you and your family.

If tennis is your go, Cooma boasts two tennis clubs. Each club offers six courts and courts are available for hire any day of the week. Social players are more than welcome to play at the Royal Tennis Club at the Cooma Showground or the Snowy Tennis Club near Snowy Oval. For only $10 per hour you can send down as many aces as you like.

The Cooma Bowling Club is a small, family friendly club where visitors are always welcome. The club offers social

Hiring a court at the Royal club is possible through contacting 0401 860 840 or to hire a Snowy court,

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contact 6452 3516. In platypus country, the Bombala Tennis Club is an inviting setting for anyone interested in a game of tennis. The club has four courts and bookings can be made through Gilly Gough on 0438 245 434. A key is always available at Club Bombala in Maybe Street. Bombala is a renowned location for lawn bowls and Club Bombala welcomes all visitors for a game of

social bowls. You can enjoy a drink and meal from the Porterhourse Bistro, while taking in a game of bowls with family and friends. In beautiful Delegate, the tennis courts are available for daytime hire for $10 or at night for a slightly higher fee. Nets and tennis balls are provided, so all you need is your trusty racquet and away you go. To book a court, call Ian Sellers on 0428 984 485.

Berridale Tennis Club is a family friendly place with visitors encouraged to enjoy the fresh mountain air and partake in a game of tennis.The club has four courts nestled away off Myack Street and court hire is possible by contacting club president Robyn Reid on 0427 310 534. Overlooking the stunning Lake Jindabyne, the Jindabyne Bowling and Sports Club is home to tennis, squash and bowls. For all sports, please call the

club on 02 6456 2133 to make a booking to ensure there is no competition games scheduled. Bookings accepted but not required. No matter where in the Snowy Monaro you travel, there is a sporting and recreational pursuit just around the corner. The region prides itself of offering quality sporting facilities for all the family to enjoy.

JUNE 2021

GUARANTEED ACE TIME AT COOMA GOLF COURSE

From the snow-capped mountains to the undulating Monaro plains, the Cooma Golf Course is the perfect setting to combine recreation and relaxation, while taking in some of the region’s most scenic vistas. Located only five kilometres from Cooma, just off the Snowy Mountains Highway, the 18-hole course is one of the finest in regional NSW. With bent greens and excellent fairways, the course caters for the experienced golfer and those who only dust off the clubs a few times each year. Whether there is snow on the ground, or it is a warm summer’s day, the course is playable all year round.

Cooma Golf Club’s volunteer promotions officer, Donna Smith, said visitors are always welcomed with all ages and abilities catered for. “We love receiving visitors at the golf club. You can enjoy the amazing views while playing nine or 18 holes of golf with friends and family,” Donna said. “The course is in excellent condition thanks to the hard work of the club’s committee and greenkeeper. Golfers will enjoy the mix of par 3 holes, reachable par 4s and challenging par 5s. “The club is run by a very dedicated volunteer board. Our paid green keeper does an excellent job keeping the course in great shape considering the

tough climate of the Monaro. The club is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Outside of competition play on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, visitors are normally able to secure a tee off time to their choosing. Not only are visitors treated to stunning views and first-class golf, a round only costs $20. Whether it’s nine or 18 holes, $20 will have you on the course. Carts and buggys are available by contacting the club ahead of your arrival. In the last few years, Ms Smith said the club has focussed on boosting its junior and female numbers. ‘We have a great junior program on

weekends. A pro from Canberra comes down regularly to hold workshops and run lessons,” Ms Smith said. “Women are always encouraged to come and play. There’s an excellent ladies’ competition held at the club you can join. For regular visitors to the region, Ms Smith believes a Cooma Golf Club membership is a must. “Our golf course offers excellent value for money. We have affordable membership fees, green fees and equipment hire,” Ms Smith said. Further information can be found at the club’s website or Facebook page, just search for Cooma Golf Club.

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Mens & ladies casual & outdoor clothing, footwear & hiking wear, luggage, bags & backpacks, drinkwear, torches, knives & more. LEATHERMAN

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HIGH COUNTRY OUTFITTERS SNOWY MOUNTAINS • AUSTRALIA

PROTEST

Shop 8 Nugget’s Crossing, Jindabyne 6456 2989

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VISIT US NOW

HIGHCOUNTRYOUTFITTERS.COM.AU

F WWW .DESIGNDETAIL.COM.AU

TOWN CENTRE, JINDABYNE

@DESIGNDETAIL JUNE 2021

FASHION

FIND YOUR WINTER OUTFIT AT BIRDSNEST

perfect

Winter has well and truly arrived in Cooma and birdsnest is ready! Whether you’re here for a mountain holiday or simply need an extra stylish layer to defend against the Snowy Mountains weather - the birdsnest girls are so excited to see you in our Cooma store. Birdsnest is brimming with toasty new arrivals, available in size 8-22, that will have you looking forward to those chilly winter days! The birdsnest girls are so excited to help you find your perfect outfit."

THE SNOWPOST

boho bird Soft Cloud Roll Neck Jumper $119.95 (8-22) boho bird Dusty Footprints Skirt $129.95 (8-22)

bird keepers The Keepers Puffer Jacket $139.95 (8-22) bird keepers The Fancy Knit Roll Neck Jumper $99.95 (S-XXL) bird keepers The Distressed Boyfriend Jean $109.95 (8-22)

KEEPING COSY

FASHION

Are you looking to bolster yourself against the Snowy Mountains cold with fashionable and authentic winter clothing? Then, look no further than Bush Basics in Cooma, a one-stop-shop for quality country clothing and accessories for men and women. Conveniently located on the main street of Cooma, Bush Basics stock a variety of winter wares from the sort of reliable brands and manufacturers that have been keeping people warm in the Snowy Mountains for Generations. These range from more chic Knitwear products from makers such as New Zealand manufacturer Lothlorian, to more heavy-duty wares from brands such as Wrangler and Thomas Cook. For any visiting fashionistas, Bush Basics is worth checking out for their selection of Lothlorian knitwear alone. Lothlorian has grown from its humble beginnings in an implement shed on the company founders farm to one of New Zealand’s leading producers of luxury knitwear. Their products use 100 percent merino lambswool and 100 percent alpaca fleece. They also specialise on a merino lambswool and possum fur blend, the latest natural fibre to be developed in the world. While native to Australia, possums are invasive to New Zealand and their use in manufacturing helps support an environmental initiative. For the blokes, Bush Basics has a wide selection of winter wares from renowned makers such as Thomas Cook, a 100 percent Australian owned and operated company that has been making quality footwear and clothing since 1924. Thomas Cooke began as a boot maker in Melbourne and his products have become synonymous with the Australian outback. Featuring The Man From Snowy River as the company’s logo, their wares are made to stand up to the rugged Snowy Mountains elements and Bush Basics stock a range of Thomas Cooke jackets, vests and jumpers, all made from the finest materials. When it comes to winter clothing, the use of high-quality materials from reputable brands manufacturers is invaluable and few places can boast such a wide variety of fashionable quality wares as Bush Basics. So, on your way up to the mountains, stop by their shop at 133 Sharp Street in Cooma and protect yourself against the cold the way the locals do.

ARIAT - WRANGLER - PURE WESTERN - THOMAS COOK FASHIONS FOR LADIES, MEN & CHILDREN - COUNTRYWEAR FOR ALL AGES

RE E T N I W N STOR

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133 SHARP STREET, COOMA | PH: 6452 2668 JUNE 2021

FASHION

JINDABYNE e. a. Ena Pelly Faux Fur Jacket $315 | b. Foil Check Knit $115 c. Ena Pelly Leather Aviator $735 | d. Foil Light Knit $145 e. POL Cotton Knit $210 | f. POL Transfer Knit $230

THE SNOWPOST

apres-she.com.au

SNOWGUM DIEBACK RESEARCH STARTS

Environment Minister Matt Kean recently announced the nearly $1.2 million in research grants for eucalypt dieback, one of the state’s most damaging ecological issues. “If you’ve noticed pale-grey tree skeletons in the landscape – such as those along Kosciuszko Road on the Monaro Plain between Cooma and Jindabyne – that’s dieback,” Mr Kean said.

“These sick and skeletal trees are increasingly emerging across our state’s landscape, and we don’t know exactly why. Dieback has killed millions of trees over a relatively short timeframe, damaging ecosystems and decreasing biodiversity. It’s occurred across New South Wales, from near Bourke to the New England Tablelands, North Coast,

Sydney’s hinterland and down to the Snowy Mountains.”

By engaging some of the country’s best scientific minds, Mr Kean said he is hoping ways will be found to remedy the current dieback areas and prevent future outbreaks. The six grantees in collaborations, led by universities and the CSIRO, have each been awarded up to $200,000 in funding. Drought, insects, soil microbes and climate change are all thought to contribute to dieback, but without further research, it’s difficult to address. Dieback occurs when eucalypt trees lose leaves and die. It can happen to trees on their own, in groups, or in natural bushland. First noticed in small

Leading Snowgum dieback research in Kosciuszko National Park is senior lecturer Dr Matthew Brookhouse at the Australian National University, Fenner School of Environment and Society. Dr Brookhouse is pictured undertaking tree coring work to build an understanding of tree stress over time in Snowgums.

patches in the 1940s, dieback has increased significantly since around 2006.

A total of $1,197,911 million in grants was awarded to research collaborations at the Australian National University, the CSIRO, University of New England, Macquarie University and Western Sydney University. The Australian National University was awarded $200,00, and will look at environmental drivers, landscape determinants and control of Snowgum dieback in the alpine region. Leading Snowgum dieback research in Kosciuszko National Park is research is senior lecturer Dr Matthew Brookhouse at the ANU, Fenner School of Environment and Society.

Following reports of isolated tree deaths throughout Kosciuszko National Park in 2008, sub-alpine forests in the Australian Alps are now in widespread decline. The dieback is widespread throughout the alpine region and extends through to the Victorian alps and has been observed at Mount Buller and Mount Franklin, and all of the Brindabella Range above 1600m. This phenomenon, known as Snowgum dieback, is associated with infestation by native longicorn beetle larvae that mine the outer bark and below the bark of the trees (the xylem and inner phloem), disrupting the function of the trees and ability to take up water and sugars (hydraulic function and carbohydrate flow). Continued on page 62...

Thousands of dead trees showing widespread death of the iconic Snowgums in the alpine region above 1600m.

support local

JUNE 2021

DISCOVERY HOLIDAY PARK EXPANDS OFFERING MORE ACCOMMODATION THIS WINTER SEASON

Discovery Holidays Parks, Jindabyne is receiving a facelift as the park introduces 12 brand new mountain style cabins to their premises. General Manager of the Jindabyne site, Stuart Ryan is excited to be offering the use of these new cabins ready for the winter season opening on the long weekend in June. Twelve new four sleep superior cabins with fireplaces are being installed ahead of the winter season housing an extra 48 people in the park per night, equalling more than 4,000 people per night over the entire winter season. Each cabin will feature a master bedroom, single room with bunks, open living area, gas powered fireplace, bathroom facility and the overall creature comforts you need for winter getaway. These uniquely designed cabins are made by Yarrawonga Manufactured Housing in Mulwala NSW and offer a mountain feel situated only metres from the shoreline of Lake Jindabyne. Stuart said Discovery Holiday Parks have installed the cabins pre-winter looking to ease the shortage of accommodation in Jindabyne as well as turning the park into a more tourist focused park. “Previously the park was a mix of tourism and annual

sites meaning we had no real control of the appearance of the sites and who was entering the park,” Stuart said. “By switching our sites to purely tourism we are now able to have full control of the park which also makes it safer and we can provide that real holiday feel.” Discovery Holiday Parks all across Australia have their own design and landscape focused cabins and are now taking full advantage of the boom in domestic tourism by upgrading their parks to best suit their locations. Using local tradesman Stuart and the management office decided to close the park for three weeks while completing upgrades and he was excited to reopen to the public. “Discovery Holiday Parks are putting in a lot of work to make this part of town a lot nicer, they wish they could do more to combat the free camping issue that Jindabyne is experiencing however this is our first step at providing what’s best for the community”, Stuart said. He said it was exciting to see what’s happening at the park and was excited about spending money in Jindabyne. He is looking at expanding the footprint the park has already and this is the first big step with many more to come.

WINTER HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 8.00pm

Saturday Sunday

8.00am - 8.00pm 8.00am - 8.00pm

Open 365 Days a Year

MedAdvisor's Phone App's home screen provides an automatic list of all your prescription medications, updated whenever you ﬁll scripts. The home screen provides basic information including the active ingredient and brand name of the medication, total repeats you have remaining, and the expected days’ supply remaining. Order prescriptions with a tap so they’re ready to collect at the pharmacy – no waiting!

All Prescriptions, eScripts and Compounding welcome WWW. JINDABYNEPHARMACY.COM.AU MOBILE/SMS/WHATSAPP : 0426 829 530

THE SNOWPOST

JINDABYNE PHARMACY PH 6456 2977 SHOP 21 SNOWY RIVER AVENUE, JINDABYNE

WINTER BITES FESTIVAL Following the success of the Winter Bites Festival in Tumbarumba in early June, our neighbours in the Snowy Valleys will be back with round two, this time in Adelong. Taking place at Adelong Showgrounds from 12-6pm on Saturday July 17, the festival will celebrate the region’s delicious local produce and beverages with a fantastic music line-up. Headlining the event is Australian country music legend, Kasey Chambers, whose beautiful voice will fill the winter air of this heritage gateway nestled on the banks of Adelong Creek. Much-loved favourites from albums like “The Captain” and “Barricades and Brickwalls” will be on the set list, as well as newer material too.

back for more Supporting her is Tamworth-born musician, Charlie Collins, whose album “Snowpine” was nominated for Best Country Album at the 2019 ARIA awards and won the Best Independent Country Album award at last year’s AIR Awards. The third and final stop on the Winter Bites Festival event trail is the Batlow Showgrounds on Saturday August 28 from 12-6pm. Set amongst lush green pastures, panoramic vistas of orchards and grazing country, this stunning township will celebrate its renowned apples, as well as their chestnuts, hazelnuts, truffles, waratahs and more. Adding to the festivities, more than 30 local businesses, community groups and producers across the three towns

will take turns hosting fringe events, food and wine tastings, workshops, farm tours and cooking demonstrations. After a tumultuous eighteen months following the catastrophic 2019/2020 fire season which tore through 45 percent of the Snowy Valleys LGA and the quick succession of COVID-19 border restrictions, Snowy Valleys’ Executive Director of Community & Corporate, Paul Holton, hopes the event will play a large role in the region’s ongoing recovery efforts, by injecting more than $700K into the local economy. “In what has been a devastating year for regional tourism due to bushfires and COVID-19 restrictions, Winter Bites is a way to reboot our local food, hospitality

and tourism sector,” Mr Holton said. “We know our produce is regarded as some of the best in the state and now we will have the opportunity to come together and celebrate what we do best.” The Winter Bites Festival is being supported by Destination Riverina Murray and funding through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery (RTBR) Grants. The events are ticketed so make sure you grab yours, bring along your best beanie and get set for some delicious food and beverages and an incredible winter afternoon. For further details and to book tickets, visit www.winterbites. com.au

APOLLO BLINDS

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

Are now supplying beautiful Blinds, Awnings, Shutters and Curtains from Jindabyne to the South Coast. Contact local residents Andrew & Karla for a free measure and quote!

CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE National number: 132 899 Local number: 0492 473 621 Email: snowymountains@apolloblinds.com.au

BLINDS SNOWY MOUNTAINS

apolloblinds.com.au JUNE 2021

Visit Eat

Jindabyne

PEAK PERFORMANCE

NIMMITABEL BAKERY

JINDABYNE BREWING

JINDABYNE SEAFOOD

If it is healthy but delicious dishes you’re looking for in Jindabyne then you can’t go past Peak Performance Nutrition Café in the Town Centre, Jindabyne. Offering awesome coffee, breakfast all day, grab & go snacks along with the option to build your own poke bowl, Peak Performance Nutrition Cafe is your one stop shop for all things health and wellbeing.

Stop in at Nimmitabel Bakery for your coffee recharge and breakfast and lunch needs. Offering the best pies on the mountain Nimmitabel Bakery is conveniently located in the centre of Jindabyne. With every bakery treat, hot savoury pies and sausage rolls that you could think of Nimmitabel Bakery will have a tasty lasting effect causing you to come back for more.

Dishing out a variety of easy to eat meals and locally brewed beers, Jindabyne Brewing offers an atmosphere unlike any other in town, including a wide variety of beers on tap with hearty meal options of pork schnitzels, lamb skewers and more. You’re sure to leave feeling satisfied. No bookings taken, served on a first in best dressed basis.

Jindabyne’s only genuine fish and chips shop. Open seven days a week from 11.30am. Offering a wide variety of delicious lunch or dinner options for you to share with family or friends. Choose from the tasty seafood options or a mouth-watering hamburger, either way you will love the flavour and quality of the food.

Shop 18b Town Centre, Jindabyne Phone: 0455 994 448

Shop 3 Nuggets Crossing, Jindabyne Phone: 02 6457 2631

5 Nettin Circuit, Jindabyne

THE AUSTRIAN

ANGIE’S ITALIAN

THAI E SAAN

Offering traditional Austrian and German hearty meals, including their popular pork knuckle, The Austrian in Jindabyne is serving a cuisine unlike any other in town. Newly located in Jindabyne’s Town Centre The Austrian will transport you across the world with dishes cooked to perfection featuring Austrian and German classics such as Rinde Gulasch, Schnitzels and more.

Angie’s Italian Kitchen is all about traditional authentic Italian cuisine served fresh every day. With an extensive menu to choose from Angie’s Italian has been serving to the community for last 39 years offering pizza, pasta, desserts and more. Angies offers takeaways as well as dining in. The restaurant has a magnificent view and a cocktail menu to match.

Open for lunch and dinner Thai E Saan offers the tastiest traditional Thai food including soups, curries, stir fries and more. Conveniently located across from Nuggets Crossing in Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne Thai E Saan is well known for mouth-watering Laksa and friendly customer service. Open for take away, pop in store today to place your order.

1A/31 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne Phone: (02) 6456 2523

Shop 1/2 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne Phone: (02) 6457 1772

More importantly, please order online www.jindyseafood.com.au Shop 4/1 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne Phone: (02) 6456 2182

Jindabyne

Level 1 , Shop 14 Town Centre, 33 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne Phone: 0476 227 154

Thai E Saan

WAFFLO WAFFLO are back. You’ll find them up at Thredbo on the opening weekend, then back in Jindabyne town centre serving up freshly made yummy waffles and hot chocolates. Offering a range of savoury and sweet waffles it’s your one stop choice for deliciousness. Including cheesy breakfast waffles or hot fudge Nutella waffles they’re sure to hit the spot on a cold winters day. 4 Gippsland Street, Jindabyne NSW 2627 (opposite Birchwood café) Phone: 0405 495 667

@ThaiESaan1

TAKEAWAY THAI/ASIAN FOOD

WE WILL BE RE-OPEN ON WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE 2021 Vegetarian | Continental Cuisine Homemade | No MSG | Gluten Free $13 Lunch Special Open 7 Days Lunch: 11:30am - 3pm Dinner: 4:30pm - 9pm

SHOP 1/2 SNOWY RIVER AVE, JINDABYNE

THE SNOWPOST

64571772

Coffee, Breads & Treats All day Breakfast Toasted wraps Shake & Smoothie Bar Fresh Take Home Dinners Supplements Meal prep - All daily meals & snacks included |

0431411905

SHOP 18B TOWN CENTRE, JINDABYNE

@peakperformancenutritionfitness

at Drink Cooma

COOMA HOTEL

PD MURPHY’S CAFE

THE LOTT CAFE

PLANET OF THE SHAKES

Local pub. Awesome atmosphere. Great food. Lunch and dinner. Family friendly. Open 7 days.

A local institution, PD Murphy’s has been providing quality service to the region for more than a century.

Three things we are passionate about; Coffee, Food, & People.

Open 7 days-a-week, with an out-ofthis-world café style hot & cold menu, incredible ‘Crazy Shakes’ and a range that includes vegetarian, vegan & Gluten-free options plus, coffee, cakes and sundaes. Awesome food, all the time!

info@coomahotel.com.au

79 Massie St, Cooma Phone: (02) 6452 2003

Open 7-days a week, it’s the perfect place to drop in for breakfast or lunch, offering quality food, delicious Gusto coffee and more. Truly an authentic taste of the Snowy Mountains. 155 Sharp St, Cooma Phone: (02) 6452 6979

Come and enjoy brekky or lunch by the fire, 7-days a week. If you are passing through you can order ahead on our app, search “The Lott Cafe” in either app store. www.thelottcafe.com.au 177-179 Sharp St, Cooma Phone: (02) 6452 1414

Say ‘Hi’ to Dot and Sean at PLANET OF THE SHAKES. Corner Sharp & Bombala St, Cooma Phone: 0435 988 414

Dalgety

Bombala

DALGETY BREWING CO

CLUB BOMBALA/PORTERHOUSE

KITCHEN EIGHTYATE

NIMMITABEL BAKERY

Dalgety Brewing Co is home to one of the Snowy Mountains tastiest beers and delicious food. Located along Werralong Road in Dalgety the Dalgety Brewing Co offers crisp cold beers overlooking rolling hills. Open Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 6pm, and offering burgers every Saturday night from 6pm, or come enjoy a shared platter and tacos.

Serving up classic Australian bistro fare alongside exciting modern cuisine, Porterhouse Bistro is an integral part of Club Bombala.

Inspired by fresh quality ingredients, and focused on bringing nourishing “feel good” food to the table, Kitchen EightyAte is a wholesome cafe situated in the heart of Bombala.

255 Werralong Road, Dalgety Phone: 1300 766 608

156 Maybe Street, Bombala Phone: (02) 6458 3017

While it is best to check opening hours through social media during these changing times, Porterhouse Bistro is still offering great prices for fantastic food well worth seeking out.

Nimmitabel

And as the regulars can tell you, the beautiful locally roasted Wild Ryes coffee is a must for the coffee lovers!

118 Maybe Street, Bombala Phone: 0484 772 144

40 Bombala Street, Nimmitabel Phone: (02) 6454 6436

COOMA

CHINA TOWN

RESTAURANT

Lunch special menu | Take away Fully Licensed | Open 7 Days

DELICIOUS CRAFT BEERS FROM THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

76 Sharp Street Cooma | 6452 1688 @jindabynebrewing

5 NETTIN CIRCUIT, JINDABYNE JUNE 2021

Damage from the Longicorn beetle boring into the Snowgums. The beetles cause deep incisions and cut off the flow of carbohydrates and water transported in the xylem and phloem of the tree, and starving the tree leading to its death.

SNOWGUM DIEBACK RESEARCH

FROM PAGE 57

Dr Brookhouse said dieback of the iconic and beautiful Snowgum forests is diminishing the ecological, hydrological and cultural values of the Australian Alps. “There are three components to the research; mapping and remote sensing analysis, tree ring dating to confirm where dieback has occurred, the timing, location and reconstructing the trees’ response to drought. And the third element is the insects and whether their survival is due to bark moisture content,” Dr Brookhouse said.

Longicorn beetle borer damage to a Snowgum.

Dr Brookhouse is also interested in finding out when the beetles are active and what attracts them to particular trees.

“We can look at whether the insects are sensitive to the chemistry of the tree and possibly look at a pheromone bait or predatory insects.” He said the insects appear to start high in the tree crown and move downwards. “The tree attempts to recover and sends out epicormic growth. Insects continue to move down and follow the growth and the tree are left to respond again and again. The insects progressively

starve the tree,” Dr Brookhouse said.

Using a multi-disciplinary approach including dendrochronology, remote sensing, soil science and entomology ANU will deliver sophisticated insights to the causes and patterns of snow gum dieback in the Australian Alps and address uncertainties surrounding its current extent and likely future spread. Knowledge gained through the project will offer pathways to plan for and respond to dieback by identifying opportunities to slow its spread, and assist efforts aimed at protecting and restoring affected stands to protect an

Treat yourself with and

irreplaceable part of Australia’s natural heritage.

Other researchers, working with Dr Brookhouse include Professor Adrienne Nicotra (RSB), Distinguished Professor Graham Farquhar, Professor Saul Cunningham, Professor Patrick Meir, Ms Jessica Ward-Jones and Dr Marta Yebra. Dr Brookhouse acknowledged the support and involvement of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, Department of Primary Industries and Environment and Thredbo Alpine and Perisher Ski Resorts.

delicious

handmade

Smoked Trout

Smoked Trout Pate

Local, Friendly & Affordable

Shop 1, Snowline Center, 6532 Kosciuszko Rd. Jindabyne NSW Drop us a line: 02 6456 1551 Or Visit www.lakesidelures.com.au

THE SNOWPOST

Murder

ON THE MONARO?

The ‘Host a Murder’ team is coming to Club Bombala on June 19 to facilitate a Host a Murder night for individuals, couples or small groups of people. Peter Eedy, the founder and director of Host a Murder - the longest running murder mystery company in the world - will be coming to Club Bombala to facilitate the ‘Watersdown Affair’. Find out who amongst your fellow diners killed Sir Roger Watersdown and tried to forge his will. Each participant will be given a character on arrival, and any of you could be the culprit! The game is set in a mansion in the English countryside, and participants will be invited to come dressed in Great Gatsby style. The winners from the night will be invited to a big play-off at the end of the year, with an amazing week-long Fiji holiday up for grabs for you and five of your friends if you are the overall victor!

Host a Murder is coming to Bombala on June 19, with participants invited to dress in Great Gatsby style for the ‘Watersdown Affair’ murder mystery night. (Image: Amged Edwards).

“This is a great opportunity for the people of the region to get together to have a hilarious night of fun and mystery to shake off the pandemic affects,” Mr Eedy said. “Host a Murder is suitable to celebrate a hen’s night, birthday celebrations, team building, night-out for your social club or just come as an individual, small group or couple.” The evenings are suitable for ages 13 to 70, with families welcome - if you can read you can play! It can even be tax deductible if you choose to make it a business exercise, while others have utilised the murder mystery events to fundraise for charity. Host a Murder will be at Club Bombala on June 19 at 6pm, and with limited numbers able to take part, be sure book through the Club on 6458 3017 to avoid disappointment!

BOMBALA SERVO CATLEX POLO FLAT MOBIL BERRIDALE Weekdays 7am - 8pm Weekends & public holidays 8am- 8pm

OPEN 7 DAYS Sun - Fri 6.30am - 11pm | Sat 6.30am - 9pm

77 MAYBE ST BOMBALA | 02 6458 3294

POLO FLAT RO COOMA | 02 6452 4935

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 6am - 8pm Sat - Sun 6am - 9pm

KOSCIUSZKO RD BERIDALE | 02 6456 3212

JUNE 2021

WILDLIFE The local wildlife group in the Snowy Mountains has received a large grant to help orphaned wombats in the region.

Affordable accommodation • Open all year • Owners on site Air conditioned Motel rooms with fridge, TV, Ensuite. Lodge Style Accommodation • Motorcycle Friendly

(02) 6456 2897 | 10 Clyde St, Jindabyne | kookaburraskilodge.net.au E: kookalodge@bigpond.com

NE RHYT XT DOOR HM S NOW TO SPOR TS

LAOKO president, Lisa Petroff (Looking After Our Kosciuszko Orphans / Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue) said the group recently received a large grant of $20,847 to build an enclosure for wombats which will increase the group’s capacity to release orphaned hand-raised wombats.

cml@snowy.net.au | coomamotorlodge.com.au

“The grant was awarded by the Wildlife Heroes Project supported by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. It has been used to build a wombat enclosure on one of our wombat carers’ property near Jindabyne,” Ms Petroff said.

Claire and Eric are caring for five wombats. They take their wombats for daily walks on their property to get them familiar with their future home, prior to release.

Hand-raised wombats are placed in outside enclosures when they weigh about seven kilograms, and are released back into the bush after about 12 months when they reach approximately 20kg. The enclosure is 100 square metres, with artificial burrows, and is escape and predator-proof. It has one metre concrete footings, preventing the wombats digging out or wild wombats digging in. The corrugated iron fencing is one metre high. There is an adjoining shed with a concrete floor, for supplementary feeding.

On the banks of the Snowy River

Quiet country location Central location for all attractions and activities

The enclosure is designed so that the wombats can leave the enclosure and return of their own accord, when they start exhibiting independent behaviour, a sign they are ready to return to the bush.

Large grassy caravan and camping sites 10 Self-contained cabins Pet friendly 365 days of the year The only 4 star Holiday Park in the region 2019 Winner of Holiday Park Excellence Award Disability bathroom in amenities WiFi • Camp kitchen and undercover BBQ area Ph: 6456 5000 | 1 Hamilton St, Dalgety NSW 2628 contact@snowyriverholidaypark.com.au www.snowyriverholidaypark.com.au

LAOKO members Claire Charters and Eric Chabot are delighted to be the recipients of the funding for improved

Their property is an ideal release site with 122 acres of bushland located near Jindabyne, is a safe distance from the main road, the Snowy River Way, Sugarloaf Creek runs through it, is surrounded by a reserve, Crown Land and the Snowy River is only two kilometres away. “The grant means we can give more wombats a safe forever home,” Ms Charters said.

“We really appreciate the grant which helps us increase the number of sites where we can release wombats. These enclosures are expensive to build and must comply with the National Parks and Wildlife Services Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Wombats,” Ms Petroff said.

6 Sharp Street, Cooma | Ph: 6452 1888

wombat facilities on their property.

Besides daily walks, feeding and cleaning times, they have minimal interaction with the wombats. “We let them be wombats so that their natural instincts can kick in. It is amazing how quickly natural instincts do kick in and they want less to with humans,” Ms Charters said. One of the LAOKO animal co-ordinators Kelly McMahon said 36 wombats have been rescued and taken into care in the last 12 months. “Currently 31 wombats are in care. Ideally we would only release two wombats in any one area in a 12 month period,” Ms McMahon said. “Wombats are territorial so it is important that LAOKO releases wombats at a number of properties to give them the best chance of survival. This means avoiding overpopulation which can lead to territorial aggression, resulting in injury and even the death of wombats,” Ms McMahon said. The wombats have a ‘buddy’, which is a wombat the same size and age so they go out into the wild together, but soon go their separate ways. Ms Charters said after seeing the wildlife devastation on the roads in winter 2015 they signed up to LAOKO

DELICIOUS CRAFT BEERS FROM THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS

@jindabynebrewing

THE SNOWPOST

8 Kirwan Close Jindabyne, NSW 2627

5 NETTIN CIRCUIT, JINDABYNE

FE GROUP GETS A HELPING HAND in the hope they could help the native animals in the Snowy Mountains and give the hard-working LAOKO volunteers a hand. Claire designed the LAOKO website and managed it from 2016 to 2021. Claire and Eric also held a fundraiser - a high morning tea at their business, the Jindy Inn, raising $1,600 for LAOKO. “It has always been our dream to look after native animals,” Ms Charters said.

Claire said they do not have a favourite native animal, however wombats definitely come up in the top of the list.

“They have such big personalities and there is never a dull moment when they are around.” To report injured, sick or orphaned wildlife call LAOKO 64561313. To get involved or donate go to www.laokosmwr.org

LAOKO carer Eric Chabot with a hand-raised wombat, Rosso, exploring his new enclosure.

LAOKO carers Eric Chabot and Claire Charters with two orphaned wombats in the new pre-release wombat enclosure funded by Wildlife Heroes Project supported by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

The new wombat enclosure funded by a generous grant from the Wildlife Heroes Project supported by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

Sports Physiotherapy Back and Neck Pain Muscle & Joint Conditions Orthopaedic Injuries

Level 1, 5 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne

Open 6 Days Year Round

Dry Needling Hand Physiotherapy Hydrotherapy / Gym Programmes Onsite Workplace Physio

COOMA 6452 4203 • JINDABYNE 6457 2627 • www.snowymountainsphysio.com

62 Bombala Street, Cooma

Online Bookings Available

LATE APPOINTMENTS AND IMMEDIATE REBATES. NO REFERRAL NECESSARY. JUNE 2021

REAL NEWS! REAL FACTS! ALL LOCAL!

Fresh new look! We’re your voice! Keeping communities connected in the Snowy Monaro Region

$2.70

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SNOW SALE

ON AGAIN

With 2020 proving one of the most challenging years the snow industry and community has ever faced, Snow Australia are looking forward to continuing winter events that were either cancelled or unable to go ahead at full capacity last year. This includes the return of the popular Jindabyne Snow Sale over the June long weekend.

With Snow Australia taking over the ownership of the Action Sports Training (AST) facility in Jindabyne, they are looking to continue the tradition of the long running community snow sale event, which is a fundraiser for the AST facility, contributing towards maintenance and upgrades for the facility and further supporting their acrobatics programs as well as the new custom-built training facility. “The Snow Sale will be held over the June long weekend at the Jindabyne Memorial Hall and is a great opportunity to buy and/or sell new and pre-loved snow sports equipment ahead of the season,” Snow Australia Administration Manager and Snow Sale Coordinator Cathy Lambert said. “A full range of new and preloved snow sport equipment will be available, perfect for skiers and snowboarders new to the sport and for families

upgrading their gear. See you all there.” The Jindabyne Snow Sale is a great opportunity to buy or sell second-hand snow-gear and all are invited to get involved. There will be directional entry and exit points, spaced equipment display tables, hand sanitiser stations, larger space for cashier area with floor markings for physical distancing. All visitors will be required to check in using the NSW Service Checkin App. The Jindabyne Snow Sale will eb held from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday 12, June and 9:00am to 12:00pm on Sunday 13 june. The drop-off window for equipment to sell will be between 12:00PM to 5:00pm Friday 11 June and collection of unsold items will be on Sunday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Ton find out more about the Jindabyne Snow Sale, contact Cathy Lambert at sale@snow.org.au.

EAST GIPPSLAND WINTER FESTIVAL

East Gippsland will come alive this winter with the first-ever East Gippsland Winter Festival which celebrates all things art, food, music, beer and wine.

into Lightfoot’s barrel room for a masterclass, then bask under the wintry skies on the deck or lawns with a picnic box.

The official opening event is on Friday, June 18, with the festival kicking off from Saturday, June 19 to Sunday, July 11 and will showcase the region’s villages through a series of pop-up events, cultural activities, workshops, exhibitions, winter feasts, tours and family activities. There’ll be night time activities too so be sure to pack your winter woollies.

On Saturday, June 26 be spellbound by the Lakes Light Festival in Lakes Entrance with a parade of lanterns, weaving around lit-up sculptures that pay homage to the region’s flora and fauna along with laneway light projections and a jetty-side virtual reality installation.

The festival commences on Friday, June 19 in Bairnsdale where the laneways will come to life with an art and light projection at the Laneway Launch illuminating the town and creating a merryfestival-vibe with live music, roaming performers along with food and wine offerings. There will be collaborations between some of the region’s food and wine heavyweights. Lightfoot & Sons Wines and SARDINE eatery + bar pair up for the Pinot Picnic on Sunday, June 20 in Calulu near Bairnsdale to celebrate all things Pinot Noir. And you can snuggle

Attend a Lantern Making Workshop at the Great Alpine Gallery on Tuesday, June 29 in Swifts Creek and create a beautiful star lantern to hang in the street and help light up the charming village along the iconic Great Alpine Road.

Over the last weekend, Friday to Sunday, July 9-11 there is a Laneway pop up event in Bairnsdale.

On Sunday, local chef Rob Turner of Northern Ground will host a long table style event at Kings Cove, Metung to celebrate local food, wine and cooking. Ticket holders can tour the Metung Hot Springs site and have the opportunity to try the pop-up bathing tubs. Also, on Sunday there will be a Quasitrad Music Concert at the Marlo Hotel. Program can be found at https://egwinterfest.com.au/ program/

Over the weekend July 3 and 4 there is a deep winter event at Sailors Grave and the Bruthen Fringe Cafe. In Lakes Entrance, guests can enjoy a night of hearty winter foods, sourced locally and served with Gippsland wines and beers at the Slow Movement Community Dinner. There will also be live music, performances, woodfire pits and spectacular light displays.

TORO NOW AVAILABLE IN STORE

JUNE 2021

AUSTRALIA’ S ALPINE PLANTS FACE BLEAK FUTURE FROM RAPID CLIMATE CHANGE

Native Australian alpine plants may not be able to adapt or migrate quickly enough to survive rapid changes in climate change, a UNSW study has found.

The study of 21 plants from Kosciuszko National Park, published in Ecology and Evolution, found that 20 were not responding to warming conditions. Only one species – the Star Plantain (Plantago muelleri) - showed that it was adapting to warmer conditions by displaying an increase in plant size. The second plant that showed evidence of a change in plant traits was the Cascade Everlasting (Ozothamnus secundiflorus), but it decreased in leaf thickness over a 125 year time period. “We predicted leaves would become more thicker, as this would be advantageous if plants were facing longer growing seasons and increasing temperatures,” lead author Meena Sritharan said. “Our findings suggest that native alpine plants may not be adapting to the substantial local climate change occurring in Australian alpine regions. “Australian native alpine plants face a bleak future in the face of rapid climate change.”

Ms Sritharan is a PhD research scholar at ANU who participated in the study as an honours student in the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre at UNSW Science’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. The point of the study was to gauge whether alpine plants in the southern hemisphere had changed in morphology, or their physical form, over time in response to recent climate warming. Ms Sritharan said the 21 alpine plants exist in one of the ecosystems known to be least resistant to the effects of climate change.

“Alpine environments are facing higherthan-average increases in temperature in the last century,” Ms Sritharan said.

are capable of rapid changes in their morphology.

The researchers used herbarium (preserved) plant specimens collected between 1890 and 2016, and modern specimens collected in February, 2017. Examples of the alpine plants they studied included Cushion Caraway (Oreomyrrhis pulvinifica), Alpine Rice flower (Pimelea alpine), Carpet Heath (Pentrachondra pumila) and Snow Aciphyll (Aciphylla glacialis). The researchers measured five different plant traits: plant size, leaf shape, leaf area, leaf width and specific leaf area (the ratio of the leaf area to leaf dry mass).

“But rapid changes in the environment can promote rapid changes in species.”

Ms Sritharan said the study findings are surprising as the results were contrary to what they expected and what species in the northern hemisphere are facing.

“Consequently, we expected that a rapid increase in temperature would result in a change in the plant traits we measured, such as size and leaf shape.

She said plants in the northern hemisphere are changing substantially and adapting to changed environmental conditions brought by climate change.

“These changes in plant traits would suggest that alpine plants may be changing in response to a changing climate.”

“For instance, some British plant species (such as White Nettle (Lamium album) and Kenilworth ivy (Cymbalaria muralis) are flowering earlier than expected in the past decade compared to the previous four decades,” Ms Sritharan said.

Previous studies have also shown that both native and invasive plants

“The plant height of species growing in tundra ecosystems (treeless regions in cold climates) have also increased with warming over the past three decades. Scientists also forecast that plant species will migrate to higher elevations to escape the effects of climate warming. But Ms Sritharan she was surprised to find that a shrub – Cascade Everlasting (Ozothamnus secundiflorus) - had moved downslope over time rather than to a higher elevation. “This indicates that we should look into if, and where, other native Australian alpine species may be migrating to, in the face of climate change,” she said. Ms Sritharan’s supervisor, the director of UNSW’s Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, Professor Angela Moles, is currently investigating whether Australian alpine plants are shifting their distributions uphill. “This summer we will be doing heatwave experiments to measure how Australian alpine plants respond to an increased duration of heatwaves, which is what climate researchers forecast for the future,” Prof. Moles said. Read the study in Ecology and Evolution.

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THE SNOWPOST

The Pines

www.monaropost.com.au

Yachting Point

Tumut

Talbingo

Michelago

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Town/Village Major Road Minor Road Dirt Road

Snowy Mountains: snowymountains.com.au

SNOWY MONARO/SNOWY VALLEY REGIONAL MAP

Road Closed River/Stream

Bombala

Body of Water Cann River

Delegate

Canberra: visitcanberra.com.au Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT P: 1300 554 114 Roads and Rescue Emergency 000 Cooma Police (02) 6452 0099 Jindabyne Police (02) 6456 2244 RTA Road Conditions 132 701 LAOKO Wildlife Rescue (02) 6456 1313

Snowy River Ph: 6457 2488 • 7 Percy Harris St Jindabyne

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SNOW DEPTH CHART

• Broken glass window replacement

220cm

2013

180cm

2014

168.5cm

2015

150cm

2006

85.1cm

2016

175cm

2007

164.4cm

2017

240cm

2008

174.2cm

2018

220cm

2009

150cm

2019

2010

190cm

2020

230cm

170cm

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Technical data supplied by Snowy Hydro Limited, Cooma North. Snow Depth readings were carried out at Snowy Hydro Limited sampling course located at Spencers Creek. There are seven sampling points situated at an elevation of 1,830 metres. The records do not relate to any one particular ski resort, but the course is situated between Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass. Chart Copyright - South East Printing Cooma. Phone (02) 6452 2614.

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THE SNOWPOST

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2020

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