Sunpost December 2013

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SUNP ST PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MONAR MONARO POST

Food Guide Regional Events Calendar

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Snowy Mountains Muster

SUMMER 2013/2014

Talbingo Tattoo

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CONTENTS p3.

Yarrangobilly Caves update

p5.

Luxury retreat wins tourism award

p10.

Talbingo Tattoo

p12.

Sochi Winter Olympians profiles

p15.

Cooma Rodeo

p20.

Jindabyne fitness trail

p21.

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER

Gail Eastaway Lisa Deas Sarah Kleven Chrissi Webb NPWS

Monaro Media Group Pty. Ltd.

ADVERTISING

Regional events calendar

Tracy Frazer Louise Platts

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jess Plumridge Kylie Hinton

THE SUNPOST IS DISTRIBUTED FROM THE FOLLOWING PLACES: Cooma Visitors Centre Accommodation and Ski Shops in Cooma, Jindabyne, Berridale and Adaminaby Service Stations in Cooma, Jindabyne, Berridale, Adaminaby.

The Snowy Hydro Information Centre Jindabyne Visitors Centre Covering Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Mt Sewlyn Bombala Visitors Centre Queanbeyan Visitors Centre Sydney Olympic Park Visitors Centre

Tumut Visitors Centre Tumbarumba Visitors Centre Bungendore & Region Visitors Centre Bega Visitor Centre Eden Visitors Centre Holbrook Bakery Snowy Hydro Khancoban Visitors Centre Snowy Hydro, Talbingo Bermagui Visitors Centre Canberra & Region Visitors Centre Manly Visitors Centre Parramatta Heritage & Visitors Centre

Web: www.monaropost.com.au

Photography by: NPWS, Gail Eastaway, Chrissi Webb, Tim Symons, Lisa Deas Front cover photo: Talbingo Tattoo by Lisa Deas

The SunPost and The Monaro Post can be found on Facebook & Twitter QR CODE

Simply search The Monaro Post & Snowpost/Sunpost 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. All such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to indemnify the publisher and 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 Sunpost is subject to copyright.

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Yarrangobilly upgrade a boost for visitors E

nvironment Minister Robyn Parker said recently a $2 NPWS Yarrangobilly Caves Manager George Bradford and just relaxing in the valley where bird calls echo and million restoration of accommodation at the historic regards visitors’ comfort as a top priority throughout temperatures are kinder in summer.

Yarrangobilly Caves House in the Kosciuszko National this 12 month project,” Ms Parker said.

“Of course the unique Yarrangobilly Caves themselves Park will be a real boost for visitors.

“During restoration works everything will be done are spectacular and guides can explain features like Ms Parker said that five years ago the NSW National to ensure visitors enjoy their time at Yarrangobilly. straw stalactites, shawls, cave corals and helectites or Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) completed the Accommodation will still be offered during the people can do a self-guided tour of South Glory Cave. restoration of the single storey section of the century restoration and visitors should ring ahead and make a “Tourists have always been attracted to Yarrangobilly old Caves House to provide overnight accommodation booking if they plan to stay at Caves House.

Caves but locals too are realising it’s not far from for visitors for the first time in over 50 years.

“The area is also popular for bushwalking, Adaminaby or Tumut and day trips are more popular “Since then Caves House p h o t o g r a p h y than ever.” accommodation has become immensely popular and its success has led the NPWS to press ahead with the GUIDED CAVE TOURS: DISCOVER GEOLOGY – 1PM, restoration of the two storey FOR KIDS & ADULTS – 7YRS & UP 10:30am Jillabenan Cave (1 hour) section which will help meet 11am Jersey Cave (1½ hours) (December 29, 31 & January 1) visitor expectations and the high 11:30am Jillabenan Cave (1 hour) Rock Stories & Geology – every rock demand for accommodation 12:pm North Glory & Smugglers tells a story! Come and chat to a within the heart of the Park,” Ms (1½hours) geologist.

12:30pm Jersey Cave (1½ hours) Participate in hands-on experiments Parker said.

1:30pm Jillabenan Cave (1 hour) and learn some tricks of the trade It will mean more people 2pm North Glory/Castle/Geology geologists use to identify rocks. Come being able to stay and enjoy (details on right) face to face with fossils of long extinct the amazing array of attractions 2:30pm Jillabenan Cave (1 hour) animals and plants. Bring a geological nearby including the Caves, the 3pm Jersey Caves (1½hours) photo or a rock specimen of your Photos courtesy of Murray Vanderveer (Exception: no 12pm North Glory own and discover its story. Includes thermal pool, the Yarrangobilly Cave on 26th Dec) a special guided tour through the River, Kiandra and Mount Selwyn spectacular North Glory Cave where SELF - GUIDED CAVE TOUR Snowfields which are all located South Glory Cave opens from 9am to you can apply your new skills. Timewithin very easy reach of Caves travel with a twist. (Ages 7yrs and 4:30pm (Last tickets sold at 4m) House,” above) CASTLE CAVE DISCOVERY ABORIGINAL DISCOVERY – Ms Parker said funding for TOURS – 2PM (December 27, 30; 11pm & 1:30pm (December 26, 28 the project was being provided January 3) and January 2) from the Office of Environment Visit the stunning Castle C 4ave & Boomerang and spear throwing, and Heritage (OEH) under the marvel at King Solomon’s Temple. You cultural artefact display, rope-making Heritage Assets Revitalisation will be issued with helmets with lights techniques, didgeridoos and clap for this tour. sticks, learn about bush tucker, ochre Program and the Kosciuszko This 2½-3 hour tour includes a painting & the local culture.

National Park Centenary Fund guided walk to Castle Cave and a Bookings are essential for the Castle which is generated through entry breathtaking tour inside the Cave. Cave & Geology Tour, please phone: fees to the park.

(Ages: 6yrs and above) 6454 9597.

“I am pleased to say that Photo: Murray Vanderveer

What’s on in Yarrangobilly

Visit us at Yarrangobilly Caves

EXPLORE THE DEPTHS OF KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK Where else can you take a guided or self-guided cave tour then relax soaking in a thermal pool or enjoying a barbecue? There are also plenty of opportunities to engage with nature along one of our walking tracks. The caves, rivers, limestone cliffs ... amazing. Want to stay a little longer? You can book from several options of self-contained accommodation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NATIONALPARKS.NSW.GOV.AU OR CALL 1300 361 967 CAVES HOUSE BOOKINGS CALL 1300 072 757 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE TO BOOK ONLINE

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Summer 2013/2014

What to see and do around Cooma C

ooma is known as the Capital of the Snowy Mountains and is the largest town in the High Country region.

It lies amongst the harsh but beautiful Monaro Plains approximately one hour south of Canberra.

Set in undulating plains, breathtakingly beautiful famous rivers, wilderness areas and looking out to the snow capped mountains of the NSW Snowy Mountains; it is the Alpine areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gateway.

The Cooma area has some of the most productive grazing land in the country and some landownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s families have been in the area for since the 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. As well as grazing land there is an abundance of interesting and historical townships and localities, treeless plains, old farm complexes, homesteads, stonewalls and nature reserves.

William Bradley, who had a land holding of some 19,000 acres, changed the name from the aboriginal word â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kumaâ&#x20AC;? to its present day name of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coomaâ&#x20AC;? in 1849.

The village of Cooma was first surveyed in 1849 and was established as a town.

In the 1860s, with the discovery of gold in Kiandra, the population of Cooma increased significantly and prospered, bringing the introduction of the railway line in 1889.

By 1900 Cooma was booming and prosperous and the town boasted its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regional Capitalâ&#x20AC;? status with many impressive buildings being built.

Snow sports were established at Kiandra

Cabins

in the

in 1861 and the trend spread quickly throughout the region, to this day it is still an integral part of our tourism industry.

In the 1940s the town was transformed into a lively multicultural community, being the start of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme.

Many migrant workers arrived unable to speak English from post war Europe to start a new life, thus giving Cooma rich cultural influences that have made it what it is today.

electric power and irrigation along the Murray and Murrumbidgee valleys.

In Cooma itself there are many interesting places to visit: The historic CoomaMonaro Railway, which ceased commercial operations in 1988, but still operates a 1924 rail motor on weekends and for special charters.

The Raglan Art Gallery was built in 1854 as the Lord Raglan Hotel in Lambie Street and the Gaol Museum, being part of the Cooma Correctional Centre.

In Coomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centennial Park, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Avenue of Flagsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which was erected in 1959, celebrates the contribution made by the workers from around 30 different countries.

Over a 23-year period, rivers were diverted, storage dams built, and even some towns such as Adaminaby and Jindabyne moved to bind water for hydro-

The gaol precinct also boasts the historical buildings of the Court House, Post Office, Solomonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Store, The Cooma Hotel and the war memorial in Vale Street.

Snow

Family Accommodation

Coomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic railway While in the region, why not pay a visit to our historic railway?

The Cooma Monaro Railway (CMR) is an established Australian tourist railway based at Cooma Station, located in Bradley Street, Cooma.

As the gateway to the Snowy Mountains area, Cooma was the destination for for almost 100 years of rail

services, until the line from Canberra was closed by flood damage to the bridge over the Numeralla River.

For 10 years there were no trains to be seen in the Monaro area, until the CMR commenced operations in December 1998.

The CMR uses CPH Railmotors, locally restored to (almost) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good as newâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; condition.

Motors 6 and 22 provide motive power, whilst trailer 55 has been restored as a dining/lounge car (a unique configuration).

Motor 8 was initially considered beyond restoration, but even it is now a candidate for a new life.

The full run is to Chakola, some 19 kilometers from Cooma on the banks of the Numeralla River. Some services run to the intermediate stations at Snowy Junction and Bunyan.

Apart from regular tourist services on weekends and holidays, the CMR is available for group activities of many kinds.

CMR has proved to be a very popular outing for groups of all kinds - school groups, social clubs, sporting groups, wedding parties, anniversaries, birthdays, tourist parties and more have all enjoyed their CMR experiences.

For instance, school groups visiting Canberra or the Cooma area can organise for a very enjoyable and instructive day by combining a Snowy Hydro Education Program and a journey on the CMRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vintage railmotors.

The CMR has control of the hall situated on the bank of the Numeralla River at Chakola, which provides a venue that can be offered to groups who ride on the train.

If desired, the CMR can cater for these outings, though most groups prefer to make their own arrangements.

For more advice on Cooma, contact the Voom Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; centre on 64551742.

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Summer 2013/2014

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Luxury retreat wins in Canberra

E

lm Cottage, Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains has won the ‘Unique Accommodation’ category at the 2013 Canberra and Capital Tourism Award held at the National Gallery on Thursday 28th November, 2013.

Passionate about Elm Cottage and the Snowy Mountains as a whole their win and recognition for such a small operation was described perfectly by owner David Sheldon when he stated both he and his wife Deborah were both ‘tickled pink’ by this recognition in both Canberra and Capital Region and the NSW awards.

This follows on from their success in the NSW Tourism awards where Elm Cottage was recognised as a finalist in the destination marketing category where they were competing against large regions such as Wollongong, The Southern Highlands and Coffs Harbour. “Not too shoddy for a two person operation, I believe we punch well above our weight promoting our backyard Tumut and the Snowy Mountains,” commented Mr Sheldon.

“This is not only a great honour for both Deb and I, but also for Elm Cottage and the region at large.”

“Both the Canberra and Capital Region and the NSW award judges and mentors point out such accolades are an ‘awareness campaign’ and are Visitor and Economic Drivers for the entire region, people will visit and visitors will spend. So if we can increase and assist in building

the Visitor Economy within the Snowy Mountains which we believe we have over the past 10 years everyone benefits,” said Mr Sheldon.

Over the past few years Elm Cottage a 4.5 accommodation provider has been recognised Internationally by ‘Trip Advisor’ for their quality of accommodation, winning ‘Top Vacation Rental Property’ awards in 2011 and 2012 and last year in the Canberra and Capital Region

awards they won the ‘Visitor Experience Award’ and a commendation for ‘Unique Accommodation’ ‘Elm Cottage is a work in progress and during the ten years we have operated we continually research and re- invest to maintain our high quality facilities and 4.5 star standard. The service we offer is unobtrusive, both Deborah and I believe in providing not only a high standard of accommodation service but also a unique

holiday experience’ added Mr Sheldon.

From their success at the Canberra and Capital Region awards, Elm Cottage is now nominated for the National Awards with winners announced at a Gala event to be held at Luna Park in Sydney on February 7, 2014.

For further information please contact David Sheldon 0428 482 778

ǀŝƐŝƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ^ŶŽǁLJ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ ^ĐŚĞŵĞ ŝƐ Ă ŵƵƐƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁĂŶƟŶŐ ƚŽ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ͘ ^ŶŽǁLJ ,LJĚƌŽ ŽǁŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞƐ ƚŚĞ ^ŶŽǁLJ ^ĐŚĞŵĞ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Ă ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ^ŶŽǁLJ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶƐ ĨŽƌ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ^ĐŚĞŵĞ͘ Ăůů ŝŶ ƚŽ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌ ĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ ďĞůŽǁ Ͳ ǁĞ ůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ǁĞůĐŽŵŝŶŐ LJŽƵ͊

Cabramurra Visitors Centre, ŽīĞĞ ^ŚŽƉ Θ 'ĂůůĞƌLJ

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, Cooma

Open 7 days: 8:30am - 5:00pm Mon to Fri 10:00am - 3:00pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays Christmas Day Closed:

Open 7 days: 8:00am - 5:00pm Mon to Fri 9:00am - 2:00pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays Closed: Christmas Day & Anzac Day

Talbingo Visitor Display Centre, Talbingo

TALBINGO Visitor Display Centre

dĂůďŝŶŐŽ ^ŚŽƉƉŝŶŐ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ tŚŝƩLJ ^ƚ dĂůďŝŶŐŽ Open 7 days: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Murray 1 Visitors Centre, Khancoban Alpine Way, 10kms east of Khancoban Open 7 days: October to April, 9:00am - 4:00pm Mon to Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm Sat, Sun & Public Holidays Open 5 days: May to September, 9:00am - 4:00pm Mon to Fri Closed: ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ĂLJ͕ ŶnjĂĐ ĂLJ Θ ǁŝŶƚĞƌ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚƐ

Power StaƟŽŶ InspecƟŽŶƐ 11am and 2pm

Cabramurra Visitor Centre & General Store Cabramurra Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre Khancoban MURRAY 1 Visitor Centre

Mt Kosciuszko

1800 623 776

www.snowyhydro.com.au

Cooma

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Summer 2013/2014

Head to Tumbarumba for rodeo action T

he Tumbarumba Rodeo is always held on New Year’s Day and 2014 will be its 68th year. It is the only rodeo in Australia never to have missed a year due to the continuing support of the local community. The event has always had a strong mountain cattleman’s heritage; several local cattleman families have been involved with the event since its inception, notably the Pierce family which produced one of the best bull riders in the country, and Neil Hulm and Norm Bradley rate a mention as two of the best bronc riders.

The event has always featured high quality stock and consequently attracts the top competitors on the rodeo circuit.

For the first four decades the cattle were provided by farmers from around the district, and transported into the Tumbarumba Showground. The Rodeo Committee began to collect its own string of bucking horses and at times owned over 120 horses. It was quite a sight to see the herd of horses being walked in by local stockmen to Tumbarumba a week or two before the rodeo. Today the Rodeo committee still maintains a string of around 20 horses. Some of the famous horses in the Tumbarumba string that were locally bred were Tooma Whiskey and Tumba Rock.

In the early 80s, the rodeo committee began to use contract stock, and the bulls. For many years the bulls and first division broncs have been supplied by Happy Gill. The Gill family name has

been a central part of rough-riding in Australia for more than a 100 years, from the old tent show days to the modern rodeo circuit. From their base at “The Rock” near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, through rural Victoria, to outback Queensland, five generations of Gills have kept the show on the road. Their bulls and buckjumpers have made many a cowboy shake in his boots including the legendary “Bambi” who is now retired on the family property, heading up the breeding program of future champion buckers.

The Tumbarumba Rodeo is the first on the annual calendar for the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA), with competitors including some of Australia’s best cowboys in a fight for vital championship points. The program includes a host of fun-filled events including: local barrel race; poddy ride; bucking ponies; stallion chute out; poly saddle ride; Aussie Rules V’s Rugby League steer ride challenge, saddle bronc and bareback and bull ride featuring the big screen bull cam, chute cam instant replays.

The venue is the lovely shady Tumbarumba Showground, with full bar facilities, food stalls, sideshows and evening entertainment.

The big screen is a hit with spectators who can keep track of the action with instant replays ad this year will incorporate a time clock.

Stop for a cold beer refreshment; stay for a fine meal; spend the night with good accommodation available.

Summer @ the Banjo

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR AMAZING SUMMER ACCOMMODATION DEALS

The Banjo provides year round activitiess in modern contemporary facil facilities ities and offers patrons full TAB facilities, 3 Fox sports channels, gaming, po pool ool tables, ws to match. dining, entertainment & promotions overr 3 stunning bars with lake view views

“Beers are better at the Banjo”

try our seasonal brews

Come in and sample a refreshing Ale or one of our seasonal brews “Straight from the Vat to the Tap” you can’t get fresher than that!

The Banjo Paterson Inn home of The Kosciuszko Brewery and the famous Kosciuszko Pale Ale. Come in and have a tour of the micro brewery or just come in and relax in the comfortable surrounds of The Banjo Paterson Inn overlooking Lake Jindabyne.

Ring 1800 046 275 to book a tour or speak to the staff at the hotel.

Ph: (02) 6456 2372 - 1800 046 275

1 Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne NSW 2627 Australia

www.banjopatersoninn.com.au

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Water Safety - staying safe on mountain waters

By Steve Williamson

T

he Snowy Mountains lakes are just so beautiful and so inviting. Just being on the water is so relaxing. Whether fishing, sailing or just paddling about early mornings on the water it is just so peaceful and beautiful as you look back towards the mountains.

Later as the day warms, boating activity increases as the water skiers and wake boarders come out to play, so if you’re just out for a little bit of piece and quite than early in the day is the time to be on the water.

While the lake, most mornings it is calm and mirror like, it is normal for the wind to come up later in the day and often just like the coastal afternoon sea breeze, our lakes will also have afternoon winds and these are mostly north easterlies, so just be aware that we also get quite high waves especially on the opposite side of the lake to the way the wind is blowing.

At times our lakes can get quite dangerous, with waves in excess of a metre, and this can happen quite quickly especially with a change or even an approaching summer storm.

It’s these times that you need to be very careful and always wear your personal floatation device (PFD).

Some people are not aware, that when on any sort of floating watercraft on our alpine waterways, you MUST wear

a life jacket. If you are on a paddle board or in a canoe or kayak, you must wear a life jacket. Children under the age of 12 years MUST wear a life jacket – no matter what size the boat it is when it is underway!

A person drowned on Lake Eucumbene only a couple of months ago, it took a month before his body was found. You can’t help but think this person’s life could have been saved if he had been wearing a life vest! It is the law on the mountain lakes!

Also be aware that while the surface layer of water might seem quite warm, you don’t have to go down too deep before the temperature changes dramatically and it becomes icy cold.

Cramps in the legs whilst swimming are quite common, so be aware that too long in the water and you might have problems staying afloat. Unfortunately this was the reason for another drowning on Lake Jindabyne in the middle of summer some years ago.

When boating have respect for other water users. There are rules that you must abide by. Not all people know these rules so you must be observant and respectful of other users.

Just because you are a paddler in a kayak or canoe, doesn’t mean that you have right of way.

Always keep a lookout. First rule of the water is that it is your responsibility to avoid a collision and be aware that not all boats can manoeuvre quickly. Always paddle behind the approaching vessel and not try and beat it by going in front. Be also aware that a slow moving boat might just be a fisherperson with lines out the back. To avoid being hooked, stay well clear.

If you want to know more about the rules of use on our alpine waters, you can always call into Steve Williamson’s Tackle Shop and Marine, Snowline Centre Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne where we have lots of free information and stickers that will explain all you need to know.

be there... of the Tumbarumba region in the Snowy Mountains

www.visittumbashire.com.au

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Summer 2013/2014

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Snowy River Muster is not to be missed C

ome and experience some high country hospitality at the Snowy Mountains Muster.

Held at The Station Resort on the outskirts of Jindabyne, this is a three day event not to be missed.

The Muster, now in its ninth year (formerly known as The Snowy River festival), will be held over three days - December 29-31.

Kicking it all off will be a street parade through Jindabyne town on December 28 starting at 5pm.

Home of the Man from Snowy River, we have a heritage rich in Mountain Stockmen and women, brumbies and the Snowy River and this is a great way to show it off.

Riders from all over the country will battle it out in the Snow Fm Stockmans Challenge. There is more than $20,000 in prize money on offer this year.

Modern day Stockmen and women will display their horsemanship skills in such areas as bareback, whipcrack, stock handling, shoeing, packhorse, brumby catch and a new and exciting final event.

With the introduction of a Striplings Challenge for the 10-14year olds this mini Challenge gives young riders the opportunity to develop their horsemanship skills at an early age.

Due to popular demand team yarding and team sorting have been intorduced into the program. This is a fast growing horse sport that can involve the whole family.

While riders battle it out in the Challenge there will be a huge variety of entertainment on offer.

Rampt Mini FMX will push the limits.

We have Gilmores Family circus, petting zoo and pig races. Come and cheer on your favorite pig as they race for the finish line.

Michael Godding will demonstrate working equitation.

Jamie Power and family will give a display working with Brumbies.

Old favorites such as the working dog display, whip crack demonstration, novelty races, , vintage car and machinery, market and food stalls, bullocks, Clydesdales Cobb and Coach, bush poetry, Photographic show and a fantastic and informative heritage display will all be there.

The venue for the Snowy Mountains Muster is the Station Resort.

The Station boasts great on-site accommodation for both spectators and competitors (competitors can even park their horses outside their rooms).

There is plenty of alternate accommodation available in Jindabyne town itself and plenty of other activities on in Jindabyne and in the mountains if you plan to stay a week or so.

The Mountains Muster is now a project of the Lions Club of Jindabyne and it is the hope that we together with the local community can build this three day celebration of our high country heritage into the premier event of the snowies in summer.

Pictured, a young competitor and his pony take time out at the 2013 muster.

coffee addicts di your rampant addiction will be well catered for

foodies indulge your taste buds with fresh local produce - breakfast, brunch, lunch and in-betweens 7 days of the week

retail junkies grab unique gifts, top quality food products, kitchen, garden and homewares, even put together a hamper

smh good food guide 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Open 7 Days

Corner Sharp & Soho Streets, Cooma 02 6452 1414

www.lott.com.au

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Summer 2013/2014

Celebrating the inaugural Talbingo Tattoo

by Lisa Deas

Harp and Piano Accordion and of course the Skirl O’ The Pipes, all of which aligns perfectly with the multicultural nature of the townships beginnings.

Impressively, the crowd actually outnumbered the amount of permanent residents who currently call the small village home, it was evident that people had travelled far and wide to enjoy a touch of highland culture in the Snowy Mountains.

This was the second year of the Talbingo Tattoo, which proved to be more successful than last year and indicates that it could well be one to permanently add to the social calendar.

Event organiser, Dawn Byatt, indicated in her thankyou speech that next year’s event is already

booked. This highlights the success of the night and proves that with proper organisation aint Andrew’s Day Saturday, and advertisement, small country November 30, saw 31 proudly towns can host outstanding dressed bagpipers march the golf events. course of the Talbingo Country When asked what inspired her Club in front of a 240 strong crowd. to organise the Tattoo, Dawn The pipers hailed from all said, over the region, including “I feel I love Talbingo and I feel participants from Leeton, Albury, that over the last so many years Wagga Wagga, Wangaratta and we have missed out on the Tumbarumba. festivities many other townships Their bright tartans and enjoy.

I love the tranquillity here impressive sporrans were and in order to keep the town silhouetted by the picturesque going we have to bring people in.” settings of Lake Jounama and the “I was inspired by the surrounding hills. mountains that surround us, Fittingly, the day showcased a Talbingo, Buddong and Bogong, rich multicultural musical display, I could just imagine how beautiful including Irish singing, Swiss it would be to hear the sound of and Italian music played on the the pipes echoing throughout; these mountains really lend themselves to the pipes.”

For those who made the trip to Talbingo, the weather was near perfect and the glistening water of Lake Jounama reflecting the mountains did seem to be the perfect setting for the pipes.

Volunteer and performer, Dick Bye, said that he feels that he must now travel to Edinburgh to experience the full tattoo, after being so impressed by the incredible music that these regional pipers provided on the day.

The various bands arrived in Talbingo early that day, Central location to base yourself only 90mins to Perisher, and the pipes could be heard Thredbo, Charlottes Pass & Mt Selwyn Snowfields echoing throughout the town as they rehearsed together • 8 Serviced Apartments; • Licensed Restaurant and Bar; for the first time, only making • 35 rooms with a range of • Breakfast Specials from their high quality performance executive, queen, twin & $9.50 available daily; family rooms to suit; more impressive, particularly • Group bookings welcome; • Wireless Internet; • Ample parking for larger their incredible rendition of • Guest laundry; vehicles on-site.

The Lone Piper.

“The day was a great Rates start at $110 low season and $140 high season for double/twin success and it was extremely share from June long Weekend until October long Weekend enjoyable,” Talbingo local and Country Club Member Lindsay Raymond said.

This success could easily be measured through the face of eight year old, Trinity Fox, who spent the entire three

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sets the pipers played completely enchanted by the drummers and watched unblinkingly, she exclaimed at the conclusion that she “would love to learn how to do that!”

Many children and adults alike enjoyed a dance on the grass whilst some simply sat and enjoyed the view in accompaniment with various beautiful renditions of Scottish and Australian music.

There was an array of local talent on display, with the Tumut Men’s Choir, also known as the DotComs, singing a range of songs, and probably most notably performing a rendition of The Settlers, Old Talbingo, which sparked some great visuals as onlookers could see the wonderful views written about in the songs.

This was further highlighted through a rendition of Jack Bridle’s poetry about the old township, as read by Gilmore local Michael McSweeney.

Dawn said that the range of performers was fantastic, “They came from all walks of life, and it’s just absolutely great.”

The volunteers took $5000 at the door, which will be divided and donated to St. Paul’s Church in Tumut and CanAssist.

Those who attended the event paid $25 a ticket and received not only quality entertainment, but also a buffet style dinner that included a range of Chinese and Australian delicacies.

Dawn would like to thank her twenty-two plus volunteers as well as Jo Lorrimer, Drum Major, the band of pipers and drummers, the Talbingo Rate Payers Association, the Talbingo Mountain Retreat, the Talbingo Country Club, Mary and Herb Trager, Lorraine and Bruce Oliver, Deb Midson, Gary Bilton, Sue Measday, Tumut and Talbingo Men’s Choir, Dick Bye, Isabel Heard, Lyn McEachern, Sharron Bourke, Berryl and Mick Ryan and the local librarian Shirley, as well as any other individuals who volunteered their time to help successfully run this event, including those who came along on the day to enjoy the festivities.

The only disappointing occurrence on the day came from a select few individuals who bought their own alcohol to a licensed venue.

The organisers would like to stress that next year if this reoccurs, offenders will be asked to leave.

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A bird’s-eye view with Aeroview Australia

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eroview Australia is a new business, with a new concept, providing a service that you cannot get in any other way. Aeroview provides specialist aerial imaging solutions for aerial photography, video and film, survey and cinematography.

The business is owned by two locals, Peter Barry and Brett Leech and operated from two bases – Sydney, and also right here in the Snowy Mountains.

Together, has had close to 40 years and thousands of hours of extensive experience in the commercial aviation industry including fixed wing, helicopter and UAV drone operations as well as nearly 40 years of combined experience on radio-controlled aircraft. Their diverse experience ranges from real estate aerial photography, live TV broadcasts, film to airline operations and everything in between.

The partners have taken aerial images of local events such as the Relay for Life, Cooma Motorfest and the Snowy Mountains 1000 runway sprint as well as national events such as the Australia and South Africa test match in Perth and major horse races at the Randwick Racecourse.

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are able to perfectly fill the aerial photography gap between the ground and the low level limitations of a full sized helicopter, producing detailed images that could not have been attained in any other way.

Peter Barry said aerial imagintechnology is developing at an astonishing pace.

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11

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2013 Sochi Winter Olympics profiles When the first Winter Olympics at Chamonix in the French Alps began on January 25, 1924, with the involvement of six sports in fourteen events including bobsleigh, skeleton, figure skating, curling, speed skating, ice hockey, cross country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined, could the organisers have imagined the mega event it is today.

Alpine skiing events began in 1936 and snowboarding achieved recognition as an Olympic sport in 1998. Australia was first represented at the Winter Olympics at GarmischPartenkirchen by speed skater Kenneth Kennedy. Australia did not participate again until 1952 in Oslo, Norway, when the alpine skiers Billy Day, Bob Arnott and Barry Patton together with cross country skiers Bruce Haslingden and Cedric Sloane joined the team of three ice skaters.

This Australian summer, one hundred and fourteen winter sports athletes are vying for 50 – 55 spots in the Australian team to attend the 2014 Winter Olympics to be held in Sochi beginning on February 7 and finishing on February 23.

For the first time ever, Australia intends to field equal numbers of male and female competitors in each discipline.

The chosen team members coming from the skiing, snowboarding, sliding and skating sports will be announced at the end of January. Their selection will depend on their results gained during the northern hemisphere winter season punishing schedule of world cup and world championship events to be held in America and Europe.

Several of the athletes are hoping to defend their previous Winter Olympic titles. In the field of snow sports, these include Torah Bright (Snowboard Halfpipe), Lydia Lassila (Aerials), and Dale Begg Smith (Moguls). Other Olympic veterans are Jenny Owens (Ski Cross), Alex Amoukov (Biathlon), Katya Crema (Ski Cross), Brittaney Cox (Moguls), Anton Grimus (Ski Cross), and Scott Kneller (Ski Cross).

Others hoping to add an Olympic medal to their collection are Alex Pullin (Snowboard Cross), Laura Peel, Danielle Scott and David Morris (Aerials), Nat Johnstone and Holly Crawford (Snowboard Halfpipe). Anna Segal and Russ Henshaw are seeking selection in the new Olympic sport of Ski Slopestyle.

“One off” multi session training camps were arranged in New Zealand and in Zermatt, Switzerland in order to give the Australian athletes the best chance of success at the Games. Glen Cullen of AAP reported that “A halfpipe and slope style feature was constructed for Tora Bright and a small group of other international athletes at Mt Hutt on New

2009 in Saas-Fee, Switzerland.

In 2010 she carried the Australian flag in the Olympic Opening Ceremony, before winning the gold medal in the Snowboard Halfpipe. In the event, she crashed on the first of her two runs, but leapt into first place on the second with a series of gravity-defying tricks, culminating in a switch backside 720 - a double spinning manoeuvre performed by no other woman.

Her older sister, Rowena competed in alpine skiing at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

Zealand’s South Island.”

It is interesting to know that Tora will attempt to qualify for snowboard cross which is more about racing than aerial feats.

George Lipshut said it is necessary for Tora to compete in four snowboard cross events Anton Grimus (2nd place) and on the World Cup tour Scott Kneller (1st place) at the and get a top 16 result or conclusion of the 2013 Thredbo two in order to qualify.

Top to Bottom Race Snowy Mountain residents will be closely following the competition results of the local skiers as they strive for selection to strive for Sochi Olympic glory. The best wishes of the Monaro Post accompany all the “hopeful “ Olympians including the Snowy Mountain towns’ athletes whose “bios” follow (courtesy of the Australian Winter Olympic web page).

BOEN FERGUSON is a Free Skier from Jindabyne, NSW. His father is a longstanding ski instructor at the local Perisher ski resort, so Ferguson was skiing at from the age of two. He was a promising young ski racer before turning his attention to freestyle. He grew up in the terrain parks with Russ Henshaw and Jordan Houghton.

After undergoing two ACL reconstructions in 2010 and a near fatal accident while on a magazine shoot in the winter of 2012 he is focused on making the Olympic Games. He underwent the LARS synthetic surgery procedure and reconstruction and he was back on snow in two months Ferguson made his World Cup slopestyle debut in January 2013 at Copper Mountain, USA. At Voss in Norway he competed in the World Championships and placed 18th.

ALEX ALMOUKOV moved to Australia from Russia when he was seven. Training full-time, he spends many months of the year in Russia. Originally a cross country skier, Almoukov made the switch to biathlon in 2008, enjoying the added variety of shooting and skiing.

In 2010, Almoukov made his Olympic debut at just 19 years of age, one of the youngest in the field at the Vancouver Games. At the Sochi World Cup in 2013, Almoukov finished a strong 33rd, earning his first ever World Cup points in the sport.

Almoukov is coached by his father Nick who was a cross country competitor at national level in Russia. When not training on snow, he does a lot of running and training on roller skis.

Growing up near Sydney, RUSS HENSHAW first encountered snow at the age of four and a year later started competitive skiing.

Henshaw spent the next seven years skiing with the Thredbo Ski Racing Club and became an accomplished alpine skier, winning the Australian Under 12 slalom title and placing second in giant slalom.

Under the guidance of coach Nick Draxl, Henshaw also spent time in the Thredbo terrain park exploring freeskiing.

At the age of 15, he joined the European circuit and has been competing internationally ever since. In the 2010/11 season, Henshaw made a name for himself when he grabbed slopestyle silver in the X Games in Aspen and bronze in the World Championships in Park City, USA. Henshaw tore his ACL in 2011, and in order to speed up his recovery, his father donated part of his hamstring.

In 2013, having just placed second in the Copper Mountain World Cup and preparing for the X Games, he tore the same ACL but opted for rehabilitation instead of surgery with the Olympics just 12 months away.

Henshaw spent the Australian winter building up strength in his leg with the view to joining the circuit again at the end of 2013.

TORAH BRIGHT was on skis at the age of two, snowboarding at 11, and had turned professional by the time she was 14. From there her trajectory to the podium at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, clutching a shiny gold medal, seemed almost ordained.

Her achievements include three times world super-pipe champion (2006, 2007 and 2008); three times Nippon Open winner (2005, 2007, 2008); three times winner US Open champion (2006, 2008, 2009); overall winner of the 2007 Burton global open series; winner of the 2007 TTR women’s world tour; twice winner of the winter X-Games title (2007, 2009). She also won gold and a World Cup title in

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NEBULA ,MOTEL.

Continued on Page 14...

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2013 Sochi Winter Olympics Continued from Page 12...

Prou dly brou ght to you by

JORDAN HOUGHTON grew up skiing with Russ Henshaw in the terrain parks at Perisher and Thredbo. He has developed into a world class freestyle skier and now travels the world chasing his Olympic dream with his good mate.

Houghton is relatively new to the international slopestyle circuit. Following fantastic results in Australia in 2012 he worked hard and contested World Cup events in 2013 with the goal of securing selection for the Sochi Olympic Games.

In his third international event he placed 31st at the World Championship in Voss, Norway in March 2013.

SAMI KENNEDY-SIM competed in alpine ski racing until 2008, when she tried a ski cross and never looked back.

The 2011/12 season was her best to date, posting six top10 finishes in World Cup races, to end the season ranked 11th overall.

Her best World Championship result was 16th at the 2013 competition in Voss, Norway.

In April 2013, Kennedy-Sim suffered an infarct stroke (cerebral infarction). Fortunately the stroke was relatively minor and after five days in hospital and subsequent private treatment, she was able to return to light training a couple of months later and eventually get back to her full training routine.

In 2011 she married Vancouver Olympian in cross country, Ben Sim. Sami deferred her studies in Sports Media Journalism to allow her to focus on gaining a spot at Sochi.

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One of the great surprises of the Australian Team at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games was then 20-year-old SCOTT KNELLER. Coming to the sport of ski cross from a background in alpine skiing, Kneller was Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only male representative in Vancouver for the sport making its debut on the Olympic program.

Kneller began competing in ski cross in 2008 and went into the Vancouver games with just one yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup experience and little expectation riding on his performance. Kneller qualified in 12th place and cruised through the 1/8 and quarterfinals, each time finishing in second place putting him within reach of the podium. Finishing third in the semi-final

saw Kneller finish in seventh place, a remarkable achievement for the young athlete.

Following Vancouver, Kneller proved his mettle in the ski cross World Cup circuit, claiming his first gold in December 2010 in Innichen/San Candido, Italy. He has since recorded two top-10 World Cup finishes in Les Contamines, France and Innichen/ San Candido, Italy.

NICOLE PARKS has dreamt of competing at the Olympic Games as a moguls skier since she was a child.

The Jindabyne skier made her World Cup debut in 2010 and won her first Australian title in 2011.

Parks placed 32nd at the Sochi Olympic Test Event in Feb 2013 and the following month placed 18th at the World Championships in Voss, Norway.

Teenager SAM ROBERTSON started skiing when he was two-years-old, skiing top to bottom on the Thredbo Supertrail by the age of three.

His father is a ski instructor and race coach with a career that reaches from Thredbo right across the ski fields of the world.

Robertson was so consumed by skiing during high school that his parents sent him to boarding school in Sydney for Years 11 and 12, thinking he would concentrate more on school. But you could not deter the Thredbo local, who has since become a World Championship representative.

CHARLIE TIMMINS has competed in ski slopestyle from 2007 to 2011. He placed 11th in the New Zealand Open in 2009 and 21st in the US Open in 2008. He then shifted his focus toward Freeride and Halfpipe skiing.

After the inclusion of Slopestyle for the Olympics he returned to this discipline but his return was cruelly hampered by a terrible run of injuries. A knee injury (torn ACL) ended his 2011 season and the same occurred in 2012. After returning for 2013, he managed a 41st in the Copper Mountain World Cup, before injuring his knee for a third time.

Timmins trains with Boen Ferguson, Russ Henshaw and Jordan Houghton. He and Boen grew up riding dirt bikes and mountain bikes together on farms outside of Jindabyne, NSW.

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Coomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual rodeo C

oomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual rodeo will be held on Saturday February 8, 2014.

With so many competitors travelling long distances to compete at the CRT Cooma Rural Rodeo, there has been a drop in the amount of local competitors willing to throw their hats in the ring and compete. But there is no reason for this to happen; there are plenty of events that are tailor made for local competitors, the only requirement is a sense of adventure and a desire for adrenaline!

Most entries are taken in the week prior to the Rodeo, with the only event where entries are taken on the day of the Rodeo being the Cochran Horse Treks Poley Buckjump.

Junior Barrel Racing Barrel racing is an event that anyone can have a go at; and kids who love horses have their chance in one of the three age divisions of the junior barrel race.

Entry fees are cheap and you do not have to have a particular kind of horse to compete. You will however need to wear a long sleeve shirt, riding boots and an Australian Standard helmet and will need to be riding in either a stock or western saddle.

Entries are taken through ABCRA

Head Office on Thursday January 30 and Friday January 31, on 1800 028 992.

Junior Steer Ride and Poddy Ride For every child who has wondered what riding a bucking bull would be like, the junior steer riding events are the place to start.

Just like the junior barrel race, entry fees are cheap, and you will need to own, or borrow on the day, an Australian Standard helmet, a vest and a rope. For the Poddy Riders the Cooma Committee has equipment that Bush Basics has generously donated that can be borrowed on the day.

Entries are taken through ABCRA Head Office on Thursday January 31 and Friday February 1, on 1800 028 992. There are no entries on the day for the Poddy Ride.

Cherry Tree Equine Novice Barrel Race There is no age or experience limit to enter the Cherry Tree Equine Novice Barrel Race. The first event on the program, the Novice Barrel is a chance for anyone to have a go at barrel racing and for the more seasoned competitors to give their young horses a run.

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Thredbo Ski Museum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a fascinating place O

ne of Thredboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fascinating places is the Thredbo Ski Museum situated at the northern end of the Thredbo Alpine Hotel and accessed on the right of the steps leading to the Village Square. There you will find a selection of memorabilia providing an overview of New South Walesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unique snow sports history which dates back to the Kiandra goldfields in 1861. Did you know that the first recreational ski club was formed in Australia?

The objects and pictures chosen from the Thredbo Historical Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large collection are grouped into themes including Thredboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beginnings, personalities, the Kiandra Story, the development of the ski from 1896 to 2011, early snowboards, ski racing and search and rescue.

For people wishing to delve further, the Museum has a comprehensive research library of books and documents.

Each year the Museum makes changes to the exhibits. This year the special exhibition features â&#x20AC;&#x153;Skiing in the Brindabellas and the ACT Ski Clubs. Being a winter Olympic year, a focus is also being given to Olympic memorabilia.

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Summer 2013/2014

Profile of a Winter Olympian Scott Kneller

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orn in 1989 in Cooma NSW, Scott Kneller started skiing at the age of three. Both his parents worked at Guthega at the time, which provided an ideal introduction to the sport.

Scott now ranks 19th on the World Cup Circuit after switching to ski cross at the age of 18 years after training with the Perisher Race Club and then the Thredbo Ski Racing club, Scott made the change to ski cross just 18 months prior to the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, when he saw an opportunity to represent his country in a new, exciting sport that was suited to his skill set.

At the Vancouver Scott placed seventh, coming second in his 1/8 final and in his ¼ final, he qualified for the semifinals where he placed third. In each ski cross race there are four competitors and the top two progress to the next heat. In the Small Final, for those eliminated in the semi finals, Scott placed third.

With his sights set on Sochi, this winter Scott had a tight daily routine, 5 days a week. He began on snow at 7 am and finishing at noon, followed by 2 hours in the gym, a massage, and then working on his skis. On the two days off, he did some light gym work and participates in some other sport related activity.

On completion of high school at Hurlstone Agricultural College in 2007, Scott began studying for a combined Bachelor of Civil Engineering/ Commerce at the University of New South Wales.

He just loves mathematics. Although he deferred this year, in a normal ski season Scott would study four or five hours a day, often spending up to an hour and a half before pounding the slopes.

The 2013 winter provided many challenges due to the limited conditions. Most of the training took place in Blue Cow, where a very narrow strip of snow was utilised to build a start section.

In late August, Scott departed to train in New Zealand at Mt Hutt and then Cadrona over a five week period. He was home in Jindabyne for a couple of weeks in October before heading to Europe to the Stubai glacier near Innsbruck in Austria for two weeks. Scott reported in his blog: “To be honest I was a little sceptical about flying half across the globe for 9 days of skiing. There is a day of travelling either side, jet lag to contend with and then there’s the European weather that has been particularly temperamental of late. The camp was already pushed back a week due to lack of snow on the glaciers so I wasn’t overly optimistic.

Perhaps I should have been though!

“In the week we delayed out trip, the Stubai glacier and surrounding areas received over a metre

of snow and conditions were all time. Our camp started at the Stelvio Glacier in Northern Italy - an incredibly remote area that hasn’t been updated since what seems like the 1960s.

“We stayed on the glacier at 3000m which was an incredibly difficult task. Struggling with jet lag and not enough oxygen to recover after training I battled for the five days we were there. Fortunately though the weather was epic and we had a very productive 5 days of training with the Swedes and the French.

“We then spent the last couple of days of the camp at the Stubai Glacier in Austria. The track wasn’t great but it was a good opportunity to ski some panels and work on some basic technique.

“Being based in the Southern Hemisphere we rarely get the chance to train and work with other teams. This is often an advantage but every now and then it’s good to be able to touch base with your competition and see how you’re travelling.

“Despite it being a very long way to go for 7 days of skiing, it was well worth the effort just to do some head to head racing with our competitors and put the last 6 months of training into practice. I’m really happy with where my skiing is at and the progress Marcos has made on it so I’m feeling really good about the season ahead!”

After time back in Australia, the next stop for Scott is Canmore, Alberta where he will train for two weeks prior to the World Cup at Nakiska in early December. The World Cup Circuit then travels to France, Italy and Austria before the Olympic Winter Games in Russia in late February.

Scott is currently ranked 19th on the Olympic Qualifying list. 35 athletes will be selected to compete in Russia and with only 7 more qualifying events remaining, Scott is feeling confident about his chances “I’m in a good position at the moment, I had some solid results last season which I’m hoping to build on in the lead up the games”.

Whilst on a visit to Sochi in February earlier this year for the test event, he was impressed with the facilities “ It’s an incredible setup, they have invested so much money into the infrastructure on the mountain and the events will be world class” At 24 years of age, Scott Kneller tries to find a balance as best he can between pursuing his 7-year degree course and ski cross, whilst having an “unreal” time in the sport which he loves. He believes his strong alpine background, ability to ski terrain and his competitive nature gives him the confidence to be a winner.

An ambassador for Kosciuszko Thredbo, Scott sees his role as bringing business to the area. He is also supported by Volkl, XTM, POC and the Southern Alps Ski Club.

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WHETHER ENTERTAINING FAMILY OR COLLEAGUES, CATCHING A QUICK BITE, STOPPING IN BEFORE HITTING THE SLOPES OR RELAXING WITH THE FAMILY, YOU WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED WITH OUR GREAT FACILITIES & CUSTOMER SERVICE.

106 VALE STREET COOMA PH: 6452 1144

www.coomaexservicesclub.com.au

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest surf club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Yabbies

Registration night at Jindabyne Yabbies. ituated on the shores of Lake family and friends.

Jindabyne at 918 metres above The Jindabyne Yabbies train sea level youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with the Nippers at Tathra Surf highest surf lifesaving club, the Lake Club which is their sister club. The Jindabyne Yabbies. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Yabbiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Yabbies compete in their own right was formed over 17 years ago when in Far South Coast Nipper events Jindabyne locals became concerned with excellent results at three about their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water safety competitions each season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Moruya, Tathra and Batemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay. One especially when visiting the coast. parent spoke highly of the club to It was then that a group of parents the Monaro Post and praised it for approached Tathra Surf Life Saving the confidence the club builds in the Club to help develop surf skills for children. the high country kids.

The members welcome all Since the formation in 1996 the people to become an active or club has grown into a successful passive junior or senior member club and are the only competing of our club. They pride themselves inland surf club in Australia (Far on being family friendly and strive South Coast Branch).

The club to make everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience now boasts 52 Junior and 30 Senior enjoyable. Just come down for members. Each Thursday we host a look or contact them for more our famous After Training BBQ information. All the contact details where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common to see the club are show on their web page www. swell up to 200 people including jindabyneyabbies.com.au

Summer 2013/2014

Snow Dragons D

uring summer on a Saturday morning or Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can see the Lake Jindabyne Snow Dragons paddling their dragon boat around the Lake.

Are you looking for a great way to get fit? Or looking for a social sport that lets you make the most of the picturesque Lake Jindabyne? There is a standing invitation for anyone wishing to try dragon boating to join the gregarious crew and find out why dragon boating is fast becoming

one of the most popular ways people are getting fit all around Australia. Jindabyne dragon boat enthusiast Marion Roberts said â&#x20AC;&#x153;you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be super fit to join in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we just have fun.â&#x20AC;?

The team meets on the lake shore adjacent to the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club every Tuesday and Thursday at 5.15pm and each Saturday at 8.30am.

For more information, email snowdragons@ flowingfestival.com.au.

S

The Jindabyne Snow Dragons pushing off for an evening paddle around Lake Jindabyne.

REYNELLA KOSCIUSKO RIDES SNOWY MOUNTAINS HORSE TREKKING KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś..the Granddaddy of all riding establishmentsâ&#x20AC;?

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School Holiday Homestead Horse riding packages also available

12 CHAPMAN ST, COOMA, NSW 2630

FREECALL: 1800 630 303 PH: (02) 6452 1111

Winter D/B/B Lodge style accommodation

Reynella Rides, 669 Kingston Road Adaminaby 2629 NSW Toll Free No: 1800 02 9909 Telephone: (02) 6454 2386 (02) 6454 2469 Fax: (02) 6454 2530

Ideal location for Selwyn Snowfields, just 9 km from Adaminaby or just 90 minutes to Bullock Flat Ski Tube Participation in farm activities for children most welcome.

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OPEN: Tuesday - Saturday LUNCH: 11am - 2.30pm DINNER: 5 - 9.30pm OPEN SUNDAY NIGHTS FOR THE WINTER SKI SEASON Win a $50 gift voucher every month Just subscribe to our newsletter - more at www.phaskitchen.com.au Fully Licenced 6452 5489 121 Sharp St Cooma

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Summer 2013/2014

Jindabyne’s fitness track – a shared pathway

I

projectand in 1997 it was officially opened.

An enormous statue of Paul Edmund Strzelecki pointing towards Mt Kosciuszko dominates Banjo Paterson Park.

It was a gift from the people of Poland to commemorate Australia’s bicentenary.

Strzelecki was reputedly the first European to climb Mt Kosciuszko which he named after the Polish national hero Andrew Thaddeus Bonaventure Kościuszko because it reminded him of Kościuszko’s tomb.

The interesting features beside the pathway include

an Irish Harp dedicated to the many Irish men who died whilst working on the Snowy Mountains Scheme; a piece of granite resembling a potato and remembering an Irish man, Paddy Costello.

There are unusual seats along the way.

The first one is a stone seat erected to the memory of a Lion’s Club member, Keith Gant Thompson. The other two, one made of small coloured tiles and the other inspired by snow sports in addition to a picnic table and seats inspired by the district’s rural heritage, were created by local artisans under the South East Regional Arts programme in conjunction with the Snowy River Shire Council which now has the responsibility for the maintenance of the pathway and lighting.

Continued on page 27...

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n the summer months, Lake Jindabyne Right: Adjacent to Banjo Paterson becomes the focus for relaxation for Park car park is the Skate Board many people depending on their individual Park catering for all standards interests, namely: fishing, sailing, water of skateboarders, beginners skiing, rowing, wind surfing dragon, to advanced, with seats with swimming, and cycling or strolling along tombstone ends designed for the the paved, shared pathway edging the use of onlookers. southern side of the lake.

Below: Australia’s Polish The 4 kilometre shared pathway which community members celebrate is wheel chair friendly, begins at the Banjo 25 years since the erection of the Paterson Park and continues along the monument to Paul Strzelecki foreshore until one reaches the Snowline Caravan. There are two additional spots along the path where one can park the car to access it, each about a kilometre apart – at the Claypits below the Barry Way roundabout on Kosciuszko Road, and then the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club.

There is nothing more delightful than to escape the summer heat by immersing yourself in the refreshing waters of the lake, or watch the water craft skimming across the waves as you walk along. In the autumn, the sight of the pine clad islands rising from the early fog surrounding them, makes you wonder if a monster will rise from the water. The pine trees were planted by a couple who used to regularly row out to water them during their growing phase.

The Jindabyne shared pathway is a tribute to the Jindabyne community spirit.

Officially known as the Lake Jindabyne Fitness Track and built by members of the community, was coordinated by the Lions Club of Jindabyne. The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority and the NSW Department of Sport And Recreation funded the

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Cooma and Region Calendar of events DECEMBER 2013 Friday 20th: Christmas Carols by the lake â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Crackenback Resort, 5.30 to 7.30pm, bring a rug, BYO picnic and enjoy the festivities (Contact www lakecrackenback.com.au) Saturday 21st: Stand Up Comedy Night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma Little Theatre, presented by Resilience, tickets online or from the Cooma Visitors Centre (www.resilienceinc.org.au) Wednesday 25th: Bredbo Carols Across the Village â&#x20AC;&#x201C; St Bartholemewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church, 7-9pm (Contact 6454 4305)

JANUARY 2014 Saturday 4th: Bombala Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bombala Visitor Centre, Bombala, stalls, food and lots more (Contact 6458 4622) Crackenback Cottage Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alpine Way, Crackenback, 9am to 1pm, local producers markets (Contact 0401 146 166) Tuesday 7th - Saturday 11th: Snowy Mountains Showjumping Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Station Resort, Jindabyne (Contact www.facebook.com/Showjumpingbam) Wednesday 8th: Cooma Community Garden Working Bee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; next to St Andrews Uniting Church, 3.30pm BBQ at 5pm (Contact www monarocommunities.org.au/coomagardens.html) Saturday 11th: Adaminaby Markets at Snowy Scheme Museum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adaminaby, 9am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2pm, in the grounds of the Museum. (Contact Kerry 0408 442 414) Tuesday 14th: School holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 11am to 4pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wii Just Dance Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Contact 0403 498 322)

FEBRUARY 2014 Saturday 1st: Nimmitabel Show â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nimmitabel, events, competitions, exhibits and at the fun of the fair (Contact www.nimmitabel.nsw.au) Bombala Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bombala Visitor Centre, Monaro Hwy, Bombala, stalls, food and lots more (Contact 6458 4622) Crackenback Cottage Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alpine Way, Crackenback, 9am to 1pm, local producers markets (Contact 0401 146 166) Wednesday 5th: Cooma Community Garden Friday 7th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 19th: Trail Running Weekend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, optimize your trail running techniques with two of the best trail runners in the world (contact www.lakecrackenback.com.au or 64513000) Saturday 8th: Cooma Rodeo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma Showground (Contact www.coomarodeo.org.au) Adaminaby Markets at Snowy Scheme Museum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adaminaby, 9am to 2pm, in the grounds of the Museum.

(Contact Kerry 0408 442 414)

Buffet Christmas Lunch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rydges Horizons Resort, Jindabyne, 2.30pm (Contact 6456 2562) Christmas Lunch at Cuisine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Crackenback Resort (Contact www.lakecrackenback.com.au) Christmas Lunch @ Thredbo Alpine Hotel - $129pp drinks on arrival at 12pm followed by 3 course buffet lunch with Brad Cox providing the entertainment (Contact 6459 4200) Christmas Dinner @ Thredbo Alpine Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A la carte menu in the Cascades Restaurant (Contact 6459 4200) Christmas Lunch @ Eagles Nest Thredbo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adults $89 Child $69 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 course traditional lunch from 12.30pm (Booking Essential on 6457 6019)

Wednesday 15th: School holiday program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 11am to 4pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pool Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weather permitting (Contact 0403 498 322) St Andrews Uniting Church, 3.30pm BBQ at 5pm Thursday 16th: School Holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 11am to 4pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Arts & Craft Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Contact 0403 498 322) Friday 17th: School Holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 4pm to 8pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pizza & Pasta Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Contact 0403 498 322) Friday 17th - Saturday 18th : Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fishing workshop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gaden Trout Hatchery, Jindabyne, kids 8-14 years are invited to come and learn to fish safely and responsibly, (Contact stephen.thurstan@dpi.nsw gov.au or phone 4220 8484) Friday 17th- Sunday 19th: Thredbo Blues Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thredbo (Contact www.thredbo.com.au) Tuesday 21st: School Holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 11am to 4pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cup Cake Decorating Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Contact 0403 498 322)

Saturday 28th: Jindabyne Rodeo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jindabyne Sports Oval, gates open 11 am for 1pm start, $15 adults, $10 child, $40 family (Contact 1800 028 992) 29th- 31st December: Snowy Mountains Muster â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Station Resort, Jindabyne, 3 days of skilled stockmen and women battling it out for the title, plus a full program of entertainment (Contact info snowymountainsmuster.com) New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Dinner @ Thredbo Alpine Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A la carte menu in the Cascades Restaurant (Contact 6459 4200) New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Al Fresco â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains (Contact 6456 2562) permitting (Contact 0403 498 322) Thursday 23rd: School Holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 11am to 4pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Play in the Pool Comp Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Contact 0403498 322) Friday 24th: School Holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma 4pm to 8pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Movie Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Friday 24th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Monday 27th: Irish Cultural Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Jindabyne (visit www.jindabyneirishfestival.com) Friday 24th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 26th: Numeralla Folk Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Numeralla Village, 4 days of live music, fun & festivities (Contact Sunday 26th www.numeralla.org.au FolkFestival) Sunday 26th: Bredbo CWA Village Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bredbo Hall, Monaro Highway, 9am to 3pm (Contact 6454 4104) Friday 31st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 2nd February: Yoga Retreat with Kris McIntyre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa (Contact www.lakecrackenback.com.au or 6451 3000)

Wednesday 22nd: School Holiday Program at the Hub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, 11am to 4pm, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pool Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weather Nimmitabel Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nimmitabel, 10am to 2pm (Contact Judy 6456 6693 or Jeneatte 6456 6493) Sunday 9th: Lions Art Competition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Raglan Gallery & Cultural Centre Inc, Cooma, opening at 3pm (Contact Russell Fox 6452 1231) Wednesday 12th: Cooma Community Garden Working Bee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; next to St Andrews Uniting Church, 3.30pm BBQ at 5pm (Contact www.monarocommunities org.au/coomagardens.html) Friday 14th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 16th: Bomb the Snowies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Street Luge Event, Mt Gladstone (Contact 0406 141 873 or visit www.bombthesnowies.com.au) Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th: Jindabyneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flowing Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jindabyne, fun and festivities on the lake foreshore, including the famous Dragon Boat Races (Contact www.flowingfestival.com.au)

Saturday 15th: Coomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giant Garage Sale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cooma, Community Chest charity event, $20 registration fee to be involved and be a part of the town promotion (Contact 6452 3480) Sunday 16th: Cooma Rotary High Country Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Centennial Park, Cooma, hosted by Cooma Rotary Club (Contact 6452 1186) Friday 21st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 23rd: Thredbo 2nd Annual Fly Fishing Expo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thredbo Alpine Hotel, learn all the skills & tricks to master fly fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (Contact 0417 240 797) Saturday 22nd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 23rd: 2014 Australian Cross Triathlon Championships & Multisport Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Crackenback Sunday Resort and Spa (Contact www.lakecrackenback.com.au or 6451 3000) Sunday 23rd: Bredbo CWA Village Markets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bredbo Hall, Monaro Highway, 9am to 3pm (Contact 6454 4104)

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Lunch 11:30 - 2:00pm Dinner - Friday to Saturday 5:30pm - 9pm

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b 7YWLM b 'YTGEOIW b 'SJJII b 'ERH] Shop 11 Centennial Plaza b 7ERH[MGLIW (In the Coles Mall) b *VIWL .YMGI Cooma OPENING HOURS b 7PYWLMIW Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm b 1MPOWLEOIW Sat 10am - 3pm b +MJX[EVI PHONE

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THE TOURIST CAFĂ&#x2030; t All day breakfast t Great range of seafood t All new weekly specials â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vegetarian options 85 Sharp St, Cooma P: 6451 1553

Enjoy a breath taking drive along sealed roads through the Monaro and make The Gallery Restaurant at Dalgety your destination.

Nestled between the Monaro and the Mountains.

From traditional Aussie breakfast to fresh homemade Tapas.

Open for Breakfast & Lunch Pop in or ring for a booking 6456 5060 5474 The Snowy River Way Dalgety

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Melt in your mouth slow cooked steaks, ribs are a house favourite.

NEW FOR 2013! UPSTAIRS BAR GREAT SELECTION OF COCKTAILS, WINES & BEERS ENJOY THE OPEN FIRE AND COSY SURROUNDS.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO CATCH UP AFTER A DAY ON THE SLOPES! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 5PM FOR DINNER UNTIL LATE. BRUNCH ON THE WEEKENDS. FULLY LICENSED.

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t h e

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23

Fascinating work in Australian alpine ecology

D

r Ken Green is the Alpine Ecologist for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). His office is in Jindabyne and he is responsible for research and long term monitoring of the animals, vegetation, lakes and snow in the alpine area of the Snowy Mountains. Before he began this role in 1995, he was with the Australian Antarctic Division wintering on the Antarctic mainland and subAntarctic Heard Island, which erupted while he was there creating spectacular display of lava flowing down the middle of a glacier. He has co-authored many books, including any alpine

traveller’s companion: A Field Guide to Wildlife of the Australian Snow Country. Ken recently took some time out to share some of his work experiences.

How did you become interested in alpine ecology?

I went on my first overnight ski tour in 1977 with friends from the Canberra College of Advanced Education, now the University of Canberra. We skied up from Schlinks Hut onto the Kerries on a sunny day with magnificent views of Jagungal and the snowcovered country all around. Together with Will Osborne, with whom I later wrote Wildlife of the Australian Snow Country, we speculated on what animals were active in the snow each winter. In the following year we returned for a full three weeks of surveying the fauna in the snow during the mid-year break. I was hooked. I later went on to complete a PhD at the Australian National University studying animals in the alpine zone of the Snowy Mountains, so coming back to work here was a natural progression.

• Budget Motel

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How do you think people view your work?

They seem to think I have the best job on earth. I’d like them to think that I am out there grubbing out an existence: calloused hands, feet and knees, working my fingers to the bone for a pittance in fair weather and foul. Trouble is, they can see I am enjoying it - and

sometimes my grin gets bigger the wilder the weather. People often think that animals of the snow are confined to the northern hemisphere and are fascinated by the fact that in this flat, hot, dry continent we have animals that have to deal with snow. For example, wombats dig through two metres of snow just to find their burrow, the incredible shrinking antechinus that gets smaller (and not just lost body fat) so it needs less food under the winter snow, and insects here change colour to absorb or reflect heat at different times of the day.

What have been your work highlights?

There are two standout moments – one natural and one involving people. Camping in winter near the remains of old Rawsons Hut and watching the Aurora Australis (the southern lights) flickering over the summit of Kosciuszko was pretty amazing. Second, was finding a missing walker just before Christmas one year after she had been missing for four

days. We had followed her tracks for two days and finally found her – this was the best Christmas present I ever had.

Have you had a difficult experience in the field?

Breaking my leg on Mt Tingaringy was a bit ordinary. I was walking between enormous cliffs we had abseiled down quite safely, looking for peregrine falcon nests and evidence of Quolls and Rock Wallabies. I simply stepped on a rock that rolled under my foot. The broken leg wasn’t devastating, neither was the one hour crawl and climb down to where a helicopter could winch me out in 50 knot winds. It was the fact that I was stopped from being in the field while the leg healed and had to focus on paperwork.

How should people taking the time to roam enjoy the environment?

The best way to enjoy nature is in solitude, so get away from people and just walk in the woods or grassland by yourself – no talk, no phone, no noise – and just look and listen and think. And when you have gone, leaving nothing behind except your fleeting presence you will have added to nature, not subtracted from it. If you are interested in the Australian ‘high country’, I recommend exploring the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps and the Tasmanian Central Plateau. Also, learn from nature while you drive... Have you ever noticed that ravens always know which side of the white line is theirs and which is yours? They will sit there and watch you go past only a metre or so away.

24

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Plenty of local attractions to entertain The big girl has been refurbished

A

daminaby’s Big Trout has undergone a major facelift over the last 12 months.

She has been completely repainted, patched up and is back to her glorious best now.

The monument, built by artist Andy Lomnici in 1972, was relaunched by Snowy River Shire Mayor John Cahill in early November.

Any trip to the Snowy Mountains should include a visit to the Snowy Museum in Adaminaby. Pictured, one of the exhibits, typical of the equipment and conditions during the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.

Jindabyne Flowing Festival E

ach year the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne comes alive with thousands of paddlers and visitors for the annual Flowing Festival. Flowing from the Mountains to the Lake, the Flowing Festival is a weekend of activities centred on Lake Jindabyne and featuring the Lake Jindabyne Dragon Boat Challenge.

This fantastic weekend set on the foreshore of beautiful Lake Jindabyne includes entertainment on Saturday evening at the twilight concert, amusement rides and food stalls.

On Sunday the dragon boat races begin and the amusements, markets, food stalls and live entertainment continue. The lion dancers are also a popular attraction on Sunday. Event coordinator, Jo Davis says that the 2014 twilight concert and market day are expected to be bigger than ever.

“This year our concert will feature two local youth bands, we will have an aero trampoline on the Sunday and we have lined up more market stalls than ever before.

“People come from all over to compete in the Dragon Boat Challenge with teams coming from Canberra and this year even from Victoria. We’re expecting close to 1000 paddlers and hopefully close to 5000 attendees in total,” said Ms Davis.

The 2014 Lake Jindabyne Dragon

Boat Challenge is open to corporate, charity, novice, sports, juniors and your crew. No previous experience is necessary as training is provided on Saturday afternoon for all teams.

All equipment will be provided and experienced helms will steer your boats.

Dragon boat racing is an exciting and competitive water sport, which has rapidly grown in popularity as a relatively new sport in Australia.

The forty-foot long dragon boats are brightly painted and decorated with a dragons head and tail. Each crew has 20 paddlers, with 10 on each side and two abreast with the paddlers attacking the water as a team, racing the 200 metres with a drummer to keep time and a steerer to control the boat.

The races are exciting and charged with adrenaline. Dragon boating is by nature a social sport requiring large numbers of people to work together.

It develops strength and endurance as well as friendships.

So don’t forget to go sign up for a dragon boating team or simply just turn up for a great day out by the lake at the 2014 Flowing Festival February 15-16.

For more information or to print off a team entry form head to www. flowingfestival.com.au or contact Jo Davis on 0407926347.

Tumut Cup race meeting T

umut Turf Club is one of the oldest Race Clubs in NSW having commenced racing in the 1850s.

The Tumut Cup Race Day on Saturday January 11 is expected to be the biggest yet.

The day is filled with high-class racing, fashion and entertainment. Two magnificent grandstands are still the major features of the racecourse today.

Gates will open at 11am on Tumut Cup Day, with the first race starting after 1pm. Admission will be adults $10, pensioners $5, children under 16 yrs free in the company of a responsible adult. Tumut Cup Day wouldn’t be complete without the popular

Fashions on the Field!

Judging will take place after Race 3 in front of the Grandstand area. Fashions on the Field for Tumut Cup Day will be judged for the following categories: Best Dressed Young Race Goer 16-25 years Best Dressed Couple Most Elegant Lady Most Outrageous Bloke Other great features of the day will be live entertainment from Brendon Carroll, country and metropolitan bookmakers, full TAB facilities and barbecue and kiosk facilities available.

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on again - the 2014 Jindabyne Rodeo

I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on again, bigger and better than ever.

The Jindabyne Rodeo Committee will be holding its annual Rodeo on Saturday December 28 this year at The John Connors oval in Jindabyne.

The change of date in 2012 worked very well for the event, with additional visitors to the region after the mad rush of Christmas, having the event just before the Mountain Muster all added to having the biggest crowd on the day for a number of years.

The return of the Horse events last year and decision by the committee to join the ABCRA (Australian Bushmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campdraft & Rodeo Association) a points scoring Rodeo resulted in attracting riders from all over the State, the

same is planned for this year.

The Rodeo is guaranteed to be action packed with open and novice Bulls, The Open Bull â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shootoutâ&#x20AC;? and the excitement of the Horses with open/novice Saddle Bronc and Bareback. The Ladies/Junior Barrel races plus a number of Junior Steer rides will keep all entertained.

A new event this year will be the introduction of what is called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;POLY BUCK JUMP.â&#x20AC;? This is mainly for the local cowboys who want to try their luck.

Gates open on the day at 11am for a 1pm start; general entry fee on the day is Adult $15, Child $10 or a Family $40.

Other attractions on the day will be side shows,

mechanical bucking bull, plus bar and food outlets.

(Glass free zone, no alcohol though the gates, no dogs) Entries to compete MUST go to a central entry number 1800 028 992, dates to enter are 11/12/13 December 9am-5pm, with a late entry window on December 16 9am12 noon.

No entries will be accepted on the day.

The Jindabyne Rodeo committee would like to thank all its sponsors, without their support it would be impossible to hold the event.

For any information please contact The Jindabyne Rodeo Committee on 0408484905.

Photos by Jen Solomon.

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January is festival month J

anuary is a busy time for the Snowy Mountains, with several festivals and annual events taking place.

Over the January long weekend, locals and visitors alike can join in with Australia Day celebrations across the region as well as the annual Irish Festival at Jindabyne or the Numeralla Folk Festival.

The Irish Festival includes a full weekend of song and dance as well as some hotly contested gaelic sports like hurling and gaelic football.

The town is alive with all things gaelic and celebrates the string Irish connection it has developed over the years, mainly through the

influence of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.

The Numeralla Folk Festival is the oldest festival of its type in NSW. Now more than 40 years old, the festival combines bush dancing with a blackboard concert, with local markets, with a great weekend of relaxing and listening to some great music.

Australia Day is celebrated in various ways in towns such as Jindabyne, Berridale, Adaminaby, Adaminaby, Nimmitabel, Numeralla, Michelago, Bredbo, Dalgety and Cooma.

Each town has a different way of celebrating, but most include a good Aussie breakfast.

Australia celebrations in Cooma.

Your next holiday destination

The Jindabyne Irish Festival.

No matter what time of year there’s something for everyone!

pet friendly “my kind of holiday”

Numeralla Folk Festival.

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Jindabyneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness track â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a shared pathway Continued from page 20...

The latest feature is the Community Shell adjacent to the Claypits swimming area. This was constructed by local tradesmen who voluntarily gave of their time to build it. The funds for materials were donated by the Mountain Life Church. The shell arose from the need for a structure on which to place the carol singers and musicians for Christmas Carols by Candlelight organised by this church.

Whilst there is always activity yearround along the path, it really comes alive at Easter during the Lake Light Sculpture Exhibition when sculptors and local crafts people using a wide variety of media, produce objects which surprise and delight all who wander the path. Whilst spectacular during the day, at night the colourful, illuminated creations take on entirely different characteristics.

In February 2011, water levels in Lake Jindabyne which is a hydro dam, were allowed to accumulate, until it overflowed into the Banjo Paterson Park and covered sections of the shared pathway. At the time of constructing the pathway, it was never envisaged that this event would occur. As a result one section of the path is diverted from the concrete path due to the damage to the path caused by wave action during storms.

The temporary fencing beside the path is a safety measure due to the erosion of banks along the edge of the lake.

COCHRAN HORSE TREK

ADVENTURES THROUGH THE SNOWIES ´ 7KH 0DQ IURP 6QRZ\ 5LYHU PD\ ZHOO EH D P\WK EXW WKH VSLULW RI WKH %DQMR 3DWWHUVRQ¡V OHJHQG OLYHV RQ LQ WKH &RFKUDQ )DPLO\¾ 3-7 day treks through stunning scenery. Camp in comfortable tents. Toilets and showers provided.

Camp fire meals and qualified experienced mountain guides. Mountain bred tried and proven horses.

See the famous Man from the Snowy River Brumbies, visit historic huts.

Enjoy the yarns of mountain bushmen and campfire companionship.

$POUBDU $PDISBO )PSTF 5SFLT t E: info@cochranhorsetreks.com.au ¡ www.cochranhorsetreks.com.au

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Snowy - Monaro regional map

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Some popular walks in Kosciuszko National Park Walks located in the southern alpine area of the Kosciuszko Park:

group of granite boulders is reached. These boulders provide an extensive view of the Main Range and Thredbo Valley.

Distance: 2.5km each way (one-way route); Time suggested: 2 hours 30 minutes each way; Difficulty: easy

Snow Gums Boardwalk The boardwalk begins at the Charlotte Pass lookout.

You will see many of Australia’s highest peaks and superb views. The walk traverses sub-alpine woodland on the Guthrie Range. Signs identify the visible peaks. Mount Kosciuszko is visible from the first lookout.

Distance: 500m; Time suggested: 30 minutes; Difficulty: easy

Rainbow Lake – the vegetation continues to recover from the 2003 bush fires which ravaged sections of the Kosciuszko National Park. to supply water to the Hotel Kosciusko. Sponar’s Chalet had been the staff quarters for the hotel which burnt down in 1951. The old fences near a large boulder just before you descend to the lake are a legacy of the period when this area was leased for grazing.

Distance: 1.5km; Time suggested: 1 hour; Difficulty: easy Snow Gums Boardwalk – looking towards Mt Kosciuszko

Rainbow Lake walk The track begins at a gate on the left side of the Kosciuszko Road towards Perisher from Sawpit Creek, 1.7 kilometres past Sponar’s Chalet. The track winds through snowgrass and snow gums to Rainbow Lake, a dam built

Porcupine track This track starts at the Perisher Valley reservoir. To reach the start of the track, turn left beside the Perisher resort’s Man from Snowy River Hotel on Kosciuszko Road, take the first turn right and follow the road until you reach the reservoir. The area is popular for cross-country skiing and snow poles mark ski trails. The track wanders through snowgrass, snow gums and small shrubs until a large

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Sawpit walk This short and easy stroll is perfect for the whole family.

Beginning from the northern end of Sawpit Creek picnic area, the walk follows Sawpit Creek through woodland, taking in candlebark, bark sallee, white sallee, manna gum, mountain gum and woolly tee tree. Keep your eyes open for birds and kangaroos - walk quietly to increase your chances of spotting them.

Follow the signs to loop back to Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat and make your way through the tourist park to the picnic area.

Combine the walk with a tasty picnic or barbecue lunch at Sawpit Creek picnic area, or for a longer walk, follow Pallaibo track to Thredbo River picnic area. The walk can also be accessed from the nearby Kosciuszko Education Centre via a short paved track.

Distance: 2km (loop); Time suggested: 1 hour; Difficulty: easy Waterfall walk This track starts at the Sawpit Creek picnic area and passes under the road. It runs roughly parallel to Sawpit Creek until it crosses the creek at a cascade or small ‘waterfall’. The tall trees with fibrous bark growing near the falls are alpine ash. Alpine ash was logged in this area late last century. On the return, the track passes between huge granite boulders before returning to the picnic area.

Distance: 6km (loop); Time suggested: 2 hours; Difficulty: easy

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Some popular walks in Kosciuszko National Park Continued from page 29...

Thredbo River track Take the lovely Thredbo River track at Thredbo Village towards Dead Horse Gap, for a taste of Kosciusko’s beautiful sub-alpine flora. See gums growing around granite boulders and watch the river race beneath your feet as you cross the footbridges. Stroll through the snow gum woodlands and enjoy the views down to the river. Keep your eyes on the river for trout and platypus – look for circular ripple patterns.

The walk is about eight kilometres return, however you can break it up into a shorter walk if you only have part of the day or you are walking with children.

Distance: 4km each way (one-way route); Time suggested: 2 hours each way; Difficulty: easy Bullock’s track - via Bullock’s Hut This track begins from either the Thredbo Diggings camping area or from the western side of the Bullock’s Flat car park opposite the Skitube terminal. Both routes are signposted.

The track goes to Bullock’s Hut, which was built in 1934 as a holiday cottage for Dr H. Bullock.

Distance: 4.5km (loop); Time suggested: 1 hour 30 minutes; Difficulty: easy The following walks listed have a higher degree of difficulty principally due to they are located at a higher altitude, weather dependent and the length of time required to complete them.

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko If you’re visiting Kosciuszko National Park in the warmer months, a walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is a mustdo.

Starting at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo, this challenging walk takes you on a journey past the rocky granite outcrops of Rams Head Range and through heathlands for a couple of kilometres before reaching the lookout.

wTake in the scenic views before setting off for the summit.

You’ll cross over the headwaters of the Snowy River, before climbing above Lake Cootapatamba and continuing on to Rawson Pass. Take a break to enjoy your surroundings and check out the interpretive displays to find out about the significance of this country to Aboriginal people.

From here, it’s a gradual climb to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, mainland Australia’s highest mountain. The view is bound to impress you. Stay as long as you like before walking back along the track to Thredbo.

Distance: 14.3km (loop); Time suggested: 4 hours 30 minutes; Difficulty: medium difficulty

Distance: 22km (loop); Difficulty: hard

Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk Follow Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk in Kosciuszko National Park to enjoy amazing displays of wildflowers including marsh marigolds, silver snow daisies, mountain roses, and buttercups blossoming among glorious alpine views. This multi-use track is popular with bushwalkers and mountain bikers alike. It follows the old road to Mount Kosciuszko, through snow gums, heath, and herb fields, with breathtaking views out across the main range.

Stop at Snowy River (4.5km from Charlotte Pass) for a picnic before continuing your walk or ride.

After crossing the river, the track winds slowly upwards to Seaman’s Hut, which was built in 1927, before carrying on to Rawson Pass, where you will find interpretive signs explaining the Aboriginal significance of many of the surrounding landscape’s features.

If riding, you can leave your bike at Rawson Pass (bike stands are available) and walk the final 1.4km to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Lake Cootapatamba lies below the Mt Kosciuszko’s southern flank on the eastern side.

Distance: 9km each way (one-way route); Time suggested: 6 hours each way; Difficulty: hard Main Range track Main Range walk is a spectacular, long alpine track, which is suited to adventurous bushwalkers eager to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Kosciuszko National Park on foot.

You can follow this 22km track through some truly extraordinary scenery; across the Snowy River at Charlotte Pass through fields filled with wildflowers, past two gorgeous scenic lookouts, one close to Blue Lake, the other at the Lake itself, then climb high up over Mt Carruthers along the scenic Main Range, overlooking Club Lake and Lake Albina, followed by ascending Mount Kosciuszko, before returning via Summit trail to Charlotte Pass.

Spring and summer are particularly great times to visit, when the snow has melted off the track and the wildflowers are out in full bloom.

Tourism is

my Business!

Theo Schoo

Schoo’s Stubio, Cooma Whatever you d do for a crust right across the Snowy Mountains Mountai region, you are positively affected by tourism. tou In fact, last year spending by tourists was worth almost $13,000 for every man, woman an and child in our community – more than double doub anywhere else in New South Wales. A whopping whopp half billion dollars a year that has a multiplier multi effect creating jobs and opportunities for fo all our families.

Tourism is e everybody’s business.

To find out more about being part of growing our vvisitor economy, visit www.snow www.snowymountains.com.au

Proudly 100% locally owned newspaper The Monaro Post and Members of Tourism Snowy Mountains.

Time suggested:

9 hours;

Thredbo to the Alpine Way Rangers Station.

WORK IN PROGRESS – Thredbo to Rangers Station track The track from the north of Thredbo Friday Flat to the Alpine Way Ranger Station is 6.5km one way. There are three suspension bridge crossings of Thredbo River in this section. This summer Kosciuszko National Park employees will be working on the section between Ngarigo Camping Area and Thredbo Diggings Camping Area. It is also plan to build the final two bridges crossing Thredbo River. The track is scheduled for completion (Thredbo to Skitube) by the end of 2014.

Distance: 6.5 km each way (one-way route); Time suggested: 3 ¼ hours each way; Difficulty: easy Additional details on walks, mountain bike trails and drives are available on the Kosciuszko National Park web page.

20 years of Blues Celebration comes to Thredbo this January T

he Thredbo Blues Festival is celebrating 20 years of big blues tunes with a stellar line-up of artists that is set to make this birthday one to remember.

Mark your calendar and be in Thredbo January 1719 for a platinum celebration of the famous Thredbo Blues Festival.

The program is loaded with new and familiar artists with 22 acts playing around the weekend Blues town. Star performer Wendy Mathews will be joined by many Thredbo Blues regulars including the inventive Jeff Lang, explosive Kevin Borich, supersmooth Ray Beadle and rising star Rick Price.

The Foreday Riders who have performed continuously from the mid 60’s and well known for producing many brilliant musicians along the way will be in Thredbo with The Mighty Reapers, who have reformed for the occasion. New band Jungal will be on stage along with other Australian bands and solo artists.

“The 2014 Thredbo Blues is undoubtedly one of the best line-ups in any Australian Blues festival for some years” said Festival Director Stewart Wauchope Legendary Blues man Jeff Lang, a Thredbo Blues crowd favourite, loves this festival. “I’ve been coming to Thredbo to play at the Blues Festival for 18 years now. I love how it really feels like the whole town has given itself over to music for the duration of the

festival.

The audiences are great too, like the whole town is populated by people who love to hear live music. It’s a different vibe to a typical festival and I always look forward to coming back to Thredbo to play” he said From cosy restaurants, booming alfresco gigs and indoor music hall settings, the layout and variety makes this festival a standout. Festival goers can see bands in different settings several times over the weekend. The bands are rostered on to play full gigs in small and intimate venues such as restaurants and bars but also outdoor poolside and the Village Square as well.

Combine a fabulous line up of music with a great alpine village, full of things to do and you have one top weekend away on the rooftop of Australia.

The full line up of artists, program, accommodation and ticket prices information can be found at www.thredbo.com.au/thredboblues There is an accommodation option to suit everyone in Thredbo from budget bunk rooms to luxurious chalets, apartments and a hotel. Many get a group of friends together and rent an apartment with stunning mountain views - a 5 star Blues Festival. There are weekend all inclusive packages starting from $270 per person call Thredbo Resort Centre 1300 020 589

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Graham Spackman Spackman Real Estate

For further information please contact:

m: 0427 202 987 e: gspackman@spackmanrealestate.com.au