Scoop up a bargain at one of our ScrapMart stores - Mayoral Column 10 July

You never have to look far to find kind, caring, community-minded individuals, throughout our region. Last week I was pleased to be in attendance at the Cooma-Monaro SES Unit graduation dinner as 26 Cadets graduated after their 10-week program at Monaro High School.

The Cadet Program was a huge success and the graduates’ dedication was described as inspirational. Congratulations to all involved, your commitment to our community is greatly appreciated.

I hope all our residents and visitors with school-aged children are surviving the school holidays. If you are looking for some entertainment, our libraries in Bombala and Cooma, along with our Youth Development Officers, have put together a wonderful line-up of activities to delight and engage, catering to a broad range of ages and interests through the school holiday period.

All the events and activities are free however, due to limited places, bookings are essential for some of the activities. You can find all the details on Council’s website, at any of our offices, or via Snowy Monaro Regional Library, Snowy Monaro Regional Youth Council and Snowy Monaro Regional Council Facebook pages.

Are you looking for extra furniture, cookware, household goods or entertainment items? ScrapMart may just have what you’re looking for, and at a price that will surprise you!

There is a range of quality pre-loved items available from both ScrapMart stores, located at the Cooma and Jindabyne Landfills. Everything from furniture, pots & pans, crockery & cutlery, glassware, toys, games, books, CDs, DVDs, records, tools and sporting equipment. You never know what little treasures you might find for just a few dollars!

ScrapMart Cooma is open every Saturday - 1pm to 5pm. ScrapMart Jindabyne is open every Sunday - 10am to 3pm. Quality second-hand goods can be dropped off anytime at the Cooma or Jindabyne Landfills within regular opening hours, saving money on tipping fees.

Last Thursday I attended a briefing session held in Cooma for Mayors and General Managers from the three affected councils on the progress with the State Government’s feasibility study into the Queanbeyan to Eden Railway. The study is being managed by the Department of Transport, which has engaged an independent consultant. There will be community workshops for interested parties in Bega, Cooma and Queanbeyan in July and August. The project is consistent with the State Government’s objective of shifting freight from road to rail. The study will be completed by the end of the year.

I was delighted to be a part of the launching of the new flag pole at St Patrick’s Parish School last week. The school will now proudly fly the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands flags. The new flag pole was made possible through the Stronger Communities Fund 2018 allocation to Council.

Councillor John Rooney Mayor of Snowy Monaro Regional Council