Council has resolved to decentralise Australia Day celebrations with a new model whereby council will be handing over the events to the community.

Community lead events will be supported by council in Bombala, Cooma and Jindabyne, along with monetary support for eight of the smaller towns and villages throughout the region.

From this Wednesday our swimming pools in Adaminaby, Berridale and Bombala will be open for the summer season. Council has waived the entry fees at these three locations, allowing locals and visitors alike to enjoy this great Australian pastime for free this summer.

I had the pleasure of attending the Bombala Chamber of Commerce meetings, with John Barilaro and was very impressed by this highly motivated group, led by chair Zoe Josephs, who are taking an active positive approach to improve economic development in and around Bombala.

Have you had a chance to try out some of the new playgrounds throughout the region? I have, along with my fellow councillors Sue Haslingden, Rogan Corbett and James Ewart. We were joined by local school children from Bombala and Cooma to test out the equipment and officially open the Bombala Playground and Nijong Ninja Park. Rotary Oval, Cooma and Dalgety Showground are also completed, while Adaminaby and Berridale Lions Park are currently under construction. Exciting times ahead.