Yass Valley Council would like to advise residents of changes to Council services over the upcoming Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays The Council’s Administration Building and Yass Valley Library will be closed over the Easter weekend The Yass Valley Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Good Friday All Yass Valley Transfer Stations will be closed on the following days: There will be no kerbside bin collection on Good Friday Residents who usually have their bins collected on Fridays are asked to place them out on Wednesday 16 April for collection on Thursday 17 April We thank the community for their understanding over these public holidays Wishing all residents a safe and enjoyable Easter and a reflective ANZAC Day For any enquiries, please contact our Customer Services team on (02) 6226 1477 or email council@yass.nsw.gov.au Yass Valley Council recognises the traditional custodians of the land and acknowledges the Elders of the community and their descendants Photo: Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOSA woman in her 60s has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEmergency services attended a property at Darra in Brisbane's southwest on April 3 following reports an infant was unconscious and not breathing The baby boy was later declared dead at the scene Police established Operation Whiskey Nocturne to investigate his death and on Monday detectives charged a 63-year-old Darra woman with manslaughter She is due to appear before Richland Magistrates Court on June 4 We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy Yass Valley Council is pleased to announce the appointment of highly experienced and qualified local government leader Ms Gayleen Burley as its new Chief Executive Officer Ms Burley brings a wealth of experience in budget management team leadership and service delivery to rural and regional communities through her work across northern NSW local government “On behalf of all the Yass Valley Councillors I am delighted to announce our unanimous decision to appoint Ms Gayleen Burley as our new CEO We were impressed by Ms Burley's commercial acumen and strong background in planning and asset management which we believe are the perfect fit for Council's current challenges.” Ms Burley most recently served as Director of Place and Growth at Glen Innes-Severn Council she held senior local government positions at Kempsey Shire and Port Macquarie-Hastings where she managed large portfolios of community assets and council personnel Councillors were particularly impressed with her keen appreciation of Yass Valley’s natural as well as her understanding of the importance of supporting Yass Valley’s existing agricultural and tourism businesses while fostering new economic opportunities “I am delighted to be joining Yass Valley Council as Chief Executive Officer and working with the Mayor and Councillors to realise their vision for the Yass Valley area I look forward to working with Council staff to build on the high level of services provided to the community and ensuring that Council remains financially sustainable now and into the future I want to ensure that Council engages with and listens to the community so that the services we provide are efficient and relevant to the needs of our growing population and opportunities ahead to help shape an already great place to live “We are thrilled that Ms Burley and her family will be moving to Yass Valley and I know our residents will extend a warm welcome as she settles into her new role.” Councillors took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the contribution of Ms Julie Costa Yass Valley Council’s Planning & Environment Director who has been acting as CEO since late November "Ms Costa stepped up in challenging circumstances and has demonstrated strong leadership skills and unwavering commitment to our community and council staff Council is enormously grateful to Ms Costa for her professionalism and fortitude in steering Council to a much stronger position going forward” Ms Costa will continue as Acting CEO until Ms Burley commences in the role in mid-April Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSA state Liberal leader has brushed off his party's federal election thumping and dismissed concerns its brand has become "toxic" All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueVictoria's opposition leader Brad Battin and his state party were riding high in the polls before being delivered a brutal reality check on Saturday Voters took a hatchet to the party in Melbourne with his federal colleagues in Deakin and Menzies to the city's east projected to lose their seats The Liberals also failed to reclaim Aston after losing the federal seat to Labor in a 2023 by-election and a quest to claim others in Melbourne's outer suburbs looks set to fall short Liberal leader Brad Battin says he's confident of an election platform Victorians can have faith in (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)Peter Dutton pitched a national policy to build nuclear reactors at ageing coal-fired power stations including to the state's east in Gippsland Mr Battin sought to distance himself from the plan during the campaign and claims he was not stunned by voters' repudiation of the Liberals "I don't believe the Liberal brand is toxic at all," he told reporters at Morwell in Victoria's east "By the time we get to the next (state) election .. I am confident that we can go with a policy platform that people can have faith in." Victorian voters head to the state polls in November 2026 seen as a drag on the federal party's support was only invited to appear once with Anthony Albanese on the campaign trail But she crowed about the result being vindication of Labor's management of the state where it has spent all but four years in power since 1999 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made only one campaign appearance with Premier Jacinta Allan (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)Another issue to cross federal and state lines over the course of the campaign was Melbourne's controversial Suburban Rail Loop a planned 90km orbital rail line from Cheltenham to Werribee via the airport The mega rail project was in the gun when Mr Dutton threatened to pull Labor's $2.2 billion in committed federal funding if he won government Ms Allan suggested the election result provided a renewed mandate to build the $34.5 billion project particularly in seats where the line's eastern section is slated to pass through "This project has the support of the Victorian community," she said at a tunnel boring machine launch site in Clarinda on Monday Residents and visitors are invited to attend one of the many ANZAC Day services being held across the region to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our nation Please see below for service times and locations(PDF, 719KB) as well as information regarding road closures The Yass RSL Sub-Branch welcomes the community to attend the following ANZAC Day events: The Murrumbateman Lions Club will host their ANZAC Day Service at 9:30 am in Jones Park (opposite the pub) Thank you to the local Yass RSL Sub-Branch and all our community organisations and volunteers involved in coordinating our community commemorations Temporary road closures will be in place during the morning to allow for the ANZAC Day parade and commemorative services Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOSYears after his wife died while kayaking a man has been accused of murder and trying to claim more than $1 million in life insurance All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueGraeme Davidson has been charged over the death of his wife Jacqueline drowned while kayaking with her husband at Lake Samsonvale She could not be revived when they returned to shore and died at the scene despite onlookers and emergency services performing CPR Her death was considered an accidental drowning But police investigations for a report to the coroner uncovered further evidence and a homicide probe was launched "18 months to two years" after her death "Police are alleging the male person was involved in the drowning in the lake," Detective Acting Inspector Steve Windsor told reporters on Monday Graeme Davidson was charged with murder and fraud after a 'complex and lengthy' investigation (HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE)Under Operation Victor Harlow detectives gathered witness and expert statements including information about the lake's conditions at the time of Ms Davidson's death The "complex and lengthy" probe led to Davidson being charged with murder fraud and attempted fraud following his arrest in Brisbane on Sunday "The cause of death was drowning but it was a case of talking to witnesses and gaining further evidence that the matter appeared suspicious," Insp Windsor said "Incidents are not always what they initially seem so I thank the detectives for their diligent work in this lengthy and arduous investigation." Insp Windsor said the married couple were living together but police would allege there was "some form of breakdown in the relationship" at the time of Ms Davidson's death He said police would allege Davidson made a life insurance claim and attempted to make another after his wife's death confirming they related to the fraud charges "The combined life insurance was in excess of $1 million," Insp Windsor said Police evidence included the lake's conditions at the time of the woman's death (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)He said Davidson had been living in Thailand for a "number of years" But Insp Windsor said police chose "not to go down that path" and instead charged Davidson when he visited Brisbane for family reasons Davidson was refused police bail and his matter went before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody after his matter was adjourned until May 19 Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOSA string of factors rather than a standout reason is being blamed on Liberal failings as the party recorded its worst election defeat in history All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueMPs and insiders were left dismayed at how poorly the party performed after internal numbers set an expectation they would go forward losing at least 13 seats and potentially up to 19 The Liberals were routed across metropolitan areas with Peter Dutton becoming the first opposition leader to lose his seat defence spokesman Andrew Hastie and immigration spokesman Dan Tehan are among possible candidates to lead the rebuild None have publicly declared a leadership tilt Liberal senator Hollie Hughes has been publicly critical of Angus Taylor (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)But a blame game has already started who lost her pre-selection and blames Mr Taylor for his factional dealings was scathing in her assessment of his role in the defeat "I don't know what he's been doing for three years One Liberal insider noted those coming out of the woodwork to attack Mr Taylor had their own agenda and would try to discredit him to prop up others' leadership tilts While a lack of a coherent economic plan was a common critique within the party insiders also complained of a presidential-style campaign that involved captain's calls from Mr Dutton Shadow ministers were effectively left in the lurch during the policy decision-making processes submitting costed policies that were never heard of again Peter Dutton's presidential-style campaign reportedly dismayed many Liberal MPs (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)There was a lot of pre-election work on policies that never saw the light of day while others such as a proposed $1200 tax rebate and a decision not to back Labor's income tax cuts were made centrally without input from shadow cabinet "People expected their policies to appear at least on the website," the senior coalition source told AAP A short-lived plan to force public servants to work from home also confounded MPs with instant feedback from the hustings being brutal Questions were raised about why the campaign focused so heavily around Mr Dutton if he had popularity problems instead of the wider team being utilised more effectively Liberal senator Andrew Bragg called for an end to culture wars "at all costs" and for a focus on economic issues NSW Liberal opposition leader Mark Speakman agreed saying in a thinly-veiled jab at Mr Dutton that he "won't be focused on issues like how many flags I stand in front of" "Young people in the street aren't talking about that They want to know what we are doing to get them into homes as renters and buyers," he said The Yass Valley Strategic Community Plan 2042 identifies the main priorities and aspirations for Yass Valley Council for the next 18 years This is the Council’s highest-level planning document and informs the strategic direction of the Council’s integrated planning and reporting framework It is now available for public comment until 31 March 2025 and can be viewed online and at the Yass Visitor Information Centre We invite you to have a look through and have your say Yass Valley Community Strategic Plan 2042(PDF, 23MB) Photo: Ethan James/AAP PHOTOSThe closure of a youth detention centre with an "ongoing abuse risk" has been further pushed back as part of broad justice reforms All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTasmania's Ashley Youth Detention Centre was in 2023 recommended to be shut as soon as possible in the final report of an inquiry into institutionalised child sexual abuse the subject of horrific stories of mistreatment which had previously pledged to shut the centre by the end of 2024 later said it would be closed in 2026 once replacement facilities had been established Minister for Children Roger Jaensch says the centre can't close until a new one is up and running that date was pushed back to early 2028 as part of the release of a master plan for the construction of a more therapeutic centre north of Hobart "We cannot (close the centre) before we have a new functional detention facility," Minister for Children and Youth Roger Jaensch told reporters "We believe … we can see the new facility built before the end of 2027 and then the closure of Ashley shortly thereafter."  Labor opposition MP Sarah Lovell said there was no clear plan for what would happen in the meantime "The (inquiry) made it crystal clear: Ashley must close as soon as possible," she said "Community safety is directly linked to effective we are failing both the young people in the system and the communities they return to."  A master plan for a new facility has been released but it won't be built before the end of 2027 (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)A parliament committee was last week told the government was investigating recent complaints from detainees about the use of isolation and restraints Mr Jaensch acknowledged Ashley had not produced good outcomes for young people and hadn't reduced re-offending the state government was providing diversionary programs for young people and the centre was safer than ever before "We're not seeing an increase in reports of sexual abuse although we leave the channels open for anyone with concerns to report them there hasn't been a recent concern raised about recent sexual abuse matters at Ashley Youth Detention Centre." The new centre will have 16 residential beds plus two for new arrivals and two medical beds Of 111 state servants suspended since late 2020 because of child sexual abuse allegations 41 remain subject to ongoing investigations by the government Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Yass Valley Council is pleased to welcome Ms Gayleen Burley on her first official day as Chief Executive Officer welcomes Gayleen Burley (R) as CEO Yass Valley Council.  Following a comprehensive recruitment process earlier this year Ms Burley was unanimously appointed by Council for her extensive experience in local government leadership and her strong commercial and strategic planning background Mayor Jasmin Jones said she was thrilled to see Ms Burley step into the role “Today marks an exciting new chapter for Yass Valley Council,” Mayor Jones said “Gayleen brings not only a depth of knowledge and experience in rural and regional service delivery but also a genuine appreciation for the character and future potential of the Yass Valley We’re confident she will be an outstanding leader as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Ms Burley has held senior leadership positions across northern New South Wales most recently serving as Director of Place and Growth at Glen Innes-Severn Council Her previous roles at Kempsey Shire and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils saw her oversee key community assets and large teams including responsibility for significant infrastructure such as airports Ms Burley said she was proud to begin her five-year term with Yass Valley Council “It’s an honour to be joining the Council team and serving the people of Yass Valley,” she said “I’m committed to working closely with the Mayor and the community to ensure we maintain strong sustainable services that reflect local needs and aspirations Yass Valley is a region with so much potential and I’m excited to get started.” Council also took the opportunity to once again thank Ms Julie Costa for her leadership as Acting CEO over the past several months “Julie has done a tremendous job leading Council through a period of transition,” Mayor Jones said “Her professionalism and dedication have set a strong foundation for Gayleen to build upon.” Photo: Yass Valley Council Executive Management Team and Jasmin Jones welcomes Gayleen Burley on her first day as CEO L-R: Jasmin Jones; Gayleen Burley; Nathan Cooke; Peta Gardiner; Julie Costa.  Photo: AP PHOTOUS President Donald Trump's tariffs are increasingly clogging up the wheels of a world economy that for decades were greased by predictable and relatively free trade All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBig-name multinationals right down to niche e-commerce players last week cut sales targets warned of job cuts and reviewed their business plans while major economies revised down growth prospects amid bleak data read-outs While financial markets are betting the US and China will pull back from an all-out trade war and that Trump will cut deals to avert higher tariffs on others the sheer uncertainty of where this ends has become a major drag factor in itself "US tariff policy is a serious negative shock for the world in the near term," said Isabelle Mateos y Lago group chief economist at French bank BNP Paribas The uncertainty created by US tariffs has become a major drag on financial markets (AP PHOTO)"The US tariffs end-game may be further away and at a higher level than previously thought," she said of blanket US tariffs currently set at a baseline of 10 per cent alongside higher sector-specific charges on products such as steel Beijing said on Friday it was evaluating an offer from Washington to hold talks over 145 per cent US tariffs to which it has responded with 125 per cent levies Trump's administration has also suggested it is close to deals with nations including India South Korea and Japan to avert more tariffs in weeks to come companies such as Swedish appliances maker Electrolux slashed its outlook while Volvo Cars computer gadget maker Logitech and drinks giant Diageo abandoned their targets on the uncertainty The tariff outlook prompted the Bank of Japan to cut its growth forecasts last week while trade tensions were cited by forecasters in growth outlook downgrades for the Netherlands and the Middle East and North Africa region China's factory activity contracted at the fastest pace in 16 months in April while a similar UK readout showed British factory exports in April shrinking at their sharpest pace in almost five years Strong economic data from Germany could be down to a spike in activity before tariffs take effect (AP PHOTO)Economists were quick to caution that a stronger-looking read-out from export-focused Germany might largely be due to factories front-loading business to get it out of the door before the tariffs took effect while front-loading may also have helped India to a 10-month high in manufacturing growth in April analysts noted the nation - which faces lower tariffs than China and towards which Apple has shifted some output - could end up a genuine winner "India is well positioned to be an alternative to China as a supplier of goods to the US in the immediate term," emerging markets economist Shilan Shah at Capital Economics said predicting punitive tariffs on China were "here to stay" Picture: Trooper Peter Wold's official Australian War Grave in Old Yass Cemetery installed in 2024.  Picture: Site of Trooper Peter Wold's unmarked grave in Old Yass Cemetery As interest in Peter’s war grave grew and the story began to unfold the Wold family discovered a unique family connection to the Light Horse Brigade over 100 years on Two of Peter’s step great-grandsons are currently serving in the Australian Army Sergeant Adam Hamilton is on active duty in South Australia whilst is an Army Reservist with the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers the present-day inheritor of the history and battle honours of Peter’s own 12th Light Horse Regiment and his wife Hilary (mother of Joshua and Adam) will be visiting Yass this ANZAC Day with their extended family to visit Peter’s now formally recognised resting place and pay tribute to his life and legacy and someone who carried the memories of war in silence,” said Stephen. “To see his grave now marked with honour means the world to our family It’s a reminder that every soldier’s story matters We are all very proud of Peter’s war service and the sacrifices he and so many others made for our freedom.” Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones said the Council was proud to play a role in recognising Peter Wold’s service and preserving this important chapter of local history “Many of our returned soldiers were laid to rest in graves that did not recognise their service It’s heartening to see families like Peter’s take steps to ensure that service and sacrifice are never forgotten We are proud to have supported the deserved recognition of his final resting place,” said Mayor Jones Picture: Trooper Peter Wold's Official War Grave Headstone installed in Old Yass Cemetery in December 2024 Yass Valley Council extends its deepest gratitude to the Wold family for their dedication to honouring Peter’s memory and looks forward to welcoming them to Yass this ANZAC Day Members of Peter’s family will be giving readings at both the Yass RSL Sub-Branch’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service (5.45am) and Commemorative March Service (10.45am) in Yass.  Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOSErin Patterson had shared with true crime fans her love of mushrooms excitement over buying a food dehydrator and plans to cook beef Wellington All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 50-year-old mother of two has pleaded not guilty to all counts against her including three murder charges for killing her estranged husband's family after feeding them lunch at her Leongatha home Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson all died in hospital from death cap mushroom poisoning after eating a beef Wellington Patterson had prepared for them on July 2023 Heather Wilkinson and Don and Gail Patterson died after eating lunch at Erin Patterson's home (HANDOUT/INTRAWORK BUSINESS SERVICES)Patterson claims it was "a terrible accident" Three members of a true crime Facebook group Patterson was part of gave evidence on day five of her Supreme Court trial in Morwell The group was created to go over the case of convicted baby killer Keli Lane she was a really good researcher," group member Christine Hunt said about Patterson's online reputation said in 2023 Patterson had shared photos of a black dehydrator with mushrooms inside "She was a bit excited that she'd purchased a food dehydrator," Ms Barkley said via video link Screenshots of Patterson's messages to the group were also shown to the jury "I've been hiding powdered mushrooms in everything the kids had no idea," she wrote in one post Simon Patterson finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box said Patterson "seemed to really like mushrooms" In the weeks before the deadly mushroom meal Patterson asked the group if anyone had cooked a beef Wellington and if they had advice Erin said she was making beef Wellington," Ms Hay said "I think she was at the supermarket and she messaged us something about the beef that she was buying." She said Patterson had told them the mushrooms came from an Asian grocer Ms Hay said Patterson asked her for tips on how to make sure the beef Wellington pastry did not go "soggy" as it was one of Ms Hay's favourite dishes said she joked: "I'd make a tofu Wellington" so we had a good laugh about that," she said Patterson's estranged husband Simon finished his evidence to the jury after almost three days in the witness box Simon Patterson said his mother stopped reading messages from Erin after trying to solve a dispute (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC put it to Simon that he had asked Erin - two days after the lunch - "is that what you used to poison them?" "I did not say that to Erin," Simon responded The jury of 15 people were shown messages from a family group Signal chat between Simon his former wife and his parents - in December 2022 - after he last week claimed she had sent "extremely aggressive" messages to his mother and father which he said were from a few months later having a crack at me and accusing me of some things in response to what I'd messaged her about," he said After his parents tried to help Erin and Simon resolve a dispute over his child support payments his mother Gail took a step back and stopped reading messages from Erin in the group chat "Mum really struggled with anxiety," he said The trial before Justice Christopher Beale will continue on Tuesday Looking for activities to keep the kids engaged these school holidays The Yass Valley Council Autumn School Holiday Program is here and offers a variety of options for younger kids All events are free, with thanks to Yass Valley Council and the NSW Government. Spaces are limited, so be quick and book your place now. More details are on the attached flyer(PDF, 1MB) Book your free place via Humanitix: Autumn School Holidays 2025 - Book via Humanitix Photo: AP PHOTORwanda is in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the United States All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueRwanda has in recent years positioned itself as a destination country for migrants that Western countries would like to remove despite concerns by rights groups it does not respect some of the most fundamental human rights Rwandan authorities signed an agreement with Britain in 2022 to take in thousands of asylum seekers from the UK before the deal was scrapped in 2024 by then newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer "We are in discussions with the United States," Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said in an interview with the state broadcaster Rwanda TV on Sunday local time "It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed US President Donald Trump launched a sweeping crackdown on immigration and attempted to freeze the US refugee resettlement program after the start of his second term in January His administration has pushed aggressively to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally and other non-citizens The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) warned there was a risk some migrants sent to Rwanda could be returned to countries from which they had fled Kigali denied the allegations and accused the UNHCR of lying the US deported to Rwanda a resettled Iraqi refugee whom it had long tried to extradite in response to Iraqi government claims that he worked for the Islamic State according to a US official and an internal email The Supreme Court in April temporarily blocked Trump's administration - which has invoked a rarely used wartime law - from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants it accused of being gang members I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on how Council is approaching our financial situation and how we are developing a strong and robust plan to achieve long term financial sustainability Pictured: Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones welcomes Jason McGuire A Fresh Start with a Strong Financial Management Team We are entering the new year with a clear understanding of our financial position for the 2024-25 financial year allowing us to make some big decisions about where our income comes from and how it’s spent We are very pleased that our new permanent Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has now joined the team and he brings over three decades of finance and resource management expertise from Federal and State government departments Prior to this, an UHY accounting team has been working as our contracted CFO and they presented Councillors with a clear financial picture just before the December Council meeting. These reports will now be made public and can be found on our website (Council Meeting 16 December 2024 - Attachments) UHY and our qualified and committed Councillors we now have a strong team ready to tackle the financial challenges ahead although we have sufficient cash reserves to operate in the short-term we need to improve our long-term financial position and critically review our budget to ensure that it is balanced and sustainable going forward do we have the resources to do what we planned The current forecast budget deficit for 2024-25 as published in the 2024-34 Long term Financial Plan is $4.761 million and the intention is to reduce this down over the next few years The advice from UHY is that our first step towards balancing the budget and improving our financial sustainability is to reduce our current 2024/25 operational budget by $2 million with a view to further review our financial commitments and income in the 2025/26 budget As recommended by the Office of Local Government during their recent visit in December we need to explore all potential levers that we can pull to balance community services with the income we receive from rates and grants They reiterated that we are not alone in this position as many other Councils are facing similar challenges high service expectations and inflation affect us all.  and the levers used by other councils to manage their deficits We also will be looking at improving our accounting systems to better report how and where the money can be spent Our challenge now is to decide on the most appropriate course of action for the Yass Valley community We will approach this with full transparency and engage with the community as we work through this process Improved Financial Management and Accounting Processes With a clear financial picture now available and an experienced CFO on board the Council is in a strong position to move forward At an Extraordinary Council Meeting (EGM) held on Thursday 30 January Councillors agreed to seek further advice on improving some of our accounting methods particularly in the internal allocation of costs between various services and funds (such as ensuring the full costs of water waste and sewerage are in the right restricted fund) and improving handling of grant revenue to reduce errors in our internal financial accounting processes (such as how to manage costs whilst waiting for grant funds to be paid) This will further improve the quality of our financial reports and allow us to make better informed decisions We receive income from many different sources (e.g We’re not facing these challenges alone The Council has been working very closely with the Office of Local Government to ensure our financial practices meet the required standards The Audit Office have reviewed our accounts and provided an unqualified report (meaning they consider our financial statements to be a true and fair view of our financial position) We will also be engaging with the local community as your feedback will be essential as we shape the decisions that will affect us all we’ll continue to share regular updates to keep you informed about our financial strategies.  The financial management team are now working towards the February Council Meeting where we will be discussing the next steps of the financial action plan and most effective ‘levers to pull’ to implement the reduction in the operational budget Photo: Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOSWestpac shares have sold off after posting weaker than expected first-half profit All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAustralia's oldest bank was the worst performer of the big four down more than three per cent per cent to $32.40 around 1pm AEST on Monday after it first half profit dipped to $3.3 billion Chief executive Anthony Miller touted the group's balance sheet as it navigates an economically uncertain backdrop and volatile market conditions "The foundations of the bank have strengthened materially over the last two decades," he said A common tier T1 equity ratio of 12.6 per cent was more than six percentage points higher than pre-global financial crisis levels while the bank's deposit-to-loan ratio was at a record high of 84.5 per cent "These foundations will support us to navigate increasingly volatile and uncertain conditions stemming from trade and geopolitical tensions," Mr Miller said Westpac CEO Anthony Miller (right) says he is looking forward to working with a Labor government (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Recent instability due to US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs has also impacted global credit markets particularly over those last couple of months has increased the cost of credit in the International and wholesale markets," Mr Miller said will mean that as and when we need to access the markets for incremental funding Westpac also said there was welcome relief on the way now that the Reserve Bank of Australia appeared to be turning into an interest rate easing cycle "The resilience of customers who have navigated significant cost-of-living challenges over the past few years is impressive," Mr Miller said "This resilience is reflected in the improvement in credit quality metrics indicating we may have passed the low point in the cycle." The bank's mortgage delinquencies and impairment charges remain low Westpac was the worst performer of the big four banks (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)Mr Miller congratulated federal Labor on its landslide win after the weekend election noting the clear result would be a boon for the nation the consistencies and certainty that that re-election delivers is quite profound," he said "It certainly sets us aside and sets us apart from many other countries around the world and given the inconsistency of the volatility that we're seeing." including those flagged in Westpac's most recent consumer survey "Business confidence has also weakened; this could lead to softer consumer spending and business activity," Mr Miller said Westpac announced an interim dividend of 76 cents per share one cent higher than the previous corresponding period Photo: AP PHOTORussia continues to press its offensive in eastern Ukraine with high intensity with more than 200 clashes in a single day All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueUkraine's General Staff said on Facebook fighting had intensified particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region where Ukrainian forces said they repelled 70 attacks over the course of Sunday The town serves as a key transport hub and Russian forces are reportedly approaching from the east The information could initially not be independently verified Attempts by Russia to break through to the west into the neighbouring industrial area of Dnipropetrovsk have so far been repelled by Ukraine Russia's air defence systems destroyed 26 Ukrainian drones overnight TASS news agency reported on Monday citing Russia's defence ministry data The attacks come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev US President Donald Trump recently proposed an unconditional 30-day truce a plan Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the offer Putin has declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with the annual Victory Parade on Moscow's Red Square to mark the end of World War II The ceasefire is scheduled to start at midnight Wednesday-Thursday in Moscow and end at midnight Saturday-Sunday Kiev has rejected the limited pause and demanded that the ceasefire be extended to 30 days "The Russians are asking for a ceasefire on May 9 and are themselves firing at Ukraine every day This is cynicism of the highest order," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram on Sunday The community are invited to an information session to find out more about the plans for the proposed Yass Rail Trail Project an exciting initiative that aims to create a 4.5 km trail along the historic Yass Tramway corridor connecting the Great Southern Railway at Yass Junction Railway Station to Yass Township This trail will not only enhance local tourism but also encourage active transport providing a sustainable and accessible route for both residents and visitors At the Information Session people can learn more about the project’s design all-day drop-in event is an excellent opportunity to engage with the project and gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact of the Rail Trail Council completed a comprehensive feasibility assessment and secured $698,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program to develop a detailed design for the trail grant funding applications for the project implementation stage will begin at the end of this year Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOSCanterbury winger Jacob Kiraz is in top form in the top-of-the-table team and good judges are backing him to make a NSW debut in State of Origin All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 23-year-old missed the opening four rounds of the season with injury but his hat-trick display in the 38-18 win over Gold Coast at Magic Round on Sunday was top-shelf Kiraz has the qualities Origin coaches and selectors look for although his selection for game one of the series on May 28 will likely depend on the availability of injured duo Brian To'o and Zac Lomax who both shone in last year's series win for the Blues Kiraz made 228 metres of headway in his brilliant performance (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)Kiraz made 228m from 22 runs against the Titans and had two line breaks The Canterbury flyer is tough and willing out of the back-field with the ball and he's also dynamically dominant in the air just like his captain Stephen Crichton who is one of the first picked for the Blues Crichton was asked why Kiraz would look good in a Blues jersey Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo says "everything" about Kiraz screams Origin (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"He has good high-ball awareness and the way he carries the footy He is really focusing on playing his best footy for the Dogs." Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo said Kiraz had the key qualiity of being able to change momentum and not be dictated by it, That's a great trait to have for any Origin prospect Ciraldo had no doubt Kiraz was in the sights of Blues' selectors "If he keeps playing like that he is going to be banging the door down for Origin," Ciraldo said "We missed him at the start of the season and he was working away hard in the background to get himself right to come back in and play He's come back and played at an exceptional level "Some of our attack at the start of the game was a little bit clunky but he was coming up with plays at the back end of the set to get the scoreboard ticking over Kiraz has done a great job to get himself ready to play and he can keep improving." Yass Valley Council have organised some great activities for our Yass Valley Seniors as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Available free to all our Yass Valley senior citizens so come and join us for a great morning out.  See our main Seniors Festival Page for all the details and how to book.  3 March: Colourful Clay Bird Workshop – Get creative with clay with the lovely ladies from VASY 7 March: Explore History at the Australian War Memorial – Join a guided tour with lunch included 10 March: Working Bee at the Railway Museum – Help plant new garden beds and enjoy lunch 13 March: High Tea & Strings at Highclere Farm – Indulge in music and beautiful surroundings at the newly renovated Highclere Farm with a string quartet from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra 14 March: Dance4Wellbeing at Yass Memorial Hall – Gentle dance and movement for all abilities seated supported or moving - followed by morning tea but due to popularity bookings are limited to one event per person - so book quick to secure you place on your preferred event.  For full event details and to book your spot, visit: https://collections.humanitix.com/yass-valley-seniors-festival-2025 Photo: HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCENew Zealand will spend billions replacing the Defence Force's aging maritime helicopters All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAlong with the $NZ2 billion ($A1.85b) for the helicopters the government said it would increase baseline spending by $NZ239 million ($A207m) for the Defence Force each year over the next four years "It is very clear that New Zealand is not immune from the increasing tensions being felt throughout the world," New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins said in a statement on Monday (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)"(This) sets us on our path for defence spending to reach two per cent of GDP by 2032-33," she said New Zealand's Defence Force has struggled with systemic underspending over the past several decades which amounts to just over one per cent of GDP now the government said it would boost defence spending with $NZ9 billion ($A8b) of new funding over the next four years "There is no economic security without national security and Defence personnel need the right equipment and conditions to do their jobs," Collins said "As a maritime nation we are prioritising naval capability," she said New Zealand's first national security review in 2023 called for more military spending and stronger ties with Indo-Pacific nations to tackle climate change and strategic competition among the West New Zealand has eight SH-2G(I) Seasprite maritime helicopters Collins said replacing these will increase the defensive and offensive capabilities and surveillance range of New Zealand's frigates Collins added she will have more to say about defence investments in the coming year when the government unveils its budget New Zealand's budget is scheduled for May 22 and will outline spending for the 12-month period to June 30 and I have already been working hard and have made significant progress in some key areas that support Yass Valley and our community (Pictured - Mayor Jones with Yass Valley Councillors and Yass Valley Council staff at the Australia Day Awards).  We are very pleased to welcome key new staff to the Council senior management team.  Mr Jason McGuire joins us as our Chief Financial Officer and brings with him a wealth of experience from over three decades working in finance and resource management in State and Federal Government. We also welcome Ms Peta Gardiner as our Acting Director of Community and Corporate and Ms Tanya Whitmarsh as the Acting Governance and Risk Officer - both come with extensive knowledge and experience for these important roles Recruitment for our new CEO is well underway through Capstone Recruitment I’m pleased to say that we’ve received a healthy number of applications with the application deadline set for Friday All of us agree that our top priority this year is to ensure Yass Valley Council is on the right path to financial sustainability our strong team of Councillors has begun the necessary work to develop a roadmap toward this goal I am committed to reducing Council’s $4.761 million deficit by $2 million this budgetary year and improving Council’s cash position We were fortunate that a significant amount of financial work was completed in December Given that no Council meeting is typically scheduled until February we called an extraordinary meeting in January to move the next steps forward Council resolved to set aside a previous resolution (made in November) to assess our financial position and instead This decision followed some key developments - notably we received a thorough presentation about our financial position from Council's contracted financial advisors UHY in December Council also received and adopted our 2023-24 audited statements from The Audit Office We received welcome advice about the steps forward from the Office of Local Government, and we received a fresh assessment of our financial position from our new Chief Financial Officer, Mr McGuire. With these planks now on the floor Council resolved to focus our work on improving our internal financial reporting systems, how we account and handle grant income and improving other internal accounting processes.  I must reiterate that while the Office of Local Government has asked Council to consider all available options to improve its financial situation our priority is to increase internal efficiencies, explore business opportunities for revenue growth and conduct service reviews in discussion with the community We will do this before considering any rate increase Council has not formally notified IPART of any application to increase rates for the 2025–26 financial year We will be keeping the community informed of our progress and I look forward to discussing this with you as I’m out and about.  Crago Mill - The Crago Mill Precinct building project remains on time and within budget with the library’s steel frame up by Australia Day as promised! It’s important to reiterate that the new Administration Building is essential to provide staff with office space that meets required standards - something we currently cannot meet the building’s design will enhance community resilience. A good example is that it will serve as a refuge in extreme weather with an on-site generator ensuring power for heating and cooling during local outages Onerwal LALC - Our new Council recently met with the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and we are developing an excellent working relationship I thoroughly enjoy my regular meetings with Onerwal LALC Acting CEO Meetings – I have found the recent Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) meetings highly informative and next month I will attend the Country Mayors Association meeting where Council financial sustainability will be a key focus (we are not alone!).  Binalong Waste Transfer Site - The specialised asbestos clean-up of the tip began on 28 Jan with skilled contractors being employed to carry out the work It's hoped that the site will reopen within a month. Council really appreciates the patience of residents as we ensure EPA requirements are met.  Storms - I would like to commend our Council staff for their tremendous afterhours efforts to clear roads well into the night during the January storms Their hard work ensured our roads were safe and clear by the morning.  Pools - A big thank you to the pool staff at Binalong and Yass who have warmly welcomed and safely supervised thousands of visitors to our pools over the school holidays It is wonderful to see children gaining skills and confidence in swimming. I would also like to acknowledge the Yass Swimming Club squad volunteers, who do an amazing job in their club roles, including hosting visitors from afar for the Shine Shield events.  Australia Day Community Awards - It was an honour to preside over our annual award ceremony, to be able to share in the community spirit and celebrate our citizens with local community ambassadors Daniel and Toni Neuhaus Mayor Jones (L) pictured with the Australia Day Awards winners Deputy Mayor Kristen Butler (second from left) and local community business ambassadors Toni and Daniel Neuhaus (second and third from right).  Ben McCann (Citizen of the Year) is honoured for his inspiring work with Apex Village and senior residents. Bimbi Turner (Senior Citizen of the Year) is a local powerhouse of a volunteer supporting Liberty Theatre and local churches. Blake Hollingsworth (Young Citizen of the Year)is recognised for his dedication to the Yass Railway Museum and Youth Council. John Thorn (Volunteer of the Year) has devoted 12 years of service to the Murrumbateman Village Markets. Binalong Progress Association (Community Group of the Year) is celebrated for improving life in Binalong. Yass Valley Concert Band (Event of the Year) has brought music and joy to community events. Yass Hospital Staff (Mayor’s Community & Essential Services Award) are acknowledged for their outstanding service and care Finally, Oliver Casey (Mayor’s Special Award) is recognised for his selfless kindness in mowing lawns for those in need Yass Rotary - A highlight this month was attending Yass Rotary’s celebration of Alfred McCarthy OAM’s 90th birthday and his 46 years of service as a Rotarian. Congratulations Golf - Binalong is set for an exciting year of golf with the Women’s Sand Green Championship coming to Yass Valley this March following last year’s successful hosting of the Men’s event School Swimming Carnivals - I’d also like to wish all our primary and high school students the very best as they return to school this week School swimming carnivals are also kicking off and I encourage all students to take the plunge and give it a go every house point counts in the final tally, plus you’ll be cooler for the dip!  Meet the Mayor & Deputy - new date for February - Fri 21 Feb - I remain committed to hearing from you, so if you have any ideas or concerns that you would like to discuss in person, please book your session by emailing Katie Yeo on kyeo@yass.nsw.gov.au.  Planning is under way to upgrade the intersection of Yass Road Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive in Queanbeyan East to improve traffic flow and road safety You can provide feedback by completing the quick five-minute survey or writing to us at southprojects@transport.nsw.gov.au The community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed design of the Yass Road Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive intersection.  The proposed upgrades have been designed to improve safety and traffic efficiency at the intersection provide better pedestrian and cyclist connectivity and support the increase in traffic generated by nearby growth areas.  Your feedback is important and will help us understand your priorities and concerns which will inform the detailed design of the project You can provide feedback by completing the quick five-minute survey or writing to us at southprojects@transport.nsw.gov.au.  Feedback is open until Sunday 13 April and will be used to inform the final detail designed of the project.  The NSW Government has committed $19 million to improve traffic flow and road safety at the intersection of Yass Road Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive in Queanbeyan East.  The project is in the planning phase and proposes to upgrade the intersection by removing the current roundabout and installing traffic signals.  There would be additional lanes on all approaches for through traffic and dedicated lanes for left and right turning vehicles.  The proposed design also includes signalised pedestrian crossings on all roads at the intersection and on-road cycle lanes on Ellerton Drive and Yass Road.  While development has been under way for the long-term upgrade of the intersection minor work has been carried out at the intersection to improve traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety in the short term.  Key features of the proposed design include: Planning is well under way and a proposed design for the upgraded intersection is on display for feedback This feedback will help us understand the community’s priorities and concerns which will inform the project’s detailed design.  What are the upgrades to bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the proposed design on-road cycle lanes will be installed on Ellerton Drive and Yass Road These upgrades align with the Queanbeyan Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Plan.  Footpaths and signalised pedestrian crossings are proposed to be installed at the intersection improving pedestrian connectivity and safety These improvements will see the existing pedestrian underpass become redundant.  Why is the pedestrian underpass under Ellerton Drive being removed?  The pedestrian underpass under Ellerton Drive is being removed because flood modelling has shown that it should be used for stormwater management rather than as a pedestrian passage.  the underpass does not meet Australian Standards for lighting and accessibility which is a key consideration for public infrastructure As part of planned upgrades to the intersection the need for the underpass will no longer exist as alternative pedestrian pathways and improved infrastructure will be provided Why wasn’t this done during the Ellerton Drive extension project Completed in 2020, the 4.6-kilometre Ellerton Drive extension provides an alternative route around the Queanbeyan CBD and connects Queanbeyan East to the new southern population growth areas.  indicated the extension of Ellerton Drive would not have a significant impact on the operation of the roundabout at the intersection of Yass a commitment was made to continue to monitor the intersection for safety and traffic efficiency following the opening of the Ellerton Drive extension.  The NSW Government has committed $19 million towards planning for the future upgrades of the intersection.  until the final design for the intersection is approved we won’t be able to provide a timeframe or start date for construction We estimate that the upgrades will take about 18 months to two years to complete.  What will the impacts be during construction Motorists can expect some traffic impacts during construction as well as temporary road closures and detours.  we plan to carry out some work at night which would have substantial impacts on the network if done during the day As we progress further through project approvals and begin scheduling work we will have a clearer idea of the work schedule and the impacts on motorists and nearby properties.  Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG) If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us Sign up to receive updates on the Yass Road Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive intersection upgrades For further information about this project Email: southprojects@transport.nsw.gov.au Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present It's been a very busy month of Council business and community activities So let's start with some very welcome news:  Picture (r): Mayor Jones chatting with CanAssist volunteers at the Yass Volunteer and Community Expo  The Council is looking forward to welcoming our new CEO mid-April The recent announcement regarding the selection of Council's new Chief Executive Officer is the result of an extensive recruitment search The selection panel and recruitment firm conducted thorough research and reference checks to ensure due diligence on behalf of our community.  I extend my thanks to all the candidates for their time and effort in submitting high-quality applications and presentations I also thank the other members of council's selection panel: Clr Burgess Independent Panel member CRJO Chief Executive Ms Head of Local Government at Capstone Recruitment Ms Burley also presented to the whole of Council and the decision to appoint her was unanimous.  Councillors were impressed by Ms Burley's experience These qualities make her well-suited to address our current challenges.  I also would like to thank Acting CEO Ms Julie Costa Director of Planning & Environmental Services who will continue in the Acting CEO role until mid-April Ms Costa stepped up to the role under challenging circumstances and has demonstrated strong leadership and unwavering commitment to our community and council staff Council is grateful for Julie's professionalism and fortitude in guiding the Council to a stronger position ahead of Ms Burley's commencement.  For further information, please visit our news story. recently attended a Planning Forum in Sutton The forum provided an opportunity to hear from the community and developers regarding a 39-lot housing application for Sutton Road and concerns for its safe connectivity to the village.  Picture: Proposed location of 39-lot housing application off Sutton Road  Council Rejects Transport for NSW ‘South East & Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan’ Council has expressed strong objections to the draft Transport Plan We believe it falls short in prioritising the Barton Highway duplication and fails to recognise Yass as a strategic centre This is despite our local government area's significant location and ongoing population growth and the substantial traffic volume on our three Federal Highways The proposed DA for the Long Rail Gully Highway Service Centre at Murrumbateman generated significant community interest After hearing from both supporters and opponents of the project Council deferred the decision to seek further safety advice from Transport for NSW This advice will focus on the safety principles required for a Heavy Vehicle Rest Area and whether additional safety measures are needed due to fog presented the Second Quarter Budget Review Statement which shows an improved financial outlook for 2024-25 The forecasted budget deficit has been reduced from $4.8 million to $2.3 million due to additional income Council is committed to improving its accounting processes and reporting Detailed Monthly Financial Reports up to December 2024 are available online Council adopted the Binalong Recreation Ground Masterplan and agreed to provide sponsorship and in-kind assistance to the upcoming 2025 World Sand Greens Women’s Championship in March We're pleased to hear that the Men's event last year has boosted ongoing weekly visitor numbers to Binalong Golf Course Council will continue to provide in-kind support and funding for Anzac Day community events led by Yass RSL We've also agreed to open the Yass Soldiers' Memorial Hall for the fortnightly Yass Veterans Hub to make this space accessible for this vital work with our veteran community Vision for a ‘Better Together’ Yass Valley Councillors and staff have held workshops to determine how best to achieve the Community Strategic Plan's goals Collaboration with our community was a key theme Yass Valley Community Strategic Plan (CSP) which outlines the main priorities and aspirations for Yass Valley Council for the next 18 years is now open for public comment until 31 March 2025 Please review the plan and share your feedback For a full council meeting summary, please visit our news story  I'm pleased to announce that the Binalong Waste Transfer Site has reopened to the public The extended closure was necessary due to a complex restoration project following a fire and subsequent asbestos contamination cleanup We appreciate the community's patience during this time Pictured: Mayor Jones and Deputy Mayor Butler encourage people to voice their ideas and concerns at 'Meet the Mayor'  Further meetings this month focused on Covid vaccine injury advocacy protection of culturally sensitive aboriginal sites and the draft Yass Valley Clinical Health plan.  were the major issues raised by our region's mayors during a regular health forum with the Southern Local Health District These concerns arose in response to the ACT Government's indication that it may curb access to the region due to its health budget deficit.  Picture: Steel is up on the Crago Mill Precinct Construction on the Crago Mill precinct is progressing rapidly The steel frame of the administration building is well underway following the completion of the library frame and is expected to be substantially completed by Easter The Councillor Steering Committee has been reconvened and will tour the site this Thursday I'm also excited to announce that the Council has applied for a $25 million grant under the Regional Precincts & Partnerships Program Precinct Delivery grant program Council is proud to partner with the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Lands Council & Yass Valley Business Chamber on this project and grant application and cultural space for current and future generations This project presents a unique opportunity to honour and showcase the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations people while fostering community cohesion and economic development.  I would like to thank the following organisations for their letters of support for this grant: Onerwal Local Aboriginal Lands Council Canberra Region Joint Organisation of Councils Local Emergency Services Commander Police Inspector Dave Cowell Council has supported a significant grant funding bid for the improvement of connectivity in Murrumbateman I look forward to learning if we are successful It was an honour to assist in opening the inaugural Volunteer & Community Expo at the Yass Railway Museum The event was a great success and showcased the valuable contributions of our community members The high demand for participation suggests that the next Expo will be eagerly awaited I commend the organisers for their excellent work Picture: Yass Business Chamber talking to visitors at the Community & Volunteer Expo  The Yass Valley Business Chamber has had a busy start to the year The February breakfast meeting featured guest speaker Federal Member for Riverina and I visited local businesses and the Liberty Theatre with thanks to Mrs Bimbi Turner We also toured the Crago Mill Precinct redevelopment site and discussed its potential to boost Yass' economy and create cultural spaces The Chamber's March breakfast highlighted upcoming Business Awards Finalists and the Awards Gala will take place on 28th March at Shaw Wines Estate I wish all the nominated businesses every success The Yass Valley Triathlon Club's recent all-women triathlon was a great success Deputy Mayor Kristin Butler and I were proud to present medals and cheer on the participants It was inspiring to see the women's achievements and the dedication of the Club's volunteers Also I would like to say congratulations to Councillor Flanery for her participation Picture: Participants in the Yass Tri-Club women's event  I would also like to acknowledge the Yass Picnic Races organising committee for their outstanding work in producing another high-quality regional event The Yass Picnic Races attracts visitors from across the state while also providing a fun day out for local families The Combined Churches service at the Vine Church was well-attended and it was wonderful to see local legend John (Johnny) Goode recognised for his ministry in aged care The funds raised from the collection will go directly to SRE scripture in our local schools I commend our churches for creating social and/or faith-based opportunities for our children Thank you also to Pastor Keith Todd and Rev Luke Collings for visiting the Council to offer prayers and encouragement at our February meeting I also applaud the women working towards the inauguration of the Murrumbateman View Club which supports The Smith Family's work to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged Australian children The Yass Garden Club and Yass Music Club have also had successful starts to their 2025 programs.  I have requested the Binalong Progress Association host a community meeting in Binalong on 17th March to discuss concerns over a Transport for NSW proposal to close Richmond Street along with Transport for NSW transport plan flagging the introduction of expanded PBS 3 vehicle haulage on the Hume HWY.  Berinba Primary School is putting its best foot forward this Friday raising funds for the Country Education Foundation with a Boot Bash (gold coin to wear your favourite boots) I am also looking forward to officiating at today's (Thursday) grant-funded Seniors Week event with High Tea & Strings from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra in the beautiful grounds of Highclere Farm I also have the privilege to assist launch the Yass U3A Art Group exhibition at Tyger Gallery this coming Monday showcasing local artists' talented creations.  The much-anticipated annual Yass Show is this Saturday and my whole family looks forward to this great family day out button squash and tomatoes peaked early so the ribbon chances remain as elusive as they ever were photographers and artists who have entered the Yass Show Society’s competitions.  Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOSAustralians have backed away from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles after the scrapping of a key tax break sent sales into a discharge cycle All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinuePlug-in hybrid vehicle sales dropped to 2601 in April according to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries The slump coincided with the removal of the fringe benefits tax exemption for the vehicle type at the end of March and highlighted the importance of government policy on consumer behaviour "The earlier inclusion of PHEVs in the FBT exemption played a critical role in making these vehicles accessible to more Australians," FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said "Removing that support has led to an immediate and disappointing drop in demand in a price-sensitive vehicle market." Tesla sales have slumped in Australia as the company faces a backlash against CEO Elon Musk (Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson/AAP PHOTOS)Tesla sales plummeted more than 75 per cent to 500 vehicles in April The company has experienced a consumer backlash after CEO Elon Musk's involvement with the Trump administration and his public support of right-wing political parties in Europe Total new vehicle sales were down 6.8 per cent on April 2024 Electric vehicle sales made up 5.9 per cent of Australia's total market giving it a long way to go in achieving its new vehicle emissions reduction goals "For (the) New Vehicle Efficiency Standard to succeed it must be supported by holistic policy settings that assist consumers to move to zero and low-emission technologies including continued investment in recharging infrastructure," he said it could take more than policy tweaks to shift Australia's affinity for thirsty four-wheel drives Diesel-dominated utes and sports utility vehicles made up four of the top-five selling vehicles in April led by the Toyota Hilux (4121 sales) and the Ford Ranger (4031) The Ford Everest (2234) and Toyota Prado (2233) were fourth and fifth on the list was the third-highest seller with more than 3800 units sold Toyota was market's leading brand with sales of 19,380 during April Passenger vehicle sales slumped more than 25 per cent compared to April 2024 while commercial vehicle sales fell 4.6 per cent and heavy commercial vehicle sales dropped by more than a fifth new vehicle sales sank 18 per cent in Tasmania compared to April 2024 Western Australia posted the slimmest decline in sales New vehicle sales in NSW and Victoria fell 7.5 per cent and 7.9 per cent on last April The Yass Valley community gathered at Coronation Park on Sunday 26 January to honour the exceptional achievements and contributions of the 2025 Australia Day Award winners and nominees joined by local community ambassadors Daniel and Toni Neuhaus Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast provided by Yass Rotary and the CWA and enjoyed a rousing performance by this year's 'Event of the Year' award winners The Citizen of the Year award was presented to Ben McCann for his tireless dedication to local charities and his outstanding work with Apex Village where he ensures the senior residents are supported and the grounds are well maintained showcases his incredible heart for the community which also has in the past included support to Yass Relay for Life The Senior Citizen of the Year award went to Bimbi Turner our dynamic and inspiring community powerhouse Yass Hospital Auxiliary and the upkeep of Bowning and Tangmangaroo churches highlight her exceptional energy and continuous dedication to planning co-ordination and fundraising for a number of our local community organisations Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Blake Hollingsworth for his volunteer work with the Yass Railway Museum Blake’s efforts demonstrate maturity and generosity beyond his years John Thorn received the Volunteer of the Year award for his 12 years of service to the Murrumbateman Village Markets and broader community His leadership and hard work have been an inspiration and driving force behind many local initiatives and instrumental in the market’s success The Community Group of the Year award was presented to the Binalong Progress Association This group was recognised for their tireless work supporting residents and enhancing the quality of life in Binalong Former president Nigel Wong accepted the award and was also nominated for his individual contributions to the Binalong community The Event of the Year award went to the Yass Valley Concert Band for their incredible musical performances across the region From Christmas Carols and the Binalong Twilight Festival to the Yass Christmas Parade and this year's Australia Day celebration their hours of practice and dedication have brought excellent music and joy to the community The Mayor’s Community and Essential Services Award was presented to the staff of Yass Hospital Their achievements include upskilling staff reintroducing non-urgent blood transfusions and reintroducing essential facilities like the Mother Hub and Women’s Health Service The Mayor’s Special Australia Day Award was given to 12-year-old Oliver Casey Oliver’s selfless acts of kindness by mowing lawns for those in need Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees This month's Council Meeting covered many important topics - from the Long Rail Gully Service Centre to Anzac Day Here’s the quick rundown of what you need to know: Pictured: Pastors Keith Todd and Luke Collings open the February meeting with blessing and prayers.   and Council was delighted to hear from eight community members who spoke up about issues including the Long Rail Gully Service Centre There was significant community interest in the proposed DA for the Long Rail Gully Highway Service Centre on the Barton Highway at Murrumbateman After hearing from community members both for and against the project Council considered the service centre being located in the area but agreed to defer the decision on determining the DA to seek further safety advice from Transport for NSW on the safety principles required for a Heavy Vehicle Rest Area and whether the impact of fog requires any additional safety measures As Council works to improve its accounting processes and reporting, a lot of in-depth work went into producing the detailed Monthly Financial Reports up to December 2024 - these are available in the attachments section online Council presented the results of the community consultation and agreed to adopt the Binalong Recreation Ground Masterplan Council also agreed to provide sponsorship and in-kind assistance to the upcoming 2025 World Sand Greens Women’s Championship in March and was delighted to hear of the increase in visitors to Binalong Golf Course throughout the year as a result of the event Council agreed to provide continuing support to the Anzac Day community events led by Yass RSL Council also agreed to open up the Soldier’s Memorial Hall for the fortnightly Yass Veterans Hub with the intent of making both the Hub and the Hall more accessible to a wider audience Council agreed to place on exhibition the Draft CSP 2042 which identifies the main priorities and aspirations for Yass Valley Council for the next 18 years It is now available for public comment until 31 March 2025 and can be viewed online and at the Visitor’s Information Centre South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) Transport for NSW has prepared a draft Transport Plan for the region and asked Council for feedback Council agreed not to support the plan in its current form and will be actively lobbying Federal and State Government to address shortfalls in the plan There were many more items discussed including procedural matters, DAs, and other routine business, all of which can be found in the meeting minutes available online soonest. You can also listen again to the Council Meeting on our livestream link.  Yass Valley Council have organised some great activities for Yass Valley Seniors to participate in as part of the 2025 NSW Seniors Festival Please refer to list below for all available activities offered All events are free to the public and are limited to one booking per person to ensure a spot for everyone to join in on the fun.  Bookings can be made via the accompanying Humanatix link below each event.  Seniors Festival kicks off with colourful Clay Bird workshop – 3 March 2025 The Yass Seniors Festival kicks off on 3 March with a colourful clay bird workshop at the Yass Community Centre form 10am to 12.30pm Participants will craft and engrave stoneware birds using the pinch pot method with morning tea provided by the lovely ladies from VASY Click on the link to book your ticket. https://events.humanitix.com/clay-bird-workshop/tickets Explore History at the War Memorial – 7 March 2025 a bus will depart Yass at 9.30am for a guided 90-minute tour of the Australian War Memorial Click on the link to book your seat. https://events.humanitix.com/day-trip-to-the-australian-war-memorial/tickets Seniors Festival Friday flick – 7 March 2025 Join us at the Yass Valley Library for a 10:30 screening of “The Critic” staring Sir Ian McKellen who plays a powerful London theatre critic who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder.  Working Bee at the Railway Museum – 10 March 2025 a working bee will be held at the Railway Museum where seniors will help plant new garden beds Lunch will be provided for all participants Click on the link to book your ticket.  https://events.humanitix.com/working-bee-at-the-railway-museum/tickets Watercolour Landscapes Workshop 13 March 2025 Discover the joy of watercolour painting in this relaxed and enjoy a lovely afternoon with afternoon tea provided No experience needed—just come along and have fun Click the link to book your ticket https://events.humanitix.com/watercolour-workshop-ych7x35c High Tea and strings at Highclere Farm – 13 March 2025 - SOLD OUT Enjoy a delightful high tea at the newly renovated Highclere Farm while listening to a string quartet from the Canberra Symphony Orchestra this is a must-attend event for those who appreciate music Click on the link to book your ticket.  https://events.humanitix.com/string-quartet-at-highclere-farm-and-high-tea/tickets Dance4Wellbeing to Close Seniors Festival – 14 March 2025 The Yass Seniors Festival wraps up with Dance4Wellbeing at Yass Memorial Hall on 14 March from 10am to 11.15am dance-based session offers music and movement for all abilities – where seated Click on the link to book your ticket https://events.humanitix.com/dance4wellbing/tickets Author talk with Nicole Alexander – 14 March 2025 for an evening discussing her latest novel “Limestone Road” at Yass Valley Library from 5:45 for a 6:00pm start.  a fourth-generation grazier and celebrated novelist brings an authentic voice to Australian historical fiction With a Master of Letters in Creative Writing she has published internationally acclaimed novels that beautifully capture rural life and human resilience Bookings at https://events.humanitix.com/author-talk-with-nicole-alexander This month’s council meeting included many important topics – from the Binalong intersection COVID vaccine-injured and Sutton Causeway footbridge to Yass water treatment plant Here’s a quick run down of what you need to know: where members of the public put forward their views on local matters Community members and developers spoke for and against the need for a new path through The Fields in Murrumbateman discussed the details of the proposed pedestrian bridge across McLaughlins Creek Causeway in Sutton and raised concerns about the proposed Transport for NSW intersection changes in Binalong Council also heard impassioned pleas for advocacy support from members of the community who have been COVID vaccine-injured Council took on board the community’s disagreement with the TfNSW proposal to close Richmond Street and agreed to seek a meeting with the Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport to address concerns and explore alternative traffic safety measures Advocacy for COVID Vaccine-Injured Residents After hearing from community members who declared they were COVID vaccine-injured and felt their concerns were not being heard at the state and federal levels Council agreed to advocate on behalf of affected Yass Valley residents agreeing to write to local federal and state representatives to help facilitate a meeting Trails and Bridges – Murrumbateman and Sutton Council reaffirmed its commitment to providing adequate paths and connectivity in new developments It was agreed that developers should provide a pedestrian and cyclist footbridge over McLaughlins Creek at Sutton Causeway to link the new development on Sutton Road to the village and continue to provide a pedestrian link path through The Fields The tender process is underway for the upgrade works Councillors were pleased to hear that the first works contract is about to be signed allowing for the preparation of tender documents for the water treatment plant upgrade Fieldwork is ongoing to assess the requirements for the water reticulation improvement project tender process Council has engaged an independent organisation to conduct the review Council presented its Investment and Borrowing Report and monthly Financial Report As part of ongoing efforts to refine and improve accounting procedures Council agreed to review some internally restricted funds for relevance and function assessing whether budgeted electricity costs should be adjusted in light of new energy-saving measures at Crago Mill Council also agreed to seek a meeting with TCorp to ascertain if re-financing of the Crago Mill development is a possibility An update was given on the proposed location of workers’ accommodation which is planned for the Yass Industrial Park opposite the Yass Service Centre Council accepted the Crago Mill progress report which included details about its role as a key operational base for the Yass Valley Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and work is underway on the administration building which is taking shape and on track for occupation in August 2025 There were many more items discussed, including procedural matters, development applications, and other routine business. Full meeting minutes are now available online. You can also listen to the Council Meeting recording via our live link Yass Valley Council is pleased to announce a series of upcoming footpath upgrades to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Yass Township Thanks to funding secured through the NSW Road Safety Program 2023/24 – 2025/26 Council will deliver several new and upgraded pedestrian pathways as outlined in our 2017 Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) New or upgraded footpaths will be constructed at the following locations: Here is a map showing the proposed footpaths: Footpath-Works-Sep-25-Yass-township.pdf(PDF, 447KB) Construction is scheduled to commence in September/October 2025 A contractor will be appointed in the coming months residents will receive further updates with specific work dates for each section of the footpath If you have any questions or would like more information please contact our Customer Services team: Email: council@yass.nsw.gov.au Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOSA brazen serial groper who preyed upon 18 women in a nightclub has avoided jail time after a judge found his risk of reoffending was low All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDavid Maria Anthony Rayan was facing up to 10 years in prison but was instead sentenced to a two-year community corrections order on Monday He dodged reporters' questions as he left the Victorian County Court The former PwC IT worker pleaded guilty to 17 charges of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault over the attacks at Revolver Upstairs in Melbourne's inner east CCTV footage from the nightclub showed Rayan groping his victims on the buttocks stroking their backs and kissing them on the arms and shoulders The attacks happened on three separate occasions in September and October 2023 Rayan admitted to police he touched one of the women accidentally but claimed he could not remember the other incidents because he was too drunk Victorian County Court Judge Peter Rozen said he held reservations about those claims as he sentenced Rayan over the "brazen" attacks The attacks occurred at Revolver Upstairs in Melbourne's inner east (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"Your offending was deliberate and you knew what you were doing," he said The women were entitled to feel safe in the nightclub and the scale of Rayan's crimes was concerning He noted that three victim impact statements were read to the court where the women described their ongoing anxiety and shattered sense of security Judge Rozen also decided Rayan's moral culpability was considerable and said the 34-year-old lacked insight into his offending But the judge accepted the sexual assaults were at the lower end of seriousness given Rayan's victims were adults and the attacks were fleeting The sentencing judge said David Rayan's offending was out of character (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)His risk of reoffending was also low no pending charges and no diagnosed mental health conditions "I accept this offending was out of character for you," the judge said Rayan was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order with 180 hours of unpaid community work He will also have to complete treatment for alcohol abuse and programs to reduce his risk of reoffending one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations Photo: AP PHOTOUS President Donald Trump says he is directing the Bureau of Prisons to reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison to "house America's most ruthless and violent offenders" All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue"REBUILD AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!" he posted on the Truth Social platform we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals and keep them far away from anyone they could harm." The closure of the federal prison in 1963 was attributed to crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of repairing and supplying the island facility because everything from fuel to food had to be brought by boat It is now one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations The prison — infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it — was known as the "The Rock" and housed some of the nation's most notorious criminals including gangster Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly It has long been part of the cultural imagination and has been the subject of numerous movies including The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage Nearly all were caught or didn't survive the attempt The Alcatraz prison once housed gangster Al Capone and has been the subject of numerous movies (AP PHOTO)Trump said he'd come up with the idea to reopen Alcatraz because of frustrations with "radicalised judges" who have insisted those being deported receive due process A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement the agency "will comply with all Presidential Orders" a California Democrat whose district includes the island questioned the feasibility of reopening the prison after so many years "It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction The President's proposal is not a serious one," she wrote on social media platform X The order to reopen Alcatraz comes as Trump has been clashing with the courts as he tries to send accused gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador Trump has also talked about wanting to send American citizens there and to other foreign prisons Trump has also directed the opening of a detention centre at Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 of what he has labelled the "worst criminal aliens" Mayor Jasmin Jones has served on the Council since 2012 and has been a strong advocate for our community around issues such as health and much needed local infrastructure across local Her background as a journalist and small business owner has given her the skills and experience to be an effective listener and communicator for the people of Yass Valley to all levels of government and regional development organisations and working professionally as the Editor-In-Chief of tourism magazine This Week In Canberra promoting the greater region including Yass Valley; helping shape her vision to make Yass Valley an even better place to live and work from Jasmin’s focus this term will be to bring Council into a financially stronger and more sustainable position key infrastructure projects already funded are delivered and ensuring a fresh Community Strategic Plan is developed that reflects the needs and shared vision of our community Rural roads maintenance programs are clearly communicated and the care and upgrade of our village and town infrastructure is guided through community-engaged master planning and grant applications Jasmin has already commenced advocacy to other levels of government with a focus on the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade duplication of the federal Barton Highway Stage 2 delivery of Yass Valleys’ $4.7 M federally budgeted pre & postnatal Care Mother’s Hub and associated infrastructure and services through Southern NSW Local Health District.  Yass Valley’s 18.1-million-dollar application to the National Water Grid Fund has been successful. The Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain visited Yass on Thursday to announce the exciting news which is why the Albanese Government is investing $18.1 million towards a new water treatment plant – delivering a long-term solution for the community’s future,” said Minister McBain Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones joyfully welcomed the announcement “Labor has delivered the vital funds needed so Yass Valley Council can confidently get on with the job of building a fully funded modern water treatment plant to properly service our growing community With initial design reference tendering already underway the community can expect the fully funded project to be completed in 2028.” “I would like to personally thank our Federal member Kristy McBain for her passionate representation on behalf of the people of Yass Valley and Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek for listening to our community I am also extremely grateful for NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson and Premier Chris Minns' important matching funding commitment along with Labor’s NSW 2023 local candidate and resident business owner Michael Pilbrow for his effective and ongoing advocacy for our community." “Yass families and businesses have asked for a fix for decades it’s something I’ve advocated for since I was elected in 2020 and I’m incredibly proud to have secured this funding before Yass moves out of the Eden-Monaro electorate.” the twin investment of $18.1 million each towards the refurbishment of existing and construction of new water treatment assets will improve the quality of drinking water – a long-standing issue for the Yass community According to a survey conducted by the Yass Valley Council in 2024 85% of residents do not drink the tap water and seek alternative sources of water This project will provide greater town water supplies improved water quality and additional regional development opportunities for Yass Valley Federal Minister for the Environment and Water yet residents experience regular boil water alerts due to water quality issues This isn’t acceptable and that’s why we are taking action The new water treatment plant will be a game-changer for Yass.” “Every person deserves access to clean safe drinking water every time they turn on the tap “The NSW Government is fulfilling our election commitment to improve and protect drinking water quality for the people of Yass.” Mayor Jasmin Jones elaborated on why this funding is so critical for residents “Without this joint Labor commitment Yass Valley water ratepayers would have been $300 worse off for the next twenty years servicing loans to build this significant and vital infrastructure Labor’s funding announcement was desperately needed given Yass already has the 4th highest water rates in the state as we service loans that are paying off the raising of the Yass dam wall last decade." Yass was on the cusp of yet another Boil Water Alert with just 4 hours left of treated drinking water available The water team had to stop processing water due to the rapid change in raw water quality coming into the plant after a fortnight of storms NSW Health were on standby to issue the alert however the skill of Council’s water technicians won the day and the reservoirs were able to be refilled in time for Tuesday along with February’s month of Boil Water Alerts demonstrate our community’s great need that can now be confidently met with a fully funded plant upgrade.” Yass Valley Council Acting CEO Ms Julie Costa said “This upgrade aims to make the water treatment process more robust and compliant with contemporary environmental and health standards We would like to acknowledge our water engineer Kuga and the team for their ongoing formidable efforts at the aging plant and the successful application.” Yass Valley Mayor Jasmin Jones stressed the community will be kept up to date on progress “Council is committed to keeping the community informed of the project’s progress and is creating a communications strategy that will include a dedicated page on our website for residents to track the WTP upgrade as it meets significant milestones in design and construction." This is a great way to boost your driving confidence meet other learners - and give supervising adults some support Yass Valley Council would like to invite members from the community to nominate for the Rye Park Community Enhancement Fund Committee joining Tilt Renewables and Yass Valley Council representatives including funding for education initiatives will be administered by the Rye Park Community Enhancement Fund Committee which comprises civic-minded community members who understand the region’s demographics and areas where additional support may be required The initial Rye Park Community Enhancement Fund Grant Round is valued at $27,500 charitable or non-profit organisations within 20km of the Rye Park Wind Farm and located within the Yass Valley can apply for funds from the Rye Park Community Enhancement Fund Applications must relate to an identified individual or community need/s in the surrounding area They must demonstrate how the funding will benefit the community directly or indirectly within their application Please submit a copy of the attached nomination form to express your interest in joining the committee At its Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on 25 November 2024, Yass Valley Council resolved to terminate the contract of Mr Chris Berry in accordance with the provisions of Mr Berry's contract of employment Mayor Jasmin Jones confirmed that Council would commence the recruitment of a new CEO in early 2025 “Legislation requires Council to appoint an Acting CEO immediately I thank the Director of Planning and Environment for taking on the extra responsibilities as council has appointed her Acting CEO to lead the organisation.” "Ms Costa will act in that role until the matter is considered further at the Ordinary Meeting of Council in December 2024. A permanent CEO will be recruited early in the New Year.” Mayor Jones said Council would continue to focus on delivering quality services and infrastructure for the Yass Valley community and improving the organisation’s financial performance.  and I can assure our community that there will be no interruptions to service delivery during this transition period,” she said.  Management and staff remain firmly focused on improving Council’s financial performance and achieving positive outcomes for our customers and community.” All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe self-described nerd took out the title at one of the biggest pop culture conventions in the US dressed as hunky 300-year-old elf Halsin from the video game Baldur's Gate 3 "It's kind of the world's best cosplay crafters all in one space," explained Beaton from the costume and prop-making studio Hench & Scrap Cosplay involves dressing up as characters from films books and video games - often in costumes that feature obsessive levels of detail It's a relatively small movement in Australia when compared to the US and Japan but local cosplayers have been making an impact internationally Australian cosplay designer Clare Beaton has been crowned a global champion Photo: Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOSBeaton's winning Halsin outfit included silicon prosthetic elf ears and facial scars a glowing lantern with flexible resin spikes and shoulder pieces constructed from more than 100 individually embossed leather leaves She said she felt a connection to the seven-foot tall polyamorous game character who has the power to transform into a bear due to Halsin's kindness and affinity with nature She completed the project in her spare time over about two years using skills that ranged from metalwork to resin moulding the Halsin costume helped her to take out the Australian Cosplay Central Crown Championships title for a second time at the nation's biggest gaming convention That win came with a ticket to represent the nation at the US event Beaton is well aware that from the outside cosplayers can seem obsessive and eccentric it's the antidote to a more widespread pop-culture fandom that is based in consumerism "You can be creative and contribute back to fandom and express something you love through doing something constructive," she said Video game costume design is an unusual niche but also a growing industry (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)Her cosplay artistry has taken years to develop after getting her start at 14 working alongside her father at renowned special effects and animation studio Weta FX Her first job was working on Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy but she soon found the film industry too specialised for her unique combination of skills she met her business and life partner Oarin Tremont - otherwise known as Scrap - at a gaming convention where they bonded over their cosplay outfits from the same video game Having realised they could make a living creating costumes and props the couple moved from Sydney to Adelaide so they could afford a large fabrication workshop with space for their equipment Most of the clients at Hench & Scrap are video game companies "It's an unusual niche but it's definitely a growing industry," Beaton said "We'll build a project and show off on social media how we make things Beaton will join the cosplay judging panel at the upcoming PAX Aus convention We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy. Yass Valley Council recognises the traditional custodians of the land, the Ngunnawal people, and acknowledges the Elders of the community and their descendants. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced It is with sadness that we say vale to Ian Henry Lumsden a much-loved member of the Yass community and former General Manager of Yass Shire Ian had a long and respected public service career in the Yass Valley working on many of the projects we enjoy today He served as Deputy Shire Clerk of Goodradigbee Shire from 1960 to 1964 and then Shire Clerk until the amalgamation with Yass Municipal Council in January 1980 He then served with distinction as the General Manager of Yass Shire until 1999 Ian was involved in significant initiatives including plans to manage the growth of the ACT and its impact on surrounding rural communities the merger of Yass and Goodradigbee Councils the upgrading of Yass’s water and sewage systems the development of Yass into the vibrant town we know today Ian also served the community as District Returning Officer and Emergency Fire Controller notably during the catastrophic Burrinjuck fires of 1972 He held leadership roles in several organisations He was also the secretary of the Burrinjuck Water State Park Trust for nearly 50 years and remained heavily involved with Burrinjuck until the Trust was abolished in 2013 and unswerving commitment to the community Ian’s funeral will take place at St Clements Anglican Church on Friday the flags on Council buildings will be lowered Councillor David Carter moved to Yass Valley in 2020 and proudly became an Australian citizen in 2022 at Commonwealth Park.  having practiced as a barrister and solicitor in telecommunications and infrastructure regulation before transitioning to practice as a barrister sole He is also a Chartered Accountant with CPA Australia.  David’s career has taken him across the globe including working in Brazil and the United Kingdom He now services as a Professor at the University of Canberra’s Business School Passionate about community and personal interests He is a member of the Hume Tennis Club and a golfing member at the Binalong Community Club David is actively involved in palliative care He lives in Yass and is committed to making a positive impact in the local community Taking on the role of mayor has made the last three weeks fly by but I can confidently say that serving my community at this level is both rewarding and challenging I truly appreciate the words of encouragement and support from residents—whether shared in passing or thoughtfully written This enthusiasm reflects our community's desire for a Council that actively partners with its members.  All Councillors—four newcomers and five returning—hit the ground running on October 10 with an extraordinary meeting and our first ordinary Council meeting on October 24.  I’m pleased to report that our “Mondays with the Mayor & Deputy” initiative has been a resounding success This program enhances communication and fosters connections with the community residents can book appointments with me and Deputy Mayor Kristin Butler to discuss any pressing issues beyond standard service requests starting with the enthusiastic Sutton association.  This initiative serves as a platform for idea-sharing—a mix of problem-solving and innovation If you have solutions for local challenges or opportunities including improving lap lane usage and etiquette at our Yass pool—look out for designated slow and fast lanes with clear directional signs We also discussed formalising pedestrian access through beautiful bushland in Murrumbateman and ensuring water access for projects that could greatly benefit our community Who better than our residents to propose ideas that enhance well-being and enjoyment in Yass Valley?  I’m also initiating monthly meetings with the Local Aboriginal Land Council executive I will also be meeting regularly with Police Inspector Cowell I’ve engaged in key discussions about financial sustainability and major projects like the Crago Mill Precinct and the Water Treatment Plant All councillors are invited to tour the Water Treatment Plant next week.  I had the honour of attending the Murrumbateman Field Days opening alongside Hon where I discussed water issues and the Barton Highway duplication while exploring our innovative ag-tech businesses.  I represented Yass Valley at the first meeting of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation of Councils and ACT government.  Attending the 200th anniversary of the Hamilton-Hume Expedition at the National Trust’s Cooma Cottage was a privilege as was being the guest speaker at Rotary last week including supporting local police in an anti-domestic violence march and awareness day this December When individuals and organizations like Rotary come together for a cause we can create meaningful change and offer support to those affected by abuse.  I shared insights about my initial weeks as mayor and presented the Crago Mill Precinct Project highlighting its potential to boost community pride and generate significant economic benefits With a construction cost of approximately $50.7 million this project is expected to generate up to $43 million in additional gross revenue creating 124 short-term jobs and 58 ongoing jobs in Yass Valley.  I’m eager to attend the Can Assist fundraiser at Cliftonwood this weekend followed by visits to the Men’s Shed and Thomas Eccles Gardens as we observe Remembrance Day I’m also looking forward to representing our community at the local government conference in Tamworth in mid-November and our collective voice is powerful at both shire and state levels I aim to ensure that Yass Valley is well represented in state and national discussions while keeping our Council attuned to the needs of our community and acknowledges the Elders of the community and their descendants.