2024 Reflections: Embracing the Richness of Regional Living

The nomination pertains to Wood’s novel Stoneyard Devotional, which is based in the Monaro area, narrating the tale of a woman who seeks solace on the desolate high plains. Upon entering a convent’s retreat house, she becomes entwined in a small community in a remote location.

13. Thredbo’s new Alpine Coaster marks a Southern Hemisphere milestone
by Edwina Mason

Construction work is underway for the new Alpine Coaster at Thredbo Resort. Photo: Thredbo Resort.

Last winter, coasting at Thredbo Resort took on a fresh interpretation with a brand-new $9 million attraction debuting.

The Southern Hemisphere’s inaugural year-round Alpine Coaster unfurls 1.5 kilometres down through the resort’s alpine and sub-alpine vegetation areas, stretching from the top of Lovers Leap to the Valley Terminal area.

12. Signwriter leaves his Marks with bands, bikes and brush
by John Thistleton

Tony ‘Skid’ Marks alongside his artwork depicting Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix victor Dave Brewster on his Indian motorcycle. Photo: John Thistleton.

Tony ‘Skid’ Marks from Goulburn has a fervor for several things – art, rock music, and motorbikes. He has crafted a life revolving around these passions while gathering intriguing stories along his journey.

11. Could rail trails lead to a thriving tourism economy in the Riverina and Snowy Valleys?
by Chris Roe

Leigh Swansborough advocates for more rail trails to be accessible to visitors in the Riverina. Photo: Supplied.

As per Wagga’s long-distance walker, Leigh Swansborough, the Riverina and Snowy Valleys hold the potential to become an exceptional tourist hotspot for walkers and cyclists.

Leigh journeyed from Wagga to Tumbarumba along the abandoned rail path and asserted that additional funding to develop the rail trails could reinvigorate struggling towns and elevate the region’s profile.

10. ‘We struck gold’: Search for whales leads photographer to capture South Coast killer whale icons
by Claire Sams

David Rogers discovered he had “struck gold” when the tour unexpectedly encountered a pod of killer whales. Photo: David Rogers Photography.

Photographer David Rogers recognized he had “struck gold” when his tour unexpectedly stumbled upon a pod of killer whales, guided by a unique matriarch.

9. A gem discovered: Explore sustainable living, Eurobodalla-style
by Marion Williams

Munggura faces west to capture the views of Gulaga. Photo: Marion Williams.

In Australia, sustainable homes generally avoid westward aspects – unless surrounded by vistas of Gulaga, or Mother Mountain as recognized by the Yuin community.

The sustainable dwelling of Tingaringy, designed by Stuart Absalom and Philip Mawer, is nestled within the conservation zone around the heritage-listed Central Tilba. It presents an absolute north orientation and sublime views in all directions.

8. From the edge of demolition, a revival brings many to the tables
by John Thistleton

Goulburn Table Tennis pioneers Nicola Fraser and John Lees in front of the remodeled army hut, transformed into a premier facility featuring an international standard playing surface and lighting. Photo: John Thistleton.

They converted an abandoned Nissen hut in Goulburn into one of the top table tennis centers in NSW, where the sport is excelling in its efforts to support senior players today.

These participants, aged in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, are rejuvenating their bodies by returning a white ball over a table tennis net. Some are so agile that they compete at the highest levels, while others have a more vital aim – preventing health issues.

7. Robert Abel’s wildlife-inspired dream comes to life in Mogo
by Marion Williams

Robert and Kate Abel (center) with their two offspring, son-in-law, and five grandchildren. Photo: Jaguar Stay.

Visualize residing in an opulent private villa while sipping locally crafted gin, observing the sunset over the adjacent hills, with only the faint roar of lions breaking the tranquility. Now it is possible, and it’s nearer to home than you might have assumed.

6. Bermagui glamping site recognized as Airbnb Australia’s Best Nature Stay Award
by Marion Williams

Serendip ‘Shack’ Glamping, situated on Wallaga Lake, near Bermagui. It received Airbnb Australia’s 2024 Best Nature Stay Award. Photo: Supplied.

Rachel Wallbank and Brian Logue were astonished when Airbnb contacted them to inform them that their glamping site ‘The Shack’ was a finalist in its 2024 Best Nature Stay Awards. The other 12 finalists hailed from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.

They were in disbelief when they discovered in September that they had emerged victorious.

5. Master and apprentice share a remarkable, weathered machine
by John Thistleton

This filthy, loud, 1946 BSA has no lights, a history of accomplishments, and belongs to former superbike racer Steve Parlett, who will display it at the 100th Anniversary of the First Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Goulburn. Photo: John Thistleton.

Years ago, at a dirt track located at Boxers Creek near Goulburn, the motorcycle racing champion and his 1946 BSA appeared to have both experienced better times – until the bike roared to life and left all competitors in its dust. The motorcycle and the man’s legacy returned for a historic gathering in Goulburn.

4. Ulladulla surprise star Isaac McCallum exits Idol competition, but he’s not stepping away from the spotlight
by Claire Sams

Isaac McCallum’s journey on Australian Idol concluded on Monday night, but he’s eager to continue performing. Photos: Seven Network.

Isaac McCallum was eliminated from Australian Idol – but his path will be remembered for a long time.

His musical career commenced with karaoke evenings and busking in Ulladulla’s supermarket parking lots, progressing with opportunities to perform at local establishments before he auditioned for the 2024 version of the national singing contest.

3. The eternal argument: Which 4WD truly constructed the Snowy Hydro – Land Rover or LandCruiser?
by James Coleman

Fred Nichols, John Bartell, and Rogan Corbett with their classic Land Rovers in front of the Cooma Car Museum. Photo: James Coleman.

The Snowy Hydro initiative engaged over 100,000 individuals from more than 30 nations. However, which 4WD should we appreciate for assisting the workers through the challenges? And does it still reign supreme in off-road capabilities? The answer is multifaceted.

2. Yowie researcher announces the discovery of ‘nests’ near Eden
by James Coleman

Wayne Lewin at what he describes as a “yowie nest” close to Eden. Photo: Wayne Lewin.

Wayne Lewin believes he has uncovered a yowie nest near Eden. Numerous sightings have been documented throughout the years; could he be onto something significant?

1. Goulburn’s engine expert remembers his early instructors
by John Thistleton

Darren McMahon alongside his mentor Warwick Dawson at Rapid Auto Repair in Goulburn, the thriving garage that Darren founded after obtaining a solid foundation in resolving mechanical issues. Photo: John Thistleton.

Although advanced computers in the newest vehicles are known for their exceptional reliability, they can create problems when their wiring is misconfigured. Nevertheless, a workshop in Goulburn embraces the challenge of getting them and the cars back on the road.