Hayden Kerr, the breakout player of this BBL season, has signed a three-year deal with Sydney Sixers after throwing his hat in the ring for the IPL 'mega auction'.
Sydney Sixers' hopes of a three-peat would almost certainly be dashed if not for Kerr, who finished 98 not out in Wednesday night's drama-laden victory over Adelaide at the SCG.
Kerr, accustomed to batting at No.8 for the Sixers, had previously tallied 77 runs at 11 from 11 BBL innings.
The allrounder, named in the league's team of the tournament on account of his bowling, usually bats at No.8 but was promoted to open for the depleted Sixers.
The BBL has some well-documented issues but Kerr, who was poised to switch focus to physiotherapy and grade cricket if this summer didn't work out, is an example of its potency as a platform.
The Australian public is being offered a rare chance to glimpse the early part of Australian cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman's childhood.
The Bowral home, where Sir Don grew up, is being opened for public tours for the very first time.
The tours are being guided by Bradman historian Andrew Leeming, who curated the restoration of the Bradman family home at 52 Shepherd Street in Bowral.
The restoration work won the 2013 National Trust Award for Conservation and Heritage.
The tour will include a look at Don Bradman’s famous tank stand where the young cricketer practiced with a cricket stump and golf ball, as well as Bradman's childhood bedroom and the house’s heritage garden.
The Tours will run on Sunday 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th January for groups of six people.
Bookings are essential and are made through the Bradman Musuem.
To secure a spot on one of six tours, email Paul Millward at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A Bowral beekeeper is assisting other beekeepers around the Port of Newcastle who are affected by an outbreak of verroa mite.
The mites are the most serious pest of honey bees and can wipe out entire colonies.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries has issued an unprecedented emergency order which bans the movement of bees and hives across the state.
Hamish Ta Mae is hoping they can contain the outbreak.
"I actually happen to be in Newcastle at the moment, trying to offer my help to some mates that have hives,
"There's a 10 kilometre radius around the Port of Newcastle and the Department of Primary Industries is euthanising all hives in that area,"Mr. Ta Mae said.
A Bowral beekeeper has been left to pick up the pieces after losing 12 bee colonies in the floods.
Hamish Ta Mae operates his business from a block of land on the corner of Mittagong Road and Victoria Road as you come into Bowral.
His hives were situated above any previous high water marks and the floods took him and nearby residents by complete surprise.
Mr. Ta Mae now has to try and source colonies from inland areas which weren't affected by the floods, and that's not going to be an easy task at this time of year.
He believes there's no way of mitigating against the flooding we experienced.
"You've just got to makesure you've got nothing in that area,
"I wouldn't be at all surprised, if the flood maps are all re - written and the building codes get re - tweaked,"Mr. Ta Mae said.
The Bowral Blues have ended with a drew in their first match back in first grade after a five year layoff.
The side batted first against Bowral and finished on 2/61 before the rain came down.
Club Captain Brett McAulay said they'll now turn their attention towards their next match against Hill Top Northern Villages who defeated the Robbo Colts.
"From what I saw they had a real good game on the weekend,
"I think they're definitely going to give us a run for our money,"Mr. McCaulay said.
In the other match, the Robertson Burrawang Bulls had a close win over Wingello.
Bowral cricketer Hayden Kerr has impressed in his debut match for Victoria at the SCG.
The allrounder top scored for NSW in their first innings with 62 not out.
He's thanked all of his supporters back home.
"They're so happy for me,
"From where I've come they're probably a little bit surprised that I've ended up playing in these games, and that's created a bit of a buzz around the town,"Kerr said.
Victoria is currently 8/267 in reply to NSW's first innings total of 233.
There is worldwide recognition for a Bowral eatery.
Caffe Rosso has been listed in the top 10 percent of restaurants on Trip Advisor's 2021 Traveller's Choice Awards.
Owner Sebastion Petrocitto said, "He's elated and humbled all at the same time."
I am still trying to get my head around it all, he said.
Mr. Petrocitto said, "All I have ever tried to do is just bring wholesome Italian food to life in an unpretentious environment."
"I would like to thank my team of 20 staff over the most challenging 12 months we have ever experienced for their continued efforts and support, but most importantly my long-standing loyal local customers over the past 13 years that have continually supported me," he said.
The hot weather and humidity is bringing the snakes out again.
Highlands snake catcher Ray McGibbon was called out to nine jobs yesterday, including a small Highlands Copperhead that made its way into the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Bowral.
The cleaner spotted it and called Ray straight away.
Ray said there was also a nice big Eastern Brown out Colo Vale way.
"I've never caught one out there before,
"It's obviously come in after the rain went away,"Ray said.
The band will be performing at A Day on the Green at Centennial Vineyard in Bowral on Saturday April 16.
It's all part of their Dreamers Are Waiting Tour.
Last week, Crowded House was awarded Best Adult Contemporary Album for Dreamers Are Waiting at the 2021 ARIA Awards.
The band's lineup includes founding members Neil Finn and Nick Seymour, along with producer and keyboardist Mitchell Froom, guitarist and singer Liam Finn and drummer Elroy Finn.
Tickets go on sale at midday on Friday December 10 from Ticketmaster.
The band will be joined by special guests The Teskey Brothers.
A shake rattle and roll moment for the Southern Highlands, with the Volcano Discovery website reporting a weak earthquake across the Wingecarribee yesterday.
It registered 2-point-8 - and was located about 10 kilometres under Bowral.
Numerous people reported weak shaking, rattling or vibration on the website, one comment reported a loud pop and shaking.
There are no reports of damage.
Date & time: 26 Jul 2021 12:36:31 UTC - 9 hours ago
Magnitude: 2.8 Depth: 10.0 km Epicenter latitude / longitude: 34.331°S / 150.62°E (Wingecarribee, New South Wales, Australia) Nearby towns and cities: 4 km (3 mi) ESE of Yanderra (pop: 654) --> See nearby quakes! 12 km (8 mi) S of Tahmoor (pop: 5,020) --> See nearby quakes! 15 km (9 mi) ENE of Colo Vale (pop: 1,590) --> See nearby quakes! 21 km (13 mi) SW of Appin (pop: 2,590) --> See nearby quakes! 25 km (15 mi) NE of Bowral (pop: 10,200) --> See nearby quakes! 27 km (17 mi) WNW of Wollongong (pop: 292,200) --> See nearby quakes! 54 km (33 mi) SSW of Liverpool (pop: 27,500) --> See nearby quakes! 68 km (43 mi) SSW of Blacktown (pop: 46,900) --> See nearby quakes! 75 km (46 mi) SW of Sydney (pop: 4,627,300) --> See nearby quakes! 173 km (107 mi) NE of Canberra (Australian Capital Territory) (pop: 367,800) --> See nearby quakes! Primary data source: GeoAu (Geoscience Australia ) Estimated released energy: 1 x 109 joules (278 kilowatt hours, equivalent to 0.239 tons of TNT)
Endeavour energy and Wingecarribee Council crews are in the process of removing a large tree which has fallen across Centennial Road in Bowral near Peppers Craigieburn
The tree has come into contact with powerlines and about eight homes are without power.
The road is blocked off in both directions.
Residents are being asked to stay well away from the site.
A power restoration time is unclear at this stage.
The BDCU Alliance Bank is collecting unwrapped gifts underneath its Christmas Giving trees in Bowral and Moss Vale.
The gifts will be passed on to the Salvation Army and handed out at the Christmas Drive thru at the Southern Highlands Christian School on December 23.
Head of Marketing and Community Matt Sewell said they're hoping to support people doing it tough.
"We're really looking for teen gifts, which we often struggle with,
Residents around Mittagong will be noticing plenty of extra truck movements over the next couple of weeks.
Rehabilitation work on Bowral Road between Bowral and Mittagong requires material to be moved in and out by numerous trucks each night due to the high volume of traffic through the day.
The old material is being stored at Aylmerton, and new asphalt is being delivered each night from a plant at Kembla Grange.
The work is expected to be completed by June 16, weather permitting.
Some relief for opponents of two controversial developments in the Highlands.
Wingecarribee Council has placed six month interim heritage orders on properties at 2 and 4 Myrtle Street Bowral and Karingal at 26 Elizabeth Street in Moss Vale.
It means proposals to build townhouses won't be able to proceed for six months.
David Hayman from the Elizabeth Street Action Group said development needs to be carefully managed in the shire.
"We love living in the Highlands, we love the feeling of space and the country feel,
"We need to ensure we're not knocking down and getting rid of our own character,"Mr. Hayman said.
Bowral cricketer Hayden Kerr has been left out of the NSW Shield squad which has been selected to a take on South Australia in Adelaide starting today.
He's recovering from a hamstring injury.
Jason Sangha will captain the side for the first time, with regular skipper Kurtis Patterson to remain in Sydney for the birth of his first child.
The Blues are third on the ladder and need to defeat the Redbacks and hope WA goes down to Victoria if they are to qualify for the final.
The Bowral Uniting Church is encouraging locals to show their support to those affected by the undersea volcano eruption near Tonga.
The church has a partner relationship with a number of churches over there.
Reverend Micheal Earl said their national overseas aid agency "Uniting World" will be providing assistance.
"They have direct relationships with our partner churches in Tonga,
"For a long while they've worked with the people there through the church and the wider community to support them in different ways,"Reverend Earl said.
A large retirement resort has been given the go ahead to be built on the site of the former Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Bowral.
A Joint Regional Planning Panel has given the green light to 135 luxury villas along with an extensive range of facilities including wellness and business centres, restaurant and library.
A number of conditions have been included such as retaining the priest cottage and the construction of shared pathways and pedestrian islands.
It will be known as Waterbrook Bowral and managing director Kevin Ryan says it's very Bowral-centric and they'll be working closely with the council before construction starts.
Photo: Artist impression. Source: Wingecarribee Shire Council
A man has been charged after allegedly defrauding an elderly woman of almost $25,000.
Earlier this month, an 81-year-old woman was contacted via a social media messaging service by a person claiming to be an agent from the Australian Federal Police
He allegedly instructed the woman to attend a bank on two separate occasions to withdraw a total of $24,000.
On each occasion, an agent named ‘Alex’ attended her home to collect the money.
The woman yesterday again went to a bank branch at Narellan and spoke to staff who notified police.
Detectives from Camden Police attended and commenced an investigation.
A 36-year-old man was arrested outside the woman’s Harrington Park home.
During a search of his vehicle, investigators allegedly located an envelope containing $12,800 cash, withdrawn from a Bowral bank branch.
He is charged with two counts of obtaining property by deception, attempt to obtain property by deception, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime.
The Bankstown man was refused bail to appear at the Picton Local Court.
Police are warning the public not to provide any personal information over the phone and to contact their local police station should they receive a phone call from someone they don’t know requesting money.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Men’s Shed at Pepperfield Lifestyle Resort Bowral has received an early Christmas present.
The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has donated a new bench saw, which will be used to repair furniture and toys, and create custom made household items.
About 15 men drop into the shed on a weekly basis
Church member Darren Seeley said it's money well spent.
"They're donating their time to help out others in the local community, so we thought we'd do our bit to try and help out them,
"Just to see their smiling faces when we handed the bench saw over was quite touching,"Mr. Seeley said.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between three local community groups to continue rolling out a youth mentoring program at Bowral and Moss Vale High schools.
The program called ' Raise ' involves mentors offering one to one support to young people.
Southern Highlands Foundation Chair Shelley Boyce said they're already seeing fantastic results.
"The young people who are in the program maybe disengaged at school or may just need someone in their life that they can talk to,"she said.
Raise was founded in 2008, and is is a not-for-profit organisation.
It delivers mentoring programs in six states and 184 high schools across Australia.
Bowral resident Dr. Brendan Nelson has been given the responsibility of overseeing the delivery of the $500 million dollar re-development of the Australian War Memorial.
It comes after Dr. Nelson was appointed Chair of the Council of the AWM.
It follows his seven year tenure as Director.
Dr. Nelson said it's a real privilege and honour.
"Also to support the Director Matt Anderson in the further development of the memorial in support of veterans and their families,
"I was blessed to be able to spend Anzac Day delivering the dawn service address in Mittagong,"Dr. Nelson said.
The Southern Highlands Christian Community Centre officially opens its doors in Bowral today with the aim of providing practical support and an inclusive space for people to connect.
Board Member Board Member Jackie Losurdo said they're a not for profit organisation which relies solely on donations from the community.
"The centre has CPR status and so if anyone donates they get tax benefits at the end of financial year,
"People can donate $20 a month or whatever they can afford and that will go towards running costs,"Ms. Losurdo said.
The centre is situated at Shop 1, 347 to 349 Bong Bong Street, underneath C3 Destiny Church.
Image: Southern Highlands Community Christian Centre
Calls for the community to be notified before eight historic Pin Oak trees are removed from Station Street in Bowral, have been shut down by Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Councillor Ian Scandrett presented a Notice of Motion to Wednesday’s council meeting, calling for residents and businesses to be given two weeks’ notice before the iconic trees are bulldozed as part of roadworks, however his motion did not get up.
Cr Scandrett says the meeting was told the trees would be moved during night works.
He says more than 10 community groups have expressed opposition to the tree removal, and claims some councillors are ignoring the wishes of the community.
The roadworks form part of the construction of a feeder road which will link the township with the proposed $18 million Bowral by-pass.
Photo shows a recent community protest (by John Swainston).
One of Bowral's most iconic buildings which houses Lancelot Antiques is going up for auction in a couple of weeks time.
The building which is situated in Bong Bong Street features two properties on two titles which could appeal to an investor who wants to lease them out or an owner occupier.
The huge front doors, date back to it's role as a Cobb & Co Coach staging station.
Marlene Lynam from Cipps Real Estate said it has plenty of history.
"Lancelot Hill Antiques have been in the building for more than 60 years and Lance unfortunately passed away a few years ago,
"The property has now passed over ownership, so the people are now selling it,"Ms. Lynam said.
Staff and students at Bowral Public School got a rude shock yesterday afternoon when they discovered a three foot red belly black snake in their playground.
It's unclear whether the snake came off a vehicle or down a storm drain in the recent rains.
Highlands Snake catcher Ray McGibbon said it's unusual to get one in that part of town.
"Dead smack bang in the middle of Bowral,
"It was only a three footer, but big enough to give everyone a bit of a scare on the first day of school,"Mr. McGibbon said.
The regional premiere of "Regenerating Australia" will be screening at the Empire Cinema in Bowral on Sunday at 6:15pm.
The event is being hosted by Regen Studios, WWF-Australia and WinZero and will feature a Q & A session afterwards with with local panellists John Hewson, Jonathan Jutsen and Di Dibley and Kirstine McKay.
The film is set in 2029 and looks back on a decade of a fairer, cleaner, more community focused economy.
WWF Australia's Head of Innovation Reece Proudfoot said there are a number of ways in which the Southern Highlands can benefit.
"Whether it's regen ag, renewable energy or a circular economy, there are grant funds and support that communities can access to bring some of the vision of the film to life,"he said.
Wingecarribee Council has unveiled plans to fix a 9.3 kilometre section of Old South Road between Bowral and Mittagong.
The multi million dollar project will include reconstructing and widening the road where possible and installing crash barriers, audio tactile makers and warning signs.
Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery, Karin Targa said they're currently finalising details with utility providers, landowners, environmental authorities, transport providers and government departments.
Tender for construction will be released within months.
But don't expect any finish date any time soon, with completion expected in 2024.
Remembrance Day Services will be taking place across the Southern Highlands tomorrow.
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember those soldiers who died trying to protect our nation.
Mittagong RSL Sub Branch President Steven Spence said they'll be holding a service outside the front of the club starting at 10:40am, weather permitting.
"If the weather doesn't allow us to do it outside, we will still be holding it up in the auditorium,"he said.
The branch is not selling badges this year.
And the Bowral RSL Sub Branch has organised very small gathering.
Members will gather at the Bowral war Memorial around 10:45am.
The Chair of the Highlands Symphony Orchestra has shared her thoughts regarding the renaming of the Bowral Memorial Hall.
With refurbishments soon to be completed, Wingecarribee Council has received a request to rename the facility to the Bowral Memorial Entertainment & Convention Centre or the Bowral Memorial Performing Arts & Seminar Hub.
Janette Stiles is keeping an open mind, but said simplicity is key.
"I think the Bowral Memorial Performing Arts Centre would cover it,
"The most important thing is keeping it simple,"
Residents can have their say via the your say section of council's website click here
Sir Rodney Stewart’s planned tour of Australia has been cancelled because of the surge in COVID-19 case numbers.
The veteran British rocker was booked to perform at Bowral's Day on the Green at the Centennial Vineyards on the 27th of March.
The news was confirmed in a statement from tour organiser Live Nation.
Stewart said “My dear friends, once again I feel we’ve all been cheated by this evil disease, so it is with great regret that I announce my shows for 2022 have had to be canceled.".
“My thoughts are with all your families at this difficult time as we come out of the joyous and hopefully safe holiday season and I look forward to returning to Australia as soon as the health situation permits, he said.
It is the second time Rod Stewart has been forced to cancel a Southern Highlands concert because of COVID 19.
A number of school zones in the Southern Highlands will have improved safety as part of the NSW and Australian Government's $40.8 million School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program.
That includes Colo Vale Public School, Bowral High School, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School, and Mittagong Public School.
The work will include the installation of ‘wombat’ raised pedestrian crossings.
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the School Zone Infrastructure Sub Program will help keep school children in the region even safer as they travel to and from school.
"“The Australian and NSW Governments are committed to helping to improve safety around our schools, the projects in Wollondilly will create safer pedestrian connections for children, their parents and carers, and the school community,” Mr Smith said.
A flow of tropical air is flowing rapidly into a surface trough along the New South Wales coast, generating widespread and persistent rain across eastern districts.
The heaviest rain areas are forecast to gradually move south during Saturday.
VERY HEAVY RAINFALL, likely leading to FLASH FLOODING, presents a SERIOUS RISK to the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra, and parts of the Central and Southern Tablelands.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS are also POSSIBLE about the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and ACT during the next 24 hours.
The focus of heavy rain is expected to be across the Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts during Saturday morning, extending southwards to the Illawarra and Southern Tablelands districts through the day.
In these areas, there may be periods of INTENSE RAINFALL, LIKELY leading to LIFE THREATENING flash flooding.
Roads are likely to be cut off by water, and there will be an increased risk of landslips over this period.
River catchments are relatively wet in this region, bringing an enhanced risk of RIVERINE FLOODING.
DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts exceeding 90 km/h are possible across the Blue Mountains today, shifting southwards towards the Southern Tablelands and Southern Highlands later in the day.
Strong winds may also generate DAMAGING SURF, with significant wave heights of 5 metres in the surf zone bringing potential for coastal erosion.
Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Taree, Gosford, Cessnock, Maitland, Sydney, Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral and Katoomba.
Works on Station Street in Bowral are beginning to take shape.
Council will start Watermain renewal works on July 25.
Wingecarribee Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery Karin Targa said they're taking a long-term approach and using the opportunity to replace the old watermain before the road surface is re - laid.
She said this will ensure they don’t have to come back in a few years to dig up the new road and repair the old pipes.
The project should by completed by late September at a cost of $800,000
Meantime the tender to improve the road pavement within Bowral Train Station is expected to be awarded next month.
And the design for the Railway Station carpark at the northern end is being reviewed by Transport for NSW, with a decision likely in September.
Work is already underway on stormwater drainage and carpark improvements at the southern end.
The State Government's Minister for Regional Youth was in Bowral yesterday to announce more than $10 million dollars to support the mental health and well being of young people in regional areas.
Larger grants will be available for things like community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs.
And smaller grants will fund initiatives such as sporting programs and barbecues.
Ben Franklin said it's been a difficult couple of years for young people.
"I've been speaking to all of the School Captains at Moss Vale High School and each of them have an individual story about how hard things have been,
"The includes the impacts of being isolated from peers and other various events around the world,"Mr. Franklin said.
Hayden Kerr, the breakout player of this BBL season, has signed a three-year deal with Sydney Sixers after throwing his hat in the ring for the IPL 'mega auction'.
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