Fresh clues found in search
Authorities remain “very hopeful” as the extensive multi-agency search for missing hiker Hadi Nazari who has been missing in rugged bushland in the remote Geehi area in the Kosciuszko National Park for a fortnight.
A small campfire was found on Sunday (5 January) along with several items that were confirmed as belonging to the 23-year-old Melbourne University student.
Helicopters using infrared to search after dark, search and rescue dogs and highly trained and experienced bushwalkers have been working their way through some of the most difficult terrain in the state to try and locate the man.
Hadi Nazari was last seen by friends about 2:30pm on Boxing Day, descending the Hannels Spur Trail between Khancoban and Thredbo.
The three men were expected to meet up at the Geehi campground, however, when he failed to arrive, the two friends, aged 23 and 24, began to search for him. The extensive search has involved up to 300 people in total in the field including on horseback and using tracker dogs. The Corryong Airport has also been used as one of the bases for exctensive aerial patrol throughout the area.
The discovery of rubbish and hiking poles on New Year’s Eve and further items as recently as Sunday (5 January) had helped to focus the search.   NSW Police have confirmed that the operation would continue until they were “satisfied.”
Riverina District Police Superintendent, Andrew Spliet, said Mr Nazari was an experienced hiker and equipped with a tent and sleeping bag.
“He’s got a history of hiking around the place, so he’s aware of these surroundings, and he has got some capability to protect himself from the elements.”

Pilot ploughs into paddock
A hang gliding pilot was fortunate to escape serious injury on Sunday when she landed heavily in a paddock below the launch area on Mt Eliott. 
The young female flyer from overseas was not competing in the annual Corryong Cup competition but is experienced in the sport. 
She attempted to land in the field but crashed at speed at around 3.30pm. Despite not remembering anything about the impact, she was able to walk to one of two waiting ambulances. She was transported to Albury Base hospital for observation and further treatment.

Oval gets new watering system
Work is being undertaken this week on the installation of an automatic ‘pop-up’ irrigation system on the oval at the Corryong Recreation Reserve. 
The sewing of a hardy grass type and the new watering system is intended to minimise the down time between the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival and the start of the local football netball season. Previously, home games at the Corryong ground early in the season had to be transferred as the oval was unsuitable for play because of the impact of the festival.
The works will eliminate the need to re-sow the oval each year.

Deadline looming for grants
Federal Independent Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, is reminding local community groups of the deadline for Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program. 
Local community groups have until 5pm on Friday 17 January, 2025 to lodge an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the next round, with between $1,000 and $5,000 available to support organisations to increase participation in volunteering and support children’s wellbeing through volunteering.  
“This year, the grant focuses on funding important but often expensive costs involved with volunteering - like insurance premiums, phone bills and technology purchases, which are becoming increasingly more expensive.” said Dr Haines. 
“I encourage not-for-profit community organisations across Indi to consider putting in an expression of interest.  
“Volunteer groups that I meet with across Indi tell me that grants like this go a long way in supporting volunteers to continue their important work.” 
There are two streams of grant funding in the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants program. 
 • Stream 1 funds the purchase of communication or insurance items that will benefit a community organisation’s volunteers.  
• Stream 2 funds the purchase of items or services, or running volunteer-led activities, with the main purpose for supporting the development of children under 18, or adults whose volunteering activities supports children’s development and wellbeing. 
 Applications will be assessed by a panel of community members, with successful applicants then invited to apply to the Department of Social Services for a grant. 
Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at: https://www.helenhaines.org/resources/grants/volunteer-grants-2024-25/

The first issue of the Corryong Courier will be on January 16, 2025.