Snowy Monaro Regional Council has welcomed a Coronial Inquest into the death of Mrs Clare Nowland at Yallambee Lodge in Cooma in May 2023.
The State Coroner has resumed the inquest process, following the final determination of criminal proceedings against a former police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in relation to Mrs Nowland's death.
Council has sought and been granted leave to be represented at the inquest.
An initial directions hearing was held in Sydney on 9 December, with the matter scheduled for hearing from 13 to 15 May 2026 in Queanbeyan Court.
As the operator of Yallambee Lodge at the time of Mrs Nowland's death, Council acknowledges the importance of all relevant information being brought forward and will provide every assistance to the Coroner.
Council has fully assisted both the NSW Police and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission's investigations into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
We continue to hold in our thoughts Mrs Nowland's family, along with the residents and staff of Yallambee Lodge.
Ownership of the facility was transferred to Respect Aged Care in April 2024, as part of Council's long-standing commitment to move out of the provision of residential aged care.
