RESIDENTS NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2018
GEORGE TOWN COUNCIL It's Spring..... and the winter months are behind us. Planning is well underway for our regular events, and some new events have been added to our calendar. The first of these was the very successful Dog'z Day Out which saw over 200 people attend to officially launch our beautiful Dog Park. A summary of all events can be found within the newsletter.
The ever popular Seniors Variety Concert will once again be a feature of Seniors Week in George Town. This year's Entertainment will include Rita Miller, Community Hub Ukulele Group, Trish Ray, Bart Scanlan, Vince Davis, Community Hub Guitar Group, George Town Council, Fiddlesticks (celtic music), Port Dalrymple School Choir, Bee Bop Dance Studio, Wendy Long on piano. Your MC for the afternoon is Mr Kevin Ellis. Tickets are only $5.00 and includes the concert and afternoon tea.. Macquarie Street and Regent Square will be the venues for the inaugural Street Festival. Commencing at 11.00am through to 4.00pm on Sunday 28th October, this free community event will include produce and craft stalls, street performers, live music with Adam Page, many children's activities and amusements, puppet shows, flash mob dances, laser tag, food & refreshments. What better way to celebrate Spring than at a community Street Festival ! Supported by George Town Council, Community Hub, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Gordon Square, Chamber of Commerce. The annual Timberlink Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday 15th December. Commencing at 6.00pm, floats and walking groups will make their way form the George Town Fire Station in Goulburn Street, down Macquaire Street, into Regent Square. At 7.00pm, Carols by Candlelight will commence in Regent Square. Celebrate Christmas at this free community event. PGAEGOER G1 E T O W N C O U N C I L 1 6 - 1 8 A N N E S T R E E T G E O R G E T O W N 6 3 8 2 8 8 0 0 H T T P S : / / G E O R G E T O W N . T A S . G O V . A U
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
1
UPCOMING COUNCIL EVENTS
3
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
4
FROM THE MAYOR
5
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
6
SCHOOL HOLIDAY CALENDAR
7
COUNCIL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
7
YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM
7
TAMAR SUSTAINABLE LIVING EXPO
8
LAUNCH OF COUNCIL'S DOG PARK
8 9 15
GEORGE TOWN FOUNDERS FESTIVAL AROUND THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY EVENTS - OCTOBER TO DECEMBER
George Town Council 16-18 Anne Street, George Town 7253 PO Box 161, George Town 7253 (03) 63828800 (phone) (03) 63828899 (facsimile) council@georgetown.tas.gov.au https://georgetown.tas.gov.au
From the Acting General Manager's Office
As Acting General Manager in the interim period pending the appointment of a new General Manager, I have not long been in this role however I’m quickly realising the natural uniqueness of the area, its communities and what it has to offer.
F O
The Council has been very busy over the past few months since the last newsletter and it has seen some major changes which includes of course the recent resignation of former General Manager Mrs Justine Brooks-Bedelph. I take this opportunity to thank Justine for her efforts, achievements and all her hard work in guiding Council to a more sustainable financial position. As mentioned in the August newsletter, Council is currently gearing up for the Local Government Elections and we have seen a record 20 nominations for Councillor, 2 for Mayor and 5 for Deputy Mayor. For a full list of candidates and candidate statements, please visit the Tasmanian Electoral Commission’s (TEC) website. If you are registered on the State Roll or the General Manager’s Roll you will shortly receive your ballot papers from the TEC with the polling period running from 9th October to 10.00am on 30th October. Results will be released as available. Over the coming weeks it is expected that Council will adopt its 2018 Annual Report. The Annual General Meeting is to be held on Thursday 15th November commencing at 6.00pm to be held in the Council Chambers. This also is an opportunity to meet your new Council. Copies of the Annual Report will be made available at the Council office or online at www.georgetown.tas.gov.au at least two weeks before the AGM. We have seen a number of projects commenced in the municipality in recent months with major works underway on Soldiers Settlement Road, Leam Road, Hillwood Road and Industry Road. Expenditure on these projects are in excess of $7million. E L B A T
Council has recently completed the installation of an equity access 27m walkway from East Beach Road to the foreshore and has also installed a number of equity access public amenities at various locations throughout the municipality. At the ordinary Council meeting held on the 19th September 2018 Council resolved to advertise its Draft Dog Management Policy for public comment. A copy of the Draft Policy is available via Council’s website or at the Council office. Submissions will close on the 26th October 2018. You are encouraged to view the policy and submit comment to allow the Council to make a final decision informed by the collective view of our community. As mentioned above, I am currently acting in the capacity of General Manager. The recruitment process for a new General Manager is underway and it is expected that an appointment will be made to the role in the coming months. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to act in the role and working with Team Leaders to finalise a number of initiatives already commenced. The community are our main ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ so please do not hesitate to contact us with your suggestions, to report any interruptions to our services, or just to report faulty infrastructure.
Harry Galea ACTING GENERAL MANAGER
From the Mayor
Welcome to the latest edition of the newsletter! It has been lovely to enjoy some sunshine and some lovely spring days. As the weather improves and the days get longer we start to see an increase in events and activities throughout our region. Between now and Christmas there is plenty going on to keep everybody occupied. INSIDE THIS School holidays have begun and between ISSUE: Council, the Hub, Neighbourhood House and Gordon Square there are heaps of activities planned for children of all ages and their families. You can pick up a copy of the timetable at any of the service providers mentioned or find it on the Council Facebook page. Seniors won’t be left out with the annual Seniors Variety Concert coming up on the 18th of October at the Memorial Hall. Starting at 1.30pm it promises to be a jam packed afternoon of fun and includes a delicious afternoon tea, tickets are available at the Council office or at the door on the day. Save the date for the 28th October too for the inaugural George Town Street Party! Kicking off at 11am in Macquarie Street, it promises to be fun for the whole family with lots to see and do. Be sure to practice your Makarena and Gangham Style dance routines and join in the fun of the flashmob dances, led by students from Bee Bop Dance Studio.
Windmill Point
The past six months has seen
COUNCILLORS
It may also be a good time to start thinking about the Christmas Parade, sponsored again this year by Timberlink, there are some great prizes up for grabs for creative float entries. Start planning your Mayor Bridget Archer entry now, join in all the fun of the parade before enjoying the Christmas spirit with Carols by Candlelight. This year's theme is the ever popular "A Storybook Christmas". "Am with There are also I manyin eventslove and activities being held by various groups and individuals throughout our municipality. Council is happy to share those the place?" events where we can so if you know of something going on let us know so we can help spread the word. Our social media page and website are Cr. Doug Burt excellent forums for advertising your events. If you are looking for a great activity to start your weekend, head down to parkrun. The event takes place each Saturday morning at our beautiful Kanamaluka trail. Commencing at 9.00am on the Cr Heather Barwick grassed area next to the Pier Hotel, participants enjoy a very scenic 5km run / jog / walk, taking in the view of York Cove and surrounding area. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times. I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and I Cr Tim Parish hope you get an opportunity to get out and about in our beautiful municipality this spring and enjoy everything we have to offer right here on our doorstep. Deputy Mayor Tim Harris
Bridget Archer MAYOR
Cr Peter Parkes
major transformations at Windmill Point. Cr. Greg Dawson
The area now boasts an enclosed barbecue and seating area, with construction of the children's play area nearing
Cr John Glisson
completion.
Cr. Chris Ashley
Around the Community...
Young Leaders Program Many exciting things have been happening in the youth space at the George Town Council. Council Kerbside Waste Collection During 3, grade 6 leaders from Port New Schedule asterm atSchool 30 July Dalrymple and Star2018 of the Sea Catholic College have been participating in the George Town Council Young Leaders program. The program is a six session program that focuses on building leadership capacity, positive relationships with friends and family, and self-confidence. Each session involves learning through playing games, reflective writing, and team problem solving exercises, hands-on craft activities, as well as focusing each week on different themes of successful leadership skills. Students at Port Dalrymple School said that their highlights were: “When we made slime!” “I remember all the friends I made” “It was super fun and I laughed a lot even though I was shy when I first came here” “I loved it and how supportive everyone was” The Young Leaders program will also be starting term 4 at South George Town Primary, which is another great opportunity for students and Council to build strong connections and learn from each other. If you any questions of suggestions regarding youth at George Town Council please feel free to contact Youth Worker, Jen Cole at on 6382 8800 or jenc@georgetown.tas.gov.au
Council Community Assistance Program Round 1 of the 2018 / 2019 Community
Assistance Program resulted in Council receiving a total of 6 grant applications, with 5 grants being awarded, totalling $7,035. Successful applications were : George Town Cricket Club $2,000 for the upgrade of their bathroom facilities. George Town Junior Soccer Club $2,000 for the sand blasting & painting of their goal posts George Town Community Garden $1,100 for the installation of a poly tunnel at the Garden. George Town RSL Club $1,435 for Council services for the installation of Centenary of Armistice Plinths, and Remembrance Day Commemorative march George Town Neighbourhood Watch $500 for the production and printing of a family violence pamphlet for distribution in the municipality.
Round 2 of Council's Community Assistance Program opens on Monday 4th February 2019 and closes on Friday 22 February 2019.
Tamar Sustainable Living Expo ! Saturday 13 October 2018, 9am – 4pm, Albert Hall, Launceston : $5 adults, $2 concession, free for children under 18 Would you like to save money on your household bills, make your home more comfortable and reduce your ecological footprint Then come along to the inaugural 2018 Tamar Sustainable Living Expo. The Expo will provide you with a ‘one stop shop’, connecting you with local businesses and community groups providing products, services and programs to help you live more sustainably. Costa Georgiadis, ABC’s Gardening Australia host, will be in attendance to share his sustainability and gardening expertise. Start off your Expo Day with a quick visit to the Harvest Market Launceston where the sustainable practices of local farmers will be showcased. Then cross the road to Albert Hall where you can admire electric vehicles, learn about sustainable building design, find out how you can join the war on waste, plus much, much more! The University of Tasmania and other experts will deliver informative and interactive workshops and presentations. Local businesses including MODE Electrical will demonstrate the latest in renewable energy and energy efficiency products. Be entertained and engaged by our roving performers. Do your bit on Expo Day to reduce event waste by saying no to plastic’s ‘Big 4’. Bring along your own reusable water bottle, coffee cup and shopping bags. Avoid plastic straws
Around the Community...
Dog'z Day Out launches George Town's Dog Park Over 200 people took advantage of a glorious Spring day and brought their dog/s along to Council's launch of the Dog Park at the inaugural Dog'z Day Out. A large variety of dogs attended, with many taking part in the Glamour Furbabies Competition, small & large dog breed, and talent show. In addition to the competitions, the day included workshops focussed on dog training and general questions & answers, dog treat and accessory stalls, face painting, and photo booth. In attendance were representatives from the RSPCA, Launceston Vet Clinic, Mowbray Vet Clinic, and the North East Animal Sanctuary. Many took advantage to learn more about each respective organisation, the discounted microchipping, and the free show bags. A bonus for the children was the surprise attendance by Sky and Marshall from Paw Patrol. The event will be a regular feature in Council's Events Calendar.
George Town Founders Festival 2018 Since 2015 the George Town & District Historical Society and Tamar FM have been co-ordinating a "Founders Festival" Calendar of Events that promote end of year activities held by community groups throughout November/December, and to celebrate George Town's unique heritage. The George Town area's Aboriginal heritage stretches back many thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans, when the Letteremairrener people inhabited the area. Some of the more significant European historical milestones which led to the founding of the town and municipal area as we know it today, took place in November and December: 3-20 Nov/3 Dec 1798 - Bass & Flinders entered and named Port Dalrymple, named Outer Cove and other coastal features and spent almost three weeks exploring the Tamar River. 9 - 21 Nov 1804 - Lt Col William Paterson and over 200 convicts, soldiers and crew arrived in four ships. They camped for a few weeks around Outer Cove (now York Cove) before moving up to York Town on West Arm. These were the first Europeans to settle in northern Van Diemen's Land. 7 Dec 1804 - Lt Col William Paterson's exploratory expedition up the Tamar River discovered and named the Piper's River after his fellow traveller, Ensign Hugh Piper. 18 - 20 Dec 1811 - Govr Lachlan Macquarie selected the first landing place as the site for the "Chief Settlement" of northern VDL. He planned the whole town on both sides of the cove with a grid of streets surrounding the Square, as it is today. He named it George Town in honour of King George III and changed Outer Cove to York Cove, in honour of the Duke of York.
All clubs/groups/organisations across the council area are invited to register any activities to be held during November and December with Tamar FM, for inclusion in this year's Calendar of Events, for distribution throughout the community and promotion through radio and other media. It may be a monthly meeting, a regular fixture, a public event or a special event for members only, or maybe an 'open day' to attract new members. Registrations close on the 12 October. For enquiries : Tamar FM (63 82 3953) or Lorraine Wootton (63 82 4412 or 0447 359 662)
Around the Community... News from Bee Bop Dance Studio
A group of students from Bee Bop Dance Studio recently travelled to Sydney for the Australian Dance Festival! This event attracts over 6000 dancers from all over Australia and NZ. held over 3 days, students attended 12 workshops with Australia's top choreographers! Bee Bop were also excited to perform at the Sydney Olympic Park Stadium in front of a screaming crowd of thousands! The Bee Boppers did Tassie proud and the feedback received for their performance was overwhelming! Bee Bop prides itself on offering something for everyone. As well as these opportunities for the more serious dancers, Bee Bop also offers casual just for fun classes like fairy ballet and adults jazzercise! Classes start at just $5! Check out their website for more info! wwww.beebopdancestudio.com
Lighthouse Writers
Lighthouse Writers began in 2015. Its primary aim is to encourage writers to share their work with likeminded people. It's informal and friendly and new members are welcome. We do not critique the work as we are all aspiring writers not qualified critics. We meet on the first Monday of the month at the LINC at 1pm. We have a two-hour meeting. We take it in turns to facilitate the meetings. We set a topic for each month. Our target is to write 500 to 1000 words on that topic. Sometimes the topic doesn't inspire so we then just write what we like. We do try to stick to the wordcount so that each member has a fair amount of time to share their work. At the beginning of each meeting we share our writing from the selected topic. We will then do some word exercises. One of our favourites is the Word Exercise or Jigsaw Words. Each member will provide a word. We then write for ten minutes using these words. The results are quite often hilarious. Again, if inspiration doesn't strike, we then write what we like. The purpose of the group is to write. Some of the other exercises have been creative. Different articles have been brought in and distributed and we write on the article we have taken. Words or phrases have been presented and we write on that. Some of our members are poets and write some amazing verse. If we have time, we share any other writing pieces we have been doing. We would welcome new members and the staff at the library are always willing to pass on any information.. If anyone is interested please contact Jacqui Smart on 0410 717 289, Jacqui_skellig@hotmail.com or Wil Watts on 0409821654, Maree Baker on 0409021777.
Throughout the month of July, residents were out and about in the community, being creative, capturing images of how they see our beautiful region, and submitting their images for the "Through Your Eyes" Photo Competition. The competition, a joint initiative of the Rotary Club of George Town, Chamber of Commerce and George Town Council, has been embraced by the community with an extensive range of subjects being the focus of their entry. Council, Rotary and the Chambers, congratulate the following on their winning entries. Judges Award : Zachary Burr for his entry titled "Night Photo of York Cove" and People's Choice Award : Tash Maynard for her entry titled "George Town Saints Men's Football". The two winning photos will be placed on a prominent wall in the George Town CBD. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition. The number of entries received was encouraging, and we look forward to the 2019 Photo competition.
Tash Maynard People's Choice Award - "George Town Men's Football" Local
Government Elections
Zachary Burr's Judges Choice Award - "Night Photo of York Cove".
Meet your Local Candidates The George Town Chamber of Commerce will be holding a meet the Candidate forum to enable all community members to meet the local candidates, and have the opportunity to ask them any relevant questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday 4th October 2018 6.00pm Graham Fairless Centre, Memorial Hall Complex Refreshments will be available , with supper also available for a gold coin donation. Sunday 7th October 2018 3.00pm - Hillwood Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Each speaker will be allowed a short speech to introduce themselves and to let us know what they hope to achieve for our municipality. All are welcome to attend.
CANDIDATES ARCHER, Bridget ASHLEY, Christopher BARBER, Ben BARRACLOUGH, Chris BARWICK, Heather BROOKS, Justine BURT, Doug CAMERON, Anne DAIRE, Brent DAWSON, Greg GEALE, Quade GIBBONS, Dean GLISSON, John HARRIS, Tim KIESER, Greg MASON, Winston MICHIELETTO, Andrew NEILSEN, Graeme PARISH, Tim PARKES, Peter
Mayor 2 candidates ARCHER, Bridget KIESER, Greg Deputy Mayor 5 candidates BARWICK, Heather DAWSON, Greg GEALE, Quade GIBBONS, Dean HARRIS, Tim
Around the Community... RSL George Town Sub-Branch
for enquiries contact Peter Cox - peter.cox21@intas.net.au
PATCHWORKS PLUS Annual Secret Santa Swap
Would you like to participate in the Secret Santa that local store Patchworks Plus runs? You can make a handmade item, drop it off at the shop between 1st - 15th December (not before please). From the 17th December, you are able to pop in and pick up a present that someone has made for you ! Your handmade gift must contain at least one of the following techniques Binding | Hand Quilting | English Paper Piecing | Stitchery/Embroidery | Applique | A Zipper | Hand Piecing | Cross Stitch Mailed gifts are welcome, but must include a self addressed pre-paid satchel. 14 Anne Street George Town 7253 Phone 03 6382 3999
VETERAN'S NIGHT The George Town Sub Branch of the RSL will be holding a Veteran's night on Tuesday 9th October, 4pm to 6.30pm in their office at 44 Macquarie Street, George Town. Guest speakers will include a representative from : - Launceston Advocacy Services - ADF Recruitment - Mates for Mates (Ian Swain) - Royal Flying Doctors Service - Primary Health Care - Military Brotherhood Motor Cycle Club - RSL Tasmania This is an opportunity to gather together and find out more about the services provided by these agencies, and offers an opportunity to mix with other members in a social atmosphere. COMMEMORATIVE SERVICES Remembrance Day - Centenary of Armistice Saturday 10th November 2018 11.00am - Commemorative Service at the Lefroy Avenue of Honour and the laying of the Centenary of Armistice Plaque. full details will be circulated in coming weeks. Sunday 11th November 2018 10.15am - Commemorative March commencing at the George Town Cenotaph, Macquarie Street. 11.00am - Commemorative Service at the Max Harris Reserve. OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW OFFICE The Hon Peter Gutwein officially opened the relocated RSL office on Friday 31st August. A large number of members attended the occasion.
Around the Community... GEORGE TOWN CRICKET CLUB
For information phone Tanya on 0439 703 848
Are you interested in some exercise or just joining a Club for a game in a team environment? Then come along and try a game of Cricket ! All ages are welcome. Junior Blaster Program This program is for boys and girls aged 5 to 10 years of age. Commencing on the 15th November at Crothers Oval, George Town Sports Complex. Juniors Training for juniors Under 13, Under 15, and girls aged 14 to 17 years, will commence on Wednesdays from 4.00pm. For information on Junior Cricket, please contact Junior Development Officer Noel West on 0448 883 546. For all other information, please contact Winston Mason on 0407 052 042.
Registrations close 9th October
Persons interested in having an arts and crafts, or produce stall, please contact Rhonda at the Council rhondao@georgetown. tas.gov.au 6382 8812
George Town Neighbourhood House runs an after school program to teach children that just because something is broken or old doesn’t mean it should be thrown out, it could be made into something else completed a few projects with VHS tapes, making herb gardens and a They have recently coffee table. The children have also made projects with old books and CD’s that were otherwise destined to become landfill. These projects and Neighbourhood House's attitude to reducing waste and teaching the children to reduce waste made them fortunate enough to be a recipient of one of the Northern Tasmania Waste Management’s Waste not awards for 2018. The program runs from 3.15-4.00pm Wednesday’s with some fun and useful projects planned for the future.
Accepting the award on behalf of Neighbourhood House is Simone Lowe, pictured with Mayor Bridget Archer and Neighbourhood House volunteer, Jessica Berger
Around the Community... Lions Club of George Town Charter
The Charter of the Lions Club of George Town will be held on Saturday 27th October 2018. Graham Fairless Centre Time 6.30pm for 7.00pm start : Cost $35 per head Inclusive of 2 Course Dinner and entertainment. R.S.V.P before 13th October to The Secretary Lions Club of George Town P.O.Box-195 George Town Tas 7253 Email Nadine_thereader@hotmail.com or Phone 0448 344 792 The President & Members of the Lions Club of George Town wish to invite all Lions, guests and partners to help us celebrate our very special upcoming milestone event
Garage Sale Soroptimist International of George Town will be holding a Garage Sale on Saturday 20th October, 8.30am until 1.00pm in the "old chicken feed building" carpark. Support the Club and grab yourself a bargain.
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
The George Town Community Newsletter is published bi-monthly and contains many articles of interest to the community. Council actively seeks articles from community organisations, groups, and event organisers so that these can be shared via our newsletter. Articles can be sent to Council's Community Development Officer Rhonda O'Sign rhondao@georgetown.tas.gov.au | 6382 8800.
COUNCIL MEETING DATES
October, November and December Council Meetings will be held in the George Town Council Chambers, 16-18 Anne Street, George Town .............................................................................................................. 17 October at 5.00pm 21 November at 1.00pm 12 December at 5.00pm
Community Events October to December