Bass Bulletin - November 2021

Funding secured for InsideOut4Kids

After launching in 2017, InsideOut4Kids has helped thousands of children who have been referred to their services to access programs assisting children who are suffering from anxiety, grief, complex trauma and loss through parental separation, bereavement, or family violence.

Run by City Mission, IO4K is a range of educative, psycho-social programs for children aged 4 to 13. The aim is to equip and empower children to have a strong sense of wellbeing so that they may be more resilient, learn better, enjoy a sense of belonging, and be happier and healthier.

Ray Green from City Mission said an important success factor for I04K is that the facilitators are solely focussed on the child and their individual experiences.

“For many children this is a rare but incredibly valuable experience as they work through their specific problems and learn strategies to deal with their grief and loss in a safe, confidential and caring environment,” Mr Green said.

After concerns over funding streams coming to an end, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer advocated for further funding to be granted to the program to ensure the vital work continued, securing $200,000 over two years.

“It’s imperative that even young children are given necessary mental health assistance to support them during a time when they may be feeling particular distress or affected by a personal trauma,” Mrs Archer said.

“This funding provides further certainty for staff and the schools, families and individuals who utilise their programs.”

Valuable work experience for Ella

Ella Vanderzwan, Grade 10 student from Star of the Sea recently joined the office of Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer for a week of work experience. Undertaking research into key legislation, drafting speeches, attending community and media events were just some of the opportunities Ella was able to partake during her placement.

“I can’t really state how much insight and just enjoyment I got out of my work experience,” Ella said.

A keen photographer, some of Ella’s photos can be found in this edition of the Bass Bulletin – keep an eye out!

Bridget Archer with City Mission staff Brian Beswick, Ray Green, Jenine Watters and Kate Oliver

Bridget Archer presenting Ella Vanderzwan with flowers on Ella’s last day of work experience

Creating a fermentation future for northern Tasmania

continued from front page

After years of work and due diligence behind the scenes, the state’s first fermentation hub is one big step closer to getting off the ground, after securing $7.5 million through the most recent round of Building Better Regions Fund.

FermenTasmania CEO Kim Seagram AM said the industry-led facility is a global first, with 1,800 square meters of space to ferment beverages, food and even nutraceuticals and green energy.

“Not only is it a space for industry to play and innovate small scale commercial products, but it will also provide spaces for cutting edge research and development, hands on training and even agritourism and fermentation experiences for locals and visitors alike,” Ms Seagram said.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the hub will further position Tasmania as a world-leader in the production of fermented food and beverages.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the outcome after several years of advocacy for this project,” Mrs Archer said.

“It marks a new era in green manufacturing opportunities in our region and will be a game–changer for the fermentation industry and agriculture in the state.”

The hub is an employment generator for the northern region, with around 650 jobs expected to be created between now and 2030. The hub was also one of the key projects included in the recent successful bid for Launceston and northern

Heading in the right direction

Tasmania to be designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Construction of the facility is expected to begin in the next few months.

Launceston’s Head to Health Centre is one step closer to servicing the community with the lead agency, Stride, recently announced to run the innovative new mental health centre for adults living in the area.

Launceston Head to Health will aim to improve access to mental health and related support services for adults in distress or crisis, as well as family and friends needing information and advice.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer has welcomed the news as an important step forward in helping northern Tasmanians who are experiencing mental ill-health – and the loved ones and carers who support them.

“I have long been committed to addressing the challenges faced by many in our community who are looking to urgently access mental health services that are suitable to their own individual needs,” Mrs Archer said.

“The centre will be a valuable addition to the local service landscape, connecting people with existing services and providing urgent short and medium-term care where needed.

“Importantly, Head to Health will have a ‘no wrong door’ policy offering an entry point to a range of services with no charge, and without the need for an appointment, referral or prior diagnosis.”

Stride spokesperson Nicci Dickson says the organisation has a strong track record in the delivery of community-based and integrated mental health services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. Stride pioneered the adult integrated services in Australia with the Floresco model in 2014.

Since then, the organisation has established five integrated adult hubs and one children’s centre, as well as operating seven headspace centres.

“We’re really excited about working with the existing local service providers to improve access to mental health services for people in the Launceston area,” Nicci Dickson said.

“In the next month we will focus on the initial services that will commence in December, and will be recruiting a range of staff – including peer workers with lived experience of mental health.”

Launceston Head to Health is scheduled to commence delivery of initial services from an interim site on the corner of Paterson and Wellington streets this month.

Birmingham visits North-East

There are plans for a new purpose-built site to open in Canning Street in mid-2022. Services delivered from the interim site will be transitioned to the permanent site, at which time the full suite of services will be offered.

Tasmania’s north-east hosted one of Australia’s most senior government ministers when Simon Birmingham visited Derby, Tomahawk and Bridport in September. Member for Bass Bridget Archer invited the Minister for Finance to inspect the innovative Winnaleah irrigation scheme station at Derby and hear about beach access infrastructure at Tomahawk.

They also joined for a community afternoon tea in Bridport, where the Minister was invited to answer questions on a range of issues of interest to locals.

Mark Broxton from Primary Health Tasmania, Bridget Archer and Nicci Dickson from Stride announcing Stride’s appointment as the lead agency for Head to Health

Progress keeps coming on UTAS relocation

The development of the University of Tasmania’s new Inveresk campus has reached two important milestones recently with the official opening of the North Esk River pedestrian and cycle bridge and construction on a third campus building underway.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the bridge is another component of the UTAS relocation funded through the Launceston City Deal.

“The bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure connecting the new Inveresk campus to our vibrant and bustling CBD,” Bridget Archer said.

The staged approach to the development of the Inveresk campus is allowing for more ongoing work for apprentices and other employees, maximising the benefits to local Launceston companies and businesses.

Local specialists BridgePro Engineering were engaged to build the bridge and construction started in March 2020. The structural steel components of the bridge were built by Haywards, another local company.

Construction has also begun on the third and largest building of the UTAS redevelopment. The building will include state-of-the-art facilities focussing on food science and agricultural research, nursing simulation labs to change the future health workforce and new spaces for courses in allied health.

Safety first for Bridgenorth community

Cat management program a success

Pest animals can wreak havoc for farmers, land managers and household backyards alike and a community program in the West Tamar has demonstrated significant success in the management of feral cats.

The West Tamar Landcare group, funded to the tune of $20,000 through the Federal Government’s Communities Environment Program, has tackled the issue of cat predation on native wildlife and cats as transmitters for diseases such as toxoplasmosis in the lower west Tamar region.

The project area is situated at the mouth of the Tamar estuary and is an important breeding and habitat

area for nationally–listed fauna species, including the hooded plover, Tasmanian devil, spotted-tail quoll and eastern barred bandicoot. These species and other local wildlife such as wombats, native birds and globally migrating shorebirds are highly valued by local residents

The project was a collaborative effort between the West Tamar Council, NRM North, Tamar NRM and Cradle Coast Authority NRM. To date, the program has resulted in the protection of up to 6,000 native animals and birds from predation each year and has led to further funding from the West Tamar Council allowing the program to continue.

A dangerous intersection which has caused the local Bridgenorth community concern for some time is set for a safety upgrade.

The intersection at Bridgenorth Road and Long Plains Road will soon go under a remodel thanks to $365,000 in funding through the Federal Government’s Blackspot Program.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the funding will ensure the safety of locals and others who utilise the roads.

“The remodelling will address the see-through problem, where drivers on the side road approaches don’t realise that there’s an intersection where they’re required to give way,” Mrs Archer said.

Residents of Bridgenorth will also benefit from new and improved mobile coverage thanks to Round 5A of the Australian Government’s highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program.

“The Bridgenorth site is set to provide improved mobile coverage for the local community, allowing visitors and locals alike to stay connected, conduct business and remain in contact with family and friends,” Mrs Archer said.

Bridget Archer officially opening the North Esk River pedestrian Bridge with Member for Windermere Nick Duigan MLC, the Hon Michael Ferguson, City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten and the Hon Roger Jaesnch Photo credit: Ella Vanderzwan

John Bowden, volunteer for the Parks and Wildlife Service and mentor for the cat predation program, was recently chosen as a finalist in the 2021 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards

New trails on offer for mountain bikers in George Town

Located just 35 minutes from Launceston, you can now add George Town to the list of world-class mountain bike trails.

With the first 15 kilometres officially open to the public, the trail is receiving the big tick of approval from locals and mountain bike enthusiasts from across the state. Built by internationally–renowned trail builders World Trail, the completed project will see 80 kilometres of trails designed to suit all levels from beginners to those brave enough to try the black diamond.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the opening of the 15 kilometre track continues a grand vision for tourism in the region.

“As a local and former Mayor, I fully appreciate the significance of this project and the ongoing benefits it will provide to our community which is why I fought so hard to secure this funding during the 2019 election,” Mrs Archer said.

The trails are a collaboration between the government, the George Town Council and Bell Bay Aluminium -the largest employer in the municipality which continues to invest in the future of the community.

Shona Markham, General Manager, Bell Bay Aluminium is thrilled about the development and what it can do for the region.

“Mountain biking is growing in popularity both as a pastime enjoyed by locals and as a reason for tourists to visit a destination,” Ms Markham said.

“By facilitating access to land owned by the smelter for a significant portion of the Mt George Trails and the Tippogoree Hills network, which is currently under construction, we are investing in our local community to improve the liveability of the region

and attract more visitation to George Town. This will create local jobs as well as helping to grow the local George Town and Tamar Valley economies. This is a great example of where an industry like ours and tourism can work hand in hand.”

Fighting for essential Flinders Island service

A recent decision from the Bureau of Meteorology to reduce its aviation weather forecast from 24 hours a day to 10.5 hours a day was met with concern from residents and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer.

During a recent visit to Flinders Island to meet with the community and attend the Flinders Island show, Bridget organised a petition for the community to sign to question the recent decision. In addition to making direct representation to Minister for Environment Sussan Ley, Bridget also organised a meeting between BOM representatives, the Minister, Department officials and Flinders Island community leaders to discuss the issue further.

As a result of this advocacy, BOM has now reversed the decision and will continue to provide 24 -hour aviation weather forecast for at least another three years.

“The continuation of this service is essential, and I am pleased to have given certainty to the local community and everyone who relies on the forecast,” Mrs Archer said.

For Flinders Island local Tony Griggs, the retention of the vital service has come as a relief, thanking Bridget and Minister Ley for their efforts in reversing the downgrade decision.

Dorset

“We are grateful to you two for your passion, drive, enthusiasm and ability to cut through the bureaucracy and advocate on our behalf and more importantly to deliver,” Mr Griggs said.

As the only community-run organisation left in their town, the Moorina golf club, a 9-hole course, is the glue to connecting the community.

Run entirely by volunteers, the club was recently successful in receiving a grant under the Federal Government’s Powering Communities program which, according to President Leslie Rattray will be enormously beneficial to the club.

“The installation of solar panels will go a long way towards managing our ever-increasing power bills,” Mr Rattray said.

The program provides grants to not-for-profit community organisations to improve their energy efficiency practices and technologies leading to a reduction in energy use, improvement in energy productivity and delivery of carbon abatement.

Bridget Archer with Tammie, Sophie, Hayden, Charlie, Layla and John Brewster giving the new Mt George Mountain Bike trails a big thumps up! Photo credit: Rob Burnett Images

Flinders Island Council Mayor Annie Revie, Council General Manager Warren Groves and Bridget Archer MP outside the Flinders Island Airport.

Leslie Rattray, Luke Rainbow and Kenny Mullins from the Moorina Golf Club during a recent working bee for the club

INVESTING IN NORTHERN TASMANIA

DORSET

GEORGE TOWN

WEST TAMAR

GEORGE TOWN

WEST TAMAR

Sea Rescue, Tamar NRM, West Tamar Landcare, West Tamar Pony Club, Exeter High School, Riverside Scout Group, Tamar Churinga Hockey Club, Riverside Golf Club, Riverside Lions Club, Rotary Club of West Tamar, Beaconsfield RSL, Beauty Point Bowls Club, Greens Beach Golf Club, Northern Rangers Football Club (Beaconsfield), Riverside Men’s Shed, Exeter Show Society, Legana Cricket Club,

INVESTING IN NORTHERN TASMANIA

LAUNCESTON

Local Schools Fund - Brooks High School, Lilydale High School, Kingd Meadows High School, Riverside High School, Invermay Primary School, Larmenier Catholic School, Queechy High School, Launceston Preparatory School, Punchbowl Primary School

Headspace Launceston - Additional Funding

Community Program funding - see list below!

City of Launceston Basketball Club Inc., Generation Netball Club Inc, Interweave Arts Association, Junction Arts Festival, Kings Meadows Bowls Club Incorporated, Landcare Tasmania, Launceston RSL Sub Branch Inc., Launceston Benevolent Society Incorporated, Launceston City Cycling Club Incorporated, Launceston City Mission, Launceston Golf Club,Launceston Legacy, Launceston Life Saving Club,Launceston School for Seniors,Launceston Tramway Museum,Launceston VFC Services, Lilydale District Pony Club Inc., Lilydale Elderly Citizens, Lilydale Fire Brigade, Lions Club of Lilydale, Men’s and Community Shed (Starting Point Neighbourhood House), Migrant Resource Centre, New Horizons Tasmania, Newstead Tennis and Squash Centre, North Esk Rowing Club ,Northern Suburbs Community Centre, Playgroup Tasmania, Rapid Relief Team Ltd, Ravenswood Bowls Club Inc, Ravenswood Neighbourhood House, Rotary Club of Youngtown, RSPCA Tasmania, Self Help Workshop Inc., Shekinah House Inc., Starting Point Neighbourhood House Inc, Sudanese Community of Launceston, Sudanese Community of Launceston, Tasmanian Croquet Centre,The Honorary Justice’s Association of Tasmania Incorporated, The Launceston City Mission Inc., Trevallyn Bowls Club, Trevallyn Community Hall, Veterans Community Wood Centre Inc., YMCA

FLINDERS ISLAND

FLINDERS ISLAND

*Roads funding includes programs such as Roads to Recovery, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure, Blackpot funding

*Program funding for community organisations through Stronger Communities, Volunteer Grants, Powering communities and other community-based grant streams

Building drought-resilient leaders

A partnership between the Australian Government and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is set to create a new generation of drought-resilient leaders.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the $5 million program will bring participants together to share knowledge and experience through the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Leaders mentoring program.

“This program is creating a new generation of young and emerging leaders and encourages learning and knowledge sharing to benefit agriculture and the communities and livelihoods that depend on it,” Mrs Archer said.

“The program will match around 300 mentees with 250 mentors around the country and I am thrilled that Elizabeth Skirving from northern

Tasmania has been selected as one of the mentors for round one of the program.”

Ms Skirving, CEO of Rural Business Tasmania said she is keen to participate in the program after benefitting from some wonderful mentors throughout her career.

“I really value the role both informal and formal mentors play in supporting the next generation of leaders,” Ms Skirving said.

“As a female in the agricultural and financial industries, I know how hard it can be to believe in yourself and step forward and grow.

“The program provides a great opportunity to give my mentee a sounding board and help them thrive.”

Arts Assistance

As all Tasmanians look to a brighter 2022 with the hope of uninterrupted domestic and international travel on the cards, businesses and organisations across the state who rely on tourism are also banking on more certainty.

For Launceston’s iconic Design Tasmania, $80,000 in funding received through the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund has helped the Hub continue operations during quieter periods, while ensuring its readiness to entertain interstate visitors as the country emerges from the pandemic.

“The centre’s continued operation is crucial to Tasmania’s local arts sector and driving the economic recovery of the state,” said Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer when announcing the funding.

Design Tasmania Chair Megan Perkins said the organisation is grateful for this essential support from the Australian Government.

“Our designers and makers deliver an important economic and cultural contribution to our state, and it is heart-warming to see this recognised,” she said.

“Design Tasmania, a hub for Tasmania’s Makers, Design, Culture and Enterprise for 45 years, plays a critical role in the ecology of this state’s creative industries and manufacturing.”

Design Tasmania is located on the Corner of Brisbane and Tamar Street. For up-to-date exhibition information visit designtasmania.com.au

Sustainable future on show

Northern Tasmania’s first sustainable living festival, an initiative of TamarNRM, was held in October, showcasing over 90 exhibitors and stallholders.

Designed to highlight diverse living options with a focus on teaching and guiding the community on how to live a happier, healthier and more sustainable future, more than 1800 people walked through the festival held at Windsor Park. Notable presenters included Planet Ark co-founder Jon Dee and a cooking presentation from world-famous chef and former head chef of Franklin in Hobart, Analiese Gregory.

A true community event, the festival was supported by more than 50 volunteers from a range of service clubs. A focus on ensuring the event was accessible to all, Pay it Forward tickets were made available and free courtesy buses from the northern suburbs to the event provided by Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer.

A Holy BeautifulHolyTour

For anyone involved in the live music business, the past 18 months have been a rollercoaster with tour dates scheduled and cancelled numerous times as the pandemic fluctuates across the country.

After releasing their new album Hello My Beautiful World, ARIA-award nominees Holy Holy were looking to take their tour on the road with a 20-date tour to kick off before the end of the year but have now rescheduled their tour to begin in March 2022.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the band, with singer Timothy Carroll based in northern Tasmania, has received $65,000 from the Federal Government’s RISE funding to support the tour which will include a gig at the Albert Hall in Launceston on 7 May, 2022.

“I certainly recognise just how difficult the last 18 months have been for those in the creative arts sector and particularly for anyone in the live music industry,” Mrs Archer said.

“Holy Holy have an incredible national following and I am thrilled we are able to provide them with support as they take their new album on the road.”

Timothy Carroll said the grant is providing much-needed relief as the band looks to get back on the road, while also dealing with the current realities of the pandemic.

“Gigs, tours and festivals are cancelling off into the future and rescheduling is equally perilous. It’s scary,” said Mr Carroll.

“Our hope is that we can get our national vaccination rates high enough to chart a path to a new future. Until then, funding like the RISE grants provide much needed and hugely welcome support as our industry tries to find ways to navigate through this challenge. We’re hugely grateful.”

A Beautiful World has been nominated for an ARIA – Best Rock Album 2021 and Triple J Album of the Year 2021.

Timothy Carroll and Oscar Dawson from Holy Holy

CEO of Rural Business Tasmania and mentor for Drought Resilience Leaders program Elizabeth Skirving with Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer

Design Tasmania’s Communications Assistant Christina Graham and Projects Coordinator Sarah Blacklock

Edith, James, and Molly Archer participation in an activity at the festival lead by Danielle Watkins from the Whole SprouT

Boag’s turns 140!

Prime Minister accolade for local Veteran entrepreneur

Local producer Chris de Bono’s successful transition from the Royal Australian

with the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Entrepreneur of the Year

As the co-owner of Meru Foods with his wife Meagan, Chris produces innovative Asian fermented food products, including Miso and Umami and has quickly found success in both the domestic and international markets.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer first met Chris and Meagan in October 2020, undertaking a tour of their St Leonards factory.

“Mr de Bono is an outstanding example of an entrepreneurial and dedicated individual who is leading the way in private business,” Mrs Archer said.

For Chris, the award recognises the challenges that Veterans face when they transition from military to civilian employment and helps to shine a light on the many skills and attributes that Veterans can bring to a workplace.

“Winning this award is an honour and was certainly unexpected, particularly noting the strength of the other entrants,” Mr de Bono said.

“Transitioning from military employment to civilian employment can be quite challenging and one of the biggest hurdles is being able to explain to potential employers how your skills and attributes can benefit them - for example, how do you convince an interviewer that as a navigator you are good at stakeholder management and customer service?

“Navigators still have customers and still have stakeholders, but they look very different to what you might find in a ‘normal’ job. Choosing the Entrepreneurial path is more difficult again but on the flip side, military training has ingrained in me a can-do attitude, a thirst for problem solving and a strong process mindset.

“On a personal level, I am extremely proud of everything I have been able to achieve since leaving the military and this award is an acknowledgement of those achievements.” Meru foods will soon be launching a line of Mirin and Tamari products. For more information visit www.merufoods.com

Full STEAM Ahead for Launceston Schools

Students in the greater Launceston region are now leading the nation with a new innovative Internet of Things (IoT) education kit delivered to 40 State,

and Catholic schools in the region.

The project, supported by all three levels of government through the Launceston City Deal was delivered in conjunction with Bitlink which developed the educational kits.

With a new focus on digital technologies within schools, Bitlink was faced with the challenge of providing a solution to teachers who wanted to teach the material in an engaging way but may not have the necessary skills, equipment, or experience.

Bitlink directors James Riggall and Troy Merritt collaborated with 10 pilot schools in the Launceston area to co-design and produce the kits and develop a range of lesson materials, videos, and curriculum to complement the kits.

“We tested prototypes in collaboration with teachers and by running live lessons with prototype kits and resources in their classrooms,” Mr Riggall said.

“As the project progressed, our process shifted to providing teachers with hardware and prototype lessons to run on their own and provide feedback.”

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the IoT kits are a remarkable resource for students in school.

“More than 600 kits have now been delivered to

schools across the greater Launceston region and will have fantastic outcomes for students undertaking their STEAM education,” Mrs Archer said.

Each lesson is built around four themes: introduction to IoT, smart homes, smart farms and smart cities. Invermay Primary teacher Kristy Tidey sees the kits as a game changer for both students and teachers.

“I’ve seen students who flourish in a traditional classroom environment be challenged and extended by the Bitlink lessons and I’ve seen students who often struggle being highly engaged, having a go and learning from their mistakes,” Ms Tidey said.

Each kit contains micro:bit, sensor:bit, battery pack, USB cable, sensors, motors and lights with each kit for students designed to work in pairs. Using the kits and associated resources, students learn how to build projects like an automatic plant watering system and a fan that turns on automatically when the room gets hot, as well as more sophisticated systems, like traffic lights that change their behaviour to enable an ambulance to navigate a city more easily.

For more information visit: bitlink.com.au

Navy to award-winning producer of fermented products has been recognised

Award.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer joins Boag’s Brewery staff and Tasmanian upper house members Rosemary Armitage, Tania Rattray and Jo Palmer MLC to celebrate the iconic northern Tasmanian brewery’s 140th birthday!

Chris de Bono from Meru Foods explaining their fermentation process to Bridget Archer during a visit to their St Leonards factory

Independent

Invermay Primary School students Luca, Ashton, (above) Piper and Olivia (below with STEAM Teacher Kristy Tidey) showcasing their IoT kit creations to Bridget Archer

Waving the Flag

Spotlight on budding poet

Though only in year 9, Riverside High School student Erin Coull has been perfecting the craft of poetry for a number of years after first attempting to write a novel.

“I lowered my sights (but not my ambitions!) and am currently developing my craft. I enjoy experimenting with new styles, themes and genres,” Erin said.

A reminder to our community that the office of Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer is able to provide flags to organisations within the electorate.

The Australian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flags are available to a range of organisations including RSLs, schools, local councils, churches, not-for-profit groups and community organisations.

Bridget Archer has been proud to present flags throughout northern Tasmania on behalf of the Commonwealth and encourages organisations to contact her to arrange delivery of a flag.

If your community organisation or school would like to request a flag, please email bridget.archer. mp@aph.gov.au

Recognition for Ravenswood Principal

“Having only been at the school for a little more than a year, Mr Gunn has, from day one, strived to create a school environment which all children and the wider school community can be part of.

Jason has a bold vision to make his school the best in the state, and, with his courage, determination and infectious enthusiasm, he is well on his way to achieving his goal.” (Extract from Bridget Archer adjournment speech, 3rd August, 2021)

After speaking about the wonderful work of Jason Gunn, Principal of Ravenswood Heights Primary School in Federal Parliament, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer was invited back to the school for a surprise presentation to honour Mr Gunn’s work. M r Gunn was presented with a copy of the Hansard and the Australian flag which was hanging in the House on the day the speech was given.

“Poetry is a way for me to express and develop my opinions, emotions and ideas in a clear yet challenging way. I enjoy writing about current events, history, mythology, nature and duality, yet am still figuring out how to write about myself.”

After recently joining WriteHere Launceston, a group for northern Tasmanian writers of all kinds, Erin was fortunate to meet and be mentored by established and renowned poets Yvonne Gluyas and Joy Elizabeth and, after performing a few readings at Tas Poets Performing, Erin has been offered a place at the 2022 Tasmanian Poetry Festival, held from 19-27th March 2022.

“I am deeply grateful to Joy and Yvonne for the opportunities they have given me and their unceasing passion and support for emerging poets,” Erin said.

Widely read, Erin draws inspiration from a number of poets and is particularly taken with local writer Kristen Lang’s recent collection Earth Dwellers, calling the works ‘eye-opening’.

“I have never seen words manipulated so strangely and so beautifully,” Erin said.

“The internationally acclaimed Neil Gaiman is my favourite poet (favourite storyteller all round!); I love the themes he explores, the language he uses and the subtlety of his messages and plot. Both have had major influence on my poetry.”

Describing writing as her ‘greatest passion’ Erin is determined to further develop her skill, style and subject matter in 2022, as she enters her final year of High School.

“As a Prefect at my school next year, I want to create more initiatives to foster an appreciation of writing in all forms and show that poetry isn’t just for tea-drinking old ladies; I believe that poetry is one of the most effective ways of storytelling and conveying messages as well as personal reflection and understanding for everyone.”

The following poem The Year the Sirens Sang is an original poem from Erin and is a reflection on the year 2020.

The Year the Sirens Sang was shortlisted for the Liffey Youth Poetry Prize as part of the Ten Days on the Island Festival in 2020.

THE YEAR THE SIRENS SANG

When the keeper rises to meet the new year

The dawn is yet to break

But the waves- they never stopped They lurk around the island, Around the hulls of boats, Hide swathes of snaresSpears of stone, ridges of reef

And then, as icy wind picks up, Those waves rise to meet the blooming clouds, Hurtling through the driving sleet

And so the Keeper rises

His duty is to seaborne souls, caught in this storm

His duty is to guide us, day in and day out

To sound horn in fog and Shine light by night

He shepherds us toward the shore, Steers us to the truth in this tumult of terror

Those red stripes on white, That sweeping beam of light

That is what we turn to

As the storm begins to rage

But as thunder begins to roar, There come yawns from scarlet lips,

A flex of glinting talons

Then a preening of feathers and voice

And a woman’s shriek from feathered breast This is the year they woke and took to the skies

This is the year they drew breath as one This is the year of lie after lie, Laced with melodic malice

This is the year the sirens sang

At the sound of the choir, the sailors turn, bemused, For suddenly the thunder sounds like a foghorn

And the lightning looks like lantern shine

In the year the sirens sang

Whilst some shut out the silky screams

Some abandon the wheel, blind with panic

Some fear the truth or ignore it all

And then there are those who revel in the dark Black wings bloom from their backs and they take to the skies, Up above the wrecks of both rowboats and cruise ships

And the storm, in approval, thunders and pours

In the year the sirens sang

Bridget Archer MP and Jason Gunn with the Australian flag which was hanging in the Federal House of Chambers on 3 August 2021

SPORT WBBL right at home in Northern Tasmania

Northern Tasmania has been a proud host of Australia’s premier women’s cricket competition.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said it was great to see WBBL cricket in Launceston

“I was fortunate to attend a game with a special cause when the Hobart Hurricanes took out a win against Melbourne Stars,” Bridget Archer said “In partnership with Magnolia Place the

Hurricanes asked attendees to bring along a small item that can be donated to this wonderful charity.

“Magnolia provides supported crisis accommodation to women and their children and/ or women alone who are experiencing homelessness and/or family violence. The response was generous

Community sport

and a reminder of how supportive northern Tasmanians are.”

The WBBL tournament presented an important opportunity for locals to embrace another major cultural event for our region and for local businesses to benefit from increased visitors.

During a recent visit to Invermay Bowls Club Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer and Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck were fortunate enough to chat about the world of bowling from former Commonwealth Games International Female Bowler of the Year Rebecca van Asch. Rebecca has also been chosen as part of the 2022 national squad.

Participation in bowls and croquet clubs across northern Tasmania is growing, as participants appreciate the social and health benefits of being part of a community club. There are a number of bowls and croquet clubs throughout our region, including those listed:

Bowls Clubs: Beauty Point, Bridport, Trevallyn, Scottsdale, Ravenswood, George Town, Kings Meadows, Invermay, Exeter, Invermay, West Launceston.

Croquet Clubs: East Launceston, North Esk, Royal Park, St Leonards.

For a full list of bowls and croquet clubs in the state visit bowlstasmania.com.au and croquettas.com

Celebrating our young sporting champions

Recognising young sporting participants is the focus of our Local Sporting Champions program, which supports young people between 12-18, and coaches or other sporting officials who are travelling within Tasmania or interstate to participate or assist in a state or national championship. Unfortunately, 2020 and 2021 have seen so many of these championships cancelled or delayed due to the pandemic.

Mason Clark from Launceston was successful in securing a grant in a recent LSC round and was

fortunate to travel interstate, with his coach Terry, to represent Tasmania and the Launceston University Judo Club at the 2021 Judo Australia National Championship securing a bronze medal! Round 3 of the 2021 program is now open.

Successful applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships. Applications close 31 December. For more information visit sportaus.gov.au

Powering Local Communites Programme