Bass Bulletin - October 2022

Bass Bulletin

Special Olympics comes to town

More than 700 athletes are to descend on Launceston from October 17-21 for the Special Olympics National Games, page 7.

Celebrating the opening of the Bridport Skate Park ahead of the 2022 Scallop Fiesta, page 3. (Photo: Nic Betts)

The first ever Salvo Sleep Out was held in Launceston in August bringing together 80 business and community leaders from across the region, to raise awareness and funds for the vital Street2Home (S2H) program - a community outreach initiative helping those sleeping rough in Tasmania to live safely and develop pathways out of homelessness.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer who participated in the Sleep Out, held at Penny Royal, said it was an opportunity to support the important community work from the Salvation Army team.

“I know sleeping out for one night does not solve the homeless crisis we are facing nor does it come close to truly experiencing what our homeless community contends with every day, however this is an opportunity to support a critical program by the Salvos who work tirelessly to support those in need,” Mrs Archer said.

Amelia Natoli from Salvation Army said this year’s inaugural event in Launceston was one of four held across the state, with more than $100,000 raised through the Sleep Out.

“It was great to see so many members of our community engaging in important conversations and demonstrating their support for Tasmanians experiencing homelessness,” Ms Natoli said.

To learn more about the event, visit: https://salvossleepouttas.salvationarmy.org.au/

Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags

The office of Bridget Archer MP can supply Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for community groups, schools and occasionally, individuals. Please email bridget.archer.mp@aph.gov.au for more information.

Local participants of the Launceston Salvos Sleep Out on the steps of the Penny Royal Bridget Archer, Matthew Garwood and Anita Reeve settling in for the evening

Bridget Archer with Queechy High School student leaders Oliver and Chloe

Scottsdale High School students Jayda, Abbi, Bridee and Jeffrey with Bridget Archer MP and State Member for Bass Simon Wood MP receiving their new flags

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Building Better Communities

Across northern Tasmania, communities are benefitting from improved roads and new and updated facilities through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

An initiative of the Coalition Government, the program was created to support local jobs and assist local economies to bounce back as the pandemic took hold.

For the north-east region, one of the key projects has provided a boost for young locals and visitors in Bridport after the new Bridport skate park was officially opened in late July.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the $435,000 investment included $350,000 from the LRCI program and the project provide immediately popular in the beachside town.

“It’s critical that young people have access to free activities, particularly in some of our more rural and regional areas of northern Tasmania and investment in infrastructure like this hits the mark,” Mrs Archer said.

Shadow Cabinet Visits Northern Tasmania

Northern Tasmanians were given the unique opportunity to provide feedback to the Federal Shadow Cabinet during a visit in August.

Member for Bass Bridget Archer hosted Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Shadow Ministers as they worked their way through the region listening to interests and concerns of our community.

“As I continue to advocate for the needs and aspirations of northern Tasmanians, what better way to show my colleagues what is happening in our region than by bringing them directly here,” Bridget Archer said.

Lighting up Launceston for Fragile X

You may not have heard of Fragile X but did you know it is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability worldwide?

“We have so much diversity and innovation in our region, and I wanted to make sure Shadow Ministers from throughout the country were able seek ideas to assist future policy making.”

The regional tour included visits to local business and industry in George Town, Bell Bay and Hillwood, before Shadow Cabinet gathered for a meeting in Launceston.

The genetic disorder affects about 1 in 4,000 males and around 1 in 6,000 females and it is estimated that about 90,000 people in Australia are impacted by Fragile X in some way – as carriers of Fragile X, or with Fragile X syndrome.

On 22nd July this year, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer again joined members of the northern Tasmanian community living with Fragile X, their loved ones and supporters on the steps of Launceston’s Town Hall as it was once again lit up in orange in support of World Fragile X Day.

“I have attended this event over the past few years as it is an important way of shining a light for the individuals and families affected by Fragile X and shining a light for the work underway for advances in diagnosis and treatment,” Mrs Archer said.

“I understand there is more work to be done in the areas of early diagnosis – both early identification of people who are carrying the Fragile X gene premutation and early identification of those who have the syndrome.

“Further work is also needed by researchers and clinicians to identify future treatments and I look forward to working with the Fragile X Association of Australia to help advance this work where I can.”

For local parents Brent and Claire Colgrave, community organisations have been critical as they help their two sons Harry, 18 and Tom, 17, navigate life while living with the syndrome with New Horizons Tasmania and the Mowbray Cricket Club providing a sense of connection and inclusiveness for the young men.

“Luckily, we live in a fantastic small community in Tassie and in Launceston, Ms Colgrave told The Examiner in July.

“These kids and these young adults and even older adults just want to be the same as other people. They want to feel included and loved, they don’t want to be treated differently.”

For more information on Fragile X, please visit https://www.fragilex.org.au/

Bridget Archer speaking at the official opening of the Bridport Skate Park (Photo: Nic Betts)

Supporters on the steps of Launceston’s Town Hall to mark World Fragile X Day on July 22nd.

Delivering for Bass

During this year’s federal election, commitments were made by both parties towards projects aimed at improving our northern Tasmanian region.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer MP said that a number of key promises including the northern Hospice, Clifford Craig centre and the post-cancer survivorship care program were eventually matched by Labor.

“Any commitments made by both parties will result in the best outcome for northern Tasmanians,” Mrs Archer said.

“I am closely monitoring the progress of these commitments to ensure they are on track to be delivered in a timely manner.”

Below is a full list of commitments from Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer MP. Items marked in red were matched by Labor and Bridget will continue to be vocal to ensure they will be delivered by the current Federal Government:

• $70 million for development of a green hydrogen hub at Bell Bay

• $20 million for a Northern Hospice in Launceston

• $15 million to deliver a Community, Aquatic, Health and Wellbeing Centre for George Town

• $6 million for upgrades of Waverley Mills

• $4 million for creation of Clifford Craig Research Innovation Centre at LGH

• $2.5 million towards restoration of the Princess Theatre

• $1.25m to upgrade facilities at the Northern Hockey Centre in Launceston

• $580,000 for post-cancer survivorship care program at WP Holman Clinic

• $360,000 will allow Healthy Tasmania to partner with the Northern Suburbs Community Centre to deliver an adventure therapy project for adults, to assist adults manage the impacts of trauma and improve their health and wellbeing

• $250,000 for West Launceston Bowls and Community Club to improve shade access and build a synthetic green

• $235,000 for the Port Dalrymple Slipway upgrade

• $180,000 for artificial turf at Beauty Point Bowls Club upgrades

• $150,000 towards re-roofing project for the Trevallyn Bowls and Community Club

• $115,000 to deliver the Healthy Connected Communities program, which will deliver additional training packages for Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania

Supporting Small Business

Originally started as a way of supporting small businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bridget Archer’s Sunday Small Business Shout Out continues to promote our leocal economy. Recent small businesses featured include:

Able Stables – specialise in nurturing the connection with animals and nature and provide hourly interaction with a range of farm animals in a controlled, contained environment

Location: “Sandbeck” Pipers River

Contact: larellalumley@gmail.com

The Loft/Hello Fred – Home, lifestyle and giftware store plus a range of handmade baby and children’s clothes and toys

Location: Cnr St John and Cimitere St

Discover more: thelofthomewares.com and hellofred.com.au

Exeter Pub and Raywin Thai Bistro

Location: 122 Main Road Exeter

Contact: 6394 4216

Paws Day Spa, dog grooming salon

Location: 59 Paterson St Launceston

Discover more: pawsdayspa.com.au

Hillwood Whisky, distiller of Tasmanian single malt whisky

Discover more: hillwoodwhisky.com.au

Cake o’clock, specialty dessert shop

Location: 3/13 Quadrant Mall

Discover more: Instagram at cake_oclock_tas

Maple Café

Location: 17-19 Abbott St and 39 Cameron St Launceston

Discover more: maplecafe.com.au

Bridport Distillery Company

Location: 101 Main St Bridport

Discover more: bridportdistillingco.com.au

Barb Baker and Friends of the Northern Hospice on the day Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer announced securing $20m for a dedicated palliative care hospice in northern Tasmania

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer joined by Clifford Craig Foundation CEO Peter Milne to announce the $4 million in funding to relocate the foundation to the LGH

Community Projects in Doubt

Key community projects secured by the previous Coalition Government prior to the federal election are under threat after the federal Labor Government has refused to outline whether they will honour the funding commitments.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said funding for the two projects – $1.5 million for the Exeter Show and Recreation Centre and additional $640,000 towards the Flinders Island Safe Harbour project – were secured through the Coalition’s Community Development Grants in the March Budget.

“After working closely with the Exeter Show Society and Flinders Island Council over a long period to advocate for the projects, they were understandably thrilled to receive earlier this news that they would receive the funds required to progress the projects,” Mrs Archer said.

Family Violence Unit opens

Four years after opening its first Launceston location, Women’s Legal Service Tasmania has officially opened the new Northern Specialist Family Violence Unit office now located in Coulter Court, 9/1 87 Brisbane Street.

Both projects have demonstrated their merits and the communities have been left in limbo with the federal Labor government inexplicably placing Community Development Grant projects under review, to the detriment of regions like northern Tasmania.

“The review is nothing more than putting partisan politics ahead of local communities and is putting these projects at risk of considerable cost escalations due to unnecessary delays.

“I am waiting for assurances from the Federal Minister Catherine King that the projects will be approved without further delay.”

As the only trauma-informed legal service in Tasmania, WLST acknowledges the specific barriers and structural inequality that exists for women when accessing the legal system and has spent the last 25 years providing necessary legal assistance to women in need, particularly those seeking support in family and domestic-violence related matters.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer works closely with the organisation to address the challenges that exist within the northern Tasmanian community around family and domestic violence.

“I have continually advocated for more funding to ensure Women’s Legal Service Tasmania can continue to provide critical services here in northern Tasmania,” Mrs Archer said.

“If the goal is to create better outcomes for women fleeing family and domestic violence situations, we must ensure the funding is delivered to the very services who can deliver these results.”

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please consider the following:

Telephone Legal Advice Line – 1800 682 468

Launceston Office – Northern Tasmania Specialist Family Violence Unit

If you are in the north of Tasmania and are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence and would like legal advice, information or referral you can call the Launceston office directly on 6349 1943, or call into the office (located at 9/1 87 Brisbane St.)

Creating Community Change

If you love where you live and have some ideas on how to build an even better community, it’s time to learn your ABCDE.

The Asset Based Community Driven Effort program is lead by the dynamic Sarah McCormack from the City of Launceston who is passionate about creating stronger communities.

Sarah has been the driving force behind the program over the past seven years, setting up “Learning Sites” across different suburbs, to identify their assets, build connections and create change in the heart of their community.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the heart of the program is empowering local citizens to make change.

“I love the approach behind ABCDE which focusses on ‘what’s strong, not what’s wrong’”, Bridget said.

“Over the past few years, this has resulted in the development of the city’s first tool library, public art performances, community films, workshops and much more.”

Sarah McCormack said the learning sites present a great opportunity to connect people with their communities.

“It is a basic human right to connect and choose who and how to do this with others. Some people find this challenging, and Learning Sites enable connection and helps people overcome loneliness,” she said.

The latest community to benefit from this program is Invermay, with a Community Workshop to be held on Tuesday, 25 October.

For more information on ABCDE or to have a chat and get involved, please email sarah.mccormack@launceston. tas.gov.au

Power Relief for Historic Tramway Museum

Located in the Inveresk precinct, opposite the University of Tasmania’s new Library and next to the popular Blue Café, is the Launceston Tramway Museum.

Wholly run by a team of dedicated volunteers, the Tramway Museum is a community-based organisation working to restore and revive old trams that once roamed the city.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the Museum, the Launceston Tramway Museum Society, is an important part of the culture and heritage of the Invermay area.

“The volunteers of the Museum are passionate about commemorating and preserving the history of Tramway system and educate visitors about the historical importance of the Tramway,” Mrs Archer said.

“As a not-for-profit contributing so much to the historical preservation of our city’s transport era, I was pleased the organisation was a recipient of the

Coalition’s Stronger Communities Program grant of just over $14,000 to purchase solar panels for their Inveresk building.”

Andrew Mackenzie, President of the Launceston Tramway Museum Society said the grant has made a significant impact on the sustainability of the organisation by reducing operational costs.

“Installing solar panels allows for the fiscal feasible operation of the tram by drawing on power generated by the solar panels,” Mr Mackenzie said.

The Museum is holding an open day on Saturday 29 October featuring free tram rides, free goody bags, a raffle and a BBQ. For more information visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/ LauncestonTramway

Bridget Archer with CEO of Women’s Legal Service Tasmania Yvette Cehtel at the opening of the new Family Violence Unit.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer with the Exeter Show Society earlier this year

Bridget Archer and Sarah McCormack catching up at the designated learning site for Invermay, the Invermay Bows Club.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer and volunteers in front of Tram 29, ahead of its 92nd birthday in October

Our Community – Launceston Chin Community

The first of the Chin (Burmese) community settled in Launceston in October 2006. Since then, the community has continued to grow forming Launceston Chin Community Inc, a community based non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation founded in 2007 and registered as an Incorporation 2013. The focus is to to represent and promote interests of members of the local Chin community in Launceston Region, who arrived in Australia as genuine refuges from Burma (Myanmar) via Malaysia, India, and Thailand.

Rolance Roliana, Executive Director of the organisation has worked tirelessly with volunteers over many years to provide a wide- range of support for Chin migrants and refugees who settle in Launceston.

“We run local activities for the community living in Launceston and work to promote greater knowledge of local integration while maintaining the Chin culture,” Mr Roliana.

He shares details around the local community and the current challenges still faced by their families and loved ones in Myanmar today.

“The majority of the chin people are Christian. Most chin are farmers back in the country (Burma, Chin State). Most of the Chin peoples who currently settled in Launceston have never been to the school, but we never think that being uneducated necessarily means we cannot find work.

We might not have qualification but we are striving people, willing to learn (practical learners). Many of us have quite an extensive experiences in many field such as, Builder, Electrician (phase 1-3 air conditioner installation and repairer), gardener, painter, logger, abattoir, fishery and Agriculture. The Chin Hills, prior to the British colonisation, was an independent country free from outside influence. Due to this circumstances we (Chin) were train in all round works (“above mentioned work field”) since early age.

The Chin people in Myanmar are one of the minority ethnic groups that have suffered widespread and ongoing ethnic and religious persecution ever since

the 19th and 20th century.

This has led to continuous attempts at forced assimilation. There have been recorded numerous crimes against humanity in Myanmar’s western Chin state, committed mainly by the Tatmadaw (members of the Burmese Army) and police; however, other agents of the military government and the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) are also involved. Despite continued persecution, little has been done on the part of the Chin people to speak out due to fear of reprisal, restrictions on travel, and the press imposed by the Burmese military regime.

In their oppression of the Chin people, the Tatmadaw consistently violate the rule of law. The Chin people have been subject to forced labour, torture, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings. Such treatment has incited a mass exodus of refugees who have left to neighbouring nations such as India, Thailand, and Malaysia, even though doing so will risk further torture, detention, or even death.*

Launceston Chin Community Inc. is entirely selffunded. If you would like to get involved in assisting the organisation, please email chincommunitytas@ gmail.com

General Ne Win overthrew the democratically elected government in 1962. The predominant religion in Myanmar is Buddhism, however, the Chin people are largely Christian due to American missionary work in

Launceston Legal Literacy Volunteers Here to Help

For more than 10 years, program coordinators and volunteers from the Legal Literacy Program, have worked to increase individual and community awareness and confidence around everyday legal issues.

Part of the team at Launceston Community Legal Centre, Legal Literacy volunteers can provide assistance with filling out a form (including Centrelink and MAIB), reading and understanding a document and can help to avoid unnecessary legal complications.

Volunteers are currently available via appointment at following locations:

• Beaconsfield Neighbourhood House: 6383 1110

• George Town Neighbourhood House: 6312 3019

• Northern Suburbs Community Centre: 6326 5506

• Scottsdale Secretariat: 6352 3436 Walk-ins are also available via the Launceston Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said volunteers are needed to meet growing community demand.

“Importantly, volunteers are not lawyers and do not come from a legal background offering anyone who may want to help empower people within their own communities the opportunity to get on board,” Mrs Archer said.

Comprehensive and ongoing training is provided to all volunteers. If becoming a volunteer is of interest to you, please call 6334 1577 or visit lclc. net.au/legal-literacy-volunteers

Flinders Island

In late August, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer and Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck visited Flinders Island for a series of meetings with locals, including attending the community meeting held over concerns of possible salmon fishing in waters surrounding the island. While there, Bridget and Senator Colbeck were fortunate to visit Flinders Island District High School and meet with students and new Principal Joshua Moore, before heading to the Furneaux Men’s Shed, which opened late last year in their new location. The Men’s Shed is going from strength to strength with more than 60 members working on a variety of projects including some updates on a phone box from the 1940s to go back on display at the Furneaux Museum when complete!

Bridget Archer and Senator Richard Colbeck enjoying a cuppa with members of the Furneaux Men’s Shed

Bridget Archer meeting with members of the Chin Community at a community lunch in August and supporting the community’s call for sanction against the Myanmar Junta.

Bridget Archer with Legal Literacy program coordinators Erin and Sarah

SPORT

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Students at Brooks High School, Launceston can now enjoy an improved basketball court, with new backboards, rims and nets thanks to the efforts of Year 10 Student Leader Thomas Hill.

Thomas originally raised the idea of improving the basketball courts in a speech last year while vying for a student leadership position, before writing to a number of local politicians seeking funding for the project.

“I strongly believe the benefit gained from replacing these facilities will be tremendous,” Mr Hill wrote in his letter.

“Not only will it make break time basketball more enjoyable, and safer - but it also provides better facilities to those of the Rocherlea area who use our school during weekends, after school and holidays, further-more acting as a benefit to the community.”

Teacher Jason Blundell said the basketball courts are heavily used by the students.

““On a typical day you would see 30 to 50 students up here before school, during break time playing basketball,” Mr Blundell said.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer joined forces with Member for Windermere Nick Duigan and State Member for Bass Lara Alexander to contribute more than $1400 towards the upgrades.

“This initiative driven by Thomas will have enormous benefits for the school and the wider community and it’s wonderful to see the project come to fruition,” Mrs Archer said.

Star athletes head to Launceston

There are a number of local talented athletes competing including Lyn Tanner and Jo Wallace (Tenpin), Nick Heames and Jason Cooper (Tennis) and Sarah Squires (Swimming) who have all participated in representative sport in their chosen

field for many years through Special Olympics and New Horizons.

For a full schedule of events, visit nationalgames2022.com.au

Take a little over 730 athletes participating in 10 sports over five days and throw in 600 volunteers and you have the 2022 Special Olympics Australia National Games. This remarkable event will be held at various venues across Launceston, including the St Leonards Athletics Track, Launceston Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Elphin Sports Centre, the Silverdome and UTAS Stadium from 17-21 October.

Northern Tasmanian Netball Association

If you grew up in northern Tasmania playing netball, you will undoubtedly have memories of chilly Saturday mornings at Hobler’s Bridge.

While still a popular school sport, club netball continues to grow from strength to strength with the Northern Tasmanian Netball Association (NTNA) now reaching more than 1500 members across 13 clubs. With junior, senior and casual rosters plus carnivals and two northernbased state-wide teams, playing and training currently takes place across a variety of venues in the region including Hobler’s Bridge, the Silverdome, YMCA, UTAS and various schools.

The lack of suitable indoor court and quality outdoor court space is a source of frustration to the associations team according to NTNA Director Jacinta Simeoni.

“Netball has been an indoor sport for nearly 30 years, yet we do not have consistent access to an indoor netball venue that meets our requirements,” Mrs Simeoni said.

“We are at capacity and cannot grow. We already do not meet the needs of the numbers we have.”

Federal Member for Bass Bridger Archer has been working with the NTNA over the past few years to identify possible locations for a new indoor facility.

“Lack of appropriate court or ground facilities is a problem faced by a number of sporting codes across our region,” Mrs Archer said.

“I am continuing to work with the NTNA in the hopes that a long-term solution can be found to benefit the league and its players for decades to come.”

In 2021 the NTNA received a grant of just under $20,000 to resurface one court at Hobler’s Bridge through the then Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

The Tasmanian Government has also provided $5 Million through a 2021 election commitment and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NTNA to develop a dedicated netball hub, including modern indoor playing facilities and administration rooms to support the growth of netball as a participation sport in Northern Tasmania, where netball is the major tenant.

“Discussions are ongoing and we have a long way to go but I’d like to thank Bridget for working so constructively with us to hopefully achieve an outcome that will secure the long-term future of netball in the north,” Mrs Simeoni said.

Bridget Archer is working with NTNA to secure additional court facilities for this popular sport

Jo Wallace

Lyn Tanner

Nick Heames

Sarah Squires