Bass Bulletin September 2023

Bridget Archer joins Launceston and North East Railway volunteers at Turners Marsh to celebrate the opening of a new shed which will house Rail Bugs. Full report page 3 (Photo credit: Paul Scambler)

Chatting with students from Summerdale Primary School and St Patrick’s College about the challenges and opportunities presented through leadership

Addressing the Bridgenorth Football Club’s Ladies Day

Joining the Bridport Scallop Fiesta volunteers, donning their bright orange jumpers purchased through a Volunteers Grant ensuring event volunteers are easily identifiable by visitors

With Jo Palmer MLC paying respect to the 16 Tasmanian men who lost their lives in the Vietnam War during the 2023 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day commemoration service at the Launceston Cenotaph. (Photo Credit: Paul Scambler)

Catching up with Des from the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum – if there’s something worth knowing about the maritime history of the area, Des is across it! The museum is open daily from 10am-4pm Doorknocking in Summerhill

Connecting with Beauty Point Uniting Church volunteers Jill and Beryl and their Reverend Peter Grayson-Weeks in the Uniting Church Hall, home of weekly free community lunches in July and August. A Stronger Communities Program grant of $10,000 will fund much-needed upgrades to the kitchen.

Get on board the Rail Bugs!

Over the past seven years, volunteers from the Launceston and North East Railway organisation have worked to preserve the railway history of the region.

With tourism plans in the works, volunteer member Greg Stewart took on the task of designing and building rail bugs at the organisation’s Turners Marsh location. The three bugs, painted red, blue and green, will eventually be used for tourists to travel along more than three kilometres of currently disused rail line between Turners Marsh to Waddle Road in Karoola.

Each bug has disc brakes and four seats – two for ‘peddlers’ and two at the back for passengers with each having the ability to reach a top speed of 20 kilometres per hour.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer recently met with volunteers to officially open a new shed and workshop which will house the rail bugs, funded through the Stronger Communities Program

“The $20,000 grant will go a long way

to support the efforts of the more than 40 volunteers who are working to attract more tourists to the region,” Mrs Archer said.

Mr Stewart said the shed would not have been possible without the support of the grant.

“We have a 100% volunteer workforce, doing it all in our own time, at our own expense and the only money we earn at the moment is from BBQs, raffles and a grant like this one,” he said.

The LNER has worked tirelessly over the past few years to fill out the appropriate paperwork to receive a secure rail accreditation and is currently working behind the scenes to ensure they can obtain the public liability insurance needed to get the rail bugs up and running.

Please visit lner.com.au to stay up to date.

Bridget Archer and Vice President of LNER Michael de Bomford on one of the completed rail bugs (Photo credit: Paul Scambler)

Speaker of the House visit

In June, Speaker of the House Milton Dick visited Ravenswood Primary School and Riverside Primary School as part of a statewide tour of Tasmanian schools. The following article was written by grade 5 and 6 students from Ravenswood Primary:

In term 2, our school was lucky enough to have a visit from the speaker who is currently Milton Dick. He came to speak to us about the roles and how the parliament works. One of the things that he came to talk to us about was the responsibilities that they have to follow in order to maintain their role as the speaker. They have to run and hold meetings of the house of representatives making sure that the rules of the House of Representatives are being obeyed (known as the “standing orders”) while participating in ceremonial occasions.

The speaker has the ability to kick people out of meetings if they are disobeying their rules they have to

Supporting our local community

follow. The parliament house is located in Canberra, Australia they currently have 151 members in the parliament when it is time for a meeting they come together at the chamber.

The traditional outfit of the speaker includes a black academic gown, a jacket, a white bow tie and court shoes they have a choice to wear some, all or none of the things that have been listed.

While he was here, we learnt about the mace and what its role it plays. The mace is the symbol of power of the house of representatives at the start of each meeting, the mace is carried in by the Serjeant- at-Arms who will place the mace on the central table.

The Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) intends to encourage and support participation in local projects, improve local community participation and contribute to vibrant and viable communities.

In northern Tasmania, 17 organisations received funding through the latest round of the SCP, reviewed through a committee process involving Bridget Archer and northern Tasmanian MLCs Rosemary Armitage, Nick Duigan, Tania Rattray and Jo Palmer.

Congratulations to the 17 recipients:

• Able Australia

• Beauty Point Uniting Church (see page 2)

• Bridport Community Men’s Shed

• Community Gardens Australia

• Dorset Community House

• Elders Council of Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation

• Furneaux Island Community Shed

• Girl Guides Tasmania

• Health Consumers Tasmania

• Karinya Young Women’s Service

• Launceston Benevolent Society

• Launceston Elderly Citizens Club

• Launceston Motorcross and Scramble Club

• Ravenswood Bowls Club

• Ravenswood Over 50s Club

• Scottsdale RSL Ex-Servicemen’s memorial and community club

• Tam O’Shanter Golf Club

More details on the SCP-approved projects for these organisations will be shared in the next edition of the Bass Bulletin.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick MP with Ravenswood Primary School students (above) and Riverside Primary School students (below) during his visit.

Bridget Archer and Senator Richard Colbeck with members of the Furneaux Islands Community Shed

Local students take part in Youth Climate Conference

by Big Picture student Lilly Casburn

On the 8th of June students from a range of Launceston schools attended the Youth Climate Leaders Conference at UTAS. Launceston Big Picture School was a part of this. The goal of the conference was for students to learn about climate change, interact with people knowledgeable on the subject, and work with these people to create a project that helps tackle our current climate crisis.

Around 95% of the kelp forest surrounding Tasmania has been lost. The temperature continues rise and extreme weather events grow ever more frequent and destructive. Despite this, our world is not a lost cause. If we band together and make way for change in our communities, even simple ones, it is a step forward in protecting the earth we live on now.

This is what the Youth Climate Conference sets out to achieve.

The day started with an introduction from the hosts. Students got to participate in a series of warm up activities and listen to the informative and inspiring presentations put together by those running the conference. Afterwards, we separated into groups to learn from mentors who are dedicated to improving our climate in their own varied ways. On the day, we were provided with a free lunch, made through sustainable and innovative local farming, and prepared for us at UTAS. Taking the information we learnt from the previous sessions before lunch, the schools then separated to create their own projects to

combat climate change.

For our project, Launceston Big Picture School decided to create a sustainable garden on our school property. The school has limited outdoor facilities and all the land is concreted and mainly shadowed by the school building. This limits the available space and sustainable options we have. Our plan is to set up a series of gardening beds that efficiently use water and can contribute vegetables to our school café. As part of this we decided to set up a compost for all the food waste our school produces.

There are people all throughout Tasmania who are working to solve the issue of climate change. Each school that attended has created their own brilliant project ideas. With this conference we have managed to learn more about using the resources in our local communities and I am excited to attend the second half of this conference, where we check in about how our projects are going, to see what everyone has achieved.

Delivering technology access for all

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said she was pleased to support the Beaconsfield Online Access Centre with a volunteer grant, enabling the organisation to purchase new equipment, including a defibrillator.

“As an organisation entirely run by volunteers, it is essential to support their needs to ensure they can continue to service the community,” Mrs Archer said. Centre Co-ordinator David Potter said the organisation is in need of more volunteers to keep up with the demand.

“We have a great group of volunteers here and I’m available through the week to give anyone who would like to donate their time a guided tour of the facility,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call David on 6383 1146 between 10 am and 4 pm on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday.

The Centre is located at The Old Courthouse (35 Grubb St, Beaconsfield) and is currently open from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Thursday.

Launching in 1998, the Beaconsfield Online Access Centre (then known as the Tamar Valley Business Enterprise), was the very first location in Tasmania that provided community-based computer training and internet access. While originally intended to provide opportunities for local schools in the area, the Centre expanded its activities to include supporting parents, job seekers and anyone in the local community and surrounds who needed access to technology services. Today, the Centre, manned by volunteers, is a hub for IT training and support in Beaconsfield and beyond. Providing free internet and Wi-Fi access, the Centre is also a hub for services including printing and photocopying, document binding, basic mobile phone support, TAFE Courses, 3D printing and training for Seniors.

Bridget Archer and BOAC volunteers Ben and David with their new defibrillator

Lilly Casburn

Spectacular River’s Edge opens

A significant milestone of the $304 million UTAS Inveresk Relocation and Transformation Project has been reached with the opening of the spectacular River’s Edge building.

River’s Edge is the second major building of the new campus to be open to staff and students following the opening of the Library and Student Services building in early 2022.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the project, funded through the Coalition’s Launceston City Deal in collaboration with the Tasmanian Government, City of Launceston and UTAS, is another step forward for providing world-class facilities to attract students and staff to our region.

“Around 1500 students and staff from Humanities, Social Sciences, Law and Education are now working and studying in this facility which is also home to the new Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education,” Mrs Archer said.

More than 150 students, staff and community members provided input as part of a co-design process. Spanning four storeys, the building also offers student counselling, accessibility and learning support and includes a hub for students studying Higher Degrees by Research, a recording studio, parenting room and a variety of classrooms and computer labs.

The third and final phase of the relocation project is due to be finish in late-2024 with the completion of The Shed on Willis St, with a focus on Sciences, Allied Health and Nursing.

Connecting to culture through the Tebrakunna Visitor Centre

In the far north-east region of Tasmania, at Little Musselroe Bay, you will find the ancestral lands of the Pairebeenne Trawlwoolway clan, known to its people as Tebrakunna Country.

The area is also the home of the Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation (MTWAC), established in 2008 by a group of Tasmanian Aboriginal people including Aunty Patsy Cameron, who is still involved in the organisation to this day as a member of the Circle of Elders.

Bridget Archer recently joined Aunty Patsy and her son and MTWAC Chair, Nick Cameron, on country to learn more about their ancestral connection to Tebrakunna Country and their vision for the land, waters and sea.

On a mission to preserve custodianship, and pass on the cultural traditions, practices, and knowledge of their ancestors, MTWAC has been partnering with Woolnorth Resources and Hydro Tasmania to reestablish their connection to the land, particularly after the opening of the Musselroe Wind Farm almost a decade ago.

This connection has been assisted through the construction of the Tebrakunna Visitor Centre alongside the wind farm to welcome visitors to Tebrakunna Country and recount the history of the local Aboriginal people, and their great leader Mannalargenna.

More recently MTWAC have established the Tebrakunna Ranger program with a group of 14 trainee Indigenous rangers undertaking on-country training, studying a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. The Rangers will be based at Tebrakunna with the intent to restore and conserve an initial parcel of land, and eventually larger sections of the land, waters and sea of Tebrakunna.

Bridget Archer said the visit was a profound opportunity to learn more about the historical significance of the area.

“The connection and passion that Aunty Patsy and Nick have for their ancestral homelands is a clear demonstration of what we can learn from our Aboriginal friends and neighbours,” Mrs Archer said.

“I am very excited to see the successes of the MTWAC, and the Tebrakunna rangers in coming years.”

Since 2014, the MTWAC has held Mannalargenna Day at Little Musselroe Bay, honouring the life journey of revered Pairebeenne Trawlwoolway clan leader Mannalargenna.

Mannalargenna Day 2023 will be held on Saturday, 2nd December. The celebration is open to all and is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the history and culture of the local Aboriginal people. Further information for the event will be available at www.mtwac.org.au.

Bridget Archer with Aunty Patsy and Nick Cameron

Inside Tebrakunna Visitor Centre with Aunty Patsy

Referendum 2023: Voice to Parliament

Australians will head to the polls on October 14, 2023 to cast their vote on the Voice to Parliament. As indicated on the AEC website (www.aec.gov.au) the information on the question is as follows:

The question that will be put to voters is whether to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The Parliament of Australia has agreed to propose adding a new chapter, Chapter IX-Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to the Constitution. The chapter would include a new section 129, which would be as follows:

129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

i. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

ii. the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

iii. the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures

When you receive a ballot paper at the referendum, you should write ‘Yes’ if you agree with this proposed change to the Constitution, or you should write ‘No’ if you do not agree.

You may have already received the official pamphlet for outlining both the Yes and No case for a Voice to Parliament. Information can also be accessed by visiting the following:

https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/learn/the-yes-no-pamphlet.html

Bridget Archer has long been a supporter of the Voice to Parliament. In the below Op-Ed, originally published in The Examiner, Bridget shares her views:

Time and time again we can look to the pages in our history to see how government policies, through deliberate action or inaction, have led to consistently poor outcomes for the world’s oldest continuous culture. Despite the best intentions from governments of all persuasions in recent decades, the equity gap for our First Nations people continues to widen. We know that the life expectancy of an Indigenous Australian is eight years below that of other Australians; the suicide rate for first Australians is two and a-half times that of other Australians and Indigenous children between the ages of 10 to 17 are around 24 times more likely to be in detention than other young people.

Most Australians would agree that the status quo is unacceptable and that we must do better as a country. Here is our chance. Of course, the Voice isn’t a silver bullet that will magically fix the challenges faced by our First Nations people, but it is a step in the right direction to ensure better life outcomes and one that Indigenous communities across Tasmania, including here in northern Tasmanian have asked for.

The Voice provides an opportunity for Indigenous Australians to simply and reasonably give advice on laws made specifically for and about their own communities. It will not have veto power nor act as a third chamber and is also far from tokenistic. In my view, there is nothing more tokenistic than supporting the recognition of First Nationals people and falling short of providing a permanent platform to ensure their voices are heard now and for generations to come.

On Referendum Day, my vote will hold just as much weight as every Australian who enters a polling booth and every individual will have their say. For me, I cast my mind to the day after and I know for myself and for many Australians, our lives will be no different, no matter the outcome. But I think about what a “Yes” will mean for our First Nations people: a stepping stone towards creating a fairer, more equitable future.

Bridget with Noel Pearson

Bridget joins former Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein, local Indigenous Leader Nick Cameron and Minister Linda Burney in a panel discussion on the Voice at UTAS.

My Community: West Tamar

By Noah Hedger 2023 West Tamar Youth Mayor

I was first elected as the Youth Mayor of the West Tamar in December 2022 and ever since it has been a great experience. Being Youth Mayor has helped me grow my personality and engagement with the community, by doing speeches at different events all throughout the West Tamar.

One of the speeches I gave was at Beaconsfield for ANZAC Day back in April 2023. I also got to cut the ribbon at the Irene Phelps Youth Art Competition and judge the artwork with the Mayor of the West Tamar. This event was a big success with many art entries and people showing up for a great night at the Beaconsfield Community Centre.

The West Tamar offers lots of different opportunities for all types of people, from sporting options to youth groups all over the West Tamar, that get the community involved and engaging with each other.

The youth in the West Tamar are great and love to get out and about with each other and stay active,

with many riding around on their bikes. The people you meet in the West Tamar are very welcoming and amazing people to talk to.

With the West Tamar growing as a municipality, it creates a great space to raise children, with the new Legana primary school being built along the West Tamar Highway, which will make it easier for parents to take their children to and from school.

The West Tamar is a great place to live, and it continues to become even better as time goes on.

Ribbons of Reflection

The Launceston community gathered in Civic Square earlier this month for Ribbons of Reflection, an event in acknowledgment of the delivery of the Commission of Inquiry Report into Child Sexual Abuse.

Supporters and loved ones stood together in solidarity for victim-survivors including those who gave evidence to the inquiry with the report to be tabled to Parliament later this month.

Laurel House CEO Kathryn Fordyce said her organisation created the event in collaboration with the Northern Suburbs Community Centre and with the support of local members of parliament to mark the end of the Inquiry.

“While the work of the Commission has been critical, it has been a challenging time for victim-survivors and their supporters,” Ms Fordyce said.

“Ribbons of Reflection is an idea directly from a victim-survivor and Laurel House was honoured to lead

the group who have brought it to fruition.

“The ribbons signify giving victim-survivors a voice and an opportunity for the public to acknowledge that voice.

“It is important that the community can come together to recognise the resilience of victim-survivors and to reflect on the role that every member of the community, and especially our Government, needs to play in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse.”

The event has received multi-partisan support from Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer, Senator Tammy Tyrrell, Lara Alexander and Michelle O’Byrne.

“Events like Ribbons for Reflection are critical to bring visibility to the issue and support victim-

survivors,” Mrs Archer said.

“We need to reinforce in the community that the only people responsible for abuse of any kind, including child sexual abuse, are perpetrators,” she said.

On the day, the community gathered to tie a ribbon in a show of support and were handed a handmade love heart, each individually made by local group All Stitched Up.

The report is due to be released publicly on 26 September.

Iconic Waverley Mill continues to grow

For almost 150 years, Waverley Mills has been crafting Australia’s finest textiles.

At one stage, the iconic Mill boasted 80% of the Australian blanket market and is the last Mill of its kind in Australia, spinning, weaving and finishing each textile on site.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer recently visited the Mill, to catch up with CEO Dave GilesKaye and discuss a number of plans underway.

“The Mill has certainly gone through some challenges over the past few decades and I was proud to fight for $6 million in funding in the 2022 election to assist the longevity of the Mill in years to come,” Mrs Archer said.

“Currently employing more than 30 locals, Dave and his team have some big plans for the Mill to continue to grow and are doing a lot of great work in the sustainability and recycling space.”

Waverley Mills turning 150 years in 2024 and plans are underway to mark the milestone birthday of the beloved manufacturer which has employed so many locals throughout the years.

Noah with West Tamar Council Mayor Christina Holmdahl. Photo Credit: Luella Images

Supporters join victim-survivors at Civic Square to show their support in acknowledgement of the delivery of the Commission of Inquiry report Ribbons of Reflection

(Photo Credit: Azra-Lee Photography)

Waverley Mills CEO Dave Giles-Kaye showing Bridget Archer future plans for the Mill

In Parliament

With one of northern Tasmania’s best and brightest scientific minds, David Brown from the Launceston Christian School. David was in Parliament as he was announced as one of the students representing Australia at the upcoming International Science Olympiad which was held in late August. David proudly represented Tasmania as part of the Earth and Environmental Science Team, earning a number of medals.

Meeting

who has dedicated much of his life to improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

In 1994, Michael embarked on a historic walk from his home in the suburbs of Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra to progress the reconciliation movement. Known as The Long Walk, the 20th anniversary was brought forward this year to support the upcoming referendum.

Addressing the inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Women For Election event. Women for Election is a non-partisan, for-purpose organisation that inspires and equips more women to run for public office. More information on the work they do can be found at wfe.org.au

Listening to US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy during an International policy roundtable on climate change, hosted by Parliamentary Friends of Climate Action which Bridget co-chairs with Zali Steggall MP and Josh Burns. German Ambassador Dr Markus Ederer, British High Commissioner Her Excellency Vicki Treadell, and the European Ambassador to Australia His Excellency Gabriele Visentin joined Ambassador Kennedy to share their country’s and region’s efforts to address climate change.

At the launch of the Ending Loneliness Together State of the Nation Report into Loneliness and Social Isolation. Bridget is co-chair of the bi-partisan Parliamentary Friends of Ending Loneliness with Andrew Giles MP.

AFL Legend Michael Long OAM

Catching up with City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood during his recent visit to Parliament House

Flying by the Seat of their Pants

Telling the tales of the aviators, the aircraft and the triumphs and tragedies of the early days of aviation across Bass Strait, Flying by the Seat of their Pants exhibition opened at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (Inveresk) earlier this month.

Running through to 18 November, the touring exhibition was created in 2022 by the Tasmanian Aviation Historical Society and the Furneaux Museum. The exhibition tells the story of pioneering aviation from the first flight across Bass Strait in 1919, to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 when regular commercial flights were flown each day.

President of the TAHS, Andrew Johnson said air travel during this era was an adventure for both pilot and passenger on board “flimsy” aircraft.

“The aircraft had very little instrumentation, radios if fitted were very basic and a compass was generally the only navigational aid,” he said.

“Pilots could not trust weather reports and so had to deal with whatever they faced in flight.”

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer who opened the exhibition, applauded the TAHS and Furneaux Museum for providing a magnificent look into a pivotal moment in history for Tasmania.

“From the very first flight across Bass Strait in 1919, to the formation of Tasmania’s first commercial aviation service and the first loss of a commercial airliner in the state, Flying by the Seat of their Pants tells a remarkable tale of our aviation history,” Mrs Archer said.

After an initial run on Flinders Island earlier this year, the exhibition will move onto King Island after finishing up in Launceston with potential plans to tour across Queensland in 2024.

Listening to community pharmacists

Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced changes to allow for 60 days dispensing for eligible medicines.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said that as a strong supporter of affordable access to medicines, any changes to dispensing should not be at the detriment of community pharmacists, and therefore, customers.

“Playing our healthcare sectors off against each other is a no-win situation, as is attacking pharmacy owners for their genuine concerns about how the changes will impact them financially,” she said.

“Everybody loses if a community pharmacist can no longer afford to be in business.”

Bridget held a roundtable with more than 20 community pharmacists from the northern Tasmanian region to hear their concerns. Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell was also invited to come along in a show of bi-partisan support to listen to the challenges local pharmacies will face in light of the new rule.

“It was important that our local pharmacists were given an opportunity to directly raise their concerns with members from all sides of Parliament, particularly as they were not properly consulted in the first place by the Federal Government. Nor are Tasmanian Federal Labor members and Senators willing to meet with them,” Mrs Archer said.

Pharmacists shared a number of challenges they are facing under the new changes and also identified a number of ways in which pharmacies can be supported to ensure they can continue to deliver a high-level of care to their patients.

As of early September, the Pharmacy Guild and the Federal Government have entered early negotiations to secure an 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement.

“I look forward to this agreement providing the much-needed certainty and support our community pharmacists have been asking for,” Mrs Archer said.

TAHS President Andrew Johnson and Bridget Archer touring the exhibition at QVMAG

Michael Long, son of Arthur Long, who made the first crossing across Bass Strait in 1919 sharing stories of his father at the exhibition opening.

Senator Tammy Tyrrell and Bridget Archer MP meeting with northern Tasmanian community pharmacists earlier this month.

Happy Birthday, Tamar FM!

Broadcasting throughout the Tamar Valley, and run entirely by a committed team of volunteers, Tamar FM recently celebrated its 20th birthday, with volunteers, supporters and the community gathering to celebrate the milestone

Northern Tasmanian announced as AFL Community Coach of the Year

For the second year in a row, a northern Tasmanian has won AFL Community Coach of the Year.

Will Tatchell from the East Launceston Junior Football Club has been a constant on the ground for the Club over the past few years and his efforts have not gone unnoticed by the tight-knit community.

“Simply put, Will has been the absolute engine room of our club and we are so fortunate to have an individual with Will’s passion and commitment to community,” Club President Josh Nast said.

A father of three young boys who all play for the club, Will has taken on a variety of roles, including as a Coach Coordinator, Committee Member, Coach and Auskick Coordinator. Will also spearheaded the Club’s first coaching handbook and is dedicated to developing both players and coaches.

“What I truly cherish about being part of the club and my role in coaching and volunteering at East Launceston is the remarkable journey it has been for me,” Mr Tatchell said.

“After years of being a player, the ability to now share my knowledge and experience with others is what truly drives me. The heart of this club lies in the sense of community and camaraderie that binds players, coaches, parents, and volunteers together. Witnessing the growth and development of these individuals in various aspects of life over the years has been exceptionally fulfilling. The unwavering support and unity within the club are what make it such a unique and irreplaceable place, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”

Will was left temporarily speechless when he was announced as the winner during a recording of his football podcast Way out on the Wing by co-host Nicholas D’Emden and Club President, Josh.

“I have to admit, I was genuinely taken by surprise. I had no inkling that I was even nominated for the award, and I had to read the announcement several times to let it sink in. It’s a truly humbling honour

and a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of everyone associated with the Lions and the wider footy community I’m involved with. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community through coaching and volunteering,” he continued.

As part of winning AFL Community Coach of the Year, Will receives a three-night AFL Grand Final experience including a ticket to the game and walking in the Grand Final Parade. He says he hasn’t had much time to think about taking part in the parade.

“The grand final parade is a huge celebration of the sport we all hold dear. It’s a once-in-alifetime experience that I’m sure will be filled with excitement and pride. I’m eagerly looking forward to representing our club with immense pride and enthusiasm during the parade. It’s a golden opportunity to connect with fans, share our deeprooted passion for Australian Rules Football, and create indelible memories for everyone involved. Who knows, I might even pretend to be a player for the day – it’s all part of the fun!”

Tamar FM President Kevin Ellis cutting the birthday cake

West Tamar Mayor Christina Holmdahl and Kevin Ellis

2023 AFL Community Coach of the Year Will Tatchell

…continued from back page

Growing from strength to strength every year, the Northern Tasmanian Netball Association (NTNA) now has more than 1500 members across 14 Clubs. Each year the organisation facilitates the junior, senior and causal rosters.

Along with carnivals and two northern-based 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.

As with basketball in the northern Tasmanian region, netball has struggled to keep up with demand due to the lack of consistently accessible indoor court options that meet requirements.

Through their own determination and with advocacy

from Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer, the NTNA has now secured four indoor courts and other amenities including change rooms and equipment storage at the soon-to-be built Northern Suburbs Community Hub.

“Having secured the initial $15 million necessary to get the Hub off the ground and with an understanding of the challenges faced by the NTNA, I am thrilled the State Government has included the four courts in the finals plans for the Hub,” Mrs Archer said.

NTNA Vice-Chair Jacinta Simeoni said the establishment of the four courts will provide muchneeded certainty for the Association, its players and their Clubs.

“Knowing we will have access to four indoor courts

Petition submitted as the fight for local basketball community continues

Late last year, Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer sat down in a meeting with representatives from the Launceston Basketball Association to discuss the challenges they are facing as a sporting organisation.

“The ever-increasing popularity of the sport combined with lack of suitable and additional court space has made it difficult for the Association to meet growing demand,” Mrs Archer said.

“In just the past year or two, membership has increased over 30 percent, with the LBA now representing more than 3,000 players from almost 400 teams. They’re incredible statistics from a region like Northern Tasmania.”

In December 2022, Bridget joined the LBA as they launched a petition calling for all local, state and federal governments to invest in the significant infrastructure needed while also investing in the upgrades of the current facilities.

At the time of the launch, President of the LBA, Craig Gibson, said the lack of court space is leaving the Association with no choice but to schedule more games at night or increasingly schedule byes.

“Without additional courts, clubs will soon be looking to introduce a cap on the number of teams within each club, leaving any new members unable to play in Launceston,” Mr Gibson said.

In June 2023, Bridget Archer submitted over 600 petitions to the Petitions Committee in which was accepted, enabling Bridget to formally table the petitions during a speech in early August.

“I will keep advocating for our community to receive the funding necessary to keep our grassroots sports clubs thriving,” Mrs Archer said.

when needed will allow us to plan for rosters and carnivals without worrying that access will be cancelled on us at any given moment,” Mrs Simeoni said.

“More indoor courts are the ultimate dream, but this is a great start to building the necessary infrastructure that we have been needing for so long, and will allow for growth, new and diverse rosters and opportunities”

“The development of this facility will not only cater for local competitions run by the Northern Tasmanian Netball Association but will also serve as a northern base for Netball Tasmania’s high-performance programs to ensure our athletes have the very best facilities to train and prepare in for national level competitions”, Netball Tasmania CEO Mitch Coulson said.

Construction of the Hub is due to start in early 2024

Bridget in Parliament House holding the 600-plus petition signatures, officially tabled in Parliament in early August.

Artist impression of Netball courts inside the Northern Suburbs Community Hub

Northern Tasmanian Netball Association Operations Manager Tracy Jones practices her goal skills while NTNA Vice-Chair Jacinta Simeoni shows Bridget Archer MP new plans for the indoor courts in the northern suburbs. Details page