Bass Bulletin - April 2023

Answering questions on democracy and leadership with Grade 6 leaders from Riverside Primary School

With State Member for Bass Simon Wood MP visiting Ally Mercer at the Scottsdale Mechanics’ Institute Hall which is currently undergoing a restoration ahead of its 140th Birthday in June

Bridget Archer (third from right) joining local veterans and supporters to take part in the 96-kilometre Soldier On walk. Over $20,000 was raised for programs supporting the mental health of veterans

With winning entrants after judging the 108th Exeter Show Pet Parade

Listening to Phaedra Deckert Tas Gas CEO discussing the unique challenges facing women in the workforce as part of a Launcestom Women in Business and Launceston Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day event. L-R Karen Burbury from ESKI Group, Kirby Taylor from Newton and Henry, Phaedra, Bridget Archer MP and Caitlin Horder from Spark Property Management

Bridget Archer visiting “Flying by the Seat of their Pants” at Furneaux Museum on Flinders Island. The exhibition from the Tasmanian Aviation Historical Society explores the early years of aviation across Bass Strait

Sideling upgrades well underway

Less than a year after breaking ground on the Sideling upgrade, work continues to progress.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer who has secured more than $90 million in federal funding for the project, said that extensive damage caused by the October 2022 floods caused some delay in completing the initial phase of the upgrades.

“There have been a number of twists and turns as this project advances, including additional extensive work to reinforce and rebuild a steep embankment following the heavy rainfall last year,” Mrs Archer said.

“Having travelled on the upgraded section recently, the quality of the work is fantastic, and I know local residents and regular users will appreciate the improvements.

“This project has been a long time coming for the local community and once fully completed, will deliver the road they deserve.”

Delivering on greater accessibility for

mental health services

After almost a year of operation at its interim site on Paterson Street, Head to Health’s purpose-built home, is officially open.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer secured the necessary $10.5 million in funding to deliver the state’s first free walk-in adult mental health facility and said the opening of the permanent site, at 64 Canning Street will fill a necessary gap in menta health services.

“Cost and accessibility can be significant factors in whether someone will seek assistance when they need support,” Mrs Archer said.

“Ensuring our community can get the help when they need it played a big role in why I advocated so hard for our region to secure one of Australia’s first adult mental health centres of this kind.

“More than 4,000 sessions of service have already been provided since the interim site opened and the recent extension of opening hours will ensure that there is greater accessibility to this key service.

“As of late March, Head to Health now offers dedicated after-hours services from 5pm-9pm weekdays and from 10am-2pm on the weekend.”

CEO of centre operator Stride, Drikus Van der Merwe said an after-hours space was always part of the plan for the centre and was included in the design of the purpose-built site.

“People don’t only need help during normal business hours, so we are opening an after-hours dropin service as an alternative to the hospital emergency department for people experiencing emotional and suicidal distress,” he said.

“The after-hours space will have its own entrance and will be staffed by mental health clinicians and peer workers with lived experience who will help ensure visitors receive immediate support and appropriate referral, if needed.”

The Launceston Head to Health team comprises of both clinical staff and non-clinical staff with lived experience (peer workers) to provide holistic, person-centred care.

The Canning Street site includes several multipurpose rooms that are used by related service providers and organisations including a trauma counsellor,

Family Court

The long-awaited new family court registry, aimed at providing a safer environment for all who come through its doors, has recently opened at Launceston’s Henty House.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer secured the funds for the relocation and refurbishment of the registry after first meeting with stakeholders in 2019.

Reconciliation Tasmania, Flourish, Mental Health Family and Friends, the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania, the Suicide Prevention Network, Anglicare, The Salvation Army, Wellways, Baptcare and Maxima.

To access Launceston Head to Health, people can:

• visit the centre at 62-64 Canning Street, Launceston

• call 1800 595 212

• email headtohealth.launceston@stride.com.au

“A few months after I was first elected, I sat down with representatives of the Law Society of Tasmania and the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania to hear their concerns regarding the suitability of Launceston’s Family Law Court building,” Mrs Archer said.

“Further discussions with other experts in this area left me in no doubt that the court needed to be moved and after much advocacy and work, and in October 2020, I secured more than $5 million in funding to make this move possible.

“It was deeply satisfying to see the new space at the official opening and to talk to the law community about the significance of safe spaces for their clients.”

The Hon Chief Justice Will Alstergen AO said that the new court premises is greatly welcomed.

“These new premises provide tangible improvements, including a dedicated safe room for vulnerable litigants and their children, as well as a separate but adjoining video-conferencing safe room to enable litigants who are concerned for their safety to attend courts remotely while remaining in the safety of the court precinct,” Chief Justice Alstergen said.

Chief Justice Will Alstergen AO addressing the opening of the new Family Court Registry

Bridget Archer inspecting the Sideling upgrades

Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride MP, and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer MP cutting the celebratory cake at the opening of Head to Health Centre

Bridget Archer with Sue Alyett, Head to Health’s Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The story behind the Hinman Room

The Launceston RSL has recently undergone a significant upgrade and refurbishment, with the last stage of the upgrades, the Hinman Room, named after World War One soldier, Arthur Gurr Hinman.

The room was officially unveiled recently in front of RSL members, supporters and family of Mr Hinman, who was shot and killed at Gallipoli on May 10, 1915.

In the years after his death, Mr Hinman’s family donated a snooker table in his honour to the Launceston RSL, which was the beginning of a long relationship between the family and the RSL which continues to this day.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer who secured the $250,000 funding needed to undertake the upgrades, shared the following story of Arthur Hinman during the official unveiling:

“Arthur was born on June 19, 1890, the second son of Arthur and Lucy Maud Hinman. He was educated at Launceston Church Grammar School before leaving the state to enrol in a Bachelor of Mining Engineering course at the University of Melbourne in 1909.

Juggling his studies with a love of football, he made his VFL debut in 1910, enjoying a 24-game career with the University Football Club as wingman before eventually leaving behind his VFL career to concentrate on his degree. Upon graduation, Arthur returned to Tasmania where he lived in Waratah while working for the Mount Bischoff Tin Mining Company.

When the war broke out in August of 1914, Hinman immediately enlisted, joining the 15th Battalion 1st AIF, leaving Australia on November 30 of that year, sailing to Egypt before landing at Gallipoli on 25 April, 1915. The 15th Battalion in the very early days of the Gallipoli campaign fought in the vicinity of what was known as Quinn’s post.

Just 15 days after arriving in Gallipoli, Lt Arthur Hinman was killed, after undertaking a reconnaissance attack in which he voiced his strong objections. As noted by war historian Charles Bean in the Story of Anzac, Hinman “urged a strong objection to the whole undertaking, pointing out that in the morning following the assault, the Australians certainly would be driven out of any captured trenches by the Turkish machine-guns which would enfilade them from both flanks.” Despite his reservations, Hinman of course undertook the job that was required of him and was shot and killed. Fellow officer Captain J.A Goodman later wrote to Arthur’s mother:

Arthur did splendid work on the post and everyone sincerely regretted his death. His post was exceptionally difficult to hold owing to the close proximity of the Turkish trenches, which were only about 15 yards aways in places…he gallantly assisted to hold a position which was recognised by all as being the most difficult of all positions to hold.”

The Hinman family and the family of WWI veteran William “Bill” Kiel have donated items to the RSL which are now on display and can be viewed by the public at their Wellington St location.

The Bombing of Darwin

19th February, 1942

The bombs rained down on Darwin, what a sad and sorry day. Prayers said for those who perished, what a shocking price to pay. The war had reached our golden shores and some northern country towns. While the people south of the Brisbane line thought they were safe and sound.

Enemy bombers spanned our skies as fighters flew below. Attacking ships in the harbour like a giant lightning show. Our Airforce tried to stem the bombing, but didn’t stand a chance. With the Imperial Japanese carriers, as their Naval fleet advanced.

Australia’s Ack-Ack crews relentless, as they searched the northern skies. From EAST Point ‘cross the Stokes Hill Wharf, diggers died before our eyes. Our courageous indigenous coast watch spotters were all on high alert; They were bombed and strafed across their Islands and left dying in the dirt.

Japanese Zeros plastered bullets on the fuel tanks at Stokes Hill Wharf, Then strafed A.I.F. Gun turrets, as they slowly changed their course. They attacked the Catalina base at Doctors Gully then flew down by the shores Where they bombed another flying boat base and turned around for more.

Then the bombers flew down Smith Street, Cavanagh as well; Demolished shops and the Post Office, it was just like bloody hell.

Melville Island, Groote and Bathurst, Torres Strait and Broome as well; Katherine also copped some flack. Strauss airstrip, Hughes and Pell; The USS Peary’s gun crew were outstanding as she slipped beneath the waves. Now she rests in our beloved harbor, a proud US Naval grave.

Seventy-five years, we’ve been allies through a blue skies and ‘cross the waves We share a common bond for peace, Australia and the USA.

God bless our wonderful countries and peace be with you all. Darwin, we now salute you.

Waldo’s Australian Bush Poetry*

Re-printed with Permssion

*Waldo Bayley served in the Australian Navy and has gone on to become a renowned bush poet. He has written over 400 poems and has produced a number of books and albums over the past few decades. Now living in Norther Tasmania, Waldo has kindly given permission to publish this poem in the Bass Bulletin.

Launceston RSL Sub-Branch President Graeme Barnett with Bridget Archer at the official unveiling of the Hinman Room Photo credit: Rob Thompson (The Examiner)

Arthur Gurr Hinman

LOCAL SERVICES TUESDAY 25 APRIL 2023

Please consider attending a local service. I recommend checking service and event times closer to the date.

Beaconsfield

6.00am Dawn Service. Cenotaph, RSL Park Weld Street, Beaconsfield

10.45am March. Assemble in West Street, Beaconsfield

11.00am Service. Cenotaph, RSL Park Weld Street, Beaconsfield

Bridport

6.00am Dawn Service. Cenotaph, Main Street, Bridport

10.30am March. Assemble at CWA car park, Bridport

11.00am Service. Cenotaph, Main Street, Bridport

Cape Barren Island

6.00am Dawn Service. Cape Barron Cenotaph, Cape Barron

Exeter

6.00am Dawn Service. Cenotaph, Murray Street, Exeter

11.00am Service. Cenotaph, Murray Street, Exeter

Flinders Island

6.00am Dawn Service. Emita Cenotaph, Emita

10.30am March. Assemble outside Bowman’s, Whitemark

11.00am Service. Whitemark Memorial Hall, Whitemark

George Town

5.50am Dawn Service. Max Harris Memorial Reserve, George Town

7.15am RSL Breakfast. Graham Fairless Centre, Memorial Hall, George Town

10.30am March. Assemble at the Memorial Hall, Macquarie Street, George Town

Ingredients

• 1 cup each of plain flour, sugar, rolled oats and coconut

• 4 ounces butter (115g)

• 1 tablespoon treacle (golden syrup)

• 2 tablespoons boiling water (add a little more water if mixture is too dry)

• 1 teaspoon bi-carbonate soda

Method

10.50am Service. Max Harris Memorial Reserve, George Town

Launceston

6.00am Dawn Service. Cenotaph, Royal Park, Launceston

10.15am March. Assemble in Princes Square, Launceston

11.00am Service. Cenotaph, Royal Park, Launceston

Lilydale

6.00am Dawn Service. Cenotaph, Main Road, Lilydale

11.00am Service. Cenotaph, Main Road, Lilydale

Nunamara

3.00pm Service. Nunamara Memorial Hall, Nunamara

Scottsdale

6.00am Dawn Service. Cenotaph, Alfred Street, Scottsdale

10.30am March. Assemble at the Scottsdale RSL Club

11.00am Service. Cenotaph, Alfred Street, Scottsdale

Springfield

2.30pm Service. St Paul’s, 35727 Tasman Highway, Springfield

Weymouth

11.00am Service. Weymouth Hall, Major Street, Weymouth

Born at Kapunda, South Australia, in 1915, Vivian Bullwinkel trained as a nurse and midwife in Broken Hill before commencing her nursing career in Victoria.

In 1941 she joined the Australian Army Nursing Service and was attached to 2/13th Australian General Hospital when Singapore fell in 1942. Bullwinkel and 65 other nurses were attempting to make their escape aboard the SS Vyner Brooke when it was sunk by Japanese aircraft. She was among 22 nurses who survived and, along with a large group of men, women and children, made it ashore on Banka Island.

Having been joined on the island by about 100 similarly stranded British soldiers, the group decided to surrender to the Japanese when it became apparent they could not secure food.The civilians amongst the group, including women and children, went in search of someone to surrender to, while the nurses, soldiers and wounded waited on the beach.

AWM - REL/06376.001

When Japanese soldiers arrived, they shot and bayonetted the men and forced the nurses to wade into the water before opening fire from behind. Although shot, Bullwinkel played dead in the water. After 12 days of hiding out in the jungle and caring for a wounded British soldiers (who later died) they once again surrendered. Bullwinkel would spend the rest of the war interned and was the only survivor of the Banka Island massacre. She retired from the army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1947 and dedicated the rest of her career to nursing. Her dress, with a single bullet hole, is preserved at the Australian War Memorial.

50th Anniversary of Vietnam War

In July and August 1962, the deployment of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) marked the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. A decade later, in December 1972, the last Australian troops were withdrawn except for a small contingent guarding our Embassy in Saigon. In that time, more than 60,000 Australian troops had served in Vietnam. Of those, 523 died and almost 2,400 were wounded.

Australia’s participation in the war formally ended when the Governor-General issued a proclamation on 11 January 1973.

enemy numbering 2000 strong; taking the lives of 18 Australians and wounding 24. Australia’s war effort was enhanced with the introduction of conscription that saw 63,740 Australians drafted for national service: our “Nashos”.

Australia’s support of the government of South Vietnam was vital to stopping the spread of communist aggression throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Robert Menzies, 4 July 1963

* Makes approximately 35 biscuits

1. Grease tray and pre-heat oven to 180°C.

2. Combine dry ingredients.

3. Melt together butter and golden syrup. Combine water and bi-carbonate soda – add to butter mixture.

4. Mix butter mixture and dry ingredients.

5. Drop teaspoons of mixture onto tray.

6. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on tray for a few minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

National commemorations for the 50th anniversary will take place on the 18th August this year.The date coincides with Vietnam Veterans’ Day which marks the Battle of Long Tan.This was one of the heaviest Australian engagements of the war, when 108 men of D Company (6RAR) held off an

AWM - EKN/68/0122/VN

In charting Australia’s involvement in the war, Prime Minister Robert Menzies met with President John F Kennedy in 1962. “At that time you made a statement which I think expresses so well the feelings between our lands”, recounted President Johnson two years later of the bonds between Australia and the United States. “Then you said, ‘we work for the same kind of free world’”.

While Australia ended its involvement in 1973, the Vietnam War did not end until the fall of Saigon in April 1975.

With thanks and appreciation to the Australian War Memorial.

Authorised by Bridget Archer MP, Liberal Party of Australia, 100 St John St, Launceston TAS 7250.

“We work for the same kind of free world”

Vivian Bullwinkel

(From an original recipe provided by Mr Bob Lawson, an ANZAC present at the Gallipoli landing.)

ANZAC BISCUITS

Flinders Island visit

For over 200 years, the mutton bird harvest has played an integral role in the Tasmanian Aboriginal calendar.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said that while the tradition is still going strong, particularly on Flinders Island, the changing requirements to ensure compliance with modern standards is proving challenging.

“During a visit to Flinders Island this year, I met with members of the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania to discuss their infrastructure needs,” Mrs Archer said.

“As part of my recent visit, I was joined by Minister for Indigenous Australians

Linda Burney and together, we have committed to doing what we can to find a bipartisan pathway forward so this historic practice can continue.”

In addition to meeting with the ALCT, Bridget Archer also visited Wybalenna, site of a forced Aboriginal Settlement from 1834-1837 and met with the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association for a traditional lunch of mutton bird and a positive discussion regarding the Voice to Parliament .

Beach days can be enjoyed by all

Ensuring equitable access for all was the driving force behind the creation of the All Abilities Recreation Area at East Beach.

An initiative of the George Town Council and largely funded through the Liberal’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the project is thought to be the first of its kind in the northern Tasmanian region.

The All Abilities Recreation area includes accessible seating, sensor activated shower, accessible toilets and parking, accessible BBQ tables and BBQs, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities are able to enjoy a day out at the beach.

Additionally, the recreation area now offers full abilities access to the facilities and the water’s edge from the car park, with beach wheelchair matting installed.

Carmel Clark, CEO of ParaQuad Tasmania, the peak body for Tasmanians with Spinal Cord Injury and physical disability has praised the project for delivering on its promise to improve accessibility for all.

“The beach matting will allow more people to enjoy another beautiful Tasmanian beach. The new barbecue facilities have plenty of room to move around, and tables are designed with wheelchair users in mind. These are modest, yet significant considerations on the pathway to building an inclusive community,” Ms Clark said.

Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer MP said

the project has delivered on its promise of ensuring equitable access to all who love to visit East Beach.

“We should maximise accessibility to our public spaces, including our stunning beaches for locals and visitors alike,” Mrs Archer said.

“This East Beach All Abilities Recreation Area is a great example of how government funding can and should be used to support essential community projects.”

George Town Mayor Greg Keiser said, “This is an impressive project that shows that full inclusion can occur when there is great planning and execution in the building of community infrastructure.“

George Town Mayor Greg Keiser joined Bridget Archer MP and local council staff and councillors on the new East Beach access ramp

With members of the Flinders Island Aboriginal Land Council, sharing support for the Voice to Parliament

Bridget Archer MP, Bec from the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, Fiona, a sea country ranger, and the Hon Linda Burney MP discussing cultural importance of mutton birding

Female Football Initiative

After noticing a gap in programs available for young female soccer players, particularly in the lead up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Stephen Pearce joined forces with Chris Rademacher and exercise physiologist Michael Cheney to form the Female Football Initiative.

Bridget Archer MP dropped by a recent training session to have a chat with Stephen.

“I dropped by to have a chat with Stephen and some of the young players from a range of junior clubs who have joined the initiative which, alongside some fantastic coaching from Chris, offers strength and conditioning sessions as well as information on nutrition, mental health and general wellbeing,” Mrs Archer said.

“The program is free for 10-14 year olds and will be run through the school term in 2023 with the hope of continuing in the years to come. If you would like to support the initiative, please contact femalefootballinitiative@gmail.com”

More than 30 teams will compete in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held from 20 July – 20 August 2023 in locations across Australia and New Zealand.

Grant opportunities for young sporting champs

After a few years of cancellations and delays due to the pandemic, State and interstate sporting championships are back on the calendar.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the opportunity for our region’s youth to participate in championships and tournaments is invaluable.

“Playing against other young players from across the state and the country not only builds essential sporting skills but also provides wonderful opportunities to develop new friendships,” Mrs Archer said.

“The Local Sporting Championships Grant has supported countless young people from across Australia, including northern Tasmania, to participate in a championship.

“The grant provides up to $750 in funds to cover coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 to compete in a sporting championship, with the next round opening in early June.”

If you are part of a team selected to play in a state, national or international championships, visit sportaus.gov.au and follow the links under “Grants”.

Taylar Marshall Q&A

Taylar Marshall plays for the George Town Football club and is proudly sponsored by Bridget Archer MP

Age: 24

Occupation: Conveyancing Assistant at EL Conveyancing

Years playing football: 5

Position: Midfielder

How did you get into playing Australian Rules? I guess it was really word of mouth and all my friends were playing, so I decided to give it a go.

Who has had biggest influence on your playing career? Dave Marshall and Jodie Clifford. They are such an inspiration.

AFL &AFLW Team? I barrack for Hawthorn in AFL and North Melbourne in AFLW

Favourite AFL & AFLW Player? My Favourite AFL player would be Luke Hodge and my favourite AFLW player is Jasmine Garner

Proudest sporting moment? Would have to be when we ran out on the field to a full park in our first ever game and we came away with the win

Sporting goal you would still like to achieve? Win a GF for George Town What are your game day rituals? I always walk my dog Memphis, generally stop for Maccas breakfast when we play away and walk around the ground before every game.

Favourite food before a game? Nothing really, but if anything something fresh/ light. I prefer to play on an empty stomach

Favourite food after a game? Can’t go past a meat pie and a coke….

Advice to young women looking to a playing career? Just always give it a go, say yes, have an open mind and give every game your best. Always surround yourself with friends as you will always have the best time when playing with your friends.

LCS recipient Xavier Lowe in action during the School Sports Australia National Championship – Bruce Cup

LCS recipient Jackson Wood at the recent Australian All Schools Track and Field Championships

Bridget Archer MP with Female Football Initiative participant Zoe Reid-Denman,

Coach Stephen Pearce, and participant Lily Percy-Shaw