Bass Bulletin - May 2021

Bass Bulletin BUDGET2021

BETTER DAYS ON THE HORIZON

Thank You for the Music

Te sounds of ABBA will fnally fll the Princess Teatre later this year, more than 12 months afer the original production was halted due to the pandemic.

FULL REPORT page 8

New Horizons members Chloe Hansson, Nick Milner, Lyn Tanner, Carolina Ascui, with CEO Belinda Kitto and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer celebrating the recent announcement the organisation will receive almost $1 million in Federal Government funding. Report page 5.

Raising Funds For Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Tis year marks 20 years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, held in April, a time dedicated to raising both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse

With a strong focus in the media over the past few months, Bridget Archer’s advocacy continued with an afernoon tea, to raise funds for local sexual assault support service, Laurel House.

Te event which raised $245 for the organisation, was an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss the current issues and challenges that are prevalent in workplaces and communities across the country. Acting CEO of Laurel House Frances Pratt

Volunteers Wanted Launceston RSL sub-branch ADF Welfare Program

Te Launceston RSL sub-branch ADF Welfare Program was created to support Australian Defence Force members, allied forces and their families who may be experiencing crisis or need assistance in their lives.

Te program commenced over five years ago and currently has a small team of volunteers consisting of Joy (Coordinator), Dianne (secretary), Leanne, Des, Kelvin, Melissa, Anita, Shawn and Adrian.

From the team:

“We have provided advocacy and support to numerous people with access to information and services across a range of issues such as housing support, fnancial assistance, mental health and relationship matters while also providing food, toiletries, furniture etc.

Te Welfare Team has been privileged to be able to comfort and assist families going through loss of loved ones and aid for them in their time of grief.

We are completely self-funded, hold many fundraisers and with generous support from RSL members and the public, we are able to support former ADF members and their families state-wide.”

Te team won Tasmanian Volunteer Program of the Year 2018, and new volunteers are always welcome. If interested, please phone 6344 9584.

spoke in depth on the work of the organisation and answered questions from the audience.

Laurel House has recently joined forces with Women’s Legal Service Tasmania to create “Consent – Respect & the Law – Essentials for Adults” an educational program, aligned with the current programs in high schools across the state, aimed at teachers, parents, carers, coaches and any other adults within school communities. Contact training@laurelhouse. org.au to fnd out more.

Aged Care Visit

During a recent visit to residents of Uniting AgeWell in Kings Meadows, Bridget Archer had the pleasure of meeting Joy Bryan who recently received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Acting CEO of Laurel House Frances Pratt with Bridget Archer

Berry Boom

Afer starting out in dairy manufacturing around a decade ago, Robin and Karen Dornauf began dabbling in growing berries and Hillwood Berries was born.

A booming business now covering more than 40 hectares growing strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, Hillwood Berries has over 45 full time employees on board from the region while also employing over 350 seasonal workers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg joined Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer on a recent visit to the farm to inspect their expansion plans, including almost 15 new hectares set aside for additional crops. Tese plans were brought forward thanks to the Federal Government’s Instant Asset Write-Of and other business measures.

“Te expansion plans mean more jobs and more crucial investment in our local economy,” said Bridget Archer.

Hillwood Berries Managing Director Simon Dornauf said the Instant Asset Write-Of has been instrumental in enabling their business to undertake two major projects that otherwise would have been delayed, including investing $400,000 in solar panels.

“Te solar panels will provide 70 per cent of the power to our berry production,” Mr Dornauf said.

“A further $3.6 million will be spent in building additional infrastructure… enabling us to employ about 75 full time equivalents for that project.”

Under the new expansion, an additional 700,000 tonnes of strawberries will be grown bringing the total plants on the farm to an incredible two million.

Brave Support

Afer facing a number of challenges upon falling pregnant at 16, Bernadette Black created the Brave Foundation in 2009 with the vision of building a village of support and acceptance around teenage parents so they can grow healthy, happy families.

Since its inception, the foundation has supported more than 1,000 young parents in recent years through its Supporting Expecting and Parenting Teens (SEPT) program, providing the mentoring, advice and the support needed to help young mothers navigate parenting while also setting up the foundations for a pathway into further education or employment.

During a recent visit to the Ravenswood Child and Family Centre,

Business Breakfast

Afer visiting northern Tasmania in early March, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was back in town recently, meeting with local business owners and discussing the recent Budget at a breakfast hosted by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer announced that the program was the recipient of $6 million in funding through the Women’s Leadership and Development Program Grants.

“Tis funding will assist the foundation in expanding their program with young mothers and fathers in northern Tasmania now able to access the service,” Mrs Archer said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison showing his playdough skills to four year old Mali with her mum, Alice, and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer

The Prime Minister, Treasurer and Bridget Archer with some of the seasonal workers at Hillwood Berries

Chris Ankin and Simon Dornauf from Hillwood Berries talking through their expansion plans with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer

Cheers to Tax Relief!

Tere’s plenty of proof that Tasmania is leading the charge when it comes to top-notch distillery products in the Australian market.

Of the 300 locally owned distilleries spread across the country, 52 are situated in Tasmania, producing some of the best whisky you can find. A number of Tasmanian distillers have seen their products named the best single malt whiskies in the world and in northern Tasmania, we have some

Veterans’ Support

With the announcement of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Afairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester visited northern Tasmania recently, encouraging local veterans and their families to have their say.

Minister Chester also joined Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer in visiting the Bridport, George Town and Launceston RSL sub-branches to discuss the needs of their veterans’ community.

During a visit to the Launceston RSL, Minister Chester and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer sat down with almost 30 veterans to discuss their outreach programs and the work of the sub-branch members to assist their local veterans.

Te Launceston RSL is seeking state and federal government funding to make several signifcant upgrades to their Wellingston Street home to ensure the branch can continue to meet the demands of their community and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

“I am working closely with Minister Chester in the hopes of securing this much-needed funding,” Mrs Archer said.

incredible award-winning gin that rivals’ distillers across the country and the world over.

Just like our local distillers– Abel Gin, Corra Linn, Darby-Norris, Fannys Bay, Flinders Island, Furneux, NegatVe Distillery, Tamar Valley and Turner Stillhouse – the majority of Australian distillers are in regional and rural areas, bringing economic benefits through farm production, manufacturing, regional tourism and hospitality. However,

until recently, local distillers and small brewers faced a block to their economic growth due to the high excise tax.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer began lobbying the Federal Government for tax relief measures for the industry after ongoing discussions with a number of distillers and small brewers in the northern Tasmanian region.

“I am thrilled the Treasurer answered the call for tax relief in the latest budget, with this growing sector now benefitting from a tripling of the excise fund tax from $100,000 to $350,000 per year,” Mrs Archer said.

“This significant announcement will allow our local brewers and distillers to keep more of what they earn, helping them to invest in their company and grow their workforce.”

Liane Darby, co-owner of the north-east distillery DarbyNorris, said the change to the excise refund cap will have a positive impact on their burgeoning business.

“(This change) means we can further expand our business with new equipment and look at possibly hiring a new staff member,” Ms Darby said.

Supporting Our Communities During Natural Disasters

According to a report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority, mobile network outages during the 2019-20 bushfres were overwhelmingly due more to loss of power than fre damage.

To ensure that regional and rural areas including here in northern Tasmania, have better access to broadband connectivity during a bushfre or other natural disaster, satellite dishes have been installed by NBN Co in Lilydale and Karoola so locals can stay connected with family and essential services in the event of a natural disaster.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the satellite services will also act as a critical piece of infrastructure for emergency services workers.

“Te satellite service provides emergency service workers with connectivity to help manage their disaster response and recovery eforts,” Mrs Archer said.

“Tese dishes will help people in disaster-afected locations to stay in contact before, during and afer a bushfre or other emergency.

“Te satellite dish in Lilydale covers the local Memorial Hall, and will be used in emergency events, including if the hall is set up as an evacuation centre.”

Sam Marshall from NBN Co said the service provides essential back up communications using satellite technology and will be switched on to ‘disaster mode’ during an emergency event.

“During such an event, this technology allows us to provide free full satellite broadband functionality, including Wi-Fi and video streaming,” Mr Marshall said.

“In addition to the satellite dishes, NBN also have mobile kits, known as “Fly Away kits” that can be taken anywhere.

“Tis equipment can be rapidly mobilised to support communities with Wi-Fi connectivity when they are most in need.”

Te Satellite Dishes and Fly Away kits are part of a $37.1 million Securing Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters package to prevent, mitigate and manage telecommunications in natural disasters.

State Minister for Veterans’ Afairs Guy Barnett, Bridget Archer, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Afairs Darren Chester, MAJ Peter Williams (Retd) and Graeme Barnett fom the Launceston RSL

Peter Rowlings fom Tasmanian SES, Bridget Archer, Sam Marshall fom NBN Co, Brett Fazakerley fom Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania Police Inspector Nathan Johnston

Bridget Archer with members of the Darby-Norris teamIrene fom Fannys Bay Distillery with Bridget Archer

Better Days on the Horizon

Equality and access for all is the foundation of a truly inclusive society. It’s also the basis of the formation of New Horizons over 30 years ago, created with the idea that sport inclusion, quite simply, changes lives.

Afer many years of receiving block-funding on an annual basis, the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, while creating signifcant opportunities for many disability service providers, created diferent funding challenges.

For New Horizons which deliver more than a dozen programs a week in northern Tasmania as well as throughout the state, funding streams once provided by State Government have been replaced with Federal Government funding via the NDIS.

Trough the Government’s Independent Linkages and Capacity program funding, New Horizons will receive almost a million dollars which will provide the organisation with fnancial support to continue to deliver programs in Tasmania.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer has worked closely with New Horizons over the past 12 months to ensure they were provided with the information and support needed to ensure it could meet the criteria for the competitive grant round, afer missing out in 2020.

“New Horizons advocates worked incredibly hard applying for the latest grant round and I am thrilled that they have been provided up to $652, 128 to deliver sport and recreational opportunities through mainstream and community partnerships across the state,” Mrs Archer said.

“Tis will allow more people with disability to play and participate in local grassroots and professional

sport across the state.”

An additional $326,064 will be provided by the Morrison Government to grow the organisation’s capability to deliver additional sporting services tailored for people with disability.

For Edwina Dick from New Horizons, the funding is very welcome news afer losing funding streams in recent years.

“It’s an enormous relief that, for the next twelve months, we can really focus on delivering more fantastic, inclusive programs across the state,” Ms Dick said.

“We are so grateful for the support of Bridget, as well as the Tasmanian Department of Disability Services during this rigorous NDIS ILC process. Our community has made it very clear to us that they want New Horizons around for the long term, which is very humbling.”

New Horizons chief executive Belinda Kitto said that the funding will allow the restoration of services in the north-west of the state.

Headstone Project

John William Edwards, a 32-year-old telephone ftter from Launceston enlisted in the Australian

Edwards served both in Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Prior to leaving Gallipoli he was promoted to the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant. In August he sustained a gun shot wound keeping him out of the line until November 1916. Te following year he was promoted to the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant. He departed England in April 1919 and discharged.

Edwards is one of 25 First World War Veterans who, thanks to the work of Te Headstone Project, have now had their last resting place marked with a memorial at Carr Villa Memorial Park with a special event held in March. In collaboration with the Ofce of Australian War Graves and local staf at Carr Villa, over 100 WWI Veterans now have a headstone that speaks to their

service with the Australian Imperial Force or the New Zealand Force.

“Tey served. Tey deserve to be remembered.”

“Tere’s a lot of people who have not been able to access sport and recreation,” Mrs Kitto said.

“So we’re really excited about these programs and that they will also extend into other regions of our state..”

Ofering sport, recreational and social opportunities for Tasmanians with a disability, the club welcomes members with any intellectual, physical, spectrum disorders, mental health issues from ages fve years and up, as well as their families. For more information visit, newhorizonstas.org.au

Poeing Local Comunites Progamme

• Grants between $5,000 and $12,000 are now available for eligible not-for-proft organisations in Bass to improve their energy effciency through the Powering Communities Programme.

• For more details and an Expression of Interest Form, please contact my

• Expressions of Interest close 5pm, Wednesday, 30 June 2021.

Te federal government has proudly supported Te Headstone Project over many years and you can discover more about the project at theheadstoneproject.org

Imperial Force on 15 June 1915. He was allotted to the 26th Battalion.

Inspecting the new headstones

Te new headstone for John William Edwards

BUDGET 2021

SECURING AUSTRALIA’S RECOVERY

While COVID-19 is still far from over, Australia is on the road to recovery. The 2021 Budget is the next stage of the Morrison Government’s economic recovery plan. It includes:

• Further income tax relief;

• Incentives for investments and jobs;

• New apprenticeships and skills training;

• More infrastructure; and

• Substantial new investments in aged care, health, mental health, and the NDIS.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Australia was the frst advanced economy to have more people employed than pre-COVID. Last year, Australia’s economy contracted by 2.5% – compared to 5% for Canada and Japan and over 8% for the UK, France and Italy. Housing starts are at the highest level in 20 years. There’s more to be done, but our plan is working.

TAX RELIEF

Over 10 million low and middleincome earners are getting additional tax relief this year – up to $1,080 for individuals or $2,160 for couples. This rewards hard work and generates activity, which helps local businesses and creates jobs.

SKILLS AND TRAINING

The Morrison Government is supporting 450,000 new training places through the JobTrainer Fund. 50% wage subsidies will support more than 170,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships.

INVESTMENT FOR JOBS

Over 99% of businesses, employing 11 million workers, can write off the full value of eligible assets purchased. For example, this encourages a tradie or farmer to buy a vehicle or harvester or helps a manufacturer expand their production line.

BUDGET 2021

SUPPORTING CHILDCARE

The Government will increase the Child Care Subsidy for families with more than one child up to fve in childcare. This will beneft around 250,000 families. The Government will also remove the $10,560 cap on the Child Care Subsidy.

HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH

The Budget includes new medicines listed on the PBS to treat breast cancer, lung cancer, severe osteoporosis, severe asthma and chronic migraines. Further mental health funding will provide more headspace centres, a new network of 40 Head to Health centres and more services through Medicare.

HOME OWNERSHIP

The Morrison Government is encouraging home ownership by: expanding the First Home Super Saver Scheme; helping 10,000 more frst home buyers build a home with a 5% deposit; and helping 10,000 single parents purchase a home with a 2% deposit.

IMPROVED AGED CARE

A further $17.7 billion is being committed to signifcantly improve the aged care system. This includes another 80,000 new home care packages (bringing the total to 275,000).

It also includes supporting 33,000 new training places for personal carers, higher payments for residential care, upgrading care in regional areas and stronger regulation.

WOMEN’S SAFETY

This Budget invests a further $1.1 billion in women’s safety, including: more emergency accommodation; more legal assistance; more counselling; and more fnancial support for those escaping abusive relationships.

BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE

The Morrison Government is investing in a 10-year, $110 billion infrastructure pipeline to ease congestion, improve safety and build our economic future.

The Budget includes substantial measures to encourage more R&D and onshore manufacturing.

The Budget also includes further investment in dams and irrigation projects and technologies to reduce greenhouse emissions.

BUDGET BENEFITS FOR BASS

Further tax relief this year for 40,200 local taxpayers

1,825 local apprentices already supported by wage subsidies

KEEPING AUSTRALIANS SAFE

The Government is providing an additional $1.9 billion over the decade to strengthen our national security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

To be prepared for a world that is less stable and more contested, the Government is also investing $270 billion over 10 years in our defence capability.

11,100 local businesses can beneft from investment incentives

A further $377 million for Tasmanian infrastructure, including Midland Highway upgrades

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Australia’s emissions are now 19% lower than in 2005 and are at their lowest level since 1995. We have the world’s highest uptake of rooftop solar.

In this Budget we are investing a further $1.6 billion to fund priority technologies, including clean hydrogen and energy storage.

The Morrison Government is also investing in upgrading recycling capabilities. The Budget includes $100 million in additional funding to protect our oceans.

770 local families will beneft from more Child Care Subsidy

208,924 local telehealth services through Medicare, since start of pandemic

www.liberal.org.au/budget

Mamma Mia Here (We) Go Again!

As Launceston’s musical theatre scene comes back to life with the sounds of ABBA, the Federal Government is providing additional support through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand grant.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said Encore Teatre Company has been successful in receiving $79,700 for the upcoming production of Mamma Mia!

“I have had a number of conversations over the past 12 months with Encore and understand just how hard the iconic theatre company was afected by pandemic restrictions over the past year,” Mrs Archer said.

“Our local theatre-loving community has been patiently waiting for the musical to go ahead, more than a year afer it was originally scheduled to hit the stage at the Princess Teatre.

“I am thrilled this funding will provide much-needed assistance to fnally bring the musical to our local audiences later this year.”

Belinda King, President of the Encore Teatre Company said the company sufered a $150,000 loss when it was forced to cancel the production just four days prior to opening night, due to COVID-19.

“Now, more than a year on, this funding gives us the confdence and means to re-start the company, re-engage with our community in a COVIDSafe theatre and deliver an energetic and fresh interpretation of a show that celebrates love, laughter, family and friendship,” Ms King said.

Connecting with Community

Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Afairs Jason Wood was in town in early May, meeting many members of our vibrant and diverse northern Tasmanian community.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer took Minister Wood along to the Migrant Resource Centre to discuss the needs of the centre which undertakes incredible work supporting our multicultural communities before meeting with the wonderful Rhododendron group for lunch.

In addition to meeting with our local PCYC, Minister Wood and Bridget met with a local Neighbourhood Watch group to discuss local issues surrounding community safety.

If you are interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania as a volunteer, visit nhwtas.org.au

Live Music Support

Live music lovers are in for an improved experience at the iconic Royal Oak Hotel thanks to a recent grant of just over $50,000 to upgrade sound and lighting through the Federal Government’s Live Music Australia programme.

Owner Wendy Robbins said the funding, to be matched by the venue, is a positive show of support as the venue begins to build up live music bookings, with some restrictions still in place.

“I think (the upgrade) will make it more comfortable…better sound, better lighting, a better experience,” Mrs Robbins said.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the funding received by Te Royal Oak and other venues across Australia, will support the immediate needs of the Australian live music industry.

“Te program is focused on supporting small to medium-sized live music venues who host original Australian live music,” Mrs Archer said.

“Locals know our beloved Oak is a great venue for catching a fantastic live music gig but this pub, like so many others, is facing particular pressures in light of the severe impacts of COVID-19.

“Tese upgrades will provide an even better experience for musicians and patrons alike.”

Te hotel has also undergone considerable refurbishments through COVID lockdown, now ofering private dining upstairs, in addition to the downstairs pub area, and a new courtyard of the second foor. For more information and a list of upcoming acts, please visit theroyaloak.tas.com.au

Minister Wood and Bridget Archer with members of the Rhododendron group.

Royal Oak owner Wendy Robbins, Bridget Archer and Royal Oak music booker Jason Whatley

Brooke Targett, Bridget Archer and Denise Sam

ANZAC Day 2021

Afer gathering in our driveways in 2020, it was wonderful to see our community out in force to commemorate ANZAC Day 2021 across northern Tasmania.

Te following is a speech given at the George Town RSL 11am service, highlighting the Rats of Tobruk by Kaye Ross.

Invited guests, Veterans, Serving members of the Armed forces, Ladies and Gentlemen.

April 10th this year marked the 80th anniversary of the siege of Tobruk in 1941.

I am the proud descendant of four Rats of Tobruk, one of whom was killed aged 19 another taken pow and tortured for 31/2 years before escaping and walking across the alps to Switzerland while hiding fom the Germans. I had the privilege of getting to know a few others during my working life and while making a textile project I created on them.

I am also a committee member of the descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Association Australia and have spent the last couple of years helping to organize the world reunion for the 80th anniversary which was to be held in Brisbane this month.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid outbreak we had to postpone it until later in the year.

Our frst patron Gordon Wallace asked if we could do something to remember his mates and their sacrifce during the siege as they never received a medal. We decided on a rose which was developed by Treloars Nursery in Victoria it has red for the bloodshed and yellow for the sand. Treloars generously donated a rose to every state and territory in Australia to be planted somewhere appropriate to remember the brave men who served in Tobruk. Tey also now donate $2 fom every rose sold to our association to help us keep their story alive.

Te rose is called the “No Surrender Rose” which was the order given by Lieutenant General Leslie Moorsehead “Tere will be no surrender and no retreat!”

Gordon lived long enough to see the rose but sadly died in December aged 99 years and not making the 80th anniversary.

Tis is a large proportion of the eligible male population in 1941.

During the 8 months of the 14,000 rats who held Tobruk 776 were killed, 65 went missing, and 2112 were wounded and 954 taken pow.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the members of the Royal Australian Navy who served on the Scrap Iron Flotilla. A feet of ships way past their prime but, which did a magnifcent job taking food, water and supplies in and the wounded out during extremely perilous conditions.

Of these ships HMAS Waterhen was the frst Australian Navy ship lost in WW2, HMAS Parramatta was sunk with a loss of 138 lives, HMAS Voyager and HMAS Vampire were sunk and HMAS Yarra was attacked by 35 aircraf in one day and later sunk. HMAS Stuart survived more than 50 air attacks and came all the way home to Australia on one engine!

While supporting our troops HMAS Napier was attacked by 12 planes at once and travelled 290,000 miles delivering troops to Tobruk. HMAS Vendetta made 20 trips into Tobruk harbour.

As many of the Rats I interviewed for my wall hanging told me

“Don’t forget the Navy they kept us alive!

As part of the anniversary I made 200 replica comfort packs like those sent to our troops in WW2 and greatly appreciate the help given by Robyn Moody, Viv Rush, Audrey Evans and the George Town RSL. Today I would like to make special mention of the Tasmanian Rats of Tobruk, in 1941 the population of males aged between 20 and 44 was approximately 36,000 of these 22,000 joined the Army and 1400 went to Tobruk.

Angus Taylor Visit

Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Angus Taylor recently visited the Bell Bay area, meeting with key local manufacturers and congratulating Rio Tinto Bell Bay on receiving a federal government grant.

As a high-energy business, Rio Tinto was one of 48 successful applicants across Australia to receive a grant under the Federal Government’s Energy Efcient Communities Program.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the $11,485 grant will go towards the purchase of a sonic imaging camera for reducing air leaks and power use.

“Generation of plant air for running plant operations uses a signifcant amount of electricity at the Bell Bay smelter,” Mrs Archer said.

“Tis sonic imaging camera monitoring device allows simple and easy detection and quantifcation of leaks so that repairs can be targeted and

efective. Tis reduction in lost plant air will reduce electricity usage on site.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the program was targeted to support businesses that consume more than 0.05 petajoules of energy annually to bring down their power bills.

“For these businesses in particular, energy costs are a high proportion of their operating expenses,” Minister Taylor said.

“Tis program was targeted and designed to help large businesses such as manufacturers, smelters and food producers to reduce these costs and support jobs and communities across the country that rely on their operations.”

“Supporting industry to reinvest in their businesses, grow, thrive and employ more Australians has never been more important as we emerge from the COVID-19 recession.”

We have been lucky enough in George Town to get two roses one for the Army and one for the Navy which will both be planted in these gardens with commemorative plaques donated by our association and George Town RSL. Tank you to Vince Davis, Lisa and Ian Frederickson for caring for the roses until they can be planted.

Trough the Government’s Energy Efcient Communities Program, 48 businesses that consume more than 0.05 petajoules of energy annually have been awarded grants of up to $25,000 to implement energy efciency opportunities that will help lower their power bills.

Rio Tinto Bell Bay, like all successful applicants will match the grants with an equally-sized co-contribution.

Te Energy Efcient Communities Program was announced as part of the Government’s $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package to deliver on Australia’s 2030 climate commitments.

Gypsy and Brodie from Ravenswood Heights Primary School with Bridget Archer. Te students laid a wreath at the Launceston ANZAC Day service on Bridget’s behalf

Millie Fulton, Bill Woodworth, GM Shona Markham and Lou Clark fom Rio Tinto with Bridget Archer and Minister Taylor. Photo credit: Rob Burnett Images

Branxholm Information Centre

Renowned for its gourmet pies and great pizza, Tin Timbers Café and Art Gallery in Branxholm recently launched their own Branxholm Information Centre.

Beyond providing information for visitors, the Centre also displays incredible artwork from local artists available to purchase. If you’re planning a weekend visit to this beautiful part of the north-east region, drop into the Café and Information Centre located at 2 Stoke St, Branxholm.

North East Residents Celebrate Aminya Upgrade

Afer 16 months of construction, the upgrade to the May Shaw Aged Care Centre is complete with residents and staf joining Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer to ofcially open the new facilities in late April.

Chair of the May Shaw Board Di Aldous said the new rooms ofer valley views of Scottsdale and others present with close access to the new courtyard area.

Te project includes upgraded amenities and new rooms designed with the latest in safety and accessibility features including wide doorways, lifing aids and fold-away seats in showers.

Te project also includes the move of 25 residents from the Tasmanian Health Service leased facilities (James Scott Wing) into the new site.

For Bridget Archer, the upgrades, partially funded by the Federal Government to the tune of $3 million, is the result of a joint efort.

“Securing the Aminya facility and getting this project of the ground was a collaborative efort between May Shaw and all three levels of government,” Mrs Archer said.

“Te new rooms and updated facilities and amenities are a great example of how older residents can be supported to age well in their later stages of life.”

My Community: Dorset by Zoe Bennett

My name is Zoe and I am one of the Activities, Programme and Events Coordinators at the Dorset Community House. I grew up in the Dorset area, then moved to Launceston to work in the live entertainment/event industry for fve years. Highlights include large concerts, youth events and working alongside several well-known children’s entertainers.

In 2020 I came home to start work with the Dorset Community House. I grew up in the Community House as my mum has been the playgroup coordinator for over 28 years so to come home was a welcomed change.

Part of my role here at the House is to coordinate activities, programmes and events, which when starting in March of 2020 was rather tricky as COVID was impacting our lives signifcantly. Having a technology background came in use as I was able to move these programmes and events online. Our focus also moved from providing inperson events to community support in the ways of supplies and referring key service providers. As the restrictions lifed my role evolved to what it is today.

Alongside my co-worker Kasha, I organise programmes, events and activities for the community and help the team with the day-to-day running of the House. No two days are ever the same. My focus area is youth and young people, so weekly visits to Winnaleah District High, School Holiday Programmes, future projects and grant applications are part of my weekly schedule. Being a young person myself I enjoy working in this area. In addition, Loaves and Fishes food relief is a key part of what I do.

We partner with Loaves and Fishes Tasmania to provide free food to the community. We have taken several creates of fresh produce from Loaves and Fishes to school canteens to give to students for free.

We are all for helping people no matter their circumstance. We are here for the community, not only limiting our support to those in despite need. We want to improve the quality of living for all in Dorset.

I do what I do here at the House as I have grown up in this area and have seen what good support like we provide can do. I want to help build into the next generation who now have the potential to be more resilient than any generation before.

MLC Tania Rattray, Dorset Mayor Greg Howard, Bridget Archer and Tin Timbers Café owner Angelina Hemphill at the launch of the Information Centre

Aminya residents Phyllis Baker and Nettie Wagner helping Bridget Archer to ofcially open the updated facility

Zoe Bennett in the backyard of the Dorset Community House

SPORT

2021 Indigenous Round

On Sunday 16 May, the Rocherlea Football Club hosted Bracknell for the Northern Tasmanian Football Association Indigenous Round.

Federal Member for Bass and a sponsor of the Rocherlea Football Club Bridget Archer, attended the event, representing Federal Minister for Indigenous Afairs, Ken Wyatt.

Te following is an extract from Minister Wyatt’s speech read out by Mrs Archer on the day:

“I want to start by congratulating your club on your strong history of celebrating Indigenous peoples and cultures. Te pride of the Rocherlea Football Club in this regard plays an important role both on and of the feld that should not be underestimated.

Field of Dreams

Every weekend from late March to early September, thousands of children and their families converge upon Churchill Park to play matches at one of our state’s most popular junior football hubs. During the summer months, the grounds are ofen used for pre-season training by local football clubs

With the growth of junior football in northern Tasmania and a growing need for further sporting infrastructure, the Federal Government committed more than $600,000 during the 2019 federal election campaign for Stage 2 of the Churchill Park redevelopment.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said work is well underway.

“Over the coming months a new multipurpose all-weather sports feld will be constructed at the facility,” Mrs Archer said.

“Tis comprises two grass soccer felds, a fullsize cricket pitch and grass playing feld.”

Te project will involve subsoil and landscaping works, the installation of new drainage systems, removal and replacement of selected trees and the installation of new irrigation systems.

Lights On!

Te redevelopment forms part of the masterplan for the Churchill Park Sportsground Precinct and aims to revitalise, enhance and future-proof the site.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the project represented a signifcant upgrade to one of Launceston’s most highly utilised sporting facilities.

“Te Churchill Park Sportsground Precinct is used by thousands of Northern Tasmanians each week and this redevelopment will ensure the facility remains one of the region’s best,” Mayor van Zetten said.

“It is exciting to see work on this project getting underway. Tis redevelopment will improve Churchill Park for a range of user groups and will cement this facility as a valuable community asset for future generations.”

Investing in sporting facilities amounts to long-term gains for our communities.

For the George Town Football Club, its AFLstandard lights, a collaboration between local and federal government and the local community, including the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone, has allowed for additional night training and evening games.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the club is a hub for community sport, felding teams across all levels and age ranges, and this upgrade has made the George Town oval even more accessible to the local community.

“Te grounds are used by Auskick, junior competitions, under 18s, reserves, senior men’s and women’s squads,” Mrs Archer said.

“Tis project, with the help of $250,000 in federal funding will help the club grow and encourage more in the community to participate in the game.”

AFL has a long and enduring connection with our communities, and our culture as Australians. Te football community has a real and tangible place in reconciliation across our country. For you, coming together today for the Northern Tasmanian Football Association Aboriginal Round is an example of that commitment and desire to celebrate with your Indigenous teammates.”

Bracknell won the game by 28 points.

Nigel Baker fom Te Baker Group, Bridget Archer and City of Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer and the George Town business and football community celebrate the launch of the AFL-standard lights

Rocherlea Football captain Jacob Hawkins shaking hands with Jack Dyer, captain of the Bracknell Football Club, ahead of the game. Photo credit: Solstice Digital

Additional $250 payments to aged pensioners, disability support pensioners and other eligible recipients. Payments will be made progressively from 30 November 2020 and 1 March 2021.

770 local families will beneft from more Child Care Subsidy.

Hank Horton conducting the traditional smoking ceremony at the

Indigenous Round game between Rocherlea and Bracknell on 16 May, 2021. See page

Photo credit: Solstice Digital