Launceston Lively Magazine | September 2023

Local Info

Tamar Valley Peace Fest 2023: Uniting for Peace

In a world where hate and division often dominate the headlines, the Tamar Valley Peace Festival returns in 2023 with a lineup of events to promote a resounding message of hope and unity.

The theme for 2023 “Connecting and Sharing - pathways to peace”, encourages communities to collaborate, connect and share through the exchange of thoughts, experiences and acts demonstrating kindness, peace and understanding.

This year, the festival presents two inspiring community leaders.

Rhoda Roberts, AO is a celebrated and multi-disciplined

Indigenous arts practitioner, heading this years’ public “Thought Leadership” event at Theatre North with guest panellists.

Secondary schools have the privilege of meeting and talking with John Kamara, recipient of Tasmania’s Australian of the Year. Escaping war- Request Details 1 of 2 torn Sierra Leone 19 years ago, John is now an active advocate for peace, encouraging conversations about relationships and activities between diverse groups, promoting understanding and appreciation of each other.

The driving force of the Peace Festival is the local community who combine to present

events exploring, leadership, connectivity, and creativity through a diverse range of activities.

From empowerment through speech, visual arts, community peace gardens, the RSPCA’s “Paws for Peace”, peace walks, sharing of food and gardening, and crafting workshops. There is an activity for you, whatever your interests.

Free entry to community events.

For more information visit the Tamar Valley Peace Festival on Facebook or visit the website at tamarcommunitypeace.org. au

Local Entertainment: What’s on at the theatre?

Twelfth Night

Viola’s shipwrecked despair leads to love entanglements as she disguises herself to survive. A Shakespearean comedy gets a fresh twist with music by Sarah Blasko in this Bell Shakespeare production.

Nurse Georgie Carroll

As seen on Britain’s Got Talent 2023, winner of ‘Best Comedy Show’ at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and following a sellout season at the Melbourne

Comedy Festival, don’t miss Nurse Georgie Carroll as she performs for one night only at Princess Theatre.

The Paper Escaper

Benny, the bold puppet of ‘The Paper Escaper,’ defies confinement in the book’s world, seeking assistance from a new friend. Terrapin brought this immersive tale to Tasmanian primary schools in 2022.

For details visit the Theatre North website theatrenorth. com.au

Building Skills and Confidence: How One Small Business is Making a Big Impact

By Zac Lockhart

For people living with disabilities certain aspects of life often taken for granted by others can be an overwhelming

struggle, not least of which is the issue of employment.

Local business owners Brett and Vanessa Mitchell, from the CD Centre in Kings Meadows

learned of this first hand when their then 16 year old son, who lives with a disability, tried to find work and was met with barriers such as inexperience and not finding a workplace

ABOVE: Cafe Next Door/CD Centre Owners Brett & Vanessa Mitchell (PHOTO: Zac Lockhart)

willing to give him a go.

Taking action to help others, the CD Centre is now also home to the ‘Café Next Door’, a cozy café that gives those with disabilities an opportunity to gain skills, confidence and experience to help them achieve their goals.

“It’s virtually like a place where we have people with additional needs come and it’s a practice to move out into the real world. So it’s teaching them job skills, it’s teaching them hygiene, turning up for work on time, having a designated break time, all the things that they need to apply when they move out into the big wide world to

get a job” said Vanessa.

“At the moment we have 22 participants that come to us over a six-day period.” Partnering with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), their participants are able to gain a recognised qualification.

“We run courses throughout our program, Barista courses, hospitality courses, food handling courses, so they gain certificates for doing that.”

“Their certificates are just as valid out in the world as what yours would be if you did the same course, so they’re on an equal playing field” She added.

Each shift usually lasts for 2-3 hours, and are done once per week, allowing for regularity and building a new routine. Vanessa also added that this allows participants time to process what they are learning, so as not to be overwhelmed.

In addition to making hot drinks, participants also prepare and serve a range of food options, including what are arguably the best scones in Launceston.

“It’s a homemade scone with our whipped cream and a bit of jam, participants whip the cream for us every morning, it’s warmed and served on a plate for $3.50.”

Among a cost of living crisis, the prices at Café Next Door are remarkably low, enticing locals to come by regularly.

“You’ll notice that our prices on our menus are quite cheap, that’s because our partici-

pants are involved in what we do so hopefully, you’re not paying $8 for a toasted sandwich, and they’ve accidentally done it wrong, or the presentation of it’s not the same as what you get round the street at an upmarket cafe.”

“We’re not here to make a fortune, we’re here to break even in our prices. We just want to support these guys”

Vanessa and Brett also added that it’s common for regular customers to learn when participants and rostered on, and plan their coffee meetings to coincide with their shifts as they get to know them more and build a rapport.

The team are also excited to have been announced as semi-finalists for two divisions they were nominated for in the Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards, and will be off to Hobart next month for the awards event.

To get involved to support the Café Next Door, Vanessa encouraged readers to come and see what they do.

“Sit down, engage with our participants. You know, give them a pat on the back when they deserve it. Self-esteem building, confidence building is one of the biggest things for our guys. As soon as there’s any bit of recognition their chests are puffed out and you know, they work 10 times harder”

The Café is open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am-2pm Saturdays and is located in the CD Centre at 16-18 Reuben Ct, Kings Meadows.

Local Info

Restoring Cambridge Street Reserve

Nestled in Launceston is the Cambridge Street Reserve, a natural gem. In spring and early summer, this bushland area comes alive with a variety of colourful native flowers.

This natural wonder invites both nature enthusiasts and environmental stewards to join the “Friends of Cambridge Street Reserve” on their mission to rejuvenate this beloved scenery.

On the first Thursday (1pm3pm) and Saturday (9.30am11.30am) of each month, volunteers gather at 73 Brougham Street, West Launceston, near

the Water Towers to lend a helping hand.

Armed with gloves, hats, sturdy boots, and determination, they set out on a mission to counter the invasive weeds that pose a threat to this haven of biodiversity.

This community-driven project is a partnership between the City of Launceston and the Australian Plants Society Tasmania, uniting people in their shared passion for the environment.

Joining the ranks of the Friends of Cambridge Street

Reserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, make a positive impact, and take pride in enhancing our beloved community.

Participants should remember to bring their protective gear, a water bottle, and enthusiasm for the task at hand. It’s also important to note that restroom facilities are not available in the immediate vicinity.

More information available on the Launceston City Council website:

launceston.tas.gov.au

Lights, music and

magical

surprises: Launceston’s Springtime Festival returns

As the winter chill begins to recede, Launceston prepares to burst into life once more with the return of the Junction Arts Festival, taking place from September 20th to the 24th, 2023. This vibrant festival coincides perfectly with the arrival of spring, inviting locals and visitors alike to shake off their winter blues and embrace the season of renewal.

Nestled in the heart of Launceston, Junction Arts Festival is where the worlds of Tasmanian art, music, and performance collide, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colour and creativity. It’s a celebration that promises magical surprises and

experiences that will delight all who attend.

One of the festival’s standout features is its diverse program of events, with both free and ticketed shows available. Families can enjoy kid-friendly performances and fabulous family events during the day, while as the sun sets, early evening boogies and latenight delights await those seeking entertainment after dark.

Art enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in captivating visual art, with mesmerizing light installations that transform Launceston into a wonderland of creativity. The festival also boasts an

impressive lineup of the island’s best original music, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste.

For those craving a touch of the extraordinary, Junction Arts Festival presents some of the finest circus and cabaret artists in carefully curated events and of course, no celebration in Tasmania would be complete without indulging in the island’s culinary delights.

Festival-goers can feast on lavish Tasmanian food and savour the splendid spirits, wines, and local brews on offer, providing the perfect accompaniment to a night of dancing and revelry.

Launceston Airport Takes Off with Major Infrastructure Investment

By Kristy Williams

The 28th August marked the official opening of Launceston Airport’s new check-in hall. This momentous event represents a significant milestone in the airport’s history and highlights a substantial longterm investment in infrastructure aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and preparing for future growth.

Launceston Airport’s commitment to improving its facilities and services is evident in the construction of this new fit for purpose check-in hall. It serves as a testament to the airport’s vision and dedication to providing a world-class travel experience for all its passengers.

The $14 million project is the

airport’s biggest infrastructure expansion since 2008, and the first step in a ten-year infrastructure plan.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said the upgrades will modernise the passenger experience and provide for future growth.

“Our vision is to be the Leading Regional Airport in Australia and to realise this we’ve embarked on a $100 million infrastructure plan designed to modernise the airport,” he said.

Phase one of the project has seen the check-in hall double in size, enhancing the customer experience, whilst ensuring that the airport can accommodate growing passenger

numbers.

“Launceston Airport continues to punch above its weight when it comes to pandemic recovery and the hard work to establish new routes during the pandemic combined with excellent efforts from Tourism Tasmania have driven strong passenger growth through the 2023 financial year.”

Launceston Airport seen more than 1.295 million passengers in the 2023 financial year, 165% more than the previous financial year. In the same year, from April to June, over 306,000 passengers arrived or departed through the local airport which represents 97% of 2019 pre-covid levels.

Following the launch of

TOP-LEFT: A comparison of the old Departure Hall, TOP-RIGHT: (Left to right): Hugh McKenzie,

Chair of the Launceston Airport Board; Brian Mitchell, Member for Lyons; Shane O’Hare, Launceston Airport CEO and Michael Ferguson, Tasmanian Deputy Premier (PHOTOS: LST Facebook Page)

Tourism Tasmania’s offseason campaign in May lead to one of the best performing months of the year with 95,415 passengers transiting through the airport, 99% of the 95,935 passengers for the same month in 2019.

“The north of the state is the economic hub of Tasmania, so these numbers are not only great news for us as an airport but the state as a whole.”

In the coming months, the airport will embark on the second phase of this exciting project. This phase will focus on enhancing the security screening point, incorporating stateof-the-art security technology, and introducing self-check-in services. These developments are aimed at streamlining t he passenger journey, ensuring security, and providing a more efficient and convenient experience for travellers.

Tas Electric Vehicles

Hello Launceston!

On 15 September join everyone in Civic Square at 4:30pm Live Music, Food, Drinks, Movie, Vibes

Music is by Jerome Hillier from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Great for gettin' your grove on!

At 8:00pm we show the 2021 Cinderella! Bring a blanket or chair!

Keep Rockin' Launceston!

AA5Tas com <<<< It's the Bees Knees

Tassie Tiger Sculptures find new home

Ten bronze Tassie tiger sculptures formerly located in Launceston’s Brisbane St Mall will be installed in their new home in Civic Square.

The City of Launceston commissioned the thylacine sculptures for the Brisbane St Mall during the redevelopment of the space in 2018.

However Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said following their installation, the sculptures resulted in quite a bit of contention in the community from their potential tripping hazard, impact on installation of additional greenery, and implications to the mall’s functionality for public

events — such as the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

In March this year the Council voted to relocate the thylacines to Civic Square, with the installation work expected to be completed this month. Mayor Garwood said the sculptures would be placed within existing garden beds throughout Civic Square.

“A major part of the relocation is not just around the physical placing, but also the way in which a passerby can engage and not only have fun in the search, but also be educated,” Mayor Garwood said.

“A set of stencilled thylacine

footprints and facts will also be placed in Civic Square, challenging children and those young at heart to find all the sculptures throughout the space.

“We know that the thylacine sculptures are particularly popular with young children, and we expect that will continue to be the case.

“Civic Square will be an awesome new home for these sculptures and I’m looking forward to seeing not only the installation complete, but the further flow-on experiences for our community and visitors into the future.”

Two thylacine’s pictured sitting in a garden bed near Civic Square: City of Launceston

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA™)

courses are designed to teach the everyday Australian the skills required to provide first aid to an individual who may be developing a mental health problem, or is in crisis. BOOK

2 Day Mental Health First Aid Course

This 2 Day course covers Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis and Substance Use Problems, as well as Mental Health First Aid for crisis situations, including Suicidal thoughts and behaviours, panic attacks, traumatic events, Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Severe Psychotic States, Severe effects from alcohol or other drug use, and aggressive behaviours.

Cost: $250 - Includes 3-Year Accreditation as a Mental Health First Aider, and all learning materials provided.

Courses are held each month at The Launceston Conference Centre, with free on-site parking and a café located onsite.

Become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider!

mentalhealthlearningaustralia.com/courses

New Airline

By Kristy Williams

In an exciting development for Launceston Airport and the Tasmanian community, a new airline is gearing up to make its arrival, marking the first new airline to join the airport in over 15 years.

Bonza, the new entrant in the aviation industry, is gearing up to launch direct flights between Launceston and the Gold Coast, starting this November.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, a special event was hosted at Launceston Airport, attended by prominent fig-

ures such as Shane O’Hare, CEO of Launceston Airport; Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza; Michael Ferguson, Tasmanian Deputy Premier; and Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania.

With the introduction of direct flights to the Gold Coast, Launceston residents and tourists alike have reason to celebrate. The convenience of non-stop travel to this popular Australian destination enhances travel experiences, offering a more direct and efficient journey.

Bonza Chief Commercial Officer Carly Povey said the new service was another example

of how Bonza is bringing to life its mission of connecting communities by focussing on unserved and underserved routes.

“Today is a Bonza day for Launnie and Goldie locals who can now enjoy more of their backyard with direct flights that don’t cost the earth. Since we launched in January, travellers have been calling out for flights from Launceston on our social media channels and today, we are delighted to deliver!” said Povey.

“The good news is, already more than 11,000 Tasmanians have already downloaded our

Touches Down

Fly Bonza app so they’re ready to go!”

“This brand new low-cost route is a first to operate year round and will open up opportunities in both destinations for tourism and trade. It’s good news for Aussie travellers and the many small to medium businesses who make up the local tourism and hospitality industries,” she added.

“There will be more destinations for Launceston, and Bonza’s wider route map, to come. We look forward to revealing what’s next when the time is right,” added Povey.

The news was welcomed by Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare who said Bonza’s arrival would deliver huge benefits for Tasmania.

“Bonza is doing things differently and by providing direct connections between new parts of the country they are making it more affordable for Australians to explore their own backyard,” he said.

“These year-round services will make it much easier for Tasmanians to enjoy Australia’s favourite holiday hotspot, but it also opens the door for thousands more tourists from south-east Queensland and

northern New South Wales to visit our state.”

“Launceston is one of the best city break destinations in Australia and as the gateway to many of our state’s incredible natural wonders, we are thrilled to be chosen as Bonza’s Tasmanian launching pad.”

Travellers are encouraged to download the Fly Bonza app which is the only place to book direct.

Launceston’s award-winning urban food festival NORTH returns in October

Launceston Central is excited to unveil the program for the eagerly awaited third edition of NORTH Festival 2023. From October 11 to 25, the heart of Launceston will transform into a haven for culinary enthusiasts, offering an huge selection of gastronomic experiences that showcase over 60 local businesses.

Following the resounding success of the past two years, NORTH Festival is set to elevate Launceston’s gastronomic landscape to new heights. The twoweek program promises a curated ensemble of events, experiences, and menus, each embodying the spirit of the city’s vibrant food culture.

The festival lineup includes exclusive ‘meet the maker’ luncheons and dinners, immersive workshops, bespoke tours, outdoor markets, artistic sessions, and elegant high teas – a testament to Launceston’s thriving culinary scene.

The festival proudly shines a spotlight on Launceston’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, fostering a harmonious relationship between local businesses, hospitality professionals, and regional producers.

“As we enter the third year of NORTH Festival, it’s evident that this platform has become a cornerstone for local businesses to shine, while showcasing our distinctive Tasmanian food culture,” says Amanda McEvoy, Executive Officer of Launceston Central. “With unwavering support from our business community, we’re confident that the festival will continue to evolve into a highly anticipated annual tradition.”

Madi Biggelaar, People and Promotion Manager, commends the innovative collaborations among local businesses. “The festival serves as a testament to the innovative and community-centric approach of North Tasmania’s hospitality professionals. NORTH Festival not only introduces patrons to delectable new menu offerings featuring Northern Tasmanian

produce, but also deepens the symbiotic relationship between eateries and suppliers,” she notes.

The festival’s inception was marked by a collaborative effort between Launceston Central and Erica Sheldon-Collins. “The dedication and creativity of North Tasmania’s hospitality professionals continue to inspire. The NORTH Festival program showcases the city’s growing reputation as a culinary hub, exemplifying the exceptional quality and diversity of gastronomic experiences,” highlights Ms Sheldon-Collins.

Last year’s NORTH Festival recently earned the distinguished Mainstreet Australia award for ‘Best Main Street Place Activation, Event or Initiative’, further cementing the event’s significance in enhancing the vibrancy of Launceston’s urban landscape.

NORTH Festival presents events hosted by esteemed establishments such as Stelo at Pierre’s, The Metz and Brisbane Street Bistro, as well as bars like Tenebris, The Royal Oak, and Kingsway Bar. Additionally, experience-based ventures like Paint The Town Red, Glazed and Confused, and Frida’s Sip and Paint will add a touch of creativity to the festivities.

The festival’s offerings extend to cater to all age groups, with special activities for kids, including Junior Masterchef experiences, a spring floral installion and a pizza making workshop for the whole family. Attendees can also indulge in special menus, happy hours, ticketed dinners, and lunches throughout the festival period.

The program can be found at northfestival.com.au or by scanning the QR code. Up to date information and more details can be found by following Facebook or Instagram @NorthFestLaunceston

Goodbye Winter, hello Deck Party

As the winter chill begins to fade, there’s no better way to bid adieu to the cold months than by joining the Deck Party, an exciting event that complements one of Australia’s most renowned bowls tournaments, The Launceston International Bowls Classic.

Set against the backdrop of picturesque Launceston, this event promises a day of pure indulgence and entertainment.

The Deck Party invites you to savour exquisite food and your favourite beverages while

immersing yourself in the live musical performances of Ross Evans & Nathan Detroit, a dynamic duo hailing from Melbourne.

Their repertoire spans the ages, featuring timeless covers from legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Dire Straits, Eagles, and more, promising a musical journey that transcends generations.

For ticket holders, the experience gets even sweeter with 2 x 1-hour free pour beer and wine sessions and when it comes to food, the Deck Party

doesn’t disappoint, offering an array of delectable options, including the Gourmet Butchers Sav Station, BBQ Burgers & Skewers, Grazing Boxes, and Premium Tasmanian Produce. With ample free parking and cozy undercover areas, you can revel in the festivities without a care in the world.

For more information visit launceston.tas.gov.au

Striking a Chord: The Sibling Duo Capturing Hearts and Ears

By Zac Lockhart

In the cosy corners of Launceston, Tasmania, a unique musical partnership has blossomed.

It’s not just any duo; it’s a sibling act featuring Matthew and Sophia Griffioen, who have turned their familial bond and shared love for music into a semi-professional endeavour that’s capturing the hearts and ears of locals.

Both students, Matthew is studying for a Bachelor of Arts at UTAS, majoring in philosophy and history, while also

working at a local college in the music department and teaching piano. Meanwhile, Sophia is studying for a Bachelor of Education and is currently busy with her final placement, while also working as a school chaplain.

Their musical journey began early in life, having grown up in quite a musical household.

“I have this memory of my dad playing piano when I was very young,” said Matthew, “and I’d climb into his lap and he’d be playing. I’d put my hands on his hands and we’d just have a lot of fun.”

“So, I hit grade one and Mum said, ‘Mate, would you like to take piano lessons?’” he added.

Matthew then continued on with piano lessons through to Year 11 and then kept going, emphasising he had a lot of fun playing music.

For Sophia, her love of music has centred mainly on singing.

“I’ve always really loved singing, and then in grade 10, I decided to go and have singing lessons,” said Sophia.

Matthew and Sophia have been performing together for over 5 years, with Sophia instigating the duo’s foray into the music scene.

She continued, “The first time I dragged him along and said, ‘Matthew, play music for me. I’m singing, you’re playing, here we go.’”

The siblings first showcased their musical talents together at a school concert, revealing a natural ability to collaborate harmoniously from the start.

Matthew and Sophia advanced their interest in music from the school concert into a semi-professional endeavour when they were asked to perform at a wedding.

Matthew explained, “A couple of friends of ours asked us if we wanted to play at their wedding, and so we thought, hey, why not? We’ll give it a

shot, so that was really nice to be able to play for friends.”

After their brother requested that they perform at his wedding, the sibling duo estimates they have since played together at another half a dozen events.

“We’ve also been doing, you know, just whether it be background music at events or, you know, some semi-busking situations or whatnot, we’re pretty flexible in that as well,” Matthew said.

When asked about their most memorable experience so far, Matthew and Sophia both agreed it would have to be their brother’s wedding, expressing it was a special moment for them both. With Matthew stating, what better crowd to play for than family.

Matthew continued, “It’s just everyone’s around you and

obviously everyone’s being brothers and sisters of the groom. We knew basically everyone there, so it was, yeah, a great crowd and everyone’s so supportive.”

For many of the duo’s family, it was the first time they had heard the pair sing together.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, Matthew added, “It’s like what music’s all about is just sharing it with people, and the song that we sang was a really nice message about what marriage is and how that’s what that means to them, and that was really special.”

Whilst the duo currently don’t write their own music, Sophia conceded they did try back in the day, although they never presented it to anyone.

“We had a bit of a band of friends that were just, you know, together, but none of us were super committed.”

Having grown up locally, Matthew and Sophia said they aren’t actively out searching for gigs but tend to get asked by word of mouth and people that they know.

“I’ve got a few friends who are in the music industry, if you want to call it that, and I think there’s opportunities, but it’d be great if there were more,” he continued.

“Live music’s always a great thing if people would just be a bit more aware of the names that were out there.”

Read the extended interview online at launcestonlively. com.au

Spring refresh – let’s paint!

Spring is the perfect time to hit the refresh button on tired interiors.

Humidity is usually low during this season which means the temperature is not too hot or cold.

Therefore the perfect time to tackle those painting projects! This time of year also allows for windows and doors to be opened wide to whisk away that unwanted paint smell.

After many years of renovating, DIYing and designing for end users I have complied quite a list of go to products, colours and finishes which

I absolutely love. If you are looking for the perfect white, a calming bedroom colour or suggestions for furniture flip products then you have come to the right place.

My favourite white: Natural White – Dulux

Natural white just seems to work with so many different looks and styles. Not to mention it works well with both cooler and warmer based tones. This makes it extremely versatile to use throughout your home even when you might have different colours in different rooms. Think of it as your paint colour that ties the

whole house together. It also looks fabulous and fresh on skirting, architraves and doors.

Restful bedroom colours: Sandy Day Half – Dulux

This colour has a slightly pink/ warm undertone but again is really versatile and pairs well with artwork, bed linen and accessories that have shades of blue, green, pink or white.

Teahouse – Dulux

Teahouse provides a rich, moody and sophisticated grey green. It has a very balancing feel and looks lovely paired with white skirting and trim.

Feature wall colour: Sedia – Dulux

Sedia can be described as a beautiful soft yellow-green that can be used both inside and out. It creates warmth and vitality without being overpowering.

DIY furniture projects: Popcorn - Chalk EmulsionPorter’s Paints

DIY projects I have completed include refurbishment of bedside tables, hall tables, dining tables, entrainment units and coffee tables. They have come up an absolute treat using chalk emulsion (or chalk paint). Be sure to seal

the chalk paint as per product directions to ensure you get a long-lasting finish. I use Stucco Wax by Porter’s Paints to seal my chalk paint projects and keep them looking lovely for years to come.

Specialty wood finish: Wood Wash- Porter’s Paints

Wood Wash provides a translucent coating that subtly highlights timber grain whilst giving a limed or washed timber look. It softens the look of timber and adds charm and character. Wood Wash comes in a variety of colours which includes 8 contemporary finishes. My current go to colour is Hermitage as it provides a

lovely balance between warm and cool timber tones. I have used this on flooring, coat racks, timber entrance doors, furniture and mantle pieces. It never disappoints.

Tip: Don’t forget that selecting the right paint colour is often trial and error. I would suggest placing a colour swatch on the wall in the area you intend to paint prior to spending money on samples pots. That way you can see how the colour looks throughout the day in different lights to make sure you select the perfect colour!

Happy painting!

Gabrielle

About the Author: Gabrielle Towns is a Launceston based Interior Designer with over 10 years’ experience. She works closely with both residential and commercial clients to create beautiful, considered spaces. A lover of all things art, architecture and design, Gabrielle has extensive experience across project management, client communication and interior finish selections.

Did you know?

Tasmania is home to some of the world’s tallest hardwood trees, with some Eucalyptus regnans reaching heights over 100 meters.

The first x-ray images in the Southern Hemisphere were taken in Launceston. The first x-ray photograph was taken by Frank Styant Browne in 1896.

Tasmania was once one of the world’s major apple producers hence explaining how it received the nickname of the ‘Apple Isle’.

The first railway to open in Tasmania was between Launceston and Deloraine.

Tasmania has over 2000km of walking tracks and a total of 18 national parks.

Launceston was the third city in the world to be served by underground sewers. Although it was the first city in Australia to have them installed.

Launceston was incorporated as a town on 20/10/1858.

Jokes

The other day, my wife asked me to pass her lipstick but i accidentally passed her a glue stick. She still isn’t talking to me.

I think I would like a job cleaning mirrors. It’s just something I could really see myself doing.

A magician was working on a cruise ship but his act kept getting ruined because the captain’s parrot would reveal his secrets. One day, the ship sank and the two were left sitting on a piece of wood for days. Finally, the parrot broke the silence: “Okay, I give up. Where’s the ship?”

Photo Competition

For a chance to have your photo featured in the Launceston Lively Magazine, and win a $250 print voucher to spend at Launceston Camera House, simply send in your best photo of Launceston or surrounds by visiting launcestonlively.com. au/photo-competition

*Terms & Conditions apply. Visit the website for details.

Our monthly photo competition is made possible thanks to the support of Launceston Camera House.

Follow these steps to enter*

PHOTO: The Cataract Gorge

PHOTOGRAPHER: C. J. Bennett

By Zac Lockhart

While Huntington’s Disease is not unique to Tasmania, it is unusually prevalent across the state. In fact, per capita, Tasmania has the second highest prevalence of Huntington’s Disease in the world, yet there is still a lack of awareness of the disease.

Huntington’s Disease is an inherited degenerative neurological condition affecting the brain and central nervous system, and is progressive in nature, causing a range of motor, behavioural and cognitive disturbances for those living with it.

According to the Huntington’s Disease Association Tasmania website, we all carry the Huntington’s gene, however only those who inherit the expan-

sion of the gene will develop Huntington’s Disease. A child of a parent with Huntington’s Disease has a 50/50 risk of inheriting the expanded gene. Becauese Huntington’s can cause a range of different symptoms for different people, it can be quite varied in how it’s experienced by Huntington’s families.

Janne Dolbey, a local who lives with Huntington’s spoke to the variety of symptoms it can cause.

“Well, even in the same family, it manifests itself differently.” She said.

Four out of five of Janne’s siblings inherited Huntington’s Disease, and have each experienced different presentations, with Janne Describing her brother as unable to talk

as the disease progressed and spent the last eight years of his life in a nursing home.

Thankfully testing is available to those at risk of inheriting Huntington’s Disease, however it is not easy to access, with Janne explaining that patients are required to undergo six months of genetic counselling before being able to know whether or not you carry the Huntington’s gene.

“I had to go and have gene counselling for six months to make sure that I was psychologically OK because it has one of the highest suicide rates because they watched it in their families, and so when they found out that they had the gene [they may be at risk of suicide].”

“So, I didn’t get tested until my

Locals join forces with a national movement to support those with Huntington’s Disease

late forties, but I was worried that I would have passed the disease on to my sons, so I wasn’t worried so much about myself.” She added.

Huntington’s Tasmania has begun a merger with Huntington’s Australia, hoping to achieve a stronger, national approach to supporting those with Huntington’s, and allowing those impacted to receive access to a wider range of support, with the change allowing for new support roles to be implemented across the state.

Last month, both the CEO and Chair of the Board of Huntington’s Australia held a get together in Launceston for those affected by Huntington’s in the north of Tasmania.

For Chair of Huntington’s Australia, Chris Glasson, the movement is close to home.

“I come from a Huntington’s family.”

“15 years ago, I wouldn’t have known of Huntington’s disease, until my mother started falling over, and my mother was in her late sixties, and inexplicably started falling over, she went to doctor after doctor to find out what was going on”.

“She was in hospital one day, and we still didn’t know what was going on, and the doctor brought in a neurologist who we hadn’t met before. The neurologist walked into the room, sat down and said your mother’s got Huntington’s disease, and we said, ‘what the hell’s that?’”

“I’ve got two siblings, both of them are positive, I’m negative. It’s a big issue in my

family.”

“My father and my mother used to go to the local community centre for activities and my father dragging me along to an annual general meeting of the association one year, and it had only just really started up and I saw that I had some sort of management and business skills that I thought might be able to be offered, and so I talked to the general manager there and she said ‘why don’t you get on the board?’ and so I’ve been on there five or six years.”

With different Huntington’s associations spread out around the country, it was clear that more could be achieved from collaborating and co-operating with each other, which lead to the national association.

“Some were stronger than others. Some have struggled for sustainability, financial sustainability, staffing. So, we started looking at that over the last two or three years” he added.

Chris also added there is a clear need for extra resources in Tasmania.

“Travelling around, talking to all the people, it’s very obvious, Lauren over here is the practitioner has only been here three months and on top of all the numbers that we do know here, she’s just found seven families who have not identified at all. Not just seven individuals, but seven families in three months, so you extrapolate that out and that’s the sort of thing that we’re looking at dealing with.”

When asked about some of the main challenges faced by

those with Huntington’s are, a clear front-runner was a lack of services.

“Getting access to professional services is a struggle all around the country.”

“In some states it’s a two year wait for neurology, it’s sometimes even 12 months just for an OT.”

CEO of Huntington’s Australia, Lenni Duffield, said that it’s not just about Huntington’s disease, but about disease in general.

“Tasmania does not have post-secondary opportunity for young people, or people wanting to skill themselves at a university level to study allied health.”

“So the market conditions at the moment, and Tasmania is no different to the mainland, very hard to get an OT, a [speech therapist], dietician, a physio, all those people in the allied health field, yet the university in Tasmania don’t offer it as a study stream.”

Ms Duffield added that Tasmania currently has two juvenile cases of Huntington’s Disease.

“It’s very aggressive, they’ve started in their teenage years, and they won’t live until they’re thirty” she added.

For more information visit huntingtonstasmania.org.au

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Get in touch!

If you have an interesting local story to share, you can get in touch with our local team using the methods below. For advertising enquiries you can email our advertising team at advertising@hyperlocalmedia com au or call 1300 104 402

Web: launcestonlively.com.au

Phone: 1300 104 402

Email: stories@launcestonlively.com.au

Mail: PO Box 426, Launceston TAS 7250

As a local, independent magazine, we rely on advertising & member revenue to produce high-quality, independent journalism throughout Launceston & the Tamar Valley.

If you'd like to join us on this journey, and receive some great member benefits while supporting us to continue serving the local community, become a member of the Friends of Launceston Lively Magazine.

Benefits include:

Discounts & special offers with a number of local businesses

Membership card

Access to premium member-only content on our website

Printed magazine mailed to you each month (optional)

And more!

The Launceston Lively Magazine is proudly locally owned and published by Hyperlocal Media, a local marketing agency & media publisher based in Launceston.

For more information visit hyperlocalmedia.com.au

Membership costs only $59 per year (Less than $5 per month).

Sign up online at launcestonlively.com.au/friends