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August 2022

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West Tamar Council joins Waratah Wynyard Council in advocating for stricter rules for Local Government Councillors In recent months, a local Government has fallen under scrutiny from the community after an elected member remains on Council, despite being allegedly listed on the Community Protection Offender Register.

ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE: Cr Jess Greene says poor Councillor behaviour should not be tolerated. (PHOTO: Supplied)

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Under the current Local Government Act 1993, a minister does not hold the authority to remove a Councillor from their position. Last month, the West Tamar Council unanimously passed a motion to support a motion moved moved by Dr Mary Duniam, Deputy Mayor and Councillor from Waratah Wynyard Council to alter the current eligibility criteria for potential candidates and/or current office members along with other key issues raised under the current guidelines. The motion calls for additional requirements for eligibility to stand as a Councillor, but alsocalls on the government to make improvements to the Code of Conduct, as well as providing clear penalty guidelines to include the ability to suspend and stand down a Councillor

in circumstances that align with breaches of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Code of Conduct. The review of the eligibility criteria, for potential candidates to nominate for and/ or hold the office of Local Government Councillor in Tasmania would include the following: • Requirement for a mandatory Police Check • Requirement to provide a criminal history; and • Requirement for current Working with Vulnerable People registration West Tamar Councillor Jess Greene said It is common practice for employers and community organisations to ask for a Police Check. “Sporting coaches, volunteers in the local library, bus drivers, church leaders, and board members for community organisations need Working with Vulnerable People cards. As Councillors, we should at the very least hold ourselves to the same standard,” said Cr Greene. “Many Councils have

youth programs, like ours, and some have childcare centres. Local Government is grassroots politics, we are connected to community.” “As Councillors, we can get sacked for missing a few Council meetings, yet we have a Councillor in the NW who has broken the law, committed a crime against a young person, caused huge embarrassment to his council colleagues and community, and yet he can continue to collect his council allowance, and remain put.” “As Councillors, we are in a position of power, and we can do better. The Community expect us to do better. It is our job, as adults first and foremost, and especially as elected representatives, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in our community and to act with honesty and integrity at all times.” Under the new proposed motion, the Code of Conduct would seek to maintain the trust placed in Councillors by the public, by ensuring that individual members of the council conduct themselves in the following manner:

• • • •

Act with integrity and honesty Act lawfully Treat all persons with civility; and Lead by example and act in a way that secures public confidence in the office of councillor

“We have also witnessed many aspects of poor behaviour in Local Government related to bullying and other inappropriate behaviour. All that could and should be adequately captured in a robust Code of Conduct with real power.” “The Minister for Local Government recently put forth legislation for compulsory voting at the October Local Government elections without consulting the community or sector. Changes to eligibility and code of conduct is surely just as pressing as that issue.” “Poor Councillor behaviour should not be tolerated, because without the trust of our community, we have diminished capacity to meet complex, long-term challenges.”

Jobs Hub expansion boost for Northern Tasmania The Tasmanian Government says it is focused on strengthening the State’s future and continues to work with job seekers, businesses and industry to deliver strategic jobs growth that will benefit Tasmanians for decades to come. The Northern Employment and Business Hub (NEBHub) based in Launceston has officially opened its doors in its new home to help job seekers find work and connect local employers with new staff. The NEBHub, funded by the Tasmanian Government and operated by the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone Ltd, is part of the Jobs Tasmania network of Regional Jobs Hubs around

the State. Moving from its former headquarters in George Town, the Jobs Hub’s operations have now expanded to service the needs of job seekers and employers across the Meander Valley, West Tamar and Northern Midlands Local Government Areas, as well as Flinders Island. Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth Felix Ellis said since the NEBHub has been operational, more than 400 job opportunities have been advertised and almost 100 local people have been supported into work. “Importantly, Jobs Hubs are coordinating employment

and training services right across the State, particularly in areas that are experiencing higher unemployment and lower levels of workforce participation,” Minister Ellis said. “The NEBHub is helping connect local businesses with new staff, supporting job seekers to be job ready and working with specific industries to find skilled people.” Liberal Member for Bass Simon Wood welcomed the development to support job seekers and business in the local community. “The outlook for local employment outcomes in the northern region is very positive, with opportunities

for employment growth across a range of different sectors,” Mr Wood said. “Through the Jobs Hub, job seekers and businesses can look forward to increased and personalised support to connect with the services they need.” Regional Jobs Hubs are also located in St Helens, Pontville, Sorell and Glenorchy. For more information on how the NEBHub can help you or to make an appointment visit www. nebhub.com.au For more information on Jobs Tasmania visit stategrowth.tas.gov.au/ jobstasmania

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Why Should I Learn Mental Health First Aid? Around 1 in 5 Australian adults experience a common mental illness each year. Understanding how to talk about mental health and help someone in need are important skills. Many people feel uncomfortable and unprepared when thinking about starting a conversation with someone they are concerned about. During a MHFA course, participants will learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and learn the skills to feel confident and able to help. Having mental health first aid skills means that you can assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to your community. The MHFA curriculum is evidence-based, and designed by the expert team at Mental Health First Aid Australia, with accredited instructors delivering the courses nation-wide. At Mental Health Learning Australia, we believe that everyone should learn Mental Health First Aid, just like traditional first aid.

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West Tamar Council extends FOGO Service to urban areas of the West Tamar

TOP-LEFT: FOGO Waste collected by West Tamar Council TOP-RIGHT: FOGO bins now available in expanded areas of the West Tamar (PHOTOS: Supplied) The West Tamar Council is pleased to see the extension of our Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection service into the urban areas of Grindelwald, Rosevears, Lanena, Blackwall, Gravelly Beach, Exeter, Beaconsfield and Beauty Point.

The opt-in fortnightly kerbside collection gathers discarded food and garden waste which includes cooked or uncooked fruit and vegetables, lawn clippings, weeds, and garden leaves, for composting at the Launceston Waste Centre’s Organic Processing Facility.

“In 2018, we successfully introduced FOGO to our municipality in the highly populated areas of Trevallyn, Riverside and Legana,” West Tamar Council Mayor Christina Holmdahl said. “We are now able to extend the service to more urban areasof our municipality,

offering great value and an environmentally responsible way to deal with organic waste for those who choose to register”. Separating FOGO material from landfill reduces the production of Methane Gas, which is around 25 times

more damaging to the atmosphere than the same amount of CO2. A $100 (2022/2023) service charge will be added to the Rates notice of those properties who register. Registrations are open now via the council website, with the first collection in

extended areas by our new FOGO contractor Veolia, having commenced on the 15th July 2022. Further information is available at www.wtc.tas. gov.au/FOGO

Tasmanian Government expands access to Rapid Antigen Tests Orange card. There are 27 service centres located around Tasmania. To find the nearest centre call 1300 13 55 13 or visit www.service.tas.gov.au. Concession card holders seeking to collect their free RATs from Service Tasmania centres will need to show:

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is increasing the accessibility for free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) across Tasmania via Service Tasmania over the coming weeks. As the current Federal Government Program providing free RATS for concession card holders ends, the Tasmanian Government will expand free access to

RATS for concession card holders. From August 1, pharmacies will no longer distribute free RATs for concession card holders. Instead, Service Tasmania will be the new distribution point to get free RATs if you are a concession card holder. The same eligibility and product limits apply: 10

RATs over a 3-month period and a maximum of 5 per month. Eligible card holders include: Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; Health Care Card; Low Income Health Care Card; Pensioner Concession Card; and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or

your physical card; or your digital card in the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Importantly, RATs continue to be available for free for Tasmanians who have symptoms or are a close contact and can be collected from State Government distribution centres, or delivered to people who live in regional and rural areas of the State - regardless of their concession card status. RATs can be requested

online by visiting www. coronavirus.tas.gov.au or by calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. The current definition of a close contact is: anyone who lives with or stays overnight in the same premises as a case (which is someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 using a RAT or PCR test); or anyone who has spent more than 4 hours in a residential setting with a confirmed case during their infectious period. The infectious period of a case is two days prior to developing symptoms or two days prior to when they tested positive if they did not have symptoms. If you have been classed as a close contact of a positive COVID case, you can collect the necessary number of RATs for the 7-day period for free from state-

run distribution centres by completing a RAT request form on the coronavirus website or by calling the Public Health Hotline. Those unable to access one of these established collection points may be able to have them delivered to their home instead. If you get a positive result on a RAT you must notify Public Health by registering your RAT on the coronavirus Website or by calling the Public Health Hotline. PCR tests also remain freely available at state-run testing clinics for those symptomatic or close contacts, and results are usually provided within 48 hours. If you need help or support, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Have News? Email: News@TamarValleyNews.com.au

Mary’s late onset asthma highlights need for medical vigilance for older women outnumber men of the same age by well over 2 to 1. “It was never in our family, I never had it as a child or anything, and it was totally unexpected,” Mary explained about her asthma diagnosis. “I just noticed a couple of years ago, when I walked uphill, I was puffed, when I walked up the stairs I was puffing, and when I was doing a bit of gardening, puff puff, and I thought, ‘Heavens, maybe there’s something wrong with my heart’.” A visit to her doctor, who did a lung function test, confirmed that Mary had asthma – cold air and smoke are among common causes of asthma flare-ups. Her story highlights the importance of having your doctor diagnose any breathing difficulties. IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL VIGILENCE: Mary Keller (above) was diagnosed with adult-onset asthma, and says it’s important to see a doctor if you feel puffed. (PHOTO: Supplied) When the frigid winter winds sweep into Tasmania and wood heater smoke fills the air, retiree Mary Keller knows it’s time to keep her doors and windows sealed and guard her lungs until warmer weather returns. The reason for Mary’s extreme caution is her asth-

ma, which was only recently diagnosed at age 72, known as adult-onset asthma. Asthma remains a significant health condition in Australia, with the 2021 Census revealing it is one of the most common three health conditions in Aus-

tralia, behind only arthritis and mental illness. Females are more likely than males to have asthma (12.0% compared to 9.4%). Women over 55 account for well over 50% of annual asthma deaths, and asthma deaths of women over 75

“I just thought, ‘Goodness, that’s a bit late in the piece to be getting something like that’. I always thought it was a childhood disease because I know some of my friends when I was at school, they had it,” Mary said. “Well, I’ve always been a bit of a late developer, I must say,” she added with a laugh. “So maybe that’s part of it.”

Health data confirms that asthma is most common in childhood up to age 14. But it can emerge at any age, even in a person’s 50s, 60s, and 70s. There are about 2.7 million people in Australia with diagnosed asthma, and many more who, like Mary initially did, ignore their symptoms with the belief their breathlessness is due to poor fitness. Asthma Australia recommends anyone, but particularly adults over 50, who get out of breath more often, to not accept it as ‘a normal part of aging’. Talk to a doctor to test for conditions like asthma, so that the right treatments can be implemented. “The thing is, if people do feel puffed, they need to seek their doctor’s advice earlier rather than later,” Mary said. Thankfully for Mary, her doctor recognised her symptoms and took her new health challenges seriously. He prescribed a reliever, which she uses as needed, and a preventer for morning and night. It helps reduce her risk of flare-ups – and as for her environmental triggers, she avoids those as best she can.

“I was surprised, and I thought, ‘Why am I getting it now, in my dotage?’, getting asthma, but I’m managing it – I just have to keep away from the woodfire heaters, from breathing in the smoke, and the other thing that affects me too is the cold,” she said. “And we’ve had a lot of cold weather lately and consequently there’s a lot of wood smoke about the place. “I’m avoiding it as much as I can – and looking forward to summer.” People can stay connected with Asthma Australia’s Asthma Assist program, which provides a regular e-newsletter, brochures, videos and more to help inform and support those living with asthma. Click here for details: www. asthma.org.au/assist Further support is available by speaking to an Asthma Educator at 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). For information, visit: www. asthma.org.au/1800asthma For more information about living with asthma, visit the Asthma Australia website: https://asthma.org. au/treatment-diagnosis/ live-with-asthma/

Police urging Tasmanians to be wary of new ‘Lost Phone’ scam Police are reminding people to be wary if they receive a message via social media from people pretending to be close family members needing money urgently. Scammers are sending messages via social media sites such as WhatsApp. The scammers impersonate family members, sending messages that they have

lost, broken or had their phone stolen and urgently require funds to be transferred into their account.

likely that one or both family members have had their social media accounts hacked.

This scam results in people transferring funds to a bank account to assist their family member only to find out that it was not their family contacting them.

“Since last month, at least 10 Tasmanians have reported to police that they’ve been scammed with losses of over $50,000,” said Detective Sergeant Paul Turner.

In these situations, it is

“It’s timely to remind all Tasmanians to be wary for scams when online - if you are sending money to someone online check the legitimacy and that you know the person before you send any money”. Some other useful advice: · Never provide your identity over the phone without first confirming

who you are speaking with via legitimate source. · Never send money, digital currency, or gift cards to someone you do not know without first confirming they are legitimate via an independent source. · Ensure you have set adequate security settings on your social media and email accounts.

Anyone who thinks they are the victim of a scam should report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at https://www.cyber.gov.au/ acsc/report More information on general scams can be found at https://www.scamwatch. gov.au/

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New Art project aims to connect young people with local organisations and the older generation The doors will encourage patrons to stop and smile whilst viewing the artwork at the Irene Phelps Youth Art Competition and Exhibition in Beaconsfield in late November.

the older generation. This has been achieved through working with the Rotary Club of West Tamar and the Beaconsfield Men’s Shed for the competition and exhibition.

The art competition and exhibition has sparked interest in the community, with local members from the Rotary Club of West Tamar forming a committee to help organise the event and many local organisations reaching out to help with the project.

The Beaconsfield Men’s Shed members are making the miniature doors for Smile and their valuable knowledge and skills have been important in developing the project.

“There is a strong sense of community for this project and everyone loves having the opportunity to help our youth,” Mayor Christina Holmdahl said.

LEFT-TO-RIGHT: Cheryl Alleyn, Kim Reynolds, Michael Alleyn and Mandy Cooper with one of the doors. (PHOTO: Supplied)

“With so many gifted young artists in the West Tamar, we wanted to create an opportunity for them to have their work seen by the public and to gain exposure”.

The West Tamar Council’s Youth Department is excited to announce their latest art project Smile,

Part of the West Tamar Council’s Youth Strategy is to connect young people with local organisations and

in collaboration with the Rotary Club of West Tamar Inc. and the Beaconsfield Men’s Shed.

Smile is a series of miniature doors designed and painted by youth from Beaconsfield, Exeter and

Legana, adorned with personal quotes and original artwork.

The Men’s Shed’s Michael Alleyn said, “the Shed, which is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, is a space where you can learn new skills, be involved in community projects, get advice, or just come and share a laugh. It’s a great opportunity for men of all ages to connect, especially if they want to do creative woodworking projects or just gain friendly advice. We would love more young men to come along and take a look at what we do.”

Technology solution to help protect our Little Penguin colonies

Take a seat at the table in upcoming local government elections

Five students from South George Town Primary School have celebrated a winning project to build penguin boxes for the Low Head area as part of a university program to help re-establish the “Little Penguin” colony.

The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) and the Tasmanian Government are calling on people from all walks of life to consider running for their council in the local government elections later this year.

As part of this successful program, the students partnered with Port Dalrymple School to incorporate a method to record the usage of the boxes to determine how often they were being visited. The schools had been provided with Bitlink Internet of Things (IoT) kits as part of a project funded through the Launceston City Deal, which is a partnership between the Australian Federal Government, the Tasmanian Government and the Launceston City Council. This project also included funding to run an IoT Ideas Competition for schools asking student teams to prepare a short video

outlining their idea for an IoT innovation that could improve lives in a way that aligns with the four competition themes: smart homes, smart farms, smart cities, and smart schools. Using one of the supplied BBC micro:bit mini computers, former students Delilah Axton, Mason Johnson, Aiden McKay and Isabella Rigby (now at Port Dalrymple), and current student Oliver Clark designed, coded and assembled a digital counter that could be easily retro-fitted to the penguin boxes. Using a 3D printed enclosure housing the micro:bit computer, batteries and a motion sensor, the students successfully incorporated science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and design into their solution. The students also submitted their finished product into the IoT competition in the ‘Smart Cities’ category which involved preparing

a video presentation and a written report detailing their planning, designing and coding journey. The five students spent many hours of both class and their own time in preparing a polished presentation which was awarded first place in the greater Launceston area, outperforming teams from both public and private schools. This success carried with it an award of $1200 for our school, and $400 to be split equally among the five students. Nick Duigan, Member for Windermere congratulated the students on their outstanding success. “This is a great example of our students using modern technology to help solve a local issue and hopefully to help protect the ``Little Penguins’’ which are not only part of the local ecology but also a tourism attraction.

The joint campaign launches this week and encourages people to consider taking ‘A seat at the table’ to represent their local community. LGAT President, Australian Local Government Association of Australia Vice President and West Tamar Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the campaign will encourage diversity in local government. “Strong and effective councils reflect the diverse communities they serve,” Mayor Holmdahl said. “That’s why we must do all we can to encourage and empower people from a diverse range of backgrounds, abilities, genders and ages to stand for their community,”

she said.

values.

Local government offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work with residents and businesses and make a real difference in the lives of Tasmanians.

“Over four years, they help enable the economic, social and cultural development of the community, as well as supporting individuals and groups and providing a wide range of wellbeing services.

“It’s an enormous privilege to represent your community; I’d encourage everyone to consider giving it a go,” she said. Minister for Local Government Nic Street echoed the call, encouraging locals who want their voices heard to consider nominating. “As the closest level of government to the community, councils make important decisions every day that impact peoples’ lives and they should reflect the broad range of the communities they serve,” Minister Street said. Councillors, Deputy Mayors and Mayors all play a vital leadership role in developing and implementing their community’s vision and

“If you have a strong sense of community and are keen to make a difference in your local area, I urge you to consider nominating for the upcoming elections. If you are interested, there is plenty of support available to help you take that next step,” he said. Nominations for the local government elections open on 5th September, and voting starts in early October 2022. LGAT and the Office of Local Government have comprehensive information available on the LGAT website that provides potential candidates with all they need to run as a candidate in the election.

Have News? Email: News@TamarValleyNews.com.au

New Basketball And Netball Infrastructure Now Completed In The Graham Fairless Centre

ABOVE: Team Members from local Basketball and Netball Clubs, Mayor Greg Kieser, General Manager Shane Power, Alana Fazackerley – Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Culture, Arts and Sport | Department of State Growth, Nick Duigan and George Town Council Staff. (PHOTO: Supplied) The George Town Graham Fairless Centre indoor multi-sport facility project has now come to fruition with the completion of indoor basketball/netball infrastructure thanks to the funding received from the Tasmanian State Govern-

ment under the Improving the Playing Field Grants Program 2020-21. In line with the Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Sports and Recreation Strategy, the council has developed an indoor

basketball/netball facility at the Graham Fairless Centre to cater to the community’s needs. When consulting the Community, the question was asked of school children “what activity they would

like to do but cannot do currently” the respondent’s top answers were: Indoor basketball/netball facility and Local basketball competitions in George Town. The installation of indoor

basketball rings, electronic scoreboard, score bench, and player/public seating in the facility means that the above-mentioned needs of the community have now come to life. A fully functional state-of-the-art indoor basketball facility

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has led to the emergence of George Town’s first basketball association, which hosts junior competitions for our community. The infrastructure will also assist the George Town Netball club with indoor training and matches.

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Bookings open for Myrtle Park Camping Ground summer season

OPINION: Community concerned about rising power bills By Michelle O’Byrne, Labor Member for Bass

The City of Launceston has opened bookings for the Myrtle Park Camping Ground for the summer season ahead, with the popular park set to open to campers from Thursday, September 1, until Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Bookings for camp sites are now open through the Launceston Visitor Information Centre

and online via the City of Launceston website at launceston.tas.gov. au/MyrtlePark

Overnight camping fees at the site are $20 per campsite or $25 for a campsite with fire pit.

Thirty campsites will be available to the public, with fifteen sites boasting river frontage.

Fees are inclusive of two adults, while children 15 years of age and under stay free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

The hall will be available for bookings, while day-use areas such as the tennis courts and the café, will also reopen.

Extra adults incur a $5 per night charge and sites can accommodate a maximum of ten people.

The cost of living in Tasmania is pushing more and more households to the brink, with the latest increase coming from rising power prices. On the 1st of July power prices jumped a staggering 11.88 per cent, which is an average of $227 a year. Families are bearing the brunt of this increased cost of living, with petrol and groceries large contributing factors. Labor Member for Bass Michelle O’Byrne recently visited Ravenswood to speak with locals about their experience with the

unbearable cost of living crisis in Tasmania.

“Tasmanians are on the front line of an electricity bill crisis, with the choice between heating and eating becoming more and more a reality,” Ms O’Byrne said. “The stories that I have heard from Ravenswood just shows the depth of this crisis. The people of Bass are hurting from Guy Barnett’s failed promises. “It’s unacceptable that people are choosing between heating and eating in the very worst situations. “Out here in Ravenswood the people are resilient, and the

community always comes together in times of hardship. “Guy Barnett and the Rockliff-Ferguson Government need to support our bill that would cap power prices at 2.5 per cent to help Tasmanian households now. “Labor will continue to stand up for households and we have started a petition to take to the Parliament to cap power prices. “You can sign the petition at https:// taslabor.com/stopthe-power-bill-shock/, or visit your local Tasmanian Labor MP at their electorate office.”

August 2022 Is your event missing? You can now list your event online for FREE! Visit events.tamarvalleynews.com.au and click "List Your Event" - fill out the quick online form and your event will be listed in no time!

Stroke Foundation Community Information Session

@ Exeter Community Hub (Murray St, Exeter) Friday 12th August, 2022 from 10am - 11.30am The West Tamar Seniors’ Advisory Group invite you to attend a Community Information Session delivered by the Stroke Foundation. Bookings Essential - Full event details online.

George Town & District Historical Society – August Meeting

@ The Grove, 25 Cimitiere St, George Town Monday 15th August, 2022 starting at 7.30pm Full event details online, & on page 12

Conversations About Suicide Workshop

@ Launceston Conference Centre Thursday 18th August, 2022 from 1pm - 5pm This 4 Hour Workshop is a specialised Mental Health First Aid course designed to provide more in-depth understanding about suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and teach the skills necessary to safely support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Bookings Essential - Full event details online, & on page 3.

See full event details, and more events at events.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Have News? Email: News@TamarValleyNews.com.au

Crossword

Across

2 Triumph (7)

5 Arts hub reinvigorated common shrub (3,4)

3 Earth-shaking (7) 4 Twisted out of shape (9)

10 Fire-resistant tree (8)

6 "The game's ---!" (Shakespeare and Conan Doyle) (5)

11 Take it easy! (4,4)

7 Chatterbox (7)

12 Large beer bottle (6)

8 Beach habitués (7)

13 Scissors grinder (10)

10 Former national cricket captain (3,8)

15 Repose (4)

14 Evasion (9)

16 Global airline body (1,1,1,1)

17 Horizontal bearing (7)

19 Reliance (10)

18 Popular type of paint for artists (7)

22 Part of a car's steering system (3,3)

20 Overshadow (7)

24 On the books (8)

21 Closing items, usually, on TV screens (7)

25 Sydney surfing beach (4,4) 27

23 Just what the doctor ordered (5)

26 Pro bono (6)

Down

1 Incident (7)

9 Printers' or Tasmanian (6)

27 If you're doing it, you're on this (3,4) 28 Unfavourable (7)

Answers

Jokes

(Turn page upside down)

I used to be addicted to the hokey-pokey. Thankfully, I turned myself around. T

What are the world’s smartest animals? Fish, because they stay in schools.

What do you get when you pamper a cow? Spoiled milk.

A child asked his father, “How were people born?” So his father said, “Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on.” The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, “We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now.” The child ran back to his father and said, “You lied to me!” His father replied, “No, your mom was talking about her side of the family.” A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like that over dinner,” the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?” “Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”

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U U

Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Batman Bridge? Of course. The Batman Bridge can’t jump.

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QVMAG’s Curators in the Pub series to sort gems from junk ‘The Curators in the Pub talk series is a great way to share the incredible knowledge of our Curatorial team at QVMAG,’ Fitzgerald said. ‘There are many stories waiting to be shared from the QVMAG collection and this free event series is a great way to bring that knowledge out into the city for everyone to enjoy.’ QVMAG Public History Curator Jon Addison said the Curators in the Pub talk series was a great new program for QVMAG to launch in 2022. ‘It’s always enjoyable to find new and creative ways to share tales from our collection — particularly when it comes to taking these events to new venues across City,’ Addison said. ‘Our team have had a lot of fun putting this talk series together and we’re looking forward to the upcoming events. ‘I’m particularly looking forward to our Gems or Junk event as we explore the history behind family heirlooms brought along on the night. It’s always interesting to see what people pass down through each generation.’ ABOVE: QVMAG Public History Curator Jon Addison looking a vintage sewing machine. (PHOTO: Supplied) Have you ever wondered about the history behind a special family object? Or maybe you have an item that’s left you wondering about the story behind it? This month, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery’s Public History

Curator Jon Addison will be debunking the tales behind your favourite objects with ‘Gems or Junk: is your family heirloom really that special?’ as part of the Curators in the Pub talk series. With talks held at the Kingsway Bar and the Kings

Bridge Bar and Restaurant in Launceston throughout August, the Curators in the Pub series will explore the forgotten stories of sporting clubs in Launceston, the history behind your beloved family heirlooms, and why Tasmania is the place to be for artists, makers and

everything in between. General Manager of Creative Arts & Cultural Services Shane Fitzgerald said the QVMAG Curators in the Pub series would be an exciting new offering for Launceston’s events calendar in August.

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Talks include: A history of sporting clubs in Launnie 6.30pm, Thursday, 04 August 2022 | Kingsway Bar Join History detective Ross Smith and History Curator Jon Addison for a trip down sporting memory

lane, as they reveal the many forgotten sporting teams of the past. If you have any sporting memorabilia you may wish to show or find out about, bring it in. You may find that your grandparent was a sporting great. Island mecca — why artists flock to Tassie 6.30pm, Thursday, 11 August 2022 | Kingsway Bar Join QVMAG Senior Curator of Art Ashley Bird and local artist Josh Foley as they talk about street art to fine art in Tasmania and find out what makes Tassie the place to be for artists, makers and everything in between. Gems or Junk: is your family heirloom really that special? 6.30pm, Thursday, 18 August 2022 | Kings Bridge Bar and Restaurant Do you have a special family object? Do you own a ‘thing’ which is really interesting but you don’t know anything about it? If your answer to any of this is ‘Yes’, you will enjoy Gems or Junk with QVMAG History Curator, Jon Addison as he answers your curly questions about the history of interesting items you might own. It’s like a travelling antique fair — but without valuations and with beer. The Curators in the Pub talk series is free to attend with registration via the QVMAG Eventbrite page.

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Tales of the Tamar modation of the chaplain, the Rev. J. Youl (father of J. A. Youl, Esq., now in London), whose cure then embraced the northern half of the island.

ABOVE: Reg. W Treasure’s drawing of the Youl’s Residence/Female Factory from “Treasures of George Town” published by GT&DHS Inc. 2003 Supplied by Diane Phillips

[This article is reprinted with the permission of The Examiner. It first appeared in the Launceston Examiner, Sat 29 June 1889 and was reprinted in The Tasmanian a week later. It refers to the demise of the house built for Revd John Youl, that became the Female Factory from 1825-1834 and later housed the Magistrate.] SOME RECOLLECTIONS OF GEORGE TOWN. When the season returns for excursions to George Town, visitors will miss an object that has long been familiar. The large two-storey brick building fronting on Cimitiere street, about half way across Regent Square, known as the Police Office, has ceased to exist. It had long been in a very dilapidated condition, and for several years it bad been

deemed too unsafe to be inhabited; indeed it was considered that it was owing chiefly to the admirable structure of its roof that the walls were held together. Be this as it may, the building has long been regarded with suspicion by the villagers, and probably not a morning has passed after a stormy night, that many eyes have been directed to it in the full expectation that it must have succumbed. Still it maintained its vertical position, continuing to look down like some venerable patriarch on the changing fortunes of the place with which for the last 70 years it has been associated, and of which it might not inappropriately be imagined to be the accredited guardian. As we have stated, the house has been unoccupied for many years, and piece by piece much that was mov-

able has been taken away. The property was sold by the Government fifteen or sixteen years ago, and the purchaser, Mr. T. C. Just, removed the windows and the doors and staircase, which were made of Blackwood. Possibly some of the bricks may also have been borrowed, for of course no one would think of wrongfully appropriating Imperial articles, to say nothing of the fact that every one was stamped with a huge broad arrow! Shortly afterwards the property was purchased by Mr. W. Lawton, the present owner. Deserted and mutilated, the building had long presented a melancholy aspect, and as the weather had continually been gaining more ready access to the walls, the effect had been to make them increasingly insecure. Last week the end was evidently not

very remote, and on Friday afternoon the western wall, with about half the northern wall, fell in, accompanied by the western side of the roof; and on Monday another large portion of the northern wall and roof fell. The shock and strain caused by the falling material, especially the second floor, so shattered the remainder that it could no longer be neglected, and Mr. Lawton at once took steps for having it pulled down, and this was successfully accomplished on Thursday last without accident of any kind. Only a mass of bricks and timber now marks the site of this long familiar and historic stricture. The building in question is said to have been erected in 1818, some thirteen or fourteen years after the first settlement of the colony at Risdon by Lieut. Bowen. It was intended for the accom-

A site for a church was at the same time reserved at the southern angle of Cimitiere and Elizabeth streets (opposite the property known as The Grove, built by Lieut. Friend, R.N., and for many years occupied by Dr. Richardson). The church was commenced, but for some reason long since forgotten its character, before completion, was altered and it became a school, and this was burnt down a few years after, the prisoner women from the neighbouring factory bringing their wash-tubs and buckets with water in the vain attempt to extinguish the flames. For some little time George Town was the head-quarters of the Government on the northern side of the colony. Twice it was visited by Governor Macquarie, who came from Sydney, accompanied by his wife. Indeed Lady Macquarie receives credit for having, in one of her numerous exploring rambles, discovered the spring of fresh water which issues from the sandy rise a little beyond the Post-office, and after following the hollow at the rear of Hyrons’ old house, crosses the main road to the Heads a couple of hundred yards beyond on its way to the river. Colonel Arthur, when Lieut-Governor of the island, occasionally visited George Town, and was entertained by the Commandant, who resided in the Government Cottage, at the corner of Ann and Cimitiere streets. From 100 to 150 male convicts were lodged in a penitentiary at

the lower end of Ann-street, where the cottage of Mrs. Patterson now stands. The gaol was on the site of the present watch-house, together with barracks for a small military guard. The prisoners were occupied chiefly in quarrying and burning limestone at West [Middle] Arm for the buildings required at George Town, and latterly for the lighthouse at the Heads. One cannot look back to that period without regret that, with so much of a useful and permanent character needed to be done, human labour should have been wasted with such criminal prodigality. The streets of the township were, indeed, marked out, and channels cut to carry off the storm water; but no attempt was made to construct a road to Launceston to which, at a very early period, it had been found necessary to transfer the head quarters. In consequence of the non-existence of such a road all the visits of the Governor and Lieut.-Governor had to be made by boat, and a large cutter (the Opossum) was maintained almost exclusively for the purpose of transporting prisoners and stores between the two places. The building whose history we have been sketching, though originally intended for the residence of the Colonial Chaplain, as he was then designated, was never so occupied. # # Despite this comment, there is proof that the Youl family did live here from 1821 -1824.

To be continued in the September Edition...

GEORGE TOWN & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC. Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month, starting at 7.30 pm with most meetings held at The Grove in Elizabeth St and are open to the public The next meeting will be held on MONDAY, 15th August, starting at 7.30pm, at The Grove. COVID precautions will be in place and attendees must wear a mask. Speaker: SPEAKER: Jill Holland - Living in New Guinea from 1973 – 1985 – the next chapter. Jill’s story will begin where she left off last August, after her marriage to Frank and their move to the Trobriand Islands. If there are any changes, members will be advised by email. FOR UPDATES SEE: George Town & District Historical Society Facebook Page. www.facebook.com/George-Town-and-District-Historical-Society-1375090549395357/

Email info@gtdhs.com or Phone 6382 4412.