Launceston's Old Brisbane Arcade is showcasing an exhibition this winter, bringing local nostalgia to the forefront as part of the Launceston Memory Lane event.
This unique exhibition pays homage to the city's past 50 years, capturing the essence of bygone days in the city center.
Curated by Launceston resident Andrew Johnson, in collaboration with the storytelling expertise of Ali Kerr, the Memory Lane exhibition proudly presents a collection of photographs and memorabilia spanning the last half-century. These carefully selected artifacts aim to evoke fond memories and spark reminiscences
of Launceston's vibrant history.
“We've trawled the archives and worked with local organisations such as Theatre North, QVMAG and the Chamber of Commerce to find some wonderful artefacts from the last 50 years and we're inviting everyone to 'Remember when...',” said Mr Johnson.
“Whether its skating at Roller World, buying cassette tapes at Wills, or buying flowers at Hinton Lloyd or the Quadrant Mall flower cart, we invite you to come along and see whether your best memories of Launceston city centre are on display,” he said.
The exhibition was conceived by Launceston Central, previously known
as Cityprom, as part of the organisation's rebranding. With over 30 years of dedicated city marketing and activation, Cityprom recently relaunched as Launceston Central: your guide to the city.
“We thought, what better way to say hello to the future of the city than with a look back at the past,” said Launceston Central’s Executive Officer, Amanda McEvoy.
“The Launceston Memory Lane exhibition is a tribute to the people, businesses and memories that have shaped our city over the past 50 years as we look to the future with the launch of our new brand and website,” Ms. McEvoy added.
Considering the multitude of significant developments
currently underway in Launceston, such as The Shed, Penny Royal, Rebel Sport, St Luke's Health, and the revitalization of the old Polly Shoes building, it is enthralling to contemplate the city's future and what we might look back on in another 50 years.
As part of the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to share their adoration for Launceston in 2023, for an opportunity to contribute to a time capsule. By doing so, they will also have a chance to win an exciting city staycation.
The Launceston Memory Lane exhibition can be enjoyed daily at the Old Brisbane Arcade, starting from Wednesday, June 14th, and will run until Monday,
August 14th. Admission is free, welcoming all to relish the historical journey through Launceston's captivating past.
For more details visit: launcestoncentral.com. au
Mary is a carer for her husband, Bruce, who has Huntington’s disease.
With Carer Gateway’s support, Mary gained some time for a break to recharge her batteries and unwind, and to connect with other carers just like her.
Care2Serve is the local, Tassie team providing Carer Gateway services.
If you are a carer and would like help too, contact us. Support is free, inclusive, and confidential.
Carer Gateway helped me get some time for a break.
The winter season brings with it a sense of enchantment and wonder, and as many may agree a chill factor that goes straight through to your bones!
At Tamar Valley Steiner School, this magical time has been celebrated annually, since the school’s inception back in 2017, through a cherished tradition known as the Winter Spiral Ceremony.
The ceremony, observed by schools worldwide, originates from cultural traditions that honour the longest night of the year, known as the Solstice myth or mid-winter myth period.
The Winter Spiral Ceremony serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of unity and connection during the colder months.
The focal point of the ceremony is the spiral path, a winding trail of candles shimmering inside apples.
The children walk reverently to the centre where they can light the candle and then place it around the spiral where the next apple and candle should be placed.
With each candle added, the glow intensifies, transforming the once-darkened space into a luminous spectacle.
“The school was started by a group of really inspired parents who wanted to bring more meaning and connection back to their families
and their connection to nature and the seasonal cycles around them. When we first started the school with parents and children, we probably had about 20 or 30 candles around the spiral, we now have around 140.” Said School Principal, Carolyn Scott-Burgess.
“For us, we started [the ceremony] by acknowledging the fact that we know that this land is of the first Tasmanians, the Palawa people. For them, there’s the symbolism and sacredness in the flame and in fire and very much part of their traditions, culture and relationship to land and place and in gathering in winter.”
Carolyn went on to share, “cultures all over the world have this relationship to fire and it’s our time with the children of the school to bring that reverence to the fact that this fire represents the inner light within us when we are reaching the darkest times of the year and it’s an opportunity for us to tune into our inner spirit, our inner light, and to share that with the world.”
The process of the spiral ceremony signifies the process of sharing and bringing reverence and respect to our inner light.
Some common reactions and feelings expressed by the families and children are those of joy and for the children, a sense of responsibility.
“There’s a real sense of pride and confidence in them that
you see that they take this on, and obviously the whole community is watching them very fervently and watching how they enter the circle.”
“The little people, some of them come with the accompanying help of their mother or father if they are a little bit shy. The gift to them is in being able to be given that responsibility of holding the apple with the candle.”
“There’s a big joy, there’s this real sense of responsibility and the sacredness of them in looking after that little light and so they carefully carry that around the place that they’re going to put it in the circle.”
“Slowly as a school and as the whole community, we build up a spiral of candle lights by these apples that are containing the candles and being placed around the
circle.”
Throughout the ceremony, the air resonates with the harmonious melodies of the group, singing songs that recognise winter and candlelight.
“Part of this rhythm in nature and our acknowledgement of what it means to us as human beings in having this darker time of the year where it's a bit of a time to come in and reconnect with our intentions for the world and how it is we want to be in the world. That process of being a part of that is just a really nice way of representing that.”
Carolyn said the school had received plenty of heart-warming feedback from families with many children stating it was their favourite festival of the year.
Whilst the children don’t
make the candles that form part of the spiral, they certainly don’t miss out on decorating other candles during this time of the year. Some of the children assist with coring the apples and placing the candles inside of them.
In an effort to reduce waste, with the assistance of the older children, the apples are collected and sent to farms to feed animals whilst the foliage is taken to be composted.
“We end up not having really any waste, that kind of links very well with our sustainability values. It’s great that there’s a sense of the children not having that throw away attitude that’s really valuing.”
Carolyn also added, “as Tasmanians here in the middle of winter where outside can sometimes get a
little bit bleak and feel that there is that sense of really needing to retreat, we send our winter blessings to the Tasmanian community, the Northern Tasmanian community and hope that they have that opportunity to use this winter time as a way of reconnecting with their inner light and making plans for the future as it unfolds throughout the next year.”
The Tea Shop 101 on the George Street Boulevard, Launceston 0422 963 014
PHOTOS: Supplied
By Zac LockhartAfter a vandal took aim at a picnic table in Gravelly Beach, a group of locals have come together to restore the fixture, and in doing so, have highlighted the strengths of the local community.
Chantelle Morrison, a Gravelly Beach resident, said the picnic table has been at Patricia’s Beach for 30 years, after originally being placed there by the ranger from Trevallyn.
“The beach is well used by a few regular residents, & most of the local community” she said, “more so during the summer months we get people from afar, as I spend a lot of time there I'm talking with people from Launceston areas visiting to take in the beautiful scenery.”
“The lady opposite the beach has lived there for 53 years now, Patricia Beams has maintained and looks
after the conservation of the whole area there since her residency” she added.
After posting to a community Facebook group, Chantelle was approached by multiple people to offer assistance, including the local Rotary club.
Luckily, one offer of help came from local resident Herman Mills who offered to help restore it if Chantelle could source the materials needed.
It was then that Chantelle paid a visit to Chris at Exeter Hardware, who without hesitation supplied them with the 13 lengths of treated pine timber, 26 bolts, nuts and washers required to restore the bench.
Within days, the team had restored the fixture, including giving the frame a fresh coat of paint, and were able to celebrate together with other locals by enjoying champagne and nibbles from the newly restored
40
picnic table.
When asked if she had a message for the vandals, Chantelle said she hoped they were remorseful for what they’ve done.
“To smash, wreck, trash & demolish the way they have, they should be utterly ashamed of themselves.”
“The attitude and mindset of the perpetrator needs attention, the destructive
behaviour is disgraceful. I hope they read your article & hang their head in shame” she added.
Chantelle also expressed deep gratitude to Chris and the team at Exeter Hardware for supplying the materials needed, Herman Mills for doing the repair work, as well as to Sarah Dockrell from the West Tamar Rotary Club, and all the locals who were involved, adding that a plaque has been ordered
Managers: Allan And Stacey
Where one day is never enough!
Living with arthritis can be a real challenge. Sometimes you just need to speak with someone who has been in your shoes and understands what you’re going through.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis
Tasmania are a local organisation who have been operating for 47 years, working hard to provide information and support about all types of arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions to Tasmanians.
As part of their services, they operate a toll-free Arthritis Infoline which can be accessed by calling 1800 011 041 and operates 10.00am to 4.00pm (AEST) Monday to Friday. Your call will be answered by a fully trained volunteer team member who lives with arthritis just like you.
They’re able to understand what you’re going through, and are there to listen when you need it, as well as
providing the support that’s best for you.
They provide a range of evidence-based resources from information sheets and booklets about arthritis, the different types, as well as tips and support to help you get back to enjoying your life and living well with arthritis.
“People can trust that we’re evidence-based, we’re not selling snake oil,” said Jackie Slyp, Chief Executive Officer of Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania.
“We’re up to speed on new research,” added Slyp.
“There may be times when you are advised to go back and check something with your doctor or other treating health professional, particularly if the issue relates to medicine dosage. This is because your treating health professional understands your overall health and any
other conditions you may have, so it may be better to talk through an issue with them. Wherever possible, however, we will try to answer your questions and guide you to where you can best access information.”
“We know all too well that life with arthritis can be daunting, uncertain, or overwhelming. You are not alone – Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania is here to provide the support you need from someone who understands.”
The grassroots organisation aims to provide support to patients, understanding that patients often only get 10-15 minutes with their doctor and some concerns may be brushed aside as ‘just arthritis.’ The Infoline offers patients a way to get trusted support and advice from someone with the time to listen and understand.
Whether you or someone
you care for is living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis
or another type of arthritis, resources and support are available for you by contact-
ing the Arthritis Infoline on 1800 011 041
Some say we should keep sport out of politics. But that seems to be almost impossible in the case of Tasmania.
The announcement that Tasmania will get its own AFL team has become the centrepiece of one of the fiercest political battles the state has seen – and it’s about a stadium.
As part of the deal to launch the 19th AFL team, the league required Tasmania to build a fresh stadium, which was agreed to be a new precinct on the Hobart waterfront.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has pledged $375 million from the state government to build the precinct, about half the $715 million price tag. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also pledged $240 million from the federal government, plus $65 million for an upgrade to Launceston’s York Park. And the AFL has promised $15 million towards the stadium.
But Rockliff has come under fire from all directions for the cost of the new precinct. It has led to him losing his majority in the lower house after two Liberals resigned over the stadium, pushing
the nation’s only Liberal state government into minority.
Tasmanian Labor has argued the government shouldn’t be committing to the stadium amid a costof-living crisis, although the party still supports a Tasmanian AFL team.
The Tasmanian Greens also withdrew their support for the team based on the costs of the stadium, while the disaffected Liberals say they want more transparency.
There have also been public protests on the grounds that Tasmania shouldn’t be building a new stadium precinct when it has a health and housing crisis, with some people being forced to live in makeshift campsites in Hobart.
While it was hoped that having an AFL team at last would bring Tasmanians together, some believe it has split them politically.
Despite the understandable concerns about health and housing, some misconceptions have formed about the economics of the Tasmanian team.
Tasmanian government research suggests there will be knock-on benefits from the new precinct in terms of extra economic activity, estimated at $2.2 billion over 25 years, including 6,720 new
jobs and a potential boost to tourism of around 123,500 international and interstate visitors per year, plus visitors from elsewhere in Tasmania coming to watch the games in Hobart.
Queensland is getting $3.4 billion from the federal government for stadium upgrades for the Gabba and other facilities for the Brisbane Olympics 2032. So the Commonwealth’s $240 million for Tasmania is relatively cheap.
This is especially the case when you consider this sets up the Tasmanian team for the rest of the century, while the Olympics and Paralympics are held across just four weeks.
What’s more, the precinct in Tasmania is cheaper than recent stadiums built in the United States for NFL teams and in Europe for soccer, where price tags routinely top A$1.5 billion and are often partially financed by local and state governments.
In some ways, building a new stadium precinct is like building a new bridge. Because of the huge initial outlay, it can only be done by government, as the returns are public and cannot be totally captured commercially. No private-sector funder could make a return on it, and nor could a sporting organisation. Like the AFL itself, it’s a public good.
Having a team in Tasmania is a significant social investment. In assessing the value of the new precinct, we should look at its creative and community potential in addition to the excitement of the Tasmanian team in the AFL.
Yet the political stakes are undeniably high. If the stadium precinct is blocked
by the parliament, Tasmania will lose its AFL team – likely forever. And the stadium’s opponents, whether it be the Greens, the independents or Tasmanian Labor, will likely get the blame.
The death of the Tasmanian team would then be worn like a crown of thorns for at least a generation or two.
Tim Harcourt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This article was orginally published on The Conversation.
St John Ambulance, a renowned name in the industry of first aid training, supplies and emergency care, continues to redefine healthcare excellence after a recent move four months ago to their new fit-for-purpose facility located at 330 Invermay Road, Mowbray.
Continuing their legacy of excellence, St John Ambulance celebrated their 140th anniversary in June, highlighting their enduring commitment to the community and remarkable journey, with the hope it would serve as a platform to underscore the vital importance of first aid for all, increasing awareness about equipping individuals with necessary knowledge and skills for crucial emergency assistance.
St John was established in Australia through the delivery of first aid to Victorian railway and early industry workers in 1883. The initial training of ‘railway men’ occurred through local Association Centres, and then later through their own Railway Association Centres. This transition then
segued into the purchase of first aid books, bandages, and training resources from St John England, which continued until 1967.
This signified the beginning of St John Ambulance services in Australia, driven by the community’s needs.
The popularity of First Aid grew rapidly, leading to the formation of Volunteer-led Brigades in 1887 to further expand their reach to the masses.
With 140 years of experience in Australia, St John Ambulance has earned a reputation as industry leaders, consistently setting a benchmark of excellence in first aid training. The organization is supported by a dedicated and passionate network of volunteers who demonstrate unwavering commitment to keeping the Tasmanian community safe through the provision of first aid services.
Over the decades, St John has grown to become a large national organisation reaching every state and territory.
Now part of an international network spanning across 44 countries worldwide, St John Ambulance emphasizes the opportunity for collective celebration of their numerous services and the positive impacts achieved within their diverse communities. Furthermore, there is an opportunity for unity to acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by over 20,000 volunteers and staff nationwide.
Motivated by the goal of establishing a modern facility suitable for their needs, St John Ambulance made the decision to move to the new Mowbray location.
The new fit-for-purpose facility will not only serve as a venue for first aid training but also house their supplies store and Scooters and Mobility, their dedicated mobility aid store.
As a registered not-forprofit organization, every purchase made with St John, whether it’s a training course, a first aid kit, or even a scooter from Scooters and Mobility, directly
contributes to supporting the community.
The relocation has provided St John Ambulance with large new training rooms offering a comfortable experience for their participants along with allowing them the opportunity to adequately practice social distancing.
Looking to the future, St John Ambulance hope to expand their community care programs that provide support to community members to live a more independent lifestyle. The community care program offers clients transport to medical appointments, shopping and a friendly visit to the client’s home to provide company to those who are feeling lonely.
With a goal to ensure every Tasmanian, young or old, is equipped with lifesaving first aid skills, St John Ambulance hope to expand their First Aid in Schools program too. The First Aid in Schools program delivers first aid education to children from Kinder to Year 7. As of December
2022, over 12,000 children received first aid training through the program which is offered at no cost to the school.
“St John has been helping Australian communities stay safe through first aid for 140 years, and here at St John Ambulance Tasmania it is our mission to make every Tasmanian safer by equipping them with essential life-saving skills.” Said CEO Andrew Paynter.
St John Ambulance recently unveiled survey findings indicating that around 72% of Australians have encountered a health or medical emergency, while more than half of those individuals expressed a lack of confidence in their capacity to administer first aid during such circumstances.
More than half of those who witnessed a health or medical emergency had provided first aid to someone during the emergency.
Results also found that those who had undertaken first aid training in the past 3 years were significantly
more likely, than those who haven’t, to have confidence in their ability to provide care in an emergency (74% compared to 31%).
“We urge anyone who might be thinking about doing their fist aid for the first time, or those who need to brush up their skills, to not delay. The uncomfortable truth is that emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. And you might just make the difference in saving someone’s life.”
At St John Ambulance’s new Mowbray location, you will find everything necessary to ensure your safety and maintain your independence.
With a comprehensive range of services available under one roof, you can benefit from expert first aid training and access high-quality first aid supplies.
Additionally, you can explore St John’s NDIS registered Scooters and Mobility store, which offers state-of-the-art scooters and a wide array of mobility and rehabilitation aids.
ing, details the thinking and feelings behind being an entrepreneur that may resonate with many. When asked if he had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, Miles responded, “It’s not something I gave a whole lot of thought to when I was younger, but there were certain signs when I was growing up. The influence of my old man running a business and other things rubbed off somewhat. Having an independent nature is probably another contributing factor.”
By Toby StrochnetterMore and more people today are branching out and are breaking the status quo by paving their own pathway in the business world, as well as pursuing their passions. Due to this, entrepreneurship seems as ideal as ever to the younger generations.
Business ownership is hard, yet we’re starting to see more young people in business and/or entrepreneurship, whether it be for reasons such as independence or the ambition to fulfil a dream, or both, the lifestyle of working for
yourself has its appeal.
A small business is defined as a business that employs less than 20 people. Based on that definition, small businesses accounted for 97.4% of all businesses in Australia in 2018-2019, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. A surprising statistic, of course, however it isn’t so surprising when you take into consideration how Aussies perceive entrepreneurship.
70% of people aged 18 to 64 think they have the knowledge, skills, and experience
needed to start a company. That is the majority of people in Australia.
With this fact alone, it’s likely that a huge portion of people would consider branching out into the field of small business and entrepreneurship.
Reviewing all these factors, including the struggles of business already being difficult, we reached out to a young Entrepreneur to talk about their experiences.
Miles Hirst, a 21-year-old Tasmanian entrepreneur who runs his own business, Refined Window Clean-
“When I was in primary school, we had like these… Remember lume bandz? Whatever they were, where you used the rubber bands to make stuff out of them. I tried to start a little business out of that, I can’t remember if it was too successful or not.”
Miles detailed a childhood story some may relate to.
As young as primary school, many have the passing by dream of selling a product they believe people would love. Some keep that passion, carrying it into adulthood. However, some are afraid of the possibilities of starting a project up by yourself.
Failure, regret, and mistakes are usually what prevent people from taking a leap
into the business and entrepreneur world.
When asked about what his biggest regret and mistake in business was, Miles curtly replied, “Not getting started sooner.”
Allowing the fear of regrets or making mistakes to hinder your progress can ironically become the regret or mistake itself.
Numerous studies have concluded that a person’s biggest regret is and will likely be not following their dreams. According to Wealth Research Group, 98% of people die without fulfilling their dreams. It seems like in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, whether it is career directed or not. “Get started and start small. Depending on the complexity of what you’re doing, you want to avoid preparing your business to launch over a 6 to 12 month period.” Miles advised those, young and old, looking into business.
“You want to ideally get up and running in a few weeks because sometimes you can get so caught up procrastinating with wanting to get everything perfect off the bat that you ironically end up not starting the business at all, and that's something I’ve seen in my experience
first-hand, with a business prior to Refined Window Cleaning.”
Miles concludes his advice on a very real yet encouraging note, “I would say you're going to face rejection, and there’s a fair chance it could come from family members and those that you love, but you can't take it to heart. You just have to execute your goal and believe in your own vision. And yeah, have persistence and courage and whatever you do never give up because most people do. And that's why they never, I guess, achieve what they started out to achieve.”
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or not, if you would like to help small businesses and entrepreneurs, an easy good step is to find them on social media. By sharing, liking, or following small businesses, it gives them an extra boost to be visible to those interested in their services and supports people’s livelihoods as well as their dreams.
Those who follow their dreams are reportedly more happier in life, so it’s great to support others as well as yourself.
Launceston Acting Mayor Matthew Garwood has welcomed a $27.5m State Government contribution towards the Northern Suburbs Recreation Hub project, announced as part of the recent State Budget.
The hub was identified in the City of Launceston's My Place My Future Northern suburbs revitalisation plan
to help address a critical shortage of indoor sporting facilities in Launceston and to improve access to local community, sport and recreation infrastructure and programs in the Northern Suburbs.
The Federal Government has pledged $15m towards the project, while the City of Launceston has also com-
mitted $1.1m.
The project will be delivered and owned by the State Government.
The proposed Northern Suburbs Recreation Hub will include both outdoor and indoor recreational spaces — addressing a current shortfall in Northern Tasmania — catering to
sports like netball, basketball, volleyball and more.
"The Northern Suburbs Recreation Hub project has huge potential to improve recreational options for Launceston's Northern suburbs, and the wider region," Cr Garwood said.
"It has been nearly 40 years since a major new indoor
sports complex was developed in Launceston, and we know the demand for these spaces has only grown in that time.
"The City of Launceston welcomes this important funding allocation by the State Government, which will see the construction of a state-of-the-art recreation facility in Mowbray.
"This project has the potential to be a game-changer for Launceston's Northern suburbs, opening new sporting pathways, building new community and social networks, and creating new economic and employment opportunities."
(Turn page upside down)
How do you organize a space party? You planet!
My father came home after a long day working outside in the freezing cold to find me standing in front of a roaring fire in our living room. He was extremely mad as we didn’t have a fireplace.
How do you keep an idiot busy for hours?
Write “Please turn over” on both sides of a piece of paper.
I asked the gym instructor if he could teach me to do the splits. He replied, “How flexible are you?” I said, “I can’t make it on Tuesdays.”
What has keys but can’t open locks? A Piano
Answer (Turn page upside down)
be free to read, meaning that anyone can pick up a copy, or read online.”
“We know from publishing the Tamar Valley News that modern audiences prefer to access their publications online, and we’ve worked to create an easy to navigate website to enable that, however we’re not neglecting the printed editions either, because we know that not everyone has reliable internet access, and some people just prefer the aesthetics of a printed newspaper or magazine.”
Getting involved with the magazine will be easy, with multiple opportunities available.
website, but we’re also partnering with a number of local businesses to offer discounts and special offers to our members who will receive a physical membership card when they subscribe, and will be able to show this at those select businesses in order to receive those discounts and offers.”
For those wishing to advertise their business, the Hyperlocal Media team have kept advertising costs affordable, with package deals and discounts available.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Launceston as Hyperlocal Media announces the launch of their exciting new publication, ‘The Launceston Lively Magazine’.
With a mission to capture
the essence of the city and showcase its unique stories, the magazine is set to hit the shelves on July 12th, 2023.
“Launceston is a great city, but I think many of us take it for granted.” Said Zac Lockhart, Managing Direc-
tor of Hyperlocal Media. “With this new magazine, we hope to tell the stories of Launceston - it’s people, businesses, communities and cultures.”
The Launceston Lively Magazine will be pub-
lished monthly, with print copies set to be distributed throughout small businesses, newsagents and waiting rooms in and around Launceston, as well as a heavy focus on digital distribution.
“Firstly, the Magazine will
“We’ve implemented a Friends of Launceston Lively program, which will offer the opportunity for readers to support the magazine by subscribing for just $59 per year, unlocking additional benefits such as getting the magazine delivered directly in the mail, and reading premium content on our
“It’s really important to us that our advertising options are effective, and affordable. Our recent survey of Tamar Valley News readers showed that over 57% of readers have purchased from a business after seeing their ad in the newspaper, and we anticipate similar statistics with the Magazine.”
For more information, visit launcestonlively. com.au
Brayden Cowell started playing basketball 10 years ago and quickly discovered it was something he wanted to stick with.
“It really became a part of me when I moved to Launceston in 2015,” Brayden said.
“Basketball is respect of the skill type of thing, and I always want to give the respect to that”
It started as a hobby for Brayden but quickly became something more. He joined the Tasmanian team in 2022, thinking that would be the extent of his basketball career.
While representing Tasmania was an aspiration, being called up to The Australian Boomerangs surpassed all
expectations.
“Tasmania was the only thing I thought I was going to be a part of before I was called up to the Aus team.”
The Australian Boomerangs are a Men’s national representative team for athletes with an intellectual impairment. The Boomerangs represent Australia on the international stage in such events as the Virtus (formally INAS) World Championships and Global Games.
Virtus is the recognized International Organization of Sport for people with a Disability (IOSD) and is a full member of the International Paralympic Committee representing intellectual disability.
Athletes must meet stringent Virtus criteria to be classified as eligible to com-
The Virtus Global Games (GG) took place in Vichy France in June 2023. The Australian Boomerangs had a total of 5 games, going up against USA, France, Japan, Poland and Portugal coming out undefeated beating Portugal 98-68, winning gold and becoming the first Australian team to do it.
“My time there is something I never want to forget; I would be able to say that I played against the world's best in the sport and came out with gold, I made a new family with my team, and I can't wait for what it brings me next.”
Brayden and the rest of the Australian team have certainly made us all very proud with the effort they have put in and what they have gone on to achieve.
Looking ahead, Cowell revealed that his sights are set on the upcoming Ivor Burge Tournament, where he will once again proudly represent Tasmania. With great anticipation, Cowell aims to showcase his skills and bring glory to his home state.
As Brayden Cowell continues to soar to new heights in his basketball career, the local community rallies behind him, celebrating his achievements with immense pride.
With his unwavering dedication, skill, and respect for the game, Cowell is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of basketball, carrying the spirit of Launceston and Australia with him on his remarkable journey.
Kings Meadows rivulet is one of Launceston's most well-known urban waterways.
Beginning in Kate Reed Reserve, the rivulet flows through Kings Meadows, the Punchbowl Reserve, and into the North Esk River where it joins the kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary.
In past decades, the rivulet was heavily impacted by pollution and was effectively a dead zone with no aquatic life.
However, in recent years the City of Launceston has worked alongside a range of other agencies and community groups to put sediment and erosion controls in place, improve the management of trade waste, plant new riparian zones, and undertake a sewerage intrusion investigation project with the aim of improving
the waterway's health.
The Council has also collaborated on community education projects focused on urban waterways, including Tamar NRM's Source to Sea program, the Kings Meadows ABCDE Learning Site and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery's Big Day of Science.
City of Launceston Manager of Parks and Sustainability Kathryn Pugh said these various environmental projects were making a positive difference to Kings Meadows Rivulet.
"What we saw in past years is that there were no macroinvertebrates in Kings Meadows Rivulet at all," Ms Pugh said.
"What we have found since these various improvements have been made is the return of aquatic life to the
"Recent surveys now show snails, caddisflies, fly larvae, midges, gnats and dragonflies.
"Macroinvertebrates are the foundation of ecosystems and they play a critical role in a healthy waterway,
sustaining other plants and animals." City of Launceston Acting Mayor Matthew Garwood said it was pleasing to see such a positive outcome for the rivulet.
"June 5, marks World Environment Day, which encourages awareness and action for the protection
of the environment," Cr
said.
"Kings Meadows rivulet is a great example of a waterway which was once uncared for and — thanks to the hard work of many people in our community — is slowly but surely returning to a healthier state.
"We can all play a role in caring for our urban waterways, by respecting our environment, being careful what we wash down the drain and by ensuring we don't litter."
The Cameron family returned to Newnham from a brief trip to London in September 1845.
With his commitments as a Justice of the Peace, and the stagnant retail market, John decided to relinquish the shop, announcing on 4th April 1846 that he was selling his stock. He retired in favour of J.H. Thompson on 30th September. Goods continued to be imported in John's name, and he continued his exports of wool to London, and various commodities to Port Phillip. Sadly, James Thompson had little over a year in his drapery business. He died on 29th December 1847, and John was back in the shop preparing to sell the business and the stock at sale price.
The Camerons made significant additions to the house at Newnham. These may have commenced while they were away in 1844-45. The stable complex and servants’ quarters are dated 1847, and the house itself was significantly extended from eight to 18 rooms and lavishly decorated.
Despite having created a magnificent house, the Camerons moved back to living above the shops in Brisbane Street. Newnham was leased and eventually sold to William Atkinson Gardner, ‘agentlemanof fortune ’ (HobartonGuardian22 March, 1851).
William Atkinson Gardner arrived in Launceston on 7th March 1851 from Liverpool on the Hannah , a ship he had chartered to bring his family and twelve
young women for domestic employment. Thirty-one of Launceston’s gentlemen published a letter in the LauncestonExaminer thanking the Gardners for the supply and safe delivery of the young women.
Sir Sydney Herbert MP had started a program of recruiting ‘respectable females’ for employment in the colonies. Herbert targeted the industrious, but underpaid and exploited, women who subsisted as slops workers (piece-work garment makers). Herbert wrote to Bishop Nixon asking him to seek support for assistance in placing these women. As a merchant who had been importing, and profiting from slops for some years, and an active church warden at St John’s, John Cameron would have been duty bound to support the Gardners, and the 12 women they brought with them.
Gardner entered vigorously into life in the colony. In July he was elected a member of the Royal Society of Van Diemen’s Land and by September he was a member of the Launceston Mechanics’ Institute building committee, and Vice President by 1853. He was steward for a dinner for Lieutenant-Governor Denison in August. In December he defended his views in favour of continued transportation from criticism by the Christian League and the Examiner. He campaigned enthusiastically for the continuation of transportation, and was a ‘mostzealous supporter’ of Lieutenant Governor Denison. Denison was a guest at Newnham in 1854 on his farewell visit to Launceston.
Gardner started buying properties in 1852. He purchased The Grove in George Town from Matthew Curling Friend and bought farms at King’s Meadows, Chudleigh, Westbury, and a town property in George Street, spending in excess of £20,000. He also purchased properties in Victoria. He owned race horses and was a steward for races at Carrick, Deloraine and Launceston.
At Newnham, Gardner maintained the traditions established by John Cameron, hosting regattas and ploughing competitions, and advertising for a local schoolmaster. He purchased the property from John on 18th February 1853, with a mortgage to John of £4750. Gardner’s time at Newnham was sadly cut short. He was a young man, active in community life, and was elected to the Legislative Council as
a member for Cornwall in March 1855.
In June he was reported as seriously ill, and his death on his fortieth birthday was reported in the Cornwall Chronicleon 23rd June 1855. His will covering his properties in the colonies was written the day before his death from ‘inflammationofthelungs’. His widow, Margaret and their two young daughters departed for Melbourne on Royal Shepherdon 20th August 1855. In November, the executors of Gardner’s estate endeavoured to sell Newnham at auction without success.
Gardner’s purchase of Newnham coincided with the departure of the Camerons for London. The auction of their furniture was advertised on 19th January 1853, at their residence in Brisbane Street above Mr.
Duthie’s stationery store (later Birchalls), a building which John owned. They sailed for London on the Wellington on 4th February 1853.
While the four year London visit may have been primarily to complete Emma’s education and prepare her for marriage, it was also resulted in another pregnancy and birth for Eliza on 4th March 1856. This time, perhaps with better medical care, the baby girl, Kate, survived.
The Camerons returned to Launceston on 15th December 1856. They wasted no time in arranging Emma’s debut in the colony with John escorting his daughter to the Vice Regal Ball at the Cornwall Assembly Room on 20th December.
By this time the Gardner Estate was in default on its mortgage payments, so John
then put the property up for auction, along with several other parcels of his land at Newnham. The auction notice was published in February with the auction on 24th March 1857. The property sale to William Dawson Grubb was finalised on 1st July 1857, thus ending the Cameron’s association with Newnham Hall.
The property remained in the extended Grubb family until 1943 when it was taken over by the Education Department as a hostel for country girls, and the farmland as the site for a new community school. The hostel was opened in March 1946. Institutional ownership of the building has continued since then. It is now part of the Australian Maritime College and listed as a Commonwealth Heritage site.
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, 17th July at the The Grove.
Speaker: Craig Dixon
Topic: The building of the Norfolk.
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Email info@gtdhs.com or Phone 6382 4412.