Tamar Valley News March 2023

Riverside Cricket Club push for elusive Premiership

Riverside Cricket Club play in the NTCA Grade Cricket Association which is the 2nd highest level of Cricket in Tasmania, nicknamed the Blues, Riverside has a rich history having been founded in 1948.

The club has 4 senior men’s NTCA A-Grade Premierships to its name, the last being back in the 1980/81 season where Riverside was the first club to win all three grade titles in Tasmanian cricket history.

Playing their home games out of the Windsor Park precinct, the club has various teams participating in juniors, women’s and senior men’s grade cricket. In recent times, Riverside has won a variety of limited overs cricket tournaments,

including the State 20/20 premiership in 2015/16 season, however the prestigious NTCA A-grade Premiership has eluded the club over the past 4 decades.

‘In recent history we’ve had success in 20/20 and the 50 over format, but the one that has evaded us is the NTCA premiership in the longer format,’ said Senior Coach Patrick Mackrell.

The club currently sits 2nd on the NTCA A-Grade ladder and was in a strong position to take first innings points against fellow finals contenders and benchmark club Westbury when this was submitted to press.

‘Westbury have probably been the best team in the competition over the last 10 years, we’ve got to perform

well to take this one out.’ Said Patrick.

The club has had some very notable players over the years, former New Zealand International Richard Hadlee had a spell at the club while former Tasmanian Shield players Steve Howard and the late Tony Benneworth both featured prominently during the late 1970’s-early 1980’s as did Riverside legend and alltime games record holder, former wicketkeeper/batsman Tony Walters during an era that saw Riverside dominate the competition with 3 A-grade premierships.

‘Our greatest era was the 70's and early 80's and at that point the NTCA was the strongest competition in the State.’ Said Patrick.

‘Although we haven’t quite got over the line for that elusive flag in recent times, over the last 5 years the club is progressing well. We’ve played off in a few grand finals and got very close.’ Patrick added.

The club has an excellent record of producing outstanding cricketing talent, current Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes WBBL batter Emma Manix-Geeves came through the ranks at Riverside and she has gone on to become one of the best young female players in Australia, winning Cricket Tasmania’s prestigious Female young player of the year for season 2021/22, while current State u17’s captain Aidan O’Connor and State u19’s captain Cooper Anthes have both

come through the ranks and continue to play their club cricket at Riverside C.C.

Two current Riverside players play for the Greater Northern Raiders in the TCA competition, which sits just below Sheffield Shield level on the national curriculum.

The club has a very healthy social scene, some great sponsors and is in great shape…pushing hard to break that 40 plus year drought since winning an NTCA Premiership. Not that winning such a trophy is the only metric used to measure sporting success, but it would be nice to finally get that Cup back to Windsor Park!

Coach Patrick Mackrell

said. ‘This year we’re in a good position and we’re heading in the right direction, we’ve got some very talented younger players and a good mix of young and older players that are dedicated to put ourselves in the best position possible to take the NTCA, but it’s a hard one to win!’

‘The competition is very even, any team can win it on their day, so we’ve just got to be switched on and focused to make every moment count and continue to push hard in each game we play.’

Good luck to Patrick and Riverside Cricket Club for the remainder of season 2022/23 and beyond.

PHOTO: Coach Patrick Mackrell watches on from the sidelines

Much loved local business calls it a day

By Phillip Ragan

Popular local business

Exeter lollies and gifts has closed its doors for the last time after 4 years of successful trade. Owner/Operator Sam said the decision to close was purely for family reasons.

‘We are closing for family reasons to see my kids more often,’ said Sam.

‘It’s been great, you don’t get bad customers when you’re selling lollies!’

Sam, a local living just up the road in Glengarry, made the announcement on social media recently and was flooded with positive comments and support. ‘I’ve met some really nice people and made some lifelong friends.’

Famous for their old-fashioned lollies such as spearmint leaves, lemon sherbets and green frogs, ice-creams, specialised drinks, and famous milkshakes in a large variety of flavours, the business has become something of a community hub, especially in the busy time when school closes for the day.

Furthermore Sam allowed smaller, hobby-style busi-

nesses to exhibit their jewellery products and gifts in the shop as well as artwork from local school children.

‘It’s a great community’. Said Sam. ‘You get lots of people that just want to come in and have a chat.’

The shop has a new tenant lined up and locals can expect an exciting new business to open soon though Sam remained tight lipped as to exactly what business will move in.

Sam also wanted to express her gratitude to those that supported Exeter lollies and gifts.

‘A big thankyou to all the community, because it’s the community that’s supported us right from the get-go. There’s not a lot of tourist traffic it’s mostly the community, the locals are what’s kept us going.’

While it’s always sad to see a local business close down, the timing seems right for Sam to begin a new chapter in her life…and she can hold her head up high, knowing she brought a real dash of colour and joy to many young peoples lives in the town, memories that will no doubt last for many years to come.

Volunteers needed for MEALS ON WHEELS in George Town!

This service is provided Monday to Friday by volunteers in George Town under ‘Red Cross Delivered Meals’.

At present there are only six people helping with this

valuable service to those in need, and some of those do it more than once every week.

Meals are collected from the George Town Hospital and

usually delivered to around 5 – 10 homes.

The time taken can vary depending on the number of clients and where they live, but it usually takes less

than an hour.

All you need is a National Police Check, which can be arranged through the Red Cross co-coordinator, Jenny at the Red Cross office at

Mowbray.

Red Cross pays for this and there is also an allowance for the use of your vehicle each trip.

If you have time to help with this essential service, please contact Jenny on 1300 663 291, or speak to one of the locals on 0447 359 662 for more details first.

Skill up for your community

The Tasmanian Community Fund has partnered with the University of Tasmania and the Local Government Association of Tasmania to offer FREE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TRAINING for rural and regional Tasmanians. This initiative aims to empower regional community members to develop the skills they need to help their community prosper. Program Management training is primarily delivered through sixteen days of experiential face-to-face sessions across a 7-month period, with some work required between sessions. Participants will receive a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920) from the Institute of Project Management, along with a Certificate of Attendance in Program Management training from the University of Tasmania.

This opportunity is open to all Tasmanians, with priority given to those living outside of City Council boundaries. Applications are now open for both the North and South but close on March 31st.

For more information visit tascomfund.org/what-we-fund/leadership-and-capacity-building/program-management

By Phillip Ragan

Just south of George Town lies the river port and industrial centre of Northern Tasmania, Bell Bay.

Lying in deep sheltered waters, Bell Bay offers excellent road and rail links. It is approximately 2,000 hectares or 20 km square in size making it Tasmania’s largest heavy industrial area.

On an average year, over 3 million tonnes of exports

Places of the Tamar Bell Bay

and imports pass through Bell Bay making it an extremely important component of Tasmania’s economy.

Operated by Tas Ports, Bell Bay features an aluminium smelter operated by Rio Tinto, and many established businesses both local and multi-national such as South 32 TEMCO, Timberlink, Sims Metal and the nearby Tamar Valley Power Station.

The first Bell Bay wharf was

opened in 1927. Today it has seven berths including Long Reach South.

With Rio Tinto, George Town Council and the State Government working together to boost employment and growth prospects in the region while keeping an eye firmly on renewable energy and environmental outcomes, it can’t be disputed that Bell Bay is an integral part of the Northern Tasmanian economy, providing 1000’s of jobs, ap-

prenticeships, and opportunities for many Tasmanians. Companies like Rio Tinto continue to provide a number of generous grants which is greatly appreciated by many local sporting and community groups.

For this writer, who grew up nearby industrial estates in Perth, W.A and Yorkshire, England the area evokes strong memories of a working class/blue collar upbringing. That familiar metallic smell that fills

the air and the rhythm of machines echoing throughout the working day that suggests a thriving local economy.

Beautifully positioned on the banks of the East Tamar and with all the conveniences that nearby George Town and Low Head have to offer, Bell Bay is a fantastic place to do business, work and become part of a thriving community.

Astronomers show how ‘spiral arms’ feed young, developing stars

An international team of researchers including astronomers from the University of Tasmania have discovered the exact process of how high-mass stars are born.

High-mass stars are like the atomic factories of the universe, generating many of the building blocks necessary for life; when they are young they are known as ‘protostars’.

Progress update on the decommissioning of Esso’s Bass Strait offshore facilities

As operator of some of Australia’s oldest oil and gas fields, Esso Australia is committed to decommissioning our Bass Strait offshore facilities safely and effectively. We have substantial experience in safely and effectively decommissioning facilities to achieve positive outcomes across the globe, and we are excited to be part of Australia’s growing decommissioning industry.

For our steel piled jackets, we have identified a number of decommissioning options and assessed each one in order to determine which approach balances the needs of other users of the sea by ensuring the safety of navigation and delivers an equal or better environmental outcome by retaining the marine ecosystems which have developed around the jackets.

All of the options for decommissioning the steel piled jackets include full removal of the upper sections of the platform including the accommodation and processing facilities, known as the topsides for disposal onshore. The overall demand for a skilled workforce to support the decommissioning program will vary minimally regardless of which option is pursued for

the cut off depth of the steel piled jackets.

More information on these options and how we are assessing them are available here: https://exxonmobil. co/3R6U8E8.

Prior to commencing and throughout our decommissioning activities, we continue to identify and actively engage with key stakeholders across the Gippsland region. We have also undertaken a national public consultation process facilitated by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Agency. This and our ongoing consultation play an essential role in how we align our approach and ensure the essential work that we are undertaking meets the community’s needs and expectations.

If you would like to learn more about our decommissioning process and the approach we are considering for the removal of steel pile jackets and platform topsides, or feel that you are a relevant person as per the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, we welcome you to reach out via consultation@exxonmobil.com.

Using powerful radio telescopes from across the University of Tasmania’s telescope network in Mount Pleasant (TAS), Ceduna (SA) and Katherine (NT), as well as others from across the world, astronomers have shown in recent years that high-mass stars more than eight times the size of the Sun form at the hearts of enormous rotating disks of gas and dust.

These researchers have discovered channels of gas within the spinning disk which were illuminated by a heat-wave created by material dropping from the disk onto the high-mass protostar in intense, short bursts.

By studying the characteristics of one particular highmass protostar, known as G358-MM1, they have now, for the first time, shown

exactly how these disks feed the young, high-mass star: through spiral arms.

University of Tasmania Professor in Physics and Dean of the School of Natural Sciences Simon Ellingsen worked with researchers Gabor Orosz and Lucas Hyland on the project, and said G358-MM1 has four spiral arms that wrap around it.

“The spiral arms help to feed disk material down to the inner part of the system, where it can reach the protostar and feed it –leading to enormous growth bursts.”

“The team used a new technique called ‘heat-wave mapping’ which uses the growth burst’s own flash of radiation to map the surface of the disk using methanol masers,” Professor Ellingsen said.

Lead researcher, Dr Ross Burns, from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) said this research involved the efforts of more than 150 individuals.

“Data from observations from 24 radio telescopes from across the globe contributed to this finding, and those data were carefully

correlated by teams at three data centres in three different continents – it’s a huge collaborative effort to advance our knowledge about space,” Dr Burns said.

Dr Burns said this work has been able to confirm the accuracy of some theories that have been hypothesized for over 20 years.

“If more spiral systems and growth bursts are discovered in other high-mass protostars, either using heat-wave mapping or other observational techniques, then astronomers will be able to provide a better understanding of the births of high-mass stars, and therefore a better understanding of our universe.

“This is a very exciting discovery!” he said. This research was published in Nature Astronomy

Prefer to read online?

(03) 6706 9920 or 0452 231 758

63 West Tamar Highway, Exeter

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Saturday: 9am-12pm

PHOTO: Artist’s impression of spiral arms within the rotating disk of gas and dust during the formation of a high-mass protostar. Credit: Charles Willmott and Ross Burns.

One of the most colourful characters in the Tamar Valley is surely, Waldo Bayley, Better known as Waldo the Bush Poet!

A former Vietnam Veteran, having served 20 years in the Navy, Waldo Bayley has played deck hockey with King Charles of England,

People of the Tamar

Waldo the Bush Poet

six surfboards, a kombi van and a dream,’ said Waldo.

‘I started writing poetry on March 3, 1999,’ he said.

‘I had never written a poem before and failed English and geography, joined the Navy when I was told to ... but my first poem was about Pauline Hanson.’

Poetry keeps his brain ticking, he said.

‘Sue tells me sometimes she'll send me to the workshop to grab a spanner and I'll forget ... but I can always remember my poems.’

Even in a state of semi-retirement, Waldo isn't prepared to hang up his pen or diminish his passion for the spoken word anytime soon.

In a time of texting, social media and instant messaging, he said creativity was all the more important.

‘Bush poetry is a fading art in our country.’ Said Waldo.

‘When I was young there was no such thing as a selfie, you told your story through words, and for me it's poetry.’

Ever the friendly and fascinating character, Waldo considers King Charles of England as a personal friend!

‘I used to play deck hockey with him when I was on the Royal Yacht Britannia,’ said Waldo.

When (then) Prince Charles visited Darwin in 2017, he noticed Waldo in the crowd.

authored over 400 poems, written four books, recorda legend up there, with Darwin based radio stations still regularly calling him for a chat and a poem. Waldo held a weekly radio spot in N.T for 12 years.

‘We decided on a sea change to good ol' Tassie land.’ Said Waldo

‘It was time for a cooler change.’

Originally from Bairnsdale, Victoria, Waldo served in the Navy for 20 years ago, meeting Sue in Sydney along the way before settling in Humpty Doo, Northern Territory ‘on 5 acres of hay, accompanied by four kids,

him a copy and signed it right there and then.’

‘Prince Charles is a majestic person,’ said Waldo, ‘he would just listen to you,’ ‘he thanked me for the book and said he’d read it on the way back to England.’

‘Six weeks later we drove up to the post office; there it was with a Buckingham Palace stamp on it from Charles and his wife thanking us for a wonderful time in Darwin.’

‘He said you must keep writing!’

‘He’s doing a great job as King so far,’ said Waldo, adding ‘the day the new book arrived from the publishers, Charles became King! I’ll be sure to send him a copy soon.’

Waldo and Sue, who followed daughter Cherie and her family down to Tasmania are very much settled in the Tamar Valley now.

‘We are not moving,’ said Waldo, ‘We love it here.’

‘It’s a friendly town.’ added Sue.

Arriving on the first day of winter in 2019, they went from 34 degrees to cold, frosty mornings. Naturally a poem ensued:

‘We are both in our 70s and have decided to retire, to a cottage down in George Town with a nice warm country fire.

Read a book, write a poem or stroll on the sand down by the sea, we will reminisce together with our dogs, Sue and me.’

‘He came over and saw me and my wife Sue, shook our hands, and had a quick catch up on the sidewalk.’

‘I told him I was writing poetry, and he told me I should publish — he was pretty shocked to learn I had three books and I gave

Within weeks of arriving in George Town, Waldo’s poems featured in a weekly radio program on Tamar FM.

He has become a wellknown personality in George Town, where most of the shops, cafes, hairdressers, and pubs have his poems displayed.

Waldo makes a weekly visit to these venues to refresh the poems with relevant choices from his ever-growing catalogue.

Thanks to a friendly neighbour who happens to be an English teacher at a local primary school, Waldo has performed his bush poetry to school children in the George Town area and received a letter of thanks from those schools including poems written for him by many local school kids.

Still a regular on commercial and ABC radio shows in N.T and around Australia and now a regular on ABC

Launceston with Belinda on her Friday morning breakfast show, Waldo often gives interviews from his George Town home including to the ridiculously popular ‘Australia All Over show’ with Macca, with approximately 3 million listeners each week, who still occasionally calls Waldo for a poem about any manner of topics.

Waldo’s passion for bush poetry crosses many boundaries. Covering a broad range of subjects from Tasmanian Wildlife to the Bombing of Darwin which was read out in Parliament House in Canberra.

Waldo won Bush poet of the year up in N.T. in 2001. He is passionate about the Australian military and service personal and has written poems about troops and police officers that have suffered adversity, he has read poetry in Parliament House in Darwin, performed at various festivals, has given countless interviews and has the newspaper cuttings to back it all up!

He is extremely humble about his achievement’s and just loves the art of bush poetry, often breaking into verse mid conversation and transporting you momentarily, to an era that you

imagined Slim Dusty and R.M Williams belonged to!

He has letters personally written to him from all manner of dignitaries, a police minister, senior politicians, celebrities, and of course letters from the Prince of Wales, now King Charles the 3rd.

Waldo performs poetry for weddings, parties, festivals, markets, stage shows etc anyone interested in hiring Waldo’s services should contact his daughter and agent, Cherie on the email address below.

Waldo’s new book, Waldo’s

Wild Things, is beautifully illustrated by Jan Gaebler McKay a well-known George Town artist.

It features many poems about animals that readers both young and old will no doubt enjoy.

To purchase Waldo’s book (wholesale) for your shop, business, school or community group please contact Cherie Gardener at cheriegardener@me.com or to purchase the book direct visit News Express in George Town.

If you see Waldo and Sue around town or about The

Tamar, be sure to introduce yourself and say hello. A more engaging character you will struggle to meet this side of Humpty doo!

Prefer

More incentive for Tasmanian property owners

Red Rocket Framing team settling into busy life in Exeter!

By Phillip Ragan

How time flies! After opening in March 2022, Red Rocket Framing in Exeter is about to reach it’s first year milestone. The Tamar Valley News caught up with Jason and Mona to hear about their adventures coming from Sydney and starting their new life in Exeter.

‘We were operating our strata maintenance business in Western Sydney and doing well but weren’t happy living in Sydney. It was too big, noisy and dirty. We were looking for a change and came down to Hobart for a weekend and fell in love with Tassie. Just over a year later we were packing a container and applying for

a pass. Once we had that, it was a long drive followed by a lovely passage on the Spirit. Unfortunately, 2 weeks of quarantine in East Devonport was next and then we were here!’

Like so many people who make the move to Beautiful Tasmania, Jason and Mona already had ties to the State through family, as Jason explains.

‘My sister and her family had moved to Grindelwald about 6 months earlier and we stayed with them while we got settled. The original plan was to start another strata maintenance business here but one day in Exeter we saw the old vet clinic up for lease. After struggling

to cross the main road, we realised it might be a good place to set up a business. I have nearly 40 years’ experience in the picture framing industry and so Red Rocket Framing was born.’

The couple have been made to feel very welcome in the West Tamar area as they get more and more connected with the surprising number of activities and community events happening here.

‘Now a year on we feel part of the community.’

‘Mona has joined the Exeter Art Society and the Woodworking Guild while I have been invited to join the West Tamar Business group.’

‘Everyone has been so nice

and friendly to us that we feel vindicated in our decision to move here. A big bonus was moving in to the house next door to the shop, no more 45 minute Sydney commutes, a 30 second walk and we are at work!’

With 30 years’ experience and many examples in their Exeter showroom of outstanding craftmanship not to mention their excellent reviews both online and through word of mouth, it’s little wonder that Red Rocket Framing are in demand throughout the Tamar Valley and beyond.

‘Red Rocket has been very well received with many comments along the lines of “I was so happy to see

you opening up in little old Exeter” and “So nice to see a quality specialty business opening here.” The local artists and photographers have been taking advantage of our large format fine art printer, in most cases saving them the need to get things done in Hobart. Sports memorabilia framing has been in high demand with AFL shirts galore to be framed and we even did a lot of work for the Special Olympics National Games in Launceston last year.’ Said Jason.

As this article was being written, Jason was busy preparing for the Exeter Show, but was still more than happy to make time for a chat. We wish Jason and

Mona all the very best for continued happiness and success in their new venture in the Tamar Valley.

For any of your custom picture framing services, fine art and photographic printing services, such as frames, posters, prints, certificates, sporting awards and memorabilia and any other such projects please don’t hesitate to call Jason or Mona on (03) 6706 9920 by email at jaserad@yahoo.com or pop into the store during trading hours at the old vet building at 63 West Tamar Highway, Exeter.

PHOTO: Jason and Mona holding a reproduction of a work by Graeme Whittle printed in store.

Crossword

Answers

(Turn page upside down)

Musical introduction (7) 19

Like fresh bread (6) 21

Prosper (6) 23

Chucks in (4) 25

Jokes Support

Have you heard the joke about yoga? Nevermind, it’s a bit of a stretch...

Would anyone like a vaccuum cleaner? Mine is just sitting collecting dust.

The 3 unwritten rules for a happy, successful & meaningful life:

1)

2)

3)

Q: Who cares if you pee in the shower?

A: The parents-to-be and all their guests, apparently.

Q: How does Albus get into Hogwarts? A: Through the Dumble-door.

Q. How much room is needed for fungi to grow? A. As mushroom as possible

It must be nice to be an anaesthetist. They get paid to pass gas.

Don’t you hate it when someone answers their own questions? I do.

Riddle

Call for statewide compulsory registration of Tasmanian child protection workers

A child safety campaigner has called for compulsory professional registration of child protection practitioners in lutruwita/Tasmania, following an ABC Four Corners investigation that revealed almost 500 health practitioners have been sanctioned by tribunals for sexual misconduct involving patients since 2010.

Jack Davenport, who gave evidence to the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings last year, has highlighted concerns about how a lack of effective registration could be inhibiting child safety work in the state.

“The issue of health practitioners being sanctioned but continuing to work has implications beyond medicine,” said Jack Davenport.

“I’ve worked in child protection across different states in this country including lutruwita/Tasmania, and seeing the lack of consistent standards in child protection is a serious problem that puts the most vulnerable children, and child protection workers themselves, at greater risk. “

“Ideally, the minimum qualification for child protection practice in this state should be a Social Work qualification, and registration of practitioners in the field

(whether qualified or not) with an enforceable Code of Practice a core requirement.”

“A binding Code of Practice will also protect practitioners from being instructed to do something unethical, such as being told to ignore concerns of abuse.”

“Unless we begin to raise standards we will always struggle to maintain a reasonable baseline for best practice, and children and families will suffer."

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) are campaigning for Social Workers to be included in the National Registration and Accreditation

Scheme (NRAS), a move they strongly believe would enhance public safety and uphold safe and ethical practices.

NRAS is a Government authority which oversees the regulation of qualifications, standards and practice for health practitioners in Australia.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the registration body charged with the task and responsibility of operationalising the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law which came into effect on July 1st 2010.

Jack Davenport called for registration of Social Work-

ers in his evidence to the Commission of Inquiry.

Jack was qualified as a Social Worker in 2010 in the UK, where he had to register as a Social Worker in order to study and practice. England and Wales maintain compulsory registration of social workers, and enforce a Code of Practice which can sanction Social Workers for breaches.

Currently in lutruwita/Tasmania Child Safety Offices are not required to hold a Social Work degree in statutory child protection, equating the qualification to a Diploma. An example job description for a Child Safety Officer can be found here:

https://careers.pageuppeople.com/759/cw/en/ job/7004227/child-safety-officer-fixedterm-employment-register

Lilydale Falls walking track re-opens after floods

The City of Launceston has fully re-opened Lilydale Falls Reserve, following major repair works in the wake of flooding in Northern Tasmania last year.

The walking track from the Reserve's car park to the First Falls and Second Falls was extensively damaged when the Second River flooded last October.

Floodwaters felled trees over the path, damaged bridges, and washed away sections of the 500m walking track.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said the subsequent repair works had been significant, complicated by a lack of vehicular access to the waterfalls.

"Materials and tools including concrete, timber and gravel had to be carried into the area on foot in order to

undertake the repair works, which involved reconstructing sections of the track, inspecting and repairing bridges, and removing fallen trees and debris," Mayor Gibson said.

"We've also taken the opportunity to shore up sections of the track so that it will be more resilient in future flood events.”

"The Lilydale Falls Reserve has been a popular community and visitor destination for many decades, and I'm pleased the Reserve has now fully re-opened to the public.”

"I want to thank the Lilydale community for being so patient while we undertook the repair works, and I look forward to people continuing to enjoy the First and Second Falls into the future."

Seven Ways Locals Can Improve Sale Price in Launceston's Changing Property Market

By Kyle Barrett

Launceston, Tasmania - The Launceston property market is experiencing a phase of change.

As a result, local property owners are increasingly seeking ways to maximize their sale price and increase buyer enquiry in a market with more competition and longer days on market.

There are several strategies that can help local property owners improve their sale price in a changing market.

Here are seven key ways:

1. Highlight unique features: Launceston is known for its heritage buildings and natural beauty, which are key selling points. Ensuring these features are highlighted in the property listing and marketing materials will enhance the property's appeal and attract more potential buyers.

2. Invest in curb appeal: The first impression that potential buyers get of a property is essential. Enhancing the property's curb appeal by painting the front door, landscaping, and adding lighting can

make a big difference.

3. Upgrade key areas: Kitchens and bathrooms are major selling points for properties. Upgrading these areas, even in small ways, can significantly increase the property's value.

4. Create a blank canvas: Removing any clutter and personal items can create a clean, neutral canvas that allows buyers to envision themselves in the space. This step can enhance the property's appeal, making it more desirable to buyers.

5. Price competitively: With increased demand and limited supply, it can be tempting to price high. However, pricing competitively can attract more buyers and lead to higher offers.

6. Stage the property: Professional staging can help buyers envision the potential of the property and increase its perceived value. This step can significantly enhance the property's appeal, leading to more interest from potential buyers

7. Work with a trusted real estate agent: A knowledgeable and

experienced local agent can provide guidance and support throughout the selling process, including pricing strategy, property presentation, and negotiation with potential buyers. By working with an agent, property owners can achieve the best possible sale price.

“The Launceston prop-

erty market is constantly evolving, and it's important for local property owners to stay informed and take steps to maximize their sale price,” said local Director and Property Representative, Kyle Barrett.

“By following these strategies and working with a trusted agent, property owners can achieve great results in this changing

market.”

Overall, by taking these steps, local property owners can improve the appeal of their property, attract more buyers, and achieve a higher sale price. With the current demand for properties in Launceston, these steps could make all the difference.

Kyle Barrett is a Director & Property Representative at Parry Property

Phone: 0499 440 141

Email: kyle@ parryproperty.com.au

Tales of the Tamar

THE TAMAR RIVER SIGNAL STATIONS

By Peter Cox

In 1817 work had started on laying out George Town as the new headquarters for Northern Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and there was need for rapid communication between Launceston and the Commandant who would reside in the new town.

Mt Macquarie (now Mt Direction) was selected as an ideal site for a signal station as it gave a view of ships approaching the entrance and along almost all of the Tamar estuary, allowing a good check on shipping. Land was cleared on the mountain, but no mast was erected as it was soon obvious that the prevailing wind, usually from the NW or SE, made it almost impossible to read any signal flags from either Launceston or George Town.

By 1825 Launceston was again the headquarters of government in Northern VDL so for a few years there was little need for a signal station. But by the 1830s Launceston merchants and farmers increased their demands for port improvements including a signal system between Low Head and Launceston. Rapid contact with George Town became more urgent for government purposes in 1830 when a Coast Waiter was appointed to search departing ships for escaping convicts, and arriving vessels for detecting contraband. George Town’s importance further increased when the Port Office was located there.

Communication would only be achieved by relaying messages from Low Head

via Mt George and Mt Direction to Windmill Hill using semaphores, which by then were being used between Port Arthur and Hobart, using coded numerals. However, this would not work as well in the Tamar Valley where the distance between the stations and the frequent mists made it impossible to distinguish between the two arms, making codes based on numerals impossible.

The solution was provided by Peter Archer Mulgrave, who in 1824 was the Superintendent of Police in Launceston and in 1826 was appointed to a Committee of management for the Tamar River. He had been Superintendent of Telegraphs in the Channel Islands where semaphores played a strategic role in naval warfare during the Napoleonic War.

The Channel Islands had the same problem of distance and visibility as the Tamar Valley, and Mulgrave had invented an ingenious adaptation that involved turning one of the arms into a T shape. This enabled the left and right arms to be clearly identified at a distance and also doubled the range of numerals that could be used for a signal.

Semaphore masts were erected at Mt George, Mt Direction and Windmill Hill and the network began relaying messages in 1835. The arms were much longer than those used in the Port Arthur system so that they could be seen from 15 kilometres. They also needed heavy counter weights so they could be easily swung into position by the signalmen. The Low

Head semaphore was added in 1852.

Messages between the stations were coded into numerals. Code books were regularly published and publicly available. Some 165 numbers represented the sail plan of vessels, the names of regular ships, ports of destination and geographical features of the river. Private messages could also be sent by merchants and individuals, using their own codes. These were not displayed, but written in log books for recipients to read.

Flagstaffs erected at Windmill Hill and Mt George relayed messages, using the Marryat Code of numerals, to the port offices on the wharf in Launceston and in Cimitiere St, George Town. The flag masts were quite large and coded messages were displayed using flags, for all the town to see. The network continued in operation until 1858 when the electric telegraph between Launceston and Low Head was established. On both Mt Direction and Mt George, a cottage was built for the Superintendent (a master mariner) and his family, and three convict passholders were assigned as signal men. There was a garden at each site.

In 1984 Capt Bob Wallace (a councillor) and Wayne Shipp from the Pilot Station initiated the idea of building a replica of the original signal system. It became George Town’s major 1988 Bicentenary project and they worked on a Committee of Council chaired by Winston Little, along with Richard Nicholson, Peter Johns , Jan Sheppard, Huon

Byard, Bob Hampton and Tim Parish to organise the construction of the semaphore masts at Mt George and Low Head.

The restoration of the site and construction of the first walking track and masts at Mt Direction site was undertaken by a local committee and later progressed by the Tamar Valley Signal Station Committee, which was joined by Cr Heather Barwick. Windmill Hill was organised by Launceston City Council.

The replica semaphore network was officially opened on the 30 September 2001, with a message relayed from Low Head via each

station to Windmill Hill. A coloured brochure detailing a brief history of the Tamar Valley Signal Stations was produced.

Part of the Mt. George project was the gently sloping walkway up the final slopes to the summit and the planting of native shrubs that was completed by the Lions Club of George Town a year or so later.

On Mt Direction there are substantial remains of the signalmen’s cottage, a well, stone walls around the yard and bolt holes where guys were attached to stabilize the semaphore mast.

At Mt. George the cottage

foundations were covered by gravel, but beneath this cover they are still intact. There is also a dry-stone wall outlining the original garden, a cool store dug into the slopes and a spring that may have provided the water supply. Mt George has accommodated every form of communication system ever used (except Morse Code) - signal flags, semaphore, microwave (removed 1996), AM and FM Radio (Police, SES, Hydro & PLA), VHF (PLA) and Directional Digital (installed 1996).

All four sites are significant, being representative of a unique semaphore network and the history of telecommunications.

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, 20th MARCH , starting at 7.30pm, at the Tam O’Shanter Golf & Community Club. Current COVID conditions apply and masks are advised

Speaker:

Margie Dockray will speak about the history of the Lalla Flower Gardens that have been developed on the original W.A.G. Walker Rhododendron Gardens at Lalla.

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.

Top: Windmill hill cottage with flagstaff and semaphore mast (Supplied)

Bottom: A recent photo of the Semaphore Station (PHOTO: Lorraine Wootton )