Tamar Valley News November 2022

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TamarValleyNews.com.au

November 2022

Locally Owned & Operated

by Hyperlocal Media

Meet Craig Hawkins of Beauty Point Read the full story on page 5

Regional Business Awards recognise Business Excellence Read more on Page 13

Page 2

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

New lease of life for Sidmouth Hall

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By Phillip Ragan With the recent upgrades now completed, Sidmouth Hall is an ideal place for a community group to gather.

The upgrades included a fantastic new community barbeque area designed and ready to use, a new carpark completed, with a second one on the way and a freshly painted exterior.

The restrooms have also undergone some much-needed improvements along with a community notice board added.

‘We hope to bring the community back to Sidmouth Hall!’ Said Lorraine Gardiner, long serving committee member.

‘We hope to have a celebration of the restoration of Sidmouth Hall!’ Lorraine added. We have completely revamped the old hall, with new heaters, new ceiling, lights, blinds, a new kitchen, a stage that has been restored and is ready for use, be it theatre, live music or even a political debate!’

Lorraine was quick to add

(with a wink) that she believes the hall is the second largest in the Tamar Valley region! ‘We are big on real sustainability and have used as many recyclables as possible.’

When I arrived at the new Hall, I was taken back by the changes and improvements.

Bookings are clearly already coming in, with chairs, easels, paintbrushes, and champagne glasses assembled for an upcoming art class!

There is no substitute for love when it comes to a project like this, and as fellow committee member Michael Lees added, much of the work was carried out by the Sidmouth Hall committee on a volunteer basis. Equally the community are extremely grateful for the support of the Liberal State Government and in particular Mr Michael Ferguson for honouring their pre-election promise with a generous grant to assist with the upgrade.

The hall has been used for various purposes recently, with an arts group, table tennis on a Monday evening, badminton, musical events, and a Church group all using the building in recent times.

Sidmouth could even field a team on the day itself as part of the annual event, ideal for any interested or even nostalgic locals whose parents or grandparents might have once played for the club.

In decades gone by, Sidmouth had its own football and cricket team with the ‘supper room’ as Michael calls it, decorated with photos of teams from years gone by, with many of the surnames instantly recognisable even for a person relatively new to Tasmania.

It’s this kind of community mindedness and forward thinking that warms the heart.

The strong sense of history is a real treat for any sports enthusiast no doubt.

While the limited player pool in the area, would mean a Sidmouth cricket team would be unlikely to return anytime soon, as Michael Lees suggested, an annual limited overs cricket tournament featuring all the other teams in the region and played at the grounds one day over summer ‘The Sidmouth Cup’ is something that could be introduced in the near future!

There are live music events and cabaret planned over summer with bookings expected to be announced soon. One way to stay in touch is to follow the Sidmouth Hall Facebook page for updates or if you would like to book the hall for your own community group or event, please call Michael on 0438 947 790 for more details.

There are many things wrong in the world right now, but Sidmouth Hall and its passionate committee are focussed on bringing back old-fashioned country, community spirit which is a breath of fresh air and refreshing to see.

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 3

World Cup fever hits Riverside

By Phillip Ragan With another World Cup upon us this month, located in Qatar, the Tamar Valley’s premier soccer club, Riverside Olympic has certainly got into the spirit of things at their Windsor Park home.

While the recent 2022 season may have had its ups and downs, there were plenty of positives with club captain Will Humphrey selected in the team of the year on a prominent fans page and the under 18’s team crowned northern champions while the under 16’s and senior women’s

team both finished top 4 in their respective leagues.

with the youth academy at Crystal Palace in England.

The club looks forward to welcoming Helder, his wife Sonia and family to the local area soon.

The NPL team (State League) fielding one of the youngest teams in recent memory, also finished the season well, winning their last home game of the season vs Olympia 3-2 on a memorable night at Windsor Park.

Furthermore, the club has taken the unprecedented move of importing an A-Licenced professional coach, Helder Dos Santos Silva, a Portuguese national who currently coaches in China and has previously coached

There is certainly a buzz around the club at present, with Club President Brian Wightman recently announcing a female soccer program, the first of its kind in Launceston, as the club works towards entering the State-wide women’s league in the not-too-distant future.

Certainly, with players of the calibre of Meg Connolly,

who scored over 40 goals last season in the Woman’s Northern Championship competition, the talent is ready to go to the next level.

Riverside Olympic also recently hosted A-League Champions Western United, who put on a junior skills clinic at Windsor Park for aspiring young players who hope to one day themselves play at the highest level in Australia.

With the Australian World Cup squad expected to be finalised by the time this goes to press, the club is hopeful that one of its very own former youth players, Nathan-

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Australia plays it’s 3 group games vs World Champions France (23/11) vs Tunisia (26/11) and Denmark (1/12) the top 2 teams from each group qualify for the last 16 of the tournament.

TV friendly than others but keep an eye on the Riverside Olympic Football Club Facebook page in the event that the club is screening the game!

For further information about joining, sponsoring, coaching, volunteering, or playing for Riverside Olympic Soccer Club in 2023 please contact admin@ riversideolympic.com. au

Some of the times are more

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Page 4

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

New Councils form after Local Government Elections

By Kristy Williams Tasmania is divided into 29 municipal areas, with each area having a governing council that is usually comprised of 7 – 12 councillors.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission oversaw the recent elections, which were conducted via postal ballot, for which voting was compulsory for the first time in the State’s local government history, after recent changes were made to the Local Government Act. The Tamar Valley region is comprised of 3 electorates and had a total of 101 candidates across all 3 municipalities.

Launceston City Council had 33 candidates competing for 12 Councillor positions, with 5 candidates also contesting the Mayoral

position and 10 candidates contesting the Deputy Mayor’s position.

More than 40,700 voter ballots were returned in Launceston, equating to a response rate of 82.32% Seven new Councillors have been elected to the City of Launceston, with five incumbent Councillors retaining their seats.

Incumbent Councillor Danny Gibson has been elected as Mayor of Launceston, and becomes the 77th person to hold the position, while Matthew Garwood has been elected Deputy Mayor.

First-time Councillors Matthew Garwood, George Razay, Joe Pentridge, Andrew Palmer, Lindi McMahon, Susie Cai and Alex Britton will join incumbent

Councillors Danny Gibson, Hugh McKenzie, Andrea Dawkins, Alan Harris and Tim Walker around the Council table.

Danny Gibson was a popular choice amongst constituents for the City of Launceston with over 5,800 votes being attributed to him, unlike his re-elected colleagues who received between 873-1658 less votes than Cr Gibson.

The West Tamar Council had 20 candidates competing for 9 Councillor positions at the West Tamar Council, with 6 candidates also contesting the Mayoral position and 4 candidates contesting the Deputy Mayor’s position.

More than 16,500 voter ballots were returned in the West Tamar, equating to a

When bushfire threatens.

What will you do?

Local knowledge can save your life Download your Community Bushfire Protection Plan NOW. Or freecall for a free copy.

response rate of 87.18% Two new Councillors have been elected to the West Tamar Council, with 7 incumbent Councillors retaining their seats.

Christina Holmdahl was again a popular choice amongst constituents for the West Tamar Council with over 2,900 votes being attributed to her. Unlike outgoing Councillors Peter Kearney who only received 909 votes and Tim Woinarski, who received only 435 votes.

The George Town Council had 18 candidates competing for 9 Councillor positions at, with 2 candidates also contesting the Mayoral position and 3 candidates contesting the Deputy Mayor’s position.

More than 4,800 voter

Freecall: 1800 000 699 planning@fire.tas.gov.au www.fire.tas.gov.au Get to know your Community Bushfire Protection Plan.

Four new Councillors have been elected to the George Town Council, with five incumbent Councillors retaining their seats.

Incumbent Councillor Greg Kieser has been elected as Mayor of George Town, while Greg Dawson has been elected Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Greg Kieser was a popular choice amongst constituents for George Town with 794votes being attributed to him, closely followed by newly elected councillor, Simone Lowe who received 693 votes, in comparison to Ven Grollmus, who was the first candidate to be excluded from election with a mere 15 votes.

As always, with any election, it will be interesting to see new dynamics form between elected officials, and monitor progress on issues that matter to the Tamar Valley community as these newly formed councils discuss and vote on issues over the next 4 years.

Prefer to read online?

Are you ready for bushfire season?

Do you know what to do when a bushfire threatens your area?

We urge you to: • Visit the website to download your Community Bushfire Protection Plan.

• Learn about local safety options, including locations of nearby safer places.

• Apply the advice - develop your Bushfire Plan (complete and/or download a Bushfire Plan from the website).

• Check the website regularly - additional Community Bushfire Protection Plans are being added.

ballots were returned in George Town, equating to a response rate of 85.45%.

As the Tasmanian fire season approaches, it’s important to have a plan and know your options.

Community Bushfire Protection Planning is a national initiative that helps to identify safety options during a bushfire threat.

Tasmania Fire Service works closely with communities, local government, service providers, and other government agencies to create Community Bushfire Protection Plans and implement risk management strategies.

Each plan is tailored to individual communities to best suit their needs.

Tasmania Fire Service Chief Officer, Dermot Barry said it was important for people to be prepared, regardless of whether they choose to stay or leave if a bushfire threatens their community.

“Understanding risks and taking steps to mitigate them is important for everyone, but especially those living in bushfire prone areas,” he said.

“We want to make sure people are informed, prepared and ready for when a bushfire strikes.”

Community Bushfire Protection Plans provide advice on what to do: • Before the fire • When fires are likely or nearby; and • After the fire.

There are currently 139 Community Bushfire Protection Plans in place across Tasmania, with nine new plans for Murdunna, Heybridge, Redpa, Marrawah, Ringarooma, Bakers Beach, Penguin, Beechford and Deviot due to be added soon. Additionally, 11 existing plans have been updated in Strahan, Zeehan, Molesworth, Tinderbox, Campania, Eagle Hawk Neck, Ansons Bay, Claude Road, Taranna, Cradle Mountain and South Hobart.

To see your local area’s Community Bushfire Protection Plan, visit the TFS website at http:// www.fire.tas.gov.au/

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 5

People of the Tamar Craig Hawkins

By Phillip Ragan There are many people in the Tamar Valley region who embody the words community minded and back it up with real life actions, one such person is Craig Hawkins of Beauty Point.

Craig’s passion, alongside his wife Rachelle, is running the internationally renowned Seahorse World at the Beauty Point Wharf.

Both scientists, Craig and Rachelle purchased the seahorse farm part of the business in 2002 before acquiring the main tourist centre in 2010. There, visitors can hold a seahorse in the palm of their hand and explore the many mysteries of the ocean!

Dedicated to seahorse breeding, education and conservation, Seahorse World export these unique sea creatures far and wide to countries such as the USA, Canada, the Netherlands and Italy, as well as Japan, China and other Asian nations. As one of the leading tourist attractions in the Tamar Valley, the team at Seahorse World works hard to not only promote local businesses, but the entire region and Tasmania as a whole to local, national and international markets.

Craig and Rachelle have worked very hard to build the business up and of course the COVID-19 pandemic presented a brand-new set of challenges, staff numbers have dropped

from 28 pre-covid to 18 at present, though things appear to be returning to normal now with a strong influx of Mainland and Tasmanian tourists reported.

Also onsite, is the Seahorse World gift shop with a huge range of souvenirs and gift items to remember your visit and the excellent Cormorant Café on the Pier, which opened in 2019, featuring great coffee and all-day lunches. The Cormorant features some of the best views of the Tamar Valley and is highly recommended.

Craig and Rachelle, proud parents of 6, are also heavily involved with local sport, Rachelle more so with Northern Rangers soccer club who have junior teams

in Beaconsfield, and Craig who still pulls on the pads for Beauty Point Cricket Club!

There are also some very talented musicians in the Hawkins family, especially Rachelle, a talented singer who has performed at recent Christmas Carol events at Exeter Showgrounds!

Craig, also a committed Christian, was keen to show me around his Creation Discovery Centre. The centre provides a look into the biblical account of the world’s existence, one designed by a ‘Masterful Creator’ says Craig who added that ‘much of the scientific evidence has been misinterpreted.’

The centre has had plenty of interested people come through from school excursions, home-schooled kids, Christians of various denominations, some science- minded, some atheists, even people of other religions and sceptics – among others. Regardless of the variety of beliefs held by society, the centre presents their evidence for the biblical account of creation in a respectful and scientific way, and as Craig points out ‘people should come with an open mind.’

The centre is open 6 days Monday to Saturday from 10am until 3pm with an opportunity to ask questions to Craig, or his team of dedicated staff.

Alongside the centre, Craigs other big passion is The Point Baptist Church which Craig and Rachelle run each Sunday evening.

The Church runs a service upstairs at the Seahorse World building each Sunday at 5 pm with visitors always welcome. Coffee, tea and refreshments are provided.

Craig is a big supporter of helping others, especially other businesses in the region. Despite his success, he is a friendly, humble man with a great love for family, community and faith, and has a real passion for the Tamar Valley area.

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Page 6

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Could Legana become Tasmania’s next town?

By Phillip Ragan With further extensions to Legana shopping centre recently announced and a wider range of commercial activities now possible at the nearby industrial estate, a new community sports precinct on the way with existing ones being upgraded, a brand-new primary school set to open in 2025, an impressive new boulevard with the capacity for street closures to host markets and other community events on the horizon, is it feasible that Legana could join Exeter, Beaconsfield and Beauty Point in the West Tamar and be given official town status in the not too distant future?

Widely regarded as Tas-

mania’s fastest growing suburb for much of the past decade, and expected to become a major regional centre, Legana was once a humble rural locality, famous for its apple orchards, dairy farms and cattle grazing. Unbeknown to some, the name Legana is also the name of an apparently delicious red apple grown in the area!

As more land is opened for residential development, the area is expected to continue growing with families and professionals alike finding the area ideal for its lifestyle and proximity to Launceston.

A river edge park has also been earmarked with improved walking tracks

and eventually the boulevard area behind the shopping centre could be transformed further with increased lighting to allow for night markets or a summer evening stroll.

Would official ‘Town Status’ (still operating under the West Tamar municipality) be something that may give the area extra prestige or extra status or is it best just left alone? If it’s not broken don’t fix it some might say!

As always, residents should be given the final say, so if this topic interests you and you have an opinion on the matter, please go to our Facebook page to add your views or write a letter to our editor!

Help CTST drive our community

Do you love to drive?

Community Transport Services Tasmania (CTST) is seeking volunteer drivers to join their team to provide door-to-door transport services for clients around the state.

For the past 30 years, CTST has been a trusted not-forprofit provider of affordable door-to-door community transport for eligible clients.

Kerry Pohle is one of the volunteer drivers who help clients maintain their independence and social connections by driving them to non-emergency medical appointments, shopping and social outings.

“I became a volunteer driver because I love people,” Kerry said.

“I particularly wanted to provide a service to people with a disability and help

them get out and about in the community. I pride myself on delivering a good service and making clients feel comfortable while in the car with me, having a laugh or sing-along.”

Kerry has been a volunteer driver with CTST for more than three years and encourages anyone to get involved.

“When I’m out, if I hear people looking for something to do while they are retired for example, then I’ll give them a flyer and encourage them to be a driver.”

To be a driver with CTST, all you need is a valid driver licence and everything else is taken care of. Drivers are given the flexibility to choose the days they can volunteer and how far they are comfortable to drive.

Drivers are provided with a vehicle and comprehensive training. They receive support on the road and there is a generous reimbursement program.

“CTST couldn’t exist without the support of our wonderful volunteers,” said Lyndon Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer of CTST. “Our team of volunteers provide a valuable service to our clients so they can remain connected and living in their community.

“If you are looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community and enjoy driving, we would love you to join our team.”

For more information, contact Michelle at peopleandcapability@ ctst.org.au or visit www. ctst.org.au/volunteer.

Help Drive Your Community Volunteer with us today.

As a volunteer driver, you’ll help eligible people to maintain their independence, keep their social connections, and look after their health by driving them to and from their destination.

To find out more... contact Michelle on 0460 735 694 or email: peopleandcapability@ctst.org.au www.ctst.org.au/volunteer Community Transport Services Tasmania (CTST) provides affordable door-to-door transport to support people to live well, maintain their independence, and connect with their community.

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 7

Don’t be a speed demon: devils need your help this summer This is especially important in identified devil roadkill hotspot areas, including: • • • • •

Woolnorth; The Forestier and Tasman Peninsulas; The Channel Highway, especially between Huonville and Cygnet; Nichols Rivulet Road; and The West Tamar Highway between Legana and Exeter.

Woolnorth represents one of the few areas where the devil remains abundant and unaffected by the Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

Don’t be a speed demon, devils need your help this summer Road users are being urged to slow down and take extra care in the coming months as juvenile Tasmanian dev-

ils begin dispersing away from their dens.

November to March is known as the roadkill season as naïve devils become independent from their mothers. It is also the time

of year when many Tasmanians and visitors travel across our Island for the holiday season.

The devil’s black colouration can make them hard to see against dark road

surfaces, especially between dusk and dawn.

Slowing down from 100km/h to 80km/h can reduce the number of animals killed on our roads by 50 per cent.

“Our Government has joined forces with the Circular Head Council and Cradle Coast NRM, along with other key stakeholders and industries, to develop a roadkill awareness campaign for the Woolnorth area,” said Roger Jaensch, Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

“The campaign aims to reduce the incidence of Tasmanian devil roadkill through driver awareness and education, including the installation of signage, combined with roadkill removal and speed limit reductions for trucks.”

“I encourage all road users to slow down on our roads to help save our Tasmanian devils and other wildlife.

This way we can all play a part in reducing roadkill on our roads.”

Prefer to read online?

Mental Health First Aid Do you know how to help someone who is struggling with their mental health?

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

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Page 8

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Two-headed Tasmanians: It’s not just a myth one is from Tasmania.”

“While we can laugh at this silly myth, it does point to a serious health issue that remains with us today.”

Tasmanian soil is iodine deficient, said to be caused by the combined effects of Tasmania’s mountainous terrain and weather patterns.

Dr Hynes said there was no evidence that Aboriginal people, prior to European arrival, had iodine deficiency disorders.

“It’s about 30 years after Europeans arrived that we start seeing evidence of goitres appearing, in particular

among younger people who had grown up in Tasmania and had been subjected to iodine deficiency for most of their lives, and there have been issues in Tasmania ever since,” she said.

planning pregnancy, receive adequate iodine as part of their diet. Our research has shown that children born to mothers who were iodine deficient during their pregnancy had poorer outcomes in some NAPLAN tests.

“For most of the population, thanks to successful public health initiatives such as mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt, iodine deficiency has been largely eliminated. There are still groups in the community, however, who remain at risk of iodine deficiency and its associated disorders.

“From the earliest tests in Year 3 through to Year 9 those children had lower results for literacy, particularly spelling, compared to children whose mothers were not iodine deficient during pregnancy. Despite these children having adequate iodine nutrition in childhood, there was no closing of the gap in education outcomes as they got older.”

“It is particularly important that pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those

Cataract Gorge pool opening delayed due to flooding The City of Launceston typically aims to open the First Basin pool at the Cataract Gorge to the public on the November long weekend each year.

An artists illustration of a severe case of Goitres (PHOTO: File Image).

Old myths and fictional tales can sometimes signal more serious subjects, as Dr Kristen Hynes knows all too well.

Dr Hynes is a Research Fellow with the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research and has spent much of her career looking at iodine deficiency and the health implications it has had in the State; a condition that has direct links to the taunt about Tasmanians having

two heads.

“While mainlanders may tease that Tasmanians have two heads, the taunt has a serious side,” Dr Hynes said.

“One explanation for the emergence of the two-headed Tasmanian myth is the widespread occurrence of goitres during the 19th and 20th centuries in the Tasmanian population that resulted from lack of iodine in the diet.”

Goitres are lumps or swellings at the front of the neck caused by a swollen thyroid, a small gland in your neck that makes hormones. Goitres are not usually serious but should be checked by a doctor.

“Left untreated, some of the goitres were so big that they did look like another head. Treatment involving surgical removal left people with a scar along their neck.

Another bit of fiction about how you can tell that some-

However, following recent flooding in the South Esk River, the opening of the pool has been delayed this year.

Council crews are waiting for continued high flows through the Cataract Gorge to recede before the pool can be drained and an assessment of its condition can be completed.

Debris or damage to the pool from floodwaters may necessitate repainting and repairs and this may

extend the opening date out further.

The City of Launceston is hopeful the pool will be opened to the public before Christmas.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson asked for the community’s patience as Council officers work to have the pool opened over coming weeks.

“A visit to the First Basin pool is a much-loved Summer past-time in Launceston, but circumstances this year mean the opening will be delayed,” Mayor Gibson said.

“This is a challenge we’ve faced in the past — includ-

ing in 2016 when the pool was flooded four times in the space of just a few months — and we had to undertake a number of maintenance and repair projects.

“We ask for the community’s patience over coming weeks as we ready the pool for opening, making sure that all equipment is operating correctly and that water quality standards are met.

“We know the First Basin pool is an extremely popular community swimming facility, and the City of Launceston will take all practical steps to have the pool opened as soon as possible.”

More incentive for Tasmanian property owners If you have a property you can rent to someone who needs a hand up, we can help you.

The Private Rental Incentives Program: pays property owners $6,600 or $9,900 when leasing an eligible property to Tasmanians on low incomes provides guaranteed rent to the owner for a two year lease provides all property and tenancy management services.

More information is available by phone on 03 6166 3625 or by emailing housing.privaterentals@communities.tas.gov.au Department of Communities Tasmania

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

Page 9

Bell Bay Aluminium community grants announced Bell Bay Aluminium has awarded $36,940 in community grants to help support a wide range of community projects and initiatives across Tasmania.

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations were able to apply for up to $3,000 under the smelter’s annual grant program. Acting general manager Mark

Gerrard said there was a great response to the grant program.

“There were many worthy projects submitted for consideration and I am delighted that we can support 14 organisations with funding for projects and initiatives that represent the diverse needs of our local communities across Tasmania.”

“It is widely known that building community connections makes communities stronger and happier.

There’s no one better for this task than organisations made up of community members who understand and work with and within their communities.”

assist these organisations to provide services to their communities which enhance wellbeing and enable community connections to

strengthen, as well as create strong community partnerships and sustainability beyond the grant funding.”

Grant applications were assessed by a panel of employees.

2022 Bell Bay Aluminium Community Grant Recipients: Organisation

Project

Grant Funding

George Town Basketball Association George Town

Basketball unisex uniforms

$872

Toosey Community

$2,995

New appointees for the Aboriginal Heritage Council

Automated external defibrillator

Devonport Little Athletics

Centre Upgrade of athletics equipment

$2,168.45

Newstead Athletics Inc.

Track and field equipment

$2,974

Studentworks Launceston

Safety equipment and uniforms

$3,000

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Roger Jaensch announced the new and incumbent members for the Aboriginal Heritage Council, stating that the Government recognised the importance of Tasmania’s Aboriginal cultural heritage to Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and all Tasmanians

Tasmanian Junior Beekeepers Incorporated

Compostable toilet

$3,000

Jordan River Service Incorporated

Community Lunch Program

$3,000

Devonport Surf Life Saving Club Inc.

Motor for inflatable rescue boat

$3,000

RSPCA Tasmania

Safe Beds Program

$3,000

George Town Community Bowls Club Inc.

Shade structure

$3,000

The St Helens Neighbourhood House Association

St Helens Community Garden

$2,148.70

“In 2017, we strengthened the role of the Aboriginal Heritage Council by making it a statutory body to directly advise the Minister on policy and procedures,

and promote public understanding and awareness of Aboriginal heritage matters.”

“I am pleased to announce that Theresa Sainty, Dave Gough and Lyndon O’Neil have been appointed to the Council, and that Greg Brown has been reappointed.”

These members will join existing Council members, Rodney Dillon (Chairman), Zoe Rimmer, Jeanymaree Wilson, Hank Horton, Joselle Griffin and Camilla

“Our annual community grants program serves to

Woolley.

“Our Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Council as we develop new, stronger Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Legislation.”

More information about the Aboriginal Heritage Council can be found on the Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania website at www. aboriginalheritage.tas. gov.au

YOUR AD HERE Visit: www.TamarValleyNews.com.au/Advertise Or Email: advertising@hyperlocalmedia.com.au

Kentish Regional Clinic Inc. CORES suicide prevention $3,000 training and self-care and mental wellbeing workshops Low Head Community Garden

Yarning circle

$3000

Port Dalrymple School

Drink bottles for Kindergarten - Year 6 students

$1,782

George Town Council

2023 Australia Day Awards The George Town Council is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Australia Day Awards.

The Awards are to recognise the selfless contribution and service to the community, in the George Town municipal area.

We are looking for nominations in the following categories: Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year If you know of someone who deserves recognition for the contributions they make to our community or an outstanding event that has been delivered by an not-for-profit organisation to the community, then please ensure you nominate them today.

Any further enquiries regarding your nominations or the Australia Day Ceremony, please contact Council on 6382 8800 or email Council at council@georgetown.tas.gov.au

Citizen of the year

NOMINATE NOW

Young Citizen of the year

Event of the year

Nominations close on 30 November 2022

Page 10

Find us online: www.tamarvalleynews.com.au

Featured Article

From Northern India to Northern Tasmania

By Phillip Ragan It’s been 12 months now since much loved Indian restaurant, Tassie Dhaba opened its doors to the people of Beaconsfield and the Tamar Valley. Just entering the building itself presents a real cultural experience with the beautiful décor and stylish arrangement of dining room furniture.

Perhaps best known for

their superb naan bread, butter chicken and chicken tika masala, as co-owner Sassy explains, the philosophy behind the great food is less about spices and more about the flavours!

For this writer, who has a very ‘western palette’ the mild was a safe option, though medium or hot may not be too far away should a greater sense of adventure ensue!

With Head Chef and co-owner Mantek bringing a wealth of experience from working in high pressure big city restaurants and an equally talented assistant chef onsite, Tassie Dhaba certainly has the credentials to provide an incredible meal for you and your family or friends.

Tassie Dhaba offers a fully licenced bar serving a great selection of local wine and

beers, with regular customers travelling from as far as Devonport and Launceston to enjoy the food and ambience.

On the topic of Beaconsfield, owner Sassy’s eyes lit up with a strong sense of affection.

‘It was a lifestyle decision to move here,’ she explains, ‘we lived and worked in Launceston for 5 years but

fell in love with Beaconsfield and it’s strong sense of community. We are now locals ourselves and live in the town. We are here for the long run and have committed to a 5-year lease on the building.’

‘The locals have been very supportive and welcoming,’ she added.

Tassie Dhaba is situated at 102 Weld Street, Beacons-

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field. Trading hours are usually 2-8pm and they are open 7 days. It is always a good idea to book ahead on (03) 6300 8106. They also offer take away and a local delivery service.

Tassie Dhaba, quickly becoming a much-loved fixture and must visit venue in Beaconsfield.

Sassy and her team look forward to welcoming you soon.

Have news? Email: news@tamarvalleynews.com.au

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7 Old Man ---, edible shrub (8) 8 A word to the whys? (7) 14 Worn by those over the eight? (6,4) 15 Those in the know (8) 16 Don (8) 17 Designer of 25 Across (7) 18 On thin ice (2,1,4) 20 Sizing up (6) 22 Ottoman ruler (6)

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Answers

Jokes

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Tasmania. If it had been invented anywhere else it would have been called a teeth brush!

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Page 13

Regional Business Awards recognise Business Excellence Mark Gerrard said, “We work closely with hundreds of local businesses across Tasmania and one thing they all have in common is their commitment to provide local employment, products and services to the community and industries such as ours. It’s important that through this Awards program we support and encourage the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs in our region by recognizing and celebrating the resilience and sustainability of our local business community.”

Jason Hills (left), owner of Send it MTB shuttles, accepts an award for best new business. (PHOTO: Facebook).

The George Town Chamber of Commerce 2022 Business Excellence Awards winners have been announced at a presentation held at the George Town Memorial Hall The Awards recognise and celebrate the amazing diversity of business within the George Town municipality and particularly those that have demonstrated resilience throughout the past

12 months.

“I was delighted to join our local businesses to celebrate how they have successfully adapted to a challenging operating environment over the past 12 months.

Tasmania’s border opened in mid-December last year and many businesses were impacted almost immediately as a wave of COVID swept through our community,” said James Cameron,

President, George Town Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber is delighted to be able to showcase the resilience and business excellence of our 2022 award winners tonight with the support of our major sponsors Bell Bay Aluminum and Liberty Bell Bay,” said Mr. Cameron.

Bell Bay Aluminium, Acting General Manager,

LIBERTY Bell Bay General Manager, Richard Curtis said: ‘We are proud to once again sponsor the 2022 Business Excellence Awards which recognise the outstanding businesses that operate within our region.

The winners of this year’s Awards demonstrate the diversity of those businesses that contribute to both the economic and social fabric of our vibrant community.

The Awards also celebrate the courage and determination of those individuals who persevered through the hard times brought about

by COVID-19 to emerge stronger than ever in their drive to provide excellence within their respective

businesses. A wonderful achievement by all!’

2022 Business Excellence Award Winners

Landscaping COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION

AGRICULTURAL/ AGRITOURISM

Winner - Classic Cars and Coffee - Don Mario’s Ristorante

Winner - Windy Park Alpacas

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

APPRENTICE / TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

Winner - Coffee Devil Tim and Kate Dunne

Dual Winner - BBA Jake Chilcott

EXCELLENCE IN RETAIL

Dual Winner - BBA Dylan Zeeman BEST MARKETING / ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN Winner - Low Head Pilot Station - Waterfront Tassie Shacks + Local Seafood Highly Commended Zenith Distillery BEST NEW BUSINESS Winner - Send it MTB shuttles BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT Dual Winner - Tasfix Pty Ltd

Winner – NewsXpress EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY Winner - Low Head Tourist Park EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Winner - Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum & Foghorn JUDGES AWARD Winner - George Town seafoods - Pam Edson for Excellence in Customer Service

Dual Winner - Hicksy Hardware Garden and

Places of the Tamar The Long Road to Beaconsfield

By Phillip Ragan Quite often if spare time would allow, I would call in at my favourite bakery in Exeter for a coffee and a cake or pie, and rather than take the direct route to Beaconsfield, I would take the C717 Winkleigh Road route instead. In our new feature ‘Places of The Tamar’ I felt the beauty of the area and strong sense of history warranted its place as our first feature!

The road begins just by the Exeter tourist shop, a great place to stock up on maps and local information for anyone new to or visiting the region. The road winds its way past the Exeter

showgrounds, home to many artists at the thriving art studios, a local cricket club and the country markets run by the West Tamar Lions Club which trades on the first Sunday of each month during Spring and Summer.

As you drive just a few kilometers out of Exeter, the houses get fewer and fewer, the blocks get bigger as the landscape changes with animals and timber aplenty.

The road makes its way past the locality of Loira to the major tourist attraction in the area, the Supply River Methodist Church which was constructed back in 1861. The Church has a

fascinating history with a once thriving ministry of Bush Missionaries and Laymen Ministers conducting regular revival services.

People would walk for miles to attend, and the little Church building would often pack out with meetings that would not finish until around midnight! There are many wonderful stories of this Church, some of which you can read on the signs at the site which the West Tamar Council has done an excellent job preserving.

The road continues over the bridge at Supply River, where on a bright, sunny day the light and colour really captivates. There is a busy auto wrecking

business, a cemetery with beautiful views and some interesting buildings including a beautiful white former Presbyterian Church (now a private residence) a reminder of the once strong Scottish influence in the area.

As you arrive at Winkleigh, there you will notice a well-kept community hall, that is still fairly active with a range of events and an old-fashioned fire station.

Winkleigh Road (C717) soon becomes Flowery Gully Road as you continue to head North, where the road weaves, ascends and descends before flattening out amid gentle pastures, just a few kms later the

biggest business in the area, Beams Brothers dominates the landscape.

and provide apprenticeships and employment opportunities for locals.

Beams Brothers, specialising in landscaping supplies, employs many local people and has served Tasmania since 1948. The site of agricultural lime, sand and gravel with trucks pulling in and out adds a strong industrial presence to the otherwise picturesque setting. As you make your way towards Beaconsfield you will notice another thriving business, Boral Quarries which specialises in building and construction solutions.

All in all, it’s a worthwhile drive if you appreciate a beautiful landscape, great history mixed with present day industry and plenty of farms and cattle!

The only thing that perhaps the council could consider is implementing a recreation area in the way of a table and chairs or some kind of public space where one can slow down, take a break and appreciate the serenity of the area.

It’s great to see these businesses continue to thrive

Shop 2, Legana Grove Shopping Centre Legana (03) 6330 2188 georgeandmatilda.com.au

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Page 15

Remembering Peter Charles Cox - 1943 - 2022

LEFT: Peter Cox (right) being presented with his Award from the Federation of Australian Historical Societies (PHOTO: Lorraine Wootton).

RIGHT: Peter signing his Lefroy - The Forgotten Gold Town book (PHOTO: Jennie Timmins).

By the George Town & District Historical Society Peter Charles Cox passed away suddenly, but peacefully at his home in George Town on 5 October 2022.

He will be remembered with fondness and respect by all who knew him, as a man devoted to his family, his church and community, an educator, historian, activist and true gentleman.

He grew up in Battery Point, but after university taught in schools in the south and NW before coming to George Town with his family in the 1970s. He was Principal of Scottsdale High School in 1996-7 before returning for his final year as Principal of George Town High before retirement.

From his early days in George Town Peter served on numerous committees,

ranging from fundraising for the local Swimming Pool, Semaphore Restoration projects, commemorative events and festivals.

He was an extremely capable and diplomatic chairman and negotiator who valued everyone’s contribution and was able to sum up a situation or topic, deal with it and avoid conflict.

As an active Rotarian for more than 30 years, Peter volunteered on many projects, served as President of the George Town Club twice and received a Paul Harris Award, for service to Rotary.

He was a member of numerous historical organisations and with his wide knowledge of history, geography, geology and more, plus his excellent oratory skills, was sought after as a credible speaker on a variety of occasions and topics and always generous-

ly shared his knowledge.

He was widely recognised as ‘the authority’ on the history of George Town, and never missed an opportunity to promote George Town in a positive light. He was instrumental in having both George Town and Low Head designated as “historic towns” for tourism purposes which procured the appropriate brown and white heritage signage leading up to the town.

From the early days of the George Town & District Historical Society, Peter had a leadership role, often representing the Society and chairing commemorative committees such as the Bicentenary of Bass’ & Flinders’ circumnavigation of Van Diemen’s Land, the Centenary of Federation, Bicentenary of George Town. It was Peter who organised the whole

month’s itinerary of almost daily events stretching from Adventure Bay to Low Head following Govr Lachlan Macquarie’s 1811 visit, culminating in George Town’s 200th Birthday Party with the Governor present.

He was a regular speaker at monthly meetings and chief organiser of 12 biennial conferences and most excursions. Peter was newsletter editor for many years, and either wrote or contributed to many society publications. He chaired the “Way Back When ...” committee from its inception in 2003, wrote many key articles for this long running Examiner series and continued until the book was published in 2012.

Peter’s major work “Lefroy - Tasmania’s Forgotten Gold Town” was published by the Society with all proceeds generously been assigned to it.

In 2017, Peter was awarded one of only two merit awards in recognition of his significant contribution to the study and promotion of early Australian colonial history, especially in Tasmania by the Federation of Australian Historical Societies and his award was personally presented by the president, Associate Prof Don Garden OAM in March 2018.

Peter was also a founding member of the Low Head Pilot Station Support Group, after serving on the State Steering C’tee to ensure that it was kept in State hands. As chairman until fairly recently, he raised the profile of the Pilot Station Museum and was made a Life Member in 2017-18 for his enormous contribution.

In 2005 Peter Cox was named George Town’s Australia Day “Citizen of

the Year” following his involvement with the month long Bicentenary of George Town commemorations in 2004, and in 2014 he was awarded the Community “Volunteer of the Year” Award for his untiring service to several organisations.

Peter Cox was widely respected for his diplomacy and his communication, mediation and negotiation skills. He was kind, empathetic , generous and compassionate - someone who ‘practised what he preached’.

He will be sadly missed by his much loved daughter, Sally and son, David and their families, and his only brother, along with a multitude of friends and associates in all his past activities and interests and the wider community in general. Valé Peter Cox.

Improved access to Launceston Airport completed Travellers using Launceston Airport will benefit from a new dual-lane road, with the duplication of Evandale Road from the airport to Breadalbane roundabout now complete in time for Tasmania’s busy summer tourism season.

The $16.7 million project was jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Roads of Strategic Importance program and the Tasmanian Government’s Roads Package to Support Tasmania’s Visitor

Economy.

Evandale Road is a key transport link in the Launceston region, providing the main gateway to the airport and access to the nearby TRANSlink Precinct.

It connects the airport and industrial precinct with the Midland Highway and from there to Launceston and Hobart.

The project involved widening a 1.8 kilometre section of Evandale Road to

two lanes in each direction, installation of flexible safety barriers and upgrades to key intersections.

Growth in the industrial precinct has generated significant heavy vehicle traffic in the area.

Even during quieter times of the day, the road was operating at capacity, with delays and queuing increasing during peak hours.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Devel-

opment and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “I’m pleased to see this upgrade improving safety, reducing traffic congestion and creating a better impression for visitors when they arrive in Tasmania.”

in each direction keeps traffic flowing so that travellers can arrive and depart from the airport faster and freight can be delivered more efficiently,” said Michael Ferguson, Minister for Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport

Road upgraded to better cater for growing traffic as the gateway to and from Launceston Airport, as well as for the rapidly developing TRANSlink precinct, which is a busy industrial hub,” said Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell.

“This completed road duplication will also allow for future growth of the Launceston Airport and the surrounding commercial and industrial precincts.”

“The upgrade to two lanes

“This is an investment not only in the safety of all road users, but in supporting an important job-creating precinct.”

“There will be significant benefits and efficiencies for the large number of industrial and freight-based businesses which will regularly use the newly duplicated Evandale Road to access the airport.”

“It’s important to have had this section of Evandale

Page 16

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Tales of the Tamar Kitty Haggerty - A Female Pirate

ABOVE: Joseph Redmonds and Kitty Haggerty on the brig Venus and 1803 Brigatine - Illustrated by Maggie Fletcher

By Maggie Fletcher

sidered the female pirate.

The stories of the mutineers who pirated the brig Venus from Port Dalrymple in 1806 are many and varied.

The two women on board were Charlotte Badger and Catherine (Kitty) Haggerty. Kitty, born in Dublin Ireland, was shipped to Australia in 1792, convicted of an unknown crime on the convict transporter also named Kitty. Although the 14 Irish prisoners were not listed on the ship’s manifest, Catherine Haggerty is listed as one of 25 women landed at Sydney Cove from the Kitty on 18 Nov. 1792 after a passage of 33 weeks.

There had been trouble on board the Venus, and the captain, Samuel Rodman Chace, was worried about the threat of mutiny, and Kitty Haggerty had thrown a small box of personal papers overboard. While at Port Dalrymple, Captain Chace left the vessel and went up-river for the night.

When he returned the next morning, the Venus had been pirated and was under sail with the two women onboard, heading for Rangihoua, New Zealand.

Ex convict Charlotte Badger, has been written up as a pirate, but as it was Kitty Haggerty who was sharing quarters with the pockmarked American sailor, Benjamin Burnet Kelly, the instigator of the mutiny on the brig Venus, surely she is the one who should be con-

As Kelly had been first mate on the whaler Albion which had sailed to the north east coast of New Zealand, he would have known the safe anchorages. By 1805 ships called at Rangihoua regularly to take on water and fresh food, and the paramount Ngapuhi chief, Te Pahi, had recently returned after some months at Port Jackson as a guest of Gov. Philip King.

When the Venus made an-

chor at Rangihoua, Te Pahi’s daughter Atahoe was living with a European, George Bruce who had visited Van Diemen’s Land with Te Pahi on the Lady Nelson.

on the convict ship the Pitt the same year as Catherine arrived on the Kitty. He and Kitty had a child Theresa born on 4 July 1795 and later a daughter Sophia.

Catherine Haggerty, gave birth to a son Henry at Parramatta on 28 November 1793, and named the father as Henry Richardson. A sailor of that name came as a convict on the First Fleet, and left in June 1793 to return to England as one of the crew on the Kitty.

On 6 February 1800 Catherine Haggerty received an absolute pardon by Governor Hunter: ‘having strong reason to believe her time is duly expired but of which there is no certainty as the list of the ship Kitty in which she came to this country is incomplete ….’.

Then, when she returned to England on 3 March, Atkins wrote in his journal, ‘Kitty left me, went on board the Relliance (sic) with her son for England’.

In February 1793, Ann Bockerah, a young widowed woman who already had a daughter Sarah, was living with Judge Richard Atkins, known as ‘The Women’s Judge’. She died giving birth to a baby girl Penelope, and Kitty moved in to live with Atkins as his ‘housekeeper’.

Both Catherine Haggerty and Richard Atkins were on the Fourth Fleet to NSW. Atkins, having resigned his commission as Adjutant to the Isle of Man Corps was

In 1803, Henry Atkins (now 10) returned to NSW a free immigrant – ‘a youth returning to his father’. As his passage was paid for by the government, it seems that Kitty had passed her child off as Judge Atkins’ son, then accompanied him back

to NSW as she appears once again in the Sydney records.

Kitty Haggerty and Charlotte Badger may have met in the Parramatta Women’s Female Factory, as it was where women were taken to be assessed while suitable situations were found for them and they are both listed in the Factory records.

In 1805 Ann Kelly, Catherine Haggerty and her son Henry were living at Hawkesbury with James Kiss, who after being granted his Ticket of Leave had rented 10 acres of land.

Kitty then left for Sydney and formed a relationship with Benjamin Kelly. Her children, Henry, Theresa, and Sophia were left behind whilst Kitty sailed on the brig Venus with Kelly. Richard Atkins’ wife Elizabeth who joined him in Australia after a separation of 11 years, raised his illegitimate children.

where she, Benjamin Kelly, Charlotte Badger and her infant child, the convict artist John William Lancashire and the two ship’s boys were put ashore at Rangihoua.

The Venus left without them with Mulatto, Joseph Redmonds at the helm.

What happened to Kitty, one of the first two pakeha (white) women to live in New Zealand is pure speculation. It is known that she and Charlotte lived under the protection of Te Pahi and they were declared tapu.

Charlotte returned to NSW, but it is thought that the ‘middle size, light hair, fresh complexion, much inclined to smile’ Kitty died at Rangihoua within a few months.

Her descendants still live in Australia and it has been possible to piece together some of the missing parts of her story through their family websites.

Kitty sailed to New Zealand on the pirated brig Venus,

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, 21st November starting at 7.30pm, at The Grove.

COVID precautions will be in place and attendees are encouraged to wear a mask.

SPEAKER: Craig Dixon – “Adventures in the Chatham Islands, New Zealand” Craig will show a film and speak of his experiences in making this documentary film about the Moriori people, who were the original inhabitants of the Chatham Islands, 800 kms east of New Zealand’s South Island.

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.