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September 2019 ALWAYS LOCAL - PROUDLY SERVING COMMUNITIES OF THE TAMAR VALLEY
Celebrating Business Excellence
MAYOR VISITS SITE OF BELL BAY ALUMINIUM PAGE 3
WEST TAMAR RESIDENTS CELEBRATE BOOKWEEK George Town Chamber of Commerce 2019 Business Excellence award winners gather displaying their awards.
The George Town Chamber of Commerce held their awards evening on the 29th of August. The awards evening experienced a high level of nonminations based on previous years which the awards have been held. Nominations were open for a period of one month closing on the 26th of July 2019. Nominees for the awards took part in an award judging process which included interviews regarding the type of contribtion which indivudal businesses make to the George Town
and Tasmanian communties. Judging pannels were made up of professionals from local and regional industry which included forty interview over two days. The Chamber believe that the high level of entry compared to previous years displays and growing quality and diversity of business within George Town which makes the muncipality and better place to live, work and raise a family. The award and their winners are as follows; Best New Business : Pink Poodle
Vintage. Best Marketing / Advertising Campaign : Low Head Tourist Park. Healthy Workplace of the year : Hillwood Berries Farm Gate Community Contribution : Bee Bop Dance. Agricultural Award : Hillwood Berries Farm Gate Apprentice of the Year : Hayley Williams, Bell Bay Aluminium Excellence in Customer Service : T’N’T Fresh It Up More on Page 2
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HISTORY THE PLANNING OF REGENT SQUARE GEORGE TOWN PAGE 12
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Tamar Valley News is produced by Hyperlocal Media. Delivered to suburbs and townships of Riverside, Legana, Exeter, Beaconsfield, Beauty Point and George Town. Delivered to over 100 local businesses and public locations in West Tamar and George Town muncipal areas. If you have local story or issue let us know! news@tamarvalleynews.com.au Interested in promoting your business to local hyperlocal audience? kyle@hyperlocalmedia.info - 0477779232 Excellence in Tourism : Low Head Tourist Park Business Achievement : Envorinex Entrepreneur of the Year : Fanny’s Bay Distillery Other business that were nominated for the awards include; George Town IGA Pink Poodle Vintage Hawk Signs Envorinex Last Leg Fanny’s Bay Distillery Hillwood Farm gate Bank Of Heritage Isle Made with Pride Tamar Valley News Windy Park Alpacas Nichole’s Bowen Therapy Ryan Youd Constructions Clover Hill Wines Taste Of TamOshanter Low Head Tourist Park T’N’T Fresh It Up NewsXpress George Town Anne Street Medical Community Hub George Town Dap Leadership Group George Town SES Employment Plus RSL Sub Branch George Town Rotary Club Bee Bop Dance Nicholas Poke Hayley Williams Bradley Duck George Town Post Office Coffee Devil Delamere Vineyard The George Town Chamber of Commerence wish to make a special mention to the on going support of local and regional sponsors. Bell Bay Aluminium South 32 Temco Ivan Dean MLC Foot and Playsted Hon Michael Ferguson MP Bank of Heritage Isle Harcourts East Tamar The Van Diemen Project The George Town Council George Town Chamber / East Tamar Tourism Network and Rural Bank
Hearing Bus, coming soon! George Town Little Athletics Club invites you to shake off the winter woolies and join them for some summer family fitness and fun. On Monday 9th September 4.30pm - 5.30pm the group will feature a free sausage sizzle. For more information visit their Facebook page.
Hearing Australia is celebrating Tasmanian Seniors Week, running from 14-20 October across the state, with a statewide bus tour for the whole month of October offering free* hearing checks and advice on hearing wellness, to ensure the seniors of Tasmania have an opportunity to live life to the fullest. Local seniors are encouraged to seek out the Hearing Australia bus at locations across the state this Seniors Week. The week is a reminder that no matter your age, it’s never too late to embrace your hearing health as an extension of your regular health and fitness regime 1 . Seniors Week is a great time to get your hearing in order! “The team at Hearing Australia don’t want people to miss out on opportunities to enjoy social activities and keep in touch with the people they love and all the things they love to do,” says Hearing Australia Hobart manager Keira Carne. “This week, seniors are encouraged to be proactive about their hearing health and have a hearing check to make sure their hearing stays in great shape.” Research shows today’s older
Australians are generally healthier and more active than their peers 25 years ago. 2 However, maintaining hearing fitness isn’t a priority, with people waiting an average of seven years to take a hearing check. 3 “There are many studies that indicate that the sooner people can address hearing loss the better,” says Keira. “If people consider a hearing check as part of their regular health check-ups, like testing their blood pressure or getting their teeth and eyes checked, the better the outcome will be for them.” “A hearing check is a quick and easy way to help identify if your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be. The team on the Hearing Australia bus will be on hand to guide you through what your next steps may be to help you rediscover the sounds you love.” Hearing Australia will provide hearing checks to any interested adults who visit the bus during its tour of Tasmania. Free* hearing checks are also available in all Hearing Australia Tasmanian centres by appointment. For more details, talk to Hearing Australia by calling 131 797.
Love Cricket? The Northern Tasmanian Cricket Associaiton are seeking interested people who can fulfill the role of umpire for the forth coming season. Interested people should contact Peter Griffin on 0407 097 255 or peterwgriffin@hotmail.com
Hard Rubbish Collection Registrations are open for the Annual Hard Rubbish Collection from Monday the 2nd of September. This is a free service to dispose of small to medium size items that cannot be collected by the normal residential wheelie bin service. Residents wishing to participate, must Pre-Register before 1 November 2019. Pre-registering can be done preferably via Council’s website (www.wtc.tas.gov.au, using the button on the home page or Services and Facilities drop down tab) or alternatively by phoning or visiting Council offices at Riverside (6323 9300) or Beaconsfield (6383 6350). After pre-registering, residents will be contacted early November and advised of their collection day.
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Rowella History Day Rowella Community Hall & West Tamar Historical Society invite the public to Rowella History Day, led by historian John Den. Attenees will visit Willmores Bluff, Point Rapid, Wateron Hall & Delamere on Sunday 8th of September 8.45am to 4.45 pm. Morning tea is provided. Tickets are limited at $25 per person. If you are interested in joining thnis co-hosted event please email john.dent@ pda.com.au or phone 0408 133 656.
We recently constructed a new footpath joining Bulman Drive and the new Boulevard in Legana. This will provide greater pedestrian access and safety between the bus stop on Freshwater Point Road and the Legana shopping precinct.
New Mayor, visits Bell Bay Aluminium George Town Council Mayor Greg Kieser and General Manager Shane Power were treated to a tour of Bell Bay Aluminium’s (BBA) facility during the week. The facility employs over 440 men and women and produces over 190,000 tonnes per annum exporting over 80% to international markets. In 2018 BBA purchased goods and services in excess of $194 from over 300 Tasmanian suppliers. Mayor Kieser was particularly impressed by the use of IoT and automation and BBA’s continued investment in its plant including the installation of a new 300 tonne transformer in BBA’s switchyard saying “It’s reassuring to know that such a large manufacturer in our backyard has the confidence to inject large amounts of capital in its operations and remain a global competitor in its field’. BBA’s switchyard is the largest in Tasmania and the value of this project was estimated at $6.5 million with an approximate spend of $1.5 million with Tasmanian contractors and suppliers who have worked on the installation since April. The power transformer replaces a 52-year-old asset and will convert 220,000 volts BBA currently receives from the Tasmanian transmission system to 33,000 volts as an input to the
smelter’s rectifiers, which in turn provides direct current power to the potlines for the production of aluminium. George Town Council would like to thank BBA General Manager Kevin Taylor, Principal Advisor
Communities & Communication Lou Clark, Principal Advisor Energy & Power Supply, Leigh Darcy and Sam Duncan, Superintendent Environment & Analytical for hosting the visit.
Think Local, Buy Local - George Town Want to include your business? Contact us 0477779232 - kyle@hyperlocalmedia.info
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Tamar Valley News wishes to congratulate all award winners and nominees in the George Town Chamber of Commerce 2019 Business Excellence Awards. The future is bright for our municipality.
Fuel Reduction Burns in the West Tamar Fuel Reduction Burns will be undertaken in the West Tamar this spring in Grassy Hut Tier, Westwood, Greens Beach, Beaconsfield and Grindelwald areas. Further details can be found by selecting the photos below. People with medical conditions
are advised to have a personal plan for avoiding smoke from the burns. Advice is available from the Department of Health and Human Services and Asthma Australia websites. Current air quality information is also available via the Environment Protection Authority website. Further information about these burns are available by contacting the Tasmania Fire Service on phone 1800 000 699 or email FRU@fire.tas.gov.au. A map of planned burns is available on the TFS website.
Wheels4Work Northern Tasmanian organisation Wheels4Work is seeking more volunteers to continue their activties in West Tamar and George Town. Driver mentors are required to partner with learner drivers, hours accumulated by volunteers can be used to fulfil required centrelink hours. Wheels4Work enables Tasma-
nians to achieve the hours required to receive a Tasmanian issue drivers license. Priority is given to learners who require a license for pending or current work requirements. If you are interested in supporting to program as a volunteer or joining as a learner driver. Contact Sally on 0409 183 322
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West Tamar celebrates Bookweek 2019
Footpath Cleaning Macquarie Street *Postponed until further notice* Please be advised that Council contractors will be undertaking footpath cleaning in Macquarie Street from Anne St to Elizabeth St on Sunday 1st September 2019. Council apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause and requests that pedestrians please obey all safety and directional signage.
Beaconsfield Child and Family Centre will be holding an event for fathers and male caregivers on Thursday 3rd of October 2019 5.30pm to 7.30pm, titled “Dinosaur Night”. Held at Beaconsfield CFC (33 Grubb Street). The event is free for all those attending. A night of dinosaur themed play, fun and adventure with dress up being optional. RSVP is essential for catering purposes PH 6383 1742 or email beaconsfield.cfc@ education.tas.gov.au
West Tamar residents celebrated national bookweek in mid August. The annual parade allows children and families to dress up and celebrate reading. The event won West Tamar Council best event of the year in the 2018 Australia Day celebrations. The event is a joint partnership between the Beaconsfield Primary School and Beaconsfield Child and Family centre.
Rowella Community Hall Social Night Rowella community hall will hold their “First Friday” social night on Friday the 6th of September. Guests are asked to bring their favourite asain inspired food to share with fellow residents. Rice or noodle dish, dumplings, spring rolls, stir fry,m sushi or a curry. BYO drinks, gold coin entry raffle.
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George Town Council adopts ambitious Annual Plan George Town Council at its meeting Tuesday 27 August 2019 adopted its 2019/2020 Annual Plan. The plan contains a number of significant pieces of work to be completed over the coming months that aims to deliver Councils 10 year Strategic Plan but also to position the municipality to: • take full advantage of a growing
and diversified tourism market; • capitalise on the mountain bike trail project and Regent Square Redevelopment; • enhance Council transparency through improved and regular publicly available reporting on organisational performance; • improve community health and wellbeing through the development of a heritage, cultural and natural assets interpretation strategy; • prepare shovel ready projects such as Macquarie Street precinct design and East Beach Public Space concept plan • future sporting infrastructure through the development of a Sports & Recreation Strategy
Statewide, interstate and international Hassle-free travel for all
When it comes to hasle-free holidays where every detail is taken care of, few can match McDermott’s. This local coach company has been providing stress-free travel throughout Tasmania, interstate and overseas for more than 35 years. McDermott’s is a family owned business thatis passionate about porviding truly unique experiences for their travellers through its renowned - and free to join - Travel Club. Managing Director Simon McDermott says these one-of-a-kind tours make
the joy of travel accessible for all. “We offer a unique door-to-door service for all extended and overseas tours”. “We collect out clients from their home and return them to their front door with a welcome home food pack.” “There’s no hassle with managing luggage, airport transfers or check ins, this is all taken care of and this results in a very seamless holiday experience for our clients. The Travel Club offers regular day tours and short break tours
including mystery tours where we visit popular iconic locations within Tasmania.” Their upcoming extended touring program includes a 20 day lifetime experience to holiday in Canada, including the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, and boarding the world’s most sought-after cruise - the Alaska Inside Passage. They start with exploring Banff and Jasper from the comfort of the coach, the surface of a lake and the summit of the mountains! We hop on-board the renowned Rocky Mountaineer Train journey for 2 days through the heart of British Columbian Rockies, viewing some of the most stunning scenery on the planet before arriving at Vancouver. In Vancouver you will get to explore the city, its culture, cuisine and meet the loveliest people in this contemporary city. Alternatively join a 9-day trip to far North Queensland, Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tableland, Undara lava Tubes. As the wet season comes to an end in Far North Queensland it is seen as the best time to head there and explore the region. Our tour starts with a day in Cairns and exploring the
Kuranda plateau. We will spend a full day out on the Great Barrier Reef with a marine biologist, view the reef from a glass bottom boat, tour in a semi-submersible boat and if you’re up for it, snorkel among the reef sharks and fish. Leaving the reef, we journey further north to Port Douglas for some time to relax on the beach but to also go tropical into Mossman gorge. Thier 2020-2021 international Travel Club program will feature destinations such as New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Canada, Alaska, Vietnam and India. “Our clients love the fact that invariably they will be travelling with other Travel Club friends along with familiar coach drivers and tour leaders” Simon said. “This provides many members with a sense of comfot and confidence to travel.” For more information on McDermott’s full range of tours, their new travel brochure released in October and to experience their first-class service for yourself, give them a call on 6330 3717 or visit them online at mcdermotts.com. au or via Facebook at McDermott’s Travel Club
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Stage One, Regent Square Development Open to the public
George Town Council have offically opened stage one of the Regent Square playground development. The celebrations included, face painting, portable maze, skate park leagues skate competition with a range of food and beverage vans. Further re-
development of the square has been secured by a 2.4 million dollar investment by the Federal Government. Comment has recently closed on stage two of the Regent Square Development. More details can be found on the George Town Council webiste.
Staying Safe Online When working in the information technology industry, some of the most common questions that get asked are about cybersecurity, and how you can stay safe online. In last months issue, we wrote an article about online scams. We offer an online course that teaches you about these scams, how to avoid them and what to do if you find yourself the victim of one. You can access that course at flareleap.com/courses In this issue, we feel it’s important to talk to you about two factor authentication and passwords. Two factor authentication is the process of ensuring that the person logging into your accounts, is really you. This is a simple method of ensuring the security of your accounts, and the good news is that most tech giants offer this service. For example, if you use Gmail for your emails, you can set it up so
that upon logging in to your account, a text message is sent to your phone containing a code. The only way that you can log in to your account, is by entering that code. This is extremely helpful, because even if somebody were to correctly guess your password, they still can’t gain access to your account without physically having your phone as well. When it comes to your online safety, it’s important to take your passwords seriously. You want to be sure to use a different password for each account you have, and don’t share these with other people. Google offer a very helpful service to help you do this easily, utilising cutting edge technology and encryption. Visit passwords.google.com to learn more.
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Strong Tamar Valley Community, Built on Diversity The story of Kulwant and Mahinder Dhillon acts as a reminder of the strengths of immigration to Australia and how our communities are stronger a result. The couple have recently celebrated their fifty-year anniversary of making the journey to Australia; 31ST of August 1969 was the date the couple made Australia and Tasmania home. Mahinder studied at the Teachers College in Charles Street which was home to the former Gunns offices and currently professional services. This initial period for Mahinder was spent living in Kings Meadows with a kind family for a period of 5 months. Kulwant spent this similar period studying in England then arriving in Launceston to meet with his wife to peruse the shared career and passion of teaching. Mahinder particularly enjoyed teaching social science and cooking while Kulwant specialised in maths and science. Both teaching in schools such as Queechy, Cressy, Brooks, Riv-
erside, Deloraine and having a passion for secondary education. The couple now retired, in and approaching their eighties, residing in Grindelwald and are now enjoy the quality lifestyle with life in the West Tamar affords. Both Mahinder and Kulwant commented that the Tamar Valley is an incredibly beautiful place and expressed the importance of people arriving in a new community either internationally or domestically that it is very important to be involved in community. Kulwant said “people have a better understanding now of the strengths of different people mixing together”. Kulwant is particuarly proud of his time assisting youth during his time in Scouts Tasmania. The Dhillon couple are a clear example of the strengths of immigration to Australia and the shared communial benefits this provides. Mahinder wishes to make a special thanks to C. A Tamnadge who made her early years in Tasmania more enjoyable and live-
able. Northern Tasmania is home to a number of orgonisations who support new arrivals to our community. Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas) is a not-forprofit organisation that has been supporting people from migrant backgrounds to settle success-
fully in Tasmania since 1979. Our services include support for older people and specialised settlement services, including youth work, health and wellbeing services, community development, migration support, and assistance with employment.
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DOWN 1 ____ Tasman 3 Ship captained by William Paterson to Georgetown in 1804 ACROSS ACROSS 4 Tasmanian Tiger 2 Best known for housing an aluminium smelter2 Best known for housing an aluminium smelter 5 Number of Teats on Tasmanian Devilhome frequented by PM Robert 8 Home of a holiday home frequented by 8 a Home of a holiday Menzies 6 Submarine cable 9running from Tasmania to the Mainland PM Robert Menzies Indigenous name for the Tamar River 12 Suburb in the West Tamar 7 1820s Bush-ranger 9 Indigenous name for the Tamar River 15 Home the oldest Methodist 10 Popular bush walking andofpicnic location in theChurch West in Tasmania 12 Suburb in the West Tamar 17 A well-known Bridge in Sidmouth Tamar 15 Home of the oldest Methodist Church in Tasmania 18 Locality originally known as "Sallaby" 11 The most venomous of the Tasmanian snake species. 17 A well-known Bridge in Sidmouth 13 River in northernDOWN Tasmania 18 Locality originally known as “Sallaby” 14 developer of Grindelwald in 1980 1 ____ Tasman 16 Home of the Georgetown lighthouse 3 Ship captained by William Paterson to Georgetown in 1804 4 Tasmanian Tiger 19 Electorate of Northern Tasmania 5 Number of Teats on a Tasmanian Devil 6 Submarine cable running from Tasmania to the Mainland 7 1820s Bush-ranger 10 Popular bush walking and picnic location in the West Tamar 11 The most venomous of the Tasmanian snake species. 13 River in northern Tasmania 14 developer of Grindelwald in 1980 When is the right time to your of the areaGeorgetown and how long it took to sell shouldn’t determine if 16sell Home lighthouse 19 Electorate of Northern Tasmania property? and most importantly understand you are going to sell, sure sumSteve Crawford, Director, at the demand for mer, spring and to a degree Agency 36 Launceston, says the homes in your suburb. autumn the sun is out, right time to sell property “Currently in the Tamar Valley gardens are looking beautiful and depends on a number of factors there is still very strong demand properties photograph exceptionincluding the current market con- from buyers in the ally well however ditions, the time of year market, and falling supply means these are the peak selling times & most importantly what those selling will be able to get a with significantly more properties suits the home seller. higher price for their on the market, He says researching the market property”. ultimately giving the buyer more is key, talking to an agent, seeing Summer, spring, autumn or winoptions. If you were to sell in winwhat has sold in the ter? Crawford says “the season ter you are selling in
When is the right time to sell in the Tamar Valley? isolation with a significantly reduced amount of properties on the market and the same amount of buyer’s ultimately increasing competition, leading to multiple offers and higher sale prices.” “When deciding to sell sure, take these things into account but most importantly make sure it suits you the vendor.” He says.
Looking to buy or sell in the tamar valley? Contact your area specialist today:
Steve Crawford 0447 277 825 35 Reatta Road, Launceston
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When can I claim home-towork travel
What can I claim for my Car? Have you had any workrelated travel over the past financial year? You will need a record of all work-related kilometres that you have driven over this period. For a kilometre to be tax deductible, it needs to relate to travel between two locations of work-related activity. For example, if you work in Launceston and drive to a work-related training session in Hobart, the kilometres that you have travelled on that trip are tax deductible. However, if you live in Riverside and work in Launceston, your daily commute to work is not tax deductible.
Application Now Open Resource Recovery and Waste Minimisation Grants Program $70,000 has been allocated to the 2019/20 Round The NTWMG Resource Recovery
The only time that travel from home to work can be counted toward work-related kilometres, is if you have an occupation that required tools that you must transport to and from work each day. For example, if you are a music teacher with a drum kit or a handy man with a toolkit. However, this loophole is not available to individuals that have a secure lockup at work in which tools can be stored. It is also helpful to know that the maximum distance that you can claim for a vehicle under the cents per kilometre method is capped at 5,000 kilometres.
and Waste Minimisation Grants Program will allocate grants to eligible organisations in Northern Tasmania that are working towards decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfill from core activities and/or increasing the recovery of resources from waste that would otherwise be lost to landfill. For more information: http://rethinkwaste.com.au/northern-tasmanian-waste-minimis… Applications Close: 24th September 2019 at 3pm
Advertise from $50/mth. Find out more www.tamarvalleynews.com.au
Parked towing capacity To all those tradies out there that have vehicles with more grunt: if you have a rig capable of carrying a load of two tonnes or more, you cannot use the simple kilometrebased method to make your claim.
All this being said, tax legislation can be notoriously tricky and the amount claimable often changes with individual circumstances. It is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of a tax professional if you wish to get situation specific advice that you can rely on.
Not sure if this applies to you? The towing capacity of your vehicle should be in your car manual – or just Google your make and model.
The door at DK Chartered Accounting is always open. Please feel free to get in contact with us via the details provided.
You will need to have a record of the actual running expenses of your motor vehicle, such as fuel, registration, insurance, repairs, etc, as well as having kept a logbook for a 6-week period to establish the business percentage use of your vehicle.
Did you know that there is a free recycling program for used bread bag closures? Collect used bread bag closures in any box, until you have at least 1kg. When you are ready to send, download a shipping label from your TerraCycle account by clicking “Request a postage label”. Print out your label and tape it securely onto your box. Ship the box to Terracycle by dropping it off at your nearest post office. Further information about the program can be found here: www.
terracycle.com/en-AU/brigades/ bread-bag-closures-au CORES are conducting free Suicide Prevention Training on Tuesday the 1st of October at the Tamar Function Centre. Booking essential by Tuesday the 24th of September. Further details below and tickets are available here: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ cores-suicide-prevention-training-tickets-64766678880
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The Planning of Regent Square - 1811 - 1819
By Peter Cox Regent Square was an important part of the original plan of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who visited the site on the 18 December 1811 during his first visit to Van Diemen’s Land. He had decided to build a new town near the mouth of the Tamar River to replace Launceston as the centre of government in the North. He named it George Town after the reigning King George III, and the inlet it surrounded was re-named York Cove. Accompanying Governor Macquarie was ex-convict James Meehan, the Acting Government Surveyor who had assisted him the year before in the planning of six new towns west of Sydney on the Hawkesbury River. Now in Van Diemen’s Land they planned two more - Elizabeth Town on the Derwent River and George Town on the Tamar. They spent the afternoon exploring around the Cove, undoubtedly discussing plans for the town. Meehan wrote notes and surveyed. That evening, Macquarie wrote in his journal: “At 7 p.m. Our Dinner having been Cooked on board, and brought on shore, we dined very comfortably in our Tent, and drank prosperity to George Town, shortly intended to be erected here. ---The Evening being very fine Mrs. Macquarie and myself Slept on Shore in our Tent, which was Pitched on the future scite [sic] of the new intended Town, and probably on that part of it in which the principal Square will be erected and formed.” Next morning they further inspected the site, marking locations for some of the buildings: “I had two Boards, with George Town painted on them, nailed up to conspicuous Trees on the West and East side of the Cove, to mark out the intended Scite [sic] of the new Town; that on the West Side being nailed on a Tree close to our Tent. ---I also marked out the proper place for a Government Wharf and Public Stores & Granary to be built on the west side of the Cove; and near the Point on the same side, I had a Tree marked where the Government House is to be built, with a suitable Piece of Ground to be annexed thereto as a Domain.” This work completed, Macquarie boarded the Lady Nelson and
moved down river to Lagoon Bay for an early departure next morning. In June 1812 Meehan was sent back to Van Diemen’s Land to complete the plans for George Town and Elizabeth Town. Macquarie advised Meehan to form the town “according to a well digested regular Plan” - a grid pattern of streets on each side of York Cove. The key feature was a large central square, around which the principal buildings of the town should be placed. Macquarie’s instructions were explicit: “In marking out the Town, You will be guided generally by the verbal Instructions I have already given you on this head, and the Plan
you drew of it in December last and approved by me, and which you have in your Possession. The Town may extend round the Cove on both sides of it; but the Principal Square and all the Public Buildings must be marked out on the North East side of York Cove, as fixed on by me in December last.” Macquarie also told Meehan the town plan for Elizabeth Town (which became New Norfolk) was to be built “exactly on the same Plan and Principle as that of George-Town with regard to the Center Square, Streets, and size of the several Allotments...” After approval to establish the new town was granted by the
British Government, the work gangs moved down to begin building in late 1815. In May 1819 the Commandant moved his headquarters to George Town, and it remained the centre of government for the north until the beginning of 1825. Regent Square was named after George, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King George III. He ruled as “Regent” when the King became too ill to carry out his duties. The Prince Regent became King George IV after his father’s death in 1820.
GEORGE TOWN & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC - MONTHLY MEETINGS are held on the 3rd Monday, starting at 7.30pm at The Grove, 2 Cimitiere St, George Town. Meetings are open to the public. There is no charge, but a gold coin donation towards supper is appreciated. Annual Membership is $15 single or $25 for a couple, due in October. GEORGE TOWN & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC NEXT MEETING - Monday, 16 September at The Grove - 7.30pm start GUEST SPEAKER: Respected Aboriginal elder, Dr Patsy Cameron O.A.M. TOPIC: “A Narrative From The Colonial Sea Frontier” Check the Facebook or website for details: Website: www.gtdhs.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/George-Town-and-District-Historical-Society-1375090549395357/