George Town is about to host an exhibition that delves into the depths of the human experience, shining a spotlight on the often-hidden world of invisible illness.
The Chaos Within Exhibition, organized by Outer Cove Creative Inc (OCCI), it aims to foster awareness, conversation, acceptance, and understanding surrounding invisible illnesses and their impact on individuals and communities.
“Whether it's an autoimmune condition or, osteoarthritis, invisible illness can look so different. So, it's about bringing conversation, supporting acceptance and an understanding around what invisible illness really is.” Said Rebecca Taylor, OCCI
Outer Cove Creative is a small arts group based
in Geroge Town, who do community projects and exhibitions.
Inspiration for this exhibition came from the personal experience of one of its creators, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2020. Through her own journey, she became connected with numerous individuals who shared their stories of living with invisible illnesses.
“I had a community member at one of our exhibitions, say to me that they would really like an exhibition that had an impact and meaning behind it, brought to our town. So, I said OK, let's do it and we created Chaos Within.” Rebecca Taylor
As the first edition of Chaos Within, this exhibition marks a significant milestone for Outer Cove Creative.
While they have been
organising exhibitions for some time, this specific event focuses on invisible illness, making it a pioneering endeavour.
With a strong member base expressing interest in participating, along with a growing number of artists from across Tasmania, the exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and resilience.
“It's not just people with invisible illness, it's also about understanding the roles of carers, family members and friends that might have someone in their life with invisible illness, because I think that's an important aspect as well. You know those people are impacted just as much sometimes as the person themself who are suffering from the invisible illness.” Rebecca Taylor.
This inclusive approach acknowledges the importance of support
systems and encourages a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by everyone involved.
The Chaos Within Exhibition will be held at the Jim Mooney Gallery in the Memorial Hall, George Town. The dates to mark on your calendar are July 8th to July 23rd. Artists who wish to exhibit their work have until the end of June to submit their applications.
The Chaos Within Exhibition is set to be a groundbreaking event that shines a light on the often-overlooked world of invisible illness.
Through the power of art, it will foster understanding, spark conversations, and provide solace to those who have felt unseen and unheard.
So, mark your calendars
With cyber-crime on the rise, last week the Tasmanian Government launched the Defend your data awareness campaign.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging all Tasmanians to defend their data as cyber threats from criminals become more frequent and more sophisticated.
Whether at home or in our workplaces, our reliance on technology is increasing, making us all potential targets for cyber-crime. Recent high profile cyberattacks have shown that even being a client (or former client) of an organisation can put us at risk.
Key to the campaign is raising awareness of how to detect a scam, what you can do to protect yourself online and knowledge of what to do if you are the victim of a scam.
A new website defendyourdata.tas.gov.au has been established to provide information on how to defend your data.
The site contains three videos to explain how you can screen for scams, shield yourself and be ready to react if you need to.
Anyone can be vulnerable to a scam, so it is timely that everyone refreshes their knowledge of best practice data protection both at home and at work.
Screen for scams
• Be wary of unexpected contact, even from someone you know.
• Be cautious of communication that demands you to act quickly or provide personal information.
• If you feel unsure about a message, don’t send a reply, open attach-
ments, or click on any links.
Shield yourself
• Regularly update the apps and software on your devices.
• Never use the same password more than once. Make them unpredictable, unique, and long.
• Set-up two-factor or multi-factor authentication whenever possible
• Immediately close any website your browser identifies as unsafe.
Be ready to react
• Block all further contact from the scammer.
• Contact your bank if money is involved and inform them of what happened.
• Report the scam.
• Seek support from family and friends to get yourself back on track.
Look out for the campaign on commercial television, radio, press and on social media.
Visit defendyourdata.tas. gov.au to discover more on how to defend your data.
For more information
If you would like more information on data security,
you can access Australian Government advice from the Australian Cyber Security Centre website at www. cyber.gov.au
You can also report cyber incidents to law enforcement via ReportCyber at https://www.cyber.gov. au/acsc/report.
and prepare to embark on a journey into the chaos within, where creativity and resilience intersect in the most profound ways.
To find out more about Outer Cove Creative Inc., you can find them on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/ OuterCoveCreativeInc
For more information about scams and identity protection visit these sites:
• https://www. scamwatch.gov.au/
• https://www. moneysmart.gov.au/ scams
• https://www. staysmartonline.gov.au
After less than a year in the role, Danny Gibson has resigned as Launceston's Mayor.
“After careful consideration I have made the very difficult decision to step down as the Mayor of Launceston,” said Cr Gibson.
Educated at Hagley Farm Primary School and St. Patricks College, Councillor Gibson is a proud Northern Tasmanian, who has enjoyed a career in print media, arts education, the small business sector, events and the performing arts.
Cr Gibson was first elected to the City of Launceston in October 2011.
Councillor Gibson has served as a volunteer, supporter and patron of many not-for-profit organisations and events and coordinated Launceston's family-friendly Carols by Candlelight event
for eight years.
After being elected Mayor of Launceston in November of 2022, Danny Gibson served 6 months before resigning.
“I think I provided authentic and energetic leadership. I had seven new Councillors and a new Deputy Mayor to induct, and I believe I was doing a good job. I gave it my all.”
“I have loved being Mayor …. but the past few weeks have been too much.”
“I wish I had the strength to rise above it, to battle through it, but my mental health has reached breaking point.” Gibson says
Cr Gibson advised the Council on May 15 that his decision stems from ongoing uncertainty over a Department of Justice review of his Working with Vulnerable People registration, which has resulted in vitriolic commentary on
social media from some segments of the community.
“Over the past two months I have been the target of speculation, rumour and vile attacks, stemming from media reports and persistent and relentless questioning about my Working with Vulnerable People Registration.”
With the substance and timeframe of the review unclear, Cr Gibson advised his position as Mayor was no longer tenable.
“The focus has switched from the city to me and that is not what I stand for. It is clear that individuals spreading smear, innuendo and outright lies about me will stop at nothing in their attempts to destroy me and my reputation.”
In line with existing protocols, Deputy Mayor Matthew Garwood will now become Acting Mayor of the City of Launceston
until a new election for Mayor can be arranged by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission. Matthew Garwood has stated he is “absolutely ready to handle the role”.
Cr Gibson has received an onslaught of support following his resignation, from persons online and colleagues alike.
“For me the most important thing is, not standing for Mayor but ensuring that Danny is in the best place that he can be, and that he’s got the support around him, and that he's got my support as a friend.” said Mayor Garwood
Councillor Alan Haris has raised the issue of denial of natural justice, “I think there's some questions to be asked by the department of justice because there's been a denial of natural justice, of Danny, if an investigation is happening that should not become public knowledge.”
Going forward, Danny Gibson will continue to serve as a councillor at the City of Launceston and when asked if he was likely to run for the position of Mayor again, he responded, “Definitely not, but I am committed to getting behind the next Mayor.”
The Council's business continuity plans cater to changes in political leadership, and the organisation will continue to deliver its services and strategic projects on behalf of the people of Launceston, as the process to determine a new Mayor begins.
A by-election, conducted by postal ballot, will be held to fill the vacancy for the
Take the simple steps to defend your data from malicious people and technology.
SCREEN FOR SCAMS and be alert to things that don’t seem right. If you feel unsure about a message, don’t send a reply, open attachments, or click on any links.
SHIELD YOURSELF with secure passwords and updated apps and devices. Immediately close websites your browser identifies as unsafe.
BE READY TO REACT in the event something goes wrong. Block the scammer, contact your bank if money is involved, and report the scam.
Visit defendyourdata.tas.gov.au to learn more about staying safe online.
To find out more on how to vote go to: https:// www.launceston.tas. gov.au/Council/LocalGovernment-Elections/ Voting
Council could do to improve the situation.
"Private cars are not the enemy. They bring valuable customers who are irreplaceable. Let's not create policies that dissuade them. When the Council writes a plan, it needs to take into account the needs of car-users."
Discussing traffic management, Smith criticized plans to reduce the number of lanes in busy areas, "The Council plans to 'choke' traffic, for example, by reducing two-lane roads to one. It's a move to discourage the use of private transport."
rates. There's not enough handicapped parking. I have to walk from one block over just to go to the bank for the elders." When asked if she'd visit town more often with better parking, Sharon simply said, "If there was more parking, yes."
Crystal and Sam, two other locals, found longterm parking to be "fairly average". They said, "It's a complete lack of parking. Even if you find a spot, it's still costing you $10-$15 a day."
By Toby StrochnetterRobin Smith, owner of Coffee Republic, expressed frustration over parking in the Central Business District (CBD), identifying it as customers' top issue.
"Along with toilets, it's their number one concern," he shared.
When asked if his business would improve if parking were made more accessible or free, Smith didn't hesitate, "Absolutely. It's the
most basic need that people have in getting here."
When discussing whether the city provides adequate parking, Smith was clear, "No, there isn't enough."
As for changes since he began operations, Smith was appreciative of one particular improvement, "The use of the app system for payment is probably the best improvement the Council has done."
However, his experiences
weren't all positive, "The disappointing thing is the Council's aim to minimize the number of long-term parking spaces. That's a disappointment."
Smith expressed concern over urban planning trends, "It's disappointing that in commercial development planning, it feels almost anti-car and anti-business, particularly for those who rely on private transport."
Smith didn't mince words when suggesting what the
When asked if he had any further thoughts, Smith reiterated, "On-street parking isn't the enemy."
A local shopper shared a common concern, "One of the issues of going into the CBD is the added stress of your parking time running out. You don't enjoy shopping as much because you're watching the time."
Sharon, an aboriginal Elder, expressed similar frustrations, "We pay taxes. We pay
Despite these frustrations, there are helpful tips to navigate the current parking situation. Free parking is available at specific times in several car parks, including Elizabeth Street, Paterson Street West, Paterson Street East, Willis Street, Bathurst Street, Royal Park, Inveresk, York Street West, River Edge, and Cameron Street.
If the parking situation is too daunting, consider cycling.
Lockable bike cages, free for public use, are located in Paterson Street East and West Car Parks. Several free bike racks are also scattered
throughout the city.
The Tiger Bus is a viable alternative to private transport. It operates on every business day and selected weekends and public holidays.
For those needing overnight parking, options are available for a modest fee of $2. The Paterson Street East Car Park and Paterson Street West Car Park both provide secure parking spaces.
Despite these options, Smith's words echo through the CBD, "Private cars are not the enemy." As city planners and citizens grapple with the parking issue, the call for a more car-friendly CBD continues to grow.
modern interpretations, each stall showcases oneof-a-kind pieces inspired by the beauty of Tasmania. As you wander through the market, you'll discover the attraction of handcrafted woodwork, pottery, mugs and so much more!
The artisans’ skill and attention to detail are evident in every creation, making it difficult to resist taking home a unique memento of this local event.
“I think what makes these festivals so special and unique is that each time it’s different. We have different makers and creators each time, different food and mu sicians, a different theme to even the same makers creating different products. It’s really a one-of-a-kind event you don’t want to miss.” Said Toby Strochnetter.
“My favourite thing about these events is it’s supporting the local people of Tasmania and especially the Tamar Valley, the makers and small businesses.”
“A lot of them are doing this as their full time or part time job, they rely on these markets for an income.”
“I guess it adds a bit of stress to us, the event organisers, to do well and make sure we get thousands through the door. Each time we do there really isn’t a better feeling. There’s nothing quite like
COVID and never really came back from it. It's nice to be able to host a free event that everyone is welcome to, another way for you to enjoy your Saturday. Launceston needs more events like this." Mr Strochnetter.
Mr Gray even claiming, “We are the biggest and best.”
As the festival returns on the 1st of July, visitors can embrace the warmth and charm of Tasmania's winter season while experiencing a magical atmosphere,
delights, and immersing themselves in the market's diverse offerings to support talented creators.
If you can't attend the festival on the 1st of July, don't worry! The next event is scheduled for the 16th of September.
Additionally, you can also mark your calendar for the Christmas festival which is set to be held on the 2nd and 3rd of December, providing the perfect opportunity to complete your Christmas shopping if you
By Kristy WilliamsLaunceston's largest craft market is back next month on the 1st of July, bringing with it the magical ambiance of The Tassie Makers Winter Festival.
Event organisers Jim Gray, Toby Strochnetter and Ezra Davidson are keen to welcome everyone back to the local event, held quarterly at the Launceston Conference Centre’s Exhibition Hall.
The eagerly anticipated event showcases the craftsmanship, and expertise used by the artisans that gather to showcase their talents while visitors flock to embrace the festival's vibrant atmosphere, the market becomes a hub of artistic expression
and community connection.
“The Tassie Makers Festival is Launceston’s premiere craft market.” Said Jim Gray.
“We showcase many talented craft artisans allowing them to showcase their products and sell them to the general public. Each event normally attracts around 3,000 people.”
Mr. Gray revealed that the event was now in its 5th year and had grown to have 70 stallholders under one roof.
“It’s also a great family event with live music, food, drinks and entertainment for the kids.” He added.
From traditional crafts to
“I guess that’s why people keep coming back to each festival as it’s not the same.” He added.
Proud to be able to support local creators, Ezra Davidson added “I love the live music, each festival we like to showcase a different artist, with a new sound. It has been fantastic being able to support local talent and watch them grow!”
“We try to get a large variety of foods at our festivals, and we love to be able to showcase the best food around Tasmania at our events. As a foodie myself, I love being able to support talented cooks and help them to gain exposure!” He said.
Believe it or not, I’m the mastermind behind this photo shoot Why you may ask? Well if you're a tea fanatic then the tea shop providore from
LAUNCESTON’S TEA SHOP, 101 George Street
has announced they are going to carry our beloved and extremely desirable Bridestowe Tasmanian Gourmet Teas.
to have died off during
Gillian Basnett, the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, in partnership with Landcare Tasmanian and Tamar NRM, ran an information, training and planning workshop in the Tamar on how to manage feral cats in Tasmania.
The forum, held on Friday the 2nd of June, was aimed at Landcare, community groups, famers and landholders that want to gain a greater understanding of what is involved in managing feral cats either on their own property or on land they help manage.
Feral cats are having a devastating impact on Australia’s wildlife and are responsible for 27 of the 34 native mammal extinctions, 2 of the 9 native bird extinctions and all of the 3 reptile extinctions since European settlement and continue to cause the decline of many more native animals.
A single feral cat in the bush is estimated to kill 791 mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs per year along with 371 invertebrates.
Population estimates have not been researched in Tasmania, but based on a recent Australia wide estimation of numbers (1.4 million to 5.6 million depending on the season), Tasmania is likely to have between 17,000 and 28,000 feral cats, not including stray or roaming pet cats.
Along with hunting our wildlife, cats also spread the diseases, toxoplasmosis (toxo) and sarcosporidiosis (sarco) which have huge impacts on Tasmania’s sheep industry as well as our wildlife and human health.
Toxo causes premature abortions in sheep, birds, goats and even humans and can lead to the death of some of our highly susceptible wildlife like wallabies and pademelons.
It is estimated that Tasmania has the highest rate of Toxo in the world and has been linked to lamb loss rates in some flocks of more than 50% in bad years.
The sarco parasite that is spread by cats infects sheep and causes cysts to form in the meat making it unsaleable. These two diseases cost the agricultural industry millions of dollars every
year.
“Effective feral cat management needs to be wellplanned, coordinated and targeted, requiring effective collaborative partnerships between stakeholders including farmers, landholders, organisations and agencies” Gillian said.
“This workshop has been designed in collaboration with Landcare Tasmania, who has been running information, training and planning workshops to assist Landcare members and groups across Tasmania to undertake feral cat management.”
“The aim of day is to bring local landholders and groups together to inform them of what feral cat management tools are available in Tasmania, provide hands on training in how to use them humanely and effectively and help coordinate planning and management of feral cats across the Tamar.”
Peter Voller, President of the West Tamar Landcare has been involved in facilitating community based feral cat management programs in Tasmania for a number of years and will be presenting on their successful project at the workshop.
“Predation by cats is the greatest threat to small to medium sized native animals in Tasmania. We
must find ways to reduce this threat with goodwill and effort from the whole.” Added Peter.
“The impact of feral cats on our precious ecosystem, biodiversity, and livestock health is worth the consistent, collaborative, counter-attack. Forums like this, with our natural resource partners will help to inform new and small landholders about the issues and the solutions available to the community.” Said Kirsten Seaver, Program Coordinator Tamar NRM.
“Tamar NRM has been involved with Feral Cat programs and strategies for nearly 2 decades. We recognise that it is an endless task. and when reported feral cat numbers increase, mitigation strategies need to
be increased.”
“Like our persistence with weed programs, Tamar NRM works closely with communities around the Tamar Valley and relevant agencies to build awareness and deploy the latest techniques. “
“Feral cats are insidious “weeds on legs” that do not recognise property or Council boundaries nor fences.
The impact of feral cats on our precious ecosystem, biodiversity, and livestock health is worth the consistent collaborative counter-attack. Forums like this, with our natural resource partners will help to inform new and small landholders about the issues and the solutions available to the community” she added.
and home ownership”.
“We have historically talked a lot about home ownership, but we don’t focus so much on rental affordability. […] It’s front of mind for many people in those metropolitan areas and for younger people as well, who have also deserted us in droves.”
The moderates in the party were decimated at the 2022 election.
It has left the moderate faction in tatters, and Archer often finds herself isolated when she speaks out against the party line.
“I think it’s a bit frustrating for me sometimes that I feel that I know that there are other people who share my views on some things, but they don’t speak up, which I think sometimes does leave me sort of hanging there as this rogue person when I know that that’s not necessarily the case.”
Author: Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra.
The Coalition’s decision to oppose the Voice to Parliament has put its moderate members in a jam. Some moderates are active yes advocates, while others are trying to keep low profiles.
Bridget Archer, the outspoken Liberal MP for Bass, is a vocal yes campaigner. More generally, she is also taking a lead in urging the Liberal party to undertake rootand-branch reform.
Archer is pushing for extensive change in a party that is
electorally on the ropes, out of office everywhere except her home state of Tasmania.
Since entering parliament in 2019, Archer has crossed the floor on 27 occasion to vote against her party. She admits there are those colleagues who avoid her, but says her decisions are always based on what is in the best interest of her community, and argues the strength of the Liberal Party historically has been for members to be able to sometimes disagree and to do so respectfully.
Better decisions start with better information.
Her independent stance on a range of issues has brought varied feedback from her local community.
“It’s mixed, but generally positive. If I get negative feedback, it is sometimes from Liberal Party members or conservative voters that say ‘I think that you should toe the line’ – there’s this idea that if you have a divergent view, that you’re not a team player.”
But Archer believes “it is possible to be part of a team and to have differences of opinion (sometimes), and that it’s my job to represent
to the best of my ability everybody in the electorate, even the people who don’t or didn’t vote for you, I guess.”
In a recent Good Weekend profile Archer called for a “revolution” in the Liberal Party, claiming it is currently “unelectable”. She tells the podcast: “I think this was again borne out in the 2022 election with the rise of community independents […] where people, particularly in some of those metropolitan seats, are not feeling that the party is representing their views anymore […] In regional areas
that is not necessarily the case. And we’ve seen with the Coalition, of course, the Nationals holding the seats that they had.”
“The great challenge for us is to get back to what I think was the strength of the Liberal Party at one stage, which is the ability to speak across the country, to talk to middle Australia.”
“And I think that we’ve lost our way in that.”
Archer also argues Liberal Party values need to shift with the times, particularly its ideology on “the family
“I also think it really goes to the heart of some of the reasons why those colleagues did lose their seats at the last election and why we have seen a rise of the teals. In those seats, in many cases people were wanting to vote for Liberals, and they were looking around [to] have a reason to vote for Liberals and they were coming up empty handed.”
Asked if she thought the party was “walking off a cliff,” she doesn’t hesitate. “Oh, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.”
Michelle Grattan is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra, this article was originally published on The Conversation.
(Turn page upside down)
What do you get when you mix a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite.
What do you call a penguin in the Sahara Desert? Lost.
“Today on a drive, I decided to go visit my childhood home. I asked the people living there if I could come inside because I was feeling nostalgic, but they refused and slammed the door in my face. My parents are the worst.”
Why is it that if you donate a kidney, people love you. But if you donate five kidneys, they call the police.
“My senior relatives liked to tease me at weddings, saying things like, “You’ll be next!” They stopped once I started doing the same to them at funerals.”
I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?
Answer (Turn page upside down)
An echo
The City of Launceston will apply to the State's Transport Commissioner seeking to lower speed limits on some Launceston roads, following a unanimous decision at Council meeting held on the 1st June 2023.
City of Launceston Acting Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Council had proposed the changes to improve road safety, improve roadside amenity and to achieve consistency in travel speeds.
"We know many cities around Australia are exploring options for reducing speed limits where it's appropriate to do so," Cr Garwood said.
"A realistic speed limit reflects the speed a motorist would expect to drive in a road environment based on the mix of traffic, the presence of pedestrians, the density of abutting development and the complexity of traffic movements.
"Public consultation was undertaken on the proposal earlier this year, with the majority of those surveyed in favour of the proposal.”
"The technical basis for the proposed speed limit reduction is supported by the Tasmanian Speed Zoning Guidelines.”
"Additionally, organisations including Tasmania Police, the Road Safety Advisory Council, the Department of State Growth, the RACT, Metro Tasmania and the Tasmanian Transport Council have all indicated their support for the move.”
"There are currently 20 urban arterial and collector roads in Launceston that have a 60kmh speed limit.”
Five of these have been recommended for a reduction to 50kmh following the review, while a 40kmh speed limit is recommended for busier shopping and business areas in the Launceston
CBD, Mowbray and Kings Meadows."
Under the proposal, speed limits would be reduced from 60kmh to 50kmh on:
• Bathurst Street, Launceston (Frankland Street to Brisbane Street)
• Wellington Street, Launceston (Cameron Street to Frankland Street)
• High Street, East Launceston (David Street to Arthur Street)
• Invermay Road, Invermay (Forster Street to Vermont Road)
• Newstead Shopping Zone (Elphin Road, Penquite Road and Hoblers Bridge Road)
Speed limits would be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h in the following areas:
• Launceston CBD (Brisbane Street, Cameron Street, Charles Street, George Street, Kingsway, Paterson Street and St John Street between Wellington Street and Tamar Street and York Street and Cimitiere Street)
• Hobart Road, Kings Meadows Shopping Zone (Riseley Street to
• Invermay Road, Mowbray (Vermont Road to Haig Street)
The City of Launceston will now make a formal application to the State's Transport Commissioner seeking approval to implement the changes.
Should the Transport
The West Tamar Council’s Irene Phelps Youth Art Competition and Exhibition has returned in 2023, with the theme ‘Happiness’.
Over 40 entries were received in 2022 and 200 members of the public attended the open day, voting for the People’s Choice Awards.
This was the first event of its kind hosted by the West Tamar Council, and is now being held annually.
This event is made possible by the generosity of the Irene Phelps Charitable Trust, which increases West Tamar Council’s capacity to support the youth of Beaconsfield and surrounding areas through a range of targeted initiatives.
The trust specifically gives funds to Council to develop programs for students and youth aged 10-25 years who live in Beaconsfield and surrounding areas from Greens Beach to Exeter.
Those eligible to enter the competition include students attending Exeter Primary School, Exeter High School, and Beaconsfield Primary School, as well as young people aged 16-25 living in the postcodes 7270, 7275 and 7276.
Although this competition is only open to those who meet the Irene Phelps funding requirements, other young people in the West Tamar can use the equipment purchased by
the Trust in 2022 which is installed at the Beaconsfield Community Hall, to host their own exhibition.
“We look forward to once again hosting the Irene Phelps Youth Art Competition and Exhibition after it was so well received by the local community in 2022,” Mayor Christina Holmdahl said.
“This year’s event will be held in early August as an indoor event for people to
attend during winter on Thursday 3rd August 2023 from 6-9pm where the People’s Choice voting will take place”.
Each Category will award 1st –3rd prizes, a Mayor’s award on behalf of Irene Phelps, and a People’s Choice award. There will be an external panel of judges who will select the winning entries based off a pre-determined points system. Entries close Thursday 27th July 2023.
Commissioner approve the proposal, the City of Launceston will provide further information to the public on implementation — a process that is likely to take several months.
For further information about the Irene Phelps Art Competition and Exhibition, and the opportunity to host an exhibition, please visit: https://westtamaryouth. com.au/news/ irenephelps-youth-artcompetition
An interim report published on 16th May 2023 by the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) shows how maugean skate numbers have almost halved between 2014 and 2021.
There has also been a decrease in the numbers being caught per effort, and an increase in the average size of females caught which means there are less juveniles either being born or surviving into adulthood.
The situation is so dire that a captive breeding program is being planned. Reduced oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour are being cited as a
major reason for the skate's demise, and one of the major contributors to low oxygen is the presence of the salmon industry.
"The situation for the maugean skate is really very dire and without drastic action, Tasmania will have the grim record of the second bony fish extinction in the world on its record, after the smooth handfish.”
“Not only would the extinction of the maugean skate be an absolute tragedy for Tasmania, but it would also be an embarrassment to federal environment minister Tania Plybersek who pledged zero
extinctions on her watch," says Rebecca Howarth, Marine Campaigner for Environment Tasmania.
"The presence of the salmon industry has contributed to reduced oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour pushing the species to the brink of extinction. This is compounded by warming waters and the only solution is to rest Macquarie Harbour of salmon pens to allow the iconic species to recover."
"The responses from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environ-
ment Tasmania (NRET) do not go nearly far enough. Reducing the feed allowance of salmon farms in Macquarie Harbour by 10% and forming working groups is too little too late. This is not decisive action to ensure the survival of an endangered species.”
“ This is yet another ex ample of the Tasmanian government pandering to industry. The solution is to rest Macquarie Harbour entirely to allow the species to recover."
"We support the application of the Australian Marine Conservation Society
The City of Launceston has voted to issue a permit to e-Scooter provider Beam to operate in the city, following a 12-month trial of rental e-Scooters in Launceston.
The decision follows the Council's Personal Micro-Mobility (e-Scooter) Trial Review and Recommendations report, which was received at the February 23 Council Meeting.
Rental e-Scooters were introduced in Launceston in December 2021, following regulatory changes from the State Government which allow both private and rental e-scooters to be used on most local roads, footpaths and cycling trails across the State.
The City of Launceston and the City of Hobart worked with the State Government and private operators Beam and Neuron on the trial, with Neuron ultimately
choosing to close its operations in Launceston to focus on larger mainland cities.
City of Launceston Acting Mayor Matthew
community, riders, groups, organisations and relevant stakeholders," Cr Garwood said.
"A number of the
(AMCS) and Humane Society International Australia to have the maugean skate
Plybersek to intervene to ensure the survival of this iconic and ancient species."
work with e-Scooter providers to understand and limit problems arising from the use of rental e-Scooters.
"The trial also allowed the Council to consider a really wide range of feedback on rental e-Scooters from the
into the permit system, including a requirement that the provider oversees proper education on the use and risks associated with e-Scooters, as well as public safety campaigns, and new reporting requirements.”
"The permit restricts rental e-Scooter use to the same boundaries that were used in the trial period, and also allows future options for restrictive parking — which would require e-Scooters to be parked in dedicated spaces within the CBD, minimising instances of e-Scooters being left in obstructive locations on footpaths.”
"The trial highlighted that e-Scooters have been embraced by many Launceston residents, who use them to commute, to move around the city, and to access shops and businesses.”
"This process has benefitted greatly from the feedback from the people of Launceston, both positive and negative, and I want to thank everyone who engaged with us throughout the trial period."
household effects, livestock and the balance of the lease all up for auction. The store was taken over by James G. Carr, and Mr and Mrs Snell and one Miss Snell departed for London on the Ina in February 1842.
grounds available for regatta spectators at short notice, Goodwin in the Cornwall Chronicle(10/01/1849) describedhimasan‘influentialandwarmhearted friendofthedistrict’.
By Anne BattIn 1822 Martin Mowbray Stephenson was granted 500 acres on the east bank of the Tamar. In the early 1830s Stephenson subdivided the land and sold 250 acres to Lieutenant Matthew Curling Friend with Friend’s property named Newnham Estate. Friend built a classic Colonial Georgian house overlooking the river at Stephenson’s Bend, and various farm buildings. As Port Officer he was required to be resident in George Town so he advertised Newnham for lease in June 1835. Friend auctioned his farm animals, produce, tools and household furniture at this time.
Arriving in Hobart Town in April 1823, the 17-year-old John Cameron helped his brother-in-law, John Swan,
establish a very successful drapery and furniture business. At the age of 22, John Cameron moved to Launceston with a cargo of drapery and other household goods to set up his own shop, Manchester House in Charles Street, later moving to Brisbane Street as Mr. Cameron’s.
In June 1835 this young Launceston merchant announced his intentions to travel to England. Cameron paid Friend £1000 and drew up bills of exchange totalling £2800. The bills of exchange were to be honoured between January 1836 (Cameron departed on 3rd February) and 1840. With the construction of Griffith’s Tamar Street bridge in 1833, and the survey for the George Town Road, Cameron must have decided
that it was practical to live at Newnham, while continuing his busy life in Launceston. The house comprised four main rooms on each floor, and an unfinished attic floor.
John Cameron returned to London to find himself a wife. He married Eliza Milburn Snell in London on 25th February 1837. For the 19-year-old bride from London, Launceston with a population of about 4000 people must have been quite a shock.
Prior to moving to Newnham, the Camerons lived in Brisbane Street. Their first daughter, Emma Jane, was born on 7th January 1838. By August 1839 the Camerons were settling into life at Newnham. John advertised for a working overseer and
his wife to take charge of a small farm and an indoor servant.
Eliza gave birth to a second baby on 23rd May 1840. Sadly, baby John Swan Cameron lived for only 11 days and died on 4th June. (Six subsequent pregnancies all resulted in stillbirths). At about this time, Eliza’s parents and her two sisters embarked from London on the barque Cecilia , arriving in Launceston on 19th August. Eliza, now 22, must have welcomed the presence of her family.
The Snells leased a haberdashery store in Longford in February 1841. This was not a good time for local retail. This venture lasted until August, when Joseph William Snell was declared insolvent and all shop stock,
John was very busy with Mr Cameron’s store, his liquor wholesale business, several rental properties, exporting agricultural produce, as churchwarden at St John’s, and his role as an assignee for various insolvents. He was also an active citizen. Having John move into the area was to prove beneficial to other residents. In November 1838, he called a meeting at Mr. Cameron’s to discuss the condition of the George Town Road. This was the first of many meetings and John became a trustee for funds allocated to the George Town Road (26th Sept 1849), and eventually became a trustee of the Dorset Road Board. He proposed the establishment of the George Town Road as a toll road, with a toll gate at Invermay. He made his Newnham waterfront grounds available for the Tamar regatta in 1849. He assisted with the establishment of a church at Newnham advertised the times for services (26th April 1851) and advertised for a teacher for a parish school (7th August 1850). Money was collected at services to buy land and erect buildings for a church and schoolhouse. Cameron, William Gardner and William Henty were trustees for the fund and Cameron eventually sold one acre of his land to the trust for £10 (deed 04/0781, 19.01.1855).
In commenting on John making the Newnham
In September 1843, John announced that he was leaving the colony and that all his household furniture and effects, his horses, farm implements, and his small dairy herd would be auctioned in November. He was not planning to be away long, as he had been buying more agricultural land, owned the Cornwall Chronicle , and was appointed a Justice of the Peace in October.
Leaving his drapery shop in the care of James Thompson, Mr and Mrs Cameron, and Emma, now 6 years old, and Miss Snell set sail for London on 23rd March 1844 on the barque Tasmania, a ship specifically built for the colonial trade, with accommodation for passengers described as ‘superior’.
Goods arrived on three ships in December 1844, advertised at Mr Cameron’s as being selected by him personally from the ‘first houses in England’.
