Volume 29, Wednesday 9 August 2023

Glory

Handled with pride

Extractas Returns

No Bull! Scottsdale High School is getting ready to celebrate 25 years of its cattle handing program. The program has seen more than 250 cattle broken in for showing at events across the state. Students Charlotte Cassidy, Caitlyn Burns, Matilda Harper, Adara Hall and Ajana Smith, teacher Kylie Rattray, former student Robekah McDougall and volunteer Chris Hall are getting ready to mark the milestone with Stronach View Thunderstruck.

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Anger, frustration at “fiasco” – Councillors hit-out

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

DORSET Councillors wanting to quit their position after being turfed out by the Local Government Minister for the duration of a Board of Inquiry say they are angry and disappointed at the process.

It is understood a number of councillors were planning to resign, to protest the establishment of the seven-month inquiry but are not allowed to under the Local Government Act.

Now speaking as private citizens, exiled Mayor Greg Howard was joined by a num-

ber of ousted councillors to express their disappointment at being suspended.

Mr Howard suggested that a number of affected councillors would step down formally regardless of the Inquiry’s findings –due to the Minister by Feb 28, 2024.

“It is highly likely that council will lose a number of their good councillors,” Mr Howard said.

“The whole process has been an absolute fiasco and would discourage decent people from ever standing for council.”

Banished Deputy Mayor Dale Jessup said:

“It is pretty appalling. The current nine

councillors would be questioning their long-term future - I certainly know I am.”

An initial investigation by the Director of Local Government was handed to council this February, outlining a number of complaints.

The document was the subject of a confidentiality agreement between parties, but it is understood that issues involved a number of controversial Derby projects, unfair fines and disrespectful communication with residents.

Councillors are said to have responded with 1000 pages of evidence refuting most

of the allegations, but Minister Nic Street deemed it so concerning it warranted the suspension of councillors without pay for the duration of the Board of Inquiry.

The Board comprises lawyer Andrew Walker and former Clarence General Manager Andrew Paul. They have been asked to investigate concerns of “statutory non- compliance, conflicted interests, governance of decision-making and improper use of statutory authority”.

The terms of reference include that the council has allowed, with intent or through

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PUT YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE SAFE HANDS OF AN EXPERIENCED, AWARD WINNING AND DEDICATED LOCAL TEAM.

WE SERVE

10 YEARS AGO | August 9, 2013

Marathon mates still in recovery mode

Candice Walker and Jodie Crack prepared for weeks to run the Gold Coast Marathon on July 7. They completed the 42 kilometres with 6,500 other runners in 4hours 45minutes finishing mid-field and their bodies are still recovering.

It may take six weeks to recover, and that advice has proved to be right.

Both women are extremely satisfied that their efforts raising $4,800 for the Angelman Syndrome cause.

Candice and Jodie’s aim was to raise awareness about the neurological disorder that their friends Anne and Adam Hadley’s second son Jesse has.

Jesse’s mum Anne died in June after a long battle with cancer.

20

YEARS AGO | August 6, 2003

Radiographer farewelled

Helen Curtayne, a radiographer, has been taking x-rays of Dorset residents since 1980, but has moved to take up a position at the LGH, and was recently farewelled by staff and friends.

Helen began in 1980 in a part time position and has worked full time since 1989.

Director of Nursing /Site Manager Maureen Nichols, said that Helen has been a very popular member of the staff and has never had a cross word to say about anyone, which has been one of her outstanding characteristics. She will certainly be missed by both staff and hospital patients.

50 YEARS AGO | August 7, 1973

Scott Dobson Apexian of the Year

The Apexian of the Year was awarded to popular Apexian, Scott Dobson by Mr Alex Walker. The major award is given to members who contribute the most to the three Apex ideals of Service, Citizenship and Fellowship, as well as public speaking and general club interest. The District Governor, Mr Ian Main, congratulated Scott and the Scottsdale club, stating that if a club had a good social atmosphere, it was good service wise.

The new president Mr K Abraham was inducted by Life Member Mr K Haas and presentations were awarded to Brian Kahn, Public Speaking and the Stirrers Award to T Hughson.

North-East phone projects rolling out

A NEW telecommunications tower at Derby is delivering better connectivity across the mountainbiking mecca and there are more projects to be rolled out across the region in the coming months.

Optus Territory General Manager for Tasmania, Peter West, said the new tower was built in response to network challenges in the area, which presented safety and security concerns.

While the tower was switched on before the recent AusCycling Gravel National Championships, he said it was important to let the community know it was active and providing immediate improvements.

“For years, Derby residents, local businesses, and the tens of thousands of tourists who descend on the region each year to ride the world’s premier purposebuilt mountain bike trails have been plagued by connectivity and coverage challenges,” Mr West said.

“Optus is thrilled to be able to improve the capacity and reliable connectivity needed to handle the increased customer load during events when there is an influx of tourists.

“During a recent event week, we saw usage of the new tower jump. I can’t overstate how important this new tower is for Derby.”

While it was not revealed how much the Derby project cost specifically, Mr West said Optus

WHAT'S MAKING NEWS IN YOUR AREA?

Bridport road upgrade ideas sought

had spent $55 million across its Tasmanian network in the last seven years and now had close to 200 towers.

The North-East would continue to be a focus for the company, he said.

“We have had towers at Beechford/ Lefroy go live under Black Spot funding, also the new tower at Tomahawk has gone live and projects at Pyengana and Mathinna are coming up within the next eight months.

“We also have a few more along the Great Eastern Drive to be put in place including more around the St Helens area.”

Mr West said that the yet-to-bebuilt Myrtle Bank tower which is part of the Federal Government Mobile Blackspot Program (Round 5) will provide improved reception across the Sideling.

“While we don’t have a timeline for completion of this project, it is going to provide increased safety and security in the area,” he said.

Mr West also said Optus was partnering with SpaceX to give the North-East of Tasmania 100 per cent coverage via satellite by the end of 2025.

The recent announcement of the collaboration using SpaceX’s, direct to mobile, “Low Earth Orbit” satellite technology will provide a type of connectivity never before seen in Australia, he said.

If you have a story to tell or a tip-off to share, make sure you let your local paper know.

Contact us via editor@northeasternadvertiser.com or phone 6352 2642

FREIGHT TRAFFIC and safety improvements are being planned for Bridport Road and the community is being asked to provide feedback as the project is developed.

The Australian and Tasmanian governments have committed combined funding of $20 million for upgrades to the busy road between Bridport and Bell Bay.

A spokesman said the improvements would be aimed at improving the road to cater for freight traffic, improving safety for all road users and making travel times more predictable.

“Future priority upgrades may include works such as shoulder widening, adding turning lanes at junctions and passing lanes at locations where slow-moving vehicles are moving at their slowest,” the spokesman said.

“We are currently completing preliminary investigations and the community’s feedback will help us to identify a priority list of safety and freight-focussed upgrades that will benefit all road users.”

Public consultation closes on Monday, 28 August 2023, with feedback being requested via the Transport website.

Citizenship Ceremony

DORSET COMMISSIONER Andrew Wardlaw performed his first official duty on Friday morning, conducting a citizenship ceremony for Mr Robert Taylor.

Mr Taylor has been a resident of Scottsdale for a number of years after moving from Birmingham in the UK. He is pictured with Mr Wardlaw and his wife Julie.

Potato prices set

PRICE NEGOTIATIONS ahead of the upcoming potato season have been finalised with challenges onfarm and throughout the supply chain highlighted.

TFGA Policy Advisor Bonnie Kenner said negotiations had been underway for the last few months with both of Tasmania’s potato processors, Simplot and McCain.

Ms Kenner said a well-attended Simplot potato grower meeting was held last week in Deloraine where growers accepted a $35/t price increase.

Negotiations with McCain also wrapped up, with no final figure provided by the company.

“Most growers felt that the McCain offer will help to maintain their margins and ensure that

potatoes remain a competitive option for growers,” Ms Kenner said.

Ms Kenner said the process was lengthy but worthwhile for everyone to understand the challenges faced by all parties. “Last season was particularly challenging with high input costs and wet weather resulting in significant delays for planting,” she said.

“While some input costs such as fertiliser have come back this year, others including electricity, water, labour and machinery repairs and replacement costs continue to rise.”

Planting across the North East is expected to get underway in midto-late September.

• Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw with Robert and Julie Taylor.

To the ATV enthusiast who met horse riders last Saturday on Ruby Flats Road. We want to commend your group for pulling aside and shutting down. The gentlemanly manners and trail courtesy are genuinely appreciated.

To the truck driver parked in the disability parking zone during the pouring rain last Friday in Main St, Bridport, without a permit. Those with a disability permit could not use it when required.

Council “fiasco”

inadequate oversight, the general manager to operate without due regard for the law; that conflicts of interest have not been adequately managed by senior council officials and that the Mayor, Councillors or General Manager tolerated retributive action against people that disagreed with the council.

General Manaer John Marik continues in the role of General Manager and said he would not comment while the process was taking place.

Mr Street said his decision to suspend the Council “does not imply any wrongdoing on behalf of any Councillor” and that the decision would create an environment where the Inquiry could proceed without distraction.

Local Government Association of Tasmania President, Mick Tucker, said natural justice must prevail.

“We must make sure we always keep in our thoughts the mental health and well-being of all the Councillors who have been stood down while the investigation is taking place,” he said.

Mr Howard still believes the process is political.

“It is my hope that the inquiry will be conducted openly and honestly without political interference to ensure that the process uncovers the truth and any interviews with the Board should be held in open session,” he said.

Edwina Powell said she was confident in the process and that the appointed Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw would work in the best interests of the community.

“It certainly isn't political, nor has it got anything to do with the push for amalgamation,” she said.

“It should be said that prior to the announcement, Dorset Council was given fair opportunity to respond to those allegations, and that during the process, natural justice principles have been applied.”

Regardless, Jerrod Nicholls said he was frustrated and angry.

“I have found the process so

ridiculous that my intention was to resign as a Councillor, as a mechanism to show my frustration and allow me to speak openly about what I think without fear of reprisal from the local government office or potentially face a Code of Conduct charge if I am to offend someone as a Councillor,” Mr Nicholls said.

“When you know that you put yourself forward for the right reasons, and not for self-interest, it is immensely frustrating to go through something like this.

“I take comfort knowing that by far the majority of constituents of Dorset are content with the performance of council and that the municipality is in sound shape both aesthetically and financially.”

Kahlia Simmons said the process was needed to move forward.

“I’m disappointed that it has come to this but I’m looking forward to the situation being resolved as soon as possible, to get back to the role I was elected to do.”

Beth Donoghue said she was concerned at the probable cost but that she understood why it was necessary to ensure good governance going forward.

“I am unable to comment on any of the Terms of Reference that the board has been given, and largely these relate to issues arising prior to my appointment to as a Dorset Councillor,” she said.

“Having recently met Mr Andrew Wardlaw, who has been appointed as Commissioner for Dorset Council, I found him to be very approachable and I believe that he will represent the best interests of the Dorset community.”

Merv Chilcott said he would attend the next council meeting on August 28 as a private citizen and would be keen to continue as councillor at the conclusion of the Inquiry. Other affected councillors were contacted for comment.

It is understood the Board of Inquiry will release details of how the process will work next week.

Nature Works

Muddy mess from fiesta aftermath

THE BRIDPORT Scallop Fiesta committee could be asked to pay for damages caused to the town’s Village Green as the need for long-term drainage solutions are explored.

Dorset General Manager John Marik said the council was ascertaining the damage to the green caused during a wet weekend of maritime festivities, but needed the ground to dry out more for it to be quantified in dollar terms.

Mr Marik said a decision would be made as to whether the Fiesta committee should part-fund repairs once that figure was known.

The muddy mess left over after 3000 people flocked to the fiesta can still be seen, especially in lower lying areas where foot traffic was high.

Fiesta Director Tony Scott said the committee did its best to protect the surface, by directing traffic around the more solid edges.

“But at the end of the day the impatience of some vendors to vacate resulted in some ruts in soft patches,” Mr Scott said.

“The muddy patches in the central part of the Village Green should repair naturally as warming weather promotes grass growth.”

Regardless of council’s decision, Mr Marik said there would be a revaluation of council leases at the popular seaside location, given contracts for council venues such as halls and buildings had

remediation clauses if damage was caused.

Mr Marik also questioned why the Village Green venue was chosen given there had been conversations about the use of other areas, including the old skate park site to the east of the hall, in case of inclement weather.

Mr Scott said: “There had been consideration of using the area on the other side of the hall car park, below the tennis courts, but that would have been difficult and potentially dangerous for patrons to access the Community Hall, which is used for parts of Fiesta.

“We have suggested alternate site plans, incorporating harder areas around the village green, like the walking track, but these were not supported.”

Mr Scott said the council should take into consideration how the area benefits financially from the event, including an influx of campers at the Seaside Caravan Park, before it decided to “penalise our volunteer group.”

“And rather than just a repair, a longer-term remediation like a drainage project could be looked at to make the Village Green more userfriendly for all through winter,” Mr Scott said.

Mr Marik said council would look into the possibility of better drainage within future capital works budgets.

North East Tour

18 - 20 August 2023

Our new Principal, Mr Dale Bennett, new Head of Boarding, Mr Theunis (TJ) Pieters and Head of Enrolments, Mr Malcolm Dolman are visiting the North East and invite you to join us for some light refreshments and a chat.

Whether you are a current family or looking to find out more about our great school, including our boarding, scholarships, extracurricular, outdoor education offerings and more, we welcome you to join us.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Fly business on the up and up

BY TONY SCOTT

EVEN IN the face of economic headwinds and turbulence, one Bridport business is continuing to reach new heights with a new project expected to receive sign-off this week.

When he bought Flinders Island Aviation in 2015, Peter Barron took over a hangar and a couple of Airvan aeroplanes with two pilots to fly them.

The business now has a fleet of four Airvans, a Cessna Caravan, which has double the capacity of freight or room for 14 passengers, a couple of four-seater Cessnas with up to five pilots and two administration staff in the modernised hangar.

On top of that there are a couple of helicopters based with subsidiary Unique Charters in Launceston.

And now Mr Barron hopes to realise an ambition to have a registered maintenance wing based at Bridport.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority approval for Tasmanian Air Maintenance is expected to be received this week.

“We’ve been doing maintenance on our own planes now for a few months, but this approval will allow us to expand to offer a retail maintenance service for other aircraft operators,” Mr Barron said.

He’s recruited a couple of aircraft engineers to do the work, Brady Glover,

from Devonport’s Sure Flight operation, and Dave French, returning to Tasmania after nine years in Western Australia.

“Having the boys on hand here in Bridport is much more efficient for us to complete the planes’ 50 and 100-hour service checks.

“We used to have to take our planes to Devonport for their regular checks, and the service from Sure Flight was excellent, but it’s so much better being able to do them on-site efficiency wise and being able to do bigger jobs on them.

“With our fairly short hauls, strain on starting motors and the marine environment they get a pretty hard life.”

Indeed, Mr French says there’s growing demand for aircraft maintenance in general.

After settling in at Binalong Bay, he’s planning to set up a similar service at St Helens' aerodrome and looks forward to working closely with the Bridport operation.

“There’ll be more than enough work for Brady to handle.”

Passing motorists would have witnessed the growth in activity at the airport in recent months.

Mr Barron said shipping containers have been brought in to store parts and equipment and car parking has been extended since a new hangar was built last year.

“We’ll put up another hangar for the

• Magnificent men with their machine Peter Barron, and maintenance engineers Brady Glover and Dave French. new bigger plane and there’s still a bit of expansion in the works.

“The caravan has been used mainly for freight since we acquired it, but come summer we’ll be able to fly tourists like the walking groups we get in the one plane from Launceston or Bridport to Flinders

instead or using two of the eight-seaters.”

Another contributor to the busy scene of the airport has been the arrival of agricultural spraying company Southern Heliworks with its three helicopters to establish a base after the sale of a nearby property it had been working from.

Community assurances by new Council Commissioner

DORSET COUNCIL’S new commissioner

Andrew Wardlaw will fulfil the role of all nine elected councillors who were stood down for the duration of a Board of Inquiry.

“I have been appointed as the council –with full functions and powers under the Local Government Act as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors collectively as an individual,” Commissioner Wardlaw said.

“I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I am looking forward to meeting and listening to the community to make decisions in the municipality’s best interests.”

The former Burnie City Council General Manager has more than 20 years’ experience in local government administration and says he understands the needs of remote and regional communities.

“I am not coming from the big city. I understand rural communities. I grew up at Beaconsfield and Beauty Point. I can appreciate some of the challenges and issues the community might have,” he said.

“I live in Wynyard and spend time on King Island with my family. I’ve spent time

on the West Coast, I started working at St Marys and even worked here in Scottsdale at Westpac for a short while.”

Appointed last week, the Commissioner has met with council staff to assure them it’s “business as usual” from an operational perspective, with General Manager John Marik still in charge of staff.

“My first impression of the organisation is a good first impression. I will certainly keep my eyes open, but I think there are some good people here,” he said.

“The council has a Strategic Plan, an Annual Plan and a Budget that has been adopted, so the course has been set and I will be conscious of those documents … and justify it if I think they need a new direction.”

He said he is yet to speak with the two members of the Board of Inquiry, Andrew Walker and Andrew Paul, nor be informed of how they will manage the process.

“I won’t be part of the Board of Inquiry. I haven’t seen the report. I don’t fully understand what the issues are at this point

of time. Obviously, I will support the Board with information that they need.

“I will provide whatever support I need to give to Councillors as they need to respond to the Board of Inquiry and they need to be afforded procedural fairness and if that is access to information I will work through that with the General Manager.

“There is no play book apart from talking to previous commissioners but there will

still be council meetings with agendas prepared.”

Commissioner Wardlaw said he would table his appointment by the Governor, including remuneration details, at his first Council meeting, on Monday, August 21. Members of the public can attend. He will have discretionary powers as a Planning Authority.

“I would like to leave here in seven months’ time and have the place in better shape than what it was when I came here… settle things down and keep the ball rolling. We can’t just stop everything and make no decisions. Some will be tough, but it is important that the community keeps moving,” he said.

Mr Wardlaw intends to spend most of his working week in Dorset, staying in Bridport.

He addressed the NE Chamber of Commerce meeting on Monday night and said he would look at the Mayor’s diary to work out his event attendance schedule moving forward.

• New Dorset Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw.

NE spirit shining on national stage

SCOTTSDALE DISTILLERY DarbyNorris and Bridport Distilling Co have done the region proud, both winning medals at the 2023 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Bridport Distilling Co won gold for its Coastal Gin in the New World / Contemporary section, its Lavender Gin claimed a silver while its Scallop Shell gin won bronze.

Darby-Norris brought home a silver medal for its North-East Chocolate Gin.

Bridport Distilling Co-owner and distiller Chris Carins said it was a wonderful achievement for the region.

“We are pretty excited with winning the awards. I have been distilling for three or four years with Little Rivers and I am relatively new in terms of knowledge base to the gin industry and that’s why we enter the awards, to get feedback from the judges,” Mr Carins said.

“The scallop gin was first launched last year and the feedback has been great. It’s such a good gin to have straight on the rocks and the others are good like that too, but are a bit more complex and work well with cocktails.”

Mr Carins said the business prided itself on using local ingredients during the distilling process.

“Within 30km of the distillery we have all these beautiful botanicals we can use with Tasmanian Pepperberry, Lemon Myrtle and lavender so we are lucky.”

Darby-Norris Distillery co-owner Liane Darby said the family business created the chocolate combination for the Hobart Ginuary festival event in January.

“We attend the event every year and we try to create a Ginuary exclusive gin,” she said.

“Everyone loves chocolate, so we set about marrying the two together. I contacted a few chocolatiers and went with Launceston company Gourlay’s Sweet Shop to help.

“When we create a new product, we are always super critical. But we kept getting really good feedback about the product, so we decided to enter it into the Australian awards and the rest, as they say, is history!”

The Silver Medal adds to a substantial collection the business has collected in recent years, including Best Flavoured Gin Trophy for its Blueberry Gin in 2019 and Silver for a Valley Gin and Tamar Vodka at the London Spirit Competition.

“It was an exciting result for the team which includes my hubby Jeff, daughter Paige and son-in-law Phillip and we employee Zayne Crawford as our bartender and up and coming apprentice distiller.”

Spend secured for Flinders Island Harbour

THE FLINDERS Island Safe Harbour project is a step closer with additional funding secured to deliver the safe, allweather recreational marine facility.

Tasports Chief Executive Officer Anthony Donald said TasPorts had committed up to $900,000 toward the $3.6 million project for the construction and upgrade of assets within the proposed new Safe Harbour Precinct at the Port of Lady Baron.

“It provides TasPorts the ability to

rationalise and improve infrastructure around the working port and public wharf, thus improving safety and visitor destination options for boat and yacht tourism,” Mr Donald said.

“This transfer will simplify otherwise complex land management arrangements and help to expedite this Community Development Grant project.”

Mayor Rachel Summers said she was delighted that TasPorts and Council had been able to work in partnership to

secure further funding.

“This additional funding will enhance the Safe Harbour Marine Facility amenities with increased benefit for our island community.”

Work on the Safe Harbour Project is due to commence late 2023 and be completed by March 2025.

Minister for Infrastructure Michael Ferguson welcomed the contribution from the State-owned company.

“Safe Harbour is designed to deliver an all-weather recreational marine hub for locals and visitors, which will put Flinders Island on the map as a cruising yacht destination,’’ Mr Ferguson said.

“This development will not only greatly improve the amenity for the Island’s boating community but will provide an economic shot in the arm during construction and attract even more visitors to beautiful Flinders Island’’

• Liane and Jeff Darby with Paige and Phillip Norris and Zayne Crawford, celebrating silver medal success.

• Chris Carins with the three varieties that won medals for Bridport Distilling Co .

Celebrating cattle handling milestone

A UNIQUE school program that’s built agricultural and social skills for hundreds of students is preparing to celebrate its 25year milestone in September.

Scottsdale High School’s cattle handling program first began in 1999. Stronach View Farm and Angus Stud Coordinator Kylie Rattray said the quarter-century was a wonderful achievement.

“Cattle handling at the school began in 1999, and we need to acknowledge the involvement of Quarterway Angus Cattle from the Hall family from the outset, with Lance and Ena being very supportive,” Ms Rattray said.

“Deanna Scott was the teacher in charge for 10 years and Bev Hanlon was the principal at the time and was very supportive of the program.”

Ms Rattray said it had been an honour to be involved since 2009 and paid tribute to volunteer teacher Chris Hall for his expertise and guidance, along with the support of Brian Medcraft.

“It’s a huge achievement,” Kylie said.

“We have three of our ex-cattle handlers in our Scottsdale ag stores at the moment, a couple have gone onto their own studs and a couple are farming so it has been a great stepping stone for many students.

“It’s such a team atmosphere and its more than just taking cattle along to a show. It’s about developing self-confidence, public speaking skills, working with others and following instructions and it is likened to a sports team.”

The program has developed from humble

beginnings, Mr Hall said.

“We were very green and naive when we started and as we went along, we got better,” Mr Hall said.

“We went all over the state and slept on floors but the kids were great and none of the kids ever put a foot out of line.

“Over 25 years of cattle handling there has been over 250 cattle broken in to lead around the show rings and that is a mammoth feat in itself.”

Former student Robekah McDougall said the program developed her love of agriculture.

“When we started we had white lab coats that you had to wear at Royal Shows, green canes and green vests and Akubra hats and now they have fancy belts and boots and I think, ‘wow, times have changed’ and it’s good to see how it has progressed and moved with the times – it’s great because nobody likes white coats with dirty cows!”

After initially borrowing cows to show from farmers across the district, the school purchased its first foundation stud female from Quarterway Angus in 2013 and the Stronach View Angus stud was established.

“The stud was a slow burn and we purchased a small number of stud cattle from Quarterway Angus and in later years, females from Richmond Hill Angus and we now have 30 stud cattle to sustain the school’s own program,” Ms Rattray said.

“Our stud is now made up of 95% stud females, with only a few remaining commercial cows left and this year we will calve nine heifers. We now sell of eight

- 10 bulls a year so it is a wonderful farm enterprise for the students to be involved in.”

And if the current crop of students have anything to do with it, the program will continue to go from strength to strength, with females at the fore.

Girls now dominate the agricultural classroom with year 11 students Adara Hall and Ajana Smith leading the way ahead of a busy show season that will include shows at Launceston and Hobart,

Scottsdale, Sheffield, Westbury, Deloraine and Chudleigh.

“Thunderstruck will be at Launceston and Hobart for his first shows and we have high hopes for him and hopefully he will win something,” Ajana said.

“Going to the shows broadens our ideas about other studs as well because it’s not just angus studs, there are so many different breeds.

“I really love meeting people and putting our names out there in the industry.”

Poppy boost for North-East

A TASMANIAN company has returned to grow poppies in the North-East for the first time in 20 years providing a valuable boost for the area’s economy.

Extractas Bioscience, formerly Tasmanian Alkaloids, has signed contracts with a number of farmers for the production of around 100 ha of two poppy varieties.

After two decades without plantings across the fertile soils of the region, Extractas Bioscience Field Operations Manager, Noel Beven, said it was good

news for local growers.

“We are pleased to offer some contracts back in the North-East after significant interest was shown by several growers in the region and we look forward to an ongoing relationship in coming years,” Mr Beven said.

Mr Beven said the company had high hopes for the season ahead, with sowing underway in the south of the State, which is experiencing drier conditions.

Drilling is expected to take place in the

North-East in September.

“The company will again contract close to 3500ha state-wide across all growing areas which is a similar area to last season, however due to the extreme weather events of 2022 including repeated flooding, close to 1000 ha was lost.”

The poppy industry has recently faced a challenging time with reduced global demand and a downturn in US medical markets.

Mr Beven said Extractas Bioscience had

taken steps to ensure its crop area would remain relatively stable into the future.

“We have strategically positioned ourselves in the ever-changing world market to be a long-term producer of choice, he said.

The Westbury business changed its name three years ago to better reflect its core operation as an extractor of natural plant extracts, including medicinal cannabis.

• Adara Hall and Ajana Smith with Thunderstruck and Tarzan at the Scottsdale School Farm.

Calamari closure looming Habitat win for iconic crayfish

DEPLETING STOCKS of southern calamari will lead to a two-month closure of the fishery across the north in a bid to protect the species.

The north coast calamari fishery will be closed from August 21 until October 31 to protect the adult calamari when they are most vulnerable and to help ensure successful spawning over the period.

The closure area spans from Cape Grim in the north-west to Cape Naturaliste in the north-east. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) said the closure would also help to protect the future of calamari stocks against possible impacts of a marine heat wave, forecast by the CSIRO to occur around Tasmania’s coasts from this August.

A NRE Tas spokesperson said the department was continuing to work with fishers, researchers, and the community to ensure the future of the scalefish fishery in Tasmania.

“This includes the consideration of feedback received following an extensive public consultation on proposed rule changes for the Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery,” a spokesman said.

“A number of Tasmania’s important scalefish species have recently been assessed as depleted or depleting by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), including southern calamari. The calamari stock has been classified by IMAS as depleting since 2017 and an annual north coast spawning closure has been in place since that year.

“While the scalefish rules review is ongoing, it is important to act now to continue to support the calamari fishery by enacting an early spawning closure. The measures will further safeguard the sustainability of the calamari fishery.

A FIVE-YEAR project to better protect the vulnerable Giant Freshwater Crayfish across three North-East catchments has delivered results beyond the expectations of facilitators.

NRM North established a project to expand and recover existing populations of the Astacopsis gouldi by improving water quality and native streamside habitat connectivity in the Pipers, Brid and Boobyalla catchments.

The Australian Government’s National Landcare Program funded the initiative, which saw the restoration of large swathes of riparian vegetation.

It also supported 22 landholders to implement and maintain on-property conservation actions, saw the planting of over 16,000 native seedlings, engaged more than 300 volunteers across six community tree planting days and trained upwards of 130 volunteers in GFC habitat assessment surveys as Citizen Scientists.

Project Coordinator Kym Blechynden said the GFC was the largest freshwater invertebrate in the world and the NorthEast of Tasmania was one of the only places it could be found.

The species is listed as vulnerable due to a decrease in its population, with key threats including habitat loss or disturbance, sediment accumulation in waterways, drought, climate change, and poaching.

Ms Blechynden said it was wonderful to help reverse the decline.

“Excluding livestock from rivers, installing troughs, controlling exotic weeds, and re-establishing native streambank vegetation are really effective actions that reduce key threats to the giant freshwater crayfish,” she said.

“More than 17km of restoration works has been completed throughout the project, which has exceeded targets by more than two kilometres.

“In addition to benefits for the threatened species and native habitat connectivity, there have been land mangement and productivity benefits as well.”

The upper Second River was a high priority rehabilitation reach for the project.

In 2020, owners of Summerlea Farm, Rick and Liz Mahnken, approached NRM North to access the project.

“Having support from NRM North has allowed us to do what we wanted to do in terms of fencing off the river and improving our rotational grazing, so that assistance with the fencing was really helpful,” said Mrs Mahnken.

“We’ve learnt a lot about the crayfish and about different plant and animal species. The surrounding area is really green and full of life –we've started to notice so many bugs and birds and have even seen the elusive Mount Arthur burrowing crayfish at work.”

Clare and Nigel Russell run a small cattle farm in Lilydale, in Tasmania’s north east and were also part of the project. Since starting river restoration activities in 2016, they’ve planted more than 5000 plants, fenced three kilometres of river, and provided alternative water points for stock. The Russells are also active members of the Lilydale Landcare group, which is working on a community project in Underwood.

“We purchased the property in 2014 when stock still had access to the river which created problems such as erosion, decreased water quality and the destruction of riparian habitat,” said Mr Russell.

“From a land management point of view, although we have given up some land (for revegetation), we can now manage the land better. The fenced paddock allows for efficient grazing and more grass to be grown - therefore it’s more productive and profitable. The additional shelterbelts are great for pastures and stock, and there’s cleaner water for stock as well,” said Mr Russell.

• Andrew Baldwin, Kym Blechynden, Taree and Shaye Mather.

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Nature on display

THREE FRIENDS with a love of nature and art have combined for special exhibition of paintings at Scottsdale Art Gallery Café.

Nature Works will officially open on Sunday August 13, at 2.30pm by former Bridport resident Carolyn Riley.

Gerry Jensen, Sandra Henderson and Susie Shaw have worked together to bring the exhibition together.

The three artists are well known in the area with them exhibiting over many years in the local June long weekend exhibition, North-East Tasmania Arts and Crafts, with Sandra winning in the recent Viewer’s Choice exhibition.

Sandra is a climate refugee from Western Australia where she taught Art and English for 25 years. Her work focuses on the natural world

– especially the flora and fauna of the beautiful island of Tasmania.

Gerry has enjoyed a 50-year journey of learning, experimenting in different mediums, and has tutored many workshops.

She loves sharing the thrill of picking up a brush, pencil, or pastel which she calls “little sticks of joy”.

Susie endeavours to portray her love of Australia but especially our beautiful Tasmanian landscape in her art.

“I use watercolour, pastel, acrylics, and oils. I tend to decide what I am going to paint and then chose the medium which I think best suits the subject,” she said.

Nature Works continues until 16th September. RSVP for the official opening closes August 11.

Saturday August 12, 9 Button Street, Scottsdale starting at 8am. GARAGE SALE

Upgrades underway at Lilydale School

CONSTRUCTION HAS begun at Lilydale District School to upgrade classrooms, the outdoor learning area and student bathrooms.

The project is one of 12 underway across the state through the State Government’s $10 million Contemporary Classroom Program, with Bass MHA Simon Wood, visiting to look at progress on Monday.

“The upgrades will see the three existing Year 9-10 classrooms increased in size, with each teaching space to have direct access into a collaborative learning area, and breakout areas for quiet or small group work,” Mr Wood said.

“Expansion of the existing covered link at the school will also create an undercover area that will be finished with artificial

grass to extend collaborative outdoor learning opportunities.

“These important works will also support local jobs, with Tasmanian building contractor R and T Rosier Constructions delivering the works.”

Modern bathroom facilities will also be delivered at Lilydale, with the existing senior grade male and female showers and bathrooms to be converted to new individual cubicles.

“These additional works are being delivered through our $6.3 million Safer Student Bathrooms Program,” he said.

Lilydale also recieved $40,000 through the Australian Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund, with works expected to be finished in the first half of 2024.

A quick trip to Launceston?

NORTH EASTERN EVENTS CALENDAR 2023

August 11

• Launching into Learning sessions

9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

August 18

• Launching into Learning sessions

9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

August 25

• Launching into Learning sessions

9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

HISTORY REMEMBERED

IN THESE modern times we take for granted a car or bus trip from Scottsdale into Launceston, but it was not always so.

There are stories that in the early pioneer days people walked to and fro, sometimes carrying provisions or purchases.

A horse and dray would have made for a quicker trip, but the roads were terrible and there were many obstacles and hazards along the way.

Samuel Beswick was born at Patterson’s Plains (now St Leonards) in 1853, the youngest of eight children of Thomas Beswick, a convict, and Mary Peck.

In 1880, when he was aged 26, he purchased the local mail contract from Thomas Heazlewood and announced that he intended to carry both mail and passengers from Launceston to Scottsdale and beyond, via Myrtle Bank and Springfield.

Four years later an intrepid traveller recounted that he boarded Beswick’s large coach at the Cornwall Hotel in Launceston at 9.30am, ready for the trip to Ringarooma.

After the first leg of the journey, lunch was taken over 20 minutes at Millwood’s Mount Arthur Inn while a horse change was made.

The trip then continued at the frantic pace of 9 miles-per-hour (15kmph) until the Sideling was reached at 2.30pm, and another horse change made.

The trip down the Sideling (which some of the

more experienced passengers elected to walk) was described as hair-raising.

Great credit was given to Samuel Beswick for running a very valuable service, and to his main drivers, George Pauline and Harry Cox for their skills.

On the road to Branxholm one day a large tree fell across the road. After some time, a track was cut around the tree for the horses to pass, but the coach needed to be lifted over the log, where the passengers could then reboard and resume their journey.

In 1886 Samuel Beswick announced that he had sold his stock to the business of Loone and Bonner.

Beswick suggested that an accident two years previously had affected his ability to operate the business, and within months he was in the Bankruptcy Court with substantially more debts than assets.

The railway line from Launceston to Scottsdale, which was being planned and built through the 1880s, opened in 1889, but travels further eastwards still relied on horsepower.

The era of the horse-drawn coach was brief, brave, adventurous, hazardous and vitally important. Those who operated the service provided great benefit to the local towns.

The North-Eastern Advertiser is working with the Dorset Tasmania History Society to publish historical articles so that our history, in stories and images, is not lost.

September 1

• Free Women's Legal ServiceDorset Community House

• Ladies of Dorset coffee and chatScottsdale Art Gallery Café

• Launching into Learning sessions 9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

September 8

• Launching into Learning sessions

Fridays 9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

September 15

• Launching into Learning sessions

Fridays 9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

September 22

• Launching into Learning sessions

Fridays 9:00-10:30am

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30-11:30am (Last Session for Term 3 –Returning in Term 4)

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

September 23 and 24

• Rail Trail Run and Ride - Scottsdale

October 6

• Ladies of Dorset coffee and chat

- Scottsdale Art Gallery Café

• Free Women's Legal Service

- Dorset Community House (First Friday each month)

October 14

• Back to Branxholm

- Branxholm Hall

November 3

• Ladies of Dorset coffee and chat

- Scottsdale Art Gallery Café

• Free Women's Legal Service

- Dorset Community House (First Friday each month)

November 3

• Gladstone Hotel Rodeo

– Boobyalla Park

November 11

• Ringarooma School and Show

-Ringarooma

December 1

• Ladies of Dorset coffee and chat

- Scottsdale Art Gallery Café

• Free Women's Legal Service

- Dorset Community House (First Friday each month)

• The Loone and Banner coach that serviced the Scottdale to Launceston route.

• Will Fisher from R and T Rosier Constructions, teachers Kate Green and Karin Denehy and students Marissa Gladman and Jess and Stacey Hardingham with Bass Liberal MHA Simon Wood.

Big weekend of finals loom for Junior Magpies

BY PETER FISH

THREE SCOTTSDALE junior teams will be playing in the NTJFA finals competition on Sunday.

The Under 14 girls came through their elimination final in flying colours.

Despite some very inaccurate kicking they held on to defeat North Launceston by nine points.

They now progress through to the first semi-final against Tamar.

In Sunday's match Amelia Carter, Abby Samec and the Fletcher sisters all played well and if the team can improve its kicking for goal, it must be a chance to progress further.

The Under 14 boys lost their qualifying final but remain in the finals race and will meet Launceston in the first semi-final on Sunday.

The East Coast Swans were too good for them last week despite the best efforts of Andy Heazlewood, Kade Norman and Beau Styles.

The unbeaten Under-16 boys commence their finals campaign in a qualifying final against Longford.

On Friday night the club hosted end of season dinners for the Under 9 boys and girls, Under 11 girls and Under 10 boys. Coaches Ben Coxen, Tess Moore and Chris Carins acknowledged their players and volunteer helpers, while the young players

GOLF

NORTH-EAST VETERANS

BRIDPORT, THURSDAY AUGUST 3

A-Division: G. Warren 34 pts; K. Russell 33pts; M. Dobson 32pts.

B-Division: T. Coogan 33 pts; G

Fletcher 32pts; M Walton 31pts

C-Division: A. Thompson 38pts; C

Sculthorpe 33pts; P Bolton 32pts

Best 1st 9 - D Donnelly 22

Best 2nd 9 - D Etchells 17

Longest putt - 1/10 D Etchells, 6/15

T Coogan, 9/18 T Street

Next Game - Scottsdale Golf Club, August 17, Stableford.

themselves presented their coaches with gifts.

In other junior news, Tori Hall who went to George Town to play Under 17s this season as the Scottsdale club couldn't field a team, has won the Saints' best and fairest award, an excellent result for one of the Scottsdale club's hard-working volunteers.

RESULTS

Elimination Final: Under 14 Girls

Scottsdale 1.12-18 d North Launceston 1.3-9

Goal: Karlie Johnston

Best: Amelia Carter, Molly Fletcher, Abby Samec, Maddie Fletcher, Maddie Raines, Rhianna Lette

Qualifying Final: Under 14 Boys East Coast Swans 8.11-59 d Scottsdale 3.119

Goals: Eli Jones, Andy Heazlewood, Jackson Murphy

Best: Andy Heazlewood, Kade Norman, Beau Styles, Eli Jones, Declan Knight, James Coxen

GAMES SUNDAY AUGUST 13

1st Semi Final: Under 14 Girls

Scottsdale v Tamar

1st Semi Final: Under 14 Boys

Scottsdale v Launceston

Qualifying Final: Under 16s

Scottsdale v Longford

SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB

Saturday, August 5. 2023

Medal Day Winner: Jock Ferguson

70 nett

R/Up: S Krushka C/B D Knight 73

nett

Others: K Smith & M Dobson 74, B

Fahey 77 & T Fletcher 79

Putting: S Krushka 26

Longest Putt: L Freeland

Next Week: 1st Round Men’s Foursomes

Others - Stableford

BRIDPORT GOLF CLUB

Monthly Trophy/ Stroke

Winner: Nic Betts 67 nett

Frogs gone as finals loom

HOCKEY REPORT

BY LAURA HILL

ROVERS TOOK on Devils in the last roster game for the season.

Kayden Carins scored an early goal for the Devils which he shortly followed up with another off a short corner to give the Devils an early lead.

Rovers retaliated, moving the ball down the left wing to Zali Brown who managed to score for her team.

Tensions were high in the second half with the competitive nature showing in both teams. Devils’ Tiah Simmons covered most of the midfield along with teammate Lochie Bowerman, intercepting many of Rovers runs.

Rovers Ryan Davenport and Sam Tomkinson were busy trying to get the ball up into their attack but the fiery match ended with Devils winning 4-1.

Frogs took on Pythons in a high stakes game, with them needing a draw or win to avoid elimination.

Narelle Genge scored the first goal giving Pythons an early lead.

Frogs goalie Domenic Quinn worked hard repelling many attempts at goals that were fired at him to slow down Pythons’ goal run.

A couple of strong runs by Frogs' Nick

SPORTS RESULTS

Runner/up: Nick Hayes 72 nett

Putting 30: N Betts, N Sutton, K Russell, G Gurr.

Longest putt: David Dodson

NTP 1/10, 6/15: N Betts

Stableford: Mandy Hall

NTP: Linda Noonan

Next week: Stableford

RINGAROOMA GOLF CLUB

B Flowers Trophy 1st Round of Presidents Trophy

Winner: B Jacobs +1

Runner Up: M Summers -1

NTP 7&16: I Mountney

NTP 9&18: D Bean

Hill working with teammate Byron Atkins got the ball up the field, allowing them the opportunity to score.

Alan Davenport and Ben Williams worked in rotation for Pythons making a formidable wall for the opposition to get through when faced with either of the defenders.

Pythons won 8-3 securing them second spot on the ladder and eliminating Frogs. This weekend is the first round of finals, Devils Vs Pythons and Rovers Vs Sloths with times to be announced.

RESULTS

Devils 4 def Rovers 1

Goals:

Devils: Kayden Carins 3, Lochie Bowerman 1. Rovers: Zali Brown 1.

Best:

Devils: Adam Fisher, Tiah Simmons, Deagan Young.Rovers: Sam Tomkinson, Kylie Blackwell, Aaron Ritson. Pythons 8 Def Frogs 3

Goals:

Pythons: Phil Knight 4, Lucy Glasson 3, Narelle Genge 1. Frogs: Nick Hill 2, Byron Atkins 1

Best:

Pythons: Lucy Glasson, Jayden Knight, Ross Kershaw Frogs: Domenic Quinn, Bianca Hill, Andrew Hill

Next week: D Sheehan Trophy 2nd Round of Presidents Trophy

MOORINA GOLF CLUB

Mike Leszkovens 90 th birthday bash

Sunday, August 6

Winners: B Ponting,S Percey, M

Leszkoven 61/44 2/6

R/Up: M Youd, R Youd, A Youd 60/44 4/6

Closest to Pin 3/12: L Mullins

Closest to Pin 5/14: L Mullins

Longest Putt 9/18 R Youd

Longest drive 1/10 D Rattray

Wednesday golf 9 for 9.30

Sunday 13/8 Memorial Day

C Apted/W Mullins/M Krushka BOWLS

NORTH-EAST INDOOR

AUGUST

Bridport 47 def by Scottsdale 48

B. Glover 23 def by M. Chilcott 29

D. Glover 24 def K. Ginn 19

Scottsdale 8 Bridport 2

Ringarooma 46 def Legerwood Red

25

J. Dennis 26 def M. Austen 15

L. Singline 20 def B. Jacobs 10

Ringarooma 10 Legerwood Red nil

• End of season presentations for Scottsdale Junior Football Club's Under 10 Boys, (above) Under 11 Girls and the Under 9 Boys and Girls (right) last Friday night.

Kids shine as Swans dive

Evandale is too strong in the mud

BY STEVE MCKILLOP

BRIDPORT TRAVELLED to Evandale where the home side won by 17 points in front of a large crowd.

Bridport started well with Andy Barron slotting the first goal of the term, but Evandale piled on three goals in succession to be five points ahead at the first change.

Jarrah Burns had gathered many possessions in the heavy conditions alongside Cody Kerrison who had three clearances in the first quarter.

Evandale’s tall timber was causing Bridport some headaches, so Nat Barnett was moved into the ruck which had an immediate effect. Bridport’s disposals let them down which gave Evandale two easy shots on goal.

Jake Blackwell was presenting well up the ground providing a target and Will

McBride was also looking very dangerous and had the Evandale backline under pressure.

The game was evenly poised with six points separating the teams at the long break.

In the third Evandale was adapting better in the trying conditions and every time Bridport got closer, they managed to steady the ship with a quick reply.

Nat and Tom Barnett both had plenty of the ball, but it was the poor use of the ball that allowed the home side to hold a nine-point lead at the final change.

Evandale kicked the first two goals to set up a commanding 20-point lead early in the term.

Bridport had its chances missing three set shots but conditions were heavy underfoot and the Seagulls could not claw back the deficit to go down by 17 points.

Bridport is at home for the final game against Uni Mowbray this Saturday.

RESULTS: Seniors

Evandale 10.10.70 def Bridport 7.11.53

Goals: Matt Taylor 2, Will McBride 2, Andy Barron 1, Joey Robinson 1, Scott Fenton 1

Best: Jarrah Burns, Jake Blackwell, Tom Barnett, Nat Barnett, Will McBride, Cody Kerrison, Liam Arnold. Reserves

Evandale 5.8.38 def Bridport 1.6.12

Goals: Joss Ackroyd 1

Best: Reuben Grynglas, Toby Davis, Samual Tuck, Payden Davis, Barry Carr, Tom Saunders.

• At the footy! Helping retrieve balls at the Lilydale v East Coast game were Kenzie Bardenhagen, with Arlo Julin, Fletcher Bardenhagen, Kaiden Brooks, Lucas Smith, Hunter Skeggs, Cooper Bardenhagen, Zane Hume and Chaise Griffin.

LILYDALE WAS on fire against the East Coast Swans on Saturday in the Demons’ annual Keian Brown memorial game, with funds raised going towards Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Keian died of brain cancer in 2019 and his mother, Mel Roughley, was in attendance to present a medal in his honour to Jak Hadley, who played a big game in the midfield.

Lilydale dominated the day on the field, with Trent Griggs on fire with 12 goals, while Thane Bardenhagen and Sonny Whiting kicked four each.

Nicholas Child was the lone goal scorer for the Suns in the seniors while Brighton Denman bagged seven for the Demons in the reserves’ thrashing.

Seniors

Lilydale 27.7. 169 def East Coast 1.4 10

Best: Lilydale: Trent Griggs, Daniel Viney, Sam Lockett, Jak Hadley, Thane Bardenhagen, Joel Holloway. East Coast: Cobey Evans, Riley McDonald, Sam Maddern, Angus Tate, Jack Taylor-Evans, Tyrell Ponting Reserves

Lilydale 24.18 162 def East Coast 2.2 14

Best: Lilydale: Hayden Pitt, James Storay, Jordan Russell, Josh Hawes, Brighton Denman, Toby Mathew. Swans: Dylan Szczypka, Ethan Hill, Heath Szczypka, William Barfoot, Michael Murfet, Quade Curtis.

Bronze in Beautide

BRIDPORT TRAINER Rohan Hadley came away with third place at the prestigious Beautide in Hobart on Saturday night with his horse DeGoey. Fellow North-East entry Karalta Artemis, trained by Kent Rattray and owned by Wayne and Gaye, finished a respectable sixth.

The two three-year-olds were beaten by more experienced and older horses.

DeGoey paid $2.20 the place.

Mr Rattray said his entry was in fourth with 40m to go before fading.

Both horses can vie for a spot in the 2090m race again next year.

• Scott Fenton in the Ruck as Bridport get beaten by Evandale.

Demons smash Swans in cancer contest

Magpies cop another belting

BY PETER FISH

IT WAS the same old story for the Scottsdale seniors on Saturday when they hosted the very strong South Launceston combination. After a solid first quarter which the Magpies actually won, they could muster just two more goals for the remainder of the match while conceding 15 to their opponents, eventually losing the match by 85 points.

Once again it was Ethan Petterwood and Joe Krushka who led the way for the home team, and if the team just had a couple more like them, results would be different.

Recruit Bailey Seabourne was another to impress and hopefully he will return next year.

Healey Mather and Warrick Hall were both out injured while Brad Tuffin and Izzy Burr both carried niggles.

Tuffin spent the match up forward as Kyle

Lanham and Jacob Singline did the ruck work.

Coach Ethan Petterwood admitted that it was tough to stay positive, but told his players that the rewards for hard work could come next week at Bridgenorth, whose senior team will not be playing finals, unlike their reserves and women's team.

Young players Jordan Harper and Rowan Monson played their best games of the season, and if the team can just string four quarters together a win is quite possible against a struggling Bridgenorth outfit.

Last week it was Petterwood's 50th game for the club, and the match ball was presented to him after the match.

For the women, who went into the match without three of their best players (Dearne Taylor, Ruby Hall and Alex Hall), the narrow loss makes their task of playing finals extremely difficult.

They dominated most of the match but

continuously kicking to the "dead" pocket in the first quarter, and then allowing South to boot a couple of cheap goals out the back in the second term, cost them dearly.

Coach Mikayla Binns was clearly the best player on the ground and it was through no fault of hers that the Magpies fell short by seven points.

Tall recruit Monique Dufty was again influential in the ruck, while soccer convert Liyana Juraimai is developing into a fine Aussie Rules player.

The reserves were bolstered by the inclusion of Tassie Masters players Rob Harwood and Ben Dean who left Hobart at 5.30am to play for the battling Magpies, and both were prominent throughout.

Fellow Masters player Marc Nunan played like a man half his age while his team mate from the 2001 premiership team Scott Hill showed some guile and cunning.

R Harwood, B Dean, V Russell, W Burr, S Hill

B Mullins, R Harwood, C Binns, S Hill

Lilydale's Sonny Whiting kicks for goal in the Demon's drubbing of the East Coast Swans.