Volume 33, Wednesday 6 September 2023

Bridport wildflower fire fears

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

A significant parcel of Bridport’s Wildflower Reserve was a major fire hazard for nearby residents who are calling for immediate action before it is too late.

Walter St resident Ken Terry and his neighbour Bill Goodman have expressed serious concern about the state of the reserve, highlighting large tracts of overgrown bushland including dead trees that they say pose a serious risk to locals.

It’s not a new argument for the pair but after 15 years of complaints they are fed up and demanding action before it’s too late.

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. You won’t be able to stop a fire,” Mr Goodman said.

“A lot of the houses that back onto it are all older houses so there is a lot of timber in them and Bridport water pressure is not

that good.”

They said Parks and Wildlife were meant to attend last year but only managed to burn one small section closer to Granite Point before the wind turned.

“They gave up and went and they haven’t been back,” Mr Terry said.

A Parks and Wildlife spokesman said the Bridport Wildflower Reserve Fire Strategy provided a framework for fire management in the area, based on zones and fuel management strategies.

“There have been a number of controlled burns over the years undertaken by PWS within the Bridport Wildflower Reserve and Granite Point Conservation Area,” the spokesman said.

“PWS completed a planned burn in Bridport in 2022 and there is another burn planned in the area this spring - weather permitting.

WhyUSE

“PWS continually monitors the weather and fuel moistures during the season to determine required objectives.”

Mr Terry and Mr Gordon will believe it when they see it.

The area adjacent to Mr Terry’s house, which leads to the official walking track as part of the reserve, had been cleared of thick vegetation nine years ago after he threated to claim vacant possession of the site to allay his fire concerns.

There is a 15m buffer that Mr Goodman and fellow residents mow to keep growth from spreading too close to the road, but he said that would not be enough to stop a blaze getting to their homes.

“Seven or eight years ago all the residents along here got a notice from Parks and Wildlife saying they were going to patch burn sections each year and leave wildlife corridors in between but they haven’t been.”

After a wet winter and with an El Nino event bringing with it the threat of a severe bushfire season, they say Bridport has been neglected.

They also claim the fire break in the middle of the reserve (pictured) would be difficult to access in an emergency.

“You wouldn’t want to try to get along the fire break with your 4wd – it’s pretty overgrown you wouldn’t get a vehicle through it,” Mr Goodman said.

“They have to do it now otherwise it will be too late.

Mr Terry added: “It’s still damp under foot now because we have had so much rain in the last month and a half and if they leave it another month it will be too windy and dangerous and all this growth will be as dry as dry and it will go ‘boom’.”

No date was given for the proposed burn from Parks and Wildlife.

• “It will go boom” - Bridport resident Ken Terry and his neighbour Bill Goodman, at the Bridport Wildflower Reserve fire break, have serious concerns about its fire risk.

WE SERVE

20 YEARS AGO – September 3, 2003

State Government tee off at Barnbougle State Government secured a multi-million dollar development for the region, with a $250,000 grant and a $900,000 loan, which was announced by Deputy Premier Paul Lennon at Bridport. The funds would be used to develop a links style public golf course and tourism development not far from Bridport. The Barnbougle Dunes development is to be located on Richard Sattler’s 13,000-acre coastal property, Barnbougle Estate. Dorset Council also announced its support for the project with access roads, saying it had huge potential, would become a tourist icon and provide long-term benefits across the region.

40 YEARS AGO – September 1, 1983

Branxholm celebrate 100 years

Celebrations for Branxholm's Centenary 18831983 commenced September 30, and continued across the weekend. A full line up of festivities, included an old style concert at the Branxholm Hall, a colourful street pageant, tug-o-war competition that was anticipated to be strongly supported, the Rosny Children’s Choir to entertain a tea time concert and the cutting of the Centenary Cake. The eye-catching creation was made by Mrs Gaye Kerrison, with the help of her husband Jeff and the generous assistance of Mr G Underhill at his Scottsdale Bakery. Celebrations didn’t stop there, the unveiling of the commemorative plaque was carried out in front of His Excellency the Governor Sir James Plimsoll.

50 YEARS AGO – September 7, 1973

Continued service speculation

The Armed Forces Food Science Establishment at Scottsdale would become the focal point in this country for the development of food for the Armed Services. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (Mr. Lance Barnard) when opening the first ever freezing drying convention at Scottsdale. The three-day convention was attended by more than 70 delegates from all states. Having the convention held locally put a spotlight on rumours the food science establishment would be relocated interstate, these were deined by Mr Barnard, stating the facility would remain in Scottsdale while he was Minister for Defence.

Letters must be short and preference will be given to letters of 250 words or less. Letters may be edited or not printed for space, clarity or legal reasons. Names, addresses and telephone numbers must be included. Unsigned letters or those with pen names will not be published.

STADIUM STANCE

Regarding Lara Alexander's letter to this paper printed August 30, I would like to put forward a few points.

Firstly, she was unsuccessful in her pursuit for a parliamentary seat in Bass and was shunned by the electorate.

The retirement of Sarah Courtney is the only reason she can claim her position.

To come out and question Tania Rattray MLC on her decision to support the multi-purpose stadium in Hobart is quite frankly odd.

Tania has obviously seen the benefits of this build and subsequently changed her view as is her right.

In May 2023, Lara Alexander, did you not turn your back on the Liberal Party and decided to become an independent and in doing so change your mind on the Liberal Party policies?

Tania Rattray may well believe in the benefits that this significant build will do for the economy of Tasmania and the upside for all future generations that will use it.

Lara, you may be more productive in supporting and being positive than trying to score political points.

And people should be aware, as I think a lot of naysayers are not, that the millions of dollars being put forward by the AFL and Federal Government will go back to the mainland and not into state coffers if it’s not built.

One last thing, any person elected to a political party on polling day should not have the option to change parties during their term, as indeed they are elected to that particular party.

In Lara Alexander's case, she was

never elected by her constituents and fingers crossed won't be again come next election.

Put your fingers in the fire and they will get burnt. Build it!

Darren Bean

Scottsdale

STADIUM STANCE

As former long-serving independent members of the Legislative Council, we are extremely disappointed at the apparent loss of objectivity on the proposed AFL stadium by the Member for McIntyre.

Ms Rattray on August 15 used her Second Reading speech on an amendment bill to declare what appeared to be unqualified support for the Macquarie Point stadium.

She is of course entitled to do so, though it is hard to reconcile her new views with her previously strongly held position that there are far more important priorities for Tasmania to deal with - like putting a roof over homeless families.

It is bewildering, for many electors, as to why Ms Rattray has done an enormous backflip on this matter?

The Bill which provided the platform for Ms Rattray's pro-stadium declaration is the first of two enabling actions designed to trigger a thorough investigation of the new roofed stadium proposal by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

That integrated assessment will include economic, environmental, planning, heritage, cultural and community assessments. Once the results of those are available the Parliament will be in a much better position to judge the merits of the proposal. Without them

a judgment could probably best be described as based on little more than blind faith.

In those circumstances, the only responsible position on the stadium for members of the Legislative Council is to wait until all the facts are on the table.

Ivan

Dean AM APM, Greg Hall AM

LIFESAVERS TO THE RESCUE

While walking on a Bridport walking track on Sunday, I met a nice lady named Di who had an interesting story to tell.

Di and her husband had tickets for the recent Scallop Fiesta and arrived from Longford with some time to spare, so headed toward a café for a coffee.

Unfortunately, Di took a tumble and needed medical help. Some folk from the Surf Lifesaving Club thankfully came to her aid, as did an Ambulance Officer before she was taken to the LGH.

Di had some surgery to her eye socket and is improving daily but it has been a journey for her and husband Graeme. He did mention that he missed out on a scallop, but he is grateful to have Di on the road to recovery.

Di was hoping to catch up with the lifesavers that were so helpful on the day and to thank them for their efforts. That immediate response made a big difference.

So, I told Di and Graeme that I would write this letter and hopefully those involved would read it and note Di’s thanks for helping her and for their ongoing service to others.

Kym Corfield

Welcoming a new Champ

ABC TASMANIA reporter Manika Champ and her electrician husband Joel Champ, of Nabowla, have welcomed their second child.

Edie Louise Champ was born nine days early on Saturday, September 2 at 10:04am, a day before Manika’s own birthday. She weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces (or 3558grams) and was 49 centimetres long.

Edie and Mrs Champ arrived home from hospital on Sunday afternoon in time to spend her birthday and Father’s Day with Mr Champ and 21-month-old brother Tucker Lewis Champ.

Edie is the first granddaughter for Shari and Jamie Champ, of Bridport, and Gary and Rowena Dadson, of Youngtown.

• Manika Champ and new addition Edie with Joel and Tucker Champ.

On the rails with new tourism retreat

A $400,000 visitor accommodation has been opened just outside of Scottsdale to provide more options for bike riding visitors to the region.

Paying homage to a train carriage system through its linear design, the Rail Trail Retreat at Tonganah has been a two-year journey for land-owner Paul McDougall and builder Nigel Thompson.

The pair combined to develop the business after a conversation while Mr Thompson was renovating Mr McDougall’s adjacent home.

The empty bush paddock setting, which has the North-East Rail Trail running along its back perimeter, has been transformed with three fully self-contained shopping container units that can sleep up to four people each and outdoor fire-pit entertainment area with communal BBQ.

“I could see the benefit of having it here next to the Rail Trail when the other accommodation places were full – feeding off Derby a bit,” Mr McDougall said.

“There are always riders gong past, especially on weekends. It’s good for the North-East, something a bit different.”

Mr Thompson added: “It’s a unique experience if you are from the city with the wildlife of a night…it’s nearly a glamping

Rail trail future still not certain

FUNDING FOR the long-awaited and controversial second section of the NorthEast rail trail is yet to be confirmed with a date for a conceivable start not even in sight.

The Dorset Council last week welcomed a decision by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which found in favour of Launceston City Council’s approval of its application for the bike trail section from Lilydale to Wyena.

But Dorset Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw this week said that he had lots of questions about the project and was yet to fully digest the approval conditions set out by TASCAT.

“It’s going to take time for me to look at the risks and funding, costs that have changed and what the conditions mean,” Commissioner Wardlaw said.

“The review is a work in progress and could take months to complete. I will talk to the State Government about access to the corridor, what does that mean and understand the risks and how to mitigate them.”

Commissioner Wardlaw said a Federal Government funding agreement of $1.47 million was “still in play”.

“Is that going to be enough is probably the question,” he said.

Those close to the project say it could cost up to $3 million now – given how long it has been since the 2018 decision to develop the project which would link up with the existing section starting in Scottsdale and running to the top of the Billycock Hill.

Dorset General Manager John Marik said there had been an assumption that the council would be able to keep the train tracks and sell the steel to fund part of the project but that is not a certainty.

Commissioner Wardlaw said it would be close to Christmas before the council was in a position to respond appropriately.

“We are very much behind the project still but have to go into it with open eyes.”

Those opposed to the approval, including former Dorset Councillor Wendy McLennan, still hold out hope that passenger trains will again utilise the infrastructure.

Mrs McLennan said to date the dream has been destroyed by a “short-sighted” council.

“Imagine a 'Gatsby experience' while travelling through the Dennison Gorge and the tunnel to Scottsdale on fully restored

DP Railcars,” she said.

She referred to a 2021 presentation by Launceston’s Paul Cabalzar, who was the appellant in the recent TASCAT appeal, that proposed developments including restoring Scottsdale Train Station to cater for passengers to and from Launceston, a RV Park and establishing a heritage cultural centre for a display of working steam machinery with a restaurant and 4D Virtual Reality Experience.

“Since 2014, the State Government together with the Dorset Council has been relentless in its push to turn this railway into a bike trail,” she said.

“Millions of dollars have been spent on

experience in a way with the outdoors right there,” Mr Thompson said.

The unique design with the placement of the transportable containers is a talking point.

“I wanted to have a bit of a tie to the rail trail and when the setbacks came back and it was in a neat line, it was actually pretty cool,” Mr Thompson said.

He said the only frustration during the build was the eight-week process for power connection from the main supply to the units.

“The mains were in the ground for two months waiting from when our sparky lodged the paperwork to have them come out and spend two thirds of a day to come and do it, so the scheduling was a bit of a challenge,” Mr Thompson said.

“I am not blaming the locals who have been great …but it seems there is a middleman in there somewhere that shouldn’t have to be for it to take that long.”

A TasNetworks spokesman said basic applications and Electrical Works Requests in the North-East are not currently subject to time delays and are processing within target times.

State Government reviews and Legislative Council enquiries which have all stated that the railway is viable.

“For nearly a decade the voluntary groups have spent thousands of dollars attempting to restore this historic icon in the NorthEast.

“Governments come and go and have the power of the law to make good and bad decisions. In this case the decision to ignore the views of the people in the North-East and more importantly to endorse a decision to irreversibly impact the environment (with contamination from the rail track ballast when it is crushed for the trail) is wrong.”

• On the trail - Nigel Thompson and Paul McDougall at the site of their tourism accommodation business at Tonganah.

• Heritage rail enthusiasts still hold out hope the Dorset rail trail will not proceed to give rise to their vision.

More houses needed on farms

AGRICULTURAL EXPANSION and development was being stymied because planning rules aren’t keeping up with what’s required by a growing industry.

That’s the view of TFGA President Ian Sauer, who has written to the State Government seeking a meeting to expedite a change.

“Lots of areas like Branxholm, Pioneer and Winnaleah have expanded their

farming area with cropping and dairying and irrigation and they need more people to work on farms,” Mr Sauer said.

“But there is little accommodation available or it is too expensive, so they have longer drives to get to work which is a hindrance to attracting workers.

“We need to allow buildings on single titles to get more permanent or temporary houses built.”

Planning Minister Michael Ferguson said the Tasmanian Planning Scheme’s Agriculture Zone controlled where and when residential development can occur.

“This provides councils with the flexibility to make planning decisions based on the operational requirements of the farm and the need for workers to be housed on-site,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mr Ferguson said Strategic Regional

Partnerships would be put in place to find the best solutions but Mr Sauer said action was required immediately.

“It is actually affecting the expansion of agriculture,” Mr Sauer said.

“It’s having a profound impact on communities that could do with having three or four or five more families move into town to support local schools, and footy teams and shops.”

COURT REPORT - DRINK DRIVERS SCOLDED

A SCOTTSDALE man has escaped a jail sentence for a high-range drink driving offence in a final warning from authorities to “straighten things out”.

Luke Mervyn Reynolds pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a crash at Legerwood that saw his wood trailer jackknife, break free, hit a Tas Networks power pole and spill its load.

The court heard that the incident occurred on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at around 8pm in Carisbrook Lane, after he had stopped for beers at the Branxholm Imperial Hotel.

He recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.154 and said in a police interview at the time he had only had two beers at the pub but had had a few more at a friend’s house after the crash.

Reynolds’ lawyer Tim North said the 27-year-old was remorseful for his actions, grateful that no one was hurt and accepted the risk that he caused.

Mr North said that Reynolds had made contact with Tas Networks to apologise for the damage and had entered into a payment arrangement to pay back $2200 in $100 fortnightly instalments.

Magistrate Ken Stanton said it was his third offence, with his most recent being a 0.108 recording in 2021.

“The nature of the collision indicated

the sort of risk you take when you drive with that level of alcohol in your system,” Magistrate Stanton said.

“I need to deter you and other people from committing these types of offences.”

He was sentenced to five months’ jail, suspended for 12 months, on the condition he commit no more offences punishable by imprisonment during that time.

“This is your last opportunity to put this sort of offending behind you and straighten things out.”

Reynolds was disqualified for driving for 18 months and ordered to pay a fine, court costs and levee totalling $394.76.

Paul John Wightley from Winnaleah was given a four-week prison sentence despite his lawyer outlining a range of medical and mental health issues.

Wightley pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified along Main St, Derby, on July 10 in a bid to get groceries for himself and his dog.

The court heard he had a range of offences and “should have put pride aside and asked for assistance” from friends for a lift.

He had previously been found guilty of two drink driving and four drug-related driving charges as well as multiple driving while disqualified incidents.

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if I don’t adequately punish people they think they can disobey them and law and order will break down,” Magistrate Stanton said.

Wightley was disqualified from driving for a further three months, sent to prison for four weeks and ordered to pay costs totalling $94.76.

Kane William Burrows pleaded guilty to three offences on Christmas Day last year.

He was caught driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle with a suspended licence.

Burrows said he did not know the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured, nor that his licence had been suspended as a result of demerit points, because he was a FIFO worker.

He was fined $300 with court costs of $94.34.

Kristopher Shaun Down was disqualified for three months but given 42 days to apply and get a restricted licence after blowing 0.058 on Scott St on June 1.

Magistrate Stanton said he should have known he would exceed the legal limit after admitting to drinking five to six Captain Morgan Rums over two hours.

He was also stung $476.34 in fines and charges.

Learner motorcyclist Drew Anthony

George Price pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol reading of 0.056 in Tamar St, Launceston, on July 16.

He told the court he had stopped drinking five hours before getting on the bike and didn’t think he would be offending.

His fines totalled $504.76 and he was disqualified for three months.

Provisional driver Bradley Donald Arthur Milne said he had no excuses for his recording of 0.166 on Saturday, May 27, after leaving the Bridport Hotel car park at 11.15pm.

Milne had consumed a couple of beers and a double shot of Kraken Rum and Coke and said his last drink was at 10 or 11 o’clock.

At the time of the offence he was given an immediate 12-month licence disqualification, which will expire on May 27, 2024, and was fined $905 with court costs of $114.34.

Milne also appeared on a charge of breaching the road rules on March 12, 2023, in Bridport, by reversing his vehicle when unsafe to do so while having a passenger on the tray of his ute.

That matter will be heard when Scottsdale Court again sits on October 17.

Bestiality matter adjourned

BRANXHOLM MAN Jacob Heatlie Johnston appeared in the Launceston Supreme Court on Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of bestiality in August.

Johnston, 21, had admitted to having sexual intercourse with a goat on two occasions in 2022. The matter was adjourned and he has been ordered to reappear in the Supreme Court on September 22 at 10am.

Voice Referendum forum planned for Scottsdale

A PUBLIC forum will be held in Scottsdale later this month to give North-East residents the opportunity to learn more about The Voice Referendum.

With a large number of people still undecided voters, those in the ‘yes’ camp are organising the event as an opportunity for locals to ask questions to inform their decision – with speakers from both sides of the debate being organised to attend.

Australians are being asked to decide whether they approve of a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

To succeed, it requires a majority of voters to vote ‘yes’ nationally and it requires four of the six states to also have a majority ‘yes’ vote.

But agreement is not something that has been possible to achieve within Aboriginal groups – including here in the state’s North-East, where two significant figures have opposing views.

Chair of the Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation, Nick Cameron, has been a Tasmanian representative on the Voice Referendum Engagement Group and is now actively campaigning “yes”.

But, a large percentage of voters remain undecided about which way they will vote, something that Clyde Mansell was until just recently.

The founder of the region’s nationallyacclaimed wukalina Walk, Mr Mansell says he will vote ‘no’ because he doesn’t believe

the Government’s proposed change to the Constitution adequately addresses the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“The Statement from the Heart called for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. This is just one request written in the statement which has been included in the referendum,” Mr Mansell said.

“Secondly, the Uluru statement seeks the establishment of Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations people and truth-telling about our history.

I don’t believe the referendum as it stands goes anywhere towards achieving what the Uluru statement is seeking.

“(It’s not) understanding the spiritual notion of our ancestral and cultural ties to the land, our ‘mother earth’, and the links we as First Nation peoples want acknowledged and returned to communal ownership. This link is our sovereignty which we believe has never been ceded or extinguished.

“I believe this outcome can only be acknowledged and achieved as a part of treaty and truth telling process.”

Mr Mansell said he believed the establishment of Makarrata Commission would be more appropriate to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truthtelling about our history.

Makarrata is another word for Treaty or agreement.

“This approach would lead to a greater understanding of our sovereignty leading to the recognition of our history,” Mr Mansell said.

difference in the lives of Tasmanian Aboriginal people but admits it is just the first step in the process.

“As Tasmanian Aboriginal people we are culturally unique, we need our Voice to parliament and executive to tell our stories, provide our solutions and have people listen to us on what we need to improve our lives, what will work for us,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron said that First Nations people would have a direct say in who is chosen to be on the Voice, ensuring selfdetermination and Voice at a grass roots level.

He argues that it will make a significant

“It is in the Country's best interest to not let this practical opportunity get away from us, too much is at stake for too many Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

“If the ‘no’ campaign does not want First Nations people to have a Voice, why have they not offered alternatives to Close the Gap?”

Mr Cameron said there was a power imbalance that existed within Tasmanian Aboriginal communities and a lack of equity and opportunity for a share in funding and voice.

“Incarceration rates especially for our young people remain significantly higher than the general population. Life expectancy, suicide, health in general and mental health are below national levels. Social disadvantage with intergenerational family poverty, financial stress, poor educational outcomes, family violence are all at unacceptable levels without signs of improving ... and only the Tasmanian Aboriginal communities through our own Voice can genuinely improve these systemic problems,” he said.

Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer, who is voting ‘yes’ despite the Opposition Leader and a majority of her Liberal colleagues voting ‘no’, said the public forum planned for Scottsdale would provide genuine information sharing.

Speakers at the forum will be confirmed shortly, with Ms Archer and Mr Cameron

both set to address the audience and take questions. Unfortunately Mr Mansell will be unable to attend but other ‘no’ voters are being arranged.

It will be held at Scottsdale’s Mechanics’ Institute Hall on Thursday, September 21 at 6pm.

“It is important to me that, ahead of the referendum, the North-East community could have access to information on the Voice to Parliament and for me to share why I am voting yes,” Ms Archer said.

“I would encourage anyone who is unsure to come along and listen and to have their questions answered”

Meanwhile, Reconciliation Tasmania, a not-for-profit organisation, is providing free public one-hour workshops which can be delivered in-house to community groups, businesses, social clubs and other organisations.

“Our approach is educational,” said Reconciliation Tasmania’s CEO, Mark Redmond. “We are not telling people how to vote but assisting them to find the information they need to cast a vote based on facts rather than falsehoods or fears,” he said.

For more details you can contact bookings@rectas.com.au

Voting on the Referendum will take place on Saturday, October 14.

“Constitutional recognition and the Voice process should be led by Aboriginal people elected by community, not chosen by the government which is the present process.”

• Clyde Mansell.

• Nick Cameron with his mother Aunty Patsy.

“Constitutional recognition and the Voice alone will not solve all our problems, no one is making that claim. But together with Treaty and Truth, all three will be powerful measures that will make a practicable difference.

A Legerwood story

HISTORY REMEMBERED

IN 1921 54-year-old Adam Martin, child of a Scottish father and an Irish mother, purchased a block of land from the Carisbrook Estate in Legerwood and built a store at a time when the township was booming.

Martin’s cash store in the main street was one of three general stores in Legerwood described in a North-Eastern Advertiser article in December 1922.

He was, over time, joined by his brothers and a sister, the family coming from the Derwent Valley area.

Sadly for Adam Martin, his health deteriorated when he had a serious stroke in 1924. At that time in history the local newspapers tended to report the detailed news of people’s affairs – it helped everyone else know what was going on in the days before mobile phones and social media.

Twelve months after his stroke, the Advertiser reported that ‘he is home again,

and though not as well as one would like to see, he is able to walk about and have some conversation with friends and passers-by’.

Letter writing continued to be an interest for him, with published letters in the Workers’ Weekly and the Launceston Examiner showing that he was still keen of mind and passionate about local and State affairs.

However, in 1930 when he was aged only 63, Adam Martin died at the Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Scottsdale. He is buried in the Stronach Cemetery. His brothers and sister remained in the shop for many years afterwards.

The complete story of Legerwood will be told in a new local history book to be published in November of this year.

History Society member Glenn Carins, who published the story of Winnaleah in 2021, has completed his new work and is planning for its launch.

Based on material originally compiled by Tony Targett and Carol Johnson, Glenn’s

new book covers the history of the early days of the Scott family at Legerwood, through to the development of the settlement of ‘Ringarooma Road’ into the town of Legerwood with the arrival of the railway and includes events and families up until the year 2000.

A significant book of over 270 pages,

Glenn’s publication of Legerwood Days is keenly anticipated.

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

Timber tourism project for Goshen

A NEW tourism development will showcase forestry in a new light, with work underway to revitalise Goshen Sawmill.

Les and Diane Rattray, with their son Joe, have owned and operated the business for over 35 years, supplying green hardwood timber to the general public across the North-East and East Coast.

Goshen Sawmill’s largest customer is Dorset Council, with timber being utilised in the municipality’s bridges.

“We are the last hardwood sawmill in this whole region,” Mr Rattray said.

That history will be celebrated and the future secured with a new project to branch out the business.

“Most of our customers love to watch us cut timber, hence the idea for a tourism venture,” Mr Rattray said.

“Our old site wasn’t suited for tourists and we didn’t own the land. We picked a perfect spot on our farm at Gould’s Country only 5 kilometres from the old site.

“With planning approval completed we have started with the site excavation.

“The new mill will have traditional sawmill equipment with a view window where people can watch timber cut how it was 50 years ago also seeing logs converted into timber not going for woodchips.

“We will also have some historical displays from the area with craft sales and a small café.”

The major investment could see an increase in the current staff level of three at the mill plus an additional three workers to operate the café and tourism facility.

Work is expected to be complete by next June.

• Adam's Store at Legerwood, built in 1921.

• Joe and Leslie Rattray at the site of the Goshen Sawmill's new development.

Winnaleah water depot opened

MINISTER FOR Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer, has officially opened the new operations depot for the Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme, at the sportsground.

The Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme Board will operate out of the depot, providing maintenance and water delivery services to Tasmanian Irrigation.

The Scheme provides 6,950 megalitres

Lilydale Small Farm Living field day

NRM NORTH will partner with Lilydale Landcare for its biennial Small Farm Living field day on November 12.

The event will feature a range of speakers, demonstrations, stalls and displays, tailored especially to smallholders and small properties.

Tasmanian Women in Ag

A BEYOND the Farmgate development program event will be held at Scottsdale Football Club on Wednesday, September 27 from 10am to 2.30.

The workshop will help women in agriculture across the region with ideas around succession planning, financial structures and culture on the farm.

- of water to farmers in the Winnaleah, Derby and Herrick areas.

“Irrigation schemes like these are allowing farmers to expand the area planted to high-value crops, increase rotations, boost yields, and diversify,” Minister Palmer said.

“The development of this new operations depot is also an example of Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme Limited investing in

the Scheme’s ability to continue to provide its benefits to the local community in the years ahead.

“This will enable the Winnaleah district to continue to play its part in growing the farm-gate value of agricultural production to $10 billion by 2050, as set out in the Government’s AgriVision 2050 policy.”

“Farmers can plan and plant with confidence.”

Wellbeing beyond the stockyards

THE INAUGURAL “Wellbeing Beyond the Stockyards” month is underway this September to deliver an important message to the Tasmanian livestock community.

Rural Alive and Well is emphasising the importance of being proactive around your mental fitness and well-being.

The month is designed to reduce the barriers to help-seeking, increase awareness and encourage realistic conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

It aims to help keep people in the industry moving forward – just as they

Green grass positives for beef market

LIVESTOCK REPORT

BY WARREN JOHNSTON

WITH SPRING here and a fantastic start to the season, livestock markets are continuing at a similar level to the winter markets.

If there is a shining light it looks to be in trading opportunities and the use of green grass in the cattle industry going forward.

have moved over 658,239 beasts, with 138,018 cattle going to export markets from July 2022 to April 2023.

RAW says that to ensure the industry continues to grow and thrive, we need to ensure that those working within the industry, and their families, were mentally healthy and resilient.

“With situational stressors being prevalent even more as drought looms, interest rates rise, and disease threats increase, the importance of building mental fitness across a critical industry increases,” RAW acting CEO Shayne Stevenson said.

Climate action by councils

A NORTHERN Tasmania Alliance for Resilient Councils has been launched with Dorset Council confident that the strategic investment will pay dividends at a local level in the near future.

NTARC has secured the services of Katrina Graham as the Regional Climate Change Program Manager for the eight northern councils.

Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw said climate resilience was an area that all councils were embracing and paid tribute to council General Manager John Marik for his efforts.

“It makes sense to work with the region to avoid duplication and ensure consistency,” Commissoner Wardlaw said.

“Building capacity is central to this climate initiative and by working

collaboratively councils can leverage off each other's strengths to get the best outcome for local communities."

Over the next 3 years, NTARC has funding of $948,000 to build climate and disaster resilience through collaboration.

“The aim is to increase capacity and capability of councils to understand and respond to increasing hazards and disasters regionally,” Commissioner Wardlaw said.

The eight northern councils will fund 50 per cent, or $474,000 of the program, with the other half being secured from the Federal Government’s Disaster Resilience Fund.

The program also has $100,000 grant funding from the State Government (Healthy Focus Grants) for the Tasmanian

councils supporting climate healthy and resilient communities, which partners with UTAS’s Menzies Centre and Climate Futures Tasmania.

Finer details about how NTRAC will deliver tangible results in the community are yet to be released, with Mr Wardlaw saying that the community would be engaged in the development process.

Break O'Day Mayor Mick Tucker said NTRAC was a first for Tasmania.

“This is a great opportunity for councils to collaborate and work together across municipal boundaries to address climate change as a region. This holistic approach will allow us to share knowledge resources and solutions that the whole northern region and its environment and communities can benefit from.”

With some good numbers of well-bred cattle coming forward and an apparent shortage of prime cattle for the grassfed programs, along with the news out of the US that their season has broken and they are receiving much needed rains, the outlook is that they will require more Australian beef in the future and will be unable to export large quantities of beef into other countries as they will now be entering into a herd rebuild.

In the sheep markets, lamb results remain similar with the bulk of our old season lambs already traded.

New season lambs are hitting the ground and with the normal 10-12 week turnaround, we should see new season lambs starting in the markets late November and into December. This new season lamb market could also be a good target to buy store lambs to finish for the prime market going forward.

Old sheep continue to be a struggle to sell with heavy crossbred mutton sheep making anywhere from $2-$20 in recent sales with medium weight mutton 14-20kg dressed commanding $25-$30 per head.

These rates are getting back to early 2000's levels and we can only hope for some increases shortly.

In short, we would like to think we are at the bottom of the cycle in prices and it is only up from here.

Lastly, bull sales commence next week with plenty of Angus bulls about to go to market. With female numbers at good levels and the breeding season just around the corner, now is your opportunity to secure new genetics to bolster your breeding herds for the future.

MARKETPLACE

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SERVICES

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GARAGE SALE

43 GEORGE Street, Scottsdale, 9am – 3pm, Saturday September 9. Strictly not before 9am. Solid wood furniture and household items.

ACCORDION Piano Hohner 72 bass 34 key as new black $2,200 Edger Masport B&S engine, never used $420. 0437 323 045.

SOLID steel frame trailer 195 x 130, road worthy, not registered, suit farm, $600 neg. Contact: 0429 949 088

dorset council

Road Closure

SLEDGE TRACK - WEST SCOTTSDALE

Motorists are advised that Sledge Track West Scottsdale will be closed from Tasman Highway to McKay’s Road at Midson’s Dairy from 7.00am on 4th September 2023 to 5.30pm Friday 15th September 2023 to allow for building of stock underpass. Any inconvenience is regretted.

John Marik, General Manager

it's in the making

Swimmers return from Sydney

TWO BRIDPORT-BASED swimmers and another two members of the local Surf Life Saving Club have returned from the Australian All-Schools National Championship Sydney with a swag of Personal Best performances under their belt.

Zeke Blundstone said it was an honour to be named captain of the Tasmanian primary school team in the process.

Zeke managed a PB in every event he contested except for the 50m butterfly.

His best performance was 16th in the 200m freestyle and recorded a huge 1.3 second PB in the 50m freestyle – a time he replicated in his state team relay performances.

“I was very proud to be captain and carrying the Tasmanian flag out with the other captains from all the other states.

“It was great to mix with the other states, swapping state pins and swimming caps with them as a souvenir. Tassie pins are very valuable as we have a very small team and lots of other state swimmers miss out as they have huge teams!”

Zeke is now looking forward to the Tasmanian Short Course State Championships this weekend.

His sister, Ava, competed in New Zealand in the Short Course Championship before heading to Sydney, recording a PB in the 100 freestyle at her first international meet.

Her Sydney experience saw her achieve 12th place in the 200m backstroke and 13th in the 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke.

There was disappointment too, with a 12th place in her pet event of the 100m freestyle, where she failed to record a PB and her handicap freestyle relay team

A knock-out good guy

FOOTY FLASHBACKS

BY MICHAEL FINLAYSON

WAYNE HARPER grew up at Winnaleah with his parents David and Colleen.

His father played for Winnaleah and managed one game with Footscray Reserves during his national service.

Wayne started playing in the thirds for the Magpies under Arthur Taylor in 1976. They won a Grand Final a couple of years later and then he played a season in the reserves who won the flag in 1979.

He also collected the N.E.F.U. Reserves best and fairest along the way.

After that it was all senior football for the Magpies under coaches like Alex Downes and Chris Connors.

Later on, he played two seasons with Evandale.

He was starring in the first quarter of a Grand Final against Hagley and had kicked three goals before being hit behind play early in the second quarter and taken to hospital.

He eventually returned to Winnaleah and played about 190 games all up for the Magpies.

Wayne also won a senior club best and fairest and represented the N.E.F.U. numerous times. He recalled a couple of good teammates like Wayne Mullins and Andrew Kerslake.

There were some great players he came up against like Chris Lovegrove, Gordon Cuff, and

• Scottsdale Football Club welfare officer Wayne Harper.

David Noonan.

He is a Hawthorn supporter and member and says Leigh Matthews was his favourite player. The modern game in Wayne’s opinion is “over umpired” and he reckons the umpires often stand on the wrong side of the play.

Wayne “Squirty” Harper is involved with the Lions Club and is the welfare officer for the Scottsdale Football Club.

He is also a very popular member of our community and the first person to make you welcome at local footy.

• Swim stars Ava and Zeke Blundstone have returned from Sydney with a swag of PB peformances under their belts.

finished just outside the medals in fourth.

Bridport Surf Life Saving Club members Matilda Johnston and Cooper Reeve were also chosen to compete, with Reeve swimming 5 PBs in his six events and Tilly also producing some good PBs.

Cross Country experience a thrill

RINGAROOMA RUNNERS

Dustin Rockliff and Lexie

Viney are back to reality after competing against the country’s best runners at the National All Schools Cross Country Championships in Canberra last month.

Dustin came 37th in the 3km 12 year old boys, in a time of 11:28, and fourth in the relay which pits states and territories against one another.

Lexie finished 38th in 2km for 10 year old girls, in a time of 8:25 and her relay team finished fifth. The pair had a great time meeting other runners and bonding with the other members of the Tassie team.

NORTH EASTERN EVENTS CALENDAR 2023

Every Friday

• Purple Frog Art & Craft Group 10:00 – 2.30pm

Scottsdale Men’s Shed

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

Kinder block, Scottsdale Primary School

• Pre-Kinder sessions 10:30

-11:30am

Kinder block, Scottsdale

Primary School

First Friday Each Month

• Free Women's Legal Service

Dorset Community House

• Ladies of Dorset Coffee & Chat

Scottsdale Art Gallery Café

September 9

• Scottsdale Lawn Bowls Club

Open Day 9:45am 30 George Street Scottsdale

September 15

• RU OK DAY Sausage Sizzle 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Dorset Men’s Shed

September 16

• SHS Farm Open Day 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Stronach View Campus, North

Scottsdale

• Branxholm Flower Show Branxholm

September 18

• CORES Self Care and Mental Wellbeing

Scottsdale

September 19

• CORES Self Care and Mental Wellbeing

Scottsdale

September 23

• Fundraising Dance with DJ Jack - 7:30pm

Scottsdale RSL Club

September 23 and 24

• Rail Trail Run and Ride

Scottsdale

September 26

• Mental Health First Aid 2-day Accredited Training 9:30am – 4:30pm

Gladstone – RSVP Required

September 27

• TWIA Beyond the Farmgate Development Program

Scottsdale Football Club Rooms

October 1

• Gladstone Garage Sale Trail

Herrick to Gladstone

October 3

• Mental Health First Aid 2-day Accredited Training 9:30am – 4:30pm

Gladstone – RSVP Required

October 6

• The Mens Table 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Kendall’s Hotel, Scottsdale

October 7

• PlantFest - Friends of St Paul’s Springfield

Tasman Highway, Springfield

• Basketball Half-Court Official Opening 4:00pm Bridport, Foreshore

October 14

• Back to Branxholm

Branxholm Hall

• Winnaleah Football Day

Winnaleah

October 26

• Careers Expo

Scottsdale

November 3

• Gladstone Hotel Rodeo

Boobyalla Park

November 11

• Ringarooma School & District Show

Ringarooma Primary School

November 17 + 18

• Scottsdale Show

Scottsdale Recreation Ground

November 26

• Book Launch for Legerwood Days – 2.30pm

Legerwood Hall

• Tasmanian Cross Country representatives Dustin Rockliff and Lexie Viney in Canberra.

Awards presented to junior footballers

MORE THAN 200 people, parents and players attended two functions at the Scottsdale Football Club on the weekend, when trophies were awarded to players from the Under 16 boys, Under 14 boys, Under 14 girls and Under 12 boys.

The Under 16 boys won their NTJFA premiership and the club has now won premierships in the competition in each of the past four years.

The four coaches - Josh Nunn, Sam Gerke, Justin Wood and and Phil Bingley all spoke about their respective teams while Director of Junior Football Ange Hall efficiently chaired proceedings on both nights.

AWARD WINNERS

UNDER 16 BOYS

Best and Fairest - Deagen Young;

Runner Up - Tom Hadley

Most Consistent - Noah Auton

Most Valuable - Will Probert

Most Improved - Lochie Bowerman

Coach's Award - Lochie Popowski

Incentive Award - Ben Cresswell

UNDER 14 BOYS

Best and Fairest - Andy Heazlewood;

Runner Up - Kade Norman

Most Consistent - Beau Styles

Most Valuable - Eli Jones

Most Improved - Wes Styles

Coach's Award - Tom Smith

Incentive Award - Declan Knight

UNDER 14 GIRLS

Best and Fairest - Amelia Carter;

Runner Up - Rhianna Lette

Most Consistent - Abby Samec

Most Valuable - Madden Wood

Most Improved - Maddy Fletcher

Coach's Award - Matilda Cassidy

Incentive Award - Ella Bayles

UNDER 12 BOYS

Best and Fairest - Harrison Murphy;

Runner Up - Dustin Rockliff

Most Consistent - Mathew Cresswell

Most Valuable - Tom Moore

Most Improved - Carter Hill

Coach's Award - Jobie Rockliff

Incentive Award - Jobe Beeson

Magpies to return to Under 18 competition

BY PETER FISH

THE Scottsdale Football Club will return to the NTFA under 18 competition in 2024 after being forced to drop out this season, due to lack of player numbers.

The club has appointed Danny Mather as coach. Danny has previously mentored the club's Under 16 team in the NTJFA.

“Danny is a good fit for this role, as he has established some really important connections with the boys who we think will form the basis of this team,” club president Cameron Moore said.

“We will be pushing for a more inclusive roster in 2024. Our club will be promoting a roster whereby all our four teams (U18s, Women, Reserves and Seniors)

will play their games at the same ground,”he added.

When the under age team went into recess this season, a number of the eligible boys had the year off but Danny Mather has already received confirmation that those players will return.

“Obviously we'll get some players from the victorious Under 16 team but I've had a really positive commitment from blokes who played Under 18s and Under 16s in 2022,” Mather said.

“At the moment we have more than 20 boys ready to put their hands up for next season,” he said.

“We hope to start training in November, and when the club announces its senior coach we will work closely together.”

• U16 Award Winners (Rear L-R) Coach Josh Nunn with players Ben Cresswell, Lachie Bowermen, Noah Auton and Tom Hadley (Front L-R) Deagen Young, Will Probert and Lochie Popowski.

• Under 14 Girls Team (Front L-R) - Lucy Hall, Ella Bayles, Madden Wood, Maddy Fletcher, Amelia Carter, Abby Samec, Rhianna Lette and Matilda Cassidy. (Rear L-R) Coaches Nick Lette and Justin Wood.

• Prospective Under 18 players, Back (L-R) - Isaac Watts, Callum Lancaster, Callum Fulton, Nick Cresswell, Izaak Kelly. Front (L-R) - Ben Cresswell, Noah Auton, Daniel Wiggins.

• Under 12s Team with Coach Phil Bingley and Director of Junior Football Ange Hall.

• U14 Award winners (Rear L-R) - Wes Styles,Beau Styles, Kade Norman and Andy Heazlewood. (Front L-R) - Tom Smith, Eli Jones and Declan Knight.

• The victorious U16 division two premiers 2023.

• Under 18’s coach Danny Mather (centre) is pictured with Kayde McKillop and Alex Stein.

Finals action aplenty in netball

BY SARAH FORSYTH

THE 2023 NENA Semi Finals were played last week, with teams playing on Wednesday night and on Saturday, both at the Scottsdale Netball Courts.

Wednesday’s action saw teams playing in the qualifying second semi, with winners booking a spot in the Grand Final. Central Swifts Blue won both the 16s and B-Grade games, and Derby won A-Grade, with the losers playing again in the Prelim Final.

Saturday saw a full day of netball, with both the 12s qualifying second semi and elimination first semi-finals played early due to school camp conflicts during the week.

All other games, with the exception of C-Grade, were elimination finals, with the winners progressing to the Prelim and losers hanging up their frocks until 2024.

Scottsdale was successful in 12s and progress straight to the Grand Final, with Ringarooma playing a brilliant game against Bridport Blue to progress to the Prelim.

In 16s, Central Swifts Red had a tough game against Scottsdale, but came out victors, as did their namesakes in B-Grade, who won against a determined Bridport Blue team.

A-Grade saw Winnaleah progress to the prelim with a win over Central Swifts.

C-Grade played their prelim final, with Central Swifts progressing to the Grand Final over a gallant Scottsdale team.

All games were played in brilliant sunshine and warmth at Scottsdale, to which some players were not accustomed!

“Do or die” Prelim finals commence Wednesday night.

4:30pm: 12s – Bridport White vs Ringarooma

5:30pm: 16s, Bridport vs Central Swifts Red

6:45pm: A-Grade, Bridport vs Winnaleah

GOLF

SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29

LADIES FOURSOMES ROUND 1

Gross: Teresa Hall/Heather Lack 118; Cheryl

Mackenzie/Julie Collins 120

Nett: Teresa Hall/Heather Lack: 83; Cheryl

Mackenzie/Julie Collins: 85.5

Longest putt: Noelene Lette

STABLEFORD

Winner: Tony Collins, 40 points

Runner up: Graeme Booth, 34 points

Men’s longest putt: Darrell Wells

8pm: B Grade, Derby vs Central Swifts Red.

Winners of these games will then play in Grand Final action on Saturday, September 9.

The day will kick-off with an exhibition match by 10/Under participants, followed by 12s, 16s, C, B and A-Grade finals.

Kiosk facilities will be provided at both finals by Katrina’s Kitchen from Bridport and the Cottage Bakery will be attending with a coffee van.

The Grand Final will also see presentations of the best and fairest award winners and special awards for coaching, umpiring and volunteering in 2023.

Grand Final Times

10am – 10/Under Mixed Exhibition Match

11am – 12/Under Mixed Grand Final

12:15pm – 16/Under Mixed Grand Final

1:45pm – C-Grade Grand Final

3:00pm – B-Grade Grand Final

4:30pm – A-Grade Grand Final

MVP’s - Netball Semis

12s – Second Semi: Madden Wood (Scottsdale)

12s – First Semi: Ruby Barnes (Ringarooma)

16s – First Semi: Mathew Rattray (Central Swifts Red)

16s – Second Semi:

Emahlia Hodgetts (Central Swifts Blue)

C-Grade – Prelim Final: Mandy Walters (Central Swifts)

B-Grade – First Semi Final: Abbey Chorley (Central Swifts Red)

B-Grade – second semi:

Zali Stevens (Central Swifts Blue)

A-Grade – second semi:

D’Arne Mason (Derby)

A-Grade – first semi: Taylah Griffin (Winnaleah)

SPORTS RESULTS

Gobblers: Tony Collins x 2, Kate Gofton, Jock Ferguson, Darrell Wells

Next week - Round 2 Ladies Foursomes, Men

Stableford

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

MEDAL DAY STROKE & PUTTING

Medal Winner: Lorissa Dobson, 71 nett

R/Up: Cameron Dobson, 73 nett

Others: K. Smith 74 nett, M. Irwin, G. Booth,

T. Collins & J. Ferguson 75 nett

NTP: 1st & 10th: J. Ferguson, 5th & 14th

J. Ferguson

Longest Putt: M. Irwin. Putting: M. Irwin 25

Next Week: 2 Person Multiplier

RINGAROOMA GOLF

BRIAN WALSH TROPHY 4BBB

Winners: S Burr & M Summers, 42 pts

R/Up M & H Summers, 41 pts

Third: D Walsh & K Barrett, 40 pts

NTP 7th & 16th: Dan Walsh

NTP 9th & 18th: M Summers

Next week - D Walsh Trophy Stableford

Followed by J Carins 2 Person Ambrose

MOORINA GOLF STROKE AND PUTTS

Winner: J Balfe, 66, R/Up: P Michael, 73

Putts: B Holbein, 26

NTP 3rd & 13th: A Youd

Third shot 5th & 14th: T Taylor

Wednesday North-East championship 9 for 9.30, Saturday mixed championship and Stableford for members 9.30 for 10.

BOWLS

SCOTTSDALE LAWN BOWLS

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2

1st = Mike Hansell, Jan Foster & Arch Ranson

2 wins +7, 2nd = Tony Guinta, John Dennis & Trevor Jessup 2 wins +6, 3rd = Craig Bennett, Helen Pola & Cindy Walsh 1 win, 1 draw +3

Next Saturday - Open Day starting at 9.45am

• D’Arne Mason,Derby.

• Ruby Barnes, Ringarooma.

• Matthew Rattray, Central Swifts.

• Mandy Walters, Central Swifts.

• Zali Stevens, Central Swifts Blue.

• Madden Wood, Scottsdale.

• Emahlia Hodgetts, Central Swifts Blue.

• Abbey Chorley, Central Swifts Red.

Captain Zeke Junior Stars

Golden opportunity for netballers

FOUR NORTH-EAST netballers will head to the Gold Coast later this month to represent their school at the International Netball Festival.

Sharlie Hodgetts, Jayda Hopkins, Bridee Mather and Kate Singline will represent Newstead College at the event, which attracts competitors from across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Nicole Bowerman, who also hails from the region but has recently moved into Launceston, has also been selected in the team.

The girls are often on the court up to six times a week between club netball and school training sessions.

School spokesman Tomas Viney said it was the first time the college has organised an interstate trip post Covid.

“We've done the Queensland trip three times pre-Covid and it really came about as we had success in the NHSSA Saturday roster. We were looking for an extra challenge for our girls, as they bring so much to the College,” Mr Viney said.

“This is the first year since Covid that we have been allowed to travel so we jumped at the opportunity.”

Twenty girls are going on the trip and they are all looking forward to the opportunity, which also includes attending a clinic run by the

Queensland Firebirds.

“Sharlie, Kate and Bridee are all shooters. Nicole is a shooter but she's battling a persistent ankle injury at the moment. Jayda is a centre courter. Having said that, all the girls will play a range of positions in Queensland depending on the opposition,” Mr Viney said.

“We have always been pretty competitive - our girls don't like losing. Having said that, there have been some amazing teams in the past, and we would expect the Queensland and NZ teams to be particularly strong. We won't know how we will go until the first game day. We have also decided not to pick an 'A team' and a 'B team' this year. The competition is important, but connection and culture are equally important.”

Mr Viney praised the North-East community as amazing with the level of sponsorships, donations and fundraising support received.

“It's been overwhelming at times the level of generosity and support we've received, especially in the North East where netball has always been a central part of the community,” he said.

The girls depart for their 10-day trip on September 26.

• Sharlie Hodgetts, Jayda Hopkins, Bridee Mather and Kate Singline will represent the NorthEast when they head to the International Netball Festival later this month.