THE $190K upgrades to Scottsdale’s Children’s Reserve Playground have been completed and the facility is ready for fun.
The upgrade has seen the playground transformed with a new combination piece installed alongside an upgraded track rider and swing set.
The upgrades, complementing the new Community Bike Track installed last August, were decided via community vote with a 81 of 106 respondents voting in favour of the new piece.
The equipment was funded via the Open Spaces Grants Program and Dorset Council
with the rubber soft-fall component funded via a 2024 State Election Commitment.
The upgraded Children’s Reserve is the last in a series of three upgrades across Dorset as part of the Council’s Playground Upgrade Project.
Winnaleah Park received a new equipment piece, updated line marking and painted games as well as a new backboard on the basketball half court while Branxholm Park received a new main equipment piece.
• Tide Summers and Mikinley Summers get into the swing of it on the new play equipment opened on Monday.
Election wipeout for Archer
Saturday night, and Ms Archer said Labor’s “a vote for Bridget Archer is a vote for Peter Dutton” may have played a role.
“But it was more around the rejection of the policy offering,” Ms Archer said.
“From my personal view, in some ways it is not a surprise, because I have been raising these issues. The party needs to return to being a centrist Liberal Party and stop fighting culture wars and stoking division and be sensible centrist policy makers.”
Nationally the Labor Party went to the election with a major focus on health and housing.
Ms Teesdale said there would be benefits flowing from November 1 with nine out of 10 GP appointments to be bulk billed.
“We will support regional GPs to bring that into place,” she said.
“With 1200 affordable and social houses promised across Tasmania it is really important we don’t forget regional areas and I will be talking with ministers to make sure the North East is part of that as well”.
While she will be spending more time in Canberra, Ms Teesdale said she hoped to continue escaping to the North East when she can, saying she spends a lot of time in Derby and Weldborough fossicking for sapphires and topaz.
“It is so exciting and addictive and as soon as you get that glint of blue a lot of people get hooked,” she said.
“Being in the stunning creeks with ferns
and nature around you is just magical.
“I am really looking forward to getting to Canberra. I am a naturally curious person by design and I love learning new things.”
Dorset Council General Manager John Marik paid tribute Ms Archer.
“Bridget has been a champion for the North East and very accessible and we would like to thank her,” Mr Marik said.
“We have established a relationship with Ms Teesdale and we look forward to working with her and congratulate her on a very well-run campaign.”
Ms Teesdale said she was well aware of Dorset’s priority projects.
She said the Derby Master Planning would be a priority for her to secure assistance for and she would also seek to extend the funding commitment for the North East Rail Trail.
Ms Archer will take some time away from the spotlight before deciding what to do next.
“With my time on George Town Council and in Canberra I have served in public office for more than 15 years, so all of my children’s lives, and they deserve a bit of time for a while.”
Often referred to as a maverick MP after crossing the floor on occasions, she said she has no regrets.
“I am proud that I did stay true to my values and my promise to the community when I was first elected that I would represent them first and I have always put them first. Even when it has been challenging my loyalty has been to the grass roots members of the party,” she said.
“Locally I am proud of the work I have done in delivering tangible funding commitments including $40 million for the Sideling, as well as the community work and promoting small businesses and community organisations.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve the community and I am sure I will look to do that in some way in the future.”
Ringarooma post plan
POSTAL SERVICES will return to Ringarooma next week with local businesswoman Kellie Jackson to take on the role of Community Postal Agency from May 12.
Ms Jackson will utilise her existing Tulip and Oak business at 38 Main Street to offer everyday postal products and services including stamps, prepaid satchels, and the ability to collect, weigh and send letters and parcels.
Residents have had to travel into Scottsdale to collect packages in the last month after the closure of the Licenced Post Office in the town.
Ms Jackson is extending the opening hours of her shop as a result – post will be available Monday to Friday 9am-3pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.
She had originally mounted a community campaign to transform another old shop in Main Street to house a full post office, but timeframes and logistics proved too much of a challenge.
“This is a last resort and I said I would do everything I could to keep post in the town, so I am doing it and hoping for the best,” she said.
“While it is not a full post office with banking it is at least something and perhaps we can build on it.”
• Bark Off Biking’s Luke Petterwood in Derby showing new Bass Labor MHR Jess Teesdale the new track opened last month. Planning for Derby’s future is a priority for her, she said.
Business expertise at Bridestowe
NORTH EAST Tasmania Chamber of Commerce held the latest of its networking events at Bridestowe Lavender Estate on Monday night.
Representatives from local organisations and business members attended the Chamber Out and About evening.
Bridestowe Sales and Marketing Manager Kim Weston delivered a presentation to the guests, discussing the history of the estate, its market strategy over the years, its evolution, and the changes implemented following its purchase by the Raven family 20 years ago.
The event also included a tour of the distillery.
Karen Waldron, Visitor Centre Coordinator, provided a country-style spread featuring lavender treats.
“The evening event was highly successful, providing guests with the opportunity to view the estate at sunset while engaging in meaningful discussions and expressing their appreciation for the locally made lavender products. Overall, it was an informative and enjoyable experience,” Chamber President Maria Branch said.
Mr Weston said he was thrilled with the representation from the new Dorset Council in attendance including new Mayor Rhys Beattie.
Shaping our tourism future
A NEW marketing plan for North East Tasmania is being developed in partnership with Visit Northern Tasmania and Dorset Council.
As part of the consultation phase, a survey has been developed to gather input from locals on the region’s tourism offering.
The survey explores who is visiting the region, what the current visitor experience looks like, how it can be improved and promoted more effectively and the stories and identity that define the region.
Consultant Charlotte Wright said insights would be incredibly valuable and help ensure the final plan reflects and supports businesses across the region.
“We encourage you to complete the survey and share it with others in the region who may also have valuable input,” she said.
The deadline to provide feedback is May 16.
The form can be found at https://forms. gle/CtQsSL9zjwEagDpx9
“I spoke in depth about social media and taking it seriously,” Mr Weston said.
“Take a really deep dive into your Google reviews and if there is a pattern of complaints you can’t ignore it. Don’t take your customers for granted.
“With marketing, it is not economical to advertise with Facebook and Google anymore and the best way to get your message across is with your local media.”
Mr Weston said Bridestowe had enjoyed another successful tourist season.
“The season finished in February and March was reasonably strong with a good motor home and casual tourism public and
it is drying up now which is normal, so it’s a good time for a holiday!”
Mr Weston said the business remains for sale.
“There has been some interest in the market but nothing firm yet,” he said.
Ezzy Park development progress
AFTER 10 years of planning, progress appears to be imminent on the development of a new fire station for Bridport.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the Department had gone to market to engage an architectural firm, and contract negotiations were underway.
“Construction is on track to be underway at the start of the next financial year with completion expected early in the 2026-27 financial year,” Mr Ellis said.
Acting District Officer for the North
East, Andrew Lancaster, said it was a well overdue improvement for emergency services in Bridport.
“I know our members have been waiting to get to this point and look forward to seeing what it’s going to look like,” Mr Lancaster said.
“Currently there is a two-bay building with two trucks back-to-back in Main St with basic meeting rooms and facilities and we have outgrown the land size for what they the need for the community they serve.”
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• Bridestowe Estate’s Karen Waldron and Kim Weston.
Lilydale hold off fast finishing Bridgenorth
BY DAVID WALSH
LILYDALE WELCOMED Bridgenorth back to Lilydale for the first time in 41 years, and again in front of a large crowd and beautiful sunny day.
Lilydale won the toss and kicked to the road end, but Bridgenorth controlled the early play and the Demons’ defence was under a huge amount of pressure until Joe O’Sign won a holding the ball free and made no mistake.
Bridgenorth lost the experienced Nick McElwee to a calf injury but the Parrots where controlling the game with big Tom Symes and Casey WalkerRussell winning plenty of possessions.
Lockhart had the Demons on the board with a soccer goal but Bridgenorth moved the ball off half back to a running Ollie Wood who ran into an open goal before Bardenhagen got one back just before the siren to see Bridgenorth lead by a point at quarter time.
The second quarter started hard and tight and it wasn’t until the eight-minute mark, Bardenhagen marked 30m out and kicked truly shortly followed by a Jak Hadley pass to Jarod Foale and he made no mistake and the Demons were 12 points up.
Bridgenorth attacked again and Ollie Wood won a holding the ball free and reduced the margin back to six points.
A great tackle from Joe O’Sign in the forward pocket and scores were level until the very clever Zeik Johnston roved a ball up at half forward and snapped truly.
But the Parrots rallied again with Jordan
Partridge running into an open goal and reduced the margin to a one point lead to the Demons at half time.
Lilydale sent Asbury to the dangerous WalkerRussell at the start of third. Jarod Foale won a holding the ball free kick and made no mistake, but again the Parrots got one back by a Ollie Wood mark and goal at the 12 minute mark, then Zeik Johnston had a great run down tackle and kicked from 50 out and the Demons had a 10 point lead at the last break.
Lilydale started to control the game but it took until the eight minute mark for Foale to kick his third for the day and that was quickly followed by Lockhart passing to Bardenhagen at half forward and he kicked truly to stretch the lead out to 25 points with 10 minutes to go.
Bridgenorth again found space and won three clearances that resulted in goals to Marcus Watt, Solomon Scott and Sam Curtis reducing the lead to seven points with four minutes on the clock.
Lilydale was able to hold on and win a very entertaining game of footy with both coaches saying the game was a great contest and played in great spirit.
The Demons next week travel to St Pats for a 2nd Vs 3rd clash.
RESULTS
Lilydale 9.12 (66) d Bridgenorth 9.5 (59)
Goals: Lilydale - J Foale 3, T Bardenhagen 3, Z Johnston 2, J Lockhart.
Best: Lilydale - T Bardenhagen, J Foale, J Lockhart, J Asbury, Z Johnston, T Dingjan, B Maikin, R Rothwell.
dorset
COUNCIL
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Volunteers to man Scottsdale Waste Transfer Station Re-Use Shop
Dorset Council is seeking expressions of interest for volunteers to man the re-use shop at the Scottsdale Waste Transfer Station.
Volunteers will be required to work 4 hours shifts and training will be provided.
Please contact Jeff Holmes at the Scottsdale Depot on 6352 6510.
Seagulls flying high
BY STEVE MCKILLOP
BRIDPORT TRAVELLED to Westbury on Saturday to take on the Meander Valley Suns and came away with a 167-point win.
The first term Bridport had the advantage of a slight breeze, but Meander came out hard early to restrict the Seagulls for the first ten minutes. But in the latter half of this Bridport managed to kick six goals but missed as many.
The game wasn’t pretty to watch with lots of skill errors and players fumbling the ball from both sides.
Hamish Auton started well in the ruck giving first use of the ball to Mo Makitae who is in career best form along with Cal Mulder who had plenty of the ball also.
The Seagulls went into the first change with a lead of 41 points.
The second term was much the same as the first with skill errors aplenty.
Bridport’s turnover of the ball allowed Meander to have many inside 50s but fortunately for the Seagulls Nat Barnett was there most times and repelled these attacks through Barnes and Mulder and Co down back.
A lacklustre five goal quarter wasn’t good enough with the amount of possessions Bridport had but Meander was kept goaless for the half.
Matt Taylor was back in the side and started to get his hands on the ball, but wayward kicking had him with more points than majors. Zac Button also up forward managed to kick a couple majors up to the long break.
After half time Bridport’s Coach Andrew Philpott had to shuffle the board around with a couple of injuries evident
Meander never gave up and managed to score their first goal for the match much to the delight of the small crowd in attendance, another six-goal term but seven missed set shots was the story.
Taylor took some big marks and there was some good passages through the middle to the leading forwards but goal kicking practice will be the focus at training this week.
Joey Robinson showed his usual toughness and had lots of the ball alongside Jimmy Hayward who will be a great acquisition for the Seagulls this year.
Bridport had extended the lead to 117 points.
With Coach Philpott unhappy, a good old fashioned lashing was heard at the huddle, with this the Seagulls surged to kick ten unanswered goals and finally had some system in their game.
The Seagulls ran out winners by 167 points with Taylor kicking 11 and Zac Button another seven for the second week in a row and with important games ahead with Evandale at home next week they will be keen to avenge the first round loss to the Eagles by six points.
There was no Reserves as Meander cannot field a side for 2025.
RESULTS
Seniors Bridport 27.18 (180) d Meander
2.1 (13)
Matt Taylor, Hamish Auton, Cal Mulder, Zac Button.
Goals: Bridport - Matt Taylor 11, Zac Button 7, Angus Robertson 2, Hamish Auton 2, Jack Lanham, Joey Robinson, Cal Mulder, Jayden Blackwell, Josh Pearson. Best: Bridport - Mo Makitae, Nat Barnett,
• Liam Arnold on the run in the game against the Suns.
Swans in full flight at Pyengana
BY NICK FYSH
A WELL-OILED, fit East Coast Swans team demolished ladder-leader Campbell Town in the annual heritage game at Pyengana on Saturday.
The game was first played in 2016 and was the brainchild of Michael LeFevre who wanted to see footy once again return to his hometown.
This year the Swans donned the red and blue “Demon” guernsey of their old FDFA rival Avoca.
Slow starts have been a problem for the Swans in recent seasons, but it was not the case on this occasion, as the East Coast roared out of the blocks and did the early attacking.
Swans start recruit, Luke Potter, profited from two free kicks, converting both to give the “home” team an early ascendancy.
Campbell Town’s poor discipline cost them dearly as they gifted another goal to Pearce, who was a driving force in the “Coasts’ midfield.
At the first break, it was the Swans who
had blown the game open, with a sevengoal burst, the Robins only major coming from a Viney free kick.
East Coast had winners in all departments, with Pearce, Hayley and Talbot running wild through the midfield and Stoltenberg doing a manful job in the ruck.
Campbell Town settled early in the second stanza and booted two early goals. Clinton Burn was a prominent player for the visiting team, well assisted by Cameron Gard as they attempted to reduce the deficit.
The “Bays” two majors came via a long bomb from Isaac Newett, who showed plenty of class along with a freakish effort from Jarrod Mason, who eluded a number of defenders and kicked a running goal from 50 metres out.
After an even quarter the teams headed to the long break with the Swans holding a seemingly unassailable 67-point lead.
The third term was once again a showcase for the skills of Luke Potter who seemingly gained possessions at will, marking with authority and applying some enormous
tackles.
Unfortunately, his herculean efforts were not rewarded on the scoreboard as he booted at least four minor scores for the term.
Nick Child entered the frame, with two goals as his teams’ fitness began to tell on the trailing Robins.
The rare entries into the Campbell Town forward line were efficiently mopped up by the Swans’ star-studded half back line of McCarty, Howe and Ethan Goldfinch, who ran off the backline with plenty of vigour.
Will Stoltenberg had an intriguing battle in the ruck with “man mountain” Sam Douglas, who was forced to the backline to limit the influence of Potter.
Stoltenberg certainly won the day with his running power throughout four quarters. With the result out of reach, the Robins gained some confidence early in the last quarter with a quick goal.
Ned Hyland took a strong mark in the pocket and kicked truly before Potter once again found his range and kicked his fifth and sixth goals.
Adam McDermott played his best game
for the Swans, continually putting his body in danger, while Hamish Tate relished a run through the midfield, showing his usual amount of poise.
It was difficult to find a passenger for the Swans as they continue to mould into a formidable outfit.
At the final siren it was a 71-point victory for the East Coast, with their frontal pressure and tackling two aspects of the game which particularly impressed coach “Nuck” Lowe.
It was no surprise to see Luke Potter win the Sam LeFevre medal for best afield in a dominant display of forward craft.
Swans 9.7 (61) d Robins 6.10 (46) T MORE PICS, PAGE 10.
• Sam Child under pressure towards the end of the Heritage Game at Pyengana which was dominated by the Swans wearing the old Avoca strip for the occasion.
