Motorcycle marvels
Property picks up after rate cut
BY RACHEL WILLIAMS
THERE IS light at the end of the tunnel after a challenging period for real estate according to local representatives who are recording an increase in sales despite moving into winter.
Latest figures published by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania highlight that Scottsdale remains one of Northern
Tasmania’s most affordable areas to live, with a median of $460,000.
But there were just seven sales recorded in Scottsdale to March 31 and only five in Bridport. There were two recorded in Ringarooma, just one in Branxholm ($455,000) but nothing transacted in Derby for the March quarter.
The highest selling suburb in the north was George Town, with 20 sales.
REIT President Russell Yaxley said that while mainland real estate markets surged, Tasmanian real estate was “slowly emerging” from its lows of late 2023, with activity levels and property prices increasing slightly for the quarter.
He said signs were positive for a rebound into 2025.
“Increasing demand with diminishing stock levels over 2025 will see increased
pressure placed on property for sale and rentals over this coming year,” Mr Yaxley said.
“Real estate agents are currently reporting robust activity across the sales and rental sectors which should see stronger results in the June quarter.” Elders Real Estate representative Justin Wiggins concurred.
T CONTINUES ON PAGE 6.
• Lions Club of Bridport members Mary Coote, President Jan Foster and Melissa Coote with Life Member Matthew Bayles at The Loft, Mr Bayles’ classic motorcycle display in Bridport, where donations from entry are given to the Lions Club.
4.
WE SERVE
10 Years Ago – June 3, 2015
Keeping needy heads warm
Scottsdale Day Centre had been very busy knitting beanies for the oncology patients at the Launceston Cancer Clinic. Six participants have been knitting away to help make life more comfortable for patients who have lost hair while undergoing cancer treatment. After their successful effort in 2014, the cancer centre in Launceston asked if beanies for children could also be included, and the ladies set to work. Anne Harley, Wyverne Goss, Fillomena Chirichello, Ruby Whelan, Enid Rainbow and Aileen Johnson along with centre manager Deb Barnett have knitted 83 beanies to different patterns and sizes to suit small children and adults. “If they can keep their heads warm then the rest of their body will stay warmer,” said Enid Rainbow. “It’s nice to know that we can help to make their lives just a bit more comfortable,” she added.
30 Years Ago – June 8, 1995
Basketball Premiers
Branxholm was victorious in the North East Basketball Union women’s Grand Final defeating Swift Things by 11 points. The premier team was Elisha Summers, Sally Quilliam, Mady Flowers, Sharee Kelly, Eileen Edwards, Stacy Baldwin, Candice Edwards and Laura ForbesEwan. Eileen Edwards had a long association with the North-East and was recognised when she was presented with life membership of the North East Basketball Union. Eileen has coached numerous teams and coached the Branxholm premiers.
40 Years Ago – June 6, 1985
Les Lette in Zimbabwe
The Australian polocrosse team, of which Mr Les Lette was a member, was to play two tests against Zimbabwe. Australia won the first test 30 – 18 and Lette was one of the best players. Australia also won the following tournament against Zimbabwe 49 – 14. A post card to relatives in Scottsdale from the Lettes stated that the games were very rough and one of the Australian team had broken their collarbone. The team drew for horses, and his mount was a grey named Comet, which came with two native grooms who care entirely for the horse and the equipment.
USEFUL NUMBERS
All Emergency Services (fire, police, ambulance) 000 North Eastern Soldiers Memorial Hospital 6778 8522 Tasmanian Police – non urgent 131 444 Parks and Wildlife Scottsdale Field Centre 6352 6421
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters must be short and preference will be given to letters of 250 words or less. Letters may be edited or not printed at the editor’s discretion, 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.
SIDELING INFORMATION
LACKING
Many people are disappointed at the proposed plan to work on improving the present, rather than pushing forward into a new route from the Sideling Lookout to Corkerys Road.
I was disappointed with the display, and the depth of information available in Scottsdale, and on the website.
It was little more than a coloured snake drawn over a Google Earth panorama, upside-down if you were trying to imagine making the journey from where you stood - Scottsdale to Launceston.
There were no contour lines; no balloons and arrows pointing out ‘gradient 1/xyz’ or ‘new $25m bridge” or ‘unstable slope’, or any other thing that would tell us more of the “what” and “why”.
What about traffic surveys?
We need passing places most often when heavily-laden B-doubles etc are descending steep gradients safely at the required 40kph.
Most of these same vehicles can do 90-100km ascending even when fully loaded!
The recent new passing places on the Billycock and Rocky Gully stretches would have been more use on the opposite sides.
There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people who travel these roads with the experience, local knowledge, and understanding of the basics of what makes a good, fit-for-service road.
Most of them also understand the essential technical data.
So, I challenge State Growth to open up and share, and thus empower the road users, to make their informed contributions while the project is still in its planning phase.
And if the upgrade option is the best, we will know why.
Mary Schramm, Ringarooma
COUNCIL CONDUCT COMPARISON
The Northern Midlands Council has had serious problems dating back prior to 2019, with councillors and staff attempting to sue other councillors, multiple code of conduct breaches resulting in ‘illegal and arguably corrupt conduct’, in the words of the Supreme
court of Tasmania, when referring to the attempted misappropriation of a sum of $135,000 to pay an individual person’s legal fees.
There are some similarities to complaints against the Dorset Council who were deemed to have no case to answer after an extensive Board Of Inquiry. As most rate payers of Dorset are aware there was a case to answer by two paid Council staff, but blithering incompetence of our State representatives allowed the statute of limitations to expire.
The question must be asked of the State members, why was the matter not simply referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions initially.
Dorset gets its council suspended, a full blown BOI and a Commissioner which will cost some organisation millions of dollars.
Northern Midlands gets mediation! Dorset must not pay the costs of this BOI fiasco and serious consideration must be given to recompense to the councillors who have suffered serious reputational damage to no benefit.
Glenn Moore, Jetsonville
Which road route to the North-East?
HISTORY REMEMBERED
BY 1878, with settlement of Scott’s New Country well underway, and tin discovered further east, but without any thought or promise of a railway, the big question was how best to travel from Launceston to the North-East.
The early settlers had come north from Launceston via Mount Direction and the Upper Piper, on to Bridport, then down into what is now Jetsonville and Scottsdale. Shipping came into Bridport or Boobyalla.
Since that time a newer route directly from Launceston through the Piper’s River district into Scott’s New Country had been developed. An alternate route was an early track that had been tried over the Sideling, via Meredith Pass, but without much success.
In May 1878 a correspondent to the Weekly Examiner newspaper discussed the merits of the two road options.
He (and we assume that the author was a ‘he’) suggested that the best route was the one that provided the best natural outlet for the work output or produce of the settlers, supported by the route which offered
the best opportunities for future land development.
He argued that the two routes were of a similar distance– 37½ miles via Piper’s River and 40 miles via the Sideling. However, the Upper Piper route had a maximum elevation of 1,000 feet, while the Meredith Range was 2,500 feet high.
He also argued that tin from the Ringarooma district would be taken to Bridport for sea transport, not via road to Launceston.
On the subject of available land, the Patersonia - Myrtle Bank - Springfield route via Meredith Pass had large areas of unusable land and steep valleys.
Once over the Sideling the Springfield locals had a relatively short distance to Bridport to transport their produce, rather than take it directly to Launceston. The land on the Launceston side of the Pass was mostly already in private hands, meaning less scope for new development.
The existing road via Piper’s River had sections that included ‘ five miles of execrable road, being simply a bush road over a mass of boulders of all shapes
• Bridport Niche Village Market Bridport, 9.30am
June 14
• Tam O’Shanter Hoedown Tam O’Shanter Golf Course from 6.00pm June 20
• Solstice in the Square George Town, 5.00pm – 10.00pm
and sizes, and a team that passes over it without a capsize is fortunate ’, wrote the newspaper correspondent, as well as identifying other issues with that road and route.
On balance, the writer in the Examiner favoured the Upper Piper route.
Perhaps surprisingly, the debate continues today, though we still have both routes to choose from. Which do you prefer?
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.
• Celebrate Solstice (Yoga, Sunrise & Swim) Elephant Rock Bridport, 7.20am
• Solstice Bonfire Nunamara Hall, from 5.00pm
June 21
• Trivia Night Ringarooma Hub, 6.30pm
June 27
• Seniors Get Together Northbourne Hall, 2.00pm – 3.30pm
• Lilydale Lantern Walk Lilydale, 6.00pm June 28
• White Chistmas Event Ringarooma Hub, from 5.00pm
• The Meredith Pass, near Scottsdale.
Truck sparks gas scare
LOCAL FIRE crews and a specialist Hazmat crew from Launceston were called to the North East early last Thursday morning after reports of a smell of gas between Derby, Scottsdale, Bridport and Pipers River.
Bridport Fire Brigade Chief Matt Hartley said Scottsdale personnel responded at 7am, focussing their search on businesses with LPG stored on site.
“They found nothing obvious after two hours. At 9.15am Bridport Fire Brigade were called to respond to Bridport Primary School as concerns had been raised by parents dropping off children to school,” Mr Hartley said.
“They then proceeded to investigate places and businesses in the Bridport area but couldn’t locate any gas leaks but the strong smell of gas was still present.”
Stakeholders including Dorset Council, Tas Water, Tas Gas and the EPA were called in to assist with the mystery.
“A short time later the decision was made by Launceston District Officer Rick Mahnken to send out Rocherlea 8.2 Hazmat Appliance to assist with the search and conduct gas detection in Scottsdale, Bridport and then Pipers River.
“By 2.15pm it was determined that a truck travelling across the region had leaked transmission and the fluid had been burning on the engine creating the terrible gas smell all the way.”
The truck broke down near the Pipers River Pipers River General Store and was removed by a tow truck.
Chris calls time on nursing career
AFTER 40 years’ service to community health and wellbeing, Springfield’s Chris Davis has retired from her nursing role at the North East Soldier’s Memorial Hospital.
Ms Davis finished on May 20 and has been slowly coming to terms with her new normal and not being a regular part of her “second family” at the hospital.
“I was scared because I have worked all my life somewhere along the line. But I knew it was time,” Ms Davis said.
It’s a big adjustment having started work on February 18, 1985, as a Health Care Assistant for Community Nursing. She worked with Audrey Harris (Registered Nurse – Community Nursing) who was the CN at the time.
After 19 years she decided to study her Enrolled Nursing and she began working as an EN at NESMH, becoming permanent in the role in July, 2006.
“I always wanted to do it,” Ms Davis said. “I just had to wait for my boys to grow up and be able to look after themselves.
“I just love caring for people and talking to people.
“When I first started we had birthing here and theatre and two-bed and four-bed wards and now it’s only single bed wards. I have seen a lot of changes.
“I did training in Melbourne for sterilising the theatre instruments - I’d never travelled on my own, never been
on a plane on my own!
“But I have just loved it.”
NESM Director of Nursing Wendy Mackay said Ms Davis would be missed from the team.
“Chris has demonstrated care, empathy and compassion and patient advocacy throughout her career,” Ms Mackay said.
“Chris also was a first responder when the NESMH was still providing the North East Ambulance Service.
“She is a treasure, colleague and friend.”
Retirement will involve catching up on her gardening, spending time with her horses and watching her granddaughters grow up.
• Chris Davis has retired from nursing at NESM Hospital.
Motorcycle marvels a lift for Lions
A $3 MILLION motorcycle collection unveiled to the public without fanfare earlier this year is not only enthralling enthusiasts but earning the Lions Club of Bridport much-needed funds.
Matthew Bayles has opened The Loft near the wharf at Bridport, building a mezzanine floor in his old boat building shed to house his private collection of nearly 100 bikes.
The passion project sees visitors make their way through the offering, including his prized collection of Vincents.
While admission is free, donations are being taken for Mr Bayles’ local Lions Club, of which is he is a Life Member and a former Melvin Jones Award recipient.
“We have had almost $1500 in donations come to us which is really wonderful,” President Jan Foster said.
“It helps with our projects in the community and we are also supporting farmers with the Need for Feed initiative this year because it is going to be tough.
“We will also be supporting the Bridport Scallop Fiesta and have a new vintage caravan to use that Matthew has restored for us.
“We are so thankful for Matthew as he is such a wonderful supporter of the club and is always helping behind the scenes. He is an absolute gem.”
Mr Bayles has always loved bikes, with his first purchases included in the display.
“I bought an Ossa when I was 14, I bought
a Suzuki when I was 15 and an ES2 Norton when I was 16. They were always good fun,” he said.
“As I got older, got more money, stopped drinking, I bought more!
“I have always loved riding and still do. My current bike is a Triumph Rocket but I don’t get to go as much as I would like to.”
Items have been purchased from around Australia and the UK with some unique and rare pieces among them.
“I know what I want and I go and find it. If the wife lets me, I go and buy it,” he said.
“The majority are Vincent bikes. They were pretty ahead of their time when they were made. “They were the world’s fastest production motorbike and they have never really been beaten.
built cars.
“I always wanted a Vincent when I was a kid but I could never afford one. The five Black Shadows I have are pretty special. They are a well-known, sought after bike. They only built 1700 of them.
“The oldest bike I have is from 1914 – a Rover bike which they built before Rover
“We have a 1917 Opal which was used in the Boer War and has a gun case under the seat. I bought it from a bloke in Devonport. How it ever got to Tassie I don’t know!
“There’s a Vincent HRD 1937 model that set the land speed record in 1939 and there was only two of them made. There are a
few racing bikes out of Longford. There’s one that won the Isle of Man.
“A lot of people have been blown away by the collection when they have come in.”
Mr Bayles is currently restoring a few more bikes to be added to the display in the near future.
To make an appointment you can contact Matthew on 0427 561 753.
Thespian calling Bridport home
A RELATIVE newcomer to Bridport is preparing to bring her passion for the theatre to the region after launching the Tasmanian Shakespeare Company.
Originally from the UK, with a career spanning 40 years as a creator, writer and theatre-maker, Angela Witcher moved to the North East seven months ago.
Ms Witcher previously worked with Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble as an associate director and has written and directed many productions in the UK and Australia.
She has been busily preparing for her
first project in Tasmania as a producer and director - A Tender Thing, written by Ben Power for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The production is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s timeless poetry provides the backdrop for a delicate and moving account of old age, memory and the demands we make of those we love, she said.
Ms Witcher explained the production’s storyline involves a married couple who discover that their lifetime together is drawing to a close and they realise they cannot contemplate being apart.
“Exploring themes of love, grief and loss, suicide and assisted dying, this production will appeal to a wide audience,”
she said.
Featuring Jan Gluszyk as Romeo and Racheal Leigh as Juliet, shows will be performed at three venues in Launceston as well as Scottsdale’s Mechanics’ Institute Hall (Saturday, June 28 at 5pm) and at Bridport Hall (Saturday, July 12 at 1pm and 5pm).
“The company is committed to inclusivity and enabling as many people as possible to experience Shakespeare and other classic works,” Ms Witcher said.
“His plays deal with the human condition in all its forms and never go out of date. There are some wonderful retellings of his works, and our first production is one of them.”
• Angela Witcher, at Bridport, has created a new theatre offering.
Drowning death examined
A SIGNIFICANT amount of drugs and inappropriate equipment led to the drowning death of a man at The Gardens on the State’s East Coast last year, a Coroner has found.
Coroner Simon Cooper investigated the death of Marc Edward Hay, 38, who died between February 12 and 13, 2024, whilst free diving.
Mr Cooper said he had been using fins, weight belt, wetsuit, face mask and snorkel to “probably”
dive for crayfish and “possibly” abalone, which he was not licenced to do.
“Subsequent investigation found that his weighted dive belt was too heavy for the wet suit he was wearing,” Mr Cooper said.
Toxicological analysis of samples taken during an autopsy showed that “significant levels of the illicit drugs THC (the active constituent of cannabis), methylamphetamine and MDMA were present in Mr Hay’s body
when he died.
“The presence of those drugs undoubtedly contributed to his death by drowning.
“At autopsy, Dr Reid also found significant evidence of myocardial fibrosis which also probably contributed to his death.
“It hardly needs to be said that diving (or indeed swimming) after ingesting considerable amounts of illicit drugs is an inherently dangerous activity,” Mr Cooper said.
• Matthew Bayles and his current bike, a red Triumph Rocket, which forms part of his display of classic motorcycles at The Loft in Bridport.
Inspiring women take to stage
AROUND 80 women gathered at Scottsdale’s Mechanics’ Institute Hall on Saturday night for a celebration of determination, resilience and self-belief.
The inaugural Women in Business event, organised by Little Rivers and Bridport Distilling Co, with support from the North-Eastern Advertiser, saw a collection of seven local women speak about their journeys, lessons learned, disappointments and dreams and the hard work undertaken to achieve success.
Co-organsier Jess Carins said with a few tweaks, the event could become
an annual activity to promote the area’s success stories and encourage like-minded people to build one another up.
“A few key take-aways from the event were to know your worth, be confident in who you are at your core and if you have passion for what you do the rest will flow,” Ms Carins said.
“There are endless opportunities for rural women particularly in the North East as our speakers showcased. We need to learn to take risks. Collaborating and networking is so important and it’s okay to make mistakes because it’s part of growth.”
Attendees were treated to drinks from supporter Pipers Brook as they listened to words of wisdom from architect Pippa Jensen, hairdresser Arianne Cassidy, consultant and business manager Dana Binns, art business owner Gillian Grove, finance officer and flower farmer Georgie Muirhead, Blue Derby marketing manager Taylor Clyne-Smith and Motree Thoroughbreds racehorse breeder Mandy Gunn.
• (Pictured, right)Arianne Cassidy, Pippa Jensen and Dana Binns on stage during the evening.
All Around Images.
We
www.northeasternadvertiser.
• Caitlin Lade, Julie Gillispie and Jo Simmons.
• Harriet Beattie, Cynthia Summers and Sarah Hall.
• Kirby Gerke and Amber Maxwell.
• Laurie Bingley and Kellie Fisher.
• Sue Farnell, Maria Branch and Trish Green.
• Georgie Muirhead and Gillian Cassidy. Photo: All Around Images.
Photo:
Property picks up after rate cut
FROM PAGE 1.
“It’s been the best two months after an eight-12 month slump,” Mr Wiggins said.
“There has certainly been more activity in Scottsdale and Branxholm. I’ve got two under contract in Derby and one just settled. Sam Olah has done well in Ringarooma and I have sold two off market in Ringarooma recently.”
The 10-year anniversary of Blue Derby had seen activity in the area pick up, Mr Wiggins said.
“It has really kicked again,” he said.
“Bridport is definitely slower because of the price point with affordability so I think with the next interest rate drop investors will be starting to sniff. There seems to be a lot more mainlanders sniffing around.”
The Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates at its May meeting, taking the cash rate to 3.85 per cent. Experts predict another two cuts this year will follow with the next meeting on July 8.
Mr Wiggins said commercial real estate remained a challenging space.
“Commercial is really tough at the
moment but that is everywhere. We have a bit of interest in the Old Post Office in Scottsdale at the moment but the Begents building and Eco Centre are quiet.
“People are still nervous to go into business but we have had the federal election and with interest rates starting to come back, hopefully in the next couple of quarters it will improve.”
The cost of construction appears to be stymieing the appetite for people to invest in land to build new homes in the area, he said.
“There is a lot of vacant land on the market but no one is buying because of building costs so it would be nice to see some of that activity increase. Maybe there is room for investors to buy and build and then sell.”
Jodie Faulkner from Water/House Real Estate said the overall trend indicated that demand would likely continue to grow as more people look to move to the area for its lifestyle and affordability.
“In the medium term, the real estate market should continue to see demand
REIT MARCH QUARTER RESULTS
Scottsdale
Sales: 7
Median days on Market: 102
Median:
$460,000
Minimum:
$412,500
Maximum:
$620,000
Change from last year: 12.2%
Bridport Sales: 5
Median days on Market: 83
Median:
$550,000
Minimum:
$460,000
Maximum:
$1,200,000
Change from last year: -23.6%
from both lifestyle buyers and investors,” Ms Faulkner said.
“However, property price increases could slow down if there is an economic downturn or if interest rates continue to rise, affecting buyers’ ability to borrow. Seeing the interest rates slowly decrease
Ringarooma
Sales: 2
Median days on Market: 97
Median:
$442,500
Minimum: $400,000
Maximum:
$485,000
Change from last year: 13.6%
George Town Sales: 20
Median days on Market: 33
Median:
$370,000
Minimum
$300,000
Maximum:
$600,000
Change from last year: 1.4%
we are looking forward to and already seeing more demand than usual.
“For our ‘off season’ we are actually quite surprised at how steady and the continuing listings in sales and rental properties growing consistently along with contracts and very low rental vacancies.”
Rare beauty on show at Winter Arts Festival
A COLLECTION of rare Patricia Giles east coast watercolours will be a highlight of this year’s Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival, providing an opportunity for art lovers to be inspired and collect works from the much-admired artist.
Showcasing works in the new Artizans on Show component of the Festival, the Patricia Giles Estate is bringing the works to the coast for the first time.
“Tasmania’s east coast is a breathtaking panorama, resplendent with crystal clear
waters and dreamy visages,” says Estate spokesperson Jess Tyler.
“We’ll be bringing a section of Patricia’s renowned east coast series, with works that are glorious and sublime, capturing light and sea with free and sweeping strokes.”
Patricia was prolific in her works. Her skill in capturing the shining essence of the coast speaks to her deep passion for the Tasmanian landscape.
“If you adore the coast and want a magnificent artistic memento, this is the time to view her sumptuous works,” Ms
Tyler said.
“They are a moving way to collect memories of place and time unique to Tasmania.”
The 2025 Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival is now in its twelfth year.
Designed to celebrate the arts in all forms, the festival encompasses sculpture and painting with a new Artisans On Show displaying textile arts, bespoke jewellery and Tasmanian timber creations.
For more information see: www.bayoffireswinterartsfestival.com.au
Inspiring healthy minds
LIVE4LIFE BREAK O’Day has introduced the members of its 2025 Crew with a launch event held in St Helens recently.
The event was planned and hosted by the Year 9 and 10 members of the Live4Life Crew.
It was attended by representatives from organisations including Anglicare Tasmania, Break O’Day Employment Connect, Project Y, St Helens Neighbourhood House, Break O’Day Council, Royal Flying Doctors Services Tasmania, University of Tasmania –Centre for Rural Health, and Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House.
Distinguished guests included Crew Champion Talon Gostelow, Mental Health Council of Tasmania’s Laura Johnson (OAM) and Break O’Day Mayor Mick Tucker.
Designed specifically for rural and regional areas, almost 150 Year 8 and Year 10 students from St Helens District High School and St Marys District High School will take part in the Live4Life program this year.
The theme for 2025 is “Reach for the stars
and be who you are. We shine together” and was devised by the members of the 2025 Crew to express the importance of being your authentic self-whilst striving for your goals and aspirations.
Crew member Charlotte said the theme was chosen because it conveyed an empowering and uplifting message.
“The phrase is designed to encourage individuals, especially young people, to embrace their authentic selves while striving for their goals and aspirations,” she said.
“By embracing who you truly are, the message encourages individuals to accept their unique qualities and value themselves, it’s designed to provide a balanced message of self-empowerment, personal growth, and self-acceptance.”
Statistics show that the annual prevalence of mental ill health in young people aged 16–24 years has increased by more than 50 per cent in the last 15 years.
Seventy five per cent of people with mental ill health have their first episode during adolescence.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in young Australians - and the suicide rate is more than 50% higher in rural and regional communities.
Live4Life creates local partnerships to provide oversight and lead community-
wide conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, delivers evidence-based mental health education in schools and the wider community, and promotes young leaders as Mental Health Ambassadors.
• 2025 crew members of Live for Life at the launch - Lachlan, Harry, Ping, Dusty, Milly, Charlotte, Max and program coordinator Casey Musicka.
• A watercolour from the Patricia Giles Estate.
Sheep in good shape this winter
LIVESTOCK UPDATE
BY WARREN JOHNSTON
AS THE days get shorter and the cold comes in, livestock numbers get harder to find, and with this, supply and demand becomes real.
With increasing demand from export markets and Australia’s appetite for larger warm meals during winter, it pushes up the demand on red meat sales.
Cattle numbers have been moving quickly and this will see a clean out quickly in supply of both prime and store cattle.
Forward contracts are very attractive in the coming months with some major price jumps being offered for cattle that fit into specifications and programs, while store
cattle are starting to gain momentum with recent local rains.
But more so some big falls in mainland states are pushing prices on an upward trend with more and more enquiries daily with people looking to restock.
On the sheep front we have seen massive lifts for all descriptions, with some lamb sales reaching 1000 cents a kilo in mainland states or in excess of $400 per head with these lambs being 42-43 kg dressed weight.
The lamb market is expected to remain constant now through until the spring which is a great reward for those that have been able to hold.
In saying this, the 2025 lamb selling season has been rewarding right through with a higher-than-normal price point
throughout the season.
On the mutton front it also has reached new highs. Who would have thought in Jan/Feb 2024 when mutton was making $2 -$10 per head that we would be back into the 200’s again for sheep destined for the processor.
I remember only six-eight weeks ago when we hit $100 for mutton sheep, we all had a sigh of relief and thought ‘this is great’.
Let’s hope our markets can sustain this level for some time and give everyone a kick in the right direction.
Store sheep are, in some cases, sitting in limbo at present with processor markets going well past store sheep prices therefore we are seeing (mainly in mainland markets) scanned in lamb ewes going to
the processors and in big numbers rather than back to the reeding paddocks for another trip around the sun.
This in turn will ultimately have a massive impact on lamb numbers in 2026 and sets all sheep markets up for a promising future.
The last time we saw both lambs and mutton get to these levels, the effect actually worked in reverse, as all the old ewes around the country were retained and sent back to the paddock for another join, therefore having an oversupply in the coming years.
Looks like we are in for better times ahead.
Just remember only 80 odd sleeps until Spring. It will go quickly and then we might see some real action.
Green methanol momentum
ABEL ENERGY’S $1.8 Billion green methanol project, Bell Bay Powerfuels, has been selected as the lead proponent for the Bell Bay Hydrogen Hub.
Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone (BBAMZ) CEO Susie Bower said the announcement had been years in the making and would position the precinct as a key renewable energy asset.
“BBAMZ has been working with ABEL Energy to support development of the Bell Bay Powerfuels project since the business came to Tasmania five years ago,” Ms Bower said.
“Bell Bay Powerfuels being named as the Hydrogen Hub’s lead proponent is a strong and clear vote of confidence in our region’s capability and vision, and a critical step toward establishing Bell Bay
as a key player in Australia’s clean energy transition.
“This positions Bell Bay at the forefront of Tasmania’s energy future and brings national attention to the strategic potential our state holds. Tasmania has always been known as the clean green state, and this announcement cements those credentials,” she said.
The project has been described as the
“most ambitious development in Tasmania in two generations” and aims to build an export industry for zero-carbon Tasmanian products.
The former Bell Bay Power Station is being demolished for the project which would produce 300,000 tonnes of renewable, green methanol per year and provide new renewable energy generation.
NE part of new spud research
A NEW potato project to combat soilborne diseases in spuds was unveiled last week on the United Nations’ International Day of the Potato.
Soil-borne diseases are a critical issue that can cost millions of dollars each year in reduced crop productivity and increased production costs.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) has announced details of a new research project to establish a disease management program for the industry.
The $4.2 million Hort Innovation funded project is in collaboration with TIA, the South Australian Research and Development Institute and Simplot.
A team of researchers will focus on combating issues including powdery scab disease, pink rot, blackleg, common scab, black dot, verticillium and Rhizoctonia.
“Soil-borne diseases are a major production constraint to the Australian potato industry as they increase the costs associated with crop management, reduce yield and ultimately impact profitability for the grower,” Professor Wilson said.
“We will develop a program to address
The TIA’s Professor Calum Wilson, who will lead the five-year project, said Branxholm farmer John Cresswell was a major supporter of TIA’s research work with research trials to be conducted on his property.
these diseases focussing on diagnostics, including new and improved diagnostic testing to detect diseases. This will include development of new tools for detection and identification of disease.
“We’ll focus on new disease management solutions, strategies to prevent infection, and build new knowledge on a range of topics including soil health.”
Professor Wilson said that globally potatoes were the third most important food staple after rice and wheat in terms of human consumption, with annual production exceeding 320 million tonnes.
In Tasmania potatoes have a farm gate value of $370 million.
Farm innovation program launches
THE TAS Farm Innovation Hub has called on farmer groups across Tasmania to apply for a pilot program that helps build long-term strength, connection, and resilience in farming communities.
The Farmer Group Support Pilot will assist five farmer groups through a 12-month support package valued at $55,000 per group.
Hub Director Sandra Knowles said farmer groups often struggled with limited time, money, and people to keep things running.
“This pilot provides practical, flexible
support that helps farmer groups with coordination and reduces the administrative burden of running a group, whilst also supporting groups to design and implement their own drought and climate resilience learning activities,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity for farmer groups who want to do more for their members, grow their impact, and help Tasmanian farming adapt to a changing climate.”
Successful groups will receive facilitation and coordination services valued at $40,000, delivered through
a dedicated Hub-based facilitator who will work closely with each group to support planning, communication, engagement, and event delivery.
Each group will also have access to up to $10,000 for group-led activities that encourage practical, climatesmart changes on farm, and flexible administration support up to $5,000.
The pilot project would help to test what scalable, cost-effective farmer group support might look like in the future, she said.
Expressions of Interest open this Friday and close on July 4.
• Professor Calum Wilson.
Don’t neglect your boating responsibility
BY STORM EASTLEY, MAST SENIOR RECREATIONAL BOATING SAFETY OFFICER
THERE’S A harsh truth that too many boat owners are ignoring: your vessel is your responsibility. When you fail to maintain it, your negligence should not become everyone else’s problem.
Across Tasmania, derelict and neglected boats are becoming a growing problem. They clutter up mooring areas, sink into sensitive marine environments or become stranded on our beautiful coastline. They’re not just an eyesore. They’re an environmental hazard, a danger to other waterway users, and an insult to responsible boaters doing the right thing.
This neglect and the fallout affects not just government agencies like Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) and the
Environment Protection Authority (EPA), but also every waterway user who values safe and healthy waterways.
The EPA is clear: vessel owners have a responsibility not to discharge oil and related pollutants into state waters, and where this has occurred, must take all reasonable and practical measures to resolve the matter promptly, in an environmentally responsible manner.
Where vessel owners are not able or willing to remove the pollutants, the EPA will act to reduce the risk to the environment and recover associated costs from the vessel owner in accordance with legislation.
Just because a vessel is old or unused doesn’t mean it’s exempt from the law; lack of maintenance will catch up with you.
MAST also has powers when derelict vessels pose a risk to safe navigation. If a
vessel is creating a hazard to safe navigation or is not kept in a safe condition, MAST can issue a formal notice requiring the owner to remove it.
Failure to comply can result in fines, enforcement action, and even prosecution.
Just like a broken-down car left in the middle of a highway, a decaying vessel on a mooring or adrift is a hazard, and MAST won’t hesitate to act in the interest of public safety.
The frustrating part is that the cost of routine maintenance is a fraction of the cost of salvage.
A simple bilge pump check, annual slipping or replacing mooring tackle could save you — and the environment — a world of hurt.
But when a boat sinks, recovery costs can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Some people say, “I didn’t realise how
bad it was.” Others say they can’t afford the upkeep.
The truth is simple: if you can’t afford to maintain your boat, you can’t afford to own one. Boats require care. They require attention. You cannot walk away from them, the responsibility doesn’t disappear.
You will be held responsible for your vessel and face fines for failing to do so.
Boating is a privilege, not a right and it comes with an obligation to respect not only other waterway users, but the environment itself.
If your boat hasn’t moved in years, if it’s sitting low at the mooring, if it’s visibly deteriorating — act now.
Sell it, store it properly, or dispose of it responsibly. If you don’t know how, ask. MAST can point you in the right direction but doing nothing is not an option.
Trout temptation and Thai fish cakes
GET FISHING
BY NICK MARTIN
WITH THE long weekend looming and the weather looking okay, it’s a perfect time to get out on the water.
Trout fishing has been going very well. Only a few limited lakes remain open and available for fishing so make sure you confirm your location before you go on the Inland Fisheries website.
I think trout will be reliable over the winter as many fish have not been able to get upstream to spawn because of a lack of moving water.
At this time of year, the key to success
is to go with a deeper, slower fished soft plastic or a medium sized hard body lure with a slow retrieve and pauses.
Estuary fishing is fantastic still. It has normally calmed down by now but there have been good catches including snapper, calamari, Australian salmon, and trevally as well as Tailor (typically a northern species that lives here pretty well full-time. It has sharp teeth, is kind of like a salmon and good to eat).
Use a light paternoster rig or a soft plastic. For best results you would be in a boat but there are a lot of spots you can walk around and access. For example, the guys fishing off the jetties at Georges Bay
SPORTS RESULTS
SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB
STABLEFORD SATURDAY 31 MAY
Winner - K.Smith 40. R/Up - N.Lette 38. Others - S.Krushka 36, B.Fahey 35, G.Booth 35. NTP 5th/14th - D.Clough. Longest Putt - T.Mundy. Gobblers - B.Pickett, G.Booth, D.Knight, T.Fletcher, B.Fahey, T.Mundy.
AMBROSE TUESDAY 27 MAY 2025
Winners - G.Blackwell, K.Gofton, E.McGleenan 64 5/6. R/UpC.Ferguson, C.Styles 69 1/2. Third - G.Booth, T.Hall 70 1/4. Longest Putt - G.Booth, G.Blackwell. GobblersG.Booth, E.McGleenan, C.Ferguson, D.Marshall.
BRIDPORT GOLF AND CROQUET CLUBS
AGGREGATE STABLEFORD HIDDEN
PARTNERS WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
Women’s Winner: K.Cuthbertson and J.Atkinson 57. NTP 3/12: J.Atkinson. Longest Putt OTF 1/10: M.Hall. Men’s Winner: P.Claridge and D.Etchells 58. NTP 6/15: M.Archer. Croquet: DrawP.Krushka. Highest Score - J.Ranson.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
4 PERSON AMBROSE
1st - P.Holmes, B.Holmes, J.LucasWhittle, R.Whittle 56.625. 2nd –M.Reid, L.Forbes-Ewan, P.McKenzie, M.Brain 57. 3rd – H.Davies, G.Lockhart, M.Claridge, Pe.Claridge 57.375. NTP - Men 1/10 – M.Brain, 6/15 – B.Holmes. Women 6/15 –R.Taylor. Longest Putt O/F 9/18 –P.Holmes. Longest Drive: Men - 4th
only - L.Forbes-Ewan. Best Dressed Team – B & L Gerke, H & R Taylor. Friday Flappers - Wayne Burt 21. MORINNA GOLF CLUB
STABLEFORD SATURDAY, MAY 31
Winner - G.Taylor 32. R/Up - S.Percey 30. Third - T.Taylor 29. Fourth - R.Nichols 28. Musselroe Visitors - B.Lilly 79-71, A.Hartley 85-77, J.Robinson 102-92, T.Robinson 10493. NTP 3/12 R.Nichols.
RINGAROOMA GOLF CLUB
J HAYWARD TROPHY STABLEFORD
Winner - S.Worker 37. R/Up - D.Walsh 37. Third L.McDougall 37. FourthR.Bennett 36. NTP 7/16 C.Edwards, 9/18 C.Fennel.
N.E INDOOR BOWLS
Legerwood 50 def. Scottsdale 42. B.Jacobs 22 lost to M.Chilcott 27.
M.Austen 28 def. C.Coats 15. Bridport 46 def. Ringarooma 32. M.Monson 26 def. L.Singline 14. J.Binns 20 def. J.Dennis 18. Ladder: Legerwood 28, Bridport 25, Ringarooma 15, Scottsdale 12.
NORTH EAST PACING CLUB
HORSE OF THE YEAR STANDINGS, MAY 30
De Goey 15, Colby Sanz 11, Grizzly Montana 3, Karalta Artemis 6, Rockandahardplace 1, Sokys Line 3.
TRAINER OF THE YEAR STANDINGS
Kent Rattray 18, Rohan Hadley 18, Max Wadley 3.
are getting plenty of good fish.
Blue Fin Tuna has been good and is being caught around Bass Strait.
I would be heading straight to Ninth Island and look for bait and birds working.
Use a good mix of skirts and deep diving hard body lures and sit on 6-6.5 knots.
Remember there are no fences in the ocean and the other day while I was arguing with some seals just 50m off a beach – and they were surrounding me.
You never know where they are going to pop up but typically, they will hang around the five-mile mark
Here is a recipe to enjoy if you manage to reel in some fish.
NICK’S THAI FISH CAKES
Cook and mash a few potatoes.
Race to States
ZEKE RICHARDSON came home with a medal after the Year 8 Boys race at the Northern Interhigh Cross Country at Kings Meadows High School last week.
In a close contest, Richardson claimed second place and will take some good form into the State Cross Country Carnival at Symmons Plains on Thursday, June 12.
“I narrowly missed winning
Pre-cook your fish, I like to use white fleshed fish like trevally or Aussie salmon. Add chives, chillies, ginger, garlic, dill, salt and lemon – whatever you like really! Mix it all together with egg to combine it. Make mixture into patties and put in a hot pan with oil to brown up to cook. Have them with salad or veggies or dipping sauce (palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, juice and half zest of lemon or lime and some chilli if you like it hot!) Lette to play rep
SCOTTSDALE FOOTBALLER
Rhianna Lette has been selected to represent Tasmania in the 2025 Australian Football 15 Years and Under Championships.
The Scottsdale High School year nine student will be part of the team to undergo training over the coming weeks in preparation for the School Sport Australia Australian Football Championships, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 2 at the South Pine Sports Complex in Brendale, Queensland.
the Northern cross country race – it was very close competition, and I am looking forward to the State cross country next week,” said Richardson, who also plays football for the Under 14 Magpies team.
He will be joined at Symmons Plains by fellow Scottsdale High School students Lotti Wadley (Year 8) and James Coxen and Declan Knight (Year 9).
Lette, who loves to play centre half back, is part of the Tasmanian Devils Academy and trains every Wednesday in Launceston. She also plays U17 girls NTJFA football with the Magpies.
“I am really looking forward to representing the North East and Tasmania at the championships,” she said.
“It is an honour to be selected and very exciting. I am keen to meet new people through this experience and playing against new people while developing my footy skills.”
• Rhianna Lette.
• Zeke Richardson
Magpies suffer record defeat
BY PETER FISH
SCOTTSDALE WENT into Saturday’s match at the redeveloped Windsor Park with seven under 18 players and two more still in their teens, and the difference in class and experience was apparent early.
The Blues did as they pleased, and to boot 15 goals in the final quarter rubbed salt in the already gaping wounds,
There was little coach Rickie Dolliver could take out of the game but the efforts of skipper Joe Krushka and Jacob Singline were worthy of merit.
Singline spent most of the day in the ruck while Krushka in the midfield was competitive throughout.
On Saturday it’s a trip to Deloraine who won the first-round encounter by 50 points. In that game the Magpies booted
five goals in the opening quarter but then went missing.
The team fielded two more young debutantes on Saturday in Haydan Auton and Jack Burke, but desperately need some strong-bodied men to be in contention at this level.
The women’s team failed by the narrowest of margins. The girls had their chances and their defence in particular was outstanding all day. Sophie Harrison and Chloe Kelly rebounded throughout, while Dearne Krushka despite a heavy tag was also influential.
Deloraine remains on top in this division but they were beaten last week, and the women will fancy their chances if they can put their best team on the park.
The reserves put up an improved performance and the presence of the
experienced quartet of Josh Nunn, Lochie Cox, and the Hall twins Cabel and Denham should give the team some confidence to notch up their second win over Deloraine this season.
RESULTS
Senior Men
Launceston 49.23 (317) d Scottsdale 2.3 (15)
Goals: Scottsdale - L.Hall, J.Krushka
Best: Scottsdale - J.Krushka, J.Singline, D.Young.
Senior Women
Launceston 1.6 (12) d Scottsdale 1.5 (11)
Goals: Scottsdale - G.Hogarth.
Best: Scottsdale - S Harrison, C.Kelly, D.Krushka, B.Mather, A.Hall, M.Lester. Reserves
Launceston 11.13 (79) d Scottsdale 2.3 (15)
Goals: Scottsdale - J.Deacon, J.Phillips. Best: Scottsdale - J.Nunn, L.Cox, C.Hall, C.Fulton, D.Hall, T.Saunders. Under 18s - Bye.
Next games Saturday at Deloraine 8.45am Under 18s, 10.40am Reserves, 12.35pm Senior Women, 2.30pm Senior Men.
North-East netballers going for gold
FOUR NORTH-EAST girls are part of a 14-strong contingent of Newstead College students headed to the Gold Coast for a major netball tournament.
Ava Beeson (Bridport), Tara Lette (Scottsdale) Matilda Harper (Ringarooma) and Charlie Arnold (Lilydale) are part of the team currently training hard and raising funds for the nine-day July trip.
The girls leave on July 3 and will be up against some stiff competition. In previous iterations the Newstead team has come up against teams from all around Australia plus New Zealand, Samoa and Singapore.
Lette, who lines up for the Central Swifts in the local league, previously played as a shooter but is enjoying a new challenge of playing mid-court,
The grade 11 student is also relishing
being back in action after an ankle reconstruction following an injury.
“I haven’t been able to play this season, so I am actually in some heavy rehab to get back for this netball trip. So this netball trip is the first bit of netball I’ve been able to do in about the last eight months,”
Lette said.
“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to go to the Gold Coast. It’s just going to be an awesome experience to play against other countries. I just can’t wait to play some good netball and meet some new people.
Ava Beeson, a member of Bridport Netball Club, plays centre and wing attack.
She said she was excited by the opportunity.
“It’s a fun bunch of girls that are going, so it should be good.”
Harper, who plays for Derby, is a shooter and also plays mid-court.
“It will be a good experience to play netball against people from New Zealand, people from Samoa, and other countries … and make new friendships,” she said.
Arnold doesn’t play club netball but has experienced school sport with Lilydale and she enjoys specialising as a wing attack
“Sometimes I’m goal attack if it’s a good shooting day,” she said
“I love the whole sport. Like just the community of it. And like the friendships that you make through it and everything. I just love it. I like that it’s no-contact too.”
• Newstead College netballers from the North East - Tara Lette, Charlie Arnold, Matilda Harper and Ava Beeson.
Swans and Seagulls resume old rivalry
BY NICK FYSH
DESPITE A dogged performance by Bridport, the East Coast Swans were able to eventually run out 54-point victors in their clash at St Helens on Saturday.
The Swans were switched on early and did most of the early attacking, with Nick Child landing the first blow with a nice snap.
Luke Potter proved to be a difficult player for the Seagulls to contain as he took a number of strong marks, his efforts however, being let down by some wayward kicking.
A great running goal by Bridport put their team back in the hunt, but it was soon countered when Frost snapped truly, followed quickly by Potter’s first major.
Izbicki gained plenty of possessions for the Seagulls along with captain, Jo Robinson, but it was the East Coasters who headed to the first break with a 15-point lead.
“Murf” was the beneficiary of some slick ball movement by the Swans, kicking his first major, followed soon after by a nice snap.
The Swans’ backline were proving a hard
nut to crack for the Bridport forwards as Goldfinch gained plenty of meterage with his run and raking left foot, while Shaun Cannon was as miserly as ever on Seagull gun, Matthew Taylor.
As always, Luke McCarty showed his experience and took his regular bag of intercept marks to continually stymie the Port’s attacks.
The latter parts of the quarter saw Bridport begin to find some fluency in their ball movement as players such as Pearson and Lanham asserted their authority.
When Lanham kicked his team’s third goal, the gap had been narrowed to 19 points, with the Seagulls heading into the long break with more spring in their step.
The premiership quarter saw the Swans make their move as they kicked three goals to one, making the task difficult for the visitors.
Marcus Haley continued to be a wonderful player around the ground for the Swans as did Isaac Newett, who never disappoints with his sure ball handling and high marking.
Cannon’s move into the ruck also proved to be profitable as his mobility enabled him
to gain plenty of the ball.
Potter was once again in the thick of the action as he marked sensationally, played on and kicked an improbable goal.
The Seagulls’ only goal for the term came from a Swan indiscretion which gifted Lanham a goal via a 50 metre penalty.
Early in the last quarter Potter’s fourth goal was soon answered by Bridport, but from that point the Swans began to dominate proceedings, with the ball spending the majority of the time in their forward half.
A four goal to one last term put the issue beyond doubt as the Swans built a considerable lead.
It was a clinical, if not perfect performance by the Swans who face a tricky game at Campbell Town next up, while Bridport play Perth at home on June 14.
RESULTS
Best:
Goals: Swans - Potter 4, Stoltenberg 2, Murfet 2, Newett 2, N.Child, Frost. Bridport - Lanham 2, Mckean, Jake Blackwell, Izbicki.
Swans - McCarty, J.Blunt, Newett, E.Goldfinch, Haley, Stoltenberg, Potter, Cannon. Bridport - Robinson, Fenton, Button, Barrett, Mckean, J.Blackwell.
(177)
• East Coast had the better of Bridport at St Helens on Saturday.
• Dearne Krushka launches to tackle her Launceston opponent.
No joy for junior Magpies
UNFORTUNATELY NONE of the junior Scottsdale teams were successful in the NTJFA competition on Sunday.
The Under 12 boys failed to score despite the best efforts of Charlie Howlett, Thomas Carter and Archie Fish.
The Under 14 boys were even with Longford at quarter time but a scoreless final term put paid to their hopes.
They were best served by the consistent Zeke Richardson, Luke Reid and Dustin Rockliff. Thomas Smith with three goals was a dangerous forward.
The Under 14 girls struggled against a well organised Longford team, losing by 67 points. Dakoda Widdowson, Lexie Viney and Lucy Hall were among their better players.
The Under 16 boys failed to kick a goal in
the opening term while allowing Longford to boot six.
Kade Norman kicked a couple of goals and he was among the team’s best players along with Eli Jones and Andy Heazlewood.
Despite leading at the last change the Under 17 girls just failed to get across the line going down to George Town by four points.
Amelia Carter was again their best player alongside Gabriella Wright, Sakye Cassidy and Rhianna Lette who kicked two goals.
There are no NTJFA matches this weekend.
RESULTS
Under 12 boys
Longford 5.11 (41) d Scottsdale 0.0. (0)
Best: Scottsdale - C.Howlett, T.Carter, A.Fish, H.Moore, O.Gerke, T.Coxen.
Under 14 boys
Longford 10.5 (65) d Scottsdale 4.2 (26)
Goals: Scottsdale - T.Smith 3, H.Murphy.
Best: Scottsdale - Z.Richardson, L.Reid, D.Rockliff, T.Moore, T.Smith, N.Anderson. Under 14 girls
Longford 13.4 (82) d Scottsdale 2.3 (15)
Goals: Scottsdale - L.Reynolds, P.Latham.
Best: Scottsdale - D.Widdowson, L.Viney, L.Hall, R.Paulsen, M.Wood, L.Hall Under 16 boys
Longford 17.6 (108) d Scottsdale 5.12 (42)
Goals: Scottsdale - K.Norman 2, E.Jones, A.Heazlewood.
Best: Scottsdale - E.Jones, K.Norman, A.Heazlewood, J.Coxen, D.Knight, L.Gerke. Under 17 girls
George Town 4.6 (30) d Scottsdale 4.2 (26)
Goals:
Lilydale wins grand final replay
BY DAVID WALSH
LILYDALE WELCOMED the old enemy in Old Scotch back to Lilydale for a grand final replay and the home side won by 36 points.
As always there was no love lost between players and the game was hard and tough from the first bounce.
Coach Fletcher Seymour was a big out through suspension.
Will Birchmore’s mark and goal from half forward had the Thistles up and about, but Daniel Viney found Bardenhagen who made no mistake quickly followed by Kurtis Tuck and a running goal from Reuben Rothwell on the siren and Lilydale had a 13 point lead.
The second quarter started with two goals to Matty Saunders, the first one from a high tackle from 40 out followed by a holding free in the goal square and the lead was 26 points.
Ash McQueen snapped from the pocket to get one back, but the clever Zeik Johnston burst out of the centre clearance and found Rothwell who kicked his second.
But the Thistles wouldn’t go way with tall Jackson Young taking a strong mark and kicking truly, Lilydale ruckman Jack Venn was giving the Lilydale on ballers an arm chair ride, and he hit Hadley from a boundary throw in and he snapped over his shoulder for a goal and gave the Demons a 26 point lead at half time.
The third quarter started with both backlines on top and it wasn’t until the 10 minute mark when Rory Dick got one back for the Thistles, Lilydale answered with Matty Saunders kicking his third, but the
brilliant John McKenzie was keeping Scotch within reach with a snap from the forward pocket.
Daniel Viney received a holding free on half forward and made no mistake before Mathew Duggan got out the back for Scotch and ran into an open goal, reducing the margin to 23 points at end of the third.
John Mckenzie won a holding free in the first two minute and the lead was back to 17 points.
With the game in the balance Zeik Johnston did a Nick Daicos handball steal and his pass found Saunders in the goal square for his fourth goal.
Two more quick goals to Jarod Foale and Trent Griggs and the Demons had a 36 point lead.
McKenzie kept winning plenty of footy and snapped his third from deep in the
pocket, but Trent Griggs took a strong pack mark and goaled from in front and Lilydale was home by 36 points.
Lilydale Reserves also got sweet revenge defeating Scotch by 59 points and moving into the top five.
This week Lilydale travel to George Town on Friday night for two games – the Seniors at 5.30 and Reserves at 7.30.
RESULTS
Seniors
Lilydale 13.11(89) d Old Scotch 8.5 (53)
Goals: Lilydale - M.Saunders 4, T.Griggs 2, R.Rothwell 2, D.Viney, J.Hadley, T.Bardenhagen, K.Tuck, J.Foale. Best: Lilydale - J.Venn, L.Venn, M.Saunders, D.Viney, Z.Johnston, T.Heazlewood.
Reserves
Lilydale 13.6 (84) d Old Scotch 4.1 (25)
Goals: Lilydale - K.Avent 5, T.Maclaren 3, J.Crowden 2, L.Smith, L.Dingjan, D.Russell.
Best: Lilydale - B.Davis, B.Salter, K.Avent, D.Russell, J.Crowden, B.Hammersley.
• Daniel Viney controlling play through the middle.
• Louis Venn takes a strong mark over his Old Scotch opponent.
• Thomas Smith in action for the under 14 Magpiesteam. He kicked three goals. Photo: Sheridan Gerke.
Scottsdale - R.Lette 2, A.Carter, M.Lowe.
Best: Scottsdale - A.Carter, G.Wright, S.Cassidy, C.Davis, R.Lette, C.Lee.
• Thane Bardenhagen was again a reliable contributor.
SPORT
Lilydale wins grand final replay
NTFA assistance better late than never
MODIFIED POINTS and an increased salary cap have been granted to struggling NTFA Premier League clubs including Scottsdale in a mid-season push to balance the much-criticised competition.
While the assistance has been welcomed by Magpies coach Rickie Dolliver, he said it should have been implemented before the inaugural season.
“Everyone knew Launceston and North would be miles ahead so this could have been done at the start of the year, but we do welcome it,” Dolliver said.
“We knew it would be difficult but the gap to where we need to get to, is much larger than what we thought it would be.
“We are five years behind the likes of Launceston and North who have had facilities and programs for their under 16s to be ready to play senior footy and we are putting steps in place now. It is baby steps.”
Just days before Scottsdale suffered a humiliating 302-point loss to former Statewide League Club Launceston, the
NTFA announced assistance for Scottsdale and Deloraine and to a lesser degree to South Launceston and Longford.
NTFA President Peter Gutwein said the Magpies and Roos would be permitted to spend an additional $20,000 on player remuneration, resulting in a total $100,000.
The extra money must not be spent on players already declared this season.
The Bulldogs and Tigers will be permitted to spend an additional $10,000.
The salary cap change will be in place for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, subject to a review before the end of next season.
It is envisaged that in season 2028 the increased player remuneration will be reduced by half and will then return to the standard salary cap across the league in 2029.
Mr Gutwein said the NTFA would remain in discussion with AFL Tasmania regarding the removal of the individual player salary cap to enable clubs to manage their own player payments, as long as they do not breach the overall cap.
Other changes have been made to the modified points policy for interstate recruitment, with Scottsdale and Deloraine allocated an additional 15 total team points for 2025 and season 2026.
South Launceston and Longford will be allocated an additional eight total team points.
The additional points over the base level of 38 have been provided specifically for the recruitment of interstate players.
“Our aim is for clubs to attract talented players from the mainland to grow the talent pool across the NTFA rather than move talent around clubs within the NTFA or other Tasmanian associations,” Mr Gutwein said.
While good in theory, Dolliver said it would be hard to attract anyone mid-way through the season.
“Most players have signed with other clubs so it will be very difficult but we are searching everywhere in all the leagues, from Darwin to Queensland and WA and
WINTER SOLSTICE
South Australia - we are looking all over the place.
“It is four weeks until clearances close so there is not much time to recruit anyone this season unless something out of the blue happens. Maybe someone who misses out on the mid-season draft might look for a change.
“But we are clearly recruiting for next year and hopefully we can get a few players. We really need a ruckman and a key forward.”
Dolliver admitted the season to date had been tough on everyone.
“Not scoring against North Launceston and being beaten by more than 300 points were certainly difficult things I haven’t experienced before in my coaching career,” he said.
“We have tried out a lot of kids through necessity. Some were ready, some weren’t. We had seven under 18s on Saturday which was too many, but we are missing five players through injury.”
• Zeik Johnston kicks forward for Lilydale as the Demons beat Old Scotch in a grand final replay. T FULL STORY AND SCORES, PAGE 11.