Edition 10, Wednesday 20 March, 2024

$7m election sweetener

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

A BLACK substance being discharged into the Trent Water Estuary via a stormwater outlet, often discolouring the entrance to the river mouth, was non-toxic and no cause for alarm, according to TasWater officials.

The water authority confirmed that it was Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) which is commonly used to remove odour and taste issues from drinking water.

Fran Smith, Head of Water and Environment Services at TasWater, said the organisation was reviewing the need for PAC use at the Henry St Plant, where it was

entering the stormwater drainage.

Ms Smith said TasWater would be looking at methods to manage and minimise the discharge.

The substance is used at Bridport for most of the year but its visual impact was being felt more in the dry conditions, she said.

“Due to higher demand in summer, the plant operates and backwashes more frequently, using more carbon,” Ms Smith said.

“We aim to minimise any discharge and impact on the environment. We are working to minimise the amount of carbon used and

Looking to move in

alternative ways to capture the carbon.

“Carbon is used in home water filtration systems and some drink bottles and is safe and non-toxic. There is no cause for any environmental alarm.”

Dorset Council Environmental Health Officer Robert Masterman said Council had received a number of enquiries about the discharge from concerned residents and had spoken to TasWater.

Dorset Coastal Working Group Convener Louise Brooker said it had stained rocks and she would raise the issue at the group’s next meeting because it was not a good look for the thriving tourist town.

“People have noticed it and it is great that they have raised the issue because they are more environmentally conscious and caring for Trent Water. The health of the estuary is starting to blossom and become a more attractive place for birdlife and fish so it is really important that it is looked after,” she said.

Ms Smith said TasWater was spending $1.5 billion on water and sewer network and treatment plants over the next five years. A 22km pipeline project to pump water from Scottsdale to Bridport is still being investigated and is a Council priority project to help address Bridport’s water needs.

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• Scottsdale parents Heath and Rachel Summers, with their children George, 4, and Remi, 2 are excited

30 Years Ago – March 24, 1994

Hospital Car Rally

Twenty two cars participated in the NESM Hospital car safari, covering 85 kilometres, and requiring some brain testing responses to cryptic clues. The course started from the hospital car park and finished at Northeast Park with a barbecue, with meat supplied courtesy of McLennan’s Butchery. Some questions posed some surprising problems for participants, and the fact that 50 percent suggested that Poll Dorsets were cattle and not sheep would have had some pioneers turning in their graves. The event was won by Dinah and Glen Moore and their family and although Val Auton and Vicky Stevens were last to finish, they placed second.

40 Years Ago – March 22, 1984

Five Swim Records Broken

Even though it was cold and windy, five records were broken at the Scottsdale High School's 22nd house swimming carnival. Star of the carnival was Richard Viney, who created three new records and was the boys champion. His records were Open boys 200 metre freestyle, 100 metre breaststroke and open boys medley. Making up the other two records at the carnival were Sharon Booth in the 100 metre freestyle and Roxanne McKerrow in the open girls medley. Roxanne also performed well in the diving being named the girls senior diving champion alongside Tim Kerrison boys senior diving champion.

60 Years Ago – March 24, 1964

Fire Destroys Home

A family of 13 lost almost all their possessions when fire destroyed their Lietinna home sometime between 7.00pm Sunday evening and 6.00am Monday morning. The exact time of the fire is unknown as the smouldering embers of the house were not discovered until Mr Stanley Kettle went to milk his cows around 6.15am. It is thought the fire may have occurred in the early hours of the morning as the house is within half a mile of two neighbouring farms. The house was occupied by Mr and Mrs V.R Richards and their 11 children, who were all away at the time of the fire.

The Premier has shot himself and every other Tasmanian in the foot with his ridiculous decision to move to a 35seat parliament under the Hare-Clark system. He has virtually guaranteed minority government for perpetuity. This will mean a loss of business confidence and investment and a reduction in the standard of living for all Tasmanians, plus the likelihood of another election in the not too distant future.

For those people extolling the virtues of minority government, they should take a look at the home of minority government, Italy, where since the end of World War 2 there have been 69 parliaments in 79 years, an election every 1.14 years.

Since the loss of Peter Gutwein and Sarah Courtney, the Liberal Government has been represented by weak Ministers leaving Tasmanians at the mercy of senior bureaucrats pushing their woke leftist agenda, introducing reams of red and green tape which the Liberals promised to get rid of. This has caused the Tasmanian economy to slow and unless affirmative action is taken quickly our economy will stall altogether.

The problem now for Bass voters is how do you find seven decent candidates from the extensive list of 32. The major parties have been falling over themselves announcing social policies and spending commitments without any basis for how these promises will be funded. Of serious concern is there have been no announcements of any policies that will improve the profitability, viability or sustainability of any of our major industries.

Realistically given the Liberal Government and the Minister Nic Street have cost Dorset ratepayers around $1 million for their ill-conceived Board of Inquiry, no-one in the North East should be voting Liberal.

Labor have only a couple of decent candidates, the anti-everything Greens don’t deserve a vote, Jack Davenport is realistically a Green, Lara Alexander has

come out against native forest harvesting, the Jacquie Lambie Party has no policies, Tim Walker is against the Rail Trail, Mark Brown is against the Stadium and the Animal Justice Party is against common sense. The Shooters and Fishers have mixed their positive views on freedom of speech and religion, health and community services, recreational hunting and fishing with policies against the Stadium, Marinus Link and the Robbins Island Wind Farm, which leaves Greg Quinn and George Razay who may well be quality candidates but people who we know little about in the North-East.

How we are expected to find seven candidates I am unsure, which means to lodge a valid vote we will be forced to vote for some candidates who we don’t really want to represent us in the Parliament. Good luck.

Greg Howard, Jetsonville

The article by University of Tasmania Professor David Adams last issue was thought provoking. Whilst aspiring politicians seek our vote for State Parliament, local government is the main government that community rely on.

The Professor is correct - an Independent can ensure local issues are not ignored by executive government.

Last election Greg Howard was able to ensure the Gutwein Government received great support as Greg was president of the local Liberal Party.

The issue Greg raised at a Bridport forum prior to the last council election was that, under the Local Government Act, General Managers have wide powers.

Both major parties have not demonstrated to me that these will be curtailed and councillors will not be faced with Code of Conduct complaints.

Politicians have parliamentary privilege that councillors do not have. Government should ensure councils mirror the Companies Act.

The writer is yet to hear from both parties about our local council’s

achievements - Bentley Street in Bridport, the Aquatic Centre, Bridport Link Road, Victoria Street just to name a few.

The Government has not yet delivered Ambulance and Fire Stations promised for Bridport.

The four dot points by Tim Walker in his brochure quantify why an Independent would enhance North-East issues. Janie Finlay also has knowledge of local government and was a high achiever when Mayor of Launceston and Janie has been very prominent in the district.

Be careful how you vote. Our district and issues are paramount.

Brian P. Khan, Bridport

With the increase in seats in each electorate there is an opportunity to bring real debate to the table. We should all take this opportunity to make our vote count. Inexperienced party candidates cannot speak outside of their party's policies which have been put together by the spin doctors and advisors. This was demonstrated by Lara Alexander and John Tucker who were prepared to question policy. How do they bring changes to issues that affect all of us? We don't know how they think as they are not able to voice an opinion. Consequently, the party carries the lack of experience just to retain the majority vote.

The independent line-up for this election is of a high calibre. One candidate, Tim Walker, was prepared to state that he would support the retention of the NE Railway and get serious about passenger rail for Tasmania. He is very aware of the contamination issue on the line. To have a candidate able to speak openly for what he believes in is refreshing.

Many countries operate with minority government, it can be healthy. Ask your candidates what they are standing for that matters to you and then you will have made your vote count.

Wendy McLennan, Bridport

Burville revisited, 70 years on

LAST WEEK Professor John Burville Biggs and his wife Catherine of Hobart slept overnight in his grandparents’ home in Scottsdale, the first time he had done so since the 1950s.

The house at 15 George Street, Scottsdale was built in 1920 by Walter and Ada Biggs. Walter’s mother’s maiden name was Burville, so that was the name they gave to the house. The Biggs family included 10 children, three of them born in Scottsdale. Walter and Ada, who were in their late 50s when the house was completed, lived long lives. Ada died in 1956 at the age of 93, and Walter two years later at the age of 92. A daughter, Lil, had looked after them and remained in the house for a period before it was sold. Some Scottsdale residents may still remember them.

Around 1960 the house was purchased and converted into a doctor’s practice, a function it retained for over 60 years with many well-remembered local doctors, including Dr North and Dr McGinity. Four years ago, when Dr McGinity retired, Burville was sold and the Aldridge family began a renovation project. It was sold again in early 2023 when Ally and Nigel Mercer fell in

love with the old but impressive house, and they committed to returning it to its former days of style and elegance as a family home. Under the direction, drive and sheer hard work of Ally, and with the help of local craftsman Craig Briggs, and garden design and work by Nigel, the restoration is almost complete.

One of Walter and Ada’s children, Oscar, born in Scottsdale in 1904, moved to Hobart at a young age. Oscar’s son John was born in 1934 and the family came to Scottsdale every Christmas for an extended stay. John, now aged 89, whose middle name is ‘Burville’, fondly remembers his times at the house. So it seemed only fitting for the Mercers to invite John back to see the end result of their restoration work, and to spend a night in the house. John replied he would be delighted, realising that it was now around 70 years since he had slept there.

Prior to his visit, John had already returned the original Burville house

nameplate. He visited Scottsdale in the 1960s, saw the nameplate still on the front gate so removed it and has had it on his homes in Hobart ever since. Now that Burville is a family home again he asked if it could be returned. On this visit he also brought up a fine small wooden cabinet, made by the hand of Walter Biggs in the 1890s, that he gifted back to the house.

In summarising his stay in Scottsdale John Biggs said that he was thrilled to have revisited the site of his childhood memories, and delighted with the way the grand old house has been brought back to life.

• John Biggs and Nigel Mercer with the Burville nameplate.

Rev up for tractor challenge

A NUMBER of locals will be out to stake their claim as rocket fuel hits the rodeo ground this weekend for the annual Scottsdale Tractor Pull Challenge.

With a few competitions under the seat belt, experienced campaigners Wayne Stagg and Mardi Kettle will lead the way, encouraging first-timers Cam Willis, Graeme and Frosty Lette, Lachie Cassidy, Chris Hall and Tim Hall.

Australian champion Danny Saltmarsh from Deloraine is looking forward to the two-day event.

“Sometimes people don’t feel confident but once you get them in the seat and they

have a go that all changes,” Saltmarsh said.

With 13 years’ tractor pulling competition behind him, Saltmarsh competes in several classes and will return to Quambatook, in Victoria, on Easter Saturday to defend his Australian title in the modified class.

Vintage, standard and modified tractors will compete at Santarena over the two days, with the aim of the competition to pull an ever-increasing load further than any other in the same class over the 100-metre dirt track.

“Expect noise and dirt-flying for the modified tractors but with the normal tractors it’s driver skill, power and

throttle,” Saltmarsh said.

North-East tractor enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own tractors from home to compete but all competitors, including children in the lawn mower events, must sign-up as members on the day.

The event is organised as a joint project between Rotary Club of Scottsdale and the Tasmanian Tractor Pullers Association.

This year will also see the inclusion of North-East Axeman’s chopping program on Saturday. Gates open at Santarena Park at 8.30am and action will get underway 10.30 am. Cost is $15 with under-16 free.

Helicopter to fix vandal’s power problem

TASNETWORKS IS hoping for fine weather next Monday to allow a helicopter to conduct urgent repair work on a system damaged by vandals earlier this month.

Severe damage has been caused to an Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) on a transmission powerline in a remote area near Scottsdale, leaving the network in a vulnerable state and must be repaired.

Scottsdale’s main business district is being spared the outage with the delivery of a generator to the Woolworths car park, but around 2000 other customers will have a 10-hour outage across a period from 7am

to 5pm.

Affected areas include the outskirts of Scottsdale, Derby, Tomahawk, Tonganah, Kamona,Tulendeena, Springfield, Branxholm, Telita, Legerwood, Ringarooma, Talawa, Waterhouse, Winnaleah, Herrick, Forester, Banca, Bridport, Cuckoo and Trenah.

In a letter to affected customers, TasNetworks’ Head of Customer Services, Lisa Post, apologised for the outage, caused by unknown offenders using a towline attached to a vehicle to pull off part of a transmission pole, risking death by electrocution in the process.

“TasNetworks will be using a helicopter to repair the area of line impacted to ensure we can complete the work as quickly as possible,” she said.

“Whilst the use of the helicopter means we can complete the work quicker than ground crews it also has its limitations as we need the right weather conditions.

“We have allowed a three day window between Monday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 27 to complete repairs. During this time you will experience one outage of up to 10 hours.

“We plan to complete the repairs on

Monday. If we are unable to proceed with repairs on this date, we will re-schedule the work to the following day and notify you by SMS and via the TasNetworks Facebook page. If the weather prevents the use of a helicopter on the first two days, we will complete the repairs from the ground on the third day.”

While some businesses are choosing to close their doors, TasNetworks has suggested a range of rechargeable portable batteries, a hard-wired battery storage system or a portable diesel or petrol generator to keep the power on.

• Local sponsor of the Scottsdale Tractor Pull Perpetual Trophy Scott Auton and Danny Saltmarsh, vice-president of the Tasmanian Tractor Pullers Association, getting ready for the weekend's event at Santarena Park.

Premier hits town promising Child and Family Centre

PREMIER JEREMY Rockliff visited Scottsdale on Monday morning spruiking the party’s investment in a new Child and Family Learning Centre for the town – one of four to share in $32 million.

Around $7 million will be spent on the facility, a priority project for Dorset Council, at a yet-to-be decided location.

“The success of the centres across the state have always been because of the local input – the community have always been engaged in the development of each and every centre, with size and structure, services offered and the environment in which it is built largely driven by the community’s needs and wishes,” Mr Rockliff said.

He said the first 1000 days of a child’s life was immensely important and the North-East would value the opportunity for families to engage early into play-based learning and developing life skills.

Mr Rockliff also addressed the following topics with the North-Eastern Advertiser in an interview on Monday:

Housing affordability and availability

“We are making a huge investment with

our Homes Faster Package, including our Stamping out Stamp Duty commitment which is all about young families being able to afford to buy their own homes.

“My strong view is the policy for homes up to $750,000 which could save up to $28,935 for a first home, encourages people into the housing market and makes it accessible.”

He said Liberal policy would encourage development around apartments and medium density living provide incentives for developers with a residential land rebate for new subdivisions.

“The Land Tax policy is important because 4400 Tasmanians will benefit from that by taking the threshold from $100,000 to $125,000... which is about putting downward pressure on rentals.”

Health

Mr Rockliff said the Liberal Party would provide more GPs in rural and regional areas with GP Now guarantee.

“Notwithstanding the Federal Government responsibility which we are increasingly stepping into that space, if there is a GP Shortage in a certain area with our GP Guarantee we have a pool of

SCOTTSDALE COURT REPORT

GPs ready to go and fill those shortages.

“We are also encouraging more young people to go into General Practices by paying off their HECS fees if they work in rural and regional Tasmania.”

Tourism

“The tourism industry has been transformative for Tasmania over the course of the last 10 years and there is no better example of that than in the NorthEast with mountain biking, the beautiful beaches of Bridport, golf tourism and Hollybank, and there is huge opportunity to build on what already exists.

“I do see agri-tourism as part of that and part of our tourism policy is designed to make it easier in a planning sense to get projects up by essentially cutting red tape.

“We like to partner with people who are prepared to have a crack and we have a $50 million grants program which is designed to support innovative and new tourism businesses.”

Forestry

“Our policies provide certainty and when you provide certainty for any industry then those who are invested in it have the confidence to invest and employ people.

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Whether that be plantation resource and the contracts to 2040 or utilising the existing wood bank, and a very small part of that, to continue our native forest industry as well to 2040.

“The important thing about opening up our wood bank of 40,000 and providing for another 157,000 cubic metres of resource over the next 10 to 15 years – that’s 40,000 of 356,000ha – that’s legislated, it’s regrowth forest, it’s an opportunity to support our regional sawmillers… it’s a strong signal that we are prepared to back our resource-based industries.”

Fishing

When asked whether their proposed new breeding program for flathead could be based in Bridport, Mr Rockliff did not rule it out.

“We are very open minded to that and that will be dependent on the work we do with the marine research facilities based elsewhere in the State. The important thing is we recognise our kids, grand kids and great grand kids get to enjoy what we did which is a feed of flatties… we need to rebuild our stocks.”

Anger issue blamed for rodeo punches

A SCOTTSDALE woman who punched two other women in the face at the Gladstone Rodeo admitted to having an anger issue and has been sent for a pre-sentence report before her case returns to Launceston Magistrates Court later in the year.

Sophie Maree Price, 20, of George St, pleaded guilty in Scottsdale Magistrates Court on Tuesday to two counts of common assault while at the event last year.

The first incident occurred after 5pm on Saturday November 4, when she accused her victim of talking about someone behind her back, before punching her to the face.

Price admitted to striking her second victim between midnight and 1pm on November 5 after a verbal argument. That hit left the woman with a bump to the head and a cut lip.

The court heard Price admitted to police

that she had “a problem with my anger sometimes”.

Price pleaded not guilty to a breach of bail charge in relation to contacting one of the women she admitted punching and was bailed to appear on that charge on June 11 for hearing.

A string of other stealing, burglary, driving and a destroy property charge were also read to the court.

Compensation orders were made to the victims of her stealing spree throughout the suburbs of Hobart in 2023 – including taking 18 pairs of glasses from a pop-up business in Eastlands Shopping Centre, stealing $111 worth of vodka from Celebrations Kingston, $70.48 worth of petrol from Ampol Granton, $59.99 for perfume from Chemist Wharehouse at Lindisfarne and $60.00 for perfume from Chemist Warehouse

at Glenorchy, $36.30 for taking Jack Daniels from Wrest Point Casino’s Boardwalk Bar, $24.95 to Coles Howrah for a USB charger and there was also a compensation order to an Uber driver who had items including backpack and body spray stolen from him at Warrane.

A compensation order of $55 was also made to Kmart Newtown after she pushed over a cabinet and smashed a coffee mug at the store.

Price was also charged with disorderly conduct following an incident at McDonalds in Argyle St where she was accused of vaping inside the restaurant, yelling and swearing at police in the car park before being arrested.

Magistrate Simon Brown ordered Price to attend Community Corrections in Launceston for a pre-sentence report for her suitability for a Community

Service Order and bailed her to reappear in Launceston on May 6 at 2.15.

In other matters, Matthew James Richards-Youd, from Winnaleah, was sentenced to a six-week jail sentence, wholly suspended for 12 months on the condition he commit no other offences, after pleading guilty to driving without a licence. He was ordered to pay court costs of $74.76.

Dylan Mark Wenn pleaded guilty to driving while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit, with a reading of 0.067 on Waterhouse Rd, Tomahawk, at 12.45am on November 5, after he admitted drinking six to seven cans of Jim Beam at the Gladstone Rodeo.

Wenn said it was a mistake and he was disqualified from driving for six months, fined $900 and court costs of $94.76.

Labor focus on childcare, Gamechanger

AFTER THE Premier’s visit to Scottsdale on Monday and a one-on-one interview with the North-Eastern Advertiser, we sent questions to Labor Leader Rebecca White covering the same topics. Here are her responses.

A Child and Family Learning Centre for Scottsdale was a Council prioritywill Labor reconsider providing funding to match the Liberal promise?

After 10 years of a Liberal Government we have a shortage of essential services across Tasmania. We have a plan to increase access to Childcare Services, because we know how vital it is for parents to have the certainty so they can get back to working.

We have a commitment to provide 4,500 more childcare places across the state.

Housing – we have challenges with rental supply and land availability to build – how will your policies help with that in the North-East?

A Rebecca White Labor Government will adopt an “all hands-on deck” approach to get more housing built faster for first home buyers and Tasmanians in need. We’ll work with the construction industry to exchange vacant government land for a share of the housing they’re able to build on that land. And we’ll make sure the housing that’s returned to the government, likely up to a quarter of each development, is set aside for first home buyers participating in our zero deposit GameChanger program, as well as social housing.

We will build 500 rental homes for key workers over the next five years.

Homes Tasmania will get started immediately, with $35 million to build the first 100 homes across the state.

We will work with local government and key regional industries to identify priority areas and suitable land.

And we will remove the first mover penalty that stops the development of new blocks of land by removing the upfront headworks charges from TasNetworks and TasWater, instead only charging the costs associated with bringing each house to market.

Health – residents here have problems with seeing a doctor and continuity of care as well as access with little transport available in far-reaching places – how will your health policy address that in a North-East context specifically?

Where you live shouldn’t determine your quality of life but we know that those living in rural and regional Tasmania are more likely to go without important health services.

We know that when there are challenges accessing a GP, people go to their district hospitals, call an ambulance or present at one of the four public hospital emergency departments around the state.

Labor has a plan to attract 40 new GPs to the state through a scholarship program with the RACGP, which would require the GP to stay and work in regional practice in Tasmania for at least two years after becoming fully qualified.

We would expand services at the NorthEastern Soldiers Memorial Hospital ensuring that Tasmanians can access timely care close to home.

Labor would also invest in and employ a rural generalist as part of this rollout, who would work as part of a multidisciplinary team of nurse practitioners, nurses, allied health providers and local GPs.

We would then further support these health workers to stay in regional and rural parts of Tasmania by paying the HECSHELP debt of those workers who choose to work in a district hospital or community center for three years.

By focusing on health services close to home, Labor’s policy will lead to better patient outcomes while taking the first steps to put our health system on the road to recovery.

How do you build on tourism opportunities in the North-East beyond golf and mountain biking and stimulate new investment in industries?

We will deliver a $97.8 million package to support Tasmania’s vibrant tourism,

events and hospitality industry. Labor will deliver a $50 million Visitor Economy Infrastructure and Innovation Loan Scheme of no-interest loans to assist operators to enhance the quality of our tourism experiences and incentivise new investment, including the North-East.

We will also dedicate $19 million for an Events Attraction and Support Fund to give long-term certainty to events, both new and existing.

We don’t support the Liberal party’s visitor tax because hard working tourism operators are facing increased competition and this will only put their prices up and turn them into tax collectors for the government.

Forestry – how will your policy help build jobs and economic investment in the North-East?

Labor has listened to the timber industry, working with them over the past few years to secure a sustainable future. As a priority, we will rewrite the Sustainable Timber Tasmania Ministerial Charter to reflect our Tasmania First Timber Policy. Labor will ensure that contracts are extended out to 2040 and include plantation saw logs, we will ensure our special species are managed independently and that a 25 per cent local benefits test applies to logging and haulage contracts.

Importantly, our policy will not create division and reignite the forest wars, which will only drive away major customers and put Tasmanian timber jobs and businesses at risk.

Fishing – can the North-East play a

role in your policy to rebuild flathead stocks with a breeding program to be based here?

The Liberals have all but decimated our sand flathead stocks, starting with Jeremy Rockliff in 2015 when he failed to adhere to scientific advice that the fish population was depleting.

A Labor Government will revive the fishery for all Tasmanians to enjoy for generations to come by providing the funding needed for the science we all rely on.

We recognise in good faith the role recreational fishers have and Labor will ensure strict controls are not in place a day longer than necessary.

Unlike the Liberals, Labor will listen to the science and invest $1.8 million so that the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, based in Southern Tasmania, can track the changes made by the flathead recovery program.

• Labor Leader Rebecca White and Bass Labor MHA Janie Finlay with Underwood’s Ian Norton promoting Labor’s $200,000 commitment to Reptile Rescue. Labor says the investment is now critical with call outs increasing significantly and tiger snake venom more toxic than ever before.

Playground planning

A PLAYGROUND audit of the 25 facilities across Dorset has recommended a rage of upgrades and improvements to better service the children and carers who frequent them, especially the region’s youngest.

A community survey saw 31 responses from members of the public with feedback around the need for more nature-based play including rocks and logs, water and sand play, more shade and seating and the need for more diverse play spaces.

The audit provided a range of recommendations across the short and long-term.

Over the next six-to-12 months, the main equipment elements at Scottsdale’s Children’s Reserve should be replaced, with the possible installation of additional play elements such as basketball court, natural play elements, seating and landscaping, the audit found.

The main equipment at Branxholm

Park should be replaced while Winnaleah Park would also be updated within the time frame.

Concept plans would be developed and more public consultation would occur before work starts.

The audit outlined possibilities for all parks, saying the Bridport Foreshore swing and slide, opposite the RSL, was in average condition and due for an upgrade.

For future equipment at the Lions Adventure Playground, options should focus on younger age groups and on including more accessible play options to cater for those with a disability.

The Main St playground near the tennis courts is coming up for renewal and the report suggests consolidating it into the Lions Adventure Playground.

Northeast Park had a lot of potential but lacked equipment for young children in the infant and toddler age range; Ethel

St would benefit from open ended play equipment so children could engage their imagination and creativity; options for teenagers at Spotswood Park would be beneficial, while the skate park and Rec Ground were due for a feasibility study to determine future direction.

The Ringarooma playground was deemed to be quite isolated from the main centre of town and there were limited options for teenagers and none for infants and toddlers, who were also unaccounted for at facilities in Pioneer, Legerwood or Gladstone.

Commissier Andrew Wardlaw said he was shocked by a lack of infrastructure for children aged 0-2 and the audit would “ sharpen our minds for what we can do to get a good cross section for the community” while General Manager John Marik said the audit would be a valuable document for future funding applications.

Busy Derby road to be re-sheeted

A ROAD that accesses the start of the popular Black Stump track on the Blue Derby network is set to receive a $100,000 upgrade to improve safety.

Dorset Council last night approved a variation to its budget to reallocate $100,000 of unexpended funds to the project on Cascade Dam Rd.

The money is available after other resheeting projects in the works program were completed under budget.

Infrastructure Director Michael Buckley said council had listened to extensive feedback from Derby residents, shuttle operators, visitors and the Blue Derby Foundation about the sub-standard condition of the unsealed section of the road.

Council did undertake extensive works to the road formation last year, introducing a 40 mm sub base but Mr Buckley said there was still

concern about its rough and uneven surface.

An additional 20 mm ‘wear’ layer will be added to meet suitable standards along the 3.2 km road - 800 metres on the Council’s maintained section with the remaining 2.4 km within the jurisdiction of Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

The road will be closed for a number of days to allow for work before the end of financial year.

New footpath from grant money

MONEY DESTINED to be spent on upgrades to the old Scottsdale Railway Station will instead be spent on a new sealed pathway between Coplestone and King Streets to avoid losing a government grant altogether.

Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw on Monday approved a reallocation of $100,000 in grant funding, received under Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which needed to be spent by June 30.

The Rotary Club of Scottsdale wasn’t

in a position to spend the money within the timeframe, so instead of losing it, council will redirect it to the new footpath.

The 750m sealed pathway, linking the station with the town’s footpath network, will cost $150,000 in total so the Commissioner approved a Budget variation to add another $50,000 to the project.

Commissioner Wardlaw added a motion that $100,000 would be set aside in the 2024/25 council budget to put back into

the railway building’s restoration.

“Deferring the station restoration project to 2024/25 financial year would support Rotary to significantly scope the project and identify, in collaboration with Council input, the preferred internal configuration of the building for future tourist information and associated uses,” Community and Development Director Rohan Willis said.

Council needs final approval from the State Government after the election to start works.

Bridport speed reduction in Main Street

• Changes are being made to the Bridport Main St/Henry St intersection.

CHANGES TO traffic flow at the intersection of Bridport’s Main St and Henry St will be implemented to deal with a growing number of traffic movements and increased pedestrian usage.

Infrastructure Director Michael Buckley said concerns were first raised in 2019, encouraging council to engage traffic engineer Midson Traffic to undertake a review of the intersection.

Council officers re-visited the issue in 2023 following more concerns being raised about the difficulty to cross the road at peak holiday times

As a result, the speed limit along the entire shopping precinct, from the roundabout near Bridport Hotel to the already existing School Zone limit, will be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h, with council to ask the Department of State Growth to approve the change.

Mr Buckley said further consultation and consideration for a pedestrian crossing treatment at Henry St is proposed, with design concepts for a “wombat crossing” to be prepared for public consultation.

It is hoped work will be completed in the first quarter of the next financial year.

Another issue of concern raised by a large number of residents and business owners, is the danger posed by those riding bicycles, skateboards and electric scooters along the footpath.

Council has installed improved signage, stickers and stencils to identify a dismount zone.

Mick’s Metallurgique a standout

VETERAN CAR Club of Australia made its way to the North-East on Day two of a Tassie tour.

Thirty cars and 50 people departed Launceston on Sunday, March 10 with overcast conditions making for a cooler and trouble free run to Tam O’Shanter Golf Club for morning tea before continuing on to Scottsdale for lunch at the RSL and Community Club.

Tour Directors Mike and Marion Cassidy said it was a great day.

“After lunch and some leisure time to look around Scottsdale, the Tour headed for

Launceston with a few of the older cars suffering from the high temperature on the climb up the Sideling before stopping at the rest area and a cool down, while entrants enjoyed refreshments supplied by the Scottsdale Lions Club then on the road again for the final leg in Launceston,” they said.

Targa’s Mick Peart enjoyed a successful day on the road – he was awarded the J. Paine and Son Memorial Trophy for the Best Amateur Restoration of his 1923 Metallurgique, which was making its first run after four years of restoration.

The Citroens are coming

A CITROEN cavalcade will visit the North-East this week, on March 21 and 22.

Cars will be on display from 8.30am until 10 on Friday at the car park next to the Bridport Tourism Information Centre. Breakfast from a food van will be available for purchase. This event has been organised with the support of the Bridport Lions Club.

Participant Julian Ridgers said the North-East visit was a rally prelude to the National Annual Cit-In, a gathering of Citroen cars and the people who drive them.

The event marks the 90th anniversary of the launch in 1934 of the Citroen Light 15.

“Up until 1934, Citroen had produced solid, reliable cars that were, to be polite, difficult to differentiate from other marques. But Citroen

owner, Andre Citroen, a former industrialist and supplier of armaments and war material during World War One wanted to produce a game changer,” Mr Ridgers said.

“And that car was the Light 15, so called because it used a monocoque (or chassis-less) body, front wheel drive, and a host of other technical features that have led automotive historians to name the Light 15 as the first modern car.

“When the Citroens come to the North East, they will include, a B12 model, from the mid-twenties, a number of DS models and Citroen 2CVs (a wartime recovery project, ultralight body, 2 cylinder economy car with one of its key design criteria being the ability to carry a basket of eggs across a ploughed paddock with no breakage!”

$19,000 for top bull

• Warren Johnston, Trevor Hall and Graeme Bligh at the Quaterway Autumn Sale last Friday.

AROUND 100 people flocked to the Hall’s Waterhouse Sale Complex at Lyndhurst for Quarterways Annual Autumn Bull Sale last Friday.

Out of the 61 bulls catalogued, six were withdrawn prior to the sale leaving them with a clearance of 48 out of 55 bulls overall.

Stud principal Trevor Hall said the sale went well considering the seasonal conditions the industry is currently facing.

“People are down with the season – we need a good rain to lift people’s spirits,” Hall said.

Scottsdale-based Tall Farming purchased lot 16 Quarterway Time Square for $19,000, making him the top-priced bull.

Hall said support was strong from return customers with

volume buyers from both Flinders and King Island.

“There were also a few new customers putting their bids in to get their hands on some Quarterway Angus bloodlines,” Hall said.

“This support provided good prices across the board for the team, for an average price of $8680.

“Days like these don’t go ahead without community support and on the forefront of this was Winnaleah District High School who kept buyers and spectators well-nourished with their coffee van.”

While the dust settles on the sale, focus will turn to the Quarterway Annual Spring Sale that will be held in mid-September.

Author meet and greet

SCOTTSDALE ART Gallery Cafe

will have author Sharon J Yaxley in the gallery on Saturday, March 23. Sharon is the author of many children’s book including the Dunstan and Theodore range, which includes a tale about friends, a dog and a bear, swimming in the sea at Bridport and have adventures including sailing on the Tamar, visiting City Park and sharing Christmas with the importance of friendship and caring for each other.

Her offering Nan’s Garden is inspired by a love of nature and providing a habitat for wildlife while her latest book ‘Tigey and the Teacup’ is inspired by her grandson who loves the night sky.

“It is a bedtime story of a night-time adventure with moon rainbows and auroras and plenty of scope to make connections for the reader’s own experience,” she said.

A meet and greet with book signings will take place between 11am and 2pm.

• Mick Peart, from Targa and his 1923 Metallurgique, with Pat and Terry Campbell from Launceston with their 1929 Hupmobile.

To

PUBLIC NOTICES

SCOTTSDALE INDOOR BIAS BOWLS

Roll-up at RSL Club, Wednesday March 20 at 4.15pm for all past and new bowlers wishing to play.

MISSING DOGS

BLACK Shepherd cross male and 14 week old border collie female, from Barnbougle Road, $500 reward, contact 0475 789 978.

GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY March 23, 34 Arthur Street, Scottsdale, clothing, household goods, DVDs, CDs, books and country dolls, 8.00am till 2.00pm.

FOR SALE

MORNING Kindling, available at Scottsdale Men’s Shed. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, 10.00am till 2.00pm, proceeds to Hospital Auxiliary.

SMALL high quality piano in light new condition, less than ten years old, well maintained and tuned regularly. Original piano stool included, will pay for first tuning in your home. New price for this piano in Melbourne is $6395, easy move out – only one step down, piano is located in Bridport $2250 – 0438 526 956.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Scottsdale R.S.L. Sub Branch Inc.

Annual General Meeting

Saturday 6th April, 11.00 am

Scottsdale R.S.L. Military Museum Everyone welcome.

Scottsdale Eight Ball Association

Annual General Meeting

To be held at Kendall’s Hotel March 25, at 7:00pm All Welcome.

PAPER KID WANTED

Seeking expressions of interest for a Bridport based paper kid starting after Easter.

The role will require a reliable and committed individual. Parent or Guardian assistance will be required at times. A perfect way to make extra pocket money. If you would like more information contact the office on 6352 2642 or email admin@ northeasternadvertiser. com

Roll-up at RSL Club, Wednesday March 27 at 4.15pm, for all past and new bowlers wishing to play.

Followed by AGM to elect 2024 Office Bearers.

Community Garden Working Bee

Saturday March 23 at 10.00am. Begin phase 2 of the project.

GARRY PENGELLY

Performing songs from the '50s, '60s and '70s by 'all the greats'. COUNTRY, COUNTRY ROCK, ROCK 'N' ROLL & MORE!

Saturday 23rd March 7.30pm - 11.00pm

Scottsdale RSL Club

George Street, Scottsdale

ADMISSION: $10

Meals available from 5.30pm

Bookings for meals essential. To book, please phone the RSL on 6352 2335

PUBLIC NOTICES

Marine

The

election commitment is to provide Bridport with a recreational Pier that can be used by the local community and visitors to the area.

Information on the potential sites will be available via the MAST and Dorset Council Facebook pages and MAST website from 21st March 2024. An invitation is also extended to the community to attend an information session. The public can visit at any time between 4pm-6pm on the day to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each identified site with members of the project team.

DATE: Thursday 28th March 2024 TIME: 4.00pm – 6.00pm

LOCATION: Bridport Hall

For those people who are unable to attend the drop-in session, an online survey will be accessible via a QR code or link on the MAST website from Thursday 28th March 2024.

•

•

Easter Family Fun Event

2023 - 2024 Irrigation Season

Closing Notice

Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd as the responsible water entity for the:

•Upper Ringarooma Irrigation District

•Scottsdale Irrigation District

hereby

Tasmanian

•Great

dorset COUNCIL

Briefing of Decisions made at the Council Meeting held on 18 March at the Branxholm Hall

• Endorsed the Dorset Playground Facility Audit Report recommendations for a community consultation period of 14 days.

• Approved the reallocation of grant funding of $100,000 received under Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, and a variation to the 2023/24 Budget Estimates of $50,000, for the construction of a recreation corridor pathway between Coplestone Street and King Street, Scottsdale, with a note that $100,000 will be included in Council’s 2024/25 Budget Estimates for the Scottsdale Railway Station Restoration project.

• Received and noted the Midson Traffic Reports on Main Street, Bridport from 2019 and 2024, agreed to engage with the Department of State Growth to reduce the speed limit along Main Street, Bridport from 50 km/h to 40 km/h, agreed to install improved signage along Main Street, Bridport to identify the dismount zone for bikes, scooters, etc., and agreed to prepare concepts for pedestrian crossing treatment, within the proximity of the Main / Henry Street, Bridport intersection, for future public consultation.

• Adopted the reviewed and revised Policy No. 44 – Social Media.

• Adopted the reviewed and revised Policy No. 4 – Sponsorship of Sporting and Cultural Representation.

• Approved a variation to the 2023/24 capital works road re-sheeting budget by reallocating $100,000 of unexpended funds to re-sheeting works on Cascade Dam Road, Derby.

• Adopted the Dorset Municipal Emergency Management Plan – Issue 9, February 2024.

• Authorised the General Manager to recover outstanding rate debt pursuant to Division 11 of the Local Government Act 1993, in the closed session portion of the meeting.

The recording of the Council Meeting can be downloaded from this link: https://bit.ly/3x10xuU

For further information on any of these items, please contact Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw (0408 766 019) or General Manager, Mr John Marik (03 6352 6500).

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES MANAGER

There is currently an exciting opportunity available for a full-time Development Services Manager to supervise regulatory services functions within Council.

In this role you will lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for land use planning, building and plumbing administration and environmental health. Your ability to positively influence outcomes by developing trusted and professional relationships with key stakeholders will be highly valued. Additionally, you'll enjoy benefits including:

• A base salary ranging from $120,000 to $135,000 p.a based on relevant skills and experience;

• Negotiable use of a Council vehicle, and

• Flexibility to work on a 9-day fortnight or 19-day month RDO structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing regulatory services including land use planning, building and plumbing and environmental health;

• Supporting delivery of Council’s strategic planning program;

• Leading, developing and motivating a high performing team in a change management environment; and

• Delivering service excellence across all facets of regulatory services with a high-level customer service approach.

Qualifications and Experience

• A proven track record in a successful leadership role within the field of development approvals, with the capability to perform at a management level;

• Proven experience in managing a multi-disciplinary team with the ability to coach and develop staff and foster a high morale and high performance culture;

• Strong knowledge of statutory approval processes and strategic planning, with experience managing and/or delivering a diverse range of projects;

• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities;

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders;

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences, and

• A passion for sustainability and a commitment to delivering outcomes that enhance the community and environment.

To be successful in this role you will have significant experience in managing similar function areas within either the private or public sectors. You will also have the skillset and drive to assist Dorset Council to deliver the initiatives contained in their strategic and annual plans.

For a position description or to apply, please visit dorset.tas.gov.au/employmentopportunities. Inquiries can be directed to people@dorset.tas.gov.au.

Applications close Sunday 7 April 2024.

JOHN MARIK, General Manager

Mixed fortunes for Magpies at St Helens

BY PETER FISH

Scottsdale’s mens and womens teams travelled to St Helens on Saturday for practice matches and came away with mixed results.

Both teams featured a number of younger players, and the men’s group included both reserves and underage players.

The women had a convincing win over an East Coast outfit that had many Under 17 girls playing. Magpies coach Mark Prior was happy with the form of his team which now has more than 30 girls registered.

Teenager Tori Hall appears to have made the transition from junior ranks, and the return of Hannah Viney will add some speed to the midfield.

Scottsdale’s lucky Div 1 bowls win

BY JAN FOSTER

DUE TO a Bowls North program happening all last week across the North of the State, we only played a short week again.

Scottsdale Div. 1 played at home against Deloraine and were very lucky to score an overall win on the day after going down two rinks to one.

But a great win for Craig Bennett’s team of Nerina Hansell, Gary Ashby and Helen Pola having a 27 to 13 win, dragged the other two teams up over the finish line with final shots of 58 to 56 – a bit close that one! Team 2 skipped by Rodney Murray, Peter Fogarty, Neville Lynch and Steve McMullan lost their game 12 to 20 and our other team of Mike Hansell, Arch Ranson, Trevor Jessup and John Dennis went down 19 to 23.

Div. 3 travelled to East Launceston and kept their finals alive with 62 shots to 51 win and giving them 10 point score for the day over the opposition.

Scottsdale’s team consisting of skip Graeme Walsh, Tony Giunta, Cindy Walsh and fill in David Ezzy (thank you) had a fabulous win 24 shots to eight.

Team 2 with players Kath Ginn, Pat Bennett, Kerry Hayes and skipped by Sam Knight had one to forget with a loss of 11 to 28.

Skip Merv Chicott, Kevin Coates, Ray Charlton and Tony Williams had a good win 27 to 15.

Overall Scottsdale is still hanging in there at third spot on the ladder and will be very unlucky to not be playing finals.

Bridee Mather was another to return to footy, and she made an immediate impact celebrating her mother’s birthday at the same time.

Former coach and two time best and fairest winner Mikayla Binns acted as runner due to an ankle injury, and when she returns to the playing arena, coach Prior will have a very competitive team at his disposal.

The men’s team was soundly beaten but coach Joel Hayes was not too concerned at the defeat. But he would be worried about the poor field kicking of a number of his senior group who wasted many opportunities with some careless disposal.

"We only had about nine of our senior team, and I was pleased with the efforts of

MOORINA GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

3 PERSON AMBROSE

Winners: S&C Krushka, T. Thompson 52 2/6.

R/Up: L&D Rattray, L. Mullins 60. Third: S&C Sculthorpe, R. Apted 61 4/6. Longest Putt 7/16: M. Scholfield. Longest Putt 9/18: R. Dodson.

NORTH-EAST VETS

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

A grade: G. Taylor 32, A. Loren 31, S. Pryer 30. A. Loren, Eagle on the 16th. B Grade: G. Blackwell 34, P. Beattie 31, D. Donnelly 30. C Grade: M Hope 35, J. Wardlaw 32, K. Bower 28. NTP 2/11: P. Watt. NTP 3/12: R. Nicholls. Longest Putt 7/16: J. Wardlaw. Longest Putt. 9/18: F. Wagner. Best 1st nine: R. Kerrison 16. Best 2nd nine: R. Nicholls 18.

BRIDPORT

GOLF CLUB

SUNDAY MARCH 17

MEN'S PENNANT

Bridport defeated Deloraine 4/3. Eddie Walker 2/1 d Rodney Simpson. Jason Lanham 5/4 d John Tieney. Kevin Russell lost to Mike Evans 2/1. Nick Hayes lost to Rhys Sharman 4/2. Damien Hyland lost to Col Eley 3/1. John LeFevre 6/5 d Billy Elmer. Graeme Williams 6/5 d Tom Bakes.

SATURDAY MARCH 16, 2024

Memories for Michael & Jeanette – in memory of Michael (Murdoch) Lethborg, specially organised by his mother Jeanette, who passed away on March 5. Men - Winners: Michael Reid, Mitchell Reid, Steve Ayres 57.67. R/Up: Peter Wilkinson, David Glover, Graeme Williams 58.84. Zac McDougall, Brayden Wilson, Damien Wardlaw 60.34. Philip Lethborg, Craig Carey, Kezra DeHaan 61.17. Nick Hayes, Cooper Hayes, Spencer Hayes 61.67. Mixed - Winners: Lindy Lockhart, Sharon Beattie, Andrew Beattie 56.84. R/ Up: Adrian Johnson, Fergus Stewart, Linda Noonan 59.34. Mandy Hall, Andy Kent, Mike Lambert 62.34. Mixed Team NTP 2/11: Adrian Johnson, Fergus Stewart, Linda Noonan. Men's Team NTP 8/17: Michael Reid, Mitchell Reid, Steve Ayres. Individual NTP, Men 1/10: Curt Nicholls. Women 6/15: June Atkinson. Friday Flappers: Graeme Williams 23.

a number of our younger boys,' Hayes said. Deagen Young,15, showed plenty of potential. He can find the ball and he’s a smart user of it. James Hayward was prominent after an injury riddled 2023 and his powerful left foot kicking was in stark contrast to a number of his team mates.

Coach Hayes got better as the game went on as did Julian Rattray who made a welcome return after spending some time at Old Launcestonians.

Saturday was the final hit-out for both teams. The men will start with an away game at Hillwood on April 6, while the girls will commence with a big gala day at Scottsdale on April 20.

The club will be conducting its season launch on Thursday night starting at

SPORTS RESULTS

RINGAROOMA GOLF CLUB

2 PERSON AMBROSE

NORTH-EAST V TASMANIAN INDEPENDENT WHOLESALERS/ RETAILERS

North-East 296.75. 1st: R Bennet/B Torrents, 58.25. 2nd: C Fennel/N Sutton, 58.75 c/b.

3rd: I Mountney/K Rowbottom, 58.75. 4th: S Burr/M Summers, 60.25. 5th: T Harper/R Bernes, 60.75. TIW/TIR 303. 1st: R & R Campbell, 59. 2nd: G Boxhall/J Apete, 59.25.

3rd: D Lanham/S Lanham, 60.75. 4th: D Von Stieglitz/A Boyd, 61. 5th: M & R Varga, 63. NTP 1/10: D Rowbottom (NE) & R Campbell (TIW). NTP 2/11 3rd shot: R Bennet (NE) & R Campbell (TIW). Straightest Drive 4/14: D Rowbottom (NE) & W Croome (TIW). Longest Drive 5/14 (0-12): R Berne (NE) & G Boxhall. Longest drive 5/14 (13-19): P Watt (NE) & P Cecil (TIW). NTP 6 & 15 2nd shot: R Berne (NE) & G Boxhall (TIW). NTP 7/16:

P Watt (NE) & J Apete (TIW). NTP 9/18: I Mountney(NE) & D Warren (TIW).

TAM O’SHANTER

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

K Holmyard, Preben, Paula & Kaleb Nielsen 96, T Sparkes, A Detez, M & S Perkins, 94, M Collins, R Dobbin, R & G Hatton 91, G Mancey, K Bower, S Clayton, M Barrenger, 86, R & B Chapman, J Boatwright, D Gibbons, 76, J Russell, I Gregory, S Cossins, K Fox, 76. NTP 2/11: S Cossins, 4/13 R Chapman, 6/15 K Nielsen. Longest Putt: G Mancey. Next Week - Tam O'Shanter Open

NORTH-EAST LADIES

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tam O’Shanter 206, Bridport 216, Moorina 217. A-Grade: Jan Boatwright, 72, Di Rattray, 74, Robyn Hatton 77. B-Grade Trish Nichols 67, Irma Gregory 68, Tracey Taylor 73. C-Grade: Toni Sparkes 67, Kate Gofton, 70, Tania Thompson and Katie Bower 71. Event to be held at Scottsdale Golf Club in 2025.

SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB

MIXED FOURSOMES CHAMPS RND 1

Nett Winners - Day’s Event, David Knight/ Kate Gofton 72nett c/b, Rob Kerrison/Lorissa Dobson c/b, Tony Collins/Julie Collins. Stableford Event Winner: Cameron Dobson, 38 points. R/Up: Barry Pickett, 37 points.

• Chloe Kelly kicking the ball forward for Scottsdale.

7.00pm when both senior coaches will be outlining their plans for season 2024.

NTP 5/14: Graeme Booth. Longest Putt: Tony Collins.

TUESDAY MARCH 12

STROKE - ROUND 3 SILVERSPOON, ROUND 3 INTERNATIONAL BOWL

Women’s Winner: Teresa Hall, 68 nett. R/Up: Kate Gofton, 70 nett. Longest Putt: Tracey Taylor. Putting: Kate Gofton, 31 c/b Tracey Taylor. Men’s Winner: David Knight 73 nett c/b. R/Up: Greg Blackwell, 73 nett. Longest putt: John Wood. Putting: Greg Blackwell 27 putts. Gobbler - Darrell Wells.

NORTH

EAST LADIES DARTS ASSOCIATION

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

Devils def Warriors 5/4. Highest scores: B. Jones 140, D. Rattray 125. Imps def Rebels 9/0. Highest score K. Laid 115.

• Jamie McDougall, Andrew Beattie, Sharon Beattie, Lindy Lockhart, Susie McDougall at the Memories for Michael and Jeanette Golf Day at Bridport.

• Trish Nichol, Jan Boatwright and Toni Sparkes at the North-East Ladies Championship at Tam O'Shanter.

NEBU grand finals decided

THE NORTH East Basketball Union held its grand finals last Friday with the Scottsdale Stadium packed out with some on lookers having to watch from out the door.

NEBU President Ebony Lette said it was a fitting finale for a great summer season.

“The games were really good to watch, all with close scores except the A-grade men,” Lette said.

“The underdogs Port Power provided an upset win over the Kings who were favourites to win.

“Another notable mention goes to the Swifty Chicks in the A-grade women who came from fourth place on the ladder, winning all their finals and defeating the Fire Stars by 3 points to claim the trophy.”

North East Basketball Union

Senior Summer Grand Final

RESULTS - Senior Men: A Grade

- Port Power 51 defeated Kings 40. B Grade - Timber Kings 33 defeated Big Ballers 28. Senior Women:

A Grade - Swifty Chicks 29 defeated Fire Stars 26. B Grade - Rim Rattlers 33 defeated Panthers 30. Best & Fairest Results: A Grade Men: Winner - Liam Arnold. Runner Up - Brad Tuffin. B Grade Men: Winner – Lachie Bowerman. Runner Up - Blake Hall. A Grade Women: Winner – Makayla Binns. Runner Up – Tessa Coote. B Grade Women: Winner – Abbey Chorley. Runner Up – Makenzie Heazelwood.

A Grade

• B Grade Women, Best and Fairest winner Abbey Chorley, runner up Makenzie Heazlewood and best in finals winner Emma Broadhurst.

Scottsdale swimmers win cup medals

A SMALL team of 14 swimmers travelled to Burnie to attend the Tasmanian Country Championships Swimming Carnival on Saturday, March 16.

Under the guidance of Coach Jane Kilburn, the team took on the challenge of racing in a 50m pool.

“It was a pleasure to support the swimmers as they supported each other, for many stepping outside of their comfort zones to compete in a 50m pool and

against other clubs for the first time,” Mrs Kilburn said.

“Congratulations to all who competed at the Country Cup, including those who bought home medals.”

Scottsdale Aquatic’s 1314 year old freestyle team, made up of Meredith Dillon, Amarli Taylor, Wesley Styles and Ned Dillon, brought home bronze medals while the club’s individual medal winners for the day were Will Moore and Amarli Taylor.

• Amarli Taylor with her medals.

• The Scottsdale contingent that competed in Burnie.

•

Women Best and Fairest runner up Tessa Coote and Best and Fairest winner Mikayla Binns.

• B Grade Men Best and Fairest Lachie Bowerman, who was also the best player in the finals.

• A Grade women Premiership team the Swifty Chicks (back) Lucy Partridge, Tessa Walters, Sarah Forsyth, Brittney Walker, Halle Walters, (front) Charlee Hodgetts, Gabby Partridge and Kresta Davis.

• B Grade Women Premiership team the Rim Rattlers (back) Courtney Irwin, Emma Broadhurst, Hannah Viney, Erin Martello, (front) Maddy Dunn, Brittney Woolley and Maddie McKimmie

• A Grade Men Premiership team Port Power (back) Lekas Mountney, Jesse Farrell, Andy Abernathy, Rohan Hadley, (front) Tom McWatters Brad Butler, Phil Stone, and Brad Tufin.

History created as Devils launch in style

THE EAST Coast Swans was one of the official launch sites of the Tasmania Devils on Monday night, with more than 75,000 Tasmanians joining the Devil army as Foundation Members in less than 24 hours.

Swans President Steve Walley said it was an amazing experience for the dozens of people who joined in the official launch at the club.

“We were delighted to be part of this really significant step towards our Tassie

Devils team taking up its position in our national competition,” he said.

“The excitement and belief is building.”

Bridport Football Club held an event to livestream the announcement of the club’s colours, name and inaugural jumper.

President Steve McKillop said it was great to have a large group of locals in support of the team and what it could do for local footballers.

Former Essendon player Robert Shaw

stayed with mate and Scottsdale Football Club legend Greg Lethborg before travelling to St Helens to take part in the official event.

“It would have been great to have Greg as a teammate all those decades ago but, as young blokes … we could only dream of having our own team with our own colours… on the national stage,” Shaw said.

Tasmania Football Club Chair Grant O’Brien said football was a community

connector and that couldn’t have been truer across Tasmania during the launch.

“Today is a special day, one we have waited a long time for - and one we will remember for a long time.

“Your club has been blown away by the community support shown at Monday night’s launch events.

“Footy is part of the fabric of what it means to be Tasmanian. We are the Tasmania Devils... or in palawa kani ‘purinina’.”

NEBU grand finals decided

The North East Basketball Union grand finals were decided last Friday, with a large crowd in attendance at the Scottsdale Basketball Stadium. Pictured, B Grade Men Premiership team, the Timber Kings (back) Joe Fish, Nick Creswell, Daniel Wiggins, Zac Taylor, Justin Wood, (front) Brett Bowerman, Lachie Bowerman, Maverick Wood and Deegan Young.

T SEE PAGE 11 FOR RESULTS AND PICS.

• Jaxon Harrison, Byron Woods and Chloe Martin and Jade Nichols at the St Helens launch.