A place to call home Remembering Rattray
Equalisation inquiry bypasses Flinders
BY RACHEL WILLIAMS
REPRESENTATIVES FROM the Federal Government’s Freight Equalisation Scheme Senate Inquiry won’t visit Flinders Island in person, disappointing those giving evidence.
Business and civic leaders will now need to express their concerns about a perceived inequality of the scheme via a phone hookup to Canberra.
Mayor Rachel Summers said it was
disappointing, given the Committee visited King Island in person on Monday.
“It would be good to actually have them on the island because as much as we can explain what it is like, until you witness it first-hand I don’t think people really get it,” Cr Summers said.
“It seems there has been some miscommunication as we were led to believe they would be coming here but the Minister actually meant someone from Centrelink (which manages the system)
would be coming but they didn’t turn up anyway.
“I know it is hard to get everyone’s schedules to align but it would be good to get them here.”
Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell instigated the inquiry and was appointed its chair.
She said the committee has a short reporting period with a deadline of November 26 and “committee member availability, transport logistics and
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submissions were also taken into account”
“We discussed this with the Flinders Island mayor and GM and they agreed to host Flinders Island witnesses at the council chambers so community members could be seen and heard via video link during the inquiry. This is expected to happen during the Canberra hearing in the second half of November.
Senator Tyrrell said it was clear after visiting King Island that “the equalisation T CONTINUES ON PAGE 4.
• Mila Lorencz and Scott Gordon at their new Scottsdale business Mulberry Lane. T READ MORE IN OUR FRESH FACES COLUMN ON PAGE 7.
WE SERVE
10 Years Ago – October 15, 2014
Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme to launch water sales
Water sales for the $46 million Scottsdale Irrigation Scheme commenced on 29 October, 2014. The water sale period provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase irrigation water that promises 95 per cent reliability on supply. Tasmanian Irrigation had to secure $12 million in private investment capital from irrigators through the purchase of water entitlements to meet the requirements of the scheme's approved business case. Water sales would determine the scheme's capacity, which is approximately 8,600ML. Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Chris Oldfield said that schemes are re-designed to satisfy demand. "There may not be another opportunity to secure this water," he said. "If the water is not sold, capacity may not be built into this area."
20 Years Ago – October 13, 2004
Tasmania’s Top Student Writer
Sixteen-year-old Jennifer Pickett was adjudged the best young short story writer in Tasmania. A Grade 10 student at Scottsdale High School, Jennifer participated in the Australian schools writing competition and her piece was assessed as the best entry by a Tasmanian student. Jennifer was no stranger to winning writing awards. She was a finalist in the Neslay writing competition when in primary school and finished second in another competition when she was in Grade 7. “I like writing and it’s a great way to get across my opinions,” she said. The competition required participants to write (in a period of one hour) a newspaper article about an adventurer who survived after being lost in the mountains.
30 Years Ago – October 13, 1994 Derby prepares for annual invasion
The township of Derby was gearing itself up to prepare for the thousands of people who would flock there on Saturday October 22, 2024 for the annual Derby River Derby. Conventional rafts as well as craft constructed with more emphasis on creative imagination than buoyancy, crewed by both competitive teams and those entering merely for the fun of it , will tackle the river in a variety of races. The lack of recent rainfall would suggest that the pace will be comparatively slow, but exposed rocks and the occasional rapids will no doubt provide the usual spills and thrills.
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
Wayne Robert Rattray
22.11.1937 - 1.10.2024
A TAS Racing Hall of Fame legend and revered footballer, Wayne Rattray is being remembered for his sporting passion and achievements.
Wayne was born at Ringarooma on November 22, 1937, to Ted and Jean Rattray (both dec). He was the second of five children and their only son.
In his early years he displayed a dislike of schooling and had to be kept in school by having his sister Jill (Thompson) beside him.
Eventually he settled and found his passion for sport with success in running, cricket, tennis and football.
Specialising as a forward, he made the Tasmanian under 15 school boys’ side and went to Western Australia to compete where he played alongside Darrel Baldock and Tassie Johnson.
After leaving school he played footy with Ringarooma’s senior team before playing three seasons with Scottsdale and then a season with Penguin in 1962.
By 1963 Wayne started coaching.
He helped break a 20-year premiership drought with Winnaleah when they won the NEFU grand final in 1965.
He was recruited home to Ringarooma in 1967, claiming the flag in 1968, and going back-to- back with an undefeated season in 1969.
That year provided one of Wayne’s greatest footy memories.
Gowrie Park had also gone through their North West Football Union season undefeated but lost their grand final after a head count found they had too many men on the ground.
Gowrie Park’s coach Barry Gossage appeared on Ray James’ sports show saying his team had been robbed and challenged any country football team to a game to prove they were the best country team in Tasmania with a $2000 bet attached.
Wayne took on the game but not the bet and they squared off three weeks later at York Park as a warm-up game to a Hawthorn-Launceston exhibition clash.
Headlines in the paper on Monday morning read ‘10,000 turn out to see the Hawks but country cousins steal the limelight as Ringarooma won the game and the fights in what was deemed a bloodbath’.
During his career, Wayne had been a busy father and farmer.
He had met his wife, Scottsdale’s Gabrielle (Gaye) McKerrow, at a combined football match at the Scottsdale Football Club, when she was 15 and he was 16.
They married when they were 19 and 20 respectively in 1958 and they welcomed Robert the same year. Neville was born 1959, Barrie was born 1961 and Kent rounded a family of four sons in 1962.
Kent recalls time spent on their dairy farm Karalta, at Cuckoo, with his father, who he described as a good dad, who supported his children in their pursuits with some solid discipline to boot.
“He encouraged sport with everything we did. When you finished milking cows at the end of the day there was always a cricket pitch mowed or a footy to be kicked before tea,” he said.
The family spent two years in Longford where they bought the local take-away shop and Wayne coached at Cressy Football Club, before they returned to Cuckoo.
He bought his first racehorse in 1973 called First Credit which he allowed his father-in-law Bil McKerrow to train.
After a short time, and despite never having previously put a harness on a racehorse, decided he’d have a go.
It was the start of a training career that saw him become a top Tasmanian trainer and win every feature race on the Tasmanian calendar.
His most successful horse, Karalta Gift, won two heats of the Interdominion and ran fourth in 1986 and fifth in 1988.
Wayne was introduced into the Tasmanian Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2014 becoming the third Rattray to earn the honour after his grandson Gareth and son Barrie. His beloved Karalta Gift is also a member.
Wayne died on Tuesday, October 1 at the age of 86, after being cared for by his loving wife Gaye for the last two years as he battled illness.
NORTH EASTERN EVENTS
CALENDAR 2024
October 18
• Flinders Island Show Whitemark
October 19
• Plant Fest, Springfield Friends of St Paul’s Church
October 20
• Big Day Out Lilydale Recreation Ground, 10:00am – 2:00pm
October 25
• 60 Years of Seniors in Scottsdale Northbourne Hall, 1:00pm
October 26
• Ruby’s Marathon for Suicide Prevention Scottsdale Rec Ground, 8:30am
• Spud Fest Launch Bo & Barn, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
October 27
• Scottsdale Choir
Annual Concert Mechanics Hall from 2:30pm
November 2
• Gladstone Hotel Rodeo GladstoneNovember 9
• Ringarooma School & District Show Ringarooma
November 15/16
• Scottsdale Show Scottsdale Rec Ground
November 29
• Scottsdale Senior Social Club, Xmas Northbourne Hall, for 11:00am
December 6
• Christmas Market Scottsdale Mechanics Hall
December 7
• Mannalargenna Day Festival
– 10th Anniversary Tebrakunna Country, Cape Portland
December 8
• Rotary Dorset Christmas Celebration, Scottsdale Rec Ground, 11:00pm – 2:00pm
December 15
• Lions Club of Bridport Carols by the Sea Bridport Village Green, from 5:00pm
• Christmas Market Mathinna School, Mathinna
• Wayne Rattray, pictured here with Sylvania Lad, was a Tasmanian Racing Hall of Fame member.
• Wayne Rattray.
Prost to Scottstoberfest
AROUND 150 people attended the first Scottstoberfest event held since 2017 at Little Rivers in Scottsdale on Saturday.
Steins were filled to the brim as people, some of whom took the plunge to dress up in their best German-inspired garb,
enjoyed a sunny spring afternoon listening to Tori Rattray and Jason Taylor.
Brewer Billy Farrell was in his element with his games hosting while traditional German-inspired fare was enjoyed.
“A lot of time and effort goes into running these events and Jess Whelan
our venue manager should be commended for the work she put into it, “ Mrs Carins said.
“Thanks to our community and regular patrons for supporting our events, hopefully we will have a repeat event in 2025.”
Road Survey for Dorset roads
DORSET COUNCIL is undertaking an electronic survey of its road assets.
From October 11, roads conditions will be assessed as council plans its priority works programs.
Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw said the project would give Council a true picture of the condition of its road network so it
knows where, when, and how often roads need to be maintained. It would also be used to complete asset valuations.
“It takes the guesswork out of Council’s future works programs and ensures we get the best value for money from our ongoing investment in the maintenance in local transport assets,” he said.
Tomahawk burn
THE PARKS and Wildlife Service will be conducting a fuel reduction burn on Crown Land from today, Wednesday October 16, at Tomahawk, as part of the state-wide Fuel Reduction Program Weather permitting, the total area of the burn will be approximately 21ha and is likely to take twothree days to complete.
The activity is aimed at reducing the area’s bushfire risk.
PWS said smoke may persist some days afterward depending on wind conditions.
During burning operations public access to this area will be restricted. The public is asked to remain well out of the burn site while the burn is taking place and for the following days until safety checks have been made along tracks and trails.
“Our aim is to continue delivering safe and accessible roads for our community.” Council has engaged engineering firm SHEPHERD to undertake the survey using their own Road Asset Condition Assessment System, which is camera technology mounted on a vehicle. It will assess both sealed and unsealed roads, capturing high-definition images every 10 metres, GPS, and roughness data to electronically produce a condition rating of the pavement. As the RACAS Survey vehicle travels at the same speed as normal traffic, no disruptions are anticipated to residents and motorists, Commissioner Wardlaw said.
Perfect Pianist
SCOTTSDALE’S ANGELINA Hookway received a 100 A+ and high distinction in a recent Theory of Music exam she completed.
The grade five Scottsdale Primary School student grew a passion for music from an early age and decided to extend this by returning to learn from a qualified teacher.
Across the last six months she has been a dedicated student of local music teacher Corine King, learning piano, studying the theory of music and the art of singing.
Angelina hopes to one day share her love of music and become a music teacher herself.
• Angelina Hookway has just received a high distinction in her Theory of Music exam.
• Best Dressed winners Ebonie Powe and James Conroy.
• Camillus and Glen Chidley, Jodie Rattray, Wendy and Ron Walker.
• Emily Summers and Amelia Ranson.
Indoor George Town pool looms
A NEW indoor swimming facility for George Town is expected to be operational by October, 2026, after tenders were called for the preliminary construction stage.
George Town Mayor Greg Kieser said the new George Town Aquatic, Health and Wellbeing Centre would replace the existing outdoor swimming pool.
“With $15 million in funding from the Federal Government and a further $2.5 million in funding from the State Government secured, we are now getting
on with the job of delivering this new facility,” he said.
“This centre will not only provide our community with all the benefits of year-round swimming access with a five-lane 25m pool and a warm water program pool, but also a gymnasium, fitness rooms and café facilities.
“Importantly, the new centre will also provide infrastructure for allied health services to help assist people with exercise and therapy.
The centre will replace the
current swimming pool which has served the community for more than 40 years.
Council plans to add outdoor facilities to the centre in a future stage of development.
“We are already in discussions about how that might be funded, recognising that many people in our community do enjoy access to safe outdoor recreation areas in the warmer months,” Cr Kieser said.
“While our initial plan incorporated an outdoor facility, increased costs of construction,
particularly for major projects, since funding was first sought has meant this will be done as a future priority.”
Cr. Kieser said the tender was for the project’s early construction involvement and would seek to have a construction firm become involved in the final design stages.
“The project team is planning on submitting a development application in late November or early December, and designs will be publicly released at that point, as per normal planning processes,” he said.
Equalisation inquiry bypasses Flinders
scheme equalises nothing” with the price of a litre of milk used as an example.
T CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1. to ship over a crane big enough to lift them off so the cost of the freight alone would allow us to build one more unit which would be really useful for our community.”
Cr Summers agreed food was more expensive on the island – with milk costing $3.64 on Flinders compared $2.80 in Scottsdale.
She said building material prices were a big issue for her island.
“We have an acute need for housing on the island so the Council is planning to bring in pre-fabricated two-bedroom homes and we know it is $50,000 per boat load to get three across each time and we are looking at six-10 units plus we need
Cr Summers said petrol was also nearly a dollar a litre more expensive due to increased freight costs.
In a written submission Flinders Island Business Chair Magdalena SteffensBartrim said the original objective to equalise the “cost of transporting goods between Tasmania and the mainland to be approximately the same as moving goods by land across the same
distance on the mainland” was not fulfilled equally.
She said businesses operating within the Furneaux Group were less competitive than their Tasmanian and mainland counterparts, resulting in difficulty in attracting employees and investment.
She said it created significant concerns within the Flinders Island farming community which is responsible for approximately 20 per cent of Tasmanian cattle industry.
Meanwhile Sally Walker from IGA X-press Flinders Island (Walker’s) explained how challenging the process was
to apply for a rebate is for a small business.
“I attempted the paper work for our small business for about four months in the hope I might be able to reduce the price of our fresh milk,” she said.
“It took me a couple of hours a week to copy and collate invoices with consignment notes and fill the required form out and send off. No doubt the receiver at Services Australia had just as much work at the other end.
“The amount of money I received would never cover the cost of the time invested in the process.”
Flamboyant trivia night
THE DORSET Suicide Prevention Network invited the Mistress of Mayhem from Trivia People Tasmania to host its annual Trivia Night held as part of Mental Health Week.
DSPN Chair Cheryl McCartie said eight teams participated with electronic buzzers at the ready as general questions, music, dog races and ‘Who am I?’ reveals made for a very interactive night.
Ms McCartie said there were some serious considerations of answers, a lot of laughs, some quirky prizes and a fantastic supper over which some new connections were made amongst the 70 attendees.
With extra points in picking the winner of the Dog races The Flamboyant Flamingos came out on top.
“The Trivia Night committee may have to review the Wooden Spoon prize with the Matty C’s enthusiasm in taking this title almost surpassing those of the other winners.
“Bec Smith from Better Health 4 Dorset shared information about the Hub and services now available there and Gayle Carroll spoke about the role Standby has in supporting those impacted by suicide and how to reach out.
“Take home resources were also available including the DSPN Community & Health Services Directory and Magnet and information
on other suicide prevention training and events coming up.
“Mental Health Week in Dorset is a chance for different groups to bring people together for some fun and time out whilst providing the opportunity to reiterate how important it is to keep raising the awareness of mental health wellbeing.
The theme of ‘Appreciate the Little Things’ is as much about self-care as it is in supporting others as often the little things can mean the most in someone’s day.”
For more information on DSPN activities and upcoming training contact Cheryl on 0467 532 401.
• The Flamboyant Flamingoes team of Khyle and Colleen Stewart, John and Jenni Cresswell, Steve, Shelley and Josh van Eldik and Sam and Belinda Fletcher.
• Shanneen Bagala with Cheryl McCartie, Gayle Carroll and Rebecca Smith at the DSPN Trivia Night.
Winnaleah keeps kicking goals
CLOSE TO 200 people enjoyed Saturday’s spring sunshine as Winnaleah came to life in celebration of its illustrious history on the footy field.
While grass clippings on the oval could have been baled for hay and some of the participants have seen better days, it was all smiles as the Magpies of young and old took to the field for a fun reunion day.
Organiser Mark Kerr said it was a fantastic turn out to celebrate NEFU victories in 2004 and 1974.
Around 15 children played in a warm-up match before things got really serious, as Kerr’s side ran out in the traditional black and white strip.
They came up against the might of Andrew Barron’s team sporting an orange ‘away strip’, which was traditionally worn by Winnaleah when they played St Helens.
“The orange jumpers won by a goal, but I think there might have been some cheating going on,” Kerr said.
The day is set to remain on the town’s social calendar, with Saturday October 11, 2025, locked in.
“Next year will be big as we will remember the 1945 premiership but obviously no one will be there from that, but we hope to have people from the 1965, 1985 and 2005 senior victories, as well as the 1975 reserves premiership and the under 16’s 2015 flag,” Kerr said.
“We are going to put a lot of effort into getting people back for the day especially with those under 16s who will be still fit enough to play well.”
Dreams of a permanent return to the football stage for the small country town remain just that.
“The club remains financial but I just don’t think we would have the people behind the scenes to make it work,”
Kerr said. “A lot of the kids who played with us in that under 16 premiership have all found new homes at different clubs, so I think
the horse has bolted unfortunately.
“It’s a shame because one of the little kids playing on Saturday said to me his dad used to play for the club and he
dreams that when he is older the club will be running again. You never know I suppose.”
More action: Pages 10 and 12.
Show entertainment locked-in
IN JUST over five weeks, the Scottsdale Recreation Ground will be a hive of activity with the North Eastern Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s 119th Scottsdale Show to be held on November 15 and 16.
Since wrapping up last year’s event the committee have been hard at work organising the entertainment for another action-packed show.
Children’s favourites Bluey and Bingo couldn’t get enough North-East love, so they will be back again to mingle with patrons.
Joining them will be an internationally-acclaimed interactive circus performance act from Mr Shaggle’s Circus World.
If clowning around isn’t for you and you’d prefer to discover and learn, you
best make sure you see the Serpentarium Wildlife Park at this year’s show. Activities for the adults haven’t been forgotten, with live Friday night entertainment Whiskey And Her Men - Tassie’s newest country party band, with all your favourite party tunes!
• Lucy and Ellie Bonar with Bingo and Bluey who will be back at this years Scottsdale show.
• Gavin Steel (front), with Lachie Stone from Nunamara, Deacon Stone from Waverley and Dy-Wayne Stone of Nunamara.
• Peter Artis and Dig Probert at the BBQ.
• Ruby and Chris Mountney from Winnaleah with Rob, Grace and John Coates from Smithton.
• Shaykira Bourke from Longford, with Connar Wagner, from Winaleah, Tyler Ritson from Ringarooma, Michael Steel from Winnaleah and Lincoln Champion from Ringarooma.
Water for the future
TASMANIA’S WATER and sewerage future will be considered over the coming months as the Water Future Community Advisory Panel examines feedback from 8000 community interactions.
The panel, which includes Scottsdale’s Natasha Quenby, will meet over five days during the next two months to consider feedback provided by the community throughout 2024, before making recommendations to TasWater for its next Price and Service plan.
TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Callan Paske said it was clear Tasmanians were passionate about ensuring the State’s water infrastructure was resilient and capable of adapting to future challenges.
“Many voiced their desire for greater investment in improving service reliability and water security into the
future, while also emphasising the importance of keeping costs manageable for households and businesses,” he said.
“While affordability is top-of-mind for our community, about three-quarters (74%) of respondents to our Bill Simulator said they were willing to pay more for better services.”
Mrs Quenby said she was one of 45 people on the panel and the only person from the North-East.
“I always want our area to be represented as we obviously had challenges at Pioneer and at Bridport, so it is important for the regional voice to come through,” she said.
She said smart meters and better accountability with meter reading a well as the possibility of a better hardship program to address the costof-living crisis were matters that would affect the North-East.
Scottsdale Bowls Club Garden Walk
BY JAN FOSTER
A SPECIAL thanks to everyone who attended the Garden Walk on Tuesday, October 8.
What a fantastic day we had, the weather was specially picked for us with the sun out, the wind gentle and every one in a happy and eager mood ready to enjoy the day.
Gardens were all amazing and a big thanks everyone who opened their passion to the masses of walkers who attended the day.
Big thank you to Janice and Merv Chilcott, Jan Foster, Di Jensen, Jenny Quinlan, Kylie RattrayCassidy and Lyn and Gray Auton who all worked very hard to make sure their gardens were looking their best.
The day started at 9.30 with a beautiful morning tea, great raffles and heaps of plants for sale outside the R.S.L. Club.
With over 100 walkers coming on the day the kitchen staff were almost overwhelmed with numbers but managed to get morning tea, lunch and
afternoon tea on time and delicious.
A very special thank you to Robin Gerke who most kindly shuttled the walkers from one garden to the next like a well-oiled machine, our bush poet Gray Auton had every one laughing with his rhyming words and Aileen Gough who entertained us through our lunch.
Pennant is about to start this Saturday so good luck to all those who have put their names down for the 24/25 bowls season.
Bringing the music home
SCOTTSDALE CHOIR will perform its first concert since 2018 on October 27.
The concert, aptly named Music from the Heart, will showcase meaningful songs practised by the choir over the last two years since coming back together following the pandemic.
A song entitled “Bring the music back home” was written during the pandemic and will be the opening number of the concert.
Choir spokesperson Graeme Bissett said several new people had joined the choir.
“They have realised the value of music and singing during the time when we were all limited in doing the things that were special to us,” he said.
“Heart felt songs have been chosen, practised, and are now ready to be performed.”
Numbers by John Lennon and
Seniors Week message
THE PUBLIC Trustee is urging Tasmanians to secure their legacy during Seniors Week, from October 14-19.
CEO Todd Kennedy said in a world often focused on material wealth, it’s the memories that matter.
“By sharing stories with loved ones, you ensure they treasure the emotional significance of your belongings—not just their material value,” Mr Kennedy said.
He’s urging proactive steps to secure your financial, legal, and healthcare wishes for the future.
“Estate planning may seem overwhelming, but taking action now will save your loved ones from unnecessary emotional and financial stress in the future,” he said.
“Preparing a Will and other estate documents today allows your loved ones to focus on cherishing memories, rather than worrying about managing possessions or settling disputes.”
An estate plan typically includes an Enduring Power of Attorney for financial decisions, an Enduring Guardianship for medical or personal decisions, an Advance Care Directive detailing your healthcare preferences and a Will to guide the distribution of your estate.
Without these preparations, the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) may have to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf.
St
Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and George Gershwin will be included along with a new repertoire boasting songs sung in unison up to a four-part harmony.
The concert will be held at the Mechanics’ Institute Hall at 2.30pm Sunday October 27 with home-made afternoon tea will follow.
Cost is $15.00 per adult with children free.
Marys pipeline plan
WORK ON a detailed business case is under way for TasWater to build a pipeline to pump water from Fingal to St Marys.
TasWater made a commitment to improve the water supply in St Marys by January 2027.
The town relies on a bore as the source for its drinking water and while the water is safe to drink and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, there have been ongoing issues with the taste due to the water’s mineral content.
St Marys is the only area in Tasmania that gets ‘hard’ water, as a result of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water – with these minerals contributing to the unusual taste.
St Helens pool potential
BREAK O’DAY Council is conducting a feasibility study to assess the possibility of constructing an aquatic facility in the area.
Community sessions for residents to share ideas and input have been organised for Tuesday, October 29 from 9am-10.30am at Portland Hall, St Helens, and from 5pm6.30pm, at Main Hall, St Marys.
A third session will be run on Wednesday, October 30 from 12.30-2pm at the Scamander Sports Complex.
of Jarrahdale Woodheaters ONLY. Wildcat Flue Kits and Flue components.
Also available from: Gazzmans St Helens and ETMS Bell Bay.
• Scottsdale’s Natasha Quenby has been selected as part of TasWater’s community panel.
Lorencz lands at her forever home
fresh faces
NEW TO THE NORTH-EAST
AS A flight attendant regularly flying into Launceston and Hobart, Mila Lorencz knew there was something special about Tasmania, attracting her to the State.
“It was somewhere I used to dream about living and it took me about nine years to convince Scott to take the leap,” Mila laughs.
Mila succeeded in that mission two years ago, when her and her husband Scott Gordon, purchased a property in Scottsdale.
They relocated here 18 months ago and are settling into the place they plan to call their forever home.
“We certainly feel relaxed here and people are so down to earth,” Mila says.
“We wanted to get away from the rat race, the world is changing, evolving and Tasmania has certainly provided us with a more relaxed lifestyle.”
She’s comparing her new life to that of her home state of Victoria, where she grew up as the youngest of four sisters to European parents growing up in Gisborne, in the Macedon Ranges, about an hour from Melbourne.
Scott worked as a commercial refrigeration mechanic in his family’s business, while she worked four days a week as a flight attendant for Virgin then Qantas flying mainly domestically.
Mila had previously ran a successful renovation and interior design business, for which they would buy and renovate properties before she would style
them for sale.
“I had a really intense business there, I had 20 staff and at times, we had four renovations on at a time as well as flying four days a week. It was frantic, but really rewarding.”
They purchased a farmhouse on 3.5 acres on Listers Rd, named Mulberry.
“We hadn’t done too much research on the area. I just wanted some chickens, a vegetable garden and a place to set up home,” Mila says.
“In the first few weeks we got here we planted all the trees in the driveway and we are starting to create a big English garden.
“We are creating a little horse property for boutique horse agistment. We have the arena dugout and the equine fencing in and have got the barn and stables going in next.”
Having ridden since she was 10, she’s looking forward to competing at Scottsdale Show in the equine Hack classes with a new horse soon to arrive in the State.
Scott has taken a job at Bridport Electrical and Mila took a year off to contemplate her next career move.
“I love dealing with people, I love getting to know people, I like being creative. We always discussed having a café as I love to cook coming from a large European family,” she says.
“When I started looking around at buildings and exploring, I found this shop and I thought that it had so much potential.”
The vision of Mulberry Lane came to life – the name paying homage to their new property.
“I just wanted to combine the interior
design, the customer service and really good food and coffee as well as the Van Diemen’s Land ice-cream and ready-to-go meals,” she said.
“The long-term goal is in five years, this business will be based at ‘Mulberry’ our property surrounded by beautiful gardens and we will do beautiful high teas and booked lunches and private events, " she said.
The business incorporates her passion for interiors and fashion, with both elements for sale within the café.
There are also grand plans for Mulberry
Accommodation in the future too, such is her desire to remain grounded here.
“It’s nice to be somewhere where there is a close beach and space, when people come to visit they feel like they are on holiday.
“You get to a stage in life when it's time to start planning your retirement and Tasmania was something we wanted to do. We dream of getting a sailboat one day and exploring more of this beautiful state
“Moving here has given us so much opportunity and it's only a quick flight over for our friends and family to visit.”
Celebrating sixty years of seniors
SCOTTSDALE SENIOR Citizens Club is set to next week celebrate 60 years of fun and friendship in the community.
Member Pat Young said it would be special to remember the original members of the group, who she described as pioneering.
“They were a fiery lot. They started it off without a lot of numbers and it was one Friday every two months and it got that popular they decided to do it every month on a Friday and it has been going ever since,” she said.
“It was about bringing people together to see what the community needed.
“If they hadn’t seen someone for a little while they had one person who would ring to make sure they were okay and make sure they had food and would take food parcels and pick them up and take them to the doctors.
“They were the pioneers for Meals on Wheels in Scottsdale.
“They even got the first lot of Housing Department units for single seniors to live in independently here in Scottsdale – they were really pioneering.”
Over the years the group has held gatherings in different venues including CWA Hall and Council Chambers and now meet at Northbourne Hall.
With around 55 members originally, the group now consists of 26 members.
Last year it was renamed the Scottsdale Senior Social Club to encourage more people to attend, with a reduction in the “official” age of being a senior from 60 to 55.
“We need new members and we are actually not discrimatory about age. Perhaps some people are hesitant to come because they might not know anyone, but they will soon get to know us!”
Pat has been attending for 20 years and recalls helping to set up the tables and organise the afternoon tea.
“It took me five years before they let me put the sugar bowls and milk jugs on the table because they would carry them around on trays. They were quite set in their ways and I got in trouble a lot,” she laughed.
Phylis McLennan remembers attending when she was 50 because she was asked to play the piano and “I just eventually became a senior!”
While Jenny Knight started in 2005 after arriving from the Midlands.
“It’s always a good afternoon of laughs with afternoon tea,” they agreed.
Family members of the original members are invited to attend a special anniversary event including cake cutting next Friday, October 25 from 1-3pm.
• Mila Lorencz has brought her love or interior design and fashion to her Scottsdale store.
• Jenny Knight with Pat Young and Phyllis McLennan with the original notebook that tracked the journey of the Sottsdale Senior Citizens Club.
New Art & Craft venue in Bridport invites expressions of interest from local Makers. Goods sold on 30% commission. Please email: cwabridport@gmail.com
Celebrating 60 years of Seniors in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Seniors Social Club would like to personally invite those who have been a part of Seniors for afternoon tea and entertainment on October 25.
If you have stories of Seniors past and present, we would like to hear about them.
Northbourne Hall from 1pm till 3pm. RSVP for catering purposes.
Jo – 0428 328 510, Pat – 0457 162 887
and their
Loved
of Kevin & Shirley (dec) and Athol & Val (dec) and their families and friend of Mary.
Family and friends of Val, are warmly invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate her life, to be held at St Barnabas Hall on Friday October 18, 2024 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on the day to NESM Hospital Auxiliary.
Livestreaming can be viewed by visiting: lethborgfamilyfunerals.com.au/upcomingfunerals
2024 - 2025 Irrigation Season Notice
Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd as the responsible water entity for the:
• Great Forester Irrigation Scheme
• Upper Ringarooma Irrigation Scheme
hereby notifies that the 2024-25 Irrigation Season will open on 1st November 2024.
Pricing is available at www.tasmanianirrigation.com.au
David Skipper Chief Operating Officer
Dobson’s success in Northern Champs
• Scottsdale's Lorissa Dobson won the Northern Tasmanian Student Championship last week.
SCOTTSDALE GOLFER Lorissa Dobson has tasted success, winning the Northern Tasmania Student Championship.
After recording some sub-80 rounds at Launceston Golf Club during August she was able to pick her game up a notch on the course last Friday to card a round of 75.
Dobson took the title on countback from Mackenzie Thomas of Tasmania Golf Club.
“This score today means that she has halved her handicap for each of the three years that she has been playing golf,” dad Mark Dobson said.
While on school holidays Dobson also competed in the Jack Newton International Junior Classic event in the Hunter Valley over four days.
“Lorissa played to around her handicap (of 5.7) at the Cypress Lakes course in the Hunter Valley.
“There were 208 competitors in the senior division and over 500 boys and girls from many Asian countries, Canada and Hawaii. She remarked how large the greens were and that putting was somewhat difficult at times but what a great experience it was.”
Upcoming competitions for Dobson include the Tasmanian Amateur Championship at Riverside in November.
dorset COUNCIL
The Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, 21 October 2024 will be held at the Bridport Hall, Main Street, Bridport commencing at 6:00 pm.
Council is also holding a drop-in session from 5:00 pm for any interested community members to come and meet the Commissioner and Management Team and ask questions in an informal setting.
Members of the public are invited to attend in person, however, if any member of the public is feeling unwell, please do not attend. The audio recording of the Council Meeting, except for any part held in Closed Session, will be made available to the public as soon as practicable after the meeting via Council’s website and social media.
The following items are listed for discussion:
• 2024/25 Small Grants – Round 1 Assessment
• 2024/25 Matching Grants – Round 1 Assessment
• 2024/25 Discretionary Grants – Round 1 Assessment
• 2023/24 Audited Financial Statements
• Review of Policy No. 43 – Cash Management
• Main Street Bridport Speed Reduction and Wombat Crossing Report
• LGAT Energy Tender – Procurement Tender
• Delegations Review
• 2024/25 Annual Plan – September Quarterly Report
• Rate Capping Conditions Amendment
• Commissioner Communications
• Management Team Briefing Report
Please note the listed items are subject to change, removal or additional items may be included
The agenda and attachments will be available to the public from Thursday 17 October on Council’s website www.dorset.tas.gov.au contact 03 6352 6500 or email dorset@dorset.tas.gov.au.
JOHN MARIK
General Manager
All set for another big summer splash
• Chelsea Osborne, Lily Walters, Tessa Walters, Jesse Farrell, Halle Walters, Andy Heazlewood, Nikesha Williams (back) with Taylor Heazlewood, Jane Kilburn, Rachel Burke, Lauren Smylie (front).
SUMMER IS on the way and staff at Scottsdale Aquatic Centre are working hard to prepare the facility ready for an opening celebration with free barbeque on November 1 from 3pm-6pm.
The pool will then be open over the entire long weekend, 11am to 6pm each day on November 2-4.
Free entry continues at the pool all summer. It will be open to the public Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm and weekends 11am to 6pm.
Early morning lap swimming will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting Wednesday, October 30 from 5.30am to 8.30 am with an evening lap swimming session to be introduced.
Swimming lessons start Monday, November 4 with a few spots available in the first six-week block.
You can contact Jane Kilburn on 0458 462 962 for more information.
The pool will host the region’s local primary
school children for their water safety program during November.
An Aqua Fitness timetable will start midNovember.
Meanwhile, the Scottsdale Swimming Club 2024/25 season kicks off in November and it would love to see some new faces hit the water this year.
The recreational club welcomes anyone aged over eight who would like to improve their fitness and finesse their stroke technique in a fun, supportive environment.
Members have the opportunity to train twice per week and participate in time trials, where they compete against their own personal best times.
There is also opportunity during the season to compete in a swim meet against other regional swimming clubs.
Anyone interested can attend a Come + Try session on November 5 from 4pm-5.30pm.
SPORTS RESULTS
SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
WOMEN’S FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND 2
Day’s Event Winners - T Hall & C Mackenzie 78 1/2 nett. R/Up - N Lette & J Collins 81 nett. Foursomes Champions 2024 - T Hall & C Mackenzie 222 Gross. Stableford Winner - C Dobson 39 points. R/ Up - L Dobson 33 points.Longest Putt - T Taylor, H Fletcher. Gobblers - T Hall, L Freeland, C Styles SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUND 2
Day’s Event Winner - T Mundy 67 nett c/b. Runner up - Krushka 67. Others - C Dobson 70, S Krushka 71. Current Chapionship Leaders
A Grade - S Krushka 144 Gross. B Grade - G Booth 177, T Mundy 178, J Wood 187. C Grade - C Dobson 189, B Fahey 202, G Blackwell 204. NTP 1st/10th - J Krushka, 5th/14th - B Pickett. Longest Putt - T Mundy. Putting - G Booth 27 putts.
MOORINA GOLF CLUB
MENS FOURSOME CHAMPIONSHIP
Day event stroke K Wagner/D Donnelly 71 R/Up T Taylor /R Apted 74.5. Third: A Thompson/B Holbein 78.5. A Grade: L/J Rattray 92, M/G Taylor 92, A Youd/Nichols 96. B Grade: K Wagner/D Donnelly 95, S Percy/J Balfe 111, F Wagner /C Sculthorpe 111. C Grade: A Thompson/ B Holbein 107.
RINGAROOMA GOLF CLUB
C FENNELL TROPHY
Second Round of Champions Winner: C Fennell 60 net/ R/Up: I Mountney 63 net. Third: M Summers 69 net. Fourth: S Worker 70 net. NTP 3/12: D Walsh, 7/16: T Bowen Championships Winner
A grade: S Worker 151, R/Up: I Mountney 153. B Grade: M Summers 177, R/Up: T Bowen 189. C Grade: L Barrett 194, R/up B Jacobs 204. Net winner S Burr 138
BRIDPORT GOLF CLUB
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
PATON’S 4 BALL AMBROSE Winners: S, L, C & T Ayres 58.875. R/Up: M & M Reid, D Glover, L Forbes-Ewan 60, N Betts, N Sutton, A Rudling, L Simmons 60.75. Team NTP 8/17: D & L Freeland, R & L McDougall.Men’s NTP 1/10: T Ayres. Women’s NTP 6/15: A Kent. Longest Putt over the Field 9/18: A Kent. Friday Flappers: N Hayes 19.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 STROKE/2ND ROUND PRESIDENT’S TROPHY Women’s Winner: K Cuthbertson 74. R/Up: J Atkinson C/b L Noonan. NTP 9/18: J Atkinson. NTP: 1/10: A Kent. Putting: K Cuthbertson. President’s Trophy: K Cuthbertson 150. Men’s Winner: X Nicholls 37 pts. R/up: P Claridge 36 pts. NTP: 5/14 X Nichols. Longest Putt OTF 2/11: T Taylor.. Croquet Draw: J Dixon. Long Hoop: S Richards, K Callen.
Winnaleah Reunion Day
• Alexander Fenton, Lenny Mason and Maxton Murfet watch on as Lily Murfet gets the ball.
• Brady Wagner escapes from Sam Arnold, as Craig Basil Jones fends off Robbie Coates.
• Brooklyn Fulton kicks one forward.
• Maxton Murfet in the kids game.
• Michelle Oliver and Duane Smith, both from Winnaleah lined up on each other during the hit-out.
• Robbie Coates kicks into attack.
• Scott Fenton gets out of heavy traffic as Jacob Kerr looms.
• Some of the children who played a fun match before the big clash were Alexander Fenton, Lenny Mason, Millie Murfet and Forrest Young (at back) with Chase Hayes, Flynn Coates, Luca Mountney, Maxton Murfet and Iris Jones (front).
• Stuart Mason of Winnaleah with Winston Mason of Low Head.
• Telita’s Lucas Kerr had plenty of space for his disposal.
Owner’s pride
• Bridport’s Rob Hammond won Tas Racing’s Owner Recognition Award.
BRIDPORT’S ROB Hammond has won the Owner Recognition Award at Tasracing’s Tasmanian Thoroughbred Awards held last week.
As a racehorse owner for the last decade, Hammond said the honour came as a shock.
“It was unexpected and came out of the blue and I was quite humbled,” Hammond said.
“I had been invited to attend the awards night and Island Warrior had been nominated for Tasmanian 3YO of the Year, but D’oro Star won that, so I didn’t know why I was sitting there and then I won the owner award, so it was a nice surprise.”
Hammond is busy preparing for the Flinders Island Cup Race Night “Racing for a Cure” – a big night of racing at Mowbray Racecourse on Friday October 25,
The night features a full race card sponsored by Flinders Island businesses and featuring the Killara Island Warrior Vase and Glass Warrior NETS Plate.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions and raffles held on the night will go to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia.
Pickleball craze hits Branxholm
PICKLEBALL, THE fastgrowing sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is taking Branxholm by storm.
Thanks to a collaboration between the Branxholm Events Committee (BEC) and Reclink Northern Tasmania, the town has embraced the sport as a way to stay active and connected.
“We noticed that during the colder months, people are less likely to get out and about,” said Scott Timmins, President of the BEC.
“Pickleball seemed like
the perfect way to keep the community engaged.”
The response has been strong, with over 20 locals joining in, along with some visitors from interstate.
Pickleball is held every Thursday from 5 pm at the Branxholm Hall. No skills or experience required, just a willingness to have fun and meet new people.
For more details, call Scott at 0423 597 362.
The sport is also starting up in Scottsdale, with sessions being played on Mondays from 7pm at the Scottsdale Stadium.
Bardenhagen honour
THANE BARDENHAGEN
can add Lilydale Football Club Life Member to his illustrious career.
After starting with the club in under 10s when he was six, Bardenhagen played all his junior football with the Demons.
The 200-plus gamer has won six club best and fairest awards and six senior premierships with the club including being coach in 2017.
Bardenhagen has served on the club’s committee and is in control of its playing and club apparel.
He has been named in the NTFA Team of the Year on eight occasions and won two NTFA best and fairest awards.
He played in a TSL senior premiership with South Launceston in 2013 and played for Tasmania that year, winning the Mathew Richardson Rising Star Award.
The Life Membership was bestowed on him last Friday at the club’s awards dinner, where Daniel Viney was named the senior side’s best and fairest ahead of Jak Hadley and Luke Walsh as joint runner ups. Patrick Sulzberger was named the reserves best and fairest winner.
In other news from the Demons, Corey Lockett and Jacob Crowden have been reappointed coaches for 2025 in the seniors and reserves respectively.
Gearing up to fish out wide
GET FISHING
BY NICK MARTIN
CATCHING BREAM has been very finicky but fun fishing over the last few weeks as we found ourselves in the Scamander River because it was too windy to go anywhere else.
They are starting to school up for spawn mode and that’s when they only have one thing on their mind so you have to get them in the mood!
The standout lures were the Cranka Vibe and Cranka Crab followed by the Atomic Grubs.
Use a light finesse 1-3kg or 2-4kg rod around 7foot in length, remaining in contact with your line at all times.
Gummy Sharks have been magnificent – with report of success off the beach and out in the boat.
Fishers are recording pretty good sizes at the moment between Low Head and St Helens.
A few Whiting are also starting to be caught and you can get in on the action if you target shallow sand holes around 3-6m with a Hayabusa Whiting Rig.
And in some exciting news, fishing out wide will start to heat up and hopefully
we can have some weather that makes this style of fishing accessible.
Once the wind drops off the bird life activity picks up and we are seeing multiple schools of fish on the eastern sector which is a good sign.
It will get thicker leading up to Christmas and after then we should be in prime time.
If you head to the Continental Shelf about 300-500m deep, Blue Eye Trevalla are being caught which is fantastic to see, along with the odd Hapuka - a deep-sea fish, very fatty with incredible flavour, that is similar to a Blue Eye.
Big fresh baits on your Paternoster rig
are the key to success.
I’d be putting on a 2-3 inch strip of fresh bait, with Mackerel or Salmon the two that are highly attainable and sustainable.
My advice is to catch your bait on the way out to the fishing grounds using a Sabiki rig, looking for landing on top of schools in mid water.
Use a 300pd mono filament leader and a 12-0 circle hook – they love circle hooks. Secure your luck by adding a flashing light or glow sticks to attract the Blue Eye.
Literally hoop one of the glow stick connectors through an eye or tie it on.
• Rach and Scott Timmins with Angelina Hemphill getting ready for some Pickleball action.
• Thane Bardenhagen was recently honoured with Life Membership of the Lilydale Football Club.
Kicking goals at
Magpies coach search continues
SCOTTSDALE FOOTBALL
without a coach as the start of the NTFA Premier League looms large.
search continued, with AFL Tasmania representatives set to meet with club officials in Scottsdale on Tuesday to discuss how they could assist in the process.
ones that we thought we had over the line
Questions about Deloraine’s capacity to take part were raised with discussions held regarding bringing Bridgenorth into the
The discussion ended with an apology from the NTFA and no changes to the new structure, which will see the Magpies, Deloraine and Longford up against South Launceston, North Launceston and
