Edition 9, Wednesday 13 March, 2024

Business incentive offered

Vandal anger

Public to have say on new pier’s location

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

BRIDPORT’S LONG-AWAITED

new public pier will this month move a step closer to reality, with community consultation set to start on three possible locations for the multi-million dollar project.

Construction of a 126m long recreational pier could start later this year and be finished before the middle of next year.

MAST has engaged Burbury Consulting to assess options and undertake stakeholder engagement to work through the pros and cons of the possible locations.

Project Manager Nigel Palfreyman said the three possibilities for the pier were

adjacent to the Old Pier, at Croquet Lawn Beach and nearer to the Trent Water river entrance.

“We need to review any potential land and marine based issues that could affect the design and usability of a pier at each nominated location,” Mr Palfreyman said.

“Concept designs will be presented and stakeholder feedback and engineering input used to help in the detailed design of a pier.

“We will have engineers assess alignments, depths of water and tides to enable a pier to be used by the public for swimming, fishing, taking in the views etcetera, we will also look at the

aesthetics and how this interacts with each site and the surrounding area.

A public information session will be held on Thursday, March 28, from 4pm6pm at Bridport Hall, before Easter holidays start.

“It is really important to get community and stakeholder feedback on the project so that we can complete the final analysis for the preferred pier location,” Mr Palfreyman said.

“We have been talking with and have organised meetings with the Bridport Pier Working Group and other locals that have a significant interest in the area, the Dorset Council, to get their insights

and we will need to talk to the Surf Life Saving Club and other community organisations too.

“We will also have an on-line survey for people to complete.

“We thought the day before Easter holidays might also capture some holiday makers and recreational users of the Bridport area to give their thoughts.”

Once the consultants finish assessing public feedback, an assessment will be provided to MAST before detailed designs are completed.

“It is likely that the pier will be completed in the 2024-25 financial year,” Mr Palfreyman said.

• Bridport Pier Working Group members Leonie Johnston, Billy Millwood and Marg Perkins.

10 Years Ago – March 12, 2014

Bridport residents can now work out on a set of outdoor exercise equipment courtesy of a partnership between the Bridport Lions Club and Dorset Council. The idea for the project came about after the Council was awarded an Active Tasmania grant for $11,000, and

Lions Club decided to partner the Council and donate a further $11,000 to install the equipment on the foreshore. Dorset Mayor Barry Jarvis congratulated the club on its work in the Bridport community. "Partnerships of this nature between Council and the Lions Club are very valuable, and this apparatus will enhance the health and well-being of local residents," he said.

20 Years Ago – March 10, 2004

Cyclist nominated for sports award.

Champion cyclist Stephanie Williams of Scottsdale was nominated in the Printing Authority of Tasmania Sports Award category in the 2004 Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards The aims and objectives of the Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards are to encourage, reward and promote the positive achievements of young Tasmanians in the 14 to 26 age group. Stephanie has an outstanding record in recent years. She has competed in the Australian Youth Olympics, and in 2003 was a member of the Australian Junior Women Road Cycling team which competed in Canada. Stephanie finished 6th in the time trial. She also won the prestigious Tour of Canberra.

50 Years Ago – March 12, 1974

New area president elected.

Scottsdale Rural Youth member Glen Moore is the new president of the North-Eastern area of Rural Youth. He was elected at the annual meeting held at Branxholm. The retiring president Mr Bruce Muirhead said that during the year the area had combined for a new look weekend which had resulted in a great success. He hoped that the profit from the weekend would be distributed between the Winnaleah and Scottsdale clubs which make up the North- Eastern area. New officers elected were: President Mr G Moore, Vice President Miss R Armstrong, Secretary Miss M Berwick and Treasurer Mr G Lette.

OPINION EDITORIAL

BY PROFESSOR DAVID ADAMS

University of Tasmania

WHILST THERE are a record thirty two candidates standing for Bass at the upcoming State election, and many posters appearing around Dorset, it’s not at all clear who is actually going to go into bat for the region.

At the last election Peter Gutwein polled some 71% of the primary votes in Dorset. At the same time Greg Howard, the then Dorset Mayor, headed up the Liberal party in the North-East.

It was a useful alliance for the NorthEast but times have changed and there is now a risk that the region will no longer have a strong local advocate in the new parliament.

Labor’s Janie Finlay and the Liberal’s

Simon Wood have been the most conspicuous elected members in the NE since 2021. Tim Walker is one of the few independents who has taken an interest in our local affairs.

With the move back to seven seats it is more likely that a Green will also be elected as they would be close to a quota based on their 2021 figures.

So, at this stage it looks like four Liberal, two Labor and one Green for Bass. Whilst the Jacqui Lambie party has around a quota in polling it is unclear that this will flow through to actual votes on election day.

It is unlikely that any of the independents will be elected. Whilst they all have very local profiles none have a high profile across Dorset. A single NE based independent candidate would have been much better.

Lara Alexander may pick up some

votes from disaffected Liberals and for standing up on matters of principle but will lose votes from mainstream Liberals for leaving the party.

The Liberal Party commitment to extend native logging in the NE is a smart political move and potentially plays to the future of the industry especially around bio-fuels.

However in recent years - associated with Derby and a younger cohort of people - there are now more groups opposing native forest logging so it’s unclear whether the policy will be much of a vote winner in the NE.

In the next few weeks it will important to see which candidates engage with North-East issues and the priorities put forward by Council.

Dorset can’t afford to be sidelined.

Forestry future in focus

OPINION EDITORIAL

BY NICK STEEL CEO Tasmanian Forest Products Association

A STRONG, sustainable forestry industry is essential for the prosperity of North-East Tasmania.

It's been great to see both major parties, and local candidates, throwing their support behind the Tasmanian forest industry - committing to support jobs and families across the North-East. However, with only 10 days until the polls, there's still more to be done.

Before the election was announced, Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) released its wish-list for what we hoped to achieve from the 2024 election.

Our wish list contains four key priorities:

• supporting Tasmanian business;

• timber trees and productivity;

• climate change and the fire threat; and

• reducing red tape.

Both parties have embraced many of our proposals, including our Homegrown Timber Future Policy, but there's more that can be done.

In the last 10 days of the campaign, we will be continuing to work with all candidates - encouraging them to support some of the other measures on our wish-list.

This includes the establishment of a dedicated long rotation plantation forestry conversion fund, $15 million to retool and reschedule our processing as we move to more plantation estates, and $5 million towards developing new ways to process on island lower category logs.

The forestry industry recognises the two biggest threats to our future prosperity are climate change, and the devastation that occurs after a fire.

That’s why we’ll be continuing to call for all parties to commit to audit the state’s forests to understand opportunities for forestry to harness new carbon sequestration opportunities and

a full account of our emissions profile.

And while it's been great to have a commitment to include our private estate owners in the TasGRN communications rollout, we're urging all parties to include the forestry industry in the fire coordination network.

Finally, we need to more to be done to reduce red tape. That’s why we’re calling on all parties to guarantee road infrastructure improvements – especially on primary transport corridors such as between Launceston and Scottsdale.

These important roads need to be upgraded to meet the needs of larger vehicle sizes and increased safety standards to protect all road users.

Forestry is vital to the North-East. It's one of the region’s major employees. That’s why the TFPA is working hard to make sure all political parties and candidates recognise the value our businesses – to give your community and the thousands of Tasmanians employed every day in our forests a strong and secure future.

Brad Gerke and Laura Hodgetts of Bridport were married at Brad's family property in Tonganah on 17th of February in front of around 140 of their closest family and friends followed by a big weekend of celebrations.

Show time for Flinders Island clan

FLINDERS ISLAND might be breaking with tradition for the theme of its annual show, but it’s certainly not steering away from family legacies.

A fifth generation Bowman has joined the Flinders Island Show Society Committee – with nine-year old Maddie Castle stepping up to a role.

She will join her mother Claire, the Vice President, on the 10-person volunteer committee ahead of the show on October 18.

“Maddie begged me to join for the 2024 show and I said ‘Why not, it’s in your blood!” Mrs Castle said.

Maddie becomes the fifth generation in the Bowman family to volunteer for the Show Society’s committee.

“Maddie’s Great, Great Grandfather, Daniel Thomas Bowman, was on one of the very first Show Society committees which began in 1934 and was followed by his son Stan Bowman, who was Show Secretary in 1941,” Mrs Castle said.

“From then on the Bowman family have featured on many Show Committees over 88 years.”

The annual event was in good hands, said President Denise Hooke, who welcomed Maddie with open arms.

“We have a team of 10 committee members including Maddie as it is really important to encourage the next generation to get involved in community groups and for those groups to hear the voice of young people,” Mrs Hooke said.

“Maddie’s role as young ambassador is to engage with her peers and encourage them to submit entries, in-turn boosting the interest in the Exhibition Pavilion.

“She will be working with Sharen Withers, our Pavilion Secretary, to look at the classes available across the Junior Section, asking whether they capture the interests of young people.

“Maddie will bring young people’s ideas to the Committee and already she has shown confidence to join in with planning discussions, bringing another new perspective with great enthusiasm and excitement.”

She will also be working alongside her mum to create the special theme classes.

TasNetworks anger at vandal attack

SENSELESS VANDALS who risked electrocution have caused $300,000 damage to TasNetworks infrastructure in Scottsdale and will cause 2000 customers to lose power while the damage is fixed.

Vandals recently severely damaged an Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) on a transmission pole.

It’s believed they tried to pull off part of the pole using a towline attached from a vehicle, damaging the OPGW in the process.

TasNetworks’ Principal Field Engineer, James Goodger, said the vandalism was a dangerous and reckless act.

“These vandals were risking deadly electrocution if the wire had been dislodged instead of just damaged. We have safety protections in place, but they may not have saved someone who deliberately ripped a live cable from a pole,” Mr Goodger said.

“Unfortunately, to complete those

repairs, about 2,000 local customers will experience a power outage for a period of up to 10 hours, on or around March 25.

“We’ve written to all affected customers explaining the situation, and will also send standard SMS notifications about the exact repair date.

“We appreciate customers’ support and understanding. We share their frustration at this senseless vandalism.”

TasNetworks said the number of customers affected by the repair outage could’ve topped 3,500, but the business will employ network switching and provide some generators at its own expense to ensure essential services, including local schools, can retain power.

The vandalism incident has been reported to police.

TasNetworks encourages anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

“This year’s theme is breaking away from the traditional and going with a funky theme of “Surfs Up”,” Mrs Hooke said.

“The committee feels this is a fun theme and already have many activities for the children of Flinders to have a go at, like a wetsuit and flipper running race.

“Maddie will be assisting in the School Holidays Program in July - in conjunction with the Flinders Council the team will be making plywood surf boards and then school children will brighten them up with paint. The boards will be put around the grounds to add to the excitement and colour.”

Maddie said she was also “super keen” to ride her new pony Baley in this year’s show for the first time.

Equestrian events will include, lead, ridden, games and show jumping classes.

“I am proud to be the 5th generation of my family on the committee and I am looking forward to the challenge,” Maddie said.

Man dies in vehicle crash at Tomahawk

A 58-YEAR-OLD man died following a crash at Tomahawk on Monday morning. Police and emergency services are preparing a report for the coroner, after they were called to the scene on Tomahawk Road about 5.10am.

A spokesman said that initial inquiries

indicate the man was the only occupant in the Ford utility which left the road and rolled.

Anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage of the vehicle travelling in the area beforehand, is asked to contact police on 131 444.

Charges imminent over Bellingham incident

A 17-YEAR-OLD boy will be proceeded against by summons for negligent driving and failing to comply with the duties of a driver involved in a crash.

The charge follows an incident on New Years Eve, 2023 at around 8pm, when an 18 year old female was allegedly struck by a vehicle on the beach that runs between

Bridport to Bellingham on the Sandy Point 4wd Reserve.

The driver of the vehicle left without providing any contact details and the female was evacuated from the beach by Tasmania Ambulance Service and taken to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

• Maddie Castle has become the fifth generation of her family to be on the Flinders Island Show Committee.

State Election • March 23rd

Labor promises

LABOR IS promoting a new early childhood centre on Flinders Island and a co-located fire and ambulance station at Bridport as key announcements from their election commitments released to the North-Eastern Advertiser.

The Labor Party package includes:

• $525,000 for the Derby Structural and Master planning.

• $370,000 to upgrade Cascade Dam Road.

• $100,000 feasibility study for a community health hub

• $3 million Golconda Road upgrades, connecting Scottsdale to George Town and Launceston.

The party said it would expand the Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS) to remove all costs for island patients travelling to access healthcare and invest in the North Eastern Soldiers Memorial Hospital and Flinders Island MultiPurpose Centre (Whitemark Hospital) . Multi-disciplinary teams of health professionals made up of rural generalists, nurse practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals would be employed. Labor would also deliver a co-located fire and ambulance station at Bridport, upgrade the Bridport Ambulance station to a double branch station, employing an additional three permanent paramedics ensuring it is operational 24/7 and construct the Derby Fire station.

It would build a new early childhood centre at the Flinders Island school and expand before and after school care. It would also offer increased annual payment for teachers working at Cape Barren Island School and Flinders District High School.

Labor said it would provide new incentive payments for teachers who commit to working at Ringarooma Primary School, Scottsdale High School, Scottsdale Primary School, Bridport Primary School and Winnaleah District High School and exempt stamp duty for teachers who work at regional schools who want to buy a home in the community

they are working.

It’s also promoting its free, healthy lunch policy for every Tasmanian government primary school student by 2030.

For Lilydale, it would provide $30,000 for safer pedestrian and car access, and parking at the Station Road corner at Lilydale, $50,000 for a safe school crossing on Main Street, Lilydale, $50,000 feasibility study for a walking track to Lilydale Falls, and $70,000 to complete the Lilydale Men’s Shed.

Labor is also promising to unravel challenges with shipping and supply chains so Tasmanians can move livestock and other goods across Bass Strait more fairly; unlock productivity by removing the barriers for worker accommodation on farms and provide an additional $200,000 a year to ensure farmers have enough shearers to get the job done.

It would also further invest in school farms, career mentoring and promoting exciting career opportunities available to young people in our diverse primary industries.

Liberal promises

THE LIBERAL Party has released its policies for Flinders Island and Lilydale, and has included a number of North-East community and infrastructure projects in its roads package and community grants.

The Liberals have so far committed $5 million to Bridport Road for improvements for heavy vehicle freight traffic and safety, and $50,000 towards a Scottsdale pedestrian crossing.

Subject to approval by both houses of State Parliament, the following community grants have been promised:

• Scottsdale Football Club, roof top solar panels for energy efficiency, $50,000

• Scottsdale RSL, upgrade the cold room and refrigeration equipment, $60,000

• Scottsdale Military Museum, install disability access, $70,000

• Scottsdale Rotary Club, replace the Big Thumb sculpture in Scottsdale, $10,000

• Scottsdale Rotary Club, redevelop the former Scottsdale Railway Station, $150,000

• Dorset Council, Upgrade Scottsdale, Winnaleah and Lions Playgrounds, $150,000

• Lilydale Football Club, renovate the Club changerooms, $146,412

• Mechanics' Institute Hall, installation of new lighting, $6,071

• Bridport Football Club, installation of new electronic score board, $60,000

• George Town Junior Soccer Club, install new lighting and security upgrades, $162,235

• Dorset Community Men's Shed, new bench saw equipment to support for larger timber, $12,039

• Flinders Island Council, develop the North East River Camping Masterplan, $150,000. Flinders Island would also receive $450,000 funding over three years for the Furneaux Futures Collective - an Island Innovation Hub that will deliver the projects for its tourism and visitor

Scottsdale Tractor Pull

economy; it would repurpose the old Hydro Station for worker accommodation, activate new housing and create a community gym; support the island’s agricultural sector, and ensure access to veterinarians in regional areas; deliver a new police house, incentivise the relocation of early childhood educators through a $2,500 relocation payment; upgrade accommodation for teachers and principals; deliver a Regional Hospitality Revival Fund; and provide $85,000 for audio visual equipment for the Flinders Arts and Entertainment Centre as well as $125,000 for a mobile woodchipper for green waste management across the island.

Lilydale would get $30,000 for the proposed Lilydale Men’s Shed, taking its total commitment for the asset to $100,000, and $40,000 for council-led improvements to better integrate the local pool, playground, toilet and BBQ areas.

The Liberal Party would also provide a $150,000 contribution to the Launceston City Council for construction of a pedestrian and cycle path between the Lilydale township and Lilydale Falls and instruct the Department for Education Children and Young People to undertake a risk analysis for a pathway between Lilydale District School and its associated school farm.

• Bass Labor MHA Janie Finlay handing Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw Labor's commitments.

• Bass Liberal MHA Simon Wood with Lyons counterpart Guy Barnett visiting the Scottsdale Military Museum with Scottsdale RSL President Bill O’Reilly.

No new weather radar for North-East

A FARMER’S suggestion for the NorthEast to be the location of a new Tasmanian weather radar for the State has been rejected by the Bureau of Meteorology despite acknowledging there is a gap in coverage.

Following the St Helens flooding late last month, Pyengana farmer Darc Nicklason said that the region could benefit from more timely and accurate weather data with a station similar to infrastructure in Hobart and one the North West.

After making an enquiry at the time of the inundation – which significantly impacted St Helens and closed the Tasman Highway among other roads - the BOM late last week responded.

“Generally, decisions about where to place new observation equipment for the Bureau of Meteorology's national observations network are based on a number of parameters including impacts on populated areas, the agricultural and

mining industries, regions subject to variable and extreme weather, and specific services required,” a BOM spokesman said.

“In many parts of Australia, state governments have funded the purchase and continued maintenance of observing technology that, subject to meeting appropriate standards, can be incorporated into the Bureau's observing network.

“The Bureau is aware of the gap in weather radar coverage in North-East

Begents Scottsdale closure: disappointing

A WEEK after Begents confirmed it would close the doors of its Scottsdale store, an incentive is being offered to find a replacement business for the site.

Begents announced on its social media channels that the BSR Group (Betta) had acquired its Ulverstone, Devonport, and Launceston stores, starting July 1, 2024.

But Scottsdale would not survive, with the business citing an economic downturn and profitability concerns for its imminent closure. Instead, Betta would offer delivery options and a “Click and Collect” service.

Dorset Council Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw expressed “deep disappointment” in losing a major long-term retail element within the community.

“Begent's has been an integral part of Scottsdale for over three decades, serving as a cornerstone of our local economy and a symbol of pride for residents who have been loyal customers for many years,” Commissioner Wardlaw said.

“The closure of the Scottsdale store marks the end of an era, and it's truly disheartening to see the departure of such a longstanding

establishment.”

In response, Dorset Council will collaborate with the North East Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce to explore opportunities to fill the void.

“We understand the importance of having a vibrant retail sector in Scottsdale, and we are committed to working closely with local stakeholders to attract a suitable replacement for Begents,” he said.

Commissioner Wardlaw said Council would utilise its new Business and Investment Policy 49, which encourages new business, investment in commercial developments and existing businesses to create employment and expand the local economy.

“This policy offers discounts on planning regulatory fees which may be triggered if a potential new owner wanted to change the property's use,” he said.

“The Policy also offers rate remissions for new small businesses with a 50% rate remission for the first 12 months of operation, subject to meeting the prescribed criteria.”

Tasmania. There are no plans or resources available to add to the radar network.

“The Bureau does not rely on any one system and radars are just one part of a broad observation network that generate forecasts and warnings.

“This resilient, national network allows the Bureau to produce reliable, efficient and effective warning products as well as flood and rainfall forecasts in areas where there is little or no radar coverage.”

Phone, internet cut across NE region

THIRD PARTY road works were to blame for a major Telstra cable cut that left large swathes of the North-East and Flinders Island without phone and internet for 24 hours.

Telstra Tasmania Regional General Manager Michael Patterson said the company was alerted to news that one of its fibre optic transmission cables was damaged about 2.5km from a mobile base station near Waterhouse, at about 1pm on Friday.

Mr Patterson said the cut impacted connectivity for eight mobile base stations on Flinders

Island and four in the North-East.

A small number of landline services were also been impacted.

“Telstra techs arrived onsite shortly after and have identified the location of the cable cut and the extent of the repairs required,” Mr Patterson said.

A fibre repair crew was sent to the area and restored services by 1pm Saturday.

A spokesman said he would investigate ongoing issues being experienced across Lilydale and Lebrina but said there were no known outages that should be affecting customers.

Golconda Road update

SEALING IS expected to take place on the current section of roadworks on Golconda Rd early next month.

Dorset Council General Manager John Marik said the $546,000 project involves reconstruction works that introduce suitable

base layers in accordance with engineered designs, compaction testing and cement stabilisation.

“Seal contractors have been booked in for early April followed by line marking and new guideposts in mid-May,” Mr Marik said.

Murder proceeding adjourned

SCOTTSDALE MAN Christopher

Mark Jordan on Tuesday had his case adjourned in Launceston Magistrates Court until May. He was listed to appear for a preliminary proceeding application after pleading not

guilty to the murder of Launceston teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, whose body was found at Nabowla in July after one of the biggest missing person searches in Northern Tasmanian history.

• The Scottsdale Begents store is set to close before the end of the financial year.

Hundreds of submissions for off-shore wind plan

CLOSE TO 300 submissions were received in response to the Federal Government’s proposed off-shore wind production zone in Bass Strait, covering 11,159 square kilometres from Bridport to Burnie.

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Chris Bowen, this week said that he was considering community feedback and stakeholder submissions before determining a final proposed area in Bass Strait.

“It’s important to establish this jobcreating industry while also balancing the needs of community, and to take the time to do that properly,” the spokesman said.

A number of community consultation sessions were held late last year with submissions for public feedback closing in late January.

All responses are being considered by the Minister as part of this consultation.

Submissions from respondents who gave permission to publish their input will be published on the Department’s website, along with a Public Consultation Summary Report.

But there has been no date provided for when that report will be released.

Prior to the consultation, the government released details of the project and visualisations of offshore wind turbines in the proposed Commonwealth waters that may be declared.

The exact location of offshore wind projects and number of turbines that may be proposed for an individual project is yet to be determined.

The images are said to depict a grid of turbines with 2km by 2km spacing and are based on the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s 15MW offshore wind turbine reference model.

Said to be the largest wind turbine on the market today, they have a total height of 268m and a blade length 118m.

The project is aimed at assisting the Australian Government which has set a target of net zero emissions by 2050, with the entire Bass Strait zone having the potential to generate 30 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power over 20 million homes, the government said.

Any proposed offshore renewable energy project will still need to seek environmental approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to proceed.

No real timetable for rail trail costings

AN UPDATE on costings for the LilydaleScottsdale section of the North-East Rail Trail is still weeks away but remains a priority project that Dorset Council is seeking funding promises for ahead of next weekend’s election.

Neither party has yet promised any funds towards the project a 40km redevelopment of the disused rail corridor from Lilydale to Scottsdale.

It was originally given $1.47m from the

Federal Government back in 2015.

Dorset Council General Manager John Marik said work on the business case for the project was continuing, with council operations staff validating all upfront capital costs, along with on-going operational costs to maintain the trail.

“Council have also engaged (international tourism, recreation and conservation planning consultancy) TRC to update the economic impact study

in relation to the Rail Trail which was conducted over a decade ago. I envisage the total business case to be complete over the next few weeks,” Mr Marik said.

“I do not want to give a time estimate as to when the business case will be released to the public as the draft business case must go to a Council workshop, and depending how that progresses, the Council (Commissioner) may request additional work, or information, before the

business case can go to a public Council meeting.

Mr Marik said this was “standard practice”.

“Councillors must have all the relevant information before a decision at a Council meeting can be made – the decision here is a likely budget variation as infrastructure costs have increased since the last business case was conducted,” he said.

• Digital rendering of offshore wind turbines to illustrate how wind turbines in the proposed area may look from Bridport, 36km to the nearest modelled turbine.

• The area under consideration for a wind farm zone.

Derby businesses back foundation

BY TAYLOR CLYNE

IT’S BEEN just over 12 months since the new management partnership between the Dorset Council and the Blue Derby Foundation (BDF) began.

One of the key functions taken over by the BDF has been sponsorship and fundraising for Blue Derby.

To see these prosper, the board quickly got to work launching two key programs to underpin the sustainability of maintenance across the network and support the growing township.

BDF Liaison Officer Caleb Buster said the Industry Program focused on local business and the second, the Endorsement Program focused on short term accommodation providers.

“The two programs were developed to provide local businesses a pathway to financially support Blue Derby ensuring its continued success and put back into the trails.

“We are really pleased to have two businesses elevate to partnership level, contributing $10,000 per year, these being shuttle company Up Down Around and bike shop Evolution Biking.

“Another 16 local businesses have signed up including bike shops, shuttle operators and accommodation providers,” Mr Buster added.

BFD Director Chris Café said they were proud to have a strong working relationship with the Dorset Council.

“This is just the start and it’s not just about trail maintenance, whilst that is the

core, there is room for growth and further opportunities for ongoing development and events,” he said.

“Long term, the foundation wants to make a substantial contribution. At the moment its sitting at around $70,000 per year with scope for much more.

“We encourage all businesses within the township and those benefitting from this magic spot to come on board, particularly the short-term accommodation providers.

“At the moment we have seven contributing out of 44 businesses.

“It’s about being a good steward, the more we put in collectively the more we get out of it.”

If you’d like to get on board email caleb. buster@bluederbyfoundation.org.au

Cleaning up the coast

CLEAN UP Australia Day activities were held across the Long Weekend to keep our beaches beautiful.

At Bellingham, the local volunteers collected several bags of rubbish around the township, including the carpark at the start of the BellinghamBridport 4WD traverse.

Lulworth Community Association’s Jason Orr said another successful event was held on Sunday with the group’s annual Tama Clean Up.

“Whilst Tama locals clean up our community throughout the year, regularly collecting marine debris and rubbish, the Long Weekend event provides the opportunity to meet, greet and celebrate the great work of keeping our beautiful coast pristine … with rubbish collected and a

Bridport Girl Guide

Evie Waddingham,

Adams, Eve Lovegrove, Indi Pearce

sausage sizzle held afterwards,” Mr Orr said.

“So, the next time you visit the beach, thank the locals that help conserve our environment by leaving no trace of your visit.”

Bridport Girl Guides last week did their part for Clean Up Australia Day, putting their efforts into addressing mess around the Bridport Lions Playground and Skate Park, Surf Life Saving Club and Village Green.

“A considerable amount of small rubbish was collected but probably not quite as much as previous years,” Dorset District Manager Lyn Commane said.

“The guides all commented that smokers were the worst litterers.”

The volunteers were rewarded with a play and sausage sizzle for their efforts.

Domotor.

•

(pictured bottom right) Front: Sophie Kelly, Imogen and Louisa Smythe, Charlotte Maxwell, Aneka Collier, Summer Millwood and Olivia Lovell. Back: Nevada Thompson, Brya Robinson,

Amali Collier, Romona Simmons, Madeline and Eliza Page, Lara

and Sadie

• Taking a break from the clean up effort at Lulworth.

• Derby partnership sponsors Ben Jones of Evolution Biking and Josh Cox of Up Down Around shuttles.

Drought funding, water conservation plea

FLINDERS ISLAND residents impacted by extremely dry conditions can now access immediate assistance.

This includes payments of up to $20,000 to support farmers who can demonstrate hardship as a result of increased feed costs, freight costs, reduction in the value of livestock, recovery costs for pasture, restocking, and other expenditure that causes hardship as a result of this drought.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he recognised there were other areas around Tasmania facing extremely

dry conditions, and he would continue to engage with farmers to understand their plight.

The announcement was welcomed by Labor Leader Rebecca White, although she questioned the timing of the announcement during an election.

Meanwhile, Bridport residents have again escaped water restrictions, but TasWater is not ruling out conservation measures in coming months.

TasWater is encouraging households and businesses in Launceston, and on some parts of the lower East Coast, to be conservative with usage.

“With flows in the North Esk already low, if these warm, dry conditions continue, water restrictions may be required in Launceston by April,” he said.

“We have seen low levels in Lady Barron and Bridport, but we’ve kept those communities updated and so far, the need for restrictions has been avoided.”

A spokesman said TasWater was planning for climate change and would be consulting on a long-term Water Security Strategy in the coming months.

Yellow ribbon for road safety

BREAK O'DAY Council is backing better road safety practices by partnering with Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) as a Tasmanian Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Council.

At a recent Council meeting, Peter Frazer, the CEO of the Sarah Group explained his journey following the death of his daughter in a highway crash with a truck in NSW that was completely avoidable.

He is the driving force behind Australia’s National Road Safety Week, as well as the nation’s road safety symbol, the “Yellow Ribbon”.

Mayor Mick Tucker said he invited Mr Frazer to address council after hearing him speak at a forum.

“SARAH is excited to be working in partnership with Council and supporting their important work in not only further developing a positive road safety culture but to also highlight strategies that can be put in place to make our roads safer for this important community.” Mr Frazer noted.

In the lead up to National Road Safety Week, from May 5-12, vehicles will display a yellow ribbon as a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to “Drive So Others Survive!

“Council and SARAH are committed to ensuring every person can get home safe to their loved ones... every day... no exceptions!” Cr Tucker said.

Easter fun planned at Pyengana

PREPARATIONS ARE well underway for Easter carnival preparations at Pyengana.

The Recreation Ground on St Columba Falls Rd will come to life over the holiday weekend on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31.

Woodchopping, exhibitions, a bullock display, blacksmith and old machinery exhibitions will keep everyone entertained with plenty of food and beverage options available.

A car and bike show will also take place but on the Saturday only.

Gates open 8am for 9am start, with entry costing $2 per person.

Organisers say there will only be Optus and Vodaphone reception available at the venue with stalls operating with cash only.

Camping will be available on site.

• General Manager John Brown and Mayor Mick Tucker with SARAH Group CEO Peter Frazer promoting better road safety.

Circular economy success

ST MARY’S Repurposing and Upcycling has been highly commended for its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

The community group has been operating for two years, breathing new life into old clothing otherwise destined for landfill and offering workshops and educational initiatives.

Damaged clothing is upcycled with repairs, patches, fabric paint, and other adornments, rendering it wearable. Other items are repurposed into shopping bags, garden ties, woven mats, pet bedding, bunting and toys.

All goods are sold at the St Marys Market with proceeds used to support group activities.

Spokesperson Dianna van Meel said the group was surprised to win the recognition at the recent Sustainable

Living Festival Business and Community Awards.

The theme of this year's event, hosted by Tamar NRM, focused on “going circular” to showcase and celebrate the circular economy.

The group received their award at a special event at Launceston’s Tramsheds, hosted by the ABC’s War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel.

“We were very surprised to be highly commended by the judges of the festival,” Ms van Meel said.

“What an honour for our group. The recognition is fantabulous and encourages us to keep on doing what we are doing.”

St Mary’s Repurposing and Upcycling operates from Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House and had up to 15 members who meet weekly to chat and create.

TasFarmers happy with Bipartisan support

FOLLOWING ITS praise of Liberal Party policy in last week’s edition of the North-Eastern Advertiser, TasFarmers has welcomed the Labor Party’s election policy commitment to “put farmers first”.

TasFarmers President, Ian Sauer said it was pleasing to see Labor had read the TasFarmers election package and listened to farmers’ concerns.

“In response to our package, the Labor Party has committed to protecting the interest of farmers when it comes to the North-West Transmission Development.

“Additionally, their full backing of our Farm Access code is a positive step and demonstrates sincerity for

taking the needs of farmers seriously.

“Of particular significance is Labor’s focus on investment in irrigation, with a $75 million commitment toward the Greater Southeast Irrigation scheme.

“Labor’s platform also promises to streamline the process of building worker accommodation on farms, review the freight equalisation scheme and invest in agricultural education and career pathways.

“What this detailed response demonstrates, is the bipartisan approach to agriculture in Tasmania, which farmers fully support,” he said.

Record numbers get cool at the pool

MORE THAN 1000 people flocked to Scottsdale Aquatic Centre over the long weekend, with a mammoth 580 people through the gate on Sunday alone.

Many happy faces, including a large number of visitors to the area jumped into the free facility in a bid to escape the heat.

“It was a weekend record,” Manager Jane Kilburn said.

After a busy summer, the pool is starting to contemplate its closure for the winter.

The facility will still be open for the Easter holidays, but closed on Good Friday.

“We expect to shut for the season in mid-April, but the date is yet to be confirmed and will be weather dependant.”

• Diana van Meel is excited by the highly commended award the St Marys Repurposing and Upcycling group received earlier this month.

• Willow Taylor, 3 months old, from Cressy, went for her first swim.

• Mayla (6) and Ramona Simmons (8) from Scottsdale cooling off over the weekend during the heat wave.

• Blake France, 7 months old, travelled from Mathinna to escape the heat.

• Maxine, Leo, Keiren and Hannah Mullins from Scottsdale at the Aquatic Centre over the weekend.

Shark, sunshine at Snug regatta

Stevens joined one of her leaders Rosie Waite to represent the district at the Scout Guide Regatta held at Snug over the three-day long weekend.

It was a weekend to rememberSaturday was an extremely hot day, with temperatures well over 30 degrees while on Sunday, water events were put on hold for most of the morning when a three-metre shark was spotted just off the shoreline, causing everyone to be evacuated from the

water until it was deemed safe to return.

Although the only Bridport Girl Guide, Charlotte and Rosie joined Ulverstone Girl Guides to participate in many activities, including rowing dinghy races, long and short distance patrol boat rowing, kayaking events, swimming events, slippery pole and land events such as tug of war, gum boot throwing, line throwing, sand sculpturing and bucket relays.

“It was an awesome weekend,” Charlotte said.

Bridport RSL’s new building

HISTORY REMEMBERED

IN APRIL 1948 a number of people assembled at the Bridport Public Hall for the first ANZAC service to be held in the town, under the auspices of the Scottsdale RSL Sub-Branch. Three months later, at a special meeting of the Scottsdale branch held at the Bridport Hotel, it was decided to form a SubBranch at Bridport. The inaugural meeting was held in August, 1948.

Within 18 months the Bridport group was aiming to build their own clubrooms. A block of ground was acquired ‘in a central position not far from the old police station, on the public reserve’, noted as being on the north-west side of the proposed bowling green. The land, covered with tea tree and wattles, was cleared and preparations made for forming concrete blocks. All work was to be done by volunteers.

By October 1950 foundations were laid for a building which was to include a lounge, bar, kitchen, billiard room, secretary’s office and portico. Various fund-raising events were held, with strong local support behind the concept. The Boxing Day and New Year’s Day beach carnivals raised £70, and a dance held in Max Jessen’s woolshed raised £55 towards the cost of the rooms. By June 1951 substantial progress was being made with brick walls erected and aluminium roofing materials due.

The official opening of the Bridport Services’ Club was held on 1 March 1952, with praise given for the fact that

• Acknowleding the volunteers who built the Bridport RSL.

the rooms had been built almost entirely by voluntary labour, and recognition given to the Ladies Committee for their hard work and fund-raising. An article in the NorthEastern Advertiser described the fine new building as ‘Facing the main street, it is in a good position, and the new building catches the eye soon after turning into the town from Scottsdale’.

The building of the Bridport RSL club rooms represents a time when volunteer labour and strong community togetherness could work wonders. The names of those associated with the work have become part of Bridport’s history. After the death of one of the founders, Edgar Alexander, in 1984 a new room was officially dedicated in his honour, as shown in the accompanying photo at the opening.

The North-Eastern Advertiser is working with the Dorset Tasmania History Society to publish historical articles so that our history, in stories and images, is not lost.

Regional Mobile Skips adds to Van Den Berg business

DISPOSING OF your household and building waste has been made easier across the region, with the expansion of Van Den Berg Transport.

The Bridport family business has grown with the acquisition of Regional Mobile Skips, a convenient and personalised rubbish removal service.

Owners Damien and Jessica Van Den Berg are excited to grow their clientele as they provide customers from Launceston through the entire North-East with the skip bin service.

“As we are local we can offer a quick turnaround service,” Mr Van Den Berg promises.

“Our exceptional and efficient waste disposal solutions make us stand-out from the crowd. We go the extra mile to ensure that your waste removal needs are not only met but

exceeded.

“Our skip bins can go anywhere a car can go, which means we can access tight entrances where a truck can’t fit.

“Our bins with lockable lids are dropped off to the clients’ address and once the client has finished loading, we will collect and dispose of the waste.

“Our price includes delivery and collection, skip bin hire and the safe and secure disposal of waste which is really important for environmental reasons.

“We also can offer hard waste removal, deceased estate clean-ups, green waste removal and if the client is unable to load waste themselves we can offer a service of loading clients waste for them.”

Regional Mobile Skips will also service other areas across the state

with price on application, while longterm hire is also available with an obligation free quote.

The family-owned and operated business has worked in the transport industry for the last 14 years, specialising in home removals and furniture and whitegoods deliveries.

“We are really excited to be expanding into this new market,” he said.

Damien is the face most customers will see with Jessica in the office.

Jessica also works at Bridport Primary School as a teacher’s assistant, with their children, Esther, 6 and Noah, 4, both attending school there too.

“We love living and working in the North-East and look forward to providing a skip bin solution for everyone’s needs into the future.”

• Owners Damien and Jessica Van Den Berg, with their children, Esther and Noah, and one of their mobile skips.

BRIDPORT GIRL Guide Charlotte

• Ruby Smith from Ulverstone with Bridport's Charlotte Stevens.

Primary School athletic carnival

Students competed in a range of track and field events, with a great deal of spectators there in support. The hightlight of the day would have to have been the tug of war competition.

• Bridport Primary School tug of war team members (back) Maui Lade-Wihongi, Edmund Dolley, Macey Lovegrove, Harry Moore, Indi Nettlefold, Taj Gillespie, Charlotte Stevens, Summer Howard, (front) Georgia Illman, Henry Stevens, Thomas Coxen and Charlotte Maxwell.

• Bentley Lette competing in the 1500m race.

• Finishing the grade 3 100m race strong was Lenny Mason, Rory Lethborg and Lachlan Jones.

SCOTTSDALE PRIMARY School hosted Bridport Primary School, Ringarooma Primary School and Winnaleah District High School yesterday for the combined North East Primary Schools Athletics Carnival.

• Leading the charge in the grade 6 boys 100m race was Ethan Morice and Lucas Coker-Williams.

• Lewis Moore running in the Grade 4 100m event.

• Miles Taylor taking a leap during the long jump.

• Ollie Gerke competing in his 100m race.

• Ringarooma's tug of war team members (back) Bethany Worker, Charlie Betts, Ruby Barnes, Izaac Fisher, Aubree Berwick, Lexie Viney, Charlie Rossiter (front) Jamie Rossiter, David Reynolds, Lachlan Jones, Clover Viney and Nova Barrett.

• Winnaleah's tug of war team members Lacey Singline, Harlow Wilcox, Evie Taylor, Dixie Singline, Ollie Starbright, Tilly Evans, Lenny Mason, Ollie Ewington, Madison Percey, Chase Hayes, Lewis Rattray and Axel Groves in action.

• Winnaleahs Madison Percey coming into the finish, followed by Lexie Reid, Sophie Binns and Aubree Berwick.

FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM Cabin, fully renovated, partly furnished, new heat pump, Nabowla area, $300 per week, plus bond contact 0483 838 522 for more information.

FOR SALE

AUSTRALORP hens, pullets and 2 roosters. $20 each 0456 160 318.

TOWNS, JACK

27.3.1937 – 5.3.2024

The Scottsdale Football Club mourns the passing of Jack Towns, a former player, member, and lifelong supporter of the club. The club extends its condolences to Daryl and Vicki, Mandy and Brett, and their families.

PUBLIC NOTICES

EVENTS@BRIDPORT INCORPORATED NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is given that the 2024 Annual General Meeting for Events@Bridport Inc will be held on Thursday April 11, 2024, Bridport Hotel, Main Street Bridport. Commencing at 7.30pm.

All welcome to attend.

For further information please email: eventsatbridport@hotmail.com

Kathy Dolega, Secretary

North-East Indoor Bias Bowls Association AGM

To be held at the Scottsdale RSL, Tuesday March 26 at 6:30pm. Old and new players welcome.

Legerwood Indoor Bowls Club

Training commences

Sunday March 17, 7.00pm at the Legerwood Hall. All welcome.

EASTER

OPENING HOURS

Our office will be closed from 5.00pm

Wednesday, March 27 and will reopen 9.00am

Monday, April 8.

Wishing all our loyal readers and advertisers a safe and enjoyable Easter period.

NEW BRIDPORT PIER

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST), on behalf of the State Government and with the assistance of the Dorset Council, is assessing options and undertaking stakeholder engagement to identify the preferred location for a new Pier in Bridport.

The Government’s 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.

Bridport bowlers celebrate new mat

BY TONY SCOTT

BRIDPORT

BOWLS

Club is rolling out a new artificial green with an eye for the long-term future.

The $186,000 project is to replace a mat that’s done nearly 18 years of service, but was near the end of its useful life and well past what had been expected when installed.

The new and improved plastic grass has better drainage properties and a life expectancy of 25 years.

Club members expect it will see many of them out.

Bowls Club treasurer Colleen Davis said it was a big project but made achievable

because of a constitutional requirement that provision was made each year for the green’s replacement.

“We’re a successful little club and we’ve applied for an Active Tasmania grant to help with the job,” she said.

“The artificial surface is much easier than grass to maintain, so it’s a more efficient option.”

Club president Maxine Monson said the new mat represented a big achievement for a club with a few more than 30 members.

“We always hope that facilities like this will help attract new membership,” she said.

dorset COUNCIL

The Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, 18 March 2024 will be held at the Branxholm Hall, 9 Stoke Street, Branxholm 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:

– Commissioner Communications

– Management Team Briefing Report

– Endorsement of Playground Facility Audit Report for Community Consultation

– Budget Variation | Reallocation of Grant Funding and Revised Estimates

– Main Street, Bridport – Speed Zone Assessment

– Review of Policy No. 44 – Social Media

– Review of Policy No. 4 – Sponsorship of Sporting and Cultural Representatives

– 2023/24 Budget Estimates Variation – Capital Works Road Resheeting

– Recovery of Unpaid Rates (Closed Session)

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 14 March on Council’s website www.dorset.tas.gov.au , contact 03 6352 6500 or email dorset@dorset.tas.gov.au

JOHN MARIK General Manager

“We’ve been successful, fielding three teams in the Bowls Northern Tas pennants and it’s a good social atmosphere.”

She believes the split is about 50-50 among other clubs between artificial and grass rinks.

“The plastic is a much more consistent surface, so helps new bowlers develop their game.”

While eating and drinking on the rink is generally forbidden, there was a good roll

up for a wake on the old green when it was suitably farewelled.

Ms Monson said sections of the old green were being offered for sale.

“It might be useful for people wanting to put in their own small bowls rink or a tennis court or farmers might have all sorts of uses for it.”

People interested in a piece of bowls history are invited to contact the club.

Scottsdale Football Club Season Launch

Members, life members, and supporters are invited to the club’s 2024 season launch.

Thursday, March 21st at 7.15pm

• Club coaches will address the function.

• A pre-recorded video featuring Jay Lockhart, Isaac Chugg and Ryley Sanders will be played.

• Jumper presentations for junior teams will take place.

• Life Memberships will be presented.

• Food provided, bar will be open.

NORTH EASTERN EVENTS CALENDAR 2024

Every Tuesday

• Scottsdale Choir 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Scottsdale Uniting Church Meeting Room

Every Thursday

• Free morning tea drop in centre, 10:00am – 1:00pm

Scottsdale Uniting Church

Every Friday

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

Scottsdale Men’s Shed

Every Saturday

• St Helens Market 8:00am – 12:00pm

Portland Memorial Hall

First Friday Each Month

• Free Women's Legal Service Dorset Community House

• Ladies of Dorset Coffee & Chat

Scottsdale Art Gallery Café

Second Monday Each Month (except June)

• Dorset Garden Club

Scottsdale Uniting Church Meeting Room 2:00pm

March 15

• Barefoot Bowls Lilydale Bowls Club, 5:00pm March 19

• Creative Crafts 10:00am The Hub, Ringarooma March 21

• Tourism Networking Session 5:00pm – 7:00pm Bo & Barn March 22

• Ringarooma Community Morning Tea 10:30am – 2:00pm History Room

• Meal Night The Hub, Ringarooma

23

• Tractor Pull Santarena Park, Jetsonville March 30

• Weymouth Easter Market Weymouth, 9:00am – 1:00pm

• Bridport Village Market 9:30am – 1:00pm Bridport

April 13

• NTFA Heritage Clash, 10:30am

Pyengana Recreation Grounds

April 27

• Harvest Festival Springfield Friends of St Paul’s Church

May 11

• Bridport Village Market 9:30am – 1:00pm

Bridport

May 22

• National Simultaneous Storytime 12:00pm

Scottsdale Library

May 25

• Bridport Bonfire and Cracker Night Waterhouse Road, Bridport

June 1

Gladstone Hotel, Lets defeat Cancer Together over Coffee & Tea

Gladstone Hall, Gladstone

June 8

• Bridport Village Market 9:30am – 1:00pm

Bridport

• Bridport Bowls Club executives Colleen Davis and Maxine Monson overlook the base for the new rink surface.

Scottsdale Bowls report

BY JAN FOSTER

ONCE AGAIN this week I only have a short report as there were no Saturday games due to the Long Weekend. Both Division 2 and Division 4 played only on Thursday, March 7.

Scottsdale Div. 2 hosted Westbury at home and had a very rewarding day taking out 10 points with an 80 to 50 shots win.

Our teams of Graeme Walsh, Cindy Walsh, Trevor Jessup and Greg Blackwell had an extremely narrow wins 26 to 24.

Mike Hansell and team Nerina Hansell, Steve McMullan and Neville

Lynch well and truly got on top of their opponents with a resounding win 41 to 5 win...howzat!!!

Team John Dennis, Tony Giunta, Arch Ranson and Kevin Coates did not have as good a day as they would have liked, going down 19 to 23, but overall well done to all players.

Div. 4 headed off early, playing at George Town on a beautiful day for bowls with the home side taking home two points while Scottsdale claimed 10 points for the day with 2 wins from 3 games played.

Skip Ray Charlton, David Ezzy (nice to see you playing David), Marie Charlton and Phil Hay battled but

went down 16 to 24.

Kath Ginn, Danny Donaldson, Jan Foster and Chris Coates had a good win 20 to 14 and skip Tony Williams, Di Williams, Kerrie Donaldson and Helen Pola also had a good win 20 to 15 on their rink. Nice to see Di Williams on green again as well.

With only a few more games to be played this season our Saturday Div 1 team is probably out of finals but Div. 3 is holding 3rd spot on the ladder.

Thursday’s Div. 2 is holding onto second spot, only off the top by a small amount of game wins. Div. 4 on Thursday are 5th so every game is vital if we are to be playing finals.

Bridport Football Club signings

BRIDPORT FOOTBALL Club has signed two new players for the upcoming season.

Jack Lanham joins the Seagulls from Scottsdale and North Launceston, where he made his senior debut at the age of 18.

“He has outstanding ability and we can’t wait to see him in the navy and white hoops this season,” President Steve McKillop

said.

The club will also welcome Brooklyn Fulton, a 17-year-old who came through Launceston’s Development League last year.

“His family is from the NorthEast, he is a talented back man and will add some pace to the line-up.”

A practice match will be held this Saturday, March 16, at East Devonport against Turners Beach.

Magpies hosting AFL players at season launch

THE SCOTTSDALE Football Club will be holding its season launch on Thursday, March 21 at 7pm, and it will feature both junior and senior teams, as well as a video link to Tasmanians Jay Lockhart, Ryley Sanders and Isaac Chugg, who are past and present AFL players.

Lockhart is a former Melbourne player and now plays with Southport in Queensland; Chugg was recruited by Collingwood, while Sanders is impressing at the Western Bulldogs where he is expected to debut in Round 1.

All three will speak about their journey to football at the top level.

The season launch will include addresses from senior men’s coach Joel Hayes, and senior women’s coach Mark Prior, and jumper presentations to a number of junior teams.

Presentations will be made to players who were selected in the NTFA Teams of the Year in 2023, and life memberships will be conferred on Cameron Moore, Cabel Hall and Denham Hall.

“It’s an opportunity for our entire club to come together, celebrate who we are, to welcome our supporters and sponsors, and acknowledge the many volunteers who work so hard so we can play the game we love,” senior club coach Joel Hayes said.

The catered event is free for all those attending.

On Saturday March 16, the men and women’s teams will play a practice match at St Helens against East Coast, the final hit-out for players before the season commences on April 6.

• Brooklyn Fulton. • Jack Lanham.

State success for athletes, record for Gilbert

RINGAROOMA SISTERS Clover and Myrtle Viney have returned from Hobart with some special bling after succeeding at the Little Athletics Tasmania State Championships in the Domain over the weekend.

With temperatures reaching 35 degrees on Saturday followed by a cool and wet change on Sunday, the North East Little Athletics Centre performed extremely well against representatives from other centres across the State.

The girls came away with many personal bests in their running events, but it was the 800m late on Sunday afternoon where Clover shone – claiming the state championship title and bringing home the gold against some quality opposition.

“Clover ran nearly a 28second PB in the 800m with a time of 2:59:04 where she was consistently running 3minutes 27 seconds at home on grass track and she wasn’t even in the first round of qualifiers and when it opened up for second round she asked to enter for fun with a result that we didn’t expect,” mum Hollie Mather said.

Clover also won gold in the Turbo Jav event and finished 5th in Long Jump, 400m and hurdles, 7th in the 70m and 8th in Shot Put.

Competing in under 8, Myrtle won bronze medals in the 400m and 100m, and was 4th in Shot Put and Turbo Jav, 5th in the 200m, Long Jump and Discus, 6th in

the 70m and 7th in Hurdles.

Their sister Lexie also competed in the U11 State Final for the 400m.

St Helens Centre also had solid representation on the dais.

Archie Gilbert won his 100m, 200m, shot put, long jump and discus and broke the State record in discus.

He was second in the high jump and triple jump and third in the 400 metres, while his brother James Gilbert won a silver in discus.

Lola Goodyer won silver in 60m hurdles and shot put, an claimed bronze in 70m and 200m.

Bo Bryant won gold his triple jump, silver in his 200m and 400m and bronze in his long jump.

Three athletes from Lilydale, who compete weekly with the Rocherlea club within the North Launceston White City Centre, also did well.

Austin Jordan won bronze in shot put with a distance of 6.18m.

Cooper Bardenhagen competed in a highly competitive under12 boys age group, claiming silver in javelin with a throw of 29.09, silver in high jump with a jump of 1.40cm

Under 9 athlete Fletcher Bardenhagen claimed silver in 800m with time of 2.59.03, silver in discus throwing 16.49, bronze in long jump with a jump of 3.56cm and bronze in shot put with 6.18m.

Nunamara woodchopping action

THIRTY AXEMEN and women toughed it out in hot competition on Saturday at the Mt Barrow Woodchopping Carnival.

North-East local Anthony Richards had two firsts and two seconds on the day, which was organised by the St Patricks River Community Group and involved a market, BBQ, food stalls and entertainment.

The next event on the calendar is at Pyengana over Easter Saturday and Sunday.

RESULTS: 225mm Standing

SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY - 3 PERSON IRISH

STABLEFORD

Winners: David Casboult, Rob Kerrison, Greg Blackwell, 83 points. R/Up: Kevin Smith, Barry Pickett, Mark Dobson, 78 points. 3rd: Noelene Lette, Cheryl Mackenzie, Marie Nuttall, 77 points. NTP 1/10: Greg Blackwell. NTP 5/14: David Casboult. Longest Putt: Mark Dobson. Women’s Longest PuttNoelene Lette. Tuesday - Stableford.

Handicap: 1st Stephen Batchelor 5, 17sec; 2nd Anthony Richards 12; 3rd Michael Maine 15. 250mm Standing

Handicap: 1st Peter Watson 3, 28sec; 2nd Anthony Richards 13; 3rd Will Lovell 21. 250mm Novice

Standing Handicap: 1st Rick Rogers 5, 22sec; 2nd Ben McQueen 3; 3rd Chris Hadley 3. 275mm

Standing Handicap: 1st Anthony Richards 14, 24sec; 2nd Brent Walker 18; 3rd Anthony McCauley. 300mm

Standing Handicap: 1st Matthew Arnold 30, 19.5sec; 2nd Dale Beams 35; 3rd Michael Maine 30. 300mm

Women’s Winner: Heather Lack, 39 points. R/Up: Helen Fletcher, 36 points. Longest Putt: Noelene Lette. Gobbler: Julie Collins. Men’s Winner: Bill Fahey, 43 points. R/Up: Greg Blackwell, 38 points. Longest putt: Greg Blackwell. Gobbler: Rob Shea.

RINGAROOMA GOLF CLUB

FLAG CLUB DAY

Winner: Brian Flowers, 64 nett. R/ Up: Stuart Burr, 65 nett. 3rd: Kerry Rowbottom, 70 nett

Underhand Handicap: 1st Anthony Richards 10, 31sec; 2nd Anthony McCauley 9; 3rd Brent Walker 10. Junior Underhand Handicap:

1st Kallee Batchelor 3, 2nd Travis McCauley 17. Junior Underhand Handicap (2): 1st Travis McCauley 17, 2nd Kallee Batchelor 6. 300mm Standing Block Championship: 1st Dale Beams 17sec, 2nd Daniel Gurr, 3rd Daniel Beams. Novelty 9 inch 225mm Standing Block Hard Hitting: 1st Andrew Kelly 8 Hits, equal 2nd Matthew Gurr and Michael Maine 9 Hits.

SPORTS RESULTS

4th: Peter Watt, 71 nett. NTP 7/16: Brian Flowrs. NTP 9/18: Peter Watt

BRIDPORT GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

WOMEN - STABLEFORD

Mandy Hall, 38. June Atkinson, 34. Helen Davies, 33. NTP 3rd shot 3/12: Mandy Hall

MEN - STROKE

Div 1 Winner: Mitch Ayres, 69. R/Up and Monthly Trophy Winner: Zac McDougall, 71 c/b Steve Ayres, Peter Wilkinson, 73. Div 2 Winner: Dean

Curtis, 71. R/Up: Don Etchells, 72, Wade Howlett, 73. NTP 1/10: Steve

Ayres. NTP 6/15: Peter Wilkinson.

Putting: Jamie Carins 29 c/b Peter Wilkinson & Don O'Garey.

Friday Flappers: Karl Roberts 19 c/b Lindy Lockhart

STROKE MONTHLY TROPHY

Winner: Linda Noonan 67. Runner

Up: Mandy Hall 71. Longest putt

ATF: Mandy Hall. Putting: Mandy Hall 31. NTP 3rd shot 9/18: Jan Daff.

Croquet Draw: Jenny Bryan. Longest

Shot: Helen Schurring.

Next Week: North-East Championships Tam O'Shanter.

MOORINA GOLF CLUB

KJ'S DAY STROKE & PUTT

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Mens: I. Mountney 68, R. Nichols 69, A. Youd 70. Women: T. Taylor 75, D. Rattray 77, L. Mullins 80. Longest Putt 5/14: A.Youd, Longest Putt 7/16: R. Apted. Putts: S. Krushka 25, R. Nichols 26, I. Mountney 28.

• Ringarooma sisters Clover and Myrtle Viney.

• Archie Gilbert, Lola Goodyer, James Gilbert and Bo Bryant from St Helens.

• Lilydale's Austin Jordan won bronze in the shot put.

• Cooper and Fletcher Bardenhagen with the haul they brought home to Lilydale.

• Anthony Richards (left) claims the 300mm underhand handicap final ahead of Anthony McCauley, Brent Walker, Daniel Beams, Dale Beams and Amanda Beams.

fun Green appeal

School

Cam aims high with national rowing berth

AFTER JUST two years in the sport, Springfield’s Cam Auton has just been selected in a Tasmanian team to contest the National Rowing Championships in Penrith, NSW.

Auton, 18, is excited about the challenge ahead when he joins with rowers from Hobart to form the U/21 Tasmanian Eight, lining up against the best in the country from March 18th-24 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

“I started rowing when I was 16 with some of my friends from school. I chose rowing because I wanted to try something new. Up until that point I had been playing basketball, but I wasn’t very good at it,” Auton laughs.

“I wanted to find a sport that utilised my height but where I could still be part of a team.

“To be selected is very exciting, a lot of my hard work over the past few years is starting to pay off. Hopefully, it can be one step towards bigger things.”

Auton rows with the Tamar Rowing Club in Launceston, training on-water threefour mornings per week.

His training routine also involves gym work and other conditioning – all the while working as a brewery assistant at

Scottsdale’s Little Rivers.

“I really enjoy it - Jess, Chris and the team have been really supportive of my training and racing schedules which has been so helpful,” Auton said.

“The juggle of work and training is something I need to be actively thinking about all the time and the early mornings can be really exhausting if you’re not looking after your body properly.”

Auton spent the weekend preparing for nationals with his team, which consists of rowers from other clubs in Hobart, including Buckingham Rowing Club (BRC) and Tasmanian University Boat Club (TUBC).

“We have been coming together to train since the announcement which has been great,” Auton said.

“We’re feeling positive about our competitiveness in the championships, we are well situated and feeling good.”

Beyond this opportunity, Auton said his goal was to continue to develop himself and his skills.

“I have some great coaching support at a state level including Trevor Barrett, Jacob Crow and Andrew Palmer who I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to learn from,” he said.

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• Cameron Auton has been selected to represent Tasmania in rowing later this month.