Edition 15, Wednesday 1 May, 2024

Anzac Day in the NE End of an era

Cutie Pie, Pumpkin Pie

Pool entry charge to sink or swim

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS

THE POSSIBILITY of user charges being introduced at the Scottsdale Aquatic Centre are being considered by Dorset Council.

The centre costs around $350,000 a year to run, with Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw confirming it was slightly over budget this financial year.

As the council prepares its annual budget and schedule of fees and charges ahead of the next financial year, it’s weighing up its options for the facility.

Mr Wardlaw will be presented with a recommendation to set the budget at the June 24 Council meeting, as it’s unlikely an elected Council will be sworn in before then. (See the latest on the Dorset Board of Inquiry on Pg 3).

A recent council survey filled out by 85 respondents, only one of which was not a pool user, found that three quarters believed there should be a fee charged - although half of those said the charge should only be for those from outside the municipality.

Mr Wardlaw said the learn to swim and water aerobics program had been well utilised as had general swimming entries, with 25,000 attendees over the swim

season.

“There are some community concerns that people out of town are getting benefits at the expense of ratepayers but there is also a suggestion they come here and provide an economic benefit to the region during their visit,” Mr Wardlaw said.

General Manager John Mark also requested feedback from members of the North-Eastern Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Marik said that assuming a 15,000 annual visitation number at $5 per head, $75,000 income could be raised annually.

“Over the 10-year Long-Term Financial Plan of Council, almost $800,000 inflation adjusted would be raised to reinvest back into the facility. This figure is quite material,” he said.

Mr Marik also asked whether members agreed the facility should be free for local sporting clubs, not-for-profits and community groups.

“This is with the understanding that these groups form a huge part of small communities for health and well-being, engagement and relationships, municipal liveability etcetera.

“I note when local groups paid T STORY CONTINUES, PAGE 3.

Authorised by Simon Wood, 139A Hobart Road, Kings Meadows

• Henry Jones, 1 of Springfield amongst the giant pumpkins as part of the annual Harvest Festival organised by Friends of St Paul’s Springfield. T SEE PAGE 4 FOR DETAILS.

WE SERVE

20 Years Ago – May 5, 2004 World record for Branxholm students. Branxholm School students decided that they were going to try and break the World record for the longest finger knitting. Teacher Miss Fahey contacted the Guinness Book of Records and found out that the current World record was 2,205.71m. The class started knitting straight away but the activity was only allowed at certain times of the day, so it didn't take away from their schoolwork. Students were placed in teams and had to keep a logbook of all knitting that was done. They knitted and measured their piece at 2,338.24m, well past the World record at the time.

50 Years Ago – May 3, 1974

Eight auxiliary nurses graduate.

Eight trained auxiliary nurses from the N.E.S.M Hospital at Scottsdale graduated at a special ceremony in St. Barnabas Hall. They were nurses V Auton, J Arnold, J Bowen, M Brown, V Dickson, S Torrents, J Cox, J Mather and E McWatters. During the ceremony the lights in the hall were turned off and the eight nurses recited the Florence Nightingale pledge by candlelight. Nurse Cox received a prize donated by Mr G.R Bailey for gaining the highest marks in the final examination and Nurse Auton received the B.A. Farquhar prize for being the best practical nurse. Following the graduation, the 130 people present enjoyed a social evening with dancing and supper.

70 Years Ago – April 30, 1954 New service for Farmers.

The world of agriculture changed significantly in the North-East when Max Geeves Pty Ltd and British Farm Mechanisations Co opened a new branch in Scottsdale. Local farmers welcomed the establishment of this new branch, that included both a show room and service station, particularly those who are Ferguson operators, who have Howard rotary hoes or other machinery from the Max Geeves Pty Ltd range. Farmers would instantly see the benefits from a time saving perspective being able to obtain space parts, implements, accessories, along with field and shop maintenance much easier. The company didn’t just only market farming machinery, it also had household equipment and radio products

The Prime Minister is correct, Governments must do more to support women trying to escape family violence and there must be more policy initiatives to try and stamp out this phenomenon which is taking the life of a woman every week across our country. It’s a sobering and outrageous statistic.

Women are dying. Not men. This is a gender based issue we all must tackle within our communities.

Children are like sponges. When they are young, they adopt how adults interact with

one another and they are more intuitive than we give them credit.

The way a son listens to the way his father speaks to his mother matters. The way a son sees how his father treats his mother matters.

From an early age, children are studying the way we all interact, and it is often learned and replicated behaviour.

Families who embrace kindness to one another, love and tenderness must be the norm across households if we are to stamp out family-based violence.

The 1800RESPECT line is always available to those experiencing domestic violence, but we must do more to curve violence before it starts. We need more preventative programs and centres to ensure that potential harm to at-risk Australians is mitigated, such as the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre.

Abuse of any kind; emotional, physical, or sexual must never be tolerated in a civilised and compassionate society.

We must all do better.

Helen Polley, Labor Senator for Tasmania

A long wait for the paperwork

HISTORY REMEMBERED

THE REVEREND J. G. (George) Mather arrived in our region in 1876, when he was aged about 27.

As was typical at the time, he conducted services for the Presbyterian Church in several localities, including Scottsdale, Bridport, Ringarooma and Springfield.

He also filled in as a teacher and was a strong supporter of the development of local schools.

As local communities at the time were relatively small, it would be fair to say that over the many years that he stayed in the region George Mather played a very significant role in our local development.

For most of his time in the Dorset region he was a single man but in January 1886, when he was aged 35 and she was 27, he married Anna Craig in Hobart.

Anna hailed from the Londonderry region of Ireland, and she came to Scottsdale with George. 10 months later the couple welcomed their first child, who they named Hilda Faith.

Tragically, Anna Mather died at the

Presbyterian Manse in Scottsdale in May 1889. She was only 30 years of age, her daughter was only 2½. Newspaper reports state that she endured a ‘long and painful illness’. She is buried at the Ellesmere Cemetery.

This sad story has a twist in the tail. In 1922, 33 years after her death, relatives in England requested a copy of her death certificate, but it was discovered that one had not been issued. There was an investigation.

The local Registrar of Births and Deaths from the time, Edward Bonner, had died in 1897. However, the undertaker of the time, Charles James Hughes was still alive at the age of 70.

C. J. Hughes provided an affidavit where he confirmed that the death had taken place and that he had performed the interment and supplied Mr Bonner with the details.

It was concluded that Edward Bonner must have not recorded the death due to an oversight. Due to the requirements of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act

an order was required by a Court for a Death Certificate to be issued, and this order was granted in February 1923.

The Reverend George Mather left Tasmania in 1891 having served the local community for 15 years. He married again in 1895 in Victoria and had a second child. He died in 1910 at the age of 60.

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.

Excursion to East Sandy Point

BY ROSS COAD

THE NORTH-EASTERN Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club recently held a walk into the Double Sandy Point Conservation Area near Bridport. Club members walked from the east side to the west side of East Sandy Point following the first part of the Bridport to Bellingham 4WD Traverse over the dunes. The walk covered a distance of about 10 km, most of it along the sandy 4WD track.

The dunes were likely formed during, and for a period following, the flooding of Bass Strait, with the major accumulation of sand from the Bassian Plain complete around 3,000 years ago. Over time, the dunes stabilised and were vegetated. However, the early European settlers used the vegetated dunes across much of the North-East as grazing runs. Land management practices poorly suited to the area resulted in degradation of the dunes, and by the 1950s and 1960s sand was moving from the East Sandy Point dunes into Anderson Bay. The longshore current transported the sand to Bridport where it regenerated the beaches but caused navigation problems for boats attempting to reach the wharf.

Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria)

– an introduced species – was planted

during the 1980s and 1990s to stabilise the dunes. During the field naturalists’ visit to the Conservation Area, no marram grass was observed, however those members who had visited the dunes around the time of the marram grass plantings remarked on the significant increase in native vegetation, such as Banksia, Allocasuarina and Acacia, since then. The dunes have largely stabilised, although there was clear evidence of 4WD activity beyond the marked track, risking destabilisation of some fragile dune areas.

The field naturalists were on the lookout for fungi growing in the sand of the dunes, an unusual place for fungi to grow. Although they were seen there last year, disappointingly, none were sighted this time. Sand dunes are a great place to see animal tracks, and a wide range were observed on the day, from wombats, to lizards and beetles.

Club members were pleased to find that there were many examples of rhizoliths at several locations. Rhizoliths are formed when the roots of shrubs and trees become encased in calcium carbonate derived from seashell fragments. The plants eventually die, but the encased roots can remain hidden under the sand of the dunes for thousands of years. Deflation of parts

• Field Naturalists enjoying the walk to East Sandy Point.

of the dune, typically by strong winds, can expose the rhizoliths to be found by future generations of dune explorers. Material found at one of the dune sites reminded us that long before cattle farmers, four wheel drivers and field naturalists explored the dunes, generations of the first Australians called the area home.

Plans to have lunch on the beach where the 4WD traverse emerges at St Albans Bay were abandoned when the wind threatened to coat our lunches with a fine layer of sand. We moved back behind the foredunes and enjoyed lunch in a sunny sheltered spot. The trek back out to the beginning of the track seemed a bit longer than the walk in, but spirits were high and the weather could not have been better. A day well-spent and enjoyed.

• Anna Mather headstone.

Paying our respects to war heroes

HUNDREDS OF people turned out to a number of Anzac Day services across the region last Thursday to pay their respects to those men and women who have fought and died for our freedoms.

Dawn services were well attended, with hundreds present across the major centres including Scottsdale and at Bridport, where members of the Surf Life Saving Club stood to attention in a boat on the river with paddles in the air during the Last Post.

Inaugural dawn services were held at Branxholm and Gladstone, with dozens gathering for both occasions.

Future Links Gladstone reported upwards of 80 people for its service, where many locals contributed their precious memorabilia for a display and heard an address by Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Aviation Technician Avionics, Amy Vickers.

Donations of $524.15 were received which will go towards a future Cenotaph in the town.

Branxholm Events Committee President

Scott Timmins carefully curated Branxholm’s event which will again be offered in 2025 after a successful response.

At Ringarooma, 130 people attended an 11am service with a march from the bank corner to the hall – with the biggest attendance in a while recorded, according to emcee for the day Brendon Thompson.

At Scottsdale’s 11am service, the key address was given by Year 10 Scottsdale High School student and President of the Student Leadership Board, Tara Lette.

She spoke about Australia’s efforts in East Timor from 1999 during their vote for independence from Indonesia, including a personal connection.

“My Aunt Megan Walker served in the East Timor peacekeeping program as a logistics operator which entailed providing essential supplies to the front line such as fuel, food, medical supplies, vehicle matiness supplies and weapons,” she said.

“She received two medals in honour of these operations, one of which is from the United Nations. I am fortunate enough to have these medals with me today. Her work

ethic, loyalty and leadership is so inspiring for everyone around her.

“We can also be very proud to have two members of our school involved in the 2024 Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize.

As we stand here today, Miss Rainbow and Tori Hall are in France attending Villers Bretonneux Service on the Western Front.”

At Springfield, Friends of St Pauls welcomed around 90 people who braved a chilly and overcast afternoon.

The theme of the service was the importance of flowers in war, with the address given by Ally Mercer who paid tribute to her family’s past service history before explaining the significance and relevance of the various flowers and foliage in different nations and theatres of war.

Tara Lette read a poem titled “The Inquisitive Mind of a Child” which explained meaning behind the use of poppies as a sign of remembrance and respect.

Traditional Anzac Biscuits followed the service to complete a significant day of tribute to those who sacrificed so much.

Pool entry charge to sink or swim

T CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1.

Council annual lease and licence fees, this amounted to $25,000 per annum. In today’s dollars and inflation adjusted it is approximately $300,000 over the 10-year Long-Term Financial Plan period. Again, this is a material amount covered by the whole rate base.”

Mr Wardlaw said the survey and

chamber response would inform his decision.

“It’s all up for discussion and I am open minded - is it too early to change the structure that’s only been in place for 2-3 years?

“Full cost recovery is just out of the question. If you divided 25,000 users this season by the $350 000 operational costs it would need to have a $14 cost per

visit to break even.

“If you do charge fees that can also increase running costs because you need to staff it for collecting entry fees. Even if you charge $5 an entry that’s still a lot for a family.”

He said “Tap and Go” voluntary contributions had been minimal and that system might be enhanced to encourage more user buy-in.

Possible swimming pool for Break O’Day

BREAK O’DAY Council is exploring the possibility of constructing and running an aquatic facility in its municipality.

The council is seeking a consultant to research how much it would cost to build and maintain, who would potentially use it, what it should include, where itwould be best located and how a funding model would look for the build and ongoing maintenance of the facility.

“We think it is really important that we do all the homework we can around this project,” Mayor Mick Tucker said.

“The Feasibility Study is a crucial step in understanding whether it is potentially possible for Council and the community to afford a facility like this and will help inform Council’s decisions

on the project.”

“The consultant will be tasked with research analysis, engaging with the community and stakeholders, and delivering a report outlining the findings and recommendations back to the Council.”

Tenders close on the 10th of May and Council will make a decision later this year.

email admin@northeasternadvertiser.com

Dorset BOI findings

THE BOARD of Inquiry into Dorset Council has handed its final report into allegations of systematic and statutory non-compliance to the Tasmanian Government.

Acting Minister for Local Government, Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the government had received the document yesterday and thanked the two-member board for “its diligent work”.

“The Government will now take the time needed to consider the Board’s recommendations made against the Terms of Reference in its final report and respond accordingly,” Mr Rockliff said.

The Inquiry was ordered by Local Government Minister Nic Street in July last year after a report by the Director of Local Government into a series of complaints.

Mr Street then stood down the nine-member Dorset Council in August and appointed Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw.

The Board was meant to hand down its findings on February 28 but requested a two month extension.

Harvest haul a success

A 71.5KG pumpkin stole the show as around 200 people attended the annual Harvest Festival organised by Friends of St Paul’s Springfield.

Publicity Officer Merrilyn Lette said it was a successful day, with previous fundraising records broken.

The Larry Gofton Memorial Pumpkin Competition was judged, with Trevor Hookway of Scottsdale presenting the heaviest pumpkin, weighing in at 71.5kg.

“Growers had a challenging year because of the dry season and heightened pest problems,” Mrs Lette said.

“More than one grower reported their pumpkins were growing well only to be eaten overnight by browsing animals.

“Pastor Vicki Knight touched on the dry conditions when she blessed the harvest. In a beautiful prayer she gave thanks for the soil and all who work with it to produce our food, Vicky also gave thanks for the rain last week and prayed for more rain to come.”

While the sun shone on the festival, Mrs Lette said it would not have been possible without a great team effort, including the auctioneering skills of Mark Coniston.

“He really did a fantastic job and we know how fortunate we are that he agrees to help,” she said.

“We are so very grateful for the support of our Dorset community whose donations of goods for our auction and then bidding so generously makes us realise how lucky we are to live in this lovely place.

“A big thank you to the volunteers who stepped in and helped organise the auction goods as a couple of our regulars workers were away, your assistance was most appreciated.

“Jodie Terry, assisted by David Hall and Gaylene Hall, ran the food/catering tent like a well-oiled machine. They had a barbecue or hot soup and fresh bread rolls and tea and coffee, if you felt like a treat with your cuppa the Springfield Tearooms had that covered with their biscuits and cinnamon scrolls.

“Jodie’s son, Jack, won the raffle prize of a trailer of wood. He told me that he is ‘negotiating’ with his mum to sell it to her!”

The next event on the organisation’s calendar will be PlantFest in October.

SCOTTSDALE COURT REPORT APRIL 30, 2024

AMMUNITION WENT off in a fireplace at a Bridport property when police were executing a search warrant for drug and firearms offences, the Scottsdale Magistrates court was told yesterday.

Bianca Jayne Cassidy, currently of Scottsdale, pleaded guilty to a range of charges, including admitting to possessing the unregistered home-made .22 calibre pistol and ammunition, not having a firearms licence, failing to ensure the items were stored correctly, possessing cannabis, using MDMA, smoking devices and selling methamphetamine.

Cassidy was bailed to reappear in Launceston Magistrate’s Court later this year and ordered to report to the Office of Community Corrections for a pre-sentence report.

Police Prosecutor Jules Ercole had earlier told the court that on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, police officers were executing a search warrant at 12 Henry St, Bridport, where they found a male in the lounge room and a female hiding under the bed.

Prior to entering the property, a round of .22 calibre ammunition was exploding in the wood fireplace.

“They put it in there as police were gaining access to the property,” Cst Ercole said.

He also told the court that in a police interview, Cassidy made admissions about using and selling controlled substances and had had the pistol for five years but had only used it twice - once in the bush and

once when she accidentally “let a round off” inside the house.

The court heard she was buying large “balls” of methamphetamine and selling it in small amounts for $100 a sale to customers in Scottsdale and Bridport.

She was owed $10,000 at the time of the police raid, the court heard.

Cassidy told Magistrate Ken Stanton she had just got out of an 11-year relationship and her ex-partner “had me doing these things but I’m currently not doing them anymore”.

She also told the court she was pregnant at the time of the incident.

Magistrate Stanton will hand down his sentence on June 12 at 2.15pm.

In other matters, a 56-year-old Scottsdale woman was not convicted but was ordered

to be of good behaviour for nine months after an incident at Winnaleah.

Nicola Ann Mackay pleaded guilty to trespass and destroy property at the Main St property on June 23, 2003, after going to the aid of a friend who was being hit by a fire poker and then throwing an old street sign through a window, causing $776 damage.

Magistrate Stanton acknowledged she had mental health issues and was “seeking to address an injustice” and that she had no prior record.

Benjamin Jordan Atkins was convicted of driving while his licence was suspended on Main St Bridport, on October 27, 2023. He was fined $200 and ordered to pay court costs of $94.34.

• Trevor Hookway enjoys the sunshine at the auction.

• Jack Hall with the load of wood he won in the raffle.

• Great-grandchildren of Larry Gofton - Mahlia, Aylah and Breanna Gofton, Matilda and Chester Page.

ANZAC DAY 2024

Paying respect to our war heroes in the North-East.

Lest we forget

• A Gladstone dawn service was well attended.

• A large crowd gathered at Bridport’s dawn Service.

• Ally Mercer addressed the Springfield service.

• Army cadet Tom Timperon stands guard at Scottsdale.

• CDT Jackson Fletcher, LCPL Oriel Dangio and SGT Cody Johnson during the service at Scottsdale.

• CDT Sam Chilcott stands guard at Scottsdale.

• Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer and Tara Lette at Springfield.

• Will Beattie at the front of the Scottsdale march into the Cenotaph.

• Max Hadley & Beth Knight at the Springfield afternoon service.

• New Girl Guides Hazel Viney and Summer Millwood placing flowers on Cenotaph at Bridport.

• On the river at the Bridport dawn service.

• SES Paul Worker lays a wreath alongside TFS member Michael Quinlan at the Scottsdale service.

• Shaun Keachie, Scott Timmins, Michael Buckley at Branxholm’s Dawn Service.

Kidz Club storms into town

A PROGRAM delivered by Service toOthers Really Matters, known as Stormco, visited Scottsdale during the first week of the school holidays to run Kidz Club and support people in the community.

Spokesperson Vicki Knight said a Kidz Club was held in the morning for children aged 5 to 12 included craft, games, music, puppets and bubbles.

She said the afternoon saw a number of young people provided help cutting lawns and a garden clean up.

“Perfect weather assisted with the

successful running of the program with a happy group of children and community members who appreciated the program,” she said.

The Stormco team came from all over Tasmania and are looked after by a group of adults including Pastor David Leo the Youth Director for the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Tasmania.

“A big thank you the Uniting Church, Scottsdale Squash Club and the Scottsdale Seventh Day Adventist Church who supported the program,” she said.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Estimate yours with the

calculator.

Build up begins for bonfire spectacular

THE BONFIRE’S being prepared and the fireworks have been ordered ahead of the Bridport Lions Club’s annual Giant Bonfire and Cracker night later this month.

“Pop on your winter woollies and load the kids into the car, don’t forget to pack some chairs and a blanket or two as well,” Cathy Chilcott said.

“This is a fun family friendly event with funds raised going to Childhood Cancer research.”

The event will be held on Saturday, May 25 from 5pm, just 4km from Bridport on Waterhouse Road with entry being $10.00 per car (cash or card).

Hot food and drinks will be available to purchase on the night.

“Enjoy a hot cup of soup or a sausage in bread as you keep warm around the bonfire before a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display takes place at around 7pm weather permitting.”

For more information on the event contact Cathy on 0417 576 505.

• Ethan Jensen.

• Luca Weerakkody and Hannah Hergenhan.

• Heidi Hergenhan.

Playground drainage frustration

AFTER FIVE months of waterlogging issues at Lilydale’s new playground, the City of Launceston will soon investigate the cause.

Recreation Planning Officer

Ben Clark the Council was aware of a potential drainage issue impacting a section of the playground and “has arranged for a plumber to investigate the cause in early May once the pool has been closed and drained”.

Lilydale District Progress Association

President Tony Naar said it was not satisfactory given the pool closed more than a month ago.

“It is unfortunate for the residents of Lilydale and visitors to our district that Council was unable to coordinate an investigation over the past five months, or take prompt action as soon as the swimming pool closed,” he said.

He said the town, which Dorset Council has expressed an interest in taking over as part of potential boundary changes, was often overlooked.

“The ‘rural east’ section of the City of Launceston is by area several times larger than the whole of the rest of the City of Launceston, yet time after time its residents seem to miss out on the attention that they perceive is lavished instead on Launceston city,” he said

“After waiting literally decades for a very basic public playground, for the residents of the Lilydale district its current state reinforces that perception.”

End of an era for art couple

AFTER NEARLY two decades in business, Rod Martin and Shirley Rootes Martin will soon display their last artworks as they prepare to instead hang up their hats.

Having started their Scottsdale business in 2005, today known as the Scottsdale Art Gallery Cafe, the couple will retire at the end of June after selling their King St property to Scott and Fiona Auton.

The Autons will transform the building into a grocer, homewares store and café focussing on local and Tasmanian produce when they take over.

But for the next two months, the Martins are coming to terms with the end of an incredible era.

“Embarking on this journey was a bold and courageous step but we were unwavering in our belief, vision and willingness to embrace new challenges,” Shirley said.

Rod, who had been the Forest Manager at Auspine, had found himself at a crossroads in 2002 when he was made redundant.

Undeterred, he decided to venture into picture-framing, setting up his business in a garage in Scottsdale.

Around the same time, Shirley, who had run beauty salons in Scottsdale and Launceston, decided to embark on a new adventure, completing studies at TAFE in Arts Administration and later, when the business had started, a Master of Contemporary Arts (Gallery Practices) at UTAS.

With this combined background, Rod and Shirley opened their original business, Scottsdale Art and Framing, in 2005 in the old Courthouse, now the Visitor Information Centre.

Soon after, they moved to 2 Victoria Street, now Loud Iron.

With the business succeeding, they looked to grow, purchasing a derelict residence and trucking company property at 42 King Street. Here, they created the purpose-designed building that opened in

2010 as the Scottsdale Art Gallery Cafe.

“We have hosted an average of ten exhibitions yearly which is a fantastic minimum of 200 exhibitions over the past 20 years,” she said.

“Throughout this time, the gallery has only displayed Tasmanian artists, from emerging to highly celebrated, and it has been a joy to play a crucial role in organising the exhibitions by planning the themes, inviting artists to exhibit, curating the hanging of the works, and inviting the public to openings.

“Rod has handled much of the framing, as many exhibiting artists use his services.”

Along with the gallery came the café, which Shirley said was a challenging new aspect of business.

“We soon learned that the coffee must be tremendous, and that the barista needs to understand the workings of a quality coffee machine.

“We employed local catering staff who shared our commitment to quality and a passion for serving the community. Our staff’s dedication and hard work have

been instrumental in ensuring that high standards have been met consistently over the years.

“Countless birthdays, anniversaries, four weddings and even a funeral have ensured the cafe has been a part of the community's life.

“It's also been a hub for local gatherings, hosting council functions, Rotary meetings, new resident morning teas, and the beloved 'Annual Pudding Night' that has become a local tradition. We are very grateful to our many loyal customers.”

The business also expanded to include bike hire for people using the North-East Rail Trail as well as a transfer service for riders to the top of the Billycock.

Rod and Shirley look forward to retiring to Bridport where Rod will continue to picture frame and Shirley will work with couples in her role as a marriage celebrant.

“I am sure we will be as busy as ever continuing to be involved in the community we love,” she said.

• Rod Martin and Shirley Rootes Martin have sold the Scottsdale Art Gallery ready for retirement.

ADVERTISER CLASSIFIEDS

CARPET cleaning and lounges. Phone Felicity on 0428 226 198.

GRANNY FLAT or similar accommodation in Scottsdale or surrounds, MUST BE QUIET. Contact 0458 336 558.

HOLMES, Edgar James

9.5.1933 – 23.4.2024

Dearly loved and adored husband of Audrey (dec). Loved, loving and cherished father, father-in-law, Grandfather, and great-grandfather of Deborah, Meredith, Christopher and their families.

Loved son of the late Mervyn and Amy Holmes, Tiverton, Ringarooma.

Loved brother of Joyce, Grace (Tobe), Ruth, Aileen and Alan (Joe) (all dec) and their families. Rest in eternal peace.

Bridport Bowls Club Inc Annual General Meeting May 19, 11:00am The Loft, Bridport Bunker Club All members welcome. All positions vacant. Nomination forms available from Secretary.

Potential Board Members

If you are looking for an experience which:

- Allows you to actively contribute to our community.

- Provides an opportunity to work with a dynamic like- minded team.

- Encourages you to use your professional and life skills.

- Gives you achievement satisfaction.

- Provides leadership.

- Change implementation.

- Personal development opportunities.

Consider applying to join the Board of Northbourne Park Association Inc.

For more information, contact Robin Thompson 0408 129 371 or robin.glen@activ8.net.au

HOLMES, Edgar James

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a funeral service to celebrate Edgar’s life, to be held at the Ringarooma Hall on Thursday, 2nd May 2024 commencing at 1:00pm.

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at our website: lethborgfamilyfunerals.com.au/upcoming-funerals

2:00pm. Enquiries 0418 576 769

Emergency recognition

ST HELENS SES members are celebrating being recognised by Tasmania Police for their work to help the community in times of emergency.

The certificate highlights the invaluable contribution of the volunteer unit, particularly in relation to mountain bike rescues and search and rescues.

“We are really appreciative of the recognition from them because a lot of these jobs are hard work, but we enjoy serving our community and helping people during their vulnerable times,”

Unit Manager Chantelle Targett said.

“We would like to recognise the support and effort by previous members of the St Helens SES Unit and members of the St Helens Fire Brigade that will provide operational support to us if we need it.”

Ms Targett is joined in the unit by Dylan Coker-Williams (Deputy Unit Manager), Chris Bean, Craig Bridgman, Jake Bridgman, Amber Bridgman, Mark Hinsley, Kayden McIntosh and Michael Kerans.

NORTH EASTERN EVENTS CALENDAR 2024

Every Monday

• Purple Frog Art & Craft Group

Scottsdale Men’s Shed, 10:00 –2.00pm

Every Tuesday

• Scottsdale Choir

Scottsdale Uniting Church Meeting Room, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Every Thursday

• Free morning tea drop in centre

Scottsdale Uniting Church 10:00am – 1:00pm

Every Saturday

• St Helens Market

Portland Memorial Hall, 8:00am – 12:00pm

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

May 5

• Singer Terry Simpson

Legerwood Hall, 1:00pm – 5:00pm

May 10

• Dorset Garden Club

Street Stall

King Street Scottsdale, from 9:00am

May 11

• Lebrina Pumpkin Challenge

Lebrina Memorial Hall, 2:00pm

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

May 12

• Weldborough Markets

Weldborough Pub, 11:00am – 3:00pm

May 16

• Branxholm’s Biggest Morning Tea

Branxholm Hall, 10:00am – 1:00pm

May 19

• Scottsdale’s Biggest Morning Tea

Northbourne Community Centre, 11:00am

May 22

• National Simultaneous Storytime Scottsdale Library, 12:00pm

May 25

• Bridport Bonfire & Cracker Night Waterhouse Road, Bridport

• Branxholm Market

Branxholm Hall 10:00am – 2:00pm

May 30

• Cuppa for Cancer Bridport

May 31

• Scottsdale Senior Social Club

Northbourne Hall, from 1:30pm

June 1

Gladstone Hotel, Lets defeat Cancer Together over Coffee & Tea

Gladstone Hall, Gladstone

June 2

High Tea

Legerwood Hall, 11:00am

June 8

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

• Winter Solstice Lantern Walk Weymouth, from 5:00pm

June 9

• Weldborough Market

Weldborough Pub, 11:00am – 3:00pm

• Alpaca Fibre Field Day

Tin Dragon Cottages Branxholm, 10:00am – 4:00pm

June 22

• Branxholm Market Branxholm Hall, 10:00am – 2:00pm

June 28

• Scottsdale Senior Social Club Northbourne Hall, from 1:30pm July 6

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

July 26

• Scottsdale Senior Social Club, Soup & Sandwich Northbourne Hall, for 12:00pm

July 27

• Christmas in July

Branxholm Hall

August 3

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

August 30

• Scottsdale Senior Social Club, Northbourne Hall, from 1:30pm

September 7

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

The Hec Smith Medallists

FOOTY FLASHBACKS

BY MICHAEL FINLAYSON

HEC SMITH was a star player with Cananore (a TFL Club in Hobart), Launceston, Longford, and City in the 1920s and ‘30s.

He later became an N.T.F.A official and after his passing the Association Best and Fairest Award became known as the Hec Smith Medal.

The first winner was Longford’s Barry Lawrence in 1966 - he later became a star playing with St Kilda.

Scottsdale’s first winner was Max Hadley

in 1972.

Stephen Nicholls won the medal in 1977 and Scottsdale won the flag that season.

Ricky Rattray made it back-to-back medals for the Magpies in 1978 with David Noonan completing the trifecta by taking home the medal in 1979.

Noonan at times played football with the grace of a ballet dancer and on a wet day could slide through a pack like Houdini from a strait jacket and come out with the ball. His great mate and Scottsdale rover Gordon Cuff was runner up in the medal that same year.

Jamie Dennis won the medal in 1982 and

North-East Eight Ball Report

IN THE Eightball this week the Dogs were on the road to Magpie land. The Kennel Crew went into this game undefeated and full of confidence, however the Pies had other ideas. Jarrod Smith and Boris Taylor took the first two frames defeating fly in Brown and Captain Farrell. Rat Farrell then stole the cheese from Randone before the wheels fell off the Dogs wagon, Blank dumped a load of topsoil on civil works Cain and lethal Shaw weaved his magic on Jarrod Farrell. Whitlam Gough was allowed out of the shearing shed and he ran the shears over Champy Brown leaving the

Dogs yelping in the corner. The Magpies were looking for a percentage booster and they swooped on the Dogs taking all three doubles to claim an 8 – 1 drubbing. Pies 8 – Dogs 1.

The Killers were at home to the Bulls and got off to a flyer with Marshall scoring the pork chops against Daffy and the butcher DeJersey carved up Cowmare Lethborg. The bulls were restless in the stock yards breaking through with Spud Parry, Sassy, Raymert and Wiggins junior. Stampeding the opposition to leave them 4 – 2 up at the break and the Killers in the same

again in 1984.

Both these years were also grand final wins for Scottsdale.

Dennis was an extremely talented and determined footballer who did a lot of extra training by himself in the off season.

At one stage he trained with St Kilda and later played with North Launceston and represented Tasmania.

Many young footballers nowdays probably don’t realise that N.T.F.A grand finals were played before crowds of 10,000 people.

Hec Smith medal winners were champion players in this State.

predicament as last week. Hodgetts junior teamed with Marshall putting the clamps on Daffy and Wiggins Junior in the first and DeJersey with his apprentice Smith in fine form against Parry and Raymert squaring the ledger. In the last frame Cowmare and Sassy were up against Armstrong and Hodgetts and the pressure was on. Both teams had their chances but it was the bearded one holding his nerve to secure a win for the Killers. Killers 5 – Bulls 4.

The Happy Rock side travelled to the RSL to clash with the Tigers and were met with an all-mighty roar as they entered the building. The show shuffler Williams got the party started downing McKeegan followed by Nick Kelly, whose promotion up the

SPORTS RESULTS

BRIDPORT GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY APRIL 27 - STABLEFORD

Men - Div 1 Winner: Jamie Carins 36, Chris Burr 34, Zac McDougall 33. Div 2 Winner: Gary Lockhart 38, Bob Laird 37, Mike Lambert 37, Darren Nichol 36. R/Up over Field - Bob Laird 37 c/b Mike Lambert. NTP 1/10: Bob Laird. Women’s Winner: Mel Scott 42. R/Up: Mandy Hall 37. Linda Noonan 36, June Atkinson 34, Helen Davies 33. NTP 9/18: Raylene Taylor. Longest Putt over the FieldDon Etchells.

MEN'S FOURSOME CHAMPIONSHIPS

Day's Event: Glenn Baker & Curt Nicholls

69.5 c/b Eddie & Chris Walker. NTP 3/12: Chris & Eddie Walker. 36 Hole Nett Aggregate: Chris & Eddie Walker 141. Champions: A Grade: Chris & Eddie Walker. C Grade: David Glover & Graeme Williams. Friday Flappers- Curt Nicholls 23 pts.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 - STABLEFORD

Men: Don Etchells 33, John LeFevre 25, David Bird 24, Finlay Jamieson 23. Women: Raylene Taylor 34, Trish Nichol 31, Mandy Hall 29, Karlene Cuthbertson 28, June Atkinson 28 NTP 1/10: June Atkinson. Longest Putt over the Field 9/18: Jenny Millwood. Graeme McWatt Memorial Shield: Raylene Taylor.

YOUR TASMANIAN OWNED VALLEY DEALER

order paid dividends. Roughead Kerrison took Lawrence to the barbers and the Bridport Bell was too good for Nolan after a dose of travel sickness tablets. Groves pegged one back for the Rock side leaving Slim Forbes requiring a service and Dairy Hayward did likewise putting the cups on Dec Cash. The Tigers took their foot off the gas and made a couple of changes to the line-up but the fresh legs of Sammy T and Fogarty proved fruitless as McKeegan and Hayward cleaned up. Groves and Nolan took the shine off the shuffler and Cash’s shoes and the scores were level. Experience prevailed in the last with Bell and Kelly too good for Kim Nolan and Kelly securing a win for the Tigers. Tigers 5 – Gladstone 4.

RINGAROOMA STABLEFORD

Winner: Peter Watt, 40. R/Up: Kevin Barrett,37. 3rd Darren Bean, 36. 4th Dan Walsh, 35. NTP 7/16: Stuart Worker. NTP 9/18: Kevin Barrett MOORINA GOLF CLUB

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 - STROKE

Winner C. Sculthorpe 71. R/Up: R. Nichols 73 C/B L. Rattray 73. NTP 4/13: R. Nichols. NTP 8/17: R. Apted. Match play - L. Rattray 5/4 up D. Donnelly, J. Balfe 1 up G. Taylor, F. Wagner 1 up A. Thompson, S. Percy 3/1 up K.F. Wagner. Monthly medal: C. Sculthorpe 71.

SCOTTSDALE GOLF CLUB

TUESDAY, APRIL 2 - STABLEFORD Captain’s Trophy Round 2 Winner: Heather Lack 69 points. Men’s Winner: Darrell Wells 69 points. Day’s Event - Women’s Winner: Helen Fletcher 38 points. R/Up: Tracey Taylor 36 points. Men’s Winner: Darrell Wells 36 points. R/Up: Matt Hope 35 points. Longest Putt - David Knight. SGC longest putt - Cheryl Mackenzie. Galloway Gobblers - Matt Hope, Cheryl Mackenzie, Darrell Wells, David Knight, Jock Ferguson.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 - FLAG Winner: Rob Kerrison, 69 nett. R/Up: Cameron Dobson, 70 nett. Others: Lorissa Dobson 72 nett, David Knight 73 nett. NTP 1/10: Rob Kerrison. NTP 5/14: Rob Kerrison. Longest Put: Cameron

Dobson. Putting: David Knight, 25 putts. EAGLE 13th: Shaun Krushka.

NORTH EASTERN LADIES DARTS APRIL 23

Rebels def Warriors 5/4. Highest score A. Youd 103, N. Jurgens 133. Devils def Imps 5/4 HOCKEY

Pythons 2 def Devils 1. Best - Pythons: Heath Hall, Jayden Knight, Mason Williams. Best - Devils: Tiah Simmons, Jess Carins, Caleb Beane. GoalsPythons: Narelle Genge 2. Devils: Lynne Artis 1. Sloths 5 def Frogs 2. Best - Sloths: Damien Wilson, Larnie Evans, Kerry Kershaw. Best - Frogs: Nick Hill, Bianca Hill, Andrew Hill. Goals- Sloths: Zane Smith 2, Larnie Evans 1, Grant Haywood 1, Damien Wilson 1. Frogs: Shakira Jensen Cooley 1, Nick Hill 1.

• Bridport Golf Club A Grade Foursome Champions Eddie and Chris Walker.

• Bridport Golf Club C Grade Foursome Champions David Glover and Graeme Williams.

• Frogs Bryan Atkins and Sloths Kerry Kershaw push for the ball.

• Gordon Cuff and David Noonan at the Hec Smith Medal Count in 1979.

Tough task looming for winless Magpies

BY PETER FISH

AFTER YET another loss against Bracknell on Saturday, the Scottsdale senior team has to journey to Youngtown this week to meet the undefeated South Launceston side.

At Bracknell, the Magpies missed the injured Joe Krushka, Kyle Lanham and Jesse Crichton - arguably three of the club's best players, and at half time trailed by just 26 points.

But it was all one-way traffic after the long break. The Magpies managed just one goal courtesy of a fine individual effort from Vinnie Russell, while the home team slammed on 8.15.

But coach Joel Hayes praised his players after the match.

“I can't fault your effort, but we have to learn from these defeats,” he said.

“We need to lower our eyes when we go forward and then we can start kicking more goals.”

Fringe players Vinnie Russell and Sam Tomkinson played their best senior games. Tomkinson stood out with a number of crucial spoils, whilst Russell played with more confidence as evidenced by his splendid running goal in the third quarter.

Bradley Milne was another to shine. He relished being moved into the midfield and his 20 possessions were his best return at senior level.

But the team will need to take another step forward if it to be competitive against South on Saturday. Hayes has been impressed by Isaac Watts, Noah

Scottsdale under 14 girls win again

SCOTTSDALE'S UNDER 14 girls continued on their winning way with another victory on Sunday against East Launceston.

Abbey Samec with four goals was best afield but she had good support from Mackenzie Heazlewood, Amelia Carter, Porscha Lapham, Ruby Mountney and Madden Wood.

The Under 12 boys struggled against the might of East Launceston and were best served by the consistent Ollie Gerke, Thomas Carter and Conner Jones.

It was a similar story for the Under 14 boys. Fergus Burns, Thomas Smith and Wesley Styles were among their better players and Dustin Rockliff was their sole goalkicker.

The Under 16 boys put in a good performance to go down by just 22 points. Deagen Young with an injured ankle strapped was good again as were Andy Heazlewood, Kade Norman and Lochlan Bowerman.

This week all teams are at home. The Under 11 girls and Under 14 girls will play curtain-raisers to the senior women on Friday night, while the remaining teams will also be at home on Sunday.

RESULTS

Under 12s

East Launceston 11.15 (81) d Scottsdale 0.0 (0)

Best: Ollie Gerke, Thomas Carter, Conner Jones, Taj Gillespie, Jonty Knight, Ethan Morice.

Under 14 girls

Scottsdale 7.10 (52) d East Launceston 0.0 (0)

Goals: Abbey Samec 4, Madden Wood, Chloe Styles, Sakye Cassidy. Best: Abbey Samec, Mackenzie Heazlewood, Amelia Carter, Porscha Lapham, Ruby Mountney, Madden Wood.

Under 14 Boys (Div 1)

East Launceston 12.12 (84) d Scottsdale 1.0 (6)

Goal: Dustin Rockliff.

Best: Fergus Burns, Thomas Smith, Wesley Styles, Flynn Hayes, Taylor Heazlewood, Declan Knight Under 16s (Div 1) East Launceston 10.5 (65) d Scottsdale 6.7 (43)

Goals: Jack Burke 2, Andy Heazlewood, Conner Riggall, Deagen Young, Lochlan Bowerman. Best: Deagen Young, Andy Heazlewood, Kade Norman, Lochlan Bowerman, Jack Burke, Lachlan Popowski.

Next week’s games at Scottsdale Friday 3rd May

Under 11 girls v Longford 5:45pm

Under 14 girls v Longford 5:45pm Sunday 5th May

Under 9s v Longford 9:30am

Under 10s v Longford 9:30am

Under 12s v Longford 10:30am

Under 14s v Longford 11:50am

Under 16s v Prospect 1:10pm

Auton and Zac Sheehan in the Under 18s and they will surely be considered for a senior game soon.

The Reserves with a few new faces including an English import were overwhelmed but being able to have four players on the bench was a rare occurrence and a credit to coach Kieren Mullins.

Kyle Wilson was a stand-out for the team, and Jesse Farrell continues to impress.

The Under 18 boys had a bye.

The women had to cool their heels until their 6.30pm match-up at Bridgenorth, and a quick three goal burst in the opening minutes by the home team made things difficult for the women.

Mikayla Binns was outstanding for the Magpies but they always seemed under pressure going forward and the inability to score goals is proving costly.

Football returns to Scottsdale on Friday night. The senior women will play Old Scotch at 7.00pm.

RESULTS

Seniors

Bracknell 3.3, 5.9, 8.12, 13.24 (102) Scottsdale 1.1, 2.1, 3.4, 3.4 (22)

Goals: J Hayward 2, V Russell

Best: J Singline, B Whish-Wilson, B Milne, J Rattray, J Hayes, V Russell Reserves

Bracknell 14.17 (101) d Scottsdale 0.1 (1)

Best: K Wilson, J Brown, W Reeve, B Davis, J Farrell.

Women Bridgenorth 14.8 (92) d Scottsdale 0.1 (1).

Best: M Binns, H Viney, A Hall, B Doohan.

• Julian Rattray kicks long.

• Jacob Singline was Scottsdale’s best player at Bracknell.

SPORT

Bridport champs

Rich reward as Seagulls triumph over Evandale

BY JUAN SALTER

ALL ROADS led to Bridport last weekend for a huge display of community football.

Not only did the Seagulls need to rebound from last week’s effort,it also had 275-game Brisbane Lions champion Daniel Rich playing for the club.

He was one of 50 people who attended the game from the Brisbane Lions.

The match commenced at a frantic pace with captain Joe Robinson prominent early.

Both teams were hard at play with good tackling, and it was Rich, whilst playing at half back, who kicked the first goal.

Jack Lanham contributed two goals in the first quarter and at the first break the Seagulls held a 14-point lead 4.3: 27 to Evandale’s 2.1 :13.

The second quarter saw a scrappy start and Rich appeared to do a hamstring early on, pushing him into the goal square for the rest of the game.

Liam Mckean kicked the Seagulls’ first goal for the quarter whilst co-captain Nat Barnett was giving the ‘Gulls drive out of the centre of the ground. At half time the Seagull’s lead was still 14 points 7.5 47 to Evandale 5.3: 33

Coach Andrew Philpott made some structural changes at the beginning of the second half and the Seagulls’ game kicked into gear.

The back line was functioning well, and midfield stepped up to take control of the game, with the forwards kicking seven goals for the quarter to take a 91-34 led into the last break.

In the fourth quarter the Seagulls continued where they left off with non-stop hard football tackling and holding Evandale to no goals in the second half.

Bridport had contributors from the entire 22 and they’ll head into next week’s away game against Uni Mowbray with confidence.

Players relished the opportunity to line up alongside Rich, who mixed in well with all players during the game and at the after-match function.

The day itself was a huge success for the Bridport Football Club with one of the biggest crowds seen at Bridport and the auction and festivities afterwards was packed with supporters and players.

The All Star game on the Sunday was a memorable day also.

In great news for the club, Mark Blackberry stated that next year’s AFL Day is locked in and the All-Star Game will continue.

RESULTS

Seniors

Bridport 19.14 (128) def Evandale 5.7 (37)

Goals: Rich 5, Lanham 3, Mcbride 3, Robinson 2, Mulder 2, Fulton 2, Nunn, Fulton, Mckeam.

Best: Fulton, Etchell, Nat Barnett, Robinson, Arnold, Saville, C.Mulder, Lanham.

Reserves

Evandale 11.16 (82) def Bridport 5.2 (32)

Goals Farell 2, Brown, Davis, Wadley. Best: Overdijk, Davis, Williams, Farrell, Beeson, Martello.

Tough run for Magpies

• Brad Etchell takes a kick for Bridport during the big win.

• Daniel Rich was a hit with fans including Juan Salter and Jack Lanham.

• Brent Staker, Simon Black, Adrian Fletcher and Craig Lambert with children involved in a clinic at Bridport during their big weekend of footy at the club