THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS

Ready for the folk festival?
The Cygnet Folk Festival is upon us once more this weekend, from 10 to 12 January, and if you’re not already, it’s time to get organised.
If you have tickets, save them to your phone, ready to show at the festival day parking gate and/or box office when you arrive.
If you’re thinking of coming along and are yet to purchase tickets, it’s time to lock in a plan. It is recommended that you buy tickets before you arrive.
This year the entire festival programme is available online at https://cygnet.bardsly.com/
To save the programme to your phone, use your web browser to view the programme, look for the share button (a square with an arrow pointing up), scroll down and select ‘Add to Home Screen’. The programme will appear like an app on your phone home screen.
You can also pick up a free printed festival quick guide at the box
office which contains basic festival info, a map and the performance timetable.
The festival aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible so please bring your own water bottle (free drinking water available), reusable cup for hot and cold drinks, plate/bowl and cutlery for ordering food from stalls.
If you’re travelling from Hobart or Huonville you might like to consider catching the festival bus. For bus times and prices visit https://events.humanitix.com/cygnet-folk-festival-2025/tickets and click ‘Skip to More Tickets’.
Have a wonderful festival, take care of each other and let’s make it another one to treasure in our memories for years to come.
Cygnet Folk Festival

Three hospital beds secured for Dover Medical Centre
Huon Valley Council, the Tasmanian Health Service and Huon Regional Care have agreed to a multi-year contract to provide rural hospital beds at Dover Medical Centre.
Supported by Huon Regional Care nursing staff, Huon Valley Medical doctors are on 24-hour call to support inpatients in three sub-acute rural hospital beds.
Minister for health, Jacquie Petrusma, said these hospital beds are very important for improving access to healthcare for the residents of Dover and its surrounds.
“These three hospital beds at Dover Medical Centre have been fully operational during a trial period, and I’m thrilled to formalise this service for the local community,” Minister Petrusma said.
“Rural hospital beds support patients and their families locally, and are an important complement to major urban hospitals.”
Huon Valley mayor Sally Doyle said access to medical services is a key concern in the region.
“The council is proud of the collaborative approach taken by the organisations and staff involved in securing this vital service. Additionally, the clinical opportunities available to doctors delivering the service will help the council to promote our medical practice, and to attract and retain doctors for the benefit of the whole community.”
Huon Valley Council

Community engages with planning
The 60-day exhibition period for Kingborough’s version of the state government’s incoming Tasmanian Planning Scheme finished on Monday 9 December 2024.
Mayor Paula Wriedt acknowledged the end of the exhibition period and thanked the community for their valuable contribution to the planning process.
“The input has been informative, with many representations received, each of which will be carefully considered to ensure community voices are reflected in the new Planning Scheme,” Cr Wriedt said.
“Over 180 people attended our information sessions which were held across the community from Kettering to Bruny Island.
“We also received a large number of enquiries, online, by phone, over the counter, and via in-person meetings, demonstrating strong community interest and involvement in the process.
“There was a diverse range of contributions submitted through the representations, including both for and against application of zones, codes and specific area plans that affect public and private properties within the municipality.
“Staff are currently working very hard registering all the representations, considering its content and how any proposed changes may align with the state government’s guidelines and broader statewide policies.
“The report with the summary and recommendations will be prepared for a council meeting early this year.
“Once the report has gone to the council, the summary and recommendations will be forwarded to the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC).
“Anyone who has submited a representation to the TPC will get the opportunity to attend a hearing to discuss their representation, which is a really important part of the exhibition process.”
Kingborough Council

Council CEO review completed
Huon Valley Council has completed the 2024 annual performance review for its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lachlan Kranz.
“The annual performance review is a vital process to ensure our council maintains strong and accountable leadership. I am pleased to report that the CEO has exceeded expectations, demonstrating dedication and effectiveness in advancing the council’s strategic vision. We look forward to building on this success in the coming year,” stated Mayor Sally Doyle.
“The councillors and I are genuinely excited about the outcomes of the review and the direction ahead, and we wish to extend our sincere thanks to Lachlan for his hard work, dedication, and leadership in serving our community.”
Reflecting on the past year, Lachlan said, “I am proud of the progress we’ve made in fostering stronger connections with our community and delivering on key initiatives that support the growth and well-being of the Huon Valley. Seeing the tangible impact of these efforts on the lives of our residents has been truly rewarding. I am honoured to work with such a dedicated team to build a brighter future for our community.”
The council engaged an independent consultant to conduct the review in November 2024, using a comprehensive 360-degree feedback approach. The review process gathered input from both internal and external stakeholders, while ensuring compliance with local government orders and legislative requirements.
Key points of assessment included the implementation of the council’s strategic and annual plans, delivery of statutory roles, and the ability to meet legislative obligations while serving the community effectively.
Huon Valley Council

Margate mural unveiled
A Channel heritage mural was officially opened last month at the Channel Museum (detail above). The mural by artist Joel includes the timber, fishing and apple industries as well as the ferries, church and school. The mural was painted on sheets of marine plywood which are fixed to the museum wall. A Kingborough Council Community Grant has supported this project. It is hoped the mural will provide a talking point for locals and visitors to the area as well as drawing more visitors to the Channel Museum.
Channel Museum

ARTBOX travels to Kingston Beach
The Huon Valley’s ARTBOX – a portable art gallery – is coming to Kingston Beach this summer.
Fran Parker’s exhibition, titled ‘Fragments’, will run from 8 to 22 January, showcasing her distinctive mixed-media artwork.
Using found objects from the beach, Fran creates captivating pieces that reflect the natural beauty of our coastal environment.
ARTBOX will remain at Kingston Beach for a month and provide a great exhibition space for local artists to display their work.
Kingborough Council

Games groups bring people together
The Cygnet and Geeveston Mah Jong/Games Groups enjoyed a Christmas meal together last year at the Thai restaurant in Nicholls Rivulet, which was so nice! The groups are fantastic for people who want to sharpen their minds, or people who need companionship. All types of games are played.
On Mondays at 12 noon is Mah Jong, alternating with Games week, at the GECO in Geeveston.
On Tuesdays at 5 Lourdes Rise, Cygnet at 12 noon is Mah Jong only, and on Thursdays at 12.30pm are all type of games; from Scrabble to Mah Jong, Rummikub to Qwirkle, and chess.
For more information contact Marianne on 0437 050 746 (6-7pm), or email bekkema.tas@gmail.com
Marianne Bekkema

Forest walk with Bob
As part of his recent 80th birthday celebrations, Bob Brown decided to take well-wishers from interstate for a walk through one of Huon Valley’s premier natural attractions, the Franklin Forest. A bus dropped them off at the Loop Track and picked them up at the Historic Sawmill after a leisurely walk. The forest didn’t disappoint, as the visitors went home to their states with lots of photos and memories of this special forest.
Bob said he hadn’t visited the forest for a number of years and was pleased with all the new signs and track work. Comments from his friends mentioned how lucky we were to have access to this amazing forest so close to our residents. Recent comments in the visitor’s book showed people from as far away as the USA and Canada also enjoyed their Christmas walks.
Friends of Franklin Forest

A gentle coastal walk to enjoy this summer
Looking for a gentle walk in Kettering on a compacted gravel pathway (pram friendly) along the foreshore? Then Kettering Point Track might be your ticket.
Be on the lookout for wildlife as the path meanders along the shoreline with views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel through the sheoaks. Stunning!
There are also several seats along the way to rest or just to enjoy the view.
If you wish to walk from Trial Bay to Ferry Road return, there are cafes to enjoy refreshments at the Kettering Ferry Terminal.
Distance: three kilometres return, approximately
Time: one hour (return)
Parking: There is limited parking along Ferry Road and it’s best to start at the Trial Bay entrance next to the Trial Bay boat ramp which features more parking, toilets and picnic tables.
Access: Dogs are allowed on lead. Enjoy everyone!
The track can be accessed from both ends of Trial Bay and Ferry Road.
What to expect: a gentle walk along the coast with stopping spots.
Kingborough Council

Kingborough school holiday activities
Looking for something to do this school holidays? If you’re a Kingborough resident aged 12 to 19, sign up now for these summer activities:
• Friday 10 January, from 9.30am to 3pm – Alice in Wonderland at the Botanical Gardens and lunch at Cornelian Bay. Cost $20, ages 10+ welcome, bus provided.
• Tuesday 14 January, from 9am to 3pm – abseiling and outdoor rock climbing at Coningham. Cost $45, ages 12+, bus provided.
• Thursday 16 January, from 10am to 12pm – creative cartooning workshop at the Kingborough Community Hub. Cost $10, ages 10+ welcome.
• Monday 20 January, from 4pm to 5.30pm – make summer rice paper rolls at the Kingborough Community Hub. Cost $10, ages 12+.
• Wednesday 22 January, from 9am to 2.30pm – surfing at Clifton Beach. Cost $40, ages 12 +, bus provided.
• Thursday 30 January, from 9.30am to 3pm – cinema and outdoor laser skirmish. Cost $40, ages 12 +, bus provided.
Expressions of interest are also open for young people who would like to take part in a mural project in Blackmans Bay with street artist Jasper Kelly. Skatepark users and aspiring artists are encouraged to apply.
For excursions, a bus service is available to pick-up and drop-off residents in Kingston, Blackmans Bay, Margate, Snug, Kettering and Woodbridge.
Workshops are held at Kingborough Community Hub.
All bookings can be made online at https://events.humanitix.com/host/kingborough-council
Kingborough Council

Portable art exhibition at Kingston Beach
Kingborough Council is thrilled to announce the arrival of a unique portable ARTBOX.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said the 20-foot relocatable container, repurposed as a public exhibition space was generously on loan from Huon Valley Council.
“This innovative concept will bring local art closer to the community and offer a vibrant, accessible space for local artists,” Cr Wriedt said.
“The ARTBOX will be positioned at Kingston Beach, centrally located and face the beach, where visitors can enjoy it while strolling along the esplanade.
“This exciting initiative will feature a rotating program of exhibitions, beginning with a solo exhibition by local artist Fran Parker.
“Fran’s exhibition, titled ‘Fragments’, will run from 8 January to 22 January and showcase her distinctive mixed-media artwork.
“Using found objects from the beach, Fran creates captivating pieces that reflect the natural beauty of our coastal environment.
“The portable ARTBOX will remain at Kingston Beach for a month and provide a great exhibition space for local artists to display their work.
“It is an excellent way to showcase the creativity of our local artists and bring the community together.
“Another great art exhibition being held over the summer, will be by the Margate Art Group.
“From 10 to 12 January the exhibition will feature enthusiastic landscape paintings by the group’s talented members at the KIN creative space at the Kingston Beach Hall.
Exhibition times are: Friday 10 January, 10am to 4pm, Saturday 11 January, 10am to 4pm, and Sunday 12 January, 10am to 3pm.
Kingborough Council

January at Kingston library
Since the holiday break, we have seen the return of Chess Club on 2 January at 4pm, with Family History Help to follow on 10 January at 1.30pm, Rock and Rhyme on 15 January at 11am, and Book Chat on 15 January at 2pm.
A special first Storytime for 2025 will be held at the Saltbush Child and Family Learning Centre on 16 January at 10.30am.
Learn how to use your phone’s GPS to go ‘treasure hunting’ in the January digital skills session – Introduction to Geocaching – on 16 January at 2.30pm.
Book a 20-minute appointment to Meet the MyGov Team on 23 January at 12pm, and get help with your account, making claims, and more.
An eye-opening display of memorabilia from the Tasmanian Aviation Historical Society is on show.
Plus the School Holiday Program runs from 13 to 31 Jan, while the Big Summer Read continues!
For bookings and a full listing of our events see http://kingston-library-tasmania.eventbrite.com
Kingston Library

Kingborough skate park engagement
Kingborough Council, together with industry leaders and renowned skate park builders, CONVIC, are seeking your feedback on skate parks in the Kingborough municipality.
The council has four well-loved skate parks at Taroona, Blackmans Bay, Kettering and Alonnah, but we want to hear from you to understand how we can improve opportunities for skating in our municipality.
The information received from our community will allow CONVIC to prepare a Skate Park Feasibility Study, the purpose of which will be three-fold:
• Inspecting all the council’s skate parks, providing feedback about each facility, opportunities for improvement and expansion if possible.
• Consider other land opportunities within the municipality to build another skate park.
• Provide a recommendation on whether the council should expand an existing skate park or build a new skate park. Based on the final recommendation, CONVIC will then provide a design.
The council and CONVIC want to hear from anyone that rides, skates or scoots at the parks in our community. To provide your feedback, please complete the survey on our website. The survey will be open until the end of January.
Kingborough Council

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