THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS
Oud concert in Cygnet
On Sunday December 15, the beautiful sound of Arabic music will fill the Supper Room in the Cygnet Town Hall. A concert will feature Majdi and Seraj Jelda playing the oud and the riq. These traditional instruments, often played in a larger ensemble (or takht in Arabic), will bring the songs of their homeland to Cygnet. The oud, a stringed instrument with its distinctive pear shaped body, produces warm, rich expressive sounds, and the riq, a tambourine-like instrument with bells embedded in the frame, provides the essential percussive element of this heartfelt expression of culture and tradition.
Majdi and Seraj began playing music as young boys in Gaza. They are dedicated to sharing this art form they love while thinking of their friends and family back home. Please join the community in warmly welcoming these two brothers by securing your tickets to ‘Majdi & Seraj Jelda Concert’ via the Humanitix website. Doors open 4pm. Concert begins at 4.30pm.
Cygnet for Palestine Collective
Multicultural artists, performers and cooks wanted
Kingborough Council is seeking talented individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to contribute to a series of vibrant community events.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said the initiative aimed to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make our region unique.
“The council is committed to fostering an inclusive and kind community,” Cr Wriedt said.
“By inviting multicultural artists, performers, and cooks to share their heritage, we are hoping to enrich our community events and promote cultural understanding.
“The council is calling for expressions of interest from individuals passionate about sharing their culture, creativity, and skills through:
• Art: Visual artists and crafters whose work reflects their cultural heritage.
• Performance: Musicians, dancers, and performers eager to showcase traditional or contemporary pieces from their culture.
• Culinary arts: Cooks and chefs specialising in multicultural cuisine, interested in conducting cooking workshops or participating in food festivals.
“We value your stories, experiences, and opinions.
“By sharing your skills, culture, and creativity, you are helping to create a positive and inclusive environment in Kingborough.
“Applicants must have relevant skills, experience and qualifications.
To apply contact: kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au or phone 6211 8200.
Kingborough Council
Port Huon pool nearly complete
The final stage of the Port Huon pool upgrade is occurring, with the new heating and ventilation system due to arrive by the end of the year. Significant improvements have been made, and these include enhanced energy efficiency through double glazed windows and doors and the recently installed all-ability hoist.
Mayor Doyle explained, “This particular hoist allows three different methods for people of all abilities to enter the pool, including a sling style seat, aquatic wheelchair and supported standing. The stairs in the shallow end are still available to those who do not require mobility assistance.”
“We are looking forward to reopening the Port Huon pool to our community in early 2025,” says Mayor Doyle. “We understand how valued this facility is, and expect to welcome everyone back to enjoy the extensively refurbished pool soon.”
Huon Valley Council
Extended opening times for Huonville pool
Huonville Swimming Pool will trial extended operating hours from 1 December 2024.
The pool will remain open until 7pm on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This initiative aims to make our facility more accessible to the community.
Based on the trial’s success, the council will consider implementing these hours permanently and explore additional opportunities to enhance our community services.
Huon Valley Council
Christmas twilight market
Huon Valley PCYC is hosting their annual Christmas Twilight Market on Friday 13 December, from 3pm to 7pm.
The Huon Valley Community is invited to come along for an afternoon of food, music, festivities and shopping, plus a visit from Santa!
If you would like to register a stall, please contact the PCYC.
Huon Valley PCYC
Carols in the park
On Saturday 14 December come along to Glen Huon Memorial Park for carols by candlelight.
The evening will start with a BBQ dinner and salads at 6.30pm, followed by a visit from Santa at 7.15pm, with carols commencing from 8pm.
Carols Glen Huon Park
Providing hope at Christmas
“Every Christmas, the Kingborough Fitness Centre staff collect hope bags for the Salvation Army Christmas appeal. The Bags of Hope campaign provides over 2,000 bags filled with food for families in need during Christmas,” says Kingborough mayor, Paula Wriedt.
“Christmas time can be difficult for some people due to financial pressures, feelings of loneliness, or the absence of loved ones, which may feel more pronounced during the festive season.
“This year so far 60 bags have been collected by the staff at the Kingborough Fitness Centre. These will all go to families and people in need this Christmas.
“Hope bags are a Salvation Army initiative providing essential items such as toiletries and non-perishable food to individuals and families in crisis.
“I would like to thank all our staff and community members for these thoughtfully curated bags which offer practical support and a message of compassion and hope to those in need.”
Tamara Downie, fitness centre team leader, said every year she was overwhelmed by the generosity of staff and gym members who filled the Bags of Hope.
“These bags help so many in need, enabling them to enjoy a brighter Christmas and putting smiles on faces,” Ms Downie said.
Kingborough Council
Trial Bay seniors seasonal walk
Join a scenic guided senior’s walk at Trial Bay for the council’s summer walk on Thursday 19 December from 11am to 1.30pm.
Led by a member of the natural areas and biodiversity team, this walk is not just about the scenery – learn about local birdlife and flora and enjoy a simple picnic lunch with fellow walkers.
Kettering Point Track is a gentle walk of less than 1km each way along the shoreline with views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel through the sheoaks. There are a number of seats along the way to rest or to just enjoy the views.
A light lunch will be provided.
Spots are limited. For bookings and more information visit: www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/community-event/seniors-seasonal-walk-trial-bay-19-december/
Kingborough Council
Jacking up our drinking water supply
JackJumpers and TasWater have teamed up with local councils to install 30 water stations across the state.
Kingborough will be receiving three refill stations in the following locations:
• Blackmans Bay Beach – next to the toilets and playground;
• Kingston Beach – northern end opposite the dog exercise area;
• Dru Point – next to the carpark and café.
Installation of the refill station in Blackmans Bay has commenced. The area will be fenced off while a concrete slab is poured for the refill station.
Kingston Beach work is expected to start on Thursday 5 December with the Dru Point station to be installed early next year.
Please note that the dog water tap at Kingston Beach will be removed in the short-term. The existing tap with hose will be relocated next to the beach shower. A new dog drinking bowl will be located with the refill station.
To read about the rollout of 30 refill stations around the state visit: https://taswater.co/Making_a_splash_with_the_JackJumpers
Kingborough Council
What’s on at Kingston Library in December
There’s so much on at Kingston Library in December!
• Enjoy fantastic Music Month performances from singer-songwriter Miah Aplin on 9 December at 10am; guitarist Dave Wane on 16 December at 10am; and a flute quartet on 19 and 23 December at 10am.
• Book in for after-school fun with Dash Robots on 11 December from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
• Grab some Christmas bargains at the FOLK Book Sale on 6 December from 9.30am to 12pm.
• This month’s free BeamaClub Film, The Man in the Hat (PG), is on 11 December at 10.30am.
• Christmas events include a display of Christmas miniatures; storytime and Christmas craft on 12 December from 10.30am to 11.30am; and letters to Santa can be posted at the library up until 13 December (Santa will send replies to Kingston Library for collection from 16 to 24 December).
For bookings and a full listing of our events visit: http://kingston-library-tasmania.eventbrite.com. You’ll also find dates for our regular programs that pause over the holidays.
Kingston Library
Summerleas Road underpass update
The backfilling of the box culverts for the Summerleas Road underpass is now complete, and work is underway to install the first layers of the road base.
The focus will soon shift to the installation of stormwater infrastructure, commencement of road reconstruction and retaining wall construction.
The council is working to reopen Summerleas Road by mid-December. To achieve this, a temporary road seal will be applied to allow traffic flow, while protecting the final road surface from damage by ongoing construction and heavy vehicle activity.
The final road surface will be laid closer to the end of the project. The project is expected to continue into early 2025, focusing on completing the pedestrian ramps leading to the underpass culverts.
When the road opens, traffic management measures will be in place to ensure the safe movement of vehicles, including construction traffic.
Kingborough Council
Weed of the month: South African orchid
South African orchid (Disa bracteata) can be found in a wide range of landscapes, preferring where the soil has been disturbed. However, it can also invade our bushland reserves and other natural areas, where it can outcompete and replace native species including threatened orchids.
What does it look like?
• This fleshy orchid starts growing in early spring and reaches a height of about 40cm.
• It has up to three underground tubers at the base of the plant.
• Small yellow and reddish-brown flowers are clustered along the upper part of the stem giving the flower spike a similar appearance to an asparagus spear.
• Flowering takes place from October to December. Following this, plants dieback to underground tubers and re-appear in the following spring.
How does it spread?
Each South African orchid can produce millions of tiny seeds, which are moved around the landscape by wind and water. It can also be spread through slashing, or when soil and mud containing seeds and tubers is moved by vehicles, machinery or shoes.
Where are you likely to see it?
South African orchid has a limited distribution in Kingborough, with the only known populations confined to small areas in Kingston.
Methods of control?
By hand
Once South African orchid has flowered, the only effective treatment is to dig it out. For this method to be effective, all the tubers need to be dug up and it must be disposed of in a way that ensures it does not spread even further. This can be done by placing plants (including tubers and seeds) inside two sealed bags and disposing of it in general waste. Removed plants or plant material must not be disposed of in green waste.
Foliar spraying
Before the flowers fully develop and open, South African orchid can be controlled by herbicides. The most effective herbicide products
are those containing Metsulfuron-methyl (eg. Associate), or Glyphosate (eg. Weedmaster Duo). Foliar spraying is when you directly spray the leaves of a plant. However, herbicides can have a difficult time sticking to and penetrating the leaves of South African orchid, so adding a wetting agent such as Pulse Penetrant is important for the spraying to be effective at killing the plant.
South African orchid can easily be confused with some native plants. Care should be taken to correctly identify South African orchid before any control methods are used. If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact the Natural Areas and Biodiversity team to confirm.
What is being done about the weed?
South African orchid is controlled on council-owned reserves and roadsides, using several methods, including targeted spraying and manual removal of flowering plants.
During the time of year when South African orchid is actively growing, council staff visit all known
infestations on council land and control any plants detected.
Whilst South African orchid is a non-declared weed in Tasmania, it presents a significant biosecurity risk to the natural environment. The Biosecurity Act 2019 introduced a new legal obligation in Tasmania, known as the general biosecurity duty (GBD). This emphasises the importance of shared responsibilities and the need for government, industry, and the community to work together to maintain a strong biosecurity system. In simple terms, the GBD reinforces that everyone has a role to play in protecting our unique environment and primary industries against biosecurity risks.
South African orchid has a very limited distribution in Tasmania and should be prevented from continuing its spread.
Kingborough Council
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