THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS

Cygnet Sea Dragons season wrap up
The Cygnet Sea Dragons Junior Soccer Club has just wrapped up another successful season with a fun Gala Day at the Cygnet Primary School oval last Saturday.
Nine teams were fielded this year, and a total of 93 kids were recruited – a club record.
Sadly, an Under 11 girls team couldn’t be fielded, with players from last year leaving, and a proposed U8 girls team didn’t get off the ground either, but there are plans to offer U8 girls the option of a team next year, as the club’s pipeline continues to grow. Mixed teams at all age groups will continue to be fielded as the club grows.
The Sea Dragons want to thank parents for their commitment  to bringing kids to training and matches this year. It can be challenging rallying the troops at 7am and then cheering on from the sidelines on a cold winter morning so your efforts are highly appreciated. Thank you mums, dads and other cheer squad members.
A huge thank you to the volunteer coaches and managers: Adam, Blake, Dimity, Grace, Gus, Ian, Lily, Luke, Maddy, Moses, Nadav, Nigel, Phoebe, Romi, Ruthie, Scott, Stefan, Tahlia and Zag.
Thank you also to committee members, Phoebe, Nina, Rachelle, Moses and Nadav.
Anyone interested in joining the committee in 2027 is invited to stand at the club’s AGM on 28 November. There are big plans for the club but help is needed to deliver them.
The club is also hoping to field a U13/14s youth team next year, keeping together Luke’s current U12 squad, who had a fantastic 85% win ratio this season.
It can be tough slugging it out with well resourced clubs and school teams from Kingston and Hobart sometimes, so the club is committed to improving coaching over the next few years, to hopefully make our teams more consistently competitive across age groups.
Visit our website: www.cygnetseadragons.com.au and our Facebook  page for details of off-season kickabouts on the oval.
The Cygnet Sea Dragons are also partnering with Huon Valley Council to offer futsal sessions at the Cygnet Sports Centre gym: U6/7/8s at 3pm on Wednesdays, U9/10/11/12s at 3pm on Fridays, $8 a session.
See you for pre-season in 2027, if not before!
Simon Crerar, President
Cygnet Sea Dragons

Dance into spring at concert fundraiser
The Huon Valley Concert Band, Huon Valley Swing Band and Huon Winds Wind Quintet are playing a special ‘Dance into Spring’ concert on Sunday 20 September at the Palais Theatre in Franklin, at 2pm.
In true Huon Valley tradition, the Huon Valley Concert Band members have decided to donate all proceeds from their 2026 annual fundraising concert to relief rescue and reparation
efforts in Nepal. No strangers to natural disasters like floods and bushfires, they see this concert as an opportunity to help, even in a small way, those affected by the terrible events we’ve seen unfold in recent weeks.
So, come and celebrate spring with good music and good friends. The music is a collection of dance tunes that will lift your spirits and set your toes tapping. TasSwing dancers will be there also and the afternoon promises to be a musical treat.
Afternoon tea is available to purchase, as are tickets for lucky door prizes, a raffle and a generous hamper. Entry tickets are $15, $2 concession/kids, and are available through Humanitix and at the door. Don’t miss it!
Huon Valley Concert Band

Huon Valley artists on show at Salamanca
Fourteen Huon Valley artists have come together for a group exhibition currently showing at Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart.
Artists of the Huon Valley brings together fourteen artists from the region – working across painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics and furniture – for a group exhibition at the Long Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre. The exhibition is a chance to see the breadth of talent working in the Huon Valley, and a taste of what’s on offer ahead of the Huon Valley Studio Arts Trail later in October.
The featured artists are Anna Arden Wong, Catherine Morris, Daren Lindsell, Donna Kelly, Emma Coombes, Gabrielle Nicoll, Heather Crisp, Henrietta Manning, Joanna Lawton, Kerri Jacobson, Libby Dyer, Lysbeth Driessen, Richard Stanley and Ruth Lindsell.
The exhibition runs until Monday 21 September  with the gallery open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Artists of the Huon Valley

Share your seeds at Cygnet Library
Cygnet Seed Library has a new seed deposit box. The community can now easily donate seeds to this local community seed sharing initiative, located at the entrance of Cygnet Library.
The seed deposit box and a new information display case was installed in June. The box was commissioned by Libraries Tasmania as a practical demonstration of their support for the Cygnet Seed Library. Local craftsman and shipwright Jeremy Clowes created the deposit box and display stand using salvaged materials including Huon pine, celery top pine and a vintage water tank.
Cygnet Seed Library aims to strengthen food security and the resilience of the Cygnet community through sharing organic, locally grown and adapted seeds. It is a volunteer, not-for-profit community-owned project. Members of the seed library meet fortnightly to pack seed packets and restock the library. Seeds are chosen that can be grown locally at that time of year. The selection often includes vegetables, herbs and cottage garden flowers. All members of the community are welcome to participate.
“It’s great to have the new deposit box so the community can easily donate seed they’ve grown. We love finding the parcels of seeds in the deposit box and look forward to preparing them for packing and then circulating the seeds back to the community. Since 2020, when the seed library started in Cygnet, over 5,000 packets of seed have been shared back via the seed library,” said Cygnet Seed Library participant Kate Flint.
The Cygnet Seed Library brings together the community in so many ways. It provides the opportunity for social connection, shared learning, reinforcing community resilience and seeds.
Cygnet Seed Library meets on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 1pm at the Red Velvet Lounge in Cygnet for Pack ‘n Chat. The session is open to everyone and no bookings are needed. Further information and seeds can be found at the Seed Library outside the entrance to Cygnet Library at 27 Mary Street, Cygnet. The Cygnet Seed Library has a Facebook page where events and opportunities are posted.
Cygnet Seed Library

Shared sustainability in the Huon Valley
The highlight of the Circular Economy Huon (CEH) AGM on Tuesday 8 September, held at the Huon Valley Hub in Huonville, was hearing from five groups and organisations that are seriously trying to make a positive difference on local sustainability.
The groups included Abels Bay/Eggs and Bacon Bay Coastcare Group, Southern Food Resilience, Huon Community Solutions, Tasmanian Climate Collective, Huon Valley Council, and CEH. A leading representative from each group spoke about the work they are doing, their aspirations and constraints.
It was agreed by all that it was very positive to meet people from other organisations with similar broad aims, and exchange information about sustainability action being taken in the Valley. There was concensus that an extended event like this should be held in the new year including other groups with similar objectives. Watch this space!
Apart from the sustainability focus of the evening, convenor of CEH, Liz Smith outlined the work of the group and the committee was elected. For anyone who would like to join this progressive group there are still a few places open on the committee – they will be most welcome.
Circular Economy Huon

Folk festival launch in Cygnet
Cygnet Folk Festival is throwing a party to launch the 2027 programme on Friday 25 September, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at the Pagan Cider Cellar Door.
Get ready for a night of brilliant local music featuring special guests Barefoot Nellie, plus support from our 2027 Festival Ambassador Matthew Dames.
Barefoot Nellie is as homegrown as Cox’s orange pippin, blending old-time fiddle and banjo mountain music along with driving mandolin and guitar. Eight years together have led to high, lonesome harmonies along with comedy and wit, creating a lively atmosphere of cabins, woodsmoke, whiskey, and a hint of loneliness.
Matthew’s Contemporary Folk style is warm and sensitive, drawing influence from artists including Christy Moore, Luka Bloom and Dougie MacLean.
The evening will be a little taste of what’s coming to Cygnet Folk Festival 2027 – come along and raise a glass, meet the festival crew and celebrate the incredible music, community and good times.
This is a free event, however it’s a small venue so please RSVP at Humanitix.
This event is proudly supported by festival sponsor Pagan Cider and Events Tasmania.
Cygnet Folk Festival

Kingborough Art Prize exhibition opening
The 2026 Kingborough Art Prize exhibition and sale opens on Thursday 17 September at 1pm, with the official opening and art prize announcements happening on Friday 18 September, from 5pm to 8pm.
Come along to Kingborough Community Hub and discover Kingborough’s finest artistic talent, proudly presented by Kingborough Council and the Lions Club of Kingborough.
Browse a diverse range of artworks by talented local artists. Winning exhibits will be selected by an independent, professional judging panel, and announced on opening night. The exhibition is a gold coin donation to visit and artworks will be available for purchase.
Come along, discover your next favourite artist, and celebrate creativity in Kingborough.
The exhibition will open on Thursday 17 September from 1pm to 5pm, then remain open weekdays 10am to 5pm, and weekends 10am to 2pm, until 27 September.
Kingborough Council

Accessibility upgrades
A series of upgrades to community facilities across the Kingborough and Huon regions has recently been completed, ensuring public spaces are welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Kingborough Council acting mayor, Christian Street said that recent upgrades at Kettering Hall and Kingston Beach Oval have delivered more accessible toilet facilities, while the Margate Hall now features an access ramp and a dedicated parking space.
“These improvements make it easier for people with disability, older residents, families with young children and others with mobility needs to access and enjoy the council’s community and local sporting facilities,” Cr Street said.
The accessible toilet upgrade at Kingston Beach Oval was funded through a state government Active Tasmania Grant. The accessible toilet upgrade at Kettering Hall, along with the accessible access ramp at Margate Hall, were funded by the Tasmanian Government.
Meanwhile, Huon Valley Council is celebrating the completion of three community infrastructure projects, delivered through the Tasmanian Government’s 2024 election commitment funding, providing safer, more accessible facilities at Mosquito Point, Geeveston Town Hall and the Port Huon Sports and Aquatic Centre.
At Mosquito Point in Ranelagh, a new lower deck, steps, handrail and kayak entry rail have made the ramp safer to use, particularly when river levels are low in summer.
A new access ramp has been installed at Geeveston Town Hall, making it safer and easier for all users to enter during events, like the Geeveston Feast.
As part of the major upgrades at the Port Huon Sports and Aquatic Centre, the upstairs room has been transformed into three spaces: a large multipurpose, bookable studio; a smaller flexible space; and a staff office, in addition to the pool relining and change room remodelling and refurbishment work completed over the last couple of years.
Huon Valley Council mayor, Sally Doyle credited the result to the community groups who championed these upgrades for years, and to the ongoing investment in this space from the Tasmanian government.
The Classifieds

Walk to fund brain cancer research
Walk4BrainCancer Tasmania, in Kingston on Saturday 17 October, is a chance to come together with friends, family and the local community to honour those we’ve lost, support people living with brain cancer and help fund vital research that can save lives.
In January 2025 I had a seizure and was
diagnosed with a Stage Three astrocytoma brain cancer. So I understand deeply the dire need and importance to raise as much money as possible for brain cancer research. Brain cancer is one of the less common cancers and research has until recently been sorely lacking. It’s starting to become more known now with some very exciting treatments emerging right here in Australia.
I have just finished 1.5 years of treatment, including removal of a 40mm (in diameter), golf ball sized tumour, performed during an awake craniotomy (yes, full sci-fi); followed by seven weeks of combined radiation and lower strength chemo; most recently finishing a marathon of 12 months of stronger chemo. I’m in recovery now. The whole process has meant I am unable to work, have limited energy (difficult with two young kids running amok!) and need a lot of rest and support. It’s certainly no picnic. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done but has shown me how strong people can be when surrounded by love, practical help, good medical care and hope.
I am grateful we live in Australia, which for those with any type of cancer, really is the lucky country. We have many treatments to fight this insidious disease that other countries don’t. As a fighter of brain cancer, I have and will, stay strong. For my kids and husband. For myself, my family and friends. I’m not taking it lying down (except for my afternoon nanna naps!). Getting involved in events like Walk4BrainCancer make a huge difference, not just for research funding, but for my mental health too.
Join us on Saturday 17 October for Walk4BrainCancer Tasmania to raise much-needed funds for brain cancer research.
Registration is from 10am and the walk starts at 10.30am at Kingston Wetlands/Whitewater Creek Track, Kingston.
This low key, 3km walk follows a safe and known walking track in Kingston. The Kingston Wetlands and Whitewater Creek Track is a family-friendly, shared-use path system. This is a great activity for families, and all other ages too. Get some exercise, bring your dog, kids, everyone! Together, we will find a cure for brain cancer.
Kirsten Grant

Preserving Piersons Point WWII fort
Kingborough Council has agreed to safeguard the historic WWII observation fort at Piersons Point in Tinderbox, supporting both the protection of the heritage-listed structure and the conservation of surrounding native trees.
At a recent meeting, the council agreed to undertake repair works to help maintain the structure’s ongoing use and public accessibility while retaining the mature Eucalyptus trees located next to the fort.
“The Piersons Point fort is a unique local landmark and we are committed to preserving it for future generations while also protecting the surrounding natural environment,” Cr Street said.
“The fort is an important part of Kingborough’s wartime history, while the neighbouring trees also have significant environmental value,” Cr Street said.
“A minor works permit has been obtained from the Tasmanian Heritage Council to undertake repairs to the building, and the council has allocated $10,000 for repair work, including the installation of structural support columns, to ensure the fort remains safe and accessible for visitors.
Acting Mayor Christian Street said the decision recognises the significant heritage and environmental values at the site.
The council will continue to monitor the condition of the fort and will consider further action if its condition changes or additional works become necessary.
Kingborough Council

427kg of batteries recycled
Thanks to the efforts of the Kingborough community, 427kg of household batteries were recycled in 2025/26, helping keep potentially hazardous waste out of landfill and allowing valuable materials to be recovered and reused.
A reminder that batteries should never be placed in your kerbside bins. Damaged or discarded batteries can cause fires in collection trucks, waste facilities and recycling centres, putting staff and infrastructure at risk.
You can recycle your household batteries safely at:
• Barretta Waste and Recycling Centre
• Bruny Island Waste and Recycling Centre
• Kingborough Council Civic Centre Recycling Unit
• Kingborough Sports Centre Recycling Unit
A big thank you to the community for recycling batteries safely and helping keep them out of landfill.
Kingborough Council

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