THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS

Kingborough Art Prize entries open
Entries are open until 31 August for the 2026 Kingborough Art Prize in all categories.
Prizes include a $1,500 non-aquisitive first prize and three category prizes of $600 each. This year also includes a youth prize of $300, encouraging the next generation of local artists.
The exhibition is held at the Kingborough Community Hub and opens on Thursday 17 September, with the official opening event and prize announcements on Friday 18 September from 5pm.
Enter now and find out more at http://www.kingboroughartprize.org/
For youth entries visit https://events.humanitix.com/kap-2026-youth-entry-form
Kingborough Council

Flickerfest back in Cygnet
Flickerfest is returning to Cygnet Town Hall on Saturday 22 and 29 August, showcasing the best of international shorts and the best of Australian shorts programme highlights from the recent Bondi festival competitions. The short films screening are all entertaining, inspiring, award-winning and fresh from their premieres in competition at Flickerfest Bondi, giving Cygnet Flickerfest audiences a window into the hottest contemporary shorts from at home and across the world today.
First up, on Saturday 22 August at 7pm, honour our unique identity and culture with the best of Australian shorts. Don’t miss the relatable family dramedy Alfredo, directed and produced by Michael Chrisoulakis. Born in Hobart and raised on the eastern shore in Howrah, Michael attended Clarence High School and then Rosny College, where he won the Tasmanian Television Award in year 11. Alfredo stars Fiona Press (Packed to the Rafters) and Francis Greenslade (Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell).
Winner of the Oscar-qualifying LUMIX Award for Best Australian Short Film, Boy on Fire is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of youth, consequence, and change by writer and director Alies Sluiter.
Moving drama Tuesday Tuesday, won best female director at Flickerfest 2026 and stars Peter Phelps (Stingers).
Packed Away gives us the directorial debut of actress Michala Banas (Always Greener, McLeod’s Daughters) who shines both on and off camera in this personal and intimate drama.
And actor Matt Day (Rake) writes and directs the comedy Baby Shower, starring the legendary Hugo Weaving in a dark comedy about family friendship and unexpected happenings at this familiar ritual.
Then on Saturday 29 August at 7pm, take a trip around the world with the best of international shorts programme. Among a host of international highlights enjoying their Australian premieres is the Oscar-winning The Singers, a powerful and intimate film featuring an eclectic cast of non-actors in a moving tribute to friendship. Joining them is the delightful Oscar-nominated A Friend of Dorothy, starring UK acting royalty Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, in a heartwarming journey where friendship is found in the most unexpected places. Highlights also include Indonesian film My Plastic Mother, winner of the Flickerfest 2026 Best International Short Film; Radix, winner of Best International Animation, a visually striking and imaginative animated short; and actress Renee Zellweger’s directorial debut They, a fun film about coming together in trying times.
Come along for two unforgettable screenings showcasing the best shorts Australia and the world has to offer at the Cygnet Town Hall.
For tickets and information visit https://flickerfest.com.au/tour/cygnet/
Flickerfest

Shake your booty for Woodbridge soccer club
West Winds Community Centre is hosting a ‘Through the Generations’ song and dance party on Saturday 15 August, to raise funds for the Woodbridge Soccer Club.
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of music, dancing, laughter, and community.
Through the Generations is a family-friendly song and dance party featuring classic hits and crowd favourites that everyone knows and loves. From timeless belters to dancefloor anthems, there’s something for every generation to sing along to.
This special community event is proudly sponsored and hosted by Shaz from Shakes and Ladders, with 100% of proceeds donated to the Woodbridge Soccer Club.
Event details:
• Saturday 15 August, from 5pm to 8pm, West Winds Community Centre, Woodbridge
• Cost: $10 per family
• Bring a plate to share (orange-themed if you can... but no actual oranges!)
• Dress code: wear a splash of orange! There’ll be a best dressed prize plus spot prizes for those who love a little adventure.
Bring your family, invite your friends and neighbours, and come celebrate with music, dancing, delicious shared food, and plenty of fun – all while supporting our local Woodbridge Soccer Club.
Everyone is welcome. Every generation is invited. Let’s make it a night to remember! This is not a drop and leave gathering, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Shakes and Ladders

Need a toddler toolkit?
Calling all toddler parents! On Tuesday 18 August from 10am to 11.30am, join Penny Jones, Harry Edwards and Isaac Gee at Wayraparatee Child and Family Learning Centre, Geeveston for a fun, down-to-earth journey into the art and science of co-regulating with your toddler.
We’re toddler parents too – so we get it. Life with a toddler is beautiful, fun, messy, chaotic, unpredictable and sometimes challenging. And they still need us so very much.
So how can we best support them through this huge period of development? A bit of science (plus music) can help.
Join us for a fun, accessible dive into the wonderful world of toddlers’ brains – and how to use that knowledge to work with them to regulate, re-set and recharge.
We’ll use storytelling, music and lots of discussion, no fancy words, and there’ll be plenty of practical tools to take away.
From Isaac and Harry, there will be some tips and tricks from music therapy, and from Penny, there will be body-based nervous system tools. We’ll try these out in the session, so you can experience them for yourselves.
We’ll cover:
• Toddler brain development ‘101’ (and why it matters);
• Why big emotions are an inevitable part of toddler parenting and life;
• The difference between tantrums and meltdowns;
• The art and science of co-regulation;
• How music therapy and body-based tools can support us to work with our toddlers;
• Self-care strategies for parents.
There’ll be time for tea, snacks and a chat afterwards.
What to know:
• The event is for parents of toddlers (ages 1 to 3) and parents of bubs who want to know what they are in for.
• Booking is essential. Please book by calling 6297 0052 or dropping in to speak to one of the staff.
• You must live in the Huon Valley local government area to attend  this event. If you aren’t, check out the online event.
• No science or music knowledge necessary.
• Free adjunct care is available from the CFLC on request. Bubs under 1 are welcome in session.
Join us on this adventure into our toddler’s brains, and come away with some tips, tricks and new perspectives.
Wayraparatee Child and Family Learning Centre is located at 4879 Huon Highway, Geeveston.
Penny Jones

Community grants now open
Community organisations are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of funding available through Kingborough Council’s community grants program.
Acting mayor Christian Street said the program played an important role supporting local community groups.
“Each year, we see an incredible range of projects and initiatives that strengthen community connections, support volunteers and enhance the lives of people across Kingborough,” Cr Street said.
“Grants of up to $3,000 are available through the annual grants program, while quick response grants of up to $1,000 are available throughout the year.
“The council is proud to support the valuable work of our community groups and the positive impact they have on our municipality.
“In 2025/26, the council provided funding to 25 organisations, including the Bruny Island Swifties netball team, Sing Australia Kingston, Indian Festivals Association, Tassie Mums, Blackmans Bay Community Association, Woodbridge Cricket Club, Meals on Wheels, Multicultural Association of Tasmania, Taroona Bowls Club, Howden Progress Association and Volunteer Marine Rescue, among many others.
“Whether it’s delivering community events, supporting local volunteers, improving community facilities or creating opportunities for people to connect, these grants help bring great ideas to life.
“I encourage all eligible community organisations to consider applying and making the most of this funding opportunity,” Cr Street said.
Applications for the 2026/27 Community Grants Program are now open until 5pm, Monday 7 September 2026.
After the community grants round closes, quick response grants will be available throughout the remainder of the financial year to help community groups take advantage of unforeseen opportunities and respond to emerging needs, until funds are expended.
For more information or to apply, visit Kingborough Council’s website or call (03) 6211 8200.
Kingborough Council

Kingborough Council rejects Specific Area Plans
After considering the findings of an independent review into the proposed Specific Area Plans (SAPs) for Bruny Island, Blackmans Bay Bluff and Bonnet Hill, Kingborough Council resolved a series of actions following its meeting on Monday 3 August.
The council resolved that the proposed SAP for Blackmans Bay Bluff would not proceed, with the council’s position now being referred to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
“The council also considered revised draft SAPs for Bruny Island and Bonnet Hill and noted that the revised versions differ substantially from those originally exhibited for public feedback,” Cr Street said.
“As a result, the council resolved not to endorse the revised Bruny Island and Bonnet Hill SAPs and withdrew its support for the versions that were publicly exhibited.
“While the council acknowledged the potential planning value of a SAP for Bruny Island, it was determined that any future consideration of a Bruny Island SAP would require further community consultation following the implementation of the Local Provisions Schedule.
The outcomes of the council’s deliberations, along with the Pitt and Sherry review, will now be provided to the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which is responsible for determining the final content of the Local Provisions Schedule.
“We will provide our position to the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which will consider this feedback alongside other submissions and evidence before making its final determination.”
For more information about the Local Provisions Schedule process, visit the Tasmanian Planning Commission website.
Kingborough Council

Cygnet community’s heart stretches to Kathmandu
Some stories deserve to be told simply because they remind us what a community can do when it chooses kindness. This is one of them.
It began with a concern close to my heart, in the form of a family of five females in Kathmandu, Nepal, spanning three generations, from a child of seven, to a grandmother of seventy five, who found themselves in urgent need of replacement clothing. I shared this concern with a few people around Cygnet, never quite expecting what would follow.
A local lady at the CWA, moved by the story, crafted the most delightful blue Hindu holy cow, affectionately named ‘Kapila’, from paper-mache, offering her creation to be raffled in support of the cause.  But where?
I tentatively approached the Red Velvet Lounge, to ask whether they might host a raffle. I was delighted, when staff unhesitatingly agreed to hosting such a raffle, to be drawn on 28 August 2026. ‘Kapila’ will happily accept a dollar apiece, for a raffle ticket!
From there, and to my amazement, the generosity simply continued.
The manager of the Cygnet branch of the Vinnies recycled clothing store, agreed immediately to sort and assemble a full parcel of clothing, for all five family members.
And when the question of postage arose, another member of our community, totally unexpected and unrequested, stepped forward with a donation of AU$100, to partially cover the anticipated cost of sending the packaged clothing safely on its way to Nepal!
A raffle, a parcel of clothing, and a gift toward postage, each offered freely and without hesitation. Together they have made it possible for a family far away in Kathmandu, Nepal, to be thrilled with the expectation of receiving, real and tangible help, through the kindhearted warmth of the Cygnet community!
To everyone who played a part, whether by buying a ticket, folding a garment, or reaching into their pocket, my heartfelt thanks. Cygnet continues to show, again and again, what a truly remarkable community it is. I am so honoured to be part of it.
This small act of generosity, sits within a larger, ongoing endeavour close to my heart. Papa’s Endeavours Nepal, is my charitable initiative, through which I have, for some 16 years now, sought to support individuals and communities
in Kathmandu, Nepal, facing genuine hardship, by offering economic and practical help, wherever and whenever it is needed. Which is monthly, or more frequently, daily or weekly.
The warmth shown by sections of the Cygnet community this month, is precisely the spirit that keeps such endeavours alive, and I remain deeply grateful for those of the Cygnet community who are so willing to reach beyond our own borders, to assist those in need of compassionate endeavaours.
Sincere thanks! 
Eric K.Fairman
(otherwise known as: ‘Papa’!!)

First stage of new dog park opens
Kingborough dogs and their owners are now able to enjoy the first stage of the new Maddocks Road Off-Lead Dog Exercise Area, with parts of the facility opened on Wednesday 5 August.
Acting mayor Christian Street said the council is pleased to open sections of the dog exercise area, while allowing the muddy areas more time to rehabilitate.
“We know the community is looking forward to using this new facility and we’re pleased to be able to open substantial parts of the site while allowing some areas more time to recover from construction and the wet weather,” Cr Street said.
“Some areas, including the future puppy area and dedicated greyhound exercise area, are temporarily closed and will open once the grass has established.
“Taking a staged approach allows the community to enjoy some of the space now, including an additional space set up as the temporary puppy area at the front of the Maddocks Road site.
“The interim puppy area will become the facility’s agility area once the dedicated puppy area is ready to open.
“The council has also made arrangements for greyhound owners, with a temporary fenced greyhound exercise area established at the Southern Obedience Club’s dog park on Gormley Drive, Kingston.
“The greyhound area will be available until the dedicated greyhound area at Maddocks Road is ready for use.
“We appreciate the community’s patience while the final stages of this project are completed.
“We look forward to seeing Kingborough’s canine community make the most of this fantastic new space.”
Kingborough Council

Browns Road reconstruction project complete
The completion of the Browns Road Reconstruction Project has delivered a safer, more accessible and comfortable experience for both pedestrians and motorists.
Acting mayor Christian Street said the completed works represented a significant improvement in Kingborough’s infrastructure and would benefit road users, pedestrians and the wider community for years to come.
“The completion of the Browns Road upgrade on time and within budget is a positive outcome for the community,” Cr Street said.
“The project has transformed this busy section of road, including the Channel Highway intersection, and addressed several long-standing safety and infrastructure issues.
“The project has delivered a full reconstruction and resealing of the road surface, new kerbs and gutters, upgraded stormwater drainage, and new concrete footpaths.
“Additional improvements include a retaining wall and guard rail near 20 Browns Road, along with associated earthworks and civil upgrades to strengthen the road.
“This work was necessary due to pavement deterioration and known safety concerns at the Browns Road and Channel Highway intersection.
“It has improved visibility, turning movements and overall safety for both motorists and pedestrians, especially for buses and large vehicles on the Channel Highway intersection.
“The council thanks the community,
contractors, and project partners for their support and cooperation throughout the delivery of the project,” Cr Street said.
Browns Road resident Claire said she appreciated the way the council kept residents updated on the project’s progress and responded to community feedback during construction.
“The council completed a letterbox drop before works began, outlining the reconstruction works, temporary traffic changes and expected timeframe,” Claire said.
“When the new traffic arrangements initially caused some confusion, I found the project manager willing to listen to concerns and make changes to the signage that improved traffic flow and access.
“The roadworks stayed on track and were completed by the end of July as promised.”
Claire said the finished project had delivered significant improvements for the community.
“The improvements have been worth the wait.
“The new footpath is much wider and more accessible than the previous one, and the road is now a much smoother drive.”
“Safety has also been improved through features such as the new guardrail on the corner, where accidents have occurred in the past, as well as concealed entrance and children’s crossing signage.
“It’s a great result for the community,” said Claire.
Kingborough Council

Youth quiz night at the hub
Come along to the Hub Quiz at   Kingborough Community Hub on Friday 21 August, from 6.30pm to 8pm, for a night of fun with your friends.
Youth Action Kingborough (YAK) presents a free and fun quiz night for young people aged 14 to 21 to connect, test their knowledge, and enjoy some friendly competition.
Sign up on your own or with a group of friends. Great prizes are up for grabs including a $200 voucher to Salty Dog!
Snacks will be available to purchase on the night. Everyone is welcome.
Kingborough Council

Community donation drive
The Kindness Cubby will host a community donation drive at Margate Hall on Saturday 22 August between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.
Clean out your cupboards, bring your donations, and help support local children, young people and families.
The Kindness Cubby is particularly seeking teen clothing, jumpers, hoodies and jackets, kids’ clothing (sizes 5 to 14), and toiletries.
It also accepts clothing suitable for babies through to youths aged 18, from XS to XL; shoes (new or good quality); baby items (including nappies, wipes, bottles, etc. – new or unopened only); toiletries and personal care items (new and unopened); bedding and blankets (baby blankets, cot sheets, and kids’ bedding); school supplies and stationery; toys and books. All items must be clean and in good condition.
The Kindness Cubby is a registered not-for-profit organisation providing free care packages for children, young people and families experiencing hardship across southern Tasmania through self-referrals and referrals from schools, healthcare and social service providers.
Items can also be donated at the True Brew café in Kingston.
The Kindness Cubby Tasmania

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