THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS


Celebrate Diwali
Celebrate the Indian festival of lights at the Kingborough Community Hub on Saturday 19 October from 3pm to 9pm. Enjoy live cultural performances and colourful decorations, a diverse selection of food, decorative henna tattoos, face painting and more. Don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display at 8pm!
All are welcome and the event is free to attend.
Kingborough Community Hub

Hub welcomes nature festival
The inaugural Tasmanian Nature Festival will be held on Saturday 12 October from 10am to 3pm at Kingborough Community Hub.
Get ready for a day of celebration and education honouring our beautiful Tasmanian nature.
This event promises something for everyone, with community stalls, talks and workshops.
Indulge in delicious, locally sourced food.
Explore unique products and services at artisan stalls. Engage your little ones with fun and educational kids’ activities. Learn from experts in environmental conservation.
The Tasmanian Nature Festival is more than just a gathering; it’s a chance to showcase local nature-based businesses, emphasise the importance of nature connection, and promote environmental care.
Admission is free, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and our community.
Tasmanian Nature Festival

Excellent water quality at local swimming spots
Huon Valley Council is pleased to announce that recent water quality testing has revealed excellent results at popular swimming locations throughout the valley, from 65 samples taken between December 2023 to March 2024.
“The exceptional water quality in our rivers and beaches is a source of immense pride for the Huon Valley. These results are a testament to our pristine environment and the collective efforts of our community in preserving it,” said Huon Valley Mayor Sally Doyle.
Out of the 65 samples taken, one sample at the Ranelagh kayak platform did not meet the standards initially, but passed on a re-test 24 hours later. The full report can be found on the council’s website, under ‘Council’ – ‘Reports and Publications’– ‘Other Reports and Studies’.
This year’s program expanded to include new locations based on a community survey conducted last year. Newly sampled sites included Surveyors Bay, Huon River at Ranelagh kayak platform, Seven Inch Beach, and Robley’s Point. Previously monitored locations such as Randalls Bay Beach, Drip Beach, Verona Sands, and Dover Beach continued to be part of the program.
The sampling process involves assessing each location for potential pollution sources and recording weather conditions. Tests focus on Enterococci bacteria levels, an indicator of potential pathogens that could cause gastro-intestinal illnesses.
While the results are overwhelmingly positive, the council reminds residents to follow public health advice regarding swimming in natural waters. It’s recommended to avoid swimming for up to two days after significant rainfall due to potential contamination from organic matter washed into waterways.
The council will continue its recreational water sampling program in the upcoming summer season to monitor water quality and contribute to long-term data collection.
Huon Valley Council

Open garden fundraiser
Huon Valley Garden Club are hosting an open garden day to raise funds for Lifeline Tasmania. You can join the Lower Longley Mystery Garden Tour from 10am to 3pm on Saturday 19 October.
Meet at the Lower Longley Community Hall, 9 Hovington Road, Lower Longley where there will be a bus taking people to and from the 42-year-old garden.
To enjoy on the day will be a blacksmith demonstration, plant stall, a modern classic car, a tea, coffee and cake stall, as well as craft works for sale.
Entry is $10 per person, with children under 12 free.
All proceeds from ticket and plant sales will be donated to Lifeline Tasmania.
Jane Dykstra

Your local CWA needs you
Our local Cygnet branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) needs your help to run our little Thursday shop and a few new active members to remain viable.
You might think the CWA is a quaint, old fashioned and perhaps irrelevant group of retired ladies who just get together to knit and bake, but how wrong you would be.
Launched in Australia 102 years ago, the CWA remains the largest advocacy group in the country for rural and regional Australia. The first group here in Tasmania started in Launceston in 1936. Many branches subsequently spread throughout our island home. These women all came together to improve the lives of others, their families and communities, particularly those living in regional, rural and remote areas of our state.
Our members are intimately involved within their communities, their collective voice is a powerful force for co-ordinated and effective lobbying, advocacy, education, fundraising, community service, and the sharing of knowledge, skills and friendship.
The CWA is a not for profit, non-party political and non-sectarian incorporated association of volunteers.
Housed in the historic Bridge Cottage in Burtons Reserve, Cygnet, our local members represent a diverse group of dynamic, smart, creative and compassionate women, with ages ranging from 10 to 93.
They meet  together every Thursday at our Makers and Bakers shop.  
The shop opens at 10am until 2pm or until sold out. A variety of people drop in to shop, talk, ventilate, share ideas over a cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps seek assistance.
This year your local Cygnet Branch has helped and financially assisted:
• Local families doing it tough with sick children;
• Other locals with unexpected challenges;
• Our  emergency services with training aides and funds;
• As well as donating to larger NGOs. We choose as a group which charities we would like to support each year.   
For the last five years the CWA have shared their commercial kitchen facilities with Cygnet-based charity Food For Life Tasmania, which supplies meals within our community.
These funds that are donated are partly raised by our cake stalls at the garden markets and the Cygnet Folk Festival each year, the remainder are from our little weekly shop.
Our members are encouraged to bake something tasty to eat, either cakes or savory items, or use your imagination and craft skills to create something to wear or to be given as a gift to sell in the shop. Ten per cent of the total price is taken out to support the CWA, the remaining funds are kept by the members.
If cooking and making is not your thing, a kitchen garden is being established behind Bridge Cottage, which will help interested local people learn the fine art of growing and preparing food.
Or can you help serve in the shop? It could be as little as just a couple of hours each month. We will give full training and support.
The cottage itself can be hired out to local groups for a small fee. We have a commercial kitchen and meeting space available.
So, is the CWA still relevant, viable and important? Absolutely, probably now more than ever. In a world that is becoming more challenging, isolating and seemingly less compassionate, the CWA keep doing what they’ve always done; connecting, supporting and empowering local women and their families.
Come join us, it’s fun, interesting, all inclusive and above all a safe and welcoming space for all ages.
Contact Kath Wolf (president) on 0419 582 390 after hours (as I’m a farmer out of phone range during the day) or via email at cygnetcwa@gmail.com
Cygnet CWA

Screening explores climate change
Kingborough Community Hub is one of five venues around Hobart hosting the Reel Change film event. Films will cover a range of sustainable living topics and will each be followed by a Q&A discussion on the film’s lessons in the context of Tasmania.  Buy a full festival ticket to enjoy each of the films, giving you five  films for the price of four, or simply buy a ticket to the film or films of your choice. 
Kingston screening
Climate Changers
Tuesday 15 October, 6pm-8.30pm, Kingborough Community Hub
Climate Changers follows chief climate councillor Professor Tim Flannery, renowned scientist and
a leading voice for climate action, as he searches for the missing ingredient in our fight against climate change – leadership.
“For a long time, there has been
a gap in climate leadership. I wanted to dig deeper, work out why we are so lacking in climate leaders, and talk about how we can tackle this challenge,” he said.
“I met with some incredible minds during the making of this film: people who are out there doing incredible work. I hope some of the ideas explored can empower policy-makers and the broader population to instigate the changes we so desperately need.”
In Climate Changers, Flannery discusses climate leadership with prominent experts from around the globe. The lineup includes former US vice president Al Gore, green energy genius Dr Saul Griffith, former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, human rights lawyer and activist from Fiji Kavita Naidu, West Papuan activist and human rights lawyer Frederika Korain, Indigenous climate change ambassador for the Kingdom of Tonga Uili Lousi, and First Nations advisor Tishiko King.
Together, they explore solutions and approaches to guide us through the complex climate landscape.
The Q&A will be facilitated by Lissa Villeneuve of South Hobart Sustainable Community.
For details of all screenings and to book tickets, visit slt.org.au/reel-change-film-festival.
Sustainable Living Tasmania

Carers week marked with cuppas
This National Carers Week, with the support of the Tasmanian government, Carers Tasmania is hosting Cuppa with a Carer events across the state, including in Kingborough and the Huon.
These events aim to connect carers within the community and link them to free support and services.
This is a closed group event for members of Carers Tasmania’s carers group only. If you’re interested in joining the carers group and attending the event, email psg@care2serve.com.au.
Cuppa with a Carer events will be hosted by Kingston Dementia Carers Group and Huonville Carers Group on Wednesday 16 October, and by Blackmans Bay Carers Group on 25 October.
Carers Tasmania is the peak body representing the more than 87,000 informal carers in the state. Carers Tasmania’s vision is for an Australia that values and supports carers. Its mission is to work to improve the health, wellbeing, resilience, and financial security of carers and to ensure caring is a shared responsibility of the family, community and government.
Carers Tasmania has offices in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie.
About carers
A carer is a person who provides unpaid care and support to
a family member or friend with disability, mental ill health,
a chronic or life-limiting condition, alcohol or other drug dependence, or who is frail or aged. Informal kinship carers who care for a child under the age of 18 because the parent is unable to are also recognised as carers. Carers are predominantly family members but may also be friends, neighbours or colleagues.
Informal carers are distinct from paid support workers, who are also colloquially called ‘carers’ but fully employed and remunerated with employment benefits. Conversely, family carers perform their caring duties without remuneration other than minimal carer payments and allowances from the Department of Social Services.
Carers Tasmania

Gordon Jetty funded for repair
The 2034-24 State Budget provides $900,000 to replace the Gordon Jetty that was significantly damaged by fire in 2023.
Minister for Transport Eric Abetz, said the jetty had been part of the local community since it was built in 1965 and this commitment would ensure it would be enjoyed for generations to come.
“A large part of the jetty was demolished after a fire in September 2023. Only a small section remains, which is also nearing the end of its lifespan.
“Since the fire, Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) has developed detailed plans and engineering drawings for a replacement structure. These have been provided previously to both Kingborough Council and the South Channel Ratepayers and Residents Association for comment.
“MAST will now seek the relevant approval by Parks and Wildlife Services, before lodging a development application with the council.
“The structure supports the popular adjacent boat ramp and also provides a loading and unloading facility for larger, shallow draft vessels.
“If the jetty were not replaced, the community would lose a facility that has been used by the fishing and boating community for nearly 60 years.
“This commitment means the jetty will be able to be enjoyed by the local community for the next 60 plus years.”
Eric Abetz,
Minister for Business,
Industry and Resources

Upcycled art on show at Lovett Gallery
Rehash Bash – Junk Reimagined is on at Cygnet’s Lovett Gallery (behind the town hall) from 10am to 4pm until Tuesday 14 October and features the diverse work of four upcycled artists:
• Lush rugs and chairpads chunkily crocheted by Cindy from cotton bed-linen;
• Unique and stylish walking sticks by John;
• Quirky and colourful pieces from Linskins (Lyndall Kearsley) using coathangers, doilies and voluptuous papier-maché shapes;
• Lamps and collages made from industrial and domestic junk by Scrapture (Kathy O’Hara).
Come along and check it out – you could bag a unique piece or even be inspired to make your own upcycled master- (or mistress-) piece!
Kathy O’Hara

Consultation on incoming Tasmanian Planning Scheme
The state government is in the process of moving all councils to a single planning scheme to create uniformity in planning across Tasmania.
Kingborough Council has been working with the Tasmanian Planning Commission to transition to the new scheme.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said that an important part of this process is the public exhibition of the proposed scheme which is a 60-day public consultation period.
“We understand this is an important change for our community so we are going above and beyond what is required to bring a variety of ways the community can access information from us,” Cr Wriedt said.
“The public exhibition period will run from Wednesday 9 October until Monday 9 December 2024.
“The exhibition period will allow time for property owners to consider any changes and how they may potentially affect them.
“Over the exhibition period property owners will be able to make a submission in support, raise objections or concerns with any of the proposed changes.
“Submissions received will be heard and considered by the Planning Commission in their final decision making.
“During this time, and to assist our community through the process, a dedicated section of the website will help residents understand how this incoming scheme may affect them,” Cr Wriedt said.
“One of the most important tools we have built to assist our community members is an interactive map.
“This will allow you to look up your property to see what zones, codes and overlays have been attributed to your property.
“There will be fact sheets and videos on how to navigate the maps to check the new proposed zoning and codes.
“The council will be offering different forums in which the community can find out more information or ask questions.
“Information sessions will be held to provide advice on any potential changes people might be interested in. Our staff will also be available for appointments to answer more detailed questions.
“If anyone would like further assistance in understanding the proposed new scheme, I suggest they ring the council to book in for one of the public information sessions on 6211 8200 or email kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au.
The information sessions will be held in:
Kettering Hall
Tuesday 29 October, from 4pm to 7pm.
Sandfly Hall 
Wednesday 31 October, from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.
Kingston – Kingborough Community Hub
Tuesday 5 November, from 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 7pm.
Bruny Island – Adventure Bay Hall
Friday 8 November, from 5pm to 7pm.
Kingborough Council

Seniors Week activities at Kingston library
Seniors Week starts on Monday 14 October, and this year’s theme is ‘Connecting Generations’. At Kingston Library we’re celebrating connection and learning between older and younger Tasmanians, with lots of free activities, including:
Portraits by Primary Schoolers
On Tuesday 15 October, from 10am to 11am, have your portrait drawn by students from Kingston Primary in a fun and relaxed environment.
Hearing Australia at Kingston Library
Drop in for a free basic hearing check and hearing health information on Wednesday 16 October, from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
Seniors Week Storytime
On Thursday 17 October, from 10.30am to 11.30am, enjoy a special selection of stories perfect for grandparents and grandchildren aged two to five years.
Kingston Library

Supporting National Carers Week activities
The state government has announced 11 successful projects that will receive grants to support Carers Week events across the state.
The projects will receive a total of $20,000 in funding through the Tasmanian Government’s Carers Small Grants Program.
Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch, said carers play a vital role and make a significant contribution to the health, wellbeing and security of their family members and friends who need support and assistance in Tasmania.
“We recognise and celebrate the important contributions that over 80,000 unpaid Tasmanian carers make to their local communities, our state and our economy,” Minister Jaensch said.
“National Carers Week celebrates the 2.65 million Australians who provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend.”
The Tasmanian Government has doubled the funding for Carers Week to $40,000 each year for the next three years, including $20,000 each year for Carers Tasmania to deliver activities and $20,000 each year for the Small Grants Program.
This year’s successful applicants and projects are:
• Geeveston Community Centre – GeCo High Tea;
• Jordan River Service – Relax, Refresh and Recharge;
• Kickstart Arts – Creativity for Self-Care;
• RANT Arts – Pathways for Carers – Free Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Training;
• Down Syndrome Tasmania – Carers Support;
• Mental Health Family and Friends Tasmania – High Hopes High Tea;
• Fostering Hope Community – Sound of Hope Movie Showing;
• The Parkside Foundation – Time-Out;
• Kingborough Community Enterprise Centre Incorporated - Sew Together;
• Motor Neurone Disease Association of Victoria - Caring for Carers in Tasmania; and
• Polish Association in Hobart (Polish Welfare Office) – Song Club (Klub Spiewu)
For further information about
the grants and successful applicants, visit: www.dpac.tas.gov.au/
divisions/cpp/community-grants/carers-small-grants-program
National Carers Week runs from 13 to 19 October 2024.
Roger Jaensch,
Minister for Community
Services

No mow areas
Kingborough Council is committed to the ongoing management of our urban biodiversity.
Within some of our pocket reserves, you will now find temporary ‘no mow areas’ have been established to allow orchids and other wildflowers to set seed.
Areas are being monitored by the council, as seeding times vary each season based on the weather. Mowing will take place once this has occurred.
In the meantime, please enjoy the wildflowers and help look after them by watching where you walk and stand.
If you are out to capture these beauties on camera, take a moment to google ‘NRM south ethical photography’ and read NRM South’s guide to learn more about protecting our precious flora and fauna while out on your next adventure.
For more information, please contact the council’s Biodiversity Officer on 6211 8200.
Kingborugh Council

Agritech innovators on show
Leading agritech startups from across the globe will visit Launceston this month to pitch their ground-breaking agritech solutions to farmers, investors, students, and agri-service providers.
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is partnering with Foodtech Tasmania for the event at UTAS Inveresk Campus on Monday, 21 October.
The TAS Hub’s Business and Operations Manager and Innovation Broker, Tony Vaea, said it was a great opportunity for people to connect with inspiring innovators and explore how cutting-edge solutions could shape the future of Tasmania’s agriculture.
“It’s a great opportunity to hear about the global agritech trends reshaping the industry, with a special focus on how these advancements can benefit Tasmania’s agricultural sector,” Mr Vaea said.
“Participants will discover how Tasmania can tap into the power of global agritech solutions to foster resilience and growth in a rapidly evolving sector.”
The Managing Director of Foodtech Tasmania, Tom Woolley, said a highlight of the evening would be an engaging Shark Tank-style session featuring startups from across the world.
“We will have representatives from startups from Mexico, Kenya, the USA, and Canada who will pitch their ground-breaking agritech solutions to a panel,” Mr Woolley said.
“This includes innovation such as revolutionising waste management through acoustic drying technology and also a scalable crowd funding model for restoring soil health in degraded agricultural land.”
Participants will have the chance to hear how these innovations could impact Tasmania, ask questions, and even vote for their favourite pitch. A panel of experts will provide live feedback to the innovators.
The event on Monday 21 October starts at 4pm in room 119, Rivers Edge, UTAS Inveresk Campus, Launceston. Bookings are essential via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/global-agritech-innovation-shaping-the-future-of-tasmanian-agriculture-tickets-1029490843827
The event has been made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and Agrifutures Australia.
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is one of eight hubs nationally funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. The Hub is based at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) at the University of Tasmania and delivered through an extensive network of industry and community partners.
FoodTech Tasmania is an accelerator program that supports startups in food, aquaculture, and agricultural technology, helping them develop innovative, sustainable solutions. Based in Tasmania, it offers mentorship, funding, and access to a global network of investors and partners to scale their businesses.
TAS Farm Innovation Hub

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