THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS
Exhibition celebrates Cygnet Singers 40th anniversary
The Cygnet Living History Museum is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Cygnet Singers.
Memorabilia, photos, recordings and comments from singers past and present, will be on display in the museum showroom, at 37 Mary Street, Cygnet, from 30 October until 13 November. The museum aims to be open most days from 10am till 3pm (subject to volunteer availability). Entry is free.
This is in addition to the free celebratory concert at St James auditorium on Saturday 9 November at 2.30pm, where Cygnet Singers will perform with six visiting choirs.
Happy birthday Cygnet Singers!
Cygnet Living History Museum
Experience Palestinian culture
An exhibition of pictures, poetry and film, Falastin, will be held on Sunday 10 November, from 11am to 5pm in the Cygnet Town Hall Supper Room.
The Cygnet for Palestine Collective invites you to a celebration of the beauty and enduring nature of Palestinian culture. Come along and enjoy an antidote to the sadness witnessed over the past year – a nurturing exhibition of longing and love expressed through photography, poetry, art and music, and the delicious food of Palestine.
Falastin will be an exhibition for all the senses. Projections of archival film, displays of vibrant photographs and videos, along with Arabic music, poetry and food will transport you to a world outside the Anglosphere.
Be drawn into a celebration of the land and the rich bio-diversity of the natural world as practised by Vivienne Sansour, founder of the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library.
“Every time we plant a seed or plant a tree, we are planting it with the hope and intention to have a future.”
Doors open at 11am followed by an official welcome at 12 noon and a short film that honours the Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish. This award-winning poet harnessed the sense of anger, outrage and injustice through his writing, notably in the celebrated poem, Identity Card. Darwish once said: “Poetry is perhaps... how to be reborn”.
As the aroma of Jerusalem bread fills the Supper Room, immerse yourself in an exhibition alive with memories and beauty. Bring the family – there’ll be a children’s activities and storytelling corner, an adults’ reading lounge, short films and poetry readings.
Entry is by donation for the children of Palestine – please bring cash.
This event is sponsored by Amnesty Southern.
Cygnet for Palestine Collective
Upcoming Cygnet U3A talks and gardens
Cygnet U3A term three commenced on 18 September. Following are details for the remaining Wednesday morning talks for the term. Check what’s on this Wednesday on our website www.u3acygnet.au. Come along on a Wednesday morning for a stimulating talk and friendly chat over coffee.
Study groups meet on other days, covering: arts and crafts, books, creative writing, drawing, family history, garden and gourmet, men’s forum and play reading. Should you be interested in finding out more or wish to join U3A Cygnet, visit our website at www.u3acygnet.au for more information on membership and details of our activities programme. You are most welcome to come along on a Wednesday morning to Enjoy Church, 8 Mary Street, Cygnet to find out more and stay to listen to a talk starting at 10am.
30 October – Military history battlefield tour – Ann Cocker
In 2022, Ann and Les embarked on a battlefield tour that encompassed Australian, New Zealand, British, French, American and German soldiers during the two World Wars. Starting at the Duxford UK Air Show, they travelled through five countries. Ann will take us from Villers-Bretonneux, where Australian troops stopped a German offensive heading for Amiens in 1918, to the dams of Ruhr Valley, where British ingenuity and skill destroyed two major dams in 1943.
6 November – Bad apple, or bad barrel? – Debbie Hills
Debbie will tell us (what she is allowed to) of her ten years with the WA Corruption and Crime Commission – what she learned about misconduct and crime. Popular belief is that the solution is to find that bad apple and remove it. But what if it is a bad barrel? For the last three years of her career Debbie was a Corruption
Prevention Officer. She may include a test on how good we are at spotting corruption.
13 November – Days of wine and travel – Winsor Dobbin
Winsor has led a charmed life. As a journalist he has been based in Johannesburg, London, New York and Paris and, for the past fourteen years, Cygnet. Now he is semi-retired but still writes about wine and travel for magazines, websites and blogs and holds regular wine tasting events in Cygnet. He will talk about his career, and the wine boom in Tasmania as companies seek cooler climes.
20 November – Travels with a guitar – Bob Sharp
In the early 70s, at sixteen, Bob Sharp picked up a guitar. Playing it was part of his journey from the UK to Australia in 1974, and was a means of meeting and connecting with other musicians when he worked in the Outback. It led to the opportunity to tour extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand as part of a popular folk group in the 80s. Now Bob maintains his musical interests through involvement with the Cygnet Folk Festival. He will combine story telling with playing a few songs.
Garden and Gourmet continues during term three with visits, talks and workshops on gardens and food, each Thursday from 10am to 12pm. Admire gardens, learn from food producers, and enjoy morning tea.
31 October – A walk in the woods, Cygnet
Since having moved in to this property on the hill seven years ago, the owners have worked on the house, had a greenhouse built and an area fenced for a food forest. They have also created pathways in the forest and try to walk there each week, as they find it relaxes them and resets their mood. Join us for some forest bathing – the term coined by the Japanese in the 1980s as a means of countering stress. Note, these are woodland paths, bring walking poles/sticks if you have them.
7 November – Falcon’s Rest, Gardners Bay
The owners moved into their straw-bale house on twenty acres of sheep pasture in 2009. The gardens developed a little at a time on permaculture principles. Then, there were about 16 species of birds; now there are 65. Cows, goats, ducks, chickens and a dog all have a role to play in the bountiful orchard, vegetable and flower gardens.
14 November – Crisp Garden, Lucaston
The shady garden, begun in 1999, is laid out with gravel paths and contains rustic arbours, arches and sculptural elements. The beds contain bulbs, shrubs and perennials. There is an enclosed vegetable garden with espaliered fruit trees and a rose border. A winter creek runs down from a large dam where platypus are often seen. An old apple shed has been converted into an art studio.
21 November – Froggy Ponds, Garden Island Creek
This five acre property was bought on a whim in 1998. The owners lived in a shed for five years while building their home, and making their acreage into a garden. With no trees to speak of, 400 young trees were planted on the south and north to shield the property. Silver birches and agapanthus edge the driveway and a raised rose garden and an arbour feature at the front of the house. There is a native garden and an orchard where the chickens are housed next to a productive vegetable garden.
Cygnet U3A
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
Offices for Cygnet in the pipeline
At present there are two planning applications lodged with the Huon Valley Council for the development of office space in Cygnet.
DA-86/2024 is for three business tenancies and signage at 23 George Street, Cygnet. The development is for a six space car park and a glass and precast concrete commercial building.
The advertising closing date is 31 October 2024.
DA-207/2022 is for a proposed mixed use development (staged strata title) at “The Secret”, 7 Mary Street, Cygnet. The development includes a two-storey building on the streetfront, with three shop units on the ground floor and three professional suites on the upper floor. There is also to be six three-storey residential units behind the existing house which is to remain. Also included in the application is signage, a change of use from visitor accommodation to dwelling for the existing house and a stormwater connection across 2 Lourdes Rise (Harveys Park). There will be a ten space car park. The development is to be done in three stages. The advertising closing date is 28 October 2024.
The Classifieds
New friends spotted at Art Farm!
Art Farm Birchs Bay’s annual sculpture prize exhibit opens to the public on Sunday 27 October, with many new artworks big and small to explore, and many for sale for your home or garden.
Come meet Spot the Handfish by the talented @evie.silver.sculpture, alongside others. The exhibition runs until February 2025.
Art Farm Birchs Bay
Head of the Huon rowing race makes its debut
The inaugural Head of the Huon long distance rowing race was held on Sunday 20 October. This is the first time a head race has been held in the Huon Valley. The eight kilometre race started from near the Huon Rowing Club boatshed in Franklin and finished at the Huonville bridge. Then the rowers had another eight kilometres to return!
Twenty two crews of 136 competitors rowed the beautiful winding course. Races were offered in eights, fours and quads boat classes. Mersey Rowing Club took out the line honours in the coxed quad scull boat class with a time of 35:26.59, Tasmania University Boat Club won the coxless quad scull class in a time of 29:37.10 and a North Esk/Tamar boat took out the eights race in a time of 27:28.05.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce the Head of the Huon as one of our premier racing events of the season,” said Rowing Tasmania’s general manager of operations Sarah Black.
“We’re confident this event will become an annual tradition in the Huon Valley, drawing in rowers and supporters from across Tasmania, interstate, and internationally.”
The Classifieds
Visit the Kingborough Art Prize exhibition this weekend
The Kingborough Art Prize, run by the Lions Club of Kingborough, opens this week at the Kingborough Community Hub.
All pieces will be for sale and proceeds go back to the community through projects facilitated by the Lions Club of Kingborough.
Come and browse the exhibition and you might even decide to take home a piece of original artwork!
An opening function will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Friday 25 October.
The exhibition will be open from 1pm to 6pm on Thursday 24, 10am to 8pm on Friday 25, 10am to 6pm on Saturday 26, and 10am to 3pm on Sunday 27.
Kingborough Community Hub
New mural brightens Kingston
You may have already seen Kingborough’s brand new mural art by Jasper Kelly at the Kingston Gateway.
The design features kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and a selection of floara and fauna found in the nearby Kingston Wetlands.
With both Kingston Park and the connecting wetlands track nearby, this exciting new mural is not to be missed. The mural is also visible as you drive into Kingston on the Channel Highway.
Kingborough Council
Howden village speed limit reduced
The Commissioner for Transport has approved a speed limit reduction through the built-up area of Howden village. The current 60 km/h limit will be reduced to 50 km/h on Howden Road and Brightwater Road, between Alanwood Road and Draper Road.
The speed limit was reviewed by the Transport Commissioner following a request from the Kingborough Council on behalf of the Howden Progress Association. The decision is based on the increased density of houses and driveways, as well as the lack of footpaths in the area, which leads to higher pedestrian activity on the road shoulder.
The new speed limit signs will be installed next week. “New speed limit ahead” signs are also being installed to warn road users of the change.
Kingborough Council
Pick from four events at Dover Fun Run
The Dover Fun Run returns on 3 November. With 2km, 5km, 10km and half-marathon events, there’s something for everyone.
The first Dover Fun Run was held in 2019, and attracted 250 runners, raising $7,072 for Hobart’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Despite Covid challenges, organisers managed to turn the Fun Run into an annual event attended by runners and families from all over Tasmania.
The event raised over $10,000 for the PICU in 2023 and organisers hope to raise more in 2024.
A sausage sizzle and other refreshments will be available and the Port Esperance Sailing Club bar will be open on Sunday afternoon.
The more fun you have at the event the better, so feel free to dress up in your favourite running gear, all-weather make-up or even a tiara and tutu. Consider the weather, and dress sensibly. Please note, canine running companions are not allowed.
Races
Dover Half
The Dover Half will cover 21.1km with an approximate total elevation gain of 440 metres. This is a challenging course on bitumen along the spectacular Esperance Coast Road. The event kicks off at 8am. Walkers are welcome in this event, however, the time limit for the Dover Half is three and
a half hours. Please start behind the runners.
Tassal Ten
The Tassal Ten sets out at 9am. The 10km course is mostly flat with a couple of hills and follows dirt tracks, shared bitumen roads and concrete footpaths. Walkers and prams are welcome in this event, however, the time limit for the Tassal Ten is two hours. Please start behind the other runners.
The Bendigo Five
The Bendigo Five begins at 9.05am. The 5km course is mostly flat with a couple of hills. It will follow dirt tracks, shared bitumen roads and concrete footpaths. Walkers and prams are welcome in this event.
Annabelle’s Run
The 2km course is flat and will follow dirt tracks, shared bitumen and concrete footpaths. Prams are welcome in this event – please start behind the runners.
Full details of all events can be found at doverfunrun.org.
All runners in the Dover Half, Tassal Ten, the Bendigo Five and children entering Annabelle’s Run will receive a finisher medal. There will be prizes for place getters in the Dover Half, Tassal Ten and Bendigo Five. Spot prizes will be awarded in the Annabelle’s Run as this is a novelty run. Everyone entering the virtual Tassal Ten, the Five and Annabelle’s Run will receive an electronic certificate.
How the fun run came to be
The Dover Fun Run was born from a longstanding desire to give back to the community, in thanks for the wonderful support for the Skinner family in their time of need.
Annabelle Skinner was just 17 months old when she was involved in a freak accident, suffering
a horrific head injury. Her family spent anxious weeks by her side in Hobart’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. With expert care, Annabelle made a full recovery and is now
a happy, healthy nine-year-old.
At the time of her injury, Annabelle’s parents Gemma and John witnessed the pressures the Hobart PICU faced. They hatched the idea of a community fun run to support the unit. After four years, they finally made it happen with the support of local community group, Far South Future, and many generous volunteers.
Road closures
There will be road closures to ensure the safety of participants, volunteers and spectators.
Roads will be closed during the following times, unless opened earlier by police.
Esperance Coast Road from Huon Highway to Eva Gully Road to be closed from 7.30am to 8.30am.
Esperance Coast Road from Eva Gully Road to Police Point Road to be closed from 7.30am to 9am.
Esperance Coast Road from Police Point Road to Huon Aquaculture to be closed from 7.30am to 9.30am.
Esperance Coast Road from Huon Aquaculture to Big Roaring Beach Road to be closed from 7.30am to 10am.
Kent Beach Road from Station Road to Esperance Coast Road to be closed from 7.45am to 11.30am.
Roads will be re-opened on
a rolling basis when safe to do so. Any traffic wanting to travel on, or cross, this route will be affected.
Dover Fun Run
Bus interchange turns into blame game
Kingborough mayor Paula Wriedt has told ABC breakfast the Department of State Growth is to blame for the delays in opening the new Kingston bus interchange.
“We are working to try and get this up and running as soon as possible, but I will say the wheels on the bus of the Department of State Growth, they are running very slowly,” she said.
“The timelines on this really are blowing out in a way that, you know is very, very frustrating for everybody.
“It certainly hasn’t been a cheap project by any stretch of the imagination.
“And that’s why it’s frustrating that we’ve spent that money to try and upgrade the amenity for bus users and this is the result, that we’re in this holding pattern.”
The interchange cost $300,000 to build, while $800,000 was spent on the land acquisition and on demolition. Funding was secured through the Hobart City Deal. The botched interchange features a corner that is too tight for buses. The corner means the interchange cannot accommodate three buses, as required by the design.
No figure has been put on the cost of remodelling the interchange, although recent Kingborough Council research suggested only minor modifications to the turning circle would be necessary.
The council and State Growth have disagreed over who is at fault for the error, which has caused the interchange to sit idle for 10 months.
While the council claimed the department had approved the designs, State Growth claimed it had repeatedly raised safety and accessibility concerns over them. It says it will hand down recommendations for the interchange this month after consulting
bus operators.
“Once a design is finalised and the council has undertaken the necessary infrastructure changes, use of the interchange can commence,” said a Department of State Growth spokesperson.
The temporary bus stops on Goshawk Way that have now been in use for two years are not as close to Kingston CBD.
“It is a lot further away from the central CBD, and unfortunately, there are people who have limited mobility or who are reliant on mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, who can’t make that trek,” said Cr Wriedt.
Kingston resident Phil told ABC Breakfast: “I have a medical condition affecting my mobility, and making my way to the temporary bus stop is sometimes impossible, and I’m one of a growing number of disgruntled residents.”
The Classifieds
Fashion Frenzy returns to the Hub
Grab yourself some new and pre-loved fashion brands for a steal at Dress for Success’s Fashion Frenzy event at Kingborough Community Hub on the weekend of 2 and 3 November. The event will feature jewellery, accessories, and clothing in all sizes.
Admission is $5 per person, and all items cost $5 between 10am and 1pm on the Saturday and 10am and 11.30am on the Sunday. Between 11.45am and 1pm on the Sunday, items will be reduced to $1, or you can fill
a provided bag for $15.
Event organisers Dress for Success Tasmania are part of a global movement of change, empowering women to obtain economic independence by providing them with work-appropriate attire, job support mentoring, access to career development workshops and
a supportive network to enable them to achieve self-sufficiency through gainful employment.
Clothing sales will help Dress for Success build financial sustainability to ensure they are able to continue to deliver programs across Tasmania. All proceeds raised over the weekend will go directly into its programs, supporting women to access vital services that allow them to re-enter the workforce feeling confident and well equipped.
This will be a cashless event, with tap-and-go payment. Bags will be on sale for $2, but feel free to bring your own.
While the event is designed to raise funds so Dress for Success can continue to deliver life-changing initiatives for women in Tasmania, organisers also want to ensure everyone can have access. If the $5 ticket price is beyond your capacity, please email events@dressforsuccesstas.org and a discount code will be provided. Organisers can be contacted at the same address ifyou require special access to the venue.
You may have donated garments, shoes and accessories to Dress for Success in the past and organisers gratefully request continued donations. Items in Fashion Frenzy are surplus to its boutique needs right now and sales will raise much-needed funds.
Follow Dress for Success at dressforsuccess.org or via Facebook or Instagram to find out more about future events and what the organisation is doing in the community.
Email admin@dressforsuccesstas.org to be added to the mailing list. To find out more about volunteering, email volunteers@dressforsuccesstas.org.
Dress for Success Tasmania
Scroll to Top