THIS WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS

Banners brighten Cygnet 
The Cygnet Association’s banner project reached a major milestone last Wednesday, with an official banner raising launch ceremony in Mary Street, Cygnet.
The final banner of the first set of nine banners – four at each end of town, and one in the centre – was raised. The banners now provide a delightful, colourful addition to the Cygnet streetscape.
The Cygnet Association engaged with local schools (St James, Cygnet Primary) and the home schooling program to produce a range of artworks, prepared by the students, which were the source of the artwork for the new banners. Farah’s IGA Cygnet sponsored the project.
The launch was attended by members of the Cygnet Association, Farah’s IGA, and the headmaster (Joseph Sandric), art teacher (Mary McIntosh) and students from the St James Catholic College who contributed some of the artworks.
George Farah, representing Farah’s IGA Cygnet IGA, raised the final banner.
The Cygnet Association

Ranelagh Makers’ Market
A special makers’ market is taking place on Saturday 10 October, running from 3pm till twilight at the Ranelagh Soldiers Memorial Hall, 40 Marguerite Street. Come along to support local artists and craftspeople, browse original handmade creations, enjoy delicious food and drink, and catch up with friends and neighbours. It’s also the first time since decimal currency that a market day has been held at the hall!
While you are enjoying the market, be sure to drop by the display hosted by the Ranelagh Hall and Community Group (RHCG). RHCG is a local group with a mission to encourage community use of the hall and run community-led activities that strengthen social ties, community identity, safety, and wellbeing.
By bringing residents together and building local networks, we aim to grow a more connected, inclusive, and resilient community for everyone. Some community activities over the last year have included a sausage sizzle on Ranelagh Green, a circus skills workshop and a games afternoon in the hall. Still to come is a bush dance in the hall on Saturday 28 November.
At the Makers’ Market on 10 October, RHCG will be running a short community survey. We want to hear from you about what you love most about Ranelagh, as well as any local issues that need attention. You will even have the chance to vote for potential community projects to help shape the direction of our neighbourhood, and share your vision of what Ranelagh could look like in five years.
Join us in Ranelagh Hall to support our local makers, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and make your voice count for our community.
Evan Pederick

Try something new this Seniors Month
Kingborough Council is inviting residents aged 60 and over to celebrate Seniors Month this October through a range of activities and events.
Acting Mayor Christian Street said Seniors Month was a chance to celebrate older residents and encourage people to explore new experiences.
"Older people make an important contribution to our community, and Seniors Month is an opportunity to celebrate that while encouraging people to have a go at something different," Cr Street said.
"Activities, workshops and community events designed to support wellbeing, lifelong learning and social connection are on offer, including line dancing, laughing yoga, health and wellbeing talks, and the Big Spring Sing.
"There are plenty of opportunities to step outside your usual routine and discover a new interest.
"Some activities are free, while others have a small participation fee.
"The program offers a variety of experiences so people can choose something that matches their interests.
"Some people might be looking to improve their wellbeing, some may want to learn something new, and others may simply be looking for an opportunity to spend time with other people in the community."
Cr Street said the council's October Tuesday Talk, held during Mental Health Week, highlighted the importance of maintaining social connections as people age.
"Our October Tuesday Talk focused on how to stay socially connected, and many of the activities on offer throughout Seniors Month provide opportunities to do exactly that," Cr Street said.
"I'd encourage people to have a look at the program and choose something they've never tried before.
"You might learn a new skill, discover a new hobby or make a new connection."
For more information about Seniors Month activities, visit www.kingborough.tas.gov.au or phone the council on (03) 6211 8200.
Kingborough Council

Pump track ready for school holidays
Riders young and old have a new place to ride, with Kingborough’s temporary modular pump track at Kingston Park now open for the community to enjoy.
Acting Mayor Christian Street said the facility provides an exciting new recreation space, just in time for the school holidays.
“The temporary pump track gives local riders a fun and challenging place to ride, practise their skills and staying active,” Cr Street said.
“With construction now complete, we’re looking forward to seeing the community make the most of this fantastic new facility.”
The track is located near the open space area at Kingston Park, near the corner of Goshawk Way and the Huon Highway.
Students from Calvin Christian School recently put the temporary modular pump track through its paces, with the facility catering to a range of skill levels, from beginner riders to more experienced bikers.
Teacher of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning, Tim Wherrett, said that the track’s tighter layout provides a more challenging riding experience, requiring quicker timing and technique, making it more difficult for beginner riders, but a beneficial temporary facility until the new Kingborough Mountain Bike park is rebuilt.
“The beginner students were able to keep going until they were able to get the whole way around the track,” said Mr Wherrett.
“None of them learnt to pump effectively, but there was still massive
progression in balance and comfort. They left with a significant sense of achievement.”
Acting Mayor Street said the modular pump track has been installed as an interim facility while the Mountain Bike Park is being rebuilt as part of the Kingborough Sports Precinct project.
“One of the great benefits of this modular design is that it will continue to serve the community well into the future,” Cr Street said.
“Once the new Mountain Bike Park and asphalt pump track are rebuilt after the construction of the AFL HPC, the modular pump track will be relocated to another suitable location in Kingborough, creating an additional riding facility for the community.”
Kingborough Council

Learn the history of Recherche Bay
The next presenter for Channel Museum’s Night at the Museum program is Richie Woolley, a local historian, who has been interested in the history and development of Recherche Bay.
Richie will provide insight into his experiences over the years as he has explored the terrain, and his research into the past of this part of the Channel.
Attendees are asked to make a small donation to the museum.
Seating is limited so bookings are essential.
Night at the Museum Recherche Bay is on Wednesday 14 October, from 7pm to 8pm.
To reserve a seat email secretary@channelmuseum.org.au or phone 6267 2333 during opening times – Sunday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.
The Channel Museum

Take the bushfire-ready challenge
The Tasmania Fire Service is once again inviting Tasmanians to take part in the Bushfire-Ready Challenge, a free online program designed to help households prepare for the bushfire season.
Running across four weeks from October, the challenge guides participants through a series of practical activities aimed at increasing preparedness and building confidence before summer arrives.
Participants will learn how to identify bushfire risks around their home, create a household bushfire plan, prepare emergency kits, and understand the actions they may need to take during a bushfire emergency.
The program is suitable for people living in bushfire-prone areas, as well as anyone wanting to better understand bushfire safety and preparedness.
Last year, hundreds of Tasmanian households participated in the challenge, helping build safer and more prepared communities across the state.
Participation is free and registrations are now open.
For more information or to register, visit: https://bushfire.tas.gov.au/bushfire-challenge/bushfire-ready-challenge
Tasmania Fire Service

Celebrate nature at inaugural festival
A day of education, and celebration of nature connection, sustainability and environmental care is coming to the Kingborough Community Hub on Sunday 18 October, from 10am to 2pm.
The Tasmanian Nature Festival will bring together nature lovers, conservation organisations, artists, educators and the community for a fun, inspiring, family-friendly day. Explore interactive workshops, an engaging panel discussion, artisan and community stalls, live music, children’s activities, delicious food and meaningful conversations that connect us with the environment around us.
Special guest speaker Corinne Ooms from Alone Australia 2025 will be sharing her inspiring experiences living alongside nature at 10.15am.
From 11am to 12pm, a panel discussion will be facilitated by BJ (Bridget Jupe) Natural Areas Interpretation Officer, Kingborough Council. Titled ‘Healthy Communities, Healthy Landscapes: A Living Partnership’, the discussion will explore the reciprocal relationship between people and the natural world. Together, we’ll consider how we understand, care for and experience natural areas through the perspectives of health and wellbeing, Aboriginal culture, ecology and recreation.
Tasmanian Nature Festival

Enjoy the benefits of riding to work
Bicycle Network’s Ride2Work Day is on Wednesday 14 October, encouraging the community to swap four wheels for two and enjoy the benefits of riding to work.
Acting Mayor Christian Street said the day highlighted the many advantages of cycling, from improved health and wellbeing to reduced transport costs and environmental impacts.
“Kingborough is home to a growing network of council-owned shared paths, cycling facilities and recreational tracks that cater to riders of all ages and abilities,” Cr Street said.
“Whether you’re commuting, riding with the family or building confidence on a bike, there are plenty of great places to ride close to home.
“The recently completed shoulder widening on key sections of Sandfly Road has improved safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users using this popular rural route.
“The busy Whitewater Creek Track provides a smooth and scenic connection between Kingston, Spring Farm, Kingston High School and the Kingborough Sports Precinct, making it ideal for beginners, families and recreational riders.
“This track also passes Kingston Park and features a bike repair station located next to the pump track and BBQ shelter near the open space area.
“For younger riders, Dru Point in Margate offers a purpose-built children’s bike track featuring stop signs, traffic lights and intersections, providing a fun and safe place to learn essential riding skills and road awareness.
“Improving connections for cyclists between our communities remains an important part of creating a safer and more accessible transport network,” Cr Street said.
Bicycle Network’s Tasmanian spokesperson Alison Hetherington said riding to work is easy once you get used to it, but some people need some inspiration and support to get going and keep it up.
“Bicycle Network’s Back on your Bike program can help you get going with a practical skills refresher, bike maintenance help and choosing a route to work,” Ms Hetherington said.
“Kingborough has routes to the Kingston town centre and through to Hobart that allow you to mix off-road paths, quiet roads and on-road painted bike lanes for a comfortable journey.”
For more information on Kingborough’s cycling infrastructure, tracks, shared paths and Kingston Park facilities, visit the council’s website.
Kingborough Council

Try laughing yoga
Give your morning a joyful lift this Seniors Month with Laughing Yoga, on Tuesday 13 October from 11am to 12pm, at Snug Community Hall in Pybus Street.
Everyone knows laughter is good medicine, and this session helps you tap into it in a simple and enjoyable way. This is not traditional floor yoga as you know it! Rather, you will be standing, or sitting in a chair if you prefer.
With gentle breathing and guided laughter, you’ll quickly find yourself caught up in it. Laughter is contagious, and once it starts, it tends to take on a life of its own. Before long, you’ll be laughing freely, feeling your stress melt away and those happy hormones kick in. You might even notice your cheeks hurting and your sides aching from a good, hearty laugh.
This is a relaxed, welcoming group experience where you can let go, have fun and connect with others. You’ll head off feeling lighter, energised and refreshed, with a real spring in your step to carry you through the rest of your day.
Come along, have a laugh and start your day feeling great.
Entry is free but bookings are required.
This free workshop for seniors (60+) is part of Kingborough Council’s Seniors Month activities.
Kingborough Council

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