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December - January 2019-20

ALWAYS LOCAL - PROUDLY SERVING COMMUNITIES OF THE TAMAR VALLEY Candidates Announce for Rosevears Election

Legana Street Project Complete

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Healthy George Town Funding Success

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The contest for the Legislative on a number of local boards mer Mayor Janie Finlay was the George Council seat of Rosevears in such as Playgroup and first person to announce her early 2020 sees more community serves as President of Laurel campaign in late 2019 who will members add their name to the House. contest the seat as an indepen- Town list of candidates. Both the Labor Jack Davenport is the Green dent candidate. Party and Greens and officially candidate who currently works Kerry Finch since being elected in endorsed candidates with the Lib- for Child Saftey Services and has 2002 announced in late Novem- RSL eral Party expected to announce previously served as a local gov- ber that he would not be seeking a candidate in the new year. ernment councillor internationally. re-election. The election is due Jess Greene has been endorsed Vivienne Gale who is a small busi- in early May 2020, six years ago Update as the Labor candidate for the ness person announced in mid only two candidates contested seat who is employed by the December she will contest the the seat Kerry Finch and the Lib- PAGE 8 North North-West Community and seat as an independent. erals Don Morris with Kerry Finch Public Sector Union and serves Launceston Councillor and For- receiving 60.28% of the vote. 2 Always Local - Proudly serving communities of the Tamar Valley

Tamar Valley News is produced by Hyperlocal Media. Folk Festival back for 2020 Delivered to over 100 local businesses and public locations in West Tamar and George Town muncipal areas. If you have local story or issue let us know! [email protected] Interested in promoting your business to local hyperlocal audience? [email protected] - 0477779232

have a project team and a clear Greater Regional City Challenge concept for how they will achieve this. Project applications can The George Town based Tamar Sponsors of the event are high- YOU CAN HELP LAUNCESTON be submitted up to midnight 15 Valley Folk Festival is to be held ly valued and include The Pier BECOME ONE OF THE GREAT March, 2020, so there is plenty of again from January 17th to 19th. Hotel, Southern Cross Television, REGIONAL CITIES OF THE time to build a team and research The three-day celebration of mu- , George WORLD a project to make sure it is real- sic, dance, poetry and children’s Town R&SLA Club, Impression The Great Regional City Chal- istic and powerful. A short appli- entertainment is now in its 29th Promotional Products, Barratts lenge has now launched and is cation and photo should be sent year and continues to be a major Music, Bushby Property Group, offering individuals, groups and to challenge@launcestontogether. draw card for state wide, inter- Bass & Flinders Centre and Gary’s organisations the chance to com.au and will be posted on state and international visitors. Hotel. share in > $100,000 of cash and launcestontogether.com.au web- Organisers recommend purchas- More information can be found at support services. The funds and site where the community can ing a weekend pass as it allows www.tamarvalleyfolkfestival.com support are for projects that can vote for the projects they think the public to enjoy all events over or email info@tamarvalleyfolkfesti- help make Launceston and NE are the best. Selected projects the three days. Weekend tickets val.com Tasmania one of the great re- will be given funds and support are $100, concession $95. Satur- gions of the world. Projects can at a major event at Country Club day tickets $70, concession $65. focus on ways to build on our Tasmania in June 2020. See more Sunday $50, concession $45. innovation and entrepreneurship, details at https://launcestonto- Online tickets can be purchased or our livability, or our diversity or gether.com.au/grcc-introduction at www.ticketbo.com.au/tamar- our connectedness. Projects will folk

Let’s get started today! NOTHING IS MORE POWERFUL Contact us to organise a visit to our office at THAN GETTING THE RIGHT 5 Cleghorn Avenue, Riverside TAS 7250 or 33 Grubb Street, PERSON INTO THE RIGHT JOB Beaconsfield TAS 7270 Call us on If you have a disability, illness or injury and 1300 080 856 Visit our website are looking for work, we are here to help. atworkaustralia.com.au/register Have local news? [email protected] 3

Don’t let the holiday season go to waste! Top 6 holiday/summer searches on Legana Street Project RecyclingNearYou We know what you searched for last summer. But don’t fear, the only killer here is poor recycling habits! By Complete looking at last year’s visits to Recy- clingNearYou we’ve come up with a list of your top recycling questions of the holiday season. Now it’s time to answer them. For More visit: https://www.recycling- nearyou.com.au/news/display/4874

Changes to the Northern Bus Network will come into effect from Sunday the 19th of January, 2020. Updated timetables, maps and ticketing information can now be found on the Department of State Growth’s Transport Website. Any queries, contact the bus operator directly as stated in the flyer attached, or State Growth on 03 6166 3343 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, or via [email protected]. gov.au

A section of Cleghorn Avenue and Eden Street in Riverside (as pictured) will be closed to through traffic from Monday 6th January, An upgrade of the main street the city, easing congestion within to continuing the Main Street until Tuesday 4th February 2020 through Legana in Tasmania is the Main Street area.” upgrade further south once the as pedestrian safety improve- now complete, securing the viabil- “There have also been great Legana Recreation Area has been ments are undertaken. ity of the precinct for decades to improvements to the streetscape, relocated,” Cr Holmdahl said. These improvements include a come. making it much safer and acces- “As one of the fastest-growing raised wombat crossing which Federal Member for Bass Bridget sible to suburbs in Tasmania, Legana is to replace the current zebra Archer said the main street was the community.” has been lacking the major infra- crossing, a traffic island on Eden now pedestrian and cyclist-friend- West Tamar Council Mayor Chris- structure to support its increasing Street to make crossing safer, and ly, with wide footpaths offering tina Holmdahl said it was the population but the Legana Struc- a fence on the northern side of local businesses the opportunity responsibility of local government ture Plan is helping to address Cleghorn Avenue to discourage to provide on-street dining and to advocate, facilitate and devel- this issue.” people from crossing the road markets. op major infrastructure in regional The $4.5 million project was jointly outside of the safe crossing area. “This upgrade will greatly benefit communities, but without finances funded, with the Federal Liberal Every effort has been made to residents by offering employment from the Australian Government and Nationals Government minimise disruption to business- opportunities through commercial the project would not have been contributing $2.8 million and the es, residents and the school, to and retail development,” Mrs possible. West Tamar Council contributing deliver this important project for Archer said. “We are confident the communi- the remainder. the precinct. That said, major “It will also deliver an alternative ty shares our vision for Legana’s works such as these will have transport option to connect to the future, outlined in the Legana impacts and we apologise for any by bypass- Structure Plan and Legana Town inconvenience caused during this ing Centre Report, and look forward period. Think Local, Buy Local - George Town Want to include your business? Contact us 0477779232 - [email protected]

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Communities Environment Pro- to dog and cat owners on how the archival of the documentation Friends of the Low Head Penguin gram. they may help reduce the number and information acquired. Colony, the George Town Council, Friends of the Low Head Penguin of deaths through pet manage- Mapping of the Penguin Habitat. and YMCA are combining to Colony were invited by our local ment. This is almost complete. One stage a family fun day next year. member, Bridget Archer MHR, to Collection of Historical Data. more activity will be needed to The theme will be that penguins apply for a grant from the Com- Dr. Woehler, our scientific advis- finish this project. and dogs can co-habit within the munity Environment Program. The er, requested that we gather as The Cat Management Presenta- same community providing dog government established this much history on the Low Head tion. owners comply with dog manage- program to support small scale penguins, past penguin groups This event took place on 16 th ment procedures. The event will community-led environment proj- and the infestation of invasive November. There was a good be called “Dogz Day Out” and ects that address local weeds, particularly box thorn, as attendance and those who were there will be a lot of fun for ev- environmental priorities in 151 could be found. asked eryone. It will take place on 8 th federal electorates. Tim Smith has done extensive re- for feedback said that the event February The objectives of the program are search and has produced photo- was useful and exceeded their next, keep your eye on the adver- to deliver positive environmental graphic evidence to show that the expectations. The ladies of the tising. and social outcomes and give boxthorn first appeared on committee assisted by other Thank you. communities the resources, skills the Low Head peninsula in the volunteers provided a delecta- and knowledge to care for the 1940’s. ble afternoon tea from which we The Friends of the Low Head environment. Documentation on loan to us has raised Penguin Colony would like to FLHPC made a bid for $4500 revealed an earlier draft manage- $88 in donations. thank all those who supported us from this fund which was accept- ment plan for the Low Head Fencing of the habitat. throughout the year especially ed and will cover projects com- Coastal Reserve plus photo- Rex Cassidy, George Town Coun- Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, mencing graphic records and detailed cil, has obtained funds for repair- Bridget Archer MHR, Dr. Eric in 2020. This money will assist press reports on the 1995 Iron ing the existing fencing but he has Woehler, us in our efforts to reduce the Baron disaster. been asked by Parks and Wildlife Associate Prof. Mary-Anne Lea, amount of deaths and injuries to We would request anybody who to hold off for a while as there is a Stan Matuszek Parks & Wild- the penguin population on the is able to add any photos or other possibility that the construction life, Sharon Smith and Kim Willing Low Head peninsula through the information relevant to get in may disturb penguin nesting. New Wildcare Tasmania, George Town gathering of data for scientific touch with us at georgeandhart@ fencing to be erected around the Council and Manager and Staff of use, workshops to train volun- bigpond.com or tghsmith@gmail. Queenslander by Parks and the George Town Hub. teers, and public education with com Wildlife has not yet commenced. the dissemination of information Work on this is ongoing including Public Education Event

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the community has to contribute and recognizes the importance of community collaboration in de- West Tamar Council has adopted a signing the budget for 2020/21” policy which will support the oper- A submission form is available ation of mobile food vendors within at Budget Nomination Form the municipality and is currently 2020/21. Submissions will be accepting Expression of Interest assessed against the priorities in Applications until COB Wednesday Council’s Strategic Plan, which is 29th January 2020. To apply, please available on Council’s website. download and complete the Guide- Submissions opened on the 20th lines and Application Form, and return it to Development Services via December and will close 31st [email protected] or P.O. Box 16, January 2020 at 5.00pm, with the Riverside TAS 7250. Any enquiries, draft budget to be presented for call (03) 6323 9200. consideration in June 2020. Interested community members are invited to submit their com- Over the coming months George term financial sustainability. The pleted applications via email to Town Council will prepare a 2020/2021 budget will continue [email protected] responsible budget for the to deliver on the initiatives with- or post to George Town Council, 2020/2021 financial year. At a in Council’s Strategic & Annual PO Box 161 George Town, Tas- minimum, the budget will aim Plans. mania 7253 for consideration. to maintain service levels for the While financial resources for For further information please A new development is being pro- provision of almost 100 services investment into new projects is contact Cheryl Hyde, Manager to the community and will provide limited in small municipalities like posed by the Low Head caravan Corporate & Financial Services on park. The development would for strategic investment in com- George Town, Mayor Greg Kies- 6382 8800 or cherylh@george- munity assets to ensure long- er said “he is eager to hear what provide the site with expansion. town.tas.gov.au Increasing the number of new caravan sites by seventeen and an addtional 80 self contained Festival of Small Halls - Rowella RV spaces. With projects such The Rowella Hall Committee in and releasing original music since BYO alcohol) – so come along, as the George Town mounatin conjunction with West Tamar 2010. He has toured relax and enjoy the bikes trails in the early stages Council are excited to again extensively across Australia, the and increased Tasmanian tourism host the 2020 Festival of Small UK, North America, Europe and evening. visitoration it is expected George Halls with one of Scotland’s fore- New Zealand; festivals Our local act will be Fiddle Stix, Town and the Tamar Valley will most singers, exceptional from Brisbane to Barcelona; a #1 a family of young artists sharing see more visitors staying within talent Siobhan Miller and ac- independent album and a Top 40 their passion for music the community. Tasmanian Visitor claimed Australian songwriter album. through Celtic/Irish tunes. Survey (TVS) for the year ending Jack Carty. Ticket sales will be through the June 2019 has been released Siobhan is the only artist to be Once finishing the New South Tamar Visitor Centre at Exeter or showing investment by visitors crowned as Scots Singer of the Wales leg, the Festival of online at in our economy has reached a Year three times at the Small Halls kicks off a statewide https://festivalofsmallhalls.com/ record $2.5 billion, an increase Annual Scots Trad Music Awards. tour, with Rowella Hall current-tours/summer-2020-cyg- of four per cent compared to the Siobhan creates music with detail hosting this event on Monday 6 th net-to-illawarra/ and click on the same period the previous year. and rich melodies that January 2020 at top This means the T21 – Visitor combine the sound of indie and 7.00p.m. There will be food, cof- righthand corner icon, Buy tick- Economy Strategy goal for visitor alternative music with sounds fee and drinks available ets. Book yourself in for this expenditure of $2.47 billion by from her roots in folk music. from 5.00p.m. onwards at very amazing, exciting Show as 2020 has now been exceeded. Jack has been making, touring reasonable prices (no tickets sold out quickly last year! 6 Always Local - Proudly serving communities of the Tamar Valley Healthy George Town funding success George Town Council is pleased George Town, this program has to announce that their application been extremely successful from to Healthy Tasmania Large Grants its launch in October 2019, with a 2019 has been successful, ac- diverse cohort of residents partic- quiring $194,945 to fund years ipating in a broad range of health two and three of the Healthy and wellbeing activities hosted by George Town program. local service providers. George Healthy George Town was Town Council is committed to the launched in October this year. delivery of the Healthy George Funded through both State and Town program and aims for long Federal government bodies, the term positive outcomes that will program delivered a broad suite benefit our community. Council of health and wellbeing programs will continue to evolve the pro- free to the community. The pro- gram over the coming years to gram has been overwhelmingly ensure that minorities or disem- embraced by the community and powered groups are encouraged the announcement of future fund- to participate ensuring the pro- ing for the program to continue gram is all inclusive. Spirit Of Tasmania’s Tour Of was Longford to Poatina. Stage 3 for a further two years will excite Tasmania was held in early De- Ulverstone to Riana and Stage 4 existing and inspire new partici- cember. The 4 stage circut be- based at Devonport. Local busi- pants. The programs are set to gan in George Town ending in at ness owners commented that the continue again in Feb/Mar 2020. Grindelwald. The George Town influx of visitors was highly valued General Manager Shane Power Grindelwald stage was the lon- and look forward to the event said “This is fantastic news for gest stage at 115.9km. Stage 2 returning. Road funding delivered accross Northern Tasmania Drivers across northern Tasmania tions without accident or injury.” will soon have access to saf- The Federal Government has er and better-maintained roads committed an additional $100 thanks to million per year to the Roads to funding announced as part of the Recovery Morrison Liberal Government’s Program from 2019-20, giving Roads to Recovery Program. councils an opportunity to spend Federal Member for Bass Bridget on local road priorities. Archer said the latest round of Local projects within the West program funding was welcome Tamar and George Town munici- news for palities include Deviot Road, Ro- residents in the Bass electorate bigana with a total project cost of with seven roads to receive signif- $250,000 investment, Bridgenorth icant upgrades. Road Bridgenorth total project “The Roads to Recovery funding cost $300,000 and Dalrymple in our community will allow coun- Road, Mount Direction with a total cils across the area to progress a project cost of $335,000. number of high-priority projects, More information on these pro- using local knowledge to deliver grams is available at www.infra- the best local roads,” Mrs Archer structure.gov.au. said. “Good, safe roads are vital for our communities. They ensure our freight moves more efficiently, our traffic moves more smoothly and our drivers get to their destina-

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A colletion of photos from both the George Town Chrismtas parade and the Tamar Valley Resorts Christmas celebration 8 Always Local - Proudly serving communities of the Tamar Valley George Town RSL Update

Tasmania’s air quality is likely to George Town Community Re- spoke of developments and ad- can take the form of a memorial continue to be affected by bush- membrance Day Service. vancements in technology, aircraft in a General or lawn cemetery, in fire smoke from fires burning both and a crematorium or in a OAWG gar- locally and interstate during the Our community services this year medicine as a result of the den of Remembrance, of which coming days. were held at Max Harris Memorial devastation and loss during we have at Max Harris Memorial People with asthma or chronic Reserve and Ainslie House. WW1&11. His words were Reserve. Three Brick Walls were health conditions are at more risk Although a windy day, some 200 timely reminders constructed some years ago at of health harm, so it’s important people were in attendance, at the of the obvious and graphic need the Memorial Reserve for such they follow their asthma or health Memorial, with students from our that came out of early conflicts, Remembrances. plan and try to reduce the smoke three school well represented. for better and safer ways to repair The inside walls of the brick struc- they breathe. Senior students from Port Dal- and assist the injured, to design tures at the Max Harris Memorial Others at higher risk of health rymple School, Star of the Sea aircraft to be more than two Reserve are for the placement of harms from breathing smoky air College winged kites and for more target- ashes and small plaque for Re- are those with heart or lung dis- and South George Town Primary, ed turned Service men and women, ease, diabetes, a previous stroke, respectfully lay wreaths on behalf technical developments in weap- Prisoner of War Veterans and older people, babies, young chil- of their school communities. ons and machinery. returned dren, and pregnant women. Wreaths were laid for the Ser- Temporary or Permanently Injured vices, Government and local Commemorations and Memorials The outside walls are for com- On smoky days everyone should businesses as well as personal memorating those who served in try to: tributes. One of the responsibilities of the the Military and family or relatives • Stay indoors, close your doors Padre of the day, Brent Daire, RSL Sub-Branch is to ensure can arrange for a plaque only to and windows lead a prayer and with a few the preservation and records of be placed on that side of the Wall • Check that your air conditioning words dedicated the Lone Pine, service as part of family funeral arrange- is not bringing smoky outdoor air planted personnel. As Remembrance Day ments. into your house recently in the Memorial Reserve. has just passed it is timely to keep If you have a relative or family • Avoid exercise outdoors George Town Mayor, Greg Keiser families and relatives informed member that matches these crite- • Go somewhere less smoky like spoke of remembering not only about the Memorial Walls at the ria and have not considered a a friend’s place, a library, or shop- those fallen during WW1 but of Max Harris Reserve. placement of a service plaque ping centre those involved in conflicts and The Office of Australian War please call into the RSL Sub Pease keeping since that time. Graves (OAWG) is responsible for Branch for details and assistance. Importantly, anyone who be- The the official commemorations of Alternatively information can be comes unwell should seek medi- Guest Speaker David Reid, eligible veterans. Types of memo- found at http://www.dva.gov.au cal help. rials and official commemorations For more information visit www. health.tas.gov.au/publichealth/air/ bushfire_smoke Have local news? [email protected] 9

Tamar Tourism Industry Group networking function

Tasmanian Tamar Tourism economics and trade, commerce, the Greater tunity of a lifetime, Industry Group hosted a success- investment, finance, education, East Tamar district, with the areas a dancing tour to the USA ful networking luncheon, enabling and tourism/cultural/artistic ex- wine, berries, maritime history and Founded in 2019, Tasmanian the signing of a Formal Strategic changes amongst many other superb natural environments the Tamar Tourism Industry Group Agreement between the George opportunities. Todays luncheon opportunities abound…. (ABN 81 632 764 035) is based at Town Chamber of Commerce was attended by local and State The Luncheon also provided an the York Cove and the Australian Inner-Mon- political representatives along with opportunity for the dance troupe Hotel in George Town and is the golia Business and Commerce many business investors from of local kids from Bee Bop dance driver of seeking Tourism oppor- Association (headquartered in both China and Mainland Austra- studio to tunities in the Greater East Tamar Melbourne). The Chamber pro- lia. The Tasmanian Tamar Tourism present a short performance area. vides members with exchangers Industry Group is highlighting the as they are busy fundraising to and cooperation opportunities in potential for increased tourism in enable 33 local children an oppor- 10 Always Local - Proudly serving communities of the Tamar Valley

What can I claim for my Car? When can I claim home-to- Parked towing capacity All this being said, tax work travel legislation can be notoriously Have you had any work- To all those tradies out there tricky and the amount related travel over the past The only time that travel from that have vehicles with more claimable often changes with financial year? You will need a home to work can be counted grunt: if you have a rig capable individual circumstances. It is record of all work-related toward work-related of carrying a load of two strongly recommended that kilometres that you have kilometres, is if you have an tonnes or more, you cannot you seek the advice of a tax driven over this period. occupation that required tools use the simple kilometre- professional if you wish to get that you must transport to and based method to make your situation specific advice that For a kilometre to be tax from work each day. claim. you can rely on. deductible, it needs to relate to travel between two locations For example, if you are a Not sure if this applies to you? The door at DK Chartered of work-related activity. music teacher with a drum kit The towing capacity of your Accounting is always open. or a handy man with a toolkit. vehicle should be in your car Please feel free to get in For example, if you work in manual – or just Google your contact with us via the details Launceston and drive to a However, this loophole is not make and model. provided. work-related training session available to individuals that in Hobart, the kilometres that have a secure lockup at work You will need to have a record you have travelled on that trip in which tools can be stored. of the actual running expenses are tax deductible. of your motor vehicle, such as It is also helpful to know that fuel, registration, insurance, However, if you live in the maximum distance that repairs, etc, as well as having Riverside and work in you can claim for a vehicle kept a logbook for a 6-week Launceston, your daily under the cents per kilometre period to establish the commute to work is not tax method is capped at 5,000 business percentage use of deductible. kilometres. your vehicle.

When is the right time to sell in the Tamar Valley? When is the right time to sell your area and how long it took to sell shouldn’t determine if isolation with a significantly re- property? and most importantly understand you are going to sell, sure sum- duced amount of properties on Steve Crawford, Director, at the demand for mer, spring and to a degree the market and the same Agency 36 Launceston, says the homes in your suburb. autumn the sun is out, amount of buyer’s ultimately right time to sell property “Currently in the Tamar Valley gardens are looking beautiful and increasing competition, leading to depends on a number of factors there is still very strong demand properties photograph exception- multiple offers and including the current market con- from buyers in the ally well however higher sale prices.” ditions, the time of year market, and falling supply means these are the peak selling times “When deciding to sell sure, take & most importantly what those selling will be able to get a with significantly more properties these things into account but suits the home seller. higher price for their on the market, most importantly make He says researching the market property”. ultimately giving the buyer more sure it suits you the vendor.” He is key, talking to an agent, seeing Summer, spring, autumn or win- options. If you were to sell in win- says. what has sold in the ter? Crawford says “the season ter you are selling in Your local property agent area specialist is

Steve Crawford 0447 277 825

Contact today for a complimentary appraisal of your property 35 Reatta Road, Launceston Have local news? [email protected] 11

Tamar Valley News - Events Calander Sponsored by Michael Ferguson MP Have a meeting or event you would like included? Want to advertise [email protected] 6th January 2020, Rowell Hall. 7pm Festival of Small Halls to a local

11th January 2020, Comedy Hypnotist Gerard V, 7pm, George Town Memorial Hall, Door Sales $40 audience?

17th-19th January 2020, Tamar Valley Folk Festival, Locations within the George Town township www.tamarvalleyfolkfestival.com

21st January 2020, West Tamar Council Meeting Find out more: 1.30pm, Beaconsfield Council Chambers [email protected] 28th January 2020, George Town Council Meeting, 1pm George Town Council Chambers

29th January 2020, Bushfire Fundraiser 6.30pm, Tailrace Centre

31st January 2020, “The Fair Dinkum Fire Appeal 5pm -8.30pm, Windsor Park

4th February 2020, “Kick Start 2020” Goal Setting for 2020, The Van Diemen Project 1pm, Exeter Show Ground

8th February 2020, Know Your Odds: George Town State Park Leagues. 11am-4pm 16 Anne Street, George Town

18th February 2020, West Tamar Council Meeting 1.30pm, Riverside (Windsor Community Precint)

25th February 2020, George Town Council Meeting, 1pm George Town Council Chambers

17th March 2020, West Tamar Council Meeting, 1.30pm, Beaconsfield Council Chambers

24th March 2020, George Town Coucnil Meeting, 1pm George Town Council Chambers

Michael Ferguson

Liberal Member for Bass

Phone: 6777 1032 [email protected] 12 Always Local - Proudly serving communities of the Tamar Valley Low Head Pilot Station Support Group Donation

Around 240 primary school students North East and North West from the three George Town schools schools regularly visit the Pilot Sta- recently escaped the tion Museum as part of their history classroom and spent half of their curriculum. school day at the beach at Low Student and adult groups booked in Head. for guided tours are also taken up to A substantial $5,000 donation made the Lighthouse where by the Low Head Pilot Station Sup- they can see quite clearly how and port Group to Wildcare why the pilot service operates in the Tasmania, enabled Parks & Tamar estuary. It is an Wildlife Discovery Ranger, John exciting bonus if a ship happens to Bowden to work with students from be entering or exiting the port and Port Dalrymple and South George spectators will see the Town Schools and Star of the Sea pilot boat meet the large ship and the College over the whole pilot climbing up or down the ladder week from 18 to 22 November. on the side of the Each day two groups of students ship. The depth of the channel allows from Grades 1 to 6 and their teach- ships to enter at either high tide or ers arrived at the Low Head low tide when the Pilot Station for practical, hands-on current creates less interference. sessions of discovery at the station Visitor numbers to the Maritime and its surrounds. Museum for the month of November Activities varied with groups, but they have exceeded 1,000, included studies of the beach and which could see the total entries for rock pools, shells, 2019 reach 8,500. Funds raised from crabs, local birds and animals. the very modestly Groups also visited the penguin priced entry fees are used for the colony close by to learn about this maintenance and general running important habitat and tourist costs of the Museum and attraction in their own backyard. with Pilots Row being built in 1835, They also learnt about Tasmanian there is always something that needs devils that were once very upgrading or prevalent on the Low Head peninsula replacing. This could not be done and are still seen quite often on the without the dedicated volunteers outskirts of George who do everything from Town and around the Stony Head meeting and greeting visitors, guiding area. tour groups, assisting with research Excited children were seen examin- enquiries, archival ing their surrounds and totally en- work, inside and outside mainte- grossed in what they were nance and managing the finances. learning about. For some of the chil- There are 13 rooms of displays in the dren, it was their first visit to the Pilot museum, all depicting some aspect Station and to Low of the pilot service Head. Mr Bowden was impressed that has operated from Low Head with the enthusiasm and interest since 1805. Visitors love the fact that shown by each class and felt the museum is an old his time was very well spent. building and the comments left in the The Low Head Pilot Station Support Visitors Book are testament to the Group of volunteers were pleased to quality of displays. If contribute some of the you haven’t been to this museum entry fees collected at the Maritime yet, come and see what you have Museum to offer this experience to been missing. local students. School groups from most Laun- ceston primary schools and several

GEORGE TOWN & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC - MONTHLY MEETINGS are held on the 3rd Monday, starting at 7.30pm at The Grove, 2 Cimitiere St, George Town. Meetings are open to the public. There is no charge, but a gold coin donation towards supper is appreciated. Annual Membership is $15 single or $25 for a couple, due in October. GEORGE TOWN ; DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Monday, 21 October at The Grove - 7.30pm start SPEAKER: Debbie Rainbow TOPIC: “Revd John Youl”to recognise the Bicentenary of the appointment of the first clergyman to northern Van Diemen’s Land in 1819. Check the Facebook or website for details: Website: www.gtdhs.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/George-Town-and-District-Historical-Society- 1375090549395357/