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Choc-full of fun

It’s that time of year for indulging in sweet chocolate Easter treats. The shops have been tempting us for weeks with their displays of Easter eggs, and many of us have already added an extra chocolate treat to our supermarket shopping carts.

Traditional Easter hot cross buns are a bakery staple during this season, even if we spotted them not long after Christmas. If you’re not a fan of the traditional cinnamon and spice flavours, or if you’re torn between choosing eggs or hot cross buns, fear not. You can now enjoy both in a chocolate bun. There’s also savoury flavour, even if aficionados say ‘that’s not Easter’.

Tahlia Ennis and Lisa Wood at Foodworks with the choccy bunnies, boxes and packs for egg hunts around the backyard.

The local shelves have the classics like the Lindt gold bunny, Cadbury Crème Egg and the tall foiled bunny that sometimes has an odd squint. Colourful foil wrappers once again reflect popular themes, with footy and Bluey among the favourites.

There’s a wide variety to choose from, including bunnies in cute or cartoon styles, and packets of quail-sized eggs for Easter egg hunts. This year’s egg twists have different fillings like popping candy, Coco Pops, KitKat and jelly lollies in foiled solid eggs. A promoted Easter ‘ritual’ is egg smashing, which involves a thick chocolate egg with fillings. There are dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan eggs, so no one misses out.

While the prices this year are about the same as last year, market research says that Australians will not be spending as much this year due to cost-of-living pressures.

Families are making health-conscious choices and are turning to alternatives. Similar to Christmas, off-island families are opting for gift cards and dining out for an adult lunch to make Easter special and costeffective. A

s the holiday break is four or five days, depending on where you live, King Islanders are hoping for rain and secretly want some sunshine. Many are planning to pack their camping gear and explore other parts of the island with family and friends or tend to their vegetable gardens and start planting.

In line with off-island trends, the island offers soft and fluffy Peter Rabbits, long-legged country-style stuffed hares, and cute chicken soft toys.

With winter approaching, stores also offer alternative Easter gifts that have grown in popularity as chocolate alternatives that can become family traditions, such as new winter PJs, slippers, and ‘onesies.’

Big Off-Season awaits

Ocean Dunes hosted Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT), Tourism Tasmania and West by North West when they visited King Island last week to expand on the Tasmanian Tourism 2030 strategy and to present the 2024 Off Season promotion.

“Tourism Tasmania is focused on driving visitation to our state through highlighting our regions and communities and the unique experiences on offer,” Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clark said.

King Island Tourism president Adam Hely, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills, Tourism Tasmania CEP Sarah Clark, West by North West CEO Gabriella Conti and Tourism Tas Director of Aviation and Access Steve Farquer at Ocean Dunes.

“It was great to spend time on King Island last week along with Amy Hills from TICT, Gabriella Conti from West by North West and Steve Farquer, Director, Aviation and Access at Tourism Tasmania, hearing first-hand from tourism operators how we can continue to support and promote the region.

“The visit was also an opportunity to share the work we have been doing leading up to the winter season, with our supercharged Off Season winter campaign set to launch across Australia in April.”

Cr Anna Hely Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Clarke Tourism Operator Heidi Weitjens.

The Off Season campaign shows mainlanders that Tasmania has unique winter experiences like nowhere else. The campaign aims to reduce seasonality and drive winter visitation in the April – August period by encouraging Australians to book a winter holiday with a difference.

Tourism operators Corey Brazendale, Amanda Jones and John Geary.

The key promotional pillars are wildlife and nature, food and produce, history and heritage. Submissions are still open for tourism and hospitality operators to get involved in this year’s Off Season program by delivering a special winter experience for visitors that is different from your regular offering.

Visit the Tourism Tasmania website for more information and to submit an Off Season offer. Offers can be submitted until Sunday 31 March 2024.

She’s apples at Sunday picking

The Spring Gully heritage apple orchard on Bischoffs Rd, is nestled among grazing paddocks and framed by King Island’s iconic melaleuca trees.

The owners, Sonia and Shane Vokes, hosted the orchard’s first Sunday open day of the year last weekend. Rows of apple trees stretch across the 40-acre orchard, with additional apples, pears and walnuts growing near the distant stone house.

*Josie and Liam Baer loved picking their own apples for healthy snacking and Easter cooking.*

The previous owners, the Hoffmans, supplied fresh herbs and fruit to Foodworks for many years before the Vokes purchased the orchard a few years ago. Despite recent harvesting, the branches are still laden with fruit, emitting exotic aromas that drift on the breeze.

“When we bought the orchard, it had 1200 apple trees and 42 heritage apple varieties,” Sonia said.

“There are so many types that I’ve never heard of before, as they are old apples. It’s fascinating to learn about them and I wonder if they are grown anywhere else. We began renovating the orchard a couple of years ago, and now we have 420 healthy, fruit-laden trees.”

Shane, a native King Islander, and Sonia, with a long family history on Flinders Island and vineyard experience, are planning to further develop the orchard and small farm agribusiness.

Annie Elizabeth, Golden Noble and Golden Delicious are among the most popular varieties. Sonia particularly likes russets for their brown skin, which is different from what people are accustomed to seeing. She also finds the Huonville Crab apple interesting, as it is the only apple with pink flesh. Even the sap is red, making it suitable for jelly and providing a nice colour for juices.

“One of the biggest challenges, besides time, is dealing with the crows (Forest Ravens). They swoop in, in their hundreds,” Sonia said.

The orchard supplies apples to the Brewhouse for cider making. “As Corey and Sarah develop their cider brewing, we can provide different early, mid, and late-picking heritage apple types,” Sonia said.

Spring Gully Orchard is at 90 Bischoffs Rd, Pegarah and will be open again to ‘pick your own apples’ on Saturday, March 30 from 10am to 2pm.

Government under fire for lack of shipping runs

King Island farm groups and the peak agricultural body TasFarmers have been calling for drought shipping support from the State Government to de-stock the island and bring in fodder since January.

Stakeholders have asked for weeks why the government-owned vessel John Duigan has been sitting idle and not working at capacity. They are also asking why freight and port charges have not been reduced or put on a temporary hold and why TasPort regulations restrict the times when ships can be in port when it is critical to expedite de-stocking and move inbound fodder in a time of emergency.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff responded late last week and announced that the government will support Bass Island Line to provide extra sailings for King Island as support for drought-impacted residents and farmers of King Island.

“The Tasmanian Government will support Bass Island Line to operate a second sailing a week between Devonport and Grassy, up from once per week. This will commence from March 25 to May 19 with a maximum of eight second sailings to be supported,” Mr Rockliff said.

TasFarmers called on the government to take immediate action to increase shipping services to and from drought-affected King Island.

“The current drought on King Island is the worst the island has seen since the 1970s and without urgent action now to allow producers to de-stock land and bring in supplementary feed, the islands’ producers of livestock are facing a significant animal welfare challenge over the coming months,” a TasFarmers spokesperson said.

The privately owned Eastern Line Shipping has been running two ships a week since mid-February.

“Eastern Line Shipping is committed to the farmers of King Island in this time of drought,” Eastern Line Shipping CEO Warren Dick stated in February.

During a recent visit to King Island, TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the difference between producers on King Island and other drought affected regions of Tasmania is that they are hamstrung in taking animals off the island as a result of insufficient shipping services.

“This is not the result of the Bass Island Line vessel operating at capacity, but rather the unwillingness of TasPorts to schedule extra sailings.

“As a taxpayer-funded vessel, we call on the Tasmanian Government to step in and take action now to direct its GBE TasPorts to at least double if not triple the number of sailings currently scheduled.”

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald told the Courier in a statement at the end of February that: “…over the past six weeks (January-February) BIL added four extra return sailings to accommodate increased bookings of livestock (cattle) exports. This included a dedicated bulk hay and cattle voyage on February 24-25. BIL remains on standby to provide additional shipping assistance and for the month of March, two extra return voyages are already scheduled.”

Lions address need for island feed

The current dry spell on King Island is unprecedented, affecting stock, farmers and islanders with various types of animals.

Feed is in very short supply; winter feed is almost non-existent and dams are beginning to dry up. The good news is that our plight hasn’t gone unnoticed and the Lions network has swung into action offering fodder relief.

A Victorian Lions program called NEED FOR FEED (VNFF) has supported communities since 2006, finding and distributing hay to primary producers. King Island rallied in 2020 and sent our surplus bales plus a $10,000 donation to assist drought-affected farmers on the mainland.

Bags of warehoused pellets are ready to be loaded and shipped to King Island this week to help farmers affected by the drought.

VNFF heard about King Island’s dry spell and offered their support to source and deliver hay to us. They put out an application link that has seen 70 responses from animal owners. This lists 24,000 beef cattle, 700 dairy cows, 4000 sheep, 83 horses and two goats.

We know there are more animals needing feed. VNFF enlisted the help of Lions Tasmania because bio-security restrictions made it difficult to send hay from Victoria.

Some hay, along with bulk bags of cattle and sheep pellets, is due to arrive this week, with further shipments coming as space on boats allows.

VNFF has pledged $300,000 worth of assistance in this first round, with freight to be added on top of that. Lions Tasmania has set up an appeal and will use its Disaster Relief funds to help the cause. The Lions network around Australia reaches far and wide.

The Lions Club of Townsville, Queensland heard about our situation on Macca’s ABC All Over program. They sent $1000.

Hayfield Lions Club in Victoria is acting separately from VNFF and will assist with pellets or funds in due course.

The Deloraine Lions Club has pledged $5000, wanting to return the favour when King Island responded to their flood crisis a few years ago.

The Smithton Lions Club has pledged $1000 plus the proceeds of their next three cattle sales.

We are witnessing first-hand the motto ‘where there’s a need, there’s a Lion’.

King Island Lions will begin distributing donated fodder this week, continuing as long as the enormous support from our mainland friends allows. We ask everyone to be understanding as they wait for help.

In a generous act from VNFF, everyone who applied will be helped. In normal circumstances on the mainland, only primary producers receive assistance.

For further information contact Lions’ Linda Payne on 0488 566 448 or Sarina Laidler on 0428 611 332 or via Messenger.

Drought support funds for TasFarmers

Hay bales at Grassy imported to the island due to drought conditions.

Tasmania’s peak farming body, TasFarmers will receive $171,000 to support drought affected communities on King Island and across Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Government, through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, is partnering with the TAS Farm Innovation Hub, an Australian Government Future Drought Fund initiative, to provide the funding that will support the rural community during these unseasonably dry conditions.

The hub will initially provide $26,000 with the Tasmania Government providing the balance of the funds. This will allow TasFarmers to provide community drought support, including the employment of a new King Island Community Drought Coordinator and an online Tasmanian Fodder Hub.

The funding will allow TasFarmers to provide community drought support which includes the employment of a new King Island Community Drought Coordinator and and online Tasmanian Fodder Hub.

Water restrictions over Easter

Orford and Triabunna in the State’s south-east will be placed on stage 1 water restrictions as of today, March 25 2024, to help maintain water supply to the town over the Easter break.

The increased demand on the towns’ water supply during the annual influx of holiday visitors over the long weekend and the dry conditions are some of the factors considered in implementing these restrictions.

Stage 1 restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water use by 20 percent by encouraging conscious water use at home and in the workplace.

Residents in Launceston, Lady Barron and Bridport are urged to continue water conservation efforts to help avoid restrictions.

What do stage 1 water restrictions mean?

Stage 1 restrictions are intended to enforce sensible water use and prevent inefficient water practices by reducing non-essential use of water by about 20 per cent.

Residential, public and commercial gardens and lawns

Garden and lawn watering is allowed on any day during the following times:

· Manual watering systems can only be used between the hours of 6am and 8am, and between the hours of 8pm and 10pm.

· Automatic watering systems can only be used between the hours of midnight and 4am.

· Handheld hoses with a trigger nozzle, buckets or watering cans may be used at any time.

Sporting grounds

Watering of sports grounds is allowed on any day during the following times:

· Manual watering systems can only be used between the hours of 6am and 8am and between the hours of 8pm and 10pm.

· Automatic watering systems can only be used between the hours of midnight and 4am.

· Handheld hoses with a trigger nozzle, buckets or watering cans may be used at any time.

Paving, concrete and other hard surfaces

· Spot cleaning for safety, health, animal welfare or emergency reasons with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or with high pressure cleaning equipment is permitted.

· For construction, using water for dust or pollutant suppression, or earth compaction by means of a hose fitted with a flow cut-off device or a vehicle fitted with sprinklers is permitted.

· Hosing for general cleaning of hard surfaces such as paths, driveways and paved areas is not permitted at any time.

Washing vehicles

· A bucket, high pressure cleaning device or commercial car wash can be used at any time for vehicle washing.

· A handheld hose fitted with a trigger nozzle can only be used for pre-rinsing and rinsing at home.

Residential or commercial pools and spas

· Topping up of pools and spas only using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket, watering can or auto-device.

· Emptying and refilling existing pools and spas, and filling new pools and spas:

o Up to 2,000 litres: may only be refilled, or filled for the first time, using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket or automatic water top-up device.

o More than 2,000 litres: may only be refilled, or filled for the first time when the property owner has an approved Exemption – swimming pool or spa filling from TasWater.

Water conservation:

https://www.taswater.com.au/community/education/water-wise

Water restrictions explained:

https://www.taswater.com.au/community/education/water-wise

Photo by mrjn Photography on Unsplash

EXTRA SAILING FOR BASS ISLAND LINE

The Tasmanian Government will support Bass Island Line to increase its voyages to twice a week.

The second sailing will operate between Devonport and Grassy weekly, up from once per week.

This will commence from 25 March 2024 to 19 May 2024 with a maximum of eight second sailings to be supported.

The Department of State Growth will continue to liaise with impacted King Islanders on how they can access these increased services or seek advice from Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026.

$41k idle spending

THE Melbourne-based Idlers Four Wheel Drive Club recently visited King Island, injecting $41,000 into the community. The retirees and semi-retirees, who are not in a rush, go outback in off-peak periods and on 4WD trips, taking things a bit easier but also keeping track of their effect on the local economy.

Three groups of 14 – 42 Idlers in total – explored King Island over three weeks, with the intrepid travellers spending time, and money, while indulging in the island’s offerings.

Accommodation was provided at the King Island Hotel, and two eight seater hire cars ensured the groups could explore every corner of the island.

Highlights of the trip included visits to King Island Dairy, a barbecue at the boat house, indulging in crayfish and seafood pies, participating in Barefoot Bowls on Thursday nights, and enjoying CWA scones on Friday. The visitors were warmly welcomed by local businesses and residents.

Idlers take in the views at Seal Rocks. PICTURE: MAREE BOWKER

“The locals all greeted us as friends and could not have been more helpful,” Idler member Maree Bowker said.

“We ate and drank our way from Currie to Grassy.”

One group found the local show and the exhibits and presentations amazing. Ms Bowker said she wrote to the Courier last week when it was suggested that residents may be interested to know how much tourism injects into the island’s economy.

“Of interest is the fact that over their time on King Island, the 42 people were asked to keep a tally of what they spent,” she said.

“The total spend, not including airfare, was over $41,000. This included accommodation, meals, drinks, car hire, activities and don’t forget the wonderful scones.

“The club would like to thank the people of King Island for making us so welcome, Ms Bowker said.

“It was a great time had by all. We look forward to another group returning one day.”

AFL team logo slap down

THE much-hyped launch of Tasmania’s AFL team received a luke-warm reception on King Island – and brickbats for leaving King and Flinders Islands off the new team logo.

On the traditionally footy-mad island only about 30 people, mostly juniors, turned up at the King island Club for the launch of the AFL’s 19th team. The Tasmania Devils launch revealed the devil emblem and the foundation jumper which features a yellow stylised map of Tasmania.

A very intimate turn out for the AFL Tassie team launch.

Mayor Marcus Blackie said it was disappointing not to see both King and Flinders Islands on the new Tasmania team jumper to accurately represent our whole state.

“That is the equivalent – as we have seen in the past – of promoting Australia abroad with a map of Australia that completely omits Tasmania.

“Our football history here on King Island and our current KIFA league remain legendary, so it is the new team’s loss.

“This has cemented my own intentions to follow Super Rugby Pacific more intently in the footy seasons ahead,” Mr Blackie said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he was aware of King Island’s concerns and football affection. In a social media post he said: “When it comes time for our teams to run out a jumper including our King and Flinders Islands would be a great addition.

“It is something the Tasmanian Jackjumpers have done successfully,” he said.

Football was first played on King Island in August 1903. The intimate gathering for the AFL Tasmanian team launch at the King island Club. Despite being one of the smallest Australian Rules Football leagues in the country, currently with three teams in a round-robin competition, other than in war years, the game has been played continuously.

King Island players are listed in the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame. In 2012 KIFA was the first football competition in Tasmania to be inducted into the AFL Tasmania Hall of Fame. It has been suggested that King Island is a perfect location for a high-performance training centre.

The AFL officially granted the licence for the AFL’s 19th team to Tasmania in May last year after the league signed binding commitments with the State Government that included partnering with the Federal Government for the construction of a 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Macquarie Point in Hobart.