The King Island Racing season is off and running with the first meeting of the season, Ladies and Tradies Day, held last Saturday.

The skies were overcast and there was a chill in the air, so coats hid bare shoulders and a bit of the fancy racing carnival fashion. But the track was sound and the rain held off – so, all in all,  a great day’s racing!

King Island Racing Club president Audrey Hamer said that while the crowds were not big – the norm for the first race day – she is confident that the numbers will build as the race calendar progresses.

“They have sold a lot of tickets for the Beef Day races on December 16 and we expect big crowds for the festive and holiday season races,” she said.

A Sunraysia golf tour group from northwestern Victoria and southwestern New South Wales said they had a wonderful time, enjoying “two rounds of golf this morning, then dressed up for the races and tomorrow we are at the King Island Golf Club”.

A group of ex-army mates from Queensland and NSW catch up annually with either a golf or a country race trip. “We were trying to find a weekend where we could fit in our trip and came across this weekend on King Island,” one of them remarked. “It’s great that we have been able to combine both golf and the races.”

The first race of the season was won by Squazeemoto for Tammy Muir and Codi Jordon, which was quickly followed up by another Muir/Jordon win with Tyson’s Reef in the second race of the day.

Owner interest and lifelong King Island Racing participant (in every aspect), Peter Bowling, was chuffed with the Squazeemoto win, “I only signed the owner paperwork a few days ago – and look I have a win, I know how to pick them, ” he chuckled.

It was an exciting day for the Clerk of Course and new trainer Casey Hyde, who  has taken on one of the imported horses, Prophet’s Reign (Grampians Racing), which went down by a nose to the Robert Keys-trained Screw Creek ridden by Craig Atkinson. It was Race 7, the last on the card, that had Casey jumping for joy when Cianna took out the Cox Electrical Handicap.

Last season Cianna delivered a sensational performance to win the Jim Mackenzie Agencies King Island Cup over 1800 metres to make it back-to-back wins, having scored an equally impressive win in a maiden on Boxing Day. Casey and Ailean Hyde purchased the galloper from an online bloodstock site last year for $5,700. The mare had raced under six different trainers with no wins in 14 starts but went on for glory in King Island.

Christina bolted it in, for Deb Monson, and a nice run for Queensland jockey Stephanie Lacy who has returned to the track on King Island after retiring from racing.

Patrons are reminded that there is a $10 gate entrance fee for non-members. Season memberships can be purchased from the King Island Racing Club by contacting Heather Archer or by direct deposit:

Adults single $50.00 Couple $90.00

Direct Deposit to

King Island Racing Club

BSB: 037-602

A/C No: 550068

Reference: Your name, please.

If membership cards cannot be shown at the gate, the entrance fee will be charged (unless on the volunteer entrance list held at the gate). The $10 entrance fee can be refunded in the secretary’s office on the course when membership payment is confirmed for those who cannot show their membership card. Race club president Audrey Hamer reminds those attending on race days that the gate entrance is managed by King Island Lions Club volunteers and the King Island Race Club is a not-for-profit organization also run by volunteers and avoiding this small payment is disappointing.

King Island Lions Club have visited Snodgrass Park retirement units to bring some Christmas cheer to residents.

A tasty barbecue and some seasonal salads were on the menu and musical entertainment was provided by Charles Pearce, who is currently back on King Island.

 Wendy and Pete Constable, along with Darelle Thompson, were inducted into the club as new members by Lions membership chair Larraine Nievaart.

The King Island Lions Club funded and built the barbecue shelter a few years ago, fitting it out with a barbecue and seating so Snodgrass Park residents could enjoy an undercover outdoor entertainment area with family and friends. Lions also puts on an annual Easter gathering for Snodgrass residents.

DISMISSED King Island councillor Sarina Laidler has been overwhelmed with support and sympathy after her shock removal.

Ms Laidler lost her seat on the King Island Council after failing to attend three consecutive ordinary council meetings, despite her lodging an apology for June, July and August and attending workshops and other councillor meetings.

Dismayed supporters have urged Ms Laidler to stand for council again.

IN A move described as “heartless” and “lacking compassion” King Island Council has followed the letter of the law in removing councillor Sarina Laidler from her position.

It was a tumultuous week for the councillor, being aware that her husband was in his final hours and at the same time being informed that she no longer held her council seat.

“I was just speechless because at the time, I was going through a challenging time with my husband,” she said.

Ms Laidler was philosophical about the unusual circumstances and was concerned that the situation did not occur again.

She plans to re-contest her seat in the by-election that must be held.

Ms Laidler was removed after failing to attend three consecutive ordinary council meetings, despite lodging an apology for June, July and August and attending workshops and other councillor meetings.

A request for leave of absence in respect of one or more council meetings was not advised or lodged.

The council said their hand was forced by the Local Government Act Schedule 5 – if an elected councillor misses three consecutive meetings without a request for leave of absence and council approval, a councillor is dismissed and the seat is declared vacant,  despite there being compassionate grounds.

The determination and advice given by the Acting General Manager Brian Barrett to the council and Mayor Marcus Blackie were drawn from the due diligence done in his first fortnight in the role.

Ms Laidler lodged apologies on each occasion when her husband Kevin’s unplanned emergency medical treatments coincided with a council meeting.

The missed meetings were when she was required to be with him in Tasmania or when air ambulanced back to King Island and King Island District Hospital was unable to admit him.

 Ms Laidler interpreted that a request for leave of absence was when an absence was premeditated or planned.

Ms Laidler was not advised that she was approaching her third missed meeting.

“I have been told that I should have known. But unfortunately, I truly wasn’t aware,” she said.

“I consider a leave of absence, something that you put in, in advance, when you’re aware that something’s going to occur.

“The three meetings that I missed were very unfortunate circumstances,” she told King Island Radio.

“Despite giving in apologies, I didn’t do what was required under the regulations, which is to put in a leave of absence.”

 A leave of absence can be put in by any councillor or the mayor on behalf of the individual.

“The Tasmanian Act is fairly rigid,” she said.

“Once you miss three consecutive council meetings without putting in a formal written leave of absence and obtaining council approval, you are no longer considered a councillor,” Ms Laidler said.

“One of the things that I have discussed with the mayor and Mr Barrett this week is ways of ensuring that it doesn’t happen again.

“Also the Tasmanian regulations need to be looked at because they are very straightforward in that regard, whereas other states have other compassionate grounds or apologies are acceptable in another way.

Mr Blackie said the council expressed deepest condolences to Ms Laidler for the loss of her husband.

“It is with her permission that we make the following clarifying statements this week.

“Owing to Cr Sarina Laidler’s long selfless period of caring for her late husband she unfortunately missed too many council meetings, which under the Act requires her seat to now be vacated.”

“The situation and timing are indeed very unfortunate and I stress that we the council have in no way been heartless about this,” Mr Blackie said.

“Ms Laidler has always had the full support, backing and compassion of her council team.

“However, the Act is clear on what we are required to do which we must now comply with. We will therefore expect a by-election in the near future to re-elect this seat.

“At this stage Cr Laidler has expressed her desire to run again and reclaim her seat.

“We imagine that the circumstances and extraordinary courage shown by Cr Laidler will make her the deserving and sentimental favourite to retain the seat and we would certainly welcome her back with open arms for the remainder of this tenure,” Mr Blackie said.

The Festival of King Island is an all-areas, all-skills, all-in volunteering effort that happens once a year, over two days.

When one festival ends, the core planning for the next year begins and the pointy end of organization and actioning plans is on the horizon. The audiences see and hear the performers on stage, but it’s the behind-the-scenes effort that keeps FOKI going.

There are many who have committed to or captained the volunteer teams every year – since the first FOKI in 2013 –  to ensure it’s always a big party and a big happening.

 Ben Patton is a ‘recycled’ King Islander and his partner, Sabine Gabauer, is a newer resident. They volunteered for FOKI for the first time last year and shared their experience being on the other side.

“I was in the Post Office, and I saw a sign that was calling for FOKI volunteers,” Ben said on King Island Radio.

“And in a moment of community spirit, I decided that it was something I’d like to do. Sabine said that if I was going to be away all weekend helping out, she might as well join me.”

A King Island native, Ben left well before the festival started and reflected on island volunteering in the past.

“Life is much quicker now: there’s more going on,” he said. “Life’s changed and there’s certainly been an upswing in terms of events like makers’ markets. Back in the day, the Show was the big thing and of course… a lot of community events involved the big population at Grassy,  due to the mine, so events were held down there and the whole island attended.”

Ben remembers the rivalry and the races from Grassy to Currie – on pushbikes, in wheelbarrows and baton relay races involving the miners – and when it wasn’t called ‘volunteering’ as much as ‘everybody pitched in’.

Sabine, who grew up in Austria  and who has volunteered for the Red Cross and Meals on Wheels in the city, thinks that volunteering in a small community is very different. “I find there’s a lot more community spirit [here].In a smaller place. People are more inclined to say, ‘hey you’re new’, and being new, you are more likely to be interested,” she said.

Reflecting on their first FOKI volunteer experience, Sabine and Ben found it great fun.

“It was informal, but it was well organized,” Ben said.

“I could see that a structure was being followed – people were coordinating and working well together. I’m assuming every year is a learning for the next year and it progresses and gets better.

“People become more cohesive as a team and there are different departments or people responsible for different areas. People band together, there’s no room for ego and it’s all about getting the job done, knowing that what they’re all working towards is for the enjoyment of the community.”

 He hopes he’ll be able to help get the big stage marquee up again in 2024 and take on artists and performers’ Green Room BBQ duties.

Sabine said she was given a choice in what she wanted to do at FOKI

 “We were shown all the areas that we could volunteer… I was surprised about how much is involved and how many areas and types of jobs. There’s something for everyone,” she said.

“Last year it was casual, this year I have more responsibility and it’s serious business as I have captaincy of artists. Looking back to last year, even though I was busy, I had time to see the bands. I also did some bar service. I had fun the whole time…it wasn’t a chore.”

“The whole time you’re focussed on what you’re doing –  the festivals going on regardless. The music is in the background, the energy is in the air, it’s almost like fuel, it keeps you going,” Ben added.

Both agreed that mixing festival volunteering with listening was preferable to only being in the audience.

“We constantly bumped into people that we know and you meet people at the bar, the gate and food vendors,” Ben said,

“For the punters … they’re loving it for the vibe and energy coming off the stage, but we get to see the other side when they [artists] are relaxed and coming down off a set. I love it, it’s great.

“I say to everyone: ‘step up, get involved and you’ll have more of an experience than standing out in the crowd …and that’s in all areas. Volunteering at FOKI is an all-areas invitation to something you wouldn’t normally see or get to do.

“Sometimes it’s just carrying stuff, it could be getting marquees up, decorating, getting barbecues ready or serving, bar and gate work, a bit of selling or cooking some slices or making salads and platters for the Green Room, positioning hay bales, making things safe.

I’d say to someone sitting on the fence,  FOKI needs your hands. There’s so much to do prior to the festival with setup and then pack up – just do it, it’s volunteering fun.” .

If you want to let the FOKI committee know you want to be involved: message them via the FOKI Facebook page or ask for  Jane and Heidi in the Post Office. Interested food vendors can contact Pam on 0487 274238.

The 2023-24 Racing Season opened up on Saturday, with Trial Day brining close finishes, a dead heat and very close times.

There were some new faces trackside and in the commentary box and while not a big crowd, all agreed that an exciting racing season is ready to roll.

“It’s all coming together finally,” King Island Racing Club President Audrey Hamer said. “Bill Hayes and his mate Jimmy Scott [from NSW] arrived on Eastern Line Shipping with six gallopers and two pacers. They have taken up residence at Rod and Val McGarvie’s property.

“The six horses from Ballarat arrived along with four other horses. Our 2023-24 is happening. Thanks to everyone who has helped in one way or another to get our season going.”

Kael Pennuto is a new young face for King Island Racing, having been invited to call the Trial Day races after travelling to the island with the jockeys and steward. In his first professional race call, the 17-year-old showed confidence beyond his years.

Ms Hamer reminded him that Matt Hill, recognised as one of the world’s most eminent racing calling and sports broadcasting voices, also had his first call on King Island. 

“When I was offered the opportunity to call the trials on King Island, I absolutely jumped at the opportunity,” Kael said.

“Audrey was amazing, taking me in under her wing showing me around and introducing me to people. The guys in the box have given me hints and, hopefully, it’s a nice step in the right direction when it comes to commentating.

“My tips – there are a couple of very nice horses to follow out of these trials. My personal favourite to follow would be Squazeemoto. It won in the quickest time over the 1000m and was eased up on the last 100 of the trial and it would’ve won by 7 or 8 lengths if the jockey had kept riding.

The Ballarat trainer syndicate contenders weren’t disappointing. Henry Dwyer Racing Sweet Heat was impressive in its first-ever trial and Grampian’s Racing Prophet Reign showed something, though  might be in a spot of bother with Alexander Racing‘s Hawkes Bay. Local trainers have had a short window to pick their horses from the six Ballarat connections group and have them ready for racing on King Island.

Get the fascinators out for Ladies and Tradies Day on December 2 for the first Race Day of the season. King Island TV will be live streaming the race days using the YouTube platform. The Watch (or catchup link) for each race day can be found on the King Island TV or King Island Racing Club and KITV Facebook pages.

THE 60th celebration of the Reekara school site and its 25th anniversary as a community centre attracted a large crowd over the weekend – a proud moment for retired teacher and the Lions project driver Linda Payne and all those involved in saving the school building from deterioration and demolition.

“Over the 200 years, there have been 11-12 schools on the island, starting with the lighthouse keepers who taught their children at home,” Ms Payne recounted

“Over time, there were one-room schools out in the country areas and later more substantial schools were built. The Currie school used to be on Fraser Road and moved. It has been on the same Currie site for 100 years. Jenny Marshall has written a book that is about the King Island schools.”

Decommissioned and closed by the education department, the Reekara school sat waiting to deteriorate, until Ms Payne decided 25 years ago that the school needed saving.

“I’d seen too many old schools on the island fall to bits. We needed to keep this building on the north end of the island,” she said.

The school was built on the boggiest site on King Island, with no insulation and no waterproofing and about eight years into the restoration, the King Island Lions Club agreed to take over the project and had to find between  $100,000 and $250,000 for repairs and building works.

“But it was worth it. Seeing all the people here today and all the groups that use the school, it’s been well worth the effort of writing grants and finding the money,” Ms. Payne said.

Around 200 visitors attended the anniversary fair, which included food vans and stalls.

Children had pony rides, putt-putt golf and games and were able to run riot around the grounds where the older residents, and visitors who returned for the event,  played as Reekara students.

Alumnists Tom Shaw and Andrew Bowden started at Reekara in kinder together in the 1980s and went through to Grade 6.

Watching the kids running around they talked about the rough games they played like British Bulldogs. “It was banned when a few got hurt, but we just changed the name to Aussie Dinko and kept playing,” they said laughing. There were about 36 students during their time and by the time their siblings started the number had dropped to 20.

Jenny Payne started in 1963 when the Reekara school opened, along with 69 other enrolled students. She still has vivid memories of the smell of the dry tea tree and of building cubbyhouses in the back lane. After spending many years in Argentina and returning to King Island Jenny Payne said she’s glad it was preserved.

“I’m really proud that my school, our school, is still vibrant and still has a place in the community.”

Botanical alchemist, pioneer of eco-printing, textile artist,  costume designer, forest wanderer and the helm of Nomad Arts. Writer, poet and occasional dancer. These are just some words used to describe and define current King Island Gallery artist in residence India Flint.

Ms Flint has a prolific social media presence and is a highly sought-after teacher and is possibly best known for creating the eco-print dyeing technique, which uses locally-foraged plants, whether from forest, shore, garden, or kitchen scraps for colour for cloth and yarn.

Her processes allow the maker to reduce the toxic impacts of synthetic dyes and use traditional skills.

Her books are the Bible, Koran, and Torah of dyeing experimentation and realignment tired wardrobes and reflect her passion for the environment, in particular Australian wool and native eucalyptus.

According to some following her techniques and approach, it is a process – an individual journey to the end product, not simply experimentation and eco-friendly dyeing.

Ms Flint is considered a leader in the slow fashion movement and her Australian and international community of followers was built through teaching in retreats, workshops and writing.

She is able to cross and meld the interdisciplinary boundaries of fibre art, writing, printmaking, and design. Commissions are far-reaching in type and application – from stage sets to hand-stitched books and reinvigorating clothing.

Using bioregional dyes (what grows where she is working), Ms Flint experiments, makes notes and treats dyeing with plants as an art and science, informed by ethno-botany, medicine, history and geography.

Her King Island residency will finish on December 8. The artist-in-residence program and upcoming visiting artists and workshops can be viewed on the council website or call into the King Island Gallery located at Currie Harbour.

GROUP 6 Metals has reassured investors and King Islanders they have taken steps to deal with a cash flow issue.

The company has received a cash injection of $8m through a bridge loan facility from investors and is expecting a $14m R&D tax cash refund from the ATO.

In response to local concerns, the ASX-listed company’s Managing Director and CEO Keith McKnight reiterated to the Courier: 

“The Company has been progressing with the ramp-up of the Dolphin Tungsten Mine since early June, and while it has had challenges, the mine and process plant are operating much more consistently lately, and concentrate production is steadily increasing.

“This delayed ramp-up has put pressure on the company’s revenue and therefore the company has taken steps to support the company’s cashflow during this period by securing an $8m bridge loan facility from the company’s significant shareholders, again showing their support and commitment to the project.

“The company has also lodged a R&D tax cash refund with the ATO which is expected to be received imminently,” Mr McKnight said.

“The site team is also reviewing site operations seeking opportunities to assist the project cashflow during the ramp-up and initial operating period.

“This includes reviewing the open pit mine plan to bring higher-grade ore forward in the mine plan and reduce overall material movements during the first 24 months.

“Despite the increased operating costs, the project remains economically robust once it achieves nameplate production early in 2024.