Last month Beach Daisy was found for the first time on King Island at British Admiral and Porky Beaches by King Island resident Renae Gale and removed.

It was first recorded in Tasmania on Flinders Island in 1988.

 It is still present on Flinders Island, but it is in a confined area on the east coast.

The invasive plant is common and abundant on the coasts of mainland Australia, where it is considered an environmental weed.

Beach Daisy originated in South Africa, and it is related to the paddock weed – Cape weed (Arctotheca calendula.

The habitats invaded are beach sand on front dunes with Spinifex.

The plants accumulate sand and alter the topography of sand dunes.

It is a prostrate perennial succulent herb growing to 30 cm high.

 The 2 -6 cm long, 1.5 -5cm leaves and 8cm long stems are covered in white felt.

The flower heads are yellow and 15 -20 cm diameter.

The Daisy’s seeds are about 5 mm long, enveloped in whitish wool.

George Kennedy was the most recent Artist in Residence in the King Island Art and Culture Centre artist in residence program.

From Hobart, he is a visual artist and has won local, state, and national prizes for emerging artists and was a finalist in the 2021 Peebles Print Prize in Victoria.

George has been down at the Wharf Studio creating some brilliant works of art inspired by our island home and conducting drawing workshops over the past five weeks.

His works are informed by exploring Tasmanian places through sketching. Drawings are later used as reference material, offering an extension of his memory of place. George’s final works aim to create a likeness beyond the visual, an essence of place, or a feeling.

Reflecting on his King Island experience, ‘nature’ quickly became the theme of George’s paintings as he subconsciously found his subjects shifting from his usual abstracts of “burned out cars and urbanscapes to the wind, rocks, flora, and ever-changing horizon”. The solitude he found here gave him more time to “explore ideas without expectations, as well as time to just sit, reflect, and listen to the chaotic weather in sheltered comfort in front of the fire.”

Creating art on King Island, George quickly had to embrace wild weather and was able to find the humour in what it added to his creative process. “The most difficult and hilarious thing was trying to draw or paint outside in either torrential rain or gale-force winds,” George said.

Over his residency, George was reminded of the importance of slowing down. “Not just taking a break from painting to go for a walk and find someone to chat with, but life in general. It’s been important to relax and read some books and not try to be productive 100% of the time,” he said.

It seems he stumbled upon a bit of a secret of the island life,” People seem to be happier here than anywhere else I’ve been and I’m sure the fact that everyone has time for a smile and a chat helps a lot.”

George also took the time to get involved with the community and share some of his own knowledge through weekly drawing workshops, where a number of us headed down to the studio to dip our toes in a bit of artistic expression.

Through the workshops, George was able to make drawing a little less intimidating, rendering complex landscapes more approachable for those who may not necessarily consider themselves “artists.”. People seemed to have left feeling surprised by what they were able to create. George added, “It’s great to see other creative minds at work and chat with locals about their connection to the island and some good spots to visit I wouldn’t have otherwise known about.”

George’s residency finished earlier this week, but it’s safe to say his experience of King Island has left a valuable impression on his creative journey and he commented, “I think a good way to explain it would be that my time here on the island has really expanded my visual “vocabulary” of place and colour. It feels like I’m able to see things and capture them with a lot more nuance than before I arrived, and I’m really excited to see how that translates to my work once I’m back home in Hobart.”

We want to thank George for his many contributions during his time here. He’s been a great addition to the community, and we’ll be sad to see him go.

LAST week King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie joined hundreds of other mayors, shire presidents and council management in Canberra for the revamped Australian Council of Local Government forum, which the Federal Government has re-established after five years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as local government minister in 2008, set up the ACLG and an election promise was to give mayors “a seat at the table.”

Mr
Blackie
writes
….

LAST week in Canberra was huge and it was an honour to represent King Island.

The week consisted of several interwoven conventions, numbering as many as 1100 delegates total, and concurrent with Federal Parliament sitting.

The week started with the Australian Local Government Association national convention (not held for the previous five years) and concluded with the Australian Council of Local Government (not held for the previous 10 years).

Almost all of Australia’s 531 councils were physically represented including 475 mayors, so when you include the Prime Minister and Federal Cabinet into the same room, you’d be very hard-pressed to find a more important group currently hands-on running our country.

 Tasmania was represented by 10 mayors, with only King Island, Latrobe and Kentish from our North-West region.

Fortune smiled on us when I was one of the six hand-picked mayors to be at the Prime Minister’s table for the gala dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

We had a pleasant chat and in summary, he said that he and half his cabinet are King Island’s biggest fans, so we have nothing to worry about.

Federal Local Government Minister Kristy McBain and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles were also within talking range.

 I was able to forge some new working relationships with other like-minded councils around Australia who are inspired by our story, namely Swan Hill Council (Vic), Sunshine Coast Council (Qld), City of Swan (WA) and a few others.

The main outcome, although yet to be fully ratified, was a tentative pledge by the Federal Government to double the long-running Federal Assistance Grants to all Australian Councils, from $3b to $6b per annum.

If approved this will be a welcome addition to the King Island Council coffers and offset many of our forecast future financial risks.

As Mayor of King Island at such a large convention, I often felt like a bit of a celebrity because everyone was so impressed and inspired by what we represent down here, I attribute that to all of you King Islanders who have literally put us on the map over many decades and make it an easy sell for me and pleasure to represent us.

RESIDUALtravel voucher funds of $150,000 will be split between King island Council and King Island Tourism Inc.

The incentivised King Island travel voucher scheme was implemented by the State Government to remedy the Public Health travel advice to avoid travelling to King Island following an island Covid outbreak

There were 700 $300-vouchers redeemable for island experiences and encouraged people from Victoria and Tasmania to visit King Island between May to July 2022 and were distributed via a ballot system.

“A Grant Deed has been signed between King Island Council and Tourism Tas to allocate the rermaining funds to be divided between Council and King Island Tourism Inc,” King Island Council growth and strategy manager, Helen Thomas said.

The allocations are:

• $50,000 Development and resource contribution to King Island Tourism Strategy

• $40,000 Tourism visitor data collection 2023- 2024

• $40,000 Visitor focussed signage ($30K Roads $10 Print)

• $20,000 Development of an Aviation prospectus, with increased informed data aimed at the Charter sector.

 “In 2022, 28000 passengers arrived on the island using Regular Passenger Transport flights, additionally, there were 900-plus charter flights.

“More data-driven information and resources will inform the final King Island Tourism strategy,” Ms Thomas said.“The key is bringing all the data together. We need to know why and how people are choosing King Island as a destination and to not only collect data from visitors when they have been to the island and they are leaving.”

The survey conducted after the voucher program gave pre-travel insights.

She said 53 per cent of registrants were seeking nature-based and self-guided activities.

“There are now new opportunities coming that build on non-golf visitation,” Ms Thomas said at the recent Tourism Strategy forum.

The online voucher scheme applicants contributed to building a tourism-focused database.

A survey following the voucher program was sent to 13,000 registrants in the original ballot and asked ballot entrants to provide an indication of what attracted them to King Island as a holiday destination.

The survey results indicated that nature-based and foodie experiences were five to six times more attractive than golf.

King Island’s remoteness appealed to around half of the survey respondents. The post-survey analysis showed prospective visitors were interested in:

Nature-based experiences (walks, beaches, etc.) 74%

Food / Beverage experiences 60%

Remoteness 47%

Culture 24%

Luxury accommodation 21%

Golf 12%

Other 14%

Of those who selected “Other”, over a third reported a personal connection as a reason to visit, for example, a historical family connection, a friend or family member who lives on the Island now, or their own experience on the Island. A similar number quoted curiosity about the Island as a place they hadn’t visited and knew little about, with around a quarter naming specific island events as a drawcard.

Voucher recipients were asked why they had not used their voucher and 26% indicated that the cost of flights was a factor in not redeeming, and 16% indicated the time provided to redeem the vouchers was insufficient for their circumstances.

A strong northerly and light drizzle set the scene for last week’s post-bye round with a decent crowd turning out considering the weather.

Grassy and North both sported fairly optimal teams, making for an interesting, albeit breezy game.

Grassy went forward first, with wind-affected kicks and cold bodies making for a scrappy start to the game. Jackson Taylor broke from the backline, but the kick forward scuffed the ground. Jack Noseda intercepted a mark on North’s push forward, and the kick went 40m accurately into Tyler Rhodes, who lined up from 30m out. It was a low penetrating kick that got the opening goal.

North went forward as the rain increased, only to come across Noseda once again. Rory Taylor for Grassy had an imposing game, creating a strong contest with Justin Summers. Sam Reeves got a free kick and drove into the Grassy forward line but was intercepted by Taylor Cook, who misfired the kick and quickly returned it to Grassy’s way.

Fredy Tatawaqua had a shot on goal but overcompensated for the wind and kicked it out on the full. Conditions were absolutely feral out there on Saturday – do you remember last year when the first term was suspended due to being absolutely smashed by a rainstorm?

It was a notch down from that, and challenging. The Netherby Road end saw a lot of play, but goals were hard to come by. Not a soul was in the North forward line, with most of the action taking place in close quarters.

 Players squinted through the horizontal rain, fumbled with a slippery ball, and slid around on the greasy turf (not the turf’s fault, though, as it still looked in pristine condition midway through the season – going from a good track to a heavy 8 in just half a quarter). Grassy managed to sneak another goal via Freddy from the pocket. North got it into their forward line, but the slushy conditions made it hard for them to score.

There was some heat between these teams, warming up an otherwise chilly game. Tyler Rhodes scored from an intercept mark moments before the quarter-time siren, putting Grassy 21 points up at quarter-time.

The drizzling rain turned into a torrent, accompanied by gusty bursts of wind. The ground and the football were no dryer.

It was a hard-running, hard-fought game, with players taking meters on foot instead of by foot.

There seemed to be two schools of thought. Some players moved around, trying to keep their bodies warm, while others were almost statue-like, with hands on knees, wiping water from their eyes. Dave Vellekoop marked on the lead and got the first look at goal for the second quarter, but North was left wanting.

You know the weather’s bad when Noseda misfires a kick from a kick-in, and the ball remained in North’s forward line, but they were unable to capitalize. When Grassy went forward, they didn’t miss the opportunity and quickly scored two goals.

Reeves elegantly collected the ball near the boundary line on the North wing and ran it a short way up the side before meeting a slippery pack. North went forward again through Jeramy Summers, but Jackson Taylor got just enough to tackle on to affect the kick out of bounds.

North quickly regained possession and executed their opening goal through their young junior, Mathew Button.

The Taylor brothers did a lot of running work. The match-up between Vellekoop and Monson in North’s forward line was worth watching, as both were good readers of the ball, providing a nice contest.

Holding onto marks and tackles was a challenge, but there was still an impressive sprinkle of those skills throughout the game, alongside a lot of errant bounces, balls slipping through fingers, and players in piles miles from the ball on the slippery surface. The crowd dwindled in numbers, as people scurried home to clean out their gutters and light their fires.

Matthew Button slid in to take a mark in front of the goal and scored his second. Craig Constable must have been the sub because he had just entered the game with a lovely mark in Grassy’s forward line. The halftime siren went, the rain continued, and Grassy was now 16 points up.

There was good news. The rain had all but stopped over the halftime break, and temperatures were slightly above freezing. I regretted wearing bare feet and slides, swearing I wouldn’t need to get out of the car. After some midfield battles, Tyler Rhodes lined up at the Netherby end but missed slightly to the right.

The clearer conditions made for more open, free-running play, but with a lovely side of contention and grit. North went forward but never looked like getting a goal before Grassy turned it over into their forward line.

Alex Goldsmith in North’s last line of defence saved the goal, and it was back to the contested ball in the middle, with Jeramy Summers able to get it forward for a goal. Grassy got close a few times but couldn’t convert, with the ball returning to the centre.

Luke Graham still looked like fresh legs in the middle of the ground. Reeves slid in and marked a big Rainbow kick-in, but the play remained back and forth, contested in the centre of the ground before the siren sounded.

There were only two goals in it to start the final quarter, but it was a low-scoring affair. Both teams started with a behind each before Grassy found a goal to go three goals up.

Reeves took it out of Grassy’s defence to find Beau Mullins in North’s defence.

Luke Graham, from a free kick, passed it to Jez Summers, who took a shot on goal that was good, returning it to a two-kick game. Brandon Forrest, out of the centre for Grassy, passed it to Rhodes, and then to Rory Taylor, who was involved before Freddy kicked on the run for a goal.

Grassy went forward again immediately, and a good scrap for the ball continued. North found a way out of the Grassy forward line but went straight into Noseda, twice. Both team defences looked strong throughout the game, with plenty of opportunities for intercept marks due to the unpredictable trajectory of many inside kicks.

Riley Badenoch and Ryan Frosi in the ruck provided a nice, contested competition. The backline team of Reeves and Noseda proved formidable throughout the game, showcasing clean, delicate hands in difficult circumstances. Grassy scored another goal to extend their lead to four goals in the dying minutes. As the tale of June 17th goes, the siren sounded to a darkening grey sky, the promise of more precipitation imminent, an icy chill on the breeze, and a convincing 19-point win to Grassy Town.

Next week Grassy meets Currie for the season’s 8th round.

KING ISLAND RSL SUBBRANCH

When it comes to our island supporting the nation during times of crisis, we have batted way above the average but also knew the value of independence.

Not only did many islanders enlist, but others at home joined the Volunteer Defence Corps and supported a Comfort Fund. This fund would have been forgotten if it was not for the generosity of the Marshall family and a team of four women who have preserved the memory of   130 service personnel who wrote 500 thank you letters.    

Throughout times of war, families knew the importance of sending letters and parcels to the front, in the days before digital transmissions. Les Stansfield, a post-World War 2 Soldier Settler, when writing to a friend prior to enlisting, noted, ‘Please don’t forget that a letter is worth its weight in gold, so make it as long as you can. Being so far from anywhere we all rush for the post, once a day, to see if one of us has a letter.’

The Federal Government set overall control of funds through the National Security (Patriotic Funds) Regulations, while Tasmania set up the Patriotic Funds Board in Hobart. King Island sought independence from Hobart, tried once, and was knocked back, so tried again

The slightly edited letter written by Mr John (Jack) Marshall on 24 August 1940 provides an excellent insight into the island during the early years of the war and how the fund was organised, noting that the first parcels were sent in November 1939.

Dear Sir,

Re: King Island War Service Fund

I asked Mr Michie, treasurer of the above Fund, to write to you on the 9th re the Registration of our Fund with the National Security Regulations. Mr Michie has received your reply, dated the 20th. I note your desire that we should consider the advisability of becoming a branch of The Australian Comforts Fund. My Committee have considered this matter very fully, and after full discussion desire to maintain a “personal touch” with the men who enlist from this Island, but at the same time to assist The Australian Comforts Fund from time to time as Funds will permit, by sending to The North-Western Sub-Division, Donations in Cash, we have already sent £25 last April, and have forwarded seven cases of Books to the Headquarters of the Branch at Hobart; it is our intentions at our next Meeting to allot a further amount to The Australian Comforts Fund.

We had some correspondence with Mr A.H. Marshall, Hon Secretary of The North-Western Sub-Division on the matter last June, he mentioned that he was pleased to find that a such alive organisation was doing such good work on the Island. I might point out as President of the local Sub-Branch of the R.S.L. I started the War Service Fund before any “Australian Comforts Fund” was started in Tasmania. The Committee of the Sub-Branch, with the addition of six Ladies are the Executive Committee of our War Service Fund, we have a separate Bank Account, and Receipts are given for all moneys collected. The Island is divided into six Districts, with a small Committee of Ladies in each District, a member for each District sitting on the Executive Committee with the Committee of the Sub-Branch of R.S.L. We pack parcels each month for the men in Camp, and also for those Abroad, we have received many letters of appreciation from the men for parcels received.

Many ladies are working hard to keep the supply of socks, scarves etc. up, I am quite convinced that the same support would not be forthcoming if all the work had to be forwarded to the main branch of The Australian Comforts Fund, it is the “personal touch” with the local men from the Island in the Forces that appeals.

Our position here is rather different from the Districts on the Mainland, the fact that we are an Island and that as I have pointed out it is our intention to assist The Australian Comforts Fund with donations of Cash & Books as Funds permit.    

I appeal to you on account of the work already done by our War Service Fund, and the fact that we are well organised, that we should be eligible to be registered under the National Security (Patriotic Funds) Regulations.

John (Jack) Marshall

24 August 1940

Jack was a fighter for his island, said what he believed in, and most importantly won his case – the King Island Comfort Fund remained independent from Hobart. Marshall was a World War 1 veteran and served in the artillery in the Middle East and Western front. He was also active in municipal matters as well as the RSL but was not immune from tragedy. On 2 August 1942, he received the ‘dreaded’ Telegram from the Minister of the Army informing him that his son Private J. E. Marshall had died on 23 July in the Middle East.

Jack and his wife Alice, supported by their island team, did a superb job and sent out parcels far afield. The hampers could include a wide variety of items such as razor blades, soap, boot polish, balaclava, tobacco, cigarettes, mittens, socks, stockings, coffee, tinned fruit, condensed milk, chocolates, nuts and raisins, toothpaste, handkerchiefs, cake, Christmas pudding, books, magazines, talcum powder and monetary orders. It was not only islanders who received parcels. Trooper John Arkley-Smith, serving in the 2/4th Tank Regiment, found time to write a note of thanks on 6 January 1945:

Dear Mesdames,

This is just a short note to express my appreciation and thanks for the Xmas hamper you sent, and which arrived yesterday. Although the parcels arrived a little late, it did not distract in any way from the pleasure of receiving them.

 I wish you all the happiness in the coming year, and once again, thanks a million.

Yours Sincerely

John Arkley-Smith

The great thing about the parcels was that the receiver would share them with mates which spread the word about the wonderful King Island Comfort Fund. Sadly, John died six months later on Bougainville, just before Japan surrendered. His letter is now also of immense value to his family, as are all the documents. The person could not disclose their location when writing but now that more Service records are available online, we can find out where the person was and there is often a photograph of the person.

Some of the letters are very brief while others are full of information, particularly by those who wrote regularly. A selection of writers with some still having an island connection include Barnes, Bertram, Birch, Bowling, Burkett, Cheese, Curbishley, Enniss, Fisher, French, Graham, Lancaster, Milsom, Misson, Percy, Thow, Wilshire and Yeomans.

Through the generosity of the late Sylvia Ransley, the Comfort Fund collection was donated to the RSL Sub-branch. The collection has now been transcribed by a team led by Ann Ghazarian, supported by Ann Honess, Sophie Thorn, and Trish Clemons. The Sub-branch is truly appreciative of their work over the last ten years, as should the community.

Not only have all the documents survived but also Mr Marshall’s personal case and records.

The events on 11 July, commemorate the 80 years since the Beaufort Bomber A9-352 and the four Pilots Officers crew crashed on approach to the King Island aerodrome and commences with the ceremony at the Cemetery at 11 am. Additionally, there will be a community presentation on the King Island World War 2 Comfort Fund commencing in the Town Hall at 7.30 pm. This will include a visual presentation and all the letters in archived covers will be on display. Please note that due to the fragility of the letters, it will not be possible to handle them, but private viewings can be arranged at a later date. Visitors are also most welcome to attend both events.

The evening will conclude with light refreshments and a gold coin donation. This is an opportunity to remember and view rare King Island historical artifacts and letters of national significance. If you would like further information, please contact the Sub-branch Secretary, Margaret Bennett on 0429 646 211.

The King Island Council is proposing a five per cent increase in rates for 2022/24 – less than increases proposed in other Tasmanian council areas and less than the council cost index of 8.11 per cent. 

The King Island Council Annual Plan and the budget report were presented to the council this week by general manager Kate Mauric.

“Council increased general rates in 2022/23 by 4.06 per cent and two per cent in 2021/22,” she said.

This followed no increase in 2020/21 which was to assist ratepayers manage the financial impacts of Covid-19.

For 2023/24, an increase in the overall rate burden of five per cent is proposed.

The increase is less than the “Council Cost Index” (CCI) which is 8.11%.

This index is calculated by the Local Government Association of Tasmania and is intended to reflect the increase in costs which impacts the local government sector.

“Other than the 2020/21 year, Council has in recent years adopted a rates increase that matches the CCI,” Ms Mauric said.

“The proposed increase, being less than the CCI, recognises the significant cost pressures on ratepayers that are currently being experienced.

“The charge to cover the cost of the Landfill levy which was introduced by the State Government on 1 July 2022 increases to $49.60 per property in order to cover the cost of the levy.

“Budgeted expenditures for 2023/24 are based on actual expenditures for 2022/23 to continue its core maintenance, service delivery, operations and regulatory compliance functions.

“This includes an allocation of $60,000 to finalise preparation of a Local Provisions Schedule to implement the State Government’s Tasmanian Planning Scheme and other planning projects.

“The budget again proposes a very significant works program using government grant funding to continue to maintain and, where necessary, improve the standard of local roads, footpaths, sport and recreation facilities and community buildings, while continuing its core asset maintenance, service delivery, operations and regulatory compliance functions.

“In the current and immediate prior year, there were significant amounts of “on-demand” grant funding programmes deployed by the Commonwealth Government in order to respond economically to Covid-19.

“The timeframes to spend the grant funding under these programs has been extended. Further rounds of funding have also been announced.

“There are also several specific purposes grants. These funding sources are being utilised in the budget year to deliver the capital projects in conjunction with Council funds.

“The budgeted end-of-year result is for a Net Underlying ‘Cash’ Deficit of $2.999m and a Net Statutory Surplus of $4.469m.

“The budget also proposes increases in service and user fees and charges of 5.0 per cent.

“Once adopted, rates notices will be formally notified and issued. Fees and charges will apply from 1 July 2023.”

Ms Mauric reported that a priority for council in the 2023/24 Annual Plan and budget will be the commencement of the physical delivery of some major projects, being the “HUB” project and the Community Gym.

“These are major projects for council, [and] have been in development for some time and, delivery will be advanced significantly in the budget period,” she said.

“Council will also be prioritising infrastructure projects which are important to maintaining the service level that the community expects.

“A number of tranches of funding made available by government assistance measures designed to stimulate the economy in the wake of Covid-19 disruptions still remain to be fully used.

“There is additional funding from these measures available in the budget year and into subsequent years. There are projects to be delivered under these programs and council will actively participate in the government assistance programs as they continue to evolve.”

The full Annual Plan FY2023/24 and budget can be viewed on the council website kingisland.tas.gov.au or from the council office 10 George Street, Currie.

AFTER 33 years the silent Group 6 Metals the historic Dolphin Tungsten Mine, at Grassy is back to life.

Within 15 months, an empty mine site has been turned into a fully operational business where the production of tungsten is now in full swing and King Islanders are invited to tour the mine on Sunday, July 2  and barbecue lunch.

“It’s come a long way,” general manager Chas Murcott said this week.

“January last year we flattened off the top of a sand dune and now less than 15 months later, we’ve made our first concentrate.

“So, it’s been a great journey. It’s been hard work, but we can see concentrate at the end of the process.”

Keeping with their local tradition of naming the big trucks and key milestones the first bag of tungsten produced is labelled 0001.

“That’s our very first bag of concentrate, 58% tungsten trioxide ready for export,” Mr Murcott said.

“The first container is expected to be shipped overseas at the end of this month.

“When the plant commissioning is completed, we should get, two containers sent out a week from this plant.”

The company is satisfied with how the build has developed over the past 15 months.

“When you start something, I don’t think everything goes perfectly to plan. But pretty much the design we had is what we’ve built. There have been some things we had to fix along the way…and there have been challenging times. 

“We had the fallout from Covid with transport and costs. Some costs were higher than we expected.

“Finding labour and also getting all the pieces together on this island in Bass Strait has been a challenge.

“But the team has worked hard, and we found ways, and here we are today at the back of the dressing shed where the concentrate is produced.”

G6M chairman Johan Jacobs said when the first sod was turned, the company’s focus was on employing local King Island people and this has not changed.

“We’ve got a lot of local employees, about 20 out of 100.

“We’ve employed as many local people as possible who wanted jobs with the mine and given them a go. Not all have been able to make a career out of it. We’ve certainly got lots of local contractors on site.

“Brett Castle is helping build the main office. Currently, there are the plumbers and Sam Perry doing the main shed.

 “It’s great to be able to use people on the island and their skills.

“Unfortunately, we have a bigger fly-in fly-out workforce than we would have liked.

“We’ve had to expand the single-person quarters and rent some extra houses to be able to accommodate these people on the island.

“When the mine closed, it had a huge impact on the town of Grassy. In about 2000 before we started, there were about 80 people living in Grassy. There are now 30 houses in and around town, and at the old Ballarat Clarendon College campus which have people living in them,” Mr Murcott said.

“Families and kids have moved to the island. We have typically about 50 people on campus in the single persons quarters and near the old Ballarat Clarendon squash courts.

“They enjoy the Grassy Club facilities and also go into town to buy provisions, as well as using flights and transport. I think the mine reopening has had a positive impact on Grassy. It’s great to see more life in the town and certainly more life at the Grassy Club.”

Some of the challenges the mine faced were supply chain and freight disruption.

“We still see that the supply chains are not back to the levels they were before Covid, but it’s getting better,” Mr Murcott said.

“We’re very pleased to have received our SDS (security sensitive, dangerous substances) permit. for explosives.

“Now we’ve secured that, we’re working with TasPorts in getting them aligned with what we want to do, as well as finishing the magazines that we’re building.

“We’re looking forward to receiving explosives next month and blasting at the end of next month.

“When we start blasting, we’ll be generating overburdened rock, which we can crush to make road base and to sheet around the plant and we’ll be able to supply the council. We’re only crushing on day shift, to manage the noise in town.”

On, Sunday, July 2 the Dolphin Tungsten Mine will be holding an open day. It is an opportunity to tour the process plant and various sections of the mine that work round the clock and protected from view.

The company said, “We are inviting the King Island community to come and have a look at what we’ve been doing for the last year and tour through the site and plant. We will also have a lunch barbecue at the Grassy Club.”

Bookings for tours call 0439846041 or email adminhr@g6m.com.au Tour times are 10:15, 11:00 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm. Please note sturdy closed-toe shoes are required to be on site.