King Island Racing had its 2024 season final hurrah last week, when King Island Racing Club president Audrey Hamer presented cheques to the value of $41,000 to some deserving King Island organisations.

The proceeds came from the Henry Dwyer Miners Rest Cup Syndicate charity fundraising, The Miners Rest Cup ‘crew’ became involved in King Island Racing when the 2022 -2023 King Island Racing season was in jeopardy and looked like it would be cancelled, due to lack of trainers and horses.

That was until Ms Hamer, put a call out on social media to the racing industry to help.

Trainer Henry Dwyer, who in the previous season sent a horse to participate and be locally trained by Jimmy Taylor, organised other mainland trainers to come on board and, as a syndicate, purchased unknown, unproven horses and transported them to King Island to be locally trained so the season could proceed.

The horses were individually sponsored by mainland businesses. The syndicate – with a lot of humour, fun and social media savvy – promoted King Island racing, the horses, and the Miners RestCup tour event.

They donated the winnings, including the Miners Rest Cup winner’s purse, when the six imported horses went head-to-head on Maritime Day.

The syndicate returned for the 2023 -2024 season and once again donated the proceeds. This time round, King Island sporting clubs were the beneficiaries of the racing prizes and charity fundraising events.

The cheques were handed over on Thursday night: King Island Racing Club, $5000; Currie FC, $8500; King Island Boat Club, $6000; North FC, $6000; Imperial 20, $4000; King Island Football Association, $3000 and; Grassy FC $3500.

Camperdown Turf Club also received $5000 from the MRC Crew. TasRacing chief operating officer Dave Manshanden attended and chaired the race club meeting on Thursday to discuss the upcoming season.

Off-island trainers interested in participating in the upcoming season are asked to contact Race Club president Audrey Hamer as soon as possible.

King Island’s Cape Wickham Golf Course has been declared the top golf course in Australia by Australian Golf Digest.

Royal Melbourne was knocked off the top perch for just the second time in 40 years by the less-than-10-year-old public course. King Island’s Ocean Dunes was 13th on the top-100 list and five Victorian courses made up half the top 10.

Considered the ultimate course rankings list, the biennial results come after a detailed analysis that measures the nation’s best courses against a key set of criteria.

For this year’s list, the number of judges was doubled as well as the number of courses reviewed.

Despite maintaining its position as one of the most elite courses not just in Australia but the world, Royal Melbourne’s west layout was dumped to No 2 behind Cape Wickham.

“This result will shock plenty, but it should be understood that iconic Royal Melbourne (West) has not lost ground – it’s as good as ever – it’s just that it’s been outpointed on our measurement criteria by the stunning Cape Wickham,” Australian Golf Digest Top 100 editor Steve Keipert said.

Tasmania boasted three on the list – Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm holding their places with Cape Wickham among the best. Course general manager Thuan Quach said they did not expect the accolade as they have gone through a very dry season.

She said the course’s natural landscape is part of its appeal.

“Everyone who plays here says ‘wow, it’s amazing’; they can’t compare it to anything else.

“Some of them tell us that it is the best,” she said.

Dolphin Tungsten Mine set new monthly records for ore mined, ore processed, Tungsten concentrate produced and Tungsten concentrate sold during March.

“March results have seen significant improvements across all facets of the operation, and a number of operational records have been broken,” Group 6 Metals managing director Keith McKnight said.

“These improved results have been the result of a lot of hard work by our employees and contractors. The team is focused on maintaining the mining team’s momentum and improving the throughput and recoveries from the plant.

“I am looking forward to mining and processing the higher-grade ores, which will improve recoveries and, subsequently, the tungsten concentrate produced and sold.”

March marked a period of transition for DTM’s mining operations, as the mine continues to ramp up. This advancement has enabled the accessing of higher-grade tungsten trioxide (WO3) ore materials.

However, an interim modification in the operational mining sequence during March resulted in the temporary deferment of mining from the high-grade ore zones. In March, the mining operations achieved a milestone by extracting a record 49,609 tonnes of ore, with an average WO3 grade of 0.48 per cent.

Additionally, 98,521 bank cubic meters (BCM) of waste material were excavated. With the refurbishment of the two ball mills completed in February, March recorded a full month of production.

The plant set new records for monthly throughput at 43 tonnes per hour and plant utilisation of 77 per cent.

This resulted in a record volume of ore processed of 24,515 dry metric tonnes, an increase of 49 per cent from February and 44 per cent above the previous record in November, 2023.

Record production underpinned record sales of 6,335mtu. An increase of 83 per cent versus February sales and 23 per cent above the previous record in December.

The ammonium para tungstate (APT) CIF Rotterdam prices have remained stable during March and currently sit at US$305 – 320 per MTU (10 kg of WO3).

The company announced to the ASX on Monday that Mr Tony Caruso is appointed as a non-executive director of the company effective immediately.

“Mr Caruso is a highly accomplished mining professional in the Australian coal sector and more recently the metals sectors,” G6M said in a statement.

“Mr Caruso has led companies through diverse phases of the business cycle, including rapid growth and transformation.

Most notably, Mr Caruso was CEO and managing director of ASX-listed Metarock Group Limited (formerly Mastermyne Pty Ltd).

“Mr Caruso’s appointment, together with the recent appointment of Mr Tony Davis as Executive General Manager of operations, adds valuable expertise as the company prepares for underground mining operations at the Dolphin Tungsten Mine, which is scheduled for 2026 representing an important step for the Company.”

G6M Chairman Johann Jacobs also welcomed Mr Caruso’s experience.

“The Board of Group 6 Metals warmly welcomes Tony as non-executive director. His impressive experience gained over more than a 30-year career will be extremely valuable as the Dolphin Tungsten Project prepares for underground mining operations,” he said.

Mr Caruso was delighted to join the board. “The Dolphin Tungsten Project has significant potential and I am excited to support the Company deliver its strategic objectives. I look forward to contributing with my experience to the decision making of the Company.”

During last week farmer’s drought forum, Tasmania’s peak advocacy body for agriculture, TasFarmers, announced the appointment of three King Island drought coordinators to help the island respond to and manage some of the worst drought conditions in 50 years.

Farmers identified the need for an island-based drought coordinator to avoid duplication of efforts and the need for centralising the sourcing of feed and managing logistical issues.

Funding for the positions has been provided by the Tasmanian Government and the TAS Farm Innovation Hub. TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the role will initially before the next four months, however, this may be extended for a further four months based on the drought recovery heading into Spring.

“Deb Delaney has now started with us and will be working in this role on a full-time basis, supported one day per week by both Steph Ellis and Abbey Lewis,” Mr Calman said.

“We are pleased to be able to appoint three local King Islanders to be based on the island supporting local primary producers.

“Since March, we have seconded Jacquline Shipton into the interim drought coordinator role to support all producers across Tasmania, while we have recruited for the permanent roles based on King Island.

“The great work started by Jacquline here will help the island coordinators get off to a strong start and we thank her for her efforts here,” he said.

Tas Farm Innovation Hub director Sandra Knowles said Hub staff have visited King Island on several occasions to meet with farmers and discuss their needs now and into the future.

“We are pleased to be able to work with TasFarmers and NRE to enable the employment of these local coordinators to help farmers navigate the challenges and make the right decisions for their businesses,” she said.

TasFarmers recognises freight on and off of the island remains a significant challenge. Our coordinators will play an important role in forecasting freight movement requirements for livestock, feed and fertilizer. They will also play a significant role in connecting producers with other services and supports that are available during this difficult period.

King Island Residents can get in touch with King Island Drought Coordinators by phoning 0447 370 417 or emailing drought@tasfarmers.com.au

THE State Government plans to build a new ambulance station on King Island as part of a paramedic recruitment drive.

Health Minister Guy Barnett did not confirm that a paramedic or community paramedic would be deployed or recruited for King Island. However, he said to accommodate extra paramedics, and meet community demand, the government will build a further four new ambulance stations at King Island, Legana, Cygnet and Snug.

During the election campaign the Liberals’ announced that they will recruit a total of 78 new paramedics – 51 new full-time paramedics over the next two years, and 27 community paramedics over the next four years.

“We are getting straight back to work by re-doubling our recruitment efforts so that we can bolster our paramedic workforce, and ensure Tasmanians can receive the care they need, sooner,” Mr Barnett said.

“As Minister, I have tasked the Department to immediately commence planning for the recruitment blitz, including advertisements nationally, and internationally.

“Our Government has made it clear that we will provide the resources necessary to improve patient flow throughout our hospitals, starting with more paramedics.

“Funding to Ambulance Tasmania has tripled and we have employed an additional 220 paramedics and dispatch officers.

“Our paramedics are real-life heroes who can be the difference between life and death,” he said.

SEVEN serving members of the Royal Australian Navy and a retired Naval Chaplain will be participating in the King Island RSL sub-branch Anzac Day
Services.

One of the sailors and his Army veteran younger brother are descendants of a King Island Soldier Settler family.

The Dawn Service commences at 6am at the Cenotaph in front of the Town Hall, corner of Meech and George Streets in Currie.

‘Coffee’ is available from 6.30am in the RSL Clubrooms on Meech Street. A buffet breakfast will be available from 7am until 7.30am at the King Island Club in Netherby Rd Currie. The cost is $10 per person, with a special fee of $25 for two adults and two children under 10, payable in cash at the PO & Newsagency by Tuesday, April 23.

Proceeds will be shared between the RSL and the King Island Hospital Auxiliary.

The major change for 2024 is that the morning Parade will begin on Meech Street, next to the Police Station, at 10.20am and will proceed to the Cenotaph. Assembly is from 10am in War Memorial Park behind the library.

For those not marching, the Main Service commences at 10.30am at the Cenotaph. Light refreshments will be available in the RSL clubrooms after the Service.

Community Organizations and individuals are welcome to lay wreaths. Please contact Margaret Stansfield by April 22.

Two-up will be played at the King Island Club from 1.30pm until the start of the football match at 2.30pm, following the Anzac Day legal tradition.

The RSL Sub-branch stall is on Wednesday, April 24, in the Post Office foyer between 10am and 2pm and if you wish to donate a plate of food for the Dawn Service or Main Service, your contribution would be greatly appreciated. Services are open to the community, and visitors to the Island are invited.

AUSTRALIAN and world golfing magazines have commenced releasing their annual golf course rankings and Cape Wickham Links has come in as No 3 in Australia in 2024, as judged by Golf Australia magazine’s Top 100 Golf Courses.

The course opened in 2015 and has wowed golfers across the country and the world since its first season. Since opening, the course has attracted not only golfers from all demographics and playing expertise but has also hosted fundraising and prize-winning tournaments and golf tourism groups. Last week, and rolling into this week, the latest large group to hit off were part of the Bass Strait Masters 2024 tour, with each day of the event played at a different course.

The tournament was played over four days starting at Cape Wickham Links and/or Ocean Dunes and Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in Tasmania.

The two island golf courses are offering a special ‘OFF-SEASON’ package as part of the Tasmanian Tourism winter promotion, which has just commenced. The promotions encourage visitors to travel to Tasmania during winter and are advertised through various channels on mainland Australia. King Island golfers – or anyone just wanting a getaway – won’t miss out as Cape Wickham Links will be offering their popular locals package again this year.

Their ‘Go-Away’ golf and accommodation deal will advertise soon and will be held in May.

THE Moonbird Festival and Exhibition opening, Lifeforce, welcomed a small but enthusiastic group on Saturday night to the Waterwings Studio Gallery on Netherby Rd, Currie.

The event was hosted by Ken and Marilyn Chapman and included a short performance by the musicians from the Bowerbird Collective. The Bowerbird Collective are the organisers of the week-long music and art festival, which runs until Sunday, April 21.

The gallery walls displayed artworks by Jason Roberts, Andrew Blake, Anna Jesset, Liz Butcher, Dianne Blake, Caroline Kininmonth and Marilyn Chapman.

By evening’s end there were red dots on much of the art on display, as patrons purchased works for their walls.

The Moonbird activities shifted to the King Island Gallery at Currie Harbour on Sunday for artist-in-residence talks with Emily Shepherd and Rachel Myers and a short performance as part of the gallery’s Birds exhibition.This was followed by a ‘sounds’ walk.

The opening concert will be a cinematic concert with live music by Van Diemen’s Fiddle, and will be held tonight in the Currie Town Hall, commencing at 7pm. The closing concert will feature all the festival performers and will take place at 5.30 pm on Sunday (April 21).

A free school holiday special will also be held today at the King Island gallery starting at 2.30pm. Georgina Adamson (aka Noisy Nonna) will tell stories about care for nature using a traditional Japanese Kamishibai (paper theatre).

The festival is not all music and art. Natural capital accounting expert Matthew Taylor will be speaking in the Currie Town Hall from 5pm Wednesday, followed by food and drinks at 6pm.

Mr Taylor will speak about the implications and emerging opportunities on King Island. He is an Ecological consultant and advises on a world-leading environmental accounting framework to inform better investment, policy and management decisions in natural capital and will explore frameworks to support innovative ways to account for nature’s value in agricultural practices.

The Moonbird events will continue through to Sunday and include an evening Folk recital at the Brewhouse tomorrow and a weekend of performances around the island.

Go to Moonbird.com for the program and to purchase raffle tickets, which support King Island Landcare.

For enquiries and private viewings until April30 at Waterwings Gallery , contact Marilyn Chapman on 0427593 233

THE $9.8m joint communications network upgrade on King Island, announced in 2021 and completed last month, was officially launched and celebrated last week with the key project investment stakeholders.

Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland attended the launch at the King Island Golf and Bowling Club, with Tasmanian Labor Senator Anne Urquhart, Braddon Liberal MHR Gavin Pearce and King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie also attending along with collaboration partners and project deliverers Telstra.

The network upgrade includes the world’s longest superfast 10 Gbps microwave link and is labelled a “world first”. It stretches more than 100km from Mt Cowley, Victoria to Cape Wickham.

The transformation project included four new 4G mobile sites and upgrades to existing mobile network facilities across the island. The promise is improved mobile coverage, increased bandwidth, and the capacity to support high-speed data connections that are required by many companies, local users and will meet the needs of the everevolving digital highway including 5G and beyond.

The upgrade increases King Island’s capability and provides infrastructure that allows high-demand digital-reliant businesses to consider King Island as a potential business location.

Telstra Tasmania regional manager Michael Patterson said the project was made possible due to co-investment from Telstra, and Federal, State, and local governments. Mr Patterson told King Island Radio that a collaboration of this nature was not the easiest thing to achieve, but the King Island project has done just that.

“Programs such as this, where carriers and governments work together to share the cost… helps enable all Australians to keep in touch and participate in the digital economy,” he said.

Mr Blackie acknowledged the financial stakeholders, the ratepayers of King Island and the Telstra employees who had to operate in a variety of conditions.

“The bold ambitions on King Island to continue to grow, to develop and to increase our population in the immediate future… and the communications upgrade will certainly drive and facilitate our future vision,” he said.

The upgrade provides access to essential digital services, including healthcare, education skills and training. And will support connectivity for the new Regional University Study Hub, to be co-located at the King Island Community Hub. Senator Urquhart said the boosted connectivity will be an improvement for locals, business and tourism.

Ms Urquhart urged King Islanders to directly raise any connectivity and mobile issues that they may have.

“Let us know what the issues are so we can look at how we can resolve them if we need to,” she said.

Mr Pearce said King Island had been hindered by its lack of infrastructure, adding that he advocated for the island to be included when the regional connectivity program was introduced in 2020.

“It was a long hard road to secure this investment, but it was a challenge I was up for,” he said. “I knew this was King Island’s window of opportunity.”