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Double-vax rule as Bream Creek Show returns

AFTER being postponed twice in the past two years, the 199th Bream Creek Show will finally be back this year, coming to us on March 19.

“The Bream Creek Show Society have been working hard to adjust to ever-changing rules and restrictive measures surrounding local events, and to comply with Covid-safe mandates in order to present a wonderful return event,” the show committee said.

Returning favourites in the animal nursery, billy tea and damper, snake viewings, spinners and weavers, oyster shucking, make-believe children’s entertainment and ‘guess the weight of the steer’ will all be back on display at the showgrounds, while the Hall of Industry will be on display for the whole day.

The main arena will also host sand sculpting, lawn mower racing and the pie-eating competition.

“It’s certainly been a huge challenge for us,” said Andrew Bennett, President of the Bream Creek Show committee.
“But we don’t want to be among those small events that have to cancel again, and we are willing to take a financial hit so that we can bring our show back.”

“We will be carefully monitoring crowd numbers, enforcing masks and hand hygiene.
“Our committee, volunteers and stall-holders are double vaxxed and COVID-safe compliant.”

Competition entries are open now including the Hall of Industry, the scarecrow competition, Rural Kids On Show and the giant pumpkins and pasture competitions. Masks are mandatory for the event, and all attending patrons must have received their second vaccination.

Neck work all set

ROAD widening of the Arthur Highway at Eaglehawk Neck will start soon and weather permitting should be completed by mid-year.

The 12-month delay to the start of construction was the result of the need to address Aboriginal community concerns about its potential impact on a significant site.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said a revised design had now been approved.

Mr Ferguson said the revised design meets the safety objectives by providing:

A 1.5 metre wide path for pedestrians from the bus stop opposite Old Jetty Road to Blowhole Road, including a safety barrier and; Three-metre wide traffic lanes and a one-metre wide road shoulder.

*Location can be found here – https://www.google.com/maps/@-43.0115896,147.9243581,598a,35y,180h,39.32t/data=!3m1!1e3 *

Festival heads for purple patch

THE Koonya Garlic Festival has secured the services of a chef described by international stars as “a force to be reckoned with’’ and the most talked about young chefs in Australia.

To be held on Saturday, February 26, from 10 am to 4 pm, organisers have signed on Analiese Gregory to demonstrate and discuss her expert culinary skills.

Hailed as one of the most exciting chefs of her generation, Gregory has swapped the Michelin star restaurants of Paris’s Le Meurice and Sydney’s Quay for Tasmania.

“Here she strives to forge a new life for herself, learning to hunt, fish, forage and live seasonally, closer to nature,’’ her spokesperson said.
“Join her on a deep dive into the Tasmanian oceans, forests and farms where she learns not just about food but the importance of community as well.’’

She was once described by chef and TV identity Gordon Ramsay as “a force to be reckoned with”.

Analiese has also authored a book How Wild Things Are – Cooking, Fishing and Hunting at the Bottom of the World and received praise from some of the world’s most highly regarded chefs, food writers and publications.

The festival celebrates everything garlic and will also showcase musicians Claire Anne Taylor, Ange Boxall and locals Ali Hart and Caitlin Vertigan.

The festival will be ticketed to comply with Covid rules.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 for adults, and kids under 12 free www. koonyagarlicfestival.org.

*picture credit: Adam Gibson*

Party like a pirate – Celebration of convict links

A FUN-packed weekend to celebrate the bicentenary of the act of piracy that gave Pirates Bay its name will be held at the end of January.

A hardworking group of local volunteers and history buffs have put together a program for the whole family.

The idea for the festival was developed in early 2021 when members of the Eaglehawk Neck History Group were studying a map of Tasmania dating from 1824.

They were intrigued to see beneath the name, Pirates Bay, the words “Schooner taken, 30th Jan. 1822”.

Group spokesperson Ruth Moon said the detailed reference to the act of piracy prompted the group to realise the bicentennial was coming up.

“We decided to look into it further,’’ Ms Moon said.
“What the group discovered is a fascinating story involving some of the best-known convict and free settlers’ names of Van Diemen’s Land.”
“George Meredith, one of the earliest colonists in the Swansea area, had chartered the schooner Seaflower from Anthony Fenn Kemp and Richard Barker.

“Then there are the pirates, at least six men, including Matthew Travers and Robert Greenhill.
“Travers and Greenhill were sent to Macquarie Harbour when they were captured. It was a horrible place, but they might have done well to stay there.
“They escaped, however, with the wrong man – Alexander Pearce, the cannibal convict.
“Needless to say, they didn’t survive.’’

A third pirate was William Walker, otherwise known as Will Swallow.
“Swallow got a little further with Seaflower than Travers and Greenhill, but he was eventually captured.

This didn’t stop him though and he later did make it all the way back to England. “Swallow was one of several convicts being transported to Macquarie Harbour aboard Cyprus when they seized the ship, putting those who hadn’t supported them ashore in Recherche Bay.

“Then they sailed to New Zealand and onwards. “Eventually captured in England, Swallow told the story of his adventures, claiming to have visited Japan – a country then closed to foreigners.
“His story was never believed, until just a few years ago, when Nick Russell, an English teacher in Japan, discovered an illustrated account of their visit.

It included a painting of a man thought to be Will Swallow himself.

Bicentenary events include a history talk presented by James Parker, Dianne Snowden, Malcolm Ward and Craig Brown.

This will be held in conjunction with the festival opening.

The opening by Tasman Mayor Kelly Spaulding will also include the presentation of Australia Day awards and a citizenship ceremony on Friday, January 28 from 2pm to 4pm.

Mr Spaulding said the community wanted to use the event to welcome newcomers to the area.

“But we don’t want to ignore indigenous history,’’ he said.
“Tasmanian Aboriginal people have such a profound connection to this place which they knew as teralina.
“We want to acknowledge that and invite them to be part of these events as they are an important part of our story. An Aboriginal elder will welcome us to country.’’ A new theatrical performance, The Pirates, the Unknown Cannibals and the Man Who Changed His Feathers will be showcased by the Tasman and Forestier Arts Association.

There will be two performances on Friday January 28 at 7.30 pm and 2 pm on Saturday January 29.

Producer James Parker said it would be entertaining for the whole family.

“The play is going to be great entertainment for all ages, with sea shanties, convict songs and even a polka bringing the historical events and larger-than-life characters to life,’’ Mr Parker said.

Two masted brigantine Windeward Bound will anchor at Pirates Bay to represent the Seaflower on January 29 and 30.

A pirate ball and supper at the Lufra Hotel will be held on Saturday January 29 from 7.30pm.

For Covid safety, it will be held outside.

Organiser Heather Henri said the group was hoping guests at the ball would dress up in their “piratical best” as there would be a prize for the best costume and a lucky door prize.

Barrelhouse will perform and Sidewalk Tango will put on a mini dance performance.

“It is value at $40 per head, with welcome drinks and a delicious supper,’’ Ms Henri said.

A Pirates’ Sunday market and fun day will be held at the Eaglehawk Neck Hall, 10am to 2.30pm on Sunday January 30.

Local children’s entertainer Michelle Pears will lead an imaginary pirates treasure hunt.

There will be a variety of stalls, with art, craft and food for sale, a Pirates Bay history display and live music.

The Wooden Boat Guild of Tasmania will have restored wooden boats on display.

“We’re hoping people will start getting their piratical decorations up throughout January, to get us into the mood for some piracy, but if anyone is unsure where to start, the Dunalley Neighbourhood House will be offering some tips for little and grown-up kids at a make your own pirate workshop from 10am to noon on January 25,’’ Ms Henri said.
“Or they could also get inspiration from a film The Pirates of Penzance, which the Eaglehawk Neck Film Society will be screening for members on January 22, 7 pm, at the Eaglehawk Neck Community Hall.’’

Students big idea in the bag

TIRED of finding plastic rubbish on their favourite beach, Sorell School students Lloyd, Lacey, Lilly and Tahlia came up with a way to try to change their community for the better.

Their idea was “saving the planet, one bag at a time’’.

They signed up to the global grassroots movement Boomerang Bags where more than 1000 communities worldwide are involved with more than 500,000 Boomerang bags having been created.

Hundreds of thousands of plastic bags have been saved from landfill.

The students are part of Action Crew 7172, a Beacon Foundation, Collective ed. initiative based at Sorell School.

Action Crew is a student-led art-based program at Sorell School, where young people take action on what they care about.

Their motto: “Nothing about us without us.”

The crew called for donations of pre-loved fabric and received heaps of donations from op shops and local community members.

Students made friends with the local CWA and other community legends and Sorell Boomerang Bags was born.

Students hosted four community sewing bees at their school and 200 bags were created.

With support from Sorell’s MDT teacher Nathan Smith and a laser printer, the crew created five wooden signs to hang the Boomerang bags.

The students chose five local shops to donate the bags:
Deadly Sisu, Vinnies, the City Mission Op shop, Salvos Sorell and Tree Peaks Gallery. Deadly Sisu offered to host the Great Sorell Boomerang Bag Handover.

Bank celebrates 10 years

SORELL’S locally owned Bendigo Bank Community Bank recently marked the branch’s 10th birthday.

Branch manager Sharon Cozens and team celebrated with customers at the branch and enjoyed a birthday dinner with directors.

In recognition of their ongoing trust and commitment, local shareholders received a bonus dividend. Bank board chair Kerry Vincent has been on Sorell’s Community Bank journey from the beginning.

“Our branch was set up by the community, for the community,’’ Mr Vincent said.
“In 2009 a small team of volunteers began seeking financial pledges, did a feasibility study and then, thanks to the commitment of more than 300 local shareholders, we opened on November 10, 2011, at Sorell Shopping Plaza, 12 Cole Street, Sorell.”
“We are proud to be part of a network of over 300 Community Bank branches around Australia partnering with Bendigo Bank, one of Australia’s biggest banks and most trusted brands.

“Over those 10 years our branch team has welcomed customers from across the district, enabling our community company to not only invest more than $165,000 in profits back into local organisations but, importantly, we’ve also rewarded our dedicated shareholders with around $180,000 in dividends.

“These achievements are thanks to the hard work, skill and dedication of our volunteer directors and a great staff team, now led by Sharon Cozens who has brought extensive retail and management experience along with her contagious enthusiasm and focus on personalised service.

“Local banking services and community investments are only possible with the ongoing support of our customers and shareholders.”

“We look forward to welcoming more customers and building on our shared success in the years ahead.”

Light at tunnel end – Smoother run South-East to the city

THERE’S light at the end of the tunnel for South-East commuters, with confirmation major road works at Sorell, Midway Point and the airport are due to be completed this year.

Having endured significant delays in travel from Sorell to Hobart, motorists can look forward to dual carriageways and a smoother run into the city.

Infrastructure and Roads Minister Michael Ferguson confirmed work on the Midway Point Intersection Solution and the Sorell Southern Bypass were on track.

“The $350 million South East Traffic Solution between the Federal and State Governments will improve traffic flow and safety on the key transport corridor between Sorell and Hobart,’’ Mr Ferguson said.
“The first stage of the Midway Point project, which includes the realignment of Penna Road to align with Southern Drive and construction of two retaining walls next to the highway, is on track for completion in early 2022.
“The second and final stage, which includes duplication of the highway through Midway Point and installation of traffic signals at a new Tasman Highway/Penna Road intersection, will be completed by mid-2022.

“The 2.1-kilometre Sorell Southern Bypass is progressing as planned, with work on schedule to be finished in late 2022.
“The bypass will create a more direct route for through traffic, relieving pressure on Sorell’s town centre and reducing travel times for people travelling between Hobart and the Southern Beaches and Tasman Peninsula.
“As well as building the new road, a bridge over the Sorell Rivulet is in place and work has started on the roundabout that will connect the bypass to the Arthur Highway.”

“Work on the western roundabout, which will connect the bypass to the Tasman Highway, is expected to start in the first half of 2022.’’

The Hobart Airport Interchange is on track for completion in 2022.

“The interchange design features the lifting of the Tasman Highway over Kennedy Drive and Holyman Avenue, with on and off ramps serving the connecting roads,’’ he said.
“An upcoming traffic switch will take place in early 2022, another step towards the completion of this key project.’’

Mr Ferguson said he would soon be announcing details of the duplications of the causeways.

The South East Traffic Solution and “will provide efficient infrastructure for freight as well as meet demands for commuters between Hobart and the rapidly expanding residential areas of Sorell and the Southern Beaches.”

Warm, wet year ends

LAST year the East Coast of Tasmania was wetter than average and the West Coast drier.

The Annual Climate Statement released last week by the Bureau of Meteorology won’t surprise those living on the East Coast who experienced heavy rain and floods at times during the year.

The report found rainfall in Tasmania was 1 per cent above average and it was the wettest year since 2016.

“It was relatively wet in the East of the state and drier in the West,’’ the BoM reported Temperatures statewide were warmer on average and overall 2021 was 0.39C above the 1961 to 1990 average.

However, nationally Australia had its coolest year in nearly a decade.

By the end of 2021 – for the first time in five years –no large parts of the country were experiencing rainfall deficits and drought conditions.

Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Dr Simon Grainger said after three years of drought from 2017 to 2019, above-average rainfall last year resulted in a welcome recharge of Australia’s water storages but also some significant flooding to eastern Australia.

“In 2021, Australia’s mean temperature was 0.56C above the 1961 to 1990 climate reference period.
“It was the 19th warmest year since national records began in 1910, but also the coolest year since 2012.
“Despite the cooling impacts of the negative Indian Ocean Dipole, a period of warmer than usual ocean temperatures in the western Indian ocean, and La Niña, a period of cooling of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, 2021 was warmer than average and warmer than historical La Niña years.

“Temperatures were above or very much above average for most of northern Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia’s west coast, but below average for parts of inland New South Wales, and around the southern border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
“Rainfall was 9 per cent above the 1961 to 1990 average, making 2021 the wettest year since 2016, with November the wettest on record.’’

Big names line up for festival

A THREE-day arts, music and cultural festival called Pangaea is planned for next month at Buckland.

Organisers say their vision is to unite people in celebration and knowledge through sharing music and culture with a focus on a sustainable future.

A varied program of music will be performing including local and national artists such as Yothu Yindi, Baker Boy, Tom Thum, Little Quirks and The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra as well as circus performances.

Tasmania’s very own Terrapin Puppet Theatre will also perform. The IBIS (International Bin Integration Services) will be on show, training birds commonly known as Tip Ducks to keep the world clean and tidy, with hilarious consequences.

The event starts on Friday, February 11, and winds up on Monday, February 14. Camping is encouraged.

The event will take place at Stonehurst, Buckland, on a farm owned by the Mace family.

Further information is available at http://www.pangaeafestival.com.au.

Tassie’s best get on the list

A NEW directory of Tasmanian producers has been developed to help customers find and buy the best of Tasmanian food, from paddock to plate.

The Eat Well Tasmania Producer Directory lists hundreds of participating Tasmanian businesses that offer fresh, seasonal fruit, veg, dairy, meat and other value-added products.

Attending the recent launch at Sorell was Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff, who described the directory as “a great example of a community-led initiative coming to fruition that will support Tasmanians to live longer and healthier lives”.
“We want all Tasmanians to live healthier and longer lives – it’s better for them, the community and the economy,” Mr Rockliff said.

The State Manager of Eat Well Tasmania, Carl Saunders, said the directory would make it easier for consumers to find and buy fresh Tasmanian food to cook delicious meals at home.

“The directory lists hundreds of Tasmanian producers, plus farmgate businesses, all selling a range of delicious local food,” Mr Saunders said.
“By using the Eat Well Directory, consumers will also be able to support the jobs and livelihoods of many Tasmanian food producers and associated industries.”

The directory was launched at Huski Greens Farms in Sorell, a small farm run by Miquela McGuiness and Oliver Wichmann.

The couple sell their vegetables directly to customers through the Tasmanian Produce Collective.

“When you’re in the business of growing, making, or selling high-quality local food, you deserve to be noticed,” Ms McGuiness said.
“Tasmanian producers are growing some of the highest quality and freshest produce in the country and we want our produce to be enjoyed by more Tasmanians.
“The act of eating local is a powerful source of communal strength and comes in a moment when Tasmanian businesses most need it.”

Any businesses selling, or producing fresh produce that are not already listed on the directory, are invited to contact Eat Well Tasmania via their website or social media (eatwelltas.org.au).