COVID-19 ADVICE

COVID-19 ADVICE: The following links provide official advice and information about the virus known as COVID-19.
Australia's state and federal governments are taking action to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Use the links above to source the latest advice about what you can do to protect yourself and others. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is one of the most effective forms of infection control. Do this after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; after close physical contact with anyone who is unwell; after using the toilet; before and after eating; before, during and after preparing food; and after feeding or touching a pet.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Highway hazard-reduction fires

WEATHER permitting, the Tasmania Fire Service plans to conduct a hazard reduction burn in the Granton area on Wednesday and Thursday this week (June 1-2). The purpose is to remove vegetation along the roadside between 585 and 779 Lyell Hwy up to the Pipeline Fire Trail.

It is anticipated that smoke might impact upon residents in the Granton and Molesworth areas. Members of the public passing by should not be concerned as fire crews will be in the area. This work is part of the strategic fire management plan for the Mt Faulkner area that has been conducted over the last three months by the Tasmania Fire Service.

Sights set on London

NEW Norfolk Rowing Club member Anthony Edwards has set his sights on the London Olympics. Already a four-time Olympian, Edwards, of Molesworth, is in training with fellow members of the national men's lightweight coxless four in advance of this year's world championships. Edwards' quest was recently featured on ABC TV news and can be seen here.

Nominate an ancestor

THE New Norfolk Historical Information Centre is seeking nominations for a proposed publication to be called the Derwent Valley Biographical Dictionary. This aims to include those people born, living and working in the Derwent Valley between 1807-1915. It is intended each biography be no more than 500 words and may include a photograph.

Each biography will contain some or all of the following information in the following order: surname, given name(s), birth-death years, occupation, place of abode; subject’s education; place of arrival in Australia, date, ship and status of subject; date joined military, place regiment, rank, war service and discharge date; land acquired, area, date, locality; name of spouse (birth-death years), father’s name and abode and mother’s given name and maiden name; date and place of marriage; church name and religion; children of subject, given name(s), (birth-death years), married name of female children.

The second and following paragraphs will contain additional biographical material relating to such things as sporting achievements, recreational pursuits, awards & honours, community and public service. The final paragraph is to feature the subject’s date and place of death and burial.

For more information email Ruth Binny on ruthbinny@netspace.net.au

Young Eagles' wings clipped

THE New Norfolk Under 14 football team was defeated by a more determined Brighton side on Friday night. The entire game was a great contest with both teams giving their all on what what was a very cold night under lights on the large Pontville ground.

Brighton got the first two goals of the game, but the Eagles hit back and at quarter time the scores were locked at 19 points apiece. From their the two teams went head to head, but it was Brighton who got the score on the board, kicking four goals to nil in the remaining three quarters.

None tried harder for the Eagles than Tom Gillies. His defence was second to none. Also in the backline, the ever-reliable Josh Challenger refused to let the ball past him. His ability to play great footy week after week is a real credit. Kye Tomkinson played great footy up forward as did Zoe Thurston when down back. Josh Whitford, Jordan Eiszele and Brayden Chaplin ran hard all night, while up forward Charlie Stewart had his kicking boot on, bagging two majors.

Scores - Brighton 7. 1 (43) d New Norfolk 3. 5 (23)
Goals - New Norfolk: Charlie Stewart 2, Jordan Eiszele; Best - New Norfolk: Thomas Gillies, Joshua Challenger, Joshua Whitford, Charlie Stewart, Brayden Chaplin and Jordan Eiszele.

Well Eagles you should hold your heads high. Five wins from eight games so far this season is an excellent effort. You all now have three weeks off to work on your skills and game plan, but most importantly enjoy your footy.

Our next game in on Sunday, June 26, versus Lindisfarne at Tynwald Park at 11am. As this will be our turn to run the canteen, could all that are able to help out please see me at training or phone me on 0429 704 677.
WADE GLEESON

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Eagles v Eagles

THE New Norfolk Eagles won their three football matches against the Sorell Eagles at the Boyer Oval yesterday. The seniors and reserves won big victories while the colts won on forfeit.

New Norfolk 8.2 15.8 22.12 30.17 (197) d Sorell 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.5 (11)
Goals - New Norfolk: J. Hall 5, B. Booth 4, S. Bonnitcha 4, M. Smith 4, R. Belcher 3, B. Carver 2, S. Crane 2, K. Styles 2, J. Clifford , N. Clayton , Z. Graham , L. Joseph; Best-New Norfolk: B. Lovell, S. Crane, R. Belcher, J. Clifford, N. Clayton, K. Styles.

Reserves:  New Norfolk 17.13 (115) d Sorell 4.4 (28)
Goals—New Norfolk: J. Wallner 4, C. Ransley 3, N. Benson 2, J. Styles 2, L. Horne, L. Menzie, T. Triffett, P. Ling, B. Chaplin, N. Coy; BEST — New Norfolk: T. Triffett, L. Horne, B. Chaplin, J. Kelly, D. Walsh, N. Benson.

Colts: New Norfolk d Sorell by forfeit.

Vacant house burns

ANOTHER fire in a vacant house in Andrews St, New Norfolk, has been brought under control by the New Norfolk Fire Brigade this evening. Firefighters were called to the scene at about 5.45pm and the fire was quickly contained. Damage is believed to be much less than that which occurred several doors down a fortnight ago.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Farrell sworn in and promoted

PREMIER Lara Giddings today welcomed New Norfolk's Craig Farrell to the Parliamentary Labor Party on his first day in the Legislative Council. “I am looking forward to working closely with Mr Farrell and I know he has a lot to offer, both in Parliament and to the people of Derwent,” Ms Giddings said.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Ms Giddings said Mr Farrell had been appointed as the State Government's deputy leader in the Upper House. "Under the independently-set salary arrangements of Parliament, Mr Farrell is entitled to a $39,000 loading. This is entirely appropriate and reflective of the additional responsibilities he will be asked to carry out in this role. This includes progressing all Government legislation through the Upper House and answering questions in the Leader’s absence," Ms Giddings said.

Mr Farrell's swearing-in this morning was attended by well-wishers from the Derwent Valley Council including general manager Stephen Mackey, regional development officer Jess Dallas and Councillor Judy Bromfield as well as members of the Farrell family.

ABC News has more here.

Monday, May 23, 2011

A reader asks...

I HAVE heard that there is going to be a mall in New Norfolk, is this true?

Comments?

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Under 14s stage upset at New Town

Brayden Chaplin and Hayden Smith
THE New Norfolk Under 14s turned the tables on North Hobart with a 42 point win at New Town today. The victory didn't come without a scare, as the young Eagles were kept scoreless in the first quarter while the Demons piled on three goals and two points in a clear sign that another big win was on the cards.

A quarter-time rev-up by the Eagles coaching staff soon had the team back in the game. The team then piled on five goals and two behinds in the second quarter to the Demons' solitary behind. In the second half the Eagles showed they meant business, kicking seven goals to the Demons' three and setting up their fifth win in as many weeks.
 
Best-on-ground Brayden Chaplin continued on with his great form, playing four terrific quarters of footy. When the team needed someone to stand up, Brayden led the way. He wasn't without support and Hayden Smith was just about everywhere and at one stage looked as if he had the ball on a string. Hayden Bielleman and Josh Berry gave the team great drive all over the ground, while Josh Challenger continued on with his never-say-die attitude. Nine New Norfolk players kicked goals including Jacob Pickens whose long bomb in the second quarter spurred the team on when it needed a lift. After some terrific work, birthday boy Jahrod Locher then followed up with a great goal. Brodie Gleeson and Daniel Browning stood tall when called upon while Aaron Thorpe and Brodie Wilton worked tirelessly all day.

New Norfolk 12.11 (83) d North Hobart 6.5 (41)
Goals - New Norfolk: Hayden Bielleman 2, Joshua Raspin 2, Nathan Wakefield 2, Jordan Eiszele, Jahrod Locher, Jacob Picken, Aaron Thorpe, Kye Tomkinson, Brodie Wilton; Best - New Norfolk: Brayden Chaplin, Hayden Smith, Hayden Bielleman, Joshua Berry, Joshua Challenger and Aaron Thorpe.

At the half-way mark of the season the young Eagles now have five wins from seven matches. They face their biggest test against Brighton at Pontville this Friday night under lights starting at 6.30. Remember Eagles, hard work brings great rewards.
WADE GLEESON

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

All roads lead to Liawenee

THE annual open weekend is coming up at the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) field station at Liawenee in the Central Highlands on May 21-22. Every year about 5000 people make the trip to the Central Plateau to watch hundreds of brown trout on their annual spawning migration. Wild trout are trapped in the Liawenee Canal and stripped of eggs by IFS field staff for growing at the service hatchery and Salmon Ponds, and restocking the state’s inland fishery.

Fishing businesses provide trade exhibitions, angling clubs organise food and catering, casting demonstrations and fundraising events, and the IFS displays a range of live fish and information on fishery management. Other attractions include a children’s fishing pond, competitions and giveaways, bus tours of the canal, helicopter rides and marine safety demonstrations. 

Read more here.

Revaluations on the way

PROPERTY revaluations for 10 Tasmanian municipalities including the Derwent Valley have been completed and are being issued this week. About one-third of Tasmania is valued every two years under the current valuation cycle and valuer-general Warrick Coverdale has started a mail-out to advise of the new valuations of nearly 90,000 properties in Derwent Valley, Dorset, Flinders Island, Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Glenorchy, King Island, Launceston, Sorell, Tasman,  and Waratah-Wynyard municipalities.

Mr Coverdale said property owners and rate-paying lessees would receive a notice of valuation in the mail with explanatory notes on the reverse side. “The Land Value, Capital Value and the Assessed Annual Value for each property has been determined as at 1 July 2010 levels of value. The values will take effect from 1 July 2011 for rating and taxing purposes,” Mr Coverdale said.

After receiving their valuation notice, land owners have 60 days to lodge an objection if they believe their property details or values as at 1 July 2010 are not correct. Mr Coverdale said any matters regarding council rates or land tax should be directed to the respective councils and the State Revenue Office respectively, as they are separate issues to the valuation notices.

More information is available on the DPIPWE website at www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/ovg

Monday, May 16, 2011

Council to meet at Lachlan

THIS month's meeting of the Derwent Valley Council will be held at the Lachlan Community Hall at 6.30pm this Thursday. A community forum will be held immediately before the meeting, starting at 5.45pm. The forum provides an opportunity for residents of the local area to ask questions or raise matters of concern.

The agenda for the formal meeting at 6.30pm includes a briefing by a representative of the fox eradication taskforce. Items being put before the councillors include confirmation of the new strategic plan for the municipality and a development strategy for Tynwald Park, and drafts of the new dog control policy and land use planning strategy. Approval will be sought for the second round of allocations under the council's community grants program.

Members of the public are able to ask questions at the start of the meeting and these must be submitted in writing at last 10 minutes before the start of the meeting.

Microchipping day

THE Derwent Valley Council will hold a microchipping session for dogs between 10am-2pm on Saturday, May 28, at the Derwent Valley Community House, The Avenue, New Norfolk. The day is intended to help dog owners have their pets microchipped in time for changes to the Dog Control Act (2000). After July 1 it will be an offence to own a dog that is over six months of age and not microchipped. The cost for microchipping on the day will be $25.

Top spot within reach

AFTER defeating Claremont by a whopping 89 points, the New Norfolk Under 14s now sit second on the Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League ladder. The team has won its past four games and a win over North Hobart this weekend could secure top spot.

The young Eagles again got off to a flying start, kicking five goals and behinds to Claremont's nil score in the first quarter. Not much changed by the half time break, the Eagles leading by 59 points and keeping Claremont scoreless.  In the third quarter, New Norfolk kicked 4.4 to Claremont's 1.1. To Claremont's credit, they kept New Norfolk to 1.4 in the final quarter but the damage was done.

The Eagles' confidence and ability to win the hard ball was a big factor throughout the four quarters. Hayden Bielleman continues to shine. In his best game to date, Josh "Merv" Raspin marked everything that came his way and kicked a handy three goals. Brayden Chaplin played in just about every position, running rings around the opposition. When in defence, he teamed up well with ever-reliable Josh Challenger.

Onballers Jordan Eiszele and Nathan Wakefield played their typical hard running game, while quiet achievers Brodie Wilton and Daniel Cooley bobbed up around the packs. Jacob Triffitt had some early misses up forward, but got his kicking boot on to bag three majors. Charlie Stewart kicked two while Aaron Thorpe and new player Brock Booth got one each. It was good to see backman Hayden Lester playing up forward and kicking a nice goal.

The next game is against North Hobart at the New Town bike track at 11am this Sunday. The last time the two meet was in round one, with North winning by 56 points. The Eagles only had the bare 18 for that encounter. This time with a full squad it will make for a great game. See you at the footy.
WADE GLEESON

Results - New Norfolk 13.19 (97) d Claremont 1.2 (8)Goals - New Norfolk: Joshua Raspin 3, Jakob Triffitt 3, Charlie Stewart 2, Hayden Bielleman 2, Brock Booth, Hayden Lester, Aaron Thorpe; Best - New Norfolk: Hayden Bielleman, Joshua Raspin, Joshua Challenger, Brayden Chaplin, Jordan Eiszele, Nathan Wakefield.


PICTURED is Ryan Browning who had a great game in the Under 11s the weekend before last. The game was played on his birthday and he scored his first goal.

Mercury link

IF you are having trouble accessing the Mercury newspaper's website today, try this workaround:  http://www.themercury.com.au/index.html

Sunday, May 15, 2011

House fire investigation

INVESTIGATIONS into the cause of last night's spectacular house fire have been handed over to Tasmania Police. Initial inquiries last night led the fire brigade to label the incident as suspicious.

The fire at 4 Andrews St, New Norfolk, was first reported at about 9.50 on Saturday night. Despite the efforts of neighbours who tackled the fire with garden hoses, the 1950s weatherboard house was completely engulfed in flames when the New Norfolk Fire Brigade arrived shortly afterwards.

Despite being vacant, electricity was still connected to the house and a falling power line caused concerns when it started to spark. Contrary to television news reports, local firefighters had the incident under control within a short time, although they remained on site until early this afternoon.

Tigers take it to Eagles

READ Mercury journalist Adam Smith's report of New Norfolk's Southern Football League victory over Kingborough here.

Scores - New Norfolk 2.4 5.12 7.20 13.24 (102) d Kingborough 4.8 7.8 10.12 11.13 (79)
Goals - New Norfolk: S. Bonnitcha 4, M. Thompson 3, N. Ross 3, B. Chaplin 2, J. Hall; Best - New Norfolk: B. Chaplin, B. Carver, R. Belcher, J. Murray, S. Bonnitcha, M. Thompson.

Reserves - Kingborough 9.10 (64) d New Norfolk 5.12 (42)
Goals - New Norfolk: J. Wallner 2, P. Ling, B. Lovell, T. Triffett; Best - New Norfolk: B. Lovell, J. Ackerley, J. Kelly, T. Triffett, J. Styles, D. Walsh.

Colts - New Norfolk 7.6 (48) d Kingborough 5.7 (37)
Goals - New Norfolk: D. Triffett 3, K. Gilbert, D. Huxley, M. Thurston, T. Mayne; Best - New Norfolk M. Thurston, K. Gilbert, J. Gregson, D. Huxley, T. Mayne, A. Barron.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Dramatic house fire

A VACANT house in Andrews St, New Norfolk, was all but destroyed in a dramatic fire tonight. The blaze was reported at 9.50pm and the New Norfolk Fire Brigade was soon on the scene. Meanwhile, residents of an adjoining property, and their neighbours, were fighting the fire with garden hoses. Six vehicles from the New Norfolk Fire Brigade attended, along with police and ambulance. The attending paramedic and an off-duty firefighter treated several people for smoke inhalation.





Thursday, May 12, 2011

Derwent poll declared

THE return of a sufficient number of postal votes has enabled the Tasmanian Electoral Commission to finalise the count and confirm that Craig Farrell had been elected as the new Member for Derwent in the Legislative Council. The poll was declared on the steps of the Legislative Council this morning. The final figures will be
published on Tuesday.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Farrell all but elected

Craig Farrell
LABOR'S Craig Farrell had "almost certainly" been elected to replace Michael Aird in the Legislative Council, the Tasmanian Electoral Commission announced today. With 142 postal votes still outstanding, the commission conducted a provisional distribution of preferences on the basis of the likelihood that Deirdre Flint cannot bridge the 124 vote gap to Ray Williams.

The provisional distribution of preferences shows that Craig Farrell (56.64%) leads Jenny Branch (43.36%) and that Mr Farrell has almost certainly been elected as the new Member for Derwent. It is not possible to declare the poll until the number of outstanding votes falls below the gap between Mrs Flint and Mr Williams, or until the deadline for return of postal votes is reached on May 17.

In the provisional cut up, Mrs Flint was the next candidate to have their preferences distributed, with 1511 going to Jenny Branch, 1016 to Ray Williams and 817 to Craig Farrell. The new totals were Farrell 9174, Branch 5973 and Williams 4484.

The final step in the process saw Mr Williams' preferences distributed, with 2523 going to Ms Branch and 1925 to Mr Farrell. The final tallies were Farrell 11,099 and Branch 8496, with Mr Farrell provisionally elected. It is highly unlikely that the outstanding postal votes will alter this outcome.

Fox taskforce to visit the Valley

REPRESENTATIVES of the Fox Eradication Program have announced a series of dates on which they will visit the Derwent Valley to raise awareness and encourage participation and support of the state's fox eradication effort.

Collinsvale - Community Hall, Tuesday, May 31, 7.30pm
New Norfolk - Council Social Rooms, Circle St, Wednesday, June 1, 7.30pm
New Norfolk - Council Social Rooms, Circle St, Saturday, June 4, 11am
Ellendale - Community Hall, Wednesday, June 29, 7.30pm
Maydena - Community Hall, Thursday, June 30, 7.30pm
Hamilton - Town Hall, Tuesday, July 5, 7.30pm
Bothwell - Town Hall, Thursday, July 7, 7.30pm

24 HOUR FOX ACTIVITY HOTLINE: 1300 369 688

Letter to the editor: gardeners needed

THE Frascati Community Garden is up and running and the committee is now looking to expand its volunteer base. We have many different projects coming up over the next year – something for everybody.  This includes fencing and starting up the food garden on the flats, weeding on the bank below Frascati House to find long lost path-ways that need protecting, maintaining and improving the heritage-registered hawthorn hedge, and removing weeds along the Lachlan River before planting native species from locally gathered seeds.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to work in some capacity over the next year on this exciting community project, which we are convinced will over the years become a valuable community asset enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. There are no minimum hours required, but we do need to know names of upcoming volunteers, so we can comply with the council’s insurance obligations.

If you are interested I would like to put your name forward. The council is meeting next week and needs to OK all the names. This is just a formality but we have to go through this process. If you are keen please tell me ASAP – you are not committed to coming to any meetings, or working any particular amount of hours – just when you can and feel like it! We look forward to hearing from you.
INGER VISBY
President, Friends of Frascati Community Garden
inger@intas.net.au

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Willow Court subdivision

A PUBLIC notice in yesterday's issue of the Mercury newspaper has started the process of subdividing and rezoning part of the Willow Court historic site to enable the sale of the oval space. The Derwent Valley Council has applied to itself to excise the oval from the adjoining buildings. Mayor Martyn Evans recently announced that the oval had been sold to a supermarket developer. Buildings at the side of the oval have not been sold.

The application, associated plans and documents are on display at the Derwent Valley Council offices for two weeks from tomorrow (Monday), during which time written comments may be lodged with the general manager. If the subdivision is successful, the oval will need to be rezoned from a Special Development Zone to a Commercial Zone to enable future development of the property for commercial purposes.

Derwent counting suspended

RETURNING officers have today carried out a full re-check of ballot papers returned from polling places, resulting in minor changes to the voting figures published last night. As no candidate reached 50 per cent of the votes cast, the Tasmanian Electoral Office then proceeded to distribute the preferences of Greens candidate Phillip Bingley, who had received the fewest votes.

Following the exclusion of Mr Bingley, Labor candidate Craig Farrell (42.56%) has a clear lead on Jenny Branch (22.66%), Ray Williams (17.73%) and Deirdre Flint (17.04%). Because the number of votes outstanding is greater than the margin between Ms Flint and Mr Williams, it has not been possible to continue with the provisional distribution of preferences. It is presumed the counting will continue once postal votes are received.

The current figures for the division of Derwent are:
Craig Farrell (ALP) 8231
Jenny Branch (Ind) 4383
Ray Williams (Ind) 3429
Deirdre Flint (Ind) 3296
Phillip Bingley (Greens) excluded.

The flow of Mr Bingley's preferences was as follows:
Farrell 758
Branch 471
Flint 396
Williams 279

LegCo poll - who won where

WHILE there is a lull in the distribution of preferences from yesterday's Legislative Council by-election, it is interesting to look at voting trends at polling booths in our area.


BRONTE:
Deirdre Flint 25
Ray Williams 17
Craig Farrell 13
Jenny Branch 10
Informal 5
Phillip Bingley 4

DROMEDARY:
Farrell 77
Williams 74
Branch 47
Flint 31
Bingley 30
Informal 23

ELLENDALE:
Flint 44
Williams 37
Farrell 18
Bingley 16
Informal 10
Branch 7

GLENORA:
Farrell 62
Flint 42
Williams 35
Branch 23
Bingley 16
Informal 11

GRANTON:
Farrell 166
Branch 117
Williams 113
Flint 109
Bingley 78
Informal 48

GRETNA:
Flint 49
Farrell 30
Williams 36
Branch 23
Bingley 12
Informal 4

HAMILTON:
Flint 53
Farrell 30
Williams 21
Branch 19
Bingley 3
Informal 2

LACHLAN:
Farrell 111
Bingley 85 
Williams 70
Branch 52
Flint 47
Informal 23

MAGRA:
Farrell 214
Williams 101
Flint 60
Branch 48
Informal 28
Bingley 24

MAYDENA:
Farrell 41
Williams 37
Bingley 28 
Branch 13
Informal 11
Flint 6

MOLESWORTH:
Farrell 117
Bingley 49
Williams 41
Branch 38
Flint 26
Informal 17

NEW NORFOLK:
Farrell 737
Williams 273
Flint 249
Branch 219
Bingley 205
Informal 97

NEW NORFOLK NORTH:
Farrell 607
Williams 202
Flint 167
Branch 159
Informal 82
Bingley 74

OUSE:
Flint 69
Williams 51
Farrell 41
Branch 20
Bingley 11
Informal 8

WESTERWAY:
Farrell 52
Flint 37
Williams 36
Bingley 32
Branch 23
Informal 10

Young Eagles give their best yet

Jakob Triffitt
IN their best performance of the season, the mighty Under 14 Eagles ran ladder leaders Sorell off their feet today. Right from the first quarter, New Norfolk blew the game apart kicking five goals to one and from there the Eagles were never headed.

The first goal came in the first 30 seconds off the boot of Jordan Eiszele, who finished the game with two majors. The team ran all day and never gave Sorell a sniff. Ever reliables Tom Gillies and Josh Challenger took total control of the back line in what was a superb effort over the four quarters. Ruckman Jahrod Locher played his best game for some time and onballers Brayden Chaplin and Hayden Bielleman took full advantage of his clever work.

Joshua Whitford (three goals) and Charlie Stewart (two goals) were the most damaging up forward, while Nick Wakefield got into the action kicking a goal after some great run on play at centre half forward. Congratulations to Jakob Triffitt on playing his 50th game and topping off his day with a goal. Well done Jake.

These young Eagles are gaining momentum each week. Their hard running and teamwork are a real standout. I hope all mums had an enjoyable Mothers' Day - the win capped off the day in style.

Our next game is against Claremont on Sunday at Tynwald Park at 2.45pm. See you at the footy.
WADE GLEESON.     

Scores - New Norfolk 13. 8 (86) d Sorell 8.6 (54)
Goals - New Norfolk: Joshua Whitford 3, Charlie Stewart 2, Jordan Eiszele 2, Nicholas Wakefield , Nathan Wakefield, Jakob Triffitt, Joshua Raspin, Jacob Picken, Brayden Chaplin; Best - New Norfolk: Thomas Gillies, Joshua Challenger, Hayden Bielleman, Brayden Chaplin, Jahrod Locher, Joshua Whitford.

Brighton falls to New Norfolk

NEW Norfolk's senior football side remains unbeaten this season after its 63-point win over Brighton yesterday. The reserves suffered a 30-point loss while the colts had a big win in the first match of the day.

New Norfolk 5.4 13.8 16.10 21.11 (137) d Brighton 3.2 4.3 5.8 11.8 (74)
Goals - New Norfolk: M. Thompson 6, B. Booth 4, J. Hall 3, N. Ross 2, R. Belcher 2, L. Joseph, J. Clifford, N. Clayton, M. Cashion; Best - New Norfolk: M. Thompson, L. Joseph, R. Heron, N. Ross, S. Crane, R. Belcher.

Reserves - Brighton 9.9 (63) d New Norfolk 4.9 (33)
Goals - New Norfolk: D. King, J. Dykes, J. Wallner, N. Lester; Best - New Norfolk: B. Lovell, D. Walsh, P. Ling, J. Kelly, D. King, N. Lester.

Colts - New Norfolk 17.21 (123) d Brighton 6.2 (38)
Goals - New Norfolk: S. Triffitt 7, A. Barron 5, J. Gregson 2, J. Wallner, J. Walsh, K. Gilbert; Best - New Norfolk: A. Barron, J. Gregson, S. Triffitt, K. Gilbert, J. Adams, M. Thurston;

Next games - Saturday: Kingborough v New Norfolk.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Final figures have Farrell far out in front

THE Tasmanian Electoral Commission has now published its final figures for tonight, showing endorsed Labor candidate Craig Farrell well out in front of the pack with just under 40 per cent of the vote.

Craig Farrell (ALP) - 7429 votes
Jenny Branch - 3875 votes
Ray Williams - 3129 votes
Deirdre Flint - 2876 votes
Phillip Bingley (Greens) - 1881 votes

UPDATE:
How we voted in the Valley
AN at-a-glance review of local voting in today's by-election is now available on Councillor Damian Bester's website here. It is interesting to note that 350 residents of the electorate cast their vote in the special polling booth at Agfest.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission will re-check its figures tomorrow morning before conducting a provisional distribution of preferences.

Election latest

THE Tasmanian Electoral Commission is making quick work of the counting of votes in today's Legislative Council by-election for Derwent. Despite swings against Labor in many booths, Craig Farrell has a sizeable lead, ahead of Jenny Branch, Ray Williams, Deirdre Flint and Phillip Bingley in that order.

Click here for the latest results.

Click here for frequent updates and analysis at TasmanianTimes.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Libs slam "dud" bridge

THE latest failure of the Bridgewater Bridge lifting span proved that the State Government had spent $14 million on a dud, Liberal Lyons MHA Rene Hidding said today. "For the Bridgewater Bridge’s new lifting mechanism to fail for the fourth time since February is more evidence of this Green-Labor Government’s total incompetence when it comes to infrastructure," Mr Hidding said.

Mr Hidding's comments come the day after a "computer error" was blamed for the latest failure of the lifting span. "The refurbished lifting mechanism is causing mayhem for vehicle and boating traffic on average every two to three weeks. The Infrastructure Minister’s response to this latest infrastructure debacle is astounding.  David O’Byrne has admitted a long term solution won’t be looked at for another six years," he said.

"It is just not good enough. The minister has spent $14 million on a short-term solution for Bridgewater Bridge that isn’t working and he expects everyone to just put up with it. The Green-Labor Government has repeatedly shown it has no idea about infrastructure. How much more mismanagement can Tasmanians take? We have carriages falling off rail tracks and roads crumbling, the Bridgewater Bridge problems are just the latest in a long list of failures."

Read the Mercury newspaper's report of yesterday's incident here.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Census jobs available

THERE are jobs available for census collectors in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands regions this year. While thousands of applications have been received for the positions across Australia, there are still some areas where there are not enough applications to cover the positions. This includes the Central Highlands (all areas) and Upper Derwent Valley (New Norfolk and beyond).

The flexible short-term nature of the positions may be attractive to a wide range of people, as the hours will allow them to work around other commitments such as part-time jobs, volunteer work or hobbies. Collectors earn about $18 per hour, along with travelling, incidental and motor vehicle allowances.   

Collectors are responsible for delivering and collecting forms from about 500 households in urban areas and 200 households in rural areas and will be required to work from July 1 until September 8. For more information visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

Community grants close Friday

APPLICATIONS for funding under the Derwent Valley Council's community grants program close this Friday afternoon. Despite the large number of applications received for the first round of grants earlier this financial year, a second and smaller round of grants is now open. 

The Derwent Valley Community Grants Program provides financial and in-kind assistance to support not-for-profit community organisations, cultural and sporting groups. Applications which have broad community benefit are given priority.

Applications for between $200 and $500 will be considered, and need to be submitted to before the close of business on May 6. Application packages can be collected from the Derwent Valley Council office, Circle St, New Norfolk or by contacting Melinda Pearce on 6261 8512.

New home for residents with disability

SEVERAL Derwent Valley residents with disability are now enjoying a new residential group home which opened last Wednesday. Human Services minister Cassy O’Connor said the new six-bedroom residential property at New Norfolk was a well-designed, environmentally-friendly and liveable new home.

“This new home will increase the quality of life for the residents living here and ensure that they have the support they need,” Ms O’Connor said. It was a major improvement on the previous two storey building that was no longer suitable. “I am delighted to hear how happy the residents are with their new beautiful home. This project demonstrates the benefits of the government and the not-for-profit sector working together for the good of Tasmanians.”

The new single-level residence in Andrews St is managed by non-government organisation Moondani Inc and provides a more comfortable home for its residents. “Moondani has a strong history in providing residential support services to people with an intellectually disability in the Derwent Valley,” Ms O'Connor said. “Moondani is committed to making a difference in the lives of people with a disability and their families.”

Ms O’Connor said the new building met the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992  for access and socially appropriate accommodation for people with disabilities as well as the Australian Standards for disability design. “The new design also achieves a minimum five-star energy rating and incorporates many environmentally friendly features including green heating and cooling systems,” she said.

As well as having comfortable accommodation, the residents are able to grow vegetables and flowers in raised garden beds. The new group home was designed by Shane Mann and Associates and built by Wilson Homes for Housing Tasmania.

Big win for Under 14s

THE New Norfolk Under 14 football team travelled to Cygnet on Sunday where they played Cygnet/Kermandie. In a terrific performance, New Norfolk ran away winner by 79 points and showed great teamwork over the four quarters.

Although it was difficult to pick the six best players, none tried harder than Josh Berry who ran all day and had no trouble finding the footy. Josh has also shown great improvement in his disposal of the ball this season. of Josh's game this season - keep up the good work mate. Another player catching the eye is Hayden Bielleman, who has shown great skill in his first season. His overhead marking is a stand out. One wonders were he has been!

New Norfolk had seven players who kicked goals, with Brayden Chaplin and Jordan Eiszele kicking three each. The team welcomes new player Jack Evans to the fold - an "in and under player" who rounded out the best-player list. Well done mate.

Scores - New Norfolk 12.16 (88) d Cygnet/Kermandie 1.3 (9)
Goals - New Norfolk: Brayden Chaplin 3, Jordan Eiszele 3, Nathan Wakefield 2, Hayden Bielleman, Jacob Picken, Josh Raspin and Jakob Triffitt; Best - New Norfolk: Joshua Berry, Hayden Bielleman, Brayden Chaplin, Jordan Eiszele, Brodie Gleeson and Jack Evans.

The next game is against Sorell at Tynwald Park this Sunday at 11.45am. This will be a big test for the team as Sorell is the ladder leader. It will be Jakob Triffitt's 50th game, so lets hope the team can get over the line. The last time the two met, Sorell won by 6 points. See you at the footy.
WADE GLEESON

Candidates questioned

ABOUT 30 people attended last night's public forum for candidates seeking election to the Legislative Council seat of Derwent. The function was held at the New Norfolk District Football Club, where club president Steven Dixon welcomed those present and congratulated moderator Ngaire Glover on her initiative in organising the event.

Mrs Glover welcomed candidates Craig Farrell (ALP), Phillip Bingley (Greens) and Ray Williams (Independent) and advised that the two remaining independent candidates (Deirdre Flint and Jenny Branch) had other commitments and were not able to attend. Each candidate was then given five minutes to introduce himself before the forum moved on to a question and answer session.

Read more and comment on this story at www.damianbester.com

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Eagles victorious at Shark Park

THE New Norfolk senior team scored a 34-point win over Dodges Ferry yesterday but the home side was victorious over the Eagles in the reserves and colts matches earlier in the day.

Scores - seniors: New Norfolk 3.5 6.8 9.12 13.15 (93) d Dodges Ferry 1.5 4.7 5.9 8.11 (59)
Goals — New Norfolk: B. Booth 4, R. Belcher 2, M. Cashion 2, J. Clifford, J. Murray, M. Thompson, S. Bonnitcha, P. Jelkic; Best — New Norfolk: S. Crane, J. Wessing, R. Heron, R. Belcher, L. Browning, B. Carver.

Reserves: Dodges Ferry 12.11 (83) d New Norfolk 8.14 (62)
Goals —  New Norfolk: M. Smith 3, J. Wallner 2, D. King, L. Menzie, N. Lester. Best — New Norfolk: D. Walsh, B. Chaplin, C. Ransley, N. Lester, M. Smith, J. Ackerley.

Colts: Dodges Ferry 13.9 (87) d New Norfolk 8.10 (58)
Goals — New Norfolk: S. Triffitt 2, K. Gilbert, T. Lacey, B. Wakefield, J. Wallner, J. Williams, J. Adams. Best — New Norfolk: T. Lacey, M. Thurston, K. Gilbert, J. Adams, J. Walsh, J. Gregson.