Hannah picked for southern side

Hannah Mann

WHEN it comes to cricket, 11-year-old Hannah Mann has it covered. The Grade 6 Glenora District High School student who plays with the Gretna Under 13s has been selected in the girls' Southern Storm Under 13s team playing for the Commonwealth Intrastate Cup this week. Mann was nominated last August and has been attending trials right up until her selection earlier this month.

Hannah's mother, Georgina Jackson, was very pleased for her daughter. "You should have seen the smile on her face, she was just so proud of herself, she just lives and breathes cricket" said Georgina. Hannah's cricket ability has been influenced by several people including her father, Jarrad Mann, and coaches Darren Stevenson and Bruce Emery, but says her brother Jacksyn and his friends also give her many tips while playing backyard cricket at their home in Maydena.   

Cricket Tasmania's female development officer, Linsey Da Costa, has high phrase for Hannah. "She is a very talented player who has fitted in very well with the other girls in the team," said Linsey. Mann's selection comes at no surprise when you take a look at he statistics while playing with the Gretna Under 13s this season. Four innings with the bat for 82 runs; twice not out; and her highest score being 27. Bowling: six wickets for 39 runs with best figures of 2 for 6 off two overs.

Congratulations Hannah, Gretna Cricket Club wishes you all the best.

WADE GLEESON 

Youth cricket resumes

COMPETITION  in the cricket youth league resumed on Sunday. In the Under 15s, Gretna won the toss and elected to bowl. After its turn at the bat, Gretna scored 7 for 139 off 39 overs (29 extras) defeated Old Beach 7 for 123 off 40 overs (57 extras). Gretna batting: Alex Blair 30 runs (two 4s), Jeremy Nossiter 21 (one 4), Wade Lockley 17 not out, Brock Nichols 15 (one 4, one 6), Cody Eyles 13 (two 4s), Connor Salter 10 (one 4). Gretna bowling: Nathan Blair 2 for 4 off three overs (two maidens), Dylan Pearce 2 for 20 off six overs, Brodie Gleeson 1 for 8 off three overs, Cody Eyles 1 for 14 off five overs (one maiden).

Under 13: Gretna Green 4 for 104 off 20 overs defeated New Norfolk 4 for 69 off 20 overs. Batting - Gretna: Josh Farrow 33 retired (six 4s, one 6), Josh Hills 16 retired (two 4s), Reece Williams 10no, Jacob Bowerman 9 retired, Jack Stevenson 7no (one 4), Ebony Downie 3, Zac Carnes 2, Dylan Downie 1. Bowling - New Norfolk: J. Graham 2 for 4 off two overs, Jack Guesdon 1 for 3 off two overs, Nathan Rice 1 for 7 off two overs. New Norfolk - Batting: L. Triffitt 15no (one 4), Jack Guesdon 9, J. Graham 8 (one 4), Ryan Banks-Smith 6 (one 4), W. Banks 3, O. Hole 2no. Gretna - bowling: Josh Farrow 1 for 0 off two overs, Josh Hills 1 for 2 off two overs, Jake Ransley 1 for 4 off two overs.

Gretna Gold scored 4 for 73 off 20 overs but was defeated by St Anne's Crows with 7 for 93 off 20 overs. Gretna batting: Zac Crosswell 26 retired (six 4s), Luke Crosswell 15no (two 4s), Adam Bartels 10 (two 4s), Grant Booth 8 retired, Josh Eyles 2, Ryan Emery 2. Gretna bowling: Zac Crosswell 2 for 11 off three overs, Colby Monks 2 for 11 off two overs, Josh Eyles 1 for 9 off two overs. 

WADE GLEESON

Cricket catchup - rounds 13 & 14

IN one of the best and fastest centuries made in the Southern Cricket Association for quite some time, New Norfolk batsman Stewart Rice smashed the Gretna I attack to every part of the Tynwald Park oval on January 21, making a magical 117 runs from what was said to be off only 40-odd balls. Rice took to everything, hitting 15 sixes and 3 fours which equates to 102 runs in boundaries, and at one stage he hit 4 sixes in a row. Gretna used nine bowlers, all to no avail. They would have being rueing the dropped catch when Rice's score was still in the 20s.

Rice's innings sure set the scene for a great win by New Norfolk. The home team had won the toss and elected to bat, hitting up a massive 310 for the loss of six wickets off their 50 overs (22 extras). In reply, Gretna managed 142 before being bowled out after 33.4 overs (20 extras).

In the other second division match of round 13, Molesworth I easily accounted for the Montagu Bay Sharks at Boyer Oval on January 22. Molesworth won the toss and elected to bat, hitting up a great score of 10 for 254 off 49.1 overs (31 extras). In reply Montagu Bay could only manage 140 before being bowled out after 41.3 overs (32 extras).

4th Grade: Bushy Park had a close encounter with McRobies Gully at Cadburys No. 1 on January 21. The home team won the toss and having first hit made 10 for 138 off 40 overs (24 extras). In reply Bushy won the game with 8 for 139 off 37 overs (26 extras).

In the match at Gretna, Sorell with 10 for 222 off 50 overs defeated Gretna II who made 10 for 120 from 28.1 overs.

5th Grade: Risdon Vale 9 for 187 off 38.3 overs (32 extras) defeated Molesworth II 9 for 97 off 22.5 overs (14 extras) at Risdon Vale.

ROUND 14 - Gretna I made the great score of 5 for 276 off their 50 overs (24 extras) at the weekend but unfortunately this wasn't enough with Richmond/Cambridge reaching the target and losing 8 wickets for 278 off 47.1 overs (25 extras).

Molesworth I showed they are the real deal, defeating the more fancied Rokeby Wanderers at Boyer Oval on Saturday. Rokeby won the toss and elected to bat, making 10 for 171 off 36.4 overs (28 extras). In reply Molesworth lost only four wickets in reaching 172 off 37 overs (20 extras).

New Norfolk missed an opportunity to move into the top five when it lost to Montagu Bay Sharks by 60 runs at Geilston Bay. Montagu Bay with 8 for 151 off 50 overs (20 extras) defeated New Norfolk 10 for 91 off 38.4 overs (8 extras).

4th Grade - Bushy Park continued its dominance with a convincing 115 run win over Dynnyrne at Cambridge Oval on Sunday. Bushy Park 10 for 204 off 44.3 overs (46 extras) defeated Dynnyrne 10 for 89 off 20.4 overs (13 extras).

DOSA 5 for 199 off 34 overs (12 extras) defeated Gretna II 10 for 197 off 43 overs (27 extras) at Shoobridge Park.

5th Grade - Molesworth II  recorded its 4th victory with a great three-wicket win over Runnymede at Runnymede on Saturday. Molesworth II 7 for 194 off 36.2 overs (28 extras) defeated Runnymede 10 for 192 off 42 overs. Molesworth Batting: S. Long 47, T. Donaghy 43, Baxter Oliver 41, Brad Ransley 25 not out.

NSW driver wins grand national

NEW South Wales driver Lachlan Onley joined a prestigious list of winners of Tasmania’s longest-running speedway feature event when he won the time-honoured Tasmanian Grand National on Saturday night at the Hobart International Raceway, near New Norfolk. Onley crossed the line first in an incident-packed 50-lap final to become the first driver from NSW to win the event since Fred Seery collected the trophy in 1976. Queensland’s Wayne Randall, driving a car owned by Launceston’s Steve Jessup, was second in the final with local hard charger and former State champion Steve Latham a close third after starting from grid 13 in the final with an impressive drive.

Eventual winner Onley started from grid five in the final, but was able to take advantage of  the misfortune of drivers in front of him in a calculated drive. Former Australian champion Darren Kane, from Queensland, qualified on pole position for the final and the ex-Hobart driver looked the one to beat early in the race.
Kane led reigning Australian champion Steve Jordan, also from Queensland, with Onley in third after the second row of the grid was taken out in an opening-lap incident.

Six-times event winner and former six-times Tasmanian champion David Nichols, of Launceston, and former state champion Brad Smith, of Devonport, had qualified third and fourth respectively, with Smith earning his spot after advancing from ninth in the pre-final pole shuffle event. However, his joy was short-lived with the first lap incident taking both him and Nichols out of the race.

Kane and Jordan opened up a gap on Onley in the early stages of the race, with Jordan making some aggressive moves to try and take the lead. His aggression boiled over on lap 26 when a big inside move came unstuck, resulting in heavy contact with Kane and forcing him to spin. Officials ruled Jordan the cause and sent him to the rear of the grid for the re-start. Kane led the re-start, but only lasted half a lap with a puncture, undoubtedly caused by the contact with Jordan, sending him in-field. This brought Onley to the front, where he stayed for the remaining 24 laps, despite plenty of close attention from Randall and Latham.

Earlier in the night Hellyer Beach driver Cameron Abel scored a flag to flag victory in the final of the Tasmanian Mini-Grand National for speedway karts in the modified clubman final. Abel qualified on pole position for the 10-lap final and led from green light to chequered flag to score a convincing win ahead of Burnie’s Ben Jackson and Devonport veteran Geoff Lawrence.

The 125cc final was won by reigning state champion Leigh Revell, of Penguin, beating home Richmond’s Laura Davidson, with Devonport’s Hayden McBain third, while the junior final wad dominated by the visiting Aylett brothers from Western Australia, with Karl Aylett, beating his younger brother Leigh, reversing last year’s result, with Devonport driver Ben Boun a distant third.

On the same program, former state champion Todd Auton, of Ulverstone, scored an all-the-way win in the final of round six of the Street Stock Sedan Series. Auton was never seriously challenged during the 20-lap final, but there was plenty of action, incidents drivers swapping placed behind him. Eventually, Burnie’s Jamie Young found his way to the front of the chasing pack and closes in on Auton in the dying stages to claim a close second, with series leader Corey Bauld, of Spreyton, taking third and scoring enough points to maintain his series lead.

Meanwhile, Hobart's Josh Smith extended his lead in the Junior Sedan Championship Series with an empathic win, lapping all but the top four cars in the final. Launceston’s Brodie Piper was a distant second, with Hobart youngster Nathan Russell also a long way back in third.

Fire weather warning

Fire weather warning 

Upper Derwent Valley forecast district

Issued at 4.15pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012.

For Sunday, January 29

Very High Fire Danger is forecast for the Upper Derwent Valley forecast district, with maximum temperatures around 36 degrees, relative humidity down to 13% and north to north-west winds, tending more westerly in the afternoon and averaging 20 km/h.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

• Check your bush fire survival plan - now
• Monitor the fire and weather situation on ABC Radio or through www.fire.tas.gov.au
• If power supplies fail, listen on your car radio

The Tasmania Fire Service advises that if you are in an area of Very High or Severe Fire Danger:

• Get ready now to leave for a safe place
• Leave immediately if fire breaks out near you
• Only stay if your home is well prepared to withstand fire and you can actively defend it

The next warning will be issued by 5am Sunday.

Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for the Derwent Valley:
New Norfolk (Sunday's forecast maximum 36 degrees)
Ouse (Sunday's forecast max 37)
Maydena (Sunday's forecast max 33)
Mt Field (Sunday's forecast max 24)
Strathgordon (Sunday's forecast max 31)

Johnny Kava - Citizen of the Year

Johnny Kava

WELL-KNOWN boxing coach Johnny Kava is the Derwent Valley's Australia Day Citizen of the Year for 2012. Making the announcement at Tynwald Park on Thursday, mayor Martyn Evans recalled that Mr Kava was one of the first people he had met when arriving in New Norfolk as a teenager in the 1980s, and that Johnny had encouraged him to play football with the local team.

Originally from the Pacific Ocean island nation of Niue, Mr Kava has contributed to the New Norfolk and broader Derwent Valley community for many years. An accomplished boxer in his own right, he has helped young people learn self-confidence, self-respect and discipline while improving their fitness through the sport of boxing.

He gives freely of his time and has been a positive male role model in the lives of many young people over the years. Congratulations Johnny.

Jamie Molan - Young Citizen of the Year

Lisa Clarke and Jamie Molan

NEW Norfolk's Jamie Molan, 21, has been named the Derwent Valley's Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year for 2012. The announcement was made by mayor Martyn Evans on Thursday and the presentation was made by last year's recipient, Lisa Clarke.

Jamie has been an active member of the Derwent Valley Council's youth advisory committee (D'FAT) for some years and is also a member of the Derwent Valley Tidy Towns Committee and the Sport and Recreation Centre Management Committee.

He has also assisted with the redevelopment of Ellis Dean Reserve, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeals, Mission Australia family fun day, Clean Up Australia days, and graffiti removal working bees.

Congratulations Jamie.

Australia Day - good sport honoured

Kelly Graham

NEW Norfolk Rowing Club vice-captain and coach Kelly Graham has been named the Derwent Valley's Sportsman of the Year. Mr Graham has been involved with the club in a voluntary capacity for more than 30 years.

He is a life member of the NNRC and is looked up to by a wide range of people from beginners to masters and veteran rowers.

Mr Graham volunteers about 20 hours per week to the club and is greatly appreciated for his work with young people, both in teaching them how to row and in improving their life skills.

Congratulations Kelly.

Australia Day - community event honoured

LOCAL participation in the national Australia's Biggest Morning Tea has been recognised as the Derwent Valley's Community Event of the Year. The event is organised annually by New Norfolk's Can-Hope Cancer Support Group and held at the RSL Clubrooms.

In 2011 the group raised $4500 for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, which supports cancer research. Each year since 1998, the Can-Hope volunteers work tirelessly to prepare food for the morning tea. About 230 people attended last year, and a further 100 takeaway morning teas were supplied.

Since its inception the group has raised more than $20,000 for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, but it has also supported the ABC Giving Tree, Daffodil Day, Relay for Life, the Mini-Field for Women and the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Congratulations to all the members of the Can-Hope Support Group for their good work which has led to this recognition on Australia Day 2012.

Community workers honoured

AUSTRALIA Day provides a great opportunity to acknowledge the great contributions made by members of our community. At Tynwald Park on Thursday, a number of the Derwent Valley's quiet achievers received certificates recognising individual and group contribution to the community. Mayor Martyn Evans presented certificates of appreciation to:

June Purkiss: A New Norfolk resident for more than 75 years, well known and respected as the "singing voice" of the Derwent Valley for most of that time. For the last 28 years she has led the singing of the national anthem and hymns at the Anzac Day observances at the New Norfolk Cenotaph as well as featuring regularly at the Derwent Valley Carols by Candelight.


Sheila Smith: Has given freely of her time to support many community organisations over a long period in New Norfolk and Maydena, currently serving as secretary of the New Norfolk RSL Auxiliary, New Norfolk Hospital Auxiliary, Corumbene Nursing Home Auxiliary and the New Norfolk Golden Years Club.


Sarah Dingley: An enthusiastic volunteer at the Lachlan Community Hall and described as a beacon of positivity in that district. She loves ballroom dancing, is passionate about the environment and animals, and supports Clean Up Australia Day.

New Norfolk Historical Information Centre Committee: For its organising of the Lachlan Macquarie Bicentenary Celebration. The committee established a steering group to plan the commemoration of the visit to New Norfolk by Governor Macquarie in November 1811.

Derwent Valley Child and Family Centre Local Enabling Group: For the site celebration and free family fun day at Ellis Dean Reserve, commemorating two years of work by the group towards the establishment of a child and family centre in New Norfolk.

Molesworth Cricket Club: Established more than a century ago, with many generations of local families having played at the club. Now part of the Southern Cricket Association, the club is believed to have been the first to field three teams in the former Derwent Valley Cricket Association.

New Norfolk Rowing Club senior squad: Recognising the success of three members representing Australia at the 2011 world rowing championships - Anthony Edwards (gold medallist), Kerry Hore (silver) and Kate Hornsey (bronze) - which is believed to be unmatched by any other rowing club in the country.

Meet Miranda online

A COMPUTER link-up with forest protester Miranda Gibson will be held in New Norfolk this Wednesday. Miranda has been up a tree in the Derwent Valley for more than a month, conducting a tree-sit in a forest near Mt Mueller, west of Maydena. The public is invited to ask Miranda questions about what she is doing, via computer link-up from the Derwent Valley Community House at Willow Court, New Norfolk, from 7-8.30pm on February 1. Her blog is at www.observertree.org

Big crowd at the cup

NEARLY 2000 people attended the New Norfolk Pacing Cup on Australia Day, the Mercury reported yesterday. Racing writer Damien Seaton writes that Glory Jasper scored an effortless victory in the $7000 standing start Norske Skog-sponsored cup over 2900m. Read more here.

The Harness Link website has a report on the cup here.

Tim wants a brand new day

LOCAL Tasmanian Greens MP Tim Morris has called for Australia Day celebrations to be shifted to a date other than January 26. In his capacity as acting leader of the Greens, Mr Morris said Australia Day should be a day on which all Australians can celebrate proudly, but this would never occur while it falls on a day which Aboriginal people regard as an occasion for mourning.

“It’s simply unfair to ask indigenous Australians to celebrate on the 26th of January, a date which they rightly associate with subjugation, dispossession and death,” Mr Morris said. “The Greens support the Aboriginal community’s campaign to choose a more appropriate date that could be celebrated by all Australians. Many non-indigenous Australians would also prefer to be able to celebrate our national day without feeling compromised by the date’s association with European invasion. It also means that the important citizenship ceremonies held on Australia Day could be truly celebratory, and not tainted by the legacy of Aboriginal dispossession.

“This is not about guilt or political correctness.  It’s about acknowledging that, for Aboriginal Australians, January the 26th actually commemorates the first day of a long and bloody war against European invaders. Australia Day should commemorate a date that celebrates our optimism, our diversity and our political freedom. Some of the best potential dates for an Australian national celebration are yet to happen, like the day that we declare a republic or when the when Aboriginal people are recognised in the Constitution as the first custodians of this land.” Mr Morris said.

Australia Day 2012

A SMALLER than usual number attended the Derwent Valley Council's annual Australia Day observance at Tynwald Park, New Norfolk, today. The Derwent Valley Concert Band played, the New Norfolk Lions Club cooked a sausage sizzle, the Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team organised a tug of war and the national flag was raised by a scout and cub-scout.

Australia Day Ambassador Phil Huzzard recalled his first visit to New Norfolk as a young man and spoke of Australia's enduring values. He urged those present to act when necessary; to speak up when required; to help when needed; and to gently warn against self-importance. "And we need to constantly remind ourselves to rise above the tempting urge to move to a 'me-first' society, where anything is justifyable in the scramble for personal advancement," he said. Mr Huzzard thanked everyone for the hospitality shown to him and his young son Henry. A presentation was then made to Mr Huzzard by New Norfolk Woolworths manager Melissa Bester in acknowledgement of his service as an Australia Day Ambassador.

Australia Day Awards announced by Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans were as follows: 

• Citizen of the year: Johnny Kava
• Young citizen of the year: Jamie Molan
• Sportsperson of the year: Kelly Graham
• Community Event of the Year: Australia's Biggest Morning Tea (New Norfolk Can-Hope Cancer Support Group)
• Community appreciation certificates: Colin Triffitt, June Purkiss, Sheila Smith, Sarah Dingley, Molesworth Cricket Club, New Norfolk Rowing Club senior squad, New Norfolk Historical Information Centre Committee and the Derwent Valley Child and Family Centre Local Enabling Group

Check back later for profiles and photos of the award recipients

Some of this year's award recipients

Scout Marcus and cub-scout Breeanna

Melissa Bester makes a presentation to Phil Huzzard

Australia Day live

THE following awards have been announced at Tynwald Park:

Citizen of the year: Johnny Kava
Young citizen of the year: Jamie Molan
Sportsperson of the year: Kelly Graham

More to come

Australia Day honour

NEW Norfolk fire chief Colin Triffitt has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in today's Australia Day Honours for 2012.

Mr Triffitt joined the New Norfolk Fire Brigade as a volunteer firefighter in 1973. In 1995 he was elected to the position of third officer, advancing to second officer in 2000. In 2003 he was elected to the senior leadership position of brigade chief and he remains in this position.

As well as being a leader and mentor, Mr Triffitt is an active supporter of junior development and a volunteer training instructor. For several years he has also been on the executive of the Tasmanian Retained Volunteer Firefighters Association, representing and supporting volunteers on a number of committees and working groups.

For nearly 40 years, Mr Triffitt has displayed an extensive and dedicated commitment to the Tasmania Fire Service and to New Norfolk community. He was awarded the National Medal in 2001.

The Australian Fire Service Medal was created was created in 1988 to acknowledge distinguished service by members of state, territory or federal fire service agencies.

Two big nights at the speedway

THE best V8 super sedan drivers in Australia will contest Tasmania’s longest-running speedway feature event at the Hobart International (Mountain Dew Ice) Speedway at Sorell Creek this Friday and Saturday nights. The Tasmanian Grand National has been running since 1971 and has an impressive list of previous winners.

The field includes the current Australian champion, Steve Jordan, of Queensland, three former national champions, current Tasmanian champion Jarrod Harper, four former Tasmanian champions and current Victorian champion Lucas Roberts. The field also include six previous grand national winners.

The grand national will be fought out over 15 heats over two big nights of racing with nine heats on Friday night and six more on Saturday. Saturday night’s program will also include a pre-final pole shuffle and a huge 50-lap final.

Support-class racing on Friday will include action from Formula 500s, wingless sprintcars, Tassie sixes, junior sedans, bombers and speedway karts. Racing will start for the karts at 5pm with heats of the mini-grand national, with the main program getting under way from 7pm.

On Saturday, support-class racing will include round six of the street stock sedan series, round six of the junior sedan championship series, lightning sprints, wingless sprintcars, bombers, sidecars and speedway karts. Racing will start for sidecars and a continuation of the mini-grand national for speedway karts from 4pm, with the main program starting at 6pm.

Australia Day - get amongst it

BELOW are the details of Australia Day activities in the Derwent Valley this Thursday, January 26.

At Tynwald Park Oval, New Norfolk:
11am: Start of fun run & walk (entries close 10.30am)
11.30: Children's activities with Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team
11.30: Free barbecue and drinks provided by New Norfolk Lions Club
11.30: Derwent Valley Concert Band performance
Noon: National Anthem & flag raising
12.30pm: Welcome to Australia Day Ambassador Phil Huzzard by Woolworth's manager
12.40 (approx): Derwent Valley Council Australia Day Award presentations.

At the New Norfolk Olympic Swimming Pool: free entry, games, activities and prizes all day.

At Kensington Park, New Norfolk: an eight-event harness racing program including the New Norfolk Pacing Cup and E.C. Plunkett Memorial. Click here for race fields.

At Bushy Park, the War Memorial Swimming Pool will be offer free admission from 10am-6pm and a free barbecue lunch at 12.30pm.

At Maydena: the Community Association will once again host its traditional walk to Junee Caves. Meet at the Maydena Swimming Pool at 10am and then walk, ride or run 4.2km to the cave, where drinks and biscuits will be provided before the walk back to the Community Hall for a free sausage sizzle with some fun and games including a children's colouring competition, a quiz for the adults, gumboot throwing and a lawnmower tag-team relay. There will be free admission to the Maydena public pool (children must at all times be accompanied by an adult) but after the Australia Day events are completed the pool gate will be closed and it will be back the the standard system of purchasing a key from the general store.

At Ellendale, celebrations will start at 3pm at the Ellendale Recreation Ground. Awards will be presented for the Central Highlands Australian of the Year, Junior of the Year and Event of the Year. Following formalitieis, there will be a number of demonstrations including: bush poetry, whip cracking, sheep shearing and shingle splitting. At 5.30pm, the "Aussie bush dance experience" will provide something for all the family. Bushdance band Buttongrass Serenade will play at the Ellendale Hall. Australia Day celebrations at Ellendale will conclude around 8pm. The Australia Day Ambassador at Ellendale will be Robin Daubeny.

Australia Day Ambassador

Phil Huzzard

BUSINESSMAN, philanthropist and father of three Phil Huzzard is this year's Australia Day Ambassador for New Norfolk. His firm, Accelerator, works with leading Australian and international clients including Hertz, Caterpillar, BHP and Victoria Police. He and his firm have contributed significantly to a number of community service organisations including Volunteering Australia, the Women in Motor Sport Association and the Red Cross.

Phil began his working life as a radio broadcaster in 1977, a career that culminated in 1987 after six years as a leading music presenter and host of a national album show called “Cover to Cover”. Married to Irene, Phil is a father of three, a qualified pilot and lover of sailing, diving, cooking, music and art. He has been an Australia Day Ambassador since 2003.

The Australia Day Ambassador program, sponsored by Woolworths Supermarkets, provides a unique opportunity to meet inspirational Australian achievers. On Australia Day, Woolworths sends ambassadors to communities across the country to spread the message of national pride at various celebrations. Ambassadors participate in local activities, assist with the presentation of local awards and deliver a short speech on what being Australian means to them.

Ambassadors are recruited from diverse fields such as the arts, sport, science, business, government and entertainment. They can be of any age, but they all share the common traits of achievement through hard work, talent, and a strong sense of patriotism. All act in an honorary capacity, giving freely of their time to help celebrate our national day.

Extreme star encounter

Robson Green in Tasmania

A NEW Norfolk family holidaying at Pirates Bay, Eaglehawk Neck, had the great fortune to stumble across English actor, singer and television presenter Robson Green who was filming the latest series of of his Extreme Fishing program.

Green was described as very friendly and even included the family in some of the filming for the series. Children James, Charlotte, Alex, Liam and Tom just loved the encounter. Green signed their hats and posed for photos with the family.


Thanks to Stephanie Bourne and Amanda Bowen for sharing this with the New Norfolk News. All readers are welcome to do the same. Email newnorfolknews@gmail.com

Robson Green and his young New Norfolk fans

Australia Day program

Click on image to enlarge

McDonald's lights up New Norfolk

A CROWD estimated at several hundred attended tonight's celebration of the official opening at McDonald's New Norfolk. The event was the most elaborate opening for a local business and the impressive fireworks display was probably the best ever seen in New Norfolk.

Bushy Park girl Brianna Fenton won the right to set off the fireworks display via a competition run in association with Hobart radio station Sea FM. There were reports of the fireworks been seen from as far as Magra.

Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans performed the official opening with McDonald's New Norfolk licensee John Barry-Murphy. Company mascot Ronald McDonald was on hand and there was musical entertainment and square-dancing.

The fireworks display lasted for about 20 minutes

A great photo from Facebook

Film fans meet

THE 1994 comedy-drama Ed Wood will be shown at the first meeting of the newly-formed Derwent Valley Film Society this weekend. All intending members are invited to attend the screening at the St Matthew's Church Hall in Bathurst St, New Norfolk, at 7.30pm this Saturday, January 21.

For more information visit derwentvalleyfilmsociety.org.au

Garden friends meet

THE Friends of Frascati Community Garden invite all new and old friends to the group's first annual general meeting on Monday, January 30, at 7pm in the Derwent Valley Community House, Willow Court.

The brief AGM formalities will be taken care of first, followed by guest speaker Dave Cornick talking about his experience with Friends of Princes Park, Liverpool, England. This will be followed by a light supper and an opportunity to visit the community garden site just across the road.

For more information email inger@intas.net.au

Cricket catch-up

TWO rounds have been played following the resumption of the Southern Cricket Association after the Christmas break.

Round 11 saw Gretna II opener Nathan Rainbird help his side to its first victory of the season, scoring a classic century against the fourth-placed Marquis Tigers at Gretna two Saturdays ago. Rainbird belted the Tigers' attack to every part of the ground, hitting a massive 16 fours and 3 sixes. "Yes 82 runs came in boundaries" Rainbird's timing and placement was just superb and he was pleased with his effort: "Yeah I really hit 'em well today. It was great to get my first hundred, but I fell one run short of my dad's highest score of 101 and he was quick to point it out to me," Rainbird said of his dad Micky.

The Tigers had won the toss and elected to bat, making a total of 175 for the loss of nine wickets off 35.4 overs (34 extras). In reply Gretna made mincemeat of the Tigers' total, losing just five wickets and taking only 27. 3 overs to reach the 176 runs (33 extras).

In the other 4th Grade match, ladder leaders Bushy Park defeated Claremont on forfeit. It was great to see the Bushy Park boys head over to Gretna to watch Gretna II get their first win.

2nd Grade: New Norfolk made it two wins in a row with a great win over Runnymede at Tynwald Park. Runnymede won the toss and elected to bat, hitting up a modest total of 146 off 49.3 overs (17 extras). In reply New Norfolk had little trouble making 148 for the loss off five wickets from 32.4 overs (17 extras).

In the match at Boyer Oval, Molesworth I lost to the MacKillop Beltas by seven wickets. Molesworth won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 169 from 39.2 overs (20 extras). In reply MacKillop had little trouble chasing down the target and making 171 for the loss of just three wickets (22 extras).

Gretna I took on ladder leaders Sorell at Sorell. Gretna won the toss and elected to bat, making 160 before being bowled out after 34 overs (12 extras). Sorell lost seven wickets before reaching 161 off 41.3 overs (23 extras).

5th Grade: In the match at Tynwald Park, Campania 1 for 91 off 14.4 overs defeated Molesworth II all out for 85.
 
ROUND 12: Molesworth I stamped its spot in the top five of 2nd Grade on Saturday with a big win over Hobart at Risdon Vale. In a great team effort Molesworth hit up a big score of 10 for 276 off 47.2 overs (42 extras). Hobart had no answers to the attack and was bowled out for 135 in 26.2 overs (17 extras).

It was a much closer encounter at Gretna with Gretna I defeating Montagu Bay Sharks by 24 runs. The toss was won by Gretna who chose to bat, making a modest total of 155 before being bowled out in 41.2 overs (34 extras). Montagu Bay couldn't chase the small total and was bowled out for 131 after 37.5 overs (16 extras). Matches between these two clubs are now known as the Ashes, with Gretna the current holder of the urn. A great card night was held after the match with many Montagu Bay players and their families camping the night on the recreation ground.

At Tynwald Park, New Norfolk put up a good fight against ladder leader Sorell but didn't quite get there. New Norfolk won the toss and captain Glen Williams sent Sorell into bat who then made 210 before being bowled out after 49.4 overs (27 extras). In reply New Norfolk was bowled out after 43 overs making 173 (16 extras).

4th Grade: Bushy Park lost its first match since round two, going down to the Knights at Cosgrove by 30 runs. Knights won the toss and opted to bat, making 10 for 185 off 43.5 overs (31 extras) and defeating Bushy Park who made 10 for 155 off 38.5 overs (22 extras).

In a very close match that came down to the wire, Gretna II made it two wins in a row with an excellent win over Sandford at Sandford on Sunday. Gretna captain Ben Shaw won the toss and sent Sandford in to bat where they made 9 for 188 off 45 overs. In reply Gretna made 9 for 189 off 46.1 overs.

5th Grade: Montagu Bay 7 for 220 off 50 overs (45 extras) defeated Molesworth II 10 for 68 off 31 overs (8 extras) at Boyer Oval.

Next matches
2nd Grade - Sunday, January 22
Molesworth I v Montagu Bay Sharks at Boyer Oval
New Norfolk v Gretna I at Tynwald Park

4th Grade - Saturday, January 21
Gretna II v Sorell
Bushy Park v McRobies Gully at Gretna

5th Grade - Sunday, January 22
Molesworth II v Risdon Vale at Abbotsfield Park

Australia Day at Bushy Park

Results from the speedway

LAUNCESTON driver Jamie Bricknell regained the lead in the state sprintcar series with a stunning victory in round six at the Hobart International Speedway, Sorell Creek, on Saturday night. The field included world number five driver Craig Dollansky, from the US, who finished second behind Bricknell in a fast-paced 30-lap final.

On the same program Ulverstone's Brett Waddington claimed his fourth state title when he scored an emotional victory in the Tasmanian Street Stock Sedan Championship. Waddington dedicated his victory to his late mother who passed away last week.

 The support program saw Latrobe V8 AMCA driver Kallam Muir continue his winning run with a strong drive in the final, while Marcus Kelly, of Devonport, was never headed on his way to a victory in the Formula 500 final. Fellow Devonport racer Josh Padman claimed his second consecutive victory with a confident drive in the final of the wingless sprintcars, while reigning state champion Laura Davidson, of Richmond, was too strong in the modified clubman speedway karts final. The junior kart final was won by Devonport's Ben Boun, while fellow Devonport driver Hayden McBain took out the 125cc kart final.

Total fire ban

A TOTAL fire ban has been declared for the Southern Region from 12.01am Tuesday, January 17, until midnight. This includes the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands as well as Brighton, Clarence, Glamorgan/Spring Bay, Glenorchy, Hobart, Huon Valley, Kingborough, Sorell, Southern Midlands and Tasman.

“Due to the revised Bureau of Meteorology forecast for hot, dry and windy conditions, Tasmania Fire Service has banned all fires out of doors in the Southern Region,” TFS chief officer Mike Brown said today. “The vegetation in most of the state has dried out despite the recent light rain and forecast conditions will cause any fires to develop quickly making control difficult.”

Mr Brown encouraged everyone who lives in or near the bush to take responsibility for their own safety, the safety of their families and their property. “If you live near the bush or paddocks, review your bushfire survival plan and be prepared to implement that plan if required,” he said.

The use in the open of cutting, welding or other similar equipment that can cause a fire is included in this ban. Operators of agricultural machinery used to harvest crops or slash grass are encouraged to take particular care, although their use is not included in this ban.

“There are significant penalties that can be imposed on anyone not adhering to both the Total Fire Ban restrictions and Tasmania Police are planning to conduct regular patrols,” Mr Brown said.

All fires should be reported by dialling 000 and asking for the fire service.

More information:

• www.fire.tas.gov.au
• www.bom.gov.au

Fire weather warning

Fire Weather Warning for the Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts

Issued at 10.10pm on Monday, January 16, 2012.
For Tuesday, January 17

Very High Fire Danger is forecast for the Upper Derwent Valley, Midlands and South East, with maximum temperatures around 34 degrees, relative humidity down to 17% and winds averaging 50 km/h expected.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

•     Check your bush fire survival plan - now
•     Monitor the fire and weather situation on ABC radio or through www.fire.tas.gov.au
•     If power supplies fail, listen on your car radio

The Tasmania Fire Service advises that if you are in an area of Very High or Severe Fire Danger:

•     Get ready now to leave for a safe place
•     Leave immediately if fire breaks out near you
•     Only stay if your home is well prepared to withstand fire and you can actively defend it

The next warning will be issued by 5am Tuesday.

New Norfolk weather forecast here.

Dick Smith picks our fruit

FRUIT from the Derwent Valley is set for a return to Australian tables as the key ingredients of a new range of jams being launched by Dick Smith Foods. Today's issue of the Sunday Tasmanian reports that the Clark family farm at Westerway will supply raspberries and blackberries for Dick Smith's "Magnificent Australian Grown Foods".

This is a welcome return to the heyday of smallfruit growing in the Derwent Valley. For generations, local growers supplied fruit to Sir Henry Jones for jam-making at his IXL factory in Hobart. In 1923 Sir Henry established a processing plant in Stephen St, New Norfolk, to pulp fruit for export to England. The building is now home to New Norfolk Timber.

• Sunday Tasmanian article
• Dick Smith Foods

Congratulations to the Clark family of Westerway.

Fireworks for Macca's big day

McDonald's New Norfolk

THE official opening of McDonald's New Norfolk will be celebrated on January 20 in association with Hobart radio station 100.9 Sea FM.

The restaurant has been trading since December 19 and reported a successful launch other than some initial computer problems. Its Facebook page thanked the New Norfolk community for their welcome, support and patience.

Next week's official opening is expected to include a visit from corporate mascot Ronald McDonald, while Sea FM is running a competition to select someone aged from 7-15 to set off a firework display scheduled for 9pm.

Sea FM's "Sea Patrol" will be at McDonald's New Norfolk on Thursday, January 19, with giveaways and the announcement of the fireworks competition winner.

• Sea FM competition: seafmhobart.com.au

Sprintcar star at the speedway this Saturday

ONE of the world's top speedway stars will race in round six of the sprintcar series at the Hobart International Speedway, at Sorell Creek on Saturday night.

Top-ranked American speedway sprintcar star Craig Dollansky is flying direct from the US to race at Latrobe on Friday night and then heading straight to Hobart to compete on Saturday night as well.

Dollansky, from Minnesota, finished fifth in the World of Outlaws Series and fifth in the Knoxville Nationals in the US in 2011 - both considered the premier series and most sought after sprintcar crowns in the world.

Dubbed "The Crowd Pleaser", Dollansky will arrive in Tasmania tomorrow (Thursday) to race a brand new car he has built in the US for Launceston's Darren Goodyer, which has been shipped out ahead of Dollansky and will remain in Tasmania after his five-meeting Australian tour, which also includes race meetings at Geelong, Mt Gambier  and Warrnambool.

Local drivers will make sure any victory claimed by the visitor will be hard earned. One of his biggest threats will be Hobart teenager Shaun Dobson who has returned home for several weeks, taking a spell from the World Series Sprintcars championship. Dobson will race at Latrobe and Hobart on Saturday before heading back to the mainland for several major race meetings.
 

Former Tasmanian champion Tim Hutchins has been in form this season and will be fired up after blowing his lead in the final at Carrick last Saturday night after a simple mistake. Jamie Bricknell has also been in red hot form, but crashed on the opening lap at Carrick after qualifying on grid three for the final and will be keen to get back on the podium and prove his ability against a driver of Dollansky's calibre. Former state champion Kurt Luttrell has also been in great form since losing his State title last month, with new state champion Jason Dawkins out to back up his championship victory at the same venue with another strong performance.

Craig Dollanksy after a recent victory

This Saturday night's program will also feature the Tasmanian Street Stock Sedan Championship, plus V8 AMCAs, wingless sprintcars, Formula 500s, Tassie sixes and speedway karts. The gates will open at 2pm, with racing for karts at 4pm and the main program starting at 5.30pm.

Hobart International Speedway (presently branded as Mountain Dew Raceway) is on the Lyell Highway at Sorell Creek - ignore the television ads saying it's at Granton. Further events at the speedway are on January 14, 27 and 28, February 18 and March 17.
 

• hobartraceway.com.au
• dollanskyracing.com
  

Billion dollar bridge

Artist's impression of the new bridge

THE new Bridgewater Bridge will cost about a billion dollars by the time it is built in about a decade's time, Derwent Valley councillors were told last night. A representative of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) provided this update at the first councillor workshop of the year.

Following the most recent round of consultation, seven design principles for the new crossing of the Derwent River at Bridgewater have been determined. It is still proposed to build the new bridge alongside the existing heritage-listed crossing. The design principles are:

1. The new crossing will provide a standard of service consistent with the Brooker Highway and Brighton Bypass (four lanes of traffic and a design speed of 110km/h)
2. Height/airdraft at the navigation span at the Bowen Bridge should be maintained at Bridgewater (18m)
3. The rail corridor will be retained across the river at Bridgewater (on the old bridge - the new bridge will have a rail "corridor" for future use but no actual railway lines)
4. The design and construction will have the least possible impact on the community and its environment and will explore opportunities such as maximising the “Gateway to Hobart” concept
5. Transport connectivity and functionality should be maintained, recognising the strategic importance of efficient and effective movement to/from the Lyell Highway
6. Pedestrians and cyclists to be accommodated (on the new bridge)
7. The design process is transparent, timely and accessible

A recent design change saw the inclusion of a two-lane on-ramp from the Lyell Highway. Two lanes will allow trucks to climb the steep grade up to the bridge without delaying smaller and faster vehicles.  

Last night's briefing to the Derwent Valley Council was the final stage of the current phase of community consultation.  The State Government will now make an application to the Federal Government for about $16 million to progress the project by securing the corridor (property aquisition) and completing a "reference design". The current plans are described as a "concept design".

Councillors heard that it would cost about $500 million in today's prices to construct the new bridge to the proposed design, but by the time the bridge was built in about 10 years time the cost would be about a billion dollars.

The latest plans will be on display for three weeks from January 9 at the Derwent Valley Council Chambers and in the windows at the former Valley Vision office in High St.

An artist's impression of the new bridge alongside the existing causeway

Meet the prefects

NEW Norfolk High School has named its prefect board for 2012. The new prefects are: Sophie Briggs, Jye County, Jessica Hall, Jamie Heron, Tyson Gray, Dylan Jones, Alex Kemp, Alice Mutton, Tyron Rainbird, Bradley Ransley, Mya Silverthorn, Karlee Tatchell and Caitlin White.

The election process included a written application, formal interview, speeches to the whole school and making posters for display.

Taxi licence fees to fall

ANNUAL fees for cabs operating in New Norfolk and all other taxi areas within Tasmania will be reduced this year, Sustainable Transport minister Nick McKim said recently. Mr McKim said the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources would lower the annual fees payable by all licence holders in 2012.

“This means that the annual taxi fees in the Hobart and Launceston areas will fall by $93.80 to $613.20, while taxi fees in Devonport, Burnie, Ulverstone, George Town, Perth, West Tamar and New Norfolk will decrease by $70 to $462,” Mr McKim said. “Annual licence fees for remaining taxi areas will fall from $210 to $182. This demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to this important industry and prudent financial management.”