New Year fun at Mt Field

THE Discovery Ranger Summer Program continues into the New Year at many national parks, including Mt Field National Park in the Derwent Valley. A Discovery Ranger will offer free fun and educational activities at various times.

Bring sunscreen, sturdy shoes and a hat for all daytime activities. Programmed activities may change in adverse weather.

Friday, January 1
11am – How to be a Naturalist. Learn about the life-enhancing benefits of the study of natural history, whatever “ology” you choose. Meet Discovery Ranger Alex outside the Visitor Centre. (1 hr).
3.30pm – Tasmanian Wildlife. Learn about the creatures that make Tasmania special through a spectacular and entertaining photographic presentation. Meet in the Fagus Room. (1hr).

Saturday, January 2
11am – 100 metres of Wonder. Join Discovery Ranger Alex on a short nature walk and have your eyes opened to a new world at your feet. Meet at the William Crooke shelter behind the Visitor Centre. (1hr).
3pm – Feral Peril. Introduced animals are a major threat to many iconic Tasmanian species. Learn how to identify and reduce these threats. Meet at the Interpretation Centre. (1hr).

Sunday, January 3
11am – Eww! What’s on my shoe? Have your boots cleaned and find out what you can do to help protect Tasmania’s bush and waterways. Come and chat with Discovery Ranger Alex behind the Visitor Centre.
3pm – Weird, Wild and Wonderful. Discover some of Australia’s spectacular and bizarre fauna with Discovery Ranger (and photographer) Alex. Meet at the Fagus Room. (1hr).

Monday, January 4
11am – Really Big Trees. Get a new perspective on trees, landscape, the history and future of humanity and your place within it. Meet at the Tall Trees Car Park. (1.5hrs).
3pm – Art in the Bush. Discover your inner artist using natural materials to make temporary works of spiritual expression. Meet at the William Crooke shelter behind the Visitor Centre. (1hr.)

Next activities Friday, January 8.

Full details are on the Parks and Wildlife Service website.

PLEASE NOTE: These activities are free, but a valid Park Pass is required for activities in the national park. Wear appropriate clothing, sunblock, insect repellent and footwear. Activities may be cancelled in adverse weather (check with Visitor Centre staff). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For further inquiries about the Discovery Program at Mt Field contact Alex Dudley on 0428 407 598.

Council calls for comment on credit cards

PUBLIC comment is being sought on a draft policy governing use of credit cards at the Derwent Valley Council. The policy has been published on the council website and can be downloaded here.

General manager Greg Winton said public feedback was being invited prior to the policy being formally adopted. Comments can be submitted in writing, addressed to the general manager, up until February 10, 2016.

Two drivers injured in crash

THE Lyell Highway between Granton and New Norfolk has recently reopened following a crash that injured the drivers of two cars earlier this morning.

Two vehicles were involved in a crash near Millbrook Rise at New Norfolk around 10am. Police closed the road and diverted traffic via Boyer Rd.

A police spokesman said both drivers would be taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment for suspected neck injuries as the result of the crash.

More at the Mercury website.

Final goodbyes at Glasser & Parker

AS 2015 draws to a close, so too does the Glasser & Parker shop at 41 High St, where long-term workmates Greg Hudson and Carol Collins are preparing to close the doors for the last time tomorrow afternoon.

Colleagues for more than four decades, Mr Hudson and Mrs Collins have been through all the changes at the business that started out as Ron Williams Men's and Boys' Wear in the early 1950s and then traded as a Mensland store from the 1970s until it was taken over by Les Lees in 2002, and most recently as a branch of the well-known Hobart firm of Glasser and Parker for the last decade.

With the owners of Glasser & Parker deciding to retire and close all three stores, Mr Hudson and Mrs Collins have supervised the closing-down sale at the New Norfolk branch and will close for the last time tomorrow afternoon (December 31).

Thanks to Greg and Carol and their various other workmates over the years for their friendly and professional service.

Greg Hudson will continue to represent Graham Family Funerals, who will maintain the existing office at the rear of Glasser & Parker, using the Leatham St entrance.


  

Reader's letter: Campsite wanted

Land or bush block by the river, wanted for a camping holiday in the Derwent Valley region in late 2016.

Hi, we are a retired couple from Toowoomba in southeast Queensland and planning another trip to Tasmania starting in November 2016 for six months.

We are hoping to find a nice secluded and private piece of land on the banks of the Gordon/Derwent River or similar, to camp on for two to six weeks.  We have a fully self-contained motorhome and tow a vehicle so we don’t need any facilities just relatively flat campsite and water.

If you have something suitable we can pay a small rent or maybe you are looking for house/ farm sitters around this time.  We prefer a rural location and are flexible with dates.

Colin & Jane McAuliffe
Email: colmcauliffe@bigpond.com

Food means jobs in the Derwent Valley

Click image to enlarge.

THE Derwent Valley municipality ranks in the top three Tasmanian local government areas based on the percentage of people employed in the food and grocery processing sector.

According to figures released by the Australian Food and Grocery Council, the Derwent Valley municipality has 253 people employed in food and grocery manufacturing.

This represents 6.53% of the total workforce in the municipality, and 57.37% of the total manufacturing workforce in the area.

"The food and grocery manufacturing sector is a key employer in your local government area, employing a significantly higher than average number of workers in our sector," Australian Food and Grocery Council chief executive officer Garry Dawson said in a letter to the Derwent Valley Council.

"Our members transform farm produce into food and the essentials of life, providing a wide range of high quality, safe produce for every Australian, every day," Mr Dawson said.

In Tasmania, the Derwent Valley ranks behind only King Island (17.6%) and Circular Head (12.8%) in this regard. The food and grocery processing sector includes food product manufacturing, beverage and tobacco manufacturing, pulp and paper manufacturing, chemical product manufacturing, and polymer and rubber product manufacturing.

Blake storms into Under-15 southern side

HARD work and determination is what it takes to achieve your sporting goals and that's exactly what Blake Mayne has been doing. The Gretna Under 16s all-rounder has been attending the trials for the Emerging Tigers program and has now been named in the Southern Storm Under 15s team that will play in the Commonwealth Bank Intrastate Cup in January.

Mayne, 15, will travel from his home town of Bothwell to Devonport on the North West Coast where he and the team will play against other teams from around Tasmania.

The talented cricketer has been in good form with Gretna this season. A top score of 44 runs with the bat and best figures of 3 for 7 off five overs with the ball puts Mayne in good stead for his upcoming representative matches.

Well done Blake. You have worked hard for your spot in the team and I'm sure your mum Kristy, dad Mathew and brothers Caleb, Bailey and Riley will all be proudly cheering you on.

WADE GLEESON

Discover Mt Field this summer

THE Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service's  Summer Discovery Ranger program has started today at Mt Field National Park and will run until January 25, 2016. Skilled and experienced rangers will offer visitors to Tasmania's national parks the chance to join in a wide range of activities such as guided walks, evening talks, childrens' activities and more.

The Discovery Ranger program will be the first event in a series of year-long events to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the first national parks in Tasmania - Mt Field and Freycinet. For the first time, Mandarin-speaking Discovery Rangers will be based at Mt Field and Frecyinet to provide assistance to Asian visitors.

For those travelling outside the Derwent Valley, the summer ranger program is also being held at the following locations: Bruny Island, Tasman National Park, Maria Island, Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires, North-East reserves and Scottsdale/Bridport area, Narwantapu and northern reserves, Arthur-Pieman and north-west reserves, Cradle Mountain. There will also be penguin and shearwater guides at the Bruny Island Neck and Lillico Beach Conservation Area.

Mt Field National Park Discovery Ranger program

Monday, December 28
11am – Really Big Trees. Get a new perspective on trees, landscape, the history and future of humanity and your place within it. Meet at the Tall Trees Car Park. (1.5hrs).
3pm – Art in the Bush. Discover your inner artist using natural materials to make temporary works of spiritual expression. Meet at the William Crooke shelter behind the Visitor Centre. (1hr.)

Tuesday, December 29
10am–noon – Roving Ranger. The friendly Discovery Ranger will be on the Russell Falls Track. Have all your wildlife questions answered and get some local knowledge along the way.
3pm – Feral Peril. Introduced animals are a major threat to many iconic Tasmanian species. Learn how to identify and reduce these threats. Meet at the Fagus Room in the visitor centre. (1hr).

Wednesday, December 30
10.30am – Falling Water, Falling Trees. Join Discovery Ranger Alex on a guided natural history walk to Russell Falls. Meet outside the Visitor Centre. (1hr).
3pm – Creepy Crawlies. Invertebrates are bizarre and beautiful, fascinating and sometimes fearsome. Join this remarkable photographic presentation in the Fagus Room at the Visitor Centre. (1hr).

Thursday, December 31
10.30am – Creatures Great and Small. Join Discovery Ranger Alex on a short nature walk to discover the engines of the forest that may not be so obvious. Meet outside the Visitor Centre. (1 hr).
8.30pm – Quiz Night. Fun and frivolity reign supreme when education meets with entertainment at this now annual event. Team up and test your knowledge of Tasmanian parks at the Fagus Room in the Visitor Centre. (1hr).

Full details are on the Parks and Wildlife Service website.

PLEASE NOTE: These activities are free, but a valid Park Pass is required for activities in the national park. Wear appropriate clothing, sunblock, insect repellent and footwear. Activities may be cancelled in adverse weather (check with Visitor Centre staff). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For further inquiries about the Discovery Program at Mt Field contact Alex Dudley on 0428 407 598.

Boxing Day road weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast and South East forecast districts

Issued at 4:04pm on Friday 25 December 2015.

Slippery roads will make driving conditions dangerous during Saturday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

The next alert will be issued by 11pm Friday.

Christmas Day: severe fire danger in the valley

Bureau of Meteorology

Tasmania

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

Issued at 3:59pm on Thursday 24 December 2015.

Weather Situation: Temperatures in the low to mid thirties, low relative humidity, and northwesterly winds of 35 to 40km/h are expected.

For Friday, December 25:

Severe Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast district: Upper Derwent Valley 
Very High Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts: East Coast, Midlands and South East 

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

• Action your Bushfire Survival Plan now.Monitor the fire and weather situation through your local radio station, www.fire.tas.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au.
• Call 000 (Triple Zero) in an emergency.

For information on preparing for bushfires go to www.fire.tas.gov.au.

The next warning will be issued by 5am Friday.

Christmas Day total fire ban

TOMORROW, December 25, 2015, has been declared a Day of Total Fire Ban for the following municipalities: Brighton, Derwent Valley, Hobart, Sorell, Central Highlands, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Huon Valley, Southern Midlands, Clarence, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Tasman.

No fires may be lit or allowed to remain alight in the open air from 12am Friday, December 25, until 12am Saturday, December 26, 2015.

Mechanical Harvesting is not permitted between the hours of 9am-9pm tomorrow.

Christmas lunch in New Norfolk

A FREE Christmas lunch will be available at the St Matthew's Church Hall in Bathurst St, New Norfolk, on Christmas Day tomorrow. The lunch is provided by the churches of New Norfolk, particularly for those who may be on their own at Christmas.

Lunch starts at noon and the theme is "bring a friend or come and make a friend." This will be followed by a concert at 2pm. For more information, to request transport or to make a booking (to assist with catering) phone 0409 954 052 or 0429 611 528.

What else is on this Christmas?

• Christmas Eve, December 24: St Peter's Catholic Church, Hillside Crescent, New Norfolk, Christmas Eve Mass at 6pm, featuring children's nativity.
• Christmas Eve, December 24: Salvation Army, 79 Hamilton Rd, Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7pm. Supper afterwards.
• Christmas Eve, December 24: Christmas eucharist with carols, St Matthew's Anglican Church, Bathurst St, New Norfolk, 11pm.

• Christmas Day, December 25: Christmas family eucharist, St Matthew's Anglican Church, Bathurst St, New Norfolk, 9.30am.
• Christmas Day, December 25: Holy Communion, St John the Baptist Anglican Church, Ouse, 10am.

Season's greetings to all readers of the New Norfolk News.

Ngaire logs off

Ngaire Glover is farewelled by the Derwent Valley Online
Access Centre's assistant co-ordinator Michael Kitchener.

THE longest-serving volunteer at the Derwent Valley Online Access Centre has called it a day after more than 15 years of service.

Not only had Ngaire Glover been a volunteer since the centre's opening in December 2000, she had also served on the steering committee formed in November 1998 to obtain the necessary funding to establish the centre.

Co-located with the New Norfolk Library in Charles St, the Derwent Valley Online Access Centre was the 61st established under the Tasmanian Communities Online initiative to provide public access to computers and the internet, as well as basic training in various applications. The network eventually grew to 66, mostly in rural and regional areas.

As well as being part of the centre's management committee for a number of years, Mrs Glover's contribution included staffing the centre on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings for most of the last 15 years.

Thank you Ngaire for your outstanding contribution to the community.

Keeping watch on water quality

WATER quality in the River Derwent and its tributaries above New Norfolk will be closely monitored over the next year to keep tabs on changes in southern Tasmania’s major drinking water supply.

The 12-month monitoring trial is an initiative of the Derwent Estuary Program in co-operation with TasWater, Hydro Tasmania and NRM South. The focus area will be the Derwent River above New Norfolk and in its tributaries including the Plenty, Styx, Tyenna, Clyde, Broad, Dee, Ouse and Florentine Rivers.

Water samples from 14 sites are being taken monthly and they align with a monitoring program last conducted in 1998.

Derwent Estuary Program director Christine Coughanowr said a review of the state of the catchment in 2011 identified land use changes and water-quality issues that may affect drinking and ambient water quality.

“The water quality of the Derwent in 1998 was excellent however an observed increase in nutrients in the Derwent estuary near New Norfolk, plus the findings of the 2011 catchment review, has prompted the DEP and other organisations to revisit the monitoring program” Ms Coughanowr said.

“The security of fresh water from the Derwent River for drinking, farming, industry and the natural environment is essential and this trial will help inform best practice management to mitigate pollution” she said.

“The monitoring of the Derwent and its tributaries will provide baseline information for managing water quality now and in the future, and may also help explain why we have seen an increase in nutrients in the upper estuary. A co-operative monitoring program such as this one will see a whole of catchment picture emerge which will improve opportunities for managing often complex issues that affect river water quality."

Results of the water quality trial will be made publicly available. More information about the Derwent Catchment and the State of the Derwent Estuary is available at the Derwent Estuary Program website. 

Established in 1999, the Derwent Estuary Program is a regional partnership between local governments, the Tasmanian Government, industries, scientists and community-based groups to restore and promote the estuary. Major sponsors include the Brighton, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils, the Tasmanian Government, Nyrstar Hobart, Norske Skog Boyer, TasWater, TasPorts and Hydro Tasmania.

Amcal back after two decades

Amcal branding has returned to the pharmacy at 53 High St.

THE Amcal brand has returned to New Norfolk after an absence of nearly 20 years.

The chemist's shop at 53 High St has switched back to Amcal after a long period trading as Healthsense Pharmacy and most recently Terry White Chemists.

The shop spent many years as an Amcal chemist under the ownership of Brian and Rosalie Cannon in the 1970s-90s but changed to Healthsense when sold to Katie and Paul McNamara in 1997. Later, when the McNamaras were in partnership with Richard Lennon, it traded under the Terry White brand.

The pharmacy is understood to have changed hands mid-year but the switch back to Amcal is so recent that the official website has not yet caught up with the news, but the location has been removed from the Terry White site.

Google Streetview image of the premises in 2009.

In addition to the Amcal rebranding, new signwriting on the shop's awning identify the business as the New Norfolk Community Pharmacy, a surprisingly similar name to the long-established New Norfolk Pharmacy at 6 High St, which operates under the Guardian brand.

The Amcal and Guardian brands are both owned by Sigma Pharmaceuticals.

Council's Christmas closure

The Derwent Valley Council office and depot will be closed from noon this Thursday, December 24, until 8.30am on January 4, 2016.

• Garbage collection for Friday, December 25 will instead occur on Saturday, December 26, 2015 and the recycling collection will be on Tuesday, December 29. Please ensure that bins are placed for collection prior to 6am.
• All other garbage and recycling collections will operate as normal including the service scheduled for Friday, January 1, 2016 will be as normal.
• The National Park Waste Transfer Station will operate as normal.
• The New Norfolk Landfill Site will close at 11.30am on December 24 and will be closed on Christmas Day. The site will reopen on Boxing Day, December 26.
• New Norfolk and Bushy Park swimming pools will be closed on Christmas Day
• Glen Grey House will reopen on January 4.
• The Valley Children’s Centre will be closed from December 23 and will reopen on January 4.

The council’s emergency telephone number is 6261 8500 (24 hours).

• For police, fire and ambulance emergencies call 000
• For non-emergency police matters call 131 444
• TasWater, phone 136 992
• Power outages, phone 132 004.

Mighty hopeful of opening soon

The Charles St frontage of the new Williams Mitre 10.

IF 2015 is remembered as the year of the big new Woolworths supermarket in New Norfolk, then 2016 will surely be the year of the new Mitre 10.

Stretching across the width of a whole block from Charles St to Stephen St, the new hardware store will have a huge 1200m of floorspace.

The construction project is being carried out by Hutchinson Builders for the Williams family who have operated a hardware business in High St for more than 20 years.

Sign writing was carried out last week and it is understood that the new premises will be open not too far into the new year. Meanwhile, the existing store at 41 High St has been offered for sale or lease by Roberts Real Estate.

The new store will have drive-through on-site parking.

Fire weather warning cancelled

Bureau of Meteorology

Tasmania

Cancellation of Fire Weather Warning
for the Upper Derwent Valley, Furneaux Islands, Central North, North East, East Coast, Midlands and South East forecast districts

Issued at 4:49pm on Sunday 20 December 2015.

Weather Situation

Temperatures are dropping and relative humidities rising as a cold front crosses the state.

For the rest of Sunday 20 December:

The Fire Weather Warning for the Furneaux Islands, Central North, North East, East Coast, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts has been cancelled.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

• Action your Bushfire Survival Plan now.
• Monitor the fire and weather situation through your local radio station, www.fire.tas.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au.
• Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
• For information on preparing for bushfires go to www.fire.tas.gov.au.

No further warnings will be issued for this event.

In2Cricket wraps up for 2015

Glenora In2Cricket participants at their end-of-season event
at the Gretna Cricket Club.

THE Glenora District School Milo in2Cricket participants recently completed their final session at the Gretna Cricket Club.

The group has been under the guidance of co-ordinator Annie McKenzie and helpers Tash Farrow, Wendy Hickman as well as parents.

The program was completed over a seven-week period in which the children learned the basic skills and teamwork of the game. The season ended with a barbecue provided by the Gretna Cricket Club, after which the children watched the next stage of their cricket pathway, the Milo T20 Blast program, in action.

"Our Milo in2Cricket group which is for ages 5 to 8 years is a lot smaller from previous years," Annie McKenzie said. "This is mainly due to the introduction of the new Milo T20 Blast program which is an excellent concept that caters for children aged 7 to 12 years," Annie said.

Well done kids, let's hope we see you all back again next year.

WADE GLEESON

What you need to know today

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

• Has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban. More: www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Very High Fire Danger has been forecast in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands. More: www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings
• Report all fires by calling Triple Zero (000)
• Hot weather conditions are forecast in the region. Weather updates.
• The New Norfolk tip site and the National Park waste transfer station are closed due to the fire danger.
• Public swimming pools at New Norfolk and Bushy Park are open.
• Please limit non-essential water use such as gardening and car washing today. More.

Total Fire Ban today (Sunday)

TODAY, Sunday, December 20, has been declared a Day of Total Fire Ban for much of Tasmania including the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands and the rest of the Southern and Northern regions of the state.

No fires may now be lit or allowed to remain alight in the open air until Monday, December 21.

General advice on a day of Total Fire Ban

Tools and Equipment: Tools and equipment that use a naked flame or generate sparks such as welding or grinding, must not be used in the open air.

If essential works are required to be done a special permit may be issued, after a thorough investigation of each application. Apply to your TFS Regional Office.

Barbecues that use wood, charcoal or other solid fuel are banned: Gas and electric barbecues are permitted subject to the strict application of the conditions set out below.

Gas and electric barbecues provided in public reserves/campsites may be used providing:

• the barbecue is electric or gas fired
• the barbecue is fixed permanent structure.

Portable gas and electric barbecues may be used provided the barbecue is located within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling (mobile homes, caravans or tents are not classified as permanent dwellings).

Additional conditions that apply to the use of portable electric and gas fired barbecues and barbecues in public reserves and campsites:

• the area for three metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of flammable material.
• an adult is in attendance at all times
• a tap with hose connected is ready for use
• at least 10 litres of water is on hand in case of emergency. 

Water Usage: For information regarding water usage during a day of Total Fire Ban please refer to www.taswater.com.au 

Fire Weather Warning
for the Furneaux Islands, Central North, North East, East Coast, Midlands, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts
Issued at 4:30pm on Saturday 19 December 2015.

Weather Situation
Maximum temperatures reaching the mid to high thirties, relative humidity down to around 20%, and winds up to 30 to 35 km/h are expected today. Similar conditions are expected on Sunday although northwesterly winds are expected to reach 35 to 50km/h.

For Sunday, December 20:
Very High Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts: Central North and Upper Derwent Valley
Some bushfires breaking out will spread rapidly and be difficult to control. There is a possibility that people in the path of a fire who are not well prepared may be killed or seriously injured.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

• Action your Bushfire Survival Plan now.
• Monitor the fire and weather situation through your local radio station, www.fire.tas.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au.
• Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
• For information on preparing for bushfires go to www.fire.tas.gov.au.

The next warning will be issued by 5am Sunday.

Two new places to take tea

Historic Hawthorn Lodge at Bushy Park. Now open for teas.

TRADITIONAL English-style cream teas will be the specialty of one of two new businesses in the Derwent Valley.

The new owners of Hawthorn Lodge at Bushy Park have re-opened the historic house as a bed and breakfast and from this weekend it will also trade as the Lazy Tearooms and gift shop, offering freshly-baked scones, served with locally made fruit jams topped with clotted cream.

Customers will be able to select the tea of their choice and enjoy it served in porcelain teapots and cups. Coffee will be available as well. Tea can be served on the verandah overlooking the 100-year-old sequoias in the beautiful grounds or by the roaring fire on cooler days. Also available will be sweet treats, cheese boards and toasted sandwiches. The associated gift shop features products mostly sourced in Tasmania.

Hawthorn Lodge is at 1733 Glenora Rd, Bushy Park. The Lazy Tearooms will be open on weekends from 10am-6pm. Phone 6286 1240, email marie@hawthornlodge.com.au or visit www.hawthornlodge.com.au.

Meanwhile at Maydena, the operators of Mt Field's Waterfalls Cafe have taken over the former Forestry Hub, opening yesterday an as-yet un-named cafe. The business will initially operate from 10am-4pm, seven days a week.

The Maydena Hub is in Kallista Rd, Maydena. Rachel Power has announced that she and her husband Greg have taken on the lease for the Hub, with the intention of buying the premises. Mrs Power has asked Maydena locals for suggestions for a name for the new business and what they would like to see provided there.

What you need to know today

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015

• Has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban. More: www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Very High Fire Danger has been forecast in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands. More: www.bom.gov.au/tas/warnings
• Report all fires by calling Triple Zero (000)
• Hot weather conditions are forecast in the region. Weather updates.
• The New Norfolk tip site and the National Park waste transfer station are closed due to the fire danger.
• Public swimming pools at New Norfolk and Bushy Park are open.
• Please limit non-essential water use such as gardening and car washing today. More.

Total Fire Ban today (Saturday)

TODAY, Saturday December 19 and tomorrow, Sunday, December 20, has been declared a Day of Total Fire Ban for much of Tasmania including the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands and the rest of the Southern and Northern regions of the state.

No fires may now be lit or allowed to remain alight in the open air until Monday, December 21.

General advice on a day of Total Fire Ban

Tools and Equipment: Tools and equipment that use a naked flame or generate sparks such as welding or grinding, must not be used in the open air.

If essential works are required to be done a special permit may be issued, after a thorough investigation of each application. Apply to your TFS Regional Office.

Barbecues that use wood, charcoal or other solid fuel are banned: Gas and electric barbecues are permitted subject to the strict application of the conditions set out below.

Gas and electric barbecues provided in public reserves/campsites may be used providing:

• the barbecue is electric or gas fired
• the barbecue is fixed permanent structure.

Portable gas and electric barbecues may be used provided the barbecue is located within 20 metres of a permanent dwelling (mobile homes, caravans or tents are not classified as permanent dwellings).

Additional conditions that apply to the use of portable electric and gas fired barbecues and barbecues in public reserves and campsites:

• the area for three metres around and above the barbecue is completely cleared of flammable material.
• an adult is in attendance at all times
• a tap with hose connected is ready for use
• at least 10 litres of water is on hand in case of emergency. 

Water Usage: For information regarding water usage during a day of Total Fire Ban please refer to www.taswater.com.au 

Total fire ban all weekend

TWO consecutive days of Total Fire Ban have been declared for the Northern and Southern Regions of the state from midnight on Friday, December 18, until midnight on Sunday, December 20.

Municipalities within these regions include: Brighton, Derwent Valley, Hobart, Sorell, Central Highlands, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Huon Valley, Southern Midlands, Clarence, Glenorchy, Kingborough, Tasman, Break O'Day, George Town, Northern Midlands, Dorset, Launceston, West Tamar, Flinders, and Meander Valley.

Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Gavin Freeman said warm weather is expected over the weekend and vegetation across the state is quickly drying. As a result, bushfires can start easily and develop quickly into large fires that are difficult to control. Conditions can rapidly change and people need to be ready to act.

On days of Total Fire Ban, all outdoor fires are banned except electric stoves and barbecues, and gas stoves and barbecues, provided they are cleared of flammable material for at least three metres. All barbecues, portable stoves, pizza ovens etc that use wood, charcoal, heat beads or other solid or liquid fuel are banned.

This ban includes the use of cutting, grinding, welding or other similar equipment in the open, as well as machine harvesting activities.

Mr Freeman added that members of the community who had fires on their properties recently need to check the fire is completely extinguished, and regularly check the fire over the weekend. "This means turning the coals over to ensure there are no hot spots, and dowsing the coals with water if required," Mr Freeman said. "This will help stop hot embers being blown into unburnt vegetation, as well as preventing the spread of fire through underground root systems."

While the Total Fire Ban is in place people are asked to avoid non-essential water use. Turning off sprinkler systems and using hoses sparingly will help ensure that water is available for firefighting and protecting properties should it be required.

Mr Freeman said everyone living in and around the bush need to review their Bushfire Survival Plan now and be prepared to implement that plan if required. Details on how to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan, preparing your property for bushfires, or other fire safety tips can be found from the front page of the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au

"There are significant penalties that can be imposed on anyone not adhering to the Total Fire Ban restrictions," Mr Freeman said.

People should monitor the TFS website www.fire.tas.gov.au to keep up-to-date with conditions and listen to the local ABC radio station.

All fires should be reported by dialling Triple Zero (000).

Saturday: Very high fire danger

Bureau of Meteorology

Tasmania

Fire Weather Warning
for the Upper Derwent Valley, Central North, East Coast and Midlands forecast districts

Issued at 4:28pm on Friday 18 December 2015.

Weather Situation

Maximum temperatures reaching the mid to high thirties, relative humidity down to 15%, and winds up to 35 to 40 km/h are expected.

For Saturday 19 December:

Severe Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast district: Midlands
Some bushfires breaking out will spread rapidly and be uncontrollable. Some people in the path of a fire may be killed or seriously injured.

Very High Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts: Central North, East Coast and Upper Derwent Valley
Some bushfires breaking out will spread rapidly and be difficult to control. There is a possibility that people in the path of a fire who are not well prepared may be killed or seriously injured.

The Tasmania Fire Service advises you to:

• Action your Bushfire Survival Plan now.
• Monitor the fire and weather situation through your local radio station, www.fire.tas.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au.
• Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

For information on preparing for bushfires go to www.fire.tas.gov.au.

The next warning will be issued by 5am Saturday.

Christmas at St Matthew's

HISTORIC St Matthew's Anglican Church in New Norfolk has a number of Christmas services coming up, all of which are open to the public.

This Sunday's (December 20) 9.30am service will be Holy Communion with carols, while the 7pm service will be a Christmas festival featuring excerpts from the Messiah with the St Matthew's Singers, as well as a Christmas play performed by children from the Junior St Matthew’s Singers, community carol singing and supper afterwards.

At 11pm on Christmas Eve (December 24) there will be a Christmas Eucharist with carols and the following morning at 9.30 there will be a Christmas Day family Christmas Eucharist with carols. At noon on Christmas Day a free lunch will be served in the parish hall (all welcome).

• New Norfolk Christmas calendar here.

Lachlan fire being controlled

A BUSHFIRE at Lachlan is being brought under control after massed resources were deployed earlier tonight. The fire in the area of Lachlan Rd and Illabrook Rd was first reported just after 6pm.

Firefighters from several local brigades were quickly on the scene and two water-bombing helicopters within an hour. The aircraft swooped fast and low over New Norfolk, drawing water from the River Derwent to dump onto the fire.

When last updated at 9.44pm, the fire was covering an area of about one hectare. There may be smoke and fire activity within the burnt area for some time, but there is no cause for alarm.

If there is any fire activity causing you concern, report it to the Tasmania Fire Service by calling Triple Zero (000).

Local cricket - week 10

Southern Cricket Association
Round 10 - Derwent Valley games

FIRST GRADE
New Norfolk I went down to Wellington at Eady St by five wickets. The Red Caps had first knock and faced out their allotted 50 overs making 9/187. Harry Booth 64 (four fours, two sixes) and John Ferguson 62 (seven fours, one six) were the two shinning lights for the team but no scores over 13 were forthcoming. In reply Wellington finished 5/191 off 31 overs. John Ferguson capped off a good individual performance taking 2-17 off 7 overs.

In the other First Grade match, Molesworth I had a wash out at Boyer Oval with St Virgil's.

SECOND GRADE
Gretna I had the bye.

THIRD GRADE
Playing short on Saturday, Bushy Park went down to Runnymede by 57 runs. The home side had first hit making 10/204 off 49.3 overs. Of the Bushy Park bowlers, Nathan Grant 4-37 off 8.3 overs and Blake Howlett 4-36 (8) did well as did Mitch Crosswell with 2-36 (10). In reply Bushy Park was bowled out for 147 off 25.3 overs. Trent Grant top-scored with 32 while brothers Dylan Grant 27 and Nathan Grant 24 were next best.

Gretna II was no match for the Knights at Collinsvale Oval, losing by 129 runs. The home side had first hit racking up the very good score of 5/334. Darren Lennox took 1-33 (10) and Adam Browning 2-87 (10). In reply Gretna finished 8/205, facing their full 50 overs. Brian Smith again showed all how to bat, making 77 hitting (eight fours and five sixes). Zac Crosswell is in good form of late and scored 33 (seven fours). Well done to captain Damien Hack who played his 150th game for Gretna II on Saturday.

FOURTH GRADE
Playing at home, Bothwell I defeated Molesworth II by six wickets. Molesworth had first knock and was bowled out for 106 off 34.4 overs. Young Jordan Eiszele top-scored for the visitors with 31 (three fours), while opener Nick Piuselli made 19 (two fours). Of the Bucks bowlers, Peter Hansch did well taking 3-19 off 7 overs as did Trent Rogers 3-36 (9). In reply the home side lost just four wickets finishing 4/109 off 27.1 overs.  Brothers Cody Eyles 32 runs and Blake Eyles 30no led the way for a good win for the Bucks. Nick Piuselli was the best of the Molesworth bowlers finishing with 3-25 off 6 overs. In last week's report it was incorrectly stated that Cody Eyles was captain of Bothwell II when in fact he is captain of Bothwell I.

New Norfolk II went down to the Weily Park Rockers by 61 runs at Weily Park. The home side had first hit making 9/214 off 41 overs. Six of the seven Red Cap bowlers took wickets. Of those Cody Morgan-Coleman was the main wicket taker with 2-46 off 10. Josh Walsh showed why he opens the bowling, sending down 10 overs straight and finishing 1-14 with three maidens and not one extra. In reply New Norfolk was dismissed for 153 off 49.5 overs. Young Mitchell Rice opened the batting and top-scored with a well made 57. Rice hit eight fours and one six during his entertaining innings in what was a first half-century for the talented cricketer. Keeper Brendan Skelly also batted well, making 47no including six well-struck fours and one six.

SIXTH GRADE
An excellent spell of bowling from New Norfolk veteran Graeme Rowlands helped New Norfolk III defeat Old Beach by 69 runs and record their fifth straight victory. Playing at Old Beach, New Norfolk had first dig, making 10/126 off 37 overs. Captain Brad Kemmler top-scored with 32 runs (four fours and two sixes). Opener David Mitchelmore made 30. In reply, Old Beach was no match for the Red Cap bowlers with Graeme Rowlands turning back the clock taking 5-21 off 8 overs to help skittle the home side for just 57 off 17.5 overs. Father and son duo Brad Kemmler 2-4 (3) and Blake Kemmler 2-18 (5) also played their part with the ball. Shayne Upton got 1-9 off 0.5.

Bothwell II went down to the Knights by 62 runs. Playing at home, the Bucks won the toss and sent in the Knights who made the good score off 6/215 off 50 overs. Kelvin Eyles was the main wicket taker with 3-36 off 10 overs. In reply Bothwell was dismissed for 153 off 46.2 overs. Opener Anthony White played well with a fine half-century. All other batsman got starts but didn't go on with it. Joey Eyles was next best with 15.

Points add up to Christmas cheer

New Norfolk St Vincent de Paul manager Pauline Ackerly, centre,
receives the gift vouchers from Community Card founder Ruth Howie,
left, and Woolworths New Norfolk manager Wendy Harris, right.

THE card that accumulates unwanted frequent shopper points has this year collected enough to provide vouchers worth $2000 to a local charity.

Now in its second year, the Tasmanian Community Card is a Derwent Valley initiative that allows Woolworths customers to donate unwanted points to a central fund.

As Christmas approaches, the points are converted into $50 grocery-only gift cards for distribution to the less fortunate.

Established at the end of 2013, the card is the brainchild of New Norfolk's Ruth Howie. Shoppers can donate their points after shopping at any Woolworths or BWS store in Tasmania.

Shoppers this year contributed about 200,000 points, which were converted into 40 $50 vouchers. These were presented to the manager of the New Norfolk St Vincent de Paul Society, Pauline Ackerly, earlier this week. Mrs Ackerly told the Derwent Valley Gazette that the Tasmanian Community Card was a wonderful local initiative.

In the lead-up to Christmas, why not donate some points to kick-off next year's donations. Simply ask for your Woolworths frequent shopper points to go to the Tasmanian Community Card (card number 6194994).

Two businesses express interest in Willow Court

Bronte House at Willow Court.

THE award-winning Agrarian Kitchen cooking school has been granted an exclusive licence to negotiate with the Derwent Valley Council for the use of Bronte House at the Willow Court historic site in New Norfolk.

At the council's monthly meeting on Monday night this week, the council reversed an earlier decision to lease the building to the Derwent Valley Community House, having received a request for the community house to go to the Carinya Education Park instead.

In a written report to the meeting, council general manager Greg Winton said two proposals had been received seeking use of the council-owned building known as Bronte House or B Ward, and its immediate surrounds. "Successful grant funding has enabled the undertaking of major restoration works on the Bronte building in the past two years. This has resulted in the majority of the building now being ready for adaptive re-use," he said.

The sunroom at Bronte House.

"For some time council has been considering the potential reuse for buildings within the Willow Court precinct. The November 2015 local visit by the Prime Minister provided the first limited public viewing of the restoration works undertaken [and] it is understood this event prompted a level of interest and subsequent proposal submission," Mr Winton said.

The meeting heard that formal approaches had made been by the Agrarian Kitchen and The Eleventh Order with proposals to lease the Bronte building for a shop and restaurant including provision for functions, as well as a brasserie including a boutique brewery.

"The Agrarian Kitchen is an established business in the Derwent Valley, offering a farm-based cooking school and paddock-to-plate experience. The business operates from a heritage listed school house in Lachlan, and attracts a wide range of guests including interstate and overseas visitors," Mr Winton said.

"The Eleventh Order is an emerging boutique brewery and brasserie aiming to fill a niche market and complimenting existing cellar door and other similar experiences in the Derwent Valley and beyond," he said. "The boutique and craft beer market across the state and more broadly is currently undergoing strong expansion, the placement of The Eleventh Order in the Derwent Valley fits well with the area’s strong and ongoing association with the hop industry. The Eleventh Order proposes to target a sophisticated demographic with a family-friendly environment."

Mr Wintin said that while these were two separate proposals they would compliment each other and were not in competition for the use of the building. "These proposals are currently in the formative stages, and will require additional detail before being able to be presented to council for a final decision," he said.

"It may be problematic to have two lessees with shared amenities and common space, particularly if operating hours and requirements differ. Therefore it is suggested that discussions provide for the Agrarian Kitchen to be the primary lessor, sub-leasing to The Eleventh Order under the provisions of a lease agreement. Brief discussions with both proponents suggest that they would not be adverse to this idea. This arrangement would allow the businesses some flexibility to arrange shared space and access to amenities as per their needs."

This room was originally a dormitory when Bronte House
was built in 1925.

Under the interim Derwent Valley Planning Scheme, the Willow Court precinct comes under a Historic Heritage Code, with a separate Special Purpose zoning. "Due to this zoning any development will need to be advertised. Heritage Tasmania and other relevant experts will be consulted during further investigations into the proposed use of the site."

Mr Winton said the proposals fit broadly within the recommendations of the MacDonald Report commissioned by the council in 2011. "The proposals align with appropriate reuse of the site and represent an opportunity that deserves additional investigation and possible negotiation. The Agrarian Kitchen is a well-recognised, local commercial success story. For this reason ... the council should pursue this particular proposal in the immediate future."

Councillors voted unanimously to:

• Give initial in-principle support to the further development of the proposals for the use of the Bronte building and immediate surrounds
• Grant an exclusivity licence to the proprietors of the Agrarian Kitchen to negotiate an acceptable arrangement by 31 March 2016
• Nominate Councillors Frank Pearce and Damian Bester to assist in the process and authorise the general manager to negotiate acceptable terms
• Receive monthly reports on the progress of the proposal.

The council will continue to seek expressions of interest in the other buildings it owns at Willow Court.

The proposals have attracted wide attention on social and mainstream media today, including the Mercury and the ABC.

Road weather alert cancelled

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Cancellation of
Road Weather Alert

Issued at 7:09pm on Tuesday 15 December 2015.

The road weather alert for the Midlands and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts has been cancelled, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further alerts will be issued if necessary.

TODAY: Road weather alert

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Road Weather Alert for Tasmania
for Midlands and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts

Issued at 4:42pm on Tuesday 15 December 2015.

Reduced visibility in heavy rain in thunderstorms will make road conditions dangerous during Tuesday in parts of the Midlands and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

The next alert will be issued by 11pm Tuesday.

Christmas parade gallery

Apologies if the gallery does not play on your Apple device. Try the Mercury's gallery here.

New Norfolk Christmas Parade

Santa makes his way down High St earlier today.

A BIG crowd ignored threatening weather conditions to turn out in numbers for the New Norfolk Christmas Parade earlier today. The car park at the old Woolworths site was full for the first time since the new supermarket opened in April.

The crowd had been gathering for some time beforehand due to the new attraction of a fair in Burnett St opposite Lees Corner. Rolling road closures were managed by about a dozen members of the New Norfolk branch of the State Emergency Service.

There were 25 entries in the parade, which got under way shortly after noon, just after a light shower passed over the central business district. A dusting of snow on the hills south of New Norfolk kept the temperatures below today's forecast maximum of 17 degrees.

Families having fun on Lees Corner.

Organised by Derwent Valley Rotary Club on behalf of the New Norfolk Business Alliance, the parade was broadcast live on community radio station Tyga FM, with station manager Roz Chapman and Craig Farrell MLC giving a running commentary. Unlike last year, the participating bands did not stop opposite the Post Office for stationery performances.

Guest of honour Santa Claus made two laps of High St before proceeding to the new park on Lees Corner where the market stalls were still in operation and photos could be taken with Santa for the following hour or so.

The judging panel of Senator Jacqui Lambie, Lyons MHA Guy Barnett and Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans named Fairview Primary School as having the best presentation in the parade, followed by New Norfolk Primary School and the Derwent Valley Child and Family Centre.

Junior cricketer makes southern side

Coby Kemmler in action.

A YOUNG local cricketer is making his mark in the sport he loves.

Coby Kemmler, 13, has been attending trials for the Emerging Tigers program has been chosen to represent the Southern Storm Under 14s team in this year's Commonwealth Bank Intrastate Cup.

Kemmler, who plays with the New Norfolk Cricket Club, started training this week with the Southern Storm team, with the matches getting under way in January on the North-West Coast.

Coby Kemmler.

The right handed all-rounder has played cricket for the past four seasons and plays in both the junior and senior teams. In round one for New Norfolk III in Sixth Grade of the Southern Cricket Association, Kemmler took 4-15 off five overs against Derwent and 3-8 off 6 in round four against Weily Park, while with the bat his top score is 62 for the Under 16s against St Anne's.

When it comes to cricketing talent in the family, Coby isn't alone as his brother Blake, 17, and dad Brad have been playing alongside him in the senior teams. Best of luck Coby, it's a big achievement to be picked, well done

WADE GLEESON

Christmas parade road closure

DERWENT VALLEY COUNCIL

Christmas Parade - Road Closure

Notice is hereby given that for the orderly and safe conduct of the Christmas Parade, which is to be held on Saturday, 12 December 2015, I advise that High St will be closed from Stephen St to Richmond St from 11.30am to 1.30pm and from Burnett St from number 24 to High St from 10am to 3pm.

Rolling road closures will be provided by the State Emergency Service (SES) around Arthur Square during the parade.

Residents and road users affected by this event are asked to make allowances for interruptions and delays while the parade is being held.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during this time.

Greg Winton
GENERAL MANAGER