Second bushfire briefing for Maydena

Last weekend's community briefing at Maydena. Another will
be held tomorrow (Monday) night.

AN updated community information session about the southwest bushfire will be held at Maydena at the start of the monthly Community Association meeting tomorrow night (Monday).

When: Monday 1 February 2016
Time: 6.30pm
Where: Maydena Community Hall, 36 Kallista Rd
More information: Visit www.fire.tas.gov.au or contact the Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 000 699

LATEST UPDATE: Fire activity remains low, with continuing favourable weather conditions. The northwest corner on the banks of Lake Gordon continues to require significant hand work by remote area ground crews to extinguish the fire edge.

Fire crews at a daily briefing at
Strathgordon.

Additional lightning strikes have been detected today in the southeastern corner between the fire boundary and Scotts Peak Rd. Crews are currently working to extinguish these.

Ground crews in conjunction with air support are still making good progress with consolidation of containment lines in all other areas around the fire boundary.

Reported rainfall in the area remains minimal. Weather forecast for the next few days should allow operations to continue and see little change in the fire boundary. People are asked to remain informed as conditions can change.

Click image to enlarge.

Walking tracks at Mt Wedge, Sentinel Range and Mt Anne Range are closed. The Wedge River, Edgar, and Huon campgrounds are closed. Adamsfield Conservation Area is also closed.

For safety reasons the Gordon River Rd is closed at Maydena and will remain closed until the fire is contained and deemed safe. Visitors should be aware they cannot travel past Maydena at this time.

Updates on this fire are available here. For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website.

Community event of the year

Flo Ransley and Lydia Hunt with the Community Event Award.

THE annual fundraising event that pays for swimming lessons for young students has been named the Derwent Valley's Community Event of the Year.

The Taste of Fairview is organised every year by the School Association at Fairview Primary School. All classes prepare food for the event, which usually also includes food stalls and barbecues.

Funds raised from the event help to cover the cost of early childhood learn-to-swim programs for students in Prep to Grade 2.

Presenting the Community Event of the Year Award at the Australia Day celebration last Tuesday, Mayor Martyn Evans said the learn-to-swim program funded by the Taste of Fairview directly benefited more than 100 families each year. The award was accepted by Fairview Primary School Association members Lydia Hunt and Flo Ransley.

Meet our good sports

Sports award winners Matt Byrne, Nathanial Graham
and Tyron Bailey. 

THREE young sportsmen took out the main sporting awards at the Derwent Valley Council Australia Day celebrations last Tuesday.

The award for Sports Team of the Year went to the New Norfolk Rowing Club's under 21 men's crew, Matt Byrne and Nathanial Graham.

During 2015 Byrne and Graham represented the New Norfolk Rowing Club at state and national championship regattas with excellent results. Both were selected for the 2015 Tasmanian Youth Eight Squad for the 2015 as well as being chosen for the Tasmanian Institute of Sport Development Squad.

In 2011 Byrne was named the Derwent Valley municipality's Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

The title of 2016 Junior Sportsperson of the Year went to Tyron Bailey. Presenting the award, Mayor Martyn Evans said Bailey had represented Tasmania in schoolboy football. "He is also active in the sports of swimming, running and cricket," Cr Evans said.

No award was made in the category of Sportsperson of the Year.

Council community grants open

THE Derwent Valley Council has opened its community grants program for the 2015/16 financial year. Not-for-profit sporting, cultural and community groups within the Derwent Valley municipal area are invited to apply for assistance in cash and kind under this program.

The council says it will give preference to groups in the municipality which have broad community benefit, with grants mostly falling in the range of $200 to $500.

Applications close on February 8. Click here for the application form and guidelines.

Bushfire update for Maydena community

Click image to enlarge.

Strathgordon bushfire update

FAVOURABLE weather conditions has seen the Mt Cullen bushfire kept within containment lines in the last few days. The fire continues to burn in areas of rugged terrain on both sides of the Gordon River Rd. The Tasmania Fire Service reports that the area is steep and difficult to negotiate, making progress challenging.

Despite flooding in other parts of the state, rainfall in this area has been variable, with minimal amounts reported on the actual fireground. People are asked to remain informed as conditions can change at any time.

Remote area fire crews from the Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Tasmania, interstate and New Zealand personnel have been flown in to extinguish identified areas that continue to burn inside the fire edge.

Firefighters will continue to be supported by aerial water suppression to establish control boundaries tomorrow (Saturday).

Walking tracks at Mt Wedge, Sentinel Range and Mt Anne Range are closed. The Wedge River, Edgar, and Huon campgrounds are closed. Adamsfield Conservation Area is also closed.

For safety reasons the Gordon River Road is closed at Maydena and will remain closed until the fire is contained and deemed safe. Visitors should be aware they cannot travel past Maydena at this time.

Updates on this fire are available here. For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website.

Rolling hills and rolling mist

The scene in New Norfolk earlier this evening, after a day that saw 8mm of
rain recorded at Bushy Park and Ouse. Only minimal rainfall was reported at
the scene of the bushfire at Mt Cullen near Strathgordon.

Lyell Highway warning

TASMANIA POLICE

The weather conditions in many parts of the state are inclement.  Motorists should drive with care and caution, put their lights on to increase their visibility to other motorists, slow down and drive to the conditions.  

Do not enter flood affected roadways. 

Allow enough time to safely reach destinations and allow sufficient distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.

The Lyell Highway at Sorell Creek is particularly dangerous at present.

Road closures and roads affected by flooding are being updated at http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/

FRIDAY: road weather alert

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

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

Issued at 10:20am on Friday 29 January 2016.

Reduced visibility in heavy rain will make road conditions dangerous during Friday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

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

The next alert will be issued by 5pm Friday.

Road weather alert

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

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

Issued at 10:58pm on Thursday 28 January 2016.

Reduced visibility in heavy rain will make road conditions dangerous during Thursday and Friday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts.

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

The next alert will be issued by 5am Friday.

Thunderstorm warning cancelled

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

CANCELLATION SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Issued at 9:16pm Thursday, 28 January 2016.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in Tasmania/Antarctica.

The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.

A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall continues for the Central North, North East and East Coast forecast districts.

Launceston reported 29mm from 8pm to 9pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. 
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. 
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500. 

Severe thunderstorm warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmanian Regional Office

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

for HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the Upper Derwent Valley, South East, East Coast, Central North, Midlands and parts of the Western, North East, North West Coast and Central Plateau Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:43 pm Thursday, 28 January 2016.

Severe thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Swansea, Scottsdale, New Norfolk, Bridport, Ross, Huonville, Orford, Bothwell and Richmond. 

In the last 1 to 3 hours Kimberly (Mersey River) has quickly received around 30mm of rainfall, and Sheffield and Meander have quickly received around 20mm of rainfall. There have also been multiple 3rd party accounts of heavy rainfall. There has also been a report of hail in the Midlands.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 
* Move your car under cover. 
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. 
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. 
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. 
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. 
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500. 

The next warning is due to be issued by 5:45 pm.

Warnings are also available through the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 216.

Strathgordon bushfire update

Click image to enlarge.

Road weather alert

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

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

Issued at 12.46pm on Thursday 28 January 2016.

Reduced visibility in heavy rain will make road conditions dangerous during Thursday in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Central Plateau, Midlands, East Coast, Upper Derwent Valley and South East forecast districts. Large thunderstorms currently in the north and west will gradually contract the the south and east during the afternoon and evening.

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

The next alert will be issued by 5pm Thursday.

Local cricket - round 14

Ryan Emery.

SOUTHERN CRICKET ASSOCIATION
Derwent Valley matches

Round 14 - January 23-24

FIRST GRADE: New Norfolk I kept its finals hopes alive with a good 45-run win over Sorell at Sorell. After losing the toss and being sent into bat, the Red Caps faced out their 50 overs making the defendable total of 8/197. Veteran Stewart Rice led the charge with 37, hitting two fours and two sixes. Coach Todd Rusher made 34 with five well-struck boundaries, while opener Rohan Heron put on 29 (three fours) and Harry Booth 24 (two fours). In reply the home team was bowled out for 142 off 43.2 overs. It was a good overall effort by the New Norfolk bowlers, but it was Josh Walsh who bowled his 10 overs straight, capturing 3-21 in a great spell of bowling. Opener Joe McCulloch took 1-22 off 7 overs, Stewart Rice and John Ferguson got one each and young Nathan Rice who earlier made 8no with the bat, took 1-19 off 3, a great effort in first grade. There were also three run outs.

At Clarendon Vale, Molesworth I went down to Rokeby by six wickets. Molesworth won the toss and had first knock but was soon in trouble at 4/25. Then 27 from Nick Piuselli (three fours, one six) and 17 from Sam Triffitt (two fours) steadied the ship a little. Batting at eight and nine, brothers Brad Ransley 43 runs (eight fours, one six) and Josh Ransley 30 (6 fours, one six) got the team's total to a respectable 10/175 off 37.2 overs. In reply Rokeby had little trouble reaching the target, finishing 4/178 off just 21.4 overs. The best of the Molesworth bowlers was Jake King with 1-23 off four overs.

SECOND GRADE: Due to the Sorell Cricket Club withdrawing its Second Grade team from the competition since Round 13, Gretna I had this round off.

THIRD GRADE: Brighton defeated Gretna II at Pontville by 32 runs. Having first hit, the home side made 10/202 off 48.1 overs. A last wicket stand of 54 by the Brighton batsmen didn't help Gretna's chances. All the Gretna bowlers tried hard with Adam Browning with the best figures of 2-26 off 10. Brodie Gleeson 2/26 (6), Luke Crosswell 2/42 (10) and Aaron Browning 2/51 (7.1) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply Gretna was in deep trouble at 3/4 but a 47-run stand by Jordan Hastie with 20 runs (three fours) and Tom Allcock with 20 got things moving. It was the youngster Ryan Emery who top-scored, making a superb 56no. Fifteen-year-old Emery's innings was a pleasure to watch and included seven well-struck fours and one six. Emery shared a 60-run stand with Brodie Gleeson who made 20 runs. The pair gave signs of great things to come. In the end Gretna was bowled out for 170 off 45.3 overs.

No results from the Bushy Park v Hobart were available, but reports were that Bushy Park won.

FOURTH GRADE:  New Norfolk II outplayed Bagdad at Tynwald Park by 90 runs. Winning the toss and batting, the Red Caps made 9/196 off their 50 overs. Wicket-keeper Leigh Berry led the way with a well-made 67, hitting seven nice fours. Shannon Long put on a show making 44, clubbing six fours and one six. Opener Mitch Rice made 20 while number 11 Liam O'Brien remained 14no. In reply Bagdad was bundled out for 106 off 31.4 overs. This was thanks to an excellent five-wicket haul by Jacob Wessing who finished with 5-35 off 7.1 overs. Four of Wessing's five victims were bowled. Opener and captain Jamie Hill swung the ball a mile and finished with the fine figures of 2-11 off seven overs. Aaron Drew also did well taking 1-16 (7). With this win New Norfolk II keeps in touch with the race for a finals spot.

At Bothwell, the Bucks defeated Rokeby by 80 runs. The home team had first knock, making the good total off 10/193 off 40.1 overs. Nathan White made a good 37, while Joey Eyles 33 and Matthew Eyles 31 gave good support. Rokeby gave 40 extras. In reply Rokeby was knocked over for 113 off 22 overs with Peter Hansch doing the damage taking 4-29 off five overs and Brock Nichols 3-25 off six overs. Bothwell remains second on the ladder.

Playing against Richmond/Cambridge at Richmond, Molesworth II recorded a good 51-run win. After being sent in to bat, the visitors made 10/176 off 39.4 overs. Molesworth was looking good at 9/104, but a match-winning 72 run stand by Martyn Evans (who made a valuable 46no) and Liam Triffitt (11) got the team to a defendable 10/176 off 39.4 overs. Earlier Brad Coppleman made 25 (two fours, one six). In reply the home team was bowled out for 125 off 35 overs. Brad Coppleman 3-26 off eight overs and Jeremy Nichols 3-32 (8) cleaned up the batsmen in great spells of bowling. Captain Martyn Evans and Liam Triffitt capped off a great day each, taking 1-5 (4) and 1/15 (4) respectively.

SIXTH GRADE: At Boyer Oval on Sunday, Bothwell II 6/164 defeated New Norfolk III 9/138. The Bucks won the toss and had first bat. Thanks to half centuries from Stuart Eyles 57 runs and Kelvin Eyles 51 runs the team was able to make a defendable total. For the Red Cap bowlers, captain Brad Kemmler bowled well taking 4-24 from his 10 overs while Graeme Rowlands was tight with 1-15 off 10 overs. In his first match for the club, Blayne King got 1-32 (6). With the bat David Mitchelmore made a very good 42 runs (two fours) while Graeme Rowlands was the only other batsman to make double figures with 18 (one four). For the Bothwell bowlers Simon Eyles was the main wicket taker with good figures of 3-16 off six overs while next best was Stuart Eyles 2-20 (7). In this match New Norfolk gave 38 extras and Bothwell 52.

Citizens of the Year for 2016

Jo Radkewicz, left, and Shakira Bone.

CHORISTER and history enthusiast Joanne Radkewicz has been named the Derwent Valley Council's Citizen of the Year for 2016.

The award was announced on Tuesday by mayor Martyn Evans at the local Australia Day celebration at the Derwent Esplanade.

Jo has been an active volunteer with the New Norfolk Historical Information Centre for some years. Most notably she has established management systems for the collection and storage of valuable artefacts.

Jo also serves as the co-ordinator and facilitator of the Derwent Valley Community Choir. This group supports and performs at many community events throughout the year, including Australia Day, Anzac Day and the annual carols service at St Matthew's Church.

The title of Young Citizen of the Year went to Shakira Bone, 12, who has been an active participant in Corumbene Nursing Home’s "My Journey Program", which sees students visiting Corumbene on a regular basis to interview residents about their life and share their stories. Shakira is also a volunteer at the Tasmanian Dogs Home.

Congratulations Jo and Shakira.

Remembering Betty King

Reg Watson places a bush posy on the grave of Betty King.

HISTORIAN and author Reg Watson visited New Norfolk earlier this week to place a tribute on a significant grave at the Back River Chapel. The grave is that of Betty King, believed to be the first white woman to set foot in Australia.

"To commemorate Australia Day I took a trip to the Back River church cemetery just outside New Norfolk to do my part in remembering this remarkable woman," Mr Watson said.

Betty Thackery arrived on the First Fleet as a convict in 1788 and the story goes that she was the first woman to step ashore. From Sydney was sent to Norfolk Island where she met a marine, Samuel King. Both were ultimately transferred to Hobart Town where they were married and settled at Back River on a property which is still called "King's Rocks".

"I have no doubt she was indeed the first to step ashore on that fateful day, before all the other women including the officer's wives," said Mr Watson. "Having Betty King buried in southern Tasmania is a big asset and much more should be made of it," he said.

Report of Betty King's death published in The Courier,
Hobart on August 7, 1856.

Betty King has another distinction. It is believed she was the last First Fleet woman to die, in 1856, aged 93. Her husband died six years earlier, aged 86.

Australia Day 2016

Mayor Martyn Evans and the Australia Day award recipients.

WARM but overcast conditions provided pleasant weather for this year's Australia Day observance in New Norfolk. Moved back to the Esplanade after five years at Tynwald Park, the program did not vary greatly from previous years but the committee may have spread it too thinly by scattering the activities from one end of the reserve to the other.

The New Norfolk Lions Club cooked a free sausage sizzle and the New Norfolk Junior Football Association sold burgers at the far end of the field. The annual fun run and walk was conducted over a shorter course than usual, and an increased number of children's games and activities were conducted. Young members of the New Norfolk Scouts performed the flag raising and musical entertainment was provided by the Derwent Valley Choir and Derwent Valley Concert Band. Facepainting and a coffee van were new features and both proved popular.

Deborah De Williams receives her
Australia Day Ambassador pin from
Councillor Julie Triffett.

An address was given by Australia Day Ambassador and breast cancer campaigner Deborah De Williams. A presentation was made to Ms De Williams by Councillor Julie Triffett in acknowledgement of her service as an Australia Day Ambassador. Ms De Williams spoke of the special place New Norfolk has in her life as it was near here that she broke the world record for the longest continuous run by a woman on May 6, 2011.

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

• Derwent Valley Citizen of the Year: Joanne Radkewicz
• Derwent Valley Young Citizen of the Year: Shakira Bone
• Derwent Valley Sports Team of the Year: New Norfolk Rowing Club Under 21 men
• Derwent Valley Young Sportsperson of the Year: Tyron Bailey
• Derwent Valley Community Event of the Year: Fairview Primary School Association Taste of Fairview

No award was made in the category of Derwent Valley Sportsperson of the Year.

Certificates acknowledging contributions to the Derwent Valley were awarded to: Mollie Pitt, Joanne Raskewicz, Viv Cardwell, Kaye Menzie, Danielle Nossiter, Tyron Bailey, Shakira Bone, Thomas Fulton, Matt Byrne, Nathanial Graham, New Norfolk Can-Hope Cancer Support Group, Tree2Sea and Fairview Primary School Association.

Check back later for profiles and photos of the award recipients.

A shoutout to Noah Clarke who won the Under-13 category of the gumboot-throwing contest: please contact Matt Hill at the Derwent Valley Council to collect your prize. Phone 6261 2687.

Celebrated citizens

The faces on the wall at Lees Corner.

THE Derwent Valley's citizens of the year for 2016 will be named at the Australia Day celebrations at the Derwent Esplanade in New Norfolk later today.

Mayor Martyn Evans will make the announcements shortly after noon today. Events on the Esplanade will get under way at 10am with the start of the annual fun run and walk.

Click here for details of the full program of Australia Day events.

Meanwhile the Derwent Valley Council has also been celebrating the contribution of local volunteers by featuring their faces on the wall at Lees Corner in High St.

Community groups such as service clubs and emergency services were invited to nominate members to be photographed and a selection of these went up on the wall just before Christmas.

The following people were the first batch selected for the wall. Most of them represent more than the single organisation listed under their photo below.

Michael Farley
Molesworth Hall

Barry Adlard
Lions Club of New Norfolk

Viv Cardwell
Bushy Park Hall

Shirley Brown
Hospital Auxiliary

Dick Andrew
Lions Club of New Norfolk

Fiona Cardwell
Lions Club of New Norfolk

Bruce Lamb
Can-Hope Cancer Support

Heather Andrew
Lions Club of New Norfolk

Helen Hynes
Hospital Auxiliary

Peter Rouleston
Derwent Valley Rotary Club

Sue Farley
St Vincent de Paul

Margaret Bester
Lions Club of New Norfolk

Australia Day honour for Gretna fire chief

GRETNA fire chief Colin Cunningham has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in today's Australia Day honours list.

Mr Cunningham joined the Gretna Fire Brigade as a volunteer firefighter in 1987. A year later his fellow members demonstrated their confidence in his leadership by promoting him to brigade chief, a position he still holds today. Similarly, the brigades of the Upper Derwent Group elected him to the lead area co-coordinator's position of Group Officer in 2000, a position he also still currently holds.

Mr Cunningham is also a fire permit officer and was a representative on the Fire Area Management Committee from 1995 to 2013.  He is also the Junior and Cadet Co-ordinator for his brigade and is enthusiastic about the program. He is an active member of the Tasmanian Volunteer Fire Brigades Association and serves as its Southern Branch President. He is a member of the state executive of that association and represents it on the Volunteer State Consultative Committee and the Volunteer Learning and Development Committee of the Tasmania Fire Service.

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. The citation accompanying Mr Cunningham's medal states: "The community of Gretna and the surrounding districts are fortunate to have Mr Cunningham's commitment, knowledge and leadership in this important emergency service."

In 2000 Mr Cunningham was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his decades of involvement in cricket in the Derwent Valley as a player and administrator.

Congratulations Colin.

Good progress reported on southwest bushfire

FIRE continues to burn in rugged terrain within the Mt Cullen area on both sides of the Gordon River Rd near Strathgordon. The Tasmania Fire Service says the fire activity is currently low due to favourable weather conditions, but people are asked to remain informed as conditions can change when  temperatures are predicted to rise mid-week.

Remote area fire crews from the Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service, New South Wales and Forestry Tasmania personnel, supported by aerial water suppression made good progress today and will continue their efforts over the coming days to establish control boundaries.

Walking tracks at Mt Wedge, Sentinel Range and Mt Anne Range remain closed. Wedge River, Edgar and Huon campgrounds are closed. Adamsfield Conservation Area is also closed.

For safety reasons the Gordon River Road is closed at Maydena and will remain closed until the fire is contained. Keep up to date by listening to ABC Local Radio or monitoring the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au.

A statewide Total Fire Ban remains in force until midnight this Tuesday.

Derwent Valley Australia Day program

Click image to enlarge.

Evening update on southwest fire

THE bushfire near Strathgordon continues to burn in rugged terrain within the Mt Cullen area in the Southwest National Park. The fire is not yet contained and is burning on both sides of the Gordon River Rd.

Remote Area fire crews from the Tasmania Fire Service and Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as 27 New South Wales firefighters and Forestry Tasmania personnel, supported by aerial water suppression, have been working to contain the fire and will continue their efforts over the coming days.

For safety reasons the Gordon River Rd is closed at Maydena and will remain closed until the fire is contained. Click here for updates on the fire and here for road closure updates.

A statewide Total Fire Ban remains in force until midnight this Tuesday.

Meet this year's Australia Day Ambassador

Deborah De Williams

CANCER campaigner Deborah De Williams is this year's Australia Day Ambassador for the Derwent Valley. Born in Western Australia in 1969, Ms De Williams was the first woman to walk around Australia. She will give an address at Tuesday's Australia Day observance at the Derwent Esplanade in New Norfolk.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program provides a unique opportunity to meet inspirational Australian achievers. On Australia Day, ambassadors travel to communities across the country to spread the message of national pride at various celebrations.

From October 2003 to October 2004, Ms De Williams walked 16,925km in 365 days and raised funds for the Kids Help Line along the way. When diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2006, she decided her way to fight cancer was to start planning to be the first woman to run around Australia to raise money for breast cancer research.

Running around Australia remained a focus for Ms De Williams during cancer treatment. She established the charity, Running Pink, and trained daily, adopting the motto "change the world, one step at a time". When Ms De Williams was ready to run around Australia, disaster struck when she tripped over her dog, Maggie, and broke both her feet. Doctors said she would never run again, but after surgery and recovery, Ms De Williams defied the odds and became the first woman to run around Australia, completing the 18,026km run in 406 days, in May 2011, and raising over $200 000 for breast cancer research.

The Running Pink charity is helping women to get back into life after cancer through exercise and running programs. In April 2012, Ms De Williams and Running Pink took a team of breast cancer survivors to England to run in the London Marathon.

Australia Day Ambassadors participate in local activities, assist with the presentation of local awards and deliver a short speech on what being Australian means to them. Across the country, more than 400 communities will host an ambassador on Australia Day.

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.

No risk to Maydena from southwest fire

MAYDENA is not at any risk from the bushfire burning near Strathgordon, local residents were informed at a community meeting this morning. Tasmania Fire Service community liaison offer Peter Middleton and incident controller Andrew McConnon addressed about 40 members of the public at the Maydena Community Hall.

Google Map showing the location of the bushfire near Strathgordon.

Mr McConnon said the fire that has so far burnt more than 4300 hectares near Strathgordon may take weeks to control. "We will possibly be working there for a month," he said. The blaze started on Mt Cullen in the Southwest National Park last Sunday and is burning in mountainous territory between Lakes Gordon and Pedder.

There was no risk to the town of Maydena which will continue to be the location of a roadblock on Gordon River Rd until further notice. This weekend's Lake Pedder fishing contest has been postponed and people who needed to leave Strathgordon at the end of Gordon River Rd were escorted in a convoy with fire service vehicles at the head and tail.

A team of 25 mainland firefighters will be deployed on the Mt Cullen fire tomorrow.

Check for updates on this fire here.

Four-day fire ban essential details

JANUARY 23-26, 2016

• January 23-26 have been declared days of Total Fire Ban. More: www.fire.tas.gov.au
• Report all fires by calling Triple Zero (000)
• The New Norfolk tip site is closed due to the fire danger
• National Park Waste Transfer Station is 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. More.

Community advice about Strathgordon bushfire

A COMMUNITY information session about the southwest bushfire will be held at Maydena late tomorrow morning (Saturday).

For safety reasons the Gordon River Rd is closed at Maydena and will remain closed until the fire is contained.
The fire is burning in the Mt Cullen area in the southwest. The fire is not yet contained and is burning on both sides of the Gordon River Rd.

Fire crews will be working over the coming days to contain the fire. If people are planning to visit the area in the coming days they should change their plans and not visit the area.

To find out more about the current bushfire situation in the Lake Pedder, Strathgordon area, residents and travelers are encouraged to attend the community information session.

When: Saturday 23 January 2016
Time: 11.30am
Where: Maydena Primary School Hall, 36 Kallista Rd, Maydena
More information: Visit www.fire.tas.gov.au or contact the Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 000 699


The Lake Pedder Anglers Club has advised that this weekend's Australia Day fishing competition has been postponed due to the fires and road closures.

Four day fire ban

DUE to the number of fires burning across the state and the current dry conditions, Tasmania Fire Service has taken the unprecedented step of declaring a four day total fire ban.

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the whole of Tasmania from midnight tonight, January 22, until midnight on Tuesday, January 26.

This ban is designed to prevent fire escapes from fires such as camp fires, back yard burning and other similar activities.

Campers and others who intend to cook in the open should plan to use gas or electric stoves. Operators of agricultural machinery used to harvest crops or slash grass are encouraged to take particular care, although these are not included in this ban.

The Tasmania Fire service encourages everyone who lives in or near the bush to take responsibility for their safety, the safety of their families and their property by having a bushfire survival plan and be prepared to implement that plan if required.

Fire Permits:

a) All fire permits granted will cease to have effect for this period; and
b) No fire permits will be issued during this declaration; and
c) The occupier of land (in any part of the State to which this declaration relates) where a fire occurs during this declaration shall immediately after becoming aware of the fire:-
(i) Take diligent steps to extinguish the fire or to prevent it from spreading; and
(ii) Report the fire to Tasmania Fire Service by calling 000.

During the Total Fire Ban it is a criminal offence to:

a) Light a fire in the open air on any land for any purpose; and
b) Use machines or apparatus in the open air that may cause a fire.
 

The following are not subject to this declaration:
a) Fire used in fire suppression conducted by Tasmania Fire Service, Forestry Tasmania and Parks & Wildlife Service;
b) Gas stoves and gas or electric barbeques and enclosed solid fuel ovens that do not release sparks and flames into the open air provided they are clear of flammable material for a distance of 3 metres;
c) Cutting and welding machines or similar used for commercial purposes and in the emergency restoration of critical infrastructure including transport, communications, electricity, gas, water & sewerage with risk mitigation measures put in place and are not within 10m of flammable material, or where a hot work permit has been issued by the Tasmania Fire Service.
d) Fireworks on Australia Day that comply with the appropriate fireworks permit.

More information about total fire bans, other fire use restrictions and current fires is available on the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au

Southwest bushfire update

SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK

Due to a bushfire in the Mt Cullen area, the Wedge River campground is closed and the Mt Wedge and Sentinel Range walking tracks, the Island Rd, Boat Ramp Rd, Saw Back Range Track, Clear Hill Rd and the Adamsfield Conservation Area are all closed.

Gordon River Rd between Maydena and Strathgordon is closed until further notice. Check the Tasmania Police website Community Alerts page http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/ for updates.

Scotts Peak Rd is closed. The Mt Anne walk is also closed.

 

CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS NOW IN PLACE 

Due to the ongoing bushfire situation, campfires have been banned until further notice at many of the state’s popular campgrounds/campsites. For the full list go to: Track and Reserve Closures on the PWS website.

For up to date bushfire information listen to ABC Local Radio or look at the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au.

Smoke fills the sky

High St, New Norfolk, around 8pm.

SMOKE from the dozens of bushfires around the state has filled the skies over the Derwent Valley tonight.

A dense cloud of smoke hung thick and low over New Norfolk from the early evening.

The large bushfire near Strathgordon remains uncontrolled, including a long stretch of Gordon River Rd where it is burning on both sides of the road.

As of 10.30pm Gordon River Rd remains closed from Maydena to Strathgordon, as does Scotts Peak Rd. Check for updates here.

Strathgordon cut off

POLICE advise that Gordon River Rd from Scotts Peak Rd to Strathgordon, and Scotts Peak Rd itself, are closed until further notice due to bushfires in the region. Access is only permitted to emergency service vehicles. Check for updates here.

A 1504 hectare bushfire is burning in the Mt Cullen area between Lakes Gordon and Pedder. Parks and Wildlife Fire Crews are in attendance, assisted by two helicopters. Click here for updates.

A 10ha fire in the Nicholls Range northwest of Strathgordon, and a 2ha fire at Dohertys Range, west of Strathgordon, are being patrolled.   

3PM UPDATE: Police advise that Gordon River Rd is now closed at the Maydena shop due to bushfire activity. Any people west of Maydena can seek refuge at the Strathgordon Lodge which has been nominated as a safe facility at this stage.

Country cricket catch-up

SOUTHERN CRICKET ASSOCIATION
Derwent Valley matches

Round 13 - January 16-17

FIRST GRADE: At Tynwald Park on Saturday, New Norfolk I went down to Rokeby by two wickets. Batting first, the home side made 9/198 off its 50 overs. Joe McCulloch top-scored with 59 (three fours). Glen Williams made 29 (one four) and Chris Ashcroft 22 (three fours). In reply Rokeby reached the target with two wickets in hand and 7.1 overs remaining. Jamie Maddox picked up 3-42 off 10 overs. Joe McCulloch and Harry Booth got two each.

In the match played at Boyer Oval, Molesworth went down to St Aidan's by the big margin of 263 runs. The visitors had first dig, making the very good score of 9/360 off their 50 overs. The Molesworth bowlers tried hard with Josh Ransley taking 3-69 (10) and Brayden Hodge 2/78 (10) the main wicket takers. In reply, the Molesworth batsmen had no answers to the St Aidan's bowlers and was dismissed for 97 off 29.1 overs. Larry Menzie top-scored with 24 (two fours).

SECOND GRADE: On Saturday at Campania, the home defeated team defeated Gretna I by six wickets. Gretna won the toss and batted first, and at one stage was 6/37 but recovered somewhat and made 10/128 off 35.1 overs. The in-form Peter Jelkic made 45 (two fours and two sixes) while Corey Ransley made 19. In reply Campania finished 4/129 off 32.4 overs. Corey Ransley with 2-31 off eight overs and Jackson Ackley with 2-18 (4) were the wicket takers.

THIRD GRADE: Thanks to an excellent spell of bowling from Nathan Grant of 6-17 off 9.3 overs and half centuries to Damien Madden (51 runs) and Troy Smith (50) and 3-27 off 10, Bushy Park did its percentage the world of good with a 199 run win over St Aidan's at Bushy Park. Winning the toss and batting, Bushy Park racked up the big total off 9/258 off 49 overs. Of the other batsmen, Shaun Fenton made 28 and captain Dylan Grant 20. In reply St Aidan's had no answers at all to the bowling of Nathan Grant and Troy Smith and were bowled out for 59 off 26.3 overs. Trent Grant chipped in with 1-5 off two overs.

Under-16s  Zac and Andrew had their senior debut with Gretna
at the weekend. Well done boys.

In the match at Gretna, the home team went down to Sandford by 107 runs. Sandford had first knock, making 9/220 off 50 overs. Spinner Aaron Browning who captured 2/23 off 10 overs and Ryan Emery with 2/47 off 10 were the main wicket takers for Gretna. In reply Gretna was dismissed for 113 off 34.1 overs. Batting at number 11, Darren Lennox top-scored with 19, hitting two very good sixes. Lennox put on a partnership of 30 with 13-year-old Zac Wheeler who made six runs in what was a pleasure to watch. Another youngster Sam Booth batted very well making 17 including three fours. Captain Damien Hack made 15 (three fours) and Luke Wheeler made 13. Congratulations to Under-16 players Andrew McKenzie and Zac Wheeler who played their first senior games for Gretna. Andrew is the 297th player since 1977/78 while Zac is the 298th.

FOURTH GRADE: In a relatively close match, New Norfolk II knocked off Rokeby by 12 runs at Clarendon Vale. Having first hit, the Red Caps lost early wickets and were in big trouble, scrounging at 6/14. But then a rebuild by the lower order got the total to a respectable 10/128 off 32.1 overs. Totals of 33 from Zane Nossiter (three fours), 19 from Adam Nossiter (two fours), 18 from Brendan Skelly and 16 from Leigh Lewis put on valuable runs in what ended up a match-winning score. In reply Rokeby was bowled out for 116 off 25.2 overs. A great spell of bowling from Aaron Drew who sent down 7.2 overs snaring 4-14 and then two wickets each from Liam O'Brien, captain Jamie Hill and Nathan Rice, saw New Norfolk claim a very good win.

Bothwell I cemented themselves in second spot on the ladder with an 18-run win over Knights at Collinsvale. Bothwell made 10/186 off 39.4 overs, batting first. Opener Craig Davey top-scored with 37. Kelvin Eyles was next with 31, then Trent Rogers 29 and Cody Eyles 26. In reply Knights were bowled out just short of the target for 168 off 35.1 overs. Opener Nathan White took 3-47 off 10 overs while two wickets each went to Tyler White, Trent Rogers and Matthew Eyles.

In the match at Bagdad, Molesworth II 10/131 off 26 overs went down to the home side by 62 runs. Bagdad batting first made 10/193 off 42 overs. Liam Triffitt 3-34 was the best of the Molesworth bowlers while J. Nichols took 2-28 off 10. With the bat, captain Sam Triffitt top-scored with 35 which included five fours. Opener Cody Neads made 25 (five fours) while Jake Bearman made 17 (three fours) and Kurt Tomlin made 10.

SIXTH GRADE: Bothwell II went down to Marquis Tigers by four wickets at Lansdowne. Having first knock, the Bucks made 10/164 off 45.4 overs. Opener Anthony White scored 34, keeper Clinton Millhouse made 28, Simon Eyles 24 and Joey Eyles 19. In reply the home team reached the target with 14.3 overs to spare, finishing 6/167. Stuart Eyles was the main wicket-taker with 3-23 off eight overs. Simon Eyles with figures of 2-54 (10) and Joey Eyles with 1-28 (8) were the next best.

The match at Eady St saw New Norfolk III go down to Wellington by six wickets. New Norfolk had first dig and was bowled out for 85 runs off 28 overs. Opener Trent Smith top-scored with 20, hitting two fours, and Trent Mayne was next with 10 (one four). Wellington's reply was 4/92 off just 16.2 overs. Graeme Rowlands was the wicket taker with 3/38 off seven overs.


Round 12 - January 9-10
(First round after Christmas)

FIRST GRADE: In a close one and putting on 24 for the last wicket, New Norfolk I defeated St Adian's at Cambridge Oval. Josh Rowlands 24no and Graeme Rowlands 12no got the job done with just four balls remaining. The home side made 10/151 off 40.3 overs and in reply the Red Caps finished 9/152 off 49.2 overs. Stewart Rice made 20 and Josh Walsh 16. With the ball, Josh Walsh took 3-17 off eight overs. Graeme Rowlands, having a great game, snared a catch and a runout in his figures of 3-42 off 7.3 overs to clean up the St Aidan's batsman.

Molesworth I went down to Old Beach at Old Beach by eight wickets. Batting first, the visitors made the good score 10/228 off their 50 overs only for Old Beach to chase down the target off just 35 overs. Opener Jake King batted well making 78 for Molesworth (six fours, three sixes) while Nick Piuselli at number five did likewise making 71, hitting eight fours and four sixes. Brad Ransley made 18 (one four, two sixes). Larry Menzie was the wicket take with 2-42 (7).

SECOND GRADE: In a nail-biter at Gretna, Wellington defeated Gretna I by one wicket. Needing 41 runs to win with nine wickets down, the visitors got to the last over needing six runs and claimed victory with one ball to spare. At one stage Wellington was in deep trouble, scratching at 5/97. Earlier, Gretna made 8/241 off its 50 overs. Captain Ben Rainbird top-scored with 53 (seven fours). Jackson Ackerly also did well making 39 (three fours) and Corey Ransley made 29 (three fours, one six). With the ball, Ben Rainbird took 3-27 (10) and Aaron Maddox 3-50 (10).

THIRD GRADE: It was another close one with Bushy Park going down to Knights by one wicket. Bushy Park had first knock, making 10/199 off 27 overs. In T/20 style batting, opener Troy Smith smashed the Knights bowlers to all parts of the Collinsvale ground in a whirlwind innings of 96 off just 44 balls. Smith hit 88 runs in boundaries, striking 13 fours and six sixes. Nathan Grant made 20 and Mitch Crosswell and Shaun Fenton made 14 each. In reply the Knights finished with 9/200 off 42 overs. Trent Grant bowled well taking 3-37 off his 10 overs while Simon Bone took 3-42 off five overs. Troy Smith 1-29 (10).

Hobart defeated Gretna II by 56 runs at Risdon Vale. Batting first, the home team made 9/138 off its 50 overs. Darren Lennox bowled well taking 3-24 off 10 overs as did Cameron Emery 3-28 (10). In reply Gretna was bowled out for 82 off 22.1 overs. Peter Jelkic was the only batsman to show any resistance, making 58 including five fours and three sixes. No other batsman made double figures and five failed to score.

FOURTH GRADE: At Bothwell, the home side defeated New Norfolk II by six wickets. Winning the toss, the Bucks sent New Norfolk in to bat and the Red Caps were dismissed for 160 off 45.5 overs. Chris Ashcroft made 42 (four fours), Shannon Long 24 (one four, two sixes) and opener Aaron Drew 18 (two fours). Tyler White bowled well for Bothwell, taking 3-13 off seven overs, Matthew Eyles 3-37 (10) and Brock Nichols 2-25 (7). In reply Bothwell captain Cody Eyles led the way for his team making a very good 73. Mathew Eyles capped off a good day making 26no as Tyler White made 24.

Molesworth II went down to Rokeby by 185 runs at Clarendon Vale. The home team had first knock, making 10/301 off 41 overs. Jack Evans 3-43 (7) and Sam Triffitt 3-61 (10) were the main wicket takers. In reply Molesworth was bowled out for 116 off 24.4 overs. Jake Foster top-scored with 34 (six fours) while Sam Triffitt with 24 (three fours, one six) and Aaron Wingrove 20 (two fours, one six) were next best.

SIXTH GRADE: An excellent five-wicket haul by Liam O'Brien and a 64 run stand by New Norfolk III players Jye Bearman and Coby Kemmler saw their team take victory over Derwent at Tynwald Park on Saturday. The pair came together with the score at 8/77 and went about their business in chasing down the runs. Bearman led the way with 33no (two fours) while Kemmler remained 15no. The Red Caps finished with 7/141 off 37.3 overs. Earlier Liam O'Brien bowled exceptionally well, finishing with figures of 5-18 off eight overs to claim his first ever five-for and helped bowl out Derwent for 140 off 50 overs. Jye Bearman had a good match taking 2-17 off six overs. With the bat, Brendan Skelly did well making 36 (three fours).

Bothwell II with its 6/244 off 50 overs defeated Sandford 10/52 off 19.5 overs at Boyer Oval. Sandford won the toss and sent Bothwell in to bat. A fine 83 from Bradley Eyles and 55 from Kelvin Eyles helped the Bucks to their good score. Stuart Eyles remained 30no while Simon Eyles made 26.
With the ball Kelvin Eyles continued on from his good batting and sent down six overs taking 4-12 in a superb all-round effort. Simon Eyles also got back amongst the action, taking 3-9 off 3.5 overs.

Round 11 - December 19-20, 2015.

FIRST GRADE: Wellington 10/217 off 41.4 overs defeated Molesworth I 10/93 off 30.1 overs at Boyer Oval. Batting: Nick Piuselli 62 (eight fours, one six). Bowling: Nathan Eiszele 4-43 (8.4), Dean King 2-27 (10), Jamie Adams 2-36 (6), Jake King 1-22 (5), Chris Slater 1-50 (8).

New Norfolk I 10/210 off 48.3 overs defeated Old Beach 10 for 201 off 47.3 overs at Tynwald Park.
Batting: David Maddox 37 (five fours), Rohan Heron 35 (three fours, one six), John Ferguson 35 (three fours, one six), Stewart Rice 31 (one four, three sixes), Joe McCulloch 22 (three fours), Harry Booth 10 (one six). Bowling: Kendall Bluett 4-37 (8.3), Joe McCuloch 2-29 (10), Stewart Rice 2-46 (10), Josh Walsh 1-35 (8), John Ferguson 1-41 (10).

SECOND GRADE: Derwent 8/204 off 50 overs defeated Gretna I 10/86 off 21 overs at North Warrane. Batting: Mathew Burns 16 (three fours), Luke Wheeler 13, Jackson Ackerly 12 (one four), Aaron Maddox 10, Tom Allcock 10 (one four). Bowling: Zac Crosswell 2-9 (6), Corey 2-43 (10), Jackson Ackerly 1-36 (8), Aaron Maddox 1-44 (10). Congratulations to Craig Cunningham on playing his 150th game for Gretna I.

THIRD GRADE: Bushy Park 3/95 off 15 overs defeated MacKillop Beltas 10/94 off 30.2 overs at Bushy Park Showground. Batting: Trent Grant 30no, Troy Smith 29, Mitchell Crosswell 11no, Nathan Grant 10. Bowling: Mitchell Crosswell 7-27 (10), Troy Smith 2-19 (5.5), Blake Howlett 1-19 (5).

St Aidans 2/90 off 19.4 overs defeated Gretna II 10/87 off 29.2 overs at Cambridge Oval. Batting: Cameron Emery 30 (five fours), Brodie Gleeson 24 (three fours). Bowling: Adam Browning 1-24 (4), Cameron Emery 1-35 (9.5).

FOURTH GRADE: Bothwell I - Bye

New Norfolk II 6/144 off 33.3 overs defeated Molesworth II 10 for 158 off 42.5 overs at Tynwald Park. (Rain-affected match). New Norfolk batting: Leigh Berry 51 (seven fours, one six), Adrian Eiszele 17 (one four, one six), Chris Ashcroft 16. Molesworth bowling: Brayden Hodge 3-35 (10), Sam Triffitt 1-21 (6), Cody Neads 1-23 (4.3), Jack Evans 1-10 (1).
Molesworth batting: Sam Triffitt 40 (three fours, two sixes), Brayden Hodge 29 (four fours), Cody Neads 19 (one four, one six), Liam Triffitt 12 (one four), Martyn Evans 10. New Norfolk bowling: Nathon Heron 3-34 (10), Ashley Morgan 3-44 (10), Shannon Long 1-3 (1), Graeme Rowlands 1-17 (9.5), Nathan Cashion 1-28 (7).

SIXTH GRADE: Runnymede 10/79 off 22 overs defeated Bothwell II 10/35 off 15 overs at Runnymede. Batting: Simon Eyles 11. Bowling: Nathan Eyles 3/24 (5), Blake Eyles 2/4 (1), Brock Nichols 2/13 (6), Brodie White 2/17 (5).

St Aidan's 10/164 off 41.5 overs defeated New Norfolk III 10/122 off 23.2 overs at Cambridge Oval.
Batting: Nathan Rice 38 (five fours), Aaron Drew 20 (two fours, one six), Coby Kemmler 18, Damien Quinn 14 (two four). Bowling: Nathan Rice 3-30 (8), Brad Kemmler 3-43 (10), Aron Drew 1-27 (8), Damien Quinn 1-11 (3), David Mitchelmore 1-12 (1.5).