Southern footy kicks off this Saturday

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

THE first round of the home and away roster for 2016 sees Cygnet host New Norfolk in the Huon Valley while Sorell welcomes the reigning premier Claremont at Pembroke Park, Brighton travels to the TCA Ground to play Hobart, and Dodges Ferry will open the gates at Shark Park to take on Huonville Lions. Lindisfarne has the bye and an extra week to prepare for its first game.

The roster season will be completed after 21 rounds, when the final five will play off in a finals series for the right to play on that one day in September when the Grand Final will be held at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, September 24. The Preliminary Final will be held at the same venue the weekend prior, on Sunday, September 18.

New Norfolk District Football Club 2016
Ins: Ashley Burgess (from Glenorchy) Daniel Freshney, Johnathon Downie (from retirement).

Outs: Mark Horne (to Cairns), Brett Booth (not playing), Josh Hall (to OHA), Tyron Rainbird (to Richmond), Jarrod Horne, Bryan Chaplin, Brayden Chaplin, Bradley Chaplin (to Bothwell), Jamie Adams, Jordan Banks-Smith, Brad Ransley, Jacob Daley, Brad Elliott (to St Virgils), Josh Clifford, Hayden Bielleman (to St Virgils), Caden Wilson (to Glenorchy), Sam Rogers, Scott Bonnitcha (to Campania), Shaun Fenton, Josh Whitford-Marriott (to Brighton), T. Pearcey (to Dodges Ferry).

Details provided by the SFL.

New Norfolk coach Matthew Smith, left, with NNDFC vice
president Jon Murray and senior co-captains Blair Wardlaw
and Rohan Heron at the season launch on Wednesday night.

Gretna Cricket Club junior trophy day

Gretna Under 13 Green.

THE curtain came down on the Gretna Cricket Club's junior season for 2015/16 with an excellent attendance at the trophy day and barbecue held in lovely weather on March 20. Some 35 members of the Under 13 and Under 16 teams were presented with trophies in a fitting end to their season.

Special guests in attendance were Craig Farrell MLC, Central Highlands mayor Deirdre Flint and club patron Phil Sharpe of the Gretna Green Hotel, all of whom have been big supporters of the club as has the Federal Member for Lyons, Eric Hutchinson MHR.

Gretna Under 13 Gold.

The club thanks all donors for their kind contributions towards the day, as well as all the coaches who have put in such a big effort. Thanks also to the parents for bringing your kids along as they are what it's all about.

This season the club also fielded two teams in the T20 Blast program and with In2cricket going strong at the Glenora school, the clubs future is in good hands. Next season, the club will look to add an Under 14 team. Our kids - our future.

WADE GLEESON

Gretna Under 16s and their coaches.

UNDER 16 AWARDS - Batting Average: Jake Campbell 34.50, trophy donated by Ben and Shannon Rainbird. Batting Aggregate: Jake Campbell 346 runs, trophy donated by Craig Farrell MLC. Bowling Average: Adam Bartels 9.00, trophy donated by Todd Jarvis. Bowling Aggregate: Ryan Emery 18 wickets, trophy donated by Central Highlands Council mayor Deirdre Flint. Most Catches: Grant Booth and Ryan Emery 7 each, trophy donated by Eric Hutchinson MHR. Most Improved: Adam Bartels, trophy donated by Craig Farrell MLC. Best All-rounder: Jake Campbell 304 points, trophy donated by Bruce Emery and Jane Gangell.

Planned burn at Mt Field today

WEATHER permitting, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service will conduct a fuel reduction burn at the Mt Field National Park today and tomorrow (March 30-31).

The fire will be about 11ha in size and the aim is to provide protection for the visitor services zone the park. "While planned burns are aimed at being low-intensity, at times there will be significant smoke and flames, and ash may result," a spokesman said.

Information about precautions for people with health issues can be found at the Department of Health and Human Services website at http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/alerts/air/precautions or www.asthmatas.org.au.

Council invites budget submissions

THE Derwent Valley Council is once again seeking public submissions for the next council budget. General manager Greg Winton said written submissions were invited for the operational and capital works budgets for the 2016/17 financial year. These will be received until the close of business on April 7, posted to PO Box 595, New Norfolk or emailed to dvcouncil@dvc.tas.gov.au.

Golf club's annual meeting

THE New Norfolk Golf Club held its annual general meeting last Wednesday night. The outcome of the election of office-bearers and directors was:

President: M. Smith; Vice-President: G. Heron; Captain: Kerry Wilton; Treasurer: M. McKenzie; Secretary: J. Benson. Directors: Craig Youd, Leigh Post, Graham Triffitt, Tim Morgan and Les McKenzie.

Crash on Glenora Rd

EMERGENCY services are at the scene of a single vehicle accident on Glenora Rd, between Plenty and Glenora.  Police say a vehicle has left the road and has come to rest in/against a tree and the southbound lane of the road will be blocked whilst attempts are mad to retrieve vehicle. Injuries at this stage are unknown.

7.30PM UPDATE: Television news reports have stated that the car was carrying tourists.

Picture postcard poser

Click image to enlarge. See the listing here. 

AN unusual postcard of a hedge-lined road is being offered for sale on eBay. Identified simply as "near New Norfolk", the postcard is being offered for sale for $10 including postage.

Probably more than 100 years old, the rear of the postcard states it was printed in Saxony, one of the states of Germany. The eBay listing can be seen here.

Do any readers have thoughts on where the picture on the postcard may have been taken?

2016 footy fixture

THE 2016 Southern Football League season gets under way on April 2 and clubs, players and supporters are getting ready to run back onto the field. Last season ended with Claremont sweeping the Seniors, Reserves and Under 18 competitions, ending New Norfolk's decade-long dominance of the league.

SFL president Madeleine Ogilvie has welcomed news that the league's finals series will return to North Hobart Oval for the first time this decade. "It is great to see the hard work of so many volunteers at all levels at our member clubs over the last few years coming to fruition," Ms Ogilvie said. "The return of finals action to the traditional heartland of September action at North Hobart this year is the icing on the cake,” she said.

The first round will see Cygnet host New Norfolk, Sorell welcome the reigning premier Claremont to Pembroke Park, Brighton travel to the TCA Ground to play Hobart and Dodges Ferry open the gates for the season to take on Huonville, whilst Lindisfarne has the bye and an extra week to prepare for their first game.

The roster season will be completed after 21 rounds, when the final five will play off in a finals series for the right to play on that one day in September when the Grand Final will be held at North Hobart Oval on September 24.

FIXTURE FOR SEASON 2016

APRIL 2, 2016 Rd 1: Cygnet v New Norfolk (colts play Southern Storm)
APRIL 9, 2016 Rd 2: New Norfolk v Lindisfarne 

APRIL 16, 2016 Rd 3: Bye - New Norfolk
APRIL 23, 2016 Rd 4: Claremont v New Norfolk
APRIL 30, 2016 Rd 5: New Norfolk v Brighton
MAY 7, 2016 Rd 6: Huonville v New Norfolk
MAY 14, 2016 Rd 7: Hobart v New Norfolk
MAY 21, 2016 Rd 8: New Norfolk v Sorell
MAY 28, 2016 Rd 9: New Norfolk v Dodges Ferry
JUNE 4, 2016 Rd 10: Lindisfarne v New Norfolk
JUNE 11, 2016: Competition bye
JUNE 18, 2016 Rd 11: Bye - New Norfolk
JUNE 25, 2016 Rd 12: New Norfolk v Cygnet (colts play Southern Storm)
JULY 2, 2016 Rd 13: New Norfolk v Claremont
JULY 9, 2016 Rd 14: Brighton v New Norfolk
JULY 16, 2016 Rd 15: New Norfolk v Huonville
JULY 23, 2016 Rd 16: Sorell v New Norfolk
JULY 30, 2016 Rd 17: New Norfolk v Hobart
AUGUST 6, 2016 Rd 18: Dodges Ferry v New Norfolk
AUGUST 13, 2016 Rd 19: New Norfolk v Claremont

AUGUST 20, 2016 Rd 20: Brighton v New Norfolk

AUGUST 27, 2016 Rd 21: Bye - New Norfolk

FINALS WEEK 1, SEPTEMBER 3: Qualifying & Elimination Finals

FINALS WEEK 2, SEPTEMBER 10: 1st & 2nd Semi-Finals

FINALS WEEK 3, SEPTEMBER 17: Preliminary Final at North Hobart Oval

FINALS WEEK 4, SEPTEMBER 24: Grand Final at North Hobart Oval

The full SFL fixture can be found on the SFL Facebook page.

The New Norfolk colts have returned to the SFL competition after playing in the STJFL Under-18s last year.

Juniors selected for development series

THREE young New Norfolk footballers have been invited to attend trials for selection for the 2016 Blue v Gold game. Training will be held weekly at Cornelian Bay in the lead up to the School Sports Australia Championship at Maroochydore, Queensland, in July.

The local boys invited to try for selection are Cameron Clark (Under 12) and Ethan Watt and Jayden Wilton (Under 15).

Bucks finish runners-up

Bothwell I players, back row from left: Nathan White, Tyler White
and Matthew Eyles. Middle: Michael White, Darren Hawes, Trent
Rogers. Front: Bradley Eyles, Joey Eyles, captain Cody Eyles,
Nathan Eyles and Brock Nichols. 

THE Bothwell Bucks went down to the Marquis Tigers by the big margin of 10 wickets in the Southern Cricket Association fourth grade final on Saturday.

Playing on the Cadbury's No.1 ground, Bothwell I won the toss and elected to bat, making the small total of 10 for 111 off 43.5 overs.

The Bucks lost wickets regularly, but opener Tyler White did his best batting nearly all the innings with a well-made 31. Matthew Eyles and Nathan Eyles were next best with 14 each. No other batsman reached double figures. In reply, the Tigers reached the target without losing a wicket, finishing 0/115 off just 18 overs.

"It's been a gallant effort for the newly-formed club, who first started out with the one team, but soon grew to two," cricket writer Wade Gleeson said. "To be in your first season and make the grand final is a fantastic effort and congratulations must go to Joey Eyles and their hard working committee who did a lot of preparation work during the off season to be ready for the season start," he said.

"Its not an easy pill to swallow, losing a grand final, but I'm sure the Bothwell players finished the game with their heads held high with what has been achieved in such a short time, both on and off the ground. Well done to all involved," Gleeson said.

Share your memories of '67

MANY people in the Derwent Valley can relate a story of the 1967 bushfires, based either on their firsthand experience of that day or stories passed down through older relatives. Throughout 2016 the Tasmania Fire Service will send a video booth around the state to collect stories for the 50th anniversary of the disaster.

Earlier this year, Marjory Woolford recorded a story recollecting that “the morning of February the 7th, 1967,  began as most other days began but the morning had an oppressive feel about it with foreboding of something sinister about to happen.”

In another video story, Helen Walch remembers “ heading to Kingston was terrible journey so dark at times and the fire kept catching up and trees and bushes were on fire, as we approached Taroona fire was on both sides of the road and large pieces of houses were blowing on the road.”

People of the Derwent Valley are invited to record their story in the video booth when it visits the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival on April 10 and the New Norfolk Library from April 11-23.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the bushfires in February 2017, the collected stories will be featured online and as part of a major exhibition at the Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery in 2017. The stores will also be preserved in the Tasmanian archives.

Click here to watch Mrs Woolford’s video story which was recorded at the Hobart Branch of Bendigo Bank in January. This project is supported by partners including the Derwent Valley Council. More information is available here.

You can also share your 1967 bushfire stories and photos with the New Norfolk News via email.

Who will win the cricket cup?

TIPSTER Wade Gleeson predicts an even contest in tomorrow's SCA fourth grade grand final, with both teams giving nothing. "With plenty of grand final experience amongst the Bothwell players from their past seasons with the Ouse and Gretna clubs, it is hard to go past them and I'm tipping for the Bucks to take out the premiership in their first season," Gleeson says.

"Joey Eyles is due for runs and with his many grand finals under his belt his experience will help build a big score. Nathan White is in good form with both bat and ball as is Matthew Eyles and the pair will have big impacts on the match.

"The youthful Trent Rogers will also be a handy contributor. Matthew Eyles will relish the big stage and will be named man of the match. My final tip is the match will have a late twist, so just watch out for a possible hat-trick!" Gleeson says.

Bothwell meets Marquis at the Cadbury's No.1 ground at 10.30am on Saturday.

Molesworth students enjoy inter-school carnival

Molesworth Primary School's victorious Grade 4 girls shuttle
relay team of Ebony Browning, Alannah Edwards, Astrid
Metcalf  and Caitlin Shaw.

GRADE 3, 4 and 5 students who performed well at the recent Molesworth Primary School athletics carnival went on to participate in Division F of the Southern Primary Schools Sports Association carnival on Wednesday.

Some 76 events were contested on the Soldiers Memorial Oval at the Domain Athletics Centre in Hobart, in friendly competition with students from Bagdad, Dunalley, Herdmans Cove, New Norfolk, Warrane, Orford and Tasman schools.

With all students trying their best, there was a lot of success for the Molesworth contingent, with many coming away with a ribbon or two.

Easter Saturday at Bushy Park

Click image to enlarge. More online.

Bothwell into southern cricket decider

AFTER going down to Bagdad in the Southern Cricket Association qualifying final a fortnight ago, Bothwell I turned the tables and claimed a 74-run win against the same team in last weekend's preliminary final. As a result the Bucks have advanced to the Fourth Grade grand final.

After a heavy dew and a shower of rain at Richmond last Saturday, a start to the match looked somewhat doubtful, but the match eventually got under way with the overs reduced from 50 to 35.

The Bucks won the toss and elected to bat, hitting up the good score off 8/175 off their 35 overs. Opener Nathan White top-scored with a well-made 65 while the ever-reliable Matthew Eyles also shined with the willow, making 47. Trent Rogers added a handy 18 and Nathan Eyles remained 11 not out.

In reply Bagdad couldn't withstand the Bothwell bowlers, losing wickets at regular intervals and finishing 9/101 off 26.1 overs. Trent Rogers bowled just three overs but claimed 3-22 in a good short spell. Matthew Eyles bowled tightly taking 2-7 off 4.1 overs. Brock Nichols got back amongst the wickets claiming two of the top five batsmen and finishing with 2-24 off 6 overs. Nathan Eyles  and Nathan White also conceded very few runs from their overs, finishing with 1-18 (7) and 1-21 (6) respectively. Eight of the eleven Bothwell players took a catch.

Bothwell I will now play the Marquis Tigers at Cadbury's No.1 ground in this Saturday's grand final. The Bucks will go into the big one as underdogs. The two teams have played off against each other twice this season with the Tigers being victors on both occasions. In Round 6 it was by one wicket and in Round 17 it was by five wickets.

Red sky tonight

The striking sunset over New Norfolk earlier tonight.

Two co-ordinators for the Community House

HAVING been through three co-ordinators in the past three years, the board of the Derwent Valley Community House has decided to fill the latest vacancy by appointing two long-serving local staff members as joint co-ordinators.

"It is with great pleasure that I can announce that at the last meeting of the Board of Management of Derwent Valley Community House the board appointed Dianne Booth and Lexia Brown to the role of joint co-ordinators of Derwent Valley Community House," chairman Chris Lester writes in the latest issue of the community house newsletter.

"Dianne and Lexia bring a wealth of experience to the role and both have demonstrated a commitment to the house as can be seen through their efforts to keep the house going through some very troubling times during the previous 12 months," Mr Lester wrote.

"Dianne and Lexia have over 17 years experience with the Community House between them and are looking forward to the coming year. On behalf of the house I would like to wish them both well in their new role," he wrote.

New hardware store now open

Brothers Adam and Peter Williams in the new Mitre 10 store
shortly after opening this morning.

NEW Norfolk's big new Williams Mitre 10 store had a low-key opening this morning but customers had no trouble making the switch from the old store in High St to the new premises in Charles St.

Years in the planning and 11 months since breaking ground last April, the new store has 1200 metres of floor space which is about three times more than the original location at 41 High St.

Brothers Peter and Adam Williams were welcoming customers from 7.30am, which will be the standard weekday opening time. On weekends and public holidays the trading hours will be 9am-4pm.

With some fit-out still to be completed, an official opening is likely to be held next month.

Inside the new hardware store.

Gold for Gretna Under 13s

Gretna Under 13 Gold, premiers for 2015/16. Standing, from left:
coach Dallas Featherstone, Tyler Scanlon, Aidan Featherstone
and coach Adam Jackson. Front: Bailey Wheeler, left, Zachary
Wickham, Tyron Bailey, Kyeden Booth, Connor Gittus, Sam
Jackson and Callum Rogers.

YOUTH League cricket came to a close today, ending a very successful season for many of our up and coming players, in particular the Gretna Under 13 Gold team that won its grand final against Clarence at Cadbury's No 1 ground.

Gretna's bowling and fielding was outstanding and then they backed it up with the bat, chasing down the 102 runs for victory in just 12 overs and losing only two wickets. The match was played in great spirits by both teams and all the boys should be very proud of themselves.

Results - Youth League finals round - March 13
UNDER 13s
Gretna Gold 2/102 off 12 overs d. Clarence 8/101 off 22.1 overs at Cadbury's No.1. Batting: Tyron Bailey 43 not out (7x4s, 1x6), Tyler Scanlon 15no (1x4), Bailey Wheeler 3no, Brodie Scanlon 2. Bowling: Bailey Wheeler 3-6 (1.1), Aidan Featherstone 1-3 (2), Callum Rogers 1-6 (2), Sam Jackson 1-12 (3), Tyron Bailey 1-22 (3), Brodie Scanlon 1-14 (2).

Gretna Green 4/121 off 17 overs d. Wellington 7/84 off 20.1 overs at Gretna. Batting: Brayden Butler 25 (2x4s), Hayden Davis 20 (1x4, 1x6), Josh Whyte 16 (1x4), Jacob Blackwell 12 (1x4), Dylan Davis 10 (2x4s),  Cameron Clark 8no (1x4), Conor Kelly-Lennox 8 (1x4), Kane Lovell 3no. Bowling: Hayden Davis 2-3 (2.1), Byron Conley 2-7 (2), Conor Kelly-Lennox 2-15 (2), Kane Lovell 1-4 (2).

South Hobart/Sandy Bay 8/109 off 21.1 overs d. New Norfolk 8/75 off 22.5 overs at Tynwald Park.
Batting: Jack Morgan-Miller 15 (1x4, 1x5), Jakob Quarrell 8no, Jordan Gittus 7no, Tom Eiszele 5, Bailey Chaplin 5. Bowling: Jakob Quarrell 2-12 (2.1), Jordan Gittus 1-2 (2), Josh Cantrell 1-7 (2), Jordan George 1-9 (3), Jack Morgan-Miller 1-10 (2), Tomas Murray 1-20 (2).

UNDER 16s
Molesworth 7 for 159 off 40 overs d. Gretna 10/40 off 15.3 overs at Gretna. Molesworth batting: Josh Ransley 48 (1x4, 3x6s), Josh Nichols 21 (1x4), Jye Lester 21 (1x4), Jack Evans 20no (1x4). Gretna bowling: Sam Booth 3-26 (7), Blake Mayne 2-29 (8), Jake Ransley 1-12 (3), Zac Wheeler 1-16 (4).
Gretna batting: Sam Booth 16 (2x4s), Jake Campbell 10, Molesworth bowling: J. Nichols 4-14 (5), Jye Lester 2-1 (2.3), Josh Ransley 2-5 (3), J. Bearman 2-16 (5).

Kingborough 7/184 off 40 overs d. New Norfolk 9/174 off 40 overs at Tynwald Park. Batting: Jye Bearman 77 (120 run partnership with Nathan Rice 48). Bowling: Dylan Browning 2-23 (5), Cody Young 1-9 (3), Jye Bearman 1-15 (3), Jake Stevenson 1-16 (3), Dylan Morgan 1-19 (3).

Youth event tomorrow

Click image to enlarge. More on Facebook.

Cricket finals - week three

BOTHWELL gets a second chance against Bagdad in the Southern Cricket Association fourth grade finals this weekend and I'm tipping that this will be a real nail-biter of a match. The loss against Bagdad in the qualifying final a fortnight ago will still be hurting the Bothwell boys and this will spur them onto victory and a place in the grand final against the Marquis Tigers on March 19.

I'm tipping brothers Brad and Joey Eyles to make big scores and Mathew Eyles not far behind. With the ball, Brock Nichols hasn't taken a wicket in the last two weeks, but this weekend will see that change and he will need a bag to put his five wickets in. With Nathan Eyles in top form with the ball it could well be a second five-for in just two weeks. Good luck fellas, it's all before you for the taking.

WADE GLEESON

March council meeting coming up

THE Westerway Community Hall will be the venue for the Derwent Valley Council's monthly meeting next Thursday, March 17. A community forum at 6.30pm will provide an opportunity for residents of the local area to ask questions or raise matters of concern. The formal council meeting will follow at 7pm. The meeting agenda is available online and in hardcopy from the council chambers.

Big achievements in junior cricket

Coach Josh Walsh and his New Norfolk Under 13 side which
played under lights at Tynwald Park last week.

ALL our local Under 13s and Under 16s teams have been performing well in the Youth League cricket this season.

The New Norfolk Under 13s had a good win over Wellington in their first Friday night match last week. From all reports it was a great night at Tynwald Park.

Gretna Under 13s player Tyron Bailey had a big achievement last Sunday, recording his 500th run for the season. He now has 504 runs in total.

Some big scores have also been recorded in the Under 16s. New Norfolk's Jye Bearman has made 487 runs, while for Molesworth Josh Ransley has made 414, Jeremy Nichols 360 and Jayden Wilton 344.

This week is the finals round of the Youth League. Gretna Gold will play off in the grand final.

Bothwell still in the running

SOUTHERN CRICKET ASSOCIATION
Finals Week 2

AFTER last week's loss to Bagdad in the Fourth Grade qualifying final, Bothwell I redeemed itself in the first semi-final with a four wicket win over the Knights at Pontville.

The Knights won the toss and had first hit, but were soon in trouble as openers Nathan Eyles and Nathan White cut loose on the Knights top order who were in all sorts of trouble at 4/10 and then bowled out for just 82 off 31.1 overs.

Nathan Eyles finished with the excellent figures of 5-18 off 7 overs while Nathan White was incredibly tight with 2-4 off 6.1 overs. Tyler White was just as good taking 1-8 (6). Matthew Eyles took 1-12 (3) and Trent Rogers 1-21 (3).

In reply, the Bucks lost six wickets on the run chase, finishing 6/85 off 21.5 overs. Matthew Eyles top-scored with 20 runs. Bradley Eyles made 15 and captain Codey Eyles made 10.

Homecoming for Her Excellency and Mr Warner

Richard Warner and Her Excellency, Professor Kate Warner, with
Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans at Willow Court on Monday.

HAVING visited New Norfolk on Saturday to officially open the 2016 Relay for Life, Tasmania's Governor Kate Warner returned to the Derwent Valley on Monday for the latest in an ongoing program of municipal tours.

It was something of a homecoming for the vice-regal couple, who had 44 years of married life in New Norfolk before moving to Government House in December 2014. Mr Warner had spent all his life on the family property, Valleyfield, just outside the town.

Professor and Mr Warner's tour started at Norske Skog Boyer, which the governor later described as an immaculately presented industrial site. The governor congratulated the mill on achieving 75 years in business and noted that while some of the machinery dated back to 1940, the mill had also invested in a complete rebuilding of one of its two paper machines, converting it from newsprint production to high-quality coated paper.

Governor Warner cuts the Relay for Life ribbon on
Saturday, assisted by Ellie Hayton.

The couple then visited two classrooms at New Norfolk Primary School before touring the Derwent Valley Child and Family Centre (also called Ptunarra). The governor contrasted the modern and welcoming facility to the rather more utilitarian "child welfare clinic" in Circle St that she had attended as a young mother with her two daughters.

Lunch was had at Woodbridge on Derwent, followed by a civic reception hosted by the Derwent Valley Council in Bronte House at Willow Court. The couple then toured the 1830 barracks building and some of the grounds before returning to Bronte House for afternoon tea with the assembled guests. The couple returned to Government House in the late afternoon, where the governor chaired a meeting of the Executive Council.

This morning the governor and Mr Warner attended the Derwent Valley Council’s International Women’s Day Service at St Matthew's Anglican Church, followed by a lunch in the church hall.

Have your say on proposed tourist trail

OPINIONS are being sought on a proposed pathway for walkers, bike riders and horse riders in the Derwent Valley. The route being considered is the 7km of rail corridor between Westerway and National Park.

The Bicycle Network has already completed face-to-face surveys with visitors at the Mt Field National Park and now seeks to extend that survey by collecting feedback from a wider range of people such as those who visit the valley, are potential visitors to the valley, or who live or work in the valley.

The rail corridor, shown on the map above, closely follows Gordon River Rd and the Tyenna River between Westerway and Maydena. The existing rails and sleepers would need to be removed to create a wide and smooth track so that people could walk or ride next to each other and pass without the need for one party to stop and step off the track.

Click here to take the survey.

Rest time for relay walkers

Photo from the Derwent Valley Relay
for Life Council Conquerors Facebook.

THE Derwent Valley Relay for Life has come to an end, 20 hours after it kicked off at Tynwald Park yesterday afternoon. With many donations still to be added, the fundraising target of $30,000 has already been met and exceeded.

The Relay for Life website shows that more than $30,340 has been raised for cancer research and support through the local event, which is about $10,000 more than last year's inaugural event.

Nineteen teams registered for the relay and the "Boyer's Walking Wounded" group headed by Sandra Hetherington was named the top team, with a tally of  $7626. The award for the best baton was shared by the Council Conquerors (captain Belinda Graham) and Suzie's Redbacks (Tracy Cash), while the encouragement award was shared by Liviende Veranto (captain Melissa-Jane Moore), Ants with Mates (Gillian Parton), OddBalls (James Graham) and Wacky Woolies Workers (Ellie Hayton).

The other participating teams were (in no particular order): Family Ties (Mandy Welling), St Brigid's Catholic School (Tracey Morgan), Pop's Angels (Tanya Russell),  Bouncing Bankers (Karen Stevens), New Norfolk High School (Courtney Plapp), Tongatabus (Tamara King), For our Superman (Sarah Keogh), Derwent Valley Youth Future Action Team (Matt Hill), Team Red Caps (Tania Morgan), TygaFM Community Radio (Roz Chapman), Derwent Valley 4WD Club (David Keleher) and Bright Stars (Michelle Amos). Amongst all the teams were 270 participants.

A spokesman for the organising committee thanked the Derwent Valley community for its generosity. "None of this would have happened without the support and participation of the community." Among the dedicated teams of volunteers were the New Norfolk Cricket Club members who ran a canteen for the entire event and New Norfolk High School representatives who cooked three barbecues.

Congratulations to the organisers and all who took part. Online donations can still be made here.

Have you got a book in you?

Click image to enlarge.

Relay for Life under way

Hundreds of Derwent Valley residents are this evening doing laps of the Tynwald
Park oval as part of the second Relay for Life to be held at New Norfolk. The event
 started at 2pm with an official opening by the Governor of Tasmania, Professor Kate
Warner. The Relay for Life Oath was read by cancer surviror Reg Parton, followed
 by the traditional "survivors and carers" lap which was led by Professor Warner.
The event continues all night and concludes at 10am tomorrow (Sunday).
Click image to enlarge.

Gordon road open right through

TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE

 

THE Gordon River Rd has been assessed from the road closure at Scotts Peak Rd through to the Gordon Dam for burnt trees that may have the potential to fall onto the road.

 

The positive outcome has meant that the Gordon River Road is now open through to the Gordon River Dam. Please note: access to the Pedder Wilderness Lodge will remain closed until 14 March.

 

The multi-agency team would like to thank members of the public for their understanding and patience while the road was closed during firefighting operations. The Gordon River Rd/Mt Cullen fire was first reported on January 17. The most likely cause is lighting from a large electrical storm that passed the area on Wednesday, January 13.


Remote Area Firefighters, in conjunction with air support, worked in rugged and steep terrain to contain the fire with firefighters and equipment required to be winched in from helicopters.


The fire is now contained and in a patrol status. This means there will not be agency vehicles in the area, as seen over the past weeks, but there may be some hot spots and smoke remaining within the burnt area for some time until significant rainfall occurs, but the area poses no threat.

 

A large multi-agency team combating this fire was made up of firefighters and Incident Management Team representatives from:

- Tasmania Fire Service

- Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

- Forestry Tasmania

- Tasmania State Emergency Service

- Country Fire Authority Victoria

- ACT Rural Fire Service

- New Zealand Fire Service

- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning - Victoria

- NSW Rural Fire Service

 

• For up to date information on current reserves and track closures, please visit Parks and Wildlife Service web site at www.parks.tas.gov.au and select Track and Reserve Closures, or phone 1300 827 727.
• If there is any fire activity causing you concern please report it to the TFS by calling triple zero (000).  
• For information on current road closures, please visit the Tasmania Police website: http://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/

 

Cricket finals - week two

DESPITE going down to Bagdad in the Southern Cricket Association fourth grade qualifying final last weekend, Bothwell has the chance to redeem itself against the Knights at Pontville Oval (the Bothwell ground is unavailable).

I'm tipping a big turnaround by the Bucks and to take the victory in a close one. Matthew Eyles should have a big day out, top-scoring with the willow and taking four wickets. Captain Cody Eyles and Brock Nichols should also have good games.

WADE GLEESON

Governor to open Relay for Life

STATE governor Kate Warner will officially open the second Derwent Valley Relay for Life at Tynwald Park in New Norfolk this weekend. Professor Warner will also participate in a lap of the relay after the "survivors and carers".

The Relay for Life will start at 2pm this Saturday and continue until 10am on Sunday. There are presently 269 participants registered in 19 teams and more than half of the $30,000 fundraising target has already been raised.

The Relay For Life raises funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention, information and support services. Now in its second year, the New Norfolk event is a chance for the local community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers, to honour and remember loved ones lost to cancer and to raise money to help save more lives.

Find out more and donate here.

Cricket finals - three teams out

SOUTHERN CRICKET ASSOCIATION
Finals Week 1

WITH the first round of the SCA finals now completed, only one of the four local teams remain in contention. New Norfolk I, Gretna I and Bushy Park have all bowed out of season 2015/16. Bothwell I lost its match as well, but remains in the mix as they had the double chance.

FIRST GRADE
Elimination Final
New Norfolk I went down to St Anne's by six wickets at Cadbury No 1. Winning the toss and batting first, the Red Caps were bowled out for the modest total of 10/134 off 37.3 overs. Opener John Ferguson batted very well, finding the gaps and boundary on six occasions to a well made 39. Captain Dave Maddox made 22 (three fours) and Joe McCulloch made 20 (three fours). At number 10, Josh Walsh made a handy 18 (three fours). In reply the Crows had little trouble in the run chase and reached 136 for the loss of just four wickets off 24 overs. Joe McCulloch did well taking 2-26 off seven overs. John Ferguson 1-13 (3) and Graeme Rowlands tried hard 1-30 (6). New Norfolk now bows out of the finals race, but can hold its head high as it has made a big improvement from eighth place last season.

SECOND GRADE
Elimination Final
In a do or die match at Gretna on Saturday, Gretna I went down to Montagu Bay by seven wickets. After winning the toss, Gretna had first knock and didn't get off to a good start. At one stage it was 3/18. The home side recovered a little, but was bowled out for 107 off 34.3 overs. Captain Ben Rainbird made use of his good form, scoring 37 with five fours. Bruce Emery chipped in with 28 (two fours) and Peter Jelkic 18 runs ( four fours). In reply, Montagu Bay lost a wicket in the first ball of its innings, but soon recovered and chased down the runs from 27.5 overs, finishing 3/110. Corey Ransley bowled well again and was unlucky not to have more wickets finished with 1/24 off nine overs.  Craig Cunningham did well 1-6 (3) and Aaron Maddox tried hard finishing with 1-40 (9). Gretna looked the goods going into the finals, but it just wasn't to be. Congratulations to Peter Jelkic on playing his 150th game for Gretna I and also to Aaron Maddox on playing his 100th for Gretna I.

THIRD GRADE
Elimination Final
Playing at the Bushy Park Showground, St Anne's turned the tables from the previous week and defeated Bushy Park by four wickets. St Anne's 6/100 off 22 overs defeated Bushy Park 10/99 off 33.1 overs. No other details were unavailable at the time of writing and Bushy Park now exits the finals for 2015/16.

FOURTH GRADE
Qualifying Final
Favourites Bothwell I went down to Bagdad by four wickets. Playing at home, the Bucks won the toss and had first knock but unlike recent weeks they were bowled out for 101 off 39 overs. Trent Rogers was the only batsman to get a start, making 25. The only other to make double figures was Joey Eyles with 11. Their were 22 extras. In reply, Bagdad lost six wickets in the run chase and at one stage was 5/40 but recovered to finish 6/102 off 36.2 overs. Nathan White was the leading bowler for Bothwell taking 3-22 off 10 overs. Matthew Eyles 2-22 (7) and Trent Rogers 1-19 (8). Despite the loss, Bothwell survives to play another week.