Storm knocks out power supplies

ELECTRICITY company TasNetworks is investigating a loss of power supply in parts of the Derwent Valley this evening as severe thunderstorm passes through the area.


Some 94 customers in New Norfolk are expected to be without power until 9.30pm due to lightning in the area. Nineteen customers at Lachlan are presently being advised to check the TasNetworks website after 7.30pm for an update.

Farewell Judy Bromfield OAM

A GRAVESIDE funeral service will be held tomorrow (Thursday) morning for former Derwent Valley councillor Judy Bromfield OAM. Mrs Bromfield passed away on Saturday morning following a long illness.

Originally from the Huon, Mrs Bromfield lived in New Norfolk for most of her life and was well known as an educator in local schools, a Justice of the Peace, and as a long-serving member of the Derwent Valley Council. She was first elected to the then New Norfolk Council in 1991 and served until 2014.

She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday honours list in 2013 for service to local government and to the community of the Derwent Valley.

Judy is survived by her children Beth, Joanne and David and their families. Tomorrow's graveside service will be held at the Malbina Lawn Cemetery, Molesworth Rd, Malbina, at 11am.

Police seek witnesses to fatal Magra crash

POLICE are seeking witnesses to a crash involving a car and a motorcycle on Black Hills Rd, Magra, that caused the death of a man on Sunday night.

Accident investigator Rod Carrick said the incident occurred at about 8.25pm on February 25, when a grey Statesman sedan driven by a 65-year-old Glenorchy man reversed from a residential driveway onto Black Hills Rd with the intention of travelling towards New Norfolk.

"At this time two motorcycles were travelling westbound on Black Hills Rd," Sergeant Carrick said. "One of the motorcycles was a red and white 900cc Honda ... being ridden by a 35-year-old Herdsmans Cove man," Sgt Carrick said.

Sgt Carrick said a collision resulted between the car and motorcycle. "Attempts to resuscitate the rider of the Honda were to no avail.  He was declared deceased at the scene by ambulance paramedics," he said. The driver of the Statesman was not physically injured.

Black Hills Rd in the area of the crash was closed for several hours while crash investigation and forensic officers examined the scene.

Sgt Carrick would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or saw two motorcycles travelling from the direction of Herdsmans Cove, Gagebrook, towards New Norfolk around 5.15pm on Sunday. Phone 131 444.

Frog Lodge roadworks to start this week

MOTORISTS are being warned of delays of up to 15 minutes while roadworks are carried out on Glenora Rd over the next month.

Roadworks in the area known as Frog Lodge are expected to start this Wednesday (February 28) and continue until March 30.

The Derwent Valley Council has budgeted $150,000 to reconstruct the collapsed section of road near Frog Lodge and the Swallows Nest Guest House.

Local cricket roundup

Southern Cricket Association
Round 13

WITH just one round of matches remaining before the Southern Cricket Association finals, some teams are in limbo as to whether they will make finals or not, while others had good wins at the weekend and are guaranteed a spot.

FIRST GRADE
New Norfolk I has locked in a double chance after defeating Claremont by 39 runs at Tynwald Park. After losing the toss, the Red Caps were sent in to bat and made 6-170 off their 50 overs. In reply, the visitors were bowled out for 131 off 42.5 overs. With the bat, Harry Booth top-scored with 54, hitting four fours and two sixes. Seb Wishart made 31 (one four) and captain Jason Rigby 24 (one four). Jordan Banks-Smith made 20 not out (two fours). With the ball, Joe McCulloch bowled very well, taking 4-24 from his 10 overs. He was backed up well by Ben Smith 2-24 (7.5).

SECOND GRADE
Gretna I moved into third spot on the ladder when it broke its 13-match losing streak against Molesworth I at Gretna for the Ben Eyles Memorial Match on Saturday. Batting first, the visitors were going pretty well at 5-147 but then lost five wickets for nine runs to be all out for 156 off 44.2 overs. Brad Coppleman top-scored with 70, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Opener Josh Ransley made 19 (two fours, one six), Sam Triffitt 18 (three fours) and Daniel Coppleman 14. Peter Jelkic was the main wicket taker for Gretna bowling very well to take 3-10 from five overs. Jackson Ackerly took 2-35 (10) and Zac Crosswell 1-15 (5). In reply, Gretna did well and finished 2-157 off 34.5 overs. Captain and opener Ben Rainbird batted well and finished with 69 not out, hitting seven fours. Zac Crosswell made 43 not out, hitting seven fours, and put on 88 with his captain and in turn Crosswell was declared man of the match. Rhys Browning made 25 (three fours, one six). With the ball for Molesworth , Blayne King took 1-20 (5) and Jeremy Nichols 1-35 (8.5). Before Saturday, Gretna I’s last win over Molesworth I was way back on December 3, 2011 — a losing streak that lasted for 12 50-over matches and one T20 match.

THIRD GRADE
New Norfolk II made its chances of making finals very hard when it went down to Old Beach by five wickets at Boyer Oval. After being sent in, the Red Caps finished with 9-139 from 50 overs. Opener Blake Kemmler made 36 (two fours). Batting at nine, captain Josh Walsh made 20no (two fours). Aaron Drew made 18 (two fours) and Coby Kemmler got 17. In reply, the visitors made 5-140 off 34 overs. Jamie Hill bowled well, taking 4-32 (8), and opener Nathan Rice was very tight, taking 1-15 (8).

FOURTH GRADE
Bothwell sits six points clear on top of the ladder after a seven-wicket win over Claremont at Abbotsfield Park on Saturdy. The win was due to an excellent all-round effort from Brock Nichols. After taking 3-23 off 10 overs with four maidens and helping bowl Clarence out for 189 (49 overs), Nichols set about chasing the runs down with the bat. Opening the batting, the allrounder made 81 not out with nine well-struck fours. Dylan Pearce gave good support making 25no (four fours). Kelvin Eyles made 21 (two fours), Nathan Eyles 18 (two fours, one six) and Tyler White 17 (two fours). Bothwell finished with 3-184 off 48.3 overs. Others to take wickets were Tyler White 2-33 (8), Nathan White 1-18 (10), Matthew Eyles 1-23 (7) and Cody Eyles 1-34 (8).

In the match at Cambridge, Gretna II ended its finals chances when it went down to St Aidan’s by four wickets. Sent in to bat, Gretna was dismissed for 118 off 47 overs. In reply, the home team made 6-120 off 29.4 overs. With the bat, Todd Jarvis top-scored with 27 (six fours). With the ball Josh Whitford-Marriott took 2-19 (5), Sam Booth 2-42 (8), Jake Campbell 1-16 (3), and Aaron Browning 1-21 (9). Well done to Jordan Hastie, who played his 100th club match for Gretna on Saturday.

At St Virgil’s, Bushy Park went down to Weily Park by seven wickets. Bushy Park had first hit and made 117 off 28 overs. In reply the Rockers finished 3-120 from 17.2 overs. Dylan Grant top-scored with 25. Trent Grant made 22 and Troy Smith 17. With the ball, Dylan Grant 2-25 (5) and Geoff Crosswell 1-24 (5) were the wicket takers.

SEVENTH GRADE
New Norfolk III is five points clear on top of the ladder after defeating the Knights by 53 runs at Tynwald Park on Sunday. Batting first, the Red Caps made 212 off 48.2 overs. Aaron Triffitt batted very well to top score with 65, which included seven fours and one six. Triffitt put on a 93-run stand with opener Steven Sillifant, who made 36 (two fours, two sixes). Brad Kemmler did well also, making 42 (four fours), while Mitchell Rice made 19 (one four). In reply, the visitors couldn’t get the required runs, finishing up with 7-159 from 50 overs. This was thanks to some outstanding bowling from the evergreen Graeme Rowlands, who sent down 10 overs (six maidens) and took 2-6, a fine effort. Captain Nathan Heron took 2-31 (8) and Mitchell Rice took 1-23 (5). There were also two run-outs.

In the match at Boyer Oval on Sunday, Molesworth lost to Derwent by five runs. After winning the toss and sending the visitors in to bat, Molesworth bowled Derwent out for 117 off 42.3 overs. In reply, Molesworth was bowled out for 112 from 33.4 overs. Captain Jack Evans top scored with a valuable 34, hitting three fours and one six. Jason Mallinson made 21 (two fours). Earlier, opening bowler Brad Jarvis took 3-12 from six overs. Nathan Triffitt took 2-9 (4). Jack Evans bowled well, finishing with the figures of 10 overs, six maidens and taking 1-9 . Colby Evans took 1-8 (3.3), Larry Menzie 1-24 (10) and Jayden Wilton 1-2 (1).

EIGHTH GRADE
Bothwell II lost top spot to Wellington when it went down to the Warriors at Bothwell on Sunday. Batting first, the Warriors made 7-293 from 50 overs. In reply, the Bucks ran out of overs and finished at 7-164 . Brad Eyles top-scored with 29 not out (four fours, one six). Shayne Wood made 24 (four fours), Anthony White 21 (two fours) and Mark Pearce 16no (one four). With the ball, Blake Eyles took 3-69 (9.5), Anthony White 1-32 (7) and Mathew Pearce 1-46 (10).

WADE GLEESON

Second term for council GM

THE Derwent Valley Council's general manager has accepted the offer of a second three-year contract period with the local authority. The council decided via a majority vote at its December 2017 meeting to offer to reappoint Greg Winton following the completion of his current term.

Mayor Martyn Evans said the municipality had benefited from the experience and professional expertise which he said Mr Winton had brought to the role. “It’s council’s view that Mr Winton is the best person to lead the Derwent Valley Council organisation as it continues to strive for best-practice and continuous improvement in its daily service provision for our community," Councillor Evans said.

“Council’s large capital works program rollout for this year needs a steady hand and keen oversight of the process. Mr Winton’s deep understanding of budget and logistical matters have been evident in the way he tackles large projects of this type," he said. "I’m confident that Mr Winton will represent the organisation with passion, drive and imagination, backed with strong formal management skills.”

The mayor said the general manager would receive a salary package of $211,000, including a car and professional development expenses.

Bushy Park Show 2018

About 2000 people attended the 2018 Bushy Park Show on Saturday, with
organisers saying the crowd was on par with last year. Mild weather provided
comfortable conditions at the show, which traces its history back to the 1860s.
Events and attractions included the junior cattle handling, above.

An adjudicator explains his decision in one of the sheep competition events.

Junior cattle handlers walking their heifers to the judging area.

Neville Fenton calming an energetic bull calf.

Target practice with the Gretna Fire Brigade.

Ponies and miniature horses were a popular division in the equestrian events.

Derwent Valley councillors Ben Shaw, left, and Paul Belcher, were the victors
in the politicians' challenge.

Westerway Bushwatch.

Magra CWA Devonshire tea stand.

Chainsaw races were the final events of the day in the woodchopping arena.

Council calls for Willow Court concepts

BILLBOARDS have gone up at Willow Court just shy of three years since the Derwent Valley Council decided to seek expressions of interest in the development of the historic site. In March 2015 the council voted unanimously to test the market for options for the heritage quarter of the former hospital site. It has taken two years to determine the process and appoint an agent.

Council communications officer Karen Gower Bradley said the site - in council ownership since 2001 - had an eclectic mix of building styles and configurations that lent it to many uses. "Council has sold some of the peripheral built assets of the site, while retaining control of many of the significant heritage buildings," Ms Gower Bradley said.

Derwent Valley mayor Martyn Evans said the council was open to imaginative concepts recognising the historic jewel at the centre of the precinct. “We’ll be open to considering sensitive expressions of interest for the site, which relate to the social heritage of Willow Court,” Councillor Evans said.

“Council will be looking for concepts which offer opportunities for new business initiatives to stimulate local economic activity. Concept plans, master plans or similar for the site will also be considered as part of the expression of interest application process," Cr Evans said.

The council has appointed L.J. Hooker Commercial to manage the expression of interest process. More information is available online.

Pictures: Pollies wanted a cracker

State Opposition Leader Rebecca White was the star attraction in the third annual
Politicians' Challenge at yesterday's Bushy Park Show. The "Great Pollie Peel Off"
was retired after two years and two new challenges took its place. Ms White, who
serves as a Member for Lyons as well as being the Labor leader, was pictured in
the first contest, which required the contestants to move rice crackers from one
bowl to another. Show Secretary Alison Hennessy took great delight in naming
the event "Polly Wants a Cracker".

The Federal Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell, made his first
appearance in the Bushy Park Show's political challenge.

Derwent Valley Councillor Barry Lathey was back for a second
year in the challenge.

Deputy Mayor Ben Shaw was named the winner of
"Polly Wants a Cracker". 

Councillor Paul Belcher won the second contest, which required
the contestants to move chocolate beans from one bowl to another.

The Member for Derwent, Craig Farrell, focusing on the task.

Mr Farrell looks on while Ms White checks her tally.

Election candidates named

THE names of the 109 candidates standing at the 2018 House of Assembly elections were announced during the week. The candidates for Lyons, in the order announced by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission are:

JACQUI LAMBIE NETWORK
Michael Kent, mayor, of Orford
Chris Reynolds, sole trader transport services, of Lindisfarne
Bob Vervaart, disability support pensioner, Primrose Sands

LIBERAL PARTY
Guy Barnett, Member of Parliament, of Newstead
Rene Hidding, Member of Parliament, of Youngtown
Jane Howlett, self-employed, of Battery Point
Mark Shelton, Member of Parliament, of Bracknell
John Tucker, farmer, of St Helens

AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
Jen Butler, political adviser, of Perth
Darren Clark, electorate officer, of Bagdad
Gerard Gaffney, seafarer, of Railton
Janet Lambert, electorate officer, of Devon Hills
Rebecca White, Member of Parliament, of Orielton
Kylie Wright, employment consultant/small business owner, of St Helens

TASMANIAN GREENS
Fraser Brindley, policy advisor, of Evandale
Helen Hutchinson, health sociologist, of Western Creek
Lucy Landon-Lane, artist, of Bicheno
Glenn Millar, volunteer, mechanic, gardener, tourism, of Forcett
Gary Whisson, environmental consultant, of Orford

SHOOTERS, FISHERS, FARMERS (TAS)
Matthew Allen, builder, of Perth
Shane Broadby, shift process plant operator, of Bellerive
Carlo Di Falco, council employee, of Forcett
Andrew Harvey, retired, of Loira
Wayne Turale, retired, of Bronte Park

UNGROUPED
Tennille Murtagh, community representative, of Bridgewater
Kim Peart, visual artist, of Ross

Southern cricket - round 12

Southern Cricket Association
Round 12

First Grade
New Norfolk I rectified the previous week's loss with an important win over second-placed Wellington at Eady St at the weekend. Winning the toss and batting first, New Norfolk faced 50 overs for the low score of 9-114 . In reply, and after excellent defence by the Red Caps, the home side was bowled out for 106 from 29.1 overs. All the bowlers did well. Seb Wishart’s 3-11 off 5.1 overs was excellent, as was Josh Rowlands’ 2-15 (4). Harry Booth was on target in the field with two run-outs. Earlier with the bat, Jason Rigby top-scored with 28 (one four). Batting at No. 9 and playing his first First Grade match this season, Josh Walsh dug deep with a very handy 18, including two fours and one six.

Second Grade 
After an excellent batting and bowling display, Gretna I recorded its first back-to-back wins, with a big 160-run victory over third-placed Richmond/Cambridge at Richmond. With Gretna all out for 206 from 49.3 overs, the opening bowlers then went about tearing through the home side for just 46 runs off 17.4 overs. Veteran and medium pacer Mathew Burns caused havoc, finishing with the outstanding figures of 7-17 off nine overs (two maidens). Aaron Maddox took 3-27 from 8.4 overs. With the bat, young Zac Crosswell top-scored with 46 (six fours) and put on 93 for the third wicket with Rhys Browning, who got 38 (three fours). Luke Crosswell got 44 (six fours) and Aaron Maddox 34 (five fours, one six), the pair putting on 51 for the eighth wicket.

Molesworth I lost to top-placed Rokeby by run rate in a rain-affected match at Boyer Oval. After being sent in, the home side was all out for 138 off 43.4 overs. In reply, Rokeby was 9-132 off 37 overs when the rain came. With the bat, opener Daniel Adams top scored with 39 (one four). Daniel Coppleman was the best of the Molesworth bowlers with 3-34 (10).

Third Grade 
New Norfolk II kept its finals chances alive with a six-wicket win over Montagu Bay at Geilston Bay on Sunday. The Red Caps won the toss and sent the home side in, bowling the Sharks out for just 90 from 40.5 overs. Liahm O’Brien, in his first match of the season, sent down six overs for the excellent figures of 4-6 (two maidens). Not a bad effort after a drive from Burnie! Stewart Rice bowled great line and length, capturing 3-28 (10), including three maidens, while Jamie Hill bowled his spinners taking great figures of 2-17 (7.5). Zaheer Hussain was also tight with 1-11 (7), including three maidens. In reply, New Norfolk was in a bit of bother at 4-31, but Nathan Eiszele got four fours and three sixes on his way to 42 not out and I hear his to catches were pretty special. The Red Caps won comfortably in the end, finishing with 4-91 from 16.2 overs.

Fourth Grade
Bothwell I captain Joey Eyles wound back the clock with an excellent all-round performance at Bothwell on Sunday. Bushy Park won the toss and elected to bat and was going well at 4-136 before Eyles took 5-20 from 6.2 overs. Nathan Eyles took the other wicket and Bushy Park was all out for 152 off 33.2 overs. Chasing a modest total, Bothwell was in trouble at 7-64 before a match-winning partnership of 66 between Joey Eyles, who finished 49 not out (eight fours), and youngster Brodie White (18). The Bucks finished 8-153 off 42.4 overs. Earlier with the bat for Bothwell, Kelvin Eyles made 25 (three fours) and Brock Nichols 15 (three fours). Best of the bowlers for Bushy were Mitch Crosswell in a gallant effort with excellent figures of 4-16 (10), supported by Nicholas Fenton with 3-48 (10). With the bat for Bushy, Trent Grant made 41. Bowling for the Bucks, Brock Nichols got 2-19 (5) and Tyler White was very tight with 1-12 (6), including three maidens.

Gretna II went down to Hobart in a rain-affected match at Gretna. After being sent into bat, Gretna was 4-52 before opener Matthew Coulson, who made an excellent 102 (hitting 13 fours and one six), and evergreen Brian Smith 42 (two fours) put on a 120-run partnership, getting the score to 172. Then Gretna lost 6-5 and was bowled out for 177 off 49.5 overs. In reply Hobart was 4-154 from 28.2 overs before the rain came, giving the visitors victory on run rate. Wicket takers for Gretna were Aaron Browning with 2-26 (7.2) and Matthew Coulson with 2-28 (3), including an excellent catch from his own bowling.

Seventh Grade 
Ladder-leaders New Norfolk III crushed Derwent by 167 runs at Tynwald Park. Batting first, the Red Caps got 6-258 from their 50 overs. An opening stand of 96 from youngster Blake Kemmler with 68 (two four, one six) and Steven Sillifant 41 (five fours) got the team off to a great start. Then Kemmler and Aaron Drew, who belted 59 (five fours, three sixes), put on a great stand of 80. In reply, Derwent had no answers to the Red Caps’ attack and was bowled out for just 91 from 24.2 overs. Opening bowler Aaron Drew led the way with 6-38 from his 10 overs in a great display. Mitch Rice did well, getting 2-4 (1.2) overs. Molesworth II, playing one short, got its second win in three weeks with a 26-run victory over Old Beach at Old Beach. After being sent in, the visitors made 9-143 off 26.1 overs. This was thanks to a great captain’s knock by Sam Triffitt, who made a half century. Triffitt hit seven fours and one six, and put on 46 with Jayden Wilton 12 (one four, one six). With the ball it was Triffitt again, getting 3-12 from his 10 overs, including four maidens. Timmy Nichols did very well with 3-26 (10). Shayne Upton was equally as good, taking 3-36 (10) including three maidens.

Eighth Grade
Bothwell II claimed the points after Runnymede forfeited during the week.

Junior League
Well done to New Norfolk Under 13s all-rounder Luke Jarvis who came into bat with his team struggling at 2-4. Luke went on to score 89 runs off just 34 balls, hitting 10 fours and seven sixes. And to cap the day off he captured 1-2 with the ball, took a catch and got a run out. Well done, Luke.

WADE GLEESON

Council going west tonight

THE Westerway Community Hall will be the venue for the Derwent Valley Council's monthly meeting tonight (Thursday, February 15). 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.

Community House market this Sunday

Derwent Valley
Community Market

Sunday, February 18, 2018

10am-2pm

at Derwent Valley Community House

The Avenue, Willow Court, New Norfolk

Indoor and outdoor stalls available

Inquiries: 0458 649 379 / 0427 612 327

(Next market on March 18)

Severe weather warning

Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

For people in the Upper Derwent Valley, King Island, Furneaux Islands, Western, South East, North East, East Coast, North West Coast, Central North, Central Plateau and Midlands Forecast Districts.
Issued at 8:14 am Wednesday, 14 February 2018.

DAMAGING WINDS FOR ALL OF TASMANIA TODAY
Weather Situation: A squally cold front crosses Tasmania this morning followed by strong and gusty westerly winds.
DAMAGING WEST TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of 110 km/h, are possible in parts of the north and west of Tasmania during today, and the southeast this afternoon. However, isolated DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS in excess of 130 km/h are possible in storms along the north coast until 10 am.
The strongest gusts are expected during the morning and afternoon ahead of and behind the squally cold front crosses the state.
Winds are expected to ease this evening.

Locations which may be affected include Devonport, Burnie, Launceston, St Helens, Swansea, Strahan, New Norfolk and Hobart.
146 km/h wind gust was reported at King Island Airport with the front. 104 km/h wind gust was reported at Wynyard also with the front.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Supervise children closely.
* Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings.
* Manage pets and livestock.
* Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment.
* Be prepared in case of power outages.
* Beware of damaged trees and power lines and take care when driving.
* Listen to the ABC radio or check www.ses.tas.gov.au for further advice.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5pm Wednesday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au 

About Severe Weather Warning Services