Councillor votes now half counted

WITH half of the votes now counted in the election for eight councillors, three councilors remain at risk of losing their seats on the Derwent Valley Council.

New figures released by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission a short time ago see incumbent councillor Anne Salt replacing challenger Matt Hill in the "possible election result", subject to the rest of the votes being counted. The top five places remain unchanged from yesterday's prediction, but Luke Browning's position has improved from eighth place to sixth, at the expense of Rachel Power who drops to seventh place.

With 50% of the councillor vote now counted, the provisional outcome predicts that the new eight-member council could be (in order of election):

• Paul Belcher
• Ben Shaw
• Julie Triffett
• Martyn Evans
• Jessica Cosgrove
• Luke Browning
• Rachel Power
• Anne Salt

This  is based on a computer prediction and the result may change once the remaining ballots are counted. On the numbers, councillors Frank Pearce, Barry Lathey and James Graham would lose their seats, and Matt Hill hangs in the balance.

Councillor first preference votes (50% counted)

BELCHER, Paul 421

SHAW, Ben 401
TRIFFETT, Julie 242
EVANS, Martyn 129
POWER, Rachel 114
COSGROVE, Jessica 95
BROWNING, Luke 93
HILL, Matthew 84
GRAHAM, James 83
SALT, Anne 81
LESTER, Chris 76
HALL, Kristy 61
BINGLEY, Phillip 41
WOODS, Natasha 41
NICHOLSON, Tony 37
LATHEY, Barry 27 2
SHOOBRIDGE, Wayne 24
PEARCE, Frank 19

Click here for the latest results

Shaw named as new mayor

THE Tasmanian Electoral Commission has named Ben Shaw as the victor in the tight contest for mayor of the Derwent Valley, subject to rechecking.

No further results have been announced in the election of councillors since 7pm yesterday.

Cosgrove elected deputy mayor

NEWCOMER candidate Jessica Cosgrove has been elected deputy mayor of the Derwent Valley Council this morning.

The result, subject to re-checking, saw Ms Cosgrove maintain her lead over her main rival, fellow newcomer Rachel Power. Neither had previously served on the council.

Half of the council at risk

HALF of the sitting members of the Derwent Valley Council could lose their seats based on the first-preference election results issued by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission around 7pm yesterday.

With 20% of the councillor vote counted, the provisional outcome predicts that the new eight-member council could be (in order of election):

• Paul Belcher
• Ben Shaw
• Julie Triffett
• Martyn Evans
• Jessica Cosgrove
• Rachel Power
• Mathew Hill
• Luke Browning

This was based on a computer prediction and the result may change once the remaining ballots are counted. On those early numbers, councillors Frank Pearce, Barry Lathey and Anne Salt are likely to lose their seats, and Cr James Graham hangs in the balance.

Counting continues today.

Click here for the latest results

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Shaw likely to be named mayor today

Ben Shaw

WITH less than one percent of votes separating the lead candidates in the Derwent Valley Council election, Ben Shaw is likely to be declared the municipality's next mayor sometime today.

Cr Shaw, who has been deputy mayor since 2014, topped the poll in the mayoral ballot and remains just ahead of rival Paul Belcher after the distribution of preferences last night.

Strong preference flows to Mr Belcher saw him whittle Cr Shaw's lead from 123 votes down to 25. The Tasmanian Electoral Commission stopped short of declaring Cr Shaw's win last night. A recheck of the votes will be conducted today to confirm the result.

Martyn Evans, who has been mayor since 2009, did not seek re-election to the top job, focusing instead on seeking election as a councillor only.

Three candidates remain in the running for the position of deputy mayor and all are first-time candidates. Jessica Cosgrove is in the lead, ahead of Rachel Power and Matt Hill. Mr Hill will be the next candidate excluded from the count and his preferences will determine who is elected deputy mayor.

Click here for the latest results

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Shaw in front on first preference votes

CURRENT deputy mayor Ben Shaw is ahead by nearly 125 votes in the race to be the next Derwent Valley mayor.

Cr Shaw and former councillor Paul Belcher are the two frontrunners, with Cr Shaw on 1350 votes and Mr Belcher on 1227. The candidate with the lowest number of votes will soon be excluded and their second-preference votes will be distributed among the remaining candidates.

First preference votes for mayor
Paul Belcher 1227
Phil Bingley 213
Chris Lester 315
Anne Salt 387
Ben Shaw 1350
Julie Triffett 828

Newcomer Jessica Cosgrove is said to be in front in the deputy mayoral contest. The publishing of the first round of results has been delayed by computer trouble at the Tasmanian Electoral Commission. Votes in the election for eight councillors have not yet been provided.

Retiring mayor Martyn Evans did not contest the top job after serving as mayor for nine years, but is hopeful of retaining a seat on council.

At the close of the polls earlier today, 4494 votes had been cast in the local election, representing a participation rate of 59.78%. The state average was 58.73%.

Click here for the latest results

Last chance to vote

IF you haven't yet voted in this year's council election the last chance to do so is to deposit your postal vote in the ballot box at the Derwent Valley Council Chambers in Circle St by 10am tomorrow (Tuesday). Votes sent by post today are not expected to arrive in time to be counted.

Some 4022 votes in the local election had been returned by last Friday's mail, which is a participation rate of 53.51% so far. This is marginally ahead of the state average which is now 53.21%. The two island municipalities (King and Flinders) are way out in front with a return rate of approximately 77% each, while Clarence, West Tamar and Launceston continue to lag behind.

Counting of the votes will start later in the day tomorrow. The Tasmanian Electoral Commission expects to be able to make available some early figures for the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections from around 6.30pm. Early councillor voting figures should be available from around 7.30pm.   

Results will be posted at the tally rooms, on the TEC website (www.tec.tas.gov.au), and on the ElectionsTas smartphone app. The southern tally room will be at the C3 Convention Centre, Anglesea St, South Hobart - open from 6pm and all are welcome.

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to the council chambers to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Councillors look back as election nears

The elected members of the Derwent Valley Council at their
final monthly meeting before the 2018 election.

COUNCILLORS reflected on the their various terms in office as the public section of the Derwent Valley Council's valedictory meeting neared its end earlier this month. Having dealt with more than 30 items of business in just over an hour, councillors' attention turned to the looming  election.

Mayor Martyn Evans (elected in 2007) said he would like to thank his colleagues around the table - and some that were no longer around the table. "From me as mayor and spokesperson, I'd like to thank the elected members for what they've done and contributed, to make my life easier," Cr Evans said.

"Each individual councillor has brought uniqueness and different things to this this council: passion, drive, experience in heritage, experience in finance, experience from aged care and worldly experience. When we look at this term over the last four years it's been quite interesting but none of that can be done without our staff.

"So to my fellow councillors and to the staff, thank you very much, it's been a very interesting time. For me it's probably a sad time, it's ... my last council meeting as chair. I've found it a very interesting time over the the 11 years being on council - nine as mayor - to actually be that spokesperson to be able to speak highly of the people and the Derwent Valley as a whole and be an advocate for this place that will go home. I'm so proud to live here, so proud of the people within this this community and the council's staff that work here and give their all for the community.

Cr Evans said he was leaving the chair at a good time. "I see that with the 2030 Strategic Plan there is a roadmap, there is a way forward and whoever sits around this table, I think they should feel special to be elected by the people and actually take carriage of what people are wanting, too." The mayor concluded by wishing the best of luck to everyone contesting the council election.

Deputy mayor Ben Shaw (elected in 2014) was next to speak, congratulating Cr Evans on his nine years as mayor. "It's an extremely difficult job as the mayor, and the face, and the spokesperson of a small council and a small regional community. From my point of view, for the last four years Martin's certainly done a fantastic job in leading this group. On behalf of the Derwent Valley community we all wish him well in his future endeavours."

Cr Shaw then presented Cr Evans with a small gift and a greeting card which Cr Julie Triffett had been taking around the council table while Cr Shaw was speaking. Cr Evans thanked Cr Shaw for his words and invited the two former councillors in the room to also sign the card.

The mayor then invited any other councillors wishing to speak to do so. Cr Graham (elected in 2009) was first, saying that it was remarkable that a boy from the other side of the tracks was able to be elected to sit around the council table and give names to streets. "It's been a pleasure to be part of the history we've been involved with," he said. "I wish everybody well going forward and the baton we're are passing on is in pretty good stead."

Cr Triffitt (elected in 2014) thanked all her colleagues, especially the mayor who she described as a friend and mentor. "I fully intend that to continue," she said. "I'd also like to thank the staff, who are very free with their time when I need something done. I have learned a lot, everybody has taught me something and I've learned a lot on this rollercoaster ride. It's given me the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn't meet normally - Maggie Beer - and to be in the room where big decisions are made."

Cr Anne Salt (elected in 2018) described herself as the new kid on the block and thanked everyone for their support. "This agenda was a monster - I hope I never see another one like it," she said. "We've had bigger," Cr Evans replied. Cr Barry Lathey was next to speak, saying he had first been elected in October 1999. "I've enjoyed my time on council and I'm staggered how quickly it has gone."

Cr Frank Pearce said he had generally enjoyed his four years on council. "I think we have had some really tough decisions to make, and we've made them, not all of them have been the right decisions but we've all tried to make them the right decisions when we can. I think we've had a really good mix around the table, of a whole range of different skills and experience and I think that has helped us."

The council then resolved to move into a closed session after a 15 minute break. The closed meeting spent about two hours dealing with eight items of business. Calling it a night at 10.24pm, the mayor ended proceedings by saying: "Thank you very much councillors. It's been an interesting term."

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission encourages voters to fill out their ballot papers and return them as soon as possible, to make sure their votes are counted. The cutoff is at 10am this Tuesday and any votes still in the mail will not be counted. To make your vote count, drop it in to the council chambers rather than into a postbox. Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should visit their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

All Derwent Valley councillors are re-contesting their positions, along with 11 other candidates.

Pink Lady Day 2018

Pink Lady Day at New Norfolk today.

THE local annual event remembering those living with or lost to cancer was held at Arthur Square today.

An ongoing initiative of the New Norfolk Can-Hope Cancer Support Group, the service was held near the rose garden that has been developed as a memorial on the High St edge of the square, opposite the Star and Garter Hotel.

The Reverend Celia Hooker from St Matthew's Anglican Church gave a short address and said a prayer for all those attending the service, which  remembers those lost to cancer as well as those who have survived the illness or are presently struggling with it.

These tribute events are often called Pink Lady Day or Mini Fields of Women due to the tradition of placing pink silhouettes in the ground or on display, bearing personal messages from family and friends. Blue silhouettes have been introduced for those specifically wishing to remember a male relative or friend.

The Can-Hope Cancer Support Group expressed its thanks to all participants and supporters.

The group meets at 10.30am on the first Wednesday of the month at the New Norfolk Library, for people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, and their carers. Phone 6261 3874 for more information.

Two junior league wins for New Norfolk

Hurricanes Junior League
Round 1 (Grading)

Under 15
New Norfolk 7/209 off 39.1 overs defeated. Old Beach 8/135 off 28.1 overs at Tynwald Park last Sunday. Batting: Jordon Gittus 58 not out (9 fours), Blake Sillifant 40 (3 fours), Josh Nichols 29 (2 fours and 2 sixes), Tom Eiszele 9no (1 four). Bowling: Jordon Gittus 3-10 off 4 overs 1 maiden, Blake Sillifant 2-11 off 4 overs, Chris Hall 2-20 off 5 overs 1 maiden, Jake Sorrenson 1-7 off 2.1 overs.

Under 13
New Norfolk 2/222 off 30 overs defeated Wellington 6/54 off 22.3 overs at Eady St Oval No.1. Batting: Jack Morgan 57 not out (4 fours and 5 sixes), Lewis Spaulding 36no (5 fours and 2 sixes), Tate Browning 31no (6 fours), Zayne Field 10no (1four). Bowling: Bobby Nossiter 1-7 off 4 overs 2 maidens, Tom Murray 1-0 off 2 overs with 2 maidens, Tate Browning 1-2 off 3 overs 1 maiden, Cale Browning 1-3 off 2 overs, Zayne Field 1-6 off 2.2 overs 1 maiden, Lewis Spaulding 1-10 off 3 overs.

NEXT GAMES
Hurricanes Junior League - Sunday, October 28
Round 2 (Grading)
Under 15: New Norfolk v Nth Hobart at Friends Sports Ground (Queens Walk Oval), 12.30pm start.
Under 13: New Norfolk v Lindisfarne Lightning at Tynwald Park, 9am start.

New Norfolk onto the cricket winners' list

New Norfolk I got onto the First Grade winners’ list with a big nine-wicket win over Montagu Bay in round two of the Southern Cricket Association Twenty20 Super Bash last weekend. Batting first, the Sharks were bowled out for 68 off 19.3 overs. All the Red Caps’bowlers did their bit. Nathan Rice finished with great figures of 2-7 from four overs (two maidens ) while his father Stewart Rice finished with 2-4 (2). Aaron Drew got 2-13 (2) and Jye Bearman took just three deliveries to get 2-1, claiming the final two batsmen. In reply New Norfolk did it easy, finishing 1-69 off just seven overs. Openers Jordan Willoughby got 32 from 16 balls and Jordan Banks-Smith 30 not out from 18 balls.

Second Grade
MOLESWORTH I lost to Richmond/Cambridge by six wickets at Boyer Oval. After batting first for 6-105 off its 20 overs Molesworth just missed out when Richmond /Cambridge needed four runs to win from the final ball of the match and hit a six to claim victory. The visitors finished with 5-108 off their 20 overs. Earlier, with the bat for Molesworth, Jamie Adams made 26, Brad Coppleman 21, and Brad Ransley 13. Jeremy Nichols bowled superbly to keep his side in the game, taking 3-4 off his four overs. The other two wickets were run-outs to Josh Ransley and Daniel Coppleman .

In the other match, Gretna I went down to the Knights by seven wickets at Gretna. The home team had first knock and was bundled out for 46 off 17.2 overs. In reply the Knights finished 3-47 off 9.2 overs. Zac Crosswell top-scored for Gretna with 14 from 26 balls and Craig Cunningham made 12
from 27 balls. There were five ducks. With the ball, Aaron Maddox snared 2-13 from four overs and Corey Ransley 1-10 (3).

Third Grade
NEW Norfolk II defeated Sandford by 26 runs at Tynwald Park. Batting first, the Red Caps made 6-102 from 20 overs. Aaron Triffitt did well, top-scoring with 26 not out from 32 deliveries. Opener Cody Neads made 22 from 29 and Richard Graham made 13 from 19. In reply the visitors were bowled out for 76 from 18.3 overs. Richard Graham had a great day out with the ball, taking 3-8 from his four overs. David Mitchelmore did well, capturing 3-14 from 3.3 overs. Jamie Hill backed-up his teammates with 2-12 (4) and Rhys Franklin got 1-21 (4).

Fourth Grade
PLAYING one short, Bothwell Iwent down to Hobart by seven wickets at Risdon Vale. Having first hit, Bothwell got just 9-37 from 14.3 overs. Kelvin Eyles top scored with 11. In reply Hobart finished with 3-38 from eight overs. Nathan White took 2-18 from 4 overs and Matthew Eyles 1-18 (4).

In the match at Gretna , Gretna II with 6-76 from 20 overs lost to Montagu Bay 3-77 (17.3). Jordan Hastie and Mathew Burns both made 18 runs each. Josh Whitford-Marriott remained 14 not out and opener Trent Grant made 10. With the ball for Gretna, Mathew Burns was very tight, finishing with 1-4 from his four overs. Trent Grant 1-13 (4) and Jake Campbell 1-27 (4) were the other wicket-takers.

Fifth Grade
ST ANNES, with 7-109 off 20 overs defeated Bushy Park with 8-93 at Cadbury Oval No.1. Opener Geoff Crosswell batted through the innings, making 48 from 53 balls in a great knock. Crosswell and Brad Smith (seven runs) put on a vital 41-run stand. Ben Triffett made 11 from 12 balls down the order. With the ball, Jasper Gerhard Marais was the best of the bowlers with 2-9 from two overs. In the other match played at Tynwald Park, St Virgils defeated New Norfolk III by 19 runs. The visitors got 5-100 from their 20 overs while the Red Caps couldn’t quite get the job done, finishing with 9-81 from 20 overs. Batting at No. 8, Muhammad Amjad top scored with 29. With the ball, Liam Kalbfell did well with 2-16 (4) and a run-out. Craig Dale also did well, taking 2-22 (4).

Seventh Grade
BOTHWELL II went down to the Knights by seven wickets at Collinsvale. The Bucks had first hit, making the good score of 7-125 from their 20 overs. Opener Anthony White batted very well, making 49 from 47 deliveries. Bradley Eyles made 19 from 14 deliveries while new player Ashley Browning made 17 (21) and Stuart Eyles 11 (6). In reply the Knights lost just three wickets, finishing 3-126 from 17.5 overs. Wicket takers were Brodie White 1-14 (4) and Stuart Eyles 1-33 (4) while Ashley Browning got a run-out.

In the other game, Molesworth defeated St Aidans by forfeit.

WADE GLEESON

NEXT GAMES

Kookaburra Southern Cricket Association

50-Over Matches

Round 1 - October 27-28

All games start at 10.30am.

FIRST GRADE

Saturday: New Norfolk I v Rokeby at Tynwald Park.

SECOND GRADE

Saturday: Gretna I v Sorell at Gretna; Molesworth I v at Marquis Tigers Ogilvie High School.

THIRD GRADE

Saturday: New Norfolk II v Sandford at Wentworth Park.

FOURTH GRADE

Sunday: Bothwell I v Wellington at Eady St Oval No.1; Gretna II v St Aidans at Gretna

FIFTH GRADE

Saturday: Bushy Park v New Norfolk III at Bushy Park Show Grounds.

SEVENTH GRADE

Sunday: Bothwell II v St Aidans at Cambridge Oval; Molesworth II v Montagu Bay at Boyer Oval. 

Frost warning

Bureau of Meteorology

Tasmania

Frost Warning
for the Upper Derwent Valley, North West Coast, Central North, North East, Midlands and East Coast forecast districts

Issued at 12:15 pm EDT on Saturday 27 October 2018.

Frosts with temperatures down to -1 degrees are forecast for Sunday morning in parts of the North West Coast, Central North, North East, Midlands, East Coast and Upper Derwent Valley forecast districts

Please be aware 
Temperatures at ground level can be many degrees lower than those recorded by standard weather stations, especially in calm conditions with clear skies.

No further warnings will be issued for this event.

Council election votes now exceed 50%

MORE than half of the eligible voters have now had their say in this year's Derwent Valley Council election.

As of yesterday's mail, a total of 3858 votes had been cast in the local election, representing a participation rate of 51.32% compared to the state average of 49.82%.

Flinders Island maintains its lead with 72.36% of its ballots already returned while Clarence is now the wooden-spooner with 44.74% participation. West Tamar and Launceston continue to lag with participation rates of just over 45% so far.

With today's Royal Hobart Show Day public holiday in the south, it has now reached the stage where those people still intending to vote should do so by dropping off their ballot pack to their local council chambers rather than sending it by post.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission encourages voters to fill out their ballot papers and return them as soon as possible, to make sure their votes are counted. The cutoff is at 10am on October 30 and any votes still in the mail will not be counted.

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should visit their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Samaras family calls it a day at The Roost

A customer's photo of the interior of The Roost, taken last year.

HIGH Street institution The Roost is closed for renovations following the recent sale of the business.

A notice in the window of the landmark local takeaway chicken shop at 15 High St advises that the business is closed for one week.

"Peter, Joanne and Jimmy would like to thank the people of New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley for their patronage for the last 35 years," the notice says. "We wish the new owners all the best, we will miss you all, and again thank you."

Thank you to Joanne and Jimmy Samaras and son Peter and all their staff over the years, for more than three decades of service to the town, including sponsorship of many schools, clubs, teams and individuals, and the best chicken and chips around.

Time for postal votes is running out

WITH the third and final week of postal voting in this year's council elections now under way, participation by Derwent Valley voters remains ahead of the state average. As of yesterday's mail, a further 273 votes had been cast in the Derwent Valley Council election, added to the 3230 that had been received by last Friday.

Australia Post delivered 7517 ballot packs to eligible voters in the municipality and as of yesterday morning 3503 had been returned, or 46.6%. This keeps the Derwent Valley ahead of the state average of 43.45% and the southern average of 42.76%.

Flinders Island remains way out in front with 65.94% of its ballots already returned while West Tamar continues to lag behind with the lowest return rate of 38.84% so far. Launceston is marginally better with 38.97%.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission encourages voters to fill out their ballot papers and get them in the mail as soon as possible, to make sure their votes are counted. The cutoff is at 10am on October 30 and any votes still in the mail will not be counted.

With a public holiday in the south this Thursday, electors are rapidly reaching the point where votes returned by mail might not be received in time. Anyone voting after this Wednesday would be wise to deposit their ballot pack at their local council chambers instead.

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Council votes keep rolling in

AT the end of the second week of voting in this year's council elections, nearly 43% of Derwent Valley Council electors and 40% of electors statewide have made their choices and submitted their postal votes.

A further 193 votes for Derwent Valley Council candidates were received by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on Friday, taking the total to 3230. The local participation rate in this year's council elections is now 42.97%, compared to the state average of 40.12%.

The election is being conducted by postal ballot and voters have until 10am on October 30 to lodge their votes by posting them back to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission or depositing them at the Derwent Valley Council Chambers. Votes received after 10am on October 30 will not be counted.

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Master Blaster junior cricket at New Norfolk

MASTER Blaster is the second level of the new program for children of all abilities to learn the skills and play Australia’s favourite summer sport.

Glenora District School will host the first Junior Blast program in the Derwent Valley and the New Norfolk Cricket Club will conduct the first Master Blaster program.

Designed for boys and girls aged seven to 11 years, the eight-week Master Blaster program will he held on Thursday afternoons on the oval at Tynwald Park, New Norfolk, from October 25 until November 29. Every child gets a chance to bat, bowl and field. The cost is $60 per child and the sessions will run from 3.30-4.45pm.  Make new friends or organise a group to play together. All equipment is supplied.

To register and pay, go to playcricket.com.au, or for more information contact Seb Wishart on 0409 807 272.

Amended plan for bottleshop development

The bottleshop development site next door to the recently
opened Shiploads store in New Norfolk.

THE firm developing the old New Norfolk Woolworths site into three separate shopfronts has lodged a new development application to cover a drive-through and roofed area that were not included in the original proposals.

The new development application, which is now open for public comment, shows that Zap Fitness is still named as the business expected to occupy the tenancy on the eastern (Charles St) side of the building, next door to the Shiploads store that opened just over a fortnight ago.

However, the "Cellarbrations" branding has disappeared from the proposed bottleshop illustrated on the western end of the building and social media speculation is that the 9/11 Bottleshop chain will be the new operator.

The original development application, approved early this year, included an extension to the building to accommodate the third tenancy, but when excavations started several months ago, it looked like a drive-through was also being dug, outside the footprint of the extended building.

Floor plan showing the three tenancies in the old supermarket
and the proposed drive-through on the left.

This has now been addressed in the new development application, lodged by Michael Cooper and Associates on behalf of Sypkes Securities Pty Ltd, with the council asked to approve a new vehicular access off George St, and a canopy over the new driveway. The one-way thoroughfare is parallel to the old Woolworths loading bay, which is now being used by Shiploads. One on-street parking space will removed to allow for the new entrance.

The work is valued at $195,000 and the application says that the bottleshop will have two full-time staff and two part-time, and will be open from 10am-9pm from Thursday to Saturday, and 10am-8pm from Sunday to Wednesday.

The full application is on public display at the Derwent Valley Council Chambers until November 1, during which time written comments may be sent to the council's general manager. The plans are also available on the council website.

The original frontage, as approved in January.

The proposed new frontage, with the addition of an undercover drive-through.
(Click on image to enlarge).

Hardware store's mighty big anniversary

Lesley and Ray Williams

LOCAL hardware store Williams Mitre 10 is this week celebrating its 30th year in business. Established at its original High St location in 1988, the store moved to its new purpose-built location two years ago.

Originally trading as Village Hardware, it was later known as True Value Hardware for many years, before taking on the Mitre 10 branding.

Mr Williams said today that the original store had started out with just two and a half staff when it opened on October 18, 1988, growing to the present number of 28 employees.

He thanked all friends and customers for their support over the last 30 years.

Forty per cent have had their say

JUST over 40% of eligible voters have now returned their Derwent Valley Council ballot papers, with 3037 votes now cast, an increase of 289 since yesterday's mail. The local participation rate in this year's council elections is now 40.4%, compared to the state average of 37.48%.

The election is being conducted by postal ballot and voters have until 10am on October 30 to lodge their votes by posting them back to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission or depositing them at the Derwent Valley Council Chambers. 

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Council votes top 2700 so far

THERE have now been 2748 votes cast in the Derwent Valley Council four-yearly election, an increase of 234 since yesterday. This lifts the local participation rate to 36.56%, which remains ahead of the state average of 34.19%.

Voters have until 10am on October 30 to lodge their votes by posting them back to the Tasmanian Electoral Commission or depositing them at the Derwent Valley Council Chambers. Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Local cricket starts with super bash

THE 2018-19 cricket season got under way with round one of the Southern Cricket Association Twenty20 Super Bash on Saturday. There were some great wins and individual performances.

Fifth Grade: A century from Bushy Park all-rounder Mitchell Crosswell helped his side defeat Bagdad at Bagdad by a whopping 99 runs. Crosswell belted 105 from just 60 balls and put on a 100-run stand with opener and new player Jack Evans, who made 35 from 30 balls and also took 3-19 from his four overs. Bushy Park made the big score of 4-183 off 20 overs. After his big knock Crosswell took 2-10 off three overs and took two catches with the gloves. Ben Triffett with 1-13 (4), Aaron Newbon 2-22 (4), captain Nick Fenton took 1-3 (2) and Tim Canham 1-0 (0.1) were the other wicket takers.

In the other Fifth Grade match, New Norfolk III was defeated by Brighton at Pontville by four wickets. Batting first, the Red Caps were bowled out for just 62 from 15.2 overs. Captain and opener Nathan Heron was the top scorer with 11. All the bowlers did well, with Craig Dale taking 2-10 from his four overs. Stuart Muir got 1-8 (4), Brad Kemmler 1-10 (4) and Nathan Heron 1-14 (3.3).

First Grade: New Norfolk I went down to Claremont by one run in a close match at Abbotsfield Park. The Red Caps had first shot, making 4-101 off their 20 overs. Captain and opener Seb Wishart top scored with 30. Fellow opener Jordon Willoughby made 25 and Aaron Drew was not out on 17. The Magpies finished 9-102 off 18.2 overs. The main wicket takers were Harry Booth with a fine show of bowling, taking 4-16 (3), and Seb Wishart 2-17 (4).

Second Grade: Molesworth I had a big eight-wicket win over Derwent at North Warrane Oval. Derwent was bowled out for just 73. All the Molesworth bowlers did very well, with Brad Jarvis finishing with fine figures of 2-10 (4). Brayden Hodge took 2-9 (3), Josh Ransley 1-5 (2), Jamie Adams 1-5 (2) and Liam Triffitt 1-8 (2).

Gretna I went down to Marquis Tigers by four wickets at Ogilvie High School. Gretna batted first, making 6-125 off its 20 overs. Then in reply the home team got into a hole early and needed 14 runs in the final over to win. The Tigers clawed their way back to win on the last ball of the innings. Zac Crosswell top scored for Gretna, bringing up his half century with a six on the last ball of Gretna’s innings. Rhys Browning made 25, Craig Cunningham 20 and Todd Jarvis 13. With the ball it was Zac Crosswell again doing well, taking 2-5 from his four overs, and new player Jamie Duggan got 2-5 (2).

Third Grade: New  Norfolk II went down to the MacKillop Beltas by just one run in a thriller at North Warrane Oval. Batting first, the home side made 8-84 off its 20 overs and in reply New Norfolk needed two off the last ball. Coby Kemmler tried hard but couldn’t find the gap, with New Norfolk finishing on 9-83 off 20 overs. Leigh Berry top-scored with 34 from 38 balls and Coby Kemmler remained 15 not out from 20 balls. Jamie Hill took 2-10 (4), David Mitchelmore 2-8 (3) and Jye Bearman 2-10 (3) to be the main wicket takers . I hear there may be a discrepancy with the score books — we will keep an eye on this through the week.

Fourth Grade: Bothwell I easily defeated Montagu Bay by 75 runs at home. Batting first, the Bucks made the very big score of 5-196 off 20 overs. Matthew Eyles had a terrific game, making 57 not out, and then took 2-23 (4) in a great allround performance. Cody Eyles also did well, making 40 runs. Josh Eyles got 34 while Nathan Eyles got 25, Simon Eyles 19 and Simon Stebbings 10. Others to take wickets were Nathan White 2-22 (4), Josh Eyles 1-18 (4) and veteran Joey Eyles 1-18 (3).

In the other Fourth Grade match, Hobart easily defeated Gretna II by seven wickets at Risdon Vale. Batting first, Gretna failed to fire and was bowled out for just 61 from 16.2 overs. Mathew Burns gave a very good all-round effort, making 21 runs and then taking 3-6 from his four overs with two maidens. Captain Jordan Hastie made 21. Hobart finished 3-63 from 13 overs. Congratulations to Tony McKenzie on playing his first game for Gretna. In an added bonus, this was the first time he and son Andrew had played together. Well done to both of you.

Seventh Grade: Bothwell easily accounted for Old Beach by 70 runs in the Seventh Grade double header at Bothwell. Batting first, the Bucks made the good score of 6-130 from 20 overs. Anthony White batted well, making 43. Fellow opener Adam Clark made 25, Stuart Eyles 15 and Brodie White 11. With the ball, Jackson Jones sent down four overs to claim 3-17. Brodie White was very tight with great figures of 2-4 (4), including three maidens . Adam Pearce 2-9 (3) was also tight as was Mark Pearce taking 1-3 (3) and Adam Clark 1-6 (2). Old Beach finished with 9-60 from 20 overs.

In the other Seventh Grade match, Molesworth II was defeated by St Virgil's at St Virgil's by 47 runs. The home side made 5-144 from 20 overs. David Adams opened the bowling taking 2-15 (4). Daniel Williams 1-27 (4), Jeremy Ackerly 1-32 (4) and Marcus Parker took 1-33 (4). In reply Molesworth was dismissed for 97 from 17.2 overs. Opener Marcus Parker did well, making 43. Jeremy Ackerly remained 17no. Captain Sam Triffitt made 11 as did David Adams.

New Norfolk has withdrawn its Seventh Grade side.

WADE GLEESON

Kookaburra Southern Cricket Association 

T20 SUPER BASH

Round 2 - Saturday, October 20 

FIRST GRADE

New Norfolk I v Montagu Bay  at Tynwald Park, 4pm start.

SECOND GRADE

Gretna I v Knights at Gretna, 1.30pm start.

Molesworth I v Richmond/Cambridge at Boyer Oval, 1.30pm start.

THIRD GRADE

New Norfolk II v Sandford at Tynwald Park, 12.45pm start.

FOURTH GRADE

Bothwell I v Hobart at Risdon Vale, 1.30pm start.

Gretna II v Montagu Bay at Gretna, 10am start.

FIFTH GRADE

Bushy Park v St Anne's at Cadbury Oval No.1, 9.30am start.

New Norfolk III v St Virgil's at Tynwald Park, 9.30am start.

SEVENTH GRADE

Bothwell II v Knights at Collinsvale, 10am start.

Molesworth v St Aidan's at Boyer Oval, 10am start.

Another day, another 350 votes

MORE than one third of Derwent Valley electors have now cast their vote this year's council elections. As of yesterday's mail, another 350 votes had been returned, for a total of 2514 and a participation rate of 33.44%. This remains ahead of the state average of 30.38% and the southern average of 29.15%.

Flinders Island is still out in front with 46.91% of its ballots returned while the wooden-spooners are now Circular Head on 25.7%.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission encourages voters to fill out their ballot papers and get them in the mail as soon as possible, to make sure their votes are counted. The cutoff is at 10am on October 30 and any votes still in the mail will not be counted.

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Blast into junior cricket at Glenora

Click image to enlarge.

CRICKET Blast is the new name for a summer of junior cricket fun. This fun and fast program for children of all abilities to learn the skills and play Australia’s favourite sport replaces the in2CRICKET and T20 Blast programs in schools and clubs from this season.

Sponsored by Woolworths and buzzing with the energy of Big Bash cricket, Cricket Blast teaches kids how to bat, bowl, field and catch over a minimum of six weeks – all while making new friends.

Glenora District High School will host an eight-week Junior Blast program for boys and girls aged four to eight years (ages are flexible). Learn new skills including catching, throwing and teamwork.

This will be held on Sundays from 21st October 21 until  December 9. The cost is $75 per child and the sessions will run from 9-10am. Make new friends or organise a group to learn together. All equipment is supplied.

To register and pay, go to playcricket.com.au, or for more information contact Annie McKenzie on 0407 881 276 or annie.mckenzie@education.tas.gov.au.

Keep up the good work, voters

DERWENT Valley electors remain ahead of the pack as the second week of voting gets under way in this year's council elections.

As of yesterday's mail, a further 669 votes have been cast in the Derwent Valley Council election, added to the 1495 that had been received last by Friday.

Australia Post last week delivered 7517 ballot packs to eligible voters in the municipality and as of yesterday morning 2164 had been returned, or 28.79%. This places the Derwent Valley ahead of the state average of 23.18% and the southern average of 23.36%.

Flinders Island remains the pacesetter with 37.82% of its ballots already returned while West Tamar voters are lagging behind with the lowest return rate of 19.87% so far. Last week's wooden-spooner, Launceston, is marginally better with 20.29%.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission encourages voters to fill out their ballot papers and get them in the mail as soon as possible, to make sure their votes are counted. The cutoff is at 10am on October 30 and any votes still in the mail will not be counted.

Any elector who has not yet ​received their ballot pack should drop in to their local council office, or call the Tasmanian Electoral Commission on 1800 801 701 to ask for a replacement pack.

Meet all the Derwent Valley Council election candidates.

Spring launch for Neighbourhood Watch

Members of the New Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch group.

THE re-established New Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch group is gearing up for an official launch at the end of this month.

Earlier this year, a small number of community members got together to form a working group
to set up New Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch.

"In recent years, guidelines for Neighbourhood Watch groups have changed, so how the scheme works here in the New Norfolk will be different from similar programs in the past," a spokesman for the group said.

"The group aims to empower community members in New Norfolk to educate themselves in the areas of reporting crime and suspicious behaviour and improving personal and home security."

They hope to promote increased feelings of safety and improve community harmony, bringing neighbours together. They will also investigate the needs of the New Norfolk community and work towards addressing the issues that most affect or concern residents.

“When all's said and done it's about keeping your eyes open," the spokesman said. "Observing, noting all the information you can and reporting. Irrespective of how many police we have on the beat, or for how many hours, they can't see what you will see. Assisting them not only makes their job easier, it leads to a safer community with increased wellbeing for all. So keep your eyes peeled.”

Working mainly through their Facebook page which will provide up-to-date information
including crime statistics, more detailed information about a range of topics will be available through their website.

New Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch will be launched through stalls at the New Norfolk Market on October 27, November 3, and November 10. This will be a great opportunity to say hello and collect information on how to keep your family and neighbourhood safe. You might also like to register as a volunteer member and support the local group.

For more information visit the website at www.nnnw.org.au, or follow the Facebook page for information updates including the latest crime reports.

Fentonbury bushfire warning

TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE BUSHFIRE ADVICE MESSAGE FOR HALL ROAD, FENTONBURY Issued At: 13/10/2018 9:33pm There is a bushfire at Hall Road, Fentonbury. There is no immediate threat. What to do: People in Hall Road, Fentonbury should keep up to date by looking at the TFS website at www.fire.tas.gov.au.
Community Information:
For information about protecting your health during smoky conditions go to http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/alerts/air/bushfire_smoke

Alert Level:	ADVICE
Type:	Vegetation Fire
Last Updated:	13-Oct-2018 09:33 PM
First Reported:	13-Oct-2018 05:05 PM
Location:	Hall Road, Fentonbury
Status:	Going
Agency:	Tasmania Fire Service
Size:	50 Hectares