Willow Court on the agenda again

WILLOW Court is the subject of three motions on notice at this week's Derwent Valley Council meeting. The first, from Councillor Chris Lester, calls on the Willow Court Working Group Special Committee to provide a detailed report on its activities and fundraising efforts.

The second and third motions are from Cr Damian Bester who is seeking to have the council cease its practice of charging the Willow Court account for the costs of office space at 2 High St, and to have an investigation of the apparently excessive cost of electricity at Willow Court.

There is also a closed council agenda item titled "access options Willow Court".

In written comments included in the agenda documents, Cr Lester says he is seeking to be better informed of the activities of the Willow Court committee, "as opposed to being told that council has provided them with little support or they can only make recommendations to council." He notes that he has neither seen nor heard any report on the committee from its council representative, deputy mayor Barry Lathey.

"The report I have asked for may quite clearly show that many things have been achieved by the Willow Court and Barracks Working Group, because I have no doubt that its members have a real passion for the development of Willow Court and are probably as frustrated as I am that there seems to be much negative debate and not much being achieved," Cr Lester concludes.

The council meeting will be held in the New Norfolk Courthouse at 6.30pm this Thursday. The full agenda can be downloaded from the council website.

Big day this Saturday

Southern Football League previews

SFL PREVIEWS, ROUND 1
By Gary Williamson

Kingborough v New Norfolk (night game)
In a repeat of last year’s grand final, victorious Kingboroughs get the all-important home ground advantage when they host New Norfolk under lights in what promises to be a very high standard and close encounter this Saturday.  The Tigers were impressive winners in last week's Good Friday match away from home under lights against an improved Brighton, but they need to find more avenues to goal as Lamprill will not be allowed to dominate like he did last week 10 goals. The Tigers will be better prepared with a strong gamed the week before and this should see them fitter and more consistent  The Eagles will still be hurting after last season’s grand final defeat and this will give them the extra incentive to start the new season with a win and prove they are still the side to beat for this year's flag. Kingborough will have gained a lot of confidence with their breakthrough premiership win and I believe they will continue their winning way and start the season with a win and take the four points.

Central Hawks v East Coast Bombers
The Hawks open their season with a home game at Oatlands under former Hobart coach Todd Lewis and have recruited very well in the off-season and should be fitter and more advanced than previous season starts. The addition of former North Hobart coach, the experienced Clinton Brown, will strengthen the Hawks and give them some much needed experience. The Bombers have recruited well from their feeder club Lauderdale and have several experienced players that have committed for the season, which should see the Bombers be a lot more consistent on a regular basis and they will surprise plenty of sides throughout the season. In a game that could go either way, the Hawks with the home ground advantage may take the points but will need to be at their best as the Bombers have really improved their depth in the off season.

Claremont v Cygnet
With two much-improved sides, both with experienced coaches, it should be a very close encounter for most of the day but perhaps the home side with the advantage of their vocal crowd may prove a little too strong towards the end of the game.

Brighton v Huonville
Brighton will be pumped up at home in front of their expecting crowd and they may start with a win to give them confidence for the coming games but will need to be at their best against a quality side that always plays well away from home.

Dodges Ferry v Lindisfarne
The Blues may have a little too much class and run for the home side and may take the points to get a perfect start to their season but must beware as the Sharks are always hungry and dangerous at home.

Adam Smith's report in the Mercury, here.

Eve updates

POLICE are continuing their renewed efforts to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Eve Askew. Operations continued in the Derwent Valley today, including related inquiries in the state's north. Anyone with information about Eve's disappearance can call the investigators direct on 0418 589 544. There is a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to a conviction.

More:

• The Mercury website
• ABC News website

Man "helping police" over Eve

Eve Askew

POLICE are using ground-penetrating radar and Federal Police search dogs in a renewed effort to solve the 20-year mystery of the disappearance of Eve Askew from her Derwent Valley home. Investigators swarmed on three upper Derwent Valley properties this morning and expect to be on scene for the rest of the week.

Police have taken a local man into custody and say he was known to Eve. The latest investigation is said to have been the result of information received following an appeal late last year. A reward remains available.

See the Mercury for updates. Other reports: news.com.au, ABC News.

Tasmania Police media release
Tasmania Police is today conducting a number of searches for evidence in relation to the disappearance in 1991 of Eve Askew. Police have seized properties at:

• Uxbridge Rd, Bushy Park
• Property, workshop and house at Gordon River Rd, Karanja

The searches are one part of an investigation plan and is not the end state but one of a number of police actions. Investigators are determined to find evidence to:

• Prosecute the principal offender or offenders in the death
• Prosecute those persons who have assisted in the concealing of evidence that relates to the death

Police are seeking information from anyone who may have any knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Eve Askew. There is a direct line to investigators on 0418 589 544. There is a reward of up to $100,000 for relevant information that results in the conviction of an offender in relation to the disappearance.

Background: Eve Askew was last seen alive 20 years ago, on or about 16 November 1991, at her family home in Fitzgerald. Eve was living with her mum and dad and her three siblings. She was reported missing during the afternoon of 17 November 1991.

Eve was born in New South Wales and moved to Tasmania with her family in January of 1989. Eve was 14 years old when she went missing. Eve was a Grade 8 student at Glenora District High School.

Eve’s family describe her as being a shy and reserved person who did not interact with people easily, she would avoid meeting new people if she could. At the time of Eve’s disappearance she was 157cm tall, of slim build, she had red hair and was of fair complexion with freckles.

At the time of being reported missing her family indicated that she was wearing a distinctive tracksuit. Investigations at that time included a series of extensive searches being conducted in the vicinity of the family residence and interviewing known friends and associates.

No further evidence as to the fate of Eve was discovered and she has not been seen nor heard from by any person since. Police conducted further investigations into Eve’s disappearance in 2001, however, those enquiries failed to resolve this matter.

Willow Court dominated workshop

WILLOW Court topics dominated the first of the Derwent Valley Council's new-style open and closed workshops last Thursday night. In the absence of the mayor, deputy mayor Barry Lathey thanked those present for their attendance. Present were the general manager and councillors Lester, Shaw, Bromfield, Bester, Nicholson and Shoobridge. There was no-one in the public gallery, which had been set up away from the main table in contrast to previous workshops when the public sat with the councillors. The mayor arrived about 15 minutes late.

The general manager advised that he had that day received a new draft memorandum of understanding on Willow Court from David Llewellyn. Lengthy discussion followed and a report will be provided to the next council meeting.

The general manager advised that Cr Lester had requested that a security consultant be asked for an opinion on Willow Court. Mr Hugh Eagling had been consulted and was unable to attend the workshop due to martial arts commitments but would instead meet Mr Mackey on site.

Cr Bester asked whether the council could ask the State Government to provide insurance coverage for Willow Court and Mr Mackey responded that he was surprised no-one had suggested this before. Cr Shaw asked why the Willow Court barracks could not be fenced like Frescati and a long discussion followed. Cr Lathey asked when the council would get a decisive answer from the potential purchaser of the Willow Court oval and Mr Mackey responded that this was in the lap of the gods.

At 8pm the workshop moved onto other topics, including a document from the Local Government Board on the subject of councillor numbers; an update on negotiations regarding access to private properties at Willow Court; a report on the council's enterprise bargaining agreement which Mr Mackey said had been the subject of discussions for about 12 months; a suggestion from the mayor that the State Government should lease the soon-to-be-closed Hayes Jail farm to the Van Diemen Dairy; and advice that the Carinya Education Park had been burgled.

Willow Court as it was

A VIDEO clip has been posted online showing Willow Court as it was just before its closure in 2000. Click here to see the clip at YouTube.