Forest discussion for New Norfolk

NON-GOVERNMENT conservation organisation Environment Tasmania will host a community forum at New Norfolk this Thursday night to discuss Tasmanian world heritage listings and tourism opportunities. Other forums will be held at Kingston and Deloraine, and the first in the series was held at Rosny, featuring views from tourist operators, academics and experts detailing the importance of World Heritage Area forests and the benefits they bring for tourism.

Environment Tasmania spokesman Phill Pullinger said iconic forests and World Heritage areas were part of new job opportunities and economic benefits in nature-based tourism for Tasmania. “We have protected many of Tasmania’s most important and iconic native forests, including the Styx, Weld and upper Florentine Valleys. It’s important that people can learn first-hand about the benefits of this protection and the jobs it creates,” Dr Pullinger said.

The New Norfolk forum will be held at 6pm on March 13 at the Willow Court Motel, 15 George St, New Norfolk. “All Tasmanians are invited to come and hear from locals and experts about the importance and benefits of World Heritage listing whilst still having a sustainable tourism, food and heritage industry,” Dr Pullinger said.

Trophy days wrap up junior cricket season

Gretna Cricket Club Under 13s, back from left: coach Darren
Lennox, Jamieson Farrell, Conor Kelly-Lennox, Tyler Farrell,
Nathan Barrington and coach Glenn Blackwell. Front: Samuel
Jackson, Aidan Featherstone, Jacob Blackwell, and Brayden
Butler. Absent: Absent: Blake Eyles, Joshua Eyles, Tyrone
Skinner and Jack Smith.
 Photo taken at Gretna by Wade Gleeson.

GRETNA junior cricketers held their trophy presentations recently. The Under 15 event was on February 28 followed by the Under 13s on March 2. All players received a trophy and a certificate each, while other trophies went to Hannah Mann for taking a hat-trick, Zachery Crosswell for making a century (137no) and Nathan Eyles for being player of the match in the grand final.  A highlight of the Under 13s day was the match between the players and the parents with the players showing mum and dad how it's done.

The junior teams have had a most enjoyable season. Most of the Under 13s team were in their first season of cricket. Winning three matches and the improvement from all has just been terrific. The Under 15s were runners-up in the grand final which was an outstanding achievement considering they were struggling to make up a team at the start of the season. Another highlight of the season was the selection of Hannah Mann for the state Under 15s girls team that played in NSW.

The season saw a good initiative by Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania with former state players visiting clubs during the season to help the coaches fine tune the skills of our future stars. Former Tassie Tigers bowler Mark Colgrave was given the task at Gretna. He was very good with the kids over the three-week period and also attended the Under 15s grand final. This initiative will again happen next season with more planned visits. A big thumbs up to Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania.

A big thank you goes to coaches Darren Lennox, Glenn Blackwell, Bruce Emery and Ian Booth. Their knowledge and commitment has been outstanding and the club and parents are very much appreciative of their efforts. Thanks also to Colin Cunningham for his help in training the kids - we look forward to seeing him again next season. Debra Crosswell scored every match played by the Under 15s. This has made things much easier and she will be missed amongst the juniors next season.

To the kids, it's been a pleasure to have you become part of the club and I hope you all return next season. Our kids are our future.

WADE GLEESON

Gretna Crccket Club Under 15s, back from left: coach Ian Booth, Sam Booth,
Mark McGuire, Jake Campbell, Luke Crosswell, Zachery Crosswell, Grant Booth
and coach Bruce Emery. Front: Hannah Mann, Brody Nichols, Andrew
McKenzie, Jake Ransley and Ryan Emery. Absent: Nathan Eyles.
Photo taken by Wade Gleeson at Gretna.

New Norfolk artist wins Glover Prize

AUSTRALIA'S premier award for landscape painting has been won by a New Norfolk-born painter. The Glover Prize is an annual award for landscape paintings depicting an image of Tasmania and the 2014 award has gone to Mark Rodda who was born at New Norfolk in 1973.

Now living in Victoria, Rodda painted his winning artwork to depict a scene from the Tasmanian highlands. It is titled Looking South from the Labyrinth to Mount Olympus and Lake St Clair. Rodda’s work was selected from an initial field of 260 entries. The independent judging panel viewed an eclectic collection of 42 paintings selected as finalists, before awarding the $40,000 prize to Mark Rodda.

Rodda first entered Australia’s richest annual landscape art prize in 2011. “The Glover Prize name resonates, like the name Turner resonates in the Turner Prize, because it immediately evokes the memory and standing of the great artists of the 19th Century,” he said.

“My childhood experiences growing up in New Norfolk still remind me of the uniqueness of the Tasmanian landscape; specifically the mountainous nature of the terrain. Tasmania’s colour and light attracted Glover. As a contemporary artist, it is quite stimulating to work with the unique light and colour, and undulating horizons that prevail in Tasmania.

“The painting was a challenge inasmuch as I almost never paint in a realistic style. This is one of the first large-scale paintings I have created this way. Most of my previous works are imaginary representations. I feel this has given me the encouragement as an artist to extend my range into more naturalistic landscapes.

“Winning the Glover Prize could not have come at a more opportune time. We are expecting our second child in the next few weeks, so the prize money is a wonderful gift to welcome the new addition to our growing family.”

The three independent judges issued a statement about the winning Glover Prize entry saying that Mark Rodda’s work is a very curious painting. "When you look at it you cannot be sure exactly where, as a viewer of the scene, you are meant to be standing. It's as if the land is falling away, dropping away beneath you, so that you are floating, disembodied. To achieve this, Mark Rodda has been exceptionally inventive in the ways he has composed the painting. The lakes are on a high plateau, from the vantage point of the viewer, one can see that the land drops off both at the front and in the background of the painting.

"It's clear that Mark Rodda knows this country well. There are moments when the textures of the landscape are present on the canvas. Also, in the handling of the paint, one is aware of the ways the clouds are reflected in the water: it makes the viewer think he or she is there. The challenge is to harness Glover's capacity to communicate through the medium of landscape painting, and to consider the value of the Tasmanian landscape as a vehicle for talking about the world around us and the things that matter."

John Glover Society chairman Andrew Heap said Rodda was worthy winner in an extremely strong field of exceptional finalists. “The committee and independent judging panel jointly congratulate Mark on winning the Glover Prize and we look forward to exhibiting his work with the other 10 Glover Prize winning entries from past years. It is certainly a superb addition to the Glover Collection,” Mr Heap said.

The Glover Prize exhibition will run continuously over the current long-weekend (March 8-11, 2014) at the Falls Park pavilion in Evandale, near Launceston.

The Glover Prize is the richest annual prize for landscape painting in Australia. It is awarded for the work judged the best contemporary landscape painting of Tasmania. Entry is open to amateur and professional local, interstate, and international artists.

The John Glover Society Inc. awards the Glover Prize. The winner receives $40,000 plus a bronze Marquette of John Glover by Peter Corlett, valued at $5,000. All other exhibited entries are eligible for the People’s Choice Award of $3,000. The Glover Prize is acquisitive; the People’s Choice Award is non-acquisitive.

More details about John Glover the artist, the John Glover Society, the Glover Prize, and past winners can be found at www.johnglover.com.au. Read more abuout Mark Rodda's win in the Mercury and at the Examiner.

Wade's cricket finals tips

IT'S finals time in the Southern Cricket Association, with several local teams featuring in the first matches tomorrow. Here are Wade Gleeson's tips.

Second Grade: Molesworth I to win in a close one over Montagu Bay and play New Norfolk the following week for a spot in the grand final. In the other match, Gretna I will get back on the winners list and easily defeat Richmond/Cambridge.

Fourth Grade: Gretna II to just sneak over the line against DOSA to make it two wins over them in three weeks.

Fifth Grade: New Norfolk to win easily over McRobies Gully and hey will make the grand final from here.

SCA Finals Matches - Week 1
All matches are on Saturday and start at 10.30am.

SECOND GRADE
Molesworth I v Montagu Bay at Boyer Oval.
Richmond/Cambridge v Gretna I at Richmond.

FOURTH GRADE
DOSA v Gretna II at Shoobridge Park

FIFTH GRADE
New Norfolk II v McRobies Gully at Tynwald Park.

Sadri site goes on the market

THE site of a stalled shopping centre development in New Norfolk has gone on the market. An advertisement in today's issue of the Mercury newspaper's Real Estate magazine lists a segment of the former Royal Derwent Hospital property as being for sale by expressions of interest, closing early next month.

The advertisement describes the site as being 54,000 square metres adjacent to large residential developments and having a Lyell Highway frontage, but confusingly gives the address as 34 Lower Rd.

In February last year, council approval was given for the construction of a major shopping centre on the 5.4ha site but this was later overturned by the Planning Appeals Tribunal.

Since then, the Derwent Valley Council has given development approval for a new Woolworths supermarket to be built on the former Royal Derwent Hospital oval adjacent to the existing Woolworths in the town centre. At last month's council meeting, councillors heard that development was making its way through building and plumbing approvals.

The advertisement from the Mercury real estate section. Click image to enlarge.

Burnoff talks at Maydena

Click image to enlarge.

Final round wrap-up

THERE were mixed results for the Derwent Valley clubs in the final round of Southern Cricket Association roster matches at the weekend. Thanks to some great bowling from Peter Jelkic, Gretna II booked itself a double chance in the Fourth Grade finals with a big win over Marquis at Lansdowne. Jelkic skittled through the Marquis batting lineup, taking 6 for 13 off 10 overs with the Tigers all out for just 87. In reply Gretna had no trouble reaching the target, losing just the one wicket. Opener Bruce Emery led the way with a good 44 not out including eight well-struck fours.

In Second Grade, Molesworth I assured itself of a double chance also, defeating Derwent by four wickets. This was in part thanks to Larry Menzie's bowling performance, taking 5-41, and captain Brad Coppleman doing well with the bat and making 59 including six fours and a six..

New Norfolk I had a close one with Bushy Park on Saturday. Chasing 103 for victory, the Red Caps lost seven wickets before clinching victory in the 26th over. Batting down the order, Jake King put on 38 runs for New Norfolk while the ever-reliable Stewart Rice took 5-27 with the ball. For Bushy Park, Nathan Grant top-scored with 29 while his brother Dylan was the best with the ball with 1-7 off five overs. As New Norfolk finished on top, they now have a rest in the first week of the finals. Unfortunately it's mothballs for Bushy Park.

In the other Second Grade match, Gretna I gave up a double chance-opportunity to Montagu Bay, going down by three wickets. Gretna won the toss and had first hit, making only 105 and at one stage were 2-70-odd. Ben Rainbird was the only shining light for Gretna with a well made 50 with six fours and a single six. The Gretna bowlers tried very hard with opener Corey Ransley and Aaron Maddox showing great fight, while young Daniel Browning finished with 2-18. Matthew Eyles took two wickets.

New Norfolk II booked into an elimination final in Fifth Grade by defeating St Aidan's by 65 runs. Leigh Berry 56 and Jarrod Browning 48 were the best with the bat while Josh Walsh and Mitch Rice took three wickets each. Mention must go to Nathan Rice who sent down five overs for just seven runs.

In the other Fifth Grade match, Molesworth II lost its spot in the finals, going down to Montagu Bay by 15 runs. Cody Neads' 43 runs (including six fours) and captain Brayden Hodge with 39 did well for their team while Hodge also snared three wickets. It was good to see young Dakoda Smith back amongst it and taking one wicket as well.

SCORES - Round 18
SECOND GRADE: New Norfolk I 7 for 108 off 25.3 overs (22 extras) d Bushy Park 9 for 102 off 27.3 overs (6 extras) at Bushy Park Showgrounds. Bushy Park batting: N. Grant 29, D. Mason 23, T. Grant 14, D. Colbeck 10. New Norfolk bowling: S. Rice 5-27 (10), A. Morgan 2-22 (4), J. Dykes 1-12 (3.3), J. Rowlands 1-39 (10). New Norfolk batting: J. King 38, A. Morgan 14. Bushy Park bowling: D. Grant 1-7 (5), T. Smith 1-20 (4), M. Crosswell 1-21 (4), N. Grant 1-28 (6).

Montagu Bay 7 for 107 off 28.4 overs (18 extras) d Gretna I 10 for 105 off 29.1 overs (20 extras) at Geilston Bay. Gretna batting: B. Rainbird 50, D. Hack 11, A. Maddox 10. Gretna bowling: D. Browning 2-18 (6), A. Maddox 2-26 (6), M. Eyles 2-31 (8), C. Ransley 1-22 (8).

Molesworth 6 for 129 off 34 overs (15 extras) d Derwent 10 for 126 off 37.2 overs (25 extras) at Boyer Oval. Molesworth I batting: B. Coppleman 59, J. Bomford 16, D. Adams 14, M. Smith 10. Molesworth bowling: L. Menzie 5-41 (7), C. Slater 2-16 (6), J. Adams 2-26 (8.2), D. King 1-14 (7).

FOURTH GRADE: Gretna II 1 for 89 off 19 overs (15 extras) d Marquis 10 for 87 off 32.1 overs (15 extras) at Lansdowne. Gretna batting: B. Emery 44no, N. Wakefield 15, D. Pearce 15no. Gretna II bowling: P. Jelkic 6-13 (10), A. Browning 2-15 (6.1), B. Nichols 1-18 (8).

FIFTH GRADE: New Norfolk II 10 for 200 off 44 overs (38 extras) d St Aidan's 10 for 135 off 40.3 overs (11 extras) at Tynwald Park. New Norfolk batting: L. Berry 56, J. Browning 48, B. Skelly 22, J. Walsh 11. New Norfolk bowling: J. Walsh 3-24 (10), M. Rice 3-27 (8), A. Nossiter 2-30 (6), J. Hill 1-16 (5.3), B. Kemmler 1-29 (6). N. Rice 0-7 (5).

Montagu Bay 10 for 181 off 44.4 overs (22 extras) d Molesworth II 10 for 166 off 44.3 overs (22 extras) at Risdon Vale. Molesworth batting: C. Neads 43, B. Hodge 39, B. Ransley 15, B. Chaplin 15, A. Triffitt 14. Molesworth bowling: B. Hodge 3-36 (10), D. Smith 1-18 (4), B. Chaplin 1-19 (3), A. Triffitt 1-31 (10), C. Neads 1-34 (8).

Ladders after Round 18. Top 5 teams now play off for finals.
Second Grade
New Norfolk I 93
Molesworth I 78
Montagu Bay 75
Richmond/Cambridge 72
Gretna I 69
Derwent 48
Sandford 42
Runnymede 24
MacKillop Beltas 21
Bushy Park 18

Fourth Grade
Hobart 87
DOSA 84
Gretna II 72
Knights 69
Marquis 63
Dynnyrne 42
Bagdad 39
Old Beach 36
Wellington 27
Derwent 21

Fifth Grade
Claremont 84
Montagu Bay 78
Lindisfarne 75
New Norfolk II 69
McRobies Gully 63
Molesworth II 57
Richmond/Cambridge 42
St Adian's 33
Dynnyrne 33
Old Beach 27
Sorell 24