Devonport City Council will host a 40th celebration for the city’s birthday on Wednesday, 21 April in the Rooke Street Mall. 

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff will cut the birthday cake at 3.15pm commemorating 40 years since Devonport officially became a city. 

The celebrations will include 80s music and a disco dome jumping castle, a photographic exhibition, and cupcakes for attendees. 

Cr Rockliff said there will also be an opportunity for people to write down their thoughts about Devonport and where they think the city will be in the next 40 years. 

“We’ve made this a community-focussed event that coincides with students heading back to school, so we encourage everyone to head to the Mall at 3pm and help us celebrate this historic occasion,” Cr Rockliff said. 

Cr Rockliff recalls when Devonport became a city in 1981, which was celebrated with a visit from the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles. 

As part of the celebrations, Warden at the time, Kerry Berwick was sworn in as the first Mayor of Devonport, who was ironically Cr Rockliff’s first cousin. 

“I remember the atmosphere and the excitement of that day 40 years ago. We had all the local schools there to celebrate Devonport becoming a city. There were a lot of people packed into the Devonport Oval and there was a parade. It was a really special day,” Cr Rockliff said. 

“I feel fortunate to have seen Devonport grow and change over these past 40 years and as Mayor, I am incredibly proud of how our city has transformed. 

“The people of Devonport have a lot of be proud of. They have a city that is a great place to live, work and invest, and I can’t wait to hear what thoughts community members have about Devonport on where it is today and where it will be in another 40 years.” 

While the fanfare of the celebrations 40 years ago will not be matched this year, Cr Rockliff hasn’t ruled out the idea of inviting Prince Charles to attend the 50th celebrations, who will assumingly be King Charles by then.

The city’s 40th birthday celebrations will be held from 3-5pm on Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at the Rooke Street Mall.

For more information visit council’s website at www.devonport.tas.gov.au or keep an eye on our Facebook page.