Spring Activities Guide 2019
What’s on in Devonport this Spring – view the community activity guide here:
Cover Image Credit: Kelly Slater – Harmony Day 2019
Mayor’s Message – 19 November 2019
Platypus expert James McGregor will be presenting a talk about one of the world’s most interesting mammals at the Tasmanian Arboretum, at Eugenana, on Saturday.
Beginning at 10 am, the talk is free to the public and James’s presentation will run for about two hours.
More information is available from Council by telephoning 6424 0511.
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There are less than two weeks to go before registrations close for the 2019 Devonport Christmas Parade with Thursday 28 November the last day.
This year the Christmas Parade, to be held on Friday 6 December at 6.30 p.m., will traverse a route taking in James Street, Victoria Parade, Bluff Road and Clements Street.
It will be a shorter and flatter route than previous years, and people are encouraged to consider entering a walking float.
Those wishing to enter a float can find a registration form at https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/2019-christmas-parade-registrations-now-open/ and return it to Council at PO Box 604 Devonport TAS 7310 or via email to marketingandpromotions@devonport.tas.gov.au
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Nominations are now open for Devonport City Council’s 2020 Australia Day Awards.
Devonport residents are encouraged to nominate worthy individuals who have made significant contributions to the Devonport community. Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year Award.
Young Citizen of the Year nominees must be aged under 30 years on 26 January 2020.
The Awards are open to residents and/or ratepayers of the Devonport local government area.
There are many people within our community who do great things, and this is one way in which we can celebrate them.
Nomination forms can be obtained from Council’s paranaple centre office or https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/live/your-community/awards/australia-day-awards/
Nominations will be open until 5pm, Monday, 2 December 2019.
Cr Annette Rockliff
MAYOR
RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portrait Prize Exhibition to open in Devonport next week
The RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portrait Prize will be officially opened at Devonport Regional Gallery on Friday 22 November at 6pm and runs through until 19 January.
The Tasmanian Portrait Prize was established 12 years ago with the aim to foster the development of emerging Tasmanian artists and provide an opportunity for the public to appreciate their talents.
The Prize invites Tasmanian artists aged 30 and under to produce a portrait of a living Tasmanian who is important to them.
The competition has seen more than $100,000 go towards ensuring top young Tasmanian artists can continue to follow their creative pursuits.
The winning portrait, titled Mongrel by George Kennedy, was selected by judges Nicholas Harding, Dawn Oelrich and Tess Campbell, from an incredible field of over 100 entries.
Judge and 2001 Archibald Prize Winner Nicholas Harding said the judges were impressed by the calibre and high quality of works as well as the refreshing diversity portrayed in the artwork.
“The judges’ final decision was a very unanimous one, and we were all were struck by both the vulnerability and the self-awareness of George’s portrait.
“All of the judges were drawn to Mongrel, not only for its beautiful aesthetic balance but also to the story behind the artwork which speaks of George’s journey to transform his gender identity.”
This year’s runner up was announced as Chas Hughes for his painting titled A night at the buffet. Joshua Andree took out the Sponsors’ Choice award with his entry Self Portrait with Overturned Wheel Barrow.
The exhibition, showcasing the works by 33 finalists is finishing its tour of Tasmania at the Devonport Regional Gallery and visitors are encouraged to visit the gallery, or the TPP website to vote for the People’s Choice Prize. For more information, visit www.taspp.com.au and like the RACT Insurance TPP page on Facebook.
Artists from the North- West region include Burnie-based artists Brodie Weeding and Shantelle Perry and Zoe Grey, from Marrawah.
Exhibition Dates: 23 November 2019 – 19 January 2020
Venue: Main Gallery, Devonport Regional Gallery, paranaple arts centre
Official opening: Friday 22 November, 6pm
Image details: Winner of 2019 RACT Insurance Tasmanian Portrait Prize, Mongrel, by George Kennedy.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Geoff Dobson
Director |
E: gdobson@devonport.tas.gov.au
T: 6424 0577 M: 0419 505 838
Mayor’s Message – 12 November 2019
The annual Home Hill Garden Fete will be held this coming Sunday, 17 November, from 10am until 3pm at the former Lyons’ residence, 77 Middle Road.
It will feature market stalls, food vendors, children’s activities, live music and entertainment in the grounds of the beautiful National Trust property.
While the house – the residence of former Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, his wife Dame Enid and their children – is not open for tours on the day you can purchase discounted tickets for future tours.
I trust as many people as possible will get along to assist in raising funds to support future restoration efforts for this important piece of the city’s history.
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It never ceases to amaze me the number of community leaders I see around the city, even if most would probably not regard themselves as leaders, or future leaders.
I would encourage all these people to either consider applying for the Tasmanian Community Fund’s Emerging Community Leaders Program for 2020 or to tap someone else on the shoulder to put their name forward.
The program will enable up to 24 participants to develop skills which will empower and enable them to help their community prosper.
Emerging Community Leaders brings together the next generation of leaders in Tasmania’s community sector with a program focused on leading self, leading others, leading community and leading for lasting impact.
There is an emphasis on experiential learning and being able to apply skills immediately in the form of projects benefiting participants’ workplaces and the community.
The way in which this program is delivered aims to develop participants in an engaging, innovative and future focused way.
The content, presenters, workshops and activities included in the delivery of this program are practical, creative, unique and deeply engaging. Participants are encouraged to understand that everyone’s journey through the program is different, and leadership is innately personal.
The program is open to all Tasmanians, but participants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applications for the 2020 program are now open and close on 29 November 2019.
Applications can be submitted through the Tasmanian Community Fund’s grant portal at tascomfund.smartygrants.com.au/2020DECLC
Cr Annette Rockliff
MAYOR
Mayor’s Message – 05 November 2019
Work to construct the children’s memorial pavilion at the Mersey Vale Memorial Park, at Spreyton, is underway.
This project includes a central tree which will be planted and surrounded by small seating blocks and garden beds in a circular arrangement with segmenting partition walls available for ash interment and memorial plaques.
Footpaths will provide access to the raised pavilion area that will cover a central seat.
The wing walls supporting the roof structure will also accommodate ash interment and memorial balloon shaped, coloured plaques.
A glass balustrade will be installed on top of the retaining wall at the northern end of the pavilion allowing safe access to the northern views.
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At its monthly meeting last week, Council approved two road contracts valued at about $480,000.
The Stewart Street renewal, from Williams Street to Gunn Street, involves the construction of a new kerb and channel, driveway improvements, pavement and seal and the installation of street trees.
An allowance of $20,000 has been allocated to undertake the renewal of footpaths. This work was omitted from the tender, but it was later considered that renewing parts of the footpath would deliver a better outcome.
Stage 1 of the renewal of pavement and seal of the rural section of Winspears Road was completed in March and the second stage continues the work to Council’s eastern boundary.
Initially it was assumed that the remaining section of road would be renewed in two sections over two financial years.
However, the tendered rates allow the entire remaining section to be completed for a cost only marginally in excess of the available budget.
Cr Annette Rockliff
MAYOR
Don Reserve BioBlitz planned for next week
Devonport residents are being encouraged to do their bit to help discover and record as many living things as possible – plants, animals and fungi – which inhabit the city’s Don Reserve as part of the Bookend Trust’s BioBlitz on November 8 and 9.
The 30-hour exercise – being run in conjunction with the Devonport City Council – will begin with about 120 students from the Our Lady of Lourdes and Andrews Creek Primary Schools assembling to begin their surveys from ‘BioBlitz basecamp’ at the Splash Aquatic Centre at 10 am on the Friday. From 4pm on the Friday, anyone in the community can book into the surveys, which will run until 4pm the following day.
It will be the fourth BioBlitz undertaken by the Trust following previous sessions in Hobart, Kingston and Latrobe. Each survey focuses on a different group of plants or animals, led by a specialist scientist or naturalist.
Threatened species zoologist and Bookend Trust Citizen Science Coordinator Clare Hawkins said the exercise was a valuable opportunity to track the inhabitants of the area.
“It is a great opportunity for everyone to gain a better understanding of what actually lives in areas such as this which are so close to town,” Dr Hawkins said.
“For that reason, the search will continue throughout the evening as some plants, animals and fungi are more difficult to spot or locate during the day.
“Obviously we do not expect too many people to be out at 3 am but there may be some.”
Dr Hawkins said previous BioBlitzes had helped uncover hundreds of species which had previously not been recorded in the BioBlitz sites, and she was hopeful the same would happen in the Don Reserve.
“Currently on the Natural Values Atlas (a publicly accessible Tasmanian Government database) actually only 29 species are recorded in the Don Reserve area which are mostly plants.”
“We can definitely improve on this as we are actually surveying a rather wider area, covering additional council land (and water!), and nearly 200 species have been recorded in this general area overall, so that’s a good start.
“Even in this larger area, the observations were mainly plants and also birds so given that the harder you look, the more you find and the fact we’re also looking for lots of other groups such as fungi, insects and mammals, we should have plenty to add.”
One of the key targets will be the endangered Central North burrowing crayfish. Dr Hawkins said some were known to be in the area, but it was hoped more could be uncovered as part of an effort to record the crayfish further through its known range between Devonport, Port Sorell, the narawntapu national park and Sheffield.
“As well as the Central North burrowing crayfish, we may be lucky enough to see some other threatened species which have been recorded in the area, including several birds such as the swift parrot, the white-bellied sea eagle and the grey goshawk,” Dr Hawkins said.
Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said Council was pleased to be able to support the Trust’s efforts to discover and record what lived in the area.
“There is a fair chance that we will all be surprised by some of what is found and the efforts of those involved will also assist Council in its management of the reserve in the long-term,” she said.
Bookings can be made at Eventbrite at https://extinctionmattersbioblitz-devonport.eventbrite.com.au
Further information is available from Council on 6424 0511
CAPTION: Bookend Trust Academic Director Dr Alastair Richardson (front) and university student Wade Bone on the hunt at the Don Reserve preparing for next week’s BioBlitz
ENDS
Media Contact
Nigel Tapp |Media and Communications Officer | Devonport City Council
03 6424 0562| 0427 132 972 |ntapp@devonport.tas.gov.au
Devonport Australia Day 2020 Awards Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now open for Devonport City Council’s 2020 Australia Day Awards.
Devonport residents and ratepayers are encouraged to nominate worthy individuals who have made significant contributions to the Devonport community. Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year Award.
The Awards are open to residents and/or ratepayers of the Devonport local government area.
Devonport City Council Mayor Annette Rockliff said the awards were an opportunity to recognise those who make important contributions to the community or have achieved something extraordinary.
“There are many people within our community who do great things, and this is one way in which we can celebrate them,” she said.
“Making an Australia Day Award nomination is a simple process which only takes a couple of minutes. It can be done online, or people can pick up a nomination form at Council’s paranaple centre office. You’ll be helping recognise somebody who deserve our congratulations and thanks.”
Young Citizen of the Year nominees must be aged under 30 years on 26 January 2020.
Nomination forms can be obtained from Council’s paranaple centre office or https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/live/your-community/awards/australia-day-awards/
Nominations will be open until 5pm, Monday, 2 December 2019.
ENDS
Media Contact
Nigel Tapp |Media & Communications Officer |Devonport City Council
03 6424 0562 | 0427 132 972 |ntapp@devonport.tas.gov.au
PUBLICATION OF FINAL PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTATION UNDER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ACT 1999
Devonport City Council is seeking approval for the proposed Squibbs Road Drainage
Improvements, Spreyton, Tasmania (EPBC 2017/7956).
The following notice is published pursuant to Section 95B(4) of the EPBC Act 1999.
The controlling provision under Part 3 of the Act is ‘Listed threatened species and
communities’ (Sections 18 and 18A).
Finalised preliminary documentation on the proposed drainage improvement works at
Squibbs Road, Spreyton, Tasmania, includes the Squibbs Road Drainage
Improvements, Spreyton Tasmania Preliminary Documentation (EPBC: 2017/7956);
Environmental Management Procedures; Management, Monitoring and Offset Plan –
Squibbs Road Drainage improvements; and Standard Operating Procedures –
Engaeus granulatus translocation.
The draft documents were published between 9
October 2019 and 22 October 2019. No comments were received.
Copies of the finalised preliminary documentation will be available for a period of 10
business days from 30 October 2019 to 13 November 2019 and may be viewed or
obtained, free of charge, at each of the following locations:
Devonport Regional Library – paranaple centre, Level 1/137 Rooke Street, Devonport,
Tasmania
State Library of Tasmania – 91 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania
Department of the Environment and Energy (email the Department at
epbcreferrals@environment.gov.au to arrange for a copy to be made available)
A PDF version of the documentation is also attached below.
Persons with special needs (i.e for whom English is a second language or who has a
vision impairment) may contact the Engineering Coordinator, Devonport City Council
on 6424 0511 or email council@devonport.tas.gov.au for assistance in accessing the
material.
Matthew Atkins
ACTING GENERAL MANAGER
Mayor’s Message – 29 October 2019
Don’t forget registrations are now open for the 2019 Devonport Christmas Parade.
This year the Christmas Parade, to be held on Friday 6 December at 6.30 p.m., will traverse a route taking in James Street, Victoria Parade, Bluff Road and Clements Street.
It will be a shorter and flatter route than previous years, and people are encouraged to consider entering a walking float.
Registrations will close on Thursday 28 November 2019.
Those wishing to enter a float can find a registration form at https://www.devonport.tas.gov.au/2019-christmas-parade-registrations-now-open/ and return it to Council at PO Box 604 Devonport TAS 7310 or via email to marketingandpromotions@devonport.tas.gov.au
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I wish to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution made to the city by former General Manager Paul West, who left Council last Friday after almost six years in the role.
Paul came to Council during a difficult period and worked hard to address shortcomings in regard to governance and processes.
Under his stewardship Council has certainly become a well-run professional organisation which consistently meets its statutory obligations.
The success of LIVING CITY and other developments within the CBD are a testament to Paul’s efforts and he was also at the forefront of removing the eyesore, which was the maternity hospital, in Steele Street.
Other highlights include the sale of Fenton Villas, the proposed Oak Possibility development at East Devonport, restructuring of the Council meeting processes, the budget process and the implementation of community consultation as part of it.
Paul will certainly be missed, and, on behalf of Council, I wish him, and his wife, Teresa, well for the future.
Cr Annette Rockliff
MAYOR
Mayor’s Message – 22 October 2019
The Living Lightly Expo will once again encourage and educate the public on how to live sustainably, eat locally and eat healthily when it returns to the Devonport Community Garden on Saturday 26 October 2019 from 11am to 2pm.
Now in its fifth year, the family-friendly expo focusses on sustainable living, living a healthy lifestyle and limiting our impact on the environment.
There are a wide range of activities and demonstrations on offer, including cooking with native Tasmanian plants, plant-based diet tastings, fermenting foods, how to look after your backyard chickens, make your own bath salts – plus a whole lot more.
The expo has a great reputation for providing simple and practical advice for those who want to improve their way of living, especially when it comes to saving money, reducing waste and overall health and wellbeing.
People are continually looking for ways to be more sustainable and to reduce their impact on the environment, and this expo has some simple ways people can do that.
There will also be activities for children.
The expo is being coordinated by the Devonport City Council and Devonport Community House and entry is via donation towards Relay for Life.
For further information please contact Council’s Executive Officer, Carol Bryant on 6424 0517 or cbryant@devonport.tas.gov.au.
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It never ceases to amaze me the number of community leaders I see around the city, even if most would probably not regard themselves as leaders, or future leaders.
I would encourage all these people to either consider applying for the Tasmanian Community Fund’s Emerging Community Leaders Program for 2020 or to tap someone else on the shoulder to put their name forward.
The program will enable up to 24 participants to develop skills which will empower and enable them to help their community prosper.
Emerging Community Leaders brings together the next generation of leaders in Tasmania’s community sector with a program focused on leading self, leading others, leading community and leading for lasting impact.
There is an emphasis on experiential learning and being able to apply skills immediately in the form of projects benefiting participants’ workplaces and the community.
The way in which this program is delivered aims to develop participants in an engaging, innovative and future focused way.
The content, presenters, workshops and activities included in the delivery of this program are practical, creative, unique and deeply engaging. Participants are encouraged to understand that everyone’s journey through the program is different, and leadership is innately personal.
The program is open to all Tasmanians, but participants must be at least 18 years of age.
Applications for the 2020 program are now open and close on 29 November 2019.
Applications can be submitted through the Tasmanian Community Fund’s grant portal at tascomfund.smartygrants.com.au/2020DECLCL
Cr Annette Rockliff
MAYOR
General Manager Moving On
Devonport City Council’s General Manager Paul West is set to leave the Council at the end of the month, the Mayor, Cr Annette Rockliff, announced today.
Mr West has been General Manager at Devonport for the past six years and has been instrumental in guiding the City through a period of both challenge and achievement, particularly with its ambitious LIVING CITY project.
“I’ve made my decision to leave Council both with a sense of pride but also with some regret,” Mr West said.
“Being General Manager at Devonport has been extremely rewarding and I am proud of all we have accomplished in this time on behalf of the community. I have always undertaken my role with Council diligently and with the best interests of the Council and the Devonport community in mind.
“When I applied for the role it was very clear the then Council only wanted a General Manager who would not only support, but actively work with Council on implementing the LIVING CITY vision. I believe those involved in LIVING CITY will in the future be applauded for not only their foresight, but also for their determination in seeing it delivered.
“Rome was not built in a day and the rejuvenation of Devonport is going to take time. It should be remembered that a project the size of LIVING CITY is about building for the future not just for today.”
There was a recent call by a councillor for Mr West to resign following an Auditor-General’s report into the LIVING CITY procurement practices.
Mr West recently indicated in a statement to Council, that he acknowledged and accepted his share of the accountability for the Providore Place lease issues as outlined in the Auditor-General’s Report.
“At the same time though, I believe it is important to also acknowledge the Auditor-General in releasing his report to Parliament was quoted as saying ‘other than issues raised with the lease agreement, the Council had performed effectively in all other aspects of the audit,” Mr West said.
Mayor Rockliff said she was disappointed Council was losing Mr West and that his departure will leave a significant gap in the administration of the Council.
“Mr West is a well-respected, experienced and very capable General Manager and Council has been truly lucky to have had him in the role for the last six years. From my perspective his will truly be large shoes to fill,” she said.
“Mr West had an impressive understanding of the City’s budget and was instrumental in identifying and implementing a number of improvements during his tenure, including making the budget process more open and transparent.
“The ability for Council to keep rate rises to a minimum over the last 6 years is a testament to Mr West’s close financial oversight and management.
“I have appreciated Mr West’s knowledge of the sector and his support and advice, particularly when I unexpectedly became the Acting Mayor in early 2018. I thank him for his service and extend my very best wishes for whatever the future brings for him.”
Mr West indicated he had come to the view it was in the best interests of both himself and the Council for him to move on.
“I am not sure what the future holds, but as I am too young to retire, I am sure there are new opportunities and challenges out there – I’m just not sure what they are yet,” he said.
The Council will soon begin the process to recruit a new General Manager, which will hopefully see someone appointed to the role early in the new year.
ENDS
Media Contact
Nigel Tapp |Media and Communications Officer | Devonport City Council
03 6424 0562| 0427 132 972 |ntapp@devonport.tas.gov.au