Tassie women celebrated

THIRTY-six Tasmanian women have been inducted into the prestigious Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women, with Clarence Deputy Mayor Allison Ritchie recognised for her years of public service.

The Minister for Women, Jo Palmer MLC, announced the 2023 inductees at a ceremony in Launceston on 10 March.

The Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women was established in 2005 by the Tasmanian Government to honour Tasmanian women who have made an outstanding contribution to the state.

The Honour Roll encourages the community to research and discover women’s historical and contemporary contributions to Tasmania, ensuring that their achievements are given full recognition and not forgotten over time.

“I feel privileged to be inducted into the Honour Roll and look forward to continuing to work hard to deliver positive outcomes for the City of Clarence and Tasmania as a whole,” Cr Ritchie said.

“It has been my honour to work for Tasmanians at so many levels and I look forward to being able to continue to do that.”

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said Cr Ritchie’s award was recognition of her long history of remarkable service to the community.

“Allison has been a forerunner in Tasmanian politics over two decades, being the youngest person ever elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council in 2001,” he said.

“Allison has a tremendous record of achievement and this pays homage to her lifetime of service to the Tasmanian

Dignity after tragedy

community in the political field, as well as her dedication to the social fabric of our community.”

Ms Ritchie also addressed an IWD breakfast at the Rosny Barn on 8 March to launch the Clarence part of the Ten Days on the Island festival, paying tribute to the women in attendance and those involved in delivering the festival.

“To be speaking to you today as a woman and as Deputy Mayor of Clarence is not something I take for granted,” she said.

“I am proud of the fact that the Local Government elections held in October last year saw women constitute seven of the 12 Councillors elected - an achievement in equality that we must strive to see replicated across many indicators in Australian social, economic, political and cultural life.”

A COMMUNITY group based in Clarendon Vale has come up with an innovative way to help ease the grief of pregnancy loss.

A joint project of the Clarendon Vale Community Shed and Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre, the Petit Angels craft group manufactures small wooden coffins with an embroidered lining and donates them to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Senator Catryna Bilyk recently visited the Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre and spoke with Petit Angels project manager Jade Ireland.

“As someone who has experienced the tragedy of a stillbirth, I understand the grief that comes with pregnancy and infant loss,” Senator Bilyk said.

“While the pain and grief is inevitable for parents, what can help ease it is to have their babies acknowledged and cared for in a sympathetic and dignified way.

“I commend Petit Angels for the love, care and thought that they have invested in this project.”

Ms Ireland said the project had produced and donated more than 100 coffins so far.

“Petit Angels aims to make a significant loss a more respectful and personal experience,” Ms Ireland said.

“Before this project started families were given their angels in either cardboard boxes or plastic bags, making an already devastating experience even more traumatic.

“This is a subject many people want to shy away from, but we are here to help with the loss of life these families have to deal with.”

Petit Angels welcomes any support for the project including cash donations. They are particularly seeking donations of cream white satin or linen.

To support the project phone Jade on 0432 130 114 or email jade. ireland@cvnc.org.au

If this story causes you distress, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Sands Australia on 1300 308 307. If there is a lifethreatening emergency call 000.