Brighton Community News February/March 2023

Feeder schools for Brighton High School announced

Three local primary schools have been announced as the feeder schools for the new Brighton High School when it opens its doors in 2025.

Students from Brighton Primary School, Bagdad Primary

School and Kempton Primary School will now move onto high school once the new Brighton High School facility opens in two years time.

Capital Project Manager Jason Followes and Chris Egan from

Keep Australia Beautiful celebrates Tassie winners

JAWS Architects recently gave Year 4 students from Brighton Primary a tour around the site.

The students reported that they were excited to know they will be some of the high school’s very first students.

Monty Marks Marsupial’s return to Tassie

Tasmania’s koala population reached one recently with the arrival of two-year-old Monty at Zoodoo Zoo. Monty was bred as part of an Australia-wide managed population of koalas. The maintenance of a population of koalas in human care provides an important insurance population to help guard against extinction threats, such as the catastrophic bushfires of early 2020.

Born at Ballarat Wildlife Park in Victoria, Monty needed a new home to free up more space for ongoing breeding in the managed population in accredited zoos. Monty’s new Zoodoo Zoo home was refurbished and officially launched in December by Mr Brian Mitchell MP, Federal Member for Lyons and Brighton Mayor

Leigh Gray. Zoodoo is thrilled to welcome Monty, and for visitors to see this special koala.

The zoo’s foray into threat-

ened species conservation is an ongoing progression of their new strategic plan, to evolve into a conservation organisation.

The winners of (KAB) the Keep Australia Beautiful Awards, in the Tasmania Major Categories and Certificates of Excellence, were announced in December. Alison Johnson, Brighton Council’s Climate Resilience Officer, attended the event on King Island and received numerous awards and certificates on behalf of Council and local community groups. Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Roger Jaensch MP was on hand to announce Oatlands as the winner of the 2022 Tasmanian Sustainable Communities - Tidy Towns Award. Brighton was runner-up in the category.

KABTasmania state judge, Lona Turvey, said Brighton impressed with its high level of community spirit and inclusiveness, as well as the partnership of Council with many groups and organisations. “What they have managed to achieve is a range of innovative projects and programs with the intention of always involving the community. Their commitment to find solutions to some of the biggest issues confronting our society today, including climate change, reconciliation and social equity, is courageous and inspiring,” said Mrs Turvey.

It was with great pleasure that in January, Mayor Leigh

Gray was able to present the Certificates of Excellence in person at the Council Chambers to representatives from the winning organisations. A huge congratulations to Jordan River Service Inc. (who received awards for the work they do with the Waterbridge Food Co-op and Jordan River Community Workshed), Mona’s 24 Carrot Gardens Tasmania Material Institute in Bridgewater and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cathy Harper, who recently retired from Brighton Council, received the prestigious Community Citizen of the Year Award for her work in supporting the KAB awards and engaging with community to encourage entries. Cathy has supported KAB Tasmania over many years and is most deserving of this recognition on the eve of her retirement from Brighton Council. Well done Cathy!

Geoff Marsh, Chief Executive Officer of Keep Australia Beautiful Tasmania, commended all the nominees, school submissions, and this year’s winners. “Every year the dedication and passion of the communities who enter the awards surpasses our expectations. We’re fortunate to have caring and committed people making this state a wonderful place to live,” said Mr. Marsh.

Published by the Brighton Council. It is distributed to households and businesses throughout the municipality. Circulation: In excess of 9,000.

Managing Editor: Angela Turvey

Editorial and Advertising: Steph Williams

Email: communitynews@brighton.tas.gov.au

Published by: Brighton Council 1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach TAS 7017

2023 edition deadlines: April/May edition

Stories and contributions: Friday 3 March

Advertising material: Friday 10 March

BRIGHTON COUNCIL

Brighton Council Meetings

Meetings held at Council Offices, 1 Tivoli Rd, Old Beach

Ordinary Council 21 Feb 2023 and 21 March 2023

Planning Authority

14 Feb 2023 and 14 March 2023

Finance Committee 14 Feb 2023 and 14 March 2023

Agendas can be viewed online four days prior to the meetings at: www.brighton.tas.gov.au

admin@brighton.tas.gov.au www.brighton.tas.gov.au

General Enquiries

Email Website

admin@brighton.tas.gov.au www.brighton.tas.gov.au

General Manager James Dryburgh

Community Development Officer

Environmental & Development Services

General Enquiries

The BIG Weekend of Sustainable Living Ideas set to make its mark in Brighton this March

Whether you are a local business, community group, a school or an environmentally conscious community member, the BIG Weekend of Sustainable Living Ideas is for you!

Hosted by Sustainable Living Tasmania as part of their 50th birthday celebrations, the BIG Weekend will take over both the Brighton Civic Centre and the Botanical Institute, just a short walk down the road, on 25-26 March, 2023.

This innovative event aims to connect community members, businesses and organisations with projects, initiatives and education pathways to encourage households and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. It’s also about showing people how to save money on their household budgets and about connecting with their community to improve mental health and wellbeing.

The weekend will include workshops, presentations, forums, and activities, including a no-dig vege garden workshop hosted by Gardening Australia and Goodlife Permaculture’s Hannah Moloney, as well as cooking demonstrations by Matthew Evans from Fat Pig

Farm, using a kitchen powered by an electric vehicle. If something a little more serious is your focus, join us for the forums each afternoon to listen to a panel of professionals discuss topics involving issues and initiatives surrounding waste reduction and food production in Tasmania.

Many of the activities over the weekend will focus on recycling, upcycling and reusing what we have, with community members invited to participate in clothing, book and toy swaps and the repair cafes. There will also be free plants, the chance to try multicultural food, pottery classes, children’s adventure play, and plans to also include an Art to Waste Sculpture trail engaging the local schools.

Expressions of interest are still open with a limited number of exhibitor sites still available, as well as opportunities to host sustainable living workshops and activities.

For more information please head to www.slt.org.au. For all enquiries please email sandra@slt.org. au and follow Sustainable Living Tasmania’s Facebook page for updates.

LEIGH GRAY (Mayor)

Brighton 7030

Tel: 6268 0704 / 0488 390 115 cr.gray@brighton.tas.gov.au

BARBARA CURRAN (Deputy Mayor) Brighton 7030

Tel: 0417 612 868 cr.curran@brighton.tas.gov.au

AARON DE LA TORRE Brighton 7030

Tel: 0427 813 821 cr.delatorre@brighton.tas.gov.au

PETER GEARD

Brighton 7030

Tel: 6268 1143 / 0418 515 649 cr.geard@brighton.tas.gov.au

GREG IRONS

Brighton 7030 Tel: 0424 333 360 cr.irons@brighton.tas.gov.au

JOHN MCMASTER Bridgewater 7030 Tel: 0408 543 772 cr.mcmaster@brighton.tas.gov.au

TENNILLE MURTAGH

Bridgewater 7030 Tel: 0484 254 823 cr.murtagh@brighton.tas.gov.au

PHILIP OWEN Old Beach 7017

Tel: 6249 8575 / 0419 333 252 cr.owen@brighton.tas.gov.au

MICHAEL WHELAN

Brighton 7030 Tel: 0409 416 353 cr.whelan@brighton.tas.gov.au

Immunisation Clinics 2023

Brighton Council provides FREE monthly immunisation clinics at the Brighton Civic Centre, 25 Green Point Road, Bridgewater from 2–3pm on these dates:

Tuesday 7 February

Tuesday 7 March

Tuesday 4 April

Tuesday 2 May

Tuesday 6 June

For inquiries please call Brighton Council’s Environmental Health Officer (03) 6268 7029

All correspondence should be addressed to the General Manager, Brighton Council, 1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach 7017.

admin@brighton.tas.gov.au www.brighton.tas.gov.au

Bridgewater success at State Firefighter Championships

In November, two teams from Bridgewater Fire Station competed in the State Firefighter Championships at Invermay Park in Launceston. The event attracted a huge turnout of competitors, with 30 career and volunteer teams and around 300 competitors from senior and junior teams.

This was Bridgewater’s second year competing in the state competition, with most of the brigade’s volunteers participating for the first time.

The Bridgewater volunteers performed exceptionally. The Division 1 team placed third overall in the state, with only a few points sepa-

Bridgewater Library Releases program for Tasmania Reads week

There’s lots of exciting reading activity coming up in March.

Tasmania Reads is a Tasmanian Government initiative based on the National ‘Australia Reads’ campaign.

Tasmania Reads is a weeklong celebration of reading

and storytelling and runs from 5 - 11 March 2023. Libraries, schools, community groups, and businesses are all getting involved.

There will be a variety of ways you can join in the fun. Join us at Bridgewater Library for

the following, all at 10am, with light refreshments available:

Monday 6 March - Staff Reads – hear staff talk about their favourite books and authors

Tuesday 7 March - Digital reading ideas

Wednesday 8 MarchChildren’s Rock and Rhyme

Thursday 9 March - Book Cubby – parents/carer and children can write their own story to be added to the Book Cubby.

Join library staff for the Australian Reading Hour on Thursday 9 March and take some time out to unwind and escape into a book. The Reading Hour message is read, share, and enjoy books!You can take part at anytime during the day or join staff at 4pm.

Visit www.australiareads.org. au to see what’s happening near you or grab a copy of the Tasmania Reads magazine in February.

rating the top three places. The Division 2 team performed well also. The brigade won medals in most categories, representing the local community with professionalism and dedication to the fire service.

The volunteers would like to thank everyone who purchased raffle tickets and attended the fundraising BBQ leading up to the championships. This support enabled the firefighters to travel to Launceston and pay for their accommodation for the weekend.

The brigade is already training and looking forward to taking part in this year’s competition.

You can find the following at Bridgewater Library

• Books, magazines, DVDs, console games

• Public computers

• WiFi

• Scanning

• Charge bar suitable for most devices

• Photocopying & laminating for a small fee

• Help with resumes, cover letters & selection criteria

• Space to have an online interview or study

• Meeting rooms (4-25 people) with video conferencing facilities

• Children’s area

• Space to sit, read or just chill out.

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Council began the year in earnest with a series of workshops prior to our official January Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM), getting straight down to business in 2023.

We have taken this opportunity to conduct a series of planning and review sessions to ensure we are on track to achieve our goals for 2022/23 and update our Brighton Council Strategic Plan for 2023-2033, plus develop a 10 Year Infrastructure Plan for new capital investments. It is important and required that we do this on a regular basis to ensure we are clear on our goals and direction as a Council, always keeping in mind our 2050 Vision. Our 2050 Vision is where you told us what was important for the long term future of our people and place and these strategic plans shape how we will achieve our vision. The plans will be endorsed by Council and available for your reference as part of our Council

Taking stock

meeting process and on our website in the coming months.

At the beginning of each financial year, Council develops an Annual Plan based on Council’s strategic plan and the budget process. Given we are now over half way through the current financial year, and will soon be heading into the new budget planning phase, it was timely for us to have an update on how we are tracking for 2022-2023.

Council was pleased to see we are very much on track to achieve our goals for the year. There were a large number of goals that we had set ourselves for this year and if you are interested in getting a full update on how we are tracking, this is available in the meeting agenda for the January OCM on our website. Here is just a small selection of our achievements that are perhaps less talked about in recent times but incredibly important for us to thrive as a growing community here in Brighton.

Community Infrastructure Needs – The Draft Brighton Social Infrastructure Plan was endorsed by Council in December 2022 and the community will be able to have a say in February/March 2023, with the plan on track to be completed by this financial year.

Housing – Council continues to lobby for a more holistic approach to public and

Andres’ bright future plans

Brighton Council’s Andres Perez-Roca recently received a commendation for Young Planner of the Year, as part of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Tasmanian Division Awards. Andres was praised for his knowledge of the planning system and his excellent customer service skills. He was recently elected to the TAS PIA Divisional Committee, and also participates in the Tas Community Fund (TCF) Emerging Community Leaders Program.

In addition, Andres is a mentor in the Career Foundation Mentoring Program.Having moved to Hobart from Colombia to study the Master of Planning at the University of Tasmania, Andres is only a couple of years into his planning career, but he already has a lot to add to his CV.

Andres is a valuable asset to the Brighton Council planning team and we congratulate him on this well deserved award.

affordable housing projects, engaging with Centacare Evolve Housing. Council has offered land to be purchased for future public and affordable housing projects.

Transport – Council is always advocating for improved public transport, including ferry infrastructure and services. We are pleased to advise that State Growth is undertaking background work to inform a Derwent River Masterplan, which will consider sites within our municipality. We are working closely with State Growth to inform this plan.

Jobs and Training – The Southcentral Workforce Network (SWN) in Pontville continues to go from strength to strength. The team has expanded to five staff members and the number and range of programs managed by the ‘Jobs Hub’ has grown significantly.

Climate Change – Staff are preparing a planning scheme overlay for overland flooding to assist and educate the community and this will soon be available for publication on Council’s website and for the submission of a planning scheme amendment. A coastal hazards risk assessment has also commenced.

Council has ordered its first electric vehicle to be included in the fleet.

Council continues to report on Council’s corporate greenhouse gas emissions and take actions to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and zero by 2040. Council’s emissions reduced by 73% on 2021, and this rapid fall was unexpected and is largely a result of introducing FOGO and Brighton’s landfill waste now being sent to the Copping facility managed by Southern Waste Solutions that captures methane gas and generates electricity from biogas. Our corporate emissions target will be revised early this year.

Waste Management – Council is very active in waste and sustainability education in the community and schools. We have been recognised for our efforts with a number of awards in recent times, including the Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award by Local Government Professionals Australia – Tasmania for FOGO, finalist in the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) Awards for Excellence for ‘Building and environment and climate change program’, runner-up as overall winner in the most Sustainable Community award from Keep Australia Beautiful – Tasmania as well as awards for Community Spirit and Inclusiveness, Community Health & Wellbeing and the population award for places with 5,000-20,000 people.

Culture and Arts – Council has activated its public art strategy with three spaces receiving completed art installations: Gagebrook Community Centre, Cris Fitzpatrick Park public toilets and a community

created paint by numbers piece for the Brighton Civic Centre. This work will continue throughout the year.

We also began the year with a workshop on the Future of Local Government Review. After a period of comprehensive community consultation, the Tasmanian Government released an Options Paper in December 2022. In January, Council took the time to work through these options and discuss views and opinions on each in order to familiarise ourselves with the outcomes and make a submission. Council’s preliminary views on the Options Paper will be provided to the review board. If you would like to learn more about the ‘Options’ for the Future of Local Government in Tasmania visit www.futurelocal.tas.gov.au.

Finally, it is really pleasing for me to note two significant events that will be held in our municipality early this year and we can all be extremely proud that our Brighton Civic Centre and region has been chosen to hold these important gatherings. In March/April we will host ChangeFest23 – 1-3 March 2023 and Big Weekend of Sustainable Living Ideas – 25 & 26 March 2023.

We hope the community enjoys and benefits from hosting these events right here in Bridgewater.

Brighton Mayor

Leigh Gray

FoLGR reaches final stage

Whether we realise it or not, every one of us uses local government services every day. The Future of Local Government Review (FoLGR) commenced last year and was commissioned by the Tasmanian Government. The aim of the review is to make sure local government is robust, capable and ready for the challenges and opportunities

of the future. All Tasmanians will have an opportunity to have their voice heard in the Review, and your input is valued.

Currently in its third and final stage, focused on reform recommendations, the review will take approximately 18 months to complete. There’s a community meeting coming

up in Sorell on Tuesday 7 February, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Sorell Memorial Hall, 47 Cole Street, Sorell. Anyone can attend and engage in the town hall style meeting.

To keep across the progress of the review head to the FoLGR website, which is regularly updated at www.futurelocal. tas.gov.au.

Bridgewater Bridge Fun Facts

The settlement of Bridgewater was originally known as Green Point. The name it is now known by was due to the bridge (which was actually a causeway) crossing a shallow section of the waters of the River Derwent.

Construction began on the causeway in 1829. It was 1.3 km long and built by a gang

of 200 convicts using nothing but wheelbarrows, shovels and picks. By the time it was completed, the convicts had shifted 2 million tonnes of sand, soil, stones and clay. That’s some hard yakka.

The causeway was completed in 1836. It didn’t cross the whole river so a ferry worked the deepest section of the Riv-

er Derwent from 1829 –1849, until a bridge opened.

The current lift bridge was started in 1939, interrupted by the war, and completed in 1946.

The new Bridgewater Bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2024.

Paint by numbers street mural

A vibrant mural celebrating Brighton came together in a paint by numbers approach at the Centacare Evolve Housing 2022 Christmas Block Party. Vibrance Projects and Hobart illustrator Becski Design were commissioned by Brighton Council for the colourful street art project.

The artwork was inspired by Mount Dromedary and the rolling hills, valleys and waterways, native and farm animals, as well as lifestyle and family. Community members rolled up their sleeves to add to the mural, which is now on display for all to enjoy at the Brighton Civic Centre.

Giving back to our community

In this article, Stevie Coe writes about the experience of volunteering, specifically at The Smith Family.

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that 2020 was a difficult year. In finding myself isolated, I felt a strong yearning to reconnect to my community and the people around me. I wanted to experience and take part in the change I could see happening in this community; the place I grew up in.

I started by volunteering at the Ten Lives Cat Adoption Centre, then my long-term goal of working in education led me to The Smith Family. Becoming a volunteer tutor at the Bridgewater Learning Club, I had a preconceived idea of what tutoring would look like –endless worksheets, scorecards and quiet rooms.

However, from the moment I entered the Learning Club, these expectations were flipped upside down. The centre is filled with warmth, light and hopefulness. The students, many who are facing disadvantage or learning challenges, are full of joy and an eagerness to learn. Each club provides students with a fun, supportive and safe environment where

Old skool sustainability

Bridgewater School for Seniors recently met with the Brighton Council sustainability team to find out more about local environmental projects. There was a high level of interest, with complex questions put to the Climate Change Resilience Officer, Alison Johnson, and Graduate planner, Kelly Min, in a series of sessions.

There are a range of sustainability projects happening in the local area that involve Council, groups such as MONA, and the community, from street tree plantings, land care groups, to climate change impacts modelling, electric vehicle charging station infrastructure and waste recycling. If you are interested in being part of the local Sustainability Network, please get in contact.

For further information on Brighton Council’s sustainability program or for speaking opportunities please feel free to get in touch at: alison. johnson@brighton.tas.gov.au

The following topics were discussed:

• High energy bills and possible sources

• How to save money on electricity costs

• When it makes sense to invest in rooftop solar

• Renovations – what to consider

• Soft plastics and what to do with them (because they are currently not recycling in Tasmania – they go in the garbage bin)

Street trees and the urban landscape

Many of the discussion points are in the Home Energy Audit Toolkit guidebook. If you would like to reserve this free resource, please see Brighton Council reception or phone 6268 7000. School for Seniors meets fortnightly at the Bridgewater Library on Tuesdays from 10am. A range of guest speakers will attend each session for discussion and a chat.

they can ask questions and explore their interests and passions. I feel so privileged to watch the growth among the students. Through their hard work, dedication, connection, kindness and friendship, these bright young people have essentially created a small community of their own. Recently, after almost two years as an educator and tutor, I advanced into a learning facilitator role, helping other volunteers get as much from it as I continue

to, and to give as much back to the fantastic students who eagerly race through the doors every week. This Learning Club and The Smith Family creates such positive change for these students and the community. I am forever grateful, changed and lucky to be a part of it.

To learn more about The Smith Family, express interest in volunteering or to make a donation, you can visit www. thesmithfamily.com.au.

Hard and Green Waste Collection

Week beginning Monday 24 April, 2023

Brighton Council offers a FREE Green and Hard Waste collection service to help residents dispose of unwanted items and green waste. Waste must be placed on the nature strip the night before the collection date and must be able to be listed safely by two men. All hard waste items must not exceed two metres in length.

• All items such as tree branches and cuttings must be tied in 20kg or less bundles and a maximum of 1.5m in length and 20cm in diameter.

• Loose materials must be bagged.

• Items such as rubble, soil, rocks and concrete will not be collected.

• Vehicle tyres, fridges, freezers and mattresses are no longer accepted as part of these collections. All these items can be taken to the Waste Transfer Station for a fee.

HARD WASTE AND GREEN WASTE ARE TO BE KEPT SEPARATE

Please do not endanger Council Staff by leaving out broken glass, asbestos and chemicals. This service is only available to residents who currently receive kerbside collection.

For more information, please contact the Brighton Council on (03) 6268 7000 or www.brighton.tas.gov.au/property/waste/

admin@brighton.tas.gov.au www.brighton.tas.gov.au

Old Beach zoning review update

Brighton Council recently endorsed the findings of the Old Beach Zoning Review Project for community consultation. Last year, Council engaged ERA Planning Consultants to check whether two precincts in Old Beach can accommodate further residential growth, given the high demand. The ERA analysis included community engagement, site analysis and a traffic assessment.

Community engagement occurred mid-2022, with 72 responses from 104 properties in the precincts.

The site analysis considered the current planning controls, details of the site and surrounds, land constraints and values, and the transport network in and around Old Beach. The traffic assessment analysed the capacity of the East Derwent Highway and key intersections to accommodate increased traffic. The consultants determined that both precincts generally have the necessary conditions to accommodate future residential growth, subject to infrastructure upgrades, master planning

and rezoning applications being approved by Council and the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Community consultation for the project will run for a period of four weeks, from 23 January – 24 February. Members of the community are invited to review the documents and make written submissions. All submissions received during this period will be considered by Council in making their final decision as to whether to endorse the report’s recommendations.

For further information, please contact Brian White on (03) 6268 7070. The documents can be viewed at www.brighton.tas.gov.au/ community/have-your-say.

Get snug as a bug in these rugs

The Quilters Easter Showcase will be held at Brighton Civic Centre on Saturday 1 April from 9.30am – 3pm. Entry is $5 which includes morning tea. Attendees are asked to bring their own mug and lunch.

Traders from around the state will be exhibiting their work, and there will be a raffle and prizes on offer. Like in previous years, the funds raised will be donated to local causes in Brighton. For more information, please call 0426 289 892.

Top Award For Keeping Brighton Beautiful

Brighton Council’s Cathy Harper was recently awarded the prestigious Community Citizen of the Year Award by Keep Australia Beautiful – Tasmania.

The award is recognition for Cathy’s work in supporting the (KAB) Keep Australia Beautiful awards and engaging with the community to encourage entries.

Cathy has supported KAB Tasmania over many years and is most deserving of this recognition on the eve of her retirement from Brighton Council, after almost 20 years of service.

For more information about Keep Australia Beautiful, head to www. kab.org.au.

Bridgewater to host national festival for changemakers

ChangeFest, a national movement for place-based change, is being held from 1 - 3 March 2023. The festival began in Queensland in Logan (Yagara and Yugambeh Country) in 2018, and was held in Mt Druitt (Darug Country) the following year, and in Palmerston (Larrakia Country) in 2020.

This year it is being hosted by kutalayna Collective at Brighton Civic Centre, Bridgewater. The lutruwita/Tasmania ChangeFest23 gathering will provide opportunities to share and learn together with community leaders, policy

makers, funders, service providers and other collaborators of placebased change.

You will hear some inspiring stories of changemakers, participate in workshops around collaboration, join learning circles to yarn and build deeper connections across the movement, as well as form networks.

Early bird registration is now open for ChangeFest23, with more details on the Facebook page www. facebook.com/kutalaynaCollective.

New Brighton Youth Action Group

Last November, Brighton councillors endorsed the Brighton Youth Action Group or ‘BYAG’ for short.

The BYAG aims to provide a platform for young people in our community aged 12 – 24 who want to speak their minds and put forward ideas about things that affect the 3270 young people who live in our municipality.

The young people involved will shape what the purpose, aims and goals of the group should be. Typical tasks that a Youth Action Group might do include

planning and volunteering at events that involve young people, provide advice and potential solutions to policymakers and other people on issues affecting young people, network with other young people around Tasmania, Australia and even globally, socialise and develop leadership and other useful skills, and of course, have fun along the way.

For several years, the Brighton Alive network worked hard to collaborate on events aimed at young people. In 2022, the Brighton Alive network agreed that our community needed

a specific youth voice at the decision-making table, and so the BYAG was born. Supported by the Brighton Council, the BYAG will develop an identity and focus which is true to the needs and strengths of Brighton’s diverse, resilient and resourceful young population.

To find out more about the BYAG and how to get involved, you can attend the soft launch on Tuesday 31 January from 5 - 6.30pm at the Brighton Civic Centre. To register, please contact Brittany at Brighton Council on 03 6268 7000.

Step Up to Clean Up Australia

Clean Up Australia inspires and empowers communities to step up and clean, fix up and conserve their local environment. While the official Clean Up Australia Day is Sunday 5 March 2023, you can Clean Up Australia any day of the year. This year they are encourag-

ing community groups and businesses to get on board to organise a local clean up. This initiative began as the inspiration of one man, Ian Kiernan, AO. An avid sailor, Ian was shocked and disgusted by the pollution and rubbish that he continually encountered in the

Compulsory beekeeper registration buzzes in

Registration is now compulsory for all Tasmanian beekeepers, including commercial and recreational beekeepers. The new regulations came into effect in November 2022.

To find out more information about how to register and the conditions of registration please visit Biosecurity Tasmania at www.nre.tas.gov.au/ biosecurity-tasmania.

C L A R E N C E / B R I G H T O N

Sunday, 5 February 2023

oceans of the world. What was started over thirty years ago, by an “average Australian” who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard has now become the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.

More than 20 million Aussies have participated in Clean Up Australia activities and events over the past three decades. Because many hands make light work, why not assemble a team to volunteer for a day to tidy up the neighborhood? This is a great way for residents, businesses and community groups to make a positive impact while working together and enjoying the great outdoors. More information, including how to register or join a Clean Up, can be found on www.cleanup.org.au/create.

IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania is a world class triathlon event coming to Hobart. This major event will see 1200 athletes from around the world complete a 1.9km swim, 90km ride & 21.1km run.

O T I C E CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania will involve Changed Traffic Conditions in your area. Please read this IMPORTANT information outlining these changed traffic conditions during the event to help you plan ahead for travel arrangements.

We’d like to thank you for your cooperation. The event would not be possible without the support of the local community.

For further information, please visit www.ironman.com/im703-tasmania-local-access

The 2023 TasPride Festival Parade will take place from 1pm along Elizabeth, Liverpool and Murray Streets, finishing with a Party in the Park at Franklin Square.

The first Brighton Alive meeting of the year is on today 10-11am at Brighton Civic Centre.

Dining With Friends returns to Bridgewater with dinner on the 1st Wednesday of the month, and lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Grab a free 3-course meal, everyone in the community is welcome to attend.

Uncover your family history at Bridgewater Library. This 6-week course will build your research skills and give you the confidence to get started with your family history search. Free, but register on Eventbrite.

The first Brighton Food Hub for the year is on today at the Brighton Civic Centre. You can grab a food hamper for $20. All welcome.

25-26

Take the kids along to Bridgewater Library to create rock art today, with everything they need supplied. The event is free but book through Eventbrite.

IRONMAN 70.3

Public schools

Tasmania is on today - with an epic swim, cycle and run across Hobart. Road closures will affect some residents today. So check at www. ironman.com.

FEBRUARY MARCH

Mona Foma always provides an eclectic mix of art, music and entertainment. While it’s a ticketed festival, there are also free events such as the Old Tafe Sessions.

Explore The Wines of Brighton

You don’t have to venture far to find a great drop of wine in our area. The Tea Tree district in the Coal River Valley Region is home to many excellent wineries producing award winning wines. Some you can visit, but for those without cellar doors, keep your eyes out for these labels.

Here are some locals to check out:

Charles Rueben Estate

www.charlesreuben.com.au

Established in 1989, Charles Reuben Estate vineyard was bought by the Volkmann family in 2013. In 2019, a distillery was added. They focus on being as environmentally conscious as possible - only using local fruit to cut down on food miles, creating a concrete storage bunker nestled into the hill to naturally reduce the need for temperature control, and with plans to become fully solar powered in the future. You can request a private tour by emailing or phoning the estate. Fancy a little staycation not far from home? Their Pinot Cottage is set among the vines and can be booked online.

Merriworth Wines

www.merriworth.com.au

Merriworth is known for being a boutique producer of pinot noir and riesling. The vineyard was established in 2001 by John Skinner under the Third Child Vineyard label, and now owned by Mark and Kirralee. After several years studying viticulture

and winemaking on the mainland, they moved to Tasmania to create wine responsive to the clean water, rich soils and mild climate. There are occasional events held at Merriworth, so you may be lucky to get to see the winery.

Mapleton Vineyards

mapletonvineyard.com.au

Another delicious winery is Mapleton Vineyards, owned by the Laing family, Paul and his parents Denis and Kathryn. They specialise in riesling, pinot noir, chardonnay and a small amount of cabernet. Their riesling was awarded Best 2018 Vintage Wine at the Tasmanian Wine Show. They occasionally hold Open Days (keep up to date on their Facebook page) and in the meantime you can taste these drops at the Gasworks Cellar Door in Hobart.

Drews Wines

Robert Drew’s wines grow on land sloping down the Merriworth Rivulet in Tea Tree. Like above, while they’re not open for a visit, you can find Drews Wines at the Gasworks Cellar Door in Hobart. Try the Drew cabernet merlot 2020 for a sweet dark berry flavour, or the Drew riesling 2019 for a lighter, zestier taste.

Pressing Matters

www.pressingmatters.com.au

Pressing Matters now also incorporates Morningside Vineyard, with the vineyards co-located

in the Coal River Valley. Like others in the local area they focus on pinot noir and riesling, having received a huge array of medals and trophies for their wines. Their cellar door is open Thursdays to Sundays, with tastings by appointment.

Petrichor Wines

www.petrichorwines.com.au

Run by Kate and Tim, this close-planted vineyard is farmed with biodynamic principlesmade from grapes that have been grown with a particular ecological, ethical and holistic approach. You’ll find shiraz and pinot noir, as well as less common varieties such as gamay and grüner veltliner.

Stargazer

www.stargazerwine.com.au

Next door to Petrichor, Stargazer is run by renowned winemaker, wine judge and former lawyer Sam Connew. Since taking over the site in 2016, Sam’s hero wine is her riesling, with pinot noir and chardonnay also proving popular. At this stage there isn’t a cellar door but planning is underway.

Torchbearer Wines

www.torchbearerwine.com

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As part of TasPride, young LGBTQIA+ Tasmanians are invited to The Link’s weekly free lunch to participate in a podcast workshop. Search This Way//That Way on Eventbrite to book a spot.

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Be a part of a growing movement of place-based change at ChangeFest23. There’s a program full of opportunities to learn together with community leaders, service providers and other collaborators. Tix via Humanitix.

COMING UP:

1 April

The Quilters Easter Showcase will be held at Brighton Civic Centre from 9.30am – 3pm. Entry is $5 which includes morning tea. Attendees are asked to bring their own mug and lunch.

Catholic St. Paul’s Catholic Church

2-4 Paice St, Bridgewater

Saturday Vigil - 6pm

Sunday - 9am and 12 noon

Fr. Leo 6263 6242

St Matthew’s Catholic Church 231 Brighton Rd, Brighton

Sunday - 10:30am 6263 6242

Hindu

Sri Ganesha Cultural Center and Worship Place 6 Letitia Grove, Bridgewater 400 273 249

New Life Christian

Brighton Civic Centre Green Point Rd

Sunday - 10.30am

Pastor Brian Edwards 0458 505 070

Anglican

St. Mark’s Church LOT 1 Kimberly St, Pontville

Help keep our environment tidy on Clean Up Australia day today. To find an event or register your own, visit www.cleanup. org.au

9 April Chocoholics rejoice! The Easter Bunny is on their way today.

25 April

Pay your respects to our service men and women on ANZAC day at services across the municipality.

Sunday - 10am Rev. Rod. Curtain 6263 7700

Uniting Church

Claremont-Bagdad

Claremont 36 Wyndham Rd, Claremont Sunday - 10am

Glenorchy 446 Main Rd, Glenorchy Sunday - 9.30am

On the 1st Sunday, services are combined. Venue alternates between the two churches, starting at 10am

Rev. Sherrin Jackman 0447 507 059

Uniting Church

Bridgewater-Gagebrook

Bridgewater Uniting Hub, Green Point Rd Sunday - 10am 0434 799 506

The black swans of Bridgewater

Driving across the River Derwent at Bridgewater, you’re likely to spot the black swans. They are found in large numbers around areas of shallow water that have a lot of visible plant life, making Bridgewater the perfect spot for them.

Black swans graze on water plants growing from the mud and sediment, and can also dab at the

water’s surface and filter food through their beaks. Using reeds and grasses, they build a huge nest in shallow water or on islands.

The chicks (cygnets) are covered in grey down and are able to swim and feed themselves as soon as they hatch. Black swans pair for life, with both adults raising one brood per season.

Unfortunately, during breeding they are prone to disturbance from boaters and jet skiers, which can jeopardise the survival of their eggs or chicks.

We’re fortunate to have these majestic birds in Bridgewater, so next time you’re by the river, look out for our resident black swans.

Chickpea and Lentil Salad

TAKE A BREAK

This salad is as easy as it is quick and healthy! You can alter the ingredients to suit your taste. Love hommus? Then add a bit more. Love lots of parsley? Add as much as you like. Hate cucumber? Leave it out!

Ingredients

1 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tin lentils, drained and rinsed

1 punnet cherry tomatoes, chopped (you can also use regular tomatoes, chopped)

1 Lebanese cucumber, chopped

½ bunch parsley, finely chopped

½ bunch mint, finely chopped

½ red onion, chopped

¼ cup hommus

Juice of half a lemon

Salt

Method

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and lentils and place in a large mixing bowl. Add all other chopped ingredients and mix together. Add the hommus and lemon juice then mix again. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You might need to add a little more hommus and juice to taste. Transfer to a salad bowl and enjoy! This goes well with a barbecue, crumbed chicken or as a meal by itself. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Do you have an easy, healthy recipe to share? Email your recipe and picture to communitynews@brighton. tas.gov.au.

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Head to page 11 for the crossword and wordsearchanswer

Creative Christmas trees a lesson in sustainability

At the end of last year, Gagebrook and East Derwent Primary School students got a lesson in creativity and sustainability, making Christmas trees from recycled materials.

At Gagebrook Primary School, Ms Tamika Burrill’s prep class created a masterpiece using recycled wire, reinvented a broken hat stand, and recycled bottle caps, old wrapping paper and streamers.

“The enthusiasm from the

class was overwhelming,” said Ms Burrill. “There was a real commitment to work together and make something special out of materials that could have wasted away in landfill.”

Teacher and sustainability team leader Ms Leah Marshall from East Derwent Primary School said the activity had additional benefits. “Not only did the students make the link that plastics consume a lot of resources and don’t break down for hundreds of years, they can

Brighton Block Party brings holiday cheer

also be reused over and over,” Ms Marshall said.

The materials for the artworks came from Brighton Council’s waste booth, thanks to the recycling efforts of the community.

For more ideas on being inventive with recycling or upcycling, come along to The Big Weekend of Sustainable Living Ideas on 25 – 26 March, 2023 at the Brighton Civic Centre, 25 Green Point Road, Bridgewater from 9am until 4pm.

Centacare Evolve Housing’s Brighton Christmas Block Party was held at the Brighton Civic Centre late last year. Over 1800 people from the Brighton community attended the holiday event with 40 organisations coming together to run stalls, volunteer, and celebrate the holiday season.

The event focused on providing free family fun and community connection for all ages. Highlights included Tommy Choo Choo rides, face painting, arts and crafts, the Tasmanian Fire Service, food vans, and local musicians and choirs. The jumping castle and Social Circus were fan favourites along with an opportunity to have a photo with Santa.

This was Centacare Evolve Housing’s second annual Christmas Block Party with the event growing in size and success thanks to the support of community partners, without whom the event would not be possible. “The success of the Block Party is the result of a huge collaborative effort. We have an amazing community and we are proud to have been able to bring so many people and services together to celebrate Christmas” said Centacare Evolve Housing Community Wellbeing Officer, Elise.

Six lucky families won a Christmas lucky door hamper,

with a first prize voucher from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys valued at $310 going to a Gagebrook resident. Collaboration with Tasmanian business and local contributors helped spread the Christmas cheer further this year. “We are proud to have hosted another community Christmas event on this scale,” said Elise. “We had a line around the block to get in and smiling faces all day round.”

The Brighton Christmas Block Party is Centacare Evolve Housing’s biggest event on the calendar each year. It is held in the last weekend in November to welcome everyone into the festive season. Centacare Evolve Housing wishes to thank all those who attended and their community partners.

Fire Hazards

Owners and occupiers of land in the Municipality are reminded that over the coming months abatement notices will be issued, where considered necessary, for the appropriate clearing of fire hazards.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to issue Fire Abatement Notices that call for the removal of the hazard within a specified time period.

Advice on accessing assistance to clear such hazards may be obtained through council.

Failure to remove fire hazards by the specified time, could lead to compulsory clearance at the property owner’s expense.

For further information or for reporting of a potential fire hazard, please contact Council on (03) 6268 7012.

Signed:

James Dryburgh GENERAL MANAGER

Social Infrastructure Plan prepares Brighton for the future

At the December council meeting, Brighton Council endorsed the findings of the Social Infrastructure Plan for community consultation.

Social infrastructure includes both open space and recreation, and community and cultural facilities by providing the places and spaces for people to meet, be active, connect, create and learn. It plays an integral part in bringing people together and provides opportunities for individuals, families and communities to develop life skills, create healthy lifestyles and engage socially. Social infrastructure also provides opportunities for all to maximise their potential, through diversity in educational, cultural, sporting, social and recreational offerings.

In recent years, rapid population growth has put considerable pressure on social infrastructure across the Brighton municipality, which is projected to be the fastest-growing local government area (LGA) in Tasmania in percentage terms, with an expected population gain of 33.4% (5,754 people) by 2042. Brighton Council subsequently engaged Ethos Urban, in collaboration with the

Wordsearch answer: Winner

Community Collaborative and Ireneinc, to prepare a Social Infrastructure Plan that identifies the gaps and needs for social infrastructure provision across the municipality to 2042.

Key challenges and opportunities identified in the Plan include:

• Young populations and a lack of youth space

• Areas of social disadvantage in the LGA

• Lack of social cohesion between neighbourhoods

• Low activation and vibrancy with limited people-centred places

• Rapid population growth and planning for new communities

• Improving existing assets

• Deficit in creative infrastructure and local cultural spaces

• Significant undersupply of GPs living and working in the LGA.

Key priority areas for open space and recreation include:

• Expanding the large amount of waterway related open space

• Considering the recreation infrastructure available at school sites

• Limited walkability in some areas (although noting Council’s work in upgrading Brighton’s existing walking and cycling network)

• Spaces for informal individualised fitness-based activities

• A diversity of play offerings

• Dog friendly spaces, tennis facilities and access to an indoor recreation centre.

The Plan identifies priority actions for the Brighton Council area as a whole, as well as on a suburb-by-suburb basis. The community consultation for the project will run for a period of four weeks from Monday 30 January until Friday 3 March 2023. The relevant documents can be inspected on Council’s website under the ‘Have Your Say’ tab at www.brighton.tas. gov.au/community/have-yoursay.

Members of the community are invited to review the documents and make written submissions. All submissions received during the consultation period will be considered by Council in making their final decision as to whether to endorse the report’s recommendations or whether the submissions received warrant changes. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Jo Blackwell on 6268 7028.

Older Tasmanians have their say

Over 1,500 older Tasmanians contributed to the state’s next Active Ageing Strategy 2023 – 2029. The result of that consultation, the H.E.A.R. Active Ageing Consultation Outcome Report, was launched in November by the Minister for Community Services and Development, the Hon Nic Street MP.

The consultation was funded by the Tasmanian Government and undertaken by the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Tasmania between February and June last year. The research methods were survey and postcard responses, community conversation groups, online sessions and text messages.

There were also collabo-

Keep your FOGO plastic-free

When filling your FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) bin, it’s important to know what you can put in it. Plastic contamination in FOGO bins has become an issue recently.

While plastic can sometimes be spotted before it’s emptied into the collection truck, it may also be hidden underneath other organic matter.

This results in the whole load of FOGO being contaminated and needing to be diverted to landfill, cancelling out everyone’s good work.

Remember, if it doesn’t rot or decompose, you can’t put it in a

FOGO bin. Anything that can go in your recycling bin shouldn’t be in the FOGO bin.

This means NO to:

• Plastics (not even biodegradable plastic bags)

• Nappies

• Fabric (e.g. clothing)

• Dryer lint (it contains manmade fibres such as nylon, polyester etc)

• Vacuum cleaner bag contents (will contain inorganic residue)

• Hard waste or broken household items, like furniture or plates and cups

• Plastic takeaway containers

rations with community organisations, including The Golden Wattle Café in Glenorchy. The café is the first of its kind in Southern Tasmania dedicated to those living with dementia, their caregivers and those over 45 living by themselves. Cafe patrons enjoy a cafe experience, with music, craft and art activities on offer, and were helpful with sharing their experiences for the consultation.

COTA Tasmania CEO Craig Chadwick said concerns about housing, cost of living and access to appropriate healthcare were among the top priorities in all areas visited. “Similarly, access to and confidence with digital technology was frequently cited as impacting people’s overall sense of connection and involvement in their communities,” said Mr Chadwick.

The consultation report can be downloaded at www.cotatas.org.au/information/consultation or you can contact COTA Tasmania 6231 3265 for a copy.

• Hazardous or contaminated waste, like asbestos

• Thick branches

Please visit www.brighton.tas. gov.au/property/fogo/ for more information.

New trees spruce up play areas at EDPS

In line with a new masterplan for the school grounds, Australian Blackwood trees were selected to grow quickly and provide shade all year round.

Principal Ted Barrance championed the range of environmental initiatives at the school, highlighting nature-based play solutions as important in improving physical literacy and health outcomes. “Getting outdoors and caring for the environment has multiple benefits for children’s health and wellbeing,” he said.

Mitch has his sights set on State

Championships

Gagebrook 11-year-old

Mitch Irwin has only been practising judo for a year, yet he has accrued an impressive number of medals in that time. Currently an orange belt, it’s not just the awards that motivate him, but the friendships he is making along the way.

Mitch lives with autism and ADHD, along with dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. He turned to judo after facing bullying at school. “Judo allows Mitch to have fun and friends for the first time,” says Mitch’s mother Sarah. “Judo helps him feel included.”

East Derwent Primary School took an active approach to introducing nature-based play and more shade by planting 10 mature trees late last year.

The official tree planting ceremony in November 2022 saw the Grade 2 classes and the school’s environment group use soil created from Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) to create the ideal environment for the trees to grow. The school received $2000 from Brighton

Council to improve shelter and amenities. Council is already involved with the school through a waste and sustainability education program, and also provides a FOGO collection service. Assistant Principal Sophie Campbell said the event was a success, with much enthusiasm from the students.

“Children across a range of ages were so keen to get involved in watering the plants and finding worms,” Sophie said.

RecTas champion a First Nations Voice to Parliament

Reconciliation Tasmania are working closely with other members of the Australian Reconciliation Network around the proposed First Nations Voice to Parliament.

The Voice was proposed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart back in 2017. The statement calls

for “the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling about our history.”

The Australian Reconciliation Barometer found that 95% of Australians believe it’s important

Brighton Council’s Natural Resource Management Officer Mel Fazackerley gave each participating student a plant to take home.

“The trees planted recently can live for 50 or more years, so students will be able to come back and see the results of their efforts over the years.”

For further information on Brighton Council’s sustainability program with schools, visit www. brighton.tas.gov.au/community/ environment.

for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say in matters that affect them.

With the Voice Referendum due to take place later this year, Reconciliation Tasmania will be running programs across the state and are looking for volunteers to help get the word out about the referendum.

To find out more, including how you can support the organisation, visit www.rectas.com.au.

Coached at Hobart’s Hybrid Training Centre, through Kokoro Judo Club under coach Priscus Fogagnolo, Mitch is now able to compete at state competitions on the mainland. He aims to be selected for the Tasmanian state team for judo for nationals in Tasmania 2023. As it’s up to the individual athletes to pay to attend state competitions, Sarah is hoping to raise money for Mitch to compete across the east coast.

If you’re interested in contacting Sarah, please email communitynews@brighton. tas.gov.au for more details.

Improving conduct of councillors?

Your feedback could help shape our future

Role of councils in planning?

As part of its review process, the Local Government Board has published a range of reform options that we think could improve the capability of councils to deliver better outcomes for Tasmanians. Now we want your feedback. You can read the options here www.engage.futurelocal.tas.gov.au and either engage online or turn up to an event in your community to have your say. Drop by when the team is visiting your area: Tuesday 7 February Sorell Memorial Hall - 47 Cole Street, Sorell 5:30pm-7:30pm

Can't make it? Go to www.engage.futurelocal.tas.gov.au and get involved in the conversation. Be bold and have your say, so we can all help improve the future of local government.