Taroona News March 2019

Taroona Community Association

March 2019

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www.taroona.tas.au

Taroona News Circulation 1450, distributed to your letterbox by over 30 volunteers.

Email: taroonacommunitynewsletter@gmail.com

Welcome Taroona folk to the first edition of Taroona News for 2019 and a warm welcome to those who have recently moved into our cosy coastal suburb.

Calendar

It has been a long, warm and dry summer, one of the 3584531 warmest on record in termsFILE of NO number of days over DATE MARCH 2018 SEAN - PROPERTY OFFICER 30 degrees. We also remainOFFICER in drought with theKERR lack of ENDORSED BY DANIEL SMEE – EXECUTIVE MANAGER GOVERNANCE & rain from 2018 carrying over to 2019 – so the earth and COMMUNITY SERVICES vegetation remain extremely dry. Without a doubt this is PROPOSED TRANSFER OF LAND OWNED BY UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA TO the effect of climate change.

COUNCIL AT TAROONA BEACH 1 PURPOSE Early this year Hobart was blanketed in thick smoke haze after a large number of fires were started thousands of Strategic Planby Reference dry lightning strikes. Tragically a Key small number of houses Priority Area 3.0 A healthy natural environment. were destroyed, primarly in the Huon Valley, but Strategic Outcome overall 3.1 The values of the natural environment are and enhanced through strategic and those southern settlements and towns thankfully avoided protected coordinated natural resource management. the fire front. However these firesStrategy burnt over 200,000 3.1.5 Develop and implement strategies to protect hectares of our native forests and vegetation that included wildlife, particularly threatened species. vast tracts of the Tasmanian Wilderness World ofHeritage 1.1 The purpose this report is to consider the transfer of 8,592m² of land owned by the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to Council.

Area. With a sigh of relief Hobart (and Taroona) avoided the fires – but it nevertheless spurred BACKGROUND many of us into reviewing 2our bushfire survival plans to ensure readiness for any future fires.

2.1

Taroona foreshore and IMAS

UTAS is the owner of 31 Nubeena Crescent, Taroona. Council has been contacted by UTAS to gauge Council interest in accepting a transfer of a section development update of that land, as shown below.

Last year’s community campaign, to protect from potential development the 8600m2 of Crown-owned blue gum forest Proposed Proposed land Propoe land transfer located next to Taroona Park, has transfer Council paid off. After sale of the larger Council landland Crown title to the University of Tasmania, the Uni subdivided off the forested area, and then offered the forested new title to Kingborough Council as a gift.

We are greatly relieved that the university responded to the community’s concerns and suggestion to have one management 2.2 The area is located directly to the east of Taroona Park and contains bushland that is contiguous with Council land. The bushland is bounded to the north and agency for the coastal reserve.

April Wed 3

Taroona Gardening Forum, Uniting Church Hall, 1 Taroona Cres, 7.30pm

Sat 6

What Dogs Can Do, Dru Point Park Margate, 10.30am

Sat 6

Taroona Sippers and Purlers, Timeless Way, Kingston, 2pm to 4pm

Sat 6

Meet the candidates, Taroona Community Hall, 3.00 pm

Sun 7

TEN Working Bee: Rotary Park, 10am to 12noon

Sun 7

Love Living Locally, 7 Goshawk Way, Kingston, 10am to 3pm

Thurs 25 ANZAC Day Dawn Service.

March from Picnic Basket, 5.35 am;

Service at Community Hall, Batchelor Way, 5.55 am.

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Taroona Park

May Wed 1

Taroona Gardening Forum, Uniting Church Hall, 1 Taroona Cres, 7.30pm

Sat 4

Taroona Sippers and Purlers, Timeless Way, Kingston, 2pm to 4pm

Sat 4

Possums Playcentre’s Ladies Night Out, Salty Dog, Kingston, 7pm

Sun 5

TEN Working Bee: High School creek, 10am to 12noon

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east by the future IMAS development site. It is located uphill from the Taroona

June

We are also aware that the Council has recently accepted this offer. The land parcel will therefore be joined to the Taroona Foreshore Reserve behind Taroona Beach, providing one consistent Agenda No. 6 Page 26 reserve parcel that provides25protection for the high conservation value dry Tasmanian blue gum March 2019 (Eucalyptus globulus) forest, important habitat for the critically endangered swift parrot and also the area’s associated recreational values. As part of this process the TCA has been informed that the current eastern boundary fence between IMAS and the reserve is incorrectly located. It is to be relocated westwards resulting in the loss of a small strip of the forest and potentially requiring the rerouting of the small walking track. We assume that this area may form part of the bushfire hazard management area but are seeking further details regarding dimensions and location.

Sat 1

Taroona Sippers and Purlers, Timeless Way, Kingston, 2pm to 4pm

Sun 2

TEN Working Bee: Taroona Park, 10am to 12noon

Sat 6

Taroona Sippers and Purlers, Timeless Way, Kingston, 2pm to 4pm

In parallel to the subdivision the University also has lodged the Planning Scheme Amendment with Kingborough Council for a change of use to allow development of a lobster hatchery on the land which previously housed the breeding program for the To page 7

Sun 7

TEN Working Bee: Fire Station planting, 10am to 12noon

July

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 2 – March 2019

Taroona Coastal Rowing Update

As January drew to a close, the Living Boat Trust had a serious dilemma. The Riveaux Road bushfires were set to envelop areas south of Huonville, Franklin and Castle Forbes Bay, and yet the Trust’s Tawe Nunnugah Raid was due to mobilize. The main biennial fundraiser for the Living Boat Trust, the Raid planned to commence on 30 January with 120 people in light craft taking nine days to row and sail from Recherche Bay to the Parade of Sail of the Wooden Boat Festival by 8 February.

In the end, the inevitable cancellation was announced on 27 January. Many of the hopeful participants came from the vibrant Southern boating community that was threatened by the fires, and safety simply could not be guaranteed for many of the camps. This left many interstate and international visitors at a minor loss – but not for long! Enter the Raiders of the Lost Raid.

Daily Sched – Route planning and safety meeting, ably led by Gary Dundon of Perth In the space of two days something extraordinary happened – an alternative Raid was organised independently by the available and willing. Based at the Snug Sea Scouts’ facilities (who also generously provided the safety boats for the Raid), Kingborough Council also gave permission for the Raid party to camp on the Snug Oval. From Snug, day raids could be made to Bruny Island and in any other direction that was safe and doable in a day – the Iron Pot, Dennes Point, Quarantine Bay, Whiskey shop etc.

Catering for the Raid was redirected to Snug.

When I arrived in Snug, there were enough skiff rowers to fill the two skiffs that were already stationed at Snug – the John Liddy from Goolwa and a newly launched skiff from Geelong, Bride of Baksheda. There was also much grumbling about skiff oars.

I had agreed to skipper the Bride but my heart sank when I lifted their shiny new oars. The Bride was beautifully built by a group of Syrian refugees based in Geelong, but their oars were heavy and poorly balanced. While I considered the sheer number of ibuprofen required to make the trip with such oars, I was introduced to Topher Dawson, a Scottish oar design authority

Scots and Aussies about to head for Dennes Point in Chiton – Rob, Topher, Heather, Christine and Jan from Ullapool who also lamented the Bride’s oars. We quickly elected to pursue Plan B, and the following morning, I trailered Taroona’s Chiton down to Snug.

“I am in heaven” responded Topher when he tested the balance of Taroona’s new oars, relishing the opportunity to crew on Chiton rather than the Bride.

This was the beginning of many discussions on what makes a good skiff oar and how to standardize the design anarchy.

Topher explains another fine point of oar design while the Riveaux Road Fires rage on the horizon.

We had three separate voyages to Bruny Island in the company of John Liddy and a Snug Sea Scouts’ safety boat, staffed at various times by Taroona’s Rob, Nick and Rupert and ring-ins Greg and Joc from Adelaide.

The Scots were a lot of fun to row with and apart from admiring their names (Topher, Murdo…etc ) and their constant singing,

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 3 – March 2019

a bushcare/coastcare group supported by Kingborough Council.

Photo: Nigel Richardson

TEN working bees are again held on the first Sunday of each month in 2019, starting at 10:00am. The event program for 2019 is now up on our website homepage https://www.ten.org.au/. Everyone is welcome to come and participate in one or more of the working bees.

A group of Ten volunteers enjoy a well-earned drink after a weeding working bee at Taroona Park

2019 Working Bee calendar

TEN also now has a facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/

March 3 April 7 May 5 June 2 July 7 July 28

groups/317060972491957/. Look us up and join the Taroona Environment

Sept 8 Oct 6 Nov 3 Dec 8

Fire Station / Bowls Club Rotary Park High School creek Taroona Park Fire Station planting High School planting for National Tree Day Rotary Park Hinsby – Ralph’s Gully Crayfish Point End of year BBQ

Network Facebook Group, connect with other members and interested people and keep abreast of TEN’s activities. We are always on the lookout for new active members to join us at our working bees and on our committee. You can become a member/renew your membership for a mere $5.00 a year. Details for payments via direct bank transfer are here https://www.ten.org.au/contactsand-credits.

If you need more information contact us at info@ten.org.au or come to our next event and introduce yourself! Also please consider Ruth Butler’s call for interest in taking over the role of treasurer for TEN (see back page).

I was very impressed with their detailed route planning and skills in high seas. As the swells and chop increased, I was keen to see their reactions, coxing style and understand their risk boundaries. I was, after all, in company with some of the people who floated the first St Ayles skiff.

The experience left me with great respect for the centuries old wisdom and Viking lines of the St Ayles Skiff and its sea handling capabilities. A newly acquired skill is to cox the crew to row even harder when the gusts abate a little and you dart from headland to headland!

We also trailered the skiffs to Cygnet for a day, voyaging to Garden Island, but the best day by far was the row from Snug to Taroona. A roaring westerly and a following sea from Tinderbox took us to Kingston Beach for ice cream in a little over two hours and only another hour to Taroona. I will never forget how a huge Australian fur seal broke my rhythm as I concentrated hard on keeping the oar below the huge seas.

We may have missed Recherche Bay, but it will be there next time.

Many thanks go to Rob, Nick, Rupert, Greg and Joc for shepherding the fleet safely into port and to the Living Boat Trust for all the hard work in organising such an event, even if it didn’t happen as planned.

We finally rowed Chiton and John Liddy from Taroona Beach to the gusty start of the Parade of Sail and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, and happily joined the rest of the small fleet at Watermans Dock followed by rowdy drinks at the Hope and Anchor.

If you would care to join our irregular outings in Taroona’s Chiton email me at damianmdevlin@gmail.com or give me a call on 0400 875 528. We are always keen to make new friends!

– Damian Devlin

The Raid Fleet at Watermans Dock with Chiton safely moored up with sister skiffs and whaleboats.

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 4 – March 2019

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Gell River Division

Fenton Forest Air Base

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Map Title: Map No: Print Date: Print Time: Fire Boundary At:

F-CTAF Allocation 394

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Legend

Data Statement

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PROJECTION: Transverse Mercator HORIZONTAL DATUM: GDA 1994 COORDINATE SYSTEM: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55

Incidents as at 21/02/2019 F_CTAF Allocation Boundaries Division Boundary

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CTAF 119.10 VHF 63 AIR TO GROUND 39

F-CTAF Allocation

This summer bushfire season has been a busy one for the Taroona Volunteer Fire Brigade. Crews spent days working to contain the South Bruny Island and Riveaux Road fires. We were also deployed to the Great Pine Tier fire in the central highlands and the Tom Thumb fire behind Mt. Wellington. Some members of the brigade also travelled to Queensland to fight the bushfires on North Stradbroke Island.

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VECTOR DATA: from Land Information System Tasmania RASTER DATA: 1:50,000 TASMap Topographic

Southwest Complex Boundary

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Helibase (Confirmed)

Produced in conjunction with Tasmania Fire Service (TFS)

Fire Burnt Area

While all efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of this product, there maybe errors or omissions in the data presented. Users are advised to independently verify all data for accuracy and completeness prior to use.

Produced by:

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Overview Map

The Riveaux Road fire was particularly challenging. This fire was an agglomeration of many smaller fires ignited by dry lightning strikes. It took a while to contain the fire that was burning across multiple fronts. Efforts by the brigade to defend the Southwood Timber Mill as well as the forest around the Tahune Airwalk proved to be in vain (though the Visitor Centre was saved).

The past three bushfire seasons have been very quiet and for our newer brigade members, this summer was their first taste of serious action. Although Taroona Volunteer Fire Brigade takes its training very seriously, nothing beats the experience of actual firefighting. This should hold us in good stead for next bushfire season.

Once the fire permit season is finished, we should soon see a flurry of fuel reduction activity. We must remain vigilant, given the forecast of a warmer than average Autumn. Taroona residents are urged to register all burns with the Tasmania Fire Service (use the toll-free number 1800 000 699 to register burns).

Top left: Taroona brigade member mopping up burning trunk remains after helicopter water bombing (The water drop snapped off the top half of the tree, exposing the burning inside of the trunk).

Top right: Map showing the extent of the bushfires this summer. Three percent of the State burnt.

Above: Getting bogged was part of this season’s bush firefighting experience. The brigade members responsible for this particular incident have been penalised for bringing the brigade into disrepute! Getting bogged is one thing. Not managing to recover unnoticed is another!

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 5 – March 2019

Training Now that the bushfire season is mostly behind us, the brigade is getting back into its training regime. The focus has been on dealing with hazardous material (chemical spills and fires, toxic materials, biological hazards). Hazmat incidents require a huge effort to contain and volunteer fire brigades can play a key role in supporting professional crews based at the main fire stations.

Taroona Volunteer Fire Brigade recently spent two nights training with Hobart Fire Brigade. This involved setting up incident control centres, decontamination areas, and suiting up in hazmat gear.

The training focus during winter is on structure and mobile fires. This includes doing scenarios with breathing apparatus (which can be pretty exhausting). A few brigade members will be doing an advanced urban firefighting course. This involves compartment fire training that is pretty intense. One has to crawl into a container with a raging fire going at one end.

Flames are licking overhead with ceiling temperatures in excess of 1000°C. The goal of compartment fire training is to cool hot gases and control the fire without risking steam burns and messing up visibility!

Compartment fire training. It can get pretty intense! Notice the inversion layer. The smoky zone contains combustible gases that can ignite resulting in flashovers. Training focuses on gas cooling techniques using short bursts of water. Maintaining a fine droplet size is key. Too much water can result in steam burns and inversion layer being pushed to the ground trashing visibility. Too little water can increase flashover risk. The aim is to get to the seat of the fire as safely as possible to extinguish it.

Fire station improvement As part of our ongoing fire station improvement program, we put in a funding bid for a new kitchenette. Our current kitchen area is long past its sell-by date. We are confident our application will be approved. Other station enhancements in the pipeline are shower and laundry facilities. These are essential for decontamination after incidents (wash toxic residues on skin and clean protective clothing).

ANZAC Day Taroona Dawn Service Thursday 25 April

Top: Suiting up in hazmat gear. This involves wearing breathing apparatus within a sealed suit.

Above left: Suited up and ready to go. Each person is holding a trace gas sensor. The basket is for carrying tools, sensors, torches, and writing implements. The suits are quite claustrophobic for the uninitiated. Communication is done via radio transceiver.

Above right: Going through the decontamination process.

The Taroona Ex Services’ Club’s ANZAC Day Commemorative Service will begin with a March from the Picnic Basket at 5.35 am.

The actual Service will start at 5.55 am at the Community Hall in Bachelor Street.

The Service will be followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast provided by the Club and the Taroona APEX contingent.

Everyone is invited to attend the Service and breakfast.

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 6 – March 2019

Insights from recreational fishers inform salmon escape study

Report tagged rock lobsters, win the lottery!

Tasmanian recreational fishers have contributed to a study into the potential ecological impacts of the great salmon escape of May 2018, when severe storms damaged salmon farming infrastructure off the east coast of Bruny Island.

Taroona residents are being urged to report any tagged rock lobsters they find during the fishing season, to contribute to vital research aimed at ensuring a healthy and sustainable lobster fishery.

Fishers reporting recaptures go into the IMAS bi-monthly lottery and annual grand prize draw, with one entry for each recapture reported. There is no limit to entries, as long as lobsters are recaptured within the fishing season and are of legal size.

Professor Caleb Gardner, Director of the Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement at IMAS, said this worldclass scientific research supports the Tasmanian Government’s sustainable management of both the commercial and recreational rock lobster fisheries.

“IMAS researchers use the reported tag information to study aspects such as rock lobster growth, population size, movement patterns, changes in natural mortality, and recovery rates from damage or injuries. One aspect we’re especially interested in at the moment is whether growth is changing through time in response to changes we’re seeing in water temperature and the marine ecosystem,” Prof Gardner said.

The lottery is supported by our generous sponsors Sunderland Marine, Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, Southern Tasmanian Divers, Woodbridge Smokehouse, Dalrymple Vineyards, Tamar Marine and Mures Tasmania.

Prize winners are announced on Facebook @ InstituteforMarineandAntarcticStudies.

Report tagged lobster recaptures, including size, sex, recapture location and tag number, to IMAS – m: 0409 277 140; e: fish.tag@utas.edu.au.

Thank you for supporting this important research.

Led by Associate Professor Jeremy Lyle, the IMAS study drew on the experiences of recreational fishers to examine dynamics of dispersal, survival and impacts of the 120,000 escaped Atlantic Salmon.

“More than 120 recreational fishers provided information about the locations, dates and numbers of Atlantic salmon caught,” Associate Professor Lyle said. “This information was used to map the dispersal of escapees from the farm site over time.

“While dispersal was rapid it appeared to be largely restricted to south-eastern Tasmania and to within the general Storm Bay region, including associated bays and tributaries.

“Recreational fishers were primarily motivated to fish for the escapees to take advantage of the windfall event and catch this premium table fish. Some fishers also expressed concern about possible ecological impacts, seeing an opportunity to help remove or fish-down the introduced species.

“Although catches declined quite quickly due to the combined effects of fishing and predation, some fish appeared to have survived at liberty for almost four months – although they were not thriving. In fact, there was only limited feeding by the escapees on native fauna. This is consistent with previous studies where farmed salmon seem to be poorly adapted to feeding on natural prey items.”

About IMAS The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is a centre of excellence for both research and education at the University of Tasmania. Our research is innovative, relevant, and globally distinctive. Our education delivers first-class programs resulting in highly trained scientists and researchers serving the needs of academic institutions, industry, government and the community.

Communication contact: Louise Creely on 6226 8204 or louise. creely@utas.edu.au

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

What Dogs Can Do

TAROONA BY NUMBERS

Sat 6 April, 10.30am, Dru Point Park Margate

Level of highest educational attainment

The Kingborough Dog Walking Association invites you to this very special demonstration event, one that seeks to inspire and motivate dog walkers to train their dogs. Watch all these dogs in action: Guide dogs, puppies doing positive training, mindDog, Noseworks and Tasmania Police dogs.

Bachelor Degree or Diploma level and above; People aged 15 years and over

TAS 23.7%

NT 24.3% WA 29.4%

QLD

27.0% SA 26.8%

Taroona 55%

NSW 32.3% VIC: 33.5%

Page 7 – March 2019

It may also be an opportunity for those who fear dogs to try some dog proximity desensitisation in a relatively safe and controlled environment, as the only dogs present will be in the ring.

Gold coin donation. Lucky-door prizes and hot dogs in buns to enjoy! – Georgia Clark

ACT: 46.3%

Come and see

What Dogs Can Do

for the cost of a gold coin

A community event for dog families in Kingborough

Source: ABS 2016 Census of Population and Housing

Date:

Saturday 6th April 2019

Place:

Site 1, Dru Point Park @ Margate

Time:

Celebrating community

10.30am for prompt start

Demonstrations Guide Dogs Tasmania Nose works

Puppy Class display

Tasmania Police Dog Handling Unit

Presentation mindDog recommended trainer

Behaviour Veterinarian

Lucky Dog Prizes & free hot dogs. Please leave your pets at home but bring a camp chair for comfort.

This event proudly brought to you by the Kingborough Dog Walking Association Visit dogwalkingtas.org.au/kingborough for more information, and for enquiries: kdwa.tas@gmail.com

Delta Ave Park Christmas street party From page 1 Tasmanian Devil and Orange-bellied Parrot.

We understand that the University is still in discussion with Kingborough Council planning staff on the final Planning Scheme Amendment.

As the TCA is yet to view the submission we are still to determine our position. We still have some essential concerns about opening the door to commercial development on what is a research-based educational facility, and the impact of that on the residential amenity and character of Taroona.

What is happening with the development of the IMAS pump station?

If you have been walking the Taroona Coastal Foreshore track of late you may be wondering why work has come to a halt on the construction of the new IMAS pump station. The University’s project manager has informed the TCA that the engaged contractor Jemrok has been placed into liquidation, and that UTAS is currently working through the legal issues associated with this and once finalised a new contractor will be appointed. In the meantime UTAS grounds staff will tidy up the site and surrounds. The site has been safely secured with approval from Kingborough Council and Worksafe Tasmania.

Taroona Football Club gets $350,000!

Hearty congratulations to the Taroona Football Club for receiving a $350,000 Australian Government Grant secured by Mr Andrew Wilkie, Member for Clark, for the upgrade of Kelvedon Oval facilities. Read inside for details of the development.

Come along to Meet the Candidates The Legislative Council elections for the Nelson division are to be held on 4 May due the retirement of Jim Wilkinson after 24 years in office. Nelson covers South Hobart, Sandy Bay, Taroona and Kingston. As there is a large field of candidates, the TCA is organising a Meet the Candidates session at the community hall on Saturday afternoon 6 April to provide residents with the opportunity to talk with candidates directly. Hope you can come along and have a cuppa and get to know the candidates before you vote.

Hope you enjoy this issue of Taroona News, once again filled with interesting articles about the latest news, activities and events in our community.

Jill Hickie, President, TCA

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

St Luke’s welcomes New Minister

Page 8 – March 2019

Taroona Tennis Club News

The Rev’d Ruth Hanlon was inducted on 31 January as the new Priest in Charge of the Sandy Bay/ Taroona Anglican Parish based at St Luke’s Church on the Channel Hwy. Ruth was the Assistant Minister at St David’s Cathedral in Hobart for the past three years and is very excited to now lead the Church in Taroona.

She originally comes from Victoria and lived in the UK for eight years.

Ruth initially studied and worked as a social worker, firstly in family therapy and then 11 years in community palliative care. She completed a Masters of Divinity and was ordained in the Anglican Church in 2016.

Ruth is married to Michael, who loves the theatre and recently played the Bishop in Les Miserable. They have four children, the elder three in Melbourne, the youngest in year 10.

Ruth loves the beauty and culture of Tasmania and feels blessed to have Church and office windows that look out over the Derwent. Ruth looks forward to connecting with and serving the people in the community. You may find her walking the streets, enjoying a coffee or even having a dip at the local beach!

Ruth is at the Church (Monday–Thursday) and she’d love you to visit and have a chat or come along to Church at 9am on a Sunday!

From left: players Penelope Richardson, Rosalina Flonta, Rachel Kerr and Keith Loxton.

There has been a great deal of activity at the Taroona Tennis Club during summer, with long days and good quality lights meaning that many hours are available for play. A new and successful initiative was offered recently with a series of Tuesday night coaching and social sessions being offered to a group of ladies fairly new to the game.

Interest in such a course for men is currently being sought. Friday evening social tennis for juniors is also offered and is proving popular.

Regular social groups are well attended and the Club has teams in the AYC evening competition and the Mid-week Ladies’ Pennant.

Annual Club Championships will take place soon. As a new initiative, preliminary events will be held on the evenings of the week of 25–29 March, with finals being held during the weekend of 30–31 March. It is hoped that the new format will encourage more participation.

The Club has recently agreed to adopt “Book-a-Court”, an online booking system which will enable visitors to seek availability, book a court and pay online. The new system will not affect court availability for current groups but will open up the Club to community members and visitors. The Club is also seeking funding to resurface Court 4. When Court 4 has been resurfaced the facilities will be in a uniformly excellent condition as Courts 1, 2 and 3 and the lights have already been upgraded.

Bonnet Hill Safety Lane update The Department of State Growth project team have just completed the successful removal of rocks to make the Glen Albyn corners safe for all users of the road (not just cyclists) and have started on the final task of line marking. Line marking has been delayed due to the weather but will be completed as soon as weather permits.

This will bring to a close a project that has taken four summers to complete. Bonnet Hill Community Association (BHCA) members are pleased with the outcome. Many thanks to the State Government for constructing the Safety Lane over Bonnet Hill and to all those who have supported the project from the outset. Support from the TCA and Taroona residents generally for the project has been much appreciated over the past four years. – Rae Wells, Secretary, BHCA

Contact Diane Balding – 6227 9232 or 0488 086 381.

Croquet – a game for all ages Are you looking for a social pastime featuring strategic thinking combined with gentle exercise in the fresh air? Then croquet is the game for you! It is suitable for young and old and a great way to make new friends. At the Sandy Bay Croquet Club, situated besides the Lower Sandy Bay shops, we can introduce you to the sport at a time of your choosing.

Email sandybaycroquetclub@gmail.com, or contact Anna Majdanska or Tim Sprod (Secretary SBCC) on 6227 8785 for more details or to arrange a time to ‘come and try’.

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 9 – March 2019

$350,000 grant announced for Taroona Football Club Taroona Football Club will be able to commence their clubroom redevelopment thanks to Federal Government Funding secured by The Hon. Andrew Wilkie MP. Mr Wilkie, along with Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) CEO Matt Bulkeley, recently visited Kelvedon Park to announce the $350,000 Federal Government grant to upgrade the facilities at the Taroona Football Club. This means that the upgrade project is fully funded after contributions were secured from the State Government, Kingborough Council and the Tasmanian Community Fund in 2018.

News

The redevelopment will see the construction of four change rooms, and a new club house including kiosk and bar facilities, all located on the lower carpark site. “This is a much-needed investment in Taroona Football Club’s changerooms and spectator facilities,” Mr Wilkie said.

Our Club has 16 to 17 given the availability of multiple teams and over 270 change rooms” Mr Bulkeley players added.

Taroona residents might be interested to learn the U3A Kingborough, that is, the Univers Taroona Clubretired President Jordanwho Wright Mrand Wilkie Third Age for theFootball retired, near and seniors like tothanked keep mind body active supported by support Taroona residents.

Poulson, Karen andhard Maureen Robinson for his and said Pam it was the result of McCrone many years work. committee members. Greg The has been a very committed presenter of Operas and a te “This funding announcement continues a pleasing recent trend Mahjong and Indonesian for someon years. a record the hundreds of peo “We have been working thisHe formust 4 to hold 5 years so it’sfor fantastic he has taught Mahjong! His classes are very popular. Most U3A classes are held i of investment in facilities for the game in the State that we hopewhom that the hard work has paid off.

Our Club has 16 to 17 teams andbuildings w Kingston Primary School in Hutchins Street, opposite the library (Linc). These to see continue around the state”, said FFT CEO Matt Bulkeley. open from 10am to 1pm on February 14th for enrolment day.

Annual Membership costs over 270 players, but our facilities are far from good enough, so More information and enrolment forms can be found on line www.u3akingborough.org.a

“These new facilities were badly needed, especially the new this is something we can be proud of, along with the benefits it Greg The Kingston U3A. change rooms, and this redevelopment will make it a much willteaching bring toatthe community. So thanks a lot to Andrew Wilkie for more comfortable environment for all players, male and female, his support in securing this additional funding.”

Taroona Gardening Forum

Next Meeting: 7:30 Wednesday 3 April, 1 Taroona Crescent (Uniting Church Hall) New members of all ages welcome.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month (except June, July & January) usually with a guest speaker or presentation.

Come along and meet other garden enthusiasts. Put your gardening query to the members for an answer or ideas. Or try to win our evening quiz!

There are regular outings and social events. Upcoming highlights: April - trip to Geeveston and nearby gardens; May - visit to a members’ garden at Blackmans Bay; May meeting Guest Speaker: Don Knowler; July - Christmas in July Luncheon (location to be confirmed); and a long weekend trip in October.

For more information please visit http://www.taroona.tas.au/ gardening-forum or email tgf@taroona.tas.au

Taroona’s Greg The teaching at Kingston U3A

University of the Third Age Taroona residents might be interested to learn the U3A Kingborough – the University of the Third Age for the retired, nearretired and seniors who like to keep mind and body active – is well supported by Taroona residents. Pam Poulson, Karen McCrone and Maureen Robinson are all committee members. Greg The has been a very committed presenter of Operas and a teacher of Mahjong and Indonesian for some years. He must hold a record for the hundreds of people to whom he has taught Mahjong! His classes are very popular. Most U3A classes are held in the old Kingston Primary School in Hutchins Street, opposite the library (Linc). Annual Membership costs $50.00. More information and enrolment forms can be found online at www.u3akingborough.org.au

Page 10 – March 2019

y a d to

P O S S UM S P l a y c e n t r e ... a place for little minds to grow UPCOMING EVENTS

For 3 to 5 year olds Mondays, Wednesdays & FridaysSunday 7 April Love Living Locally :00 am to 12 noon Taroona Community Hall, Batchelor Way

8 390432

7 Goshawk Way, Kingston 10am - 3pm

10AM - 3PM SUNDAy 7 APRIL

www.PossumsPlaycentre.org.

Possumsau will be part of this

kingborough community hub 7 GOSHAWK WAY KINGSTOn

community event organised by the Kingborough Council. at the new Community Hub. We would greatly appreciate any donations of produce for our stall – jams/preserves, plants, fresh garden produce (eg lemons, silver beet), craft items, flowers, homebaked goodies ...

Please phone 0400 767 862 for more details. kingborough.tas.gov.au/ lovelivinglocally #lovelivinglocally

Saturday 4 May – Possums Playcentre’s Ladies Night Out It’s on again! Please join us for a great night out at the SALTY DOG. And don’t forget to book early –tickets are limited!

Possums has started 2019 with our pre schoolers gaining a sense of belonging to our wonderful Taroona Community by meeting community members. The children were made very welcome by Gavin O’Neill at the Taroona Bowls Club as they learnt about the game of bowls and had fun rolling some bowls and tennis balls on the green. We also visited the Philadelphia Bakery and were excited to have a delicious morning tea. Corey and Nurul showed us how they bake their famous sourdough bread. We also harvested new potatoes and tomatoes at our patch at the Taroona Neighbourhood Garden and planted peas.

On our neighbourhood walk , we watched players at the Taroona Tennis Club, talked about the volunteer fire fighters and looked at the fire trucks at the Taroona Fire Brigade.

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 11 – March 2019

Taroona Scout Group, Kingborough Lions Lifesavers Since 1957 the Taroona Scout Group has continuously provided recreational and training activities on both land and sea for its youth members. The Group has a fleet of water craft that is well used due to our location close to the Taroona beach, and we participate in the Scout and Guide regatta that is held annually at Snug and attended by participants from around the State.

To enable both youth members and adults to participate in the water activities we have a large number of life jackets of various sizes. Unfortunately, our PFDs were quite old and no longer complied with Australian Standards. Arrive Kingborough Lions to the rescue; as part of their Centenary of Lions initiative they generously donated the cost of replacement life jackets.

Lions’ president, David Mills, presents 43 personal flotation devices to the Taroona Scout Group, while youth members model the different sizes.

Recent past heavy rain events revealed the poor condition of a section of the old iron roofing to part of the hall. The leaks exposed recently installed internal lining and equipment to water damage and required reasonably urgent attention. In support of our own fund-raising efforts Kingborough Council, through its Community Grants Program, generously contributed $1,500 toward the roofing replacement. The replacement and other associated repairs were completed with assistance from Sutton Roofing.

During the March long weekend leaders and youth from the Taroona Scout Group joined nearly 500 others for the annual Scout and Guide Regatta at Snug Beach. Spending three nights in tents

Taroona Sippers and Purlers The Taroona Sippers and Purlers meet at the Timeless Cafe in Channel Court, Kingston, on the first Saturday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm. Our next get-together is on Saturday 6 April.

We welcome you to join us to share our knitting skills and company. We also knit for charity and community events and at the moment are supporting a Royal Hobart Hospital project.

For more information, contact thestoddarts@gmail.com

for three days, the Scouts filled their days with a range of activities including kayaking, rowing, swimming, sailing, building sand sculptures, and numerous on-beach relays such as flags, bucket relay, and rescues. The weekend was a huge amount of fun for all involved with opportunities for relaxing within the hectic schedule.

A vital part of the Taroona Scout Group’s involvement with the local community is its fund-raising activities. The Scout annual Christmas tree and produce sale has become a legendary event with huge local community support and expectations with delicious Christmas treats for sale (including jam, cakes, and other things). The 2018 event was again a huge success thanks to high quality trees kindly made available by Norske Skog.

If you would like any information concerning the Taroona Scout Group or are interested in youth membership or a leader role, please contact either Mike Green 6227 9139 or Janet 0400 297 646.

Meet the candidates For our Legislative Council by-election seat of Nelson

Taroona Community Hall Saturday 6 April, 3:00 pm Each candidate will briefly outline their platform and then take questions from the community.

Followed by refreshments and a chance for informal interactions

Taroona Community Association Newsletter

Page 12 – March 2019

PIC OF TAROONA Position Vacant Taroona Environment Network is seeking an enthusiastic community-oriented person who is passionate about our local environment to take on the role of Treasurer.

Time-wise this would entail approx. 1 hour a month + attendance at Committee meetings (10 a year approx.)

For a chat call Ruth on 0415032660 or email TEN on info@ten.org.au.

Taroona Alight Taroona photographer Kelli Miller took this spectacular shot at Hinsby Beach in December 2016. “Whilst the Aurora Australis dances above, bioluminescence sets the water alight below. How blessed are we to live in a space that allows one the joy of simply sitting under our night’s sky”.

Auroras happen when the sun releases a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields into space. These solar winds interact with earth’s magnetic field to release energy in the form of auroras. For this reason, you can see them most often near the poles. That’s why Tasmania is the best place in Australia to view Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights).

To see an aurora: • You need a dark clear night • You need auroral activity. If you want to know when there are periods of high solar activity and conditions are favourable for aurora sightings, you can subscribe to an Aurora Alert email list here: http://listserver.ips.gov.au/mailman/listinfo/ips-aurora-alert • You need a clear South-facing view of the horizon, away from light pollution.

• Aurora displays are more common around the time of the equinoxes: March–April and September–October.

Taroona’s beaches offer good vantage points as they have little light pollution and expansive sky views.

Bioluminescence on the other hand, can occur anywhere, anytime. It can be created by a variety of organisms, but the vibrant blue displays we’ve seen over the last few years have been created by algal blooms of Noctiluca scintillans, a species of dinoflagellate nicknamed “sea sparkle.” When disturbed by waves or splashing, the cells are stimulated and the bloom glows. It’s widespread around the world, and in Tasmania is believed to represent a recent range expansion from NSW. The organism is common in southern Tasmania where it responds well to the high plankton prey abundance and periodically calm water conditions of Storm Bay and the Derwent Estuary. It is best seen in Taroona when the wind is gently blowing straight onto the beach, concentrating the bloom in one place.

Taroona Community Association Inc. President: Jill Hickie, 4 Devon Walk, Taroona, 6227 8544 Secretary: Janette Power, 8 Earlwood Court, Taroona, 6227 8387 Treasurer/ Anne Parrott, 11 Jenkins Street, Taroona Public officer: Editor: Liz Haywood, 43 Hinsby Road, Taroona, 0438622799 Committee: Dal Andrews, Damian Devlin, Roger Kellaway, Alison Phillips, Fiona Rice, Maureen Robinson, Charlie Sherwin Email:

communityassociation@taroona.tas.au

The committee meets on the first Thursday of the month (Feb–Dec).

Newsletter contributions: taroonacommunitynewsletter@gmail.com Advertising: 1 column x 2cm deep = $10, 1 column x 4cm deep = $20

Sourdough bread & pastries, fine coffee Shop 6a Taroona Shopping Village 7:30am – 2:30pm Wed – Fri

Membership of the Taroona Community Association is $10 and payment can be made by direct deposit into the TCA’s bank account BSB 067102 and Account number 28011079. Please email us to notify of deposited funds. You can also deliver or mail payment to 11 Jenkins Street.

This issue of Taroona News has been printed with the support of the offices of Senator The Honourable Lisa Singh and Mr Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Federal Member for Clark.

Disclaimer The Taroona Community Association accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any material contained herein and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The listing of a person or organisation in any part of this newsletter in no way implies any form of endorsement by the Taroona Community Association of the products or services provided by that person or organisation.

The Taroona Community Association accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience by any person resulting from information published in this newsletter.