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01.03.11 12:00 am
MEDIA RELEASES: •Government •Greens Tasmania •Australian Greens, Bob Brown •Australian Greens, Christine Milne •Tasmanian Liberals •Tasmanian Liberals, Will Hodgman •Tasmanian Labor, David Bartlett •Federal Labor •Federal Liberal •Australian Democrats •Tasmanian Socialist Alliance •Australian Socialist Alliance •Ethics and Sustainability Party •Senator Online - Australia’s first and only internet based political party •Stable Population Party
Politics | MediaCybersafety for Seniors in Melbourne
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
17.05.12 11:32 am
Senior Australians are a very diverse group, especially when it comes to attitudes to computers and the internet.
Cyber-Safety Committee Chair, Senator Catryna Bilyk, believes that formulating a balanced message about cybersafety for those aged 55 and above is therefore very important.
“Older people who have never worked with computers or who have been retired for a long time can be very intimidated by the internet, or not see its utility,” says Senator Bilyk.”Others enthusiastically go online for entertainment, information and services but may not be aware of the nature or extent of cyber threats”.
The Committee’s next public hearing for its inquiry into cybersafety for seniors will be held in Melbourne this Friday. “The objective is to find the best ways to get reluctant seniors online safely and to upskill competent users without over emphasising the risks”, the Senator said.
Opening the hearing is YOURLifeChoices, an Australian online news and magazine for people aged 50–75, with over 61 500 subscribers. The publisher wants government and industry to set up a ‘one‐stop shop’, for both reporting scams and advising seniors about cybersafety.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, well known for work on child safety, will conclude proceedings. It asks for a government led National Cyber Strategy and Plan to co-ordinate initiatives across the cyber agenda at all levels of the community.
The Committee will hear also from the Brotherhood of St Laurence, which operates
‘mens sheds’ for computer literacy, the Life Activities Clubs Victoria, the Australian Taxation Office and the Consumers e-Health Alliance.
The Chair welcomes members of the public to the hearing and also encourages seniors to complete the Committee’s cybersafety survey, either online or in hardcopy. The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymk.com/s/cybersafety-seniors or call the Inquiry Secretary on the number below.
The Committee’s public hearing on Friday 18 May 2012 will commence at 10.00am in the Parliament of Victoria Committee Room G6, 55 St Andrews Place, Melbourne.
Audio of proceedings in Committee Room 1R5 will be webcast on http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament
Further information on the inquiry is available from the Committee’s web site http://www.aph.gov.au/jscc
Candlelight vigil following the anniversary of Four Corners’ ‘A Bloody Business’
Suzanne Cass Live Export Shame Tasmania Stop Tasmanian Animal Cruelty
16.05.12 7:11 pm
Hidden in the Gillard government’s budget papers is a line referring to a class action by live exporters and producers, for amounts reported to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, over the all-too-short short ban of cattle exports to Indonesia.
Suzanne Cass, from Live Export Shame Tasmania commented:
‘These are the people who largely failed to take up the compensation packages at the time, thus failing to mitigate their own losses. One of the law firms representing these people is Minter Ellison.
‘84% of decent, hardworking Australians have spoken out against this brutal trade, yet we face the prospect of even more of our tax dollars being spent. Two industry focussed enquiries contributed much to producer and exporter welfare and nothing to safeguard a single animal. Indeed, the all too short ban on Indonesia has resulted in animals being sent on far longer journeys to worse destinations’.
Ms Cass said that all the ban on the trade to Indonesia achieved was sending animals on far longer voyages, to arguably worse destinations such as Turkey. Voyages on the 20+ year old ships to Turkey can take up to 41 days, while it is well settled that animals sent from southern ports in Australia in the winter on lengthy, multi-port journeys are at substantially higher risk from salmonellosis, inanition, heat exhaustion, pneumonia and other trauma. Ms Cass also notes that several voyages which have been the subject or mortality investigations had no veterinarian on board, limiting the conclusions that could be drawn into the deaths of the animals.
‘If nothing else, this mooted class action proves beyond any doubt that these people knew, and always have known, the torture to which they were sending their animals, but still couldn’t wait to send of the shiploads of wretched animal misery anyway, Ms Cass continued. ‘All Australian businesses have to operate within frameworks of community expectations, government policy changes, and indeed, standards of basic common decency. What makes these parasites any different?
Ms Cass is organising a candlelight vigil following the anniversary of the ‘Four Corners’ program ‘A Bloody Business’, on Saturday, June 2 between 6.00p.m. and 7.00p.m. on the Parliament Lawns. A Facebook ‘event’ will be created.
What's OnTasmanians join national day of action for the Kimberley
Jenny Weber Huon Valley Environment Centre
16.05.12 7:05 pm
Tonight at Pier 1 at Macquarie Wharf at 5pm
In Hobart this evening, community members will gather in solidarity with the people of Broome who oppose the proposed gas hub at James Price Point in far north Western Australia.
“We are joining a national day of action alongside people in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, to support the people of Broome in their fight to protect one of the most spectacular places in the world” said Jenny Weber of the Huon Valley Environment Centre.
The gathering has been coordinated by Huon Valley Environment Centre and The Last Stand, and people will be holding a candle light vigil while films from the protests about the proposed gas hub will be projected on to a wall at Pier 1 at Macquarie Wharf in Salamanca.
“Tonight, the people of southern Tasmania will be standing strong in spirit with this inspiring community in the far north west of the country. We are demonstrating our absolute support for these outstanding citizens who are taking a stand for the Kimberley, one of our most ecologically and spiritually significant landscapes” said Ula Majewski of The Last Stand.
More than 140 police officers have been flown to Broome to assist the company Woodside Petroleum’s controversial $40 billion James Price Point gas hub, in resuming work.
The police are shepherding through Woodside machinery to the proposed gas hub site and yesterday, a large contingent of riot police arrived. The two protest camps have been declared illegal and the protesters have been given a deadline to pull down.
We are joining a national day of action alongside people in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, to support the people of Broome.
“We are told stories about James Price Point by the people who are standing up to defend it. It is a place where there are globally significant dinosaur track-sites, humpback whales feeding and calving, greater bilbies breeding, an ancient Aboriginal song cycle that is shared with people from all over the world in an annual walk called the Lurujarri trail. It is an absolute disgrace that Woodside wants to destroy this magical place with an industrial gas,” concluded Jenny Weber.
Mt Wellington public forum: Tuesday 22 May at 7.00pm, Baha’i Centre
Jennifer Rowallan, Biodiversity Campaigner Tasmanian Conservation Trust Inc
16.05.12 7:01 pm
The Tasmanian Conservation Trust is holding a public forum to discuss the natural values of Mt Wellington and why significant development (including a cable car) should not be permitted at the pinnacle or any other sensitive areas of Wellington Park.
The Tasmanian Conservation Trust has a long association with Wellington Park starting back in the late 1960’s when the TCT began lobbying for a management plan for the area. The TCT’s early draft management plan was co-opted by the Hobart City Council and resulted in the establishment of the East Wellington Range Management Committee in the 1970s to finalise a Mountain Park management plan.
The TCT’s Biodiversity Campaigner, and event organiser, Ms Jennifer Rowallan, stated that ‘Again in the 1990s the TCT was integral in lobbying for the establishment of the current Wellington Park Management Trust. During this time and to date, the TCT has strongly opposed proposals of a cable car to Mt Wellington, a debate which has been a recurring issue since 1905’.
‘Since 1905, the cable car idea has been revived over half a dozen times and each time it has been rejected by the general public’, said Ms Rowallan
One of the reasons the TCT has initiated this public meeting is to build interest in the ongoing review of the Wellington Park Management Plan.
‘The Wellington Park Management Trust released a discussion paper for public comment at the end of 2011 and we expect a draft management plan to be released in June this year.
‘Public comments to the draft plan are the most significant way in which people can influence the future management of Wellington Park and we hope to engender enough interest in people to make submissions.
‘We are encouraged by the comments received on the 2011 discussion paper which generally support retention of the status quo in terms of development on and access to Mount Wellington’, said Ms Rowallan.
Responses to the discussion paper (as summarised on the Wellington Park Management Trust web site) found that:
- 63.4% of people either strongly approve or approve of maintaining the prohibition of commercial development outside of the Springs.
- 56.8% strongly disapprove or disapprove of allowing for consideration of alternative forms of transport to the pinnacle plus associated commercial development. A range of options from a cable car to mini buses and 4- wheel drives during and following heavy snow falls were considered.
- 83.3% either strongly approve or approve of maintaining the existing snow management access approach.
The public forum will be held on Tuesday 22 May at the Baha’i Centre of Learning for Tasmania from 7pm. This event is open to all interested individuals.
The evening will be chaired by Margaret Steadman. Guest speakers include Geoff Law, Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick, Peter McGlone, and local Fern Tree business owner Matt Kruse. A question and answer forum will follow the speakers’ session.
What's OnTASMANIAN GREENS BACK GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT AMAZON
Kim Booth MP Greens Forestry Spokesperson Wednesday, 16 May 2012
16.05.12 6:42 pm
The Tasmanian Greens today brought to the attention of the House of Assembly a global petition being run by AVAAZ, Stop the Amazon Chainsaw Massacre, aimed at pressuring the President of Brazil to veto a bill that gives loggers and farmers free rein to cut down huge swaths of the Amazon.
Greens Forestry Spokesperson put on the public record that the petition currently had close to 1.8 million signatures from people all over the world with recent signatures coming from people in countries including United States, Brazil, Netherlands, Canada, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy and Australia.
“This petition, and others like it, demonstrate that people worldwide recognise that regardless of what country they are geographically located in, forests are a global resource and their management and protection is of concern to the world,” said Mr Booth.
“This petition is a timely reminder that Tasmania’s forests have also been recognised time and again for their global significance both in terms of biodiversity, storage of carbon and age and that the Intergovernmental Agreement is an important opportunity to get the most precious protected whilst securing sustainable supply into the future to the industry.”
“It’s no different here in Tasmania, where Miranda Gibson has been sitting in the Observer Tree now for 150 days now to protect a forest that has been found by an independent team of scientific experts to contain world heritage value, providing clear evidence of the significance of these forests and the importance of protecting them.”
“The tree where Ms Gibson is perched is within the 430,000 hectares under interim protection under the IGA, and she is rightly concerned that this forest has been earmarked for logging to provide wood to the Malaysian company Ta Ann Tasmania.”
“Ms Gibson connects to the world through a daily blog which generates global curiousity and she speaks at public meetings via Skype.”
“Ta Ann has been found to be abusing Tasmania’s clean brand to sell wood logged unsustainably in Tasmanian forests to sell as ‘eco’ wood to a world market that knows practices by Ta Ann in their home country Sarawak occur unsustainably violating human and environmental rights.”
“The IGA is an opportunity to protect globally significant forests and ensure sustainable supply for our important forestry industry. The Tasmanian Greens commend all those signatory members who are still at the table and patiently trying to work together to ensure the best outcome for all Tasmanians.”
Politics | State | Environment | SocietyPOSITIVE STEP FORWARD ON CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEME
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson Wednesday, 16 May 2012
16.05.12 6:40 pm
Greens Welcome Tripartisan Approach
The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the co-operative tripartisanship demonstrated in the House of Assembly on the issue of a state-based container deposit scheme.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said that the Parliament today voted to approve an amended Greens motion which means:
(a) the Environment Minister will take in-principle support for a national scheme to the upcoming Ministerial Council and;
(b) a cost benefit study into a state based scheme will be undertaken if a national container deposit scheme does not eventuate in a timely manner.
“This was a positive step toward the introduction of a container deposit scheme here in Tasmania, and a great example of constructive, co-operative politics in action,” Ms O’Connor said.
“This gives the Environment Minister Brian Wightman a strong position to take to the upcoming Ministerial Council in August, where the issue of a national container deposit scheme will be discussed.”
“If a national scheme fails to materialise, then we have the basis for a way forward on introducing the state based container deposit scheme that Tasmania so desperately needs to help end our terrible litter problem.”
“The Greens want to thank our Labor and Liberal colleagues for their constructive contributions today and for being prepared to leave aside negative politics to get things done for Tasmania.”
Politics | State | Environment | SocietyCATHEDRAL FRIDAY FORUM: Faith in Science
Will Briggs
16.05.12 2:13 pm
FRIDAY MAY 18, 2012, 1pm-2pm at the cathedral.
Dr. Ruth Amos will speak on the topic “Faith in Science”
Ruth Amos is a postdoctoral fellow at the ANU working in the area of biofuels. She completed her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Tasmania and teaches the UTas foundational chemistry course.
Ruth attends St Clements Anglican Church in Kingston. She is married with two teenage children.
Dr. Amos will be speaking on the interaction between faith and science. More information at the webpage: http://stdavidscathedralhobart.org/friday-forum/
JUNE FRIDAY FORUM - June 8 is being confirmed with Angus McLeay speaking on the topic of Human Rights. More information shortly.
Download poster:
Poster.pdf
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
16.05.12 2:11 pm
MLA will be holding one of their “Real Conversation” social media workshops in Tasmania during June 2012.
The aim of the workshop is to allow attendees to share their stories with the urban community.
The day-and-a-half workshop provides red meat producers with the skills to use the major social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogging.
The workshop is aimed at those already familiar with social media and looking to take the next step with their activities.
When: 14-15 June, 2012
Where: Campbell Town, Tasmania
Cost: Free
More information
To register your interest in attending the workshop contact Matthew Dwyer at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
JEFF KENNETT APPLAUDED FOR INJECTING HUMANITY INTO MARRIAGE EQUALITY DEBATE
Rodney Croome Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group. Australian Marriage Equality
16.05.12 2:08 pm
AUSTRALIAN MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Media Release
Wednesday May 16th 2012
JEFF KENNETT APPLAUDED FOR INJECTING HUMANITY INTO MARRIAGE EQUALITY DEBATE
PRESSURE INCREASES ON ABBOTT TO ALLOW CONSCIENCE VOTE
Marriage equality advocates have praised former Victorian Liberal Premier, Jeff Kennett, for showing the issue is about people not politics, and have renewed their call for a Coalition conscience vote on the issue.
In an article in today’s Herald Sun, Mr Kennett says the experiences of everyday people have convinced him to embrace marriage equality (report here)
Rodney Croome, campaign director of Australian Marriage Equality, said,
“Mr Kennett’s heartfelt plea to Australians to support marriage equality is a reminder this issue is not about about left vs right or gay vs straight, but about what we all share as human beings.”
“Mr Kennett supports marriage equality for reasons that will resonate with many of his Coalition colleagues, so we renew our call on Tony Abbott to allow a conscience vote on the issue.”
Mr Kennett - who is the founding chairman of national depression initiative, beyondblue - said that the impact of marriage discrimination on the mental health of gay and lesbian Australians was a key factor in his change of heart.
“Social science research shows excluding same-sex couples from marriage has a significant impact on the mental health of same-sex attracted people, particularly young people, and Mr Kennett is right to bring this to public attention”, Mr Croome said.
Only a short time ago, Mr Kennett argued that same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry because, he claimed, it would have negative consequences for children.
“If Mr Kennett can have such a rapid personal transformation in attitude towards marriage equality by listening to the everyday experiences of gay and lesbian Australians, we are still hopeful Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott can have a similar change of heart.”
A Galaxy poll last year found that 76% of Coalition voters want Tony Abbott to grant his party a conscience vote on same-sex marriage. (link here: http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Galaxy_Coalition_consciencevote.pdf )
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader
16.05.12 8:45 am
As Greens Only Party to Support Freeze Option
The Tasmanian Greens today restated their position that State MPs pay should be frozen at current levels for the term of the Tasmanian Parliament.
Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that as this position was not supported by either Labor or Liberal parties, the Greens did not oppose the Bill to link MPs’ salary to 95.734% of Band 9 of the General Stream of the Tasmanian State Service Award, which provides for a two per cent increase for State MPs.
“With so many Tasmanians doing it tough at the moment, the Greens would prefer no increase in MPs salary,” Mr McKim said.
“Given this is not supported by any other Party, we will accept that a pay rise in line with the state wages policy is inevitable.”
“Given the maximum two per cent pay increase for state public servants, we’re relieved that MPs pay will not go up by any more than that.”
“Something had to be done to prevent the pay rise of over 38 per cent that otherwise would have occurred, and we are happy to have been part of a constructive debate in the House today.”
Clarence Council’s Facebook page
Lyndall Edward Marketing and Communications Officer Clarence City Council
16.05.12 8:43 am
Clarence City Council launched its facebook page Tuesday morning.
Please like our page to stay up to date with all things Clarence!
https://www.facebook.com/ClarenceCityCouncil
Politics | LocalGREENS CALL FOR CDL COMMITMENT FROM BURKE, WIGHTMAN
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson Monday, 14 May 2012
16.05.12 8:12 am
The Tasmanian Greens today called on the state Environment Minister Brian Wightman to take a formal Tasmanian position to the upcoming Ministerial Council committing Tasmania to introducing a state-based container deposit scheme if no agreement was reached on the timely introduction of a national scheme.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today tabled a motion calling for in-principle support for a state-based Container Deposit Scheme to be adopted, in the absence of a federal decision. [1]
Ms O’Connor said that Mr Wightman and his Federal counterpart Tony Burke should take into consideration the economic upside of a container deposit scheme, along with the obvious environmental benefits.
“Minister Wightman has shown a distinct lack of interest in pursuing state-based container deposit scheme, and the Greens hope that Tony Burke will now step up to show some leadership,” said Ms O’Connor.
“The Greens welcome Mr Burke’s recent commitment to discuss the issue with state ministers and what we now need to see is a clear proposal for an implementation timeframe.”
“The upcoming meeting of Ministers will provide an opportunity for ministers to show that they care about container litter, and to end the ongoing and unjustifiable inaction over this issue.”
“It’s true that implementing a container deposit scheme would cost money, but we need to remember that such an investment would also create a whole new industry, with hundreds of new jobs.”
“Any costs associated with starting up a container deposit scheme also need to be weighed against the significant environmental costs of doing nothing, and letting our waterways stay choked up with plastic and glass.”
“Young Tasmanians looking for pocket money, small business enterprises and Tasmania’s ready and able workforce of people living with disability could all benefit from CDS jobs.”
“Tasmania is a national disgrace when it comes to rates of litter and recycling rates, and while other Australian states are putting in place their own container deposit schemes we are being left behind in a mess of our own making.”
[1] Notice of Motion tabled this morning by Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP:
That this House:
1. Acknowledges that Tasmania has the worst recycling rates in Australia with just 14 per cent of all waste recycled per year and also one of the highest rates of littering;
2. Notes that these rates could be tempered through the introduction of a state-based Container Deposit Scheme;
3. Recognises that according to the EMRS survey of May 2011, 91 per cent of the Tasmanian Community support a Container Deposit Scheme in the State;
4. Further acknowledges the successful vote of support for a state-based Container Deposit Scheme from the Legislative Council in November 2011;
5. Calls on the Minister for Environment to take to the next Ministerial Council (Standing Council on Environment and Water) scheduled for Friday the 24th of August this year, as the formal State position that a National Container Deposit Scheme is to be adopted and that there needs to be a clear timeframe for its introduction; and
6. Further, should Tasmania be a lone voice in the fight for timely National Container Deposit legislation, that this House provides in-principle support for state-based Container Deposit Scheme to be implemented in the absence of a Federal decision.
VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED AT AFTERNOON TEA
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
16.05.12 7:10 am
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK HOSTED AN AFTERNOON TEA TO THANK AND RECOGNISE VOLUNTEERS WHO SUPPORT THE TASMANIAN CENTRE FOR GLOBAL LEARNING (TCGL).
THE TCGL PROVIDES ACCESS TO EDUCATION, TRAINING, RESOURCES AND NETWORKS, EMPOWERING SCHOOLS AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO TAKE ACTION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, PEACE AND A SUSTAINABLE WORLD FUTURE.
“I AM A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE TASMANIAN CENTRE FOR GLOBAL LEARNING,” SENATOR BILYK SAID. “THROUGH THEIR WORK, THEY HAVE MADE AN INCREDIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION IN TASMANIA AND THE CAPACITY OF TASMANIANS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.”
“TODAY’S AFTERNOON TEA IS A SMALL BUT IMPORTANT GESTURE OF MY APPRECIATION FOR THE WORK THE CENTRE’S VOLUNTEERS DO TO HELP THEIR LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNITY,” SAID SENATOR BILYK.
THE CENTRE’S MAJOR PROGRAMS INCLUDE THE SCHOOL-BASED SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION PROGRAM, RUMAD?, THE ANTI-RACISM PROJECT, LIVING IN BETWEEN: DIVERSITY EDUCATION THROUGH STORYTELLING, AND THE ANNUAL FAIRER WORLD FESTIVAL.
THE TCGL ALSO PROVIDES OFFICE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO VARIOUS NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS SUCH OXFAM AUSTRALIA AND THE OAKTREE FOUNDATION.
TCGL CO-ORDINATOR, HELEN HORTLE, SAID THE CENTRE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HAVE THE IMPACT IT DOES WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF ITS HARD-WORKING VOLUNTEERS.
“ALL OUR PROGRAMS RELY ON VOLUNTEERS WHO GIVE UP THEIR TIME FREELY TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD,” MS HORTLE SAID.
“WHILE THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THE WORK THAT THEY DO, THEY DESERVE TO BE REWARDED FOR IT, AND WE APPRECIATE SENATOR BILYK’S RECOGNITION OF THEIR EFFORT.”
THIS WEEK, 14-20 MAY 2012, IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK, THE LARGEST CELEBRATION OF VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEERISM IN AUSTRALIA, WHICH THANKS AND RECOGNISES THE 6 MILLION AUSTRALIANS WHO VOLUNTEER.
THIS YEAR, THE THEME FOR NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK IS ‘VOLUNTEERS – EVERY ONE COUNTS’, SENDING A STRONG MESSAGE TO EXISTING VOLUNTEERS THAT THEY ARE VALUED AND MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE BROADER COMMUNITY.
CHILD PROTECTION REPONSE POSITIVE STEP FORWARD
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Children’s spokesperson Tuesday, 15 May 2012
16.05.12 6:46 am
But Reform Momentum Must Pick Up the Pace
The Tasmanian Greens today said that the formal response to the Select Committee into Child Protection report was a solid step forward, but warned that it did not mean the pressure could ease off on the need to drive necessary reforms.
Greens Children’s spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP, who was Chair of the Select Committee into Child Protection, said that a key finding of the Committee’s report was the need for a whole of government approach and this needed to be at the forefront of any meaningful response from the Minister.
“The governance model proposed in the Minister’s response to the Committee’s report delivers on the intent of the Committee’s recommendations, and while this is a significant step forward it is not an end in itself,” MR O’Halloran said.
“The momentum for reform must now pick up pace, and the pressure for this to be prioritised needs to be maintained.”
“Breaking down the silos within and between responsible government departments is crucial to ensure children don’t fall between the gaps, as well as ensure efficient targeting and delivery of resources where they are needed.”
“Boosting the role of the Ombudsman, as well as clarifying the role of the Commissioner for Children are important steps towards strengthening the oversight capacity of these independent Statutory bodies. The Greens expect that any increase in responsibility to either role should be adequately resourced.”
“Another crucial area of reform is the commitment to review the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act to ensure it reflects modern child protection practice as well as meets current community expectations.”
“The Greens recognise the work that has gone into developing this detailed response, but we warn that the pressure cannot be released, and now the new Cabinet Sub-committee and Interdepartmental Committee must get cracking on the implementation detail.”
Inaugural ATOD Awards winners announced
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tas Inc.
15.05.12 9:00 pm
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council CEO Jann Smith congratulated the three winners of the very first Tasmanian Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Awards.
The Awards, in their inaugural year, recognise, promote and reward outstanding practice in the alcohol, tobacco and other drug field in Tasmania.
Supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health and Human Services, the Awards were presented by Minister for Health, the Hon. Michelle O’Byrne MP.
“The Awards recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the health and well-being of people affected by alcohol and other drugs, to reducing harm and developing the profession” Ms Smith said.
“They demonstrate the depth of talent, skill and knowledge within the Tasmanian workforce, and reflect the desire of the sector to recognise the exceptional practice of our colleagues”.
Winners receive $500 to be spent on professional development.
The three winners:
Excellence in ATOD Work Award – Sharmaine Hudson
Sharmaine is a long standing Anglicare employee, with particular expertise in ATOD specific programs. She works in the Glenorchy Illicit Drug Service (GIDS) and the Glenorchy Needle and Syringe Program.
She has forged excellent relationships within the community and is proactive in her commitment to service provision and harm minimisation. This is demonstrated by much of her work, including the creation of a new Family Support Group in response to a need identified by local consumers.
Early Career Award – Cate Sinclair
A registered nurse, Cate works as a clinician with the Young Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Service (YADAS) at Launceston’s Corenerstone Youth Services.
She has a unique blend of experience, business and management skills having also worked in media, advertising and marketing nationally and internationally.
Her clinical and business skills provide a perfect combination in her current work establishing and building the YADAS service.
Outstanding Contributions Award – Dr David Jackson
David works in private practice as a GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist. He works both in the private and community sectors, with young people, homeless people, and people who inject drugs.
He has been involved in the alcohol and other drug sector for more than two decades as a clinician and in teaching and policy. He pioneered the use of methadone and bupreonorphine in Tasmania and retains a strong interest in pharmacotherapy as a treatment method for drug dependence.
He is one of Tasmania’s strongest advocates for empathic and high quality evidence based treatment and support for consumers of alcohol and other drugs.
The Awards were presented by Minister Michelle O’Byrne at approximately 8:45pm at the Mill on Morrison (11 Morrison Street) this evening.
Time for Tasmanian urbanites and farmers to register for FarmDay
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
14.05.12 2:55 pm
Time is running out for Tasmanian townspeople and farmers to register to take part in this year’s FarmDay on the weekend of May 26/27.
The concept is pretty simple. It’s a bit like online dating (without the dating) but it’s aimed at bringing town and rural families together.
Those who would like to spend the day on a farm, doing what farmers do, have to register with the FarmDay organisation so they can be matched with a farm that is participating in the event. Those farmers also have to register.
The web address is: http://www.farmday.com.au/
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn exactly what happens on the farm and to have some hands-on experience for the day,” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Jan Davis said today.
“In many ways there is a great divide between city and country Australia; we live in different worlds.
“We have to talk to each other more in this Australian Year of the Farmer and FarmDay is an ideal way to do that.”
Farm Day was set up in 2006 to help foster a greater understanding of farming through a city and a farming family sharing a day of fun and friendship on a farm.
The host farm and their guests are matched based on criteria that include:
• distance they are willing to travel
• ages of children
• special interests
To participate register online at http://www.farmday.com.au/ or telephone 1300 367 036
Future snapshot highlights need for volunteering action plan
Vounteering Tasmania
14.05.12 1:08 pm
Research showing a future snapshot of the State’s volunteering population
will dominate discussion at today’s launch of National Volunteer Week 2012.
With the 2010 inaugural State of Volunteering Report highlighting a lack of
awareness as the main obstacle in preventing volunteering rates from
increasing, Volunteering Tasmania CEO Adrienne Picone said that
communication was vital to putting volunteering back on the agenda.
“Volunteering is the lifeblood of our communities,” Ms Picone said.
“Our research shows that many people just simply don’t know how or where
to volunteer their time.
“We think we can increase these rates significantly, by better communicating
the need for volunteers.”
Ms Picone admitted that the increasingly time-poor nature of many people
meant that finding time to volunteer had become more difficult, however, she
urged Tasmanians to donate whatever time they could.
“Everyone has the capacity to volunteer at some stage of their lives and we
currently have a number of positions available for volunteers statewide on our
website,” Ms Picone said.
“Volunteering doesn’t have to be a once a week commitment, there are many
flexible options open to people who want to donate their time to a worthy and
emotionally rewarding cause.
“We strongly encourage anyone out there who may be thinking of
volunteering to get in touch with an organisation in their area and make a
contribution to their local community.”
Recent research conducted by leading demographer Professor Natalie
Jackson has found that by 2032:
• Tasmania’s volunteer numbers are predicted to increase dramatically,
as the population rises
• Tasmania’s rate of volunteering will drop slightly
• Our volunteers will be ageing, as our Baby Boomers incease in
numbers, particularly in the State’s North-West
• Gen Ys will overtake Baby Boomers as the dominant volunteering
generation, particularly in Tasmania’s greater Hobart and southern
region
• Tasmania’s north will see the highest percentage of Gen Xs
volunteering.
National Volunteer Week (NVW), which runs from the 14-20 of May, is the
largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, providing an
opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say
thank you to the more than six million Australians who currently volunteer their
time.
Paula Xiberras
14.05.12 8:35 am
When Marty Rhone returns to Tasmania in June he will definitely be rugged up to protect against the middle of winter. Marty makes this return after a successful tour last year with his Cliff and Dusty tribute show. This time Marty will again be playing Cliff Richard. Those that saw the show last year will know that Marty’s voice is uncanningly like Cliff’s and Marty has got Cliff’s dance moves down pat too!
Marty of course, is well known as an entertainer having a career spanning over 43 years. And what a career it has been, from touring with the Rolling Stones, to performing in stage production of The King and I with Yul Brynner and Virginia McKenna. An interesting piece of trivia is that the man himself, Cliff Richard, who Marty has perfected playing, was in one of those audiences of The King and I. Marty is also the only solo performer to perform at the Cleveland Hall of Fame in the US.
The concept Marty has envisaged this year is unlike anything that has been done before and it coincides with the anniversary of 50 years of The Beatles. Marty will be indulging in a fantasy scenario as he poses the question what if Cliff Richard joined The Beatles and they made one final tour of Australia. For a time such a possibility was ripe for such a merging to occur, when John and Paul had a falling out and it looked like the Beatles would be one band member down.
Ironically at the time Cliff had left the shadows and was recording at the Abbey Road studio so it is quite feasible they could have entertained the possibility of recruiting Cliff to fill in for the absent Beatle.
The association between Cliff and The Beatles was one of mutual admiration. Indeed Brian Epstein, The Beatles manager, took the boys to a Shadows concert in Wembley telling John he should model himself on Hank and the fact that the meticulous dress sense of early days when the boys wore suits and thin pointy shoes. A song by George and John called ‘Cry for a Shadow’ was a tribute to Cliff and the Shadows. Cliff also socialised with The Beatles at parties of the time and there is documentation that John Lennon once said that there was no good music before Cliff and The Shadows so the connections between the two was strong. It doesn’t take a giant leap then to consider that if the opportunity arose Cliff might possibly be recruited as a Beatle.
That being the premise of the show, but what of the show itself?
Marty says it is divided into two parts, the first half an acting of events that lead up to Cliff’s recruitment including some revealing dialogue. The second half will be the actual concert that never was, Cliff Richard and the Beatles. Certainly a publicity dream come true.
Marty predicts that in 12 months the actors playing the ‘Beatle Boys’ as he calls them will be regarded as the worlds best Beatle tribute band. Such is The Beatles admiration of one of the members that he has called his own son Harrison after George Harrison.
After this tour Marty is going to take a break from the musical performances side which he has been working on for the last 5 years and concentrate on acting with some short films and independent films under his belt or to be released on DVD.
You can see ‘Cliff joins the Beatles: celebrating 50 years of the Beatles’ at The Country Club Show Room, Launceston on Friday 22 June and at Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart on Saturday 23 June.
http://cliffjoinsthebeatles.com/news/hits-come-together-in-a-musical-fantasy/
Drugs Conference to ask the hard questions
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tas Inc.
14.05.12 8:08 am
14 May 2012
The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Tas (ATDC) will tomorrow launch its biennial conference at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart.
Titled Challenging Conversations: Creating an Inclusive System, the conference promises to challenge the boundaries and ask the hard questions about drug treatment and law reform.
The close to 200 local and interstate delegates will challenge the way we think about the ATOD industry and the way services are provided.
“We need rigorous debate and genuine conversation if we are to overcome issues of exclusion and service fragmentation in the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) field,” ATDC CEO Jann Smith said.
“It’s about getting people from the ATOD sector together with people from other related fields like justice, education and family support to really get to the nitty gritty of how we do our work”.
The key themes of the conference include embedding consumer choice as a tenant of policy and program development.
“Consumer rights are a huge issue in the ATOD sector” Ms Smith said.
“For too long the voice of Tasmanian ATOD consumers has not been heard in the policy development and planning of treatment services”.
“In fact, there is a strong desire within the sector to see a Tasmanian consumer led and driven organisation established”.
Other standout highlights of the conference include: (further details overleaf)
• Keynote speaker The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, Former Justice of the High Court.
• Keynote speaker Professor David Adams, Social Inclusion Commissioner for Tasmania.
• Plenary speaker Annie Madden, EO of the Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
• A moderated session on drug legalisation featuring barrister Greg Barns, Anglicare’s Rev. Chris Jones and speakers from Correctional Health, The Link Youth Health and Drug Free Australia, moderated by ABC Hobart’s Leon Compton.
2012 also marks the first year of the Tasmanian Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Awards. The awards are supported by the Tasmanian Government and will be presented by The Hon. Michelle O’Byrne, Minister for Health, at the conference dinner on Tuesday night at the Mill on Morrison.
More details on the Awards will be released tomorrow.
What: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Biennial Conference
Where: Hotel Grand Chancellor
When: 15 & 16 May 2012
Abridged program
Full program available at http://www.atdc.org.au
Date Time Item Location
Tuesday
15 May 9:30 am Official open and welcome by Brian Ritchie.
Hotel Grand Chancellor
10:00 am Professor David Adams, Social Inclusion Commissioner. Hotel Grand Chancellor
11:00 am Session on consumer participation and representation in drug treatment settings, chaired by Annie Madden of AIVL. Hotel Grand Chancellor
1:45pm Should all Drugs be Legalised?
A moderated session featuring Greg Barns, Rev. Chris Jones, speakers from the Link Youth Health, Correctional Health and Drug Free Australia. Moderated by Leon Compton. Hotel Grand Chancellor
7:00 pm
8:45pm Conference Dinner including presentation of the inaugural Tasmanian Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Awards by Hon. Michelle O’Bynre MP, Minister for Health.
Awards will be presented at approximately 8:45pm
The Mill on Morrison
11 Morrison Street, Hobart
Wednesday 16 May 9:00 am Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, Former High Court Justice.
Topic: Global Harm Minimisation: The Strategy and Challenge of the UNDP Global Commission on HIV and the Law. Hotel Grand Chancellor
The Rabbit Hole 20 writers, one weekend, 30 000 words each. ONE SPACE LEFT
Rachel Edwards Managing Editor Island Magazine
13.05.12 8:20 am
The Rabbit Hole
20 writers, one weekend, 30 000 words each.
ONE SPACE LEFT
Island magazine, in conjunction with the Emerging Writers Festival is hosting a Tasmanian heat of The Rabbit Hole on June 1,2,3.
The Rabbit Hole is a fantastic, free opportunity for enthusiastic writers from all works of life and writing backgrounds to come together and indulge in a weekend of dedicated writing in a supportive environment.
The teams of 20 in Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart and online will be competing with each other to reach the 30 000 word count for each participant.
It is an exercise in getting the writing juices flowing and not in the refining or editing process.
Island provides the space (the Meeting Room at the Salamanca Arts Centre), inspirational resources and a friendly and supportive host.
Island is delighted to be working with the Emerging Writers’ Festival and The Queensland Writers’ Centre to bring this event to fruition.
Rachel Edwards
Managing Editor
Island Magazine
w: http://www.islandmag.com
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
t: + 61 (0) 3 6226 2325
a: PO Box 210 Sandy Bay Tasmania 7006 Australia
Mt Wellington forum: Tuesday 22 May at 7.00pm, Baha’i Centre of Learning for Tasmania
Jennifer Rowallan, Biodiversity Campaigner Tasmanian Conservation Trust
11.05.12 2:55 pm
Media Release
11 May 2012
Mt Wellington public forum: Tuesday 22 May at 7.00pm, Baha’i Centre of Learning for Tasmania
The Tasmanian Conservation Trust is holding a public forum to discuss the natural values of Mt Wellington and why significant development (including a cable car) should not be permitted at the pinnacle or any other sensitive areas of Wellington Park.
The Tasmanian Conservation Trust has a long association with Wellington Park starting back in the late 1960’s when the TCT began lobbying for a management plan for the area. The TCT’s early draft management plan was co-opted by the Hobart City Council and resulted in the establishment of the East Wellington Range Management Committee in the 1970s to finalise a Mountain Park management plan.
The TCT’s Biodiversity Campaigner, and event organiser, Ms Jennifer Rowallan, stated that ‘Again in the 1990s the TCT was integral in lobbying for the establishment of the current Wellington Park Management Trust. During this time and to date, the TCT has strongly opposed proposals of a cable car to Mt Wellington, a debate which has been a recurring issue since 1905’.
‘Since 1905, the cable car idea has been revived over half a dozen times and each time it has been rejected by the general public’, said Ms Rowallan
One of the reasons the TCT has initiated this public meeting is to build interest in the ongoing review of the Wellington Park Management Plan.
‘The Wellington Park Management Trust released a discussion paper for public comment at the end of 2011 and we expect a draft management plan to be released in June this year.
‘Public comments to the draft plan are the most significant way in which people can influence the future management of Wellington Park and we hope to engender enough interest in people to make submissions.
‘We are encouraged by the comments received on the 2011 discussion paper which generally support retention of the status quo in terms of development on and access to Mount Wellington’, said Ms Rowallan.
Responses to the discussion paper (as summarised on the Wellington Park Management Trust web site) found that:
- 63.4% of people either strongly approve or approve of maintaining the prohibition of commercial development outside of the Springs.
- 56.8% strongly disapprove or disapprove of allowing for consideration of alternative forms of transport to the pinnacle plus associated commercial development. A range of options from a cable car to mini buses and 4- wheel drives during and following heavy snow falls were considered.
- 83.3% either strongly approve or approve of maintaining the existing snow management access approach.
The public forum will be held on Tuesday 22 May at the Baha’i Centre of Learning for Tasmania from 7pm. This event is open to all interested individuals.
The evening will be chaired by Margaret Steadman. Guest speakers include Geoff Law, Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick, Peter McGlone, and local Fern Tree business owner Matt Kruse. A question and answer forum will follow the speakers’ session.
Earlier on Tasmanian Times:
We love Mt Wellington ... naturally
TT What’s On
What's On
SKILLS-AURORA PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES VITAL NBN TRAINING
Skills Institute CEO Malcolm White
11.05.12 9:51 am
11 May 2012
Tasmania’s telecommunications and electrical workers will have access to vital skills and
training thanks to a new $4.5 million state-of-the-art training facility opened in Mornington
today – the first of its kind in Tasmania.
The Mornington Training Centre, a joint project between the Skills Institute and Aurora Energy,
will also enable the completion of the National Broadband Network roll out in the State,
providing contractors with the skills and safety qualifications needed to work on the network.
Skills Institute CEO Malcolm White said the Centre was evidence of the great things the
organisation could achieve by partnering with industry and businesses in Tasmania.
“The Skills Institute has been working with Aurora on a range of projects for more than 10
years now, providing co-training for Aurora employees, including line workers and electrical
inspectors,” Mr White said.
“In recent times for example, we have delivered Power Systems Safety Rules (PSSR) training
as well as the Certificate IV qualification in Inspection and Audits.
“We have also been working with Aurora during the roll out of stages 1 and 2 of the new NBN
in Tasmania to deliver vital safety awareness training for those working on vital infrastructure
for the new network.
“This essential training includes a Construction White Card as well as First Aid, Electrical
Awareness and Elevated Work Platform courses.”
Mr White said the Centre would provide further benefits not only to Skills Institute students and
Aurora employees, but also to Tasmania’s electrical and telecommunications industries.
“New courses to be provided by the Skills Institute at the Centre will include NBN safety and
awareness, fibre-optic splicing, pit and pipe work for cable haulage and network testing, to
name just a few,” he said.
“We will also be looking to provide some units of the Certificate II qualification in
Telecommunications here at the Centre.
“In addition, anyone working as a sub-contractor for Visionstream for the remainder of the
NBN roll out across the State, whether they be skilled or semi-skilled, will be able to obtain the
training they need through this new Centre.
“The Centre and the NBN also provide new opportunities for the State’s electrical contractors,
who will be able to specialise in Digital Reception Technology (DRT), expanding their
businesses to install and service anything that can be connected to the internet.”
The Mornington Training Centre redevelopment was officially opened today by the Premier of
Tasmania, the Hon. Lara Giddings, joined by Aurora Energy CEO Peter Davis and Skills
Institute CEO Malcolm White.
The Skills Institute will be offering the following courses at the MTC:
- NBN safety and awareness;
- Fibre-optic splicing;
- Splicing termination;
- Network testing;
- Pit and pipe work for cable haulage; and
- Units of Certificate II in Telecommunications.
Aurora will be offering the following courses at the MTC:
- Fibre-optic cable induction;
- Fibre installation for line-workers;
- Network access for fibre-optic;
- High voltage and low voltage line work;
- Switchgear operation;
- Occupational health and safety;
- Power systems safety rules;
- Service connections;
- Polarity training, and
- Pole and line inspection.
DESPARD GALLERY TONIGHT: Helen Hopcroft
Steven Joyce Despard Gallery
10.05.12 12:44 pm
Helen Hopcroft Strange tales
OPENS TONIGHT
to be opened by Danielle Wood
from 6pm - 8pm
Whale Song 2012 oil on canvas 152 x 306 cm
http://www.despard-gallery.com.au/artists/hopcroft12/1.html
Steven Joyce
Director
Despard Gallery
15 Castray Esplanade
Hobart Tasmania Australia 7000
http://www.despard-gallery.com.au
ph +61 3 62238266
fax +61 3 62236496
Look into my eyes: TFGA Conference …
Jan Davis, TFGA chief executive
10.05.12 12:18 pm
If you think that all you will need to keep ahead of the pack in farming in the next 10 years or so will be the ability to use a computer keyboard and a mouse, think again. They are both likely to be redundant technology.
Think instead of social media and networking, virtual worlds, augmented reality, crowdsourcing and geotagging.
Daunted? Don’t be. All will be revealed at the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association conference at Country Club Tasmania in Launceston from July 11-13.
Among the guest speakers is Morris Miselowski, an Australian business futurist of high repute. Morris has been to the mountain and has seen what there is to see.
He says that in the next 10 years we will see the equivalent of 100 years of change. By 2020, 60 per cent of the workforce will be doing jobs that don’t yet exist, in industries that haven’t been created.
What will that mean for Tasmanian agriculture? You will not want to miss what he has to say.
“Morris Miselowski inspires organisations to get out of their comfort zones and to embrace the future before their competitors do,” says TFGA chief executive Jan Davis.
“We could stick our heads in the sand and say that either change is not going to happen or we will deal with it when it does. That’s not a professional attitude. Forearmed is forewarned. We have to know what the future has in store. That is the very essence of farming.”
Morris Miselowski heads a star-studded cast of speakers at the TFGA conference, which is considered Tasmania’s leading industry ideas forum. It has special relevance in this Australian Year of the Farmer, which fosters a broader awareness in the wider community of the role that agriculture will play in our everyday lives in the years ahead.
Other conference speakers include:
• Premier Lara Giddings
• Mick Keogh, executive director, Australian Farm Institute
• Jock Laurie, president, National Farmers Federation
• Philip Bruem, Director, Australian Year of the Farmer
• Roma Britnell, Winner of the Australian RIDIC Rural Women’s Award
• John Kerin, chair of the agricultural research body, the Crawford Fund
ABC Talking Heads presenter Peter Thompson will be the facilitator for the Q&A sessions.
Registrations ( http://www.tfga.com.au/2012-tfga-conference/ ) have now opened.
What's OnTasmanian industry to benefit from state-of-the-art GPS network
Ultimate Positioning
10.05.12 12:14 pm
Tasmanian businesses are now able to access Global Positioning data accurate to within two centimetres, with the launch of OmniSTAR’s state-of-the-art CORS Network set up with the assistance of the Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Corporations (TWSC).
CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Station) Networks provide highly accurate global positioning data which benefits a range of commercial and industrial users. They achieve much greater accuracy than traditional GPS systems by allowing satellite measurements to be referenced in real time against precise information from GPS base-stations.
OmniSTAR’s industry partner Ultimate Positioning has been working to develop the network since July 2011. To deliver the 19 base-station network Ultimate Positioning has worked with Cradle Mountain Water, Ben Lomond Water and Southern Water, which are hosting base-stations at depots around the state.
Ultimate Positioning’s National Survey Manager Paul Standen said the network’s precision was a first for Tasmania.
“The CORS network will be enormously beneficial to users in surveying, mapping, construction, agriculture, mining and engineering around the state,” Mr Standen said.
“The assistance of Cradle Mountain Water and Ben Lomond Water and Southern Water in supplying the power supply and communications infrastructure for the GPS base-stations has enabled the network to be established in a very fast time.”
TWSC Chairman Miles Hampton said the water corporations were delighted to be able to assist Ultimate Positioning to get the network up and running.
“Many industries in Tasmania will benefit from being able to access this CORS Network so when Cradle Mountain Water, Ben Lomond Water and Southern Water were approached by Ultimate Positioning to host the GPS sub-stations we thought it was a great opportunity to assist in bringing the network to fruition,” Mr Hampton said.
“Cradle Mountain Water, Ben Lomond Water and Southern Water are among the many users to benefit from being able to access highly accurate positioning data and the fact that we were also able to help set this network up for the benefit of everyone in the state is a huge positive.”
The network, covering all Tasmania except a part of the South West, is now commercially available for users requiring high-accuracy GPS.
For more information go to http://www.ultimatepositioning.com
Download:
OmniSTAR_CORS.pdf
FULLERS: OWL KNOW HOW BY Cat Rabbit and Isobel Knowles
Rachel Edwards, Events Manager, Fullers Bookshop
10.05.12 7:21 am
Fullers Bookshop, Thursday, May 17, 5.30pm
Fullers Bookshop is delighted to welcome to crafty goodness of Cat Rabbit and Isobel Knowles to celebrate the launch of their gorgeous new book Owl Know How at Fullers Bookshop, on Thursday, May 17 at 5.30pm.
The book features the hand sewn creatures with which Tasmanian textile artist Cat Rabbit has made her name and the story has been crafted by animator Isobel Knowles.
The authors will be talking about the process of creating this delightful story of owls solving problems and there will be an opportunity for all involved to create their own craft work.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are $5 and available from Fullers Bookshop.
What's OnBob Bird
09.05.12 7:53 am
Harry Manx (Canada)
Sat 26 May 2012 8pm.
Showroom Wrest Point, Hobart
Tkts : http://tixtas.com.au/Home.aspx or 1300 795 257
Harry Manx has been dubbed an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. His unique sound is bewitching and deliciously addictive to listen to.
Born on the Isle of Man, Manx spent his childhood in Canada and left in his teens to live in Europe, Japan, India and Brazil. He honed his hypnotic live show on street corners, in cafes, bars and at festivals. But it was Indian music that captured his attention and in the mid 80s he began five-year tutelage with Rajasthani Indian musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Grammy winner with Ry Cooder for A Meeting by the River). Receiving the gift of Bhatt’s custom-made, self-designed Mohan Veena (a 20-stringed sitar/guitar hybrid) was the catalyst for Harry to forge a new path with his now signature east-meets-west style of music. While the mohan veena itself is beyond exotic, Manx uses it within traditional Western sound structures.
A successful touring performer, Manx has brought his “breathtaking” solo shows across Canada and into the USA, Australia, and Europe. He has appeared at many prestigious festivals, world-class theatres, concert halls and infamous Blues clubs around the globe. Playing the Mohan Veena, lap steel, harmonica, stomp box, and banjo, Manx quickly envelops the audience into what has been dubbed “the Harry Zone” with his warm vocals and the hauntingly beautiful melodies of his original songs.
Over the last 10 years, Harry Manx released 11 albums and has garnered a room full of awards including seven Maple Blues Awards, six Juno nominations, the Canadian Folk Award in 2005 for Best Solo Artist and won CBC Radio’s Great Canadian Blues Award in 2007.
Blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, add a sprinkle of gospel and some compelling grooves and you’ll get Manx’s unique “mysticssippi” flavour. It’s hard to resist, easy to digest and keeps audiences coming back for more.
More info can be found at http://anotherbbproduction.blogspot.com.au/
What's OnHOBART BOOKSHOP: Rosie Dub launches John Biggs’s short stories
The Hobart Bookshop
09.05.12 7:47 am
Please join us as Rosie Dub launches John Biggs’s new collection of short stories, Towards Forgiveness: Sino-Tasmanian Stories from Two Islands (Ginninderra Press).
When: Thursday May 24th, 5.30pm
Where: The Hobart Bookshop
Free event, all welcome.
The Hobart Bookshop
22 Salamanca Square
Hobart Tasmania 7000
P 03 6223 1803 . F 03 6223 1804
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.hobartbookshop.com.au
We love Mt Wellington … naturally
Jennifer Rowallan Biodiversity Campaigner TCT
09.05.12 7:38 am
The Tasmanian Conservation Trust is holding a public forum to discuss the natural values of Mt Wellington and why significant development (including a cable car) should not be permitted at the pinnacle or any other sensitive areas of Wellington Park.
This event is open to all interested individuals.
When: Tuesday 22 May at 7.00pm (sharp)
Where: Baha’i Centre of Learning for Tasmania
1 Tasman Hwy, Hobart
Entry: Gold coin donation appreciated.
The evening will be chaired by Margaret Steadman. Guest speakers include:
• Geoff Law (Environmental campaigner)
• Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick (School of Geography & Environmental Studies, UTAS)
• Peter McGlone (Director, Tasmanian Conservation Trust)
• Matt Kruse (Local Fern Tree business owner)
A question and answer forum will follow the speakers.
Tasmanian Conservation Trust Inc. http://www.tct.org .au
What's On
