The Mt Rumney home was awarded the 2013 HIA-CSR Home of the Year title. Designer Mike Cleaver, of Clever Designs, and builder Andrew Scott, of Cave Constructions, are overwhelmed to be the first Tasmanians to take home the prize.

A PAVILION style home at Mount Rumney on the Eastern Shore has won the coveted 2013 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year award, the highest achievement in the residential building industry.

Building designer Mike Cleaver, of Clever Designs, and Andrew Scott, of Cave Constructions, collected the award at a ceremony in Brisbane earlier this month.

It is the first time Tasmania has taken out the top prize at the national awards.

The project was lauded for its use of clean lines and its high calibre finish.

Achieved within budget, the simple yet innovative design demonstrated functionality of space, while keeping to the sustainable values of its surrounding environs.

The home, which is defined by its striking curved ceilings and sky-high glass windows, has a passive solar design to provide yearlong thermal comfort for its residents.

This attention to detail applied by the designer and builder marked the difference of the project among its contenders.

Mr Cleaver said he was overwhelmed with the accolade.

“We are absolutely delighted with the result and very happy that we fulfilled our client’s expectations – and on a modest budget,” he said.

“It was fantastic that the judges recognised the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into the design and building phases.

“I think they were also impressed with the synergy of our working dynamic with the clients.”

Mr Cleaver said the steep and rocky site made the planning and design particularly challenging.

“I had to go about it in a different way,” he said.

“I took advantage of some of the site characteristics and bunkered the design into the knoll of the land.

“This gives the illusion that the roof evolves from the knoll, and as a result, the home effortlessly blends into the site.”

Mr Cleaver said the judges acknowledged the design resolution as an “…example of turning the challenges of planning restrictions into opportunities”.

“Because my focus was on an environmentally responsive home, I could use this roof form to deflect the prevailing south-westerly winds.”

Tasmania HIA executive director Stuart Clues said the award was “monumental” for Tasmania.

“To be able to say that Tasmania has built the finest home in Australia is absolutely outstanding, and to have done so on a modest budget, increases the kudos ten-fold,” he said.

“It also sends a resounding message to the state’s industry and consumers about what can be done with great design skills and craftsmanship.”

Mr Cleaver said he hoped the win gave other Tasmanian builders and designers the confidence to pursue their projects, despite facing budget restrictions.

“I guess it goes to show that good design and good craftsmanship are not all about big budgets.”

Photo acknowledgement: Ian Wallace

SPIRIT of Tasmania has produced a free travel guide for exploring Tasmania by car, featuringsix “spectacular drives” that highlight some of the state’s best scenery, attractions and experiences.

The list of drives includes the Tasman Peninsula and the drive between Sorell and Port Arthur.

Titled Cruising Tasmania, the 21-page guide, designed to fit in a car glove box, can be requested online via cruisingtasmania.com.au.

The guide is filled with everything from Tasmanian nature tips, beach locations, picture-postcard villages, gourmet restaurants, cellar doors and more.

It specifcally highlights Sorell’s historic buildings, the Cape Bernier Vineyard at Bream Creek, named Tasmanian vineyard of the year in 2010, the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park at Taranna, wildlife walks in the Tasman National Park, Tasman Island Cruises and the Port Arthur Historic site.

Cruising Tasmania was created to help travellers to plan their Tasmanian holiday and visit many undiscovered places along the way.

More than 8000 people have already requested the free guide within the first two weeks of being released.

Spirit of Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Charles Griplas said Tasmania was well suited to touring by car.

“The state may look small on a map, but there is a lot to see and do and no better way to do it than in your own car,” he said.

“The obvious link between our vessels and the Cruising Tasmania guide  is that you can drive on in Melbourne and drive off in Devonport, ready to begin your touring adventure in Tasmania.

“The biggest benefit of sailing with Spirit of Tasmania and taking your own car is the ease of travel.

“It’s a stress-free, relaxing experience, meaning no waiting at airports in long queues, no delays for your bags and no taxi and car hire fees.”

“We have plenty of leg room, an array of Tasmanian produce and wine available  in our bars and restaurants and you can pack as much luggage as you can fit in your car.”

The other drives highlighted in the Cruising Tasmania travel guide are:

• Freycinet and surrounds
• Hobart and surrounds
• Western Wilderness National Parks
• Devonport to Strahan
• Strahan to Hobart

The guide also features handy driving distances between towns and “save vs splurge” accommodation recommendations as well as handy “What’s On” sections for food and wine, outdoor and cultural events.

The community art project: A mural designed by three-time Glover finalist Caroline Amos, featuring some of the Eastern Shore’s most well known attractions and elements.

METRES of canvas, paint slopping and mural making for the local community was the order of the day at the launch of Eastlands Shopping Centre’s 10-day lifestyle festival, Gathered.

Eastlands’ second annual community lifestyle festival aimed to bring the local community together to entertain and engage children during the holidays and raise funds for Variety – the children’s charity.

Eastlands manager Craig Connell said after the success of last year’s festival, the centre was looking forward to providing an even more engaging community program this year.

“One of the highlights of the festival is a community art project we have put together with the help of renowned local artist and three-time Glover finalist Caroline Amos,” he said.

“Caroline, who is a practicing artist and art tutor, will assist work with students from Rosny College and other young people in the community to help create an amazing piece of art in the form of a mural.

“To have someone of Caroline’s calibre assist us with this project and guide people through an artistic journey is really exciting and we hope the community will take advantage of this opportunity.

“Once the mural is complete, it will be displayed in the centre for the community to enjoy.”

Mr Connell said other key features of the festival included AMF bowling, chalkboard activities and a roaming clown on site to entertain the kids, as well as a petting zoo thanks to Zoo Doo.

“Village Cinemas Eastlands has also contributed to the main event of the festival, offering an exclusive screening of Return to Nim’s Island, starring Bindi Irwin, to raise money for Variety’s bushfire appeal community project,” he said.

Rosny College students Ren and Claire get started on the community art project with the three-time Glover finalist Caroline Amos.

However, most house fires can be avoided.

This is the key message of a new winter campaign by the Tasmania Fire Service.

“It’s a statistical fact that winter is the busiest time for house fires and 65 per cent of all fire related deaths occur between May and October,” said chief officer Mike Brown.

“There are common danger zones for fire around the home including heaters, the kitchen, faulty electrical goods and people being careless with cigarettes and candles.”

Mr Brown said most fires in the cooler months could be avoided if people took simple precautions.

To protect your home in the cooler months:

• Clean and maintain chimneys and heater flues yearly
• Always use a metal fire screen with an open fire.
• Don’t leave your heater door open
• Keep flammable material at least 2 metres away from heaters.
• Extinguish your open fire before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Be careful disposing of heater ash. Ashes can take up to 5 days to cool. Place in metal container, well clear of the house and pour water over them.
• Use an electric heater which switches off automatically if knocked over.
• Position heaters away from heavy traffic.
• Always turn heaters off when going to bed or leaving the house
• Never leave cooking unattended. Turn if off before you turn away.
• Install smoke alarms in each sleeping area, hallway and living area Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan with the whole family
• Never sleep with your electric blanket turned on
• Don’t leave electric blankets on when you are not home
• Check electric blankets for faulty wiring.
• Don’t overload power points.
• Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use
• Clean dryer lint filters before every use
• Don’t burn candles near flammable materials.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters locked away from children

What makes a house fire so devastating is the combination of fire, smoke and the production of poisonous gases. These things combined have the power to kill.

Three minutes is all it can take to lose your home and family to fire.

Mr Brown warned people could not rely on their senses to wake them up, and  working smoke alarms could be the difference between life and death.

“You might not smell smoke if there is a house fire – but you should hear working smoke alarms,” he said.

“We urge Tasmanians to test their smoke alarms, to make sure they work.

Mr Brown said despite taking precautions against house fire, householders should still plan an escape in case of fire.

“While there is an increasing awareness of the importance of smoke alarms, there are still thousands of Tasmanians who have not developed a home fire escape plan for their homes,” he said.

“One of the key reasons people lose their lives in house fires is that thick smoke, minimal visibility and the effects of smoke inhalation can cause people to panic, lose their bearings and get trapped in their own home.”

To create your escape plan, draw up a plan with all members of the household making sure everyone knows two exits from every room, particularly bedrooms.

Your escape plan should include the following :

• Working smoke alarms
• Know two safe ways out of every room.
• Ensure windows and doors open quickly when required and keys are kept in deadlocked doors.
• Decide on a safe outdoor meeting place such as the letterbox.
• Remember to crawl low if caught in smoke
• Once you are out, stay out.

Want more information about fire safety? Visit www.fire.tas.gov.au or Free-call 1800 000 699 or

This is a fire safety message from Tasmania’s firefighters.

Kate Guinane and Beaufort Benedict clearing a cross-country jump in style.

HORSE and rider combinations from around the state gathered to test their skills at the Tasmanian Eventing Championships held last month at the Lauderdale Tasmanian Equestrian Centre.

Conducted by the Southern Tasmanian Eventing Association, in conjunction with Hobart and Districts Pony Club, the event required combinations to compete in three Olympic disciplines over two days.

On the opening day of the event, competitors tested their accuracy, balance and harmony in the dressage arena, which secured the riders’ starting score.

Day two of the event demanded the brave and bold to complete the trio of riding disciplines, with the cross-country and showjumping – in optimum time, where the dropping of one rail could prove the difference between those who scored a place and those who didn’t.

Local competitor Kate Guinane said it was a fantastic weekend with more than 90 competitors of all levels of eventing, from training through to two-star, battling it out for the title of state champion.

“The weekend ran smoothly and was a credit to the hardworking organisers and volunteers who hosted the championships,” she said.

“Although the cross-country course proved a challenge for some levels, it was great to see such a diverse group of riders and horses enjoying themselves.

“I was really happy with my horse too, so it was a great weekend all-round.”

Alice Hirst and Mighty William, who travelled from northern Tasmania to attend the event. The combination competed in their first Two star and finished second in the Two star behind Lucinda Alexander.

Winner of each class:

Two Star: Lucinda Alexander – Lethal Contender

One Star: All eliminated cross country

105cm: Charley Freeman-Finn – Odyssey Rush

95cm: Ashton Brown – Wellbrook Top Deck

80cm: Narelle Rowlandson – Matilda

65cm: Cassie Absolom – Red October

105cm Junior: Mykaela Briggs – Diamonds On Ice

95cm Junior: Stephanie Lewis – Just Dance On

65cm Junior: Bethany Hirst – Pretzel

Two Star Interschools: Alice Hirst – Mighty William

105cm Interschools: Ellen McIntosh – Alluvian

95cm Interschools: Keryn Gane – Zack

80cm Interschools: Olivia Lawson – Roseagle Earl

Pony Club Grade 1: Jess Price – Rustic Fire

Pony Club Grade 2: Georgia Sly – Benstock Happy Feet

Pony Club Grade 3: Linda Cornelius – Tango Show

Pony Club Grade 4: Cassey Price – Hedge Hunter

North Melbourne Football Club players meet and train with kids at Risdon Vale after their game at Blundstone Arena against Port Adelaide.

NORTH Melbourne Football Club has strengthened connections with the Hobart community with local children and their families converging on the Risdon Vale Oval for a football clinic.

The event was one of three Kanga’s Kids’ Club Super Clinics conducted by the club following their win over Port Adelaide at Blundstone Arena on Saturday 5 May.

North Melbourne launched a new partnership with the Tasmanian Association of Community Houses (TACH), the peak body for 34 state-funded community houses and neighbourhood centres across Tasmania.

The partnership aims to develop grassroots football talent while also promoting physical education among children.

The program includes a football clinic to help all children see the value of physical exercise, and of course, help develop the ALF stars of tomorrow.

Through the club’s community and education arm, THE HUDDLE, North Melbourne has designed a program delivered directly into Tasmanian Neighbourhood Houses and schools.

It involves breakfast clubs and after school programs through the use of Skype, encouraging good homework habits for kids.

Premier Lara Giddings said seeing North Melbourne’s stars connect with the local community was inspirational.

“It’s just the grassroots connection we need and helps inspire kids and their families to get active and involved in their local communities,” she said.

Kanga’s Kids’ Club Super Clinics had also been held in the past at Bridgewater, Gagebrook, Clarendon Vale and Rokeby.

From left, Shane Mundy, Cindi Escardo, Sue Bidgood, Rachel Bidgood, Tania Amos, Allison Mundy, Cathy Forster, Keely Mundy and Emma Prenter.

A SEA of hot pink runners will be clocking up the kilometres at this year’s Mother’s Day Classic fun run and walk in their quest to raise vital funds for breast cancer research.

Team Alli comprises 23 motivated and energetic men and women who walk and run to increase awareness of breast cancer.

Although the group has participated in a number of Classics over the years, the 2013 event will hold an even greater importance for members.

They will be running for Alli – Allison Mundy – their friend and fellow group member who recently overcame a battle with breast cancer.

In November 2011, Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer after detecting what she believed was a lump in her breast.

“Following a mammogram and an ultra sound, I was told that I had five small lumps in my left breast – three of which were malignant,” she said.

“Looking back, it was a very traumatic journey and something I still think about every day.

“At the time, the fear of not knowing was overwhelming and I thought I would die. But the thing is, you still have to get on with your life.”

Allison, who is from Tranmere, credits the love and support of her husband Shane and three children, along with her family and friends, for helping her remain strong and positive during her battle.

“I was – and am – very fortunate to have an amazing family and network of friends who helped pull me through those darker days,” she said.

“Having a couple of friends who had gone through similar experiences with cancer meant I could go to them for support because they really understood how I felt.”

Surgery came swiftly for Allison in mid-December 2011 and following an intensive course of radiation treatment and an MRI, she was given the all clear in January 2012.

Now on the path to wellness, Allison remains focused on regaining her health and fitness.

“I am not an athlete or runner by any means,” she said.

“My main motivation for going to the gym is the social aspect of meeting up with my friends and having fun at the same time.

Allison said while circumstances had changed since the first year the group ran in the Classic, they were much more aware of breast cancer.

“Every member wears a bright pink top emblazoned with the slogan ‘Team Alli’,” she said.

“We find the opportunity to wear them everywhere, from running events to gym sessions.

“We also feel passionately about raising money towards breast cancer research and ongoing education.”

Allison said it was crucial for women to check their breasts regularly.

“If you find a lump or any irregularities in your skin or nipples, get to your doctor straight away,” she said.

“Not all lumps are malignant, so finding a lump is not necessarily a death sentence.

“It might be just a cyst but you do need to find out exactly what is going on and take immediate action. It could save your life.

“Early detection and quick action saved mine.”

The Mother’s Day Classic is one of Hobart’s biggest events on Mother’s Day (May 12).

Over 15 years, the national event has raised a total of $14.8 million for breast cancer research.

All proceeds raised through the event go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for research into the prevention, treatment and cure for breast cancer.

The Mother’s Day Classic is on Sunday May 12 at the Domain Athletics Centre.

To register, volunteer or fundraise go to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au

Important facts about breast cancer:

• On average, seven women die from breast cancer every day in Australia.
• Increasing age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing breast cancer. More than two in three cases of breast cancer occur in women aged between 40 and 69 years.
• Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer have an 89 per cent chance of surviving five years after diagnosis.
• Improvements in survival are attributed to earlier detection of breast through regular mammograms and improved treatment outcomes for breast cancer.
• Detecting breast cancer early indicates the chance of surviving the disease.
• Although rare, breast cancer can also affect men. In fact, 113 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 – approximately 1 per cent of all breast cancer cases.
• One in 688 men will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Team Alli

From left, Bobby Smith, Mayor of Clarence Doug Chipman and Simon Pankhurst.

BLACKSMITH artist Simon Pankhurst recently moved a furnace from the Channel to Risdon Vale to create a piece of street furniture and along the way, spread the skill of metal work to at-risk youth on the Eastern Shore.

Not your average council-issue bench, the seat was constructed from pieces of scrap metal donated by Intercontinental Metals.

It was designed wand welded together by local young people at risk of disengaging from education or vocational training.

The Mayor of Clarence Doug Chipman recently launched the salvaged art bench, taking the opportunity to thank the artist and the many Risdon Vale community members involved in making the bench a reality.

The bench is located near the Risdon Vale Men’s Shed community garden.

Access is from the Neighbourhood Centre car park off Sugarloaf Road.

Cambridge’s Red Dragon Seafoods, which has been exporting fresh seafood interstate and overseas since 2009, is set to develop a café and expand its local retail outlet in time for next summer.

Managing Director Michael Blake said the company had operated a retail outlet for locals and tourists at its Cambridge base near the Hobart Airport for about 12 months.

“We have been holding our own through word-of-mouth promotion, but we believe there is enormous potential in expanding our shop front and opening a café,” he said.

“We were an exhibitor at the Hobart City Council’s The Taste this year, and will be back next year.

“Our experience at The Taste taught us a lot about the type of food people want to eat.

“For example, we did very good business at The Taste on New Year’s Eve when people had more time – and perhaps more money to spend – to sit down and eat a half rock lobster and salad.

“While we will be adjusting what we do at the next Taste, it has also helped us to prepare well-priced menus for the café for a family who want to eat a premium product like Tasmanian-caught rock lobster.”

Mr Blake said his café expansion plans had recently been approved by the Clarence City Council, and he was in the process of securing a liquor licence for the venture.

While the company sells a wide variety of seafood locally, interstate and internationally, including prawns, scallops, ling and trevally, it is best-known for Tasmanian-caught rock lobster and abalone.

Mr Blake, who previously owned and operated Stingray Seafoods in Hobart and before that managed a large export business, said Red Dragon Seafoods exported about 100 tonnes of product per annum interstate and overseas to China, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and Japan.

He said Red Dragon Seafoods sourced its lobsters from Tasmania’s pristine waters where the industry was carefully managed to ensure no over-fishing occurred.

“The company operates its own lobster-catching vessel and sources other lobsters from local professional fishermen.”

THE Eastern Shore Sun welcomes new advertising sales executive Kylie Eastley to the team.

Kylie is dedicated to customer service and brings with her more than 10 years experience in advertising and marketing.

Kylie grew up on the Tasman Peninsula, where she worked in the tourism industry and at a quail farm prior to launching her decade-long career in real estate in 2012.

During her time as a senior real estate agent at Sunny Real Estate and later Raine and Horne Sorell and Tasman, Kylie divided her skills across the realms of media, marketing, advertising and sales.

Her industry success has been documented through her proven sales register and a collection of annual and quarterly awards won for the south east.

In 2012, evolving family circumstances called for a change of pace which saw Kylie take up a position at Sensis as a sales executive.

Now, with her feet firmly placed in Eastern Shore Sun’s advertising and sales department, Kylie has proven that her well-honed communication skills and personable nature can carry her to excel in any industry.

“Moving from real estate into the marketing sphere meant I was able to continue my love of chatting, problem-solving and fulfilling my clients’ requirements,” she said.

“I know it is cliché but sales and marketing really do go hand-in-hand.

“While a good working knowledge of the industry is vital for meeting and negotiating with clients, and the end of the day, you need to be able to communicate that knowledge to many different people and personalities.

“You have to have your client’s interests at heart. You have to listen and you have to hear.

“Basically, it’s about knowing what the client needs, what type of advertising design they require and tailoring their expectations to their intended market.”

Kylie admits she is a country girl who devotes her spare time to her husband and two children.

“My husband and I breed quality Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs – something we have been doing for 11 years now,” she said.

“I absolutely love it – not only for the diversion it offers but the fact that it’s just so fulfilling.”

Kylie said the hobby, based at her Premaydena property, had resulted in pups homed throughout Tasmania, right across Australia and also overseas.

Today, Kylie has dogs in places such as Macarthur in Western Australia, Bali and Hong Kong.

“Our interest in breeding was born out of a desire to have people experience the wonderful relationships a well-bred dog can bring to a family,” she said.

“It’s nice to be able to give these dogs a loving home and the one-on-one attention they deserve.

“And the constant feedback and updates I receive from families long after the dogs are adopted out makes it even more special.”

As a dedicated member of the Tasman community, Kylie is well known for her extensive charity work, donations and local sponsorships.

Over the years, she has been involved with many volunteer and charity events and committees including various McGrath Foundation pink stumps days, the Premaydena Cricket Club and the Tasmanian Conservation Park Save Tasmanian Devils Program.

She is also a dedicated contributor to the Tasmanian Lions Club and the Tasman Christmas Parade Committee.

Working together with the production team, Kylie is the contact person for all advertising for the Eastern Shore Sun and can be contacted on 6210 5201.