Audio Clinic Tasmania

Free hearing tests for adults for a limited time. Call 6244 5506 for bookings and mention the ESS calendar notice.

Australian Retired Persons Association Tas

A non-profit organisation with a range of social activities for men and women who are retired or preparing to retire. Phone 6247 1035

Better Hearing Aus Tas

Provides classes for lip-reading and other communication skills for people who suffer hearing loss, including tinnitus support. Email betterhearing@iinet.net.au or phone 6244 5570.

Bellerive Community Arts Centre

Join weekly arts and crafts sessions held Tuesdays to Fridays or special weekend workshops. Annual membership only $30. Email Bellerive@bigpond.com for information or drop in for a chat about the program. Located at 17 Cambridge Road, Bellerive.

Bellerive Historical Society

17 Cambridge Road, Bellerive provides speakers, discussions, resources and outings related to local and Tasmanian history. Meetings 7.30pm on first Wednesday of month at the Bellerive Community Arts Centre. Phone John on 6244 2925.

Boule / Petanque

We play on the grass slopes at the rear of the Howrah Sunshine Recreation Centre, 11 Howrah Road, all year on Thursdays from 1.30pm. Games finish between 3.00 and 3.30pm. No experience or uniforms required and there is no age limit. Phone 6288 8306.

Chat ‘n’ Eat

Senior singles or couples meet for midday meal on fourth Thursday of the month. Bookings essential by the Monday before the meal. Phone Dawn 6247 9011.

City of Clarence Eisteddfod 2013

Eisteddfod program will commence Friday September 6. Schools week will be from Monday September 9. Entries close Friday July 5. Full information is available at www.clarenceeisteddfod.com.au or by emailing our secretary Priscilla Richardson secretary@clarenceeisteddfod.com.au or by phoning 0410 490 632

Clarence Community Knitting Group

Knitting/crocheting. Knit for friends, families and charities and get involved in community projects.  Venue, Clarence Integrated Care Centre, Bayfield Street, Rosny. Wednesdays 10am-12noon. Phone Sue 6282 0328.

Clarence Plains Historical Society Inc.

Meets February to October on the second Thursday at 7.30pm. Includes guest speakers, supper and a chat. Moving Picture Show in November. Visitors always welcome. Held at St Matthew’s Parish Centre, King Street Rokeby. Phone Wendy or Bruce on 6247 6925.

Coal River Valley Garden Club

Meets fourth Monday of month from February to November at Richmond Primary School, Commercial Road, Richmond at 7.30pm and include guest speakers, trade table and supper. Phone 6260 4140.

Coal River Valley Sustainable Living Group

To reduce our ecological footprint by sharing knowledge and ideas, liaising with local government and strengthening community links. Meet at the Centacare meeting room in Torrens Street, Richmond, on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Phone Penny Wadsley on 6260 2950 email pmwadsley@ozemail.com.au or visit www.crvslg.blogspot.com

Creative Yoga

Freeing, flowing, strengthening, balancing. Promotes ease and comfort of movement. Next term starts Monday 29 July. Monday 1.30pm and Thursday 5.30pm in Howrah. Tuesday 5.30pm in South Hobart. Nine weeks – $130. Book early. Contact Fern Vella on 0438 234 962.

Cremorne Bowls Club

Mixed random draw on Tuesdays at 10.30am for 11am start and mixed triples on Saturdays 12.30pm for a 1pm start. Coaching available. new and existing bowlers welcome. For more information phone Cremorne Bowls Club on 6248 9856.

Derwent Storms Dragon Boat Club

For recreational and/or competition paddlers, males/females aged from 12 with no upper age limit. Experience not necessary. Come and try sessions Saturday mornings, first session free, then $30 for three sessions. Meet at Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania, Lindisfarne at 8am. Paddle from 8.30-9.30am. Email derwentstorms@gmail.com

Dodges Ferry Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls

Have fun with fellow senior citizens every Thursday 12.45-4pm at the Dodges Ferry Recreational Community Centre next to the Dodges Ferry Primary School, Old Forcett Road. Phone Jan Patmore 6265 8208.

Eastern Shore Bridge Club

Meets at the Howrah Recreation Centre, 11 Howrah Road, Howrah, Tuesday events at 7pm. Phone Cynthia on 6233 5916.

Eastern Shore Needlework Group

Meets at Howrah Recreation Centre, 11 Howrah Road, Howrah: Mondays 9am-12 noon and Wednesdays 12.30pm-3.30pm. Cost insurance $10 annually and $3.50 per session. Covers room rental, morning and afternoon teas. Phone Margaret 6247 1648 or Annette 6243 7236. Monday morning sessions also cater for people with disabilities.

Facial Pain Support Group

Trigeminal neuralgia and other facial pain sufferers meet regularly for information and support. Phone Helen 6245 0429 or Ros 6234 7989.

Flagstaff Gully Landcare Group

Meet on the first Saturday in the month, 8am-12.30pm, contact Peter McGlone on 0406 380 545.

Food Garden Group

We love to grow what we eat and share our skills, surplus produce, seeds, seedlings and plants at our informal monthly garden visits. Membership is free. We welcome both experts and novices. For more info visit www.foodgardengroup.blogspot.com.au or email foodgardengroup@gmail.com

Free computer training

Use you own laptop or use an online centre computer. Phone 6260 1065 or drop into the Richmond Online Centre at 54 Bridge Street, Richmond (Old Court House). Email Richmond@tco.asn.au

Gentle Squash

Fun and aerobic fitness program for over 50s, designed to improve hand-eye coordination.  If you can walk, you can play. Fridays 1.30-3pm at Eastside Squash, 69 Cambridge Road, Bellerive.  All equipment is provided. First lesson is free $5 thereafter. Phone John on 6244 6539.

Gordons Hill Landcare Group

Meets on the third Sunday of each month, 9am-12.30pm at Marril Street for working bee activities. Contact Michael Baker on 0447 335 870.

Hobart Film Society

2013 program has 67 films from 11 countries. Excluding six weeks in summer, films are shown three times a fortnight at the Philip Street Theatre, Glebe. Screenings, with free refreshments, are for members only and admission is free. Membership $69 double or $42 single. Concession available. Includes discounts at State and Village cinemas, Hobart Bookshop, newsletters with screening details, and free DVD loans. Contact Centertainment 6234 5998 or http://www.hobartfilmsociety.tassie.org/

Hobart Model Aero Club

Radio Control planes at Kelly Field on the Richmond/Campania Road, on the right-hand side, 2km from Richmond. Most flying takes place Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather permitting, between 9am and 1pm. Visitors welcome. Qualified instructors assist those who bring their own models and we also offer two free flights to interested people over the age of 12 on the club’s trainer model aircraft using a buddy box system.

Hobart Outrigger Canoe Club (HOCC)

Love the water, want to get fit and have some fun? Then Hobart Outrigger Canoe Club is the perfect fit for you and your family. We paddle from the Montrose Yacht Club and also have additional paddling locations at Lindisfarne and Dodges Ferry. So come along, try it out and why not bring a friend? For ages nine and up. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm and Sunday at 9am.

Howrah Auxiliary of the Royal Hobart Hospital

Meetings held on the first Wednesday of month at Howrah Sunshine Recreation Centre, Howrah Road at 1.30pm. New members welcome. For more details phone 6244 1914 or 6244 1302

Howrah Joey Scouts

For boys and girls aged six to eight. We enjoy games, craft, sleepovers, outings, making new friends and having lots of fun. We meet on Thursday evenings during school terms from 6pm to 7pm at the Tranmere Hall. For further information phone Fiona Roberts on 0418 996194

Howrah Playgroup

Offers a fun, safe environment for families with children aged up to five. Monday to Thursday, 10am to noon. Howrah Recreational Centre, 11 Howrah Road, Howrah. Phone Juanita 0434 217 298.

Howrah Yoga Flow Class

Moving with the breath, strengthening core, lengthening spine, relaxation and mindfulness. Howrah Recreation Centre, Tuesdays 7.15pm. Beginners welcome. Phone Jackie 6265 7716. Email jackiegraham@iprimus.com.au

Launching into Learning

Lauderdale Primary School, programs open to all families in the community with children from birth to four years. Sessions helps Wednesday 9-11am and Friday 11.30am-12.30pm during school terms. Gold coin donation. Phone 6248 6270.

Lincoln Singers

Rehearsals in Lindisfarne Citizens Activities Centre with concerts around Tasmania. Phone Margot Lampkin on 6244 5344.

Lindisfarne Community Library

At Lindisfarne Activities Centre, 37a Lincoln Street. Open weekdays 10am-2pm and Saturday mornings 10am-12noon. Subscription $5 annually and 10c per book. Large print, fiction and non-fiction books available. Contact Diane on 6244 3439.

Lindisfarne Garden Group

Meets fourth Tuesday in each month at the CWA Hall, Lincoln Street, Lindisfarne at 7.45pm. Phone 6248 6540.

Lindisfarne Primary School Launching into Learning

Holds a gross motor gym fun session on Thursdays from 9am to 10.15am during school terms. We welcome all families in the community with children from birth to four years. Gold coin donation. Phone 6243 9232.

Lindisfarne Riverside Arts Club

Choir practice Thursday evenings at the Lindisfarne Citizens Activities Centre 7.30-9.30pm. Phone Jeff on 6249 1002. www.riversideartsclub.org.au

Lindisfarne School for Seniors

Fridays 10am-midday at the Lindisfarne Activities Centre, 37a Lincoln Street. Guest speakers on topics including health, travel, history, musical entertainment, sport, food, community services etc. Contact Carol McGhee 6243 9420 or email cmcghee@tassie.net.au

Lindisfarne Tai Chi

Gentle exercise and meditation for physical flexibility and peace of mind. Lindisfarne Activities Centre, Lincoln Street, Mondays at 1.00pm and Wednesdays at 12.30pm with Sau Chan Yong. Phone 0408 250 666 or the Centre on 6243 5810.

Lindisfarne Yoga

Wednesdays 10.30-11.30am. Lindisfarne Citizens Centre, Lincoln Street, Gentle stretching and breathing exercises and the yoga bidra style of relaxation. Beginners welcome. Phone Kathleen 6244 8092.

Little Learners

Free early years learning program for up to five-year-olds and their parents. Tuesdays 9.15-10.45 during school terms. At Emmanuel Christian School, 1 Chipmans Road, Rokeby.

Masters Athletes

Running, walking, jumping and throwing for the over 30s. Phone Mike Walker 6244 6229 or email mikejoywalker@gmail.com

Men’s Breakfast

St George’s Church Hall, Sorell, third Wednesday of each month at 7.30am. Phone 6248 1878.

Midway Point-Penna Neighbourhood Watch

The group is very active and meets first Wednesday of the month at noon at the Midway Point Community hall. Phone Pat Leary 0419 318 012.

Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Tasmania Branch Inc.

AGM for the Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Tasmania Branch Inc. will be held on 10th July at the Lawn Bowls Club Campbell Town at 11:30 am.

Agenda: Presentation of Financial & Annual Reports, Election of Committee Members, Appointment of Auditor, Signed: J.Leahy. Public Officer.

Pittwater Art Group

2nd term 2013. Painting in All Medium. Tuesdays for nine weeks (Seven weeks of two hour sessions and two weeks of three hour sessions). 10am-12pm (two-hour), 10am-1pm (three-hour). Supper Room Memorial Hall Cole Street, Sorell. Enquiries and term 2 dates phone Gail Burnett 6265 8775.

Rosny Park National Seniors

Monthly meeting first Tuesday each month with dinner break at 7.15pm followed by a guest speaker. New members welcome. Enquiries: Judy Paynter 6244 3675

Rotary Club of Howrah

Meets every Thursday at the Tasmania Police Academy, South Arm Road, Rokeby at 6pm. Phone 0417 367 700.

Seniors Moments

At Howrah Church of Christ, 30 Holland Court, Howrah. Fortnightly – Wednesday from 10am. Morning tea, card/board games. Phone Denise 6247 8713 or 0417 103 567.

Sorell Bowls Club

Learn to play bowls on Friday at 4.30m at barefoot bowls and happy hour, or at 10am on Tuesdays.

Sorell Knitting Group

The Sorell Community Knitting Group is a group of local knitters who enjoy knitting for pleasure and meeting new people. The group gathers at the Sorell Community Health Centre every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm. All ages and abilities are catered for and the group can even each you how to knit. Come along. Phone 6265 6601.

Sorell on Stage Theatre Group

Welcomes new members. People interested in any aspects of theatre phone 6265 8040.

Southern Beaches Landcare

Southern Beaches Landcare/Coastcare Inc. holds its monthly meetings on the first Friday of every month and working bees on the third Saturday of every month. Primrose Sands working bees on first Saturday of every month and clean-up groups on the third Sunday. Contact Christine 6265 9096 or email southernbeacheslandcoastcare@gmail.com

Sound Preservation Association of Tasmania

Museum and Resource/Research Centre, 19 Cambridge Road, Bellerive, open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am-3pm. Collection of old radios, phonographs and recording equipment etc. Gold coin donation

Spanish Speaking Playgroup

Spanish-speaking mums with young children are invited to experience the benefits of a Spanish playgroup. Sessions are held Friday 10am to 2pm in the Mornington/Warrane Community Centre located at 150A Bligh Street, Warrane. Phone 0400318110

State Emergency Service (Southern Regional Volunteer Unit)

Meet at their depot 132 Mornington Road, Mornington every Wednesday night at 7.30pm. Contact Syd McClymont. Phone 0407 847 718.

Tango Milonguero Tasmania

Free introductory classes every Wednesday at 6pm at Tranmere Hall, 27 Tranmere Road, Howrah. Phone Jenny 0438 300 753 or Vince 0427 479 217.

Tasmanian Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation Organisation

The Tasmanian Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation Organisation is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which rescues abused, mistreated and unwanted horses, cares and rehabilitates them. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at Sandford. New members always welcome. Phone Christine or Kylie on 0457 147 428 for further information.

Time Out Craft Program

Range of crafts, 9.30am-12pm on Thursdays at Citywide, 400 Cambridge Road Mornington. Crèche available. $5 per day. Classes start 21 February. Phone Raie Semmens on 6244 2586.

Tranmere Clarence Plains Land & Coast Care

Help enhance and preserve natural values in the Tranmere, Rokeby and Clarendon Vale area. Activities at various sites on Thursdays and last Sunday of eveny month. Email tacplaci@gmail.com or phone 0435 325 171.

Waverley Flora Park Landcare

Help needed Learn how you can help care for this unique local bushland. Training provided. Join us every Wednesday 9.30am-12noon or first Saturday of the month for family landcare activities fun for kids. Meet at Winifred Curtis entrance, Mercedes Place, Bellerive, Phone Karen 6244 2001 or email hawes717@gmail.com

Contracted by Tasmanian builders Fairbrother Pty Ltd, the works form part of an overall $50 million development of Fairway Rise Lifestyle Village, launched by Southern Cross Care last winter.

The aged care services are expected to be available in late 2014 and will provide residents with comfortable and modern facilities and highly skilled staff to meet the increasing demand of the growing populations of older Tasmanians.

Chairman of Southern Cross Care Ray Groom said the facility would comprise spacious individual rooms with private ensuites and the latest in nurse call bell technology, with each room wired for telephone, television and internet.

“This facility is designed to have four wings – each having individual sunrooms and lounges that provide coffee and tea making facilities which are designed for families to spend time with their loved ones in nice surroundings,” he said.

Mr Groom said 67 beds for high and low care would initially be offered, built over two levels and including a memory support unit.

“There will also be an additional 22 apartments for independent living.”

Additional features of the facility will include an on-site kitchen and chef, a private dining room, café, library, wellness centre, beautician and hairdressing salon.

Multi denominational pastoral care services and a chapel will also be accessible by residents.

The Shoreline won Outstanding Achievement in Training, Best Retail Liquor Outlet and Best Sporting Entertainment Venue.

Shoreline employee of 10 years and duty supervisor Melinda Appleby said all staff members were delighted to receive the awards.

“I know I speak on behalf of everyone who works at the Shoreline when I say that we are totally privileged to receive this recognition,” she said.

“We are all so proud to work for this great business, and since the $3.2 million renovation in the early 2000s, we have continued to improve and expand.

“It is such a pleasure to work with The Shoreline’s licensee, Darren Brown.

“He is a brilliant boss and is one of the reasons why we have 30 to 40 awards in the back room.”

A total of 53 Tasmanian businesses and enterprises received awards in a range of categories, including the Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Industry and the Taste Tasmania Facebook’s Favourite Tasmanian Meal award.

The Minister for Hospitality, Scott Bacon, said it was exciting to recognise such a wide range of Tasmanian organisations.

“The standards being reached by our hospitality industry are comparable with anywhere on the mainland and internationally, and our local operators can be rightfully proud of the hospitality offering that it presents to Tasmanians and our very welcomed visitors,” he said.

“I am always impressed by the dedication of our local operators to presenting a first class hospitality experience, and these awards are an important way of recognising these businesses for their efforts.

“As Tasmania’s third largest employer, the hospitality industry is a major contributor to our economy.

“It is also vitally important to our regional communities, as the quality services and experiences our hospitality businesses make a valuable contribution to our lifestyle, as well as encouraging visitors to explore outside our major centers.”

The Shoreline Hotel is located at 10 Shoreline Drive, Howrah.

For more information contact (03) 6247 9504 or go to www.shorelinehotel.com.au

The workshop sessions, held from Monday 27 May to Wednesday 29 May at the school, were run by internationally renowned Tasmanian artist Stewart MacFarlane and up and coming local artist Marcia Jones-Hill.

The workshops included painting and drawing from still life, working with acrylic and drawing composition.

Each session offered a creative learning experience for people of all ages, regardless of artistic ability.

Emmanuel Christian School students also participated in additional afternoon workshops that aimed to explore and challenge their creativity.

Organiser Trisha Lowe said she was thrilled by the success of the workshops.

“As such talented and respected artists ran the workshops it was always set to be a fantastic learning experience,” she said.

“We’re already planning the workshops for 2014 and I really encourage anyone to come along.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a paint brush before, it is all about having fun and self expression.”

In addition to the workshops, a free community art exhibition ‘Heart of Art’ was held in the gallery space of the school library from Thursday 30 May through to Sunday 2 June.

The exhibition attracted 75 entries from 26 professional and amateur artists around Tasmania, and included a range of photography, paintings, quilting, books, jewellery and multimedia works that embodied the exhibition’s theme of ‘Love and Creation.’

The Heart of Art exhibition was officially opened by Tasmanian Governor Peter Underwood and his wife, Frances Underwood at a special event hosted by Emmanuel Christian School principal Sue Dishington.

The guest list included Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman, Tasmanian MP Jacquie Petrusma, Emmanuel Christian School Founding Principal, Dirk Petrusma, guest artists Stuart McFarlane and Marcia Jones-Hill, as well as exhibiting artists and sponsors.

Mrs Dishington said that Emmanuel Christian School had a reputation for offering high quality art programs.

“Heart of Art is one of the ways that Emmanuel reaches out to our community in service,” she said.

“Emmanuel is committed to finding ways to love, serve and enrich the community.

“In developing this exhibition we hoped to provide an avenue for talented amateur and professional Tasmanian artists to exhibit on the Eastern Shore, as well as offer a high quality exhibition free of charge to the community.

“Through encouraging the celebration of art, we have seen many past students develop into fine artists over the years, including local photographer James Garlick who exhibited in this year’s exhibition.”

Mrs Dishington said thanked the sponsors of the 2013 Heart of Art Exhibition for their generous support – Clarence City Council, Artery, Leading Lighting-Rokeby, Bargain Car Rentals and Prime Advertising.

Mr Mcpherson, whose younger brother Ty committed suicide earlier this year, designed a car sticker that reads Speak up Stay ChatTY, a play on words to encourage conversation about the taboo subject of suicide.

He said that Ty, who was a budding sportsman and respected and popular among his peers, always seemed happy.

“There were no signs of depression or signs that Ty was struggling with any personal issues, and that’s why it’s so important that we talk to each other,” Mr Mcpherson said.

“Ask again and again and again if you don’t feel that things are quite right with someone you know.

“Even if they do seem right, sometimes people are battling hidden demons, that’s why it’s important to get it out in the open, so we can find help.”

Mr Mcpherson has sold more than 3000 stickers, with all proceeds going to Albie House, a suicide prevention organisation where youth can access support and guidance, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

Mr Mcpherson said that due to the success of Stay ChatTy he aimed to expand the campaign to a national level.

“I am looking into speaking at schools to stress to kids how important it is to search for unusual signs in your mates’ and families’ behavior,” he said.

“I really want to make Stay ChatTy as big as possible and I don’t see any reason why we can not make a huge difference all around Australia.

“A lady wrote on the Stay ChatTy Facebook page that her seven-year-old son told her to ‘speak up and stay chatty’, so it’s clear that the message is getting through.”

Mr Mcpherson said that although he and his family had struggled to deal with their loss, the overwhelming success of Stay ChatTy had motivated them to retain an optimistic view.

“As hard as it is to battle this loss every day, we have decided to turn this enormous negative into a positive, that’s what keeps us going,” he said.

“We’re doing this so other families don’t have to endure the same pain and heartache that we live with every day.”

For any further information regarding Stay ChatTy, or to purchase stickers, visit http://www.staychatty.com.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/SpeakUpStayChatTY?fref=ts or contact Mitch Mcpherson on 0488 454 001.

Specialising in Italian-influenced cuisine – the veal scallopini marsala is the long-running favourite on the menu – owner-operators Stephen Buchanan and Grant Jennings have remained loyal to the restaurant’s cultural roots.

Mr Buchanan said since the restaurant was established as Italian Eating on the Edge almost 17 years ago, “the menu has remained the same except for some new additions and daily specials”.

“When we took over the business 10-years-ago, the previous owners handed over the recipes and trained us until they were absolutely convinced we could get those meals out exactly the same way they did,” he said.

“Our pasta and pizza bases are made fresh on the premises and all our sauces are made from the ground up.”

Mr Bucanan said the this Italian influence was synonymous to the business’ brand.

“This consistency is what keeps our customers coming back,” he said.

“In fact, about 90 per cent of our customers order the same dish every time and it doesn’t matter which chef I have on, they can’t tell the difference between meals.”

Despite the venue’s elegant upmarket feel, Eating on the Edge is popularly known as a “family get-together restaurant”.

“We’re a party restaurant and really encourage everyone to have a great time when dining with us,” he said.

“We cater for every occasion, whether it is a formal wedding, cocktail party or private function to birthday parties and anniversaries.”

Eating on the Edge’s quality food and friendly, welcoming service has charmed more than just the locals.

Mr Buchanan said that over the years, the restaurant had enjoyed a steady stream of regular customers from Huonville and Blackmans Bay, and even as far away as Devonport, who have stopped by for a meal and a wine.

“To keep up with customer demand over the years, we’ve had to expand the restaurant,” he said.

“More recently, we extended the dining room with further plans to establish decking in the near future to offer a dining out experience.”

Eating on the Edge offers a variety of veal, chicken and seafood dishes, pastas and pizzas as well as a selection of gluten free and dairy free options.

Situated at 13 North Terrace, Lauderdale, the restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm until late for takeaways and dinner and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm for lunch.

For bookings phone 6248 7707 email lauderdale@eatingontheedge.com.au or visit the website www.eatingontheedge.com.au

Funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund, the kit home is located on the Centre’s church property, and is within a short distance of the prison.

The home, named by a family member of a prisoner in a competition, will be available for families who have to travel long distances to visit a family member in prison.

Non-profit organisations involved in prison programs, which require overnight accommodation, will also be able to use the facility when it is not needed by families of prisoners.

TCF chairperson Lynn Mason said the project represented a major component of a longer-term need to stabilise the families of prisoners in Tasmania.

Ms Mason said the project, which is modelled on a similar type of facility in Victoria, would open up additional avenues for family members wanting to visit their relatives at the Risdon facility.

“The Board believes this project is targeted to fill the void in prisoner family support and will have long-term benefits for families involved in the process,” she said.

“Once operational, it will also address the needs of children in particular, by providing opportunities to bond with their parent.

“In doing so, it has identified a clear need in the wider community and has demonstrated a strategy for seeking achievable outcomes.”

Christian Family Centre senior pastor and board member Norm Reed said the strategy would help alleviate the pressure on families struggling with financial and/or personal hardships.

Pr Reed said families travelling long distances to Hobart to visit their loved ones would particularly benefit.

“Around half of Risdon Prison’s inmates have families who come from rural and remote areas in the state,” he said.

“Travelling to visit family members in prison is costly both in the time involved and financially. This means that most of these inmates will receive fewer visits than those who have family in the south of the State and there is more stress involved for the families.

“Because they have to travel such long distances, extended visits are often not possible.”

Pr Reed said the centre recognised that such families normally drive to and from Hobart in one trip to avoid accommodation and travel expenses.

“This is not a functional set-up, especially for mothers with young children,” he said.

“The availability of subsidised accommodation close to the prison will make it possible for families to have visits over consecutive days.

“For many families, this could double the number of family visits they have with their family member in the Prison.

“By providing a safe and largely affordable place for families to stay at overnight, we also hope to make travelling safer and reduce the potential risk of vehicle accidents through driver fatigue.”

The ongoing maintenance of the home will be managed by the Christian Family Centre and church volunteers, with some landscaping works to be undertaken by prison inmates.

The plan will direct the City’s strategies and actions over the following five years to strengthen and improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the Clarence community.

The plan has five areas of concern:

• Enhancing liveability.
• Promoting health.
• Enhancing connectivity, community participation and lifelong learning.
• Care for our place.
• Promoting and enhancing safety.

The delivery of the plan’s components will be subject to funding provisions from Council and by working in collaboration with other communities, levels of government and organisations.

Council would like to thank the members of the reference group who were integral to the preparation of the plan in addition to the many members of the Clarence community who contributed their ideas and feedback.

The plan is available on the Clarence City Council website www.ccc.tas.gov.au or by calling 6245 8664.

The Federal and Tasmanian Government funding will enable the Oval to host world cup cricket matches and AFL matches at Bellerive.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said the Oval upgrade would boost the ground’s capacity from 16,000 to more than 20,000 with a new grandstand that will seat 4,500 spectators.

“Bellerive Oval is a much-loved ground for Tasmanians and the Federal Government is proud to be working with the State Government to deliver this redevelopment,” he said.

“Sport is fundamental to our way of life and once the development is complete, more Tasmanians will be able to attend major sporting events, closer to home.”

Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins said this investment is another example of the Federal Labor Government’s commitment to Tasmania.

“This funding builds on the additional $1 billion infrastructure spending for Tasmania we announced in this year’s Budget and is creating jobs for Tasmanians,” she said.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings said the State Government was supporting the development through the Tasmanian Jobs Package because it would create jobs and stimulate the broader economy.

“As well as creating 300 construction jobs, the redevelopment will allow Blundstone Arena to host even more world-class sporting events, closer to home,” she said.

“This investment directly benefits the whole Tasmanian economy creating immediate employment opportunities and boosting our tourism sector in the long term.

“Expanding capacity will put us in a fantastic position to host matches during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.”

Ms Giddings said the redevelopment would enable Cricket Tasmania to continue to grow the sport at the grass roots level through increased revenues gained from top-level matches.

“The upgrades also complement the highly successful partnership with the North Melbourne football club which has attracted near sell-out crowds, in the upgrade of media facilities necessary for broadcasting AFL matches.”

Construction is expected to be completed by October/November 2014, in time for the 2014-15 domestic season.

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