NEW NEW NEW

True Brew Cafe (7 Goshawk Way, Kingston) is set to open at the King­borough Community Hub next to the Kingston Park. It’s locally owned and operated, family friendly and focused on community, connection and good vibes. Another one almost ready to open at the time of print is Gigi’s Diner (17a Castray Esplanade, Battery Point), a modern all-day diner in the heart of Hobart, serving up ‘bold twists on classic comfort food’. To make way for Gigi’s, Farzi has moved from this space, to a few doors down to be housemates with Ti Ama (13 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point). Keeping up? One of our favourite wine labels, Stargazer (37 Rosewood La, Tea Tree), have opened their new tasting room in time for summer. Winemaker and founder Samantha Connew shared, “What began as a dream back in 2020 has finally be­come reality! This is a true milestone moment for both Stargazer and me. I can’t wait to share with you, over a selection of our wines, the incredible beauty and character of the Palisander Vineyard in the Coal River Valley.” Once a historic flour mill, Clyde Mill Distillery & Restaurant (254 Nant Lane, Bothwell) has been reimagined as a distillery and restaurant in the Central Highlands. Hosts John and Annie Ramsay welcome diners to the onsite restaurant with a menu by Chef Andy, celebrating fresh, local produce with comforting, regionally inspired dishes — from confit duck with seasonal vegetables and butter beans to Nant Farm lamb served with pillows of gnocchi. Tour the historic flour mill and taste premium Tasma­nian spirits where they’re crafted.

Hello Georgie (95 George Street, Launceston) is brought to you by the crew from Mud Bar, and is your new Launnie spot for burgers, cold beers, pastries, and all-day coffee. We can’t wait either! Turners Beach-goers can now enjoy Little Riva (82 Esplanade, Turners Beach) in the space that was previously Le Mar. They’re open for breakfast and lunch at the moment and will be open for dinner and wine bar vibes soon, from 7am until late every day of the week. East Coast winery Devil’s Corner has expanded with the opening of Devil’s Corner Kitchen (1 Sherbourne Rd, Apslawn) serving an elemental menu that cham­pions local produce, smokehouse fla­vours and garden-to-plate principles by head chef Jack Bennett (ex The Chophouse Falls Creek, Trentham Hotel and Sister’s Rock at Borrodell Vineyard). The kitchen is open daily (10am–4pm). Devonport has welcomed The Nutbank, (126 Best Street, Devonport), full of healthy whole foods. They also have a store in Shearwater, which is still open while this store is finding its feet, with fu­ture plans to shut Shearwater. Most of your piercing needs are covered at the new national piercing chain SkinK­andy (Cat & Fiddle Arcade, Shop 7, 51 Murray Street, Hobart). You can book online, and they have deals for multiple piercings.

CALLING SANTA

Telstra has brought back its popular Free Calls to Santa for 2025. Kids can jump into any Telstra public phone box and dial # HOHOHO (# 464646) to connect directly to Santa at the North Pole. What began in 2021 as a fun way to help kids learn how to use a public phone has grown into a whole new tradition, with over 1.5 million free calls made to Santa HQ to date. There have also been 100,000 calls to Santa’s out-of-office from very keen kiddos since last Christmas. Use Telstra’s Payphone Finder on telstra.com or Google Maps to locate your nearest public phone. The free call service ends on Christmas Eve. Also, did you know payphones are free to make calls to land­lines and mobiles anytime? It’s great for kids to know this, and also in times when mobile networks might be down, such as natural disasters.

NO MORE SMOKE’O

New legislation is being planned to crack­down on the sale of illegal smokes and vapes, including increased penalties for those found to be selling illegal cigarettes plus stronger powers, on-the-spot fines and extended closure orders for business­es selling any illegal tobacco products. Between July and October 2025, Tobacco Control officers seized 531,950 cigarettes, 809 kg of loose tobacco and 7,920 vapes.

NEW BIKE SHOP WITH A DIFFERENCE

The Tas Bike Collective, who have op­erated a social enterprise bike workshop in Risdon Vale for years, has launched Tasmania’s first ever social enterprise bike shop. “Bikes For Good” is going to sell both new and used bikes along with offers of servicing, parts, accessories, and everything a normal bike shop does at their new premises at 2 Lampton Ave, Derwent Park. Choosing to buy from them directly contributes to the work they do with local young people – build­ing confidence, skills and job readiness for young Tasmanians who might strug­gle in a traditional classroom setting.

KINGBOROUGH BIKE PARK TO CLOSE FOR AFL FACILITY

The Kingborough Mountain Bike Park will be closed from March 2026 for two years to make way for devel­opment of the AFL Tasmania Devils Football Club High Performance Cen­tre (HPC). To make room for the new facility, two new ovals will be built in the Kingborough Sports Precinct. One of these ovals will be built where the Kingborough Mountain Bike Park is currently located. Once the HPC is finished, the Bike Park and Pump Track will be rebuilt with similar facilities. Public consultation on the design of the new Mountain Bike Park will be under­taken to ensure community feedback is considered. This will take place closer to the time of reconstruction.

BIG SUMMER READ IS BACK

Libraries Tasmania’s Big Summer Read is back this month, encouraging young Tasmanians to keep up their reading over the holidays. Read books, write reviews, try cool reading challenges and win prizes. Last year, 1,325 young readers signed up for the online challenge with Libraries Tasmania, sharing a whopping 6,123 book reviews. The Big Summer Read starts on 1 December and finishes on 31 January. Registration is free and open now, head to www.libraries.tas.gov.au for info.

BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RICHMOND GAOL…

The Richmond Gaol, Australia’s oldest intact colonial gaol, turned 200 this year. It was established in 1825 thanks to convict labour. It began as a single-sto­rey structure for both male and female convicts, with guards and a gaoler. The Richmond Gaol Historical Site was officially recognised as a historic site in 1977, and since 1987 it has been pri­vately leased. It was permanently listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register in 1999, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Open daily.

HOBART CITY MAP WITH DIGNITY

Hobart has a new online access map to make it easier for everyone to find accessible places and spaces. The map highlights things like accessible parking, toilets, key destinations and facilities to support inclusion and independence. The map was created in a collaboration between the City of Hobart, the Hobart Access Advisory Committee and creators Elafent. Elafent CEO and founder Bruno Pisano said it was more than just a map. “From the outset, our goal wasn’t simply to map a city, it was to map inclusion. With the City of Hobart, we have placed accessibility at the forefront, building an experience that lets every member of the community or visitor navigate with the same confidence and independence as anyone else,” he said. “The Access Map shows what’s possible when human dignity and great technology are treated as non-negotiables.”

TOP HUMAN NAMES FOR TOP DOGS

Luna and Teddy have topped the lists of Australia’s most popular dog names for 2025, signifying a growing trend of giving dogs human names, while in Tasmania it seems we really like the name Frank. Tasmania’s favourite female doggo names for this year are Frankie, Luna, Willow, Abby, Annie, Bella, Billie, Blaze, Bonnie and Coco. Tasmania’s favourite male doggo names for this year are Frank, Milo, Winston, Buddy, Char­lie, Chewie, Diego, Enzo, Jax and Kobe.

“We’re seeing a real shift toward soft, comforting and very human-style names,” says Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia. “Names like Luna, Daisy, Teddy and Milo feel warm and affectionate, you could easily find them on a kindergarten roll. It shows just how loved our pets really are.”

SCHOOL BREKKIES TO COME

The rollout of free breakfasts in all Tas­manian Government schools is picking up pace, with a whole lot more schools getting the service as of Term 1 next year. The program currently operates in 40 Tasmanian Government schools and will expand to 30 additional schools from February. Variety Tasmania is working with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the program. Schools already running their own breakfast programs can continue with those arrangements or transition to the new Variety Breakfast Club. When fully rolled out, the program will be available to every government school, which means breakfast for up to 50,000 students statewide.

CSIRO CUTS ON THE TABLE

The CSIRO recently announced it was going to cut up to 350 research jobs to ensure the agency’s long-term sustain­ability. At the time of print it was not known how many of those jobs are Tasmanian. A review of its research port­folio found the agency needed to focus more on areas like climate resilience, clean energy and advanced technologies.

COME AND TRY BLIND SPORTS

Blind Sports is expanding their offering in Tasmania thanks to a new partnership between Inclusive Innovations Tasmania (IIT) and CHAD Care Services (CCS), leading to three new come and try days for multiple sports across summer. The CCS sponsorship has enabled IIT to purchase much needed equipment. “We simply can’t stage these open public sessions without supportive funds to cover costs, and now, we can confidently grow our sports portfolio by purchasing the customised Blind and Low Vision (BLV) sports equipment we need too.” said IIT CEO, Phillip ‘Sunny’ Drury. Sports showcased at the BLV Come & Try Days include cricket, golf, netball, AFL, and soccer, with plans to add more in the future. The sessions are designed specifically for people with vision im­pairment, using adaptive equipment such as audio balls that emit a bell sound to help players locate their position. Sighted people can join in too, by wearing Vision Australia simulation glasses that reduce eyesight to a level experienced by those with a range of vision conditions.

Gemma Gatehouse, a mother of blind children, said the sports days were important on many levels. “As a parent of three blind children, we have found the IIT blind and low vision sport days extremely beneficial. It has also been great for us as a family to build connec­tions with other families going through similar journeys to us.” David Hughes, captain of the state cricket team, said: “I have always had a deep love of cricket and always enjoyed playing until my eye condition deteriorated. Although getting to the end of my sporting age, I embrace the chance of playing again and captaining the first ever Tasmanian Tigers team.”

The remaining come and try day dates are Saturday 31 January, Launceston, St Patrick’s College and Saturday 21 Febru­ary, Hobart, Cornelian Bay Oval.

GORILLA THEFT ‘BANANAS’

A huge gorilla statue was recently stolen from a Tasmanian roof then recovered on the side of the road. The three metre tall fibreglass gorilla usually resides on the roof of a home in Beaconsfield but was stolen in November. Tasmania Police described the theft as ‘a little bananas’ and called for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously. Soon a tip-off from within the community led to the statue being found, collected and returned to its home.

WHAT WILL GO INTO K&D SITE?

The mystery of what will become of the old K&D site in the CBD continues, with one of the country’s biggest automotive retailers buying the site from UTAS in October. Tony White Group bought the warehouse site from UTAS for $31 mil­lion. Back in 2019, UTAS purchased the 11,000 square metre warehouse site as part of plans to move their main campus from Sandy Bay to the CBD. In 2022 those plans were rejected by Hobat vot­ers. Since then the site has been used for markets and by the Swisherr basketball academy. The sale was handled by real estate agencies Ray White Tasmania and Burgess Rawson, with Burgess Rawson saying the company is yet to finalise plans for the site but suggesting a mixed development is being considered. The Tony White Group owns about 60 car dealerships across the country, along with several other automotive ventures. Swisherr meanwhile are planning an epic send off, with a weekend of basketball fun scheduled for April.

UNDER 16s SOCIAL MEDIA BAN LOOMS THIS MONTH

It’s been talked about for some time now, but the social media ban for people under 16 years old comes into force on 10 De­cember. Some tweens and teens might be concerned about the ban, and Headspace has shared some handy resources at www.headspace.org.au.

ROSNY FARM GAINS

Rosny Farm is set to expand into more of an arts and cultural precinct following federal funding of $1.67 million for Clar­ence City Council. The proposed precinct will include a youth hub, enhanced park­lands area, exhibition and performance spaces and creative production facilities. Aboriginal culture will play a central role in the design. The plan includes strength­ening the links between Rosny Park CBD, Kangaroo Bay and the existing venues at Rosny Farm. Approximately 50,000 peo­ple visit Rosny Farm as it is. Community consultation will begin later this year.

STRONGER LAWS FOR PUPS

The Tasmanian government has an­nounced stronger breeding regulations are coming to improve the welfare of dogs and help prevent puppy farms. The proposed changes include placing limits on owning fertile female dogs, maximum breeding ages and regulator access to council information that could identify illegal breeders. The RSPCA has welcomed the proposed dog welfare amendments, which are expected to make their way through parliament early next year.

NEW DINING SPACE FOR WARRANE

A proposed food and outdoor dining hub has recently been approved for Warrane’s Dampier Street. There will be two new food tenancies, some outdoor dining, pedestrian links, 21 new car parking spaces and 6 bike parking spots, contem­porary streetscape as part of the City of Clarence’s vision to create a more vibrant, liveable city heart.

MARIA ISLAND UPGRADES

Works to modernise some of the water, wastewater and electrical infrastructure on Maria Island starts this month. The works include:

• A new wastewater treatment plant that meets contemporary standards
• Decommissioning and site rehabil­itation of the existing wastewater treatment plant
• All existing serviced buildings within Darlington connected to the pressure sewer system, new water and electrical connections to meet contemporary standards
• Upgrades to the fire water main providing a dedicated service line to the staff houses
• Upgrades to the raw water capacity and supply pipeline.

The works are expected to be finished towards the end of 2026.

CHIGWELL COMMUNITY CLOSURES

The Chigwell Community Garden and Playgroup have temporarily closed due to Bucaan Community House’s need for further support and funding. Independent Member for Elwick, Bec Thomas MLC, said the temporary garden closure reflects the urgent need for additional government funding and support for Neighbourhood Houses like Bucaan Community House across Tasmania. “The temporary closure of the Chigwell Community Garden and Playgroup is absolutely devastating for so many members of our community who benefit from the access to fresh food, new skills and social connections it provides and I fear the closure will be permanent if more funding cannot be secured.

“The 35 Neighbourhood Houses around Tasmania are among the most valuable community assets we have, and their dedicated staff and volunteers have been running on the smell of an oily rag for far too long. A recent study conducted by Deakin University shows for every dollar invested in Neighbourhood Houses there is a $14 return in social and economic value, which means investing in Neigh­bourhood Houses saves the Government money in the longer-term,” Bec said.

LOCAL HOSPO BUSINESSES GET GOLD ON NATIONAL STAGE

Tasmanian hospitality businesses have returned from recent national awards with six gongs. The Australian Hotels Association recently held their national awards for excellence on the Gold Coast. Congrats to our local winners:

• Hotel Industry Rising Star (General Division): Matthew Bomford St Albi Bar & Eatery
• Best Luxury Accommodation: Saffire Freycinet
• Excellence in Innovation, Sustain­ability and Energy Efficiency Prac­tice: Iron Creek Bay Estate
• Best Marketed Hotel – General Divi­sion: Shoreline Hotel
• All Abilities Hotel – Accommodation Division: MACq01
• All Abilities Hotel – General Divi­sion: The Plough Inn

SUNSCREEN SAFETY IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS SUMMER

A recent investigation by not-for-prof­it consumer advocacy organisation CHOICE has found that many popular sunscreens on the Australian market failed to meet their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) claims. Of the 20 sun­screens tested by CHOICE, 16 did not meet their own stated SPF levels. The failures ranged from a claimed SPF 50+ that tested at an SPF of just four, through to results in the 20s, 30s and 40s.

The most significant failure of the 20 products CHOICE tested was Ultra Vi­olette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen, which returned an SPF of just 4. Ultra Violette is remov­ing this product from the shelves. Some other brands have now paused sale of their sunscreens to conduct testing and three other products have been recalled.

Sunscreens that passed the SPF test by CHOICE:

• Cancer Council Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+ passed with a reported SPF of 52
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen 50+ passed with a report­ed SPF of 72
• Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen passed with a reported SPF of 51
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50 passed with a reported SPF of 56

CHOICE’s testing showed little correlation between price point and quality of SPF, though three of the four that passed the tests were on the more costly side of things.

CHOICE is now calling on the Ther­apeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the ACCC to investigate sunscreen brands in Australia.

Meanwhile, it’s a good time to check your sunscreen’s expiry date and, regardless of the date, check that its consistency has not changed, as that is another indicator that it has expired and should be replaced. In Australia, all sunscreens are regulated by the TGA, and will generally last between two to three years. For more detailed information on the test results, head to choice.com.au

MOUNTAIN GATEWAY PLAN GETS FUNDS APPROVED

A Federal government funding an­nouncement has brought the poten­tial Halls Saddle visitor centre in the kunanyi/MT Wellington foothills a step closer. A disused quarry in the area, just outside of Wellington Park, has been earmarked by Hobart City Council as a potential new gateway precinct and transport hub for those wishing to access the mountain.

Federal Minister Julie Collins an­nounced the $3.2million funding last month. It will cover feasibility studies, engineering and design work and some community consultation over the next 18 months. Pinnacle Road currently sees more than 2000 vehicles a day on busy days, with just 280 parking spaces. The mountain gets around half a million visitors a year.

A SPRAY-FREE HUON?

Herbicide use in the Huon Valley might look a little different this summer, with Huon Valley Council announcing they will trial new ways of managing weeds sustainably in response to community concerns about the use of synthetic her­bicides, including glyphosate. A recent petition called for the council to adopt a no-spray register for herbicides on residential verges. Council is conduct­ing trials in urban areas in Cygnet and Franklin over the Summer to explore new ways of managing weeds effective­ly and sustainably, including:

• Organic herbicides: testing plant-based products such as Slasher and LocalSafe
• High-pressure water treatments: using water jets to remove weeds and their roots from footpaths
• Innovative paving materials: filling wider gaps with growth-inhibiting media (such as polymeric paving sand) to prevent regrowth and lower long-term maintenance costs.

SOCIAL MEALS GOOD FOR HEALTH

As we enter the busy and sometimes emotional or stressful end-of-year sea­son, new research has shown that older adults who regularly eat meals alone are more likely to experience poorer nutrition and poorer health outcomes than those who share meals with others. The research, from Flinders University, drew on data from over 80,000 older adults across 12 countries and exam­ined the relationship between eating alone and measurable health outcomes among community-living adults aged 65 years and over. Researchers found consistent associations between eating alone and reduced intake of key food groups like fruit, vegetables and meat plus an increased risk of weight loss and frailty. Lead author Caitlin Wyman, from Flinders’ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said, “Food is more than the nutritional benefit it provides. Sharing a meal is an important social activity that can influence appetite, dietary variety, and overall wellbeing. We knew from previous research that feelings of loneli­ness and social isolation can contribute to reduced food intake, but we had yet to explore the nutritional and physical outcomes of older adults eating alone versus with others,” she said.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER…

The Australian Pesticides and Veteri­nary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently approved salmon producers’ use of Florfenicol, an antibiotic used to treat P. salmonis, a marine bacterium. The bacterium causes disease in salmon and global evidence confirms it’s a major contributor to high mortality rates in salmon farming. According to Tasma­nia’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) the antibiotic Florfenicol has pre­viously been used in Tasmania in small quantities between 2007 and 2010. The Department of Health issued precaution­ary advice to recreational fishers about exposure to Florfenicol antibiotic resi­dues, ahead of use in commercial salmon farming, so they could make a choice to consume fish caught near farms using the antibiotic or not.

The rock lobster season was abrupt­ly halted in November, hours after it opened. According to a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) spokesperson, the decision to not reopen a portion of the commercial rock lobster fishery to the south of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel is a “short-term highly precautionary measure to safeguard industry’s export market access.” If this is a concern for rock lobster fishers and recreational fishers, would it be a concern for oyster farmers too? CEO of Oysters Tasmania, Duncan Spender shared with us, “There is no impact on our industry. No farm currently producing oysters is within three kilometres of the salmon farms using Florfenicol. Like the rest of the Tasmanian community the oyster in­dustry will nonetheless keep abreast of the issue.” NRE also shared, “There are no actively farmed oyster leases within the areas where florfenicol is being administered.” You can head to www.maps.thelist.tas.gov.au to view maps of affected areas.

AUSTRALIANS OF THE YEAR FOR TASMANIA ANNOUNCED

Huge congratulations to all nominees and winners of the 2026 Australian of the Year for Tasmania awards. Our Aus­tralian of the Year for Tasmania is Dr Jo Kippax, from Ridgeway, who was part of a specialist team of rescuers tasked to free Lithuanian whitewater rafter Valdas Bieliauskas who was trapped in perilous rapids on the Franklin River in 2024. The clinical team performed an opera­tion to amputate Valdas’s leg underwater, allowing him to be freed and ultimately saving his life. The award wording said of Dr Kippax: “The rescue of Valdas is just one chapter in Jo’s long career in emergency medicine, disaster response, and search and rescue. Demonstrating outstanding skill, courage and team leadership in the aid of others.”

Our Senior Australian of the Year for Tasmania is Julie Dunbabin of Taroona, a “nutritious eating visionary” and pio­neer in school nutrition. Julie’s vision is for all school children to receive a nutritious, sit-down meal every day, pre­pared from scratch in a school or central kitchen, using seasonal, local produce. Her School Lunch Program prepares 14,332 school lunches for 6,656 students every week and is expected to expand to 60 schools in 2026. This model supports children’s social and learning outcomes but also supports local producers, creates jobs for kitchen and warehouse staff, builds community involvement and addresses food security for families.

The 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania is life skills educator Alyssia Kennedy, who founded the Life After School program, an educational package to help bridge the gap between school education and life knowledge. Realising many young people lacked the skills needed to manage day-to-day life, she now works with schools and youth groups to deliver the program and give young people the tools they need to transition to adulthood.

And social entrepreneur Emily Briffa is the 2026 Local Hero for Tasmania. Emily is the brains and heart behind Hamlet, the social enterprise cafe at the city end of the Hobart rivulet track. Hamlet offers training, work readiness and wrap-around support to Tasma­nians with disability, neurodivergence, and mental health concerns who are experiencing barriers to employment. It has helped more than 700 people gain experience to enter the job market and provided skills and training, with a 75% employment placement rate for those who complete its training programs.

National Australia Day Council CEO Mark Fraser AO CVO congratulated the award recipients for Tasmania: “Jo’s longtime dedication has saved many lives; Julie is creating healthier futures for our children; Alyssia is ensuring our young people are better equipped for life after school; and Emily has created a safe and welcoming space for marginal­ised people to find their feet”.

They will all join recipients from the other states and territories for the na­tional awards announced on 25 January 2026. Good luck!

FACELIFT FOR BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are getting a facelift. Did you know they are Australia’s second oldest botanic gardens? A new Tasmanian Rainforest Collection will open to the public this month, featuring tall tree ferns and rare endemic species. The Welcome Hub at the entrance has been refurbished, with a new roof, cladding, and utility upgrades recent­ly finished. An all-access pathway loop is currently being improved, and there are a bunch of new plantings near the Visitor Centre. The refurbished restaurant should open early next year.

SENIORS PARKS PASS HIKE

Seniors will lose their dedicated discount on passes to visit Tasmania’s national parks. The state government is removing the current 50% seniors discount, instead replacing it with the 20% standard concession rate. Tabatha Badger, Member for Lyons and the Greens parks spokesperson, called the change a “retrograde step” in making our national parks accessible to all. “Seniors, who have spent their lives contributing to the public purse are hav­ing their reduced fee to enter national parks scrapped and rolled in the general concessional price range, doubling what they paid to visit our parks in the past,” she said in a recent opinion piece. “This isn’t a ‘realignment’, it’s a discriminatory step toward making public land exclusive to those who can afford it. The present change comes after several other price increases in recent years: the Parks Passes, walk­ing fees and compulsory bus transport into Cradle Mountain which was until recently covered in the annual passes. A senior who for example makes annual trips to Russell Falls, Honeymoon Bay and Cradle Mountain, would now pay $95 for an annual pass and bus ticket, compared to paying $40 two years ago. Prices for walking fees on the Overland and Three Capes Tracks also increased in 2023, from $200 to $285 and $495 to $595 respectively for adults.” An annual parks pass will now cost all concession cardholders $81.40, while a two-year pass will cost $103.95.

ROBOT PARKING INSPECTORS IN GLENORCHY

Drivers overstaying their parking time limits of parking in no-go zones watch out: Glenorchy streets are now being patrolled by new automated camera technology that can detect vehicles parking illegally or overstating. Fol­lowing a successful trial, Glenorchy City Council is extending the use of their automated Aero Ranger camera system. It uses vehicle-mounted cam­eras to snap photos of number plates and log their locations. When a vehicle beaches a condition, local officers re­ceive a digital alert and can follow up. Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the system worked. “Aero Ranger allows our officers to cover more ground with greater accuracy, which means better compliance and a fairer outcome for everyone using our parking spaces,” she said.“It’s also helping us deliver services more efficiently while sup­porting staff wellbeing.” The cameras have also helped police with vehicle searches and streamlined surveys of parking occupancy data.

PORT ARTHUR REPAIRS

Port Arthur Historic Site will be polished up thanks to a significant lump of federal funding. The 183-year-old site will use the $8.95 million in commonwealth funding to fix, strengthen and maintain various elements of the Penitentiary. The site is one of 11 convict sites in Australia with UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Will Flamsteed, CEO of Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA), said the Penitentiary was an invaluable piece of Tasmanian, Aus­tralian and international history. “The Penitentiary is the most photographed building at the site. It tells an incredible story of resilience in the face of adversi­ty, much like the convicts it imprisoned. It was built in 1842 as a flourmill before it was converted to a prison in 1857 and nearly destroyed by bushfires in 1897. More recently, the wind, rain, salt and storm surges have caused significant damage including erosion of bricks and sandstone, decaying timber, and steel corrosion.”

The works include conserving con­vict-made iron elements in the walls and timber window frames, protecting the top of the walls from water penetration, stabilising fragile stone and plaster ele­ments and replacing bricks subject to salt attack. The work will start immediately and be staged across five years.

BIG THINGS FOR LITTLE BEACH

A small but not insignificant beach in Clarence is one step closer to becoming a more inviting and accessible coastal community space. A masterplan for Little Howrah Beach was formally adopted in November by the council. City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said Little Howrah Beach was a much-loved coastal destination for Clarence residents who used the space in different ways. “The community told us they wanted accessible and inclusive facilities, safer walking and cycling links, and modern upgrades to toilets and other amenities, all while retaining Little Howrah Beach’s charm and local character,” he said.