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From the Mayor 

Welcome to the October edition of Your News, the City of Launceston's monthly newsletter.

I'd firstly like to take this opportunity to reiterate how important it is we all get vaccinated against COVID-19 - not just for our own sakes, but for the sake of our loved ones, our friends and colleagues, our health workers, our business owners and their employees, and our community as a whole.

Vaccination is crucial to our way of life and what's most important to each and every one of us. It's not about being too busy or baseless conspiracy theories and fear-mongering - if you have any concerns, please discuss them with your GP or a qualified medical professional. 

If you haven't yet been vaccinated, or have been putting off your second jab, I implore you to go online or make a phone call and book your appointment now. You'll find more information and quick links to do this below. 

This month our focus is also on raising awareness of three very important causes: mental health, breast cancer and workplace safety. I'm sure every one of us has had our lives directly impacted by at least one of these far-reaching issues.

We also come together to celebrate Children's Week and Senior's Week, and I hope you'll join me in supporting the many great community events and fundraisers to be held throughout this month, which you'll find in the What's On section of this edition.

- Mayor Albert van Zetten

New infrastructure provides crucial link 

Acting CEO Leanne Hurst

The City of Launceston recently took part in the official opening of the new North Esk River pedestrian and cycle bridge.

This $5 million piece of infrastructure will link the University precinct currently under construction at Inveresk with the University's science building, also under construction on the former Willis St car park site.

In around three year's time - once the university is fully operational on the Inveresk site - this bridge will also be a significant and major thoroughfare for up to 10,000 tertiary students.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of those students will be living in or on the edge of our CBD, bringing with them a renewed vibrancy and sense of vitality to the city.

It will also provide a safe and efficient way of moving between the city and the Stadium when AFL, cricket and soccer, and a raft of other major events, are on.

This bridge and a significant number of buildings on the University campus footprint are the direct result of the funding commitments through the Launceston City Deal - a partnership between the three tiers of government, and in this specific case, the University of Tasmania.

With work continuing at Inveresk and many other sites around our beautiful city, it's very encouraging to see the opportunities available for local industries and businesses to take on projects and grow, supporting local jobs.

Book your vaccination appointment now

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the wider Launceston community from COVID-19.

Vaccination appointments are available at the South Launceston community clinic at the Door of Hope for anyone aged 12 years and over. A free Pfizer vaccination clinic will also operate in Mowbray on Friday, October 8, and Saturday, October 9, at the former Vinnie’s site (330 Invermay Rd), open to anyone aged 12 years and over. 

Book your appointment online at www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/booking or by calling the public health hotline on 1800 671 738. Young people under the age of 16 are encouraged to attend their appointment with their parent or guardian.

Vaccinations are also available at participating GPs and pharmacies. Contact your local GP or visit www.findapharmacy.com.au to make an appointment.

Myrtle Park camping reopening this month

The City of Launceston will reopen the ever-popular Myrtle Park camping ground to the public on October 22.

Councillors last month unanimously supported a recommendation to set overnight camping fees at the site at $20 per night per site, up to a maximum of 10 people - the same price as last year.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he was thrilled the Council would be in a position to reopen the park to the public in time for the upcoming summer holiday season.

"The new operators will be onsite 24/7 and are excited at the prospect of a busy summer season," he said.

This year, 30 camp sites will be available to the public - up from 20 last year. The hall will be available for bookings, while the day-use areas such as the tennis courts and the kiosk will also reopen

Bookings for camp sites opened to the public on September 27 through the Launceston Visitor Information Centre and online via the City of Launceston website, with many dates already fully booked. 

"We fully expect the campground to be booked out so I would encourage anyone who wants to stay at Myrtle Park over summer to get in as early as possible," Mayor van Zetten said.

The park will close on April 30, 2022, for winter, and is expected to reopen in August.

BOOK ONLINE

Major facelift for Civic Square fountain

The City of Launceston has advertised a development application for the redevelopment of the Denham Henty Waterscape fountain in Civic Square.

The redevelopment of the fountain is a further component of the current City Heart Project which aims to create welcoming and accessible public spaces in the CBD and it is jointly funded by the Australian Government, the Tasmanian Government and the City of Launceston under the Launceston City Deal.

The fountain was decommissioned in 2019 after it was discovered the fountain was structurally compromised and had a significant leak. A subsequent engineer's report into the fountain concluded that the required remediation works would be so expensive, it was no longer feasible to repair the 1978-built structure.

"The fountain has been an iconic feature of the CBD for more than 40 years, but the reality is, nothing lasts forever and I believe the proposed plan to refurbish the fountain will be warmly welcomed by the broader community," Mayor Albert van Zetten said.

The proposed development will include a number of visual and aesthetic improvements - a large public greenspace that includes new turf in the existing fountain catchment, as well as additional plantings to previously established garden beds.

The top tier of the disused waterfall is proposed to be repurposed into a planter featuring ornamental grasses that will tie in with the facade of Macquarie House. This will also include a number of plantings that will hang over the edge of the top tier to mimic or replicate the flow of water.

If approved, the Council hopes to start work mid-October with an expected six-week build time.

READ MORE

New QVMAG General Manager appointed

A former Tasmanian who has held a number of leadership roles in museums across the country is the new General Manager of the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery.

Shane Fitzgerald, who takes up the role following the resignation of Tracy Puklowski in May, has a wealth of experience in some of the leading arts and cultural facilities in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales - most recently as Head of Production at the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences in Sydney.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said Mr Fitzgerald would bring a new perspective to the role.

"A born and bred Tasmanian, Mr Fitzgerald will bring with him a passion for the role of leading our region's creative arts and cultural services, and this combined with his strategic management experience will be integral to the successful implementation of the Council's Cultural Strategy," Mayor van Zetten said.

"There are many exciting opportunities ahead for the City of Launceston and its cultural institutions, and we're thrilled to have him on board."

READ MORE

Say NO to the abuse of women and children

Bring your dad, sons, brothers and mates and stand together with Mayor Albert van Zetten and George Bailey to say a loud NO to the abuse of women and children in our community. 

  • WHEN: 10.30am, Saturday, October 16
  • WHERE: UTAS Stadium ground

The Launceston White Ribbon Committee is calling on us to stand in solidarity with all the women in our lives, and join the call for change.

GET INVOLVED

Community Recognition Awards now open

Do you know a person within your organisation who has contributed significantly through their work in our community? Or has your organisation staged a successful community event during the year? If so we encourage you to nominate for the City of Launceston's Community Recognition Awards 2022.

There are four award categories: Citizen Award, Young Citizen Award, Sports Award and Community Event of the Year.

Nominations close November 26. For more information, visit our website or contact Elizabeth Clark on 03 6323 3142 or Elizabeth.Clark@launceston.tas.gov.au

NOMINATE NOW

Active Launceston back for spring/summer

Returning this month and running through to April next year, Active Launceston's 2021/2022 schedule includes six free programs including Tai Chi, yoga and gentle exercise.

Run by Healthy Tasmania with funding support from the City of Launceston, Active Launceston's free exercise programs are suitable for all ages and ability levels. 

SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAM

Celebrating Senior's Week morning teas

The City of Launceston will celebrate our seniors during Senior's Week with morning teas & information sessions at Newnham, Mowbray, Lilydale and Ravenswood, in partnership with COTA and local community organisations. 

Get an update on the services the City of Launceston provides for seniors, and hear from special guest speaker Dr George Razay, who's globally renowned for his breakthrough in the successful treatment of one type of Dementia. 

RSVPs are essential - see below for details (Mowbray event is fully booked):

  • Ravenswood: 10am, October 15 | Starting Point Neighbourhood House, 6 Prossers Forest Rd | RSVP 6339 2861 / reception@ravenswoodnh.org
  • Newnham: 10.30am October 11 | Northern Suburbs Community Centre 49 George Town Rd | RSVP 6326 5506 / pc@nscctas.org.au
  • Lilydale: 10am, October 13 | Senior Citizens’ Club & Community Hall, 1932 Main Rd, Lilydale | RSVP 6395 1359
INOFRMATION FOR SENIORS

Give us your big ideas for Kings Meadows

Do you have a big idea to make Kings Meadows even better? The City of Launceston and the Y Launceston want to hear about your big idea for the community and how you can contribute to make it happen.

Fill out a postcard at the Y Launceston (8A Blaydon St, Kings Meadows) to go in the running for some great prizes from Kings Meadows businesses. The lucky winners will be announced on October 27.

It's never too late to learn to swim

You're never too old to learn something new - as demonstrated by one of our newest swimmers, Gunisha.

Earlier this year Gunisha enrolled in the City of Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre's Adult Learn to Swim program. The six-week program is held at various times throughout the year and involves a weekly one-hour class with our skilled instructors.

The program caters for swimmers of all abilities, from those who've never dipped their toes in a pool, to those who just want some expert tips to improve their freestyle stroke.

Check out our video (above) to see Gunisha's inspiring journey over six weeks as she's introduced to swimming for the first time.

FIND OUT MORE
New exhibition exploring art and wellbeing

The new Minds Do Matter exhibition at QVMAG Inveresk explores the relationship between art and wellbeing by celebrating art’s power to be life-enhancing and life-affirming. 

In 2021 Minds Do Matter focuses on the theme 'connect', which participating artists chose to address in a diverse range of ways. 

The exhibition, delivered in partnership with RANT Arts, provides a creative platform which allows participants and audiences alike to contribute to vital conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

Minds Do Matter is on show from October 2 to December 5 and entry is free.

WHAT'S ON AT QVMAG
Waterslide, BBQ & outdoor pools now open

The City of Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre's 65m waterslide, diving boards, outdoor pools and newly-refurbished BBQ area are officially open.

To celebrate the school holidays, purchase an Unlimited Waterslide Pass ($10) by October 10 and get a second pass free!

Free Aquatic Entertainment Night @ LAC

The City of Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre is celebrating Children's Week 2021 with a fun evening of water safety, swimming and playing in the pool while watching Finding Dory! 

Children aged 5 to 12 will enjoy this free event on Saturday, October 23. Tickets are limited to one adult per child and bookings are essential.

BOOK NOW
Breast Cancer Awareness Month | October | Multiple events
WorkSafe Month | October | Multiple events
Sundays | 4pm to 6pm | Sawtooth Gallery
October 9 | 10am to 4pm | Windsor Community Precinct
Mental Health Week | October 9 - 16  | Multiple locations
October 10 & 17 | 11am to 3pm | Civic Square
Men's 5km Walk | October 10 | 2pm to 5pm | Heritage Forest
Dog Walk for Mental Health Week | October 13 | 10.30am to 2pm | Royal Park
October 13 | 1.30pm to 5pm | Royal Park
NORTH Festival October 13 - 27 | Multiple locations, Launceston
October 14 | 10am to 3pm | Launceston Conference Centre
Spring Great Movie Night | October 16 | 6pm to 11pm | 69-71 Cimitiere St
October 22 - November 6 | Princess Theatre
Children's Week 2021 | October 23 - 31 | Multiple locations, Launceston
Bear Hunt | October 27 | 9am to 1pm | City Park
October 30 | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Royal Park
Tickets now on sale | December 31 | Royal Park

Show Day is Grow Day for summer tomatoes

 Your monthly green thumb guide from City of Launceston horticulturalist extraordinaire Matt Jordan 

Just because the Launceston Show is no more doesn’t mean you can’t use this local public holiday day to plant your tomatoes.

Tomatoes will tolerate many soil types, making them ideal for containers or pots but will do best in the ground. You need to ensure they receive good drainage and plenty of rich organic matter (FOGO) and fertiliser to ensure your tomato plant pushes energy into flower production and therefore fruit.

Make sure that from seedling size you carefully pinch off any flowers until the plant has grown and has a good root structure. Some growing techniques include removing the lateral growth (dominant side shoots), concentrating on a main leader to improve flower production - however, many varieties of tomatoes these days have been designed to force flowers so this is not as important.

Depending on your type and variety of tomato, you may require a grow frame to assist the plant to hold its fruit and not collapse or break under this weight.

Tomatoes are one plant that will produce roots from the stem of the plant, so they will perform better when planted lower than the seedling mix height the seedling comes in.

My kids love cherry tomatoes and these are always a must for our veggie patch come Launceston Show Day.

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UPCOMING: October 6 & 21 | Launceston Town Hall | 1pm 
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The City of Launceston makes every effort to ensure the content of this newsletter is accurate but makes no warranty as to its accuracy and does not assume legal liability for its content. The inclusion of a person, organisation, activity, event, or website link does not imply endorsement by the Council.