Mayor’s Message March 2024
I trust you have all had a restful reflective Easter break and now preparing for the change in weather patterns with cooler days and nights. The rain overnight and today has been a very welcome relief to farmers and in fact everyone in the municipality. Things were getting very dry so the rain has come at a very opportune time. March was a very busy month especially the long weekend with Steamfest, Rodeo, Polocrosse, Rowing, Taste of the North West and the Quad Series Mountain Bike challenge. The weather was very kind to us and by the numbers that visited our area over three days, it seems to me that all events were a great success. The Endurance Ride the following weekend drew a crowd for this event which was very ably supported by a band of volunteers. It was a joy to see so many in the Health Park enjoying a fun day out before Easter. Activities included Easter egg hunts for specific age groups, face painting, free sausage sizzle and photos with Marshall and Bluey. Thank you to Cassandra from Kentish House and her band of helpers for organizing a fun-filled event.
Congratulations to the Sheffield Seconds Cricket team for winning the Grand Final. This is the first time in 35 years that this team have won the flag. Well done to all the players, coaches and volunteers who have worked hard to achieve this result. A rising star in girl’s football, Hollie Diprose, has gained a place in the State team which will be participating in the National Titles in the coming months. Congratulations and best of luck as you pursue your goals at this level, Hollie.
This Thursday night, 4th April, the Council will be holding a community meeting in Railton at 7.00pm. This is an opportunity for residents to come along and be updated on projects that Council is working on and to ask questions regarding any concerns that you may have in your area.
ANZAC DAY services will be held across the municipality. The dawn service at the cenotaph in Sheffield will commence at 5.50am with the Service in the Town Hall commencing at 10.00am. Railton will hold a service at 6.00am at the Cenotaph and 12.00 midday at Kings Hall. I encourage all residents to commemorate ANZAC DAY in some way, either privately or at a community service. We have so much to be thankful for especially when reflecting on the men and women who so gallantly served and are still serving our country.
Barrington Hall is certainly back to normal after it was deemed unsafe due to structural damage in the roof. The wonderful committee continue to work hard to organise events, one of which is the 87th birthday celebration of the hall to be held on the 28th April with a sausage sizzle at 12.00 midday. This will be the official reopening of the hall and a time to share stories and reminisce on days gone by.
Weindorfer Day in Wilmot will be held on the 5th May. A memorial ceremony will be held at 10.00am with the Cradle Trail Tour to Waldheim leaving by bus at 12.15pm. This event is always very well supported with the committee going to great lengths to ensure everyone has a chance to acknowledge and appreciate the majestic Cradle Mountain with its stunning scenery and natural beauty. The Weindorfer Film Festival will culminate in a glittering Gala Awards night on the 13th April. Participants need to create a short 3–5-minute film that has some connection to Weindorfer, Cradle Mountain or Mount Roland. Entries are due this Friday 5th April so get your creative skills into action and you may be very surprised what you can come up with. I am looking forward to seeing the winning films.
I attended the Sheffield School assemblies before Easter and I was inspired by the leadership qualities I witnessed by those students who acted as MCs for both assemblies. The quality of Student’s work was outstanding as I enjoyed listening to stories which had been written by the students and other pieces of work which were on display. The students have certainly been working hard and this is reflective of the teacher’s enthusiasm to provide exciting and stimulating programs which then gives the students the opportunity to grow and thrive in their learning.
U3A held their Annual General Meeting on the 22nd March. This group continues to grow and I congratulate the committee for all your hard work in providing interesting courses for our residents to be involved in. New courses are being introduced regularly so keep an eye open for this information.
Scott and Anita Frankcombe held a community day for farmers to raise money for RAW which is Rural Alive and Well. The event was very well attended including Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff and our member for Montgomery, Leonie Hiscutt. Farmers from across Tasmania travelled to West Kentish to support each other in what has been a difficult year for farmers. The aim of the event was to acknowledge the mental health statistics which are quite alarming. Events like this are so important in raising awareness of problems that can occur on the land and the isolation and struggles that are faced during times of drought, falling prices and rising costs.
I really enjoyed reading the story in the Kentish Voice on the Sheffield Area School Opening. How different school is today than in 1936 when this event took place. Apparently, Sheffield was the first area school in Australia. Very interesting reading!
It has been a very sad time in Kentish with the passing of some our highly respected residents. My sincere condolences go to the families of these well-loved family members as you mourn their passing and celebrate a life well lived. With special thoughts.
Kate Haberle, MAYOR