Wightman

We have been told Tasmania is on “the cusp of a golden age.” Robert Allen Zimmerman said it better. “For Tasmania is a-changin’…”, Bob Dylan could’ve penned in more recent times. Instead, Dylan famously offered in his 1964 anthem: Come gather 'round people Wherever you roam And admit that the waters Around you have grown Hobart is shifting as population grows, becomes more urbanised, and businesses clamber for capital city locations. Regrettably, where we roam is also a-changin’ as regional towns across Tasmania become more transient, with the result, far less opportunity to raise a family, make a living and contribute locally in the dispersed fashion we have become accustomed. This is extremely sad, a tear in the fabric of Tasmania’s traditional society and collective sense of community. However, it’s the trend across the world and how we respond will be crucial. Significantly increasing tourism numbers, which are welcomed, were always going to lead to folks wantin...

After extensive consultation, the Board of Riverside Olympic Football Club has decided to explore opportunities to join the NPL for season 2019. President Stuart McCarron said the time was right to further ongoing discussions. “Riverside Olympic has a successful and enviable history both on and off the field. With an outstanding football facility at Windsor Park, and exemplary governance arrangements, we look forward to continuing a conversation with Football Federation Tasmania,” he said. ROFC is amidst 50th Anniversary Celebrations, a proud period for a club whose origins began after the folding of Patons and Baldwins to form Ravenswood Olympic Soccer Club. “One of our main objectives is to retain our ‘family values’, ensuring our culture is not jeopardised. “Consultation, communication, openness and honesty have underpinned the club since formation, and it remains essential that this philosophy continues. “It is important to address questions that were posed at club me...

In a coup for northern Tasmania, the 2018 Australian Tourism Awards are destined for magnificence: Launceston’s Cataract Gorge Reserve. The City Council is contributing $50,000 to install a temporary marquee over the Basin Pool, catering for 800 guests, which surprisingly led to criticism. I was fortunate to attend the Awards, last time they were held in Tasmania, at Princes Wharf No. 1 in 2012. I adore Hobart; however, the natural beauty of the Gorge will add a layer of character, charm and meaning that will be talked about for years. Many of us hold special memories of the Cataract Gorge Reserve because we recall significant moments of our lives in an extended backyard. Reflecting upon, reminiscing and discussing these with our friends and loved ones remains our responsibility. We should also embrace the traditional owners’ story through visiting The First Tasmanians: Our Story at QVMAG. Listen to Aunty Patsy Cameron discussing significance of place, and then revisit the ...

My mother is 82 years old. Last Christmas, she was granted a Garmin from her Grandchildren and can competently scroll the functions. “Granny” often walks 19,000 steps per day. Learning, routine and discipline has always been important to her. Encouraging the success of her boys at school was also important. And for my father, wasting a day at school through not trying your best was one of the worst sins imaginable. He left school at 14 – in the final year of the Second World War. Mum recently informed me that she can’t believe I write for a newspaper. It’s not the first time such feedback has been earned. She said it with a level of pleasant surprise, however, the amazement reveals a back story. Some people are shocked when told that I found the traditional academic pathway challenging, struggling to keep pace with my older brother who is bright. Limited crumbs of recognition, acknowledgment and approval were devoured through sporting endeavours, leadership opportunities...

Thou dost mention religion. Well, sometimes it must be discussed. I was raised in a Christian household; religion was a topic of conversation because of our heritage. We are orange, while others are green. On my side of politics, I was the only member sworn-in to the House of Assembly with my hand on a Bible.   When at Government House, I received the New Testament signifying my promotion to the State Government Ministry and Executive Council. Christianity, and perhaps faith has always underpinned my thinking – in both positive and negative ways. But, I’m a huge Tim Minchin fan; a pragmatist who believes deeply in the need for society to set standards and, ultimately, do our utmost to protect children from harm’s way. As a consequence, I have always struggled to understand the differing “powers” of denominations. Pentecostalism allows worshipers to practice Glossolalia or speaking in tongues, while others of equal belief cannot. And for Catholicism in the main, ...

The Riverside Olympic Football Club looks forward to hosting traditional rival Launceston United, at Windsor Park, as 50th Anniversary Celebrations kick into full-swing this coming Saturday, 07 July 2018. Club President and Life Member, Stuart McCarron said that the fixture presented an opportunity for members and supporters to reminisce and consider the club’s future over the next 50 years. “Riverside Olympic has a proud history, as a highly competitive and successful sporting club, which has provided an outlet for players of all levels. “The Club looks forward to an exciting future, as we create pathways for our youngest players to experience football at the highest level,” he said. Board Member and Club Secretary, Crystal Neep said that the day would cater for all ages with an under-eights Riverside Derby between the Avengers and the Highlanders at 12.30pm, a highlight. “Thousands of junior players and their families have played a significant role in the club’s history, wi...

The Riverside Olympic Soccer Club class of ’99 championship side will meet for the first time in 17 years to watch Olympic host Devonport City Strikers in the Northern Championship on Saturday, a fixture which coincidentally decided the 1999 title race. Championship Coach and 1998 and 1999 Coach of the Year Peter Davidson will travel from Queensland for the event along with forwards Neil Roper and Heath Manion who will fly in from Victoria and New South Wales respectively. With both teams level on points entering the final 90 minutes of a long 1999 season, the game was played on a pitch which was far from fit to wrestle on let alone play soccer, with the Boag’s Premier League title decided in a 3-2 thriller. Mr Davidson said that it was a fantastic opportunity to bring together a terrific group of players, and lifetime mates. “We were very fortunate to have a great squad with good depth and quality attitudes. There were no egos or individuals, all in all it was a good bunch of...