Brighton Community News February/March 2026

Gold for Brighton at State Firefighter Championships

The Brighton Volunteer Fire Brigade made a proud return to the State Firefighter Championships in Launceston late last year, their first appearance at the event in many years.

Brighton fielded a junior team aged 10 to 17, along with two senior teams, competing against brigades from across Tasmania in a series of timed events designed to test communication, teamwork and precision under pressure.

The brigade’s performance was outstanding, with the seniors securing a gold medal, demonstrating the

commitment and growing capability of the Brighton crew.

For Brighton’s junior members, the championships offered far more than competition. Participation in events such as these empowers juniors by building confidence, resilience, teamwork skills and real-world problem-solving abilities. Many juniors are working toward becoming active firefighters at 18, and opportunities like this strengthen their connection to the brigade and the wider community.

The day was filled with pride, camaraderie and community spirit, marking an important

milestone in the brigade’s ongoing development and involvement in statewide events.

A special acknowledgment is extended to Kelly and

Stitches of kindness at Café Connections

At the final gathering of Café Connections at the end of late last year, the group was joined by paramedic Sarah Krause, representing Ambulance Tasmania. Sarah was presented with over 50 toys, either knitted or embroidered by Café Connections members. Ambulance staff like to offer children something soft to cuddle, making the handmade toys a deeply appreciated gift.

That day also was a cause for celebration with the sixth birthday of the group. Café Connections was created to be a place where community members could come, meet over coffee and food, and think up achievable ideas for making positive changes in the community. By working together (and sometimes being supported by outside entities), the group aim to bring these changes about.

Café Connections meets around a table at Bean to Brew Café in the Brighton Civic Centre, Green Point Road, Bridgewater from 10am on the 4th Tuesday of every month (January to November).

Brendan, whose leadership, organisation and ongoing support was instrumental in preparing the teams. Their dedication continues to play a vital role in supporting both new and developing

members within the brigade. Brighton Fire Brigade is already looking forward to participating again at next year’s championships and building on this year’s success.

Council shines at IPWEA conference

Brighton Council’s Asset Services Team attended the 2025 IPWEA Tasmania Works & Engineering Conference late last year, taking out several awards.

The Young IPWEA Emerging Leader award went to Leenah Ali-Lavroff, while the Excellence in Asset Management, Innovation or Sustainability award was awarded to the Ted Jeffries Memorial Park

Masterplan. Council also had two finalists in the Excellence in Public Works Project award.

This result is testament to the skill, dedication and innovation of the team and Council. Brighton Council continues to punch well above its weight and continues to lead in innovation, asset management and community outcomes. Congratulations to Leenah and the whole team!

Published by the Brighton Council. It is distributed to households and businesses throughout the municipality. Circulation: In excess of 9,000.

Managing Editor: Angela Turvey

Editorial and Advertising: Steph Williams

Email: communitynews@brighton.tas.gov.au

Published by:

Brighton Council

1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach TAS 7017

2026 edition deadlines: April/May 2026 edition

Stories and contributions: Friday 6 March

Advertising material: Friday 13 March

BRIGHTON COUNCIL

Brighton Council Meetings

Meetings held at Council Offices, 1 Tivoli Rd, Old Beach

Ordinary Council

17 February and 17 March 2026. Meeting commences at 5:30pm

Planning Authority

3 March and 8 April 2026. Meeting commences at 5:30pm

Agendas can be viewed online four days prior to the meetings at: www.brighton.tas.gov.au

admin@brighton.tas.gov.au www.brighton.tas.gov.au

Enquiries Email

6268 7000 admin@brighton.tas.gov.au www.brighton.tas.gov.au

6268

Dryburgh

Enquiries

Corporate

Enquiries

Accounts Enquiries Cashier

After hours emergency

All correspondence should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Brighton Council, 1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach 7017.

Local pair take on Shitbox Rally to support cancer research

Alicia Williams and Shelley Robson successfully completed the Shitbox Rally Spring 2025, an endurance motoring event dedicated to raising funds for cancer research. The pair raised just over $5,000 for the cause, contributing to vital research while taking part in one of Australia’s most challenging and unique fundraising adventures. The Shitbox Rally requires participants to drive vehicles valued under $1,500 across vast distances, putting both mechanical reliability and driver resilience to the test!

Joining 240 other teams from around the country, Williams and Robson travelled from Tasmania to Alice Springs to begin the rally’s official route from Alice Springs to the Gold Coast. After the rally they made the journey back to Tasmania. Along the way, they navigated remote regions and demanding road conditions, showcasing determination and teamwork throughout.

Over the seven-day rally, the pair covered a total of 3,848 kilometres, including 2,565 kilometres of sealed roads and more than 1,283 kilometres of unsealed tracks. The event not only raised significant funds for cancer research but also highlighted the power of community-driven fundraising and shared purpose among participants nationwide.

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YOUR COUNCIL

LEIGH GRAY (Mayor)

Brighton 7030 Tel: 6268 0704 / 0488 390 115 cr.gray@brighton.tas.gov.au

BARBARA CURRAN (Deputy Mayor) Brighton 7030 Tel: 0417 612 868 cr.curran@brighton.tas.gov.au

AARON DE LA TORRE

Brighton 7030 Tel: 0427 813 821 cr.delatorre@brighton.tas.gov.au

PETER GEARD

Brighton 7030 Tel: 0418 515 649 cr.geard@brighton.tas.gov.au

GREG IRONS

Brighton 7030 Tel: 0424 333 360 cr.irons@brighton.tas.gov.au

JOHN MCMASTER

Bridgewater 7030 Tel: 0408 543 772 cr.mcmaster@brighton.tas.gov.au

TENNILLE MURTAGH

Bridgewater 7030 Tel: 0479 053 814 cr.murtagh@brighton.tas.gov.au

PHILIP OWEN

Old Beach 7017 Tel: 6249 8575 / 0419 333 252 cr.owen@brighton.tas.gov.au

MICHAEL WHELAN

Brighton 7030 Tel: 0409 416 353 cr.whelan@brighton.tas.gov.au

Tuesday

Tuesday

The Young Group supports new MBS Fitness gym in Bridgewater

MBS Fitness has opened a new boxing and fitness gym in Bridgewater, providing a welcoming space for children, youth and adults to improve their fitness, build strength and learn boxing skills.

The facility, located at 115 Cove Hill Road, aims to support healthy lifestyles and provide a safe environment for all members of the community to stay active.

The project is proudly supported by The Young Group, whose support reflects a commitment to creating spaces that encourage health, wellbeing and connection for Brighton residents.

Mayor Leigh Gray said the new gym is an important asset for the community, highlighting its potential to promote both physical health and social connection.

Vale Helen Manser AM

13 September 1958 – 11 November 2025

Helen Manser AM was born on 13 September 1958 to Charles and Helen McPherson, one of seven children in a close and loving family. She passed away on 11 November 2025, leaving a profound legacy of service, compassion and community leadership.

In 1979, Helen married Peter Manser. Together they built a life grounded in family and shared values, raising two sons, Steven and Peter (Peter Jnr), of whom Helen was deeply proud. Her devotion to her family was constant and unwavering, even as she gave so much of herself to the wider community.

Helen dedicated more than three decades to serving the people of Bridgewater, Gagebrook and the greater Brighton municipality. For 30 years, she was closely associated with Jordan River Service Inc, including many years as the manager, where she worked tirelessly to support individuals and families, strengthen local

networks and foster dignity and opportunity for all.

Helen was a driving force behind numerous initiatives, including women’s programs, adult literacy, environmental projects, senior activities and the Bridgewater and Gagebrook Urban Renewal Project. She also played a key role in the establishment of The Women’s Room, creating a safe and empowering space for local women.

In recognition of her significant contribution to the community, Helen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018. True to her character, she regarded the honour not as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the collective effort of the many people she worked alongside and supported.

In 2023, Helen retired due to ill health. Despite this, she remained sharp, loving and determined to the very end, retaining her strong sense of purpose, her warmth, and her deep care for others.

Her resilience and grace in the face of declining health

were an inspiration to those closest to her.

Helen will be remembered as a tireless advocate, a thoughtful leader, and a woman of integrity and kindness. Her impact will continue to be felt through the strengthened communities she helped build and the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband Peter, her sons Steven and Peter Jnr, her extended family, and a wide circle of friends, colleagues and community members who will miss her deeply and remember her with gratitude and respect. Rest peacefully Helen.

Progress, partnerships and possibility in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be another big and exciting year for Brighton. As a Council, our focus remains firmly on delivering our strategic priorities, investing in essential infrastructure, and ensuring we are well prepared for the transition to a newly elected council later in the year.

One of the important steps we have taken is the decision to develop a four-year Term Plan aligned to the local government election cycle. After reviewing best-practice approaches from across the country, we believe this plan will provide a strong foundation for the incoming council, allowing them to hit the ground running while maintaining continuity in our long-term goals. Preparing this plan in advance ensures no time is lost and that momentum is maintained for the benefit of our community.

Across the municipality, we are seeing welcome progress on a number of key infrastructure projects. Early works are underway on new pathway links connecting Brighton township to the Industrial Hub cycleway, along with important connections between the East Derwent Highway trail network and the new Bridgewater Bridge shared user path. These projects will significantly improve safety and accessibility

for walkers and riders. Major renewal works are also set to begin along a significant section of Back Tea Tree Road, supporting safer travel and accommodating future growth.

Another highlight is the Seymour Street Reserve upgrade, with Stage 1 nearing completion. This transformative project includes new soccer clubrooms, expanded soccer pitches, a mountain bike trail loop and a new bus interchange. These facilities will play a vital role in supporting our growing community for many years to come.

Advocacy continues to be a key focus for Council. We have built strong, productive relationships with both State and Federal Governments, ensuring they have a clear understanding of Brighton’s needs and aspirations. In the year ahead, we see significant opportunities to secure support for growth planning, infrastructure delivery, public

transport, and community services. Updated master plans for our major sporting and recreational facilities will place us in a strong position to pursue co-funding opportunities, while work is also underway to explore more contemporary, sustainable and cost-effective waste infrastructure and services.

Throughout the 2025–26 financial year, Council is continuing to invest in infrastructure and community assets that enhance liveability and support a growing population. Our capital works program prioritises road upgrades, recreational facilities and long-term infrastructure planning, all guided by a strong commitment to financial sustainability and responsible asset management.

I am also incredibly proud that Brighton Council has been awarded $889,000 to fund the Community Creators program across

Brighton schools for the next five years. This schoolbased program empowers young people aged 8-18 with leadership, communication and project management skills, culminating in youthled projects that create real, positive change in our community. Council is extremely grateful to the Tasmanian Community Fund for this significant investment, which demonstrates the power of giving young people a genuine voice and supporting them to become active contributors to community life.

By planning responsibly, investing wisely and advocating strongly, we are ensuring Brighton continues to grow as a safe, connected and welcoming place to live. I look forward to another year of progress and partnership as we work together to shape a positive future for our municipality.

Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray

Just before Christmas Under One Rainbow hosted two fantastic events, a Christmas Movie Night with a screening of The Grinch at Bond Place, and a Christmas Family Day at Cris Fitzpatrick Park.

Council endorses park plans

Brighton Council is pleased to announce the formal endorsement of the Lennox Park Master Plan and Tivoli Green Park Master Plan at the November and December 2025 Ordinary Council Meetings.

These plans set a clear vision for the future of two important community spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of our growing community.

The master plans were developed following extensive community consultations, incorporating feedback to create inclusive, accessible and sustainable parks. Key features include play

spaces, walking paths, open spaces, landscaping and facilities designed to encourage recreation and social connection. The ideas and input shared during consultation have shaped these plans.

Endorsement of these plans marks an exciting step forward in delivering high-quality open spaces for residents and visitors. Implementation will occur in stages and will be subject to funding and future budgets.

For more details and to view the plans, visit brighton.tas. gov.au/planning/strategicplans

Vale William (Bill) Griffiths

28 July 1928 – 23 November 2025

Words by Councillor Phil Owen

Many in our community had met Bill Griffiths and will have greatly benefitted from that and subsequent meetings.

Bill was born in Liverpool, England on 28 July 1928. He had a twin sister and two brothers. Bill’s early boyhood was an unimaginable struggle. Bill ran away from home, was homeless and left to fend for himself at the age of eight, depriving him of early education and family life.

Bill’s family circumstances, working life and life in general between the start of WWII and the early 1990s in England, Germany and Australia (including getting an education, two marriages, five children, finding lost family, many occupations and immigrating to Australia in 1957) would fill a book!

Fast forward to the early 1990s when Bill and wife Fay returned from overseas to live in the Brighton Municipality at Herdsmans Cove. Noticing the waterfront reserve needed love and attention, Bill organised a working bee to clean up the foreshore in the area now known as Swan Park. So began Bill’s volunteering journey – many great things in the community began to happen with Bill in the driving seat.

‘Pete’s Community Work Shed’ evolved in the old Bridgewater Fire Station shed in Sorell Street, Bridgewater, with funding from Brighton Council, Rotary and Housing Tasmania. Pete’s Shed gave young people an opportunity

to learn skills they otherwise would not have mastered. There were classes in woodwork, metalwork and bicycle repairs, and students from the local high school made props for their annual eisteddfods.

Among Bill’s impressive accolades was The Pensioners Club that addressed the loneliness and isolation age could encumber on the elderly in the community.

Bill was awarded the 2002 Citizen of the Year, a nomination for Australian of the Year in 2004, and received the Pride of Australia Award for Mateship in 2006. He was presented with the Commonwealth

Recognition Award for Senior Australians and nominated for the 2007 Pride of Australia Awards for his work with the Pensioner Club.

You could say Bill’s crowning moment was his role as ‘Pageant King’ for the years that the Brighton Christmas Parade travelled with huge excitement and community involvement from Cove Hill Shopping Centre to the Civic Centre in Green Point Road.

Bill, you were an inspiration to many – a gentle, loving family man. You were respected and will be long remembered by your community. Rest in peace.

Acknowledgement: Mary Eleanor Natural Funeral Care

Toy library open

Have you visited the Brighton Toy Library yet? Running on Mondays from 10am until 12.30pm at Tagari lia Child and Family Learning Centre, the library is free to use.

Putting fun toys and educational resources into the

hands of children and families in the Brighton/Bridgewater area is the goal of the library and it’s already proved to be a popular service since opening last year.

To find out more, visit Brighton Toy Library’s Facebook page.

Fire Hazards

Owners and occupiers of land in the Municipality are reminded that over the coming months abatement notices will be issued, where considered necessary, for the appropriate clearing of fire hazards.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Council is required to issue Fire Abatement Notices that call for the removal of the hazards within a specified time period. Advice on accessing assistance to clear such hazards may be obtained through council.

Failure to remove fire hazards by the specified time could lead to compulsory clearance at the property owner’s expense.

For further information or for reporting of a potential fire hazard, please contact Council on (03) 6268 7000.

Signed: James Dryburgh CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

NextGen

Summerfest 25 brings Brighton together

More than 600 people recently attended Summerfest 25 at Material Institute in Bridgewater, an annual community event organised in collaboration with Connected Beginnings Lutruwita and local partners.

The event began with a Welcome to Country by Leroy Hart, recognising the traditional custodians of the

land and setting a respectful tone for the day. Families then enjoyed a program of performances, including Palawa vocalist Taylor Hughes, Brighton High School Bands, The Southside Steppers, Selby Music and Terrapin.

The Material Institute provided free food, including wallaby and mushroom burgers and fruit platters, along with

a Beauty Lab experience. The Connected Beginnings Lutruwita team ran clay and craft activities, giving families opportunities to connect with each other and local services.

Summerfest 25 highlighted the value of community collaboration, bringing residents together to celebrate culture, creativity and connection in the Brighton municipality.

Little Committee cleans up Kutalayna waterways

Late last year, Kutalayna Collective’s Little Committee approached Brighton Council to organise a joint clean up along our waterways.

The group spent the afternoon with representatives from Council and TasWater, who spoke about the importance of caring for our waterways.

Inspired by what they learned, the Little Committee enthusiastically dedicated

the afternoon to cleaning, recycling and collecting rubbish to help improve the river systems along Kutalayna.

The Little Committee is a Kutalayna/Jordan Riverbased group of children from 8 – 12 years old who come together to play, make art, share their voices and bring ideas about how to make their community a better place. Great work, Little Committee!

Students connect to Country

Grade 1/2 students and teachers from East Derwent Primary School JRLF joined Connected Beginnings Lutruwita/Kutalayna Collective, Derwent Catchment Project and Brighton Council for a special day at Green Point Reserve.

Students were invited to see, touch, smell and listen to Country, connecting with the land through activities like cultural dance, landcare, mapping and clay play. This experience was designed to empower local young people to observe and respond to a changing climate by strengthening their bond with Country and supporting its health. A big thank you to the Tasmanian Climate Change Office for making this event possible through grant support.

Good asthma care can help children live healthy, active lives. The Breathe Strong & Dream Big in Lutruwita campaign encourages parents and carers to make sure children with asthma have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan.

Written by a doctor, an Asthma Action Plan explains how to manage asthma day-to-day and what to do if symptoms get worse. Every child with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan, even if their symptoms are mild, and plans should be reviewed each year or when medications change.

More information is available at www.asthma.org.au/ breathe-strong.

The campaign, a collaboration between Asthma Australia and Connected Beginnings Lutruwita/Tasmania, also highlights the role of schools, families and the wider community in supporting children with asthma.

NextGen

Meet Saxon, a young dancer living with passion and purpose

At just 12 years old, Saxon Goodwin from Bridgewater is already carving out a remarkable story of passion and community spirit. One of the youngest members of the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG), Saxon brings boundless enthusiasm and curiosity to everything he does.

Like many kids, Saxon’s early interests were shaped at home. At around six years old, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and fell in love with Aussie Rules football. But everything changed the moment he picked up a basketball. From that instant, Saxon knew he wanted to be a basketball player.

Despite having a slight build and experiencing bullying at school because of his size, Saxon refused to let this hold him back. In Grade 4, he joined the Glenorchy Revs and quickly proved himself to be among the top players in his age group. His determination and talent were already shining through.

That same year, another door opened. When Saxon’s mum and sister began dancing with Angeliques School of Dance, he found himself captivated by a completely new world. Watching videos of male dancers inspired him to give dancing a try, and soon he was learning an impressive range of styles including ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop.

“It was a bit scary when I first started at dance school,” Saxon says. “But I had really good teachers who encouraged me. I started performing in concerts and then competitions. I won a Junior Hip Hop Award at my first competition, and that pushed me to work even harder.”

Balancing competitive basketball and dance eventually became too much, and Saxon made the difficult decision to step away from basketball. In doing so, he discovered that dance wasn’t just an interest — it was his true passion.

Away from the studio, Saxon’s curiosity continues to shine. He has a strong fascination with ghosts and the paranormal and never turns down a good ghost story. At school, he enjoys science, art and history, with a particular interest in the Titanic and the tragic story of the Goodwin family — his namesakes — who all perished in the ship’s sinking.

Saxon became involved in BYAG through his older brother Connor, who is also a member. What drew him in was the chance to help plan events and activities, advocate for better public transport in the Brighton area, go on camps, enjoy activities like roller skating, and most importantly, connect with others while supporting the local community.

“Bridgewater is a great place,” Saxon says. “We have a beautiful foreshore with great views of the water and the bridge. You can go fishing, there are lots of parks, and I get to live close to my Nan. I’d just like to see more places to eat — healthier options, not just fast food.”

Looking ahead, Saxon dreams of becoming a professional dancer or actor and hopes to explore his fascination with the paranormal even further. With his determination, creativity and strong sense of community, there’s little doubt this young local will continue to make his mark.

Brighton youth go bush

What do you get when you take the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG) on a summer camp to Tasmania’s East Coast? A whole lot of adventure, learning, laughter and a few very memorable wildlife encounters!

The BYAG crew camped out in the bush, tried their hand at fly fishing and even caught an eel! They explored the magic of Maria Island, wandered along the stunning Painted Cliffs, fossicked in rock pools and discovered a very fancy decorator crab.

Along the way they spotted wombats, Tasmanian devils, and soaked up everything the coast had to offer, including fish and chips at Triabunna. And just when they thought it couldn’t get any better, they swapped walking shoes for aprons and headed into an Italian cooking class. Gnocchi was rolled, pizza dough was

kneaded, and gelato was enthusiastically taste-tested (purely for quality control, of course!).

From bush camping to wildlife,

coastal exploring to cooking up a storm – this summer camp was one for the memory books. Huge thanks to everyone who made it such an incredible experience for our young people.

Your voice. Your community. Your future.

To register your interest contact john.flack@brighton. tas.gov.au or 0492 248 452 or scan the QR code below. Join

Young people aged 15–20 are invited to become part of an energetic, motivated group working to shape the future of Brighton. If you’re passionate about your community and want your voice heard, this is your chance to step forward.

Why join?

• Bravery — Take action and lead with confidence.

• Youth voice — Influence real decisions that affect young people.

• Autonomy — Drive your own ideas and projects.

• Generosity — Support peers and contribute to youth events.

What you’ll do

• Assist with community youth events

• Share ideas through consultations

• Help create real change in Brighton

• Build leadership and teamwork skills

• Connect with like minded young people

Brighton needs your voice. If you want to make a positive difference, BYAG

wants to hear from you.

WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY/ MARCH

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Enjoy a free back-to-school sausage sizzle at Bridgewater Community House, 2.30pm–3.30pm.

FEBRUARY

14

Swing by the MI Makers Market at Material Institute in Bridgewater from 10am–2pm.

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7 There are 50 Animal Crossing characters and items hidden around Bridgewater Library. Can you find them all? The Bridgewater Library is open Monday to Friday from 9am–4:30pm.

Visit the Fashion Thrift Society Tour at Swisherr Hoops, Hobart, 10am–3pm, for vintage and pre-loved treasures. The Hobart Vintage Machinery Society’s Heritage Farming Expo is on at Penna over the weekend too!

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Need help with food items? Head to the Brighton Community Food Hub, 86 Jetty Rd, Old Beach (Cloak Oval). Open Tuesdays 10am–4pm, Wednesdays 4pm–7pm, and Thursdays 10am–4 pm

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Pick up some goodies at the Lions Club of Brighton market, from 10am–12pm at Pontville Oval.

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Bring the kids to Storytime at Bridgewater Library, every Tuesday from 10.30am–11am. Free, no bookings needed.

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8

Revheads will love the Old Beach Car Show & Swap, from 9am–2.30pm at Old Beach Oval.

Everyone’s welcome at Pride Colour Run, hosted by Under One Rainbow from 1pm–3pm at Cris Fitzpatrick Park, Gagebrook.

Today is the City of Hobart ‘Walk’ for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, part of the six Council’s We Stand Together Against Racism campaign. Hobart Waterfront.

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Grapevine down to VersaMoves’ line dance classes, every Tuesday from 10am–11.30am and 7pm–8.30pm at Pontville Hall. $10 per person, first class free.

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Want to know more about your family history? Help build your family tree at Bridgwater Library, from 1pm–4pm.

Join Café Connections at Bean to Brew Café in the Brighton Civic Centre from 10am on the 4th Tuesday of every month.

Backyard and portable pool safety

As we enter the warmer months, it’s especially timely to check that all pools, including backyard and portable pools, are secure and meet safety standards. Pool owners must follow specific guidelines to protect children from preventable accidents.

You might be familiar with fencing requirements for traditional pools, but did you know that portable pools are also subject to safety regulations? Often referred to as ‘kiddie pools’ or ‘splash pools’, these pools can vary in size and may be blow-up or made from flexible plastic or canvas.

In Australia, on average one child dies every year from drowning in a portable pool. In addition to that, estimates indicate that for every fatal child drowning in a portable pool, there are a further eight children hospitalised due to a non-fatal drowning in a portable pool. Some of those children hospitalised may be left with brain injuries, requiring ongoing care and being at risk of premature death. Tragically, young children can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water, and it only takes seconds for an accident to occur.

When a pool contains water deeper than 30 cm, fencing is legally required in most states, including Tasmania. If a portable pool does not have

a barrier, you must empty it immediately after use. Leaving a portable pool filled can increase risks, especially if a compliant safety barrier is not in place. The Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) website provides detailed information on fencing requirements and access barriers.

Look for the pool’s warning label and read it carefully. If you spot a portable pool without a warning label, report this to your local consumer affairs agency, through www.consumerlaw.gov.au.

Before you set up and fill your portable pool, go through the Make it SAFE checklist:

† Supervise. Once the pool has water in, you’ll need to actively watch any child, within arm’s reach at all times, so you can prevent anything from going wrong. It’s too much responsibility to leave older children in charge of younger kids and they may not recognise the signs of drowning.

† Act. Learn what to do in the event of a child drowning incident. You’ll need to know how to carry out CPR. It’s important to start compressions and breaths right away when a child is pulled from the water, and to call Triple Zero (000) so help is on the way. If possible, shout for someone to call

Triple Zero (000) while you continue CPR.

† Fence. In most parts of Australia, if a pool has more than 30 cm of water in it, there’s a legal requirement for it to be fenced. You need to check with your local council or government agency for safety barrier rules.

† Empty and store away portable pools. Pour out the water, deflate the portable pool and keep it safely out of reach of children when not in use. Never leave an empty pool in a place where it can refill with rain or sprinkler water.

For pool safety barrier information, visit www.cbos.tas. gov.au/topics/products-services/ safety/pool-safety-barriers.

We walk together

Brighton Council are participating in the City of Hobart ‘Walk’ for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, part of the six Council’s We Stand Together Against Racism campaign. On 20 March, the Walk will commence on the Hobart waterfront and finish at Parliament Lawns where there will be a community led event featuring presentations, arts performances and sports players/reps after the Walk.

MARCH

Throwing open the vineyard gates

Get ready for the Southern Open Vineyards Weekend, Tasmania’s long-standing wine festival celebrating the South’s finest cool-climate wines. This year it’s being held from 27 February–1 March across Southern Tasmania’s iconic wine regions - Coal River Valley, Derwent Valley, Huon Valley & d’Entrecasteaux Channel and South East. Locally in the Coal River Valley there are a number of wineries to enjoy with tastings, music, local food and vineyard experiences. For more information and the full schedule head to www. winesouth.com.au

Reminder to stay Fire Safe

As summer comes to a close, residents are reminded that fire safety remains important.

The Fire Permit Period is currently in place statewide and will continue until the end of the 2025–26 bushfire season. During this time, a free fire permit is required for burns larger than one cubic metre. Permits can be applied for online at fire.tas.gov.au or by calling the Tasmania Fire Service on 1800 000 699.

Permits are needed for burning vegetation and similar materials, as well as for fires at

sawmills or factories used to dispose of wood waste or other flammable material.

Smaller fires for cooking, warmth or garden waste do not need a permit, as long as they are under one cubic metre, attended by a responsible adult at all times, kept well clear of flammable material, and not lit in peat, humus or marram grass.

Stay alert, check conditions before lighting any fire, and let’s all do our part to keep the community safe for the rest of the fire season.

Viral Big Mac Tacos

You might have seen these tacos all over social media - a delicious mix of a dupe Big Mac sauce and tacos. You can also use the sauce on burgers.

Ingredients

Burger sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise (whole egg)

• 2 tbsp chopped dill pickles

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp tomato sauce

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp each of onion and garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

Method

Make the burger sauce first by mixing all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Next make the tacos. Divide the mince into 8, then press the divided mince onto each tortilla all the way to the edges. Heat a frypan to medium heat. Sprinkle each taco with a little salt and pepper before placing the tortilla meat side down into the pan. Cook for about three minutes, then flip and cook for another minute. Place a slice of cheese on top. Top with onion, pickles, sauce and lettuce then enjoy!

Main ingredients

• 500g beef mince

• 8 small wraps or tortillas

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 8 slices burger cheese

• 2 cups shredded lettuce

• 1/2 cup extra chopped dill pickles

• 1/2 onion, diced.

Line dancing to get locals moving

VersaMoves, a new dance group, has started up in Brighton, with the motto “live, love, laugh and line dance!” Beginners classes will start every Tuesday from 10 February at Pontville Hall from 10am-11.30am, and 7pm-8.30pm. The first class is free to trial, with the cost being $10 per person per class thereafter.

We spoke to VersaMoves Dance Group founders and Brighton locals Gaylene King and Leanne “Daisy” Cleary about their classes and what you can expect.

Who are the people behind VersaMoves Dance Group, and how did it begin?

Over the past 20 years, we’ve been teaching line dance classes throughout Southern Tasmania. In 2025, we decided to combine our expertise and enthusiasm for this dynamic sport by founding a new dance group. Daisy’s journey as an instructor began in the 1990s with CnT Line Dancing in Bagdad and Pontville. Although those classes concluded in 2004 due to illness and work commitments, the opportunity to reintroduce line dancing to the Brighton community brings immense joy. There has been a remarkable resurgence in line dancing across Australia and worldwide over the past five years, fuelled by viral social media trends.

Are these classes suitable for beginners (even those of us with

TAKE A BREAK

two left feet)?

The Pontville classes are specifically designed for beginners. Whether you have never danced, have danced but not line danced, or are returning to the dance floor, these classes are welcoming, easy-going and supportive – even those who feel they have “two left feet” can join in and learn at their own pace.

What is modern line dancing, and what kind of music can people expect?

Contemporary line dancing is a vibrant blend of styles, including country, salsa, hip hop, Latin, pop and more. In the last five years, social media trends (especially on TikTok) have made line dancing “cool” again. The music repertoire now extends well beyond traditional country, featuring tracks from genres like rock, jazz, hip hop and pop.

VersaMoves dancers have moved from Billy Ray Cyrus’s Achy Breaky Heart and Lee Kernaghan’s The Outback Club to routines set to songs by Luke Combs, Pink, Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Jason Derulo, David Guetta and Pitbull, to name just a few.

How can people find out more and get involved?

For enquiries, contact instructors Gaylene on 0408 985 986 or Daisy on 0407 883 068. You can email versamoves@gmail.com or join the Facebook group.

Footwear (5)

Game birds (9)

2026

MEETING SCHEDULE

The following meetings are scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers at 1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach:

New lease on life for Jerry

A familiar symbol of Bridgewater is slowly but lovingly coming back to life, with restoration work well underway on the iconic “Jerry” sculpture.

In March 2025, mosaic artist Margaret Woodward began the careful restoration of Jerry — a much-loved public artwork that has long captured the imagination of locals. The sculpture was originally created by her brother, artist Tony Woodward and commissioned by the Rockefeller family for the opening of the Green Point Plaza shopping centre in 2007.

Inspired by the fog that regularly rolls across the Derwent — affectionately known as the Bridgewater Jerry — the sculpture depicts the mist in human form, embracing the township it represents. Jerry was originally positioned at the front of the Bridgewater Library, which was located within the shopping centre precinct at the time.

Over the years, however, exposure to the elements and acts of vandalism took their toll. Mosaic tiles deteriorated, damage accumulated, and concerns grew about the sculpture’s long-term future.

A community push to protect Jerry

The turning point came in May 2021, when the Café Connections community group met with council officers to present an idea focused on building pride in Bridgewater. Central to their vision was celebrating the Bridgewater Jerry fog as a unique local identity.

Their proposal included a Bridgewater Jerry Walkway along the waterfront, complete with historical interpretation signage. Jerry himself was highlighted as an important community asset, sparking renewed discussion and interest. These conversations also planted the seed for the

now-annual Bridgewater Jerry Photo Competition, run by Café Connections and sponsored by Asthma Australia.

Later that year, in November 2021, Councillor Phil Owen, a regular Café Connections attendee, advocated for Council to remove the sculpture from its exposed location to prevent further deterioration. Jerry was relocated to the Council Works Depot with the intention of eventual restoration and placement in a more prominent, safer location with better passive surveillance.

Careful restoration underway

Margaret has been steadily restoring the intricate mosaic surfaces, recently receiving a helping hand from her niece to keep momentum going. Progress may be slow, but it is meticulous.

“I’ve been working on the mosaics and am making steady progress,” Margaret shared. “Last week I completed the second hand and I’m now moving up the arm.”

There has also been exciting progress on one of Jerry’s most damaged elements — the bronze circular sculpture. Specialist bronze sculptor

Curtis Hore has recast missing pieces, secured the structure, and applied a full patina finish.

The restored bronze component has been described as having “a new lease on life” and will remain at Curtis’s studio until final installation, which will be coordinated by Dobsons on its granite base.

Looking ahead

Jerry’s new home in Bridgewater is yet to be decided on by Council but Margaret expects to continue working on Jerry for one to two days each week, with additional help planned over summer to speed things along. While there is still significant work to complete, current estimates suggest the restoration could be finished by March 2026, if all goes to plan.

For many in Bridgewater, Jerry is more than a sculpture — it’s a symbol of place, memory and identity. Seeing the restoration take shape is a reminder of what can be achieved when artists, community groups and Council work together to preserve what makes Bridgewater unique.

Jerry may be taking his time, but he’s on his way back — and the community will no doubt be ready to welcome him.

The public are invited end these mee tings. Copies of the relevant agenda will be available for viewing at

website four (4) days prior to each meeting

James Dryburgh

Record Recycle Rewards

Congratulations to the community on returning 4 million containers to the Cove Hill Recycle Rewards refund point.

Cove Hill is the third busiest refund point in Tasmania, with an average of 18,000 eligible drink containers returned every day.

In late December, Tasmanians returned an impressive 528,646 eligible drink containers on Saturday 20 December, and another 510,860

on Sunday 21 December. The surge in returns was seen across refund points, demonstrating widespread community participation.

The total number of eligible drink containers returned since Recycle Rewards began on 1 May has now surpassed 65 million.

These numbers highlight Tasmania’s growing commitment to recycling, reducing litter and keeping valuable materials in circulation.

Highly Commended Award for Community Creators

Brighton Council’s Community Creators program received a Highly Commended Award at the 2025 Local Government Awards for Excellence.

Special congratulations to Kylie Murphy and Joselle Griffin from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, who created and facilitated this program in JRLFSenior School over the past two years. With a recently announced Tasmanian Community Fund grant, the program will now be able to

expand to local schools across the region over the next five years.

The awards also celebrated other outstanding local government initiatives, from innovative engagement projects to transformative urban renewal and creative regional storytelling.

Highlights of the awards included Tasman Council, recognised for Delivering Excellence as a Smaller Council; Devonport City

Council, recognised for Delivering Excellence as a Larger Council; the City of Launceston, acknowledged for Showcasing Innovation; and Central Highlands Council, Highly Commended for Highlands Bushfest.

Congratulations to all the winners! Thanks is extended to Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) for creating the platform for these local community achievements to be recognised.

A quick guide to keeping FOGO clean

FOGO helps households divert large amounts of food and garden waste from their general waste bins, easing pressure for those who struggle to fit everything into their weekly pickup. It also supports residents who can’t compost at home or who aren’t confident doing so, offering a simple way to recycle organic material responsibly.

To help keep our compost streams clean and running smoothly, here’s a quick refresher on what can and can’t go in your green-lidded FOGO bin.

What can go in your FOGO bin

Residents can place any organic waste in their 240 -litre FOGO bin, including items that normally can’t be composted at home. Accepted materials include:

9 All food scraps including vegetables, fruit, seafood (including shells), meat, bones, dairy, eggshells, teabags (except pyramid types), coffee grounds, and small amounts of oils or fats.

9 Garden waste like grass clippings, leaves, bark, twigs, plants, weeds and diseased plants – all safely processed at high temperatures.

9 Paper and cardboard including shredded paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins, cotton

Make or update your Bushfire Plan

Have you got a bushfire plan in place? A plan helps you think through important decisions before a bushfire threatens your area. Being prepared can reduce stress, limit the impact, and most importantly may even save your life and the lives of those close to you.

You can create or update your Bushfire Plan now on bushfire.tas.gov.au

wool balls (100% cotton), and food-soiled cardboard such as used pizza boxes.

9 Personal cuttings like hair from grooming or haircuts, plus nail clippings.

9 Pet waste such as pet hair, organic/natural kitty litter, pet poo, and soiled paper from bird cages.

What cannot go in FOGO

The golden rule remains clear: If it didn’t live or grow, it’s not FOGO.

Residents should not place any of the following in the green-lidded bin:

8 Plastics of any kind, including biodegradable or compostable plastic bags

8 Nappies

8 Fabric or clothing

8 Dryer lint or vacuum cleaner contents

8 Household items such as broken crockery, plates, cups or furniture

8 Plastic takeaway containers

8 Hazardous waste, including asbestos

8 Thick branches that can’t easily break down

8 Anything accepted in your recycling bin, such as glass, metal or clean paper/ cardboard

Thank you for doing your part to keep our FOGO clean.

Waterbridge Café returns

Gagebrook Community House’s Waterbridge Café is back for 2026, with new seating space for patrons to take advantage of.

Enjoy a range of home baked classics to tantalise your tastebuds, including muffins, slices, scones, biscuits and toasties. Choose from barista-made coffees, chai, hot chocolate or tea to accompany your sweet treat.

The café is open from 9am –2pm, Tuesday to Thursday,

Cove Hill Road closed

Cove Hill Road is closed to through traffic in both directions to allow essential stormwater infrastructure works to take place. These closures apply to Cove Hill Road from the Cowle Road junction east to the Cove Bridge.

Local access to businesses is available from the Bridgewater end only and no access is

available from the Honeywood end. Access to the waste transfer station from the Honeywood end will be opened as soon as possible.

Detours are in place and are clearly signposted. Emergency services will retain access at all times. Works are expected to continue until late March to early April, subject to weather and site conditions.

and is located at 191 Lamprill Circle, Herdsman’s Cove (inside Gagebrook Community House).

Waterbridge Café

Applications open from Wednesday 25 February and close Wednesday 25 March 2026 at 5pm.

Brighton Council offers:

• Small Community Development Grants ($500-$5,000)

• Medium Community Development Grants ($5,000-$15,000)

Please read the Policy Guidelines available on Council’s website before submitting your grant application.

Applications must be on the

designated form and will only be considered against the appropriate category and its set criteria.

Applications should be submitted via email to admin@brighton.tas.gov.au or via mail to:

Brighton Council, 1 Tivoli Road, Old Beach TAS 7017

For any enquiries or to discuss your grant application, please contact Brighton Council: Angela Turvey – Manager Community Development and Engagement. Email: admin@brighton.tas.gov.au Phone: (03) 6268 7000

Local Community Sport

Little Athletics on the rise

East Derwent Little Athletics Centre is celebrating a milestone year, with membership numbers exceeding expectations, and athletes achieving outstanding results on the track and in the field.

The Centre has officially surpassed 100 registrations this season, a level of participation that was not anticipated so early.

The Centre’s committee has been working tirelessly to ensure equipment and facilities keep pace with the growing participation levels. Fundraising efforts are focused on upgrading essential equipment such as vortex and discuses, and one of the major priorities is the purchase of a portable discus cage.

Fundraising efforts have already seen significant success. The Centre’s annual Christmas raffle proved incredibly popular, raising

much of the funding required to purchase the discus cage. The committee extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who sold tickets, purchased a ticket or donated prizes. Special acknowledgement is given to major raffle sponsors Tascon Constructions and SRT Logistics for their generous support.

Another key contributor to the club’s fundraising success has been the weekly meat raffle, proudly sponsored by Tasmanian HiTech Painting. A popular feature within the community, the raffle continues to raise vital funds that directly benefit athletes and the ongoing development of the Centre.

Success has not been limited to fundraising alone, with East Derwent athletes also enjoying strong performances in competition. Two club records have recently been broken, highlighting the talent emerging within the

Centre. Zavier, competing in the Under 11s, delivered a massive discus throw of 20.98 metres to set a new club record. Meanwhile, Poppy in the Under 6s broke the 200-metre record with an impressive time of 43.07 seconds.

Looking ahead, many East Derwent athletes are on track to qualify for the upcoming State Individual Championships, scheduled to be held at the Domain over the March long weekend. The Centre is anticipating a strong representation at the event and is proud of the dedication and effort shown by its young competitors.

East Derwent Little Athletics Centre is also reaching out to the community for additional support, with a call-out for a budding photographer to attend a meet and capture images of athletes in action. Anyone interested in assisting is encouraged to get in touch with the Centre.

Local athletes shine at Karate Nationals

A group of dedicated locals from the Brighton area proudly represented our community at the GKR Karate National Championships in Melbourne in late 2025, taking part in one of the largest karate events in the country.

The championships drew an impressive 750 competitors from across Australia, with 48 athletes travelling from Tasmania. Among them were seven competitors from the

Brighton area, ranging in age from just 11 years old through to middle age.

Brighton’s representatives were Isabelle, Amelia, Anita, Hamish, Jaxon, Titus and Michael, each demonstrating skill, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

There were outstanding results for the local team, with Amelia claiming gold in kumite (sparring) and Anita

earning a bronze medal in kata. Beyond the medals, the Tasmanian contingent stood out for the way they conducted themselves, proudly representing not only Brighton but Tasmania as a whole.

Their efforts and achievements are a credit to the athletes, their instructors and the wider community that supports them. Brighton can be proud of the way its locals performed on the national stage.

New clubrooms ready at Ted Jeffries Memorial Park

The transformation of Ted Jeffries Memorial Park in Brighton has reached an exciting milestone, with the completion of the new soccer clubroomsset to become the official home of the Brighton Storm Soccer Club for the 2026 season.

Delivered on budget, the new building, associated services, and landscaping represent a significant enhancement to the park. Designed by AKA Architects and built by Maveric Builders, the facility is already being praised for its exceptional quality and community value. The Brighton Storm Soccer Club has expressed strong satisfaction with the modern, flexible spaces now available to players, referees, and spectators.

The clubrooms feature two fully equipped change rooms that can operate as male and female facilities or be allocated to home and away teams depending on match scheduling. A unisex referee room and additional toilets add to the building’s versatility. The kitchen has also been designed to meet food licensing requirements, enabling future canteen and event opportunities.

Spectators will benefit from the new undercover viewing

areas included in the site’s master plan. These sheltered spaces provide excellent views of the upgraded soccer pitches while keeping visitors out of the weather.

Funded through the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities program, the project delivers on the 2022 Federal Election commitment to improve local sporting and community infrastructure. The clubrooms were showcased to the public during the Hobart Open House event on 9 November 2025 and later featured as part of the Parks and Leisure Australia State Conference tour.

This building forms part of the broader Ted Jeffries Memorial Park Master Plan, jointly delivered by Brighton Council and the Federal Government. Recent works include a new off-lead dog park, Seymour Street upgrades, expanded youth recreation facilities such as a bike park and improved skate area, upgraded parking, and significant soccer pitch enhancements.

The new clubrooms mark a proud step forward for community sport and recreation in Brighton.