The Spotted Handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus) is a small fish that lives on the sea bed in the cool, sheltered waters of south-east Tasmania. It has modified pelvic fins that look like ―hands‖, hence the name. While the handfish can swim when required, it usually uses the ―hands‖ to ―walk‖ across the seabed in search of food such as mysid shrimps. The main habitat for this species is sandy to silty sea bed in the Derwent River estuary near Hobart, where it forms small, localised populations. This highly-localised distribution is quite uncommon for fish. The reason appears to be the fact that the adults are sedentary, they don‘t move around very much. Also the larvae develop completely within the egg mass laid by the females. Spawning females attach an egg mass of up to 200 eggs onto an appropriate object such as a stalked ascidian (or sea squirt), and then guard the eggs for up to six weeks until they hatch. The pattern of spots on each Spotted Handfish appear to be unique, meaning we can identify individuals. They are members of the group of fish including deep sea anglerfish. There are a number of handfish species found in Australian waters, with the majority of these being rare and restricted to the south-east. Status The Spotted Handfish is currently listed as Critically Endangered under the Commonwealth and as Endangered in Tasmania. There are a number of reasons the handfish is listed as endangered. A small population, restricted distribution and vulnerable life cycle are key. Habitat degradation and pest species have contributed to the species' decline.

Threats The greatest threats to the handfish appear to be siltation and invasive species. The Derwent Estuary where the fish lives is highly urbanised and industrialised, and a range of marine pests have been introduced through shipping. One key pest is the Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensis), a particularly large and voracious predator that is now abundant in the estuary. Studies by CSIRO show that the seastars eat the stalked ascidians that the handfish use to attach their eggs. The egg mass itself is highly vulnerable to predators during the six weeks the eggs take to develop. Increasing numbers of seastars and introduced crabs pose a significant and ongoing risk.

Strategy One of the first strategies to conserve the handfish was to give them full protection under fisheries legislation, preventing collection for aquariums. The species' restricted distribution has worked in its favour, encouraging interest from the local community to clean up the estuary. Artificial sticks for attaching eggs have been developed by CSIRO and planted throughout the estuary. There is some evidence that the handfish are already using the sticks, although it is unknown whether the eggs survive to hatching. It is difficult to monitor the handfish‘s population because diving is involved, but in recent years some populations have been monitored as part of volunteer programs such as Reef Life Survey. Current results suggest the populations in the centre of the estuary are stable, but more surveys are always needed. Continued page 7

A handfish using an artifical stick to attach its eggs. Photo: Tess Moriarty

Attack of the death (sea)stars. PhotoNeville Barrett

Wed 22 July G Bryan & J Crawford

Thu 23 July R & C Campbell

Fri 24 July P English & H Ford

Mon 27 July A Breadmore & L Dann

Tues 28 July A Quinn & L Tucker

Disclaimer: The Editorial team reserves the right to print any material which is designed to benefit or be of interest to the local community. Consequently, all views or opinions expressed in material published are solely those of the writer of that material and do not necessarily reflect the view or opinions of any persons associated with Great Oyster Bay Community News, the Swansea Online Access Centre or Linc Tasmania. The editorial team also reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any material that may be deemed damaging, misleading or detrimental to our organisation or community. Please refer to our Editorial and Advertising policies which are located on our website www.gobcnews.weebly.com

www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye

Editor: Bill Fry Advertising Coordinator: Jenny Whittaker Advertising, Stories & Copy Deadline: strictly 12 noon Friday Advertisements costing $20 or less must be paid in cash at the Centre before publication Phone: 6257 8806 Fax: 6257 8053 Postal Address: P.O. Box 308 Swansea 7190 Email: gobcnews@gmail.com—articles, letters and photographs welcome! Website: www.gobcnews.weebly.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/greatoysterbaycommunitynews Printed by Swansea Online Access Centre Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10 am - 3 pm;

Date Event Location, time and contact details

Wednesdays Music & Meditation 3 pm All Saints Church all welcome 6257 8755

Fri 24 July All Saints Opportunity Shop Mini-market All Saints Opportunity Shop

Sat 25 July Music Night Band ―The Shots‖ 7 pm Get ready to boot scoot the night away. The Swansea Swans are holding a country night. Live band, dress in your best bush banging outfit. $10 a head; be there .

Sun 26 July Friends of Rocky Hills 10.30 - 12.30 Tree planting at Mayfield See Notice page 3

Tue 28 July Glamorgan Spring Bay Council 5 pm Monthly council meeting at Swansea Town Hall Agenda items by 17th July 2015.

Sat 1 Aug ERDO 10 am - 2 pm Book Fair The Village 20 Melbourne St Triabunna

Sat 8 Aug 100 Club Swansea Swans Football Club see Tim Bond or Tom Darke for your

tickets

Tues 11 Aug Swansea Probus 10 am monthly meeting and BBQ Swansea Golf Club Secretary 0411 203 223

Fri 14 Aug Freycinet Volunteer Marine

Rescue

7 pm Monthly Meeting Terry Charlton Room Boat Shed New members welcome Bill Fry, Admin Officer: 0400 329 973

Fri 14 Aug STUFIT 7.30 pm Swansea Town Hall All welcome Steve mob 0438 060 047

Tue 25 Aug Glamorgan Spring Bay Council 5 pm Monthly council meeting at Triabunna Agenda items by 14th August 2015.

Care until release of orphaned wildlife including Wombats, Eastern Grey kangaroos (Foresters), Bennetts & Pademelon wallabies & Tasmanian Devil rescue. Phone Marcia at Bayview Bush Babies 0448 714 419. For advice or care of birds phone Sherryl Lyn on 0427 796 096. Collection of bee swarms, please phone Marcia on 0448 714 419. Please phone pest control for wasps. Easy Relaxation for Mind and Body Every Thursday in Orford 1pm at the Orford Community Hall. Contact Nadine Ozols, Program Coordinator, 6257 9126 orrphs1.mayshaw@iwwt.com.au. Swansea Branch CWA meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members always welcome. Craft days alternate months. Contact 6257 8947 for details. Spring Bay Walkers have a regular walking calendar of many interesting local walks. Contact Cath Willmot on 6257 1096. Qigong 9.15 am and exercise class 11.15 am both Monday at Swansea Golf Club until further notice. Cranbrook Craft Group Every Wednesday 10.30 am at Cranbrook Hall. Cranbrook Contact Edith 6257 8116 Swansea Community Garden meets on the first Saturday of the month. Contact Cynthia on 6256 4738. Book Discussion Group at the Swansea Library. We meet on the fourth Thursday in the month. Keep reading and bring along the book you are currently reading. Contact Deirdre Monk on 6257 8584.

Your local SES is looking for volunteers. If you are interested, want to know more or just want to come and have a look. Your local unit is also on the hunt for your old unwanted vehicles, if you have got one that you would like to donate to the unit for training purposes, please let us know, we can even arrange pickup. Contact us at swanseases@gmail.com or ring Kelvin on 0418 376 129 The Swansea Social Croquet and Boules are continuing to meet on Fridays from 11 am to 1.30 pm weather permitting. Please phone Deirdre Monk 6257 8584 for details and venue information. Swansea Community Market supported by Barkmill Bakery & Tavern second Saturday of the month at Swansea Town Hall 10 am - 1 pm Next month‘s market is on 8th August Nic 0419 324 701 Music and Meditation 3pm Wednesdays All Saints Church. A cuppa will be supplied after the session in the church hall. All welcome 6257 8755 Community Transport East Coast the phone number for the office has changed to 6372 4415. A diversion will be in place until July but please make note of the number. Haphazards Art Group 10.30 - 3 fortnightly meeting All Saints Church Hall next meeting 10 August Nora 6257 8407 All Saints Opportunity Shop 24th July Mini-market. Glamorgan Spring Bay Council 5 pm 28 July monthly meeting Swansea Town Hall Agenda Items by 17th July.

Swansea Swans Football Club Sat 25 July 7 pm Get ready to boot scoot the night away. The Swansea Swans are holding a country night. Live band ―The Shots‖, dress in your best bush banging outfit $10 a head; be there. ERDO 10 am - 2 pm 1st August Book Fair The Village 20 Melbourne Street Triabunna Swansea Swans Football Club 100 Club Sat 8th August. See Tim Bond at the Barkmill Tavern or Tom Darke. Swansea Probus Club 10 am 11th August monthly meeting and BBQ Swansea Golf Club New Members Welcome. Secretary 0411 203 223 Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue next meeting 1900 Hrs Friday 14th August Terry Charlton Room at the Boatshed. Visitors and new members welcome. Bill Fry, Admin Officer: 0400 329 973 www.coastguardfreycinet.com.au STUFIT 7.30 pm at the Swansea Town Hall on Friday 14th August 2015. All Welcome. Call Steve Mob: 0438 060 047 for further info. Friends of Rocky Hills Group to participate in National Tree Day. The FORH group will be holding a Tree Planting Working Bee at Mayfield on Sunday 26th July 2015 from 10.30am-12.30pm. Any green thumbs wishing to help volunteer please contact Alison Wallace on 0419 090 245 or via email alisonwallace5@bigpond.com Picnic lunch will be provided, BYO Drinks. Meet at Mayfield Jetty Road gate at 10.30am.

Carpet & Lounge Suite Cleaning

Turbo Tile & Grout Cleaning

Flood Emergency Callouts

High Pressure Cleaning

Fire & Smoke Damage Cleanup

Mattress Sanitising

Exterior House Cleaning

Covering Bicheno, Coles Bay, Swansea, Orford and Triabunna areas

Truck Mounted Machine

STEPHEN BRIGGS Owner/Operator

Box 378 Prospect TAS 7250

Phone 0409 578 066

Around the World in 80 questions

Saturday 29th of August 2015

Swansea Primary School Swan Hall

Tickets on Sale at Swansea Primary School

Michelle will be visiting Swansea again for income tax preparation on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July at Dove Cottage, Swansea Cottages, Franklin St Swansea. She will also be visiting Coles Bay on Sunday 26th July at Iluka Tavern, Coles Bay. Please phone 03 6344 9433 to book for an appointment. Michelle Peebles FIPA RTA Managing Director The Income Tax Professionals (ITP) 153 Hobart Road KINGS MEADOWS TAS 7259 E-Mail: mpeebles@itpkm.com.au Phone: 03 6344 9433 Fax: 03 63 431 889

10 am - 2 pm

1st August Book

Fair The Village 20

Melbourne Street Triabunna

Melshell Oysters

Have you found any white styrene floats?

Reward of $5.00 per float delivered to Melshell.

Must be reasonable condition. Contact 62 570269

Curry Weather! Friday & Saturday nights (plus our full seafood menu) This week

Kadahi Chicken – full flavor and tender right through.

Bombay Beef – a traditional favorite mild to hot as preferred

Lampraise - authentic lamb in style & so delicious

Seafood Marsala – a seafood choice with aromatic herbs

Aloo Channa – a great vegetarian option that says more please OYSTER BAY SEAFOOD 62578998 – EAT IN OR TAKE OUT

All meals served with Basmati Rice – add Roti bread – Cucumber Raiita – or fresh made Papadams & NEW- Mango Lassi, a smoothie style yoghurt based delight

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT LITTLE SWANPORT

Telstra plans to upgrade a telecommunications facility at

Seaford Road, Little Swanport 1. The proposed facility consists of the removal of two (2) existing omni antennas, the installation of four (4) new omni antennas and the installation of ancillary equipment, including two (2) tower mounted amplifiers, to support the proposal. 2. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 ("The Determination") based on the description above. 3. Further information can be obtained from Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, (03) 95557133, 0422685472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au and at http://www.rfnsa.com.au/7190002 4. Written submissions should be sent to: EIS, 2/25 Kilpa Rd, Moorabbin, VIC, 3189 by 4th August 2015.

We are renovating our Waterfront Chalets

and will have the following for sale.

Spa baths with pumps -$100.00

Bathroom vanities -$50.00

Kitchen sinks with mixers-$30.00

Kitchen bench tops-$20.00

Toilets-$30.00

2 burner hot plates-$50.00

Please call us on 62578177 for enquires.

Australasian Road Rescue Challenge Alice Springs

Wednesday the 22nd of July will see a team of 6 SES members from southern Tasmania head to Alice Springs to compete in the Australasian Road Rescue challenge 2015. Teams will partake in a one day learning symposium and three days of road rescue scenario based competition. The teams will have a great learning opportunity by being able to access the latest rescue equipment and use it on

current model Holden vehicles in simulated rescue scenarios. This year‘s team is a composite team made up of unit managers from five southern SES units and

one ambulance Tasmania paramedic. Local Glamorgan Spring Bay SES unit manager Kelvin Jones has been lucky enough to be selected to be part of this team. Kelvin is looking forward to

bringing back many new ideas and techniques that will be able to be implemented into the local unit. Pictured are of a couple of training scenarios undertaken prior to heading away. Kelvin Jones

Swansea Online Access Centre

would like to thank all of the dedicated hard working volunteers and committee members who contribute to the

efficient operation of the Centre and this newsletter, and you, our readers, of this newsletter for it‘s continued

success.

“Word” or “Publisher” Copy by 12 Noon Fridays.

Letters and articles most welcome.

Pictures with articles make for more pleasant reading.

Please send by email to gobcnews@gmail.com or drop in to the Swansea Online Access Centre Monday to Thursday 10 am - 3 pm Friday 10 am - 1 pm Will open on Public Holidays by prior Appointment.

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at

midnight very clean. It‘s perfect when it arrives and it puts itself

in our hands. It hopes we‘ve learned something from yesterday

John Wayne (nee Marion Mitchell Morrison)

26/05/1907—11/06/1979

280 AUSTRALIANS DEVELOP DIABETES EVERYDAY You don’t have to be old.

You don’t have to be overweight. Around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes.

Diabetes is a growing epidemic and a silent killer. You will have to spend the rest of your life managing your diabetes 24/7 and are at high risk of heart

disease, kidney failure, stroke, amputation & blindness. The good news is: well managed diabetes will improve your outcomes.

Visit us at Swansea Pharmacy and complete a risk assessment form & see how you score? Our pharmacist is available to speak with you about your score or concerns

Dear Editor, Leadership. Great leaders are hard to find that's why I'm following myself...anon I read this quote many years ago and the truth of it has remained with me. When we talk about leadership as a concept it is imperative we define with a common language, these desired traits and qualities. Recently I conducted a short survey among acquaintances, statistically insignificant, nonetheless interesting in its confirmation of what makes for good leadership. When asked ‗what characteristics do you associate with good leadership, people‘s responses were overwhelmingly clear on three distinct traits: Vision, Communication and Trust. A leader with vision inspires hope and the possibility of a better future. The ability to communicate a vision to all levels of society is essential in helping us get on board and own and therefore work towards this vision in a united way. Trust must be earned and is given in good faith in the beginning, based on known past intentions and actions of a leader. The top three names associated with these values were Angela Merkel, Anna Bligh, and Nelson Mandala. At this time I sense a disconnect between the qualities we look for in leaders and what we actually get! Maybe we need to do more research before going to the polls. In a democracy, a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or their elected agents under a free electoral system, we seem to get very little bang for our money. Our leaders occupy positions of authority and have power and privilege bestowed on them through their office, but very few of them display leadership as defined here. When's the last time you heard someone speak so powerfully and engagingly that you were moved and wanted that vision for yourself and your community? I myself cannot remember, can you? Maybe we have abdicated our responsibility to ourselves and our circumstances, taken a wrong turn somewhere. Many of us look to others for direction, inspiration, hope and resources. Maybe we could turn to ourselves first to look inside and uncover the assets we have as individuals that we can share. Governments, professionals, friends and family can't and shouldn‘t make the decisions for us, we have to fez up or be indebted to other forces that may eventually leave us very little democratic freedom and security. It may be that apathy crept in at some stage and we placed misdirected trust in systems of government, the corporate sector and social welfare. Malcolm Fraser told us there is no such thing as a free lunch! Next time you have the opportunity to cast a vote or make a decision, take a step back and ask yourself WHY you want to vote or act in a particular way, HOW will this transform or impact your life and the community where you live and WHAT are the likely consequences of your decision. I have a confession to make - I care passionately about individual freedom and democracy. I also believe, as individuals we can make a difference and that there is always another perspective, an alternative path, to the one we find ourselves on. Britt Steiner

East Coast Crusaders PCYC

MAC, Pizza & Eton‘s mess

Saturday 11th July saw 30 kids from our local community descend on the Crusaders Cabin to enjoy an afternoon of games and food. The entertainment was provided by the Hobart PCYC Mobile Activity Centre trailer and our club‘s resources. The afternoon saw the kids enjoy the sumo suits, soccer, basketball, totem tennis and a myriad of other games contained

in the purpose built PCYC trailer.

The evening meal was capably provided by our local wood fired pizza oven from Springvale Don and Charlotte helped the kids whip up a fantastic pizza with a jam packed array of toppings then superbly finished in the wood fired oven. The dessert was courtesy of Conrad & Bianca with their Eton‘s mess. Toppings were again a plenty and everything finished with a sparkler.

The night would not have been possible without the support of the following people Hobart PCYC, Don & Charlotte Monk, Conrad & Bianca Melling and all the parents and guardians they lent a hand on the day. Of course the whole event could not have been possible without the attendance of the kids of our community.

Thank you to everyone for their support and assistance. More info on our PCYC like us on facebook east coast crusaders pcyc Remember kids are our Future. Kelvin Jones

Continued from page 1 Conclusion Life in a degraded estuary, full of introduced pest species, is fraught with difficulty, especially where a species is dependent on that localised habitat. But, recent surveys do indicate that viable populations of this species continue to exist, and this gives some significant hope that the handfish can survive in the long term. With time, improvements in the water quality within the Derwent should flow through to improved habitat for the Spotted Handfish, and perhaps to a reduced threat from introduced pest species as more natural assemblages of species return. Meanwhile, monitoring and artificial egg sticks offer the best chance of avoiding the loss of the species. Author Neville Barrett Senior Research Fellow University of Tasmania Reprinted from “The Conversation” online. Htpp://theconversation.com

Meals on Wheels

A community service available to anyone who would love a meal delivered to their home, ongoing or temporary. Cost $8.60 for a

two course meal

Phone 6257 8108

Swansea State Library

has a new phone number 6257 8607. Please use this number for all enquiries

regarding the library

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. Abraham Lincoln Everyone has the obligation to ponder well his own specific traits of character. He must also regulate them adequately and not wonder whether someone else's traits might suit him better. The more definitely his own a man's character is, the better it fits him. Cicero A person reveals his character by nothing so clearly as the joke he resents. Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

.

Winter Trading Hours

Monday and Tuesday Closed Wednesday and Thursday open 3 pm Friday Saturday and Sunday open 11 Bistro Open Friday 5 pm - 8 pm

Do not forget Friday night spins and members‘ draw

Phone: 6257 8188

Would like to thank all who helped make the Hangi night a success. A cheque for $4865 was presented to Julie Orr which was the total proceeds for night.

Tracey Kean organising the Presentation

Wayne(Boof) Haigh, Trevor Thomas (Manager RSL), Shane Pollington, Julie Orr (CEO May Shaw) Robert (Bob) Moore

Left: Tracey Kean proudly displaying the cheque for $4865 to the assembled members and distinguished dignitaries.

Www.gobcnews.weebly.com

VETERINARY CLINICS IN BICHENO

Dr Jeff Parsons consults in

Bicheno every Tuesday afternoon. Please phone

6376 1577 for an appointment or veterinary advice.

Two bedroom flat in central location

part furnished, available for lease.

Contact

gh26@bigpond.com

Leo Is Lost

He either fell or jumped out of my

caravan between Triabunna and

Swansea boat ramp.

He is ginger and white and very shy around people, if you

see him best to leave some food out, and call me on

0474 210 433

$200 Reward

PERFECT PLACEMENT STONEWORK

Tomorrows heritage today.

Specializing in Restorations, Houses, Retaining Walls, Stairs,

Garden Features, Paving & All Types of Stone Work

Compare our work online at www.ppstonework.com.au

Phone 0409 074 995

21st July

FIG BEAUTY SERVICE

Visits the Health & Wellbeing Centre, May Shaw

Every Second Monday Next Visit 3rd August

Waxing, tinting, manicures & pedicures, facials, gel nails/toes

Relaxation massage

Phone Sally 0400 837 984

Simon P. Clark Chartered Accountant

“I come to you” Visiting Swansea the

4th Thursday of each month

For an appointment please call

Ph: 6391 3007

ACCOUNTANT & TAX AGENT

Richard Lane

OPTOMETRIST

Visiting Bicheno Fri. 7 August Ca 7 f r app nt nt

Swansea Sat. 8 August

Ca 7 f r app nt nt

Slashing of Blocks

Swansea - Bicheno - Coles Bay

Ph: Rodney Breadmore

0418 513 973

or 6257 8434

VETERINARY CLINICS IN SWANSEA

Dr. Phillip Holmes will be visiting Swansea from 11 am onwards. 22nd July Please phone 6269 2323 for an appointment or veterinary advice.

Swansea Paint & Panel

36 Franklin Street Swansea

For all your spray painting & smash repair needs. Insurance work & detailing .

Scott on 0497 928 482

Last weeks solution

Glamorgan Spring Bay SES Unit

The Members for the Glamorgan Spring bay SES Unit would like to thank the Swansea Community Market for their generous donation towards projects provided by the SES within our municipality . Funds donated will be put into our Child restraint campaign ( more details on this in future articles) Thanks to Nicolle from the Market for the presentation of the cheque .

Across 1 Complete freedom to act as one wishes (5,7) 9 Dire (5) 10 Bizarre (anag) (7) 11 Acidulous (4) 12 Marvellous! (8) 14 Congregate (6) 15 Still — interference (6) 18 The aircraft industry (8) 20 Fibre from coconut husks (4) 22 Bone of the upper arm (7)

23 Margins (5) 24 Charity's in it (anag) (12) Down 2 To begin with (2,5) 3 Work the land (4) 4 Storks' freight? (6) 5 Quick and cheerful enthusiasm (8) 6 Principal (5) 7 Italian operatic tenor, d. 1921 (6,6) 8 Pertaining to map-making (12) 13 False teeth (8) 16 Notion (7) 17 Art of dwarfing trees (6) 19 Turkish seaport, formerly called Smyrna (5) 21 Carved (4)

Saturday‘s match Swansea 5.8 38 lost to Oatlands 20.15.135 Goals R Flynn 3, B Sweeney and M Evans 1 ea. Best J Brown, B Sweeney, A Press, R Flynn, B Taylor, L Wright Coming Events. Sat 25th July Swansea vs Bothwell @ Swansea 1.30 pm Sat 25th July Get ready to boot scoot the night away. The Swansea Swans are holding a country night, from 7 pm.. Live band, dress in your best bush banging outfit. $10 a head; be there. Sat 8th Aug Swans 100 club. See Tim Bond or Tom Darke for your tickets.

Triabunna Junior Football Club 4/07/2015

No Games

Due to School Holidays

Swansea Golf Club News

Saturday 18th July Report

On a very cold winters day a small but quality field played a Canadian Foursomes round. Allison Smith played very good golf to carry Ray Dart to victory. Max Hall and Malcolm Sinclair were bridesmaids maintaining their fine form. Results Allison Smith & Ray Dart 86/54, Max Hall & Malcolm Sinclair 75/56. Balls down the line : Fran Dowling & Chris Weeding 80/60.5 , Sally Siepen & John Quinn 80/61, Peter Donaldson despite wearing deodorant played a lone hand to card 84/62. Men‘s nearest the pin 8/17 Fran Dowling. Ladies 7/16 went to the club. Big thanks to Bev Digney who supplied savouries for afternoon tea (yummy) COMING EVENTS 25th July Stableford sponsored by Tas Abalone Farm 1st August Monthly Medal 8th August Milton Vineyard sponsored day Members Reminder jobs board beside BBQ if you can help Peter & Malcolm read the board put your name beside what you can help with and then talk to them. Even 1 hour would be helpful. Chris Weeding