Derwent Valley Council

26/10/2026

🔥Community Bushfire Protection Plans: Know Where to Go as a Last Resort 🔥

When bushfire threatens, do you know where you will go as a last resort if your plan fails?

Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) has developed Community Bushfire Protection Plans tailored for at-risk communities across Tasmania. These plans offer guidance on how to identify safer places in your own area and identify bushfire places of last resort (Nearby Safer Places).”

Chris Collins, Director of Community Fire Safety at TFS, emphasises the importance of planning for bushfires, whether you choose to stay and defend or leave early. “Understanding bushfire risks and taking steps to reduce them is essential, especially for those in bushfire-prone areas,” he said. “We want people to be informed, prepared, and ready.”

Remember, a last resort should never be your only option. Leaving early is the safest approach – giving you the time to get far away from at-risk areas.

Take action now: Download your local Community Bushfire Protection Plan from the TFS website at fire.tas.gov.au to stay informed and prepared this bushfire season.

26/10/2026

🚧 ROADWORKS UPDATE – GLENORA ROAD 🚧

Stabilised Pavements of Australia will be completing works on Glenora Road (either side of the Plenty Township) this week to carry out road stabilisation and resealing works.

📅 Works schedule:
- Works will take place throughout this week, including Saturday.
- Stabilisation works are expected to be completed on Monday.
- A temporary seal is scheduled for mid-next week.
- The final seal will be completed in December, when warmer weather provides more suitable conditions.

Please take care when travelling through the work area, allow extra time for your journey, and follow all traffic management directions and signage.

We thank the community for your patience and understanding while these important works are carried out.

25/10/2026

25/10/2026

This Week Around the Derwent Valley 👷‍♀️🌿

Here’s this week’s snapshot of works, maintenance and community activity happening across the Derwent Valley.

🚧 Roads & Infrastructure
• Major Patching: Daniels Road
• Potholing: Lachlan

🌳 Parks, Reserves & Facilities
• Sports Centre Playground
• Tree Works: Walking Track at The Esplanade and Wetlands
• Mowing & Brush Cutting: The Avenue, Tynwald Park and The Esplanade

🌿 General Maintenance
• Playground inspections: Daily
• Public rubbish bin collection: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
• Public amenities and BBQ cleaning: Daily

🎉 Events This Week:
• Children's Week 24 Oct - 1st November (see previous Facebook Post about events)
• Services Australia, The Circle, 27 - 28 October
• RiverCity Church Community BBQ, Lees Corner, 29 October
• New Norfolk Market: High Street - Saturday
• Pink Lady/Blue Men Day, Arthur Square, 31 October 11am
• Home Games: New Norfolk Cricket @ Tynwald Park 31 October

Please be aware that this schedule may change due to urgent works, weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. See less See less See less See les See less

25/10/2026

📣 Services Australia is coming to New Norfolk!

The Golden Wattle Mobile Service Centre will be parked outside the Council Chambers, around The Circle, tomorrow and Wednesday, 27-28 October.

Staff will be available to help with Centrelink and Medicare services, as well as provide information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) programs and services.

If you need assistance, pop in while the team is in town!

Our staff travel in mobile service centres (MSCs) to rural and regional areas to help people with our services and payments.

24/10/2026

Children’s Week 24th October – 1st November

Children’s Week is a national event held annually around the fourth Wednesday in October, promoting awareness of children’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Led by the Children’s Week Council of Australia, the week encourages national participation and supports children to be seen, heard, and celebrated in every community.

We are lucky enough to have some great organisations in the Valley looking out for our children and putting on amazing events this week and all year round!

Here are some coming up next week!

▶ Kids and Teens in the Valley
Create Do Mend – Tues 27th October
Youth Summit – Wed 28th October
Cultural Lunch at Fairview Primary – Friday 30th October
Pizza in the Garden – Sunday 1st November.

▶ ptunarra
Messy Play and Fun at the Memorial Hall – Tuesday 27 Oct 12pm-2pm

▶ DFAT
Halloween Indoor Movie Night – Westerway Hall Friday 30th October 7pm

See the pictures below for more information on these events and to RSVP.

23/10/2026

Council Meeting Outcomes - October 2026

Open Agenda Items
10.1 Monthly Mayoral and Elected Member Activity Report - Approved as Recommended
10.2 Leave of Absence Request - Nil
10.3 Monthly Financial Report - September 2026 - Approved as Recommended
10.4 Financial Management and Strategy Plan 2027-2037 - Approved as Recommended
10.5 Councillor Allowances - Approved as Recommended
10.6 Upper Derwent Bin Sites - Approved as Recommended
10.7 Senior Management Report – Approved as Recommended

Closed Agenda Items
5.1 Leave of Absence Request - Nil
5.2 Fee Remission Request - Approved with an alternate Foreshadowed Motion

To read the full October agenda:https://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/2061828/Open-21-Oct-Agenda.pdf

The Audio Recording is now available: https://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/audio_file/0017/2066030/21-October-Audio-recording.mp3

22/10/2026

🔥 SEASONAL CAMPFIRE BAN – PARKS & RESERVES 🔥

The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has advised that a seasonal campfire ban will come into effect from 2:00am Monday, 26 October 2026 on Reserved Land within a number of local government areas, including the Derwent Valley.

With relatively dry conditions and warmer than average conditions forecast over the coming months, the ban is being introduced to help reduce the risk of preventable bushfires.

On PWS Reserved Land covered by the ban:
🔥 Campfires are not permitted
🔥 Pot fires are not permitted
✅ Gas stoves and gas barbecues may continue to be used

Pot fires are included in the ban as sparks, embers and the disposal of hot ash can start bushfires, particularly during dry conditions.

The seasonal ban applies to Reserved Land managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and should not be confused with a Total Fire Ban, which may be declared separately by Tasmania Fire Service when conditions require.

If you're planning to visit a park or reserve, please check the latest information and any restrictions before heading out.

For further information, including campfire restrictions and FAQs, visit the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website:
www.parks.tas.gov.au/campfires

20/10/2026

✨ Celebrate Ageing | Seniors Month ✨

A whole month of opportunities to connect, explore and celebrate.

This October, Tasmanians are invited to celebrate ageing with hundreds of events and activities happening right across the state as part of Celebrate Ageing | Seniors Month.

From morning teas and community lunches to art, music, walking groups, workshops, open days and much more, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet new people, reconnect with your community or simply enjoy a great day out, Seniors Month is your invitation to get involved.

Here are some of the events happening in the Derwent Valley this month!
Check out COTA program for more information on these sessions

Seniors Month Program 2026

Freedom Health and Wellness
Staying Active Lite Classes – Monday 11am & Thursdays at 10:55am
Staying Active Classes - Daily at 10am
Free for new participants during Seniors Month
Freedom Health and Wellness, 2/99 Ring Rd, New Norfolk Enquiries: 0417 464 476

Derwent Valley Community House Events

Golden Oldie – Classic Movie on the big screen TV
Wednesday 7 Oct 10:30am–12:45pm

Seniors Month Olympic Games
Wednesday 14 Oct 10:30am–12:30pm

High Tea in the Morning!
Wednesday 21 Oct 10:30am–12:30pm

Grab and Go - Information session with the Red Cross on how to prepare for an emergency.
Wednesday 28 Oct 10:30am–12:30pm

Derwent Valley Community House, 56 Blair St, New Norfolk Enquiries: 6261 5230

Dementia Education Session − Communication and Dementia and Overview of Dementia

This session provides information on dementia, the way we communicate and how changes in communication can occur as a result of dementia. Bookings are essential.
Thursday 15 Oct 10am–1pm
Bookings: [email protected] | 6279 1100

Libraries Tasmania
Digital Support at New Norfolk - one-to-one digital support at New Norfolk Library
Every day in October 9:30am–5:30pm
New Norfolk Library, 9 Charles St, New Norfolk

Community Based Support
Free Ageing Backwards Class New Norfolk
Thursdays 1pm–2pm
New Norfolk RSL Club, 30 George St, New Norfolk
Bookings: 6208 6669 | [email protected]

19/10/2026

🌳 A second chance for our giant sequoia!

You may have heard that the giant sequoia at The Esplanade was being considered for removal due to concerns about its condition.

Following a further arborist assessment, there is encouraging news!

While the tree has experienced damage over the years and its canopy remains sparse, the assessment found that its trunk is sound and stable, with new shoots emerging along its branches and trunk. These are promising signs that the tree may continue to recover.

Our outdoor crew has now completed maintenance works in line with the arborist’s recommendations, helping support the tree’s ongoing health.

The assessment found the tree currently presents a low risk to nearby people and property, and recommends retaining it with ongoing monitoring over the coming years.

We're pleased there is an opportunity to give this much-loved tree a few more years and support its potential to thrive. 🌳