North Eastern Advertiser

30/12/2025

FIRE CAUSE REVEALED

Burning material escaping from a fire pit, which was being used by a property owner to dispose of household waste, was the cause of this month’s St Helens fire.

The destructive bushfire at Dianas Basin and Stieglitz started on the afternoon of December 9 and resulted in two houses being destroyed and about 1200ha of vegetation burnt.

TFS Fire Investigator Tim McKay said the incident was “very disappointing” and should serve as a reminder for people to exercise extreme care when using fire.

“Tasmania, while beautiful, is fire-prone. With the bushfire season well and truly here, any unplanned fire in our landscape may be difficult to control and has the potential for devastating outcomes.

“One spark in the wrong place at the wrong time is all it takes to put lives and property at risk.”

A Fire Permit Period is now in effect across Tasmania.

Members of the public are urged to consult the Tasmania Fire Service website for information about the requirements now in place for the use of fire outdoors, and for advice on how to be prepared in advance of a fire threat.

19/12/2025

🎄🎄Celebrating 2025🎄🎄

This week we delivered the biggest paper since taking ownership of the publication, putting out our first 24-page edition.

To say I am proud is an understatement.

Creating your weekly newspaper is a wonderful privilege and I want to thank the team that supports me each week to make it happen.

Emily, Richard, Fishy, Gaile and Gary - thank you for your commitment to delivering local, independent news every week.

No Artificial Intelligence - just real humans who love this community and ensuring its story is told.

To our loyal advertisers, stockists, paper kids and readers - thank you for supporting us throughout 2025.

We hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

We will be taking a break before returning to the office on January 12.

Long live local news.

19/12/2025

A pole fire has caused a power outage to 206 properties in Scottsdale, South Springfield, Springfield, West Scottsdale.

18/12/2025

+++Update on George Town chemical spill - 3.45pm +++++
The source of the chemical spill (formic acid) in Franklin Street, George Town has been contained.

In consultation with the EPA and George Town Council, the spilt acid has been diluted and flushed through the drainage system into the Tamar River.

As recommended by the EPA, we will continue to flush water through the system for a further four hours to make it safe.

While the formic acid present in the Tamar River has been diluted, TFS advises that the community should avoid contact with the water.

The EPA will conduct ongoing monitoring

****

Hazardous Material Emergency Warning – Franklin St, George Town – Leave now

Tasmania Fire Service is attending a hazardous material incident at from the intersection of Franklin Street and Thompson Avenue to the Bell Bay Train line.

Exposure to this material will present an immediate danger to people in the area and Tasmania Fire Service recommends leaving now.

What to do:

Leave the area now.

South George Town Primary School students and staff are sheltering and place, and parents do not need to enter the area.

If you cannot leave, stay indoors, close all doors, windows, and vents, and turn air conditioners to recirculate or off.

If you are away from home, do not try to return to the area.

Non-residents should stay away from the affected areas.

15/12/2025

A serious conversation about the trajectory of Dorset Council’s budget is needed, says GM.

Dorset Council General Manager John Marik has used this week’s organisational AGM to outline his desire for a hard-line approach to shore up the future of the municipality.

14/12/2025

Scottsdale’s main CBD is in line for a long-overdue transformation.

A 20-year hunt to find a location for a public toilet in Scottsdale’s Victoria St appears finally over.

11/12/2025

A day after sacking coach Rickie Dolliver, Ethan Petterwood has been announced as the new Scottsdale Football Club coach.

🚨 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

SCOTTSDALE FOOTBALL CLUB APPOINTS SENIOR COACH FOR 2026
The Scottsdale Football Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ethan Petterwood as Senior Coach of our Men's program for the 2026 season.
Ethan's appointment follows a thorough recruitment process, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome him home.

A HOMECOMING
For Ethan, this appointment is deeply personal. Growing up in Scottsdale, he spent his junior years playing for the club and watching his Dad pull on the boots for the seniors. After many successful years as both a player and coach at Scottsdale, Ethan spent the past couple of years in Queensland playing with the Redlands Victoria Point Sharks, where he coached the midfield during the 2025 season.
"It's been difficult watching the men's team and club struggle over the past couple of years," Ethan said. "This club, these people, and the Scottsdale community mean everything to me. I want to help us achieve success and get back on top where we belong."

A VISION FOR SUCCESS
Ethan brings not only passion but a clear vision for sustained success at Scottsdale.
"I want to create an environment that's enjoyable but rooted in hard work," he explained. "This club gave me so much—a strong foundation, incredible support, and lifelong connections. Now it's time to give back."
His commitment extends beyond the senior program. Ethan is passionate about developing our junior program based on his own experiences as a kid, aiming to provide opportunities for our juniors similar to what they'd receive at bigger city clubs.

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Club President Manuel Hall expressed his excitement about the appointment:
"We are super excited to have Ethan on board and committed to the club. We have total confidence that he is the right person to lead us forward. His vision and goals align perfectly with those of the board, and we can't wait to see what we'll achieve together."

Welcome home, Ethan. Let's get to work! 💪⚫⚪

10/12/2025

SACKED!!!!

Scottsdale Football Club coach Rickie Dolliver has been given his marching orders.

After a winless NTFA Premier League season, the Magpies have cut short the coach's two-year contract.

The Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame member relocated here from Canberra in November 2024 after the Magpies struggled to land a high-profile coach.

Club President Manuel Hall has just made the announcement in Launceston.

"The club recently undertook a whole-of-club review which made a number of recommendations as we look to re-establish ourselves and build for the future," Hall said.

"The club went through season 2025 winless which formed part of this difficult decision.

"I wish to sincerely thank Rickie as he took on the difficult task of leading a club through trying circumstances as we rebuild under the new NTFA Premier League structure.

"He has made a significant contribution to the North East community."

The club is yet to publicly detail who it has recruited in Dolliver's place.

Dolliver said he was "bitterly disappointed by the decision" which had come as a "shock".

09/12/2025

🔥 updated / EMERGENCY WARNING REACTIVATED - 10am 🔥

At least two structures have been damaged, after a bushfire tore through an area close to St Helens last night.

Tasmania Fire Service has issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning for Stieglitz - Leave immediately .

Fire authorities are continuing to battle a bushfire near Stieglitz on Tasmania’s east coast.

An uncontrolled bushfire at Dianas Basin is travelling towards Peron Street, Moriarty Road, Stieglitz and surrounds which is expected to put lives in danger and may destroy homes.

There is expected to be thick smoke, and showers of embers which may cause fires all around you. ��
Spot fires may threaten your home before the main fire arrives. ��
Smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe.

Tasmania Fire Service. is attending. Conditions are expected to be changeable

🔥 You need to act now to survive. 🔥

Incident Controller David Casteller said that yesterday there were 28 firefighting trucks, 3 aircraft, and 2 heavy machines responding and today there will be more crews from around the state attending to contain the fire.

“Crews from Tasmania Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania are actively working to contain the fire today,” Mr Casteller said.

Tasmania Police last night conducted evacuation of residents from the area, with about 50 people staying at the Evacuation Centre in St Helens overnight.

“It is not safe for residents or vehicles to enter the area due to firefighting operations, unsafe trees, fallen powerlines and other debris,” Mr Casteller said.

“Conditions on the fireground yesterday were challenging and we are expecting the weather today to be much more favourable for firefighting.

“I really want to thank the community for taking fast action to stay safe and for remaining away while we bring the fire under control and make the area safe.”

Mr Casteller said that at this stage TFS can confirm two structures have been damaged, and more information on the extent of the damage won’t be known until rapid impact assessments take place.

“Rapid impact assessment will take place as soon as possible and we will keep the community informed of any updates.”

A bushfire at Dianas Basin was reported at 12:35pm yesterday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

If you are in the area of the fire, stay informed and monitor conditions locally.

Be ready if the situation escalates. Read through your bushfire plan. If you do not have a plan, decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

Keep up-to-date with warnings and information at tasalert.com or by listening to ABC Local Radio

09/12/2025

The situation unfolding near St Helens.
Emergency fire warning in place.

📸 Kristy Baeffel

09/12/2025

“You need to act now to survive.”

The bushfire emergency near St Helens has escalated.

A Bushfire Emergency - St Helens and surrounds - Leave immediately warning has been issued on Tas Alerts.

Tasmania Fire Service has issued a Bushfire Emergency Warning for St Helens and surrounds - Leave immediately.

An uncontrolled bushfire at Dianas Basin is travelling towards Parkside, Parnella and Stieglitz in St Helens which is expected to put lives in danger and may destroy homes.

There is expected to be thick smoke, and showers of embers which may cause fires all around you.

Spot fires may threaten your home before the main fire arrives.

Smoke and ash may make it difficult to see and breathe.

Tasmania Fire Service, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Sustainable Timber Tasmania is attending. Conditions are expected to be changeable.

There is an Evacuation Centre at the St Helens Multi-Purpose Stadium, 117 Tully Street, St Helens.

You need to act now to survive.

If you have a bushfire plan, use it now.

The safest way to survive is to go to a safer location now.

If you can leave, make sure there is a clear road to a safer place.

Only travel if it is safe for you to do so.

There is a place of last resort (Nearby Safer Place) at Stieglitz Boat Ramp Park.

What to do:

If you cannot safely leave the area of the fire, the below may protect you from fire and radiant heat:
* Seek shelter in the nearest building.
* Check your surroundings often.
* Put out any fires close to the building until the fire passes.
* A large clear area such as a lawn, sportsground, parking lot or cleared paddock.
* A stationary car in a clear area

If you are out of the area, do not try to return.

For fire updates, listen to ABC Local Radio or visit tasalert.com

Community Information:
* If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
* For information on current road closures, visit the Tasmania Police website: police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/
* People at higher risk from the effects of smoke, including those with medical conditions, are advised to have a personal plan for avoiding smoke and managing their health. Advice is available from the Department of Health health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/environmental-health/air-quality or Asthma Australia asthma.org.au/triggers/wood-heaters-woodfires-and-bushfires/

09/12/2025

Police and emergency services are on the scene of a log truck rollover on Bridport Road, Pipers River.

Injuries are unknown at this stage.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area while the scene is cleared.