The Kentish Voice

08/06/2026

The June report from Redwater Creek Steam & Heritage Centre

There’ll be plenty of warmth and movement at the Sheffield Steam and Heritage Centre this winter, with steam days returning across the first full weekends in June and July.
The ever-popular Krauss steam locomotive will once again be in action, hauling passenger rides every half hour between 11:00am and 4:00pm on July 4–5. It’s a simple pleasure—settling in for a short ride, breathing in that unmistakable scent of steam, and enjoying a slower pace for a while.
Inside, the Model Railway will be operating from 10:00am to 3:00pm on each of the running days. With five different scales on display—HO, DC, HO Digital Command Control, N and On30—there’s plenty to take in. Younger visitors, in particular, love the interactive setup, where a push of a button brings the trains to life.
Blending history, hands-on experiences and local know-how, these winter steam days offer an easy and enjoyable outing for visitors of all ages.
We hope to see you there.

03/06/2026

The report from the Sheffield RSL Sub-Branch was mistakenly omitted from the June edition. See below:

A big thank you to the community for a great turn out for ANZAC Day.
There are some nice pictures on Facebook of the Town Hall lighting on the poppies, made them shine, thanks to the lighting tech from the council.
Our silhouette of the soldier on the club's front wall has been completed and looks quite effective.
Bernard Binns
President

28/05/2026

A story in the June edition is featured on this Sunday's 60 Minutes.

SNEAK PEEK: Aussie kids taken from their mums. SUNDAY on How an international treaty is forcing innocent children to live with their dangerous dads.F...

27/05/2026

JEFF MORGAN APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF KENTISH AND LATROBE COUNCILS

Kentish and Latrobe Councils have appointed Mr Jeff Morgan as the new Chief Executive Officer following an extensive national recruitment process.

Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney and Kentish Mayor Kate Haberle today announced the appointment, describing Mr Morgan as an experienced local government leader with a strong commitment to regional communities.

Mayor Freshney said Mr Morgan would officially commence in the role on 6 July under a five-year performance-based contract.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jeff Morgan as our new Chief Executive Officer,” Mayor Freshney said.

“Jeff brings extensive experience across local government and the private sector, along with a collaborative leadership style and a genuine passion for community outcomes.”

The recruitment process attracted applications from across Australia and was facilitated by an independent local government recruitment specialist.

Mayor Haberle said the unique shared leadership arrangement between Kentish and Latrobe Councils had attracted a strong field of candidates.

“Jeff impressed both the recruitment panel and councillors with his breadth of experience, calm and considered approach, and clear enthusiasm for our municipalities and communities,” Mayor Haberle said.

Mr Morgan has previously worked across local government organisations in Victoria and New South Wales.

He has also held senior private sector roles, including with the Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation. Since relocating to Tasmania in 2023, he has worked as Director of Major Projects and Infrastructure with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and most recently as Business Manager with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania.

Mr Morgan said he was looking forward to working closely with staff, councillors and the broader community.

“I am excited by the opportunity to work with Kentish and Latrobe Councils and to support the delivery of strong services and positive outcomes for the community,” Mr Morgan said.

“A key priority for me will be building strong relationships with staff, community organisations and residents, while continuing to advocate for the future of the region.

I also look forward to listening to the community and identifying opportunities to strengthen services and support the ongoing growth of both municipalities.”

Mr Morgan will relocate to the region with his wife Emma ahead of commencing in the role.

25/04/2026

Lest We Forget

24/04/2026

Expressions of Interest close at 5.00pm on Friday, 15 May 2026.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO REIMAGINE RAILTON SQUASH COURT COMPLEX

Kentish Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from businesses, community organisations, entrepreneurs and investors to breathe new life into the former Railton Squash Court Complex at Goliath Park, Railton.

Located within one of the region’s most active recreation precincts, the facility presents a rare opportunity to transform an existing building into a vibrant new destination that supports recreation, tourism, business innovation or community wellbeing.

Mayor Kate Haberle said Council was eager to see the site reactivated in a way that benefits both Railton and the wider Kentish community.

“This is an exciting chance for someone with vision to create something unique in Railton. The complex is in a prime location, surrounded by existing sporting and recreational assets, and directly connected to the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Network,” Mayor Haberle said.

“We know Railton continues to grow as a destination for visitors and active lifestyles, and Council is keen to support proposals that bring fresh energy, services and opportunities to the town.”

The approximately 223m² facility includes two former squash court spaces, kitchen and amenities, mezzanine viewing area, existing utility connections, and convenient parking.

Council is encouraging a broad range of proposals, including fitness and wellness uses, indoor recreation activities, tourism or adventure-based enterprises, childcare or educational uses (subject to approvals), or innovative community-focused ventures.

Flexible lease and tenure options are available, including long-term arrangements where private investment is proposed.

The Railton site sits alongside bowls, tennis, pickleball, skate and pump track facilities, making it an ideal complement to the town’s growing recreational offering.

Expressions of Interest close at 5.00pm on Friday, 15 May 2026.

Copies of the EOI are available online at www.kentish.tas.gov.au or by contacting Kentish Council on 6491 0200.

17/04/2026

Deadline for contributions is the 18th of each month.

01/04/2026

The team at The Kentish Voice are all saddened by the passing of another member of our team – Alan Dyer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those who are closest, now as always.
Little did I know 10 years ago when I approached Alan to contribute some historical articles for readers of The Kentish Voice that almost 10 years later we would have had the benefit of monthly articles sharing the rich history of Kentish for our knowledge and appreciation.
Alan’s ability to research and document the rich history of our region has been an invaluable asset for both the pioneering families of Kentish who still live in Kentish, as well as the newcomers who have recognised and appreciated our precious environment. Recognised with an OAM, on a more personal level, for that imparted knowledge has deepened the attachment for many newcomers for their chosen home, and respect for the pioneering families that have been the backbone of our community since the area was first settled. Sentiments that many have expressed to me over the years.
Thanks to Alan we have a heightened appreciation for our surroundings and the trials and tribulations of the early settlers to give us strength to face modern challenges.
I am regularly told that Alan’s article is the first part of The Kentish Voice that they read! Not only his presence among us, but his monthly contribution to The Kentish Voice will be missed greatly. The edition, April 2026, contains Alan’s last article that he will be sharing with us. Alan has shared so much with us and concludes with some insight into his life.
Through his books, and articles for The Kentish Voice, his legacy lives on. Alan’s books are available to purchase online, and his articles are all available on our website in their relevant editions. You can use the “Search” feature to find editions that mention your subject of interest.
Rest in Peace, Alan. Reward for a life well lived!
Lesley Begg

30/03/2026

The Dyer family would like to advise that the hearse carrying Alan Dyer will arrive through Main Street, Sheffield at approximately 9.40am on Tuesday 31st March before driving to the Claude Road Cemetery for his graveside service at 11am.
As a mark of respect, the hearse will pause outside Slaters Country Store to mark Alan’s love of the Kentish Community and his long proprietorship of the shop.
A reminder that the Celebration Service for Alan’s life will be held at The Don Centre, 100 Don Road, Devonport, commencing at 1.30pm – all are welcome to attend.